Goal

To deepen the integration of Catholic faith into daily school life, explicitly connecting it with the foundational principles of justice, equity, and inclusion, fostering compassionate and responsible global citizens.

Our Commitment

We believe that our Catholic faith provides a powerful framework for understanding and engaging with the world. This pillar focuses on ensuring that our faith is not just taught, but lived, inspiring our students and staff to act with justice and compassion in their communities and beyond.

Key Actions

Enhancing Visible Faith and Catholic Identity:

• We will continue to support students in embodying the Catholic Graduate Expectations through a rich curriculum and school-wide activities that reflect our faith values.
• Our dedicated Faith Ambassadors will meet quarterly for professional learning, sharing insights and best practices with educators across their schools to enrich faith-based instruction.
• We are committed to developing and utilizing faith resources that empower our educators and respond effectively to the diverse learning needs of our students.
• Catholic Social Teachings (CST) and the Beatitudes will be regularly reviewed, understood, and applied across all grades (K-8), serving as guiding principles for our actions.
• Daily Religious Education remains a core component for all grades, explicitly reflected in our school schedules and celebrated through monthly Virtue and Saint learning initiatives.
• Our schools will offer and prepare students for the sacraments, with comprehensive support from the system.
• Each school will foster spiritual growth through a daily morning student-led and created prayer.

Promoting Faith in Action through Social Justice:

• Student and staff participation in community-based activities and a steadfast commitment to social justice campaigns and/or initiatives will be clearly reflected in our School Improvement Plans, demonstrating our active engagement.
• We will actively foster volunteer work within local communities and build new, meaningful partnerships to serve marginalized communities, putting our faith into tangible action.

Foster an environment where all are seen, heard, and valued:

• We will align all school practices with the SNCDSB Equity Action Plan, diligently identifying and removing systemic barriers to student and staff success, ensuring a fair and equitable environment for all.
• Our staff will receive ongoing professional learning focused on anti-racism, Indigenous education, and inclusive, culturally responsive pedagogy, equipping them to support every learner.
• We are dedicated to promoting a culture of belonging by affirming student identities and ensuring that all learners are seen, heard, and valued within our Catholic schools.
• Action plans will be developed from school climate surveys, conducted in consultation with all stakeholders, to ensure we consistently maintain safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments.

How We Will Measure Success ("Look-Fors")

• The curriculum explicitly connects Catholic Social Teachings (CST), Virtue Education, and Indigenous perspectives with frequency and clarity.
• Staff successfully applies professional learning to authentically embed faith and justice themes in all teaching and daily interactions, providing consistent student support.
• Students regularly lead and participate in high-quality community service, with clear and consistent links made back to CST principles and the call for justice.
• Discipline data confirms the substantial closure of equity gaps in referral and suspension rates.
• School Climate Surveys reflect a pervasive culture of belonging, where all student and family identities are affirmed and valued across all liturgical and visual school spaces.
• Daily spiritual life is robust and intentional, supported by consistent classroom prayers (ie: morning, before lunch, or end-of-day) and celebrated through monthly virtues.
• The school, Parish, and parents maintain an active, synchronized partnership that fully supports sacramental preparation and the collective Faith & Justice agenda.
• Student leaders consistently demonstrate a deep personal commitment and the capacity to translate CST principles into practical advocacy and action for justice.

Goal

To ensure system-wide consistency in learning and responsive teaching practices, effectively addressing the increasingly complex academic, behavioural, and mental health needs of all students, thereby fostering their holistic growth and success.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to providing every student with a high-quality, consistent, and responsive educational experience. This pillar focuses on empowering our educators with the best practices and resources to meet the diverse needs of our learners, ensuring academic achievement and comprehensive well-being.

