St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
Mission *
St. Valentine Catholic School is committed to honouring the diversity of individuals in a safe, nurturing environment where one can learn with
dignity, live with self-respect and grow in love and faith.
We are the unique creation of God in which members of this school community exemplify the teachings of Jesus Christ.
We are centred on Christ and focused on students.
We believe in a shared responsibility of education that exists among the school, the family, the parish and the community.
We believe we are a school community anchored in the Catholic Faith where Christian values apply to life’s opportunities, challenges and
choices.
We believe in the provision of a variety of enriching and integrated opportunities for spiritual and social growth and providing a curriculum
and learning environment that is dynamic, practical and relevant to enable our students to have the power and responsibility to create a
future just society.
We respect diversity of individuals and value self-esteem and place importance in creating a welcoming atmosphere of mutual respect that is
safe and secure, co-operative and equal.
We believe we must actively fulfill the mission statement of St. Valentine Catholic School throughout our daily interactions.
We believe in the wholeness of a person and believe we need to live, learn, love and pray to our best potential with mind, heart and soul.
Motto
“Learning, Loving, Praying”
Catholic Focus
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St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
St. Valentine’s Catholic Focus
St. Valentine Catholic School believes that the Catholic faith, as expressed through Gospel values, is the driving force in the school’s community of
learners. St. Valentine Catholic School believes that the Catholic faith, as expressed through Gospel values, is the driving force in our community of
learners, which includes five key groups: students; the parish, home and community; teachers and support staff; and trustees. The 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, it strives “…to provide students with the opportunity to realize their potential and develop into highly
skilled, knowledgeable, caring citizens who contribute to society.” St. Valentine Catholic 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. Valentine Catholic School fosters and nourishes an inclusive atmosphere rooted in
tradition and scripture 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, we will continue to develop opportunities for faith formation of students (Virtues Program) and staff, together
with an educational program which strives to integrate the board’s fundamental beliefs and values into all of its endeavors.
Core Principles
Catholic School Learning Plan for St. Valentine Catholic School
The Catholic School Learning Plan (CSLP) has been aligned with the Catholic Board Learning Plan to address the board’s five core principles of:
Catholicity; Learning Environment; Community Engagement; Parish-Home-School; and Physical Environment.
Local School Response to the Dufferin-Peel Five Core Principles
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St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
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?
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Virtues education and liturgies
Sacred space in all classrooms and common areas
Gospel readings and reflections over the announcements every day
Various Social Justice initiatives occurring all year long
Environmental focus – renewal and stewardship
Strong relationship with parish, including Rosary Apostolates, bi-monthly visits with associate pastor
Diversity Team and Youth Faith Ambassadors
Welcoming new comers and providing assistance to families through the School Social Worker
Learning Environment
1. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
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Primary Reading: 63%
Primary Writing: 77%
Primary Mathematics: 58%
2. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
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Junior Reading: 85%
Junior Writing: 85%
Junior Mathematics: 69%
3. Describe how the school community supports and provide opportunities for life-long learning.
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Secondary School students volunteer and complete co-op placements
Math Homework Help
Transition Planning for Grade 8 to Grade 9
Teachers are lifelong learners as well, acting as role models by attending inservices, courses and workshops
Special Education model values and promotes inclusion of all
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St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Various extra-curricular and co-curricular clubs, both athletic and non-athletic
Parent volunteers help to support struggling students
Principal updates at School Council meetings
Community partnerships: Peel Health, Peel Police
Community outreach: St. Mary's Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, Dr. Simone
Swim to Survive Program
Healthy Schools
Eco Schools Certification
Welcome to Kindergarten
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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All divisions will continue a focus on collaborative inquiry and consolidation of the expected practice (guided reading/guided practice, three
part lesson/problem solving, self-regulation, initiative)
Differentiated Instruction is occurring in classrooms
Special Education and ELL staff are involved in both in-class and withdrawal models of support for students; also, a cohesive model of support
is being implemented where all resource staff support all types of at risk learners not just specific populations
SMART Board technology is used to enhance program delivery and is being expanded upon with the purchase of additional SMART Boards (all
core classrooms, SERT, SERC, computer lab)
Common grade level planning time, where possible
Monthly Staff/Divisional Meetings with a focus on school learning plan outcomes and planning for instruction
Integration meetings to plan next steps for students
Pedagogical documentation, collaborative inquiry, 21st Century literacies, co-constructed anchor charts and descriptive feedback continue to
be goals for our school
Community Engagement
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
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Parents are strongly encouraged to join in the partnership of their child’s education
Representatives from the parish form a strong bond
Increase involvement in childrens’ learning/social interactions through guest speakers
****This will be an area of continued focus for 2015-2016 - we will be looking for ways to support families to work alongside their children
in understanding the concepts, processes and materials
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St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
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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Maintain communication and relationship with Catholic School Trustee for Ward 6
PALS
Mississauga Clean City and Recycling
Peel Police RAID program and various other community outreach programs
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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School attends Mass at the church throughout the school year
Provide announcements for the Parish over the PA system
Parish bulletin is posted in the foyer of school and on school website
Parents are encouraged to be part of sacramental preparation
Participation in the St. Valentine and St. Francis Xavier Feast Day celebrations
Parents invited to monthly virtue liturgies/assemblies organized by classes
Parish team invited to various school events (ex. barbeque)
Work with and support new Youth Minister at St. Francis Xavier Church
Rosary Apostolate program
Parish Rep on School Council
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promote good stewardship of resources?
