Holy Spirit Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
We, the community of Holy Spirit Catholic School, in partnership with the students, parents and the Catholic Church, are dedicated to fostering the
development of each child in the fullness and likeness of God. We offer each student the opportunity to develop individual talents in a welcoming and safe
environment. We will prepare our students to meet the challenges of the future and empower them to help others. Teaching for The Father, Inspired by The
Son, Guided by The Holy Spirit.
Motto
Teaching for The Father
Inspired by The Son
Guided by The Holy Spirit.
Catholic Focus
On September 2, 2005, Holy Spirit Elementary School, located at 25 Bloomsbury Avenue in North East Brampton, opened to approximately 570 students.
Holy Spirit was solemnly blessed on June 8, 2006 with Father Papais and Father Marco presiding. Holy Spirit belongs to St. Patrick Parish in Wildfield and
has a close relationship with the Parish community. Masses and liturgies are celebrated at the school, while sacraments and special occasion such as a visit
with the Bishop, are held at the Church. Inspired by the Trinity, the school motto is “Teaching for the Father – Inspired by the Son – Guided by the Holy
Spirit.” Holy Spirit has a reputation of generously helping those in need locally and globally. The school is involved in a variety of social outreach and
community events such as food drives and fundraising events. Throughout the academic year the school community participate in a variety of social, athletic,
skill building and academic program. Holy Spirit is a strong Catholic community of learners, where faith is practiced daily and the students are challenged to
grow in the image of Christ.
Our Story. Our Tradition. Our Journey, 2011
Core Principles
CATHOLICITY
School Based Initiatives:
•
•
•
•
•
•
School Mission Statement
Visible celebration & presentation of Faith icons in the school
Support of the principle strands of faith education (e.g., daily prayer, liturgical & sacramental celebrations, Religious Education and Family Life
programs, Graduation and other school/classroom celebrations)
The creation of a ‘Sacred Space’ in the classroom/school
Infusing Catholic Values into the Ontario Catholic curriculum
Family Life and Religion program
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:54 AM
1/7
Holy Spirit Elementary School
Learning Plan
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Implementation of the ‘Virtues’ program
Teachings of the Virtues through daily announcements
Virtue Assemblies
Valuing the dignity of the person through the Virtues via the implementation of Safe Schools Policies, Bullying Prevention and Leadership Programs
(e.g. PALS, Peer Mediators, Peel’s Bullying Prevention)
Schoolyard pavement games to promote Cooperative Play
Implementation of strategies to support inclusivity (e.g. Diversity)
Through Adult & Youth Faith Ambassador Programs
Catholic Education Week
School-Parish-Home Relationship:
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Catholic liturgical year developed with the pastoral team
Fostering positive home/school/parish relationships (e.g., Pastoral School Visits, parent/community invitations to school masses and Sacramental and
other celebrations)
Newsletter inserts to support celebrations of Faith
Through the continued support for student stewardship and social justice projects (e.g., Share Life, United Way, Knight’s Table, Sidewalk Chalk
Campaign(Childhood Cancer Awareness) Terry Fox Run, Food Drives and Helping Hands)
Through continued development of positive school-community relationships (e.g., School Volunteer Program, Catholic School Council, School
Community Partnerships, i.e., Peel Regional Police (NPU, RAID, Youth Education Programs) Peel Health, Co-operative Education Programs, York
Teacher Candidates
Welcoming immigrants via the Newcomer Reception Centres
Ecological Stewardship:
•
•
•
Peace Garden
Eco School Certification-Silver Rating
Healthy School Recognition and promotion of a healthy lifestyle and food choices
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
The most recent EQAO data for Holy Spirit School:
EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
•
•
•
Primary Reading: 67%
Primary Writing: 86%
Primary Mathematics: 72%
EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
•
•
Junior Reading: 79%
Junior Writing: 76%
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:54 AM
2/7
Holy Spirit Elementary School
Learning Plan
•
Junior Mathematics: 50%
The school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all learners:
Collaborative Practices (e.g. Inquiry, Enhancing Transitional Practices):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Collaborative Inquiry
Ongoing Professional Learning among staff: conference funding, Summer Institutes, additional qualification courses, family and board in-services and
collaborative inquiry
Ongoing use of school data to assess student learning strengths and needs
Collaborative Inquiries are designed to inform teaching/assessment practices (school & board wide assessments), diagnostic/formative assessments
(PM Benchmarks, CASI, CAT 3), classroom assessments for as and of learning(observations, descriptive feedback) are implemented to identify
student strengths/needs, enhance student outcomes and support professional growth for staff
Professional Learning Communities are formed to support ‘theory in action’, inquiry based learning opportunities for staff, and to enhance student
learning/outcomes
Staff implements the Ontario Curriculum and supplementary documents (e.g. Growing Success) as the basis for teaching and learning
Ongoing development of learning goals and success criteria to support student learning
Ongoing use of school data to assess student learning strengths and needs
Ongoing development to implement the ‘Focus on Five’ Model across the divisions to support guided reading/practice
Student generated anchor charts to support their learning
Board technology is used to enhance program delivery
Team and integration meetings to plan next steps for our diverse learners
Student IEP’s(Individual Educational Program) are developed to support ‘at risk’, gifted, exceptional learner needs and to develop learning
opportunities for growth
Staff participate in School/Family/Board wide professional development opportunities as appropriate to needs
Transition meetings are organized to support the transition of learners: into Kindergarten, from grade to grade, from elementary into secondary
schools, for students at risk and with exceptional learning needs
Support Services available when needed
Creating Conditions for Learning:
•
•
•
•
•
Students are provided with opportunities to build on in-school experiences and activities to further explore personal interests, strengths and
destinations (e.g. participation in out-of school excursions/retreats, school sports teams, dance, Artists in the School Programs), Secondary School
Orientation Programs, Student Leadership opportunities (e.g. PALS, Youth Faith Ambassadors, Diversity, Office/Classroom helpers) and support for a
range of Educational Pathways for students transitioning into elementary school (e.g. from the home, from grade to grade, from elementary to
secondary school, and for those ‘at risk’ and/or identified as exceptional learners)
Implementation of Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI)
CCCC survey data
School wide Bullying Prevention Program (Peel Public Health)
Reading Buddies
Community Partnerships:
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:54 AM
3/7
Holy Spirit Elementary School
Learning Plan
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Grant Opportunities
Through support for the delivery of enhanced curriculum provided by community partners (e.g. Peel Health, Youth Education Officer and Peel Bullying
Prevention)
Support for Parent/Adult learners through participation in the School Volunteer Program, Catholic School Council, CCCSC Family of Schools Meetings,
etc.
