School Programs

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.

Contact

To access available programming and to learn more about Community Classroom, please visit the Oakville Community Foundation website.

What comes once every four years? Not just the leap year, but also your local municipal election.

In our civic engagement programs, students learn how our town is run, why municipal elections matter, and how decisions made by our local leaders can impact schools, roads, your favourite recreation program, parks, and events.

Town of Future Voters for Grades 1-8 and Know Your Municipal Government for Grades 9 to 12 are offered in the spring and fall, in your classroom or at Oakville Town Hall (1225 Trafalgar Road).

Contact

To discuss a booking or learn more, please call 905-815-6015 or email elections@oakville.ca.

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+

Contact

Email schoolprograms@oakville.ca or call:

• Glen Abbey Community Centre – 905-845-6601, ext. 3568
• Iroquois Ridge Community Centre – 905-845-6601, ext. 3728
• Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre – 905-845-6601, ext. 4543
• Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre – 905-845-6601, ext. 4609
• River Oaks Community Centre – 905-845-6601, ext. 3368
• Trafalgar Park Community Centre – 905-845-6601, ext. 4502

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.

Contact

Email swimtosurvive@oakville.ca or call 905-845-6601, ext. 3466.

Pool programs

Pool rentals 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.

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.

Contact

Email bookafacility@oakville.ca for details.

Note: The Oakville Soccer Club has its own tab for details about curriculum-based programs and services they offer.

Learn Not to Burn

Preschool and Kindergarten

Lessons covered include smoke alarms are important; get out – stay out; stay away from hot things; matches and lighters are for grown-ups; and firefighters are community helpers.

The program provides teachers with:

• A fire safety talk done by one of our public education officers.
• Firetruck and firefighter visit for in-person programs.

Duration: Approximately 60 minutes (30-minute fire safety chat and 30-minute firetruck visit)

Fee: Free

Grade 1

Lessons covered include smoke alarms are important; get out – stay out; what is an emergency; and how to report an emergency using 911.

The program provides teachers with:

• A fire safety talk done by one of our public education officers, including a reading of “Impatient Pamela Calls 911” or "No Dragons for Tea".
• A demonstration of how to call 911 and report an emergency.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Fee: Free

Grades 2 and 3

Lessons covered include smoke alarms are important; home escape planning; and what is an emergency.

The program provides teachers with:

• Fire safety talk by one of our public education officers, which includes a mini home fire escape plan obstacle course* for students to practise on.

*A library or gym is an ideal area for the presentation, as some room is needed to set-up and implement the mini-home escape obstacle course.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Fee: Free

Grades 4 and 5

Lessons covered include preventing fires in the home; the importance of smoke alarms; and home escape planning.

The program provides teachers with:

• A fun and interactive Hazard House presentation* by one of our public education officers. The Hazard House is a large fire prevention simulator that teaches fire safety and injury prevention in the home.

*Access to electricity is needed to run the special effects for the Hazard House.

Duration: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes

Fee: Free

Safe Cooking Program – Grades 6 to 9

This interactive and informative PowerPoint presentation is delivered to students by one of our public education officers and aims to teach the basics of safe cooking practices. Each student will receive a certificate of attendance.

Lessons covered 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; and home escape planning.

Duration: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes

Fee: Free

Fire Safety for Newcomers (ESL)

The Oakville Fire Department can provide a fire safety presentation to meet the language level of ESL classes.

Contact

Email or call to book a virtual or in-person classroom visit from a Public Education Officer with the Oakville Fire Department:

• Public Education Officer, Alicia Petz at 905-845-6601, ext. 5281 or alicia.petz@oakville.ca
• Public Education Officer Sean Grech at 905-845-6601, ext. 2022 or sean.grech@oakville.ca

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.

• Learn more about Oakville Galleries' School Programs.
• Complete the Oakville Galleries online School Program Registration Form.

Contact

Visit the Oakville Galleries website, call 905-844-4402, ext. 26, or email education@oakvillegalleries.com for more information.

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.

Contact

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.

Contact

Get in touch with your local library branch, call 905-815-2042 or email OPLReference@oakville.ca to schedule your program.

Tailored Soccer, Recreation and Mentorship Programs for Every Grade Level!

At the Oakville Soccer Club (OSC), we pride ourselves on our unique ability to create unforgettable, educational and positive soccer experiences for students of all ages. Our programs are designed to promote active participation, physical literacy, teamwork, and skill development.

We’re happy to host your field trip tournament, sports day or program at our Pine Glen Soccer Centre (1520 Pine Glen Road), providing access to top-notch facilities and expert coaching. Alternatively, our team can travel to your school, bringing the excitement of soccer right to your doorstep.

Breaking Barriers: Embracing Inclusivity in Soccer

OSC’s Breaking Barriers programming champions inclusivity, offering individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities the chance to embrace soccer, foster physical literacy, and revel in the joy of the game. Additionally, OSC tailors mentorship programs, uniting high-school students with elementary school counterparts, enriching experiences both on and off the field.

Contact

Email info@oakvillesoccer.ca or visit www.oakvillesoccer.ca.

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.

Contact

Learn more at oakvillecentre.ca.

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

Email schoolprograms@oakville.ca or call 905-845-6601, ext. 3630.

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 and theatre studios.

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.

For homeschool groups

Depending on the activity and studio, some visits may be for participants only and caregivers may be asked to wait in the lobby.

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.

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.

Contact

Email oakvilleyouth@oakville.ca.

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.

All materials are already taxed and the fee is included in the quoted rate.

Supervision during school visits

Teachers and adult supervisors are required to stay with students at all times and are responsible for appropriate student behaviour and discipline. Teachers and parent supervisors attend free of charge. The recommended minimum ratios of adult supervisors to students are:

• JK and SK should be 1:8
• Grades 1 to 12 should be 1:12.

Supervision during homeschool visits

For safety, no infants in arms, carriers, wraps or strollers are allowed. Younger siblings are not allowed in the studios during instruction. Depending on the activity and studio, some visits may be participants only. Caregivers may be asked to wait in the lobby.

Safety

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Dress for mess and tie long hair back.

Lunch and Breaks

If you are planning a full day of activities, a lunch space may be provided if available. Lunch and refreshments are not available on location but participants may bring their own. We are a nut-free environment.

Please note: All prices, policies and program offerings are subject to change without notice. The Oakville Centre for Performing Arts has separate booking policies.

Convenient and Affordable Oakville Transit!

Did you know that rides on Oakville Transit for ages 19 and under are FREE* with a PRESTO card? Plus, our extensive route network and online planning tools make taking public transit easier than ever!

Oakville Transit is also piloting a new School Programs Charter Service to help get you and your students to your program and back.

Subject to availability. Other charter service conditions include:

1. Travel must be within the Town of Oakville to programs offered by the Recreation and Culture department, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday to Friday only.
2. Bookings with Oakville Transit must be made a minimum of two weeks in advance of your program date.
3. The charter rate of $176 per bus (round-trip), plus applicable taxes, will be paid directly to Oakville Transit.

Contact

To book your Oakville Transit Charter Bus, please call 905-815-2020 or email transit@oakville.ca.

*There is a one-time or replacement fee for PRESTO cards. Visit the Oakville Transit website for more information.