Olivet SchoolAdmissions Book

olivetschool.ca • (416) 239-3054 • info@olivetschool.ca

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All teaching is simply an opening of the way.

-Emanuel Swedenborg

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WelcomePrincipal’s

It is an honour to serve Olivet School as principal and to be a part of the many things that make the school so unique. It truly is a wonderful journey as we continue to introduce new programming that emphasizes the learning, growth and development of our Olivet students. Our staff works closely with parents, Olivet New Church, and the greater community to achieve this and we continuously strive to cultivate each student’s gifts and talents.

A key foundation for our success is our dedicated teachers. Our teachers bring inspiration and a passion for developing a love of learning in the young children in their care. Another foundation at Olivet is our commitment, for over a hundred years, to excel in character education based on sound principles from the Bible. We use the teachings of God to inspire students to be caring, honest and considerate of those around them, while at the same time nurturing the innocence of each child. These are such important qualities, especially in this increasingly stressful world.

Learning sits at the centre of Olivet; together with strong academics, high expectations, creative exploration, and careful work on communication, understanding and application. In the process of building a foundation in academic subjects, we teach an enjoyment of learning, a confidence in the ability to learn new things, and a broad commitment to lifelong learning. Our concept of growth builds on the broad learning goals we hold. There is an important difference between mere knowledge and actual understanding and application; for example, the intelligence and knowledge of a brilliant surgeon who never does surgery has little value. Ultimately, we pursue the goal of knowledge with real-world application. True value emerges as

our students begin to apply and connect what they are learning, and it is here that they begin to grow in a meaningful way.

At Olivet, we cultivate an atmosphere of inclusiveness. This warm community creates the conditions which best support growth in each individual student. This allows Olivet students to develop creativity and self-expression, the feeling of security to explore, and the confidence to engage wholeheartedly in life.

Gabriele Pulpan, Principal, Olivet School

Gabriele PulpanPrincipal, Olivet School

“I love my school because of its warm and caring community with a focus on what matters in life.”

Without kindness—or spiritual warmth—nothing grows.

-Emanuel Swedenborg

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About Our School

Parents, students and Olivet School teachers love the Olivet community for its caring, home-like atmosphere, small class sizes, and its rich academic program taught alongside New Church Christian values. These things together create the caring approach to education on which we pride ourselves.

Olivet teaches the Ontario curriculum, and in our small classes we often go beyond the curriculum by challenging students to apply things they have learned and follow up on the questions and subjects that intrigue them. Our students also write the Canadian Achievement Test yearly, so teachers can ensure that students are reaching their full potential. If a strong academic program combined with valuable life lessons is the education you want for your child, Olivet School is for you.

Founded in 1893, Olivet School is a private elementary school located in central Etobicoke, in Toronto’s west end. Our rich history has provided young minds the opportunity to grow academically and spiritually, while preparing them for future success.

I love this school for its small class sizes and nurturing, family-oriented environment which encourages a level of self confidence and social awareness in the students that is very difficult to foster in a larger school setting. This, in combination with a healthy blend of spirituality and academics provides an excellent foundation for students both from an educational and broader social perspective. It’s a setting that’s hard to beat!

-Grade 1 Parent

Olivet School was founded in 1893 to serve the academic needs of children from the Olivet New Church. Over 120 years later, our school has expanded to welcome the broader community and all parents seeking a rigorous academic program taught alongside caring Christian values.

While our teaching methods have changed with the times, our core philosophy remains the same.

Many of our teaching staff have been involved with the Olivet School community for years, and they remain committed to fostering a school atmosphere that supports learning, character development, and overall growth.

Our History

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WHY CHOOSEOlivet School

At Olivet School, we focus on creating a warm, caring environment for our students through small class sizes and integrating Christian values and character development into all that we do.

Our graduates are recognized for their qualities of integrity, thoughtfulness, respect, and diligence. Through generous donations from our successful alumni and supportive friends, our tuition remains affordable for those parents wishing to enroll their child at Olivet School.

If personalized attention, a safe and supportive learning environment, and the development of strong character are priorities for your child’s education, you are likely to find a home here.

What will your child experience at Olivet?

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Our Philosophy

Caring: A caring educational atmosphere is a vital part of learning in the primary grades. We teach and nurture qualities of safety, gentleness, innocence, kindness, and gratitude. Our hope is to give children the experience of school as a gentle extension of the home. This is achieved through loving, attentive teaching, intimate class sizes, and firm standards of behaviour. This atmosphere provides students with the stability and support they need to develop a core of confidence, honesty, and considerate behaviour as they grow into adulthood.

