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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.
Holy Cross 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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Kathy Ablett R.N.
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 526-9512
(613) 526-1450
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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
Tom D'Amico
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 224-2222
(613) 224-0793
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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Opened in 1967 and amalgamated with St. Victor School in 1999, Holy Cross School is located in Riverside Park near Mooney's Bay. Our school provides a warm, welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Our objectives are to assist students to reach their potential intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, cognitively and socially. Holy Cross School provides educational opportunities for all students and challenges each student to strive for personal growth and success.
Facilities:
The school has extensive facilities including:
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- Computer lab
- Fully equipped library
- 10 classrooms
- Special Ed Resource Room
- Full Gymnasium with stage
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- Large grassed yard
- Play structure
- Adjacent park
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Student Enrolment:
150
Number of Staff:
12
The experience of the teaching staff ranges from recent graduates to 25 years in experience.
Principal:
Denise Gotell has 17 years of experience. This is her first year as a principal.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
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CHAIRPERSON
Maureen Godin
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 247-9532
N/A
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Tel:
Fax:
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The Holy Cross 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 Wednesday of each month.
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HOW WE LIVE OUR CATHOLIC FAITH
Our Belief
The Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross 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 James Raphel is invited to visit the school regularly
and to participate in liturgical celebrations. The Holy Cross 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
Holy Cross School supports many charitable endeavors including:
- Terry Fox Foundation
- Shepherds of Good Hope, United Way
- Development and Peace
- OK Clean Water, Help Lesotho
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Curricular Program
French Second Language
- JK/KP: Immersion (50% English, 50% French)
- Grade 1-6: Extended (75% English, 25% 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 Holy Cross School are exposed to a variety of activities. We are confident that our students benefit from the exciting co-curricular activities we offer, including:
- Liturgical Celebrations
- Sports Teams
- Guest Presentations
- School-wide special events, Environmental Club
- Arts Incentive presentations and workshops
- Concerts at the National Arts Centre
- Workshops at museums
- Variety/Talent Show
SCHOOL EVENTS
Holy Cross 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:
- Pumpkin Walk / Run / Relay Day
- Family Fun Evenings/Barbeque
- Winter Carnival, June Picnic
- Book Fair
- Fundraising for local charities
- Holy Cross Hurricanes Intramurals
- Special lunch days, Milk Program
- Volunteer recognition, Parent Program Night
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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.
HOLY CROSS 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 | | 11% | English as a second language | | 0% | Exempted in all 3 subjects | | 6% | Receiving special education support |
| Attitudes (% agreeing) | | I am a good reader | 90 | 83 | | I am a good writer | 90 | 33 | | I am good at math | 70 | 75 |
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| Reading | 63 | 64 | 64 | 66 | 69 | | Writing | 59 | 61 | 61 | 67 | 67 | | Math | 60 | 61 | 59 | 61 | 63 |
| Demographics - 2009 | | 8% | English as a second language | | 0% | Exempted in all 3 subjects | | 8% | Receiving special education support |
| Attitudes (% agreeing) | | I am a good reader | 50 | 68 | | I am a good writer | 42 | 42 | | I am good at math | 42 | 68 |
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Note: 0 in
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 and parents at Holy cross School believe in the concept of continuous improvement. As a learning community we strive to build a truly Christian school community by our example and sense of purpose. Our school community promotes self-confidence, self-esteem, school spirit, recognition and respect for individual differences and responsible behaviour. We are focused on success for students, success for staff and stewardship of resources. Strategies are regularly implemented to enhance an educational environment and positive climate within our school. Increasing parent/community volunteers, continuing the implementation of the Extended French program and the literacy program as well as focusing on school wide numeracy are key objectives for this year. Staff development in a variety of pedagogical areas is promoted and planned. At the centre of the strategic planning process are the Gospel values: Faith, Community, Partnership, Persons, Excellence, Justice and Stewardship. Our mission, to create a school culture that embodies the values of Jesus Christ.
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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, Holy Cross School is currently running at 43% capacity, with activities scheduled weeknights and on many weekends.
Examples of who uses our facilities include:
- School Council, Open House
- Community groups
- Family Fun Evening
- Parent-Teacher Conferences
Partnerships/Collaborative Activities
- Ottawa-Carleton Police
- Holy Cross Catholic Church, Local High Schools
- Univeristy of Ottawa, Algonquin College
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 Holy Cross School we have three expectations for our students: Plan to be Successful, Show Up at Your Best and choose a Positive Attitude. We believe that it is important to recognize the many talents and gifts of our students both on an individual and group basis within the school community.
Students are also provided with opportunities to develop leadership skills through a variety of events. School assemblies are held on a monthly basis to encourage, review and celebrate student endeavours through our "Children of the Spirit Awards". Teachers acknowledge random acts of kindness through "Caught you Caring" coupons by identifying cooperative and positive classroom and yard behaviour.
Holy Cross students also participate in all Board-wide competitions and events such as public speaking, science innoventions and sports tournaments. Our monthly calendar and newsletter, as well as our web site, provide more information about our vibrant school community. Holy Cross School is the place to be!
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Last Updated:
2010-07-19 10:06:19
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