Family Handbook And

Student Code of Conduct

147 Mill St. West

Acton, Ontario, L7J 1G7

(519) 853-3730

FAX (519) 853-0307

School Motto

“Building our Success through Faith and Perseverance”

Mission Statement

St. Joseph School as a faith centred community strives to assist all

students to develop their unique potential through social,

environmental awareness and the pursuit of academic excellence.

SCHOOL DAY

8:55 Entry Bell

9:00 Instructional Day Begins (JK – Gr. 8)

10:25 Recess (15 min. Gr. 1 - 8)

11:30 JK/SK Dismissal

12:00 Lunch Dismissal for Gr. 1 - 8

1:00 Instructional Day Resumes

(JK - Gr. 8)

2:25 Recess (15 min. Gr. 1 - 6)

3:30 Instructional Day Ends

Pupils are dismissed

OUR PARISH St Joseph Church

47 John Street St.

Acton, ON L7M 4E2

(519) 853-0784

Father Robert Bulbrook P.P. Pastor

Mrs. Kathy Sanford Anderson, Parish Secretary

Masses: Saturday: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Office Hours

Monday & Wednesday 9:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Friday 2:00 - 4:00

Web Site http://www3.sympatico.ca/stjoseph.church/

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

It is a pleasure to return as the Principal of St Joseph School.

Our entire School community strives to assist our students as they

realize their God-given talents and mature into faith centred

productive citizens. We are confident that our students will use their

spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social abilities to enrich their

lives and the lives of others.

Communication is an important component of collaboration.

This handbook, in addition to our newsletters, agendas, website, and

report cards serves as a communication tool. This document

identifies the expectations, procedures, policies, and other relevant

information to our St. Joseph School community.

Newsletters will be forthcoming on a monthly basis to assist

you in keeping up to date on school and system happenings. Your

child is encouraged to use his or her agenda to assist his or her

transition into St. Joseph School. I encourage you to become a part

of the school as a volunteer in school-based activities as a member

of the School Council and as a participant in school events.

I extend my wish that your years at St. Joseph School prove

to be a blessed, productive, and rewarding experience, filled with

happiness and success for you and your children.

Mr. Colin Simpson

Principal

SCHOOL EMERGENCY CLOSURE &

BUS CANCELLATION ARRANGEMENTS

1. WHO DECIDES WHEN THE SCHOOL OR SCHOOL SYSTEM IS

CLOSED FOR THE DAY OR MUST CLOSE BEFORE REGULAR

CLOSING TIME?

The decision to close the school system is the responsibility of officials at the Board

Office. Schools will be informed if a decision is made to bus the students home prior

to regular dismissal time.

2. HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE SCHOOL OR SCHOOL SYSTEM IS

CLOSED FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES?

Notification of system or school closure will be by radio, usually commencing at

6:30 a.m.

3. WHICH RADIO STATION(S) WILL BROADCAST CLOSURE OR

SCHOOL BUS INFORMATION?

The following radio stations will broadcast details of bus cancellations and

school closures:

A.M. RADIO STATIONS F.M. RADIO STATIONS

CHAM TORONTO – 820

CHML HAMILTON – 900

CFRB TORONTO – 1010

CKOC - 1150

CJOY GUELPH – 1460

PRIME TIME -740

CBC TORONTO – 99.1

Y108 HAMILTON – 108

CHFI TORONTO – 95.3

CKFM TORONTO – 99.9

CIMJ – 106.1

K-LITE – 102.9

WAVE – 94.7

CHTV & CITY TV

4. DO SCHOOLS REMAIN OPEN IF BUS TRANSPORTATION IS

CANCELLED?

Yes, schools remain open for pupils who walk. However, in the interest of pupil

safety, parents are advised to use their discretion and good judgement in

sending their children to school.

5. WILL SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS BE IN PLACE WHEN SCHOOLS

CLOSE EARLY?

The Board Office will notify the School Crossing Guard Co-ordinator in each

municipality. Every effort will be made to have the School Crossing Guard on duty

in the event of early school dismissal.

6. IF SCHOOLS ARE OPEN BUT BUS TRANSPORTATION IS

CANCELLED IN THE MORNING, WILL THERE BE BUS

TRANSPORTATION IN THE AFTERNOON?

No, if there is no transportation in the morning, there will be no transportation

in the afternoon. Parents will be responsible for picking up their children if they

transport them to the school. If inclement weather cancels transportation in the

morning, Junior and Senior Kindergarten transportation will be cancelled

automatically for the afternoon.

