SCHOOL NAME: St. Joseph College Catholic Secondary ......School Learning Plan St. Joseph College...

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SCHOOL NAME: St. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School PRINCIPAL: Luisa Cangelosi SUPERINTENDENT: Bernice Brand TRUSTEE: Catherine LeBlanc-Miller SCHOOL ADDRESS: 74 Wellesley St W , Toronto ON , M5S 1C4 STUDENT ENROLMENT: 684

Transcript of SCHOOL NAME: St. Joseph College Catholic Secondary ......School Learning Plan St. Joseph College...

  • SCHOOL NAME: St. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School PRINCIPAL: Luisa Cangelosi

    SUPERINTENDENT: Bernice Brand TRUSTEE: Catherine LeBlanc-Miller

    SCHOOL ADDRESS: 74 Wellesley St W , Toronto ON , M5S 1C4

    STUDENT ENROLMENT: 684

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

    2008 - 2009

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  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

    2008 - 2009

    2009-06-01 Page 3 of 25

    To develop leadership skills in students through a wide range of leadership opportunities both in and out of the school.

    Academic Year Leadership Teacher and Student Leadership Team

    School resources Ongoing A significant number of students will participate in the following: Thinkfast, Camp Olympia, Development and Peace Day, Pink Ribbon Campaign, Social Justice Week, Book of Remembrance, Catholic Education Week, Respect for Life Week, Violence Awareness Program, Sports-a-thon; Make Poverty History campaign; MADD - TTC Campaign

    School Retreat Program Academic Year Chaplaincy Team and Religion Teachers

    Retreat Facilitators Ongoing All students will participate in a retreat experience each year appropriate to their age and to the Religion curriculum.

    Academic Year Chaplaincy Team Leader

    School resources Ongoing The Chaplaincy Team works collaboratively to prepare for liturgical celebrations and takes an active role in the celebration of liturgy.

    Celebration of liturgical seasons where students and staff work collaboratively to provide a sacred experience for the school community.

    Academic Year Chaplaincy Team School resources Ongoing Students attend school liturgies to mark various liturgical seasons and work with the Chaplaincy Team Leader to prepare for and take an active role in the celebration of liturgy.

    Support the use of the Catholic Course Profiles in all subject areas. Use Staff Retreat Day to support teacher effort in this respect.

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Catholic Course Profiles

    Ongoing Teachers infuse curriculum topics and units with Gospel values

    Each religion class will choose a specific charity and provide support to that charity through donations and/or volunteer work.

    Each semester Religion Department Charitable requests received by the school and chaplaincy files.

    Ongoing An increase in the amount of charitable work performed by the school.

    To facilitate staff development wherin they become role models of prayer.

    1 PD session Chaplaincy and Religion Department

    Fr. David, Chaplain, Video - 7 Circles of Prayer, Rosary Prayer Group

    Ongoing An increase in reverence during morning prayer and classroom prayers

    Division Intermediate (9 - 10)

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Faith Development

    To create and celebrate Catholic Community where all proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and where Catholic beliefs are modelled and integrated into the whole learning experience.

    Priority Nurturing Our Catholic Community

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    To provide all students with an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation.

    Season of Lent Chaplaincy Fr. David and the Basilian Community

    Depends upon the availability of priests and amount of chaplaincy time.

    An increase in the number of opportunities for students to celebrate the sacrament.

    Youth Rally: to raise the awareness and participation of staff and students in different forms of worship.

    Once per year during the Easter Season.

    Religion Department and Chaplaincy

    St. Bernadette Family Centre

    Planning stage The level of student and staff participation.

    Division Intermediate (9 - 10)

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Faith Development

    To create and celebrate Catholic Community where all proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and where Catholic beliefs are modelled and integrated into the whole learning experience.

    Priority Nurturing Our Catholic Community

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

    2008 - 2009

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    Each religion class will choose a specific charity and provide support to that charity through donations and/or volunteer work.

    Each semester Religion Department Charitable requests received by the school and chaplaincy team

    Ongoing An increase in the charitable work of the school.

    To provide students with an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation

    Season of Lent Chaplaincy Fr. David and the Basilian Community

    Depends on the availability of priests and amount of chaplaincy time

    Increase in the number of opportunities for students to celebrate the sacrament.

    To facilitate staff leadership as role models of prayer.