Community: Olivet School is a community of families and educators. We place great value on the role of parents in their own children’s education and we support this through frequent communication with parents. Though volunteering at the school is not a requirement, we find that many of our parents like to get involved. Parents and families attend picnics, concerts and plays. They help out with field trips. They visit the classrooms for story time, baking or art, and they contribute to the life of the school by sharing from their own professional backgrounds and favourite hobbies. Olivet’s rich community means that students form lifetime friendships. Parents and teachers at Olivet share a love for raising principled children in an atmosphere of love and thoughtfulness.

Christian Values: Values like kindness to others and responsibility are woven into everything we do at Olivet. We pursue studies in today’s Ontario curriculum within a context of how to use this knowledge to live a purposeful life. How does one truly care for one’s neighbour with integrity? What is hidden within the wonder of the created universe? These questions and others like them take the curricular knowledge and bring it alive as we explore questions of meaning and purpose at age-appropriate levels. Through this enriched approach to curriculum, Olivet has remained a leader in character development, the compass which guides a student throughout their life and beyond.

Since its founding in 1893, three elements have remained key to Olivet’s philosophical approach to elementary school education.

3C’s

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Our TEAM Here at Olivet School, we’re privileged to have a team of staff members who are dedicated to fostering educational, personal and spiritual growth in our students. Our teachers, administration, and executive team remain loyal to Olivet, and many staff members have worked for the school for decades. While our staff remain deeply rooted in the original vision for the school, they are always bringing fresh and contemporary ideas to the school atmosphere.

Gabriele holds a B.A. in Psychology, attended teachers’ college, worked in social services and obtained a RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educator) in the early 90’s. She comes to her position with a wealth of education and experience!

Gabriele came to Olivet from the community, looking for a school for her then three -year-old daughter. Fast forward thirty years, and you will find that Gabriele has gone from parent to principal! She led the Olivet Playschool when it was in its infancy and then transitioned to the upper grades where she taught some subjects in almost every grade.

Gabriele is grateful to the amazing faculty and staff at Olivet, and to the parents at Olivet who are supportive and true members of the Olivet family. Together we make a team to be proud of!

Our LEADERSHIP TEAM

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Jared is the newest member of the staff at Olivet. He graduated with an M. Div. from Bryn Athyn College of the New Church in 2015, and shortly afterwards moved to Etobicoke to begin his new job as Assistant Pastor. He was drawn to ministry because of his love for engaging with people around questions and issues that matter in an enduring way—things having to do with the fundamental choices we are all making about who we really want to be. His work with the school includes leading in chapel services, teaching Scripture classes to primary students, and generally being available when support is needed. Together with the head pastor, Michael, he also leads the Olivet Church in Sunday services and offers pastoral support to the church community.

Michael Cowley, M.Div., MAPC combines over 35 years of pastoral, administrative, educational and counselling experience with his love for the students and parents at Olivet.

Along with his daily activities in the school, he offers parenting and marriage workshops. One of the best ways we can help strengthen the work we do with the pupils at Olivet School is to strengthen the parents in their work at home. Michael has taken training at the Gottman Institute to be recognized as a Certified Educator both in the Emotion Coaching: The Heart of Parenting program as well the Seven Principles for Making Marriages Work program.

Michael has been married to Gwenda for 35 years and together they have raised six (now adult) children. They often work together as a team in various Olivet activities and programs.

Truths for which a person has no affection do indeed flow as sounds into the ear, but they do not enter the memory. What causes them to enter the memory and stay there is affection.

-Emanuel Swedenborg

Love and wisdom, apart from usefulness, are only imaginary things. That is, they do not

become real unless they are used.

-Emanuel Swedenborg

LEADERSHIP TEAM (continued)

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Programs

How do we achieve this quality in the education we offer? We achieve it by making use of small class sizes, giving children immediate attention, and building trusting relationships. At Olivet School, we believe that knowledge itself is not what is important, but the application of that knowledge in a truly caring way. This is why we focus on each child’s unique needs, learning style, and strengths.

Because of our approach to learning, Olivet School has been able to achieve academic excellence without overburdening students. What does this mean for your child? A more well-rounded student experience including enrichment activities, field trips, and various other out-of-classroom opportunities.

Olivet School offers Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior programs.

Our programs are built around our commitment to a caring approach to education.

