St. Brigid Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
St. Brigid Catholic Elementary School Mission Statement
We, the St. Brigid community, open to transformation by the spirit; strive to develop our problem-solving skills to achieve excellence enabling us to meet the
challenges of the world. We respect the uniqueness and dignity of each individual by nurturing continual growth.
Motto
Live, Love, Learn, Light
Catholic Focus
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St. Brigid Elementary School
Learning Plan
St. Brigid Catholic Elementary School was named after St. Brigid who lived in Ireland from 450 to 525 A.D. She was called the “Patroness of the Green Isle”
by the Irish who recognized the wonderful influence that this one individual had on all their lives.
St. Brigid’s strong commitment to a life devoted exclusively to God became evident when, instead of getting married, she chose to become a nun. As a nun,
St. Brigid educated young girls at a convent that she built. Over the years, Brigid built several convents in Ireland. Millions of Irish nuns followed St. Brigid’s
example and have helped bring Christ’s love to people all over the world. Her simple lifestyle allowed her to give everything she had to those that were in
need. St. Brigid is a model of Christian life because of her commitment to justice and education, her care for orphans and her concern for the poor and needy.
Her feast day is on February 1.
In 1985, St. Brigid Catholic Elementary School was built due to a growing Catholic community in the area of Steeles Avenue, between McLaughlin Road and
Chinguacousy Road in Brampton on what was a large cornfield. The school was comprised of two stories, with a beautiful library and front hallway and a porta-pack. Our Trustee was J.K. Adamson and the first Principal was C. Cancelli. The school was blessed on June 2, 1986 by the Celebrant Reverend R. A.
Krafchik. During the next few years, the school’s population grew very rapidly. Eighteen portables were added to the site. In 2002, the portables and port-apack were replaced by a two storey addition. Eventually, the school’s enrolment had to be capped. Gradually throughout the years, the enrolment declined.
Presently, our enrolment is approximately 300 students, of diverse social and ethnic backgrounds, from our Full Day Kindergarten students to our Grade 8
students. Most of the surrounding community consists of single-family dwellings.
Our school provides a faith filled learning environment for all. The teachings of our Catholic Faith are an integral part of our daily life. Our Gospel values are
woven into all aspects of life at St. Brigid. Within our community, faith is a lived experience modeled by staff, students and those who choose to share in the
teachings of our children. We celebrated our faith throughout the academic year. We come together at various vibrant and spiritual liturgies to share in
communal prayer and to acknowledge the spiritual seasons and holy days. Throughout the year, parents, staff and students share with others through
outreach to the greater community. We contribute to various social justice causes throughout the year, as we strive to serve and be witnesses to Christ.
Our school community is informed of activities through the distribution of school newsletters, which are often supplemented by classroom newsletters and the
school website. Most of our parents attend student-parent-teacher conferences, communicate with teachers directly and review school report cards. We have
established an active Catholic School Council, which understands, compliments and supports the goals of our school through their efforts and initiatives.
St. Brigid is proud to have a caring school and community that stress tolerance and acceptance of others, commitment to our Catholic faith and high
academic standards. We have a strong relationship with our Parish, St. Jerome Church. Together with St. Jerome Church and the parent community, St.
Brigid School supports the academic and spiritual growth of the students entrusted to our care.
Core Principles
Catholicity
The school community model, celebrate and nourish gospel values in the teaching and learning of our Christ-centred programs and services by;
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Celebration of Masses & Liturgies
Virtues Program
Religion & Family Life Programs
School wide Morning Prayers
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St. Brigid Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Pastoral Plan
Sacred space in all the classroom, office & main foyer
Social Justice Initiatives
Green Team – environmental focus
Relationship with Parish
Students attend annual Diversity Conference
Rosary Apostolate
Incorporate Catholic Graduate Expectations
Learning Environment
The school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance:
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Primary Reading: 82%
Primary Writing: 85%
Primary Mathematics: 79%
Observations regarding school progress in primary EQAO: Our Grade 3 cohort scores indicate a rolling average increase in reading, writing and
math due to implemented high yield and comprehension strategies throughout the year. Math scores indicate that continual work with high yield
strategies is needed.