7. WHAT HAPPENS IF A PARENT OF A BUSED CHILD IS NOT

CONTACTED AND THE BUS HAS DEPARTED FROM THE SCHOOL?

While a parent/representative has the right to be informed of the child‟s dismissal

prior to boarding the bus, the bus cannot be held if the parent/representative is

unavailable.

Every child for whom there has been no home contact and for whom no previous

permission has been given will be required to remain at the school.

NOTE: It is understood that when a child is kept at school beyond early bus

departure time, the parent shall be responsible for making arrangements for picking

up the child, as soon as reasonably possible, prior to regular dismissal time.

8. WHAT HAPPENS IF SNOW CONDITIONS PREVENT PARENTS OF

CHILDREN FROM REACHING THE SCHOOL TO PICK UP THEIR

CHILDREN?

Should parents request it, children will be kept at the school until they can be

released to their parents or to another designated person. Sufficient staff will remain

to supervise. If necessary, food and beverage will be provided through emergency

measures.

9. WILL CHILDREN BE RELEASED THROUGH EARLY SCHOOL

CLOSURE WITHOUT THE PARENT’S KNOWLEDGE?

Yes, provided that the parents have indicated their permission to do so on the

Family/Information Consent Form which you will receive in September.

In the event that it is necessary to dismiss students early or close the school during

the school day, the decision will be made before 12:00 noon. Radio stations will

carry the announcement of this decision. Occasionally, when a storm develops

during the school day, the Board will determine, in consultation with the carriers and

other regional services, the necessity for early dismissal of students.

At that time, parents with children in the School will be notified according to the

procedures outlined on the Family/Information Consent Form sent out on the first

day of school.

10. IF YOUR INDIVIDUAL SITUATION IS NOT MET BY THESE

PROCEDURES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL.

As always it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to

decide if conditions are safe for a child to walk to and

from school.

SCHOOL ROUTINES

The students, staff, parents, and parish have a tradition of working together in order to

provide a quality educational experience for our children. The following information

helps all to understand the policies and procedures that are important to the operation of

the school.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT A Student Code of Conduct has been developed by the Halton Catholic District School

Board to reflect the Progressive Discipline and Safety in Schools Act passed into

legislation in 2007. It is dedicated to providing and enhancing a Catholic community of

learning in which students will be afforded equal opportunities to achieve their potential

in spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical, and social development. It is the expectation of

the board and school that students will respond positively to this policy and act

accordingly. The Student Code of Conduct is included with this booklet.

TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS BY PRIVATE AUTOMOBILE If you are driving students on a volunteer basis, it is necessary that each child have a seat

belt and that you have a minimum personal liability insurance of $1,000,000 on the

vehicle. For your child to be covered on the trip driver‟s car you must have an O.E.F.

Number 44 Endorsement written into your insurance policy. It is important that all

parents consider obtaining this coverage. No children under grade 3 will be transported

by car to or from school sponsored events. Seat belts must be in working condition

and used by all passengers. The driver is responsible to ensure that children are

buckled up. Children under the age of twelve must be placed in the back seat of

the vehicle and provided with the appropriate seat belt/restraint system. Children

in JK to Grade 3 will not be transported to school events by car.

BUSES

The school is responsible for students while travelling on the bus to and from school.

Drivers will issue a pink slip for any discipline problems/misbehaviour on the bus and

will forward the notice to the Principal. If it has been determined that a student has been

disruptive and or acted inappropriately while travelling on the bus the school has the

authority to suspend that student from the bus.

ABSENCE

St. Joseph School has a Safe Arrival Program to ensure the safe arrival of the children to

the school. When we do not have an indication of a student(s) whereabouts, our

procedure is to:

Call home/call parent or guardian at work;

Call the emergency contact number;

Police may be contacted.

If a student is going to be absent from school, a parent or guardian is asked to call the

school‟s 24 hour answering machine at 519-853-3730 and leave a message. Please state

the student(s) name, grade, teacher, reason, and probable length of absence.

Upon returning after an absence, the student should bring a note to the teacher. The

student is responsible for finding out what was missed and for catching up. If a student is

away for more than three days, she/he should ask a classroom buddy to collect handouts

and gather other information to make the return to class easier.

LATE ARRIVAL Students are considered late if they are not in the schoolyard when the bell rings. Please

establish with your child, routines at home that will assist her/his arriving at school on

time. The earlier the child arrives, the safer her/his entry since the volume of traffic

increases significantly just prior to the entry bell. Students arriving late should first

report to the office for a late slip. Teachers are required to record lates as per Ministry of

Education Requirements. Absences and lates are recorded on the Provincial Report Card.

