Bala Avenue Community School

Bala Avenue Community School's Mission Statement

Bala Avenue Community School, built in 1913, is located in the old community of Weston, near the southeast corner of Jane Street and Weston Road. The school currently serves 155 students (Kindergarten to Grade 5), representing approximately 20 different languages.

The Boys and Girls Club of Weston Mount Dennis offers an after school program to our students, ages 4-12 years old.

Our school offers the International Languages Elementary Program on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This program provides students with the opportunity to learn languages beyond English and French, while also exploring and appreciating diverse traditions, customs, and cultures.

Currently, we offer Cantonese, Italian, Mandarin Simplified, Spanish, Tigrinya and Vietnamese. Additional languages can be added to the program if there is a minimum enrollment of 25 students.

Ojibwe

We are pleased to offer Native Language instruction in Ojibwe for students from JK - Grade 5. Bala continues to work with the Urban Indigenous Education Centre through the Aanse initiative. Our lead teachers and Principal receive professional learning that is shared with the whole school, focusing on our commitment to the Calls to Action under Truth and Reconciliation.

More Information About Bala Avenue Community School

Student Voice

Student voice is essential to our school and a necessary part of the TDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan. We have student clubs such as the Black Students Alliance, which honours our commitment to Black Excellence; Student Leadership who help run all assemblies and school events; and Sports Teams such as Track and Field, Soccer and Cross Country.

Outdoor Learning Spaces

We are committed to creating outdoor learning spaces as places for students and staff to nurture their mental health while learning from the land. Through our Gardening committee, students and staff are creating stock tanks filled with edible plants from around the world.

Student Nutrition Program

Our Morning Meal is provided by a dedicated team of parent volunteers. Every student is provided with options of a serving size of fruits or vegetables, a protein and a grain. 30% of this funding is from the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and the rest of the funds come from parent donations. Food is provided between 9am and 10:30am daily.

School Improvement Planning

1. Improving Reading & Number Fact scores using Tier 1 & Tier 2 instruction aligned with current Ministry of Ontario curriculum;

2. Supporting mental health & belonging through student clubs, partnership with organizations and families;

3. Using resources that reflect the multiple identities of all students and continuing to highlight Indigenous and Black excellence.

Student Life - Where You Belong

GO TEAM

The students at Bala have many opportunities for leadership. Students do daily announcements, daily affirmations, run assemblies, help out at Lunchtime, are reading buddies, help out in the office, help out with the nutrition program, and are represented on our School Advisory Council.

WHAT SETS US APART

We are committed to working with TDSB approved vendors throughout the year. We have worked with Mr. Karl Subban, Vibe Arts, Checks Over Strikes, Frontlines, Aboriginal Head Start Programs, Swim to Survive, Toronto Outdoor Education Centres and the Toronto Public Library to support our programming.

PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Our School Advisory Council runs different events throughout the year to support our School Improvement Plan. They have raised funds for classroom libraries through a Read-a-Thon; organized monthly pizza days; run the annual Bala Bash end of year celebration; and organized monthly Snack and Chat meetings.

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