2017-2018 Safe Schools Plan Rory McGuckin Director of Education Angela Kennedy Chair of the Board Dan Koenig Associate Director, Academic Services Vincent Burzotta Superintendent of Learning, Student Achievement & Well-bing Safe Schools, SSI, Alternative, Continuing & International Education SCHOOL NAME Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School PRINCIPAL: Morsillo, Antonio Catholic Education Centre SUPERINTENDENT: Douglas Yack TRUSTEE: Ann Andrachuk 80 Sheppard Avenue East Toronto ON M2N 6E8 www.tcdsb.org SCHOOL ADDRESS: 32 Montgomery Rd Toronto ON M8X 1Z4 STUDENT ENROLMENT: 755
OUR MISSION The Toronto Catholic District School Board is an inclusive learning community rooted in the love of Christ. We educate students to grow in grace and knowledge and to lead lives of faith, hope and charity. OUR VISION At Toronto Catholic we transform the world through witness, faith, innovation and action. We believe in the worth and dignity of every person and that people thrive in a safe, healthy and compassionate environment. We strive to foster student achievement and well-being by providing all students with safe, healthy learning environment. One of the ways we can achieve this goal is by using a whole-school approach to develop and nurture a positive school climate. The Safe Schools Action Team will consist of a variety of stakeholders in each school community responsible for advising the principal about school safety. The team will collaborate with the principal to create the local. SAFE AND ACCEPTING SCHOOLS TEAM Administrative Rep Caporale, Lucy Parent Rep DiPietro, Patricia Administrative Rep Morsillo, Antonio Student Rep Harris, Griffin Teacher Rep Askin, Maren Community Rep Amanda (YMCA) Support Staff Rep Major, Cremilde SAFE SCHOOL PLAN All schools are required to develop and implement school-wide plans to help create a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment. Each Safe School Plan will consist of the following components: 1. Bullying Awareness, Intervention and Prevention 2. Progressive Discipline 3. Promoting a Positive School Climate 4. Emergency Response Plan In order for all students, staff members and parents/visitors in the school facility to be prepared to respond to a serious threat, the response procedures must be practiced. The Toronto Police/School Board Protocol, 2011 requires a minimum of 2 Lockdown Drills every school year. Please see below for the scheduled drills: 1 2017-10-20 3 2018-03-27 LOCKDOWN DRILLS 2017-2018 2 2017-11-13 4 2018-05-09 Page 2 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
1. Bullying Awareness, Intervention and Prevention Plan Providing students with an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe and respectful society is a key goal of the TCDSB. Providing students with an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe and respectful environment supports academic achievement for all students, which in turn, helps them to reach their full potential. Research and experience show that bullying is a serious issue that has far-reaching consequences for individuals, their families and peers and the entire school community. Schools that have bullying intervention and prevention strategies foster a positive learning and teaching environment that supports academic achievement for all students and that helps students reach their full potential. PPM 144 To build a Catholic community whereby trust is the foundation of our daily routines and that students are engaged and empathetic co-learners. Goal #1 To continue to engage students in responsible citizenship and faith education. Students of the Gifted Program will continue to play a prominent role with regard to the educational piece. The CYW will also help to engage students in making healthy social choices. 1.Engage students as active and valued leaders within the school community. 2.Ensure the OLS code of conduct is understood and implemented by all members of the school community by holding school wide assemblies and classroom meetings. 3.To build awareness, on a continual basis, of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations and Virtues of the Month. 4.Invite Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Priest personnel (Father Nino) on a regular basis to connect with students regarding Catholic Virtues and positive peer relationships and interactions. 5.To continue to collaborate with the Safe School Advisory committee. 6.Review with SSAT metrics of 2016/17 Safe and Caring Catholic School Climate Survey to celebrate our successes and to determine areas of concern so that necessary steps are taken. 7.To expand the Ambassadors Program throughout the school. Also providing staff the opportunity to engage in PD centered on the program. 8. Utilize the Media Literacy periods to align curriculum planning on 'bullying prevention awareness', this will be championed by the teacher-librarian and Administration. 9. Positive peer relations will be a primary focus of this initiative. Page 3 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