    1 PD session Chaplaincy and Religion Department

    Fr. David, Chaplain, Video - 7 Circles of Prayer, Rosary Prayer Group

    Ongoing An increase in reverence during morning prayer and classroom prayers.

    Support the use of the Catholic Course Profiles in all subject areas.

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Catholic Course Profiles

    Ongoing Teachers infuse curriculum topics and units with Gospel values.

    Celebration of liturgical seasons where students and staff work collaboratively to provide a sacred experience for the school community.

    Academic Year Chaplancy School resources Ongoing Students attend school liturgies to mark various liturgical seasons and work with the Chaplaincy Team Leader to prepare for an to take an active role in the celebration of liturgy.

    Leadership Opportunities Academic Year Chaplaincy Leadership Teacher and Student Leadership Team; GAA; Student Council

    Ongoing Students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide-range of leadership opportunities both in and out of the school: 24 hours of service; Camp Olympia; Development and Peace Day; Pink Ribbon Campaign; Thinkfast; Social Justice Week; Violence Awareness Program; Morning Prayer; Book of Remembrance; Catholic Education Week; Respect for Life Week; Make Poverty History Campaign; MADD - TTC Campaign

    Academic Year Chaplaincy Team School resources Ongoing School Liturgical

    Celebrations

    School Chaplaincy Academic Year Chaplaincy Team Leader/Homeroom Teachers

    Community Resources

    Ongoing Participation numbers in Grade level Retreats

    Division Senior (11 - 12)

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Faith Development

    To create and celebrate Catholic Community where all proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and where Catholic beliefs are modelled and integrated into the whole learning experience.

    Priority Nurturing Our Catholic Community

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    Youth Rally: to raise the awareness and participation of staff and students in different forms of worship.

    Once per year during the Easter Season

    Religion Department and Chaplaincy Team

    St. Bernadette's Family Centre

    Planning stage The level of student and staff participation

    Division Senior (11 - 12)

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Faith Development

    To create and celebrate Catholic Community where all proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and where Catholic beliefs are modelled and integrated into the whole learning experience.

    Priority Nurturing Our Catholic Community

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    To develop, in collaboration with the ESP committee and SSAT, programming which addresses the issue of verbal abuse.

    Grades 9-12. Ongoing All school staff

    all students

    Classroom / school resources

    Ongoing Few reported incidents of verbal abuse by staff and students. The emergence of a more positive climate among students and staff.

    To continue delivering bullying prevention programming through the annual ESP campaign and the VIP Program.

    Grades 9-12 Ongoing Principal

    Vice Principals

    teachers

    Student Services

    Social Worker

    CYWs

    SSAT

    ESP Committee

    ESP Divisional Liaison Officers

    Community Resources

    In progress Increased involvement in positions of student leadership in the ESP and VIP programs by students who were previously involved in or perpetrators of bullying incidents.

    To identify specific forms of female on female violence effecting our school community.

    Grades 9-12 Academic Year SSAT (Safe Schools Advisory Team)

    Principal

    Vice Principals

    Teachers

    Student Services Staff

    Soc

    ESP Divisional officers

    Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS)

    Oolagen Youth Services

    Youthlink

    Youthdale

    The House

    The Hospital for Sick Children (HSC)

    Mount Sinai Hospital

    Ongoing Decreased reporting of incidents in subsequent ESP student surveys. Reduction in the number of suspensions due to violent incidents.

    To develop best practice guidelines (a pyramid of intervention) for staff response to reported incidents of bullying.

    Grades 9-12 Ongoing Principal

    Vice Principals

    Teachers

    All Support staff: CYWs, EAs

    Social Worker

    Psychologist

    Classroom resources

    School resources

    board resources

    Action to be taken Staff have a clearer understanding of individual responsibilities regarding the handling of bullying incidents. Staff are reporting in accordance with the protocols established within the pyramid of intervention. Students in difficulty benefit from a variety of support services within the school.

    To infuse subject-related curriculum with opportunities for in-class assignments to address this issue.

    Grades 9-12 Ongoing Principal

    Vice Principals

    Subject teachers

    Board-wide and classroom resources

    Action to be taken The existence of cross-curricular assignments on the subject of bullying.

    Division JK - 12

    Identified Goal/Need Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Safe, Inclusive and Healthy Learning Environment

    To enhance the quality of the working and learning experience through improving schools and workplaces so that they contribute to positive healthy and respectful relationships.

    Priority Nurturing Our Catholic Community

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    To facilitate the safe disclosure of theft.

