Grandview School update
Grandview School is a Ministry of Education-funded Section 68 school that provides a specialized, supportive learning environment for students with physical, communication and developmental needs. Through an integrated approach to education and rehabilitation, the school works collaboratively with families, educators and Grandview Kids professionals to support each student’s individual strengths, needs and goals.
With a focus on accessibility, inclusion and student development, Grandview School provides opportunities for students to build academic, communication, social, physical and life skills. The collaborative learning environment helps students develop greater independence, confidence and participation while supporting their overall growth and well-being.
Updates from Grandview School:
Numeracy
In spring 2026, the Ministry of Education released an updated Kindergarten curriculum for Ontario schools. The revised curriculum includes changes to both what children learn in mathematics and how educators support that learning in the classroom.
At Grandview School, we have adjusted our classroom practices to align with these curriculum updates. We have also consulted experts in our community to guide our implementation and ensure that our approach is developmentally appropriate, engaging and effective for young learners.
Educators introduce key math concepts through explicit instruction and then provide opportunities for children to explore, practice and apply those ideas in meaningful ways.
This balanced approach includes:
- purposeful math centres that encourage practice, exploration and problem-solving;
- opportunities to observe and investigate math concepts during child-led play; and
- connections between mathematical thinking and everyday classroom experiences.
Together, these experiences help children deepen their understanding of mathematics and recognize that math is part of the world around them.
Literacy
Prior to the release of the 2026 Kindergarten curriculum, Grandview School began strengthening its approach to early literacy by placing greater emphasis on structured, explicit instruction. We are already seeing the positive impact these evidence-based practices have on student learning, achievement and confidence. Through intentional instruction in foundational reading skills, educators are equipping students with the tools they need to become successful readers, writers and communicators.
Literacy is more than reading words on page! It can include:
- Language development (receptive and expressive)
- Phonological and phonemic awareness
- Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Communicating
- Early writing and fine motor expression
- Observing
- Gesturing
- Vocabulary and concept knowledge
- Playing
- Spelling
- Exploring sounds and pictures
This year, we continue to provide rich and engaging learning experiences that support the development of encoding and decoding skills, language comprehension, vocabulary and reading fluency. Ongoing assessments help educators identify each student’s strengths and areas for growth, allowing instruction to be responsive and tailored to individual learning needs.
At Grandview School, we are committed to continuous improvement and professional learning. By building on current research and best practices, we are creating a strong foundation that enables every student to grow into a confident, capable and lifelong learner.
Indigenous education
At Grandview School, we are committed to embedding Indigenous education in meaningful ways throughout our classrooms and school community. During the 2025-2026 school year, we introduced an assembly series centred on the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Rooted in Anishinaabe teachings and storytelling, the Seven Grandfather Teachings are represented by seven sacred animals: Buffalo for Respect, Bear for Courage, Wolf for Humility, Beaver for Wisdom, Sabe (also known as the Giant Bigfoot or Sasquatch) for Honesty, Eagle for Love and Turtle for Truth.
Each monthly assembly focused on one teaching and its associated animal. Throughout the month, educators explored the selected theme with students through stories, discussions and learning activities in preparation for the assembly. At each gathering, we recognized and celebrated one student from every class who demonstrated the highlighted teaching. To honour these students, we have created a display case showcasing past recipients alongside beautiful trophies designed and crafted by former Grandview School student Nico Iemma.
In addition to the assembly series, we have continued to explore new ways to celebrate the land and deepen our understanding of Indigenous traditions and perspectives. This year, we were fortunate to welcome Jared Big Canoe to Grandview School for a special learning session. Jared shared his knowledge through music and storytelling, bringing his drums and teaching students and staff songs that honour and give thanks to the Earth. He also guided participants in traditional dancing accompanied by the rhythm of his big drum.
This engaging, memorable experience gave students and educators the chance to learn directly from a community member in an inclusive, joyful and accessible environment. Through music, movement and shared learning, everyone could participate and gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture and traditions.
