St Marks is a Catholic and Inclusive primary school, meaning children of all abilities and special needs are included within the daily routine of the classroom day. The children attend school from Kindergarton (age 4) until grade 8 (age 13/14 years old). There is one classroom teacher with no teaching assistants with the exception of those classes with children who have special needs. These children usually have an education assistant supporting and providing different activities relevant to their individual needs. They also have specialist equipment for all ages including bikes, mobility equipment and a sensory room to enable those children's development and promote their development.
The school is located in the town of Whitby, Toronto, Ontario. Personally, I am stayin with family in the local area. There are only a few local hotels in the area of Whitby or Ajax, including travel lodge, but plenty in the centre of Toronto, you may want to look around as they can be expensive as it is the centre and popular area. Check on www.tripadvisor.ca or www.expedia.ca or www.hotels.ca for the best deals!
There are many buses and trains travelling particularly from Toronto town centre but local areas too, the school is around a 30-40minute train ride away from Toronto centre. You may also want to rent a car, but be careful to check th age restrictions as you must be 21 or 25 years old (depending on the province) to rent a car. Within the city centre they also have the subway and tram cars to get around quicker although most things are in the area. The train is aroun $6 one way and $13 for an all day pass.
There is plenty to do in Toronto or the surrounding area. Visit Port Perry- depending on the time of year there is a huge lake in the Summer time with boat rides going in the winter time it ices over and locals like to ice skate on it. The local skating rink is a must as Canadians love to ice skate and play ice hockey.
Toronto are beginning to become more of a theatre city and there are a variety of great shows in the area, The Canon Theatre or Prince of Wales Theatre. The CN tower and the Rogers stadium are also great places to visit. You may want to watch a baseball or ice hockey game.
There are a few local museums in Ottowa and Toronto Zoo. There are some nice places to visit in the centre such as the Eaton shopping centre and The Beeches. The royal ontario museum, the science centre, the bata shoe museum, the police museum are all great places to visit. The designer area of toronto is called yorkville and often filming will take place here or celebritiies shop in the area here.
Niagra Falls is also around a 2hour drive away and should definitely be on the top of your list! There are some organised trips to niagra falls via grey line tours but it may be just as good to go by yourself and explore and stay in a hotel, again check the websites for cheapest options.
Tickets to ice hockey, baseball, theatre shows may be expensive so try to book them early, ranging from $30 to $70. You will find some vouchers around the city in tourist information centres for museums etc and if you plan on visiting a few you can get a 5 trip pass at www.citypass.com which includes 5 attractions for just $65.
Things to do, things not to do
Wear smart clothes to the school, be respectful to all chldren and parents as they all come from different backgrounds and lifestyles.
Make sure you check the weather and pack for every occasion depending on the time of year! I have experienced snow and sunshine in the space of 48hours! Make sure you take appropriate clothes for snow and sun!
Also make sure you order your Canadian dollars at least a week before you go as they do not keep them in exchange bureaus.
Flights are usually a little cheaper around this time of year, depending when you book them! Usually before new year is better as prices raise in the new year.
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