    Grades 9-12 Ongoing All students and staff school and community resources

    Action to be taken Increased comfort among students and staff about providing reports of theft.

    To sensitize students about the realities and consequences of theft.

    Gr. 9-12 Ongoing all staff

    all students

    Crime Stoppers

    Divisional Liaison Officers

    Ongoing Fewer reported incidents of theft of personal and/or school property.

    Note: The principal will report to the school community on the effectiveness of each strategy at the end of the year how the plan worked based on the evidence of improvements.

    Division JK - 12

    Identified Goal/Need Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Safe, Inclusive and Healthy Learning Environment

    To enhance the quality of the working and learning experience through improving schools and workplaces so that they contribute to positive healthy and respectful relationships.

    Priority Nurturing Our Catholic Community

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    Further develop our connection to our brother school

    Academic Year Principal, Vice-Principals, Club Moderators

    Student resources Ongoing Increased opportunities for mixed-gender school-related events and activities

    Increase media awareness of St. Joseph's College School

    Ongoing Administration, staff, students, community businesses, community services

    Community newspaper(s), church bulletins, e-mail to local media, TCDSB website school page,

    Ongoing Referrals of students to SJCS by people other than existing students/families of SJCS

    Grade 8 school visits: Visit a wide array of TCDSB elementary schools in order to promote the merits of community-based as well as specialized programs for an all-female, single-gender population.

    Semester 1 Student Services, other teaching staff, student leaders

    Students, School-made video (updated annually), literacy/numeracy (information) package, incentives for grade 8 students: promotional wristband; club/activity pamphlet

    In progress A steady, yearly increase in grade 9 population

    Facilitate accessibility to co-curricular activities by a variety of students

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Classroom / school resources

    In progress A diverse set and number of clubs and activities that promote multiculturalism and gender integration. For example: sports house leagues, school dramatic/musical production(s).

    Diversify course options Academic Year Teacher, Principal Teacher resources In progress Provision of Advanced Placement (AP) courses

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Increasing Enrolment and Retention in Grades JK-12

    To support and implement a variety of local and system initiatives that actively enhance the school profile and promote the benefits of Catholic education.

    Priority Nurturing Our Catholic Community

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    Responsiveness to student needs - academic, social, emotional.

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, Other caring adults

    School resources Ongoing Introduction of enriched and advanced placement courses to provide academic challenge to students.

    Increase in number of students participating in Gifted/Enrichment opportunities.

    Variety of leadership opportunities in which students can participate.

    Caring, nurturing relationship between staff and students.

    Intervention programs offered to students at risk - Opening Doors; Building Success, and Teens in Motion

    Credit Recovery courses offered to students deemed 'at risk';

    Bi-weekly meetings of Student Success Team;

    Student participation in clubs and athletics, the latter including extra and intra-mural

    Students seeking academic support welcomed by Resource Department.

    Student retention rate and credit accumulation rate improves.

    Meet the individual needs of students through a variety of strategies and resource supports.

    Academic Year Administration, SST, Resources

    Teacher, Guidance, CYW, Social Worker, Psychologist, Student Leaders, Outside Agencies

    Ongoing Student Retention Rate improves;

    Credit Accumulation rate improves;

    Decrease number of student suspensions for fighting/bullying etc.

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Increasing Enrolment and Retention in Grades JK-12

    To support and implement a variety of local and system initiatives that actively enhance the school profile and promote the benefits of Catholic education.

    Priority Nurturing Our Catholic Community

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    DIP data and Exchange of Information data is used to determine which grade nine students will be provided with immediate interventions

    Ongoing Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Board-wide resources Ongoing Assessment strategy

    Every Friday morning, all students read for 25 minutes at the beginning of the school day. (DEAR)

    Ongoing Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Student resources Ongoing Improved Reading skills and an increased vocabulary

    Every Friday morning during announcements a student in the Gifted program will introduce the word of the day and use it in a sentence.

    Ongoing Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Student resources Ongoing Increased vocabulary.

    In-service the staff on the Reading and Writing expectations for grade ten students by reviewing the OSSLT

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Community Resources

    Action to be taken Higher success rate on the OSSLT

    Offer the grade twelve literacy course (OSSLC) to students who have had two opportunites.

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Community Resources

    Action to be taken Increase the number of students who meet the OSSLT diploma requirement

    Have Grades 9 and 10 students complete a sample OSSLT and review their answers.

