St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
Mission Statement
The mission of St. Rita School is to build and foster a Catholic partnership within the school where we as educators and parents, parish, students and support
staff, create a harmonious, cohesive environment that allows students to learn Catholic values as well as the required curriculum. Our intent is to assist the
school community and assist parents in raising well rounded faith-filled children. The school motto, “Putting Our Faith Into Action” was chosen through the
process of community consultation, and reflects a holistic philosophy where religion and daily life are intertwined.
Motto
Putting our Faith into Action
Catholic Focus
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
1/9
St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
St. Rita School Focus
St. Rita Catholic Elementary School is an elementary school located along the border of Brampton and Caledon. The student population is approximately 780
students from FDK to Grade 8. Most of the surrounding community consists of single family dwelling homes located in the north area of Brampton and Valley
Wood in Caledon. Presently the school is equipped with a primary gym, a large gym with stage, a library resource centre with a computer lab. While there are
6 portables on site, only three are being used at the present time; two are for the Grade 5 classes and one as an FSL class. St. Rita School also offers a
before and after school PLASP program. Parents continue to be very active and supportive as volunteers within the school and as participants in School
Council initiated events.
Through the continuous support and hard work of the School Council members, many resources were purchased which supported the teachers in meeting
the spiritual, academic, emotional, social and physical needs of all learners.
St. Rita was established to support Catholic parents in their responsibility for the spiritual, religious, moral, academic and physical needs of their children in
accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The school community is committed in the search for excellence, the uniqueness of the individual and
the education of the whole person.
We are a caring community that stresses tolerance and acceptance of others, commitment to our Catholic faith and high academic standards. We provide a
safe and caring learning environment where models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrine, teachings and beliefs are an integral part of the daily life of our
school. All activities at the school academic and pastoral work, extracurricular and intra-curricular, prayer and worship, administration and management help
to prepare our students for their lives as Catholics in the community.
Our students come to us with a variety of strengths and needs, with their Catholic faith as their common bond. Our prayer life, liturgical celebrations, the
sacraments, and our faith and value system, form the foundation of our school program. We are proud of our balanced religion, academic, arts, technology
and athletic program. We offer students a well-rounded and value-centered education to help them make appropriate choices for their future. The curriculum
planned and provided in the school is broad, balanced and relevant to the needs and aspirations of all our students. A wide range of subjects and learning
experiences are offered to develop the skills, abilities and talents of individual students. Accordingly, appropriate assessment procedures are employed
regularly to motivate and encourage student success. To ensure coherence and wholeness, subjects are taught against the background of the Ontario
curriculum, the Gospel values of Jesus Christ and sound educational practices.
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?
•
•
•
•
We celebrate all abilities and seek to provide students with opportunities to realize their potential through nourishing the spiritual, intellectual,
emotional, psychological and social growth of each student
Through the Virtues and Fill My Bucket program we provide concrete experiences that empower students to become more fully alive in Christ not only
in terms of knowledge and skills but also in terms of values, attitudes and actions
Use of Diversity & Faith Ambassadors to address issues of tolerance, diversity, social justice, anti-racism and bullying
Daily announcements and prayers to promote the Catholic culture and the Virtues program.
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
2/9
St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Newsletter inserts to support celebrations of Faith
Once a year the whole school will travel to St. Leonard's Church to celebrate Mass together as a community in the house of God
Use of the progressive discipline process by all staff
Continue with the Stations of the Cross and Living Rosary initiatives to promote participation and prayer as a school community
Continuing to promote positive school initiatives and engagements such as Eco Schools, teacher candidate placements, co-op students, Healthy
School initiatives and parent volunteers.
Region of Peel & Brampton Green City and Aquatic program
Continuing to make the celebration of the Eucharist and Liturgies central in all that we do.
Rosary Club, Catholic Education Week, Milk Mats for Haiti, Project Gift Shoe Boxes and Food Drives 3 times a year.
The creation of a sacred place within the classroom.
Pastoral Plan
Catholic Community Culture and Caring School Climate Survey used for future planning and next steps
Development through positive school community relationships e.g. school volunteer program, school community meetings, school council, school
community partnerships, i.e. Peel Regional Police, R.A.I.D. program, Peel Health, CCAC, co-operative education programs.
