St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
Mission, Values & Belief Statements
We believe:
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our values are based on our faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ
the Church, family, and school community are active participants in the Catholic education of our children
each person, as a child of God, deserves respect and dignity
each individual is encouraged to respect themselves, others and the environment
in developing and instilling in each child a love of learning
in the encouragement of all individuals to develop their gifts and talents to the fullest
our school to be a safe, caring and harmonious environment for each child to learn and grow academically, socially and morally
our school is a cooperative, friendly, charitable and inviting school
Motto
"Upon Our Foundation We Continue to Build the Spirit”
St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School Prayer
In the spirit of St. Albert,
We believe in God, ourselves and each other.
We live our faith in the community
With peace, forgiveness and hope,
Together, we lift our wings and soar.
Catholic Focus
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St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
Catholic Focus
The St. Albert of Jerusalem community strives to exemplify the Gospel message through word and, especially, through deed. Our staff consistently works
toward infusing the teachings of Christ within our curriculum and throughout the expectations we hold toward conduct within the school and throughout the
school yard. We strive toward an environment that celebrates and respects the uniqueness of everyone. We demonstrate a commitment to realizing the
Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations and living out the Virtues. We offer an environment that seeks to communicate with empathy, live with
tolerance and act with compassion. The community of learners at St. Albert of Jerusalem continue to commit to the guiding principles of Learning for All: K12 and to Dufferin-Peel’s Equity and Inclusive Education Policy (developed in accordance with the Provincial Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy), while:
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being authentic witnesses to our Catholic faith
being responsible stewards of God’s grace in the world
respecting human dignity
modeling all learners after Jesus, as ministers of compassion and service.
To strengthen our Catholic identity, we work in close partnership with the pastoral team at St. John of the Cross Parish. We offer a variety of opportunities for
the faith formation of students and staff, within an educational program which strives to integrate the Board’s fundamental beliefs and values into all of its
endeavors. Central to this faith journey is the comprehensive Pastoral Plan that guides the faith formation of the students we serve. This plan ensures that
each student has opportunities to express and witness their faith through Mass, liturgies, sacramental programs and through social justice initiatives. We are
especially proud of the support the school provides through the work of our Youth Faith Ambassadors.
St. Albert of Jerusalem staff are engaged in numerous instructional activities that challenge our students in developing their literacy, numeracy, problemsolving and communication skills within a faith- centered environment. Our school goals focus on student engagement and increased success in numeracy
and literacy while ensuring that students develop the expression of their faith through prayer, word and deed. Our active School Council supports us within
our endeavor to develop students who are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st Century by being engaged, responsible, virtuous citizens.
Core Principles
Catholicity
At St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School the following practices model, celebrate and nourish Gospel values in teaching and learning:
Curriculum:
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The Ontario Catholic Curriculum resources are used by classroom teachers
The Catholic Graduate Expectations offer a direction by which the overall course of studies is led
Catholic values are infused within all curriculum areas
Our faith is integrated throughout the curriculum to ground learning within the context of faith
Rosary Apostolate are at the school every third Tuesday
Community Outreach:
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St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Social justice opportunities are provided throughout the school year. (i.e., food drives, Toonie Tuesday for Eden Food For Change, Christmas initiative
in partnership with St. John of the Cross Parish, ShareLife, Milk Bags for Sierre Leon, Candies for Dr. Simone, Terry Fox Walk and Prayer)
Student Faith Ambassadors and Student Council members promote social outreach, in-reach and school spirit
Students are intolerant of acts of violence, disrespect and bullying.
Sacred Space:
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Sacred space is maintained and respected in each classroom i.e., colours change with each liturgical season.
Students access the sacred space for opportunities to develop their connection with their faith
Prayer intentions box on altar in front foyer
Virtues:
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Catholic Virtues are embedded in liturgical celebrations, school Masses and morning announcements
Catholic Virtues are embedded in all areas of the curriculum
Students are encouraged to develop virtuous behaviour through liturgies and social justice opportunities.