    Ongoing Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Community Resources

    Ongoing Higher success rate on the OSSLT

    Provide students and parents with resources such as a sample OSSLT, the OSSLT key words and the "Get Ready Guide". Parents and students will also be informed of the support materials.

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Community Resources

    Action to be taken Higher success rate on the OSSLT

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Literacy

    To improve the overall level of students' literacy skills by enhancing their reading and writing proficiency through an interdisciplinary approach.

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

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    Hand timetable at-risk students.

    Ongoing Student Success Teacher, Guidance, Vice Principal, Principal

    Classroom / school resources

    Ongoing Decreased failure rate amongst grade 9 and 10 students

    Grade 9 students will be writing another practice OSSLT on March 27, 2008.

    Semester 2 Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Community Resources

    Action to be taken Assessmnet Strategy

    Grade 9 students will write the first booklet of the Reading Diagnostic District (RAD) in November, 2007 and the second booklet in April, 2008.

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Board-wide resources In progress Assessment Tool

    Grade 9 and 10 students write a practice literacy test in the Fall. The results will be used to determine classroom teaching strategies and intervention strategies.

    Term 1 Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Classroom resources Complete Assessmnet strategy.

    All subject teachers integrate Reading and Writing skills as part of their assessment and evaluation strategies.

    Ongoing Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Classroom / school resources

    Ongoing Improved reading and writing skills on assessmnet tasks.

    Each department developed a literacy plan.

    Ongoing Department Head and Teachers, Vice Principals, Principal

    Teacher resources Ongoing Improved reading and writing skills on assessment tasks.

    Grade 10 students will be writing another practice OSSLT in early March, 2008.

    Semester 2 Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Community Resources

    Action to be taken Assessment strategy

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Literacy

    To improve the overall level of students' literacy skills by enhancing their reading and writing proficiency through an interdisciplinary approach.

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

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    Provide interventions for "At-Risk" students and for students who have a low score on the grade 7 CAT3 reading and/or language skills such as the After School Literacy course and after school tutorials.

    Ongoing Special Education Teacher, Teacher, Vice Principals, Principal

    School resources Ongoing Passing grades in all of their courses and passing the OSSLT

    At-risk students will be recommended for our "After School Literacy" course. All other students are invited and welcome to attend.

    Ongoing Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Board-wide resources Ongoing OSSLT results

    The results of the RAD will be discussed at a meeting with all grade nine teachers as well as strategies to address any reading skills, which are of concern based on the results. Each grade nine teacher will receive a summary of the results and a hand-out of suggested strategies to improve the reading skills of concern.

    Ongoing Literacy Team, Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Board-wide resources Ongoing The comparison of the Fall and Spring RAD results.

    In March, all grade ten subject teachers will review reading and writing skills and key terms pertinent to the OSSLT. Each grade ten teacher will be provided with a set of activities. One set of activities pertains to the key words and the other set of activiites pertains to the sample OSSLT.

    Ongoing Literacy Team, Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Community Resources

    Ongoing Improved scores on the OSSLT

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Literacy

    To improve the overall level of students' literacy skills by enhancing their reading and writing proficiency through an interdisciplinary approach.

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

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    Provide individual support for students with an I.E.P. and for those who are ESL

    Ongoing Special Education Teacher and ESL Teacher

    School resources Ongoing Students pass their courses and the OSSLT

    Our goal is to ensure that all grade 10 students develop and demonstrate level 3 or 4 Reading and Writing skills as determined by successful achievement on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.

    Ongoing Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Board-wide resources Ongoing 86 % of students passed the OSSLT in 2006/2007

    a greater percentage of students passed English

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Literacy

    To improve the overall level of students' literacy skills by enhancing their reading and writing proficiency through an interdisciplinary approach.

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

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    Ongoing Department Head and Teacher

    Classroom / school resources

    Ongoing Assessment and evaluation directly linked to achievement categories

    Review assessment and evaluation practices in Grades 9 and 10 particularly in the Applied and LDCC courses.

    Facilitate dialogue within the Math department about A & E practices

    Ongoing Teacher Mathematics: The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 and 10 (2005) pp. 17-22

    Leading Math Success: Mathematical Literacy Grades 7-12 p.33; pp.50-52; and p.89

    Targeted Implementation and Planning Supports – TIPS (2003)

    In progress All teachers use KTCA to assess and evaluate students. This is reflected in tests, assignments, and culminating activities.

