Elementary & Junior High (JK - Grade 8)
St-Laurent Academy Elementary & Junior High offers programs from JK – Grade 8 in both French & English, in classes no larger than 15 students.
What distinguishes us from other schools are our expert subject teachers, small class sizes, and Multiple Intelligences approach . In a small class room environment, St-Laurent Academy students learn to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses, work collaboratively with others who are similar to and different from themselves, and to be responsible and independent in their studies.
Mission Statement
We provide a quality curriculum to students with wide ranging abilities and interests. Our staff are committed, widely traveled, environmentally conscious and dedicated professionals who strive to provide students with a well-rounded education. Although we utilize the Ontario Curriculum as a base, the programs are enriched based on the background of the teacher, class interests and international influences. We are proud that our students develop a positive attitude towards becoming life-long learners.
Vision
Our school uses a multi-sensory approach to teaching that caters to each individual's learning style. Dedicated, passionate specialist teachers provide an accommodating yet challenging environment, which fosters self-confidence, mutual respect and independence. At our school, lessons extend beyond the classroom; we engage the curiosity of each student and inculcate a life-long love of learning. Students are encouraged to reach their potential and to become well-balanced, environmentally conscious citizens, who will play a vital role in the future.
It is our goal for students to graduate from St-Laurent Academy Elementary & Junior High with:
- a clear sense of themselves as learners
- a clear sense of their talents and the skills to pursue them
- a sense of responsibility for and independence in their studies
- a respect and admiration for diversity in talents, abilities, cultures and points of view
Why St-Laurent Academy…
We nurture every child’s full potential
We offer a rich curriculum including the arts, music and athletics. Students are challenged to grow cognitively, emotionally and physically. There is an opportunity for every child to shine, and we celebrate success in all of our students’ endeavours.
We engage every child
By using multiple approaches during the teaching process, we encourage students to become more engaged in their learning and thus gain more achievement and joy in our learning community. We encourage student curiosity and self-awareness. We nurture a life-long love of learning.
We are innovative, flexible and sensitive
Our teachers are innovative, flexible and sensitive to ensure that all students are challenged and motivated. At our school, lessons extend beyond the classroom, and assessment approaches go beyond standardized tests. Our teachers are sensitive to the different learning styles and emotional needs of our students; they are caring and compassionate.
We offer a safe learning environment
Within our small close-knit classrooms, students feel safe to confidently stretch their wings and take risks, challenging themselves to grow. They learn to collaborate and to respect and appreciate diversity in their classmates.
Multiple Intelligences Theory
At St-Laurent Elementary & Junior High, we are guided by Multiple Intelligences Theory (MI Theory), developed by Howard Gardner, a professor of Education at Harvard, in 1983. MI Theory has been well researched by educators since then, and has enjoyed a great deal of success over the past 20 or so years.
Gardner has identified eight basic types of intelligence:
- linguistic (“word” smart),
- logical and mathematical (“number & reasoning” smart)
- spatial (“picture” smart),
- musical (“music” smart)
- kinesthetic (“body” smart)
- interpersonal (“people” smart)
- intrapersonal (“self” smart)
- naturalist (“nature” smart).
Each child manifests varying levels of these different intelligences, and thus each student has a unique cognitive profile. Traditionally, schools have almost exclusively emphasized the development of logical intelligence and linguistic intelligence (mainly reading & writing).
We believe that students are better served by a broader vision of education. Our teachers use different methodologies, exercises and activities to engage all students, not just those who excel at linguistic and logical intelligence. We strive to provide opportunities for our students to use and develop all the different intelligences, and their natural talents.
Teachers present their lessons in a wide variety of ways using music, cooperative learning, discussions, hands-on, art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips, kinetic activities, inner reflection, etc. to adequately address the full range of intelligences.
Gardner says that we should also place equal attention on individuals who show gifts in the other intelligences: the artists, architects, musicians, naturalists, designers, dancers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and others who enrich the world in which we live.
Unfortunately, many children who have these gifts don’t receive much reinforcement for them in school. Many of these kids, in fact, find school boring, or end up being labeled underachievers, when their unique ways of thinking and learning aren’t supported by a heavily linguistic or logical-mathematical classroom.
At St-Laurent Academy school takes on a whole different meaning for these children as they become more engaged in more subjects – school becomes fun & rewarding!
Curriculum
Although we utilize the Ontario Curriculum as a base, our teachers bring so much more to their classrooms. Our teachers specialize in their subject, and as such, become experts in their field bringing a passion and richness to their teaching rarely seen.
All of our teachers employ Hands-on, Multi-sensory, Audio Visual and other strategies to reach every one of our students.
Study Skills are taught as a course weekly to all students. Individual strategies are identified based on each student’s learning profile.
Physical Education is offered to our students 3 times/week. Some of the athletic activities include: tennis, squash, raquetball, gymnastics, tae-kwon do, yoga, swimming, skating, running, soccer, baseball, golf and aerobics.
Art, drama, vocal & instrumental music are part of our regular weekly curriculum, offered to all students. Students who have gifts in the arts may further develop their abilities in these areas through teacher mentoring, classroom projects, exhibits, and performances.
Home/School Communication
Good schools improve when effective and productive two-way communication exists between the school and the home. Many opportunities are provided for such communication to occur:
- Orientation evenings to introduce teachers and course content
- Agenda Book outlining all assignments, dedlines etc. Parents are required to sign the agenda daily.
- Newsletters are distributed monthly to inform parents of programs, events and activities.
- Three progress reports (October, December and April) are provided and include information on academic progress, behaviour, and effort.
- Three academic reports (November, February and June), to give accurate academic standing in each subject.
- Parent Teacher Interviews are held following each academic report
- Parent concerns outside of scheduled times are available by phone, e-mail or appointment, whenever necessary. Parents are also encouraged to discuss any concerns with the Principal or Vice Principal.