Part 1: Analysis of Context
1. What do we know about our learners?
What Do We Know About Our Learners? What Evidence Supports What We Know?
Elgin Park Secondary is home to a diverse community of learners, representing thirty-five different nationalities of family origin. Amidst the diversity, shared is the multi-faceted strengths and talents of our students, pursued both in and out of the school. Many demonstrate passion and multiple talents in art, music, theatre, athletics, technology, as well as academics. This dedication is evidenced by over 70% of Elgin learners being honor roll students, as well as a significant portion of each graduating class receiving scholarships not only for academics, but for their involvement in the community, arts and athletics. A number of these students are pursuing these passions outside as provincial, and even national level athletes. Their interest in the exploration of culture through language, the arts, music, is further fostered by various opportunities to travel and immerse themselves in their learning. And within the school there is a high involvement in student council and other clubs, many focused on raising monies for charities and giving back to the community. The local community in kind, is a strong supporter of Elgin Park Secondary students in the form of scholarship contributions and other partnerships. The strength of these relationships can be attributed to the high level of involvement and commitment of the parents, guardians, and other family and friends of Elgin Park Secondary. Whether it is PAC, Dry Grad, school events or functions, the Elgin Park Network is strong and can be counted on for their support.
What Do We Know About Our Learners?
1. Diverse community of learners, representing 35 different nationalities of family origin
2. Strength in arts, music, theatre, and athletics
3. Strong academics, with …
4. Diversity of talent within areas
5. High involvement in student council, various fine arts programs, athletics, languages, STEM,
6. Curiousity for exploration of different cultures and travel opportunities
7. High parental involvement and support
8. Strong Community support
9. Motivated and driven students, pursuing passions outside of school
10. Multi-talented students
11. Our learners learn best when they can see relevance and make connections with what they are learning
2. What evidence supports what we know about our learners?
What Evidence Supports What We Know?
1. 75% of students on honour roll
2. High involvement in extracurricular trips
3. Strong PAC and Dry Grad Parent Committee, high attendance for school events and activities
4. Scholarships for academics, arts, athletics
5. Many local contributors to scholarships
6. Athletes competing at provincial and national levels
We gathered information on our students from various staff and department head meetings. The Wordles below summarizes some of these findings.
Part 2: Focus and Planning
3. What focus emerges as a question to pursue?
What Focus Emerges as a Question to Pursue?
1. Building School Community and Shifting the Culture – Personal/Social Responsibility
2. How will building a stronger school community/culture that focuses on personal/social responsibility increase students’ connectedness to their learning?
What is Our Plan?
1. Establishing our core values as individuals and as a school community
Elgin School Plan Emerging Focus
4. What professional learning do we need?
5. What is our plan?
