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DIVINE MERCY SCHOOL 228 Mahogany Boulevard SE

Calgary, AB

Phone: (403) 500-2132

Website: https://www.cssd.ab.ca/schools/DivineMercy

2018-2019

PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Nadia Verna

VICE-PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Sandra O’Flaherty

This agenda belongs to:

Name: __________________________________________

Grade: __________________________________________

Teacher/Homeroom: ______________________________

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Welcome to Divine Mercy School. This handbook outlines the philosophy, expectations and information about the day-to-day operations of our school. This information is equally relevant to parents and students. Please take the time to read it together and then keep it for ready-reference over the rest of the year.

Children learn best in an atmosphere of safety and respect. An active partnership among the parish, the school and the home is a virtual guarantee of success for your child. We look forward to your support and your involvement.

Parents, thank you for spending the time to review these pages with your children.

Students, we hope you will read these pages and make use of this agenda during the months ahead. It is an important tool in helping you to be the “best you can be”.

A school agenda is also an important part of our efforts to keep parents informed and help students to build their organizational skills. However, the system will not work without your active support. Please encourage your son/daughter to use this agenda on a regular basis and reinforce this request by frequently checking to see that homework, exams, and important events are in fact being recorded.

I wish all students a successful school year and encourage them to be responsible for their learning. Parents, I encourage you to closely monitor your child's homework and activities and to contact teachers or the administration with any concerns. The staff of Divine Mercy looks forward to your continued interest, support and involvement. If you have any questions or there is a need for further clarification, please contact the school by phone (403-500-2132) or in person.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nadia Verna Mrs. Sandra O’Flaherty Principal Vice Principal

Living and Learning in our Catholic Faith.

OUR DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT

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The Divine Mercy of Jesus, also known as the Divine Mercy, is a Roman Catholic devotion to Jesus Christ associated with the apparitions of Jesus revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, a simple, young, uneducated

Polish nun received a special calling. On the night of Sunday, February 22, 1931, while she was in her cell, Jesus appeared to Sister Faustina as the “King of Divine Mercy.” He was wearing a white garment with red and pale rays emanating from his Sacred Heart. He would continue to appear and speak to her, and for four years St. Faustina recorded Jesus’ words, her visions, and her own thoughts and prayers in a personal diary. ‘Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and throughout the world.'” (Diary 47) “I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You.” (Diary 327) “The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him.” (Diary 299) The message of The Divine Mercy is simple. It is that God loves us – all of us. And, he wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy.

Divine Mercy School is a Catholic Community of Caring school. We aspire to the values of Faith, Caring, Trust, Family, Respect and Responsibility. Catholic Community of Caring is a philosophy we put into action

through liturgies, service learning, leadership, elementary Big Family Groups and other programs. Our staff strives to weave this philosophy throughout instruction and in developing relationships with our students. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM Divine Mercy School expects all students to participate in the total religious education program. In addition to the classroom program, a number of school Religious Celebrations are held throughout the school year. Parents are welcome to attend these celebrations. All Sacramental Programs are coordinated through the Church. Please consult your local parish, or the school parish, to obtain this information. St. Albert the Great Parish 10 Prestwick Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4J6 Phone: (403) 257-6054 Student Groups & Human Sexuality Topics Over the year, our school may establish a student group, which engages in discussion and activities related to diversity and justice issues, including support for students belonging to sexual minorities. In particular, within our Religious Education and Family Life Catholic Community of Caring program, students may provide leadership and receive support to continue to build inclusive communities, aligned with our Catholic social teachings. If you wish further information, please contact the principal.

Catholic Community of Caring Our Patron Saint: DIVINE MERCY

Your school agenda provides you with information that will help you stay informed and lead to success. It will assist

you in understanding expectations and provide information that you will need. You must use it daily to record

assignments and special events. Your classroom teacher will check agendas on a daily basis. Please review the

information printed in the agenda as a family, and sign in the appropriate space to indicate your knowledge of its

contents. A modified version of the agenda will be available for a price if this one should be lost or damaged

beyond use.

