St. Bernard Catholic School (elementary--Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)

12 Duckworth Street, North York, Ontario M6M 4W4

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History & Tradition

St. Bernard Catholic School was built in 1956 with additions in 1963, 1965 and 1976. At that time the population was predominantly Irish and Italian. Over the years, many additional ethnic groups moved into the homes and apartments in the area. There are more than 25 different ethnic groups represented in our school. Spanish and Italian are taught as international languages. Our school has been used for summer programs by North York Parks and Recreation Department. Our gymnasium is used as a community centre five nights of the week. Our priest is an integral part of our regular school programming with monthly masses and regular classroom visits.

St. Bernard was a great theologian, and one of the greatest churchmen in history. He was unique in the light and love he brought to his own time. We at St. Bernard strive to follow his example in our relationships with students, their families and the larger community community.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

Catholic foundation

St. Bernard provided a learning environment where models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines, teaching and beliefs are an integral part of the daily life of the school religious instruction, family life programs and values education provides students with a firm foundation in their faith development. The following are examples of our living the faith activities: liturgical celebrations, monthly masses, food drives, weekly priests visits, ShareLife campaign, performing for the sick and the elderly in hospitals, sponsoring Third World children. The grade 7/8 students participate in an annual retreat in preparation for the sacrament of confirmation.

St. Bernard School has implemented programs from junior kindergarten to grade 8 which are consistent with Ministry of Education documents. These include programs for exceptional students-two special education classes (primary-junior/junior-intermediate and one learning disability class and English as a second language class.

Literacy

Classroom programs consist of a combination of teacher-directed and student-directed instruction as well as large group, small group and individual instruction as a means of meeting the individual needs of students. Parents and community volunteers provide opportunities for individualized attention for our students especially the exceptional classes and expose them to a variety of reading materials. The teacher-librarian and staff work cooperatively in projects that promote reading development such as book-it and the book fair. As well, authors are invited as guest speakers to foster literacy and stimulate interest in reading and writing.

Computer literacy

A computer centre in the library and computers in individual classrooms provide the students with the opportunity to become computer literate and to integrate the computer in their daily work. There is a computer club where students come to learn new programs, research or do word processing. Classroom library partnerships strive to improve skills by taking small groups from various classrooms and providing instruction in specific computer software programs.

Science and technology

Hands on experiences with building materials and mechanical devices provide students with the opportunity to apply mathematical and scientific principles to their day to day activities.

Co-curricular

A significant portion of our program is offered outside of the school day. Overnight trips to outdoor education facilities are part of our grade 8 program. Large culminating activities such as science, math and technology fairs, public speaking, a major drama presentation with parental involvement, French winter carnival, and theme days such as Canada Day celebrations and multicultural festivals are planned each year. Activities which include entry into athletic tournaments such as: soccer (indoor and outdoor), volleyball, basketball, cross-country, track and field, tennis, house leagues (volleyball, hoopball and basketball) and festivals such as W5H, chess, spoken arts, vocal and instrumental music presentations are important educational endeavours at our school.

Safe school

Arrival and dismissal procedures are in place to ensure the safety of our students. Our policy requests that the school office be notified in advance if students are to absent. Homes are contacted each day if a student is absent. Students must have written parental permission to leave the school during school hours. Students and parents have participated in the "Never Be a Victim” program. Children are taught strategies on how to handle disputes in a Christian fashion.

Code of conduct

A code of conduct for our school has been developed by a committee of staff, students and parents. St. Bernard's code of behaviour promotes Christian values and teachings which we strive to instill in our students. A student and parent handbook details rules and expectations regarding student conduct.

School News

PA Days 2010-2011

• September 2, 2010 (Faith Development/Provincial Education Priorities)
• November 19, 2010 (Parent Teacher Conference)
• January 21, 2011 (Assessment and Evaluation)
• February 18, 2011 (Parent Teacher Conference)
• May 20, 2011 (Assessment and Evaluation)
• June 30, 2011 (Provincial Education Priorities)

School Learning Improvement Plan -- 2009-2010

Safe School Plan -- 2009-2010

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: