Signet Christian School

• Curriculum Traditional
  [Show definition of Curriculum]

  Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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  Curriculum approach at Signet Christian School: Traditional

  Signet Christian School has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

  [Show: About Traditional?]

  Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Traditional - 43%
    Liberal arts - 16%
    Progressive - 27%
    Montessori - 12%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  What Signet Christian School says: The Signet Christian curriculum is carrying out our mission to impact lives purposefully with their Christ-centered education. This means we focus on academic and personal development. There is an emphasis on knowledge acquisition and theoretical and academic learning. Extracurricular activities include visual, musical, and dramatic arts which are available at all grade levels. French and coding are part of the curriculum from kindergarten onward. Sports and Gym are favorites and each class has access to computers to enhance learning. As well, our focus is to create an environment where each heart is open to build faith and a relationship with Christ. This solid foundation enhances learning and growth in and beyond the classroom. How we focused on the Christian lifestyle is through the lives of our staff. At Signet, we are supportive of the student's whole person.

  Approach:

  Focus	Religious-based
  Academic	Christian (Non-denominational)

  If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
  If you want to learn more about Christian education, check out our comprehensive guide.

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Traditional Math
    Mathematics approach at Signet Christian School: Traditional Math

    Signet Christian School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional Math?]

    Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional math - 30%
      Discovery math - 4%
      Equal balance - 66%
    

    What Signet Christian School says: We encourage frequent repetition and drills to ensure mastery in the procedures. We then borrow a few new concepts form Discovery Math where the children spend some quality time in critical thinking and number sense but not before understanding. This goes according to our belief that discovery is not random, but once you establish procedural understanding then conceptual and applied understanding will follow. In the higher grades, students teach each other to consolidate understanding and enrich application to real problems. At these grades, although traditional math is used the students are taught how to logically arrive at their solutions and can articulate this. Higher grades lean more heavily on Traditional Math methodology.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: Discovery Math, Nelson Math, MathSmart

    Calculator policy: Calculators are allowed when specified by the teacher. All calculator use must be proved on paper in the higher grades and in lower grade calculator use is to discover numerical patterns.

  • Early Reading Phonics-intensive
    Early Reading approach at Signet Christian School: Phonics-intensive

    Signet Christian School has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language , Balanced Literacy approach).

    [Show: About Phonics-intensive?]

    Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

    Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

      Phonics-intensive - 44%
      Whole language - 2%
      Balanced literacy - 54%
    

    What Signet Christian School says: Our Early Reading approach is phonics based. As a base young child read by recognizing and sounding out the letters and syllables of words; blending sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. However, we have found that we need to use Whole language at times because of age or stage of development. So in the Kindergarten years and Grade 1, we teach phonics in a specific sequence and use extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

    DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What Signet Christian School says: NO. We use Abeka Phonics - US Christian Curriculum

  • Writing Equal balance
    Writing approach at Signet Christian School: Equal balance

    Signet Christian School has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 81%
      Systematic approach - 9%
      Process approach - 10%
    

    What Signet Christian School says: We teach the beginner writer to start writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. We create an inspirational environment which conditions and encourages a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve. Students learn to express their thoughts, feelings, experiences, opinions, and/or ideas in a written composition using standard forms of writing and grade specific conventions for intended purposes. They develop into a systematic writing process leading to editing checklists to proofread and revise their work so that they may complete their good copy. Creative writing and story composition are encouraged at all grade levels.

  • Science Equal Balance
    Science approach at Signet Christian School: Equal Balance

    Signet Christian School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 6%
      Inquiry - 26%
    

    Teaching approach: Our science curriculum in the lower grades is organized into four strands which are Understanding Life Systems, Understanding Structures and Mechanisms, Understanding Matter and Energy, and Understanding Earth and Space Systems. Students are not only taught the basic concepts of science but inquiry skills through experimentation. They are also encouraged to relate what they have learned to society and the environment. As they enter the higher grades they add more "doing" as they work on projects, and experiment in labs as interactive and engaging in simulations. They enjoy the annual Science fair for Grades 3 and above.