Use of retreats for Sacramental preparation
Learning Environment
1. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
•
•
•
•
Primary Reading: 64%
Primary Writing: 69%
Primary Mathematics: 55%
Observations regarding school progress in Primary EQAO: Grade 3 students were below achievement in all three areas. This is contrary to the results
of past years. Our Catholic School Learning Plan focuses on improving in reading and writing through the use of Guided Reading and Guided Writing
in the classroom. A further focus on inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning will allow for more student voice and engagement in the
learning process. Our school is strongly committed to improving our scores in numeracy. The school will dedicate many professional development
sessions throughout the school year to furthering our understanding of teaching and learning in mathematics and to move our students forward in
math. Strategies such as the three-part math lesson, access to manipulatives and collaboration amongst students will be used to provide a deeper
understanding of mathematics for all students.
2. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
•
•
•
•
Junior Reading: 87%
Junior Writing: 86%
Junior Mathematics: 70%
St. Rita students continue to demonstrate progress in the areas of reading and writing in the Junior division. Our Catholic School Learning Plan
continues to emphasize the importance of literacy across the curriculum through an emphasis on Guided Reading and Guided Writing. Our junior
division will collaborate throughout the school year to share and discuss best practices in the areas of instruction and assessment to move students
forward and enhance the fundamental skills gained in earlier years. Mathematics instructions will be a direct focus in the Junior division this year.
Classroom teachers will be provided in-service opportunities through various avenues to explore ways to improve teaching and learning in numeracy.
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
3/9
St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
Further, a school-wide emphasis on mathematics instruction will provide opportunities for professional dialogue in this area with an aim to improve
student achievement in mathematics across all grade levels. Teaching and learning will emphasize the mathematical processes to ensure a deeper
understanding of mathematics and to improve student self-efficacy in numeracy.
3. Describe how the school community supports and provides opportunities for life-long learning.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
All staff members contribute to a collaborative culture that supports a high standard of achievement for all learners.
In responding to each learner as an individual, their learning needs and interests, we support them in the anticipation of their future roles within the
world.
Providing professional learning materials to support the curriculum and school priorities for literacy and numeracy
Our school staff continues to provide support for students transitioning into elementary school from the home, from grade to grade, from elementary to
secondary, and for those "at risk" and identified as exceptional learners.
Students are provided with opportunities to build on in school experiences and activities to further explore personal interests, strengths, and
destinations i.e. participation in and out of school excursions/retreats, school sport teams, dance, school presentations, etc.
Holding "Welcome To Kindergarten" evenings
Secondary school – co-op students offering support within the classrooms
Math Help Hotline for Gr. 7-8
Cross panel transition meetings
Use of profiles K-6 and My BluePrint (Grades 7-8) to support students in identifying interests that will inform future pathways and eventual career
planning
Extensive use of assistive technology
Ongoing professional learning by staff
Differentiated instructional approach to teaching and learning
Support Teacher candidates within the school
Budgetary planning for the implementation of PEDS planning for new technology for student equity
4. Outline ways the school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all
learners.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
By collaboration and on-going discussion through Learning Teams.
The diagnostic analysis of all data to steer the direction for instruction for student success.
Student's IEPs are developed to support "at risk" and exceptional learner needs and learning opportunities for growth.
Staff participate in School/Family/Board wide professional development opportunities, as appropriate to individual staff needs and school wide
initiatives such as the school based inquiry project.
Implementation and integration of high yield strategies and precision teaching.
Encouraging collaborative instructional leadership that builds capacity to strengthen and enhance teaching and learning.
Staff involved in the use of strategies such as goal setting, success criteria and descriptive feedback
Monthly staff meetings that focus on Math goals and planning for instruction
Integration meetings with Special Education teachers to plan for next steps for students
Student generated anchor charts, rubrics and other high yield strategies for support in the learning process
Use SMART Board technology to support diverse learners
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
4/9
St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Use of "Raz Kids" and "Prodigy" as opportunities for students to practice at home with their parents as well as being a tool to develop Literacy
and Numeracy skills at school
Use of book carts to distribute "Snuggle Up" reading materials between classes
Consistent use of Teachers resources located in the literacy room and math manipulative center to enhance instruction.
Support services of Psychology, Social Work, Speech and Language and Child and Youth Workers are available to support the well- being of all
learners.
Review EQAO results to identify student strengths and areas of improvement.
Three part math lesson model used to encourage student achievement.
Professional opportunities for staff.
School and Council budget reflecting the commitment to Literacy, Numeracy, Technology and Student Well-Being and the 21st century learner
Community Engagement
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Catholic School Council election information is sent home to all parents/guardians and meeting dates are posted on the school sign and website
To ensure that the Catholic School Council receives resources required to fulfill its role.
