What We Do

The John McGivney School Authority is designated as a Section 68 Hospital School through the Education Act of Ontario. There are six Section 68 schools in Ontario. Section 68 Hospital Schools provide programming for students with complex medical needs. We are funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and are dedicated to providing a child-centered, personalized and precise education that provides assessment and instruction designed to meet our student’s particular learning and motivational needs. We have exemplary teachers and exceptional support staff who meet our student’s individual needs. It is a requirement of Section 68 Hospital Schools that we are affiliated with either a hospital or children’s treatment/rehabilitation centre. We are proud partners with the John McGivney Children’s Centre who provide our students with the necessary occupational, physical and speech and language therapies through their therapists. The JMCC is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and is a separate entity from the School Authority. Please take a few moments to browse our site and learn more about the John McGivney School Authority. Our goals at John McGivney School Authority are:

  • to work with all stakeholders in establishing precise, measurable rehabilitative and academic goals
  • to provide the highest quality programming to meet individual student needs
  • to maximize student development in functional communication, literacy, numeracy, and social skills
  • to continue to forge strong working relationships with local school boards to ensure successful transitioning into community schools
  • to continue to foster a culture of collaboration with families and centre staff
  • to provide continued support beyond transition to community schools
  • to ensure success for ALL students

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!” – Helen Keller

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Our Students

Our students are those who can benefit from an educational setting that responds to their physical and developmental needs. Students 4-14 years of age living in Windsor/Essex County who meet the admission criteria are eligible to attend.

Admission Criteria

Students admitted to the John McGivney School Authority have a diagnosis of a physical disability and other associated complex needs. Students must also meet the following criteria:

  • Reside within Essex County
  • Be between the age of 4 (by December 31 st of the current school year) and 21

Demonstrate complex needs in 2 or more of the following therapy areas:

Physiotherapy (moderate to severe impairment in gross motor development)
Occupational Therapy (moderate to severe impairment in fine motor development and functional or daily living skills)
Speech and Language Therapy (moderate to severe impairment in receptive, expressive language and/or developing speech)

Demonstrate the ability to participate in an individualized alternative program focused on literacy, numeracy, social emotional, and classroom based occupational, physical and communication therapies.

Referrals are through therapists at the John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC). For a student to be enrolled at the School Authority, the student must be a client of the JMCC and receiving therapeutic services while enrolled at the School Authority.

Students who may require a medically protected environment due to post/traumatic, postoperative,
or due to medical fragility may be eligible. Cases will be reviewed on an individual basis.

For further information about the John McGivney School Authority, please email: [email protected]

Vision & Mission

Vision

Providing children with complex special needs an exceptional learning environment.

Mission

Enabling students with complex special needs to reach their full potential.

Our Beliefs

  • Celebrating uniqueness and diversity
  • Respect, encouragement, and dignity for all
  • Collaborative partnerships
  • Safe and caring environment
  • Equitable access

To view the John McGivney School Authority Multi-Year Plan, please refer to the 2021-26 Strategic Plan.

Our Priorities

Providing children with complex special needs an exceptional learning environment.

Learning & Innovation
Providing exceptional individualized learning opportunities.
Partnerships
Engaging families, community partners, and stakeholders.
Ethical Stewardship
Inspiring ethical, responsive stewardship