Fr. Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary
School
Learning Plan
Mission *
The Mission Statement of Father Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary School is to deliver excellence in education anchored in Catholic Faith, to build an
inclusive environment that creates a mutual respect for all and to inspire our graduates to believe, to achieve and to serve with our Lord Jesus Christ as our
model.
Motto
"In Hoc Signo Vinces"
"In This Sign, We Will Be Victorious".
Catholic Focus
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Fr. Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary
School
Learning Plan
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board believes that the Catholic Faith, as expressed through Gospel values, is the driving force in the board's
community of learners, which includes five key groups:students; the parish, home and community; teachers and support staff; administrators and supervisory
officers; and trustees. The board strives to be a Christ-centred system in which all may work and learn in a supportive, inclusive, meaningful, and respectful
environment. With the context of an authentic Catholic learning community, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School board strives"...to provide students with
the opportunity to realize their potential and develop into highly skilled, knowledgeable, caring citizens who contribute to society." The board is further
committed to:
-deepening the understanding, appreciation and practice of the Catholic Christian lifestyle, with Jesus as role model;
-aligning a system-wide approach to Catholicity, whereby all educational practices are implemented through a Catholic lens;
-developing graduates who are fully alive in Christ,"not only in terms of knowledge and skills, but in terms of values, attitudes and actions";
-encouraging unique approaches to support system priorities and the principal strands of faith education:prayer and liturgy; sacramentality; morality and
justice; and scripture and church.
As a diverse educational community responding to God's call, Dufferin-Peel fosters and nourishes an inclusive atmosphere rooted in tradition and scripture.
The board continues to commit to the guiding principles of Learning for All: K-12(draft) and to Dufferin-Peel's Equity and Inclusive Education Policy
(developed in accordance with the provincial Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy), while:
-being authentic witnesses to our Catholic faith;
-being responsible stewards of God's grace in the world;
-respecting human dignity;
-modelling all learners after Jesus, as ministers of compassion and service.
To strengthen its Catholic identity, Dufferin-Peel will continue to develop opportunities for faith formation of students and staff, together with an educational
program which strives to integrate the board's fundamental beliefs and values into all of its endeavours.
Father Francis McSpiritt School is located in east Brampton at 55 Lexington Rd. It opened on September 4, 2007. Fr. V. Papais, pastor at St. Patrick Church,
blessed the school on May 28, 2008. Fr. McSpiritt School was built to serve the new community of Castlemore, where many families have recently
immigrated from Iraq, Nigeria, and Ghana. The school is named after a pastor of St. Patrick Church (Wildfield). His strong belief in the power of the cross led
the school to adopt the motto "In Hoc Signo Vinces" ( In this sign, We Will Be Victorious). According to tradition, Emperor Constantine adopted this as his
rallying cry when he saw a vision of the cross in the sky before battle.
"Education Act. R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E.2,2009,c25,s.1(2)
Each one called by name....(Isaiah 43:7)
Core Principles
The intent of the strategic plan is to shape school, classroom and corporate decision-making and direction over the next five years. The development of the
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Fr. Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary
School
Learning Plan
Dufferin-Peel Catholic Board Learning Plan (CBLP) and the Catholic Board Corporate Plan (CBCP) has been undertaken within the context of these five core
principles. All five principles are reflected throughout the plan.
