Academics
Junior School
Life in the Junior School — JK through Grade 6
Our goal in the Junior School is to provide children with the very best start possible. Students need a solid foundation for further study and the guidance to be the best people they can be. We pride ourselves on employing highly talented faculty. Our teachers work collaboratively with the students to develop the ability to adopt other perspectives, work collaboratively, cultivate empathy, compassion, care and concern for others, share responsibility and resolve conflicts respectively. All of this is done in safe, supportive and engaging learning environments. The Junior School is a busy and happy place where friendships are made and where the right course is set, both academically and personally.
Welcome to the Junior School
“CDS can count on me to try my best.” That’s the promise we encourage our young students to make in the Junior School Citizenship Pledge.
The pledge is the cornerstone of The Country Day School Junior School, and you can see evidence of this promise in every student who walks our halls. Kindergarten through to Grade 6 is a precious and delicate time for recognizing and understanding the emotional pull between dependence and independence.
Junior School students need a solid academic foundation and the guidance to be the best people they can be. We like to compare it to a baby kangaroo who hops to and from the security of the pouch; so too does the Junior School student need opportunities to explore, take risks and then rush back to the adult for reassurance. While the instinct to experiment and investigate urges our young learners forward, the need for adult security and care is at the very core of the student’s potential to grow as a lifelong learner.
We pride ourselves on employing highly talented faculty. Our teachers work closely with the students to develop the ability to adopt other perspectives, work collaboratively, cultivate empathy, compassion, care and concern for others, share responsibility and resolve conflicts. All of this is done in a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment.
CDS is committed to helping our young learners on their Junior School journey. It is a busy and happy place where friendships are made and where the right course is set as students learn, practice and celebrate independence.
Ann Wildberger
Director of Junior School
The pledge is the cornerstone of The Country Day School Junior School, and you can see evidence of this promise in every student who walks our halls. Kindergarten through to Grade 6 is a precious and delicate time for recognizing and understanding the emotional pull between dependence and independence.
Junior School students need a solid academic foundation and the guidance to be the best people they can be. We like to compare it to a baby kangaroo who hops to and from the security of the pouch; so too does the Junior School student need opportunities to explore, take risks and then rush back to the adult for reassurance. While the instinct to experiment and investigate urges our young learners forward, the need for adult security and care is at the very core of the student’s potential to grow as a lifelong learner.
We pride ourselves on employing highly talented faculty. Our teachers work closely with the students to develop the ability to adopt other perspectives, work collaboratively, cultivate empathy, compassion, care and concern for others, share responsibility and resolve conflicts. All of this is done in a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment.
CDS is committed to helping our young learners on their Junior School journey. It is a busy and happy place where friendships are made and where the right course is set as students learn, practice and celebrate independence.
Ann Wildberger
Director of Junior School
JS Citizenship Pledge
CDS can count on me.
I pledge to act with integrity;
to do what is right and fair.
I will show respect for myself, for
others and for the environment.
I will be responsible
for my actions at work and at play.
I will be honest, trustworthy,
courageous and kind.
CDS can count on me
to try my best,
to be my best,
each and every day.
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Life in the Junior School
List of 3 items.
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Junior & Senior Kindergarten
A successful kindergarten program encourages curiosity and imagination. Our full-day developmental program provides our students with a balance between academically appropriate activities covering math, language, science and social studies, and fosters a sense of mutual respect, responsibility and a positive attitude toward learning.Our youngest learners are supported through their journey by both our teachers and classroom assistants. With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, our early learning specialists are able to dedicate much of their time to individuals in the classroom. Students enter our school as active and capable learners. Therefore their learning opportunities are designed to meet them at their level and encourage their spirit of inquiry.Learning through experience, 'by doing' and 'by sensing' allows the students to develop a keen sense of self-discovery, self-awareness and self-expression. Students are encouraged to create, explore and solve problems as they play.By the end of their two years, the children are fully ready to meet the academic challenges of the primary division. -
The Koalas Program
The School offers an after school extra-curricular program called Koalas to students in JK-Grade 3 that runs from 3:20-4:30 p.m. The cost of Koalas is $9.00 per day.The Koalas Program is of particular interest to primary students with siblings involved in the Extra-curricular Program or who travel regularly on the bus. Koalas is supervised by two employees. Fun, interesting and staff-directed activities are offered until 4:30 p.m. with the exception of days with no after school activities. -
The After Care Program
Additional care (for Junior School students of any grade) is offered in the After Care Program, Monday to Friday from 4:30-6:00 p.m.The cost of After Care is $13.50 per day.All primary students are eligible to attend After Care where they will be part of the Koalas Program until 4:30 p.m. and supervision will continue until 6:00 p.m.
Participating Junior students will join After Care at the conclusion of their regular Extra-curricular Program at 4:30 p.m. On days without after school activities, After Care will run for Primary and Junior students from 3:20-6:00 p.m.
Junior School Facts
List of 3 items.
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Curriculum
Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, French, Music, Technology, Visual Arts, Outdoor Education -
Extra-curriculars
Dance Club, Drama, Dungeons & Dragons, Art Club, Badminton, Math Logic, Lego Club, Chess Club, Yoga, Cooking Club, Improv Club, Animators Club, Ball Hockey, Nature Club, Photography Club, Crochet Club, Outdoor Games, Woodworking Club, Drawing Club, Pottery Club, Card and Board Games, Glee Club, Study Hall -
Team Sports
Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Hockey, Running, Track & Field, Softball
Academic Vision
List of 5 items.
