Father C.W. Sullivan School
Learning Plan
Mission *
Father C. W. Sullivan Catholic School is a community of teachers, support staff, parents, pastoral workers and children called to work together in an attitude
of mutual respect. Together, we believe that it is our responsibility to foster intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical and social growth within our Catholic
community. Students will be encouraged to develop their talents to the best of their abilities. Each child will be encouraged to grow in respect for all members
of the community and for the environment.
Staff members will endeavour to foster a sense of self-worth and personal responsibility in each student, while actively participating in the learning journey as
co-learners with students. We are committed to the development of each student as a responsible member of society who follows the teachings of Christ.
Motto
God, Friends and Learning
Catholic Focus
Dufferin-Peel’s Catholic Focus
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. The board 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, 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.” The board is further
committed to:
- deepening the understanding, appreciation and practice of the Catholic 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, 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 (draft) and to Dufferin-Peel’s Equity and Inclusive Education Policy
(developed in accordance with the provincial Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy), while:
- 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 will continue to develop opportunities for faith formation of students and staff, together with an educational
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Father C.W. Sullivan School
Learning Plan
program which strives to integrate the board’s fundamental beliefs and values into all of its endeavours.
Father C. W. Sullivan Catholic School is an elementary school of approximately 300 students, with diverse social and ethnic backgrounds, from Junior
Kindergarten to Grade 8. Most of the surrounding community consists of single-family dwellings situated in a geographic area that is central to the City of
Brampton. In accordance with the teachings of the Church, Father C. W. Sullivan School was established to support Catholic parents in their responsibility for
the spiritual, religious, moral, academic and physical needs of their children. Father C. W. Sullivan School community is committed to the search for
excellence, the uniqueness of the individual and the education of the whole person.
Father C. W. Sullivan School is a caring school and community environment that stresses tolerance and acceptance of others, commitment to our Catholic
faith and high academic standards. We provide a safe and comfortable learning environment where models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines,
teachings and beliefs are an integral part of the daily life of our school. The school motto, "GOD, FRIENDS AND LEARNING”, reflects a holistic philosophy
where religion and daily life are intertwined. All activities at Father C. W. Sullivan School — academic and pastoral work, extracurricular and intra-curricular,
prayer and worship, administration and management — help to prepare our students for their lives as Catholics in the community.
Our students come to us with a variety of strengths and needs, with their Catholic faith as their common bond. Our prayer life, liturgical celebrations, the
sacraments, and our faith and values system form the foundation of our school program. At Father C. W. Sullivan School, we are proud of our balanced
religion, academic, arts, technology and athletics program. We offer students a well-rounded and value-centered education to help them make good choices
for the future. The curriculum planned and provided in the school is broad, balanced and relevant to the needs and aspirations of all our students. A wide
range of subjects and learning experiences are offered to develop the skills, abilities and talents of individual students. Accordingly, appropriate assessment
procedures are employed regularly to motivate and encourage student success. To ensure coherence and wholeness, subjects are taught against the
background of The Ontario Curriculum, the Gospel values of Jesus Christ and sound educational practices.
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?
- Daily prayers with special intentions, announcements, Virtue celebrations, liturgies, Youth Faith Ambassadors, PALS, Gotcha awards, participation in a
variety of Outreach programs such as Angel Gift Tree, Food Drives, Share Life, Terry Fox Run, Breakfast Club, Healthy Snack program, Milk Program
- Sacred space in each classroom as well as the front foyer
- Altar cloths that reflect the colors of the liturgical seasons
- Support to families in need through the school Social Worker
- Parish meetings with Administration & Teachers
- Pastoral plans shared with parish/community
- Visits by St. Anne's Parish team to school
- Parent engagement evenings (e.g., Curriculum Night, Christmas Open House, etc.) provide opportunities for parents/guardians to engage in the learning
process and participate actively in the education of their children
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Father C.W. Sullivan School
Learning Plan
Learning Environment
1. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
- Primary Reading: 64%
- Primary Writing: 68%
- Primary Mathematics: 36%
Father C.W. Sullivan school continues to foster sound literacy and numeracy fundamentals in our Primary division. Our Catholic School Learning Plan
focuses on improving in reading and writing through use of Guided Reading and Guided Writing in the classroom. A further focus on inquiry-based
approaches to teaching and learning will allow for more student voice and engagement in the learning process. Our school is strongly committed to improving
our scores in numeracy. The school will dedicate many professional development sessions throughout the school year to furthering our understanding of
teaching and learning in mathematics and to move our students forward in math. Strategies such as the three-part math lesson, access to manipulatives and
collaboration amongst students will be used to provide a deeper understanding of mathematics for all students.
2. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
- Junior Reading: 71%
- Junior Writing: 68%
- Junior Mathematics: 32%
Father C.W. Sullivan school continues to demonstrate progress in the areas of reading and writing in the Junior division. Our Catholic School Learning Plan
continues to emphasize the importance of literacy across the curriculum through an emphasis on Guided Reading and Guided Writing. Our Junior division
will collaborate throughout the school year to share and discuss best practices in the areas of instruction and assessment to move students forward and
enhance the fundamental skills gained in earlier years. Mathematics instruction will be a direct focus in the Junior division this school year. Classroom
teachers will be provided in-service opportunities through various avenues to explore ways to improve teaching and learning in numeracy. Further a schoolwide emphasis on mathematics instruction will provide opportunities for professional dialogue in this area with an aim to improve student achievement in
mathematics across all grade levels. Teaching and learning will emphasize the mathematical processes to ensure a deeper understanding of mathematics
and to improve student self-efficacy in numeracy.
3. Describe how the school community supports and provides opportunities for life-long learning.
Father C.W. Sullivan Catholic Elementary School supports and provides opportunities for life-long learning through:
- Engaging students by fostering of a love of learning and instilling a desire for continual self-improvement
- Use of Homework Help for Grade 7 and 8 students
- Transition planning from home to school, grade to grade as needed and from elementary to high school
- Participation by teachers in summer institutes, in-services and courses
- Special Education model meets the individual needs of our students ensuring transition plans are in place from within the elementary grades and from
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Father C.W. Sullivan School
Learning Plan
elementary to secondary
- Use of profiles K-6 and myBlueprint (Grades 7-8) to support students in identifying interests that will inform future learning pathways and eventual career
planning
4. Outline ways the school demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement and supports the well-being of all
learners.
- Alignment with Ministry of Education priorities and DPCDSB Catholic Board Learning Plan
- Inquiry-based instruction
- Differentiated instruction
- Data is used to inform instruction
- Co-creation of learning goals, success criteria in conjunction with an emphasis on student voice and choice
- Assessment practices as per Growing Success with a strong emphasis on assessment as and for learning
- Use of descriptive and immediate feedback to promote student learning
- Literacy and numeracy block implemented
- School wide collaborative inquiry
- Staff Professional Learning Community development individually and/or by grade level is ongoing
- Use of high-yield strategies in the classroom (e.g, Focus on Five, etc.)
- Continuous dialogue between administration and staff on learning within the classroom and among staff
- Working closely with the Special Assignment Teacher
- Working closely with the Resource team to ensure the individual needs of all students are met through integration meetings, Triad, Team and IPRC.
- Various educational technologies incorporated as appropriate
- Strong focus on student well-being directed by CCCCAT and Climate Survey data
- Implementation of anti-bullying curriculum (Region of Peel) in Family Life lessons
- Further emphasis on student voice through active involvement of students across the school
Community Engagement
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
- Attendance and participation in School Council meetings and initiatives is strongly encouraged and promoted through our website and through school
communications and outreach
- School council delegates funds based on the diverse needs of the school community
- Our parish representative acts as a strong link between church and school
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Father C.W. Sullivan School
Learning Plan
- Catholic Education Week is promoted and celebrated
- Our School Council Chair is involved in the greater Dufferin-Peel e-community initiative which links Catholic School Council chairs on-line
- We have sought funding for school presentations through Pro-Grant Ministry funding
- Volunteers are invited and welcomed
2. In what ways does the school team build and sustain community partnerships and collaboratives (e.g., collaborative relationships, Success By
