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Secondary Program

Our School

Welcome to Ernest Charles Drury Secondary School for the Deaf (ECD) – a provincial school dedicated to quality education and the pursuit of excellence!

ECD is a name and school steeped in history. Concerned with the overcrowding at the Ontario School for the Deaf in Belleville (now Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf) in the 1950”s, educational officials in the province decided a second residential school was needed. The 97-acre “Old Kingdom Farm” in the town of Milton was selected as the site for the new provincial school for the deaf. The property was purchased in March 1958. Construction started in the summer of 1961. Known at the time as the Ontario School for the Deaf, Milton, the first classes were held on April 23, 1963 and with an enrolment of 545 making it the third largest school for the deaf in North America. By January 1975, the school was renamed in honour of Ernest C Drury, a hearing farmer, politician, writer, local historian and premier of the province (1919-1923).

September 3, 1980, was a significant date in the expansion of ECD in that it marked the opening of the Ernest C Drury High School under, Halton School Board, on our campus. Our environment changed significantly and the opportunity for expanded programs and shared resources with hearing students.

ECD is a leading provincial school for the deaf high school that fosters excellence in academics, athletics and co-curricular activities. Small class sizes, computer and science labs, media studio, gymnasium and pool, library, a full menu cafeteria, state of the art communication labs and technological shops, provide a rich environment for students to pursue their career goals. A Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture is also offered which complements the full array of pathways offered OSSD, OSSC and COA.

School Mission Statement:
“Together We succeed”

Ernest C. Drury Secondary School for the Deaf provides Bilingual-Bicultural education in a rich and diversified community which values American Sign Language, English and technological literacy, builds knowledge, skills and confidence and promotes life-long learning. Students, teachers, parents, residence and support staff, Deaf and hearing communities and other stakeholders work in partnership to prepare our young adults to meet the expectations of our global communities.

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Our Students

E.C.Drury Secondary School for the Deaf. has a student population of approximately 100 – 125 students. These students participate to a high degree in many co-curricular activities, learn in an extraordinary environment, and demonstrate high rates of achievement. Students in our program come to us from all over the province of Ontario as well as the elementary program. In recognition of our diverse community, the staff at ECD is especially dedicated to heightening student awareness regarding international and global issues, and to encouraging students to become contributing global citizens.

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Our Staff

The committed and highly qualified staff at E.C. Drury prides itself on being a creative team
focusing on the needs of its learners. With over 30 teachers and 15 support staff, programs are developed and delivered with a dedication to providing a motivating and challenging learning experience in a safe environment. A particular focus on assessment and evaluation practices continue to support effective teaching practices. Staff members are committed to supporting system initiatives, working to improve the learning and achievement of all students.

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Parents and Community

E.C. Drury is located in the heart of the Milton community. Many students and neighborhood families enjoy use of the school facility, pool, and fields through school or community programs. Parents, students, staff and community give support to school activities through involvement in an active School Council. The School Council is committed to increasing parent involvement in the high school experience of their children by assisting with communication and organizing semi annual school events. , Many parents support student activities by enjoying drama productions, supervising school trips and cheering for our school teams with pride.

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Academic Programs

E.C. Drury - Secondary. continues to focus on providing exceptional learning opportunities for its students. ECD is proud to offer a a Specialist High Skills Major Certificate Program in the area of Arts and Culture. This program enables qualified students with an interest in the world of arts and culture to earn a certificate at graduation, which recognizes this emphasis. The program provides a unique and stimulating environment that responds to the needs and abilities of those students seeking more relevance in their academic pursuits. Any student learning at the applied, academic, workplace, College or University level can earn this certificate by successfully completing a specific number of SHSM designated courses.

E.C. Drury Secondary School provides services designed to meet the individual needs of students identified with a variety of needs. All of our staff work carefully to program for and provide accommodations and modifications that are required for individual success. Our School offers credit courses, resource support, student success support, tutorials, credit recovery, credit rescue and credit counseling in order to meet the needs of all of our students.

E.C. Drury also offers a Life Skills program-serving students who, for cognitive reasons, are not expected to achieve an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students are taught independent living skills and vocational preparation so that they may contribute to the working world. ECD is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and an elevator. This program provides modifications, specialized equipment and personal care. We liaise with community agencies, employers and
government services to promote self-advocacy and planning for the future. Students in this program have the opportunity to earn an Ontario Secondary School Certificate or a Certificate (OSSC) of Accomplishment. (COA)

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Safe Schools Initiatives

ECD = Excellence in Character Education
Students, staff and the school community in Provincial Schools were involved in identifying 10 character attributes that guide the behaviours and practices of the members of the school community. Students and staff engage in teaching and dialogues of these 10 traits that include responsibility, respect, loyalty, trustworthiness, honesty, caring, friendliness, courage, confidence and fairness. As a result of this program, an anti-bullying policy and guideline was developed to assist students in identifying different roles in bullying relationships (bully, bystander, being bullied) in order to further support the principles of Character Education.

Security Cameras

Video surveillance cameras are strategically placed throughout the school to monitor the facilities and grounds

Visitors

Parents are encouraged to visit the school at any time, but all visitors must first report to the front Office immediately upon entry to sign-in and receive a visitors pass.

Student Card

Students are expected to purchase a Student ID Card when they pay their activity fee. This card is required for all extra-curricular involvement including teams, clubs and dances. All students pay the same fee for student cards and access to athletic teams.

Code of Conduct

Along with the code of conduct set by the Provincial Schools Branch as well as the Ministry of Education, E.C. Drury School for the Deaf – Secondary Program has clear responsibilities and rights for all students outlined in the School agenda books. ECD students are urged to attend school every day, be on time, be responsible and respect yourself and others.

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Clubs and Activities

E.C. Drury Secondary is proud to offer a wide range of athletic teams, many of which have been very successful over the years. Some of these teams include:

• Girls and boys basketball
• Boys and girls volleyball
• Badminton
• Girls and boys soccer
• Swimming
• Slow-pitch

E.C. D. also has a wide array of clubs for students to join. Some of these clubs include:

• Drama
  Yearbook
  Dance
  Student Parliament
• Diversity Club
• Book Club
• YCTD

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