EARLY DEPARTURE If it is necessary for the student to leave the school other than at the regular dismissal

times the parent/guardian should advise the teacher by note in advance. Children must

check in at the office before leaving and when returning. Understandably, there will

be times of emergency when it will not be possible to plan leaving early. If this occurs

please notify the school by phone.

LUNCH PROCEDURES Lunch commences at 12:00. Students staying at school for lunch remain in their

classroom until 12:00. Weather permitting the students play outside until 1:00 p.m.

During inclement weather, students will remain inside the school and supervision will be

provided throughout the lunch hour.

LUNCH HOUR ABSENCES No students are allowed to leave school property without written notification from their

parent\guardian. If you wish your child(ren) to leave school property at lunch on a regular

basis please ensure the appropriate box is marked off on the Family/Information Consent

Form.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS Parents are invited to participate in the daily function of the school. There are many tasks

for which you might volunteer. A volunteer sign-up sheet is handed out in September.

Under Ontario legislation all parent volunteers must now have a Criminal Records Check

with a vulnerable sector screening be completed. The cost of a CRC will be paid by the

volunteer. Applications are available at a local police station. Written declarations by the

volunteer are required annually after a CRC is on file. All volunteers must sign the

Visitor(s) Log in the office, and pick up a visitor(s) badge or tag. This badge signifies

that you are in the school for a particular purpose. This will help us to monitor strangers

who might come into the school. Volunteers are reminded to sign out and return the

visitor‟s badge or tag as they leave the building.

VISITORS/PARENTS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE To ensure the safety of our students, we ask that all visitors/parents report to the office

when you pick up your child or drop off items. Our exterior doors will be locked from

8:55 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon. Please use the buzzer by the door

to alert the secretary of your presence. You will be identified by the security

camera and then given access to the building. Parents are asked to pick up their

child(ren) from the office, rather than going to the classroom. Visitors, who are in the

school as helpers, consultants, or providers of special services, must sign in and must

wear the appropriate badge. Parents are not to enter the school yard during recess periods.

If you need to see your child please check into the office and we will page your

child(ren).

NEWSLETTERS Our monthly newsletter goes home in the first week of each month. It is also available on

the school website. All printed material from the office will be sent home with the

youngest (or only) child in each family. Notes requiring a family response should be

returned by the same child. Please make a habit of asking, “Do you have anything for

me today?” and checking knapsacks regularly. Our newsletter is also available on our

website.

SCHOOL WEBSITE Our school website is updated weekly. It is a source of valuable resources and school

information. We can be found at http://schools.hcdsb.org/josa/ or by following the links

at the HCDSB website. http://www.haltonrc.edu.on.ca/

LOST AND FOUND A Lost and Found box is maintained in the school. Children and parents are encouraged

to seek lost items in that box. Articles in the box at the end of each term are displayed in

the gym and unclaimed items are then given to a charitable group.

YARD SUPERVISION: Yard supervision begins at 8:35 in the morning. Please don not

send students to school before this time. Supervision in the afternoon for JK/SK

supervision begins at 12:45.

ILLNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL Our facilities are not conducive to having students remain at school if they are injured or

sick. We will call parents or the emergency contact to make arrangements for your child

to go home. We strongly urge that your emergency contact person be one who lives

locally. Please advise the school of any changes to phone numbers and emergency

contacts as soon as possible.

BICYCLES / SKATEBOARDS / INLINE SKATES/SCOOTERS/WHEELIES

Students riding their bicycles to and from school are expected to follow these directions:

Helmets must be worn.

Bicycles/Scooters/Skateboards/Inline skates/ are to be walked across the school

property.

Bicycles are to be left in the bike rack on the north side of the school.

Bicycles are to be locked.

In the event that a student rides a bicycle/skateboard in an unsafe manner, the

privilege of using them at school will be taken away and she/he will be expected

to find an alternate means of transport.

Inline skates/Wheelies are removed at the sidewalk in front of the building. They may

not be worn on school property.

RECESS Recesses serve a special purpose in the school routine and, except in unusual cases,

students should not be restricted from going outside. If your children are well enough to

attend school, they are well enough to go outside. Please keep sick children at home

because the teachers on supervision duty are outside and children cannot be kept inside

without supervision.

