School Programs
School curriculum-based resources for teachers.
The Town of Oakville has been recognized as a Play Works’ Gold Youth Friendly Community for our outstanding commitment to providing young people with opportunities to play, participate in and contribute to their community.
Our unique programming options and state-of-the-art facilities are a perfect complement to the existing elementary and secondary school curriculum. Lesson plans have been carefully created to meet your needs and customized options are available.
Our 2022 Fall School Curriculum Companion has information about the programs and activities offered, including:
- museum tours about Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad
- theatre performances about moments in Canadian history
- Swim to Survive® lessons and sports instruction
- innovative arts and culture activities, and
- customized youth programs.
Information in this booklet was current at the time of printing and is subject to change.
Browse the 2022 Fall School Curriculum Companion
Email janine.ivings@oakville.ca to join our email list about upcoming school curriculum events.
Program categories
The Oakville Community Foundation’s Community Classroom program provides free arts, culture and heritage programs to Oakville’s publicly funded elementary students. Some restrictions apply.
Programming will only be made available virtually for the 2022/23 school year.
To access available programming and to learn more about Community Classroom, please visit the Oakville Community Foundation website.
Sports and fitness
We focus on providing physical literacy experiences and fundamental movement skills for quality learning. All programs are available year-round. Choose from:
- Fitness/Squash/Racquetball
- Squash Court or Racquetball Court Access – Age: 6+
- Fitness Centre Access – Age: 14+
- Fitness Class (Instructed) – Age: 5+
- Sports
- Sport or Active Play in Gymnasium – Age: 5+
- Sports or Active Play in Gymnasium with Instructor – Age: 5+
Contacts
Glen Abbey Community Centre – nazia.white@oakville.ca or all 905-845-6601, ext. 3568
Iroquois Ridge Community Centre – lisa.pemberton@oakville.ca or call 905-845-6601, ext. 3728
Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre – anita.weisseneder@oakville.ca or call 905-845-6601, ext. 4609
River Oaks Community Centre – bob.pawliw@oakville.ca or call 905-845-6601, ext. 3368
Swim Programs
Swim to Survive® classes are provided as part of the Grade 3 public school and the Grade 4 Catholic School curriculum. Students are bused to one of our pools for three in-water lessons focusing on three skills:
- Roll into deep water
- Tread water for one-minute, and
- Swim 50 metres.
Swim to Survive Plus builds on the skills taught in Swim to Survive, presenting real-life situations geared toward children in Grade 7. Participants will learn:
- How to roll, tread and swim with clothes on
- How to help a friend in deep water without putting themselves in danger
- Basic physical fitness concepts through interval training and a fitness swim
Contact
Jonathan Brooker, Aquatics Coordinator at White Oaks Pool
jonathan.brooker@oakville.ca
905-845-6601, ext. 3466
Pool programs
Pool rental and programs can be created for Grades 1 through 12. We offer lessons, water safety or fun swim programs based on interest and skill level. Email bookafacility@oakville.ca for details.
Oakville's aquatics programs are available at five indoor pools that are open year-round and five outdoor pools open from June until the beginning of September.
Oakville Fire department (OFD) In-Person and Virtual Classroom Visits
The OFD offers classroom presentations to enhance curriculum-based learning that is tied to fire and life safety. We provide free in-school instruction by request. The lessons students learn will reduce the chances of experiencing a fire, and will assist families in having a plan should a fire occur.
Learn Not to Burn – Kindergarten or Grade 1 and 2 Program includes:
- Learn Not to Burn teacher resource book (recommended by Curriculum Services Canada).
- Our offer to play an active role in delivering a portion of the lessons during virtual or in-person visits.
- Online video resources such as Sparky’s ABC’s and OFD Station 3 Tour.
Learn Not to Burn – Grade 3 and 4 Program includes:
- Online video resources such as the OFD Station 3 Tour.
- Presentation delivered to students by one of our Public Education Officers.
- Kahoot – a fun, online game platform that tests students’ knowledge of various fire/life safety elements.
Safe Cooking – Grade 5 to 8 Program
Lessons covered in this PowerPoint presentation delivered by one of our Public Education Officers include:
- Identifying fire hazards in the kitchen and how to eliminate them.
- Smoke alarm use, testing and maintenance.
- Burn treatment and prevention.
- How to safely extinguish a small, contained fire in a pot or pan.
Fire Safety for Newcomers LINC or ESL
The Oakville Fire Department can provide a fire safety presentation to meet the language level of LINC or ESL students.
Book a program visit
Call 905-338-4404 to book a program visit from the Oakville Fire Department.
Contacts
Glenn Barwell, Public Education Officer
glenn.barwell@oakville.ca
905-815-6601, ext. 2022
Alicia Petz, Public Education Officer
alicia@petz.oakville.ca
905-815-6601, ext. 5281
Led by professional artists and arts educators, Oakville Galleries’ Artist in the Classroom school programs make visual arts accessible and engaging through fun, hands-on lessons using specialized materials and links to the curriculum.
