Elementary School
Catholic schools are education ministries of the Catholic Church. As of 2011, the Church operated the world's largest non-governmental school system. In 2016, the church supported 43,800 secondary schools, and 95,200 primary schools. Catholic schools participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church, integrating religious education as the core subject within their curriculum.
Making a difference
Catholic schools are an integral part of the Church and are Christ-centred communities based on gospel values. Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of individuals and in the wider community by challenging young people, through Christ, to find meaning and value in their lives and reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society who are highly skilled, informed, tolerant, open and just.
They seek to develop in students, communal obligations and aspirations, to espouse values which unite society and to promote citizenship infused by a commitment to social justice. Catholic schools seek to instil students with faith, values and knowledge to guide and support them throughout their lives, to provide them with preparation for a life of worth, not merely a life of work.
Quality Learning and Teaching
Catholic schools seek to provide a high-quality academic and vocational education for all their students, giving due emphasis to the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills required for both learning and life.
EQAO testing indicates that students in Catholic schools on average consistently achieve at or above provincial averages. Statistics show that students graduating from Catholic schools are successfully moving into university degrees, college programs, apprenticeships and the workforce.
Catholic school emphasis on respect for self and others promotes well-disciplined environments that are conducive to quality teaching and learning; an attribute highly sought after and valued by parents. A faith lens is foundational to Catholic education and Religious Education is an integral part of life of the school and curriculum.
A Life to the Full
Catholic schools emphasize personal and social development as fundamental enduring values and requirements in an ever-changing world. This holistic approach provides an educational foundation for life to the full, meaning the full development of the child - intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically.
Safe and Caring Communities
Catholic education occurs in welcoming, inclusive, and connected communities. Catholic schools seek to provide a genuine, safe and caring experience of community, to encourage students to appreciate the intrinsic worth of who they are, to value diversity and treat each student with dignity, enabling them in turn to promote and respect the dignity of all.
Catholic schools recognise and value parents as the first educators of their child and work in close partnership with parents and guardians and their local communities to achieve desired outcomes and develop young men and women who will take their place as constructive and compassionate members of society.
Welcoming and Inclusive
Catholic schools are welcoming to all who seek to share their life and wish to entrust their children's future to Catholic schools because of their explicit goals and acknowledged educational quality.
As part of the Church's mission, Catholic schools give priority to a preferential option for the poor. Catholic schools are committed to fostering cultures of inclusion that respond to the educational needs of students with unique abilities, backgrounds and aspirations. Catholic school communities are places where the sacredness and individuality of students and families is recognised and welcomed and the human dignity of each student is promoted.
Catholic Graduate Expectations for Elementary Schools
I AM A BELIEVER!
◆ I believe that God is an awesome God
◆ I believe in and have faith in God
◆ I believe that God is always with us
◆ I believe that we can talk to God anytime and anywhere, through prayer
◆ I believe in the stories in the bible
◆ I believe in the stories of Jesus' life, death and resurrection
◆ I believe in the Church community, in celebrating Mass and in the Seven Sacraments
◆ I believe in forgiveness Because I am a believer, I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE A VOICE!
◆ I speak write and listen as Jesus would want me to
◆ I care about others and speak up for them
◆ I am honest
◆ I think carefully before I react or speak
◆ I respect all people and their languages
◆ I listen to the Word of God Because I have a voice, I will use it lovingly and I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE IDEAS!
◆ I have thoughts and opinions that matter
◆ I make good choices
◆ I have hope for the future
◆ I solve problems with knowledge, understanding and prayer
◆ I know we are all equal Because I have ideas, I have a purpose and I will live my life like Jesus.
I AM A LEARNER FOR LIFE!
◆ I use my gifts and talents given to me by God
◆ I always do my best
◆ I build on my strengths and know my weaknesses
◆ I set goals
◆ I accept change
◆ I am proud of the good things I do
◆ I am thankful for the gifts of others Because I am a learner for life I can reach my dreams by living my life like Jesus.
I AM A TEAM PLAYER!
◆ I cooperate with others in all that I do
◆ I value everyone's work
◆ I respect and listen to others
◆ I think of others before myself
◆ I follow rules of fair play
◆ I work hard in school so that I can build my community and make it a better place Because I am a team player, I know that "together is better" and we will live our lives like Jesus.
I CARE!
◆ I love God, myself and my family
◆ I care about and respect my "family" at school, at church, in my community and the world
◆ I care about and respect God's creation and everything in it. Because I care, I pray for all my families and I will live my life like Jesus.
I HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES!
◆ I am a peacemaker
◆ I am fair
◆ I am forgiving
◆ I follow rules and do my share
◆ I help the poor and care for people in need
◆ I stand up for what is right
◆ I know that all life is precious
◆ I respect and protect the world and all that is in it.
Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference and will live my life like Jesus.