Order of the Mass:
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The responses to the Mass are practiced both in the classroom and through the announcements and through powerpoint presentations during school
Masses
Students are cognizant and respectful of the Holy Eucharist
Students and staff participate fully in liturgies and Masses
Parish / School communication is evident through the school calendar
Acts of Christian kindness are witnessed and felt by all
Caring and Inclusive Schools:
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Youth Faith Ambassadors are actively involved in multi-layered events within the school, (i.e. spirit-building, Virtues celebrations and, social justice)
Materials reflecting our diverse community are used within each classroom
The school website has current and relevant information. The school newsletter is sent out monthly
School events are well attended by students, parents, staff and community members
Anti-bullying protocol is established and supported through:
ƕ PALS program
ƕ Youth Faith Ambassador and Student Council initiatives
ƕ Restorative Justice
ƕ Positive School Climate
ƕ Positive Classroom Climate
ƕ Support of our Catholic Community, Culture and Caring School Action Team
ƕ SWOLE/One Voice One Team initiative
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St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
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NPU Officers visible and active participants in our school life
Learning Environment:
1. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
Primary Reading: 68%
Primary Writing: 88%
Primary Mathematics: 72%
Observations regarding school progress in primary EQAO:
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In each of the areas of the assessment of reading, writing and mathematics, the Grade three girls outperformed the Grade three boys
There is a slight increase in the number of Grade 3 students meeting provincial standard in mathematics.
The percentage of grade 3 students meeting provincial standard in reading has remained the same.
38% of the students at St. Albert in Grade 3 have a first language at home other than English as compared to 21% in the Board.
41% of the students at St. Albert in Grade 3 are English Language Learners as compared to 27% in the Board.
2. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
Junior Reading: 81%
Junior Writing: 76%
Junior Mathematics: 44%
Observations regarding school progress in junior EQAO:
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In the area of reading and writing and mathematics more girls than boys at St. Albert are meeting or above the provincial standard.
There has been a slight increase in the number of students meeting Provincial standard in the area of reading.
43% of the students at St. Albert in Grade 6 have a first language at home other than English as compared to 26% in the Board.
In the area of mathematics, there has been a decrease in the number of students meeting provincial standard.
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Next Steps:
Student item information report data has been gathered and will inform our curriculum delivery model
A school -wide focus on the 3-part lesson and multi-step problem-solving
A school-wide focus on the mathematical process expectations and on student use of the Four Step problem solving model
Our comprehensive school Math Strategic Plan will be reviewed and revised based on our EQAO Math results
3. Describe how the school community supports and provide opportunities for life-long learning.
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St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
At St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School the following practices promote life-long learning:
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Special Assignment Teacher provides shared opportunities to fully implement the Balanced Literacy and Numeracy Strategies as well as offering
support for Math diagnostic assessment and curriculum mapping
Shared planning time between/among grade level partners allows for opportunities to moderate assessments and plan instructional pathways
Our parent resource library supports the home school connections.
4. Outline ways the school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all learners.
At St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School the following practices demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports
the well-being of all learners:
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Educators believe that all children can learn, progress and succeed
High expectations are set for all learners
Teaching strategies and instructional time will be directed to providing high yield strategies which support all learners
Instructional practices will utilize Differentiated Instruction Strategies that will assist moving learners to increased achievement
Teachers support student use of assistive technology as a means to communicate and develop learning
Timely and tiered interventions, supported by a team approach, respond to individual students needs.
Community Engagement
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
At St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School the following practices ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community:
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An open and transparent process for Catholic School Council elections has been strictly followed
A friendly and inviting Catholic School Council presence is evident at all community events. New members are actively recruited each September.
A School Council newsletter shares important information with regards to events, questions-answers etc.
Council has established various communication venues to encourage involvement: school sign, an e-mail group and a space on the school website
Free babysitting is offered during all Catholic School Council meetings.
