ABSTRACT
This chapter describes collective journey transforming a school of high poverty, enormous cultural diversity and low achievement into a success story. The story of Joyce Public School (JPS) becoming an international success story parallels their steep learning curve as school leader, the professional development of the school's teaching staff and the investment of their local community, research colleagues and business partners. The students at JPS experienced realities imposed by poverty: limited opportunities to pursue enriching experiences or after-school activities in their early years as well as limited parental involvement in their education. In a community of high poverty, teachers, parents and community members held the belief that children were doing the best one could expect at school. In 2005, the Joyce community was designated one of 13 City of Toronto priority neighbourhoods, which brought more resources into the community. In a low-income school area partnerships are critical to support success.
