DUFFERIN PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Catholic School Improvement Learning Cycle 2018 2019 Holy Spirit Elementary School MISSION STATEMENT We, the community of Holy Spirit Catholic School, in partnership with the students, parents and the Catholic Church, are dedicated to fostering the development of each child in the fullness and likeness of God. We offer each student the opportunity to develop individual talents in a welcoming and safe environment. We will prepare our students to meet the challenges of the future and empower them to help others. MOTTO Teaching for the Father. Inspired by the Son. Guided by the Holy Spirit. CATHOLIC FOCUS Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7:12 On September 2, 2005, Holy Spirit Elementary School, located at 25 Bloomsbury Avenue in North East Brampton, opened to approximately 570 students. Holy Spirit was solemnly blessed on June 8, 2006 with Father Papais and Father Marco presiding. Holy Spirit belongs to St. Patrick Parish in Wildfield and has a close relationship with the Parish community. Masses and liturgies are celebrated at the school, while sacrament and special occasions such as a visit with the Bishop, are held at the Church. Inspired by the Trinity, the school motto is Teaching for the Father Inspired by the Son Guided by the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit has a reputation of generously helping those in need locally and globally. The school is involved in a variety of social outreach and community events such as food drives and fundraising events. Throughout the academic year the school community participates in a variety of social, athletic, skill building and academic programs. Holy Spirit is a strong Catholic community of learners, where faith is practiced daily and academic programs are challenged to grow in the image of Christ. In support of the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board's Catholic Board Improvement Learning Cycle, Holy Spirit Elementary School is further committed to: Deepening the understanding, appreciation and practice of the Catholic Christian lifestyle, with Jesus as a role model; Aligning a school-wide approach to Catholicity, whereby all educational practices are implemented through a Catholic lens;
Developing students who are fully alive in Christ, not only in terms of knowledge and skills, but in terms of values, attitudes and actions. As a diverse educational community responding to God's call, Holy Spirit Elementary School fosters and nourishes an inclusive atmosphere rooted in tradition and scripture 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 CATHOLICITY DUFFERIN PEEL S STRATEGIC SYSTEM PLAN CORE PRIORITIES How does the school community model, celebrate and nourish gospel values in the teaching and learning of our Christ-centered programs and services? How good and pleasant it is when God s people live together in unity. Psalm 133:1 Holy Spirit School will continue to model, celebrate and nourish the gospel values of our faith through: Supporting faith development of staff and students through Youth and Adult Faith Ambassadors and social justice initiatives Pastoral Planning of School Masses, Sacramental celebrations and preparations and school wide special events guided by the Liturgical calendar; Advent Community Gathering, School wide Lenten Retreat Virtues assemblies with links to the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations Inclusive classrooms that include student voice and interests, and culturally diverse resources to support learning goals and inquiry Supporting Share Life, the Knight s Table food drives at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, Holiday Helpers, Terry Fox and Dr. Simone Participating in Catholic Education Week activities Monthly messages from Father Vito, our Parish Priest, included in all monthly newsletters CATHOLIC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Summary of the school's most recent (2017-2018) EQAO Primary Assessment Performance
Reading Writing Mathematics 62% of students at or above Provincial Standard 68% of students at or above Provincial Standard 40% of students at or above Provincial Standard Summary of the school's most recent (2017-2018) EQAO Junior Assessment Performance Reading Writing Mathematics 86% of students at or above Provincial Standard 86% of students at or above Provincial Standard 33% of students at or above Provincial Standard Describe how the school fosters the achievement, well-being and continuous development of all through a caring, safe and inclusive environment. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Psalm 119:66 Holy Spirit fosters the continuous development of a caring, safe and inclusive environment through: Understanding, providing and facilitating the transitions for students with differing needs, students entering Kindergarten and students moving from Grade 8 to Secondary School Inclusive classrooms that include student voice and interests, and culturally diverse resources to support learning goals and inquiry Providing students with opportunities to develop an understanding of themselves by using in-school experiences and out of school excursion to further explore their personal interests and strengths EQAO After School Tutoring Focussed professional learning in Numeracy that includes student well-being Use of achievement data on an ongoing basis to inform instruction and to provide specific interventions and strategies for students Establishing inclusive classrooms Continuing the Safe Schools Policies, Bullying Prevention and WITS Student leadership opportunities such as Library and Office Helpers, Door Monitors, Faith Ambassadors CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT How does the school demonstrate that it values the involvement of community through partnerships and collaboration? For where two or three gather in my name, I am with them. Matthew 18:20 At Holy Spirit School, we welcome and invite the involvement of our community through partnerships and collaboration which includes:
Catholic School Advisory Council, comprised of an enthusiastic and committed group of parents who represent our community with dedication and commitment and who support a variety of programs that enrich the experiences of all students and encourages parent involvement Trustee, Shawn Xaviour, and Parish Priest, Father Vito, are invited to all school events Education programs offered by Peel Regional Police Family Day currently provides before and after school care for approximately 24 students to allow for a seamless extended day City of Brampton provided transportation to Gore Meadows Recreation Centre and Swim to Survive swimming lessons for students in grade 2/3 and 3/4 at no cost to students School Newsletter and Twitter (@dpholyspirit) Providing access to the school space after hours to community groups through the approval of Permit requests PARISH HOME SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS Describe how the school demonstrates strong partnerships and collaboration among Parish, Home and School that are based on mutual respect rooted in our lived Catholic Faith. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Holy Spirit promotes the ongoing, positive relationship between the Parish, Home and School through the collaborative efforts that are evident in: Sacramental Preparation Regular communication and promotion of events related to St. Patrick s Parish included in the monthly newsletter and on Twitter Catholic Education Week activities The duties of the Catholic School Advisory Council Parish representative who serves as a communication link between the Parish, Holy Spirit School, and the Catholic School Council, providing information to each partner with respect to important dates and events STEWARDSHIP OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Describe how the school is committed to healthy and safe learning and working environments that enhance well-being, engagement and achievement. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 Holy Spirit is committed to healthy and safe learning and working environments that enhance well-being, engagement and achievement through:
TECHNOLOGY Anti-bullying awareness presentations and activities, including daily announcements of respect and safety of mind, body and soul (WITS) The establishment and continuity of an Eco Schools Club that promotes awareness and continues to implement activities that demonstrate our school commitment to being stewards of the Earth and our environment Participation in HCI (Health Community Initiative) with a pledge to replace sugar drinks with water Maitenance and care of our Outdoor Classroom by our Eco-Club to provide a learning space for all students How is the school committed to a responsible approach in addressing the technology needs of our learners in a global context? You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.. John 15:16 Holy Spirit School is commited to a responsible approach in addressing the technology needs of our learners in a global context by: Implementing and educating the community on the PED policy (Personal Electronic Device) Making Chromebooks and ipads available to all learners Providing instruction and education on the use of Social Media through presentations by Peel Regional Police (grades 4-8) and guest speaker Paul Davis Digital presentation and access of learning materials in some Junior classes and all Intermediate classes through Google Classroom Teacher collaboration with EGELT (Elementary Guidance and Experiential Learning Teacher) as it relates to the use of technology to enhance learning SACREDNESS OF OUR ENVIRONMENT How does the school encourage the respectful and sustainable environmental practices of reducing, reusing and recycling? The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15 Holy Spirit School actively engages in initiatives that model and promote good stewardship of resources by: Participating in the Ontario EcoSchools Certification program with a goal of achieving Gold status this year Applying for a grant to allow for the installation of a Bicycle rack to encourage cycling to school Participating in Bike to School week with incentives to encourage students within the school area to ride their bikes to school
Reducing photocopying by providing online resources and documents for staff through One Note Encouraging email courier delivery for school items that go home such as newsletters and reminders Encouraging the use of School Cash Online to eliminate the need to print paper copies of orders Encouraging the use of GOOSE (Good On One Side Everyday) Encouraging the use of reusable water bottles through the installation and use of a water bottle refilling station