Independent Living Skills

 

Connect On

Student Living Skills

  • may be coming from self-contained programs or an integrated setting

  • will benefit from a smaller student – teacher ratio

  • are working on personal goals as outlined in their Individual Education Plan

  • are functioning well below age level academically

  • often have difficulty socially and have low self-esteem

  • are tactile and experiential learners

  • may require additional support in relation to behaviour, personal, physical or emotional needs

  • Educational Assistants will be available to support student needs, as necessary

Areas of focus

Personal Health and Well-being

The students will participate in a variety of activities that focus on:

  • developing or improving motor skills
  • self care
  • building relationships
  • developing skills of daily living

Self Determination

The students will focus on building:

  • self-awareness
  • self-regulation
  • goal setting
 

Social/Communication

The students will build skills around:

  • receptive and expressive language
  • non verbal communication
  • understanding and maintaining healthy relationships
  • ​teamwork
  • conflict resolution
  • social language and conversations skills
  • ​leisure and recreational skills

Functional Skills

Students will work on maintaining and building practical academic skills relevant to their personal goals as outlined in their IEP.

Evaluation of student progress:

Each student will have a set of short and long term goals, established in cooperation with the school, parents / guardians, and any community partners. It will be those individual goals the students will work toward, and on which assessment will be based.

Provincial report cards will be distributed at the same time as all other secondary students. Parents / Guardians are encouraged to attend the school wide scheduled interviews to set goals for the next reporting period. Positive home involvement is a key element to the success of the students in Specialty Programming at St. Mary’s College.

Things to Note:

  • Students will follow all St. Mary’s College routines and schedules
  • They are welcome, and encouraged, to participate fully in all extracurricular activities and clubs
  • They have the same breaks and lunch as all students of St. Mary’s College Students participate fully in all school sanctioned activities
  • Students are expected to adhere to the same code of conduct as all St. Mary’s College students
  • Students are able to remain in the programs until 21 years of age
  • Students are encouraged to participate fully in graduation activities and ceremonies
  • Most students will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment
  • Students are not working toward a OSSD
  • School, home and community partners will work cooperatively during the transition planning phase