Dunne Memorial Academy

                   P.O. Box 349

                  St. Mary’s, NL

                    A0B 3B0

                     School Development Report

                                2005– 2006

                                              John Drover, Principal

                                        Marjorie Gibbons, Vice - Principal

The preliminary strategic goals of the newly constituted Eastern School Board are as follows:

1)  To challenge and develop the learning and achievement capabilities of each student in Eastern School District

2)  To provide safe, caring learning environments in all schools in the Eastern School District

This school report provides you with information about your school’s performance during the school year 2005- 2006. It allows you to assess how well your school and its community is doing toward accomplishing the goals set by the Eastern School Board. It allows you to learn about the school and its challenges and successes, and provides insights on how you might be able to support your school.

Eastern School Board is proud of the accomplishments of all the schools within its jurisdiction. As a result of many dedicated professionals , parents ,and community volunteers, our schools continue to provide excellent educational opportunities for our students. However, if we are to maximize our efforts in the achievement of the above noted goals, the Eastern School Board, district professional support personnel, teachers, parents, and school communities will have to work together to ensure each student’s learning is supported to the extent necessary to ensure success. Some students will require more time and effort from parents, teachers, and other supportive members of the school community. They will need to spend more time than others on their own learning and teachers will have to provide alternate teachings interventions for them. If we are to succeed in our goal of ensuring success for each student, our school communities will have to be more committed to education than ever.

During the 2006- 2007 school year, Eastern school Board will engage all district partners in a comprehensive strategic planning process that will set direction for the future. Your input in developing the Board’s strategic plan is important because that will plan impact each school and each student’s learning experience. We encourage you to participate in the quest to improve educational opportunities for our children and our youth and to advocate public education at every opportunity.

                                 Darrin T. King Ph.D

                      John Drover, Principal

                 Marjorie Gibbons, Vice Principal

Parents, Teachers, Support Staff & Students of Dunne Memorial Academy:

As our educational system continues to strive to improve the educational experiences of our children, we are asked to continuously ensure we are presenting them with opportunities that allow them to grow and develop in a safe and caring environment. The atmosphere when created enables your child to reach his/ her potential. This development plan for Dunne Memorial sets a course for our school that will ensure our children have the support needed to prepare for their future in a new and exciting world.

As we publish this document, we acknowledge the input from the total school community of Dunne Memorial Academy. The contribution from all our partners, school, (teachers, support staff, students) home, community as well as the contribution and support from the Eastern School District has created a document that when implemented will allow each child to develop, grow and achieve to his / her ability. We appreciate the immeasurable support Dunne Memorial Academy receives from the school community. It is this support that has enabled Dunne Memorial to reach level of success that is evident in this plan. We look forward to the continuation of this relationship as we move forward into the future.

As you read the School Development Plan you will see that we have examined School Evaluations, Standardized Tests and Criterion Referenced Tests to determine the progress of our students in relation to other students in Newfoundland and Labrador. Upon examining the indicators highlighted in this report, you will see our students have performed in many areas above the district and provincial standard. In some areas, you will see there is reason for work and improvement. These areas have already been identified and are presently being addressed in the goals and objectives in this plan in order to improve student learning.

This report clearly states three goals that have been identified as priorities for the next three years. These goals were identified through the data collection process in preparation of this report. In the evaluation of our strengths and needs, we were able to identify the goals, objectives and action items that will provide the direction needed to make improvements necessary to positively affect student learning and student achievement.

Dunne Memorial Academy has committed to engaging in a number of initiatives aimed at improving student performance, awareness and advancement in key academic and non-academic areas. We have a rewarding past at Dunne, and we look forward to carrying that rewarding tradition into the future as we prepare to meet our challenges of the future. At this time we would like to thank staff, support staff, and the students of Dunne Academy for their work and dedication to our school. To the parents and our School Council we commend you for your efforts and support of education in our area.

We take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for your interest in and dedication to your child’s education. Our time, while short as administrators, has been a truly rewarding experience and we will cherish the memories forever. We look forward to your continued support as we move into the years to come.

 Gloria White, Chairperson

The School Council of Dunne Memorial Academy has actively participated in the preparation of this school report and has marveled at the level of commitment of the full school community in the school life of the students. Our students have realized great achievement as seen through the various indicators used to assess their performance. Their achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, support staff and the community at large. We, as School Council are proud to be a component of that network that is shaping the lives of our students.

