Beaches Alternative School believes every child is an individual with full human rights.
Beaches Alternative School (BAS) offers a balanced program of learning and experience. We welcome the whole family (parents, students, and siblings). In partnership with the teachers, we work to create a warm, caring atmosphere to support our students’ intellectual, emotional, physical, and social needs.
BAS attempts to foster a love of learning and discovery in a co-operative environment. It promotes family participation in all aspects of the school, including the classroom, and welcomes the presence of siblings (with supervision). It offers continuous open communication between children, parents/guardians, and teachers. Families contribute to the direction of our school, and nurture a sense of community. People in parenting roles are encouraged to enrich the learning process by using their expertise in the classroom, in consultation with the teacher. BAS sees itself as a co-operative place where staff, children, people in parenting roles, and administration all contribute and respect one another.
Gatherings and Events at BAS
We are proud of our vibrant community at BAS and we value the gatherings and events that are a part of the fabric of our school and give us genuine opportunities to build community. Below are examples of some of our gatherings and events in recent years.
FAMILY FRIDAYS
Parents/guardians and siblings are encouraged to visit on the last Friday of the month for “Family Friday”. These are school-wide events co-ordinated by our wonderful teachers and parents. Children often participate in mixed-age groupings, and the talents of community members of all ages are celebrated and valued through games, arts activities, engagement with social justice issues, and community initiatives. In the past, some Family Friday themes and activities have included maker days (using recyclables), sharing and exploring games from around the world, and co-authoring a welcoming book for Syrian newcomer children.
NATURE MORNINGS
Part of social responsibility is deepening our understanding of, and respect for, our natural environment. Our environmental curriculum is experiential and rooted in place-based education, following the belief that “One transcendent experience in nature is worth 1000 nature facts.” (David Sobel) Each class at BAS endeavours to get outside for a full morning once each month to experience nature and to build memories and connections to natural places in our community. Both the schoolyard and the local ravine are settings where we explore, play, learn about animals, look closely at the beauty of nature, and have time to dig uninterrupted in the mud. The purpose of Nature Mornings are to give children a chance to know deeply the natural areas around our school – as the first step in a journey towards falling in love with, and ultimately protecting, these outdoor spaces.
SKATING
One morning a week, during January and February of each year, our school community gathers at Ted Reeve indoor arena for an hour-long community skate! Students, siblings, parents/guardians, and teachers come together to grow their skating skills and have fun before returning to school for a day of learning. A skate swap each year helps ensure that all families can access skates and helmets, and skate trainers are available for anyone needing one. Older students are often found supporting younger ones in learning skating skills.
THE CAFÉ
One morning each month, the school kitchen is open for a ‘café hour’ – opening before the morning bell, and running past the start of the school day. Parents/guardians, caregivers, and teachers are able to partake in the coffee, tea and nut-free snacks provided by our fantastic parent volunteers. Share a coffee (generously provided by the amazing folks at Might & Main) with adults from the Beaches and Kimberley P.S. community, and participate in occasional swaps of books, skates, clothes, and recipes. Younger siblings are always welcome!
HALLOWE’EN CELEBRATION
Hallowe’en is a much anticipated event at Beaches. Each year, the Grade 5/6 class at BAS creates a haunted house on the auditorium’s stage. Families gather in costume for a potluck celebration and an afternoon of games, crafts, and socializing, and touring the haunted house.
WINTER FEAST
Each December we celebrate with a Winter Concert and Potluck Feast! There are musical and dramatic performances surrounded by student decorations and artwork. Families participate in crafts and activities and socialize while feasting on dishes brought by members of the BAS community.
WINTER CAMP
Every February, our entire school is invited to gather for a weekend “Family Camp” at Shadow Lake, near Stouffville, Ontario. This event is open to all past and present members of the BAS community, and is a fun-filled weekend that includes tobogganing, skating, cross-country skiing, crafts, games, and a communal dinner.
SUMMER CAMP
Each summer, past and present BAS families are invited to a campground in Jordan Valley for a weekend of family camping. Along with a community dinner, families enjoy swimming, crafts, organized activities, and games. Come for the weekend, or just for the day!
Last Updated January 19, 2023
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