School Profile Merivale High School Grades 9 to 12 (semestered)

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1 School Profile Merivale High School Grades 9 to 12 (semestered) Address: 1755 Merivale Rd. Nepean, Ontario K2G 1E2 Phone: Fax: School hours: 8:05 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. School Website 1 Principal Anne McKillop-Ostrom Vice Principals Michelle Richling Mark Morton Office Administrator Barbara Dettmar Chief Custodian Mike Harr School Council Chair Michele Suitor Superintendent of Instruction Frank Wiley School Trustee Donna Blackburn Chair of the Board Jennifer McKenzie Director of Education/ Secretary of the Board Jennifer Adams General Board Information: Phone: Board Website 2 Accessibility Information 3 Our School Merivale High School offers an extensive array of high quality programs in Fine Arts, Technological Education, University and College pathways as well as outstanding extra-curricular programs. We have a warm and vibrant school climate and a 48 year tradition of promoting a culture of excellence, which balances our proud history with the ability to remain progressive and innovative. Our dedicated and energetic staff members are committed to providing a stimulating learning environment where all students are challenged to reach their full potential. We emphasize the development of essential knowledge and skills, creative and critical thinking, respect for others and respect for the learning process. Our curricular programs include University, College, French Immersion, Cooperative Education/Apprenticeship Pathways, Enrichment Courses, Gifted/Gifted French Immersion, Advanced Placement and Specialist High Skills Major: Communication & Design. Our extracurricular programs include: an extensive and dynamic athletic program, student led intramural programs, seven different junior and senior bands, drama and musical productions, music council, drama council, athletic council, social justice clubs and a dynamic students Council. Our Students At Merivale, we are very proud of our students and their many achievements. 46% of our graduates were Ontario Scholars (over 8 average) 11% of our graduates were OCDSB Silver Medal Award winners (over 9 avg.) 94 Nominations for CAPPIES (Fine Arts/Critics Program) Awards and 33 awards over the past 7 years, including last year s awards for: Best Musical, Best Choreographer, Marketing, Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and Best Female Dancer Outstanding student achievement in many Science contests Reach for the Top Team had a strong showing in the Ottawa Region, placing second in Provincials and fifth in Nationals over the past three years. Outstanding student driven fundraisers such as CHEO, Toy Mountain, United Way, Canned Food Drive, Ottawa Food Bank, Canadian Cancer Society, Harmony House, Ryan s Well Foundation and The Ottawa Children s Treatment Center Grade 12 Extended Immersion class participated in the French for the Future essay writing contest in which six students won scholarships Grade 11 English student won a $1000 scholarship and was flown to Washington this summer as the winner of an International Peace Essay contest from the Academy for International Conflict Management and Peace building Consistently high achievement in OSSLT Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 1

2 Grade 12 student winners and runner up in the CHEO Poster Contest on numerous occasions Thirty pieces of Merivale art were selected for display at the City of Ottawa s juried Young at Art show. Six students won Young at Art awards for their work Merivale students recognized for outstanding contribution to the arts by OCDSB Advisory Council Senior Photography students placed first, third and fourth prizes in the Ottawa Western Community Resource Center s poster contest focusing on the danger of abusive relationships Junior and senior concert bands captured silver medals at the Music Nationals Merivale graphic designs featured in several magazines and newspapers Our Staff The staff at Merivale High School takes great pride in the positive relationship we enjoy with our students. Staff members enjoy volunteering time to work with students outside the classroom and we are very active as coaches and supervisors of our numerous teams and clubs. 54 teachers including 6 Department Heads OVIE Volunteers in Education Spiritual Care Worker University of Ottawa Associate Teaching Centre Algonquin College Internship Partner 11 Administrative and Support Staff OCDSB Psychologist OCDSB Social Worker OCDSB Behaviour Support Specialist Guidance and Special Education Specialists Rideauwood Counsellor Classroom tutors and extensive extra-help sessions Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 2