1. Administration & Staff 2. Administration, Staff, Students and Parents 3. Administration, Staff & Students 4. Administration, Staff, Students and Parish Priest 5. Administration, Staff, Parents 6. Safe Schools Team 7. School Board Support Team 8. Student Leadership Team 9. Teacher Librarian TCDSB Safe Schools Department Mansfield Leadership Camp - October TCDSB Policy S.S. 11 Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Personnel Bullying Awareness and Prevention Website OLS Code of Conduct Student Agenda Books Bishop Allen Student Leadership Team The Ministry of Education website, namely - http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/prevention.html Measurement of Progress The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Page 4 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
Positive Peer Relations Week - Google Forms to gauge areas to celebrate and areas to be improved Increase the participation rate for the Intermediate Leadership Camp, October/November Review metrics from Safe and Caring Catholic School Climate Standing Discussion Item at Staff Meetings Increase participation rate amongst grade 8 students - "Student Leadership Initiative" Increase PD opportunities for staff member i.e. TCDSB Bullying Awareness & Prevention Symposium - November as well as various other in-services offered by the Safe Schools Team. Page 5 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
To build a Catholic community whereby trust is the foundation of our daily routines and that students are engaged and empathetic co-learners. Goal #2 Engage students as active co-learners and co-leaders. September Staff Meeting address expectations regarding documentation and communication - proactive versus reactive dialogue. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Emergency binder to be reviewed and refined for and by teachers (containing relevant safety information for occasional teachers). School Bus Safety presentation to all students and bus buddies. Administration to align school bus safety best practices for the first two weeks of school. Student lunch buddies in primary classrooms (to report to teacher on duty) as well as adult supervisors in primary area. Review Bills 157, 168 and 13. Engage parents as active partners in the process of creating a plan. Clearly delineate a chain of command and a pyramid of intervention. Continue to engage CSAC to enrich curriculum around the effects of bullying (Paul Davis to have sessions with staff and students). Administration & Staff Administration, Staff, Students and Parents Administration, Staff & Students Administration, Staff, Parents Safe Schools Team CSAC - Enrichment Committee Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations TCDSB - Religious Education Department OLS Parish Student Leadership Team at OLS Theatre Productions - various Community School Liaison Officer Safe and Caring Schools Climate Survey Geek Squad - student lead BA - leadership team Paul Davis - Social Networking Safety Page 6 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
Measurement of Progress Increased student engagement - Google Forms metrics Increased participation with OLS parish - weekly masses/brunch 3 Spirit Assemblies per year Decreased incident reports with 'bullying' type behaviours The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Page 7 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
To build a Catholic community whereby trust is the foundation of our daily routines and that students are engaged and empathetic co-learners. Goal #3 Continue to celebrate the Catholic virtues through various mediums. Junior and Intermediate classes responsible for Positive Peer Relations Campaign that will be featured on OLS TV. Educate students about positive peer relations via assemblies, plays, presentations and associate secondary school partnership (BA). Cyber bullying presentation for both parents and students - Paul Davis. Bishop Allen Student Leadership Team. TCDSB Surf-Right Policy and Acceptable Use Policy to be completed at the beginning of the year. Administration, Teachers, Students, SSAT Administration Teachers EA s Students Administration, CSAC and Teachers Progressive Discipline Incident Log Database Safe School Manual OLS Student and Parent Handbook Catholic Schools Climate Survey Microsoft Canada Toronto Police Service - Community School Liaison Officer TCDSB Bullying Awareness and Prevention Website Exploring The Theories of Inner Discipline B. Coloroso Violence in Schools E. Roher PrevNet Promoting A Positive School Climate - MOE Measurement of Progress The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Analysis of metrics from the Safe and Caring Catholic School Climate Survey related to peer relations Increased Police partnership in workshops - Internet Safety; Cyber Bullying Increase in graduate students returning to volunteer @ OLS - building pride Page 8 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
