The following are nine key features of Lord Aylmer identified by staff, parents and students as important aspects of our 3-year vision. When someone enters our school in June of 2022, we would expect to see, hear and feel the following:
1. Peaceful, Positive School
Lord Aylmer strives to maintain, promote and instill a peaceful, positive school environment, which fosters growth of our students. An essential component of this environment is mutual respect. We promote respectful interactions and good manners between all members of our school community. We establish routines, which allow student academic and behaviour expectations to be clearly understood by all. We strive to ensure every member of our school community feels valued and that their position in our community is important. Some of the ways we create a sense of belonging and feeling of community are through Spirit Days, special events and recognition assemblies. Visitors to the school will notice quiet halls during class time and students being greeted as they enter the buildings. Being respectful toward and taking pride in our physical environment, (cleaning, maintenance and esthetics), are also important in establishing a positive school community.
2. High Academic Standards
Lord Aylmer maintains high academic standards for all students. We promote thinking and reasoning skills, a growth mindset, collaboration and high academic achievement, all within a bilingual environment. We maintain high quality instruction, which is continuously being developed through professional development opportunities for staff. We believe in optimizing time on task, friendly academic competition and lessons that use a Universal Design framework. These allow for learners to acquire and express their learning in a variety of ways. Student learning is showcased through rich opportunities, such as the Science Fair, International Fair, Biographies and Vernissage, to name a few.
3. Strong Family and Community Partnerships
Lord Aylmer has very strong family and community partnerships. The Lord Aylmer Home and School is very active within the school community, planning engaging events that bring our school community together. The Lord Aylmer Home and School are vital to our school’s positive school culture. Our Governing Board works to oversee the many parts of the school’s operations, though collaboration with parents, staff and administration. The City of Gatineau, Connexions and CISSSO all provide complementary services that support our students’ wellbeing.
4. Strong Citizenship Education / Values-based Learning
Lord Aylmer provides students with strong citizenship education and value-based learning. Staff work to model the values we promote and approach all professional and student learning with a growth mindset. Students and staff take initiative in presenting our core virtues at our monthly assemblies and are recognized with awards for practicing them in their daily lives. Through classroom meetings and social skills training, students explore and reflect upon the citizenship skills practiced in order to grow as people. Having a strong sense of self and shared values both contribute to a sense of belonging and feeling part of a community.
5. Holistic Development
Lord Aylmer strives to provide learning and development opportunities for the whole child. Both inside and outside the classroom, various experiences are offered through our arts programs, noon hour activities, sporting events and academic competitions which allow students to explore and fully develop their talents and interests.
In addition, our inclusive school culture values diversity, with staff and students, appreciating our similarities and differences. These differences are not only respected but are leveraged to help us learn and grow. A UDL framework helps provide the structure for this approach. Students learn and express their learning in many ways, giving them ownership and accountability of the learning process. The UDL framework also helps develop a culture of caring within classrooms, through a focus on social and emotional community development.
6. Fostering of Bilingualism
With a dual track system in place, Lord Aylmer offers students in both the French Immersion and English (French Second Language) program the opportunity to develop their skills in both official languages. Morning announcements are done in both English and French and monthly assemblies which are also done in both languages in order to highlight the importance of bilingualism. Students are exposed to French-Canadian music, stories and traditions to help enhance their learning experiences.
7. Inclusiveness
Lord Aylmer offers all students opportunities to participate in activities and events. Part of the Lord Aylmer philosophy is having an inclusive environment for all students and ensuring equal access to quality education regardless of race, religion, language, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identification or ability. Lord Aylmer promotes a sense of belonging and school spirit by encouraging staff members and students wear school apparel on spirit days.
8. Environmental Responsibility
Lord Aylmer strives to be environmentally responsible. The outdoor classroom provides students an opportunity to explore different environmental opportunities such as horticulture, botany, and landscaping. Students and staff can use this location as an alternative work space or relax in the courtyard. Students feel responsible and empowered to recycle, compost and clean the yard. Students understand the importance of being environmentally responsible and recognize the impact they can have if they do their part. Students work alongside members of staff to find ways to reduce the school’s environmental footprint.
9. Student Leadership
The Lord Aylmer School community values its students as leaders in the school and in the community. Students take part in various committees in which they are consulted and in which they help make school-based decisions. Student Leaders are trained to be ambassadors for special events, to welcome new students to the school, to model behaviour, and to act as mentors for younger peers. Senior campus students take part in opportunities to showcase their leadership skills with Junior Campus students through a variety of projects.