Contact Us:

Bloorview School Authority

150 Kilgour Road

Toronto, Ontario

M4G 1R8

Phone: 416-424-3831

Fax: 416-425-2981

email: school@hollandbloorview.ca

Integrated Classroom Expands Children's Worlds - TVO

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Emergency Medical Services visit Bloorview School

The Toronto EMS had a wonderful visit with the IET students at Bloorview.  We had a great time learning about the type of community service they provide and how to call 911 in an emergency.  Their mascot P.G. Bear spent time showing us their accessible Special Operations ambulance which we all got to go in!

Trip to the Zoo

On a sunny day in April we boarded a bus and were off to the Toronto Zoo.  We were very fortunate as the weather was amazing.  We saw many different birds, fish, snakes, lizards and frogs but our favourite animals of all were the monkeys.  One of the Zoo Keepers brought a beautiful  bird out for us to meet and we were able to feel its hard beak and soft feathers.

We had a wonderful day!

Open Mike.....with Mitch

A few words about Michael Walkington the Director/Principal at Bloorview School.

Mitchell:  Where were you before Bloorview?
Mike:  I was the Principal at Corvette Public School, a K-6 school in the

TDSB. Before that I was at Besborough School (K-8) and before that

Bennington (K-6).

Mitchell:  Why did you want to come to Bloorview?
Mike:  Well, I’ve always had an interest in kids that have different challenges.  My father was a teacher at the Toronto School for the Deaf and when I was at the University of Toronto, my practicum was instructing deaf students in Phys. Ed.  My first job as a teacher was in an intermediate class for students with learning disabilities.  I thought coming to Bloorview would be an excellent opportunity to share both my experience and my passion for kids with special needs.  I also was familiar with Bloorview - my daughter came here for swimming lessons and she loved it! 

Mitchell:  So what do you think of Bloorview now?
Mike:  I’m quite proud to be a part of the teaching staff and community that cares for our students. I love all the partnerships we have, for instance, the partnership with North York Tennis – having those opportunities is so great.  It’s also neat to see the seamless way that therapy, treatment and school take place for you. Everyone seems to be happy here.  Little kids are smiling; young people are engaged and because of this our staff feels like they are making a real difference.  I think it’s a very special spot for kids of all ages.

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Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart Fundraising Event

Staff and students participated in the kick off assembly for the school’s annual Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart fundraising event this week.  A representative from the Heart and Stroke Foundation played games, showed video clips, and discussed the importance of physical activity, healthy living, and being a Heart Hero.  There was much laughter in the gym when staff and students demonstrated the variety of adapted basketball and jump rope activities.  Everyone left the gym excited to begin our event being held April 22nd to April 26, 2013.

An exciting tennis event in the Bloorview School gym!

Students at Bloorview School enjoyed an active and fun-filled learning session of wheelchair tennis, hosted by Carina from the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association and Dustin Sexton, a tennis coach from the University of Toronto. 

Other coaches from the North York Tennis Association joined in and supported this event to help introduce our students to the sport of wheelchair tennis.   

Earth Hour at Bloorview School

We turned off the lights and powered down the computers to join the world in Earth Hour. We challenge you to do the same!

February Awards Assembly

Proud students receiving medals at the Awards Assembly held on February 27th. Congratulations to all of our award recipients.

Winter Theme Fun

Playing guitars and singing songs with the "The Rock and Roll Snowman" in music class.

Milos Raonic

Sophie’s class of Junior Kindergarten students was well prepared with tennis racquets and balls when Milos Raonic stopped by for a visit.  

They had a great time showing him their best serves. Milos is directing his Foundation’s first gift of $40,000 to Holland Bloorview to create The Milos Raonic Kids Agility Clinic at Holland Bloorview to nurture some of Canada’s future paralympians. The clinic will help kids and youth who have amputations lead healthy and active lives.

Happy retirement Saryl…

Thank you for your leadership, compassion, care and the integrity you have demonstrated and practiced as Director of Bloorview for the past five and a half years. May the road to retirement be filled with good health, good books and good times with family and friends. We will miss you!

Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School

We were shocked and saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14th.  Our thoughts are with the families and community directly affected.  We commend the brave staff, parents and community partners who reacted immediately to protect the school children. 

The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that our school remains safe for our students, staff and parents. 

The Giving Tree

As the holiday season approaches, Bloorview School will once again be supporting families in need within the community. In the spirit of giving, we’re asking families and staff to consider making a donation to our “Giving Tree” which is set up in the school office between December 3, 2012 and December 20, 2012.  This year we will be collecting any of the following:

- Non perishable food items to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank.

 

- New unwrapped toys and books for all ages, and new hats, socks, scarves and mitts to donate to New Circles a local community agency that strives to enhance the day-to-day lives of the people they serve.

The Scholastic Book Fair returns to Bloorview School on November 14-21, 2012

The Book Fair is a superb fundraiser that helps our school raise money to purchase books for our library as well as software that supports the curriculum. Please come and enjoy this year’s selection of books. 

Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser

In the wake of the current disaster hitting the eastern seaboard of the United States, two staff members at Bloorview School organized and rallied staff at the school to bake up their own storm to raise money for the American Red Cross. Since Hurricane Sandy hit, the American Red Cross has distributed over 6 million meals, snacks and have sent nearly 9,000 workers from across the US to help out. The school Bake Sale was able to raise and donate $1014.11 over the two day sale. It was an incredible bake sale thanks to the help of the staff and students. Well done Bloorview!

Remembrance Day Assembly

The Remembrance Quilt represents all the things we love in Canada. (Kindergarten students)

The soldiers around the quilt are those who died during the conflict in Afghanistan. (Senior Students)

These pictures represent a small number of the 158 soldiers who have died during their duty to protect what we love and cherish!

Thank you!

Halloween at Bloorview School

Imagine the excitement at Bloorview School on Halloween. The committee starts early planning the parade, trick or treating and a pumpkin carving contest.  Students, staff and volunteers come together for a morning filled with fun and laughter.

Thanksgiving Celebration

In the past few weeks some of our students visited local farms and learned about the fall harvest. They celebrated with a Thanksgiving meal and learned the importance of sharing with friends.

Terry Fox Walk and Roll

On Thursday, September 27th, 2012 the students of Bloorview School participated in the Terry Fox Walk and Roll. The students really enjoyed walking together and the route was decorated with pictures of Terry Fox and quotes about his Marathon of Hope. We raised $285.93 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

Olympic Heroes Tour

The Olympic Heroes Tour made a stop at Bloorview School.  The students enjoyed activities, socializing with Olympians and Paralympians and admiring their medals.

Josh Cassidy Vists Bloorview School

On June 13th, students and staff dressed in red and white to show their support for fellow Canadian and Paralympian Josh Cassidy.  Josh visited Bloorview School to speak about his experiences as an athlete.  He shared with students that in the beginning he really wanted to win races but rarely did.  Josh’s hard work and determination has resulted in winning many races and even setting a world record at the Boston Marathon.  An important message Josh shared was to never give up and to always try your best.  We wish Josh Cassidy all the best at the Paralympics this summer.

Awards Assembly

One of our worthy recipients who received a medal for Courage at the Awards Assembly last week. Congratulations to all of our award winners. We are very proud of you.

Bloorview T-Shirts

Bloorview School is offering T-shirts for sale for our IET students just in time for summer. We’re selling them for $6.00 each (tax included) and one size fits all. Order forms available in the office.

Spencer West visits Bloorview School Authority.

We really enjoyed the presentation by Spencer West.  He helped us realize that we are not different because of our disabilities but everyone is different because of who they are.  He taught us to stand up, not literally on our feet, but metaphorically for what we believe in.  We learned that we are capable of accomplishing a lot and the only thing stopping us is not believing in ourselves.  We are honoured to have had the opportunity to be inspired by such a wise person. 

Haleen and Kara