BRANT HALDIMAND NORFOLK
Catholic District School Board
Agenda
Catholic Education Centre
322 Fairview Drive
Brantford, ON N3T 5M8 Strategic Planning Committee
June 18, 2015 4:45 p.m. Boardroom
Members: Cliff Casey (Chair), Dan Dignard, Rick Petrella, Chris N. Roehrig, Michelle Shypula, Leslie Telfer
1. Opening Business
1.1 Opening Prayer – Cliff Casey
1.2 Attendance
1.3 Approval of the Agenda Page 1
1.4 Approval of Minutes from the Strategic Planning Committee Meeting – N/A
2. Information Items
2.1 Review of Strategic Plan Consultation Process Results
3. Committee and Staff Reports
3.1 Goals for the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan Pages 2-7 Presenter: Chris N. Roehrig, Director of Education & Secretary
4. Adjournment
REPORT TO THE BRANT HALDIMAND NORFOLK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE Prepared by: Chris N. Roehrig, Director of Education & Secretary
Presented to: Strategic Planning Committee Submitted on: June 18, 2015
Submitted by: Chris N. Roehrig, Director of Education & Secretary
GOALS FOR THE 2015–2018 STRATEGIC PLAN
Public Session
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In May 2015, the Board (through the Catholic Education Advisory Committee) approved the three-year spiritual theme that is centred on principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Spiritual Theme: Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God. (Micah)
In order to begin the strategic planning process, the Board engaged in a robust public
participation process that was hosted in a virtual environment during April and May. During this process, approximately 2,000 participants shared and prioritized approximately 4,500 thoughts. The majority (70%) of participants were parents. In addition to parents, staff, students and community members also engaged in the process. As a way of rounding out and interpreting the digital data, the Board hosted an in-person public participation session that helped to bring further meaning to the themes that emerged from the public participation process.
Approximately 50 stakeholders (students, parents, staff, trustees, principals and community members) gave their input into the strategic planning themes. In addition, the themes that emerged as ‘appreciates’ and ‘concerns’ from the process were shared with principals so that they could use their school data and the system data to inform future plans for the school. Trustees and senior staff had access to the raw data to review.
DEVELOPMENTS:
A summary of the face-to-face session is attached as Appendix A. This report highlights the in-person review of the raw digital data that has been organized into themes. Some of the themes that were seen as important to the respondents were as follows:
Sense of community / parent & community involvement; School environment / student safety and well-being; Faith in education / effective faith-based learning; Improved communication; and
Focus on student learning / student support / teacher and classroom support / quality education / effective teaching
While it is understood that the Board would use the community consultation to inform its future priorities, it is also important to understand that the Strategic Plan needs to contemplate the core function of Catholic school system – to improve student achievement and to support the Catholic community in animating the faith of its young people.
The Committee is asked to consider adopting the motto (reflecting the core function of the school system), the core values (reflecting the Catholic ethos of our school system) and the goals that are noted below (reflecting the core function of a Catholic school system and the community consultation):
Motto: Excellence in Learning ~ Living in Christ
Spiritual Theme: Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God. (Micah) Core Values
We respect the dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God.
We exercise a preferential option for the poor (financial, intellectual, social and spiritual).
We continually strive to deepen our relationship with God and one another.
Goals Rationale Quote from Community Consultation
Improving Student Achievement
-Knowing our Learners – When we know, understand and respond to the unique learning needs using
assessment-rich learning, we can respond to the individual needs of our students and improve their outcomes.
Improving student achievement is our primary mission.
Understanding the needs of our learners came out in an indirect manner through the public participation in that staff (especially) recognized that support for students with special needs was an area of focus. All teaching and learning best practices point to one core principle – you need to know the learner in order to appropriately direct learning opportunities.
This is important to me because I feel that recognizing a child’s strengths and weaknesses and using these to help them grow is important and a valued learning tool. Not every child is the same and leaving some room for these differences when educating them helps the child.
Staff member from St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School
Catholic Faith Formation – When we support the family and the parish in forming the faith of our students and we commit ourselves to the principles of our gospel values, as expressed through the example of Catholic Social Teaching, we help to build the Kingdom of God.
