st. francis school - newfoundland and labrador english ... · the traditional craft of newfoundland...

St. Francis School Annual Report 2011-12

2011-2012 School Development Report

St. Francis School P.O. Box 460

Harbour Grace, NL

A0A 2M0

Tel: (709) 596-3452

Fax: (709) 596-2154

Mission Statement

St. Francis is dedicated to providing a safe, caring and healthy environment, which promotes

excellence in learning, leadership and effective communication amongst members of the entire school community.

Vision Statement

St. Francis is a safe, caring and well maintained school with open lines of communication. All

stakeholders take pride in and ownership of their school. It has a positive and respectful atmosphere. Everyone has an equal role in planning, and supporting each other in the learning

environment, striving for excellence in education.


Table of Contents Message from the Director of Education ............................................................................ 3

Message from Principal ...................................................................................................... 4

Message from School Council ............................................................................................ 5

Overview of School ............................................................................................................ 6

Our School Community .................................................................................................. 6

Key Highlights/Special Projects ..................................................................................... 6

Partnerships ..................................................................................................................... 9

3-4 Year School Development Plan .................................................................................. 10

Summary Report on the School’s Most Current Data ....... Error! Bookmark not defined. School Developman Plan for Current School Year .......................................................... 15 Appendix A – Summary of School Fundraising ............................................................... 24


Message from the Director of Education In December, 2011, Eastern School District approved a three-year strategic planning process which centered on developing our schools as caring, professional and purposeful places of learning and excellence. This school report for 2011-2012 highlights the activities of your school and your efforts to achieve your school-based goals, in keeping with the District’s mission and its vision for the future. The information provided is very helpful as we continue to pursue excellence for our District through a planning process which emphasizes continued professional growth and development. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each school on the success achieved to date as evidenced by this report. I acknowledge, with gratitude, the efforts of our teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and community representatives, particularly through schools councils. By working together, we can achieve the best possible learning environment for our students. I encourage you to dialogue with our stakeholders on this document and on our District objectives. As we move forward with our new Strategic Plan (2011-2014), I look forward to your continued support and cooperation in the achievement of the specific goals and objectives listed in this plan. Keep up the good work! Sincerely, BRUCE VEY, PhD

CEO/DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (Acting)

C.E.O./DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION


Message from Principal It is a pleasure to present to you the annual school development report for 2011-2012. This report provides the progress achieved in the school development plan, including an overview of the school, the student achievements, programs, projects and partnerships. During the 2011-2012 school year, we began the implementation of a new three year school development plan, as developed through the Department of Education School Development Process. Our goals were:

- To increase student achievement across the curriculum within an inclusive learning environment

- To foster wellness, respect, leadership and responsibility for learning in a safe and caring school environment.

The goals of the school development plan provide focus and direction, and through the collaborative efforts of our school community we work to realize these goals. Through an analysis of the results of a variety of data, such as provincial assessments, observations, and surveys, we developed specific goals, objectives, and strategies for the school year. On an ongoing basis we continue to further refine and reflect on our school development plan. We regularly review the strategies we implement, and modify and change based on the needs of our students and our school community. We are grateful to the continued support of our school community, and to the dedication of our teachers and support staff, together working diligently to ensure the success of our students and our school. We look forward to continuing to work together to create the best possible learning environment for our students and to live our motto, “Excellence Always”. Please review the School Report for the 2011-2012 school year and contact us with and comments, questions, and/or concerns. Deborah Ryan Principal, St. Francis School (2011-2012)


Message from School Council It is once again an honor and a privilege to bring you greetings on behalf of the School Council of St. Francis School. We again have to ask ourselves ‘where has another year gone’. As a School Council, we feel we serve a very worthwhile purpose in support of our school. The School Council for the 2011-2012 school year was made up of the following membership: Community Representatives: Mr. Don Coombs (Chair), Ms. Denise Broomfield, Mr. Terry Barnes Parent Representatives: Ms. Suzanne Chafe, Ms. Heather Dooley, Ms. Dawn Pike, Mr. Phil Hurley Teacher Representatives: Ms. Ann Coombs, Ms. Judy McCarthy, Ms. Darlene Tilley (Principal), Ms. Deborah Ryan (Principal) Working together as a school body with administration, staff, and support staff, we continue to strive for “Excellence Always” which of course is the motto of our school, and is certainly the goal and vision within our school community. The education and development of the students is the focus of all staff and their primary concern is for the students. As a result of this focus it has been an easy job to work with the excellent administration and staff of St. Francis. We, as a School Council, continue to see the effects of the students, staff and school community as a whole working together for the common goal of a quality education for each and every student at St. Francis. Being on School Council is an opportunity to make a difference, to assist the administration and staff of the school to continue to make education the priority within the school. I encourage every one of you who have the time, to become involved. To those who don’t have the time to volunteer, come to the assemblies, drop by the school and you too, along with students, will feel a part of the legacy of St. Francis School. To the many volunteers who help the school community of St. Francis, we thank you for your support. By working together, we will continue to ensure that all who enter the doors of St. Francis leave as better people.

