The People of Tecumseh Community School 

As a volunteer run not-for-profit, Tecumseh Community School relies on dedicated, talented people.  

Sandra Arner, our recently retired Community School Supervisor, is stepping back into her old role to make sure everything runs smoothly when we re-open.  Heidi Wood-Heene had just started her role as Supervisor when Covid forced us to shut down, and has moved on to other employment. She has joined the TCS Council, though, and is still an active volunteer.

We have many talented programs instructors and coordinators, some of whom live in our neighbourhood and many of whom volunteer their time. 

Some of our youth programs are run by high school students from South Collegiate Institute. Many of these young people are Tecumseh grads, and some have enjoyed the job so much that they have gone on to careers in teaching!

The Tecumseh Community School is overseen and governed by a Council. Our Council Chair is Laura Gentile, who has been on the volunteering with us for many years and was intrumental in developing the Tuesday Night Talks!  Linda Smith has retired from chairing, but is still an active and valued member of the Council.  Former Chairperson Dorothy Miller has been volunteering for the Community School for many, many years!  Other Council members include Christine Tagliabracci, Pam Hoffman, Nissa Boulanger, Amy Shugar, Nicole Ariss, and Diane Irving. Scott Arner has stepped in as our treasurer.

This group, along with our friends and neighbours (ranging in age from four to eighty-five!) who participate in our programs, are the heart and soul of the Community School. Thank you!

Our History

In the mid 1970s, the Ministry of Education decided that school buildings should be utilized by the community during evening hours.  This seemed a great use of resources, having the buildings in use instead of sitting empty every evening.  Along with this suggestion came goverment funding, and the Board of Education set up several Community Schools throughout London. The Schools involved included Tecumseh, Wortley Road , Manor and Highland Park, Byron Northview, Ealing, Lorne Avenue, Northbrae, Sir John A. MacDonald, Trafalgar, and White Oaks. Tecumseh Community School was born!

Unfortunately, funding for community schools was eventually cut.  This economic blow, along with a lack of volunteers, meant that most community schools could no longer operate and, one by one, they closed. 

However, a dedicated group of volunteers, along with strong support from our community, ensured that Tecumseh Community School was here to stay, and after 30 years we remain one of the last of these community school programs in the city.