Our Students
A.Y. Jackson students volunteer their time and creative abilities for a multitude of causes. They have run campaigns to support our troops and the commercials they created for the school television broadcasts are being distributed nationally. The students have fundraised for Kenya, Darfur, LWAK Girls’ School in Kenya, the Kanata Food Cupboard, the Toy Mountain drive and Operation Christmas Child. A.Y. Jackson offers students the opportunity to compete on more than twenty athletic teams in a wide variety of team and individual sports. Annually our athletic teams compete for city championships and send athletes to the provincial championships. A.Y. Jackson is the only school in North America to have won both Best Musical and Best Play at the Cappies.
Our senior band won gold at the local Kiwanis competition. Over 160 students gained valuable work experience and pursued different pathways by participating in the school’s Coop program.
A.Y. Jackson is proud of its high academic expectations of students. We focus on literacy, numeracy, and improving academic success. Students are provided with opportunities to apply for scholarships and are invited to participate in Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Drama, Music, Athletic and English Contests at competitive levels. This year’s school improvement initiatives will focus on assessment and evaluation strategies to help provide more specific feedback to students and parents about classroom work and curriculum.
A.Y. Jackson offers an International Certificate. Interested students may participate in an international exchange/trip with our partner schools in Zaragoza, Spain or in Suzhou, China.
Grade 12 College bound English students are offered the chance to take part in a dual credit opportunity with Algonquin College which exposes them and transitions them to college expectations. They are taught by both their English teacher and a college teacher and earn both a high school and college credit.
The Junior Drama Classes are paired with John Young E.S. Kindergarten to Grade 3 audiences enjoy the original children’s theatre performances prepared by our students. Our Physical Education students deliver healthy lifestyle seminars at Glen Cairn P.S.
Our Community
A.Y. Jackson believes that the best way to support student achievement is through a close partnership with both parents and the community. Parents play a pivotal role in shaping A.Y. Jackson’s vision for its students and support student and staff initiatives. Parents are invited to volunteer in a variety of ways ranging from supervising field trips, and acting as tutors to being part of a Safe Schools Committee and participating in fundraising initiatives. The A.Y. Jackson School Council meets regularly throughout the year and plays an important role in raising and addressing concerns within the school community.
Mission Statement
At A.Y. Jackson, we empower all learners to become contributing members of a global society by providing opportunities for growth within a respectful and nurturing community.
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
In addition to offering a comprehensive program in English, Science, Math, Canadian and World Studies and the Humanities, A.Y. Jackson offers:
- Core, French Immersion and Spanish courses
- Extensive fine arts course (instrumental music, ceramics, visual arts, drama, dance, and media studies)
- Technological studies including construction, design, communication technology, computer programming
- Physical Education programs that include fitness, exercise science, and core male and female physical education classes
- Cooperative Education program
- Hospitality (Food and Nutrition) program
- Business courses including entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, and international business
Classroom Organization
A.Y. Jackson offers a semestered program from grades 9 – 12. Courses are offered at the academic/university, applied/college and open/mixed levels. We offer full English and French Immersion programs.
The school day runs on a 2 day cycle, with Day One occurring on odd numbered dates and Day Two occurring on even numbered dates. Periods tumble in the morning and also in the afternoon. There are 4 periods in the school day, with a break between the two morning and afternoon classes.
Special Education
The Special Education Department provides individualized support to students with identified learning or physical exceptionalities. This support is provided within the regular classroom and in the resource room. Educational assistants, board special services staff and community partnerships augment the range of opportunities for exceptional students at A.Y. Jackson. In addition, we have a specialized Autism class.
Clubs and Activities
- Alter Reality Club (Global Action)
- J-TV
- Lunch time intramurals (variety of sports)
- J Crew
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Reach for the Top Club
- Students' Council
- Yearbook
- National/International Trips to Spain, Greece, China, New York, Washington, Boston
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Cross-Country Running
- Ice Hockey Boys and Girls
- Ski Club
- Touch Football
- Volleyball
- Robotics Club
- Rainbow Alliance
- Nordic Skiing
- Jazz Band
- Fitness/Weight Training Club
- Cappies
- The Sears One-Act Play
- Golf
- Athletics Council
- Baseball
- Relay for Life
- Field Hockey
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Track and Field
Facilities and Resources
The school’s facilities and services include the following features: an excellent resource library with contemporary literature and periodicals, updated athletic facilities, both local and wide-area computer networking, well-equipped music, drama, dance, and art rooms, including a kiln for ceramics classes, and full cafeteria services. The newly renovated Food and Nutrition room provides our students with modern cooking facilities. Our atrium, affectionately known as "The Pit" showcases beautiful, student-made advertising posters, flags from around the world, and provides an inviting place for a variety of student activities at the heart of the school.