Academics
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Mabin teachers use a progressive approach to teaching Mathematics. Rote learning is carefully balanced with experiential, dynamic and engaging lessons. The program is often taught in a half-class setting. This allows our teachers to support differentiated instruction and for each student to be challenged at an optimal level.
Habits of Mind
At The Mabin School, we believe that children are intelligent, capable individuals who should be entrusted with the responsibility of problem-solving.
Mabin’s sustaining principles of Inquiry, Integration and Reflection are as integral to the social program as they are to the academic program.
Students are empowered to think deeply about their community and how their actions affect the people around them. Students are reminded that every action has an effect, whether positive or negative, immediately or some time in the future. We often ask students, “How is your behaviour affecting the community around you?”
Habits of Mind assist students in school and adults in everyday life as they are challenged by problems, dilemmas, paradoxes and enigmas for which the solutions are not immediately apparent. Drawing on the Habits of Mind means knowing how to behave intelligently when you do not know the answers. It means not only having information, but also knowing how to act on it.
The Mabin Faculty uses Habits of Mind language to support children at work and at play. Using consistent language sets our students up for success. The concept eloquently restates many of the foundations of our school philosophy and captures much of the professional development we have done around the inquiry method and developing thinking skills.
Noted educators Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick define and describe 16 types of intelligent behavior that make up the Habits of Mind. The Mabin School focuses specifically on 10.
Watch Bena Kallick’s keynote from our February 2022 Parent2Parent Conference: Parenting Through a Pandemic with the Habits of Mind.
- Persisting:
Stick to it! - Managing Impulsivity:
Take your time! - Listening with Understanding and Empathy:
Understand others!
- Taking Responsible Risks:
Venture out! - Taking Ownership:
Do the right thing! - Paying Attention to Detail:
Check it again! - Collaborating:
Work together! - Questioning and Creating Solutions:
How do you know? Try a different way! - Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations:
Use what you learn! - Thinking about Thinking (Metacognition):
Know your knowing!
Athletics
At Mabin, “Everyone Plays”. Based on a firm belief that all students deserve equal opportunity to gain the vast variety of physical and socio-emotional skills inherently gained by participation in a positive sports experience, everyone has equal opportunity to play at Mabin.

Fundamentals
& Team Sports
We gear our athletic programs towards the different age groups of our students. Early on, the focus is on skill-building basics that form the foundation for sports skill development. For older grades, there are a variety of sports teams available like basketball, volleyball, track, dance, floor hockey & more. Learn More

Intramural
Games
Grade 3-6 students participate in sports and games at morning recess. Students decide on the activities, choose and captain the teams, referee the games and organize the schedule. Students sign up using an interest-based model, each child deciding their own level of participation and engagement. Learn More

School-wide
Activities
Mabin hosts many school-wide activities with a base in athletics like the Terry Fox Run and a Community Skate Day, and we have even run an event based on National Frog Jumping Day! Students help plan and run events, offering regular opportunities to take on a leadership role in the Mabin community. Learn More
Co-Curriculars & Clubs
Mabin offers a wide variety of co-curricular activities before school, during recesses, and after school, for students in Grades 1-6.
Co-Curriculars and Clubs are optional, and change every term. They are another example of how Mabin teachers respond to the interests and strengths of the school’s students. Students, teachers, and/or other talented individuals organize and lead these initiatives. Both Co-Curriculars and Clubs provide an excellent leadership opportunity for our students.
– Nature Club
– Chess
– Theatre Arts
– Mabin in Motion
– Sports with Andy
– Boot Camp
– Woodworking
Extended Care
The Mabin Extended Care Program meets the needs of both parents who require after school care on a regular basis, as well as those who require it occasionally. A 24 hour notice period is appreciated. The program is offered on all school days and runs from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. A healthy snack is provided each day at 4:00 PM.
Many activities are available that promote choice and particular interests, such as arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor organized sports, games and baking.
Monday
Snack: Goldfish and Cheese
Snack: Sweet Potato Fries
Snack: Bananas and Crackers
Snack: Yogurt Parafaits
Tuesday
Snack: Mini Pizza
Snack: Apples and Cheese
Snack: Fruits and Veggies
Snack: Croissants with Jam
Wednesday
Snack: Yogurt Smoothies
Snack: Veggies and Popcorn
Snack: Bagels and Cream Cheese
Snack: Frozen Fruit Bars
Thursday
Snack: Waffles and Fruit
Snack: Multigrain Bars
Snack: Grapes and Cheese
Snack: Fajitas
Friday
Snack: Pigs in a Blanket
Snack: Oranges and Pretzels
Snack: Pita Chips and Dip
Snack: Mac’n Cheese
The Social Studies Curriculum is thematically based and, as frequently as possible, emerges from the interests of the students. The learning focuses on issues that are persistent, provocative and relevant to their lives. Students are encouraged to: look at the world around them, ask questions about causes and effects, identify misconceptions, and draw conclusions through experimentation, research, cooperation and communication skills. As with all other areas of the curriculum, opportunities for integration between subject areas are facilitated between teachers and student.