St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
We, the Catholic community of St. Monica, are dedicated partners in the lifelong education of our students. Guided by the Spirit to grow as a family, we will
continue to foster, spiritual, intellectual, social, physical and emotional development to ensure that future generations are well prepared for all challenges on
their journey.
Motto
Guided by the Spirit.....Growing as a Family.
Catholic Focus
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
1/9
St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
St. Monica school believes that the Catholic faith, as expressed through Gospel values, is the driving force in our community of learners, which includes five
key groups: students; the parish, home and community; teachers and support staff; administrators and supervisory officers; and trustees. We strive to be a
Christ-centered system in which all may work and learn in a supportive, inclusive, meaningful, and respectful environment.
In alignment with the School Board’s values, St. Monica school is further committed to:
-deepening the understanding, appreciation and practice of the Catholic Christian lifestyle, with Jesus as role model;
-implementing 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, we foster and nourish an inclusive atmosphere rooted in tradition and scripture. Our school
continues to commit to the guiding principles of Learning for All: K-12 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 our Catholic identity, we will continue to develop opportunities for faith formation of students and staff, together with an educational program
which strives to integrate the school’s and board’s fundamental beliefs and values into all of its endeavors in connection with the Catholic Graduate
Expectations.
Core Principles
Catholicity
1. How does the school community model, celebrate and nourish gospel values in the teaching and learning of our Christ-centred programs and
services?
-School wide Virtues Education Program; Awareness of Catholic Graduate Expectations
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
2/9
St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
-Sacred space in all classrooms and common areas
-Gospel readings and student lead prayer over the announcements every day
-Social Justice initiatives throughout the year
-Student Youth Ambassadors
-Environmental focus – appreciation and stewardship; sacredness of our environment
-Ongoing relationship with St. Jerome Parish
-Diversity Team
-Seasonal liturgical celebrations by division
-Welcoming new comers to the St. Monica community
- Providing assistance to families through the School Social Worker, Catholic School Council, Knights of Columbus, St. Jerome Parish and ongoing, personal,
staff support (food/clothing) donations when the need arises
Learning Environment
1. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
-Primary Reading: 49
-Primary Writing: 49
-Primary Mathematics: 51
-In analyzing the primary EQAO results from last year, we have decided to continue staff development in numeracy and literacy. This year we will continue
to work with our SAT and Catholic School Learning Team.
2. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
-Junior Reading: 78
- Junior Writing: 63
- Junior Mathematics: 26
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
3/9
St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
-Our scores in our junior division continue to remain relatively consistent in Reading. Our math scores are much lower than expected. We continue to look
at individual student achievement data and plan our school focus accordingly. We continue to support our Special Education needs through assistive
technology to enhance student learning and achievement. Numeracy will continue to be a focus this year.
3. Describe how the school community supports and provide opportunities for life-long learning.
-Secondary School students serve as co-op students and volunteers
-Math Help Hotline availability, Voila Learning Hotline availlability
-Transition Planning for Grade 8 to Grade 9 with St. Augustine S.S. and Cardinal Leger S.S.
-Teachers are life-long learners as well, acting as role models by attending in-services, courses and workshops and through ongoing professional learning
-Special Education Team works with exceptional students to insure each student is unimpeded in meeting their full potential and promoting the inclusion of all
4. Outline ways the school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all
learners.
-Teachers are involved in the Teaching and Learning Cycle and teacher moderation
-The use of Differentiated Instruction is increasing in all classrooms
-SMART Board technology will enhance program delivery
-Focused division meetings plan for instruction and in conjunction with the St. Monica School committee structure provides opportunities for collegial decision
making
-Ongoing meetings with Special Education Team to plan next steps for students
-Anchor Charts, Accountable Talk, Success Criteria, Descriptive Feedback, Inquiry, Co-Learning are school-wide foci in all divisions this year
-Purchase of new Literacy and Science resources for Primary, Junior and Intermediate students
-Re-designed our Primary/Junior Central Text room to make material easily accessible
-Re-designed our Intermediate Literacy resource room
-Distribute all math resources in every class room, maintain inventory for easy teacher/student use
-Submission of Innovation Grant
Community Engagement
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
4/9
St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
-Parents are strongly encouraged to join in the partnership of their child’s education
-Representatives from the St. Jerome Parish form an open channel of communication
-Ongoing personal invitations from existing Catholic School Council members
-Publication of ‘The Link’ St. Monica Catholic School Council Newsletter
-Entire Holy Week Venue inclusive of a Passion Play
2. In what ways does the school team build and sustain community partnerships and collaboratives (e.g., collaborative relationships, Success By
