Lunchtime is a welcome break in the school day, not only because of the food but also for the social and recreational time that the lunch hour offers. Our supervisors will work to provide the safest and happiest environment possible for students who need to stay at school to eat. Since eating at school is a privilege, students need to cooperate with the supervisors and abide by the school rules. 

All students are expected to dress appropriately and participate. Proper clothing includes t-shirts, shorts, and running shoes. 

Yorkview’s Library is a bilingual Learning Centre. Students visit regularly for classes and sign out books. We encourage students to keep library books in a special spot at home so that they can remember to return them to school on their next visit. Our Library also houses computers from the Community Access Program.  

Communication between the school and home is ongoing. Parent-teacher conferences are arranged for every family in November after the progress report. The first report card is sent home in February and interviews are scheduled by parent and/or teacher request. It is very important for parents to sign and return page 3 of the report card each term. This becomes a permanent part of your child’s student record.

Yorkview welcomes parent and community volunteers to work with our students either in the classrooms or in the Library. If you have any time to spare, please consider this rewarding experience. All visitors are requested to report the nature of their visit to the office, sign in, and wear a “Visitor” badge. 

A vibrant School Council ensures that good communication occurs between the community and the school for the benefit of all students. The Yorkview School Council meets regularly to share ideas and our mutual commitment to education. A strong School Council represents a strong partnership of students, school staff, family, and community. 

Yorkview’s dynamic learning environment supports and challenges students to develop to their full potential in a changing, global society.

Think Before You Act

Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Reasonable and Safe

Yorkview is a centre for learning that emphasizes mutual respect and self-worth.

Expectations for Staff

• Provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment
• Support every student academically, personally, and socially
• Be a positive role model
• Solve problems by talking
• Provide a clear outline of the program, the expectations, and assessments

Expectations for Students

• Attend school prepared, on time, and ready to learn 
• Prepare and work to the best of your ability
• Respect the rights and property of others
• Solve problems by talking
• Practise the 3R’s of Recycle Reduce Reuse
• Chewing gum, bicycles, skateboards, and roller blades are NOT permitted on school property
• The TDSB is not responsible for personal electronic devices brought to school.  
• Students should leave personal items and toys at home.

Expectations for Parents

• Ensure regular and punctual attendance 
• Prepare your child for learning with good nutrition, hygiene, and rest
• Solve problems by talking
• Be a positive role model: demonstrate support and respect for school staff 
• Show interest and support for the school

Opportunities for growth and learning will be a priority when discussing inappropriate behaviour with students. The school’s Code of Conduct, Board policies/documents, and government legislation outline consequences for unacceptable student conduct. 

We believe that teaching children collaborative social problem solving is critical to the development of a safe and respectful environment.

This is why we have introduced the teaching of Second Step into the school curriculum. Second Step is a curriculum approved by the Toronto District School Board designed to reduce impulsive and aggressive behaviour in children and increase their level of social competence. It does this by teaching skills in empathy, impulse control, and anger management. The lessons are divided into three areas: 

1. Empathy Training
   Children learn to:
   • Identify feelings (happy, sad, mad, scared…)
   • Predict how other people feel (by reading faces, body language, etc.)
   • Show others how they care
2. Impulse Control
   Children learn to:
   • Solve problems
   • Practise social skills (joining in, apologizing politely…)
3. Anger Management
   Children learn to:
   • Calm down
   • Redirect their feelings in more positive ways

As parents you practise these skills with your child, especially the five steps in problem-solving: 

1. What is the problem?
2. What are some solutions?
3. For each solution ask:
   Is it safe?
   How might people feel?
   Is it fair?
   Will it work?
4. Choose a solution and use it.
5. Is it working? If not, what can I do now?

It is essential that parents keep their contact information updated. The school must always have a phone number where a parent can be reached at all times in case of an emergency, as well as their current address and email.