Catholicity
Model gospel values in the teaching and learning of our Christ-centred programs and services;Virtues Education and liturgies
Sacred space in all classrooms and common areas
Gospel readings and reflections over the announcements every day
Various social justice initiatives occurring all year long
Environmental focus -renewal and stewardship
Strong relationship with parish
Diversity Team
Newcomer's Gathering monthly meeting
Rosary Club
Catholic Education Week
Schoolyard games through PALS program
Youth Faith Ambassadors
Snack Program
Go Girls - Intermediate Girls Self-Esteem program
Celebrate and nourish the distinctive Catholic nature of our school communities
Learning Environment
Support the needs of all learners
Support and provide opportunities for life-long learning;Early Learning Kindergarten
Teaching Learning Cycle
Differentiated instruction
Early intervention
Guided instruction
SMART board training for staff and students
Assistive Technology training for staff and students
Common grade level planning time
Integration meetings to plan next steps for students
Teacher Moderation
Student Intervention Meetings
Commit to continuous improvement in student achievement and well-being for all learners
The most recent EQAO data for Father Francis McSpiritt School:
Primary Reading : 73%
Primary Writing: 76%
Primary Mathematics: 51%
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Fr. Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary
School
Learning Plan
Junior Reading: 80%
Junior Writing: 76%
Junior Mathematics:31%
Observations regarding school progress: There has been an improvement in achievement in reading and writing. Mathematics remains an area requiring
further focus. We will work to improve the scores across all areas of the assessment by ensuring that there are focused interventions for all students based on
learning style and need. We will also strive to implement differentiated instructional strategies and 3 Part Math Lessons with a focus on problem solving.... in
all our classrooms.
Community Engagement
Ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community
Support and advocate that Catholic School Councils receive resources required to fulfill their role
Build and sustain community partnerships
Continue to enhance and use technology to communicate and connect with our partners in support of student needs
RAID program in Grade 6
Youth Education Program through Peel Regional Police
Support Knight's Table, Terry Fox Foundation
Work in collaboration with the Settlement Worker
Work in collaboration with the YMCA Before and After School Program &Peel Police Programs
PALS
Students attend Peel Safety Village
Arts in the School
Early Learning Program - Lion's Bus
Aboriginal Workshops in the school for students
Brampton Clean City & Recycling
Immunization Program / See & Hear / Dental Screening Programs
Grade 8 classes visit Senior's home at Christmas time (Leisureworld)
Parish-Home-School
Affirm that the local parish is an essential part of the Catholic School community
Promote active participation of home and parish as a fundamental component of student success
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Fr. Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary
School
Learning Plan
Provide announcements for the Parish over the PA system
Post Parish bulletin in the foyer of the school
Encourage parents to be part of the Sacramental preparation
Invite parents to all masses
School provides support for Parish and Board charitable initiatives e.g., Share Life, The Knight's Table, Food Drives, etc.
Work closely with parish and school council in order to support and promote the church
Invite Parish Priest to school events
Physical Environment
Model and promote good stewardship of resources
Be financially responsible;School "Green Team" / "EcoSchool"
Celebration of Earth Day
Encourage Litterless Lunches
Through the delivery of the curriculum
Youth Faith Ambassadors lead stewardship initiatives
Reduce/Re-use/ Recycle program
Beautifying school grounds by planting seeds, bulbs, trees
Financial Accountability
School budget is aligned to school goals and student learning
Maintain a balanced budget
All guidelines and policies are adhered to using tracking mechanisms to ensure compliance
Work with school council to maintain transparency and accountability of funds
.
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Fr. Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary
School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By the end of 2016, the proportion of students indicating they feel bullied at school will decrease compared to the CCCC School Climate Survey baseline data
(Spring 2013).
Action Plans
Bullying Prevention
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By the end of 2016, we will see an increase in the proportion of educators who are confident to apply knowledge gained through professional learning
opportunities, as demonstrated by the CBLP professional learning feedback sessions.
Action Plans
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By the end of 2016, We will improve access to appropriate planning and resource support, which will contribute to the seamless transition in the early years.
Action Plans
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 - By the end of 2016, we will see an increase in the proportion of students able to articulate strategies supporting their learning as demonstrated by data
survey results (EQAO, Teaching Learning Cycles etc.)
Action Plans
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 By the end of 2016, we will see an increase in the proportion of students attaining a high level of achievement on EQAO assessing critical thinking and / or
problem solving skills.
Action Plans
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Fr. Francis McSpiritt Catholic Elementary
School
Learning Plan
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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