2. Progressive Discipline Plan Progressive discipline is a whole-school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports, and consequences to address inappropriate student behaviour and to build upon strategies that promote positive student behaviours. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, disciplinary measures should be applied within a framework that shifts the focus from one that is solely punitive to one that is both corrective and supportive. Schools should utilize a range of interventions, supports and consequences that include learning opportunities focused on reinforcing positive behaviour and helping students make good choices. PPM 145 To create a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment based on Catholic values wherein students are supported through a continuum of resources and intervention strategies. Goal #1 To create a whole school approach (collective responsibility)to prevent inappropriate behaviours. Develop pyramid of intervention strategies for all staff members, clearly delineating next-steps - align these practices with Board protocol and/or policies. Staff encouraged to expand professional learning opportunities with regards to students behaviours and progressive discipline (PAL). Ensuring Progressive Discipline is implemented on a consistent basis and that such documentation is communicated with all parties relevant. Student discipline is an opportunity to educate, use it as such - there must be an educational piece to each consequence. Modelling of Ontario Catholic School Gratitude Expectations on a daily basis. Celebrate successes via various mediums, such mediums can and will be lead by students. Administration, Staff, and Community Partners TCDSB Safe Schools Team Community School Liaison Officer OLS Parish OLS Students Progressive Discipline/Safe Schools Manual TCDSB Safe Schools Department - Professional Learning Modules Ministry Document: Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario TCDSB Policy S.S.10 Page 9 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
Measurement of Progress The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Increase in Leadership Participation Rate - survey monkey Expansion of Progressive Discipline practices Implementation of Restorative Practices (RCMC) Suspension rates decreased - Progressive Discipline Safe Schools Application Decreased number of students suspended - Progressive Discipline Safe Schools Application Decrease the number of students suspended multiple times - Progressive Discipline Safe Schools Application Page 10 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
To create a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment based on Catholic values wherein students are supported through a continuum of resources and intervention strategies. Goal #2 Create and maintain an environment where all students feel they are a contributing member of a caring and safe learning community. Build an infrastructure whereby students are afforded the opportunity to lead and engage in their learning (co-curricular activities). Provide PD opportunities for staff to familiarize themselves with the Safe School Progressive Discipline Application. Increase staff awareness of the strategies outlined in the Ministry document entitled Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario. Model the virtues of proactive communication, dispel the notion of over-communication. Toronto Police Programs will align with school initiatives and priorities. Administration Student Leaders Teachers Staff SST Toronto Police Department - 22 Division MOE Safe & Caring School document Progressive Discipline Safe Schools Application Toronto Police programs Measurement of Progress Use of common language Progressive Discipline by all stakeholders Progressive Discipline Database is continually utilized School Resource Officer leading workshops throughout the year The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Page 11 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
3. Positive School Climate A school should be a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, comfortable and accepted. The Safe School Action Team and student leadership groups can play key roles in supporting learning and practices that educate students and staff members about safety concerns. Those practices used for very challenging situations that can jeopardize the safety and well being of others include, but not limited to: Threat Assessment, Restorative Conference and Mediation Circles. To cultivate a culture whereby students are engaged and responsible for their learning and leadership opportunities, one where school PRIDE is evident in all they do. Goal #1 To foster an environment where students are comfortable with leadership and responsibility. Allow for leadership and responsibility amongst student body, students will be afforded the opportunity to implement new co-curricular activities. Student engagement to be a standing discussion item on staff meeting agendas. Assign leadership responsibilities to all grade 8 students. Administration Student Leaders Staff Community School Liaison Officer TCDSB Progressive Discipline Safe Schools Application School Board and Community Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario Page 12 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