Our mission as a Catholic school system is to support the family and the parish in educating, evangelizing and forming our students in the faith.
I appreciate the fact that my girls are being taught Bible stories and simple morals that go along with them. I think this is important in our day and age because so often our lives at home become so busy and we seem to not have the time for this. Being taught this in school brings the girls home with
questions and, therefore, sparks conversation that you may not have.Parent from Sacred Heart School, Langton
Developing Safe and Inclusive Schools - When we foster positive
relationships that emphasize mutual respect, understanding, and trust, we are able to improve the cohesion of our community.
Safety, supervision, bullying and behaviour concerns were the top three themes that were identified by parents. Among staff, student accountability and character development was the third most important area, while safety and supervision was fifth most prevalent. It is important to note that the theme of our schools as caring communities was also pervasive among the things that are appreciated about our schools.
I know the school has been trying to tackle bullying and feel they are doing the best they can. But I am concerned that the children are not getting it. Many students in my son’s class continue to say the meanest, most hurtful things. It surprises me that the mentality is not changing. Parent from Notre Dame School, Caledonia
Upon entering the school, the atmosphere is one which
welcomes parents and community members. Children feel loved by the teachers and staff of Sacred Heart.Parent from Sacred Heart School, Paris
Goals Rationale Quote from Community Consultation
Communicating Effectively - When
we communicate effectively to our internal and external stakeholders, we enhance the engagement of our community which improves our ability to generate support for our system.
Aspects of effective communication and parent engagement was the third most important theme that precipitated from the community consultation.
Communication is important for everyone in every aspect of life. It is vital for parent and the school to have an open communication for their children to be able to succeed. If there is no
communication, then our children will not fulfill their full potential.
Parent from St. Michael's School, Dunnville
The abovementioned goals can be reiterated using the following pillars that correspond to each goal along with some possible corresponding areas of emphasis.
Pillars – Goals and Corresponding Areas of Emphasis Student Achievement Catholic Faith Formation Communication and Community Engagement
Safe and Inclusive Schools
Improving Student Achievement
-Knowing our Learners – When we know, understand and respond to the unique learning needs using assessment-rich learning, we can respond to the
individual needs of our students and improve their outcomes.
Catholic Faith Formation – When we assist the family and the parish in forming the faith of our students and commit ourselves to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, we help to build the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Communicating Effectively -
When we communicate effectively to our internal and external stakeholders, we enhance the
engagement of our
community which improves our ability to generate support for our system.
Developing Safe and Inclusive Schools
-When we foster positive relationships that emphasize mutual respect,
understanding, and trust, we are able to improve the cohesion of our community.
Mathematics
Literacy
Pathways
STEM
Prayer and worship
Catechesis
Acts of justice and charity School to Home Infrastructure/platforms Parent involvement Anti-bullying Special Education Equity and Inclusion
Highlighted areas (above) directly relate to feedback received from the community through the public participation process.
Next Steps for creating a draft Strategic Plan will include and are not limited to:
Development of specific goals (3 or 4) per pillar to direct the actions of the Plan;
Review of all Ministry initiatives that support the goals;
Environmental scan of initiatives / plans underway that are aligned to the goals;
Creating of initiatives that can support the specific goals;
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Strategic Planning Committee recommends that the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board approves the following goals for the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan:
Improving Student Achievement – Knowing our Learners – When we know, understand and respond to the unique learning needs using assessment-rich learning, we can respond to the individual needs of our students and improve their outcomes;
Catholic Faith Formation – When we support the family and the parish in forming the faith of our students and we commit ourselves to the principles of our gospel values, as expressed through the example of Catholic Social Teaching, we help to build the Kingdom of God;
Developing Safe and Inclusive Schools – When we foster positive relationships that emphasize mutual respect, understanding, and trust, we are able to improve the cohesion of our community; and
Communicating Effectively – When we communicate effectively to our internal and external stakeholders, we enhance the engagement of our community which improves our ability to generate support for our system.
*stars
19
19
17
17
16
15
12
SENSE OF COMMUNITYHow important it is for the principal to be visible and establish a sense of community So I know…
Strong community Inclusive - safe learning environment
Schools are dedicated learning communities Principals, teachers, EA's, students - high expectations, forthright communication and a larger sense of community
Families feel connected to their school Our schools need to be welcoming and open to all.
Sense of community School is a second home for many
Sense of community & communication with teachers & school council; faith education; greening initiative (fundraising)
Strong sense of community
FAITH IN EDUCATION
Faith. Education Sets us apart - C.M. school triangle (home-school-church make up the three points of triangle) - visible - focus on beliefs
Our faith is visible- presence of our faith can be seen in the community & school community I believe thee should be a strong connection between parish community & school community
Catholicism in education Prayer life - essence, morning prayer meditation; Christian meditation
Visible faith focused education>core to our catholic education system>point of differentiation>core to our country's history/constitution (BNA Act) Culture, enviro Appreciation that there is a faith connection in their education Especially with the parishes. Also, that staff are also involved
I really like to hear God's name mentioned The simplest, easiest things can sometimes be the best. We don't need major overhauls (written and then crossed out)
COMMUNICATION
That there are dedicated staff members who communicate to parents and make them feel welcome
People appreciate little things to make communication & the year run more smoothly. Ex. Calendar, phone messages, communication books, buses for exams in the middle of the day
Communication school-parents
BOARD MOVING IN A SATISFYING DIRECTION
The board seems to be moving in a direction satisfying to parents and students
SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
Respondents more passionate about school environment than academics The environment is crucial to a child being able to learn
School environment is a positive
Schools are viewed as safe and welcoming Schools that are safe and welcoming provide a
Cleanliness of schools was mentioned many times
Value is placed on relationships Relationships play a key role in a successful education system
People like/appreciate how clean the school is!
STAFF WELL RESPECTED AND VALUED
All staff are well respected and valued Strong caring staff = successful schools Teachers have a good feeling about themselves and principals
Caring and compassionate Staff and community
Quality teachers & staff Parents are being supportive towards the educators who spend the day with their child. They have faith in the educators their children experience daily.
See schools as "teams" > principal, teacher, EA (missed Parent) Shows commitment by all to support needs of the school/students/staff
Very caring staff
People make a difference, especially leaders It reminds me of the privilege and responsibili-ty of being a leader in our communiresponsibili-ty
Staff engagement, importance of people Parents appreciate all the work staff put into the school
Comments on staff & principals are fantastic to hear; them being visible, engaging, helpful, etc.
Focus around caring of staff, support they provide and environment they create
One positive thing - parents appreciating how educators/principal/support staff make
their child(ren) feel, appreciating the relationships that are formed at school.
FOCUS ON STUDENT LEARNING Focus on student learning Everyone is capable
The support and dedication of staff/teachers enables students to achieve their best and be successful
The recognition that teachers are working with individual children's strengths & weaknesses (#12-2) If we teach all children "the same" we will not be addressing the needs of many of them
Support students with special needs
is our obligation as people of privilege to support children who struggle because of poverty - Supportive/involved teachers Student success and achievement is based more on extra-cur-ricular activities and after school support than just in-class activities
Focusing on student achievement
Focus on students and those who are educating them
Teachers and staff are role models and go above and beyond for student learning. Staff and teaching drive student learning it all starts with how we inspire and motivate others to increase student success and faith formation
What is one positive thing about what you see in these results
- and - why is that important to you?
STUDENT SUPPORT
Supporting students with recurring challenges i.e. mental health, behaviour, learning needs
Supporting students with special needs Growing # of needs; mental, physical, academic,
behavioural. Inclusion; need more resources/teachers. All students need to have a voice & a caring adult advocating for them. Walk the talk of an inclusive school board
Supporting all students> so knowing our learners, including special needs students Need to think about their future. Students can't learn if they lack self-regulation, have mental health issues, poverty, abuse, etc.
Today's children are coming to school with higher needs (personal/social & mental health) We need to change the level of support in the early years of school to make this transition more successful.