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What Our Parents Say

I love this school because of the creative

approach the educators take to teaching the

essentials and because I am so impressed by

how well rounded the program is. I could not

imagine a more nurturing environment for my

child to develop academically, emotionally and

spiritually. I wish I had known about the school

when it was time for my older son to enroll in

Preschool!

I love this school because Olivet is a true hidden

gem right in our neighbourhood. I enrolled my

son in the playschool program after befriending

a staff member and we’ve been there ever

since!

-Past Playschool Parent

-Playschool Parent

Mondays : 9:00 – 11:00 AMAges 16 months – 3 years (with accompanying caregiver)

“Tots’ Time” is a special Monday morning program led by one of our Registered Early Childhood Educators (R.E.C.E.). It is a valuable way for parents to make social connections themselves as their toddlers learn to follow teacher instructions, work as a group and experience educational play.

Curriculum - Preschool

Tuesday – FridayMorning program: 9:00 – 11:30 AMAges 31 months – 4 years (on their own)

Our R.E.C.E.-led playschool program is designed around two key educational fundamentals: Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT), and How Does Learning Happen? At Olivet School we see your children as curious and competent learners. Teachers employ learning centers where children make choices and move independently. In this way, we introduce a wide range of subjects and experiences while allowing the interests and learning styles of individual students to guide their progress. We bring French, music, stories, games, art, interaction with nature, phonetics and many other concepts gently into learning in a way that supports emerging language, social competency, listening skills, and following directions.

We create a safe, calm and nurturing environment as the children learn, interact and develop their self-confidence and competence. Teachers help students in the process of self-regulation — the ability to monitor and adapt their own behaviour, emotions and thought processes to the situation at hand. The environment is cultivated with simple Bible stories which emphasize that God is always with us and loves us. This is a hands-on program where children get to come and see, come and do, come and learn. The teachers observe closely and help the children connect current learning experiences with prior knowledge. They are given opportunities to manage their own behaviour while being guided towards self-control through modeling, positive reinforcement, and redirection.

Play

scho

ol

Tots’ Time

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We offer both Junior and Senior Kindergarten, full day or half. Kindergarten is the first year some children are in a school environment and we treat it as a transition year to the formal education process. The children work on number, colour, shape, and language skills, but these are balanced with lots of attention on social development among peers and with teachers. We also use this time to teach basic skills that lead to success in reading and mathematics. In kindergarten we introduce foundational ethical ideas: helpfulness, teamwork, caring for the environment, respectfulness and safety. Children of this age are also delighted by conversations about heaven, the presence of a loving Creator, and the constant care He provides through parents and angels.

This is a time to lay academic foundations in language and mathematics but even more it is a time to instill a delight in learning. Making school fun is achieved through lots of movement, excursions to the creek and beyond, building and creating, telling stories, reciting poetry, and singing. We work hard to help students experience success and value the process of working toward success, rather than only the results. We do this by pacing work to the individual student’s interests and abilities and avoiding stressing students with unattainable expectations.

Curriculum - KindergarTen

I love my school because I have the best job in the world! Every day I come knowing that the students want to learn, the parents are supporting me and my colleagues are kind and

passionate individuals.

-Kindergarten Teacher

I love this school because I trust that our son is deeply cared for in a personal way by his teacher and he will be paid close attention to in all aspects of his development; intellectual, emotional, social, physical. Also, I trust that she will be in close communication with us about how our son is doing in these areas throughout

the year.

-Kindergarten Parent

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Curriculum - PrimaryGrades 1 & 2

The grade 1 and 2 classroom is an active environment that promotes questions, inquiry, and learning activities! Learning is still closely tied with the student’s home life so we cultivate a team approach between parents and teacher through regular communication and dialogue about student progress. French is taught starting from Preschool, so our grade 1 students are already familiar with some foundational French vocabulary.

The children become increasingly socially aware at this stage of life so the teacher spends time modeling and coaching them in communication skills and in building healthy relationships with their peers. Students learn to see the way they treat themselves, their neighbours, and the world around them. We especially support the development of kindness and respect at this age.

As pivotal math and language concepts are learned, the grade 1 and 2 classroom matches these with further development of fine and gross motor skills. The students still tend to be very literal thinkers so their academic learning is purposefully grounded in tangible examples and experiences which support brain development and a thorough understanding of Ontario curriculum concepts.