3 Our Community Parents and Community Our School Council provides a forum for parents and the broader community to share their ideas and hopes for our students. We work collaboratively to keep parents and our community informed about educational issues and school activities. Our School Council meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the staff room. All parents are welcome to attend. Merivale s community partners include: YMCA/YWCA, Carleton University, and Algonquin College and many employers and partner agencies. In addition, Merivale participates in programs such as Let s Talk Science and Canadian Blood Services. We enjoy close relationships with our feeder schools, whereby their students attend our annual musical, concerts, Art Show and athletic days. Our Leadership Class has partnered with the Viewmount Seniors Residence, spending time with the seniors and providing some recreational programming. In thanks for the partnership, the residence made a donation to the class Toy Mountain campaign. In partnership with the Nepean YMCA, Merivale is the host site for the Walk in the Halls program. The W.I.T.H. program is a free initiative that invites all community members to get involved in the benefits of walking indoors during the winter months. Students were assisted by volunteers from the school and the community. On the day of the event, the students hosted a kiddie corner, complete with crafts and assisted community members in finding books. Moniti Meliora Having been advised, let us pursue better things Mission Statement We believe in providing mentoring, advice and guidance to our students. We will lead students to improve themselves and to pursue a better future. We believe in our students! Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 3

4 Programs and Services Academic Programs Merivale delivers a comprehensive program with extensive course offerings in Fine Arts, Athletics, and Technology. Inclusive Learning Support and Student Success Initiatives Rigorous academic programs for all pathways (Gifted, Advanced Placement, Enriched Program, University, College and employment) OCDSB Gifted Centre Communication and Design Specialist High Skills Major program Award winning Music program (including steel drums) Innovative Technical programs Cooperative Education offering Apprenticeship and P.A.S.S./ Dual Credit programs through Algonquin College Challenging Outdoor Education and Personal Fitness Programs Dynamic Fine Arts and Photography courses French Immersion Programs Classroom Organization Merivale High School operates on a semestered basis with a two-day rotating timetable. The daily schedule consists of four 75-minute classes. Our band programs operate outside the regular day schedule and run all year long. Special Education Special Education programs at Merivale High School function as a reflection of our overall school goal to provide extensive support to ensure all students realize their full potential. The learning needs of students are met through Resource Support, Learning Strategies courses, our Student Success Program, ongoing extra help, peer tutoring, homework and reading programs primarily located in The Zone. Clubs and Activities Merivale students have access to an exceptional range of co-curricular activities: Clubs Art Club, Bookblast Reading Club, Music Council, Athletic Council, Peer Helpers, Muslim Prayer Group, Audio Visual, Peer Tutoring, Cappies Critics Team, Reach for the Top, Drama Council, Ski and Snowboard Club, Gay/Straight Student Alliance, Students Council, Jewish Culture Club, Swing Club, Knitting Circle, United Colours, Lego Robotics Club, Writers Club, Environmental and Social Justice Club, Foreign Film Appreciation Club Sports (30 Teams in 16 Sports) Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country Running, Curling, Field Hockey, Golf, Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming, Touch Football, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball Safe Schools Initiatives Code of Behaviour Our guiding principles are respect for self, respect for others and respect for the learning environment. We will work together to ensure that students learn in a tolerant, positive and supportive environment with a clear focus on learning. We support positive relationships through the following programs and clubs: LINK Crew Grade 9 Mentoring Program Leadership Development Class Character Development Initiatives Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 4

5 P.A.S.S. Peer Assistance Student Success Peer Mediators Gay Straight Alliance United Colours Club School Resource Officer First Friday OCDSB Psychologist OCDSB Social Worker Behaviour Support Specialist Rideauwood Institute Counsellor Individual Counselling Ottawa Police Service Rachel s Challenge Breakfast Program Facilities and Resources Music facilities with individual practice rooms Two drama studios, two arts studios and a photography lab Fully serviced library, with a walk-in computer lab for e-learning Learning Support Centre Double gymnasium, fully equipped exercise/weight room, extensive playing fields and track, a neighbouring hockey arena, and a strong partnership with the YMCA-YWCA Seven science labs, seven computer labs, and one nutrition lab State-of-the-art facilities for Transportation, Construction, Communication and Design Programs Google Map of Merivale High School Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 5