6 Peel)?
- Participation in a variety of projects such as Breakfast Program, Healthy Snack Program, ShareLife, Neighbourhood Policing Unit, Peel Public Health,
CCAC
- Presently working with the Peel Public Health Nurse and the school Catholic Community, Culture and Caring Action team to create a school wide focus on
student well-being both in physical development and mental health as well as OPHEA's Healthy Schools Certification program
- EcoSchools certification
- Youth Education Officer presentations
- Brampton Safe City presentations: Appreciating Diversity, Substance Awareness, Youth Gambling, healthy verses unhealthy relationships, Personal Safety
- Brampton Clean City presentations: Recycling, Waste-free lunches
- PALS
- Youth Ministry programs (St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church)
- Peel Safety Village excursions
- City of Brampton presentations: Fit Kids & Waterworks, Summer 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.
- Invitations to involve parish team at Catholic School Council meetings
- Sharing of sacramental preparation information from the parish
- Sharing of school newsletter to parish team
- Pastoral plans shared with parish/community
- Inform parent community of upcoming parish events
- Participation in Youth Ministry programs available to school-aged children
- School Council parish representative acts as a communication link between the parish and the school council with respect to parish events related to the
school.
- Participation in outreach activities such as food drives in conjunction with St. Anne’s Parish (e.g. The Knight's Table)
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Father C.W. Sullivan School
Learning Plan
- Masses and liturgies are regularly held at the school
-Highlighting of our Patron Saint, St. Anne
-Support of all Parish Initiatives through communications and attendance where possible
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promote good stewardship of resources?
- Establishment of school “Green Team” as part of the EcoSchools initiative
- Presently certified as an EcoSchool at the Silver level
- Participation in recycling programs, waste-free Wednesdays, Goos bins, recycling of ink cartridges
- Participation in Earth day celebrations
- Keen attention to site safety
- Promotion of a clean, healthy school environment
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
- Funds are collected and expensed in compliance with all Board protocols, policies and procedures
- Budgets are reviewed by Administration on a monthly basis
- Fundraising activities are determined in consultation with the Catholic School Council and reported upon as per Board protocols, policies and procedures
- Expenditures and purchases are purposeful aligning with the Catholic School Learning Plan and Board and Ministry priorities
- Stewardship of materiel and environmental resources is encouraged for staff, students and the larger community
- Priority is given to address potential Healthy & Safety concerns; prompt response to repair or replace damaged or vandalized property
- Opportunities for community outreach and social justice initiatives are explored through charitable donations in the local community and abroad
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Father C.W. Sullivan School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By the end of three years, there will an increase in the proportion of students indicating that they are likely to report incidents at school as well as an
increase in the number of students who report that they have an adult in the school who cares about them, as demonstrated by the CCCC School Climate
results.
Action Plans
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Leading and Learning: Increase the proportion of students who indicate they feel safe and cared for at school.
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By the end of three years, there will be an increase in successful practices that support collaborative inquiry. There will be an increase in the proportion of
students who have demonstrated improvement on the learning skill and work habit of collaboration.
Action Plans
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry: All educators will continue to engage actively in the co-teach/co-learn model of professional
development to further professional practice and enhance learning across the school.
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By the end of three years, there will be an increase in successful practices that support transitions. An increase in the proportion of students who have
demonstrated improvement on the learning skill and work habit of self-regulation.
Action Plans
Enhancing Transitional Practices: Prepare and implement effective transition plans to meet the needs of each learner
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 By the end of three years, there will be an increase in successful practices that support knowing the learner through assessment specifically an increase in
the proportion of students demonstrating the ability to articulate strategies that support their learning and 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
Knowing the Learner through Assessment: To increase educators understanding of assessment 'for' and 'as' learning and how to effectively use this data
to improve student achievement.
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Father C.W. Sullivan School
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 By the end of three years, there will be an increase in successful practices that support effective instruction. Evidence of growth for students will include an
increase in the proportion of students improving their EQAO achievement level between assessment years and an increase in the proportion of educators who
enhance professional practice in the areas of inquiry-based teaching and next generation learning.
Action Plans
Responding Through Effective Instruction: Educators will continue to implement the 3-part lesson design in math and across the curriculum and further
explore inquiry-based teaching to enhance learning opportunities and meet the needs of next generation learners.
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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