St. Joseph's Curricular Programs page

Curricular Programs

GENERAL SCHOOL PROGRAM

The general school program consists of three components: the Religion Program, the Academic Program, and the Co-Curricular Program.

RELIGION PROGRAM

A. All students attending St. Joseph School will take part in religion classes and will attend the masses and liturgies, which are part of the regular school program.
B. Liturgical Celebrations – over the year, our school will provide opportunities for the students to participate in school Masses and prayer liturgies.
C. Grades 1 – 7 are following the “Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ” program while Grades 8 and 9 are following the ‘Born of the Spirit’ program. Both are approved by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
D. Sacramental Preparation is supported in Grade 2 (First Communion and Reconciliation), and Junior High (Confirmation). 

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Elementary 

1. The courses offered at St. Joseph School focus on seven basic subject areas: a) Language Arts b) Social Studies c) Mathematics d) Science e) Daily Physical Activity f) Religion / Health g) French. 

2. Evaluation – Evaluation procedures, rationale, and criteria are available from your child’s homeroom teacher.

3. Reporting Procedures – parents will have access to continual progress reporting through the use of the online reporting tool Fresh Grade (freshgrade.com).

4. Office hours – teachers will have set office hours throughout the year where they will be available to meet in person with parents. Please feel free to call or e-mail your child’s teacher anytime outside of office hours as needed.

5. Promotion Policy – promotion from grade to grade is generally based on two criteria: a) A student’s achievement as compared to his/her ability. b) The meeting of outcomes, based on the Program of Studies. Parents will be informed no later than the end of January if there is a possibility that a child will not be promoted.

Junior High

1. The courses offered at St. Joseph School focus on six basic subject areas: a) Language Arts b) Social Studies c) Mathematics d) Science e) Daily Physical Activity f) Religion / Health. 

2. In addition, we offer Complementary and Option Courses which also fit the C.T.F. (Career & Technology Foundation) strands from Alberta Education. They may include Band, Art, Drama, French, Computers, Construction Technology, Foods, Leadership, Athletics or Digital Yearbook.

3. Evaluation: All Core subjects, are graded on a percentage with comments. All Complementary & Option subjects: E –Excellent; P – Proficient; B Basic; NY – Not Yet.

4. Grade 8 and 9 classes will be semestered with students completing a final exam at the end of the semester. Grade 9’s will write Provincial Achievement Tests. 

5. Grade 6 and 7 classes are not semestered and students will write mid-term exams at the semester break and will write final exams in June. Grade 6’s will write Provincial Achievement Tests.

6. Academic awards are presented for proficiency in each grade. Students are recognized for outstanding achievement.

7. Reporting Procedures - No report cards will be issued until the end of the school year. Student progress is available on Power School all year.

8. Evaluation Policy: Following is a very brief summary of the evaluation policy for Grade 7, 8 and 9:
a) A student shall receive: i) In advance of instruction a clear statement of–course objectives–course content–course evaluation procedures with weighting assigned for facets of required term work and the final examination. ii) Comparable treatment from one class to another in – course objectives and content – evaluation procedures and criteria – standards of achievement. iii) At least three school days in advance of the final examination, his/her evaluation for the total term work in that course.
b) Final exam: The final examination shall encompass all the objectives of the course as prescribed by the Program of Studies.
c) A student has the right to appeal the final standing awarded in any subject.

9. Office hours – teachers will have set office hours throughout the year where they will be available to meet in person with parents. Please feel free to call or e-mail your child’s teacher anytime outside of office hours as needed. 

10. Promotion Policy – Promotion from grade to grade is generally based on two criteria:  a) A student’s achievement as compared to his ability.
b) The mastery of certain basic fundamentals in each grade. Parents will be informed if there is a possibility that their child will not be promoted. We will try to convey this information as soon as possible. 

Content © Holy Spirit Catholic School Division . Website Design © 2024 SchoolMessenger Presence. SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.