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Us:
Telephone: Fax: email: Quick Links: Online Tour
Sommerville Community:
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Philosophy
Mission Statement - Developing lifelong learners who are adaptable, responsible, caring and who always try to do and be their best. Motto - Vivere, Discere, Crescere (to live, to learn, to grow) Our motto outlines the broad goals we set for our students:
We value:
Quick Facts
About our School A Traditional School Sommerville Manor School offers a traditional approach to education for children in the Primary, Junior and Intermediate years. Intensive study of the basic skills lays the foundation for enriched academic programming from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. All aspects of each student's development are addressed through the school's code of conduct, dress code and academic standards. Full dress uniform is mandatory from Senior Kindergarten level and students are expected to conduct themselves in a manor befitting the Sommerville Manor image. High self-esteem is nurtured, and respect for the individual is reflected in all aspects of school life. Individualized courses of study encourage specific skill acquisition in gifted areas and students are encouraged to develop research skills and good study habits from an early age. A noticeable British tone to the school is a reflection of the educational background of the school Administrator, Mrs. W. Johnson. Sommerville Manor provides an intimate school atmosphere which combines the best qualities of a traditional approach with the modern opportunities of the best in North American education. Primary DivisionThe Primary Division offers children from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3 an exciting opportunity to discover the world of learning. The natural enthusiasm and exuberance of children at this age enhances the whole process of building the foundations of their knowledge. Challenging programs provide the opportunity for development of academic skills while promoting social and interpersonal skills. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of the whole child and feelings of self-worth. Junior-Intermediate Division Having established a solid foundation in the primary grades, the students in grades 4 to 8 are ready to explore, create and develop their personal attributes through a varied and stimulating curriculum. Opportunities for individual growth are abundant. Students develop and refine their leadership skills and personal responsibility as they work towards their goal of independent learning in preparation for the High School years. Teaching Style Our high academic standards begin with our staff. Teachers at Sommerville Manor take a traditional approach to teaching and all class teachers from Senior Kindergarten level have a minimum qualification of Bachelor Of Education.
A number of staff have additional qualifications in areas such as Special
Education, French as a Second Language, English as a Second Language, and
Reading. Program Style Sommerville Manor is a Private School registered and inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Our staffing ratios, curriculum content and academic standards consistently exceed the Ministry recommendations. Staff members at Sommerville are carefully selected for their excellence in academic and personal qualities. Since Sommerville Manor programs are designed to encourage total student commitment from an early age, we require a dedicated and caring staff who will model our goals personally for the students. It is our belief that leadership skills are developed in the early years and this potential is encouraged in the students through peer grouping, small class sizes and gradually increasing areas of responsibility. Students in the upper grade levels gain confidence and maturity by acting as role models for those in younger grades. Within our program structure, tailored academic programs provide flexibility in the classrooms and an opportunity for personal success on every level. Students can experience the freedom of working to attain their personal goals at a variety of academic levels and thereby experience pride in their achievements. Curriculum Features The Language Arts Program begins at the Junior Kindergarten level where the children enjoy pre-reading and pre-writing activities which prepare them for the introduction of structured language skills. The progression into Senior Kindergarten introduces the formal reading program which is based on phonics and uses specific basal readers. Whole Language components in conjunction with the structure of phonics ensures diversity in approach and provides a creative vehicle with which students can apply their knowledge of skills acquired. The Sommerville Manor language programs through the Elementary grades employ traditional approaches to spelling techniques while encouraging creativity and personal response in journals and writing exercises. Verbal expression is enhanced through group discussions, public speaking and project presentations, each of which develops self confidence and strength of character as the students learn to express their thoughts and opinions in a public forum. The Mathematics Curriculum challenges, stimulates and motivates students at all levels in the school. Traditional standard-form computation is used in conjunction with a wide range of manipulative materials which provide the concrete experience required as a base for the more abstract concepts introduced through the upper grades. Problem solving techniques are taught consistently throughout the program to enable students to develop skills in logic and critical thinking. The Science Program also employs a hands-on technique, and small class sizes allow the students to enjoy the experience of personal experimentation. The curriculum for Science is divided into units of study at each grade level which progress throughout the grades to encompass elements of Physics, Biology and Chemistry thus preparing the students for advanced scientific studies as they move on to High School. Computer Literacy is an important objective within the curriculum at Sommerville Manor. As we prepare our students for today's world