Key Actions:

Implementing Responsive Programs and Supports:

• We will implement programs and supports that address the diverse learning needs of all students, ensuring that student programming is strength-based, inquiry-based, and differentiated to maximize individual potential.
• Student profiles will be developed in each school to clearly identify individual student needs and effectively monitor progress, utilizing a Tiers of Intervention model to provide targeted support.
• We will ensure high academic and professional standards for all staff within the system, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  Educators will be empowered with effective classroom management and self-regulation strategies to create optimal learning environments.
• To enhance student and educator learning in Mathematics and Literacy, we will actively support EQAO educator sessions for all Grade 3 and 6 teachers. A consistent focus will be placed on daily practice to ensure classroom tasks consistently reflect EQAO expectations, starting early in the year. Supports and resources will be provided to assist teachers in their planning.
• We will implement targeted professional development aimed at enhancing teachers' subject knowledge and commitment to developing students' personal and academic success.
• We will utilize the Student Achievement Plan/SIPSA (Board/School Improvement Plans for Student Achievement), based on multiple student achievement data collections, to consistently identify and close achievement gaps.

Prioritizing Mental Health & Well-being:

• Monthly mental health check-ins will be conducted with Principals to monitor the Mental Health Strategic Plan and openly discuss the strengths and needs of educators and schools.
• We will build staff capacity through ongoing professional development opportunities, including trauma-informed practices, suicide protocol, and Behaviour Management Systems (BMS).
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) will be deeply embedded across the curriculum, fostering essential life skills.
• We will utilize a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Framework, developed using data, to effectively identify and support students at varying levels of need.

Prioritizing Student and Staff Attendance:

• Teachers will actively support student attendance, diligently following the established student attendance protocol.
• Our Attendance Counsellor will work closely with schools to provide comprehensive support for students' attendance challenges.
• School and system Administration will support staff attendance through the Employee Support Program, recognizing the importance of consistent presence.

Prioritizing Student Achievement through Consistency in Classroom Learning in Literacy and Numeracy:

• Numeracy:
  
  • Implement a Daily 15-Minute Math Routine: Across all grades, a daily 15-minute math routine will be implemented and reflected on the school's Master Schedule. This routine will focus on mathematical modelling to develop students' number sense and operational skills. It will be driven by insights from bi-monthly math audits, allowing educators to address identified learning gaps at individual, small-group, and whole-class levels.
  • Implement Moderated Marking Five Times Annually: Schools will conduct moderated marking sessions five times per year. These sessions will provide invaluable opportunities for teachers and principals to gather and monitor ongoing data to assess students' progress and inform their planning and next steps to improve student achievement.
  • Utilize Math UP Classroom as the Core Mathematics Program: We will use the Math UP Classroom program as the primary resource to deliver Math instruction. This program promotes an inclusive, collaborative, and self-directed learning environment through diverse activities, aligning seamlessly with the Ontario curriculum and fostering critical thinking and social-emotional skills in mathematics.
  • Lead Professional Development Through Math UP Leadership: Principals will take the lead in using the Math UP Leadership School Improvement Cycle. Principals as Instructional Leaders will l guide their school in gathering and analyzing math data, targeting professional learning, tracking progress, and deepening educators' understanding of additive, multiplicative, and proportional reasoning. Ultimately, this leadership will directly support teachers as they deliver daily math routines with system support.
  • Integrate Retrieval Practices and Cognitive Science: Educators will embed retrieval practices and cognitive science principles into the daily 15-minute math routines. This approach aims to enhance students' ability to efficiently recall learned material, leveraging strategies like free recall, low-stake quizzes, flashcards, dual coding, and using both abstract and concrete representations to strengthen mathematical understanding.
  • Math Ambassadors: We will increase math capacity across the Board in every school by strengthening the content knowledge of our Math Ambassadors. These Ambassadors will then collaboratively develop, field-test, and refine High-Impact Instructional Practices (HIIP) lessons that embed explicit fluency and number targets across all grade levels, ultimately strengthening students' numeracy.

