Mission & Goals
2007-2008 School Goal
Students will make positive contributions to the classroom and school community by sharing responsibility for their social and physical environment and participating and in class and whole-school group activities.
Objective: All students will score a 3 or 4 on the social responsibility quick scales for contributing to classroom and school community
Why should we try?
Human and social development is one of the goals of the BC school system. This broad goal further specifies that students are expected to “develop a sense of social responsibility and a tolerance and respect for the ideas and beliefs of others” (Mandate for the School System, Province of British Columbia, 1989). William Glasser, notes that we are born with specific needs and all of our behaviour represents our best attempts to satisfy these basic needs for belonging, power or competence, freedom and fun. His research has shown than “building a spirit of connection and community is essential to creating a need-satisfying school characterized by high (academic) achievement". Bob Sullo,in his book " Activating the Desire to Learn" ( ASCD 2007) says that: “Connected, happier students are likely to do higher-quality academic work as well.” and Eric Schaps, founder of the Developmental Studies Centre (2003) confirms that “a growing body of research confirms the benefits of building a sense of community in school. Students in schools with a strong sense of community are more likely to be academically motivated”
How are we going to do it?
Teaching staff will schedule weekly whole-school activities that include partner work, shared and group projects, etc.
The principal will lead the whole-school group will have a 1/2 hour weekly lesson focussed on learning & practicing positive social skills.
How will we measure our success?
1: Social responsibilty quick scales, scored in November, March and June
2: Student & parent responses on Provincial school survey
3: Student responses on local school survey (September/June)
4: Teacher observation
How will we share our learning?
1: S chool displays of student work, class discussions, PAC and SPC meetings
2: Monthly PAC meetings
3: Weekly staff planning sessions
4: Postings on the school web site