Measurement of Progress Engaged staff The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Increased student engagement - Survey Monkey Decrease in suspensions and progressive discipline incidents Decrease in the number of students suspended Decrease in the number of students suspended multiple times. Feedback from students, staff, parents Page 13 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
To cultivate a culture whereby students are engaged and responsible for their learning and leadership opportunities, one where school PRIDE is evident in all they do. Goal #2 To promote a healthy lifestyle throughout the school and school community. Health and Safety Committee (to be part of our Safe Schools Committee/CSPC) SHEF Team (Safe, Healthy, Ecologically Friendly) To provide educational and co-curricular opportunities for students to be engaged in healthy lifestyle opportunities - Milk program, Swimming program, Jump Rope for Heart, Skating and Skiing program, and FIT Club. Recess Leadership and Intramural Sports Program Leadership Camp for grade 7 and 8 students Cedar Glen and Teen Ranch Encourage non-food items as opposed to baked goods for birthday celebrations Administration Student Leaders Teachers Support Staff Toronto Public Health Memorial Pool - Staff Community Centre Cedar Glen Teen Ranch Measurement of Progress The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Increased student engagement - Survey Monkey Feedback from students, staff, parents Page 14 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
To cultivate a culture whereby students are engaged and responsible for their learning and leadership opportunities, one where school PRIDE is evident in all they do. Goal #3 Promote empathy, responsibility, inclusion and the value of diversity amongst the community of learners. TCDSB virtues promoted by student-led activities both inside and outside of the classroom. Continue to promote caught in the act of kindness. Weekly Primary and J/I church visits. Grades 4-6 to complete bullying online survey to provide metrics to assess school s needs and inform our best practices. Reading, Mass and Tech buddies, building community and breaking down barriers. M.E. Buddy Program (recess and in the classroom). Geek Squad responsible for celebrating success and promoting positive peer relations. Encourage relations with Bishop Allen to have senior students do presentations on a variety of issues regarding safety. Administration Teachers Community School Liaison Officer School Agenda TCDSB Religious Education portal TCDSB Policy S.S. 09 Measurement of Progress The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Increased student presence for Board mandated activities (PT conferences, BBQ night etcetera). Feedback from students, staff, parents Page 15 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
To engage students as co-leaders within our community of learners at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School. Goal #SVP 1 To implement the PALS program for our Junior students. Also to expand the intramural program to engage more students. - Student lead leadership/mentorship program - Third party training - Administration - HA Committee - Student leaders - Training guide - CSPC Measurement of Progress - increased number of leaders - increased number of participants The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Page 16 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15
4. Emergency Response Plan The Toronto Catholic District School Board has a primary responsibility to ensure the safety of students and staff inside Board buildings and on Board property. Central policies and procedures, developed in collaboration with the Toronto Police Service, provide direct support to school administrators in the management of crisis situations, including a lockdown response. It is the responsibility of each school to develop local procedures specific to that school, including a process by which all regular staff members, itinerant and specialist teachers and support staff, facility workers and visitors are informed of local considerations in the event of a threat to school safety. MOE Provincial Model for a Local Police/School Board Protocol All students, staff members and visitors will become knowledgeable about emergency procedures for threats to the safety and well-being of all persons at school, and will be able to appropriately respond according to the guidelines established by TCDSB. Goal #1 To plan, practice and evaluate a minimum of 4 lockdown Drills in this school year; one drill per term. Teachers to review Threats to School Safety with students and information to be provided to parent community as required/needed Community School Resource Officer to be invited to practice Lockdown in Spring Drill for feedback (as per Police availability) Safe School Action Team Administration TCDSB Threats to School Safety Response Procedures Community School Liaison Officer Measurement of Progress Assessment of Lockdown drill Emergency Procedures posted in classroom The following metrics will be used to measure progress in achieving the Goal: Page 17 of 17 Printed: 2017-12-17 22:15