Don Coombs Chair

St. Francis School Council


Overview of School

Our School Community St. Francis School is located in the western region of the Eastern School District and attended by students from Harbour Grace, Bristol’s Hope and Carbonear. Our school had an enrolment of approximately 350 students in grades six to nine. We were a four stream school from grades seven to nine, with five grade six classes. The average class size was 22. St. Francis School had a total of 36 educational staff, which includes classroom teachers, instructional resource teachers, and specialist teachers in the areas of guidance, music, art, physical education, Math, English, French (ICF, Core, Late French Immersion), and technology. We also had five student assistants. In addition to staff based at the school, we had itinerant services for speech-language, hearing, inclusive education, and educational psychology. During the 2011-2012 school year we had 7 hours of secretarial support each day and 15 hours of custodial support each day. Programs Students at St. Francis have the opportunity to take part in a full academic program, as prescribed by the Department of Education, including ICF in Grade 6 and Late French Immersion in Grades 7, 8 and 9. This year, 60 students registered for the ICF Program. Subjects in Grade 6 include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Religion, Health, Physical Education, Art, Music and French. There is also one scheduled period for Technology for the Grade 6s. In grades 7-9 in addition to the courses mentioned in Grade 6, students also study Technology Education. In Grade 9, the students study Adolescence in place of Health. During the 2010-2011 year, new programs were implemented in Grade 6 and 9 Math and in Grade 7 Language Arts and Français.

Key Highlights/Special Projects Throughout the year we have been involved in a number of activities that support the achievement of our students. The highlights below are only a sampling of these. Additional activities and projects have taken place in other areas and support an enhanced curriculum at St. Francis. Art

The Art program at St. Francis School continued to thrive and contribute to student life in a variety of ways this year. Students were exposed to a variety of media, learning new techniques and experimenting with new ways to be expressive and imaginative. Students continued to develop their drawing, painting, and sculpting skills. Some of the materials students experimented with throughout the year were watercolour and acrylic paints, polymer clay, weaving, copper rubbings, and rug hooking.


One of the highlights of this year was when the grade eight students were introduced to the traditional craft of Newfoundland rug hooking. The Art program was awarded a $1000.00 grant from the Eastern Education School Grants Program to give our students the opportunity to explore and experiment with this form of art making. This activity was certainly a great learning experience for all involved! The Art club was very busy this year and completed a number of projects, some of which included: preparing special pieces for assemblies, concerts and events such as for the “inclusion week” events; designing and painting some large master artists inspired pieces to display on the hall way walls; creating a backdrop for the Christmas play; creating paintings of inspirational words to go over the classroom doors, to contribute to beautifying their school; assisting with the set up for the Annual Silent Art Auction fundraiser and entering pieces into the auction where the public were invited to bid on the art work; and participating in some Art contests throughout the year, such as the Provincial Remembrance Day Poster Challenge, Carbonear Winter Carnival Art contest, YMCA Logo Contest, and Heritage Newfoundland Poster Contest.

French

Our French Department kept the French language very visible throughout the year and were involved in a number of school-wide and small group activities. Some of these included: A Coats for Kids Campaign, participation in the annual CHVO Christmas Happy Tree, celebrating Newfoundland Culture by sharing & experiencing NL foods, creating their own restaurant and bringing a dessert dish to class for the students to sample, buddy reading, participating en français in assemblies as well as MC’s for Christmas Drama Performance, public speaking competition, and French Week Celebrations included morning announcements with video-clips en français, a poster contest, Les Cartes Jaunes for speaking en français to teachers throughout the week, Tri-Color Day: wear red/blue/white, and Le Carnaval d’Hiver: French café with hot chocolate & croissants. Green House Program Grows at St. Francis

During the 2011 – 2012 school years, the grade 6 students at St. Francis enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Green House Program at the school. There were three groups of 14 students who enrolled in the program. Throughout the year the students, guided by teacher coordinator Carmen Jarvis and Darlene Groves-Green House Technician - planted seeds (flowers, herbs and popcorn.) The students then watered, transplanted, fertilized, pruned and monitored the growing of these plants. The students were amazed at the growing of the plants & in the end reaped the benefits of the harvest when they took home the flowers, tomatoes and peppers that they had grown from the seed. Inclusive Education

Inclusive Education continued to be active throughout the school year. There was continued staff training through professional development opportunities. We held a Collegial Circle to encourage staff members to avail of the opportunity to share strategies, literature and create materials for direct use by teachers and students in the


classroom. We restocked materials in the classroom towers. Literature has been provided in the staffroom to permit ease of access to staff members wishing to avail of it. In addition, in order to be a more inclusive school, we continued to offer various awards at our year-end awards ceremony, for example, the volunteer award as well as the Humanitarian award. Our award ceremony was organized in such that every individual student was acknowledged for their achievements. Lastly, there has been an increase in the number of teachers including DI and Inclusion as main goals in their PPGP’s. Kids Eat Smart/Breakfast Program

