St. Maria Goretti
Learning Plan
Mission *
Saint Maria Goretti
St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of children. Our school motto is: "Children are our focus. Their good is at the centre of all that we do”. Together with
parents, St. Anne’s parish, and the community we work together to provide a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment where models of Gospel values
and Catholic doctrines, teachings and beliefs are an integral part of the daily life of our school.
Motto
"CHILDREN ARE OUR FOCUS. THEIR GOOD IS AT THE CENTRE OF ALL THAT WE DO"
Catholic Focus
Catholic Focus
St. Maria Goretti Elementary School, which is located at 121 Royal Orchard Drive, was opened in September of 1996 and was blessed on May 25,
1997. The school population is approximately 360 students. St. Maria Goretti School is affiliated with St. Anne Parish. Our patron saint, Maria Goretti, was
born in Italy in 1890. She was murdered in 1902 at the age of 12. She was canonized in 1950 for her deep faith. The church honours St. Maria Goretti on July
6th every year. St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of children. Our school motto is: "Children are our focus. Their good is at the centre of all that we do”.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School, in partnership with the family and church strive to provide a Catholic education which develops spiritual, intellectual,
aesthetic, emotional, social, and physical capabilities of each individual to live fully today and to meet the challenges of the future as graduates who are fully
alive in Christ.
Core Principles
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- Terry Fox, Share Life, Food Drives, and Foster Child
Environmental focus – renewal and stewardship
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St. Maria Goretti
Learning Plan
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Diversity Committee – staff meeting awareness
Partnering with Peel Health for Healthy Living Team
Neighbourhood Policing Unit - presentations to students
Student lead morning prayers and announcements
Cross-Grade "Colour Teams"
Learning Environment
1. Please summarize the school’s most recent EQAO primary division (Grade 3) assessment performance.
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Primary Reading: 76%
Primary Writing: 74%
Primary Mathematics: 62%
Deeper investigation of EQAO results indicate that a greater focus will be need to be placed on numeracy.
St. Maria Gorreti students continue 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.
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Junior Reading: 75%
Junior Writing: 73%
Junior Mathematics: 36%
Observations regarding school progress in junior EQAO: mathematics continues to be an area of need especially in the junior division.
St. Maria Goretti students continue 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 school-wide emphasis on
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St. Maria Goretti
Learning Plan
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 provide opportunities for life-long learning.
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Family Literacy Nights – home/school connection
Secondary School student volunteers and co-op students
Math Help Hotline
Homework Help Line
School Homework Club
Transition Planning for Grade 8 to Grade 9
Use of profiles K-6 and My BluePrint (Grades 7-8) to support students in identifying interests that will inform future learning pathways and eventual
career planning
Teachers are life long learners as well, acting as role models by attending inservices, courses and workshops
Special Education model, values and promotes inclusion of all
EQAO After School Tutoring
Razz Kids Home Reading Program
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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Celebration of student achievements and participation in various school activities and sports, and a reflection of the years events to build school
community
All grades are involved in the teaching and learning cycle and teacher moderation of assessments
Differentiated instruction is being implemented
Monthly staff meetings with a focus on Inquiry based learning and planning for instruction
Integration meetings to plan next steps for students
Class generated anchor charts
Class generated Success Criteria and Learning Goals
Collaboration with Special Assignment Teacher and Program Consultants
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
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St. Maria Goretti
Learning Plan
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Invitations to attend Catholic School Council Meetings and workshops
Continue partnership with St. Anne’s parish
Family Movie Nights
Food Drive
Clothing Donation/Fundraiser
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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Peel Police presentations to all grades
PALS
Support of EDGE program and Tiny Treasures Program through Parish
Students Attend Peel Safety Village
Peel Health
Family Literacy Night
Peel Police Youth Ed. Program
Grade 8 to grade 9 transition meetings
Neighbourhood Policing Unit Officers connect with the school regularly and participate in school events
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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Use of Agenda
School Masses
Liturgical Celebrations
Provide announcements for the Parish over the PA system
Post Parish bulletin in foyer of school
Encourage parents to be part of sacramental preparation
Support ShareLife through St. Anne's Parish
Catholic Education Week - Parent Visits
Physical Environment
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St. Maria Goretti
Learning Plan
1. What activities does the school engage in that models and promote good stewardship of resources?
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School “Green Team” - Recycling
Trashless Thursdays
Celebration of Earth Day
Balanced Day
Lights Off
Healthy Living Team
Eco-School Certification
2. Outline the ways the school demonstrates financial responsibility.
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School budget is aligned to school goals and student learning
Fundraising guidelines in the area of accountability and transparency are followed diligently
Follow all DPCDSB policies and procedures as outlined in GAP 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 Health & 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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St. Maria Goretti
Learning Plan
Creating Catholic Conditions for Well-Being, Learning and Leading
Outcomes
1.0 By June of 2016, there will be an increase in successful practices that support student well-being.
Action Plans
Assessment for and as learning.
Creating conditions for well-being in a positive climate.
Building Collaborative Practices Through Inquiry
Outcomes
2.0 By June of 2016, there will be an increase in successful practices that support collaborative Inquiry.
Action Plans
Collaborative Inquiry as a process for learning.
Enhancing Transitional Practices
Outcomes
3.0 By June of 2016, there will be an increase in successful practices that support transitional practices.
Action Plans
Transitional practices
Knowing the Learner through Assessment
Outcomes
4.0 By June of 2016, there will be an increase in successful practices that support knowing the learner through assessment.
Action Plans
Assessment for and as learning.
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St. Maria Goretti
Learning Plan
Responding through Effective Instruction
Outcomes
5.0 By June of 2016, there will be an increase in successful practices that support effective instruction.
Action Plans
Making use of collaborative work.
Outcome Timeframe
Action Plan Priority
Long-term
High
Medium-term
Medium
Short-term
Low
Not Assigned
Not Assigned
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