Annual Initiatives
Early Intervention
Project
In an effort to meet the diverse needs of children in Early Years, the
Donwood support team in conjunction with classroom teachers has developed a
structure for students to be regrouped within their classrooms into homogeneous
learning groups. Several teaching interns have been hired to work along with
classroom teachers providing specific literacy instruction to students in these
small groups. This intensive support is scheduled on a daily basis to meet
the varied needs of Early Years children.
Schoolwide assessments are done twice a year as a basis for creating
these groupings and also to determine the specific learning goals for each
student, or groups of students. This format ensures that students are receiving
instruction at their level of ability and challenged appropriately to extend
their learning. Since the inception of this program in 2006-2007 the number of
chidren reading at grade level has improved, students interest in reading has
grown and more students see themselves as readers. For more information see the
community report on the Parent Association page.
A second part of this project has been focused on building bridges and
supporting families in the Donwood community. In order to facilitate this goal,
additional social work support has been accessed to offer families in
need resulting in an increase in the success and positive environments for
children.
Phonological awareness
intervention
The term phonological awareness refers to an individualâs ability to
hear and reproduce the sounds within words. A childâs phonological awareness
skills are strongly associated with success in childrenâs reading and writing .
At a determined time in the school year, a series of literacy activities are
designed to help our kindergarten and Grade 1 students develop and build on
their phonological skills of rhyming, segmenting, blending and sound
isolation.
Non-fiction
writing
Students in kindergarten to Grade 6 explore and apply the
different purposes for non-fiction writing. They will be integrated into a
content area to create a real context for the learning the purpose of the
writing and its relevant form. A whole class exploration of the selected form
leads to a studentsâ independent writing of the form being studied.
Math-on-the-go
"Hands on" kits were developed in each math strand for
classroom use. Children may use these kits under the direction of the classroom
teacher. They will be working in co-operative groups to explore patterning,
graphing, numeracy, measurement, data management and problem solving.
I Love to Read
The Literacy committee plans a variety of schoolwide
"I Love to Read" activities to promote lifelong reading during the month of
February â DEAR, Writing the Winter Way, Reading Man, book draws, celebrity
guest readers, etc. throughout the year.
Conflict
managers
Donwoodâs conflict managers consist of a group of Gr.5 and
Gr.6 students who are trained to mediate playground conflicts. Conflict managers
give up at least one of their recesses a week to be available for help with
mediations.
Bonspiel
This annual community event is held in the first week of February.
Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 all participateto participate in this curling
tournament. Approximately 160 students enjoy this "rock fest" each year. Parent
volunteers have a huge role in the event, managing the canteen, preparation of
food, distributing door prizes as well recording results at the record keeping
tables. Up to 50 or 60 parents contribute to the success of the bonspiel each
year.
Intramural
sports
Donwood intramurals is an inclusive sports program for all
students from grades 1-6. Every year each grade 1-6 student is placed on one of
three intramural teams. Students contribute to their teams by collecting
participation points. Attendance at morning or noon hour clubs as well as noon
hour team games is how students earn points. Attending an activity once is worth
one point.
The objective of the intramural program is to provide physical activity
and socialization that is positive fun for all. As well students are encouraged
to enjoy regular physical activity and to develop various sports
skills.
Play leaders
Play leaders are a group of students who voluntarily give
up some of their recesses to play traditional playground games with younger
students. Positive play between all students develops while children have fun
during their recesses.
Social
responsibility
Donwood School invites our school community to join with
us in developing a socially responsible community. This includes 4 key aspects:
working co-operatively with others, solving problems in peaceful ways, valuing
diversity and taking responsibility in a democratic society. We strongly believe
that schools are to be safe and nurturing environments for all. One of our
focuses at Donwood is to model, teach and practice universal values such as
co-operation, empathy, respect diversity and fair play. To facilitate this
effort we have implemented a schoolwide K-6 cross-grade house group system where
students meet regularly for social learning activities. Our goal is for all
students to be aware of social expectations and take ownership for their
behaviour and meet or exceed these expectations.
Home reading
Home reading is an important element for a child to
develop the appreciation for reading and reinforce literacy skills. In
kindergarten through Grade 6, we strive to make reading a habit for our
students. We encourage all students to read daily for a specified amount of
time, dependent upon their grade/age level. We recognize participants in various
ways throughout the school. By encouraging our children to read, parents and
teachers work together to assist them to become more successful
learners.
Technology
Staff and students at Donwood School use technology regularly in our
learning. Multimedia projects and inquiry-based learning are two examples where
technology is integrated into the curriculum. Donwood has a 28-station computer
lab which is accessed regularly by classes. As well, all learning areas have
networked computers for staff and students use in daily learning and
teaching.