The St. Francis School KES Breakfast Club continued with another successful year. Funds were received from Kids Eat Smart to support a program that was scheduled Monday to Friday of each week and was open to all students and staff. We participated in the KES Walk to Breakfast in September which serves as a major fundraiser for our program. Throughout the year we held pancake breakfasts, provided fruits and veggies, and participated in Apple Day in March. A special thank you to our parent, student, and staff volunteers who keep our program running on a daily basis. Music

Our music program consisted of two choirs and two concert bands as well as regular classroom music. Our Festival Choir consisted of 135 students from grades six to nine. The Festival Choir performed at various school celebrations throughout the year, including our Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day celebrations, along with our Christmas concert. They also participated in the Rotary Music Festival in St. John’s. This was made possible through a Cultural Connections Travel Grant. Our Songsters group consisted of 26 students from grades seven to nine. The Songsters group participated in all school celebrations and performed at the Kiwanis Music Festival in Carbonear where they received a mark of 91. They received two awards for the best performance by an Intermediate choir. We had two concert bands this year. Our junior band consisted of students from grades six and our senior band was made up of students from grades seven to nine. Our senior band participated at our annual Christmas concert and also had the opportunity to perform at the Rotary Music Festival in St. John’s. This opportunity was again made possible through a Cultural Connections Student Travel Grant. Social Studies

The 2011-2012 school year saw the successful implementation of the new grade 9 curriculum, which teachers felt kept students engaged in the course material. The grade 8 social studies students visited the House of Assembly following a personal invitation from Natural Resources Minister Jerome Kennedy. While at the Confederation Building, students ate lunch with Minister Kennedy and Speaker Ross Wiseman and took in a live House Session where their presence in the House was acknowledged by Newfoundland & Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale. Students were again invited to come back in the


2012-2013 school year, as the return trip would perfectly match the grade 9 course outcomes relating to how the government system in Canada works. Special Services

We received an additional 0.5 of a teaching unit to support the identified needs of our students. In addition, five student assistants provided support to our students and school. Inclusion played a key role at all grade levels, with the use of Differentiated Instruction and increased collaboration resulting in team teaching and parallel teaching at some grade levels. Technology continued to play an integral role with the use of laptops, Word Q, Speak Q, Fusion Writers, iPod Touch, iPad, and interactive whiteboards. Alternate courses and programs were offered, with accommodations for testing being provided. The implementation of the Department of Education’s Service Delivery Model began in the spring of the year with professional development for the service delivery team and the staff.

Student Council

Student Council got off to a late start this year coming together in early January. In mid-January, after a short but competitive election campaign, there was a successful student election with multiple candidates for all but one of the positions. Class Representatives were elected within each class following the announcement of the newly elected Student Council Executive. The Student Council planned and executed several dances providing music selection, door and canteen service and theme choices. They also assisted with several school events and fundraisers throughout the remainder of the year (Inclusion Poster Contest, Jeans Day, Valentine’s Candy-Grams, Math “Pi” Day, etc.) and held meetings with class representatives to forward information to homerooms. The executive had several other ideas to enhance school spirit such as a Spirit Week and weekly theme days, but due to multiple commitments by the executive members, regular meetings were difficult to maintain and planning did not follow through. They culminated the year with a very successful Much Video Dance that was enjoyed by all students in attendance. Partnerships

St. Francis School has created and maintained a number of partnerships with outside agencies. We have received great support through financial donations, resources and commitments of time from parents/guardians, local businesses and local volunteer organizations/associations, all of which enhancing the educational experiences of our students. Some of these partnerships have included: Eastern School District, Newfoundland Power, RCMP, Sea Cadets, Lower Trinity South Regional Development Association , Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Local Businesses, Kids Eat Smart Foundation, TCP Health Foundation, Eastern Health, Towns of Harbour Grace and Carbonear, Royal Canadian Legion, Department of Innovation Business and Rural Development, Canadian Space Agency, Eastlink TV, FIRST Robotics, Porter Airlines, and the Center for Distance Learning and Innovation. We are thankful to the many organizations that contribute to the success of St. Francis School. (1-2 pages)


3-4 Year School Development Plan

Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, the St. Francis community engaged in the School Growth Process, participating in an Internal as well as External Review. A new 2-3 year School Development Plan was developed from the recommendations of this process. As we engaged in this process, we also noted that planning due to the reconfiguration of St. Francis School scheduled for September 2013 will also impact on the actions of the school during the next two-three years.

Goal 1: To increase student achievement across the curriculum within an inclusive environment. Year Objective Objective Objective

2009-10 To increase the number of students who are meeting the criteria for excellence

To follow Pathways programming as outlined by the Department of Education

To improve student achievement in Mathematics as measured by External Data (CRT)

2010-11 To increase student achievement in Constructed response questions as measured by the Provincial CRT.

To increase student achievement in Informational Text as measured by Internal and external assessment.

To increase the number of students who are achieving success (50%) across the curriculum as compared to the 2009-2010 results.

2011-12 To use student data systematically to inform instruction and to increase student achievement.

Identify and implement early interventions for at risk students (50% or below; indicators of 2 or below in Grade 6)

To increase the knowledge and utilization of diverse teaching and assessment strategies.

2012-13 To use student data systematically to inform instruction and to increase student achievement.

