St. Pio of Pietrelcina Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Elementary School Mission Statement
We are a community of Catholic educators devoted to the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social development of each child in the image of Christ. We
hope to inspire serve and guide our children to become confident and capable life-long learners who will be witnesses to Christ in our world and productive,
contributing citizens in society.
We believe that through a cooperative partnership among the school, family and the church, the development of the spiritual, academic, physical, emotional
and social aspects of growth are reflected in the values of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Elementary School. As Catholic educators, we must strive to nurture and
model faith development so that all can experience God on their personal journeys. We believe that as educators, we are facilitators, fostering in our students
the self confidence and ability to cope with a challenging and ever-changing world. We believe that interactions, reflection and action are parts of learning and
that all students have the right to educational experiences that serve their individual needs and learning styles. We believe that St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Elementary School, through its inviting, caring and supportive environment will foster within each student a sense of direction and excellence as they strive to
reach their full potential.
Motto
Pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Catholic Focus
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St. Pio of Pietrelcina Elementary School
Learning Plan
Catholic Focus
St. Pio of Pietrelcina School is an elementary school of 410 students, of diverse social and ethnic backgrounds, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. We
have a staff of 43, including teachers, Educational Resource Workers, Early Childhood Educators, secretarial, custodial personnel and administrators. More
than one quarter of our students have adopted English as their second language or had originally communicated in a different English dialect. French
Immersion is offered in grades 1, 2, 3 and 4. The community of which we are a part is nestled within the central core of Mississauga. We are cradled by the
curve of the 403, our north boundary is Eglinton Ave. and our west is Hurontario Street. Our community consists of a variety of housing structures some are
new, while others are 20 years old.
Our school provides a faith-filled learning environment for all. The teachings of our Catholic Faith are integrated throughout the day. We celebrate the
liturgical year with our community, through vibrant and spiritual liturgies. Throughout the year, parents, staff and students share their gifts and donations with
a number of charitable organizations. In every aspect of school life we consciously promote excellence through higher learning expectations, behavioural
standards and Christian moral development.
At St. Pio of Pietrelcina Elementary School our commitment to academic excellence is a shared responsibility. As a Staff and School Council, we work hard
bringing together students, parents, teachers, pastoral team, trustees and other partners to form a Catholic community in the service of the spiritual,
intellectual, physical and emotional needs of students in our care.
The instructional programs at St. Pio of Pietrelcina are adapted to meet the holistic needs of all our students. These programs are conducted in an
atmosphere that is supportive, caring and stimulating in order for students to achieve their specific learning expectations. Every effort is made to provide this
atmosphere using current practices and resources as mandated by Board and Ministry policies and guidelines.
The staff and community value and support a variety of co-curricular and extra curricular activities including, school teams, clubs and choir. Students and staff
are encouraged to share and to develop all of the talents that God bestowed upon them.
To strengthen its Catholic identity, St. Pio of Pietrelcina School 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.
Core Principles
Core Principle School Response
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?
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Continue to offer opportunities for social justice and stewardship particularly through our Youth Faith Ambassador Groups
Build-up library collections of age-appropriate materials that include Biblical/faith stories and imagery
Share and integrate our faith stories within the daily learning experience (i.e. teachable moments)
Foster student spiritual development within the image of Christ through the celebration of virtues education with the parish and school community
Ensure regular and consistent Religious Education / Family Life Education instruction with preferential time and timetabling of instruction
Promote successful parish relationships through Pastoral plans, information sharing and liturgical events
Contribute to the development of uniquely Dufferin-Peel oriented Catholic community studies curriculum resources
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St. Pio of Pietrelcina Elementary School
Learning Plan
Learning Environment
1. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
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Primary Reading: 64%
Primary Writing: 57%
Primary Mathematics: 39%
Observations regarding school progress in primary EQAO:The scores decreased by 3% in reading, 13% in writing and 10% in math from last year.
2. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
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Junior Reading: 62%
Junior Writing: 79%
Junior Mathematics: 38%
Observations regarding school progress in junior EQAO: The scores decreased by 23% in reading, 3% in writing from last year and 1% in math.
3.Describe how the school community supports and provide opportunities for life-long learning.
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Opportunities for leadership and involvement in our many outreach projects (i.e. Youth Faith Ambassadors)
Linking enduring understandings from our Virtues Program to all subject areas
Developing awareness of and opportunities to use technology
School staff involved in professional development opportunities (i.e. PLCs)
School Council has a meaningful role in supporting learning and achievement
Ongoing communication (student/teacher/home) to effectively monitor student learning
4. Outline ways the school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all learners.
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Through the collection and analysis of data, strengths and weaknesses are identified and next steps are planned
Opportunities are provided for teachers to collaborate around instruction and assessment
Use of Differentiated Instruction, implementation of IEP’s to ensure inclusion
Staff actively engaged in Professional Learning Cycles
Support of Special Assignment Teacher (SAT)
Involvement in Transitions Pathway Collaborative Inquiry and cross panel team work with John Cabot Catholic Secondary
Community Engagement
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
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School Council involvement is encouraged at various community events throughout the year
Through communication to the entire community via regular newsletters and through the Parish
2. 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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St. Pio of Pietrelcina Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Big Brothers/Big Sisters Inschool Mentoring Program, Go Girls Program, Game On Program for boys
Peel Health Nurse - PALS training, STEPs program, Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives
Peel Police - Youth Education Officer presentations, RAID program, NPU officers visit school regularly
Dr. Simone’s Warehouse – Gr. 8 students
Frank McKechnie – Gr. 3 Swim to Survive Program
Permits granted for organizations to use the St. Pio facility after school hours
Region of Peel Family Literacy Program
PLASP, City Library Visits, Co-op Placements, Teacher Candidate Placements
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.
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Regular School Masses
Priest visits to the school
Circles of the Rosary Initiative – once per month for each class
Regular communication to encourage and promote active participation
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promote good stewardship of resources?
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Reuse, Reduce, Recycle program
Active school participation in Earth Hour and Earth Day
Encourage litterless lunches and reduction in paper use (ie. newsletters/school information is e-mailed to parents)
ECO Schools Silver Certified
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
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Budget is monitored on a regular basis
Budget committee meetings are held where priorities are aligned with school improvement goals
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St. Pio of Pietrelcina 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 an increase in the proportion of students indicating that they feel accepted by students in the school as demonstrated
by the CCCC School Climate Survey results.
Action Plans
Active listening and practicing virtues by inviting the voice of all students.
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By the end of June 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students who have demonstrated improvement on the learning skill and work habit of
collaboration.
Action Plans
Embrace collaborative inquiry as a process for learning and instructional practice.
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By the end of June 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students who have demonstrated improvement on the learning skill and work habit of
self-regulation.
Action Plans
Engage collaboratively in transitional practices.
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 By the end of June 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students able to articulate strategies supporting their learning.
Action Plans
Focus on assessment for and as learning.
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St. Pio of Pietrelcina Elementary School
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 By the end of June 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students improving their EQAO achievement level between assessment years.
Action Plans
Effective lesson design
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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