St. Ursula Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
The mission of St. Ursula School community is to
ensure that home, Church and school are collaborative partners
in the building of an environment that reflects Catholic faith and values
by celebrating each person as a member of the Body of Christ
and by challenging all to achieve excellence
spiritually, socially and academically.
Motto
“All who enter St. Ursula Catholic School
will be inspired to commit to a life journey
guided by the Gospel light of Christ.”
Catholic Focus
At St. Ursula School we believe:
- That our school exists as a learning institution based upon Gospel principles as handed down by our Catholic tradition;
- That our school must provide a nurturing environment where every child may grow closer to Jesus and live the Gospel values;
- That the staff must be dedicated to Catholic values, and each member must be given the opportunity to fulfill these values;
- That student success can only be realized through a co-operative relationship between school and home;
- That we provide each student with a diverse education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation, and excellence
in learning.
Core Principles
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St. Ursula Elementary School
Learning Plan
Catholicity
The school community models, celebrates and nourishes gospel values in the teaching and learning of our
Christ-centered programs and services by:
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Sustaining the focus that St. Ursula is “One Sacred Community”
Catholic Community Culture and Caring (CCCC) Team with student and parent representation.
Strong relationship with St. Anne Parish Team
Virtues program
Prayers and reflections by students in daily announcements
Social Justice Student/Staff Committee “The Ursulights”
Sacred space in all classrooms
A chapel
Peace Garden
School Masses and liturgies
Celebrate Catholic Education Week
Learning Environment
The school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance shows:
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Primary Reading: 70%
Primary Writing: 72%
Primary Mathematics: 51%
Our EQAO assessments indicate that our grade three students are achieving slightly below the provincial standard (Level 3 and 4). As a school we
will further analyze the EQAO results to provide support to our students to ensure that more students continue to improve in all assessment areas. We are
committed to improving our scores in mathematics and developing a deeper understanding of mathematics in all students.
The school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance shows:
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Junior Reading: 91%
Junior Writing: 87%
Junior Mathematics: 54%
Our grade 6 EQAO results continue to demonstrate achievement above both the Board and Provincial Standard (level 3 and 4) in Mathematics, Reading and
Writing. We will continue to dedicate a wide range of supports to focus on improving learning especially in the area of Mathematics. I.e. Math processes, use
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St. Ursula Elementary School
Learning Plan
of manipulatives, the three - part math lesson. As a staff we will further analyze our EQAO data to ensure that all students continue to develop a deeper
understanding in Mathematics.
The St. Ursula school community supports and provides opportunities for life-long learning through:
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“Welcome to Kindergarten” evening for incoming Junior Kindergarten students
Transition Planning for students from Grade 8 to Grade 9
My BluePrint (Grades7 and 8) to support students in identifying interests that will inform future learning pathways and eventual career planning.
Use of profiles K-6 to support students to identifying interests that will inform future learning pathways
Math Help Hotline - Intermediate students
After School Tutor Program - EQAO
“Speak Up” Leadership initiatives
Youth Faith Ambassadors - "Ursulight
Brampton Northwest Connects Initiatives i.e. Winter Lights, Day of Pink
Co-op Students from neighbouring secondary schools
Teacher candidates from various Faculties of Education
Staff demonstrate life-long learning by facilitating and attending in-services and Summer Institutes as well as participating in professional development
during Staff meetings.
Community presentations – Youth Education Officer
Peel Police i.e. Walking Wednesdays
City of Brampton i.e. Park Hero
Cassie Campbell Parks and Recreation i.e. Swim to Survive (Grade 3), After School program
P.L.A.S.P.
Terry Fox Run
Outline ways the school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all learners.
St. Ursula is committed to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all learners.