Identify and implement early interventions for at risk students (50% or below; indicators of 2 or below in Grade 6)

To increase the knowledge and utilization of diverse teaching and assessment strategies.

Goal 2: To foster wellness, respect, leadership and responsibility for learning in a safe and caring environment. Year Objective Objective Objective

2009-10 To provide students with Leadership opportunities To promote active, healthy living Members of the learning community will

demonstrate respect for each other and school property.

2010-11 To provide students with leadership opportunities To promote active lifestyles and healthy living. Members of the learning community will

demonstrate respect for each other and the school property

2011-12 To increase wellness for all staff and students. To increase students’ and staffs’ feelings of being valued, safe, cared for and respected in the school environment.

To increase student responsibility and active engagement in learning.

2012-13 To increase wellness for all staff and students. To increase students’ and staffs’ feelings of being valued, safe, cared for and respected in the school environment.

To increase student responsibility and active engagement in learning.


Operational Issues

Year Issues Issues Issues

2009-10 Completion of Envelope renovations Repairs to Greenhouse required New Server needed 2010-11 Inadequate space in classroom next to gymnasium. Extra classroom space required to accommodate

additional homeroom. Heaters in the gym – malfunctioning

2011-12 PA System inaudible in a number of spaces New computers required to replace student computers throughout the school

Surveillance system required to increase efforts to ensure a safe and caring environment.

2012-13 Renovation required for upcoming reconfiguration.


Report on School Development Plan for Previous Year (2011-2012)

School Development Plan 2011-2012 Goal 1: To increase student achievement across the curriculum within an inclusive environment Objective 1.1: To use student data systematically to inform instruction and to increase levels of student achievement

Objective 1.2: Identify and implement early interventions for at-risk students (50% or below; indicators of 2 or below for Grade 6)

Objective 1.3: To increase the knowledge and utilization of diverse teaching and assessment strategies

Strategies: 1.1.1 Examine subject area results in CRT & Internal data to identify areas of weakness, strengths and trends 1.1.2 Learning inventories will be administered and shared with grade level teachers 1.1.3 Modeling of constructed response answers will be regularly throughout the year to increase student achievement

Strategies: 1.2.1 Timely home contact (i.e. within two weeks of work not being submitted 1.2.2 Folders for at risk students in staff room for review by HR teachers 1.2.3 Identify students At Risk (receiving at risk letters) immediately after first reporting period 1.2.4 Support outside of class time (tutorials, IRT assistance, Tutors for Tuition, etc.)

Strategies:

1.3.1 Use of Collegial Circles with shared readings 1.3.2 Shared DI strategies (within Dept. meetings and/or staff meetings, first class forum) 1.3.3 Use of Itinerant support and guest speakers

Indicators of Success:

1.1.1 Identified areas of weakness based on CRT and Internal data will guide teaching practices resulting in improved levels of student achievement 1.1.2 Learning Inventories which were administered and shared in Sept. is guiding teaching in relation to individual learning styles resulting in improved student performance 1.1.3 Constructed responses modeled by teachers will be increasingly used by students in daily work.


1.2.1 Consistent contact made and tracked 1.2.2 Information updated and available 1.2.3 Forms completed, information shared with home, intervention strategies put in place 1.2.4 Ongoing support communicated with home and students availing of support


1.3.1 Increased number Collegial Circles to three this year (one per term) – topics to be based on staff survey 1.3.2 Creation of an Inclusion/DI forum that all staff can use to share resources. Sharing of one DI strategy at each monthly staff meeting and at Dept. Meetings 1.3.3 Survey administered, analyzed and reported back to staff by Nov 2011. A speaker to attend PD Day/staff meeting based on the results of the survey


Commendations:

1.1.1 PD day focused on results

1.1.2 HR teachers administrated learning

inventories

1.1.3 Continued modeling constructed response

answers

Commendations:

1.2.1 Home contact made

1.2.2 Missed assignments collected twice during

year

1.2.3 We are identifying students at risk

1.2.4 Supports are being offered outside of class

time

Commendations:

1.3.1 One circle this year

1.3.2 Sharing occurred at department and staff

meeting

1.3.3 Itinerant in class support and guest

speakers on specific topics

Recommendations:

1.1.1 Continue to meet and discuss through

department heads

1.1.2 Continue to complete inventories and

diversify instruction

1.1.3 Continue to model constructed responses

Recommendations:

1.2.1 Ensure consistent home contact for the

positive interactions as well as issues of concern

1.2.2 Implement before each reporting period

1.2.3 Identify at-risk students by end of October

1.2.4 Offer support from beginning of the year

Recommendations:

1.3.1 Have a least on circle per term to be

organized by department heads

1.3.2 Continue with D.I forum and have

department heads organize sharing sessions

1.3.3 Continue with Itinerant and guest

speaker support

Goal 1. Support Plan

Financial Professional Development/Time Required

1.1.1 Resources to support identified areas of need 1.1.2 Classroom resources (consumables, reference) to support

Inclusion/DI

1.1.1 One day for all staff to review CRT and Grade 6 report card data in the fall

1.1.2 One half day to share information on learning inventories 1.3.3 Planning/reflective time to assess progress in meeting identified needs/ plan actions to continue to address 1.3.3 District/Speaker support for Inclusion/DI/Collegial Circles


Goal 2: To foster wellness, respect, leadership and responsibility for learning in a safe and caring environment Objective 2.1: to increase wellness for all staff and students

Objective 2.2: To increase students’ and staffs’ feelings of being valued, safe, cared for and respected in the school environment

Objective 2.3: To increase student responsibility and active engagement in learning.

