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In partnership with home, parish and community, the Ottawa Catholic School Board ensures that the teachings and values of Jesus Christ are integrated in all aspects of school life. By providing the necessary resources for quality Catholic education, the Board supports the development of lifelong learners striving for academic excellence in a nurturing, safe and vibrant community. All individuals are challenged to become responsible and contributing citizens in an increasingly complex and diverse world.
Good Shepherd School
BOARD INFORMATION
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TRUSTEE REPRESENTATIVE(S)
Gordon Butler, Chairperson
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 828-3573
(613) 828-4472
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Katalin Sheskay
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 842-0166
(613) 842-3955
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DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Julian Hanlon
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 224-2222
(613) 228-4158
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Brenda Wilson
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 224-2222
(613) 224-3932
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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Opened in 1971, Good Shepherd School is located in Blackburn Hamlet. Our mission statement is "To facilitate excellence in Catholic education through promoting a positive learning environment that instills a sense of self-discipline, respect, responsibility and love of learning." Good Shepherd is proud to be recognized as a school that makes a contribution within the community, reaching out to support worthy causes and projects that make a positive difference. In September, 2005 Good Shepherd School was designated a Dual Track Centre, offering Immersion and Exteneded French programs.
Facilities:
The school has extensive facilities including:
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- 2 kindergarten classrooms
- 5 primary classrooms
- 8 junior classrooms
- Large gymnasium, recreation area and library
- Fully equipped computer lab
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Student Enrolment:
315
Number of Staff:
31
The experience of the teaching staff ranges from recent graduates to 32 years in experience.
Principal:
Austin DeCoste has 30 years of experience. This is his fifth year as a principal.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
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CHAIRPERSON
Nancy Penkala
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 824-4531
(613) 824-1387
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Joanne Laskoski
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Tel:
Fax:
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The Good Shepherd School Council functions as an advisory
body to the school principal and, on occasion, to the Board. The Council provides advice on a
variety of issues and reflects the school community in composition and function.Meetings are held
the third Thursday of every month in the library.
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HOW WE LIVE OUR CATHOLIC FAITH
Our Belief
The Good Shepherd School community believes that
a Catholic school is one in which the teachings of Jesus Christ are integrated into the
day-to-day curriculum and social fabric of school life. The strength of our school comes
from the Catholic faith that the staff, students and community share. We aspire to have our
students develop a way of living that embodies the life of Jesus Christ.
The staff
and students of Good Shepherd School have many
opportunities to pray and demonstrate their Catholic faith. These opportunities include:
school-wide and classroom liturgies, retreats, fundraising for charities and community
service.
Our Partners
Father Vernon Boyd is invited to visit the school regularly
and to participate in liturgical celebrations. The Good Shepherd School community has a strong partnership with parish, school and home. Our parish representative serves as the
liaison with our school and our parish.
Demonstrating Our Faith
Good Shepherd School supports many charitable endeavors including:
- Blackburn Hamelet Food Bank, United Way, Terry Fox Run
- Special Advent and Lenten (Christmas Baskets, OK Water Project)
- sharing their talents with the senior residences of Amica Retirement Residence
- Jump Rope for Heart, Shepherds of Good Hope
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Curricular Program
French Second Language
- JK/KP: Immersion (50% English, 50% French)
- Grades 1-3: Extended (75% English, 25% French)
- Grades 4-6: Extended (75% English, 25% French) or Immersion (50% English, 50% French)
Special Needs
We believe in the philosophy of inclusion and integrate all students with special learning needs into our regular activities.
Other
Computers are integrated into student programs and access to the Internet is available for students in our computer lab.
