Trillium has an enriched academic program that includes all the subjects recognized in the Ontario Curriculum. These include Language, Mathematics, French, Science, Social Studies (History and Geography for Grades 7 and 8), Music, Health, Physical Education, Tech Studies, and Art.
The Language program builds a solid foundation of basic skills through formalized instruction in spelling, phonics, process writing, grammar, reading comprehension and vocabulary-building. In addition to the technical skills taught, literacy is fostered through a literature-rich environment where students work in a wide variety of language forms, including novel studies, reading logs, poetry writing and recitation, Shakespearean and classic literature, script-writing, story publication, and individual and group presentations. Students also participate in speech writing and poetry-reading competitions.
In Math, students work with a core math series that is advanced by one grade level covering the latest updated curriculum (2020). The program balances the mastery of technical skills garnered through practice and repetition, with a solid conceptual understanding of concepts and math vocabulary. Students are encouraged to use a base set of skills to think critically on a wide range of mathematical contexts. Plenty of problem-solving and math games help to keep Math fun and students motivated. Time is also devoted to honing students’ mental math skills, while opportunities are available to participate in province-wide math contests (i.e. Gauss, etc.).
French language instruction is introduced at Trillium school in Casa (Kindergarten). In their elementary years, students build upon the base knowledge of French vocabulary learned in their Kindergarten years. Formalized instruction in the rules of French grammar is complemented by plenty of practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in French. Time is also spent exploring and developing an appreciation for French culture through literature, videos, projects, presentations, and field trips.
Students in Science, Social Studies, History and Geography use core textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education. Many concepts taught in class are reinforced through various field trips, projects, presentations, and participation in competitions. Our Geography students, for instance, take part in the Great Canadian Geography Challenge, while all senior students prepare scientific investigations for the school’s annual Science Fair. Top performers in this event go on to represent Trillium at the York Region Science and Technology Fair, where our students have established a tradition of success. Trillium medallists at York Region Science Fair have even gone on to represent York Region at the National Science Fair.
Learning in these subjects often extends beyond the classroom walls, where our students have taken part in a diverse range of interesting learning opportunities that reinforce the in-class curriculum.
Many initiatives are undertaken throughout the school year to help reinforce good character, responsible citizenship, and a global perspective. These have included food, toy, and clothing drives; community clean-up initiatives; recycling programs; sponsorship of a child in a developing country; and charity fundraisers such as the Terry Fox Run and Jump Rope for Heart.
Starting in Grade 1, students participate in weekly swimming lessons during the fall and spring terms. These are replaced by skating lessons during the winter months. By the time students graduate from Trillium, they will have completed our alpine ski program and participated in an outdoor skills and group development program.
The core curriculum is supported by numerous field trips which are designed to bring an experiential component to what students learn in class. Students, for instance, have taken part in a mock parliament at the Ontario Legislature, cheered on their favourite knight at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, spent the day attending school in an authentic one-room school house (complete with Pioneer Day rules!), and hung upside down from a trapeze bar during a visit to the School of Circus Arts. The highlight of the year for senior students is their year-end overnight trip. Students in Grades 4 to 6 enjoy a three-day outdoor education excursion, while the students in Grades 7 and 8 spend a week in Quebec City or Ottawa.
Other elements of the senior elementary program include formalized leadership training. The program features direct in-class instruction, proper role-modeling, leadership opportunities, and assignments, evaluation, and feedback.
“Keep up the great work! Both of our kids grew up at Trillium. We spent a fortune on their early education but it was worth every penny! The friends they made, the solid foundational skills they learned and the “first in their lifetime” experiences they gained at Trillium during their casa years will be fundamental in their later development.”
“Trillium School is the best school! The teachers teach from their hearts. They love the kids so much.”
“The teachers are full of passion, loving hearts and treat the children like their own.”
“As a parent, I appreciate the effort and time that all the Casa teachers put in. They are full of love and patience. They are amazing. Thank you teachers!”
“Well balanced curriculum between academic and extra-curricular activities”
“Easy and open communication between school administration, the teacher and the parent.”
“The passion of teachers we have met in Trillium is one key factor to keep my kid in this school. Keep it up!”
“Trillium school is really good at the academic part. I am so impressed. Thank you for all the teachers’ efforts.”
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