School Profile

2010 / 2011 Hess Street School Profile

OUR VISION

A future in which all students can achieve their full potential.

OUR MISSION

Educating students to become lifelong learners and contributing citizens in a challenging, changing, multi-cultural world.

OUR VALUES

	Respect
	Innovation
	Accountability

OUR FOCUS IS EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS

	Clear and Focused Mission
	Climate of High Expectations for Success for all Students
	Instructional Leadership
	Opportunity to Learn and Time on Task
	Frequent monitoring of student progress
	Positive Home-School Relations

EQAO RESULTS

These assessments capture performance at a specific point of time each year. The results should be considered together with other school information about student performance in reading, writing and mathematics.

Current EQAO Results

TRUSTEE

Judith Bishop

SUPERINTENDENT

Pat Rocco

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

John Malloy

GENERAL INFORMATION PROGRAMS & SERVICES OUR SCHOOL PLAN PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION - BACK TO THE TOP

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
107 Hess Street North
Hamilton ON, L8R 2T1
Phone Number: (905)527-1439
Fax Number: (905)527-8659

PRINCIPAL
Sharron Ciannavei
VICE-PRINCIPAL
Mark Fraser
SCHOOL COUNCIL CHAIRS

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE STAFF
Ms. H. Snelling Mrs. G. Milovanov
OUR SCHOOL
Hess Street Public school is located in the downtown core, in close proximity to Hamilton’s waterfront and many of Hamilton’s cultural and business facilities. The school has served this area since 1882. The original building was replaced in 1974. The school has a diverse ethnic and cultural population, with students from over thirty countries, speaking over thirty- five different languages. Some of our students come directly from refugee camps and have no formal education. Many of our households are led by single parents, with almost half of our families working to rise above the designated poverty level. Our teachers, students and parents value the educational opportunities available and work hard to maximize these opportunities. We receive support from community partnerships formed with The Hamilton Spectator, The Rotary Club, local churches and a variety of community groups. The work that they do supports the philosophy that "It takes a village to raise a child".
OUR STUDENTS
Total number of students: 407
Gender: Male - 215 Female - 191
Primary language other than English: 35 languages spoken
Students born outside of Canada: 182
*Calculation does not include students for whom language information is missing.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The mission of the Special Education Department is to provide direction and support to schools in their delivery of special education programs and services, consistent with Ministry of Education regulations, HWDSB policies and procedures, and the individual needs of the students.

STUDENT SERVICES

Our mission: We are a multidisiplinary team of professionals and support staff that is dedicated to providing service and support to students in collaboration with educational partners. Our team assists students to reach their potential and our services enhance opportunities for students learning, growth and well-being.

ESL/ELD

ESL/ELD programming will:

	provide the opportunity for students to reach their individual potential;
	allow each student to acquire the basic skills fundamental to his or her continuing education;
	develop and maintain students' confidence and sense of self-worth;
	encourage students to become lifelong learners, apprieciative of their on distinct culture and also aware of their contriubtion to Canadian culture;
	facilitate student participation in all aspects of school life;
	help students become familiar with, and participants in, Canadian society.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES - BACK TO THE TOP
STUDENT SUCCESS SUPPORTS
All Star Reading Program (Rotary Club Adult Volunteers) Visiting Authors Rotary Club: Funding for the revitalization of the School Library and Computer Lab A daily breakfast program (supported by community agencies) Educational Assistant (Mentor program) support for grade seven students, designed to solve social problems that limit academic success Mentors from Big Brothers and Big Sisters Associations Swish Worker Classroom volunteers for small group instruction
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
English as a Second Language classes Team teaching Job embedded planning and activities for Differentiated Instruction
CLUBS
Homework Club Grade Six "Lord of the Rings" Book Club Boys’ Grade Three Book Club Checkers Club Go Girls Club Yeo Men Club Empower Hour for ESL Students Read to Suceed with the Hamilton Bulldogs Wesley Centre After School Program
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM OR ACTIVITIES
Homework Club Volleyball Basketball Track and Field Swim Team Pitch Band Choir (Primary & Junior) Breakfast Club

ANNUAL GOALS OF THE BOARD

	Improve student performace and achievement in literacy
	Encourage innovation to address the diversity of student learning needs
	Communicate effectively with all stakeholder groups.
	Enhance our infrastructure to optimize the learning environment for all students
	Establish partnerships to augment our resources in support of classroom services
	Use our resources efficiently, effectively and wisely
	Be viewed as the employer of choice
	Govern and lead effectively.

OUR SCHOOL PLAN - BACK TO THE TOP
CURRICULUM FOCUS
We have a strong focus on Literacy and all staff is committed to delivering a balanced literacy program. We have the support of a Literacy Improvement Project Teacher and Educational Assistant. We have a leveled book room and all students participate in a home reading program with monthly celebrations and draw prizes. We are working in partnership with the Rotary Club to revitalize our library and computer lab. The Rotary Club also supports our grade three students through the All Star Reading Program. Our two special education teachers and six E.S.L teachers support our students in developing English Language skills and learning skills strategies necessary for maximizing each student’s learning. Our staff receives ongoing professional development on Balanced Literacy and the use of data to inform instructional practice.
ENVIRONMENT FOCUS
Our Code of Conduct guides us as we build a culture of respect so that all staff, students and volunteers welcome and embrace our multi-cultural student population at Hess Street. Respect and problem solving are modeled and explored through daily interactions and the curriculum. We will continue to work to create an awareness, acceptance and celebration of our cultural similarities and differences, customs and beliefs so that we can all feel safe and accepted as we work and learn together.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

School councils have a legislated role at their schools and are there to ensure the best possible education for students. Our school councils are compreised of democratically elected representatives of our parent community. Togeather they:

	Focus on student learning and the best interest of all students
	Provide a forum through which parents and other members of the school communities can contribute to improving student achievement and school performance
	Make recommendations to the school principal and the Board on any matter they see impacting accountability and academic excellence
	Serve as a communication and information channel between the school and community.

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Home and School Association is an independent, parent-driven organization committed to supporting public education and promoting the welfare of children and youth. Home & School strives to give parents an understanding of schools and to be informed, constructive partners with educators.

PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - BACK TO THE TOP
COMMUNITY
The Hamilton Spectator has recently partnered with our school and is offering a variety of supports such as books for our library and offer not only monetary support or transportation for trips, but offer opportunities for free admission to plays and sports events for groups of students. The Rotary Club runs the "The All Star Reading Program", sponsors visits by Authors, is supporting the revitalization of our school library and computer lab and provides celebrations for our students such as our Christmas pancake breakfast. Community groups and churches offer both monetary and volunteer assistance. SISO works closely with our new immigrants by providing translators and information about community resources. Big Brothers and Sisters provide mentors, who visit students once a week to engage in academic and social activities.
PARENT
Parents are involved in volunteering in classrooms, helping with class trips and working in the library. Parent volunteers are actively involved in any special events or celebrations in the school. They help with special dinners, delivering Christmas baskets, lice head checks, etc.