P.J. Gillen School Level Plan 25-26
Foundational Items
| Motto | Students Come First |
| Mission | “Building Strong Foundations to Create Bright Futures” |
| Vision | “Learning Without Limits ... Achievement for All" |
| Values | Belonging, Diversity, Learning, Perseverance, Responsibility |
| Aspiration Statements | High Quality Teaching and Learning, Engagement of All Students, Families, and Communities, Effective Policy Healthy, Sustainable Physical and Social Environments |
| Mission | Excellence! Every Child…Every Day! |
| Division Priorities | School Level Work Plan(s) | Tell Your Story | Most Responsible Person/People | Resources |
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Improving Student Outcomes |
Continue to lead the school-wide shift from balanced literacy to structured literacy to ensure all learners develop the foundational reading skills necessary for success. K–3 teachers will implement Science of Reading (SoR) strategies with fidelity, supported through ongoing professional learning, coaching, and collaborative planning. Grade 4–5 teachers will deepen their understanding and application of SoR practices, intentionally reducing reliance on levelled literacy resources and incorporating evidence-based instructional routines. Expand library collections to include high-quality decodable texts and structured literacy resources that align with SoR principles. Collaboratively develop and implement a comprehensive K–5 Literacy Plan to ensure consistency, coherence, and fidelity in literacy instruction across all grades. Monitor progress through classroom observations, literacy data, and collaborative team discussions to ensure alignment with GSSD’s literacy priorities. |
Bug Club Morphology kits were purchased in October, 2024. These kits were separated by lesson for easier teacher use and sign out in October, 2025. A school literacy team was formed in October, 2025 to develop a K-5 plan. This team includes Admin (Shields, Lippai), CCT (Shivak-Langford), Grade 1 teacher (Helmeczi), Grade 2 teacher (Martinook), Grade 3 teacher (Bewcyk), Grade 4 teacher (Henrikson), and Grade 5 teacher (Bogard). Grades 3-5 teachers, CCT, SST, and Administration attended "Effectively Implementing Bug Club Morphology in your Classroom" virtual PD on October 28, 2025. |
Administration Homeroom Teachers Classroom Complexity Teacher Library Technician |
Bug Club Morphology Science of Reading PD and Resources Decodable Readers |
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Improving Student Outcomes |
PJ Gillen will develop a school-level literacy intervention plan for Grades 1–4. The plan will identify targeted supports for students who require additional literacy instruction beyond Tier 1 programming. Teachers will collaborate to implement interventions with fidelity and monitor student progress regularly. Data from assessments will guide ongoing adjustments to the plan to ensure effectiveness and responsiveness to student needs. |
All students in grades 1-3 will complete GSSD provided literacy assessment 3 times throughout the school year. Intervention groupings will be compiled based on these assessments. Grade 4 students will be considered for intervention based on the 2024-25 spring literacy assessments. Students who are identified as “at risk” will complete the CORE Phonics assessment for more detailed information. Intervention groups will be formed from this information. 31 students have been selected for Tier 2 literacy intervention for the Fall. 7 students have been selected for Tier 3 literacy intervention for the Fall. PJG is participating in a Grade 2 George Georgio Phonemic Research project for literacy intervention. One student has met the criteria and has been selected to participate. |
RTI Team Homeroom teachers |
George Georgio Literacy Interventions for Grades 2-3 and Grades 4-5. |
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Implementing the “Inspiring Success” Policy |
PJ Gillen administrators will share GSSD’s Treaty Outcomes presentation with teaching staff to strengthen understanding of treaty education and highlight available classroom resources. Teachers will engage in grade-alike collaboration to review and unpack the Treaty Education outcomes specific to their grade level. Staff will identify opportunities to embed treaty education outcomes meaningfully within their existing curricular plans. Ongoing support and follow-up discussions will ensure teachers feel confident in planning and delivering Treaty Education with accuracy, respect, and consistency. |
Treaty Outcomes were shared during the September staff meeting. Expectations were also shared at this time. Treaty Outcomes have been identified within the “You've Been Booked” lesson plans. Teachers are encouraged to use these to help them meet Treaty Outcomes. |
Administrators Teachers |
“Treaty Outcomes” powerpoint Treaty Outcomes document “You've Been Booked” lesson plans and resources |
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Developing High-Quality Teaching and Learning Resources |