of electronic advancement, it is essential that they become both familiar and comfortable with modern technology. The computer software in use at Sommerville Manor ranges from the basic introductory reading and math programs at the Senior Kindergarten level through a wide range of academic learning tools in a variety of subject areas. By the time students reach the Intermediate grades, their computer skills will have developed to the point where they can take on more complicated projects such as designing and maintaining our school website! French instruction is introduced in Junior Kindergarten and progresses to daily instruction beginning at the Senior Kindergarten level. The aim of the Primary French program is to develop the child's comprehension of French. Throughout the Junior and Intermediate divisions, the program expands to include reading and writing activities with continuous assessment to monitor student progress. Artistic expression is explored at Sommerville through the Visual Arts Programme and is enhanced by the experiences acquired in both Drama and Music. The Visual Arts Programme encourages students to express themselves freely through different mediums and use of technique. The programme stresses individual creativity and expression, helping students to discover their own artistic abilities. In developing the ability to describe works of art from several historical time periods, they will also learn to understand and appreciate a wide variety of art works. The intent of the Drama Programme is to have students develop artistic, practical and critical thinking skills. Students develop increased vocal ability, refined body language, and self-confidence. The drama programme provides students with skills to express, create, visualize and perform. The programme is designed to facilitate appreciation for this art, and induce the understanding that by learning and practicing drama, students are gaining valuable tools they will use daily. Students learn to communicate verbally and non-verbally, critique their work as well as others, develop a sense of audience and acquire skills to write "in-role". The Music Programme offers students an appropriate balance of activities in Listening, Performing and Creating. Listening improves the students' abilities to perform and create. Performance includes vocal and instrumental expression of music. Creating music is exploring sound, improvising and composing voice, instrument or other sound sources. The music programme is based on the
philosophy that music contributes to the development of the whole child
and plays an integral role in the child's learning development. It
reinforces positive dispositions toward learning, creates enjoyable
learning experiences and inspires life long learners. In Grade 7 and 8 the students participate
in a weekly Performance Guitar class. Each student is assigned a guitar
and classes are divided into summative units that assess and build upon
the student's musical abilities. The aim of the programme is that the
students will be able to play a variety of songs effectively on the guitar
in front of an audience. Extra Curricular Activities In addition to a full academic program, students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of exciting and stimulating extra-curricular activities, including:
Membership in such organizations provides opportunities to develop leadership skills and special interests, a spirit of school community and insight into the structure of the world of commerce into which they will ultimately emerge. Student Assessment At Sommerville Manor we have established specific beliefs about assessment and evaluation of students' progress.
Formal Student Progress Reports are provided three times per year, with scheduled parent interviews to follow. Interim Reports are also issued three times per year between formal reporting. However, as student evaluations take place on a consistent basis, teachers are able to discuss issues with parents as they arise. Behaviour Management and Discipline It is our policy at Sommerville Manor to encourage students to be accountable for their own behaviour. High behaviour standards are expected in class, in all areas of the school and in all areas representing the school. Behavioural guidelines are stated clearly and positively throughout all aspects of school life. It is not our aim to develop regimented obedience but rather to encourage an understanding and acceptance of appropriate social behaviour. Our long term goal is to equip each student with the skills needed for self control, social competence and empathy with others, along with leadership opportunities, self confidence and a positive self-image. Part of our mission is to develop caring and responsible people. In line with that goal, the school has developed a Behaviour Management Plan that specifically states our rules and exactly how children can follow them. There is also a description of the consequences for not following the expectations. It also states the rights and responsibilities of all students, parents and teachers within the school. The expectations are reviewed with students on a regular basis. The Student, the Family, the School Strong communication and support between parent and school supports the intimacy which typifies the Sommerville Manor tradition. Ultimately the responsibility for academic success lies in all three areas with the family and school working together to support the student and provide guidance, learning opportunities and teaching expertise. Parents are highly visible at Sommerville and their interest is welcomed. SPA, our parent association, is a group of enthusiastic and devoted parents who actively work toward creating an atmosphere of unity and school spirit. Parent involvement is reflected at a group level in social and special events and on an individual basis in the support given to maintaining the school's academic and behavioural standards. For more information about parent involvement, please see the Parents section.
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The information below outlines the set of
principles that guide the everyday life and spirit of Sommerville Manor as
well as short and long term planning for our school.