St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Learning Plan
Mission *
St. Therese of the Child Jesus Mission Statement
It is the mission of the staff of St. Therese of the Child Jesus School, to model Gospel Values through celebrating the distinct nature of our Catholic Schools
in partnership with families and our Parish church to provide a safe, caring, inclusive and diverse learning environment for every student. As a staff, we strive
to create conditions that support life-long learners, creative self-directed and responsible students through technology and social outreach projects. We
continue to use effective pedagogies that support the learner in the 21st century, ever responsive to our students.
Motto
The spirit of St. Therese lives in each of us and every time we imitate her "little way", we grow closer to God.
Catholic Focus
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St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Learning Plan
St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic School as a member of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, believes that the Catholic faith, as expressed
through Gospel values, is the driving force in the board’s community of learners, which includes five key groups: students; the parish, home and community;
teachers and support staff; administrators and supervisory officers; and trustees. St. Therese of the Child Jesus School strives to be a Christ-centred system
in which all may work and learn in a supportive, inclusive, meaningful, and respectful environment. Within the context of an authentic Catholic learning
community, St. Therese of the Child Jesus School strives “…to provide students with the opportunity to realize their potential and develop into highly skilled,
knowledgeable, caring citizens who contribute to society.” St. Therese of the Child Jesus School 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 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, St. Therese of the Child Jesus School 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 (draft) 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, St. Therese of the Child Jesus 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. We, the staff of St.
Therese of the Child Jesus School, believe that we uphold the integrity of our Catholic faith along with the strong commitment to high educational standards
and practices which truly promotes students into the 21st century equipped as life - long learners who have a strong sense of social justice, deep connection
to Jesus and being a positive contributing citizen in our society.
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?
Curriculum
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The Ontario Catholic Curriculum resources are used by classroom teachers
The Catholic Graduate Expectations are the framework for teaching and learning
Catholic values and virtues are infused within the curriculum
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St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Learning Plan
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Bible stories ground learning within the context of the Catholic faith
Rosary Apostolate
Parish/School/Home Connection
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Staff and students participate fully in school liturgies led by parish priest
Parent community are invited to school liturgies
Family Advent Mass –annual school evening mass and reception at Church to celebrate Christ’s birth as a school community
Parish /School teams meet to plan sacramental preparation and liturgies
Pastoral plan is communicated to parents
School visits by Pastoral Team
Visible Signs of Faith:
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Students have opportunities in every classroom to access a sacred space to help their faith development; this space is maintained following the
liturgical calendar
Bulletin boards in classrooms and in hallways display faith based activities
Stations of the Cross permanent hallway artistic display
St. Therese of the Child Jesus mural displaying diverse school culture
Icons of St. Therese, patron saint of our school
Daily prayers including prayer to our Patron Saint, St.Therese and focus on the Catholic Virtues
Bulletin board at Parish once a year for Virtues
Rosary Club
Daily prayers incorporate parts of the mass
Virtues Education:
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Catholic virtues are embedded in all areas of the curriculum as well as in our progressive discipline
Virtues bulletin board displays virtues of the month; virtues posters are displayed in classrooms
Virtues in Action program with monthly assemblies promote students who display catholic virtues with student recognition certificates and pencils
funded and supported by school council.
Community Outreach:
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Social justice opportunities are provided throughout the school year: St. Vincent de Paul food drives, Toonie Tuesday for Eden Food Bank, Christmas
Baskets for the parish, Share Life fundraising activities; Terry Fox Walk, Personal Needs Drive, Dr. Simone Candy Drive, Sick Kids Hospital
contribution, Visits to the Eden Food Bank, Samaritans Purse
Youth Faith Ambassadors promote social outreach in We Are One conference
Youth Faith Ambassadors promote outreach programs of the school
School choir will promote social outreach at retirement home
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St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Learning Plan
Safe, Caring, Inclusive Schools
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Youth Faith Ambassadors lead school spirit days; social outreach projects, Virtues in Action program; social justice
Youth Faith Ambassador Executive take the place of Student Council in leading Youth Faith Ambassadors in their activities
Anti-Bullying presentations by Peel Police and other presenters (For example, Peel Safety Village and Cyberbullying presentations) promote safe
schools
HPV and Meningitis Immunization
Peel Health PALS program to promote cooperative play
Progressive discipline practiced by staff and administration with focus on restorative justice
Behaviour assemblies and monthly virtues assemblies promote safe schools and positive school climate
Positive School Climate initiative promotes respect, self-esteem and positive interaction
Tracking of blue and purple slips through classroom teacher to promote positive behaviour and prevent bullying
Shining Stars Activity Day for students with diverse needs
Anti-Bullying Awareness Week
School Wide Use of ZONES OF REGULATION
Learning Environment
1. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
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Primary Reading: Primary Reading: 71%
Primary Writing: 71%
Primary Mathematics: 67%
Observations regarding school progress in primary EQAO: ELL students increased by 13% to 29%; no students were exempted from Primary
EQAO; 12% of the students who wrote received one or more accommodations
focus on Primary Reading
continue to focus on high yield strategies (i.e. guided reading, Leveled Language Intervention, Raz Kids)
continue to focus on the 3-Part lesson and problem-solving strategies in mathematics , interactive math games on the tablets and SMART boards
accessing support from the Special Assignment Teacher
2. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
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Junior Reading: 88%
Junior Writing: 93%
Junior Mathematics: 74%
Observations regarding school progress in junior EQAO: slight decline in Mathematics, but improvement in Reading and Writing.