The PJ Gillen Library will continue to curate and expand resources that support structured literacy and Science of Reading practices in all classrooms. Administrators and the Library Technician will collaborate to ensure teachers are informed about new and existing literacy resources available in the Resource Room. A clear organization and communication plan will be established to make resource access efficient and transparent for all staff. Resource development will be guided by data, teacher feedback, and divisional literacy priorities to ensure alignment and impact on classroom instruction. |
The Bug Club Morphology kits have been broken down for teachers to use individual lessons instead of having to sign out the entire kit, allowing for greater access to a larger number of teachers. The Library Technician has created a “What's New in the Library” communication group in Edsby for staff. Within this group new resources and existing resources are shared to bring attention to what's available. |
Administrators Library Technician Classroom Complexity Teacher |
Bug Club Morphology Kits |
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Delivering High-Quality Teaching and Learning |
Continue to refine and communicate PBIS expectations across the school to promote consistency and clarity. Update the PBIS Matrix to reflect clear expected and unexpected behaviors for all school settings. Develop and share PBIS Look-Fors to support classroom teachers in reinforcing positive behaviors. Produce and update PBIS videos to model expectations and support staff and student understanding. Engage staff in ongoing discussion and professional learning to ensure PBIS practices are implemented with fidelity. |
Staff discussed each area of our Matrix in August to update expected and unexpected behaviors. A PBIS look for document has been created and will be shared with staff. |
Administration All school staff |
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Developing GSSD leaders |
PJ Gillen will develop a Mentorship Program to support new teachers in their professional journey during their first one to two years at the school. The program will foster strong, positive, and supportive relationships between mentors and mentees, building professional capacity and confidence through collaboration, feedback, and shared learning experiences. Mentorship activities will emphasize reflective practice, alignment with school and division priorities (PBIS, SEL, RTI, and effective literacy and math instruction), and the development of a positive school culture. The ultimate goal of the Mentorship Program is to enhance professional satisfaction, and collective efficacy through meaningful professional relationships and a shared commitment to continuous growth. |
Administration Mentors/Mentees |
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Improving Student Outcomes |
Staff are invited to participate in a book study for Dr. Shelley Moore's book titled “One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion.” The goal is to strengthen our collective capacity to create inclusive classrooms where every student feels seen, values, and able to succeed. |
9 staff members are participating in the book study. Copies of the book have been provided to each participant, as well as a copy for the library. ![]() Meetings have been scheduled for November 25, January 12, and February 17.
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Participating staff members |
One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion by Dr. Shelley Moore |
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Improving student outcomes. |
Teachers will plan a one 30-minute Math Fact period into their timetables. This period will repeat throughout the year within the 6-day cycle. Math Facts are continually practiced throughout the school year. |
Teachers |
| Division Priorities | School Level Work Plan(s) | Tell Your Story | Most Responsible Person/People | Resources |
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Enhancing mental health and well-being for students and staff |
PJG provides breakfast, snack, and lunch programs for students, supported by a $3,000 annual community grant from North Valley Credit Union. All nutrition supports are delivered in a confidential manner that ensures student dignity and privacy. PJG will participate in the National School Food Program to further enhance access to nutritious meals for all students. Staff will continue to monitor and refine programming to ensure it meets student needs and supports overall well-being and learning. |
The breakfast/snack counter, along with the refrigerator, is stocked weekly with fresh fruits, vegetables, muffins, and dairy products to provide snacks or meals at any point throughout the day. Teachers may bring children into this canteen area to provide nutritional snacks & meals, or they may collect a variety of items which they can then take back to their classroom to share with children as needed. All items are available at all times. PJG must track monthly the number of students who access snacks or meals to submit to the National School Food Program. This tracking is not specific to identify students and will be confidential.