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School “Green Team”
Celebration of Earth Day
Litterless Lunches are encouraged
Planting in Prayer Garden
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St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
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Outdoor classroom and kindergarten space
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
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School budget is aligned to school goals and student learning
A balanced budget is maintained
All guidelines and policies are adhered to using tracking mechanisms to ensure compliance
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St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.1 By June 2016, the proportion of students reporting that they have worries will be reduced.
Action Plans
Create student social space
Develop Culture of Caring Adults
Improving Self-Regulation and Learning Skills in Students
Student Support Plan
Support Students Feeling Excluded
1.2 CCCC Pillar: By June 2016, the proportion of students who feel excluded will decrease.
Action Plans
Bullying Prevention
Create student social space
Develop Culture of Caring Adults
Responsive Classroom Design for 21st Century Learning
Student Leadership
Student Support Plan
Support Students Feeling Excluded
1.3 By June 2016, an outdoor learning space / classroom will be created to provide students with an opportunity to pursue inquiry and interaction with the
natural environment.
Action Plans
Creation of an outdoor learning space / classroom
Develop Culture of Caring Adults
Student Collaborative Inquiry
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.1 By June 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of educators who intend to continue to develop knowledge gained through professional learning
opportunities in collaboration with others.
Action Plans
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St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.1 By June 2016, all students will be effectively supported in their transitions within the school and to programs outside of the school.
Action Plans
Apply Processes and Structures to Support Students in Transitions
Kindergarten Transitions
3.2 By the end of 2016, students at St. Valentine School will be familiar with high school options, programs & pathways to determine their appropriate
placement for academic success thus increasing the future graduation rate to the Board target.
Action Plans
Apply Processes and Structures to Support Students in Transitions
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.1 By June 2016, there will be an increase in successful practices that support knowing the learner through assessment.
Action Plans
Assessment For, As and Of Learning
Continue Implementation of Guided Reading
Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
Improving Self-Regulation and Learning Skills in Students
Pedagogical Documentation
Responsive Classroom Design for 21st Century Learning
Student Led Learning Walks
4.2 By June 2016, there will be an increase in the proportion of educators who increased their understanding of assessment for and as learning as a result of
professional learning opportunities.
Action Plans
Assessment For, As and Of Learning
Continue Implementation of Guided Reading
Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
Pedagogical Documentation
Student Led Learning Walks
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St. Valentine Elementary School
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.1 By June 2016, all teachers will deliver a balanced literacy program and use common language and common assessment tools with a primary focus on guided
reading.
Action Plans
Continue Implementation of Guided Reading
Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
Implement Levelled Literacy Intervention to Support Struggling Readers in the Primary Grades
Improving Self-Regulation and Learning Skills in Students
Integration of 21st Century Digital Literacy
Literacy Blocks
Responsive Classroom Design for 21st Century Learning
5.2 By June 2016, all teachers to implement three part lesson plans at least three times per week across all divisions.
Action Plans
Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
Focus on Problem Solving
Improving Self-Regulation and Learning Skills in Students
Integration of 21st Century Digital Literacy
Numeracy Blocks
Responsive Classroom Design for 21st Century Learning
Student Collaborative Inquiry
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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