    Treatment of evolution:

    Subject	offered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    Subject	offered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature Equal Balance
    Literature approach at Signet Christian School: Equal Balance

    Signet Christian School has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 23%
      Social justice - 4%
    

    What Signet Christian School says: At Signet, we expose students to different styles and a variety of genres. We pick examples that will spark student interest. We teach students research and critical thinking skills and as they read, they should jump in, and engage in the social issues pertaining to the wider community.

  • Social Studies Core Knowledge
    Social Studies approach at Signet Christian School: Core Knowledge

    Signet Christian School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities , Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Core Knowledge?]

    Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Core knowledge - 43%
      Expanding communities - 28%
      Thematic - 29%
    

    What Signet Christian School says: The expectations for the social studies curriculum are divided into two strands which are Heritage and Identity and People and Environments for the lower grades. Students are taught to investigate and explore events, developments, and/or issues that occurred in history and determine their impact by making connections between the past and the present.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Signet Christian School: Equal Balance

    Signet Christian School has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 82%
      Perennialism - 9%
      Pragmatism - 9%
    

    What Signet Christian School says: We use research and inquiry skills to analyze the significance of the past for today. We allow students to engage in thoughtful reflection and expression as well as to analyze situations from different perspectives.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
    Foreign Languages approach at Signet Christian School: Equal Balance

    Signet Christian School has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 64%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 34%
    

    What Signet Christian School says: A balance of Audio-Lingual and Communicative is used group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes are used but we also expect students to correctly imitate the teacher in French.

  • Fine Arts Equal Balance
    Fine Arts approach at Signet Christian School: Equal Balance

    Signet Christian School has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 59%
      Receptive - 2%
      Creative - 39%
    

    Program offers:

    Subject	offered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Signet Christian School says: We provide an Equal Balance approach between Receptive and Creative/Studio-work in our arts programs. We cover art history and appreciation as well as spending time Expressive methodology creating or “making” art. Students learn about various artistic works and movements, and are asked to reflect on their underlying aesthetic features and principles. We aim to develop their cognitive, emotional, and aesthetic sensibilities by doing and from a knowledge of the history and appreciation of the art form. For the lower grades students are taught grade specific elements that relate to each of the art disciplines. They are then given the opportunity to use these forms to create or perform works that convey or express thoughts, feelings, and or ideas through the arts. They are also encouraged to make connections, analyse, and communicate the meaning or the message of their own work or the works of others.

  • Computers and Technology Light integration
    Computers and Technology approach at Signet Christian School: Light integration

    Signet Christian School has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration , Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Light integration?]

    Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Light integration - 22%
      Heavy integration - 31%
      Medium integration - 47%
    

    What Signet Christian School says: In the lower grades, there is a light integration of Computers and Technology. Computers are used to support subject-based learning through the use of videos, interactive websites, and word processing skills. However, as we look at Grades 3 and up, we use more integration as Medium. Here, computers are used in the classroom from time to time but they are not a dominant focus. Teachers provide various opportunities for the student to engage in research as well as to produce work via this medium. We ensure safe practices on the internet. Students may sign up to bring their own device if they need it for the accommodation of the curriculum. During Coding class all students from Grade 3 up get hands-on with laptops, tablets, and other devices. Some basic programming of robots is taught here.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Signet Christian School says: At Signet our curriculum for Gym and Health education reflects Christian values. We teach skills such as teamwork, sports skills, how to be healthy (spiritually, mentally and physically). We encourage students to participate in a range of Sports and physical activities.

  • Religious Education We have one or two required religion courses.

    What Signet Christian School says: Highly Integrated is the best definition for our Religious Education, although we do not term any subjects as "secular". God is central according to our worldview. We foster core spiritual values and up to grade 6, we use the ACSI Bible Curriculum covering Bible characters and the character traits they possessed. We cover the life of Jesus and discuss what it means to be a Christian. Prayer for each other and for our community is a daily exercise and the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, is key. We seek to share practical ways that each person can live out his/her faith so that he/she may impact society for Christ. Although we believe that the text is the literal word of God, we believe He helps us to interpret it in our present circumstance and so discussion is important so that together we can better apply these teachings.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.
  • Sex and health education

    Signet Christian School's approach to sex-ed: Please contact the school and come for a tour to know more!

