Schools on the move
The Schools on the Move Program was launched in 2006 by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat of the Ontario Ministry of Education to celebrate and connect schools that are making significant and sustained progress in student achievement.
To be considered for the "Schools on the Move" short list, schools must:
- use research-based instructional strategies in classrooms across the school
- demonstrate significant improvement over three years with EQAO testing scores
- possess a clear focus on student learning and achievement
- focus on data to help close the gap for specific groups of students who are not reaching their potential
The Schools on the Move designation recognizes schools who have met the minimum criteria for student achievement and it highlights the unique attributes of the school's mission. In 2007, St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, Peterborough was designated as a School on the Move. Tim Ball, Principal of St. Paul Elementary School, Peterborough reports,
"It has been a very positive and rewarding experience this past year as a School on the Move. During the year we hosted school visits from England, the local public board as well as our own Catholic school board. We emphasized our teamwork, data collection, decision making and divisional consistency. The year affirmed our belief that we are all learners and that all schools have much to offer as part of a networking, learning community."
This year, St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School (Peterborough) and St. Paul Catholic Elementary School (Lakefield) were among the sixty schools under consideration. On June 4, 2008, it was announced that the two schools have been designated as Schools on the Move for 2008. Besides meeting the minimum criteria for consideration, St. Patrick's CES excels in school mission, a culture of inclusion, high expectations for students and parent engagement. Liz Fowler, Principal of St. Patrick CES enthusiastically states, "Being designated as a "School on the Move" is a wonderful affirmation of the entire school community's effort to successfully put our core beliefs into action and enable our children to learn and live well. Our conviction has been that all children regardless of social or economic background, race, creed or ability level are sacred beings, and can learn and live life fully. Our responsibility is to provide an environment that accepts and loves them for who they are, meets their needs, nurtures their growth, and never gives up on a child's potential to learn and live well. The "School on the Move" designation acknowledges we are on the right track and motivates us to stay the course!" St. Paul's CES, Lakefield excels in Aboriginal Education; seeing all students visible in the curriculum; Catholicity across the curriculum and imbedded in the school's culture and the integration of technology. Judy Atkins, Principal of St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, Lakefield says,
"The quote, ‘It takes an entire village to raise a child' embodies the true essence of St. Paul's Catholic Elementary School. As a community we have worked together not only to improve the academic achievements of the students but also to strengthen the entire school experience. Being recognized as a School On The Move is a great honor and gives our community renewed energy and optimism moving forward."
Board wide and Family of Schools professional learning strategies are highlighted as the context in which the success of the schools is nurtured.
The two schools were celebrated at a gala gathering for Schools on the Move held in Toronto. The designation carries with it provincial recognition along with a $15,000 addition to each school's budget to further professional learning and networking. PVNCCDSB has three schools designated as "Schools on the Move". Deirdre Thomas, Superintendent of Schools said, "I am extremely proud of the three schools who are named as Schools on the Move in 2007 and 2008. The latest designations represent three years of concerted effort and focus. The Catholic school communities are working hard to ensure that we help each child to learn and grow spiritually and academically. It is wonderful to see them provincially recognized and celebrated in this way."
To learn more about the Schools on the Move program, please visit this information page at the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat section on the Ministry of Education website.