School Focus and Philosophy

Mission Statement

We believe that children will become good citizens and life-long learners, that they will be able to achieve their ambitions if they are given consistent, structured education with clearly defined standards of academic achievement, supporting traditional values of home and school.

Achievement is maximized when:

everyone develops intellectually, socially, physically, and creatively;
a focused learning environment supports meaningful participation;
everyone is a teacher and a learner;
individuals are responsible decision-makers;
individual differences and beliefs are respected; and
the school is a safe and welcoming place where adults and students work together with care and compassion.

Our school rules reflect our beliefs:

Show respect.
Show responsibility.
Show self-control.

As a Traditional Alternative Program we are committed to high academic and conduct standards.

Within the Alberta Education curriculum these commitments are achieved by:

direct instruction of basic skills,
continuity of instruction and resources across grades,
technological supports integrated with curriculum,
regular homework,
consistent, firm, fair discipline,
focus on traditional values and goals of education and citizenship, and
strong parent partnership.

Student Recognition Plan

We believe that public recognition of student achievement enhances future performance. It focuses the student on the purpose of schooling. It reinforces the concepts that learning is a continuous process and that all students are capable of achieving.

Goal Setting:

Teachers assess and evaluate student achievement and performance.
The foundation for goal setting is established by the Alberta curriculum supplemented by our school goals, the Student Conduct Policy and the Character Education Program.
Teachers and parents work with students to set individual goals within some or all of the goal areas.

Making the Award Decisions:

Teachers use professional judgement in recognizing individual growth. Measurement factors include the amount of growth, the quality of the performance, the rate of growth, and the level of effort and perseverance.
Teachers award no less than four and no more than six students in each class each month.

Informing About Award Recipients:

Teachers phone parents to invite them to the assembly, and request that the award nominations be kept secret until assembly. All parents are welcome to attend any assembly.

The Assembly:

The Student Recognition Assembly is held the last Thursday of the month at 10:45 a.m.
A number of students will be identified who are willing to share their achievements.
A formal presentation of student awards.

More Recognition:

The names of award recipients are posted in our monthly newsletter.

Perfect and Punctual Attendance:

We believe that being at school improves student performance.
Each month, the names of all students with perfect and punctual attendance are printed in the newsletter.

Student Recognition Schedule

LANG.

ARTS

SOCIAL STUDIES

MATH

SCIENCE

ART

P.E.

MUSIC

FRENCH

CITIZENSHIP

CHARACTER

ED.

OCTOBER

X

X

X

X

X

X

NOVEMBER

X

X

X

X

X

X

JANUARY

X

X

X

X

X

X

MARCH

X

X

X

X

X

X

APRIL

X

X

X

X

X

X

MAY

X

X

X

X

X

X

Supporting Your Child's Learning

When parents are involved in their children's education,

achievement levels tend to rise

Here are some of the ways parents can support their child's learning.

1. Make sure your child gets the most out of the school day by helping him/her to arrive at school on time, healthy, and well rested.

2. Encourage your child to take part in school activities and education and to take pride in the school community including its building and grounds.

3. Be supportive of your school. Communicate with your child's teacher and principal by visiting the school, phoning, or sending notes. If you have a concern, ask for a meeting.

4. Encourage your child by talking about and showing your interest and appreciation for his/her efforts at school and at home.

5. Attend school events such as orientation nights, parent-teacher meetings, and concerts.

6. Help in the classroom, on field trips, or on committees when volunteers are requested. Also, you may wish to participate in your School Council.

7. Read your school newsletter.

8. Read with your child regularly from a wide variety of books.

9. Reinforce self-esteem by listening to and praising your child.

Homework

All students must work on developing good study habits.

Consistent practice of study skills can result in higher achievement, so ask your child about what was worked on at school and what has to be completed at home. If homework was not assigned, then your child should spend time on review or reading.

What is the purpose of homework?

Is my child too young to be doing homework regularly?

° Homework reinforces skills taught during class time.

° It helps to develop study skills

° Homework encourages independent problem solving

° It lets you see your child's work and become involved in your child's learning

° All children from Kindergarten on up are expected to do some sort of homework. Homework can be a fun and happy time. Your positive attitude will influence your child's attitude towards homework. You are your child's first teacher; teach your child the value of a strong education.

Homework assignments will vary. Some will be due the next day, and some will be long-term expectations such as weekly spelling and reading assignments.

Your child should plan daily activities so that there is time for homework. If a regular time is not possible, then plan a homework schedule each day and expect your child to follow it.

Students are most efficient at doing homework or studying when they have a comfortable chair, a clean flat surface, the necessary equipment and supplies, good lighting and few distractions.

If you have any questions about your child's homework, please ask the teacher.