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Kindergarten Gr. 1-6

First AM Bell 8:15 am 8:15 am

Classes Begin 8:20 am 8:20 am

Recess 10-10:15 am

Lunch Dismissal

11:00 am 11:30 am

PM Classes Begin

12:00 pm 12:15 pm

PM Dismissal 2:40 pm 2:40 pm

We kindly ask parents to limit requests to relay messages to students for EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ONLY. We also ask that communications with students at school flow through the main office. If your child is ill and needs to contact you, we need to know. We are dedicated to both uninterrupted instructional time and responsible care for each student.

Divine Mercy School recognizes parents/guardians as the primary educators of their son/daughter. Regular communication between home and school is important to student progress.

Progress Reports are sent home three times per year. Progress Report marks are one indication of your child’s learning progress. Formal parent-teacher conferences will be held to facilitate better communication between home and school on your child’s progress. Teachers and parents are encouraged to communicate whenever concerns or bouquets should be shared. Please contact the school to arrange an appointment if you wish to meet with a teacher or email that teacher directly.

Newsletters are emailed home monthly at the beginning of the month. Additional notices and updates may be emailed home when warranted. Parents are asked to pay close attention to the information contained in all of these communications. If you are not on our email list, please call the school office to be added to the distribution list.

Elementary Agendas are sent home daily. Please read and sign them every day to find out what is happening.

The School Website is regularly updated. Parents are encouraged to make it a practice to review our school’s website for information updates. Each Elementary Teacher has an online communication tool that is regularly maintained to keep parents up-to-date on current homework assignments and upcoming events. Parents will be introduced to this by the teacher in September and families are encouraged to refer to this page regularly, especially while taking a vacation or if children are sick and away from school.

Parents who have concerns are requested to follow the communication protocol:

• Speak to your child’s teacher • Request a meeting with administration if you wish to discuss the situation further.

ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL Students should arrive at school no sooner than 15 minutes before the entry bell. Outside supervision begins at that time. Students are outside during the recesses and in the morning. Please dress accordingly. ELEMENTARY Students will not be allowed in the hallways or classrooms before school begins, unless weather conditions are extremely cold (below -20 C), extremely windy or when there is a heavy rainfall. They may have access to the washrooms with a supervisor’s permission.

All visitors must sign in at the front office. With the exception of the main entrance, all outside doors leading into the building will be locked for most of the day to ensure maximum security for all. Student entrances will be opened in the morning and during the lunch break. ELEMENTARY Students should not arrive prior to fifteen minutes before the bell rings in the morning as we do not start supervision until then.

SCHOOL ACCESS ELEMENTARY BELL TIMES

COMMUNICATION

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ATTENDANCE Regular attendance is critical to your child’s academic success. The responsibility for regular and punctual attendance rests with the students and parents. Any time a student has been away for a day or part of the day, an explanation must be provided by the parent to the school either through a phone call or a note. In addition, when a student will be absent from school, parents are requested to notify the school by telephone prior to the absence (403-500-2132). The answering machine records messages when the office is closed. These explanations are needed to maintain a legally responsible attendance process. Homeroom teachers will be monitoring student’s unexcused and inordinate amounts of excused absences. Homeroom teachers will address attendance concerns when a student has accumulated four unexcused absences or misses five days within two consecutive months. If a student’s absences are becoming frequent, the following procedures will be followed:

• Homeroom teacher will meet with students to suggest strategies and parents will be phoned. • If absences continue, the student will be referred to the Counsellor, and an Attendance

Improvement Plan (AIP) will be created with our School Resource Team (SRT). • The AIP will be reviewed with the student every two weeks.

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN LATE Students, who arrive late, either in the morning or afternoon, are required to use the main entrance and must check in at the office before going to the classroom. Parents should send a written note explaining why the student is late. A record is kept of all lates during the year. If there are concerns with a student’s frequent late arrival to school (i.e. 10 or more in the school year), the same procedures will be followed that are used for a student who is consistently absent.

PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL Any student wishing to leave the building during school hours due to illness, doctor’s appointment, etc. must obtain permission from the office and must be signed out and picked up by a parent/guardian. Written notification regarding appointments must be sent to the school and parents will be contacted before the students are released. The school will not allow any student to leave without the parent’s or guardian’s permission.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION Administration of medication to students can only be facilitated under the authority of the attending doctor and parents and with the appropriate documentation in place. Forms are available at the office and circumstances should be discussed with school administration. Students who suffer from severe allergic reactions are recommended to carry an epi-pen (in a pouch) with them at all times as well as an extra pen at the office. It is also highly recommended that “medic alert” bracelets be worn for all severe medical conditions.

SCHOOL TELEPHONE and CELL PHONE USE The telephone at the front office is for student use once permission has been received from a staff member. Please try to make arrangements concerning arrival times or appointments with your parents/guardians in advance. If it is necessary for a parent to leave a message for a child, you may call the school and leave a message with the secretary. Messages will be given to the student as soon as possible. This practice reduces the number of disruptions during instructional time.

As a learning community, Divine Mercy School is aware of the role that technology and mobile learning has on student engagement and student achievement. In meeting Alberta Education’s Framework of Student Learning, we are going to allow opportunities for students to use their own devices to enhance their learning and develop their digital citizenship. Personal electronics which are deemed, at the discretion of the principal, to interfere with maintaining privacy, confidentiality or the safety and security of students and staff will not be permitted for use during instructional hours.

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INTERNET USE The Internet is available for research in the library and computer room. All students and staff are required by the Calgary Catholic School District to sign and follow an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) before gaining computer access. Student internet access is strictly monitored to ensure they are using appropriate material. This form is available in the opening day start-up package.

LUNCHTIME Students are outside from 11:30-11:50 a.m., then eat their lunch in the gym picnic from 11:50-12:10 p.m. Both areas are supervised by staff. Elementary students have the opportunity to preorder a hot lunch or special snack on theme days. These days are held monthly with notification being sent home to parents. We strongly encourage elementary students to bring a nutritious lunch daily from home. Occasionally, elementary students are welcomed to access the canteen for healthy snacks or hot lunch. Generally, a vendor supplied lunch costs $5. All students are expected to remain on school premises for the duration of the lunch break. A yearly lunchroom fee is levied to pay for the noon hour supervisors. In order to maintain a safe and orderly environment during the lunch break, students are expected to:

• Return uneaten food to their lunch kits. • Eat in their designated grade level area. • Remain seated unless given permission to move by a supervisor. • Use quiet indoor voices in order to maintain noise in the gym at a reasonable level.

Allergy Awareness Information Divine Mercy School has a number of students who have severe allergies to peanut products (peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oil etc.). This means that if they come into contact with peanut products they may experience life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis). Contact can be either through eating, inhaling or touching peanut products as well as through cross-contamination. Cross

contamination is particularly dangerous since the presence of peanut products is hidden. For a child with a severe peanut allergy, actions such as picking up a piece of wrapping paper from a food item containing peanut products or eating a sandwich that has been touched with a knife used to spread peanut butter on another sandwich can be deadly. Without immediate medical treatment, such a child could die within minutes. As a member of the Divine Mercy School Community, you are encouraged to help us make our school PEANUT AWARE by lowering the risk of an allergic reaction. Here is how you can be supportive:

1. When preparing lunches or snacks for your child that will be brought to school, please consider providing foods which are free of peanuts or peanut products. Though it sounds simple, it may mean no peanut butter sandwiches or peanut butter cookies. It does mean you should read the labels of other foods like muffins, granola bars and cookies before you put them in your child’s lunch or snack.

2. If you send in a treat for the class (birthdays, special occasions, etc.), provide a complete list of ingredients for the teacher and take extra precautions to prevent cross-contamination.

