About the Resource Program...
Roots of Empathy at St. Emile School
The Resource program is intended to support and enrich the academic curriculum in all grades and for all students. The resource teacher works alongside the classroom teacher to ensure that the needs of every learner are being addressed. The educational assistants at the school are a very important part of the Resource program. The EA's at St. Emile School are a dynamic, devoted and experienced team of educators who offer support in every classroom.
Additionally, the Resource team works with clinicians from the Child Guidance Clinic. Our students can access the support of a speech and language clinician, a family support worker and a school psychologist whenever the need arises. Our clinicians can offer assessments and assist with program development for students who are referred for extra support. The Resource team then works individually or with small groups in the classroom to meet program goals.
The Resource program is also proud to be a part of several other important initiatives at the school. St. Emile School is one of approximately 20 schools in the province that is recognized as a UNESCO school. Our participation in this organization allows our staff and students to work alongside other UNESCO members from around the world on ideas and projects of local and global importance. For example, this year we wrote a grant proposal for building a small community garden onsite. Our Grade 8 students will work with mentors from as far away as Zimbabwe to ensure we maximize our garden's harvest to share with our local food bank.
The Resource teacher is also responsible for the Roots of Empathy program at the school. Roots of Empathy (ROE) is an award winning, evidence-based classroom program that has shown dramatic effect in reducing levels of aggression and violence among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. This year our Grade 6 students are working with baby Laura and her mother to help us develop emotional literacy and responsible citizenship.