Strategies: 2.1.1 Develop House System 2.1.2 Tighter and consistent discipline 2.1.3 Improve staff morale: address discipline issues, workload, respect 2.1.4 Put behavioral management plans in place

Strategies: 2.2.1 Use of Assemblies, External Agency presentations (RCMP, CYFS, Eastern Health) and Code of Conduct posted in classrooms and throughout the school. 2.2.2 Emphasis on the NLTA code of ethics 2.2.3 Continue with anti-bullying/bullying awareness events 2.2.4 Use of a school policy where all staff are expected to review their e-mail daily.

Strategies:

2.3.1 Assignments administered shall have several options based on the learning styles of the individual students 2.3.2 Teachers shall continue to have homework websites, letters of academic concern, meetings, e-mails and phone calls to communicate with parents 2.3.3 Use of Positive Behavior Supports, assemblies at the beginning of each term, and student leadership/extra-curricular activates.


2.1.1 House system in place 2.1.2 Fewer office referrals for discipline 2.1.3 Improved Staff morale 2.1.4 Behavioral plans in place for students and students demonstrating expected school behaviors


2.2.1.1 Fewer number of discipline referrals sent to the office 2.2.1.2 Fewer incidents of misbehavior in the corridors and classrooms 2.2.2.More collegiality between staff (valuing input) 2.2.3 Reduction in reported incidents of bullying 2.2.4 All staff members are reporting that they check their e-mail daily.


2.3.1 Children are given varied assessments based on strengths identified in the student learning inventories 2.3.2. School development surveys will continue to indicate that parent-school communication is a strength of St. Francis. 2.3.3 Higher academic achievement results, students complete assignments/homework readily


Commendations:

2.1.1 House system was discussed but not

implemented

2.1.2 Office referrals continued and students

were consequenced appropriately

2.1.3 Staff social committee made every effort

to improve staff morale

2.1.4 Behavior Management Plans were put in

place

Commendations:

2.2.1 This strategy was successfully implimanted

2.2.2 Staff adhered to NLTA code of ethics

2.2.3 Anti-bullying activities a success

2.2.4 Staff reminded to read emails

Commendations:

2.3.1 Assignments have several options based

on curriculum outcomes

2.3.2 Teachers communicate regularly with

parents and guardians

2.3.3 Assemblies were not held each month, but

student leadership and extra- curricular

flourished.

Recommendations:

2.1.1 Re-visit house system and implement

2.1.2 Implement PBS and tracking system for

inappropriate behavior

2.1.3 Social committee continue to foster staff

morale

2.1.4 Behavior Management Plans updated bi-

weekly

Recommendations:

2.2.1 Monthly assembly to discuss with students

appropriate behaviors and PBS implementation

2.2.2 Continue to highlight and review NLTA

code of ethics

2.2.3 Continue with anti-bullying presentations

and place posters throughout the school

2.2.4 Continue to develop the use of first class as

a communication tool.

Recommendations:

2.3.1 Continue with the use of varied

assignments based on learning inventories

2.3.2 Teachers continue to communicate with

parents on a regular basis

2.3.3 Implement PBS in its entirety, develop a

house system and have monthly grade level

assemblies.



2.2 Surveillance System - $4000.00 2.2.1 & 2.2.3 - Funds to support these initiatives (Guest Speakers, Code of Conduct Expectations Posters - $1000.00

2.3.3 – Funds to support PBS - $500.00

2.1 Behavior Management Plans shared with all staff 2.2 CPI and First Aid Training for staff members (portion of staff) 2.2.3 PD on the topic of bullying 2.3.3 PD on PBS


Summary Report on the Most Current Data

The 2011-2012 Criterion Referenced Testing data provides meaningful information for our school as we proceed with School Growth and Development. During analysis, we consider relationships that exist between St. Francis School, District and Province as well as relationships that exist internally and between the same cohorts of students. As we analyzed the data, several noteworthy observations were made:

1. In most areas of the CRT, St. Francis is following the trends of the province.

2. Grade 9 Math is on par or above the Province and the District in all areas.

3. There seems to be a drop in ELA in most areas in grade 6 and an improvement by grade 9 when looking at the longitudinal

study.

4. When entry and exit point results are compared, students of St. Francis School generally show improvement, especially with

the exit at Grade 9.

5. Generally, St. Francis School students are performing below the District and Province on the level 3 questions in the

Elementary Math assessment.

6. In Elementary Language Arts, students are generally scoring poorly in all areas except poetic reading.

7. A small percentage of students at St. Francis School received an exemption from participating in the 2011-2012 CRT in Math

and ELA at the Elementary and Intermediate levels, when compared with the District and Province.