Thank you for your help in keeping our children safe! STUDENT BELONGINGS The school has bike racks at the front of the school for student use but cannot guarantee the security of bikes brought to school. It is advised that students secure their bikes with a bike lock. The use of skateboards, scooters and rollerblades or any similar wheeled device is not permitted on Divine Mercy School property. Therefore, these items are not be brought to school. Alberta Traffic Safety Act: Sections 111(1) to 112(7)) states that no person who is less than 18-years-old shall operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle unless that person is properly wearing a safety helmet. Divine Mercy School is an educational institution, where learning and safety come first. Students are asked not to bring personal items to school that are not directly related to their schoolwork. Students should leave the following items at home: inline skates/rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, hockey or lacrosse sticks, baseball bats, hardballs or lacrosse balls, toys and expensive jewellery.

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All students who ride bicycles to school should have a secure lock and must use the bike racks. Students must walk their bikes on school property due to the possibility of injury to other students. The school is not responsible for any items of value that students bring to school. All personal items such as clothing and school supplies should be labelled. Lost and Found boxes are located in the school, if these personal items get misplaced; students and parents are encouraged to look through these boxes. Unclaimed items are sent to the Inter-Faith Thrift stores at Christmas, Easter and in late June.

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES: The school district has a team of specialists consisting of a psychologist,

social worker, and counsellor who are available to assist the school in planning for special needs of students who are experiencing learning or social/emotional concerns.

SCHOOL RESOURCE TEAM (SRT): The School Resource Team is comprised of teachers and administrators. The

team works to broaden the effectiveness of our student services program as a vehicle that helps address students’ difficulties. The S.R.T. considers each case and recommends appropriate strategies for academic, emotional and behavioural problems. The goal is to establish an effective School Resource Team by offering the following support:

1. Give staff members the opportunity to share ideas and strategies to support the teacher, student and parent in solving the problem.

2. Offering assistance to teachers with students who need help in a non-threatening manner. 3. Involving parents in the problem-solving process. 4. Using conflict management to solve problems. 5. Providing a liaison between the District and community services.

DIVERSE LEARNING TEACHER(S): The Diverse Learning Teacher will provide support for students who have been

identified as having diverse learning needs. Details of the support to individual students will be developed collaboratively through the Learner Support Plan (LSP).

This complements but does not replace, regular classroom instruction. Students may receive assistance in one or more of the following ways:

• Alternate space for small group instruction. • Remaining in the classroom and working with the Diverse Learning Teacher. • Receiving short-term instruction within a group of students who require instruction in a specific skill.

LEARNING COMMONS: Our Learning Commons houses a collection of books and other resources

such as iPads, Chrome Books and a Maker Space for students and staff use. It has an automated system for tracking all resources.

All classes, kindergarten to grade 6, have regularly scheduled periods, with students borrowing books on a weekly basis. Students are taught skills at their appropriate grade levels so that they can enjoy maximum use of the Learning Commons. Should any books or materials be lost or damaged, parents will be expected to reimburse the school. CALGARY REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY:

Our School is eligible to receive occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and public health services. All services are generated through a school-based referral system that requires parental support. Parents are requested to respond immediately to inquiries by the school or CHRA staff in order to ensure optimal service.

A public health nurse is assigned to Divine Mercy School. The nurse’s duties are mainly to aid students in maintaining good health, coordinating the Grade 5 vaccination programs, and checking the vaccination status of kindergarten and grade 1 children. Forms will be sent home regarding immunizations programs. The school

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nurse can offer screening procedures, such as hearing and vision at students’ or parents’ request. Parents can consult with the nurse and refer assessment of health-related concerns.