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Early Reading

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Religious Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Preschool/K Curriculum Academic
  [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

  Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

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  Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Signet Christian School: Academic

  Signet Christian School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).

  [Show: About Academic?]

  Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

  Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Academic - 41%
    Play-based - 23%
    Montessori - 28%
    Waldorf - 2%
    Reggio emilia - 6%
  

  What Signet Christian School says: Our Kindergarten is unique because we use Christian Curriculum as we focus on Academics to prepare the child with the foundation for learning. Lead by experienced teachers, our Christian curriculum is designed to teach multiple subjects in both seated and kinesthetic modes. (ABeka Curriculum). We believe that understanding truth and values start from very young ages. Character training and leadership of self and others are introduced through creative teaching methods. As core values are laid, kindergarten is such a fun phase and lessons are stepping blocks for life.

• Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
  [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

  This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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  Curriculum Pace approach at Signet Christian School: Standard-enriched

  Signet Christian School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 56%
    Accelerated - 16%
    Student-paced - 28%
  

  What Signet Christian School says: We use Christian curriculum in our kindergarten. Character training and leadership of self and others enrich our clubs, and extracurricular activities and school projects. These activities make school fun for personal development and build enduring friendships.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	offered
  Subject-streaming (tracking)
  Multi-age classrooms as standard
  Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
  Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
  Regular guided independent study opportunities
  Differentiated assessment

  What Signet Christian School says about flexible pacing: Our Elementary has paired grades so we group and stream to teach both ages and stages. Our Grades 9 - 12 curriculum supports the Ministry of Education guidelines offering OSSD. Our courses are enhanced due to the smaller class sizes and we offer guided independent study with opportunities for research.

• Academic Culture Supportive
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

  Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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  Academic Culture approach at Signet Christian School: Supportive

  Signet Christian School has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).

  [Show: About Supportive?]

  A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Supportive - 53%
    Rigorous - 47%
  

  What Signet Christian School says: At Signet Christian we have a strong academic culture, however, it is seated in a supportive environment. Signet's academic focus is to achieve excellence and to do this we believe this is reliant directly upon the presence of a solid foundation of character and positive support from teachers and family. So we remain close to families to ensure the student's high academic performance. We believe a balanced life bears the fruit of true success. Children who have cultivated these core values are thus successful in all their endevours, not just academics.

• Developmental priorities Spiritual
  [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

  Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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  Primary Developmental Priority: Spiritual

  The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

  "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

  What Signet Christian School says: As a holistic school, we want all students to grow in mind, body, and spirit. However, children come to us with a variety of needs and strengths. Over the years Signet graduates speak of not only the academic growth but of preparedness for an ever-changing world, As God's "signet ring" we believe we are His signature making an impact where we go. With students from different faith background we are able to share our faith within an environment where everyone feels loved and belongs.

• Special needs support No support
  [Show definition of Special needs support]

  Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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  Signet Christian School offers No support

  Signet Christian School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  What Signet Christian School says about their special need support: For LD or ADHD upon entry a period of assessment during the first term is conducted. Then an appropriate accommodation strategy is set up with the permission of the parents. Support for students with clinically diagnosed Learning Disabilities is limited at this time, however, if there is an opening it can be discussed. (K through 8 only). A recent Psych-Educational evaluation is required before we can make a decision for placement.

  Academic Support:

  Subject Type	offered
  Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
  Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Type	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

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  Summary: Accommodations, modification or pullout -i.e. support for academic subjects and other general support (specific to the IEP) as needed will be customized with the input of the parent and rolled out at an additional cost.