LOCKERS All students in the building have the use of a locker. All lockers are the property of the

Halton Catholic District School Board and may be searched by Board employees if

reasonable grounds exist to do so. Locks are permitted for students in grades seven and

eight only. All lockers are to be kept in a clean condition. Students are not allowed to use

adhesives or other items on the locker that may damage the surface.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES (CD disc players, MP3Players, Gameboy etc.)

Electronic devices and other valuable processions (expensive Jewellery) should not be

brought to school. If a student chooses to bring these items they do so at their own risk.

Electronic devices will not be used inside the building during instructional time. The

staff of St. Joseph School will not be responsible in anyway for the loss, theft or

damage of these items.

CAMERAS

In consideration for the privacy of others cameras and other electronic recording

devices are not to be used on school premises without prior office approval. This

does not apply to organized school sponsored events such as concerts, field trips

and sporting events.

CELL PHONES/ PAGERS

To maintain a controlled learning environment and ensure academic integrity

parents are asked not to send children to school with cell phones or other wireless

telecommunication devices. If you need to contact your child during the school

day please do so by contacting the office. If the occasion arises when it is

necessary to send your child to school with a cell phone Halton Catholic

District School Board policy requires that these devices be silenced and

securely stored out of site during the school day.

SUPPLIES & TEXT BOOKS

All students are responsible for providing their own basic school supplies.

Notebooks and pencils are provided by the school. In addition, students are

loaned textbooks during the year. Students are expected to treat these books with

care as they will be charged for textbooks that are damaged or not returned.

DRESS CODE

The school is a special place where students learn a sense of dignity and

seriousness about learning. It therefore follows that our style of dress should

reflect that standard. As a Catholic school we ask our students to ensure that they

dress in a manner that reflects our Faith and sense of morality. During the warm

weather we want our students to be comfortable yet neatly attired in appropriate

clothing.

Footwear: For safety reasons, students must wear shoes in the school at all times.

(Emergency evacuations) Each child should have a pair of indoor shoes which can

be left at school. Running shoes are required for gym classes.

Summer Dress Code: Boys must wear full T-shirts with sleeves. No muscle

shirts or cut-off T-shirts are allowed. Girls are not to wear anything strapless or

any top that leaves the midriff bare. Shorts should cover to mid thigh when

seated.

Winter Dress Code: The children will go outside for all recess breaks unless it is

raining or so cold that it is dangerous. Please ensure that your children are

dressed for outside weather as they need to run and play and get fresh air.

DRUGS ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

In accordance with the Halton Catholic District School Board Code of Conduct,

the possession and use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited on

school property or at any school related activity. The sale of such items is not

allowed on school property or at any school-related activity. Parents/guardians

and/or police will be contacted for any infraction in this regard.

SCHOOL VENDING MACHINES

Bottled water and juice are available at lunch time or after school. The machines

are located in hall by the gym.

MILK PROGRAM

White and Chocolate milk is available for 80 cents per carton. Milk is pre-ordered

every 2nd

month.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

In case of an emergency, i.e., fire, bomb threat, gas leak, the emergency shelter

for our school is: The Royal Canadian Legion located beside the school.

FIRE DRILLS

Fire Drills will be held at regular intervals throughout the year, with at least three

practices in the fall and three in the spring. Children will be instructed as to the

proper procedures for evacuation. Children must wear footwear at all times while

in school so their feet will be protected in the event the school must be evacuated.

In a drill or a fire, children cannot stop to put on their shoes. We are very strict

with fire drill procedures in order to prepare the children properly so they can

handle a „real emergency‟.

LOCKDOWNS

A Lockdown is an emergency response to a suspicious intruder in the school.

During a lockdown children will gather in the classroom with the doors locked

and blinds drawn. Children will gather on the floor away from the line of site of

the door. Lockdowns are practiced twice during the school year.

FIRST AID

When a student is injured, First Aid is provided by trained school staff. Parents

will be contacted in cases of serious injury. Small cuts and scrapes will be

bandaged with an explanatory note sent home at the end of the day. Students are

informed as to the location of the First Aid Station and procedures to follow when

injured/ill.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION/PRIVACY/OSRs

Please be advised that, in compliance with the Freedom of Information and

Privacy Act, we cannot give out names, addresses or phone numbers of families

without their knowledge and consent. Please do not ask school staff to provide

this information for birthday parties or other social engagements. If you wish to

see your child(ren)‟s Ontario Student Record please call the office for an

appointment. Copies of information in the OSR are available to you.

HOMEWORK

Children in grade 1 may on occasion when an individual child has unfinished

work be assigned homework. The child will then be expected to take home and

complete such work. There may also be a few occasions when a short assignment

will require home time. Reading is an expected part of every child‟s home time

routine.