Students who become ill or injured during school hours are asked to report to the main office so parents can

be notified. If your child should contract a communicable disease, please notify the school. Your cooperation

in this matter is appreciated. Each year, head lice may make an appearance. Please notify the school

immediately. Children may return to school when the issue is resolved. Families are notified whenever an

incident of head lice occurs. In addition, several staff members hold emergency and standard first aid

certificates. INSURANCE COVERAGE-In the fall, voluntary student Accident Insurance forms will be

sent home for parents who wish to purchase insurance for their children.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Background As stated in The School Act, Section 45.1, the district is committed to providing welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging. Each member shares responsibility for the well-being of every other member of the district. As such, a code of conduct must be established and reviewed yearly and shared publicly with staff, parents/legal guardians, and students.

1. Statement of purpose:

Calgary Catholic School District’s value statement is as follows:

“All members of our community are sacred and must be treated with dignity and respect. We value excellence in Catholic education, guided by shared responsibility and the moral authority of the Church.” This statement guides all district stakeholders as they work to support student success and achievement. The school should be a positive learning environment in which students are safe, secure and successful. The code of conduct will outline expectations for student behaviour while at school, at a school-related activity, or while engaging in an activity that may have an impact on others in the school. The school’s code of conduct will be communicated to parents, students and staff annually and reviewed regularly.

2. The Alberta Human Rights Act: Section three of the Alberta Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation of that person or class of persons. Any behaviour that supports this discrimination is prohibited. 3. Acceptable behaviours:

All district schools have established Catholic Community of Caring programs that focus on building respectful and caring school environments, rooted in Catholic values. Catholic Communities of Caring programs align with the School Act’s requirement to provide welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments. Within our schools, we are building communities that are inclusive and celebrate respect for one another, community and diversity. This includes placing a strong value on:

• Respecting all others, regardless of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation.

• Respecting the school authority. • Respecting the school and district property, as well as the property of others. • Respecting yourself and the rights of others in the school. • Making sure your conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment in the

school that respects the diversity and fosters a sense of belonging of others in your school. • Refraining from, reporting and refusing to tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour, even if it happens outside of the

school or school hours or electronically. • Informing an adult, you trust, in a timely manner of incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation or other safety

concerns in the school. • Acting in ways that honour and appropriately represent you and your school. • Attending school regularly and punctually.

RESPONSIBILITY OF STUDENTS

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• Being ready to learn and actively engage in and diligently pursue your education. • Knowing and complying with the rules of your school. • Cooperating with all school staff. • Being accountable for your behaviour to your teachers and other school staff. • Contribute positively to your school and community.

4. Unacceptable behaviours:

Behaviours that do not support the Community of Caring program, and therefore interfere with the establishment of welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments are considered unacceptable. These include, but are not limited to:

• Behaviours that interfere with the learning of others and/or the school environment or that create unsafe conditions; • Acts of bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, or intimidation; • Retribution against any person in the school who has intervened to prevent or report bullying or an other incident or

safety concern; • Breaches of digital on-line safety; • Inappropriate use of mobile devices; • Inappropriate student dress; • Physical violence or threats; • Personal or sexual harassment; • Hazing; • Illegal activity such as:

- gang activity; - possession or use of weapons; - possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances (including drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or e-

cigarette products); - theft or damage to property.

As outlined in Alberta’s School Act, students can be held accountable for conduct that occurs outside of the school building or school day and electronically (e.g. social media), if the conduct negatively affects a member of the school or interferes with the school environment. Air Rifles/Guns: The district prohibits students from possessing weapons or engaging in violent or threatening acts on school property, and at school-sponsored functions and activities. "Weapon" means any object, device, or instrument designed or through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm to oneself or others. By this definition, air rifles/guns are therefore considered weapons. As it is challenging to visually identify these weapons as air rifles/guns, school staff, Calgary Police Services and the RCMP will likely respond in the same manner as they would an actual rifle/gun. For the safety of all students, staff and visitors in the school, these items are not allowed on school property or at school-related activities under any circumstance.