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Administration School staff |
North Valley Credit Union (Esterhazy) community grant - $3,500 Family Foods (Esterhazy) - 10% discount on all groceries and supplies |
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Enhancing mental health and well-being for students and staff |
PJ Gillen will provide SEL resources and a school-wide plan, incorporating The Little Spot of Feelings and Emotions resource. The SEL plan will focus on Kindergarten to Grade 2 students while supporting individualized program planning as needed. Teachers will implement lessons and strategies to help students recognize, understand, and manage their emotions effectively. Teachers will plan a one 30-minute SEL period (Health) into the 6-day cycle. Ongoing collaboration, monitoring, and reflection will ensure SEL practices are consistent, responsive, and embedded in daily routines. |
Administration K-2 Classroom Teachers |
A Little Spot of Feelings & Emotions Educator Guide Emotion Plushies/Puppets www.dianeabler.com |
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Enhancing Mental Health and Well-being for Students and Staff |
Implement Zones of Regulation as the primary resource to support student self-regulation in Grades 3–5. Teachers will integrate lessons and strategies from Zones of Regulation into daily routines to help students recognize, understand, and manage their emotions. Ongoing professional development and collaboration will ensure staff use the resource consistently and effectively across classrooms. Student progress and engagement with self-regulation strategies will be monitored to inform instructional supports and adjustments. |
Grade 3-4 classroom teachers School Counsellor |
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Offering Safe and Inviting Facilities |
Cover all entrance windows with one-way window coverings that display welcoming messages and reflect the diversity of our school community. Ensure designs are visually engaging and representative of students, staff, and community values. |
Administrators School Counsellor |
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Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion |
The PJ Gillen Library will continue to expand its collection to include diverse books that reflect the identities, cultures, and experiences of our school community. Staff will collaborate with the Library Technician to identify and select high-quality, inclusive resources. Library resources will be promoted and made accessible to students and teachers to support equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive learning. |
Library Technician Administrators |
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Offering safe and inviting facilities. |
To ensure the safety of all students and staff, PJ Gillen will maintain locked doors equipped with a doorbell and camera system. Staff and visitors will follow established protocols to enter the building safely. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of security systems will ensure they remain functional and effective. |
A doorbell and camera have been installed at our main doors. All visitors are encouraged to use this door. Protocols have been updated and shared with our school community through our Student Handbook. |
School Community Council Administrators |
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Enhancing mental health and well-being for students and staff |
PJ Gillen will implement a school-wide “You’ve Been Booked” initiative. Each classroom will receive a book and accompanying lesson plan each month focused on a specific SEL topic. Teachers will deliver lessons to support students in developing emotional awareness, empathy, and positive social skills. The initiative will be monitored and adjusted based on staff feedback and student engagement to ensure consistency and effectiveness across the school. |
11 “You've Been Booked” bags have been prepared, including a detailed lesson plan, book, and any materials required to complete the lesson. |
Classroom Teachers Administration Library Technician |
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Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion |
To revise the PJ Gillen Student Handbook to reflect anti-racist and equity-centered practices that promote inclusion, respect, and belonging for all students. |
Administrators SCC Teacher(s) |
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Enhancing mental health and well-being for students and staff. |
Staff will participate in CardiacCrash, an innovative program created by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada that teaches CPR and AED use. |
Staff participated in CardiacCrash on November 4, 2025.