Increase of students receiving accommodations rose from 8% to 17%.
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St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Learning Plan
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Continue to focus on high yield strategies in literacy (guided and shared reading)
Continue to focus on Boy’s Literacy
Continue to consolidate 3-part lesson and problem-solving strategies in mathematics
school focus for network support 3-part lesson, starting with Mathematic
3. Describe how the school community supports and provide opportunities for life-long learning.
Special Assignment Teacher provides shared opportunities to fully implement the Balanced Literacy high yield strategies in all three divisions
Administrators share responsibility of supporting school wide Teaching Learning Critical Pathway (TLCP) sessions
All teaching staff are involved in TLCP sessions
Teachers work collaboratively in developing division TLCPs that meet the identified student needs based on school data
Teachers in Extended French are aligning goals with English counterparts
Incorporate interactive Math games
Increase use of technology to develop student engagement
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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Educators believe that all children can learn, progress and succeed.
Educators focus on targeting diverse learning needs. Teaching strategies and instructional time will use high yield strategies and differentiated
instruction to support all learners.
Teachers support the use of assistive technology as a means of communication for students.
Timely interventions, supported by a team approach, respond to individual student needs.
At-risk students are identified and transition strategies are put in place to assist with grade promotions and the transition to High School
Community Engagement
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
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Catholic School Council elections are an open, welcoming and transparent process
Catholic School Council presence is evident at community events. New members are sought through discussion, newsletter invitations, school website;
pamphlets on the role of the council are shared.
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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Supporting local community agencies i.e. St. Vincent de Paul, and Eden Foodbank; Dr. Simone outreach, Operation Christmas Child
Partnership with the Early Years Centre through Welcome to Kindergarten night for parents and JK students
Collaboration with Peel Regional Police and the Region of Peel Health to develop safe and healthy living
Promotion of the Eye See / Eye Learn initiative to ensure that all children of kindergarten age access the services of a registered optometrist
Participation in "We Are One", equity and inclusivity session with representative intermediate students
Developed a transition program called French Connection/ Connection Française to ease students into the Extended French Program
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St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Learning Plan
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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Parish priest is present at school liturgies and class visits thus ensuring that the parish is actively connected to the school in the development of faith
School Community gatherings at Parish: Annual Family Advent Mass allow students to share their faith as a community connected to the school
Sacramental preparation is a joint responsibility between home/parish and school. Recognition from both the School Council and the school community
is provided to students who receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation
The school and parish have regular communication. School participates in using parish bulletin board; parish team and administration meet throughout
the year; parish information is posted on school website and in newsletters
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promote good stewardship of resources?
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Students and staff are encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle
Promotion of litterless lunches through newsletters and announcements
Reduction in photocopying as consumption is monitored in monthly report
Affirmation of student efforts in promoting recycling programs throughout the school.
Eco-School activities promote caring for the planet
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
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The school budget expenditures is aligned to system/school goals to improve student achievement
Transparent procedures and balanced school budget
Compliance with the School Council Budget and Banking policies and procedures
School Council funds are used to support school goals and student success
budget will be allocated to library purchases
Dedicated effort to increase technology within the classrooms to increase student engagement
Monthly reporting and reconciliation of the school budget
Strict adherence to board finance policies and procedures
Balanced budget annually
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St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By the end of 2016, we would like to increase our students' sense of feeling included and a sense of wellbeing during academic, social and spiritual
experiences, as demonstrated in the CCCC School Climate Survey. We would like to see a decrease in the proportion of students reporting that they have felt
not accepted at school, as demonstrated by the CCCC School Climate Survey.
Action Plans
1. Safe and Inclusive Environment
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By the end of 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of staff and students who are demonstrating an understanding of the inquiry process by
participating in collaborative inquiry opportunities.
Action Plans
2. Collaborative Inquiry
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By the end of 2016 there will be an increase in successful practices that support transitional practices.
Action Plans
3. 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 who have demonstrated improvement on the learning skills, work habit scores,
and student achievement as demonstrated through report card data.
Action Plans
4. Knowing the Learner through Assessment
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St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 By the end of three years, there will be an increase in collaborative co-planning opportunities for teachers that supports the development of best teaching
practices as demonstrated in the number of staff participating in PD sessions.
Action Plans
5) Effective Instruction
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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