5. Progressive discipline plan:

Students who engage in unacceptable behaviour will be held accountable through the school’s progressive discipline plan. Consistent and logical consequences, rather than punitive measures, are important to support students in making appropriate choices and help shape their future actions. In any disciplinary situation, each student will be dealt with on an individual basis and will take into account the student’s age, maturity and individual circumstances. As well, parental or district involvement may be requested to support school discipline procedures. The school’s use of the progressive discipline plan will determine the expectations, consequences and the progression of actions to be taken depending on the severity and/or frequency of the occurrences. At all times, teachers and administrators will use their professional judgment in applying consequences. Consequences must have a positive effect on the student’s journey through reconciliation, either formally or informally, with the school community and those affected by the student’s behaviour. The following consequences are progressive in their degree of intervention and will be enacted depending on the frequency and severity of occurrences. They will be applied consistently and equally to all students, notwithstanding the individual differences of children and the uniqueness of specific circumstances and situations.

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Progressive discipline is a whole-school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports, and consequences, including:

• prevention measures and initiatives; • early and ongoing intervention strategies; • strategies to address unacceptable behaviour.

Interventions and consequences increase when:

• the concerning behaviour is persistent; • the concerning behaviour escalates; • there is a very serious infraction of the code of conduct.

Interventions and consequences may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• informal conferences; • restriction of privileges; • parent conferences; • in-school suspensions; • risk assessment; • suspension / expulsion (AP 356); • student redirection • Behaviour Support Plan (as part of the Learner Support Plan); • involvement of Instructional Services and supports; • involvement of external services and supports.

The principal may involve police in disciplinary matters when criminal activity has become evident. When police are involved, the principal will conduct a separate, parallel investigation at the school level and provide disciplinary action separate from any criminal charges that may be issued. 6. Student support:

Support will be provided to students impacted by inappropriate behaviour and to those students who engage in inappropriate behaviour. This is significant because while the student code of conduct must address the consequences for inappropriate behaviour, such as bullying, it also ensures that support (not just consequences) is provided to those students who engage in unacceptable behaviour. Examples of how support could be provided to students who have engaged in unacceptable behaviour include mentoring, restorative processes, regular check-ins with teachers. 7. Consideration of student diversity:

The School Act requires that the student code of conduct address consequences for unacceptable behaviour and that these reasonable consequences take into account the student’s age, maturity, and individual circumstances. The specific circumstances of the situation and the student need to be taken into account when determining appropriate consequences. For example, any diverse needs that the student has – whether they are physical, behavioural, communicational, mental health, trauma, etc. – must be considered. The age and maturity of students involved should be considered when determining the consequences and support required.

FIRE DRILLS/LOCKDOWN A fire drill is held each month. Teachers will make students aware of proper procedures, so evacuation of the school becomes an orderly, panic-free exercise. It is imperative that students have a pair of indoor shoes. They will not have time to put on their outdoor shoes during the fire drill and consequently will have to go outside in their stocking feet. Students must walk in an orderly fashion, be silent and remain a safe distance from the school with their respective teachers during

these drills. The children are required to return to their classes in the same manner as they exited.

Lockdowns are practised twice in a year (one each of announced and unannounced). These lockdowns are conducted to ensure orderly procedures if an emergency arises. If such an emergency situation ever occurs, parents will be notified as soon as possible. The alternate site in the event of an evacuation is Mahogany Beach Club (29 Masters Park SE T3M 2C1)

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GUEST TEACHERS

Guest teachers will be present at school during the school year due to a teacher’s illness or participation in an out-of-building professional development in-service. Utmost co-operation is expected of students when guest teachers are in charge of classes. Lack of student co-operation shall be deemed a serious breach of school discipline and shall be dealt with accordingly.

CLOTHING GUIDELINES Students are expected to dress in accordance with good grooming practices, bearing in mind the formal and public

nature of the school, and our Christian atmosphere. The purpose of the Calgary Catholic School District Dress and Appearance Code is to provide a positive and safe learning environment that will reflect our virtues of decency, modesty and respect. It states students’ dress and appearance shall be appropriate for educational activities and not cause a disruption to the educational process.

