September, 2008

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Queensdale School provides a welcoming school atmosphere to approx. 200 JK to Grade 6 students. An emphasis is placed learning in a safe and orderly environment. Our students understand the importance of education as they focus on learning as they strive to be the best they can be. In addition to our regular grade classrooms, Queensdale offers Deaf/Hard of Hearing programs at the Preschool/Kindergarten and Primary/Junior levels.

A strong commitment to current best practices in Literacy and Numeracy instruction is at the foundation of our staff's daily instruction. Staff challenge students in the development of literacy skills. Literacy is integrated into all subject areas. Emphasis is placed on developing high level thinking skills as children are encouraged to analyze, predict, compare and design by using creative and critical thinking. Differentiated Learning is a corner stone of all classroom instruction. Each students learning style is accommodated whenever possible in both instructional practice and assessment strategies. At Queensdale our motto "Be The Best You Can Be" accepts each child at his/her stage of academic / social / emotional / physical development and simultaneously encourages individual student improvement.
Queensdale runs on a 'Balanced Day' schedule. This provides for three 100 minute blocks of instruction with a 40 minute recess and nutrition break between each of these blocks. Current learning theory tells us that students perform better academically when the school day is organized in this manner.

Queensdale School continually performs above the provincial average in the EQAO Assessment in Grade 3 and 6. Queensdale continually uses student achievement data to modify our School Improvement Plans to improve Curriculum Delivery, School Environment and Parental Involvement. We view school improvement as a an opportunity to move forward and reach greater heights. By "raising the bar" we are continually assessing and evaluating our school performance.

Our school goals are:

• to continually improve student learning in a caring, safe environment
• to help students become independent and responsible citizens

We see education as a partnership between the school, the home and the child. By working together as a team on these goals, our results will be maximized. In a T.E.A.M. effort, "Together Everyone Achieves More."

In addition to our academic focus, a number of extra curricular activities are offered by our dedicated staff and in conjunction with parent volunteers. Activities during the past year have included Primary Choir, Junior Choir, Track and Field, Swim Team, Floor Hockey, Pin Soccer, Checkers, Robotics, Peer Mediation and MAD Science.

Queensdale School is fortunate to have strong parent and community support through School Council and parent volunteers. Events supported by School Council and volunteers have included classroom assistance, reading with students, library, assistant coaching, special lunches, and support for many other activities through out the year.

Queensdale is a thriving school, committed to school and student achievement. I am honoured to be the principal and I take very seriously the responsibility of guiding and supporting all stakeholders - students, staff and parents - on our "educational journey."

Sincerely,

E. Cambridge
Principal