2. In what ways does the school team build and sustain community partnerships and collaboratives (e.g., collaborative relationships, Success By 6 Peel)?
At St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School the following practices promote the engagement with the broader community:
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Supporting local community agencies (i.e., St. Vincent de Paul and Eden Food For Change)
Strong link with the Early Years Centre, especially at the Welcome to Kindergarten Night
Collaboration with the City of Mississauga to promote Safe Walking Routes to School
Collaboration with Peel Regional Police and the Region of Peel Health to develop safe and healthy living within the area
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St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Student Council and Faith Ambassadors work to develop communication that celebrates and respects the diversity of all individuals
In conjunction with Peel Regional Police, the RAID program is implemented, thus ensuring that students learn strategies to be substance abuse aware
and how to say” no”
Parish-Home-School
1. Comment on how the school promotes the engagement and active participation of the parish and home as a fundamental component of student success.
At St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School the following practices promote the engagement and active participation of the parish and home:
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Parish priest is present at Masses and has an increased presence within classrooms thus ensuring that the parish is actively connected to the school
in the development of faith
School events include a parish connection (i.e., Terry Fox Walk/Run to the church with an opportunity to engage in prayer)
Parish / School / Community gatherings such as the Family Advent Mass allow students to share their faith as a community connected to the school
Sacramental preparation is a joint responsibility between home, parish and school
Recognition from both the School Council and the school community is provided to students who receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First
Eucharist and Confirmation
The school and parish have reciprocal practices in sharing events. School has space on the parish bulletin board, the parish bulletin is available at the
school and a link is available on the school website.
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promote good stewardship of resources?
At St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School the following practices ensure engagement in the stewardship of resources:
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Awareness at student and staff level of the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Promotion of litterless lunches through correspondence and announcements
Reduction in photocopying is promoted at monthly staff meetings
Commitment to a cleaner school yard by not allowing snacks outside
Affirmation of student efforts in promoting recycling programs throughout the school
Participation in Eco-School certification
Encourage students to participate in the Safe Walking Routes to School initiative through communication and recognition programs.
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
At St. Albert of Jerusalem Catholic School the following practices demonstrate financial responsibility:
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St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Ensure that the school budget is aligned to system and school goals vis-à-vis improved student achievement, ( i.e., allocating budget monies to meet
school goals)
Continue to utilize the Board accounting software to track expenditures
Continue to participate, as appropriate, in training sessions related to the finance template tool and other budget initiatives
By way of a presentation assist School Council in understanding school budget setting and budget procedures
Ensure that all financial reports are transparent, accurate and submitted appropriately
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St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1. By the end of June 2016, through the intentional development of self-regulation strategies and the development of respectful conditions for learning, St.
Albert of Jerusalem will see a decrease in the proportion of students reporting that they have felt not accepted at school as evidenced by the CCCC School
Climate survey results.
Action Plans
CCCC Pillar
Positive School Climate
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2. By the end of June 2016, the development of a co-learning stance within an inquiry based approach to learning will deepen understanding for all learners.
Collaborative practices will invite the voice of all learners and increase the Catholic learners’ feelings of inclusivity, efficacy, engagement and commitment.
Action Plans
Collaborative Inquiry
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3. By the end of June 2016, there will be successful practices and processes in place which support student seamless transitions in a variety of contexts. All
stakeholders (students, parents, families and staff), will have the necessary information to make informed decisions at key transitional stages (e.g., home to
school, grade to grade, division to division, elementary to secondary).
Action Plans
Supporting Transitional Practices
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4. By the end of June 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students able to articulate strategies supporting their learning, as demonstrated by
perceptual data survey results (EQAO questionnaire, anecdotal notes, metacognitive survey).
Action Plans
Numeracy Assessment
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St. Albert of Jerusalem Elementary School
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5. By June 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students improving their EQAO achievement level in the area of Mathematics, between
assessment years.
Action Plans
Effective Instruction
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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