Ross Road School Story

2025-2026

 

Vision at Ross Road

School Context & Vision

Ross Road Elementary is located in a beautiful forested setting in Lynn Valley, bordered by Hastings Creek to the south and the North Shore Mountains to the north. Our dual-track school offers both English and French Immersion programs. In the 2025–2026 school year, we serve over 480 students from Kindergarten to Grade 7, supported by approximately 60 staff members.

Beyond the classroom, Ross Road offers a wide range of clubs and extracurricular opportunities that encourage students to explore their interests in athletics, environmental stewardship, robotics, reading, and music. Our Band and Strings programs further reflect our commitment to a rich and engaging learning experience that fosters creativity, teamwork, and leadership.

Ross Road is an inclusive and caring community dedicated to the success and well-being of every learner. We cultivate a safe, respectful environment where diversity is celebrated, relationships are strengthened, and lifelong learning is encouraged. Our goal is for all students to feel supported and included—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our core values—creativity, critical thinking, truth and reconciliation, and inclusion—guide our work in developing compassionate, curious, and engaged learners who respect themselves, others, and the land. We are proud of our strong community, where students, families, and staff work together to build meaningful connections and support learning.

 

Acknowledgement of Traditional Territory

With gratitude, École Ross Road Elementary acknowledges that we learn, grow, and thrive on the traditional, ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

Connection to the District Strategic Plan

Ross Road Elementary’s vision and school goals align with the North Vancouver School District’s Strategic Plan. Key priorities include student-centred learning, innovative instructional practices, inclusive and welcoming schools, mental health and well-being, truth and reconciliation, and environmental stewardship.

Guided by the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning, Ross Road focuses on the development of the whole child by addressing academic, social, and emotional needs. Through intentional, equitable, and reflective practices, we strengthen student engagement, support continuous improvement, and ensure learning experiences are meaningful, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of our learners.

 

Guiding Principles and Values

Respectful Community
We foster compassion, collaboration, and active engagement in a safe, caring environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Diversity and Inclusion
We honour and celebrate the unique identities of all members of our community, promoting equity and ensuring all voices are heard.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
We support the development of self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness, nurturing both well-being and academic success.

Truth and Reconciliation
We honour the history, language, and culture of the Skwxwú7mesh and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We integrate Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing to enrich learning for all.

Creativity and Critical Thinking
We promote innovation, inquiry, and problem-solving, empowering students to think critically and explore ideas with confidence.

Environmental Stewardship
We encourage responsible action and sustainability, fostering a deep respect for the natural environment and a commitment to protecting it for future generations.

 

School Goals, Objectives & Actions

Goal 1: Build Positive Relationships Across the School Community

Objectives & Actions

1. Strengthen Student–Staff Connections

• Embed consistent community-building practices (e.g., class meetings, buddy activities, inclusive discussions).
• Teach and model gratitude, appreciation, empathy, and respectful communication, including how to navigate disagreement and consider multiple perspectives.
• Provide meaningful opportunities for student voice and leadership (e.g., student council, leadership roles).

2. Strengthen Family Engagement

• Host inclusive, community-building events in partnership with PAC (e.g., Pancake Breakfast, movie nights, Spring Carnival).
• Use clear, consistent communication (newsletters, digital platforms) to keep families informed and connected.
• Intentionally increase opportunities for informal, face-to-face interactions between staff and families to build strong partnerships.
• Share regular, positive feedback about students (e.g., recognition notes, “gold stars”).

3. Foster Peer Relationships

• Provide cross-grade mentorship and buddy opportunities.
• Promote inclusive play, collaboration, and student leadership during class time and recess.
• Support development of social responsibility, resilience, and conflict resolution skills.

4. Build Staff Collaboration and Culture

• Schedule regular collaboration time for staff, including cross-program (English–French) connections.
• Foster a positive staff culture through recognition, appreciation, and team-building opportunities.

5. Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

• Integrate cultural awareness, identity, and inclusion into classroom learning and school-wide events.
• Reflect the diversity of the school community through resources, displays, and learning experiences.