Lessons can be offered virtually.
Visit the Oakville Galleries website, call 905-844-4402, ext. 26, or email education@oakvillegalleries.com for more information about Oakville Galleries':
Once home to Oakville’s founding family, Erchless Estate is now the setting for Oakville’s community museum.
Our education programs offer students historical experiences related to our heritage using artifacts, hands-on activities, stories, and interactive presentations.
We are committed to inquiry-based learning as outlined by the Citizenship Education Framework with specific curriculum links to a variety of subjects and grade levels.
All programs can be adapted for Kindergarten students. Museum programs for early learners are based on learning through play.
To book a school or group visit for a cultural experience at Oakville Museum, fill out our online request form to help us understand your booking needs.
The Oakville Public Library can help students explore Digital Literacy, Communications, STEAM subjects and more.
Students in various grades will gain access and exposure to new technology that cultivates discovery and creativity, fostering discussion on how technology impacts everyday life.
Get in touch with your local library branch, call 905-815-2042 or email OPLReference@oakville.ca to schedule your program.
The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts provides students with inspiring experiences that support creative development.
Geared to elementary and secondary schools, the Learning with the Arts program brings literacy, numeracy and other lessons to life through theatre, music and dance.
Email boxoffice@oakville.ca to reserve your link for the free classroom livestream offered on YouTube.
Help at-promise students recognize their unique abilities, interests and creativity through innovative learning opportunities outside of a traditional classroom. Our staff will customize a plan with you that leverages arts, music and cultural programming to enhance the student experience and optimize engagement.
Contact
Nabeel Rahman, Community Development Specialist
905-845-6601, ext. 3619
nabeel.rahman@oakville.ca
Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) is the only culture and active living centre of its kind in all of Canada! At this location we offer in-person studio arts school programs in our:
- fine art, ceramics, woodworking, theatre and dance studios
- gallery and museum space
- a youth centre
- an aquatics centre
- a rock climbing wall, and
- gyms
For students
Students will have an opportunity to experience a studio environment first-hand and explore diverse exhibitions and gallery spaces. Our school programs meet Ontario curriculum objectives through creative experiential learning outside the classroom.
For teachers
Book a two-hour visual arts program in one of our art studios for your next teacher professional development event. We will teach you visual literacy as well as new techniques to complement your classroom activities.
For groups and clubs
Learn and earn! Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts are welcome to book an evening of art, music or drama to work towards badges. Through fun activities, we promote cultural understanding across the arts.
Lesson plans
Our many learning experiences are listed in the Curriculum Companion. Some sessions are accompanied by lesson plans outlining curriculum connections.
Browse our School Curriculum Companion
Contact
To book a school or group visit for a cultural experience at QEPCCC,fill out our online request form to help us understand your booking needs.
Our youth programs provide a positive way for children and youth to develop fundamental skills through recreation and civic engagement. The Town of Oakville is proud to hold Play Works’ Gold Youth Friendly Community designation for outstanding commitment to providing young people with opportunities to play, participate in and contribute to their community.
We offer programs and pop-up activities at various locations that focus on positive asset-building for ages 11 to 19.
Lesson plans will be enhanced by hosting a special program or field trip for your students to enjoy the variety of activities. Supplies and capacity differ slightly at each centre.
For more information, contact oakvilleyouth@oakville.ca.
Plan your visit!
Registration
- Contacts are provided to discuss specific booking details.
- The town will send an email confirmation to the person booking the workshop.
- A minimum of two weeks’ booking notice is required.
Minimum and maximum participants
- Bookings with less than 12 participants will be charged for the minimum of 12.
- Refer to the Curriculum Companion for the maximum number of participants that can be accommodated in each program as this varies.
Changes and cancellations
- Changes and withdrawals from School Programs are permitted up to two weeks prior to the scheduled date of the visit.
- Changes will not be permitted the day of the visit.
- Notice of cancellation must be received in writing by the appropriate Town of Oakville programmer via email. Requests left on voicemail will not be considered sufficient notice.
Payment
- We recommend your payment be made two weeks in advance. If not possible, payment is due on the day of your visit.
- We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, interact, cash or cheque (payable to The Town of Oakville).
- Teachers and parent supervisors attend free of charge.
HST
Programs for participants 14 years and under are tax exempt.
HST (registration #12174 2456 RT0001) will be added to program fees for participants ages 15 and older.
Supervision
Teachers and adult supervisors must stay with students at all times, being responsible for ensuring appropriate student behaviour and discipline.
Recommended minimum ratio of adult supervisors to students:
- 1:8 for JK and SK
- 1:12 for Grades 1 to 12
Teachers and adult supervisors attend free of charge.
Lunch and breaks
For those planning a full day of activities, space may be provided for lunch (if available). Refreshments are not available on site but participants may bring their own.
For lunches, please note that these are nut-free programs.