The Dress and Appearance Code states: • Outerwear (i.e. coats, jackets, etc.), sunglasses, hats, bandanas and headgear shall be left in students’

lockers. • Emblems, printing/writing on attire shall be in harmony with Catholic values and beliefs. • Appropriate footwear shall be worn at all times. • Clothing, jewellery, piercings or accessories which create a safety or health concern, or which cause, or

threaten to cause, disruption to the educational process are prohibited. The following are specifically prohibited:

• Midriff shirts, halter tops, spaghetti straps, muscle shirts. • Low ride pants, garments revealing bare back, shoulders, low necklines or those made of sheer or fishnet

fabrics. • Clothing or accessories that depict or symbolize alcohol, drugs, violence, gang associations or inappropriate

language or messages. • Heavy or spiked chains. • Shorts or skirts shall be in good repair and of appropriate length, no higher than 3 inches above the knee.

Students should have a pair of indoor shoes. Running shoes are the best type of indoor shoe, as they are needed for physical education classes as well. USING A PERMANENT PEN, PLEASE MARK YOUR CHILD’S NAME ON ALL CLOTHING.

Students not complying with the Dress and Appearance Code will be asked to change into more appropriate attire. It will be viewed as defiant behaviour if the student repeatedly violates the Dress and Appearance Code. The dress code reflects the values of our school community.

We recognize parents as being the primary educators of their children. Our school and district strive to support parents in this key role by providing the information necessary to help make decisions for your child regarding important issues.

A parent of a student has the responsibility: (a) to take an active role in the student’s educational success, including assisting the student in complying with section 12, (b)to ensure the parent’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment, (c)to co-operate and collaborate with school staff to support the delivery of specialized supports and services to the student, (d)to encourage, foster and advance collaborative, positive and respectful relationships with teachers, principals, other school staff and professionals providing supports and services in the school, and (e)to engage in the student’s school community.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

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School Act – Section 16.2 Parents play a critical role in the education of their children. It is through their support and encouragement that their children will develop the positive attitudes toward learning to foster success. It’s vital to talk to children about school every day and find areas of positive growth and improvement. Parents want their children to be the best in everything, but young learners will make mistakes - that is how they learn. Children should be asked specific questions about school. Instead of: "How was your day?" try:

• What did you learn today that you didn’t know yesterday? • How did you help someone at school today? • What did you do today that made you feel proud? • Teach me something you learned today.

Above all, positive role models develop positive children.

SCHOOL COUNCIL The fundamental goal of the School Council is to provide communication between parents and teachers, and to positively enhance and support the quality of Catholic education in our school. It also acts in an advisory role to administration in determining community needs and planning to respond to these needs. Council is a viable and valuable asset to the school. Parents are invited and encouraged to become involved! All parents and school staff are members of the School Council. The Council meetings are usually held once a month at the school. Please contact the office with your request to become part of Council. VOLUNTEERS Active and visible parental involvement in the school lives of their children is an important part of the educational process. Volunteers enrich the learning community in many ways and serve as adult role models. Volunteers often assist in the following areas: reading with individuals or small groups, field trips, food days, special events, assisting in the library, fundraising, activity day, coaching, driving to sports events and serving as phone contracts for individual classes.

Each year, volunteers will be invited to attend an orientation session. All volunteers must attend this session and fill out appropriate forms and documentation. We invite our volunteers to park in the staff parking if they are volunteering. All volunteers will receive a Volunteer Handbook. Volunteers meet twice a year as a large group: in the fall for the Volunteer Orientation and the late spring, for a Volunteer Appreciation Afternoon. Volunteers sign in at the office and wear identification badges. PARKING LOT Divine Mercy School is located on a roundabout and is an extremely busy main road. Please maintain a safe environment and only drop students off on Marine Dr.SE, where students can access the field easily. Please do not stop in the bus lane during drop off and pick up. DO NOT DROP STUDENTS OFF IN THE STAFF PARKING LOT!