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Our Academic Vision
CDS provides an intellectually challenging, diversified and balanced academic program that is learner-centred and delivered through a supportive and caring community dedicated to meeting the individual learning needs of all its students. -
Academic Approach
At the heart of The Country Day School’s academic vision is the belief that all students can achieve success and meet their learning goals. A one-size-fits-all approach to learning does not serve the best interests of most students who approach their studies from various learning styles and preferences and at differing stages of skill development. To this end, we diversify our instructional strategies, the content of our curricula and our assessment methods to create an overall approach that focuses on how students are learning. -
A Place to Discover Your Passion
Education is a process of living, not a preparation for future living.
John Dewey
University preparation is integral to who we are; our curriculum is engaging and challenging. But we also believe that academic rigour should be balanced with opportunities for individual growth, exploration and reflection. We want our students to discover their passions, and to nurture and cultivate them throughout each stage of their educational journey with us. -
A Caring and Supportive Environment
Research tells us that one of the single greatest factors affecting student success is the relationship forged between students and teachers. Our classroom teachers, teaching associates, homeroom advisors, guidance councillors, learning strategists, and administrators recognize this connection and are committed to fostering professional yet kind and caring relationships where each student’s needs are supported and addressed. -
Commitment to Learning and Teaching Excellence
Our academic program is founded upon a shared vision of teaching and learning principles that is grounded in current research that define the expert teacher as one who:- meets the needs of all learners
- is passionate about teaching and learning
- has a deep understanding of teaching and learning
- monitors student learning and uses assessment to improve teaching and learning
- creates an optimal classroom environment
- focuses on mastery learning and deep understanding
- develops self-regulation, self-efficacy and self-esteem in their students
- offers appropriately challenging tasks and goals
JS: Art
Students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 enjoy instructional and studio time in well-equipped art rooms. Junior classroom themes are integrated into vibrant, creative content that encourages the young artists to tap into their imaginations using various mediums. Observational and imaginative sketching, perspective drawing, clay sculpture, watercolour and acrylic painting are just some of the mediums introduced.
List of 2 members.
JS: French
The AIM (Accelerative Integrated Method) is used to teach French in the Junior School. Our program’s focus is to develop strong communication skills through kinesthetic activities using an integrated, drama-based approach. Although oral communication skills are emphasized, appropriate exposure to the written word, and the opportunity to develop reading and writing skills occurs. The highly participatory and active learning environment in an AIM classroom ensures that students of all abilities and learning styles are supported.
JS: Music
Junior School Music (Primary Grades)
The primary music program is a creative, experimental, and play-based approach. We combine the elements of speech, rhythm, movement, dance and song to solidify musical concepts. In Grade 2, students add a formal choral class to their music schedule, and in Grade 3, they begin studying the recorder.
Junior School Music (Junior Grades)
In Grade 4, students continue to learn recorder, ukulele and Orff instruments. In Grade 5, students are placed with a band instrument, either brass or woodwind. With opportunities to play in a beginning band in Grade 5 and a more established band in Grade 6, students have the opportunity to compete in CIS music festivals. In addition to class instruction, private lessons (including piano) are available on campus.
The primary music program is a creative, experimental, and play-based approach. We combine the elements of speech, rhythm, movement, dance and song to solidify musical concepts. In Grade 2, students add a formal choral class to their music schedule, and in Grade 3, they begin studying the recorder.
Junior School Music (Junior Grades)
In Grade 4, students continue to learn recorder, ukulele and Orff instruments. In Grade 5, students are placed with a band instrument, either brass or woodwind. With opportunities to play in a beginning band in Grade 5 and a more established band in Grade 6, students have the opportunity to compete in CIS music festivals. In addition to class instruction, private lessons (including piano) are available on campus.
JS: Phys Ed.
At The Country Day School, one of our guiding principles is “fitness for life”. Through physical education classes, students build knowledge and skills that will enable them to acquire physical and health literacy and develop the comprehension, capacity and commitment needed to lead healthy, active lives.
In the primary grades, we focus on building gross motor skills through balance, agility, locomotor, movement skills and coordination. We build spatial awareness and learn how to be active, respectful and safe participants in a physical education setting.
In the junior grades, we focus on building fine motor skills and physical fitness. Through an enhanced sport-specific setting, students will improve their coordination, acquire new skills and an understanding of strategy and tactics in game play. Through participation in a variety of cooperative and competitive games, students learn how to participate safely and respectfully of others. They will learn how to be active participants, and in doing so, increase their physical fitness.
Our goal is to elevate heart rates, improve skill level and foster a love of being active.
List of 2 members.
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Mrs. Jennifer Cooper
Director of Athletics: Junior School, Health and Physical Education(905) 833-1220 ext 205Bio -
JS: Technology
Education, at its most fundamental core, is a social endeavour between student and teacher. While this remains a core tenet in the Junior School, it is clear that at the dawn of the digital era, technology must also be integrated into the student experience. However, we must be vigilant to not replace that critical human contact with a machine, but harness those tools purposefully and thoughtfully to engage each student individually as they work toward their personal learning goals.
A wide array of tools are readily available in the Junior School, including interactive whiteboards in each classroom, an Apple iPad mobile learning lab, dedicated primary and junior iMac labs, LEGO robotics, a generous distribution of iPads in the junior classrooms and laptop resources for each teacher. Having the hardware and software is not enough, for we recognize that it is professionally informed teachers who animate the curriculum with the inspired use of technology tools. To this end, we also have a dedicated Junior School Technology Integration Specialist who oversees the MacLabs and works alongside both teachers and students, facilitating projects and creating engaging lessons inside and outside the classroom.
At CDS, we remain true to our core strengths and beliefs regarding teaching and learning, but are also sure footed, knowing when and where to adapt and adopt the best uses of emergent technology within our classrooms. That is true - Education, with balance.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
