St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
We are a Catholic school whose mission is based on the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We are rooted in a long history of academic excellence and exemplary moral development in a constantly changing world.
We welcome and value the involvement of all that have an interest in our world.
We are Church. The Catholic Church bonds our community to God. Together we experience the rich tradition of our Catholic heritage. The priesthood of
Jesus leads us to a full understanding of dogma, faith and values.
Students Are the Focus of our Community.
We challenge them to excellence in everything they do - spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Together we grow in respect for self,
others, authority and property.
Faculty Members Are the Agents of Our Community.
We commission them to be teacher, mentor and friend. Together we model Catholic values by setting the examples of love, compassion, honesty, respect,
fairness and a positive attitude.
Parents Are the Supporters and Guardians of our Community. We share in supporting the education of our children.
In a positive and constructive way we challenge the process of education.
We all live in the broader community of province, nation and the global family.
We serve that community by developing Catholic leaders and we are served by that Community through the provision of resources - spiritual, physical and
personal.
We are St. Stephen Catholic School.
Motto
Our motto at St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School is everything with "Love, Compassion, Honesty and Respect."
Catholic Focus
St. Stephen
St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School, is located at 17 Colonel Bertram Road in the Heart Lake area of North East Brampton. St. Stephen Catholic
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St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School
Learning Plan
Elementary School was opened in December 1988 and was blessed on October 15, 1989. St. Stephen is the patron saint of stonemasons. He was known for
converting many people to Christianity, for which he earned many enemies. Out of fear, his enemies spread many lies about him and St. Stephen was tried
for blasphemy. During his trial he is said to have seen a vision of Jesus at God's right hand, and he was dragged out into the streets of Jerusalem. St.
Stephen was stoned to death, but not before begging God to have mercy on his enemies. St. Stephen became a martyr in the Church. His feast day is
December 26th.
St. Stephen has over 300 students of diverse backgrounds. As reflected in its school motto, everything “With Love, Compassion, Honesty and Respect,” we
believe that our faith is embedded in everything that we do. Students come with a variety of strengths and needs and our Catholic faith is our common bond.
Our school population has fluctuated over the years with enrolment being as high as 750, with up to 14 portables, to as low as 250 students. Our
current school population is 344 students. We have a strong partnership with our Parish and our Catholic School Council (CSC). Our Catholic School
Council is a valued partner with many parents, guardians, families, and staff working together to help improve student achievement, engagement and wellbeing. In collaboration with our CSC we support The Arts, Athletics, Science and Technology programs for our students as well as create a safe, caring,
healthy and inclusive environment for all students entrusted in our care.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board believes that our Catholic faith, as expressed through our Gospel values, is vital among our community of
learners, which includes: our students, our home parish, the home and community, our teachers and support staff, administrators, supervisory officers, and
trustees. The Board strives to be a Christ-centred system in which all work and learn in a supportive, inclusive, meaningful, and respectful environment.
Within 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," and fulfill the Ontario Catholic
School Graduate Expectations. The board is further committed to:
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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 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 principle 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 and to Dufferin-Peel’s Equity and Inclusive Education Policy (developed in
accordance with the provincial Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy), while:
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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 continues 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
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St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School
Learning Plan
The Catholic School Learning Plan (CSLP) has been aligned with the Catholic Board Learning Plan (CBLP) to address the Board's five core principles of:
CATHOLICITY; LEARNING ENVIRONMENT; COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; PARISH-HOME-SCHOOL; and PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT.
CATHOLICITY:
The school community models, celebrates and nourishes Gospel values:
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by integrating and expressing the Virtues Program within the school community
by fulfilling the Principles of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations (FDK-Gr.8)
by the preparation for and receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation
by communicating the sacred nature of the Mass
by creating and appreciating a sacred space during the school Masses and Liturgies
by ensuring students are aware of and know the Prayer to St. Stephen
by pariticipating in Social Justice initiatives which includes: food, toy and clothing drives during Thanksgiving, Advent and Lent, Share Life, United Way
by organizing liturgies and celebrations throughout the school year: Remembrance Day, Advent liturgies, Ash Wednesday, Catholic Education Week,
and Graduation Liturgy
by fostering positive home/school/parish relationships
by supporting the Adult Faith Ambassadors and our Youth Faith Ambassadors
by implementing the Safe Schools Policies, Bullying Prevention and Character Building / Leadership Programs: One Voice, Harmony. Smart Start,
PALS, Circle of Friends
by the Awards and Virtue Assemblies
by participation in the Catholic Education Week activities
Pastoral visits
Pastoral Plan
Sacred space in all classrooms and common areas
Environmental focus on renewal and stewardship
Eco Schools participation and certification
School yard pavement games to promote cooperative play
Use of Peace Garden
Positive home-school-parish-community partnerships (e.g., Peel Health Nurse, Peel Regional Police)
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:
St. Stephen's most recent EQAO Gr. 3 Assessment Performance:
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Primary Reading:
Primary Writing:
Primary Math.:
71%
78%
67%
St. Stephen's most recent EQAO Gr. 6 Assessment Performance:
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Junior Reading:
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72%
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St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Junior Writing:
Junior Math.:
96%
52%
How the school community supports and provides opportunities for life-long learning:
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by integrating best practices to foster inclusion, leadership and teamwork to support increased student achievement, such as professional learning
communities
by endeavoring to ensure students strive to achieve the 'Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations'
by implementing resource and support programs, such as 'All Star Reading Program', 'Brampton Parks and Recreation' programs, 'Welcome to
Kindergarten' programs, 'Junior Achievers' program and 'RAID' program.
