Students at the Junior Academy are average or above average in intellectual ability, are motivated to achieve academically and are committed to becoming well-rounded and socially responsible individuals.

Students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 are required to wear the school uniform. A list of uniform items is available separately.

Students may receive homework from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8. The length and nature of homework assignments are determined by the age and grade placement of the student. Students in Grades 6 , 7 and 8 write exams twice a year.

The Junior Academy is open daily at 8:15 a.m. to receive students. Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and anyone arriving after 9:00 a.m. is considered to be late. Afternoon dismissal is at 3:30 p.m. for grades one to eight and 3:15 for Kindergarten students. Any student who has not been picked up by 3:45 p.m. joins the afterschool program. Half day (morning) students are dismissed at 11:45 a.m.

A program of after school activities is available for students who would like to participate.

Homeroom and subject teachers have an Ontario Teacher's Certificate or its equivalent and a University degree. Many teachers also have additional qualifications in a specific subject area and / or graduate diplomas.

It has been found that children are happiest when they know the rules, when teachers respond in a caring and consistent manner and when there is positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviour. Students are encouraged to:

1. realize the consequences of their actions

2. recognize and respect the rights and property of others

3. achieve self control and discipline

4. physical and/or verbal aggression is unacceptable behaviour

An outline of the student code of conduct is included in the information section of the homework agenda which is supplied to students in Grades 1 to 8.

1. Report Cards

Parents receive two written report cards a year in mid December and mid June. Interim reports are sent home in mid October and in March if the teacher feels it would be beneficial.

2. Interviews

Parent- teacher interviews are held early in November for all grades. In addition parents are encouraged to request a meeting with the teacher at any time if they wish to discuss their child's progress.

3. Homework Book

A homework book is taken home nightly by students in Grades 1 to 8. The homework assignments are listed in the book which is initialed by the homeroom teacher and the parent. The homework book is also used as a communication tool and concerns and questions may be recorded by either the teacher or the parent. All school notices are sent home in a "pouch" at the front of the homework book. An outline of the 'student code of conduct' is found at the front of the homework book.

Every parent is welcome to participate in school activities, either individually or through joining the Parents Association. The Parents Association is an organization that has been established to facilitate social and fund-raising events at the school. Through parental involvement in the school, the lives and education of the students at the Junior Academy are enhanced.

1. Winter Concert: for Grades 1 to 8 is held in the evening in mid December at Leaside United Church. The Kindergarten Concert is also held in mid December but takes place at the school in the morning.

2. Fun Fair: for the whole school. Parents, students and friends enjoy an early evening of games, contests and art activities. Organized by the Parents' Association and teachers, it is held in late May from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and includes a B.B.Q. dinner.

3. Fund-raiser: for parents and friends. A dinner-dance, with live/ silent auction is held in early May.