Our School's History

Rosedale Public School was founded in 1891.

The Toronto Board of Education rented space in Mr. A. F. Bank's house at 35 North Sherbourne Street for one class. The charming Georgian house is still there.

Classes began on Nov. 4, 1891.

Four years later in June 1895, the Board purchased land and then opened a new school in 1896.

The student population almost doubled within one year; 1896 began with 124 pupils but by 1897 enrolment increased to over 200.

Ten years later (1907), the school was expanded. That addition provided 11 classrooms to serve over 400 students by 1917.

In 1920, a third and final story was added to the existing school.

Due to the road construction for the Mount Pleasant Road extension, the original building was demolished in 1957.

The present building showcases three beautiful murals depicting Spring, Summer, and Autumn in the Don Valley. These three oil panels painted by John William Beatty, R.C.A., O.S.A., were commissioned in 1908, 1909, and 1910 by the Ladies' League of School Art for Rosedale's kindergarten classroom.

Memorial scrolls of former students who gave their lives or served in either of the two World Wars are framed.

The White Ensign which was flown by the mine-sweeper The Bayfield in battle on D-Day June 6, 1944, is also displayed.

A plaque (1918) in memory of the first principal of Rosedale School honours Miss Amelia Sims, an outstanding leader of the "new" school from 1896-1914.

Rosedale has the distinction of organizing the first group of parents in a public school in the City of Toronto. In 1896, the Ladies' League of School Art raised $2000 for J.W. Beatty to paint the murals of the Don Valley. They also hired teachers of dancing, drama, music, and gymnastics.

It took 20 years (1916) for another eight schools to have a Home + School Council. By 1930, 70 councils would foster links between home and school.

Rosedale was led by women for its first 35 years – highly usual for this time:

Miss Amelia Sims 1896-1914

Miss Josephine B. Griffin 1914-1930

During the Second World War, Rosedale hosted the largest number of " war guests of any school in the city. These were children from England who were sent to live in Canada.