 

Goal 2: Foster a Love of Reading and Writing for All

Objectives & Actions

1. Strengthen Foundational Literacy Skills

• Implement evidence-informed literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading.
• Provide explicit and systematic teaching of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding as the foundation for literacy success.

2. Create Engaging Literacy Experiences

• Organize school-wide reading initiatives and events (e.g., Battle of the Books, book clubs, themed literacy days).
• Celebrate student writing through sharing opportunities and publishing projects.

3. Expand Access to Diverse Texts

• Enhance classroom and library collections with diverse, culturally responsive, and age-appropriate materials.
• Provide access to digital reading platforms for use at school and home.

4. Integrate Literacy Across the Curriculum

• Embed reading and writing in all subject areas through inquiry-based and cross-curricular learning.
• Encourage creativity and critical thinking through authentic literacy tasks.

5. Promote Student Voice, Choice, and Engagement

• Provide choice in reading materials and writing topics to foster ownership and motivation.

6. Celebrate Progress and Build Home–School Connections

• Recognize student growth through reading challenges and writing celebrations.
• Engage families through literacy events and shared strategies to support reading and writing at home.

 

Goal 3: Foster Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability

Objectives & Actions

1. Reduce Waste

• Implement and maintain school-wide recycling and composting systems.

2. Conserve Energy

• Promote energy-saving habits (e.g., lights off, power-down routines, sweater days).
• Build awareness of environmental impact through ongoing initiatives.

3. Integrate Environmental Learning

• Embed environmental education across grade levels and subject areas.
• Participate in events such as Earth Day and community clean-up projects.

4. Enhance Outdoor Learning and Green Spaces

• Maintain and develop the school garden, including planting native species.
• Use outdoor spaces to support hands-on learning, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility.

 

Review: Monitoring, Assessment, and     Reflection

Ongoing Assessment and Reflection

Ross Road Elementary uses an ongoing cycle of assessment, reflection, and adjustment to support student learning and school improvement. Each school goal is supported by clear strategies, regular monitoring, and responsive adjustments based on evidence.

Formative Assessment: Monitoring Progress

Goal 1: Positive Relationships
Progress is monitored through classroom observations, student and staff feedback, and reflections on school climate. Evidence includes student voice, participation in community-building activities, and informal data gathered throughout the year.

Goal 2: Reading and Writing
Progress is tracked through classroom-based assessments, student reflections, and ongoing staff feedback. Early literacy development (K–3) is monitored using reading progressions and foundational skills data, while Grades 4 and 7 data (including FSAs) help inform overall growth and achievement. Instruction is adjusted in response to this evidence.

Goal 3: Environmental Stewardship
Progress is assessed through student participation, engagement, and reflection. Evidence includes involvement in initiatives such as environmental activities, salmon programs, waste reduction efforts, and use of the school garden as a learning space.

Summative Assessment: Evaluating Impact

We assess the effectiveness of our goals using a range of evidence collected throughout the year, including surveys, observations, and student work. Key questions guiding this process include:

• What evidence shows that students are engaged in learning aligned with our goals?
• What changes are evident in student relationships and overall school climate?
• Are students demonstrating increased confidence and interest in reading and writing?
• How do literacy assessment results reflect student growth?
• What feedback are we receiving from students, staff, and families?

Data sources may include classroom assessments, the Student Learning Survey, FSAs, and school-based feedback processes.

Reflection and Ongoing Improvement

To ensure continuous improvement, we regularly reflect on our practices and adjust as needed. Guiding questions include:

• What is working well, and what needs refinement?
• What barriers are impacting progress?
• How can we better support diverse learners?
• What additional resources or professional learning are needed?

The 2025–2026 school year will serve as a baseline for future data collection, particularly through the Student Learning Survey, allowing us to track trends and growth over time.

Collaborative Approach

We are committed to working collaboratively with students, staff, and families to monitor progress, gather meaningful feedback, and refine our approaches. Through this ongoing cycle of evidence-based reflection and action, we aim to continuously strengthen student learning, well-being, and community connection.

For Staff

• What changes have you observed in student engagement, relationships, or literacy skills?
• How have the strategies we implemented supported or challenged your teaching practice?
• In what ways have students responded to the focus on building positive relationships?
• Have you noticed increased enthusiasm or confidence in reading and writing?
• What professional learning or resources have been most helpful in supporting these goals?

