About Us

Josiah Henson serves a population of 860 students in grades K to 8 in Pickering, Ontario.

The Josiah Henson school community is a safe and caring one with a focus on academics, safety and character education.  The school team works collaboratively to emphasize success for each student.

Our school is named after Josiah Henson.  Josiah Henson was a brave and kind man who was born in 1789. He was born into slavery but escaped to Canada to find freedom. He helped others, started a school, and became a leader who inspired many people.  Our school is named after him because he showed courage, kindness, and hope.  Our school values are courage, perseverance, kindness and joy.

Principal: Alicia Lewis-Brown

Email: JosiahHensonPS@ddsb.ca

Phone: 905-440-4520


Principal’s message

Welcome to our new school and the 2025-2026 school year.

 

Mission Statement

Josiah Henson Public School is committed to providing a learning environment which is:

  • Safe and emphasizes health, human rights, equity, engagement and well being
  • Innovative and relevant to the needs of every learner
  • Focused on building relationships and developing people
  • Participatory and which seamlessly connects students with each other and with their teachers and which provides consistent and frequent feedback to parents
  • Staffed by a well-trained and empathetic team of professionals who provide high quality learning experiences and pathways to academic success in each subject.

We envision a learning environment where success for students looks and feels like:

  • Clear expectations for all
  • Differentiated, relevant tasks with ownership for learning and feedback
  • Engaging, challenging teaching and learning in support for student achievement
  • Ongoing home/school communication
  • A place where differences and abilities are respected, valued and celebrated
  • Where it is safe for students to express their thoughts, feelings and identities

We look forward to creating a dynamic, engaging, supportive virtual learning community together.

Alicia Lewis-Brown