Why Park Manor Is An Awesome Place To Learn

Park Manor is an Awesome Place To Learn because of the Learning, Caring and Connecting that happens here every day.  Our school vision called the Panther Profile encompasses all that we as the school and parents community want for our students when they graduate from grade eight as Global Critical Thinkers Collaborating To Change The World.  We are a community that fully integrates technology in ways that benefit students and accelerates their learning in an environment of Digitally Rich Learning Without Limits. As well, we are a community of learners, with a strong emphasis on developing caring and mindful future innovators. Furthermore, we provide many activities, teams, clubs, councils and events to make Park Manor a fun place to learn.

Park Manor is a Learning Community that is always looking for ways to help all our students learn to the best of their ability.

Our School’s History

The school opened in 1972 to serve the Elmira community located twenty minutes north of Waterloo. Situated in the heart of a residential area, our school is in a park like setting with our grounds featuring outdoor volleyball, tether ball, basketball and soccer fields. A lawn bowling green is our neighbouring facility.

Our Students

Park Manor is a composite school providing instruction at the Grade seven, and eight levels to over 215 students. Park Manor receives students from two junior schools, John Mahood PS and Riverside PS. Our graduates attend Elmira District Secondary School. Students enjoy extensive extra curricular activities with many opportunities for leadership roles. The Student Council fosters community and global awareness and organizes social events throughout the school year. The Athletic Council supports an intramural and physical education program.

Our Staff

The Park Manor staff work closely with colleagues in their family of schools to ensure successful transitions for students between junior, senior, and secondary levels. Through Annual Learning Plans, the Park Manor staff pursue professional development in areas of Technology, Guidance, Physical Education, French, Special Education, Visual Art, and English as a Second Language. Several members of our staff have graduate degrees.

Parents and Community

Park Manor School Council functions as an advisory group within the parameters of the Ministry of Education and Waterloo Region District School Board policy. The Council consists of parents and community members committed to the success of Park Manor students. The council facilitates constructive communication between school and community through well-managed fundraising campaigns, sponsored presentations by professionals, year-end trips, graduation ceremonies and equipment for extra curricular activities.

Academic Programs and Activities

In addition to English, French, Mathematics, History and Geography, Park Manor continues to offer several unique programs that receive strong community support. The Music Program provides instruction on violin, viola, cello, and bass. Our Fine Arts program also prepares students for annual productions. Recent productions have included: Dramatic programs including Shakespeare, satirical works, dance numbers, instrumental ensembles and choirs.  Our musicals such as, The HMS Pinafore, Anne of Green Gables and Peter Pan have met rave reviews. The Science and Technology facility includes equipment for wood construction as well as technology designated for research and robotics instruction. The technical instruction prepares students for participation in the annual Skills Canada Competition.  The Visual Arts Program exposes students to variety of media including clay, paint, and mixed media. In addition to these academic programs and their associated extra curricular activities, Park Manor students participate in a wide range of athletic teams at the club and varsity level; such as, football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and track and field.

Special Education Programs

Students with Individual Education Plans receive support through program modification within the classroom and assistance by teachers and paraprofessionals in alternate settings. Two case managers with special education qualifications coordinate the Special Education Program.

Safe Schools Initiatives

Staff and students enjoy working in our positive school climate. Expectations outlined clearly in the student planner focus on accepting responsibility for success. We are fortunate to have a Child and Youth Worker that supports the social and emotional needs of our students.  The Guidance Program in conjunction with Woolwich Community Services offers classroom workshops presented by social workers that help students respond appropriately to difficult situations and relationships.

Classroom Organization

Park Manor offers a rich learning experience in a small school environment. Our school is organized with four Grade 7 English classes, four Grade 8 English classes with a French Immersion class in both grades . This ensures a great student to teacher ratio in our classrooms. The timetable at Park Manor PS introduces students to rotary instruction for part of the school day and provides students with instruction from subject specialists.