• Literacy: 
  • Implement a K-8 Explicit and Systematic Instruction Model: Educators will deliver explicit, systematic instruction across all grades (K-8) by consistently utilizing board-approved resources such as UFLI, Heggerty, and Lexia for core instruction.
  • Establish a Comprehensive Student Screening and Progress Monitoring System: We will conduct universal screening for all students at the Beginning of Year (BOY), Middle of Year (MOY), and End of Year (EOY) using Acadience. We will also implement ongoing progress monitoring through the AOL tool to effectively assess instructional impact, enabling timely adjustments to teaching strategies.
  • Integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Classrooms: Educators will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to consistently apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. This ensures equitable access to the curriculum for all students and promotes the creation of inclusive classroom environments.
  • Empower Educators with Differentiated Instruction Strategies: We will provide professional development and ongoing support for educators to effectively utilize Differentiated Instruction. This includes tailoring teaching methods to address students' individual strengths, learning styles, interests, and readiness, ensuring instruction meets diverse learner needs through small group instruction.
  • Enhance Reading Intervention Programs and Professional Development: We will continue to leverage existing reading intervention supports (e.g., Empower, Lexia). We will also provide targeted professional development to educators on the effective use of these tools to maximize student achievement and facilitate individualized programming.

How We Will Measure Success ("Look-Fors")

• Consistent use of high-needs charts and student profiles to inform differentiated programming.
• Measurable closing of achievement gaps and enhanced learning based on identified student needs.
• Completion of high-quality professional development focused on student needs and behavioural support.
• Regular school visits and principal walkthroughs to monitor SIPSA goals and provide ongoing educator professional development.
• Increased positive outcomes from school climate surveys, particularly related to well-being.
• Ensure instruction and planning are tailored to student needs by securing dedicated, protected time for staff to collaboratively analyze student work and plan next instructional steps.
• Consistent use of evidence-based literacy and numeracy programs, supported by data collection to inform instruction.

Goal

Fostering a deeply integrated and respectful relationship with Indigenous communities through education, language, and cultural revitalization.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to cultivating a school environment that genuinely embraces, supports, and celebrates Indigenous cultures, languages, and histories. This pillar demonstrates that our commitment is rooted in our belief that true reconciliation and understanding are built through meaningful collaboration and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into every aspect of our educational journey.

Key Actions:

Strengthening Community Collaboration:

• We will continue to foster and enhance relationships and partnerships between our board, our schools, and the neighbouring Indigenous communities, ensuring mutual respect and collaboration.
• We will proactively invite and include Indigenous communities in school and organizational events, and increase the SNCDSB's presence and participation in community events, such as Powwows and First Nation People's Day, to build stronger connections.
• We are committed to purposefully and sustainably integrating Indigenous history and culture – including perspectives and/or language – across the curriculum to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action #62 and #63.
• We will collaborate closely with Indigenous community members and the SNCDSB Elders Council to develop and integrate culturally relevant materials and activities, actively teaching traditional stories and oral histories.
• Indigenous language learning materials, cultural visuals (e.g., Grandfather teachings posters), and land-based learning opportunities will be integrated into all classrooms, fostering a rich learning environment.
• We will empower the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC) to function as a true community voice for policy and procedure development, moving beyond a mere formality.

Build Staff Knowledge and Cultural Competency:

• We will continue to bring in special speakers for board-wide Indigenous Professional Development (PD) days and ensure ongoing training for all staff.
• We will cultivate a learning environment where staff feel supported and encouraged to engage deeply with Indigenous education and Elders. It's understood that learning is a journey, and making mistakes is a natural and valuable part of the process. We'll foster an atmosphere of openness and fearless participation, ensuring everyone feels comfortable to learn, ask questions, and grow in their understanding.
• We will actively utilize resources from Indigenous communities and organizations to educate and inform our staff.

Enhancing Language and Culture Revitalization:

• We will support Native Language programming and work diligently to embed Indigenous languages throughout our schools, creating a meaningful and immersive learning environment.
• We will ensure that Native Speakers of Indigenous Languages (NSL) teachers possess appropriate qualifications and are supported with a meaningful and culturally relevant curriculum.

