Lighthouse Junior Our School Metaphor

Governance Curriculum Climate Staffing WE WILL EXAMINE THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:

MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to assist students to continue on their journey to be honourable, respectful citizens who appreciate life, learning and opportunities.

Governance An Elected Board At Lighthouse Junior, our governance takes into consideration both leadership and trusteeship, allowing for development of policy, as well as participation in initiatives beyond policy. Our students and their parents play an important role in the organization of our school. Parents have the opportunity to sit on our board as elected trustees, along with a staff-elected trustee, and the principal of our school. Our board is committed to investing in knowledgeable staff and maintaining a clear sense of purpose and direction. By doing this, we hope to challenge student learning, encourage a strong sense of community and support, and guide students to opportunities beyond their middle school years.

Governance continued… The board provides strategic leadership to Lighthouse Junior. In order to do this, the board will: Look at the future and keep informed of issues and trends that may affect the mission and school Make decisions based on knowledge of the school community and best practices, and in accordance with the mission Be proactive and visionary in its thinking Work together as colleagues Commit to excellence, regular monitoring, assessing and improving its own performance

Shared Leadership Our school is also geared towards shared leadership between administration and teaching staff. Teachers are responsible for level one and level two infractions, and are encouraged to make contact with or meet with parents for classroom concerns and student behavior, in attempt to correct encourage appropriate and positive behavior from all students. Major or chronic concerns are forwarded to the administrative team, who in consultation with teachers and parents, make decisions based on each individual situation. Students also play a key role in shared leadership at Lighthouse Junior. Students have the opportunity to be actively involved as Restorative Practices facilitators. Selected students, along with administration and staff members, are trained to facilitate sessions involving the students’ peers. Students are responsible to gather background information, complete interviews, arrange for circles, and complete all follow-up from the circle.

Positive Behaviours Lighthouse Junior is a proactive school that believes in modeling, recognizing and supporting positive behaviors. Students are recognized for their positive behaviors and are encouraged to act as role models for their peers. All students are expected to be positive members of the school community, to follow school and classroom rules and to become involved in school activities. By doing so, it is believed students will develop and master the necessary skills to participate in the community beyond their school years as healthy, active citizens.

Communication Parent communication is very important to the staff and administration of Lighthouse Junior. Teachers are asked to make positive contact with parents through phone calls, s, or happy grams/ postcards at least once each semester. We believe that positive contact with parents and guardians is the key to maintaining open lines of communication and building relationships to help the students succeed.

Staffing New staff members to Lighthouse Junior will be paired with a mentor, or a senior teacher who shares the same or similar course assignment(s). The administration team encourages teacher collaboration with weekly set meetings to discuss the creation of teaching lessons, assessment, and evaluation of lessons taught ensuring continuity with programs. This team approach is used to encourage and support positive teaching experiences for new teachers at Lighthouse Junior. Working collaboratively with colleagues will also help develop a strong sense of commitment to the curriculum outcomes, the school’s mission statement, and the success of our students.