Support children who have special needs - due to issues related to mental health or home environment Children cannot learn if they are hungry, afraid, or alone - acting out behaviour as a cue and call for help - not just a problem
TEACHER & CLASSROOM SUPPORT
A lack of out of classroom support for academic/homework help & the lack of support for mental needs of students & staff
Growing number of needs in our community (mental health issues, anxiety, etc.) and providing timely, effective support Well being of students and staff essential to healthy and happy community
Many behaviour needs in classroom - not enough support for these & it takes away from learning of others
Improve resources & staff in the special education area All children need a quality education
Needed support for staff & students challenged/coping w/mental health concerns - ensuring a supportive environment where all people can come to work/school & be treated no differently Sometimes health/wellness is not always seen on the outside, need to account for one's internal health as well. Make support, tools, & resources available to both staff & students
Mental health support Too few CYW's/social workers; Too little training for staff; Too many being labeled (as having) behaviour (issues), then anxious/depressed/ or simply in need. *mental wellness is overlooked. It is a school culture
Support for teachers with a variety of special needs within their class - i.e. academic, behavioural, mental health Enough time for teachers to give attention to all? - students "overlooked" due to other's disruptive behaviors
EFFECTIVE FAITH BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Creating the most effective and faith based learning environment
Sacramental prep- parish responsibility but school still seems to be primary contact for this. I would like to continue to strengthen relationship(s) in this area. Parents/Parish/School all need to work together. It is not just school('s) responsibility
PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Parent involvement Supportive and involved parents will result in higher student achievement and enjoyment
Improve community involvement Schools could improve in using and partnering with
Participate and commit.
Parent engagement. Limited parent involvement. School website
We are doing a good job…we can do better if we know and can act on concerns. Don't suffer in silence. How do we engage this conversation?
FOSTERING AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
Fostering of an inclusive environment to allow students to achieve their full potential
SMALL RURAL SCHOOLS ARE VALUABLE
Small rural schools are valuable. Small classes are desirable, however, it endangers the future of the school.
STUDENT SAFETY & WELL-BEING
Student safety and well-being, how can students learn and grown when they don't feel safe, or well, (physically or mentally)? "It's the reality for a lot of our students that their school is the safest place in their lives" - Kathleen Wynne
Students feeling a sense of comfort and safety at school. Listening to what their perceptions are, even if we think differently
Find ways to transform bullying/bad behaviour into positive choices The bully matters
too, and he/she needs to become a productive part of our community
Bullying is still a major concern. We need (to) be more pro-active in it's elimination Bullying - verbal abuse (mentality is not changing) Some parents feel anti-bullying campaigns aren't working!
Bullying - safe school environment Suspension is not the answer. More communication
needed between parent and school
QUALITY OF EDUCATION / EFFECTIVE TEACHING
Quality of Education Students being well prepared for post-secondary & life situations - emphasis on learning strategies and support for different learning styles
Effective teaching - inconsistency with staff Students try to switch out of courses with consistent with their teaching, everyone should leave with the same experience and knowledge
Level of respect shown to students as competent and capable Because a child who feels
respected is more likely to accomplish great things
What is the best approach to utilizing technology effectively and BYOD or school issued computers? Technology is one of the most effective tools we have with the potential to hyperdrive learning for all.
Lack of homework going home It seems to be the opposite of what one would expect, but if parents are clamouring for more homework, we should provide it
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION
Communication re: new initiatives i.e. Health Curr with our families
Teachers do no respond back to parents in a timely fashion Critical because it expresses to parent(s) how valuable staff think they are in education
We need to improve or increase communication between teachers and parents, particularly regarding the work that has been completed and how successful students are This is important as we can't expect parents to support student learning at home if they aren't aware of what is being taught and how their child is doing
Open communication with families more knowledge
Communication to parents i.e. Remind 101 App (like a tweet) used by all staff, websites update with a push to parents to receive updates. Keep parents involved, and give parents a way to communicate with their child
Not enough communication between home and school Open communication = school success!
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
We could focus on improving student accountability & character development
Students need to learn to respect each other, staff, and members of the entire community in order to become a well rounded member of society
Student accountability should be a focus It appears that students are not engaged & the result is complacency.
Student accountability and character development Students need to be shown respect;
consequences for actions needed.
MATH & READING - RETURN TO BASICS
A plan to support teachers/principals deep understanding of effective mathematics instruction
Emphasis on basic math & reading students at all level of programming will depend on these foundational skills.
Return to basics in mathematics
