HUGH SUTHERLAND SCHOOL MISSION

The mission of Hugh Sutherland School is to develop a students full potential both academically and socially by following prescribed Alberta Education curriculum and requirements.

We strongly believe that all students will succeed at HSS by accommodating individual differences and providing necessary supports in a safe and caring environment.

As a collaborative community of learners we want our students to develop socially, intellectually, morally, physically and emotionally as they grow up to become contributing citizens and life long learners in our society.

  HUGH SUTHERLAND SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT

1. CURRICULUM
   Curriculum outcomes, standards and educational requirements are mandated by Alberta Education. At HSS, staff is committed to the improvement of student achievement by providing the necessary knowledge and skills for academic success. In our school, the curriculum:
   
   A. Addresses high academic standards at all levels, including the mastery of content and critical thinking skills.
   B. Is taught in a challenging, stimulating, engaging, and relevant way.
   C. Is flexible and taught through a variety of programs that meet the needs of all students.
   D. Allows for collaboration and team work to improve academic achievement.
   E. Provides opportunities for student choice.
   
   
2. CLIMATE
   Our school will provide an inviting, safe and secure environment. In this school:
   
   A. Staff and students are respectful of each other and of individual differences.
   B. There is celebration and recognition of the many student successes, both academically and socially.
   C. There is commitment to a safe, supportive and caring learning environment, with a shared responsibility for this from the entire school community. We will strive for a bully-free school.
   D. Students are proud of their school.
   
   
3. SCHOOL STAFF
   The quality of teaching is a clear indicator of the quality of student learning. In this school:
   
   A. All staff are role models for students in the area of character development and have high expectations/standards of themselves and their students.
   B. Demonstrate support and commitment to the school’s vision, mission and beliefs.
   C. Staff are committed, through collaboration (action oriented goal setting) and individual professional development to continuous improvement in student achievement.
   D. Staff are aware of the many different learning styles of students and accommodate these within their classroom.
   E. Teachers use current assessment techniques to monitor and evaluate students in a continual effort to improve student learning.
   
   
4. STUDENTS
   Our school is viewed on the basis of the behaviour, character and academic success of its students. In this school:
   
   A. Students are taught to accept responsibility and ownership for their own learning.
   B. Students are responsible for following school rules in a safe and secure environment. This includes punctuality, organization and attendance.
   C. Students are actively involved in school life both academically and in extra curricular pursuits.
   D. Students give their best effort in all endeavors.
   
   
5. STUDENT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
   At HSS we believe that all children can learn and succeed. In this school:
   
   A. We will do our very best to meet the needs of "all" students, through appropriate interventions and strategies.
   B. There are programs in place that support students that are "at risk" including counselling, peer mentoring, extra help, transitions, appropriate testing and IPPs, and sufficient Educational Assistant time.
   C. We will continuously monitor and assess where students are educationally in an effort to help each one reach their potential in all academic areas.
   D. We will provide students with skills in the area of exam writing, studying and organization.
   
   
6. COMMUNITY
   It is very important that staff, students, parents and the general community work together to promote student success and to create the conditions to ensure this takes place. In our school:
   
   A. The community is an equal partner with the school in providing a link between the home, the workplace and the school with similar expectations and beliefs.
   B. Parents are involved with their children in areas such as supporting the school vision, being aware of the progress of their child, volunteerism and attendance at school functions and interviews.
   C. Parents communicate openly to staff their concerns and suggestions for the improvement of achievement of their son or daughter.
   D. The community/parents model responsible and respectful behaviour in and outside of the school.
   E. We want to make the community aware of school facility use, for appropriate community events. 
   

 HUGH SUTHERLAND SCHOOL PARENTS

Collective Commitments

1. We are committed to the school’s vision, committments and policies.
2. We will be supportive of all students at HSS.
3. We will play an active role in our child’s education and model the benefits of continuous learning.
4. We will communicate with the school on a regular basis, including the expectations of both ourselves and our children.
5. We will be a role model for learning to our children.
6. We will set high expectations for our child’s educational success.
7. We will provide rewards/consequences in relationship to school success, as appropriate. 

HUGH SUTHERLAND SCHOOL STUDENTS

Collective Commitments

1. We will strive to be positive, model citizens by serving the local community.
2. We will be committed and responsible for our own education.
3. We will create a balance of academic, extra-curricular and community activities.
4. We will do all things at school to the best of our abilities.
5. We will cooperate with school staff in broadening educational horizons.
6. We will respect teachers, support staff and the rights and differences of our fellow students.
7. We will provide feedback to the school on all student matters. 
   

HUGH SUTHERLAND SCHOOL TEACHERS

 Collective Commitments

1. We will work collaboratively with other staff, students, parents and the community to improve academic achievement.
2. We will model: a. Life long learning attributes. b. The moral virtues we want to instill in our students.
3. We will provide a positive classroom and school environment that is conducive to student learning.
4. We will provide a diverse and varied educational program that addresses the needs and learning styles of all students.
5. We will commit to assessing and monitoring students in an authentic way to improve academic achievement.
6. We will provide an effective means of communication and input from and for our school community.
7. We will inspire our students to learn. 

HUGH SUTHERLAND SCHOOL ADMINISTSRATIVE ASSISTANTS

 Collective Commitments

1. We will present a positive, professional and organized impression to all who enter our school.
2. We will expand our knowledge base through professional development.
3. We will work as team players in a supportive, empathetic and cohesive way.
4. We will provide a comfortable and safe environment for all.
5. We will promote an awareness of the school’s vision and commitments. 

HUGH SUTHERLAND SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS

Collective Commitments

1. We will continually support: a. Open communication between the school community. b. The school vision and commitments. c. Life long learning endeavors. d. Our students and their academic achievement and social values. e. The idea that we need to be flexible, drive the motivation for ourselves and within students, and model these qualities for students. f. Play an active role in team collaboration to improve the academic achievement of our students. 

HUGH SUTHERLAND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

 Collective Commitments

1. We will provide instructional leadership by monitoring student learning and achievement through effective practices, innovation and commitment to students by: a. Monitoring teacher/district/student objectives, the school vision and academic progress. b. A commitment to continuous improvement in the classroom and providing ongoing professional development and collaboration. c. Treating members of the school community with respect and dignity. d. A commitment to an orderly atmosphere conducive to student learning. e. Facilitating teacher participation in the decision-making process. f. Monitoring staff, student and parent commitment statements.