For students in grades 2 and 3, homework may be required for special projects or

assignments. Homework may also be given to complete work not finished during

class or missed because of absence.

For students in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, daily home study is encouraged. Time

spent on reading, research, preparing for tests and completing assignments is

expected.

A general rule of thumb for homework is…multiply the grade by 10 minutes to

give an approximate amount of time your child should be doing homework each

day. For example, Grade 6 x 10 minutes equals a maximum of 60 minutes.

Parents have an important role to play in helping with homework. Here are some

tips on what parents can do for their child:

establish a work area that is appropriate for learning and free from distractions

develop a household routine that focuses on homework or study time for all

and stick with it

ensure that the child understands what is expected

be visible and accessible to your child during the homework period.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The purpose of the School Council is to promote and support education and to

contribute to a sense of school community at St. Joseph School.

School Council‟s objectives are to:

promote co-operation between home and school

promote involvement of parents and other community members

organize and provide additional resources to help the school through volunteer

means

provide a formal means of consultation and recommendations for budgetary

matters, curriculum, new instructional programs, facilities and equipment and

learning resources.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Optional student accident insurance provides a very economical way of insuring

against the cost of expensive dental or medical treatment should your child(ren)

suffer an accident either at school or at home. An independent insurance provider selected by the Board will provide coverage at a nominal fee. You are encouraged

to consider the benefits of registering your child(ren) in the plan. Applications are

sent out in September and are available at the office.

MEDICATION

School staff cannot administer medication until the Halton Catholic District

School Board‟s form, Request and Consent for the Administration of

Medication, is completed and signed by the parent. Please see the Principal for a

copy of this form. All medication must be sent to the office for safekeeping and

administering.

Responsibility for administering the medications is with the parents until the

completed form is returned to the Principal. Please provide a properly labelled

container - as well as instructions\conditions to be adhered for the safety of the

child.

Parents of children with life threatening medical concerns/allergies are to

complete a school notification document and emergency medication protocol

form each September.

LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES

St. Joseph School provides a Minimized Allergen Environment by restricting

peanut and tree nut products in the school. The parents of children with life

threatening allergies should advise school personnel immediately upon

registration or diagnosis. An Emergency treatment plan will be completed

annually for children with life threatening allergies. All children with life

threatening allergies are expected to carry their Epinephrine Auto Injectors

(EPIPEN) with them at all times. A second injector will be maintained in an

secure unlocked marked location in the school.

GRADE 7 HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM The Halton Regional Health Department will provide Hepatitis B immunization.

The free Hepatitis B vaccine will be offered to all Grade 7 students not previously

immunized against Hepatitis B. Immunization will be through school-based

clinics and administered by the Health Department staff.

HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS GRADE 8 GIRLS VACCINE This is a voluntary vaccination program provided to grade 8 girls with parental consent.

The vaccination consist of three injections. Injections are not administered at the School

year.

PEDICULOSIS\HEAD LICE

At School: The Principal\designate reports a suspected\confirmed case of head

lice to the private nursing agency to request rapid screening of classroom and

siblings. The school or health nurse will then notify the parent of the child(ren)

and requests that the child be picked up. The nurse will inform parents about the

recommended method of treatment. Children may not return to school until they

have been rechecked and cleared by the Health Department. An authorized note

is required prior to readmission to school.

At Home: Parent notifies the school if an infestation is discovered. Classmates

and siblings will be checked. Pediculosis shampoo is available at your local

pharmacy. We can try to prevent outbreaks. Teach your child not to share items

such as combs and headgear. You should suspect infestation if your child is

continually scratching.

BULLYING

Roughly one in three students in Grade 7 to 12 report having been bullied at school.

Just under a third report having bullied someone else. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,2004

Bulling is a conscious, wilful and deliberate hostile activity intended to harm and induce

fear through the threat of further aggression. Therefore a person is being bullied when he

or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or

more.

The Markers of Bullying

Intent to harm

An imbalance of power

Threat to further aggression

Witnessing a victim’s distress

Bullying can be perpetrated by individuals or groups and can include many different

behaviours such as:

Physical assault

Verbal taunts, name calling and

Put downs, spreading rumours

Threats and intimidation

Stealing of money and possessions, extortion

Exclusion from the peer group

Hostile, threatening or obscene

Body gestures

Responding with avoidance or anger to any questioning

Lack of empathy towards others

Inappropriate use of the internet with respect to any of the above examples.

If Your Child is Bullied

Do

Listen to your child. Encourage your child to talk about his/her feelings.