6 Achievement and School Improvement Planning Measures of Student Achievement and Success 46% of our graduates were Ontario Scholars in (over 8 grade average). Twenty-nine graduates were OCDSB Silver Medal Winners (over 9 grade average). Many graduates earned scholarships from Universities and Community Foundations Merivale High School students have consistently excelled in the University of Waterloo Math and Chemistry contests as well as the Open Canadian Mathematics and math league contests. Strong results were also achieved in contests in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and French Public Speaking. Many students have placed within the top category for major academic contests in mathematics and sciences. Grade 9 EQAO and board wide grade 10 mathematics results indicate the majority of Merivale students are performing at or above the provincial standard. Over 115 Merivale students awarded graduate certificates in French Immersion, Business Studies, and Fine Arts. OSSLT scores in the past 5 years are above provincial standards. 82% of Grade 9 academic math students scored at Level 3 and 4 on EQAO in Students participated in the Hong Kong Vets Essay Contest, with one winning second prize in the Junior category Seven students received the Communication & Design Specialist High Skills Major Seal on their diplomas 62% of previously eligible students at Merivale passed the OSSLT compared to 53% for OCDSB and 48% for previously eligible students in Ontario. The majority of our students achieved level 4 or 5 and 3 AP Scholar Awards were received. Merivale received the Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement award. School Improvement Plans and Initiatives Merivale s School Improvement Plans will align with the District K-12 School Effectiveness Framework and focus on five key areas at all times. School and Classroom Organization: We will establish and maintain a serious and focused learning environment. Curriculum and Teaching and Learning Practices: We will focus on key learning expectations and we will provide personalized assessment and feedback. Intervention & Closing the Gaps: We will provide additional time and support to ensure all students meet with success. Programs and Pathways: We will provide intellectually stimulating instruction for all students and challenge gifted and high achieving students through our Congregated Gifted courses and Enriched courses leading to our Advanced Placement Program. Home, School, and Community Partnerships: We will collaborate with our parents and the broader community. Highlights from our Improvement Plan include: To ensure our grade 9 students have a successful start to their high school years, Merivale High School will offer a LINK Crew mentoring program for all grade 9 students in Each grade 9 student will be linked to a senior mentor who will provide academic, social and peer mentoring through a leadership course. Our Student Success team will be focusing on improving credit accumulation for grade 9 and 10 students. This will be done during each semester as our Student Success Team collaborates with grade 9 and 10 teachers to intervene with students at risk of losing a credit through credit intervention and credit rescue days. In the instances when a credit is not achieved, the student may be considered for Credit Recovery - a class in which one or multiple credits are recovered in a multiple-discipline classroom setting. Our primary goal is closing the achievement gap while raising the achievement level of mathematics students, particularly our under-performing students. We will increase the number of students meeting or exceeding the provincial standard, particularly in grades 9 and 10 mathematics courses. Instruction will emphasize process Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 6

7 expectations and skills development. Mathematics evaluations will be designed with more choice to suit a variety of learning styles and allow for a differentiated approach to truly reflect the degree to which students are meeting the curriculum expectations and provide ample opportunity for students to monitor their own progress with regard to this. The TIPS4RM materials will be used to deliver the Grade 9 and 10 applied math courses, with this approach to mathematics instruction being used to guide all delivery. Teachers will continue to model the use of technology and innovation in teaching practices, and encourage technology as a tool for developing students conceptual understanding. We will continue to offer Math extra-help sessions at lunch and after school. Our senior math students offer tutoring services to younger students as part of our peer mentoring program. Our Literacy initiatives will be directed to increase overall credit accumulation in grades 9 and 10 Applied English courses. During we will include instructional units in Oral Communication and Media Studies. Specific instructional strategies will focus on high interest, culturally relevant reading materials and summative tasks which allow students to differentiate products based on their personal learning style. Learning Support Teachers will continue to deliver support and Learning Strategies Courses to assist students in developing individual goals and strategies for success in all subject areas. Our Advanced Placement Coordinator and Gifted Program Coordinator will continue to provide professional development activities for Gifted and AP teachers, which will ensure the long-term success of these programs. Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 7

