Programs
Character Education
Our school follows the YRDSB Character Education initiative, and believes the traits of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Empathy, Fairness, Initiative, Courage, Integrity, Perseverance, and Optimism are essential to the future success of our students.
We hold monthly gatherings that recognize students for upholding these values, and take the time to pause and reflect on positive examples of good character through class presentations, videos, and skits. Every member of our school community lives by these traits, and aspires to bring out the best in each other for the benefit of everyone.
Environment
Our school currently holds a platinum certification through the Ontario Eco-Schools Program, and is leading the way in the province in terms of recycling and composting initiatives. Our Eco-Team is made up of students and staff from grade one through grade eight, and through various eco initiatives, our school has made a dramatic impact on the local community and continues to participate in the global discussion by partnering with leaders across the country. Our community greening program saw over 400 trees planted in our community in 2011-2102, and through discussion, reflection and intense debate, our students are actively supporting the environment and the Native Peoples in Northern Alberta who have been impacted by the Oil Sands development. The Eco-Team has also fostered some friendly competition among classes with a student driven system for grading all rooms in the school for their eco-friendly status. Each month a plant is awarded to the classroom that scores the highest across all areas of focus.
Healthy Schools
DCPS is a member of the Ontario Healthy Schools Program and has identified Healthy Eating, and Physical Activity as our main areas of focus. In addition, the committee of students and teachers have demonstrated outstanding leadership by hosting intramurals, recess activities, fitness and yoga workshops, and actively encourage walking to school through the iWalk Ontario Program. Whether it is working with the Student Council to offer healthy snacks at recess, or offering an Apple Program where students have an apple delivered to them daily for a month, our eating habits have certainly been impacted. The committee has also been instrumental in raising awareness for Stem Cell and Bone Marrow matching through the OneMatch program.
Technology
DCPS is at the leading edge of innovation when it comes to technology literacy and student learning. Our students have access to over 180 computers, and with a relatively small population, it equates to approximately a 2.5:1 ratio of students to computing devices. In addition, every classroom in the school has wireless access, an LCD projector, an iPad, and a laptop, which facilitates the infusion of technology into all aspects of programming. All classes from Kindergarten to Grade 4 have a SmartBoard Interactive Whiteboard and use it on a daily basis. Teachers have access to laptop carts, handheld devices, video conferencing, digital media tools, and make use of the latest Web 2.0 tools, to differentiate instruction, and engage our learners. Having the tools, and the support of the Board to set up such an incredible learning environment is amazing, but what makes DCPS special is HOW our staff and students use these tools effectively. Our staff recognizes the need to prepare our students for a future where they are skilled critical thinkers, problem solvers, and able to use available technology to its full potential. We are constantly learning as a community, and in a manner that sees teachers and students exchange the role of sharing knowledge in a reciprocal relationship.