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Administrator Staff |
CardiacCrash kit - Heart and Stroke Foundation |
| Division Priorities | School Level Work Plan(s) | Tell Your Story | Most Responsible Person/People | Resources |
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Upholding Clear, High Quality Board of Education Policies |
The PJG School Community Council (SCC) will review and engage with the modules of GSSD’s SCC Professional Development Plan. These modules will support SCC members in understanding their roles and contributions to the school community. Ongoing reflection and discussion will help SCC members apply their learning to strengthen school-family partnerships and community engagement. |
SCC Members |
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Allocating Resources to Improve Experiences for Students, Staff, and the Community |
Continue to expand and organize the Resource Room to house all subject-level resources for use across classrooms. Ensure all items are tagged and catalogued through the library system to allow easy access for all teachers and staff. Collaborate with staff to identify resource needs and maintain a system that supports efficient sharing and utilization of materials. Regularly review and update resources to ensure relevance, alignment with curriculum, and accessibility for all educators. |
Library Technician Administrators Classroom Teachers |
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Focusing on Educational Approaches that Prioritize Student Success |
Conduct a data dive into Grades 1–3 literacy assessment results to identify Tier 1 strengths and areas for improvement. Collaborate with grade-alike partners to analyze findings and develop targeted improvement plans for Tier 1 literacy instruction. Use data to inform instructional decisions, resource allocation, and professional learning to strengthen classroom literacy practices. Monitor progress regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of Tier 1 interventions and adjust plans as needed. |
Administrators Classroom Teachers Classroom Complexity Teacher Student Support Teacher |
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Focusing on Educational Approaches that Prioritize Student Success |
Review, revise, and refine the RTI (Response to Intervention) process at PJ Gillen to ensure clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness. Collaborate with teachers and support staff to identify strengths and gaps in the current RTI system. Update procedures, documentation, and communication protocols to support timely identification and intervention for students. Provide ongoing professional learning and support to staff to ensure consistent and effective implementation of the revised RTI process. |
RTI Team Classroom Teachers |
| Division Priorities | School Level Work Plan(s) | Tell Your Story | Most Responsible Person/People | Resources |
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Fostering connections and supporting transitions |
PJ Gillen will host a variety of events to welcome families and the community into the school. Opportunities will include performances, engagement days, evening activities such as Family Fun Night, the Christmas Concert, sporting events, and drama/art productions. Staff will actively promote and facilitate these events to strengthen school-community connections and foster a sense of belonging for all families. Feedback from families and the community will be used to refine and expand engagement opportunities each year. |
Opportunities provided to our families during the 2025-26 school year include: Meet the Family (August 28, 2025) Terry Fox Run/Walk (September 25, 2025) Family Fun Night (October 24, 2025) -Scholastic Book Fair (October 20-24, 2025) Kindergarten Engagement Day (October 16, 2025) Makerspace Evening Monthly Assemblies and Performances ![]() ![]() Impact Event -Christmas Concert -Halloween Parade (October 31, 2025) Therapy Dog (opportunity provided by the Twin Valley Veterinary Clinic) |
Administrators Teachers |
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Valuing input from students, families, staff, and the community |
PJ Gillen will establish discussion groups—student, staff, and SCC—to review OURSCHOOL survey data collected from Grades 4 and 5 students. These groups will analyze results and provide actionable suggestions to inform school improvement initiatives. Feedback from the discussions will guide decision-making in areas such as teaching practices, student engagement, and school climate. Ongoing follow-up will ensure that recommendations are considered and implemented where appropriate. |
Staff Grades 4 and 5 Students SCC Members |
OURSCHOOL Data |
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Communicating openly and clearly |
PJ Gillen classroom teachers will utilize Edsby to create classroom groups, manage gradebooks, and encourage family communication through this common platform. Each classroom teacher will establish an Edsby group for their homeroom and provide monthly newsletters to families outlining planned outcomes and activities. The school office will use Edsby as a central communication platform, including the News River, calendar updates, attendance reporting, and scheduling student conferences. Staff will collaborate to ensure consistent use of Edsby, promoting clear, timely, and accessible communication with all families and stakeholders. |
Classroom Teachers Administrative Assistant Administrators |
Michelle Morley Edsby Professional Development opportunities |
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Forming partnerships to support GSSD’s priority areas |
PJ Gillen will continue to strengthen and maintain relationships with key community partners, including North Valley Credit Union, Twin Valley Veterinary Services, Mosaic, Big Brother Big Sisters, Big Way, and Tim Horton's. Collaborate with these agencies to identify opportunities for student support, programming, and engagement. Leverage community partnerships to enhance school initiatives, events, and resources for students and families. Monitor and evaluate partnerships to ensure they are mutually beneficial and aligned with school and student needs. |
The community of Esterhazy has been an excellent support for the Makerspaces within our school. Community members continue to provide donations that help to keep our Makerspaces stalked for our students.
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Administration Teachers Library Technician |