Mission and Vision

Ernest C. Drury School for the Deaf is committed to providing our students educational and residential programs that are rich with opportunities to acquire and develop language, literacy, numeracy and inquiry skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and English in a diverse, multiculturally- enriched learning environment.

Through a bilingual-biliteracy-bicultural school and residence program, together with strong family and community partnerships, students gain an appreciation of various cultures including ASL culture and embrace equity and diversity as an integral part of their learning environment.

Principles

Our students will:

• develop biliteracy, numeracy and inquiry skills in ASL and English;
• develop an understanding of ASL and English culture within a diverse, multicultural society; and
• develop a cultural identity which supports well-being and active engagement within the ASL, English and global communities.

Biliteracy Skills

The goal of biliteracy skills for students is to develop a strong ability to use language to engage in higher-order thinking that involves the transformation of information and ideas in both languages (ASL and English). Biliteracy builds students’ capacity to: access, manage, create and evaluate ideas and information; think synthetically and analytically; communicate thoughts and ideas effectively; apply metacognitive knowledge skills; and develop a sense of self-efficacy and interest in life-long learning. Biliteracy skills provide students the ability to create cross-linguistic and cross-cultural connections between the two languages in a variety of contexts.

Having strong literacy skills in ASL and English provides students with a foundation for academic achievement as problem solvers with critical and creative thinking skills which leads to success as engaged citizens of the increasingly competitive global community.

Our Students

E.C.Drury Secondary School for the Deaf. has a student population of approximately 100 – 125 students. These students participate to a high degree in many co-curricular activities, learn in an extraordinary environment, and demonstrate high rates of achievement. Students in our program come to us from all over the province of Ontario as well as the elementary program. In recognition of our diverse community, the staff at ECD is especially dedicated to heightening student awareness regarding international and global issues, and to encouraging students to become contributing global citizens.

Our Staff

The committed and highly qualified staff at E.C. Drury prides itself on being a creative team focusing on the needs of its learners. With over 30 teachers and 15 support staff, programs are developed and delivered with a dedication to providing a motivating and challenging learning experience in a safe environment. A particular focus on assessment and evaluation practices continue to support effective teaching practices. Staff members are committed to supporting system initiatives, working to improve the learning and achievement of all students.

Parents and Community

E.C. Drury is located in the heart of the Milton community. Many students and neighborhood families enjoy use of the school facility, pool, and fields through school or community programs. Parents, students, staff and community give support to school activities through involvement in an active School Council. The School Council is committed to increasing parent involvement in the high school experience of their children by assisting with communication and organizing semi annual school events. , Many parents support student activities by enjoying drama productions, supervising school trips and cheering for our school teams with pride.

Academic Programs

E.C. Drury – Secondary. continues to focus on providing exceptional learning opportunities for its students. ECD is proud to offer a a Specialist High Skills Major Certificate Program in the area of Arts and Culture. This program enables qualified students with an interest in the world of arts and culture to earn a certificate at graduation, which recognizes this emphasis. The program provides a unique and stimulating environment that responds to the needs and abilities of those students seeking more relevance in their academic pursuits. Any student learning at the applied, academic, workplace, College or University level can earn this certificate by successfully completing a specific number of SHSM designated courses.

E.C. Drury Secondary School provides services designed to meet the individual needs of students identified with a variety of needs. All of our staff work carefully to program for and provide accommodations and modifications that are required for individual success. Our School offers credit courses, resource support, student success support, tutorials, credit recovery, credit rescue and credit counseling in order to meet the needs of all of our students.

E.C. Drury also offers a Life Skills program-serving students who, for cognitive reasons, are not expected to achieve an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students are taught independent living skills and vocational preparation so that they may contribute to the working world. ECD is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and an elevator. This program provides modifications, specialized equipment and personal care. We liaise with community agencies, employers and government services to promote self-advocacy and planning for the future. Students in this program have the opportunity to earn an Ontario Secondary School Certificate or a Certificate (OSSC) of Accomplishment. (COA)

ECD = Excellence in Character Education

Students, staff and the school community in Provincial Schools were involved in identifying 10 character attributes that guide the behaviours and practices of the members of the school community. Students and staff engage in teaching and dialogues of these 10 traits that include responsibility, respect, loyalty, trustworthiness, honesty, caring, friendliness, courage, confidence and fairness. As a result of this program, an anti-bullying policy and guideline was developed to assist students in identifying different roles in bullying relationships (bully, bystander, being bullied) in order to further support the principles of Character Education.