Featured Programs
FRENCH
Our French teachers provide instruction from age 3 and up. Students learn gestures that accompany vocabulary, they learn songs, skits and plays, all of which develop their skills in the French language. Through the program, new vocabulary is internalized quickly, and through constant oral expression, students develop a facility with the language very quickly. In the elementary grades, French becomes a written subject as well, and by the time they graduate, the students are highly competent at written and oral expression.
MUSIC
Beginning in the preschool programs, music is taught as a way of self expression, and a way for the class to cooperate. Singing all together, making joyful sounds and moving to the rhythm, are the aims for very young children. As they grow and develop, more complex rhythms, note reading and finally the choosing of instruments, leads the students into becoming prepared for high school music programs.
State of the art twentieth century learning means that information technology is incorporated into the elementary music programs, so that students know and understand how technology can enhance their understanding of music theory, while they are building the skills they need to play an instrument with enthusiasm and proficiency.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Building strong bodies leads to health and wellness, as well as brains that work well. Regular physical education classes, intramural and interscholastic programs teach the children the rules and better understanding of various team sports and help them improve on fundamental movement skills in order to pursue healthy lifestyle. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding lessons allow the students to feel the joy of the Canadian outdoors. Sports teams also participate in many league competitions, exhibition games, and tournaments through the Small Schools Athletics Federation (SSAF). Tall Pines students have a formidable reputation for coming home with medals and pennants!
ART
Self-expression through visual art is a great tradition at Tall Pines School. Beginning in pre-school, there are craft and art activities provided on a regular basis, and then in Grade One, students experience the specialist Art Program. Two dimensional and three dimensional art are explored every year through project work, which is often coordinated with, and integrated into the academic studies of the classroom. Art history gives the children knowledge of, and appreciation for, the great masters of art from all over the world, but especially from Canada.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Information technology is quickly becoming the heart of twenty-first century learning. Whether you are using a fixed desktop computer in the classroom, the computer lab, or a wireless device, safe internet access enables learning in many different ways, through a number of different portals.
MAKING WAVES SWIM SCHOOL
Instruction is on the Red Cross Learn to Swim program. This is a ten level program starting from basic swimming skills in level 1 or Sea Turtle (pre school program) to advanced swimming techniques in Swim Kids 10. All instructors are fully qualified and trained in Small Steps Instructional Techniques. Using this technique allows each student to progress at their own individual pace, a method ideally suited to group lessons.
ANNUAL PRODUCTIONS
In the spring of each year at Tall Pines School, parents are invited to see the very special performances their children prepare for them. The Casa production showcases the singing talents of our Prima Casa and Casa students. Children are often in costume, performing numbers that they have been working on in their Music programs. The Elementary students then have their opportunity to shine. Students from Grade 1 to 8 participate in musical skits, band ensemble and choral work, presented on stage for their parents. In addition, students in Grades 5 to 8 present the annual school musical. Semi-professional costumes and sets are used, and the Pearson Theatre in Brampton is rented, to give the students an authentic theatrical experience.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Students learn to appreciate the outdoors through experiential trips that grow with them from Lower Elementary through High School. Day trips transition to overnight trips with cabin accommodation then to guided wilderness experiences where students are learn to camp and portage. Strong connections are built with peers as they collaboratively work together in the outdoors.
VOCAL CHOIR
Singing is yet one more aspect in developing the whole child at Tall Pines School. While students from Grade One to Four experience vocal music as part of their regular Music curriculum, Choir members have the ability to develop their talents further, learning harmonies and additional repertoire which all help to enhance their school experience. The Choir also provides individual students with a non-threatening environment within which to explore what their voice can do. Students from Grade Two to Eight are invited to join either the Song Birds Junior Choir or the Semitones Senior Choir.