8. At the Elementary level, the number of student exemptions from the CRT reflects the school percentages of students receiving

special services support.

As a result of this external data combined with internal data, our staff has made the following adjustments to our School Growth Plan and recommendations for growth:

1. We will continue to seek opportunities for the Grade 6 teachers to dialogue and plan with the elementary teachers of our feeder

schools. Last year we began to work with the staff of our feeder schools in this area.

2. Staff will continue to engage in cross curricular teaching at all grade levels. Common Preparation time will continue to assist

in providing an opportunity for planning.

3. Staff will continue to implement Differentiated Instructional strategies across the curriculum and grade levels, ensuring the

needs of all students are met.


4. Increased opportunities for explaining math thinking using pictures, words and numbers, as well as modeling responses by

teachers will be provided at all grade levels.

5. Increased attention will be given to students requiring accommodations or exemptions during external assessments.

6. Our school will continue to receive the support of the NST with ESD.

Observations made in specific areas are noted below: Elementary ELA

Elementary students of St. Francis School scored lower than District and Provincial levels in all strands of the 2010-2011 CRT except poetic reading. Areas of Strength:

• Poetic reading is our one area that is at or about district and provincial levels.

Areas for Improvement:

• Though many areas need improvement, Demand writing is about 8 percent below district and provincial levels.

Elementary Math

Elementary students of St. Francis School scored higher than the District/Province in Problem Solving, Shape and Space and Patterns and Relations in the 2011-2012 CRT. Areas of Strength:

• Growth noted in Problem Solving, Number Operations, Patterns and Relations as measured by the Math CRT


• Increase the number of students achieving 3 or higher. When the item analysis is reviewed, students are scoring at or above

District and Province on a number of Level 1 and 2 questions. Generally, we are below the District and Province on Level 3

questions.

• Constructed response questions need more elaboration. Students need to include more detail/support for their responses.


Intermediate ELA

Intermediate students of St. Francis School scored higher than Provincial levels in all strands of the 2011-2012 CRT except multiple choice items in poetic reading. Areas of Strength:

• Demand Writing –The number of students scoring 3 or above in Demand Writing continues to be one of our top scoring areas.

(this is consistent with the Provincial Trend). Also, data shows no exemptions to this section.


• Poetic – results need to improve in Multiple Choice.

Intermediate Math

Intermediate students of St. Francis School scored above Provincial levels in 4 out of 4 strands of the 2011-2012 CRT. Improvement is noted when school results are compared over the past four years. Note: This is the second year of the New Intermediate Math Program. Results have shown improvement over last year. Areas of Strength:

• A review of the four year data indicates a general upward trend in student performance in all areas of the Grade 9 Math CRT .

• Student scores are above the District and Province all areas.

• When longitudinal data is reviewed, there is growth shown. (Same group of students show + 16 points in Number and +18

points in Shape and Space in Grade 9 over Grade 6.)


• Continued growth in all areas of the Intermediate Math CRT.

• Specific attention needs to be given to the constructed response questions in grade 9. Students do much better on Multiple

Choice questions. More detail and support of answers is required in the area of constructed response.


CRITERION REFERENCE TESTS

Grade 6 Language Arts

School Province School Province School Province School Province

Reading 80.7% 87.1% 73.3% 81.0% 77.5% 79.5% 66.5% 71.5%

Listening 83.3% 87.7% 82.5% 86.7% 65.0% 67.0% N/A N/A

Demand Writing 68.3% 78.7% 83.3% 81.4% 74.1% 74.7% 66.7% 74.8%

Poetic 53.1% 69.6% 58.8% 69.9% 36.1% 66.2% 56.4% 50.4%

Informational 53.7% 68.0% 47.8% 68.4% 47.9% 58.7% 51.4% 58.5%

Listening 37.6% 47.4% 55.6% 66.7% 48.7% 51.8% N/A N/A

Grade 6 Mathematics


Number Operations 71.2% 77.1% 71.6% 72.3% 63.8% 67.5% 62.2% 62.2%

Number Concepts 55.5% 67.1% 78.0% 76.9% 67.0% 75.0% 57.0% 67.0%

Reasoning 8.6% 36.5% 66.7% 54.9% 41.8% 52.3% 38.4% 58.9%

Communication 7.4% 30.6% 47.8% 46.5% 36.8% 44.3% 41.1% 56.6%

Connections & Representations 14.8% 36.1% 39.1% 44.0% 29.2% 35.2% 43.8% 58.5%

Problem Solving 14.8% 42.5% 60.9% 55.8% 64.5% 68.1% 64.4% 65.6%

11-12

11-1208-09

Constructed Response: Percentage of students performing at Level 3 or above

Multiple Choice:


Multiple Choice:

10-11

10-1108-09 09-10

09-10


Grade 9 Language Arts


Poetic 65.4% 71.0% 83.2% 85.1% 58.0% 64.7% 64.7% 66.6%

Informational 78.0% 83.1% 75.3% 79.3% 68.5% 71.2% 77.2% 76.8%

Demand Writing 88.5% 83.0% 76.0% 85.4% 77.8% 83.3% 91.7% 90.7%

Poetic 87.2% 79.5% 79.7% 73.1% 42.1% 61.4% 93.0% 92.0%

Informational 80.8% 75.5% 80.6% 70.1% 58.0% 69.2% 91.4% 88.8%

Grade 9 Mathematics


Number Operations 55.7% 55.8% 65.7% 69.5%

Number Concepts 41.6% 39.3% 55.9% 59.0%

Patterns & Relations 70.6% 68.9% 77.8% 75.4% 70.5% 62.8% 64.6% 62.9%

Measurement 69.2% 59.9% 67.1% 67.6%

Geometry 71.4% 61.8% 71.8% 69.4%

Statistics & Probability 57.5% 53.7% 65.1% 65.9% 81.2% 79.4% 65.7% 63.8%

75.7% 68.1%

71.1% 69.8%

11-12

11-12

Multiple Choice:


08-09 09-10 10-11

68.4% 59.1%

78.5% 65.7%

08-09 09-10 10-11


School Development Plan for Current Year

Goal 1: To increase student achievement across the curriculum within an inclusive environment Objective 1.1: To use student data systematically to inform instruction and to increase levels of student achievement for all.

Objective 1.2: Identify and implement early interventions for at-risk students (50% or below; indicators of 2 or below for Grade 6).

Objective 1.3: To increase the knowledge and utilization of diverse teaching and assessment strategies.

Strategies: 1.1.1 Examine CRT results to identify trends

and strengths/weaknesses for all. 1.1.2 Examine internal data to identify trends

and strengths/weaknesses for all. 1.1.3 Learning inventories will be administered

and shared with grade level teachers. 1.1.4 Modeling of constructed response

answers will be used regularly throughout the year to increase student achievement.

1.1.5 Provide students with strategies for answering multiple choice questions.

Strategies: 1.2.1 Timely home contact (i.e. within two weeks of work not being submitted). 1.2.2 Identify students at risk 3 weeks prior to each reporting period. 1.2.3 Folders for at risk students in staff room for review by HR teachers. 1.2.4 Synrevoice and follow up letter to be sent home. 1.2.5 Support inside / outside of class time (Inclusion, tutorials, study hall, individual student conferencing, IRT assistance, Tutors for Tuition, etc.).

Strategies:

1.3.1 Facilitate Collegial Circles with shared readings and hands-on strategies regarding 21st century learning practices. 1.3.2 Shared DI strategies (within Dept. meetings and/or staff meetings). 1.3.3 Creation of an Inclusion/DI forum that all staff can use to share resources. 1.3.4 Use of Itinerant support and guest speakers. 1.3.5 Five afternoon (1 hour) PD sessions to allow staff to share resources, DI strategies and Inclusion successes/challenges/new resources.


1.1.1 Identified areas of weakness based on CRT results will guide teaching practices resulting in improved levels of student achievement for all.

1.1.2 Identified areas of weakness based on internal data will guide teaching practices resulting in improved levels of student achievement for all.

1.1.3 Learning Inventories which were administered and shared in September are used by teachers to differentiate instruction for all students.

1.1.4 Increased proficiency with constructed responses.

1.1.5 Increased proficiency with multiple choice questions.


1.2.1 Consistent contact made with home and documented. 1.2.2 At risk folders updated and development of checklist for teachers to follow. 1.2.3 Folders / forms completed, information shared with home, intervention strategies put in place. 1.2.4 Student achievement increases across the curriculum.


1.3.1 Increased number of Collegial Circles to three this year – topics to be based on staff request. 1.3.2 Sharing of one DI strategy at each monthly staff meeting and at Dept. Meetings. 1.3.3 DI forum is easily accessible by all staff and is being used by staff to share resources. 1.3.4 Survey administered, analyzed and reported back to staff by Jan 2013. Speaker(s) to attend PD Day/staff meeting based on the results of the survey. 1.3.5 Five sessions were held and exit cards to be completed confirming increased staff awareness of strategies.




1.1.3 Resources to support identified areas of need. 1.1.4 Classroom resources (consumables, reference) to support

Inclusion/DI. 1.1.5 Resources and PD that would assist in developing student

proficiency with constructed response questions. 1.1.6 Resources and PD that would assist in developing student

proficiency with multiple choice questions. 1.2.1 More IRT time.

1.1.3 One day for all staff to review CRT and Grade 6 report card data in the fall.

1.1.4 One half day to share information on learning inventories. 1.1.5 District/Department support. 1.1.6 District/Department support. 1.3.3 Planning/reflective time to assess progress in meeting identified needs/ plan actions to continue to address. 1.3.3 District/Speaker support for Inclusion/DI/Collegial Circles. 1.2.1 To develop protocol to be followed for missed work and / or at risk students. 1.3.4 District/Speaker support for Inclusion/DI/Collegial Circles. 1.3.5 Planning five 1-hour afternoon sessions to provide time for in-school PD.

Goal 2: To foster wellness, respect, leadership and responsibility for learning in a safe and caring environment Objective 2.1: To increase wellness for all staff and students.