Liaise with the Public Library
Family Literacy Program (night sessions through Region of Peel for parents and JK – 8 students)
Gideon Bible Program
University teacher candidates
Support High School and College Co-op Program
Author visits
Eye See Eye
No Child Without (Medical Alert)
Welcome to Kindergarten and Family Literacy Program
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The school team builds and sustains community partnerships and collaborations:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Catholic School Council Election information is sent home to all parents/guardians
Opportunities to become involved in volunteer activities/committees/classroom field trips/special celebrations etc., foster expanded participation in the
school by way of interest and/or expertise (knowledge/skills)
School administration visibility and accessibility; open door policy is intended to provide a welcoming, inclusive school climate
Pro Grant to engage the community
Artists and Authors in the School
Guest speakers through Catholic School Council
The school team builds and fosters community partnerships through staff participation in school to school (family wide) learning teams
ESL Reception Centre
Participation in curriculum related field trips
Implementation of co-curricular/intra, and/or inter-school/ board wide competitions (e.g., sports teams, Student Speech competitions (Catholic
Women’s League), Silver Birch/Red Maple Reading Programs)
Involvement of our Community Partners: Peel Regional Police (Neighborhood Police Unit, Youth Education Officer, Children’s Safety Village), Peel
Health (Pals, Bully Prevention Program), Brampton Parks and Recreation, Peel Children’s Centre and Archbishop Romero
Working in collaboration with the Family Day before/after school programs
Encouragement of permits that support and/or enhance student well-being (e.g., Brampton Parks & Recreation, Sports teams)
Collaboration with various agencies dedicated to the support of student well-being (e.g., EYE SEE, EYE Learn Program, Region of Peel-Student
Immunization Program)
Gideon Society
Brampton Clean City
Dairy Farmers
No Child Without – Medical Alert Program
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:54 AM
4/7
Holy Spirit Elementary School
Learning Plan
PARISH-HOME SCHOOL
Holy Spirit School promotes the engagement and active participation of the parish and home as a fundamental component of student success:
•
•
•
The school works with the home in collaboration with Father Vito and St. Patrick’s Parish to support Sacramental Preparation and faith development
The school provides support for Parish and Board charitable works initiatives, e.g. Share Life, Helping Hands and food drives
The school participates with the home and parish in school Masses, Virtues and liturgical celebrations
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The organization of a school wide recycling program
Eco school rating of silver
The implementation of healthy eating programs (e.g., litter less lunch)
The delivery of curriculum e.g., geography, science, religion, family programs that foster ‘respect for life’ and stewardship of resources
Purchasing learning resources that reflect the diversity within the school
Peace Garden
Green Committee
Establish system for staff to reduce copying and use of G.O.O.S paper
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Allocate funds appropriate to learner needs (e.g., resources)
Maintain a balanced budget
Allocate a portion of fundraising monies to ‘Charitable’ initiatives
Encourage staff to reduce paper use in the school
School Fundraisers
Follow Board guidelines for financial accountability
Staff budget committee to advise on spending for school needs
Budget Tracker / Cash Net
Communication to community
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:54 AM
5/7
Holy Spirit 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 they feel accepted in school, as demonstrated by the CCCC School
Climate Survey results.
Action Plans
Bullying Prevention
CCCC Plan to improve School Climate
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By the end of 2016, there will be an increase in the confidence of staff to apply knowledge gained through student assessment data, collaborative inquiry
and professional learning opportunities.
Action Plans
SEF 2.4 Job-embedded and inquiry-based professional learning builds capacity, informs instructional practices and contributes to a culture of learning.
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By the end of 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of students who are prepared for seamless school transitions through appropriate planning
and resource supports.
Action Plans
Transition Planning
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 By the end of 2016, there will be an increased understanding of assessment for and as learning for staff through professional learning opportunities and
collaborative inquiry.
Action Plans
SEF 1.3 Students and educators build a common understanding of what students are learning by identifying, sharing, and clarifying the learning goals and
success criteria.
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:54 AM
6/7
Holy Spirit 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
Implementation of differentiated instruction and assessment
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
Powered by SkoVision™
12/17/2015 10:13:54 AM
7/7