Expand Outdoor Culturally Reflective Learning Spaces:

• We will create more welcoming spaces both inside and outside of our schools, developed with direct input from local First Nations Communities, ensuring they reflect Indigenous cultures and values.
• We will continue to develop outdoor classroom learning environments and spaces to support land-based and outdoor learning, connecting students with traditional Indigenous pedagogical approaches.

How We Will Measure Success ("Look-Fors"):

• Increased frequency and depth of engagement with Indigenous communities and leaders.
• Evidence of board-wide integration of Indigenous history, culture, and language across the curriculum (K-8).
• Demonstrable increase in the number of staff completing 'FNMI studies', Additional Qualification (AQ) courses.
• Enhancement of cultural spaces in schools, clearly reflecting input from local First Nations Communities.
• Evidence of meaningful Indigenous language programming and visuals is consistently present in schools.
• The Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC) actively contributes to the development of policies and procedures and is widely recognized as a genuine community voice.
• Student-centric conversations reflecting understanding and positive experiences with Indigenous education efforts.
• Implementation of an updated Superior North Catholic District School Board Land Acknowledgement, developed collaboratively through the IEAC.

Goal

To prepare staff and students for a future increasingly defined by technology, ensuring they are grounded in ethics, possess essential character values, and are equipped with the critical skills needed for a dynamic and evolving world.

Our Commitment

We are committed to equipping our students and staff with the knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding necessary to thrive. This pillar focuses on leveraging technology responsibly, fostering innovation, and preparing our learners for diverse pathways in a globalized society.

Key Actions:

Developing Ethical Technology Use:

• We will develop clear policies and procedures to support the ethical and responsible use of technology across all school environments.
• We are committed to continuous professional development for staff on emerging technologies and pedagogies, ensuring they can effectively enhance student learning.
• We maintain our commitment to providing one-to-one devices for every student and staff member, ensuring equitable access to digital tools.
• We will strategically utilize technology to enhance students' digital experience and skills, preparing them for a digitally-driven world.
• We will implement a centralized digital parent communication platform to streamline and improve engagement.

Expanding STEAM and Skilled Trades Programming:

• We will expand programming in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and skilled trades, providing more opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning.
• We will enhance community partnerships and parent engagement, explicitly connecting curricular areas with real-world careers, trades, and technology sectors.
• We will actively participate in and seek recognition in Skills Ontario Competitions, showcasing our students' talents and preparing them for future success.

Developing Digital Literacy and Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use:

• We will ensure students develop strong digital literacy skills, including the crucial ability to use technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), in a fair, accountable, safe, and transparent manner.
• We are committed to proactively teaching both students and staff how to use AI and other emerging technologies morally, responsibly, and effectively, with a strong focus on digital citizenship.
• We will enhance digital learning by consistently using innovation and technology as an effective tool for teaching and learning across all subjects.

Promoting Innovative and Personalized Learning Pathways:

• We will continue to nurture student innovation through enhanced physical and digital learning spaces, promoting a modern, creative, and leading-edge culture throughout our schools.
• We will expand innovative programs such as "Reach Ahead," providing students with opportunities to accelerate their learning and explore future pathways.
• We will promote high standards for teaching and learning through quality professional development and transparent communication with staff.
• We will support experiential learning and diverse student pathways, and maintain individualized digital pathways portfolios for each student.

Balancing Technology with Human Connection:

• We will ensure a healthy balance between screen time and essential human connection, hands-on activities, and unstructured play, recognizing the importance of holistic development.
• We will continue to promote a positive, safe, and inclusive environment where every student feels supported and valued.

How We Will Measure Success ("Look-Fors"):

• Increased student participation and recognition in STEAM and Skilled Trades programs.
• Clear evidence of student digital literacy skills and ethical use of technology, including AI, demonstrated across various subjects.
• Increased use of pathway planning tools and a rise in annual student digital portfolio artifacts.
• Positive feedback from students, staff, and parents regarding the effectiveness of digital learning tools and resources.