The Ontario Ministry of Education is redesigning its overall education plan in an exercise titled "Building The Next Phase in Ontario’s Education Strategy. “Great to Excellent”". The ministry has requested input from School Communities across the Province. In an effort to give a specific voice to the needs and wants of Bowmore Road Jr. and Sr. Public School the School Council will be collecting student, parent, and teacher responses to the Ministry's "7 Questions". Please take a few moments to answer the "7 Questions" (below) and voice your opinion on how the Ministry can better meet the education needs of our children. What do you think the Ontario Government can change to enhance your children's education? What do you feel the Ontario government should be paying for (programs, staffing, resources, infrastructure) so that your children receive the best possible education?

The responses from the Bowmore Community will be summarized for submission to the Ministry by November 15th and posted for review by the Bowmore Community. Please complete this survey by November 10th. More information on the Ministry consultations can be found at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/about/consultation.html.
(Note: Below each question is a short piece identifying some of the specific challenges faced by Bowmore Rd PS; you may choose to agree or disagree with any of these points and are encouraged to add your own opinions and perspectives. Point form comments will make organization and summary easier for the final report.)

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* 1. What are the skills, knowledge and characteristics students need to succeed after they have completed school, and how do we better support all learners in their development?

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* 2. What does student well-being mean to you, and what is the role of the school in supporting it?
(Note: Each school in the TDSB receives the same social work and psychology resources regardless of size or programs. Bowmore has 740 students and 10 special education classes, and within these special programs are students that need additional support and guidance. Parents and teachers of these students also need support to address student learning and challenges.)

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* 3. From your perspective, what further opportunities exist to close gaps and increase equity to support all children and students in reaching their full potential?
(Note: Bowmore currently has 740 students from a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds and a wide range of learning needs. In 2014 we will also include full day kindergarten. We receive the same library resources (staff, supplies, equipment) and social psychology resources as a school with 150 children. In addition there is little support for students/families outside the classroom such as support for students once at home or support for families to help students in need. )

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* 4. How does the education system need to evolve as a result of changes to child care and the implementation of full-day kindergarten?
(Bowmore: Full-Day Learning provides childcare for JK and SK during school hours but it does not address the needs of siblings in schools nor does it address after school or summer care for young children. At Bowmore many students go home alone and there is no one there to support them with homework until the dinner-hour. Parents doing shift work face additional challenges without comprehensive and inclusive childcare.)

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* 5. What more can we all do to keep students engaged, foster their curiosity and creativity, and help them develop a love of life-long learning?
(Note: The Ministry currently pays for texts, small additional funds for grade 7/8 manipulative resources, library books ($20 full time student and $10 half time student), and limited funding for release of teachers for professional development. The Ministry does not pay for equivalent (per student) access to technology, infrastructure, or resources across schools in Ontario.)

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* 6. How can we use technology more effectively in teaching and learning?
(Note: The technology budget is very limited in TDSB schools. This year Bowmore has $6000 allocated for technology purchase across the entire school and there are no separate funds for hardware replacement (e.g. projector bulbs which cost $200/ea). Last year Bowmore purchased 2 Smartboards and a Mac Book to support film-making, however these do not include educational software or software licenses. We do not have any tablets or innovative technology for students nor is there a budget to purchase software/licenses for the school or basic technology such as a wireless hub. If you know families in other schools or school boards you may ask to compare notes with them.)

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* 7. In summary, what are the various opportunities for partnership that can enhance the student experience, and how can they benefit parents, educators and our partners too?
(Note: Partnerships need professionals with expertise that want to commit to students and schools to expand the traditional learning environment. It is unclear what sort of partnerships the Ministry is willing to consider, making this an open-ended question. What experience do you feel our students need and what type of expertise will be needed to deliver that experience? At Bowmore we currently have specialized programs including Robotics; Film Making; Hands on Learning without professional partnership.)

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* 8. (optional) Are you a:

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