Welcome to Senator Gibson Public School!
Here you will find information about our school's history and current community. As well as important information including parking and drop-off, Spirit Wear, and supporting students with prevalent medical conditions.
History of Senator Gibson Public School
Senator Gibson Public School has been an important part of the Beamsville community for more than 60 years. While our building has grown and changed over the years, our commitment to students and families has remained at the heart of our school.
1963 - The School Opens
As the population in the Ontario Street area continued to grow, the School Board determined that a new school was needed. Land was acquired on John Street, and construction began on what was originally known simply as the “John Street School.”
The new six-classroom school was completed on November 18, 1963. While construction was underway, students were temporarily accommodated at Jacob Beam School.
The school initially served students in Grades 1-5. Donald Miller became the school's first principal, following supervising principal Elmer Fulerton, who shared responsibilities between Senator Gibson and Jacob Beam.
The official opening took place on November 22, 1963, when the school was officially named Senator Gibson School.
Who Was Senator Gibson?
Our school is named after William Gibson, an influential figure in the Beamsville community.
Born in Peterhead, Scotland, William Gibson came to Canada at the age of twelve to work with his uncle in a limestone quarry. He went on to become one of the most influential citizens of Beamsville. In 1891, he was elected to represent the Lincoln Riding, a position he held for ten years, before being appointed to the Canadian Senate by Lord Minto.
His former residence in Beamsville continues to be part of the local community and is now used as the dormitory for Great Lakes Christian College.
1967 - Growing With Our Community
As Beamsville continued to grow, so did Senator Gibson. In 1967, four additional classrooms were added to the school. One of these classrooms became home to Senator Gibson's first Kindergarten class.
1997-1998 - A Major Expansion
By the late 1990s, continued growth once again meant that Senator Gibson needed more space. Seven classrooms were temporarily housed at Beamsville District Secondary School while a major construction project was underway.
Construction began in October 1997, and by June 1998 the new east wing was ready for students. The older central section was also renovated, allowing students from both campuses to come together once again in September 1998.
Senator Gibson Today
Today, Senator Gibson Public School is home to over 450 students in around 21 classrooms from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Our students participate in a rich and varied learning program supported by a dedicated and caring staff. We are proud to provide a positive, inclusive and engaging environment where every student is encouraged to learn, grow and thrive.
We are proud of our history, our school community, and the many students, families and staff members who have helped make Senator Gibson what it is today.
School Leadership
Our current administrative team is Principal Vanessa Marchand and Vice Principal Riley Crawford-Eybel.
Previous principals include Donald Miller, Wayne MacMillan, Barbara Bradbury, Glen Hutchinson, Ian Wood, John Janzen, Stewart Greavette, Lynda Gorham, John Dickson, Robb McLean, Andrea Grieve, Simon Hancox, Pam Spero and Lisa St. John.
School Spirit
Show your Senator Gibson pride with our school SpiritWear! Shop Senator Gibson Spirit Wear here. Items can be delivered directly to your home or to the school.
Parking & Student Drop-Off
Bus Drop-Off
The area directly in front of the school (the front curved driveway) is designated for specialized buses and vehicles for the specialized classes and is a fire lane. Parking, briefly stopping or dropping students off is not permitted in this area. We also ask that families do not wait in this area for students at the end of the day or drop off in the morning.
Other buses pull up at the inlet in front of the Kindergarten play area. Cars are not permitted in this area.
Student Drop-Off
If you are dropping off your child, please use the drop-off area accessed through the side parking lot. To access this area go into the parking lot, staying to the right, continue through the parking lot and stop at the crosswalk, where students can safely enter the field.
Kindergarten Drop-Off
Kindergarten students may be dropped off at John Street Gate. Parents are asked to park at the church parking lot or side streets and walk their child over.
School Entrance
Students arriving on time should enter through the designated playground/yard entry. Students arriving after the bell should enter through the front doors.
Parking & Walking Your Child
If you would like to park and walk your child(ren) to the playground entry gates, please use the church parking lot or nearby side streets. Please do not park in the school fire lane or in areas designated for student drop-off.
Student Pick-Up
At the end of the school day, students in Grades 1–8 will be released from the back field. Parents and caregivers are asked to park in the church parking lot or nearby side streets. The kiss 'n ride is closed in the PM. The curved front driveway is for specialized buses and vehicles only.
Please do not wait for your child in the bus lane or in front of the school, as this area must remain clear for buses and emergency access.
Kindergarten Pick-Up
Kindergarten students will be released from the John Street Gate at the end of the school day.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe and smooth start to the school day.
Supporting Students With Prevalent Medical Conditions
The DSBN is committed to supporting students who live with prevalent medical conditions, including anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and other conditions that may require emergency medical support.
Some students at Senator Gibson have severe, life-threatening allergies. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can develop quickly and requires immediate treatment.
As a school community, prevention and awareness are essential. We ask families to carefully consider the food they send to school and to follow all school and DSBN procedures related to allergies and other medical conditions.
Please help your child understand the importance of:
- Following school food and allergy expectations.
- Never sharing food with other students.
- Washing hands with soap and water, particularly after eating.
- Listening to and following the directions of school staff.
Our staff work closely with families to follow individual plans of care and to respond appropriately when a medical incident occurs. By working together, we can help create a safe and supportive learning environment for every student.
If you have questions about prevalent medical conditions or your child's individual needs at school, please contact the school office.
Thank you to our students, families and staff for helping us care for one another and keep Senator Gibson a safe place to learn.