Proposal: A Nest Systems Framework for St. Sylvester Catholic School – C.P.C.O Instructor: Principal Julianne Charrete
Mentee Growth Plan: Mentor – Principal Florence Connolly (Prince of Peace Catholic School, TCDSB, 2025)
Final Practicum Project Report
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Artifacts:
Communique to the St. Sylvester Catholic School Community
Dear St. Sylvester Catholic School Community,
We are excited to introduce the Nest System Framework, a new initiative inspired by the traditional British House System, to be implemented in the upcoming school year. This framework is designed to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and faith-filled community that aligns with our Catholic Graduate Expectations and virtues, nurturing the growth of every student.
What is the Nest System Framework?
The Nest System will create smaller, supportive communities within our school by grouping students from various grades into “Nests.” Each Nest will have its own unique identity, fostering a sense of belonging, teamwork, and school spirit. Students will engage in friendly competitions across academics, sports, and extracurricular activities, earning points for their Nests while embodying Catholic virtues such as faith, hope, and charity.
Benefits of the Nest System
1. Fostering Belonging and Teamwork
By creating smaller communities, the Nest System nurtures a sense of belonging, reflecting the Catholic Graduate Expectation of being a collaborative contributor who works for the common good. This promotes the virtue of charity through caring relationships.
2. Boosting School Spirit
Nest-based competitions will inspire enthusiasm and participation, aligning with the Catholic virtue of hope, encouraging students to strive for excellence in a joyful, faith-filled environment.
3. Providing Leadership Opportunities
Older students will serve as leaders and mentors, embodying the Catholic Graduate Expectation of a responsible citizen who leads with compassion and justice, reflecting the virtue of prudence.
4. Promoting Healthy Competition
Competitions will motivate students to excel while upholding respect and humility, fostering the virtue of temperance and the Catholic Graduate Expectation of a reflective, creative thinker.
5. Enhancing Student Engagement
Nests offer diverse opportunities for involvement, creating an inclusive environment that honors the dignity of each person, as outlined in the Catholic Graduate Expectation of a caring family member.
6. *Supporting Cross-Grade Interaction
Younger and older students will learn from one another, building mentorships that reflect the virtue of faith and the Catholic Graduate Expectation of a discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community.
7. Encouraging Positive, Value-Driven Behaviour
Rewarding effort and positive actions reinforces the virtue of justice, aligning with the Catholic Graduate Expectation of a self-disciplined individual who acts morally and legally.
Connection to Our Catholic Mission
The Nest System Framework is rooted in the Ontario Catholic Leadership Framework and our mission to integrate ethical standards into Catholic education. By living out our Catholic virtues and Graduate Expectations, the Nest System will strengthen our school’s culture, creating a safe, equitable, and faith-filled learning environment where every student can grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally.
We will share a detailed implementation plan and timeline soon, and we invite your input to ensure the Nest System meets the needs as a community. Together, we will build a legacy of faith, unity, and excellence at St. Sylvester Catholic School.
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as we embark on this exciting journey.
In faith and service,
Kevin Fell, O.C.T
On behalf of the Nest System Framework Team
Kevin Fell 