Action Post #2, term two (March 2026) 

Actions to support reading proficiency 

In term one the actions that we took to support our learning focus in reading proficiency were:

Our Kindergarten and K/1 teachers participated in one and a half days of collaboration with District Literacy consultant Lisa Jeronimo. This team of teachers explored how the use of literacy centres supports students to engage, sustain and share learning together, and foster independence to engage in their literacy learning. Lisa modelled the literacy centre format with one of the classrooms, and then the teachers developed and prepared to use literacy centres in their own classrooms.  In addition, Lisa met with our grade 7 teachers to explore the ways in which students can make connections to literature in a way that feels safe and authentic. In addition to this learning, our teachers participated in a Professional Development session led by one of our classroom teachers, Ms. Kawamura: “ Critical Literacies in the Early Years: Journeying Towards Equity and Flourishing.” 

These actions support our literacy learning focus by:

• Helping learners to grow in their ability to make meaning from text by building skills across the pillars of literacy (phonics, phonological awareness, concepts of text, comprehension, decoding in context, vocabulary and background knowledge )                                      
• Developing an instructional practice that meets the varied literacy needs of our students
• Being sensitive to our students varied experiences and providing space and discussion for “disconnections” to literature 

Actions to support a positive and safe school culture 

Our self- regulation committee of several staff members developed school wide language in an acronym form (STAR) as well as an action plan for the rest of the school year and beyond. The committee created a matrix of learning in all spaces using the Acronym STAR to use a common language SAFETY, TEAMWORK, ACCEPTANCE and RESPONSIBILITY in all areas, environments and learning situations in the school. This school wide language will be unveiled in an Assembly after Spring Break. 

In addition, our school participated in the “KIND MINDS” program for the month of February. The Kind Mind Program is a “school-based initiative that encourages meaningful conversations around mental health and equips families with the tools to foster mental well-being from the start”. https://www.thekeltyfoundation.org/schooltour 

We celebrated our learning and growth in a school wide dance! 

These actions support our positive and safe school culture by:

• Common language helps to make expectations clear
• Promoting consistency across classrooms and other areas
• Encouraging students to develop self-regulation skills through shared strategies
• Strengthening collaboration among staff to address social-emotional learning
• Building a sense of community and belonging for all students
• Supporting alignment with district goals for social responsibility and well-being