    Grade 9 students complete math assessment to ensure placement in appropriate level of study. Use DIP data to support recommendatios for level change.

    Academic Year Teacher Classroom / school resources

    In progress Students meet with more success in mathematics because level of difficulty meets ability-level of student.

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Division Intermediate (9 - 10)

    Goal Numeracy

    To improve the overall level of students' Mathematical literacy skills through problem solving experiences that involve the application and communication of concepts in Mathematics.

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

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    Use CAT3 and EAQO Grade 6 scores to identify incoming Grade 9 students requiring additional support in numeracy.

    Academic Year SS Teacher, Resource Teachers, Mathematics Department

    School and Board Resources

    Ongoing Students enrol in after-school math clinics and after-school remediation opportunities.

    Grade 9 math students spend 10-15 minutes each day in their math class to work on EQAO questions from previous tests;

    Intense review for EQAO test 3-5 days prior to test - use group study format to solidify skills;

    Students provided with exemplars;

    Key words identified and student understanding increased: compare/describe, etc.

    Maintain skills even after a particular topic is completed by regular review/refresh questions;

    Grade 9 teachers meet bi-weekly to build capacity;

    Math clinics offered both before and after school on a daily basis

    Use Grade 9 EQAO results to identify student requiring additional support in order to be successful in mathematics through math clinics and peer tutoring.

    Academic Year SS Teacher, Resource, Classroom Teacher

    School resources Ongoing More students successful in Grade 10 math courses at both academic and applied level.

    Division Intermediate (9 - 10)

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Numeracy

    To improve the overall level of students' Mathematical literacy skills through problem solving experiences that involve the application and communication of concepts in Mathematics.

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

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    Ensure that variety of instructional approaches are being used in conjunction with appropriate resources such as manipulatives and technology

    Ongoing Teacher Leading Math Success: Mathematical Literacy Grades 7-12 p.31; pp.47-50; and pp.57-58

    Targeted Implementation and Planning Supports – TIPS (2003)

    Manipulatives Kits provided by the CEC Math Department and In-Services

    Ongoing Math teachers regularly incorporate various technologies into their lesson plans: Geometer's Sketch Pad; Graphing Calculators; Spreadsheets; Manipulatives; Cross-curricular lab

    Academic Year Teacher EQAO Ongoing Grade 9 math teachers integrate questions from previous EQAO assessment into classroom curriculum to prepare students for the Grade 9 assessment

    Build capacity for students to be successful in mathematics

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Board-wide resources Ongoing Review mid-term and end of semester achievement and identify students for credit recovery program.

    More students study at level-appropriate to their strengths, abilities, and career paths.

    Smaller classes established at applied level in mathematics. Exceptional students receive appropriate accommodations.

    Support professional development opportunities that allow teachers to develop alternate means of assessment and evaluation.

    Academic Year Teacher Professional Development

    In progress Increase in number of teachers attending in-service opportunities.

    Division Intermediate (9 - 10)

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Numeracy

    To improve the overall level of students' Mathematical literacy skills through problem solving experiences that involve the application and communication of concepts in Mathematics.

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

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    Ensure that instructional strategies are varied in conjunction with appropriate resources such as manipulatives and technology.

    Academic Year Teacher Board/School/Conferences/Seminars

    Ongoing Math teachers regularly incorporate various technologies into their lesson plans: Geometer's Sketch Pad; Graphing Calculators; Spreadsheets; Manipulatives; Maple 5 Software; Cross-curricular lab

    Build capacity for students to be successful in mathematics.

    Academic Year Teacher School/Community Ongoing Students select math courses appropriate to their ability and career pathway.

    More students interested in Workplace Math courses.

    Introduction of Advanced Placement courses in Calculus and Data Management

    Students participate confidently in Waterloo Math contests.

    Division Senior (11 - 12)

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Numeracy

    To improve the overall level of students' Mathematical literacy skills through problem solving experiences that involve the application and communication of concepts in Mathematics.

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

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    All senior students receive a presentation outlining the OYAP initiative and the opportunities presented in considering this pathway.

    Term 1 Co-Op Teachers and Guidance Counsellors

    Board-wide resources Complete A sizeable number of students showed interest in the program.

    SST meets on a regular basis with credit recovery and student success teacher(s)

    Academic Year Student Success Teacher, Credit Recovery Teacher, Vice Principals, Principal

    School resources Ongoing Students meeting with success in their attempts to recover credits. Greater preparation of students for EQAO assessment. Greater flexibility of school structures to meet student needs, particularly for students at risk.

