Jean Hanson Public School

Where Everyone is Exceptional!

Gatchell School has been renamed in memory of Jean Hanson, the former Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. Trustees unanimously approved the tribute at the regular Board meeting on April 29, 2014. Gatchell School will officially become Jean Hanson Public School at a dedication ceremony at the school on Monday, May 12, 2014. 

Jean Hanson Public School provides programming for students with exceptionalities compounded by autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, physical exceptionalities, and/or psycho-social difficulties. Our students benefit from an alternative curriculum which includes functional academics, communication and social skills, life skills, physical education and the arts.  The school provides individual programs through the provision of low student teacher ratios, specialized teachers and educational assistants and specialized teaching strategies.  

Jean Hanson Public School has a staff of dedicated professionals who strive to provide each student with quality care and educational experiences tailored to their individual needs.

Admission
Students between the ages of 4 to 21 years old are welcome. In order to access programs, students must be identified through an IPRC and must also be approved by the Superintendent of Special Education and a local area Admission Review and Demission Committee.

Programs
At Jean Hanson Public School students are part of an intensive support classroom and are given the opportunity to explore a variety of learning experiences designed to develop and enhance their independent living skills. These experiences include the use of a swimming pool, a functional kitchen and a Snoezelen room.

The pool provides opportunities for stimulation, socialization and development of physical strength.

In the kitchen environment, the students learn about nutrition, food preparation and money-management to increase self-reliance.

The Snoezelen room is accessed by those students who most benefit from its calming effects. It provides an atmosphere of relaxation, while stimulating the senses of sight, sound and touch.

The S.H.I.L.O. program, (Simulated Healthy Independent Living Opportunities) provides a unique opportunity for our students to participate in activities that foster functional independence while increasing self-esteem. The classroom is designed to simulate an apartment-type setting where students learn and practice life skills such as cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. They enjoy community excursions that promote independence and they engage in general fitness activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. The students benefit from weekly sessions with a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist.  Students also are encouraged to take part in community work or volunteer experiences to help promote independent experiences beyond the school environment.