Continue to focus on diversity by providing resources for parents within the school community.
Volunteers are encouraged and celebrated within the community
Activities and initiatives planned through Catholic School Council, Parish, Board and local community promote our diversity
Support and encourage parents to participate on Catholic School Council and/or attend Council meetings/community presentations
Promote the participation of our Parish Representative on the Catholic School Council
Through Open House BBQ, Council booth at each reporting sessions and Pro Grant presentations, we encourage parents to be involved in their
child/ren's school
A longstanding goal to foster and build a good relationship/partnership with all members of the school community.
Provision of opportunities to support the involvement of all community stake holders
Catholic School Council funds are used for school resources that reflect the diverse nature of our community.
2. In what ways does the school team build and sustain community partnerships and collaboration (e.g., collaborative relationships, Success
By 6 Peel)?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Encourage the Catholic School Council to liaise with outside agencies in order to address family and community concerns
Peel Police Educational program for all classes, R.A.I.D. program, Children's Safety Village, Peel Health, Brampton Parks and Recreation, CCAC,
PCC, Erin Oak, Kerry's Place, Early Years Centers, Associated Youth Services
Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child's learning, (volunteer, attend School Council meetings, participation in school events and
celebrations, volunteer programs etc.)
Access of community partners and programs such as PALS & Friendship Group
Through the implementation of co-curricular and inter-curricular Board wide competitions, example, sports teams
Working in collaboration with PLASP.
Through collaboration with various agencies dedicated to the support of student well-being i.e. Immunization program, Brampton Safe City etc.
Brampton Clean City and Recycling Program
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
5/9
St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
•
Collaboration with school NPU police officers
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.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Affirms that the local Parish is an essential part of the Catholic school community, (ensures that Parish events and dates are communicated through
monthly Council meetings or school communication)
Participation in social justice projects, (food drives, social justice initiatives, Project Gift, Sharelife activities)
Invite Parish team to participate in school based activities, (School Patron Saint Feast Day, Awards Assemblies, Graduations, liturgical celebrations,
school visits etc.)
Work closely with the Parish team to foster a rich Liturgical and Sacramental life within the school
Encourage parents to be part of the Sacramental preparation
Active participation by the Parish representative on School Council
Religious materials are sent home with students to share with their parents (Communion book)
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that model and promote good stewardship of resources?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
We encourage responsible stewards of the world through conversation and active participation in activities that protect our resources (recycling, green
program, park clean up, etc.)
By being financially responsible in the allocation of resources to educate and promote a safe, caring and inclusive school that acknowledges that we
are a Christ- centered community visible to all who enter the school
School presentations and field trips that promote preservation and awareness of the environmental issues
School activities reflect the healthy and safe school initiatives
Formation of school Green Team, ECO team and social justice student groups
Implementation of healthy eating programs
Delivery of a faith based curriculum that fosters respect of life and stewardship of resources (geography, science, religion etc.)
Communications sent electronically to parents to conserve paper consumption
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
•
•
•
•
Budget allocation that aligns with school priorities for student achievement
Continue to fund essential services, materials and programs in a fiscally responsible manner. (i.e. students’ resources, staff supplies, staff resources,
etc.)
Through reuse and/ or sharing of texts and resources where available with other schools
Regular review of expenditures and budget decision-making processes to determine relevance to student achievement, programs and resources and
physical environment of the school
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
6/9
St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
•
•
•
•
•
•
School fundraisers follow all Board policies
Adherence to Board guidelines for financial accountability
Monthly budget tracking to monitor spending
Regular review of expenditures and budget decision making processes to determine relevance to student achievement, programs and resources and
physical environment of the school as indicated in the "Catholic School Learning Plan"
Social justice and community fundraising are active and transparent
Students are encouraged to be responsible stewards of all school learning materials
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
7/9
St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By the end of 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
Catholic, Culture and Caring
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By the end of 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students who have demonstrated improvement on the learning skill and work habit of selfregulation.
Action Plans
Collaborative inquiry plan
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By the end of 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of Grade 8 students who are prepared for Secondary School transition through a variety of
contexts and active engagement.
Action Plans
Secondary Transition
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 By the end of 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students able to articulate strategies supporting their learning as demonstrated by
perceptual data results.
Action Plans
Numeracy understanding - Three part Math lesson
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
8/9
St. Rita Elementary School
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 By the end of 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students improving their EQAO achievement level between assessment years.
Action Plans
Increasing EQAO scores
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:49 AM
9/9