    Student Success Teacher (SST) chairs bi-weekly meetings to identify at-risk students and to discuss appropriate interventions.

    Academic Year Guidance, SST, Admin, Social Worker, CYW, Special Education

    School resources Ongoing Interventions occurring in a more timely manner through various mechanisms (SBST, JT, social work intervention, CYW support groups)

    To better educate the parents of and students in the different pathways leading to various careers: Student Success Night oriented to Grade 9 students and parents with a focus curriculum, Post-Secondary Information Night; OYAP presentation and information; Promotion of apprenticeship opportunities in all subject areas.

    Academic Year Students Services, SST, Co-op Education teacher(s), other subject teachers

    School resources Ongoing Students choose courses more appropriate to their abilities and career aspirations. Students spend more time in career exploration activities. Increased number of students are choosing OYAP programs.

    To further improve data collection and analysis to better meet student needs, particularly those at risk.

    Academic Year SST, Student Services, Special Education, Admin

    School resources Ongoing Improvement in identification of students at risk and the development of appropriate intervention strategies.

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Success for All

    To improve opportunities for all our students to achieve their desired destinations through a variety of programs, supports, assessment strategies and pathways (apprenticeship, college, community living, university and the workplace).

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

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    Credit Pass/Fail Rates continue to be problematic for students who choose the wrong level of study particularly in math. This is compounded by attendance issues in many cases. Use Exchange of Information and CAT3 scores to initiate level change. Improve parental understanding of using CAT3 scores to make informed choices about the level of student placement, particularly in the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9. For Grade 10 students, the same can be accomplished by using the Grade 9 EQAO results in math. Prepare handout for parents for distritubion at Grade 8 Open House.

    Academic Year Student Success Teacher, Guidance Consellors, Resource Teachers, Vice Principals, Principal

    School resources Ongoing Reduce failure rates in certain subjects. Use DIP to monitor progress.

    Review Credit Accumulation to reveal students who are moderately or significantly at-risk because of serious attendance issues.

    Academic Year Student Success Teacher, Guidance Counsellor, Special Education Teacher and Vice Principal

    Board-wide resources Ongoing Decrease in number of student absences with unauthorized absences and lates, and improvement in credit accumulation.

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Success for All

    To improve opportunities for all our students to achieve their desired destinations through a variety of programs, supports, assessment strategies and pathways (apprenticeship, college, community living, university and the workplace).

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

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    Selected students in Grade 11 invited to participate in Teens-in-Motion, a group designed to assist students in developing leadership skills. Topics such as attending school, communication and listening skills, motivating self and other, strengthening character, and contributing to school and local community will be examined.

    Academic Year Child and Youth Workers and Guidance Counsellors

    Board-wide resources Ongoing At-risk students who participate in this group will attend classes regularly and demonstrate better decision-making skills. The result will be academic success in their selected courses.

    Students selected in Grade 12 to participate in New Beginnings, a program developed for Grade 12 students to help them prepare for the transition to adulthood, college, university or the world of work. Students will meet monthly and group sessions will focus on community involvement, transitioning into adulthood, health and unhealthy relationships, securing employment, and anticipating life after St. Joseph's College School with enthusiasm and optimism.

    Academic Year Child and Youth Workers, Guidance Counsellors

    Classroom / school resources

    Ongoing Students are successful in making realistic choices about and transitioning to the future destination of their choice.

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Success for All

    To improve opportunities for all our students to achieve their desired destinations through a variety of programs, supports, assessment strategies and pathways (apprenticeship, college, community living, university and the workplace).

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

    2008 - 2009

    2009-06-01 Page 22 of 25

    Designated Grade 9 and 10 students invited to participate in the Opening Doors program, (Gr 9) and Building Success program (Gr. 10) designed to assist Grade 9 and 10 students to cope with the challenges of adolescence and high school. Topics will include self-confidence, effective conflict management, peer pressure, time management and stress.

    Academic Year Guidance Counsellors School resources In progress Students demonstrate appropriate behaviours and make smooth adjustment to school life.

    Use Ministry PA Day to review DIP data and analyze how it can be used by individual departments/teachers to improve instruction and student learning.

    Academic Year Student Success Team, Teacher, Principial and Vice Principal

    Board-wide resources In progress Teachers use DIP regularly (once they receive access) to support student learning.