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CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM
The students at Good Shepherd School are exposed to a variety of activities. We are confident that our students benefit from the exciting co-curricular activities we offer, including:
- Environment Club
- Good Shepherd Ambassadors
- Choir (primary and junior)
- Board-wide athletics and a strong intramural sports program
- Chess Club
- Gymnastics Club
- Drama Club
SCHOOL EVENTS
Good Shepherd School has a number of events that occur throughout the school year. In addition to helping students achieve academic outcomes, school events instill a sense of community among our students, their families and staff. Some of our events include:
- Open House and School Liturgies
- Education Week events
- Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
- Parent Information evenings
- School Council events ( Dances, Spring Carnival)
- Drama / Choir performances
- The Arts Presentations/Workshops
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HOW WE KNOW WE ARE SUCCEEDING
Assessing Student Progress
The provincial assessment of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics conducted by EQAO for all students in grades 3 and 6 took place in May 2009. Students were assigned a score between level 1 (the lowest) and level 4 (the highest). Students performing at levels 3 or 4 meet provincial expectations. The school results over time are depicted in the graphs below. Provincial data is provided in the table for comparative purposes. Test results should be examined in the context of additional factors, such as other achievement indicators, the percentage of students in English as a Second Language programs, the percentage of students receiving special education support, socioeconomic factors and parental support. Detailed information about this assessment is available at the school.
GOOD SHEPHERD SCHOOL
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| Reading | 59 | 62 | 62 | 61 | 61 | | Writing | 61 | 64 | 64 | 66 | 68 | | Math | 66 | 68 | 69 | 68 | 70 |
| Demographics - 2009 | | 14% | English as a second language | | 0% | Exempted in all 3 subjects | | 3% | Receiving special education support |
| Attitudes (% agreeing) | | I am a good reader | 60 | 67 | | I am a good writer | 40 | 40 | | I am good at math | 40 | 40 |
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| Reading | 63 | 64 | 64 | 66 | 69 | | Writing | 59 | 61 | 61 | 67 | 67 | | Math | 60 | 61 | 59 | 61 | 63 |
| Demographics - 2009 | | 7% | English as a second language | | 0% | Exempted in all 3 subjects | | 16% | Receiving special education support |
| Attitudes (% agreeing) | | I am a good reader | 55 | 59 | | I am a good writer | 36 | 53 | | I am good at math | 55 | 79 |
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A variety of methods are used to assess student performance at the classroom level, including teacher observation, self and peer evaluation, projects, portfolios, presentations, and classroom tests.
PRESERVING OUR SCHOOL HISTORY - LAST YEAR IN REVIEW
The staff at Good Shepherd School believe in the concept of continuous improvement. A variety of strategies are regularly implemented to enhance the learning and educational environment within the school. As lifelong learners, staff take advantage of professional growth opportunities that are available throughout the school year. Staff continues to reflect the School Effectiveness Framework through Professional Development activities. In the past the focus has been on reading comprehension strategies, and the math curriculum. We continue to ensure that the example and teachings of Jesus Christ remain a central focus at Good Shepherd School. As a staff, we implement initiatives from the Strategic Plan Document, "Believing, Discovering, Achieving." We continue to highlight the "Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations" focussing on Church/World and Canadian leaders who have exemplified a specific expectation. Another staff focus is on differentiated learning. Students are looking forward to the drama presentation, "Peter Pan" and the Dance Showcase performance.
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS
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We believe our school should be at the centre of community activities. A focal point of the community, Good Shepherd School is currently running at 100% capacity, with activities scheduled weeknights and on many weekends.
Examples of who uses our facilities include:
- Blackburn District Girl Guides
- Gloucester Recreation Development
- Soccer Team
- Youth Group, Ball Hockey Group
Partnerships/Collaborative Activities
- Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Department
- Co-op students from Lester B. Pearson HS
- Amica Retirement Residence
- Gloucester Resource Centre
We encourage interested groups to contact us regarding the use of our facilities.
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More About Our Students/
School Achievement
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At Good Shepherd we believe that it is important to recognize student achievement, participation, and excellence through the presentation of awards for individual and team successes. Several graduation awards such as: Top Male and Female Athlete, French, Leadership, Congeniality, Peacemaker and Top Academic Awards are presented to graduating students. Public Speaking is important for all students and we promote the improvement of this lifelong skill by recognizing students who participate in the school Public Speaking Contest. The Good Shepherd School community also believes it is important for students to excel in a group environment. At our monthly school assemblies we salute student involvement and achievement with our "Thumbs Up" Awards. As a community we are the proud recipient of the School Board Environmental Award and the Gold Quality Daily Physical Education Award.
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Last Updated:
2010-07-07 13:59:22
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