The ways in which the school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all
learners are:
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by implementing the Ontario Curriculum as the core program
by utilizing current data, classroom profiles and individual learner profiles to improve student achievement, engagement and well-being
by integrating a variety of instructional practices and assessment and evaluation tools to address our diverse learning needs, such as those included in
the 'Learning for All' and 'Growing Success' document (Universal Design for Learning, differentiated program, transition planning)
by implementing the online 'Tumble Readers' literacy program
by utilizing the Professional Learning Communities support 'research in action' inquiry based learning opportunities for staff, and to enhance student
learning / outcomes
by establishing Professional Learning Communities which are designed to inform teaching / assessment practices, eg. school and Board wide
assessments; diagnostic, formative and summative assessments, standardized assessments (CASI, PM Benchmarks, CAT3, CCCC Survey, etc..)
by developing student IEPs to support 'at risk' and exceptional learner needs and, learning opportunities for growth
by organizing Transition meetings to support the transition of learners: the Kindergarten, from grade to grade, from elementary into secondary schools,
for students at risk and with exceptional learning needs
Math Homework Help
Monthly staff meetings, POD, Special Assignment Teacher support, Student Work Study Teacher, Program Days that focus on our Collaborative
Inquiry and Theory of Action
Glee Club, Christmas Concert, Variety Show
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community:
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by recognizing the importance of the partnership of schools, parents/guardians, the Church and the community to create a positive learning community
by recognizing that active participation of parents/guardians is the purpose of Catholic School Councils
by encouraging open and continuous dialogue and increased involvement among our partnerships
by striving to promote increased student achievement and to enhance accountability in the education system
by promoting equal opportunity by recruiting volunteers at 'Open House' evening, newsletters, posters
by establishing 'By-Laws' to detail election procedures and appointment procedures for the various positions within the Catholic School Council
by working with Catholic School Council members to support the Parents Reaching Out Grant initiatives and procedures
by planning for presenters / facilitators that promote professional development and meet the needs of parents / guardians
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St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School
Learning Plan
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opportunities to become involved in volunteer activities, committees, field trips, special celebrations, etc.
by participating in social justice and positive school climate initiatives, including: Terry Fox walk, Fire Department and Police visits, See Hear Clinic,
Brampton Clean up program, St. Leonard Parish and St. Vincent de Paul collections
The school team builds and sustains community partnerships and collaborates by:
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Promoting safe and healthy schools initiatives by including outside community partnerships: 'Power of One' presentations, 'Harmony' program, 'Peel
Health' initiatives such as 'Walk to School' program, 'Wonder Fitness Challenge', 'Police' presentations
Establishing a 'Special Events' committee that invites community partnerships in supporting curriculum, such as 'Blades of Glory' for Gr. 6, 7 & 8'
'Knight School' for Gr. 4 & 5, 'Mad Science' in-school workshops for K-Gr.8
Promoting the ESL Assessment Center as appropriate
Supporting and planning with the PLASP and DAYCARE service providers to ensure students' needs are met
Supporting the PERMITS process that would bring outside community teams and groups into the school after school hours
Offering medical support initiatives to parents for their children's needs, such as 'Eye to Eye' program and 'SeeHear' Clinic and the 'No Child Without
Medi Alert' program
Involving the 'Junior Achievement' program for the Intermediate students
PARISH-HOME-SCHOOL:
The school promotes the engagement and active participation of the Parish and Home as a fundamental component of student success:
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by ensuring Staff attend the Parish meetings in support of Sacramental preparation for the Gr. 2 & Gr. 8 students
by promoting the Parish informaiton and events in the school Newsletters and on the School's website
by displaying copies of the Parish bulletin in the school
by supporting and planning for our Pastor to visit classrooms
by supporting the Parish activities such as the Thanksgiving, Advent and Lenten food and clothing drives and Christmas baskets to needy families
by encouraging members of the staff and community to attend the annual Parish, Home and School symposium organized by the Board
by ensuring that there is a School Council member to fill the role of Parish rep and OAPCE rep
by celebrating together in our faith celebrations (masses, liturgies, virtue assemblies)
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
The school engages in activities that models and promotes good stewardhsip of resources:
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by continuing to establish a Recycling committee that is composed of a lead teacher and student members to promote the recycling program to all
classrooms and announcements regarding conservation of energy on the morning PA announcements
by establishing an Environmental committee that promotes a GREEN PLAN for the school
by voluntarily participating in the ECO GREEN PLAN=(we earned a 'Silver' last school year and we hope to continue to build on this achievement)!
by participating in Earth Day and Earth Hour activities
by encouraging litter less lunches
by establishing a plan for staff to reduce photocopying
by continuing to develop our Peace Garden and seek innovation grant for additional support
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St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School
Learning Plan
The school demonstrates financial responsibility:
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by providing to all Staff members the Budget Outline that details the school operating budget expenditures at the start of each year and providing
updates of the budget expenditures periodically throughout the year
by informing each Staff member of the amount that each can spend for classroom standard supplies and learning materials
by providing the Catholic School Council the Budget Outline regarding the school operating budget expenditures to promote transparency and
accountability
by monitoring the school operating budget monthly through IREN and the Board's Financial Department
by accessing the Board's tendors for special projects
school fundraisers follow Board policies and procedures
by aligning school budget to ministry, board and school goals
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St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By 2016, the proportion of St. Stephen School students indicating that they feel accepted by students in the school will increase as demonstrated by the
CCCC survey baseline data (Spring 2013).
Action Plans
CCCC Virtue Formation
Creating Catholic Conditions
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By the end of 2016, our staff and students will have adopted a growth mindset and collaborative inquiry practices to help support learning in all program
areas.
Action Plans
Collaborative Inquiry Approach
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of Gr. 8 students who are prepared for Secondary School transition through a variety of contexts and
active engagement.
Action Plans
Enhancing Transitional Practices
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
Recognizing and affirming the dignity of all
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St. Stephen Catholic 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
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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