St. Edmund Catholic School
Learning Plan
Mission *
We, the staff of St. Edmund Catholic Elementary School celebrate spirituality and diversity through achieving, believing and community living in an inclusive
Catholic environment.
We, the parents of St. Edmund Catholic Elementary School, in partnership with staff and students, are dedicated to our children’s spiritual, intellectual,
emotional, social and physical development in a secure environment, at home and in class. Working together, we attain success by educating students to
their full potential.
We, the students, act and learn as a Catholic community. We demonstrate our love for God by respecting each other and by trying to meet the expectations
of our parents and teachers.
Motto
"Body, Mind, Spirit"
Catholic Focus
St. Edmund Catholic Elementary School has a student population of 327 students of similar social economic status, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade Eight.
The school community is situated in the Applewood area, approximately ten kilometers east of the Mississauga City Centre. It is a well-established
community consisting mostly of single-family homes. Approximately 85% of all students at St. Edmund School live in a home where English is spoken.
St. Edmund is a caring community school with a strong commitment to Catholic education and high academic standards. We provide a learning environment
where models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines, teachings and beliefs are an integral part of the daily life of our school. Our prayer life, liturgical
celebrations, the sacraments, and our faith and value system form the foundation of our school program. The school motto “ Body Mind Spirit” was chosen
through the process of community consultation and reflects a holistic philosophy where religion and daily life are intertwined. Our goal is to support the
development of fluent, independent readers, writers, and critical thinkers. Staff help students develop the skills to communicate, problem solve, make good
decisions and choices, plan, organize, and work co-operatively with others in and out of the classroom.
Core Principles
Our goal is to support the development of fluent, independent readers, writers, and critical thinkers. Staff help students develop the skills to communicate,
problem solve, make good decisions and choices, plan, organize, and work co-operatively with others in and out of the classroom.
Our students come to us with a variety of strengths and needs. Our teachers support students as they discover the joy of learning as well as provide students
with learning opportunities that include additional support and enrichment. Identified students and English as a Second Language students receive
specialized assistance within the classroom and/or in small groups with the Resource Teachers.
St. Edmund School has a tradition of offering strong extra-curricular and co-curricular programs which include concerts, liturgical, Festival (competitive), and
primary choir, public speaking, environmental awareness activities such as Conservation, EcoKids, Youth Faith Ambassadors and Peace Pals, Forest of
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St. Edmund Catholic School
Learning Plan
Reading programs, Catholic Community Culture and Caring Committee, and many intramural and extramural events i.e. varsity ice hockey, floor hockey,
cross-country, basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, track and field, etc.
Students are supported and encouraged to take on leadership opportunities around the school such as leading primary choir, coaching and organizing
primary and junior floor hockey, taking on the role of office or kindergarten helper, planning board-games or art clubs, organizing Spirit Days and participating
in various Community Outreach activities.
Parents at St. Edmund School are very supportive and involved in their children’s learning and in school activities. Communication between home and school
is facilitated by regular parent-student-teacher conferences, phone calls, newsletters, electronic information bulletins, Catholic School Council bulletins,
school Twitter account, written notices of upcoming events and the use of daily agendas.
At St. Edmund School, we are proud of our balanced religion and academic programs, which offer students a well-rounded value-centred education to
support all students as they work toward their full potential.
We strive to continue the tradition of excellence in education and our strong sense of community in the coming years.
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?
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Visual Symbols of our Catholic Faith and Virtues Program are always present in foyer, office, and classrooms
Visual Symbols of our Catholic School Graduate Expectations are present in our foyer and classrooms
All classes have materials for prayer centres that reflect the liturgical season
Virtues Program / Catholic School Graduate Expectations Focus – monthly, student led, assemblies,
Youth Faith Ambassadors involved in liturgical celebrations and social outreach programs; Faith Ambassadors participate in Family-wide activities
Teacher and student involvement in preparation for liturgies and masses
Partnerships are established between St. Patrick parish and school community. Staff supports sacramental preparation with a First Communion
Retreat, Confirmation retreat, and small gifts to mark sacraments
Teacher and student preparation of daily prayers over the p. a.
Teachers use the Many Gifts program
Reflection on virtues is part of discipline/restitution process
Learning Environment
1. The school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
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Primary Reading: 91%
Primary Writing: 97%
Primary Mathematics: 88%
Observations regarding school progress in primary EQAO indicate the cohort of Grade 3 students performed well on each area of the EQAO
assessment, and surpassed board averages. Our school focus in the primary division has been on mathematics, as well as on balanced literacy and
supports such as Leveled Literacy Intervention and All Star Reading.
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St. Edmund Catholic School
Learning Plan
2. The school’s most recent EQAO junior division (Grade 6) assessment performance.
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Junior Reading: 96%
Junior Writing: 96%
Junior Mathematics: 92%
Observations regarding school progress in junior EQAO indicate that we have surpassed board averages across the three areas of assessment.
Mathematics remains an area of focus for this school year. In math, teachers will continue to focus on problem solving strategies, the 3 Part
Model and the seven mathematical processes. In the junior and intermediate divisions, emphasis is on building an understanding of concepts that
lead toward successfully choosing and applying formulas in problem solving situations as well as communicating mathematical ideas clearly and
precisely. Teachers will continue to explicitly model and teach metacognitive and self-checking strategies, especially for math.
3. Describe how the school community supports and provides opportunities for life-long learning.
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Speakers invited to School Council Meetings
Parent curriculum nights
School Council attends professional development at Central Catholic School Council meetings as well as Family of Schools Council meetings
School newsletters contain information about reading, homework, social skills, virtues, and safety in a Catholic Environment
Parent/student volunteers support library program, sports programs, reading (All Star Readers), as well as fundraising to support arts and technology
Community resources are integrated into curriculum: Peel Police Programs, Peel Health, Peel Safety Village, St. Paul’s high school presentations
All staff engage in 6-8 week learning cycles
Student teacher placements (OISE, Niagara U., Lakehead U.) and student ECE placements (Guelph-Humber)
Grade 8 Community Service hours
Co-op placements from St. Paul’s Secondary School
School promoted Homework Help Online Program
Artist in the School Presentations
Special Education models and promotes inclusion of all students
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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Participation in School/Family/Board Learning Networks
Participation in School Learning Networks (FDK/Primary/Junior/Intermediate Networks)
Learning Team participation at the Family of Schools level
All divisions participate in Teaching/Learning cycles in which data is analyzed, areas of greatest need identified
Guided Teaching/Guided Practise
Guided Reading
All Star Reading
Primary Home Reading Program
Collaboration with SAT
Initiatives in area of Technology
Common Grade level planning (PAR)
Ongoing monitoring of PM/CASI/Report Card, EQAO results to identify areas of greatest need and set goals
Purchasing of necessary resources to support balanced literacy and math
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St. Edmund Catholic School
Learning Plan
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Engaging community support i. e. Volunteers for All Star Reading, Math Magic and Library program
Professional development opportunities are accessed by staff to improve instruction and understanding of special needs students
Community Engagement
1. How does your school community ensure that Catholic School Councils reflect the diverse Catholic community?
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All parents welcomed and encouraged to participate in school council and school life activities.
Council develops and invites whole community to participate in various family events: movie nights, open house barbecues, baseball game days,
hockey games
Continue to develop an awareness of diverse school cultures
Christmas activities
Council sets aside funds to financially support students who cannot afford to participate in extra curriculars (field trips, skiing etc.)
Continued partnership with St. Patrick’s parish, school is also supported by Sao Salvador do Mundo parish through use of church facilities
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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Collaboration with St. Patrick’s Parish
Collaboration and transition planning with St. Paul’s Secondary School
Ongoing relationship with Peel Health Nurse
P.A.L.S, Bullying program, nutrition education supported by Peel Health
Weekly visits by Peel Police Liaison officer
Peel Police programs – Internet Safety, Bullying, R.A.I.D etc.
City of Mississauga monitors traffic and kiss’n’ride safety
Early Years Centre and Peel Health invited to make presentations at Welcome to Kindergarten presentation
Mississauga Library Program
Local Homeowner’s associations – Applewood Acres, and Sherway Home Owners association
Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Parents encouraged to be part of Sacramental preparation
Parish representatives as part of our Catholic School Council
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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Administrator attends meetings with Pastor
Constant communication with home
Administrator interacts with parents on daily basis
Parents encouraged to be part of Sacramental preparation
Parish representative
Parish bulletin posted in the school
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St. Edmund Catholic School
Learning Plan
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Sacraments and parish events published in school newsletter
First communion participants invited to photo session in the spring
Parents invited to all school masses, liturgies, and virtues assemblies
Physical Environment
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promotes good stewardship of resources?
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Ecokids conducted audits of water use and electricity
School won Conservation Champions in the past, and continues to be involved with Region of Peel and Peel EcoFair
School has received Silver Recognition from the Province as an Eco-School in 2014-2015 - this year we will continue to aim for gold!
Installation of dual flush toilets, low flow faucets as result of water audit
Recycling program
Integration of environmental responsibility through Virtues program
Energy efficient lighting has been installed in the school
Efforts to reduce paper use (double sided printing, e-mailing teacher information rather than paper memos, using recycled paper)
Purchase of cups and glasses to eliminate use of disposables in staffroom
Use of pitchers rather than bottled water for staff meetings
St. Edmund participates annually in the Healthy Schools' Challenge
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
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Budget is carefully monitored and balanced
Teachers prioritize needs
School follows all Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board policies and procedures with regards to financial responsibility
Resources are purchased to align with school literacy, math and safety goals
Fundraising events by School Council, faculty and students to support programs
Inventory of textbooks, math and science resources
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St. Edmund Catholic School
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By June 2016 there will be an increase in the proportion of students at St. Edmund indicating that they feel accepted by other students in the school as
demonstrated by the CCCC School Climate Survey.
Action Plans
Living our virtues and inviting the voices of all students
Social Justice Initiatives
St. Edmund Bullying Prevention Plan and Virtues Initiatives
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By June 2016 there will be an increase in successful instructional practises that support collaborative inquiry. Evidence for growth for students will include
an increase in the proportion of students who have demonstrated improvement on the learning skill and work habit of collaboration. Evidence for faculty will
include an increase in the proportion of faculty who are confident in applying knowledge gained through professional learning opportunities.
Action Plans
Administrative Professional Learning Network/Family of Schools Committee
Building and Using Collaborative Practices
Collaborative Inquiry Process
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By June 2016, the diverse needs of all learners will be supported, ensuring successful transitions along the journey from FDK to Secondary School.
Action Plans
Intermediate Pathways and Transition
Transition from Elementary to High School
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St. Edmund Catholic School
Learning Plan
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 By June 2016, teachers will increase their assessment practices (for, as and of learning) which will empower students to take ownership of their own
learning. This will be demonstrated through students' ability to effectively use success criteria and self-assessment to articulate their understanding and develop
insights about their own learning.
Action Plans
Development of Learning Goals and Success Criteria
EQAO Data Analysis
Teachers' Assessment Practices
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 By June 2016, at St. Edmund School, there will be an increase in successful teaching practices that support effective instruction as demonstrated through the
use of anchor charts, learning goals and specific descriptive feedback for all learners.
Action Plans
Effective Instruction
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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