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Curriculum - Junior

In the grade 3 and 4 room, the scope of the subject matter broadens to match the growth in the minds of the children, but the approach to education continues to be holistic. With such an excellent teacher-student ratio, each child receives regular individual attention and is thus supported in achieving his or her potential for academic excellence. The goal is not only to cater to individual learning styles but also to help each child develop within the context of his or her physical, emotional, academic, social, and spiritual growth.

Physical development continues through P.E., recess, and purposeful movement during academic lessons. Students work on the floor, at the board, and at their desks, and regularly measure, interview or investigate throughout the building. Activity keeps children engaged and increases retention of material at hand.

Emotional growth is as important to future success as academic growth. In order to support emotional development the teacher models appropriate emotional identification and sharing and coaches the students to find language for and effective responses to their emotional states.

Intellectual mastery at the junior room level relies on the adaptability of our teachers to meet student interests. Every day the teacher looks for the “hooks” of student interest and enjoyment which then drive the movement through the curriculum across a range of subjects. When the excitement, questions, and interests of students help guide the schedule, learning happens effortlessly.

The holistic classroom approach which brings together intellectual, emotional, and physical development is all set within the concept of spiritual education. A spiritual focus teaches students:

Grades 3 & 4

To see themselves and others as having intrinsic, God-given value which transcends any flaws, differences and limits.To pursue purposeful contributions in life which go beyond the pursuit of personal gratification.To recognize their connection and accountability to a higher being.

I love my school because we have drama, double recess and because it is fun to go to

whole school Chapel on Mondays.

-Grade 3 Student13

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Curriculum - Senior In our highest grade, we continue to build a solid, in-depth foundation of knowledge through individualized attention. The teachers provide detailed answers and discussion as questions arise. Students at this age are becoming more aware and are excited about learning about the world around them.

An enriched Ontario curriculum in science, history, geography, literature, grammar, math, art, and writing is important but it is Christian values that keep learning focused on the application of knowledge. How can our students make a positive contribution to their communities, their country, and the world?

We challenge our students to move beyond mere knowledge into understanding, where the students are looking for useful applications for what they are learning. For example, we had students work with an electrical engineer to build a working transistor radio as part of their electricity unit.

In addition to frequent excursions and opportunities to test new skills and knowledge, the students work hard on presenting material confidently and articulately. This is one of the many advantages of our small classrooms which allow each student opportunities to present material and practice leadership in the classroom.

Grade 5

I love my school because the classes are very small so I get lots of attention. The teachers are very smart and still have fun with you. Also you go on extremely fun

academic trips—about 13 field trips a year!

-Grade 5 Student

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Co-curricular ActivitiesAt Olivet, we are able to enrich our curriculum with outings and experiences to enhance students’ understanding of their subjects in the context of the world around them. This enrichment includes field trips to a wide range of places and opportunities for students to experience music and theatre both as audience members and as performers. Our facilities and access to green space allow us to offer a range of activities to enhance learning.

Field trips in the past have included: museums and galleries, visiting the Mayor’s office, meeting with Canadian authors, petting farm animals at the Royal Winter Fair, visiting an artist’s home to paint in his studio, theatre visits, visiting professionals at their place of business, Phys. Ed. trips to Centennial Hill, explorations of the local creek and wooded area, bicycle tours of Toronto Island, and much more. Furthermore, amazing “one-off” experiences have included overnight camping trips, horseback riding, touring Sault St. Marie, and Cessna flights over Toronto.

Field Trips

A wide variety of performance opportunities are offered throughout the school year, including: an annual French play, annual end-of-year music production, Christmas Concert, and classroom skits.

Performance Opportunities

Our facilities and equipment include laptops, video and still photography equipment, a commercial kitchen for occasional cooking, math manipulatives, science equipment, performance stage, gymnasium, sports field, and immediate access to large green space with trails and creek. We also have a public skating rink and pool nearby that we use occasionally for athletics.

Facilities and Equipment

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Co-curricular Activities (continued)

The Olivet music program starts in preschool and lays a solid foundation of delight as well as competency in music. Starting from basic songs, rhymes, movement and games along with percussion instruments at the younger levels we work towards reading, writing, and performing music on a range of Orff instruments and recorders, Olivet students receive an inspiring, creative and thorough background in music. Three times per year the children perform as a choir at a Sunday service and twice a year we put on school concerts — a highlight for parents and extended families.

Movement is incorporated into all our programs, but we also have a physical education program which introduces students to a wide range of games and sports. The focus is on developing coordination, ball skills and fitness, qualities of teamwork and perseverance, and the enjoyment of physical activity. We emphasize participation, skill development, and fun rather than competition. This means that no student is left sitting on the bench and every student graduates with the abilities and experience needed to flourish in a wide range of sports.