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Success for All

    To improve opportunities for all our students to achieve their desired destinations through a variety of programs, supports, assessment strategies and pathways (apprenticeship, college, community living, university and the workplace).

    Priority Improving Student Learning and Achievement

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

    2008 - 2009

    2009-06-01 Page 23 of 25

    Leadership Moderators, Administrators and Guidance Counsellors delegate leadership students to participate in CSLIT: Catholic School Leadership Impact Team - TCDSB

    Academic Year Guidance Counsellors, Leadership Moderator and Administrators

    Board-wide resources Ongoing participation in and increased attendance at CSLIT meetings

    Participate in the TCDSB Day of Service

    Ongoing Chaplaincy Team Leader and Chaplaincy Team

    Board-wide resources Ongoing increased student involvement; provision of school site for preparation workshops for all participating TCDSB students/staff

    Host Camp Olympia in May 2008

    Academic Year SJCS Student Leadership Team Moderator, other school staff, and Vice Principal

    School academic and co-curricular resources, TCDSB Leadership department, Chaplaincy

    Action to be taken SJCS was selected from among 35 TCDSB secondary schools to host the first Camp Olympia Leadership Camp for 2008 for up to 14-15 of those high schools.

    Develop strategies for healthy and active living

    Academic Year G.A.A. = Girls' Athletic Association Moderator; Physical Education Department staff; Athletic Direct

    Board-wide resources In progress Student participation in events is steadily improving: sports intramural games; "Fruity Fridays" - selling of fruit snacks during lunch periods; "Right-to-Play" and sports overnight fundraiser for underprivileged students.

    Increase the number of volunteers who provide assistance to SJCS staff and students

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal

    Classroom / school resources

    In progress an increase in the number of SJCS graduates who return to volunteer and/or who apply to teachers' college

    Division 9 - 12

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Goal Empowering Catholic Leadership

    To develop and support Catholic Educational Leaders who are energizing, caring, visionary, student-focused and collaborative role models in building a Catholic professional learning community.

    Priority Building Capacity to Lead and Learn

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

    2008 - 2009

    2009-06-01 Page 24 of 25

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Board-wide resources Ongoing Increase capacity of classroom teacher to use data to improve student achievement

    Use of Code 92 Days to facilitate teacher participation in professional development opportunities outside of the school.

    Use of Code 83 days to allow staff to collaborate with colleagues within the school as well as at the system level.

    Use of staff meetings to provide opportunity for discussion of pedagogical topics.

    Use November PA day to review DIP data and develop strategies to improve student learning

    Academic Year Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal

    Professional Development

    Ongoing Change is viewed as a positive process embedded in school culture;

    Increased use of differentiated instructions

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Division 9 - 12

    Goal Professional Development

    To provide job-embedded professional development that focuses on broadening the range of skills, practices and attitudes needed to create sustainable improvement and better results.

    Priority Building Capacity to Lead and Learn

  • School Learning PlanSt. Joseph College Catholic Secondary School

    2008 - 2009

    2009-06-01 Page 25 of 25

    Provide staff members opportunities to attend workshops about the implementation of the new Safe School Strategy

    Prior to 1 Feb 2008 Administration, Teachers, support staff

    Board resources, Ministry of Education, CODE (Council of Directors of Education for Ontario), TSU executive, TSU school representative

    In progress Increased understanding about the causes and signs of bullying; opportunities to develop staff/student relationships; an increased understanding by school staff about the scope of Bill 212 legislation

    Further develop a curricular understanding of the EQAO Literacy Test through a liaison with a Ministry of Education EQAO representative. Examples of understandings are: marking schemes, logic of testing, and strategies for test-taking.

    Academic Year Literacy Team, Vice Principal, Principal

    Professional Development

    Awaiting approval Increased student preparation for EQAO Math and Literacy tests.

    Elementary/Secondary Liaison Visits to the elementary and secondary schools in the SJCS family of schools.

    Academic Year Student Success Team, Teachers, Vice Principal, Principal

    Professional Development

    Completed Elementary Teachers can facilitate student transitions from elementary to secondary level programs.

    Strategy Divisional Consideration Timeline Responsibility Resource Status Evidence of Improvement

    Division 9 - 12

    Goal Professional Development

    To provide job-embedded professional development that focuses on broadening the range of skills, practices and attitudes needed to create sustainable improvement and better results.

    Priority Building Capacity to Lead and Learn