SCHOOL PATROLS –

The members of the patrol units are volunteer grade 5 and 6 students who are given an opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills. They will receive training through the Calgary Police and strive over the year to show and expect safe and courteous traffic safety behaviour to enable all students a safe passage to and from school. Their primary job is to see to it that children are safely escorted across the street. It is important that all students co-operate and obey the instructions of the patrollers. School Patrols are on duty at 8:00 a.m. and until 2:30 p.m. Always choose safety before convenience!

CLASS PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS: The making of class lists is a collaborative effort. Much care and thought are given

to the placement of students into classes. Each student is individually considered before placement. Teachers and administrators look closely at a student's work habits, ability to work independently, ability to focus attention, group relationships, interpersonal skills and overall achievement. Although requests for placement in a particular class are not encouraged, parents may submit directly to administration, in writing, any condition specific to their child that may affect placement.

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Divine Mercy School has four reporting periods during the school year. The first is an oral report where teachers, parents and students meet early in the school year. The intent of this reporting

period is to discuss program expectations as well as to listen to parent or teacher concerns. The three following reporting periods all have formal report cards. Generally, they are sent home the end of November, mid- March, and at the end of June. Each report card is followed by Parent/Teacher interviews where further information, questions and concerns can be addressed by adults and the student.

INTERIM ASSESSMENT- Parents at any time are free to contact teachers at Divine Mercy regarding the progress of their

children. Arrangements can be made to meet with teachers between major reporting periods to update parents with the progress their child has made since the last official reporting period. Please contact the teacher prior to making a school visit to enable teachers better to give you a complete report.

LEARNER ASSESSMENT- Provincial Student Learner Assessments (SLA) are written in the fall by grade three students.

These assessments assist teachers in determining where and what strategies are needed to better support students academically. Grade three students write SLA’s in Language Arts and Math. Provincial examinations are written in May and June by grade six students. These exams help evaluate program effectiveness and direct decisions regarding future changes in teaching and learning across the province. Grade six test in Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies and Science. Grade 5 students in Calgary Catholic take a Religion Achievement Exam as well as complete projects demonstrating their competency in the grade 5 Religion program. HOMEWORK In order for students to achieve their full potential, it is vital that they develop solid homework routines. The purpose of homework is to allow students more time to complete work begun in class. It allows students to review concepts and content. It also provides parents with a daily window into the class activities and their child’s learning. The Calgary Catholic School District recognizes meaningful, carefully-planned homework can support student success and be a complementary part of a student’s overall learning program. The District also recognizes:

• The potential impact of homework on family life • The role homework may play in supporting students’ self-confidence as a successful learner; and • The benefit of a district-wide, balanced, reasonable approach to homework.

To recognize the importance of personal and family time, it is recommended teachers use the following guidelines related to the quantity of homework. The amount of homework assigned to students should be differentiated according to age, developmental stage, and grade level along a continuum from lower to upper elementary and elementary to junior high. At all levels, the time a student spends on homework may vary, and individual student needs and capacity should always be considered. The recommended time guidelines are:

• Kindergarten-Grade 3: Occasional 5-10 minutes of homework per week. • Grades 4 to 6: Maximum of 30 minutes of homework per school night. • Grades 7 to 9: Maximum of 60 minutes of homework per school night.

Teachers, Parents and Students all have a responsibility with Homework:

• Students have a responsibility to do their best in completing assignments • Parents are educational partners with teachers. Homework is one option parents have to support their learning. • Teachers implement appropriate and reasonable homework practices and ensure homework is used for review, practice,

enrichment or completion of work. You can find more information about the District’s homework regulation at

https://www.cssd.ab.ca/Parents/ParentSupport/Homework/Pages/default.aspx

STUDENT PROGRESS

My parents and I have read and discussed the 2018-2019 Divine Mercy School handbook.

Student signature: ________________________

Parent signature: _________________________

Date: _________________________