  A - Forms of Support

  Accommodation:

  Modification:

  Remediation:

  B - Environments

  Indirect Support:

  Resource Assistance:

  Withdrawal Assistance:

  Partial Integration:

  Full-Time Class:

  
  

  Special NeedNeed

  Forms of SupportA

  EnvironmentsB

  ADHD

  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

    Dyscalculia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

    Dysgraphia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

    Language Processing Disorder

    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism

    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

    Asperger's Syndrome

    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

    Down syndrome

    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

    Intellectual disability

    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

    Williams syndrome

    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

    Clinical Depression

    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

    Clinical anxiety

    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

    Suicidal thoughts

    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

    Drug and alcohol abuse

    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis

    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

    Cerebral palsy

    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

    Muscular dystrophy

    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

    Spina Bifida

    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

    Blindness

    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

    Deafness

    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

    Cystic Fibrosis

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

    Multiple physical

    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

  Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

• Gifted learner support No Support
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

  Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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  Dedicated gifted programs:

  Program	offered
  Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
  Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

  Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)

  In-class adaptations:

  Program	offered
  Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
  Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
  Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
  Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
  Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
  Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
  Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
  Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
  Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

  What Signet Christian School says: We do not have a gifted program at this time.

• Language English
  Signet Christian School offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• Homework Policy
  [Show definition of Homework Policy]

  Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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  In grade Gr. 12, Signet Christian School students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Signet Christian School	0 mins	0 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	45 mins	60 mins	90 mins	120 mins	120 mins
  Site Average	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	23 mins	30 mins	35 mins	41 mins	52 mins	56 mins	69 mins	80 mins	97 mins	106 mins

  What Signet Christian School says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

• Report Card Policy
  [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

  While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 1 to Gr. 12
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	JK to Gr. 12
  Academic achievement reporting	JK to SK
  Habits and behaviour reporting	JK to Gr. 8
  Parent-teacher meetings	JK to Gr. 12

I took my first tour of Signet Christian I was able to see up close and personal, greeted warmly by the children and staff. I was able to visit a class and talk to a teacher and I couldn't help but connect with their friendly faces and an atmosphere of peace.

I came because I knew of a few interesting stories, one was of a transfer student who had come there a few years ago running away from a bullying incident in another school. Now because of Signet, he was happy and energized again, loving life and school. I also heard another story of a young 3rd grader who changed schools to come to Signet and was a withdrawn child who was no longer afraid to make friends. Large crowds had made him uneasy. But I noticed Signet's secret, with its small 5 - 10 children classrooms, it was the best place for him to become socially alive and able to see life without clouds overhead.

I heard a story about some of the families who had started Signet from Kindergarten. After years of elementary school they were well balanced, god-fearing young people who were part of the core of this Christian School. An amazing story was about a teenage girl who came from a faraway land and had to slow herself down to learn English. Although it was not easy for her, she kept going with the encouragement of the Signet teachers and her peers, and now she is happy studying in English at her College in Toronto.

I came to visit Signet found secrets revealed. I came to find the secret is in Christian education, being guided by the values and principles in the word of God. I visited classrooms, where the secret to academic excellence was in the supportive system which children need. I came to see the secret in the life and passion in the classroom was due to every learning style being addressed and their special events,  Science fair, Sports day, a FUND raising collection drive, a musical when the all-school cast performs catering to every student.

I saw secrets revealed in plain sight. I saw that it would be fun to learn in this environment, where innovative instruction is a foundation for students to get connected to life and each other.

The truth is, as I came to visit, I kept coming back, I found ways to volunteer and I eventually took a seat on their robust Board of Directors. Now I am the principal of this amazing place where children shine.

Come discover more as I did at Signet.

Catherine Dumé, MBA, MA Ed, (Honours), is an educator, ordained minister, and head of school since her appointment by the Board in 2014. Mrs. Dumé, an international education consultant, has held posts as a Director of a Bible College and teacher of a Special Education Unit. She was educated at Oral Roberts University, OK. and is a level 1 Educational Therapist with Certification from the National Institute of Learning Development in Toronto. She is a wife to Frantz and a mother of 3 and is passionate about child development.