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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.
Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic 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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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 1969, Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School is located in Beacon Hill North, a subdvision of the former City of Gloucester. Serving a population of 195 students from Junior Kindergarten to grade 6, our school is a vibrant Catholic community dedicated to fostering academic excellence and personal growth, and emphasizing leadership in the Arts, sports and protection of the environment. We are a peanut and fish free school.
Facilities:
The school has extensive facilities including:
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- Large Kindergarten classroom
- 4 primary classrooms
- 4 junior classrooms
- Large, clean playground
- Fully equipped computer lab
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- Excellent up-dated library
- Large double gym
- 2 special education classrooms
- Seminar rooms
- Daycare on site
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Student Enrolment:
160
Number of Staff:
23
The experience of the teaching staff ranges from recent graduates to 32 years in experience.
Principal:
Don Kearnan has 28 years of experience. This is his fourth year as a principal.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL
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CHAIRPERSON
Michelle Muncaster
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 749-2251
(613) 749-3314
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Tel:
Fax:
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The Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic 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
on the third Tuesday of every month.
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HOW WE LIVE OUR CATHOLIC FAITH
Our Belief
The Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic 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 Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic 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
Msgr. Robert Latour is invited to visit the school regularly
and to participate in liturgical celebrations. The Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic 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
Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School supports many charitable endeavors including:
- Shepherds of Good Hope, Habitat for Humanity
- Snowsuit Fund, Gloucester Food Cupboard
- United Way, Canadian Hunger Foundation
- Jump Rope for Heart, M.S. Read-a-thon
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Curricular Program
- Relgion and Family Life
- 'Kaleidoscope' kindergarten program
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Language
- The Arts
- Social Studies
- Health and Physical Education
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 Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School are exposed to a variety of activities. We are confident that our students benefit from the exciting co-curricular activities we offer, including:
- Leadership Group
- Yearbook Club
- Environment Club
- School Choir/Learn to Play Activities
- Reading Buddies
- Peer Mediators
- Multicultural Activities
- Board-wide athletics
SCHOOL EVENTS
Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic 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:
- Book Fair
- Family Barbecue
- Special Lunch Days
- Winter Spirit
- Parent Information Evenings
- Annual Halloween Family Dance
- Volunteer Breakfast
- Curriculum Nights
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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.
THOMAS D'ARCY McGEE CATHOLIC 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 | | 23% | English as a second language | | 15% | Exempted in all 3 subjects | | 27% | Receiving special education support |
| Attitudes (% agreeing) | | I am a good reader | 0 | 0 | | I am a good writer | 0 | 0 | | I am good at math | 0 | 0 |
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| Reading | 63 | 64 | 64 | 75 | 69 | | Writing | 59 | 61 | 61 | 42 | 67 | | Math | 60 | 61 | 59 | 67 | 63 |
| Demographics - 2009 | | 0% | English as a second language | | 14% | Exempted in all 3 subjects | | 38% | Receiving special education support |
| Attitudes (% agreeing) | | I am a good reader | 0 | 0 | | I am a good writer | 0 | 0 | | I am good at math | 0 | 0 |
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Note: 0 in Attitudes indicates data is suppressed
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 of Thomas D'Arcy McGee School is commmitted to providing quality Catholic education. Through the implementation of the Ontario Curriculum, our students will continue to develop skills and knowledge required to reach provincial achievement levels within an inclusive Catholic environment. We will continue to encourage the development of the whole child: spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional.
The partnership with home, school and parish will continue to be enhanced through open and regular communication and interaction. Msgr. Robert Latour's visits, parent information evenings, volunteers, visits to local seniors' residence, family school events and school celebrations are some of the ways we will encourage community.
Our three-year school improvement plan is based on the Gospel values of Faith, Community, Partnership, Persons, Excellence, Justice and Stewardship. Copies of the plan are available at the office and on our website.
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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, Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School is currently running at 31% capacity, with activities scheduled weeknights and on many weekends.
Examples of who uses our facilities include:
- Sparks, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Guides
- Community Volleyball
- Gloucester-Cumberland Basketball
- 1st Greenwood Ventures, Knights of Columbus
Partnerships/Collaborative Activities
- Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Service
- Public Health Nurses/Learn to Play Association
- University of Ottawa Teacher Placement
- Ottawa 67s, MBNA Canada
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 Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School, we believe that is is important to recognize student achievement, participation and excellence through the presentation of awards for individual and team successes. Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School recognizes some of the students' achievements with the following awards:
Top Academic Student/Best Academic Improvement,Grade 1 - 6, Christian Spirit Award, Visual Arts Award, Performing Arts Award, French Language Award, Technology Award, Office Helper Award, Public Speaking Award, as well as Athletic Awards.
The Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School community also believes it is important for students to excel in a group environment. The 2000 Club promotes school spirit and teamwork. We also acknowledge student involvement with our Participation and T.D. McGee Student Recognition awards as well as the 'Golden Shoe Award' for classroom neatness.
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Last Updated:
2010-08-30 15:50:35
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