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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 19, 2007 - 9 Oakwood School on the move with Lighthouse program By Mandi Hargrave SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER It's a school that's always aiming higher. Oakwood Public School is in the spotlight as it has been named one of 42 schools across the province that continues to improve literacy and numeracy skills amongst its students. The program is called Schools on the Move: Lighthouse Program. It was launched in 2006 by the Ontario Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat to not only celebrate, but connect schools that are making significant and sustained success in student achievement. Over the past three years the school, with grades from junior kindergarten to Grade 5, has improved in all areas of the Grade 3 assessment tests by a minimum of 18 percentage points. Reading and writing assessments improved by 33 and 29 percentage points respectively. Principal Brian Van Wyngaarden is proud of his students and teachers as he says it's their hard work and can-do atti- tude that earned them the recognition. "We have a very dedicated staff that are really keen learners," he says. "They're excellent at their craft but they're excited about learning...as well." Schools involved in the program learn from one another by sharing their learning techniques. "[Being a lighthouse school] means so much to our community and staff. It means all the work they've been doing with the children has made a difference," says Van Wyngaarden. "We're a school with a real mix of social economics, culturally diverse. I think it's bringing an additional pride to the school, and hopefully the neighbourhood. It's exciting for all the children." Being named a lighthouse school also came with a $15,000 grant. The money will be used to bring in guest speakers, materials for the school, and allow teachers to travel and meet with other school boards. "Oakwood is a school where we're making a difference in the lives of children," Van Wyngaarden said. DEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT: Oakwood School choir members (l-r) Alliyah Austin and Charis Salazar sing during a school ceremony celebrating their school being named one of 42 Lighthouse schools in Ontario. "That has paid off in the success of our testing scores, but also in developing positive, engaged children and hopefully someday citizens of Canada. That's what we're all about; being able to make good Canadians." Large Selection of Barstools Voted #1 in Oakville Order Now for Pre X-mas Delivery! Canadian Made Quality SOLID WOOD BEDROOM SUITE includes bed, 2 night tables & dresser $ MADE IN CANADA 2,39800 LARGE SELECTION OF SECTIONALS $ 1,69800 1029 Speers Rd., Oakville (Speers Rd. & 4th Line Main Location) MADE IN CANADA Your choice of fabric 905.842.3739 www.joshuacreekfurniture.com Mon - Fri: 10-6 Thurs - Fri: 10-8 Sat: 10-6 Sun: Closed