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Empower Reading Program
Teaching Learning Cycles/Teacher Moderation
Special Assignment Teacher (S.A.T.) to support professional learning
Differentiated Instruction
Inclusion of the Virtues in Cross-Curricular teaching
SMART Board technology to be used to enhance program delivery
Using technology as a tool for learning i.e. iPads
Inquiry Based learning
Staff meetings with a focus on professional development to improving student achievement i.e. Mathematics, Technology, Assessment
Special Education Team meetings to discuss progress and programming for At-Risk students
Transition planning for students moving into secondary school
Building a “Positive School Climate” focus across the school
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St. Ursula Elementary School
Learning Plan
Community Engagement
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
The St. Ursula school community ensures that the Catholic School Council reflects our diverse Catholic community.
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Recruitment of School Council membership at Open House
School Council Chair represents Brampton West Family of Schools for the Central Committee of Catholic School Chairs
OAPCE Rep attends CCCSC meetings at the Board
Participation by our School Council executive in Board sponsored workshops
Guest speakers/presenters (Ron Morrish) at School Council meetings and at school events
Parish representative meets with St. Anne Church Parish team
Fr. Francesco from St. Anne Parish visits Gr. 2, 7 and 8 classes for sacramental preparation
2. In what ways does the school team build and sustain community partnerships and collaborative (e.g., collaborative relationships, Success By 6 Peel)?
St. Ursula has developed good working partnerships with the community.
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Brampton Northwest Connects i.e. Winter lights, Day of Pink
Peel Health partnership i.e. Walking Wednesdays, Go Girls
Edge Program (St. Anne Church)
Swim to Survive program for Grade Three students at Cassie Campbell Recreation Center
Brampton Clean City and Recycling
Peel Safety Village
Bus Patrollers
PALS
Peel Police i.e. Cram the Cruiser Food Drive , Walk Your Child to School
St. Louise Outreach
Young Achievers Program - Grade 7
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition
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.
St. Ursula School recognizes the importance of engaging the home and the parish in our student's success.
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Promote student programs offered by St. Anne's Parish i.e. Edge
Planning and participation in the St. Anne Feast celebration
Post parish bulletin in the foyer of the school
Newsletters sent to our parish
Parish events are announced in the School Newsletters, on the website and on the daily announcements.
The Parish Rep on the School Council promotes parish events.
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St. Ursula Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Share Life
Support sacramental preparation and encourage parents to attend Parent meetings.
Parish team visits to the school
Masses and Liturgies
Regular meetings with the Parish team and Administrators i.e. Welcome Breakfast, Liturgical Planning meetings
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promote good stewardship of resources?
The students and staff of St. Ursula promote good stewardship of the earth's resources.
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Celebration of Earth Day
Recycling Team
GOLD certification as an ECO School
Focusing on Waste Management
Initiatives to reduce electricity - i.e. lights lowered, blinds open
Attention to site safety
Participation in the City of Brampton's Park Hero Program
Prompt attention to acts of vandalism
Great Gulp Challenge, The Big Crunch
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
St. Ursula demonstrates financial responsibility.
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School budget is aligned to school goals and student learning such as the purchase of literacy books, Smart Boards
Maintain a balanced budget
Guidelines and policies are adhered to using tracking mechanisms to ensure compliance
Review of monthly statements
Accountability and transparency in fundraising activities are addressed according to Board protocols
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St. Ursula Elementary School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By fall of 2015, students indicating they feel bullied at school will decrease compared to the CCCC School Climate Survey baseline data (Spring 2013).
Action Plans
Bullying prevention programs put into place to increase student comfort level and a sense of safety
Creating respectful conditions for well-being, learning and leading in a positive climate by inviting the voice of all learners and active listening
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
To reflect on the learning skills through our Collaborative Inquiry to self-regulate
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 engagements
Action Plans
To continue with transition meetings with secondary schools and Grade 8 leadership opportunities in readiness for high school
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
Assessments for and as learning
During learning students receive on-going descriptive feedback based on success criteria from teachers and peers.
Parent Engagement
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St. Ursula 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
Improving EQAO Achievement by developing successful test taking strategies
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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