As this plan is actioned in the years to come we offer our continued support to all partners in the education of our children. We congratulate students, teachers and parents on the achievements that have been realized and we look forward to sharing all the success of the future.

Dunne Memorial Academy will promote a safe, caring socially just and efficiently resourced community that consistently offers all students and teachers opportunities to actively achieve to the best of their abilities while encouraging an environment that regards integrity, responsibility and mutual respect as key ingredients for individual success.

Dunne Memorial Academy is located on the Southern Avalon and is part of the Eastern School District, which has over 130 schools under its jurisdiction. Our school currently has an enrolment of 171 students and offers programming for grades K – 12. Students come from the rural communities of Peter’s River through Mall Bay inclusive totaling eight (8) communities.

Our school has a total of 17 full time and I part time educational staff which includes 1 full time administrator, 14.5 classroom teachers and 2 special services personnel. We have half time services of a guidance councilor as well as the support of three student assistants. We have the services of 1 full time custodian and 2 part time janitorial staff as well a secretary.

In addition to our school based staff, we have access to District Offices both in Spaniards Bay and St. John’s including an itinerant teacher for the visual and hearing impaired, an educational psychologist and a speech pathologist. We also have close linkages with Eastern Health through the partnership with public health nurse.

Our students are multi- aged in Primary, Elementary and Junior High (grade 6&7)

The average class size is 15 students. There is provision during the instructional day where grade levels have individual instruction.

The following is a list of programs, resources and activities offered at Dunne Memorial Academy to enhance the development and growth of our students:

>Well- rounded curriculum based on sound Christian Values

>High expectations for academic achievement, discipline, and respect for others

>Shared responsibility, leadership, and decision making

>Strong community involvement and commitment

>Strong, Supportive, Special Services Program

>Challenging Needs Program

>Counseling and Career Program plus a Study Skills Program

> Itinerant services for hearing and speech impaired students

>Second language Program

>Technology Program

>Physical Education and Active Living Program supported with a strong sports Program

>Peer Tutoring

>Tutoring for Tuition

> Participation in drama, art, music, public speaking

> Resource Center, Science Lab, Fitness Room

> Safe and Caring Schools Committee

>Work Place Safety Committee

> An Active Student Council

> An Active School Council

> Annual Science and Art Fairs

> Tel- Learning Center

>Computer Lab with Internet access

>Classroom libraries

>Math & English Competition Participation

> Bus – Monitoring System

>Choir- Festival Participation

>Level III Memory Book

>Scholarship Committee

>Parent Volunteers ( sports/ field trips/ classroom activity)

> Early Intervention – Kinderstart

>D.A.R..E Program

>C.D.L.I. Courses

>37 high school courses including courses using CDLI

Kinderstart

This year Dunne Memorial Academy had the opportunity to hold 8 kinderstart sessions for nine pre- school children. The purpose of this program is to help children make a safe and reassuring transition from home to school. The program gives parents an understanding of the importance of kindergarten and offers suggestions that will make the adjustment from home to school easier and more fluent.

The kindergarten sessions provided children and parent an exposure to classroom routines and expectations. Each session involved hands on experiences and fun learning. Each month, children were provided with a variety of books and given the opportunity to purchase a book .The importance of reading was stressed and encouraged and children quickly developed a love for reading.

Children and parents were also invited to take part in the annual field trip. This trip is a good experience and will provide the opportunity for the children to socialize and interact with other teachers and students. This valuable experience will assist in the development of relationships outside the home

Literacy Development

At Dunne Memorial Academy, literacy still remains an important priority. Again this year our K-6 students were actively involved in achieving literacy outcomes across the curriculum both at home and in school.

Students participated in the Adventures in Reading contest sponsored by Empire Theatres and for the second consecutive year our grade six class was the provincial winner. Students (PreK – 6) received a free movie outing to St. John’s as part of their end of year field trip in recognition of their success in the program. Students also received reading medals at the end of the year at the Awards Day ceremony held for students and parents. These medals are awarded based on the number of minutes read during the year.

We are very proud of our students, teachers and parents for their continued interest in and support of the literacy program. We look forward to the same level of enthusiasm next year.

