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Elementary Program

Our Elementary School provides educational programming for students from Grades one through eight. We adhere to the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum guidelines and provide accommodated or modified academic courses to meet every student’s individual needs through differentiated instruction.

Families of children with visual impairments may apply for admission at any time during the school year. Children may be considered at age five or at any point throughout their elementary school years. Students applying for admission require an Identification Placement Review Committee (IPRC) meeting conducted at the child’s local school board. All applications are considered by the Admissions Committee at W. Ross Macdonald School.

Specially trained teachers deliver the curriculum employing teaching strategies that utilize multi-sensory and experience-based approaches to learning in small class sizes. Tactile readiness programming enables students to familiarize themselves with different textures and concepts relevant to everyday life. Curriculum-based field trips are used as a means of exposure to help develop concepts in the world outside of school. Our physical education teachers help students develop their balance, strength, coordination as well as overall fitness. Weekly gym and swim classes, as well as other daily physical activities, are a regular part of every student’s scheduled program.

A wide variety of assistive devices and technology are available for use by our students. Computers in every classroom and in the computer labs are equipped with ZoomText for large print users and Jaws for Braille readers. Reading materials are provided in whatever format a student requires to be successful.

The Expanded Core Curriculum which promotes, independence and good self-esteem, is delivered by trained instructors in Orientation and Mobility and Daily Living Skills classes tailored to each student’s needs. Music is a very important element of daily life at W.R.M.S. and is taught and enjoyed through our rhythm band, two choirs, individual lessons and student concerts.

In addition, we offer a large number of supports to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of our students. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, music therapy, social work, behaviour therapy and psychiatric consultations.

Lifelong friendships develop their roots in the elementary school at W.R.M.S. Children
learn and grow together in a supportive and accepting environment. Our students are encouraged and challenged to reach their individual potential every year and to continually set new goals for themselves. As a school, we are committed to providing an educational model which allows children a full range of rich and varied learning opportunities.

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