REVIEW OF Fern Hill School - Oakville BY parent, Kate Dunnigan

(4.5) Student Experience

My children both feel at home at Fern Hill. They arrive daily and are greeted by staff who make them feel welcome and seen. Both of my children have made strong connections with friends and their teachers. My child in grade 4 has enjoyed her year in grade 4 so far as it has offered many opportunities to be involved in sports teams and clubs. She also thoroughly enjoys the music program and the art program at Fern Hill. She had the amazing opportunity of being in the school play this year, which was a rewarding and unique experience for her. Both children use Edsby to keep up to date on their classes and assignments and benefit from the amazing communication from their teachers.

(5) School Leadership

The school's administration is very approachable, kind, and strong. What has stood out to me most is their ability to get to know each student individually and go out of their way to connect with them. I have received prompt communication from the administration when necessary to discuss my children, and I have always felt that their approach to discipline has been fair. They take a positive approach and connect with students to understand their perspectives and what might have led to their actions. It is obvious that the staff care about each student and want to support their development and growth at each stage of their journey at Fern Hill.

(4) Teaching

Overall, the quality of instruction at Fern Hill has been impressive. The school has done an excellent job hiring staff for each role who are passionate about what they teach. Their passion translates into engaging and organized programming and opportunities for students to dig deeper into content and gain a strong understanding. There is a lot of communication among staff (grade partners and the divisions) to plan content and align on expectations. Expectations for units are communicated on Edsby, and homework is always given well in advance. One thing I would appreciate seeing more of is ongoing feedback on how my children are doing with their daily work. I would also like to see more one-on-one support in certain subjects to ensure students are truly consolidating their understanding (math in particular).

(4.5) Academics

The academic program at Fern Hill is challenging and suited to the students' levels (especially in math). My children have a strong understanding of most of the concepts taught which speaks to the level of instruction and extra support provided to students to ensure they are consolidating concepts. Although the academics are taken seriously at the school, there is a balance with the arts and athletics which is amazing! Although my eldest is only in grade 4, I look forward to all of the opportunities she will have in the older grades. There are many unique opportunities that will help to prepare students for high school such as completing grade 9 credits. I also believe the early introduction of the rotary schedule helps to prepare students for high school.

(5) Extracurriculars

There are so many wonderful opportunities for students to be involved in: choir, chorus, bands, various sports teams, the school play, chess club, math competitions - the list goes on! Primary students are involved in only a few of these activities, but once students reach Grade 4, they can try out and/or join various clubs and teams. My daughter has had such a memorable year because of all of the curricular activities. Teachers go above and beyond!

(5) Students

Students at Fern Hill are respectful, hard-working, and kind. Many students work together to take leadership roles within the school and run charities to bring attention to important causes. One reason why we picked Fern Hill was that the student population is smaller than at other schools in the area. There are so many connections and bonds between students across the grades at Fern Hill. There are many opportunities for older students to work with younger students, and because of this, the student body really gets to know each other. The morning assembly also helps to bring the school together and provides daily opportunities for students to recognize and get to know each other. The extra-curriculars and clubs also provide lovely opportunities for students to form friendships with students in other classes and grades.

(5) School Life

Both of my children have enjoyed this year of school (grade 1 and 4). They are genuinely happy to go in each morning and look forward to being greeted by the school head master (outside greeting families every morning!), their homeroom teachers, friends and the friendly office staff. Fern Hill has such a positive atmosphere and I feel so grateful that my kids are surrounded by so many staff members that truly care about the students' well being. Staff make phone calls home when necessary and are great at communicating (especially the office staff!). Edsby also provides a helpful mode for communication and I appreciate how it is parent and student friendly. One thing I would appreciate is more one-on-one support and extra support outside class hours to reinforce concepts in math.

(4.5) Community

The morning assemblies provide an amazing opportunity for parents to be in the school and connect with each other. As a member of the parent council, I believe the parent community is quite strong and connected. The FHPA provides many opportunities for the parents to connect and volunteer at the various school events (Apple Pie Day, Christmas Market, Teacher Appreciation Lunch, Sports Day, etc.) planned throughout the year. We also have coffee mornings throughout the year and a social event planned once a year. Parents in each grade group also make an effort to connect about social events for the students and exchange helpful reminders about school. We have met some amazing people at Fern Hill and have so many close friendships with other parents!

(3.5) School Location

Fern Hill is located in a beautiful setting. There are many green spaces surrounding the school, which makes the grounds perfect for exploring nature and bird watching. My kids love the stumpery and the open space to run around at recess time! It is located on a busy street, though, and pick-up/drop-off can be quite backed up at times!

(4.5) Admissions

My children both started in kindergarten at Fern Hill. They had to complete a literacy assessment with a staff member, which was not an intimidating experience. Students were made to feel comfortable, and the assessment did not take too long. We were also given a very warm and welcoming tour, and the admissions officer was very helpful in helping us to understand the school's structure, values, and approach to education. Forms and admissions from year to year are very well organized!