Drama

During he 2005- 2006 school year The Theatre arts group participated in the Remembrance Day celebrations and performed two selections for the general public. It brought a new awareness to the senior drama department and generated a renewed interest in drama among the senior students.

Enterprise Olympics:

Each year of Grade 11 ( LevelII) students take Enterprise 3205 . This course provides the opportunity for the students to develop a business plan .The school holds a showcase where the students have the chance to present their idea and plan to their peers and the general public. This year all our students took part in the showcase and were successful in achieving good reviews from teachers and students. Three of our students were chosen to compete in the provincial competition. Although they did not place in the top three in the province they represented the school well and took an active part in conference

Science

The grade 12 Physics class once again took part in the Annual Card Boat Race sponsored by the Newfoundland Science Center. This competition took place at the swimming pool in Carbonear in early April. The students had an excellent day and performed extremely well. Both teams managed to construct a boat capable of being rowed the full length of the pool. The Viking Team consisted of Natasha stamp, Christa Lewis, Kayla Tobin and Trevor White. The Funky Flamingo Team included Justin Barron, Colin Corcoran, dawn Marie Neville and Kerry Stamp. The Funky Flamingo team passed the weight test and placed first in the overall competition. Congratulations to both teams on a job well done!

Music

2005 – 2006 was another great year for the Music Program at Dunne Memorial Academy. Our K-9 students participated in regular Music classes and all students from K-12 took part in school and community activities such s Graduation, and school concerts.

Dunne Academy also took part in the Rotary Festival again this year , where they received a Bronze ranking. With the amazing talent in our area, our Music program can only improve.

St. Pierre Trip – French Level I & II

Our senior high French students participated in a French excursion to St. Pierre to experience the French culture and engage in the French language. The students took an active role in the four day event and their ability in the language exchange grew as they

Gained confidence. The students enjoyed the experience and gained immeasurable learning while enjoying the culture.

Robotics

The grade eight students of Dunne Memorial Academy are involved in an exciting and fun filled robotics program. They meet regularly to develop and improve their skill in anticipation of the up-coming robotics competition.

French Exchange

Two students; Frederic Droulers and Stephanie Dubuc are attending Dunne Memorial for the first term of this school year as part of a French Exchange program. Both students are from Quebec. Two of our students, Karla White and Dion Gibbons will travel to Quebec after Christmas for Term II. They will stay with the families of the two visiting students. This is an excellent opportunity for all four students to experience new cultures and involve themselves in life long learning. We are very pleased to have our students come forward and engage in such an experience

Sports.

Our students are continuously achieving well in the field of sports. There has always been a high level of involvement and success in the sport of basketball and most recently a renewed interest in track. Our Senior boys basketball team won the Provincial Silver medal in the 2005- 2006 season are preparing for the new 2006- 2007 season with determination. Our girls team were active in last years season and showed great potential. We are looking forward to their continued efforts this year.

The Track team were off and running early in the school year. The new level of involvement and the success of the team in all divisions is very encouraging. Sports are another example of the dedication of students, teachers, parents and community.

Partnerships:

Dunne Memorial developed very effective partnerships with several departments of government that had a positive affect on the school life of our students. Through the department of Municipal Affairs, we were able s to provide a resource person for our school library and recycling program. This enabled our recycling committee to grow the proceeds from recycling which in turn were used to assist the school in providing resources for the students.

Dunne also developed a partnership with Human Resources Development Canada to provide a person to serve the students in the Library/ Resource Center of the school. It also enabled our school to use that person and a small amount of funding to develop a database for all resources in the school. This makes it more convenient for students to find the necessary material they need to complete project etc. it also supports our reading program as it clearly identifies all resources by name and author.

Both programs were very helpful and we look forward to further partnerships.

The Festival of the Sea partnered with Dunne Academy in early September to prepare a delightful night of music and drama. It was a true example of community and school working together. The night was a magical bonding of roots of the Irish and Newfoundland. It was a rare experience that allowed our students to appreciate their rots an culture.

Dunne Memorial can boast of an excellent partnership with all local organizations and community groups. Their contribution is invaluable.

    3 -Year School Development Plan

3 Year School Development Plan

Goal 1: To improve student learning and achievement in all core subject areas in K- 12 by June 2009