8 Students Leadership Recognition Leadership in the OCDSB is the demonstration of personal initiative to achieve a positive outcome. Promoting student leadership is an integral part of our vision. Students Council, Athletic Council, Music Council and Drama Council are examples of student-led organizations that enhance the quality of life at Merivale. Student-run initiatives include holding the Sports Day - The Girls Way, Grade 8 boys Character Development day, Grade 8 girls and boys Self-Esteem days to ease the transition from feeder schools to high school. Merivale students in groups, such as Leadership Class, Students Council and United Colours, participate in a number of fundraising activities donating thousands of dollars, food and clothing items to charities including: the United Way, the CHEO Telethon, Toy Mountain, Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive, Ottawa Hospital Foundation, Ottawa Food Bank, YMCA-YWCA, Canadian Cancer Society, Harmony House, Juvenile Diabetes and Ryan s Well Foundation. In addition to informal recognition on a regular basis, we also acknowledge student contributions in our classrooms, school announcements, newsletters, assemblies, Character Post Cards, monthly Sundae School meetings, our principal s report to School Council, our annual Junior Awards Ceremony and our Commencement Ceremony. We consult with Students Council on a regular basis when doing long-term planning. Staff Our staff members have a wealth of professional qualifications including Masters Degrees in Education, Arts, Fine Arts, Physical Education and Sciences, a Law Degree, Bachelor s Degrees as well as additional qualifications in Special Education, Music, Visual Arts, Guidance, and Computers in Education. Teachers actively participate in numerous District-wide and Provincial professional development. We recognize their initiative by providing and supporting opportunities for further professional growth. We also recognize staff leadership via personal interactions with one another, letters of thanks, school announcements, school newsletters, assemblies, performance appraisals, and our principal s report to School Council. Our teachers have received numerous recognitions for their contributions, particularly in the Art s. Parents/Guardians/Volunteers Merivale is a school community that thrives on the contributions of parents and volunteers. Through our partnership with the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation, we are able to attract a talented and committed group of volunteers. Our volunteers have contributed over countless hours of support annually in diverse capacities such as coaching, tutoring, library support, working in classrooms (e.g., Special Education and French language support), supervising field trips, and planning school-related events such as career fairs and awards evenings. As invaluable partners, we continue to thank our volunteers on an on-going basis and look for opportunities to acknowledge them through our school announcements, newspaper and our principal s report to School Council. School Council hosts a night called Celebrating our Global Community to help parents within our community connect with one another, with staff and with School Council. Community Merivale is surrounded by a supportive business community. A large number of local businesses regularly contribute prizes to support school activities. Local grocery stores and restaurants provide ongoing support for student and staff initiatives. We recognize our community partners through our school announcements, school newsletters, school web-site, principal s report to School Council, and thank-you cards. We also invite community members to School Council meetings, to student-run initiatives and to awards ceremonies. Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 8

9 Levels 3 and 4 (%) Levels 3 and 4 (%) Results of EQAO Grade 9 Assessment Each year, students participate in the province-wide assessment of mathematics. This assessment by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is based on the Ontario Curriculum and is one way in which student achievement is measured. It is given at the end of the academic and applied courses in January and/or June, depending on whether or not a school is semestered. Results from these assessments should be viewed with caution since the achievement of a few students, particularly in small schools, can have a large impact on overall results. Further, it is important to view student achievement in the context of other available information, some of which is contained in this profile. The following table describes grade 9 students in this school for the assessment: Number of Students Exempt/ No data* Receiving Special Education support (excluding gifted) ELL Only/mostly speak language other than English at home Speaks as often in English as another language at home Academic 138 2% 14% 5% 5% 31% Applied 45 7% 56% 7% 2% 2 Results for all grade 9 students in this school, compared to those for the district and province, are presented below. More detailed information about student performance Grade 9 on Academic these assessments Mathematics: can be found here 4. Percentage of Students at Levels 3 and 4 (Method 1) Grade 9 Academic Mathematics: Percentage of Students at Levels 3 and 4 (Method 1) Merivale 72% 75% 86% 85% 82% OCDS B 8 81% 86% 86% 86% P rovince 75% 77% 82% 83% 84% Grade 9 Applied Mathematics: Percentage of Students at Levels 3 and 4 (Method 1) Grade 9 Applied Mathematics: Percentage of Students at Levels 3 and 4 (Method 1) Merivale 46% 48% 41% 33% 31% OCDS B 31% 36% 38% 37% 42% P rovince 34% 38% 4 42% 44% * EQAO has combined exempt and no data categories for grade 9 assessment. Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 9