The school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance:
Junior Reading: 91%
Junior Writing: 91%
Junior Mathematics: 79%
Observations regarding school progress in junior EQAO: Our Grade 6 cohort scores indicate a rolling average increase in reading, writing and
math due to implemented high yield and comprehension strategies throughout the year.
Describe how the school community supports and provide opportunities for life-long learning.
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Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the school
Transition Planning for Grade 8 to Grade 9
Homework Help Program for Grades 7 & 8
Teachers are lifelong learners and role models
Promoting the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
Junior Creativity Assemblies
All Star Reading Program
Curriculum Evening
The school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all learners:
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As many as possible during the week, 2 hour literacy blocks and 60 minute Math blocks
All Star Reading Program
Tutors Program
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St. Brigid Elementary School
Learning Plan
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All grades involved in the Teaching Learning Cycle Teacher moderation
Anchor Charts
EQAO words posted in the classrooms
Levels of achievement posted in the classroom
Monthly Team Meetings
Guided Instruction in small groups
Focus on accountable talk
Staff and Division meetings
Differentiated Instruction
SMART Board Intermediate Arts Initiative
Professional Development through Program Department
Special Assignment Teacher – focus Mathematics
Use of Ministry Documents (Growing Success, School Effectiveness Framework, etc.)
Ongoing Professional Development with teachers
Community Engagement
The school community ensures that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community:
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All are welcomed to participate
Special Events are arranged to reflect the diverse Catholic community
Diversity Team and diversity celebrations
Catholic School Council funds allocated will positively affect entire schools population
In what ways does the school team build and sustain community partnerships and collaboratives (e.g., collaborative relationships, Success By 6 Peel)?
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Grade 6 RAID Program
Peel Police presentations to students
Partners (i.e. Peel Health, Social Workers, Parents, CAS) are invited to attend monthly Team Meetings
Conflict Managers
Harvest and Spring Clean Up through Region of Peel
Environmental Play Day by City of Brampton
Region of Peel Presentations
Parish-Home-School
The school promotes the engagement and active participation of the parish and home as a fundamental component of student success.
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St. Brigid Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Parish team meeting
School Masses.
School & Parish support the Gr. 2 & 8 in their sacramental years
Food Drive
Mitten Tree
School Masses
Monthly Virtue Assemblies
Newsletters
School liaison with Parish Pastor
Physical Environment
The school models and promotes good stewardship of resources:
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Green Team
Partnerships with the City of Brampton
Recycling
Brampton Clean up
Earth Day activities
Litterless Lunch
Gardening Club
Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
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Strive to achieve a balanced budget
School Budget Committee
Follow all GAP policies
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St. Brigid Elementary School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By the end of June, 2016 there will be a proportional increase in the well-being of students (feeling accepted and safe), as a result of successful practices
that have been implemented, as indicated in the CCCC School Climate Survey.
Action Plans
Develop a variety of initiatives, programs and events facilitated through our CCCCAT team to support student well-being.
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By the end of June 2016 there will be a proportional increase in student engagement through the implementation of successful practices that support
collaborative inquiry, resulting in increased student achievement.
Action Plans
Ongoing participation in collaborative inquiry practices.
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By June 2016, establish, support and maintain clear transitional practices to support students in transitioning from Early Years to secondary school in order
to increase student success.
Action Plans
Transition planning
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 By focusing on practices that support assessment, there will be a proportional increase in the number of students that are able to articulate strategies that
support their learning, as demonstrated by perceptual data results, by June 2016.
Action Plans
Assessment for and of Learning
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St. Brigid Elementary School
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 Focusing on implementing and maintaining effective instructional practices (guided practice, three part lesson plan) will result in an increase in student
achievement by June 2016, as evidenced in EQAO.
Action Plans
Implement high yield strategies
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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