Gather specifics about bullying incidents (who, what, where, when).

Report the bullying to school personnel. Work with the school.

Develop your child‟s special skills and confidence. Promote assertive behaviour

to develop self confidence.

Look for POSSIBLE signs of victimization; fear of going to school, lack of

friends, missing belongings, drop in grades, withdrawal, acting out of character,

torn or missing clothing, difficulty sleeping, change in appetite.

Don’t

Minimize, rationalize, or explain away the bully‟s behaviour.

Rush in to resolve the problem for your child.

Tell your child to avoid the bully.

Tell your child to fight back – we were told not to advise kid‟s to do this

Confront the bully or the bully‟s parents alone.

What to do if your Child is Aggressive or Bullies Others:

Talk to your child. Don‟t blame. Stay calm and make it clear that bullying is

NOT acceptable.

Discuss with your child the negative impact that bullying has on the victim(s).

Teach EMPATHY.

Talk and listen to your child. Share information with his/her teacher(s) and

school administration. Keep the lines of communication open between school

and home.

Be willing to attend interviews with school personnel. Work with the school to

modify your child‟s behaviour.

Keep a written record (who, what, where, when, why and how).

Praise the efforts that your child makes toward non-violent and responsible

behaviour.

Ensure a consistent approach for consequences between home and school.

Consequences should be clear, age appropriate and logical, NOT punitive.

How to Report Bullying:

Arrange a meeting for you and your child with the appropriate school personnel.

Bring to the meeting the facts in writing (who, what, where, when, why and

how).

Work with your child and school personnel on a plan that addresses what your

child needs right now in order to feel safe, what he/she can do to avoid being

bullied and to stand up to any future bullying, and to whom he/she can go for

help.

Be patient. The school might need some time to investigate and check on what

has been said.

If you are not aware of it, ask about the school‟s Code of Student Conduct or

Code of Behaviour.

Arrange for a follow-up meeting or telephone call

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES The Regional Health Department requires that children with certain communicable

diseases be kept away from other children during the period when the disease may be

spread. The attached chart defines what some of the more common childhood diseases

are and the periods of exclusion for these diseases.

The Board will follow the direction of the Regional Health Department regarding proper

response to pandemic flu outbreaks.

COMMUNICABLE

DISEASE

CHILDREN WITH THE DISEASE SHOULD

REMAIN AT HOME AND AWAY FROM

OTHERS

Chickenpox Until child is well enough to participate in all

activities regardless of the state of the rash.

Diarrhea Until diarrhea stops.

Impetigo Until the antibiotic prescribed by a doctor has

been taken for at least one full day.

Measles (Rubeola) For at least 4 days after the rash begins.

Mumps For at least 9 days after the swollen glands first

appear.

Pink-eye, bacterial

(Conjunctivitis)

Until the antibiotic prescribed by a doctor has

been taken for at least one full day.

Ringworm Until treatment has started.

Rubella (German Measles) Until at least 7 days after the rash first appears.

Scarlet Fever Until antibiotic treatment has been taken for 1 full

day.

Strep Throat Until antibiotic treatment has been taken for 1 full

day.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Until antibiotic treatment has been taken for at

least 5 days. If no treatment is given, for 3 weeks

from when the cough began.

If you suspect your child has a communicable disease:

Keep your child at home and away from others

Contact your family doctor for a diagnosis.

Your doctor will advise you regarding care and treatment when a communicable

disease is diagnosed.

For information about any communicable disease, please call 1-866-442-5866

CUSTODY OF CHILDREN We are all aware that single-parent families are increasingly common in modern society.

On rare occasions, we are faced with difficult situations during which the non-custodial

parent arrives at our school asking to visit with the child or take the child home after

school. We are best able to serve and protect the child when we are made aware of:

Custody

Visitation rights

Special instructions

Please be aware that legal documentation must be on file at the school before we will

deny access to a parent. If your family has these particular circumstances, please ensure

that the school office and classroom teachers are aware of legal agreements between

separated and divorced parents. Proof will be kept on file stating joint or single custody.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON SAFETY Please notify the school if someone other than the usual person is picking up your

child. We will not release a student to anyone who is not the usual caregiver unless

we have been informed, in writing, ahead of time.

CHILDREN IN NEED OF PROTECTION – OBLIGATION TO REPORT

The Children and Family Services Act requires all teachers and other professionals to

report any suspicion that a child is in need of protection. The school staff will be fined if

they do not comply with this law.