6 Peel)?
-Peel Police DARE, R.A.I.D. program
-Neighbourhood Policing Unit
-BRAVE/Community Bully Awareness Programs-Sport Taekwondo Academy
-PALS
-Grade 1 and Grade 5 students attend the Peel Safety Village
-Railroad Safety
-MADD
-Brampton Clean City and Recycling
-Community Officer Visits
-Ongoing visits by Peel Regional Liaison Officers
-Participation in events at St. Augustine and Cardinal Leger
-Annual community Share Life/United Way Opportunities
-Presentations: Scientists in the School; Venture Travelling Workshops-McMaster University
-Sheridan College-Gr. 7 visits/exploration
-Earth Rangers
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
5/9
St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
-Junior Achievement
-McMaster University-Travelling Engineer Workshops
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.
-Students attend Mass at the church on a regular basis
-Provide announcements for the Parish
-Post Parish bulletin in foyer of school
-Encourage parents as an integral part of the sacramental preparation process
-Participation in the St. Monica Feast Day celebrations
-Monthly comprehensive Newsletter
-Division parent participation evenings: Family Craft Night, Arts Evening, Numeracy Information Session, Movie Night, School Play, Christmas Store, etc.
-Intermediate Movie with St. Jerome's Pastor
-Assistance with St. Jerome Parish Refugee Family
-Rosary Apostolate
-Bi-Monthly visits to Burton Manor (Nursing Home) re: Liturgical celebrations, Choir/Drama Presentations, Recreation Assistance
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promote good stewardship of resources?
-Celebration of Earth Day, ECO Student Conference
-Integration of environmental responsibility with Gospel values
-Finance Committee to manage school stewardship of school funds
-Eco-intelligence projects throughout the school year
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
6/9
St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
-Health and Nutrition foci-re: Speak Up Grants
-Collaboration with The Region Of Peel
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
-School budget is aligned to school goals and student learning
-Maintain a balanced budget where possible
-All guidelines and policies are adhered to ensure compliance
-Finance Committee makes collaborative decisions on expenditures
-Follow through with in School Internal Audit suggestions
St. Monica CCCCAT Members
Patricia Peroni
Jennifer Vieira
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
7/9
St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By June 2016 the proportion of students at St. Monica school indicating that they feel safe, cared for, equitable and included will increase in comparison to
the CCCC School Climate Survey baseline of the previous year.
Action Plans
If we continue to create an inclusive environment centered on our faith belief, then a greater number of students will feel cared for and included.
If we continue to highlight the importance of peace-making and the importance of Bully-Prevention then we will continue to reduce incidents of bullying.
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By June 2016, there will be an increase of the successful practices that support collaborative inquiry, as demonstrated by the staff's ability to engage the
students, ultimately reflecting on student performance.
Action Plans
If FDK-Gr. 2 Staff continue to have a growth mind set re: Numeracy, and/or SES Inquiry then student achievement will increase.
If we increase accountable talk across the curriculum, there will be an improvement in our students learning skills and achievement.
To support the development of and utilization of an asset oriented approach to teaching and learning in math.
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By June 2016, there will be an increase in the successful practices that support transitional practices as demonstrated by students' comfort in transitioning
from one division to the next and from elementary to secondary school.
Action Plans
If we continue to implement transition plans, we will ensure successful transitions for all students.
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 By June 2016, there will be an increase in successful practices that support knowing the learner through varied assessment strategies as reflected on report
cards.
Action Plans
If all staff continue to further understand and have a growth mind set-re: Assessment for/of Learning-GROWING SUCCESS then student achievement will
increase.
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
8/9
St. Monica Elementary School
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 By June 2016, there will be an increase in successful practices that support effective instruction through authentic and relevant learning across all areas to
engage all learners.
Action Plans
If instruction and assessment are differentiated in response to student strengths, needs and prior learning, achievement levels will increase, Balanced
Literacy is an expectation in all grades.
If all staff continue to further understand and have a growth mind set-re: Assessment for/of Learning-GROWING SUCCESS then student achievement will
increase.
If FDK-Gr. 2 Staff continue to have a growth mind set re: Numeracy, and/or SES Inquiry then student achievement will increase.
If instruction and assessment are differentiated in response to student strengths, needs, prior learning, then achievement levels will increase, 3 Part Math
Lesson Expected Practice.
If we increase accountable talk across the curriculum, there will be an improvement in our students learning skills and achievement.
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:31 AM
9/9