Objective 2.2: To increase students’ and staffs’ feelings of being valued, safe, cared for and respected in the school environment.

Objective 2.3: To increase student responsibility and active engagement in learning for all.

Strategies: 2.1.1 Develop House System: take a PD day to organize and divide students and staff into a house system. 2.1.2 Tighter and consistent discipline practices on the part of teachers and administration. 2.1.3 Improve staff morale: address discipline issues, workload, respect, put more staff socialization and recognition opportunities in place. 2.1.4 Put behavioral management plans in place and develop new ones for identified students.

Strategies: 2.2.1 To increase the use of Assemblies, External Agency presentations (RCMP, CYFS, Eastern Health) and Code of Conduct posted in classrooms and throughout the school. 2.2.2 To continue emphasis on the NLTA code of ethics. 2.2.3 To continue with anti-bullying/bullying awareness events once a term per school year. 2.2.4 To establish a GSA. 2.2.5 Use of a school policy where all staff are encouraged to review their e-mail daily. With any pressing e-mails all teachers will be notified by a P.A announcement to please check their e-mail. 2.2.6 Teacher wellness surveys are administered once per term.

Strategies: 2.3.1 Assignments have varied representation options based on 21st Century Learning and differentiated techniques. 2.3.2 Optional Daily study hall and after school tutoring. 2.3.3 Opportunities to engage in special event assemblies and student leadership/extra-curricular activities. 2.3.4 Form student council. 2.3.5 Participation in Provincial Student Leadership Conference.



2.1.1 House system in place as soon as possible 2.1.2 Initially we should see more official referrals as all teachers are reporting and referring necessary issues. As students recognize the consistency between teacher and the administration fewer office referrals for discipline should occur. 2.1.3 Improved Staff morale as indicated by periodic surveys and overall feeling in the staff room. 2.1.4 Behavioral plans in place for students and students demonstrating expected school behaviors.


2.2.1.1 Fewer number of discipline referrals sent to the office 2.2.1.2 Fewer incidents of misbehavior in the corridors and classrooms. 2.2.2.More collegiality between staff (valuing input). 2.2.3 Reduction in reported incidents of bullying 2.2.4 The successful implementation of a GSA. 2.2.5 All staff members are reporting that they check their e-mail daily. 2.2.6 Staff issues and concerns are lessened.


2.3.1 Children are given varied assessments based on strengths identified in the student learning inventories. 2.3.2. Record of attendance at daily study hall and after school tutoring. 2.3.3 School climate surveys to indicate a safe and caring school climate. 2.3.4 Higher academic achievement results, students complete assignments/homework readily. 2.3.5 Attendance at Student Leadership Conference.



2.2 Surveillance System - $4000.00. 2.2.1 & 2.2.3 - Funds to support these initiatives (Guest Speakers, Code of Conduct Expectations Posters - $1000.00.

2.3.3 – Funds to support PBS - $500.00.

2.1.1 PD time to develop house system. 2.1.2 Behavior Management Plans shared with all staff. 2.2.1 CPI and First Aid Training for staff members (portion of staff). 2.2.3 PD on the topic of bullying. 2.3.3 PD on PBS.

Operational Issues for 2012-2013

Operational Issue Intended Action PA System inaudible in a number of locations throughout the school

Repair/replace

Surveillance system required Install


Appendix A – Summary of School Fundraising for St. Francis School 2011-2012

Source of Income Revenue Expense Balance Breakfast Program (Kids Eat Smart Walk to Breakfast/Donations/KES Grants)

5,761.25

5,840.78

-79.53

Total Breakfast Program 5,761.25

5,840.78 -79.53

Contract Revenue

• Cafeteria Revenue - Harbour Breeze (General Expenses)

• School Photo Contract (General Expenses/Awards)

• School Rental – Gymnasium (Sports Program)

3,426.03 829.47 1167.45

3,426.03 829.47 1167.45

0.00 0.00 0.00

Total Contract Revenue 5,422.95 5,422.95 0.00

One Time Grants/Bursaries

• Special Funding – Eastern School District (Pi/Math Day)

• Canadian Tire Jumpstart (Extra- Curricular)

1058.23 1800.00

1058.23 1309.95

0.00 490.05

Total One Time Grants/Bursaries 2858.23 2368.18 490.05

Scholarship Donations (Awards Presentations) 3390.00

2729.55

451.87

Total Scholarship Donations 3390.00 2729.55 451.87

School Based Fund Raisers

• Recycling (Phys Ed/ Extracurricular Program)

• Christmas Concert (Music Program/Drama)

• Scholastic Book Fair ( Reading Resources)

2346.60 1650.00 2077.45

1829.50 1650.00 2077.45

517.10 0.00 0.00

Total School Based Fund Raisers 6074.05 5556.95 517.10

Sports

• Basket ball – Junior Girls

• Basketball – boys

• Cheerleading

5436.00 520.00 1,010.00

6543.63 758.27 664.11

-316.24 -238.27 345.89

Total Sports 6966.00 7946.01 -208.62

Total

30,472.48

29,864.42

1170.81

st. francis school - newfoundland and labrador english ... · the traditional craft of newfoundland...

Documents