It is the role of the Children‟s Aid Society, to whom we report, to investigate such a

report. If your child is bruised or marked from an accident or bicycle spill, please let the

teacher know the circumstances. On the other hand, if a report is made, you should

understand that we are complying with the law in the best interests of the children who

are in our care.

CRISIS AT HOME If there is a crisis at home, such as a death or illness in the family or of friends who are

close to you and your child(ren), please let us know so that we can provide support for

your child, upon his/her return to school. Death or illness of family pets can also be

upsetting to children and affect their ability to learn. If you need help contacting local

Family Services for assistance in handling such problems as alcoholism, abuse, or

financial difficulties, we would, in confidence, help direct you to the proper agency.

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

Purpose of a Code:

The St Joseph School community functions best when, in a spirit of cooperation, staff, students and parents treat one another with dignity and respect. Proactive and preventative strategies are essential to promote appropriate behaviour in schools. Clear guidelines maintain a positive, caring atmosphere and a safe and orderly learning environment.

February 2008

INTRODUCTION:

Catholic schools, as articulated in the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

promote a unique vision of the learner as growing to be:

1. A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the

signs and sacred mystery of God‟s presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness,

reflection and moral living.

2. An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively,

responding critically in light of Gospel values.

3. A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes

responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.

4. A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their

God-given potential.

5. A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which

respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.

6. A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish and the wider

community.

7. A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting

peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.

To this end, Catholic Schools promote responsibility, respect, civility

and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

Students, parents, teachers and staff are all members of the Catholic school community. We base

the development of our community on compassionate, responsible, fair, respectful treatment of

each other as members of the Body of Christ, a community of the Light. To that end, all

members of the Catholic school community have the right to be safe, and feel safe in their school

community. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be

accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.

The Code of Conduct for Halton Catholic Schools sets clear standards of behaviour. In

accordance with the Ontario Code of Conduct, it specifies the consequences for student actions

that do not comply with these standards.

The standards of behaviour apply not only to students, but also to all individuals involved in the

Catholic school system – principals, teachers and other school staff members, parents or

guardians, and volunteers whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-

authorized events or activities.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR HALTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

The Halton Catholic District School Board is dedicated to providing and enhancing a Catholic

community of learning in which students will be afforded reasonable opportunities to achieve

their potential in spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical and social development. It is the

expectation of the Board that students will respond positively to this policy and act accordingly.

The Halton Catholic District School Board expects staff, students and community members

involved in school programmes and school and Board authorized activities to exhibit behaviour

which complies with:

(i) the Halton Catholic District School Board Code of Conduct;

(ii) the Standards of Behaviour in the Ontario Code of Conduct;

(iii) Halton Catholic District School Board Policies II-39, VI 44;

(iv) the Education Act as amended by the Progressive Discipline and Safety in

Schools Act, 2007.

Roles and Responsibilities

Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. Students have the right to learn in a

safe, orderly and stimulating Catholic environment and to be conscientiously instructed

by the teaching staff. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others,

and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and

responsibility are demonstrated when a student:

participates fully in the religious life of the school, including the celebration of liturgy, Religious Education courses, and related activities;

develops personal skills and talents to serve God, and thereby his/her neighbour;

contributes positively to the Catholic climate of the school and exhibit the responsibilities of citizenship;

cooperates with all adults in positions of authority in the school community;

complies with all school expectations and regulations respecting student behaviour;

uses language that is appropriate to their dignity as Catholics;

adheres to the school dress code;

respects the school property and property of others at all times;

comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn;

refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;

exercises self-discipline and accountability for their actions based on age and individual ability.

3 Principals, under the direction of the Board and appropriate senior staff, take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide this leadership when they:

demonstrate care for the school community and a commitment to academic excellence in

a safe teaching and learning environment;

hold everyone, under their authority, accountable for their behaviour and actions;

empower students to be positive leaders in their school and community;

communicate regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.

Teachers and other school staff members, under the leadership of their principals, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to high standards of respectful and responsible behaviour. As Catholic role models, staff uphold these high standards when they:

help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth;

empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community;

communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;

maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;

demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the

school community;

prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship as outlined in the Catholic

Graduate Expectations.

Parents play an important role in the education of their children, and can support the efforts of

school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents

fulfil their role when they:

show an active interest in the child‟s school work and progress;

communicate regularly with the school;

help their child to be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;

ensure that their child attend school regularly and on time;

promptly report to the school their child‟s absence or late arrival;

show that they are familiar with the provincial Code of Conduct, the Board‟s code of

conduct and the school rules;

encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;

assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child.