For Students

• How do you feel about your relationships with classmates and teachers this year?
• What kinds of reading or writing activities did you enjoy the most? Why?
• Do you feel more confident in your reading and writing skills now than at the start of the year?
• What helped you feel included and supported at school?
• What would make learning even better for you?

For Parents and Guardians

• Have you noticed any changes in your child’s attitude toward reading and writing?
• How does your child talk about their relationships and experiences at school?
• Do you feel the school is creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for your family?
• What school activities or strategies have had the most positive impact on your child’s learning?
• How can the school better support your child’s growth and well-being?

 

Communication & Engagement

Engagement

Staff Engagement

Staff play an active role in school planning throughout the year. In collaboration with administration, representatives from CUPE and NVTA contribute to the school planning team, ensuring diverse perspectives are included.

Regular staff meetings and dedicated collaboration time support reflection, shared learning, and progress toward school goals. A focused effort this year on co-developing goals strengthened staff ownership, alignment, and collective responsibility.

Student Voice

Student voice is a key component of school planning at Ross Road. Students contributed to the development of school goals through classroom discussions and brainstorming, ensuring their ideas and perspectives were reflected.

Leadership students also participated in Family of Schools (FOS) Dinner and Dialogue sessions, offering valuable input and helping shape the school’s direction.

Family & Partner Engagement

Families are important partners in the school planning process. Input is gathered through participation on the school planning team, PAC meetings, and Family of Schools (FOS) Dinner and Dialogue sessions.

These opportunities strengthen connections between home and school, support shared understanding of priorities, and ensure school goals reflect the broader community.

Strategic Alignment

District Alignment

Ross Road Elementary’s goals align with the North Vancouver School District Strategic Plan, which emphasizes student-centred learning, inclusive environments, innovative instruction, well-being, truth and reconciliation, and environmental stewardship.

• Goal 1: Positive Relationships
  Supports inclusive, safe, and connected learning environments through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), community-building, and student voice.
• Goal 2: Reading and Writing
  Advances student-centred and effective instruction in English and French, building strong literacy skills alongside creativity and critical thinking.
• Goal 3: Environmental Stewardship
  Reflects the district’s commitment to sustainability through actions that promote environmental responsibility and awareness.

These goals are grounded in Ross Road’s values of respect, inclusion, and creativity, and reflect a shared commitment to student success and well-being.

FESL (Framework for Enhancing Student Learning) Connection

Ross Road’s goals support all three areas of the FESL:

• Intellectual Development
  Strengthened through literacy learning, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement across the curriculum (Goal 2).
• Human and Social Development
  Supported through a focus on relationships, SEL, and a strong sense of belonging (Goal 1).
• Career Development
  Fostered through creativity, problem-solving, and responsible citizenship, including environmental stewardship and Indigenous perspectives (Goal 3).

 

2025–2026 School Plan Reflection

The 2025–2026 school year reflected a strong, collaborative focus on student learning, relationships, and environmental responsibility.

Goal 1: Positive Relationships

Progress was evident through increased student voice, cross-grade connections, and community-building activities. SEL practices and staff collaboration contributed to a positive school climate. Feedback indicated a strong sense of belonging, with continued focus needed on consistency and inclusive practices across classrooms.

Goal 2: Reading and Writing

Students demonstrated increased engagement and confidence through enriched literacy experiences, including reading events and writing opportunities. Assessment data (classroom-based, primary reading progressions, and FSA results) supported ongoing monitoring. Continued emphasis on foundational literacy alongside engagement will remain important.

Goal 3: Environmental Stewardship

Students were actively engaged in sustainability initiatives such as recycling, composting, salmon programs, and gardening. These experiences supported environmental awareness and responsible action. Future efforts will focus on deeper integration across classrooms and expanding student leadership opportunities.

Overall Reflection

Across all goals, ongoing assessment, reflection, and feedback enabled responsive adjustments throughout the year. This approach strengthened alignment with student needs and supported continuous improvement.

Ross Road Elementary made meaningful progress while reinforcing a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and student-centred learning. This work provides a strong foundation for future planning and continued growth.