Athletics

Music

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At Olivet we have at least 5 musical and theatrical events each year, including our annual Christmas Concert. We also regularly attend musicals and play productions to expand students’ understanding of dramatic arts. Every year the French department produces a French play for parents. The music program also has a cumulative musical production at the end of the year which highlights the acting and musical talents of the students in the older grades.

Drama and DanceAt Olivet, we have at least 5 musical and theatrical events each year, including our annual Christmas Concert. We also regularly attend musicals and play productions to expand students’ understanding of dramatic arts. Every year, the French department produces a French play for parents. The music program also has a cumulative musical production at the end of the year which highlights the acting and musical talents of the students in the older grades.

French is introduced from Preschool and Kindergarten onward. Our French program is built around the acclaimed AIM method which moves students rapidly into conversational French rather than just having them fill out worksheets and conjugate verbs. Students learn gestures to reinforce new vocabulary and build towards performing a French play for parents at the end of the year. Our French program produces amazing results, one of the most important being that students enjoy using French, rather than dread their language classes. Enjoyment means that students not only learn French but actually want to speak French!

French

Drama and Dance

Co-curricular Activities (continued)

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Co-curricular Activities (continued)

In addition to academics, we at Olivet believe in the value of art. Art enriches our lives and has been proven to positively stimulate the brain.The children from preschool to the upper grades are encouraged to explore their creativity through the use of a variety of mediums. For example, painting with tempera, gouache, water colour, and acrylics, and sculpting with different types of modelling clay or even recycled materials not only develop excellent eye-hand coordination, but teach an appreciation for the creation of something of beauty. The concepts of colour, value, line, shape, texture, and space are taught at age-appropriate levels. Art appreciation is addressed through the study of artists like the Group of Seven and visits to art galleries.

At Olivet, we realize that in addition to a strong academic and character foundation, students will need a solid understanding of technology in order to succeed in the future.

We use technology to build self-motivated learners. Laptops are available for specific tasks such as learning touch-typing or working in a specific subject area. For learning coding and robotics we bring in outside experts to use their knowledge to teach our students about these subjects.

Students also get to use the classroom projector to make presentations about what they have learned. While learning is useful, sharing this knowledge with others makes it

Technology

Visual Arts

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Community Events

Olivet School is proud to be an involved member of the greater Etobicoke community. Through extra-curricular activities and community outreach initiatives, our goal is to provide our students with exposure to a wide range of programs and events that complement our academic program and caring Christian values.

We are happy to take part in community events such as the annual Terry Fox Run and the Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade. As a proud member of our community, we have also hosted on-site fun fairs to collect donations for local charities.

Community Outreach and Events

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Admissions

What can you expect from Olivet School?

A small and caring classroom environment.

Countless opportunities to be active partners in your child’s learning.

High standards of behaviour, work ethic, and respect.

A quality education fused with Christian principles.

The Olivet community includes families from a range of ethnic, national, and socioeconomic backgrounds. But across this diversity lies one shared quality – a belief in the importance of a caring education.

Olivet School has a long tradition of providing an affordable, top quality education. We believe that a great private school experience should be available to everyone.

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Admissions ProcessInterested in enrolling your child at Olivet School?

Simply complete the admissions process below:

1) Contact the school for a guided tour.2) Meet the school principal for a preliminary interview.3) Provide records with copies of your child’s two most recent report cards and assessment materials (if applicable).4) Book a student-teacher meeting for your child to meet their prospective teacher and/or join a class for the morning (not required for preschool).5) Complete the registration form and pay a $150 fee upon receipt of acceptance letter.

I love this school for teaching my son to be not only an excellent student but also a good person. Thank you for your love, care, appreciation, compassion, understanding, help and encouragement on every level.

-Grade 1 Parent

Every piece of knowledge must exist for the sake of a use.

-Emanuel Swedenborg

I love my school because we get to learn recorder in music, we do fun experiments in

science and we learn calligraphy.

-Grade 4 Student

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VISIT US AND SEE THE OLIVET SCHOOL DIFFERENCE!

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The things that people love theyfreely take in, retain, and treasure.

-Emanuel Swedenborg

Olivet School

279 Burnhamthorpe Road

Etobicoke, ON M9B 1Z6

olivetschool.ca • (416) 239-3054 • info@olivetschool.ca