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// **Learning with strength and in gentleness** // MISSION GOAL To create an environment that fosters a love of learning and values the gifts and talents of each member, while striving for excellence in education.
 * Learning and Teaching at St. James the Apostle PS**[[image:stjlogonew.gif align="left"]]

**Teaching and Learning Statements **
Central to the education process here at St James the Apostle are our beliefs about teaching and learning. The following statements express the ways in which we believe we can make teaching and learning effective.

· Children learn best in a happy and safe environment where the principles and values of the Gospel are demonstrated through the collaboration and modeling of each member of our faith filled community.

· Teachers teach best when they take into account the needs of the //whole// child in a pastoral sense. Providing guidance in a positive manner, which takes into account the child’s self-esteem, encourages risk taking and allows for ownership by each member of our community.

· Teachers teach best when they consider the needs of individual students acknowledging social, economic, physical, intellectual or cultural backgrounds and reflect critically on the purpose and value of what is taught and how it is taught.

· Children learn best when the curriculum is relevant, varied, meaningful, interesting, valued, challenging and carefully planned so that they are actively involved in gaining new experiences while further developing previous experiences.

· Children learn best when the curriculum is supported by relevant and quality resources that facilitate the use of the most advanced and proven educational techniques and technologies.

· Teaching and learning occur best when teachers are well informed, encouraged to broaden and share their professional skills and supported in their ongoing development to accommodate the varied learning styles and facilitate student proficiency in the use of information technology and telecommunication.