Our School

For over 38 years, Pioneer Park Public School has been dedicated to academic excellence for life-long learners while nurturing positive self-esteem and striving for mutual respect in a safe, healthy, caring environment.

Located in the southwestern region of Kitchener, Pioneer Park serves the community west of Homer Watson and south of Huron Road. There is a long history in the area of our first settlers and we are close to the Doon Heritage Village. At one point there were over 600 students and our building had 12 portables. Presently there are almost 340 students enrolled at Pioneer Park and we are very happy with our smaller but growing school population. At present, our grade 6 graduates attend Doon Senior Public School.

Our Students

Pioneer Park is becoming a diverse learning community, serving 339 students in kindergarten to grade 6, with some joining us from different parts of the world. Students enjoy coming to school each day at Pioneer Park. Here are a few of the many positive things they say:

“I love the way our custodian, Mr. Sanderson helps us learn hockey and how to skate. He helps all around the school and keeps the school clean.”

“I am glad there are people to talk to when I have a problem.”

“The teachers are awesome, they care about what we do at school and at home.”

“I love our library and Mrs. Fohring reads books to us.”  We really enjoy the Silver Birch reading program in the Spring.

“When we have problems, we are encouraged to solve them with our How to Solve A Playground Problem by counting on our hand method.”

Our Staff

At Pioneer Park we have a talented and committed team of teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff who give l00% to their students and families inside and outside of the classroom. They are very committed to professional development, staff training and parent communication. They identify continuous professional development needs and opportunities and attend workshops that enhance our learning community.

Parents and Community

Our School Council is made up of a small group of devoted parents and school staff. The School Council provides active leadership by partnering to organize events and fund-raising activities. This fundraising has been greatly appreciated, as it has allowed our students to participate in field trips, educational assemblies and have enhanced classroom resources. All families are invited to attend School Council meetings.

Academic Programs

Educational excellence is a very high priority at Pioneer Park. Pioneer Park has a strong focus on early literacy and Special Education support. We offer a range of programs including: Strong Start, Early Literacy Intervention, and a comprehensive Home Reading Program. In addition, we have a  fabulous selection of leveled stories.

Special Education Programs

We have a specially trained Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) who works with a team of professionals to address the individual requirements of our special needs children. Depending on their needs some students are withdrawn from the classroom environment, while others are supported within their classes. We also work very closely with both a School Based Team and a  Multi-Disciplinary Team to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students in the best manner possible.

English as a Second Language Program

At Pioneer Park, we are seeing an increase in students joining us from all parts of the world. We provide extra English Language instruction to our English as a Second Language (ESL) students and we have an ESL teacher that supports us on a part-time basis.

Safe Schools Initiatives

At Pioneer Park, we used our “WITS”

Walk away

Ignore

Talk it out

Seek help

Are you being kind and keeping your hands and feet to yourself?  This initiative empowers our students to try to solve issues in the best way possible.

Facilities and Resources

Our school is square in design, making access very easy for everyone. We welcome you to our building via Door A (closest to the parking lot), where you are asked to buzz the office and identify yourself.  Once your identity has been validated, you are welcomed into A hallway where we proudly post student work (literacy, art), and school awards.

Pioneer Park has 15 classrooms, a large Special Education room, and some smaller teaching areas.  Our gymnasium is fully equipped and is also used for special events, concerts, etc.

Outside we have a large, spacious and well-kept playing area for our students. We have a Creative Playground, two soccer fields (primary and junior), asphalt activities, schlockey sets, a baseball diamond, and basketball net.  We have a number of green areas as well as a butterfly garden for students to enjoy.  These areas are used as an outdoor classroom for activities that include math, literacy, art and science.

Clubs and Activities

Students at Pioneer Park have many opportunities to participate outside of the classroom. Some available activities are:

  • Hockey Club
  • Bucket Drumming
  • Basketball
  • Running
  • Soccer
  • Choirs

Our grade 4, 5 and 6 students have many opportunities to demonstrate leadership at Pioneer Park. Our Door Monitors, Announcement Crew, PALS, Bus Safety Patrol Officers, Kindergarten Helpers,  ECO Team, Office Helpers, Lunch Helpers and Milk Helpers are all very important to daily life at Pioneer Park.

Measures of Student Achievement and Success

Pioneer Park students work hard for their academic success in all areas of learning. Students have participated in community charities raising funds for important world events.

We recognize the success of our students in a variety of ways: at monthly assemblies, over the PA during morning announcements, and in front of their peers.

School Success Plans and Initiatives

As a Learning Community, Pioneer Park is focusing on Literacy.

School Wide Initiatives also include:

  • Nutrition for Learning – provides a healthy morning snack to any students who requires some additional food
  • Healthy Active Schools Initiative
  • Character Education
  • Home Reading Program
  • Strong Start (early literacy program)