General Information

School of Hope

Welcome to Katherine Therrien Catholic Elementary School! We are a Catholic elementary school that serves the communities of Caernarvon, Griesbach and Beaumaris. Our staff is dedicated to educating children from Kindergarten to Grade Six by providing the best possible learning opportunities and learning environments.

We believe that a partnership between home, school and parish is essential to the education of each child and that it is our shared responsibility to ensure that our children are nurtured to grow spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically. By living the Gospel values, we promote the practice of faith and inspire our students to become lifelong learners and confident witnesses of Christ.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:20

At Katherine Therrien Catholic School, we believe in educating children of today for a world of tomorrow. The hallways, classrooms and learning spaces serve as each child’s ‘third teacher’ throughout our school. Students develop communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving skills through hands-on learning experiences. We emphasize the development of literacy, numeracy and digital competencies which are developed through student-focused learning opportunities within an inclusive educational environment.

We are proud of our school community! Each one of us - students, parents and staff alike - are an integral part of this enriching, engaged, faith-centered community.

Location

Located in Caernarvon Community, we serve the Castledowns, Griesbach and Beaumaris community. Bussing is available to students living in Griesbach and Beaumaris residents.

Key Features

We are a School of Hope - Katherine Therrien School is an active member of the Hope Foundation and its philosophies
Our school prides itself on the inclusive, family-like environment that is created throughout the school
We have small class sizes
We have a safe and caring environment demonstrated through District Core Values.
- Zero tolerance for bullying and/or bullying-type behaviours.
- We have a restorative practice philosophy in our student discipline and management
Our Catholic faith is permeated throughout the curriculum
We are a Christ-centered professional learning community affiliated with St. Edmund Church
We have a strong literacy program which incorporates balanced literacy teaching strategies
We have a focus on numeracy and guided math practices
Our student leadership team empowers students to live their faith through active participation in social justice projects and peer-to-peer activities
We have an active and supportive parent community

Resources

Computer SMARTBoards in all classrooms
Wireless and wired network connectivity
Various technological media (iPads, Chromebooks, computer lab, robotics, etc.) to support learning
Large gymnasium
Extensive classroom libraries as well as a central library
Music Room with a variety of instruments
Learning Common area for project-based learning

Mission Statement

Rooted in faith, we are committed to student-centered learning and empowering children to use their minds, hearts and hands to serve others as disciples of Jesus.

Vision Statement

To ignite all learners in becoming effective communicators and critical thinkers, prepared to serve with compassion, guided by the teachings of Christ.

HOPE

Hope looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst.

Hope opens doors where despair closes them.

Hope discovers what can be done instead of grumbling about what cannot.

Hopes draws its power from a deep trust in God and the basic goodness of human nature.

Hope “lights a candle” instead of “cursing the darkness”.

Hope regards problems, small or large, as opportunities.

Hope cherishes no illusions, nor does it yield to cynicism.

Hope sets big goals and is not frustrated by repeated difficulties or setbacks.

Hope pushes ahead when it would be easy to quit.

Hope puts up with modest gains, realizing that the “longest journey starts with one step”.

Hope accepts misunderstandings as the price for serving the greater good of others.

Hope is a good loser because it has the divine assurance of final victory.

Father James Keller, M.M., Founder,

The Christophers