10 % Successful Results of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Each year, students participate in the Ministry mandated Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). This assessment by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is given to Grade 10 students to determine if they can successfully demonstrate the reading and writing skills that apply to all subject areas in the provincial curriculum up to the end of Grade 9. Receiving a secondary school diploma depends on passing the OSSLT i.e., this is a credentialling test. Exemptions and deferrals are given only under certain circumstances and in accordance with policies and procedures established by EQAO. Students who are not successful on the test are able to attempt it again in a future administration, or enroll in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC). EQAO reports results only in terms of whether or not a student passed/was successful on the test, rather than levels of student performance. The following table describes the students in this school who were eligible to write this test for the first time (FTE) in : Number of FTE students Deferred Absent Receiving Special Education support (excluding gifted) ELL Only/mostly speak language other than English at home Speaks as often in English as another language at home Merivale HS 153 1% 4% 21% 3% 15% 18% Results for first-time eligible students who fully participated in the testing (i.e., not deferred or absent) compared to those for the district and province, are presented below. More detailed information about student performance on this assessment can be found here 4. OSSLT: Percentage of First-Time Eligible Students Who Were Successful (Fully Participating) 10 Mar.2008 Apr Apr Mar.2011 Mar.2012 Merivale 93% 91% 91% 93% 87% OCDSB 89% 88% 89% 88% 87% Province 84% 85% 84% 83% 82% Next Steps Student achievement will be improved and monitored through the Student Success initiative, providing supports to students across the District, and at the school level supported by the school literacy team. Students who are not successful on the OSSLT have been, and will continue to be, provided with appropriate remedial help. Such remediation will be guided by individual student diagnostic feedback provided by EQAO. Each school will continue with its own school improvement plans concerning literacy. Students who have been unsuccessful on the OSSLT may obtain their literacy graduation requirement by successfully completing the OSSLC (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course). The District and schools will continue to provide a variety of strategies to assist in supporting students, including: workshops and resources for grades 7, 8, and 9 teachers to help students with low literacy skills, school-based preparation for students taking the OSSLT and workshops for teachers to promote best practices literacy instruction Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 10

11 Results of District-Wide Assessments In , all schools participated in the ENG4U, ENG4C, MPM2D, and MFM2P District-wide evaluation projects. These projects aim to create consistent evaluation of student performance by providing: a common examination; a detailed marking scheme for the examination; conference marking; exemplars to show students and teachers the criteria for, and examples of, successful performance; workshops for teachers; and reports of school and Board results. Heads of English and Mathematics would be pleased to discuss examination preparation, procedures, and marking with those who are interested. Please contact the school for further information. Students in semestered schools write the exams at the end of the semester in which they take the course. For reporting purposes, results for the January and June exams have been combined in the charts below. 10 English 4U Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Merivale HS 8% 9% 2 24% 4 District 9% 14% 22% 26% 29% In , a total of 3612 students across the district wrote this exam; 143 of whom were from this school. 10 English 4C Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Merivale HS 4% 16% 36% 44% District 3% 9% 23% 43% 21% In , a total of 1350 students across the district wrote this exam; 77 of whom were from this school. Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 11

12 10 Mathematics MPM2D Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Merivale 5% 8% 19% 27% 42% District 6% 13% 2 26% 35% In , a total of 3718 students across the district wrote this exam; 106 of whom were from this school. 10 Mathematics MFM2P Below Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Merivale 3% 6% 22% 19% District 8% 19% 27% 27% 2 In , a total of 1330 students across the district wrote this exam; 36 of whom were from this school. URL References Educating for Success Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 12