The Police are essential partners in making our schools and communities safer. The police play an essential role in making our schools and communities safer. Police investigate incidents in accordance with the protocol

developed with the local school board. These protocols are based on a provincial model developed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Education.

4

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE

Progressive discipline is a non-punitive, whole-school approach that uses a continuum of corrective and

supportive interventions, supports and consequences to address inappropriate behaviour and to build

upon strategies that promote positive behaviours. Consequences include learning opportunities for

reinforcing positive behaviour and assisting pupils to make good choices.

The range of interventions, supports, and consequences used by the Board and all schools must be clear

and developmentally appropriate. For pupils with special education and/or disability related needs,

interventions, supports and consequences must be consistent with the expectations in the student‟s IEP

and/or his/her demonstrated abilities.

Appropriate action must consistently be taken by schools to address behaviours that are contrary to

provincial and Board Codes of Conduct.

The Board, and school administrators, must consider all mitigating and other factors, as required by the

Education Act and as set out in Ontario Regulation 472/07.

Progressive discipline may also include early and/or ongoing intervention strategies, such as:

Contact with the pupil‟s parent(s)/guardian(s); Oral reminders; Review of expectations; Written work assignment with a learning component; Peer mentoring; Referral to counselling; Conflict mediation and resolution; and/or Consultation

Progressive discipline may also include a range of interventions, supports and consequences when inappropriate behaviours have occurred, with a focus on improving behaviour, such as one or more of the following:

Meeting with the pupil‟s parent(s)/guardian(s), pupil and participant; Referral to a community agency for anger management or substance abuse counselling; Detentions; Withdrawal of privileges; Withdrawal from class; Restitution for damages; Restorative practices; and/or Transfer with support

In some cases, short-term suspension may also be considered a useful progressive discipline approach.

Notwithstanding the above, the principal will take immediate and appropriate action in any situation

involving the welfare of others.

5

SUSPENSION and EXPULSION

The Board supports the use of suspension and expulsion as outlined in Part XIII of the Education Act, the

Progressive Discipline and Safety in Schools Act, 2007, Board Policy II-39, Administrative Procedure VI –

44, where a student has committed one or more of the infractions outlined below on school property, during

a school-related activity or event, and/or in circumstances where the infraction has an impact on the school

climate.

The principal will also contact the police consistent with the Police and School Response Protocol if the

infraction the pupil is suspected o committing requires such contact. When in doubt, the principal will

consult with his or her Superintendent.

The infractions for which a suspension may be imposed by the principal include:

1. Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person;

2. Possessing alcohol, illegal and/or restricted drugs;

3. Being under the influence of alcohol;

4. Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority;

5. Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the student‟s school

or to property located on the premises of the student‟s school;

6. Bullying;

7. Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the moral tone of the school;

8. Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the physical or mental well-being of members of

the school community; or

9. Any act considered by the principal to be contrary to the Board or School Code of Conduct including

but not limited to the following:

academic dishonesty – attempting to deceive by cheating, copying or plagiarizing

defiance – refusal to comply with persons in authority

disorderly conduct – persistent opposition to authority, conduct injurious to the moral tone of the

school or to the physical or mental well-being of others in the school

explosive devices – use of or possession of explosive devices

extortion – to take money, homework or property under threat of harm or duress

fire setting, bomb threat, fire alarm – setting a fire or an act that places individuals, property or

community at risk

harassment – repeated comments or conduct that is known or ought to be known as unwelcome

hate crimes – words or actions considered offensive in reference to a person‟s race, religion,

culture, gender, age, appearance or disability

smoking on school property – violation of the Tobacco Control Act

theft – taking, possessing property without the permission of the owner

trespass – unauthorized presence on school property

truancy – persistent unexplained absence

vehicle use – reckless or dangerous use of a vehicle, e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle etc.

A pupil may be suspended only once for any incident of an infraction may be suspended for a minimum of one

(1) school day and a maximum of twenty (20) school days.

Factors to Consider Before Deciding to Impose a Suspension

Before deciding whether to impose a suspension, or some other form of discipline, a principal will make every

effort to consult with the pupil, where appropriate, and the pupil‟s parent(s)/guardian(s) (if the pupil is not an

adult pupil) to identify whether any mitigating and/or other factors might apply in the circumstances.

Mitigating Factors

The mitigating factors to be considered by the principal before deciding whether to impose a suspension are:

1. Whether the pupil has the ability to control his or her behaviour;

2. Whether the pupil has the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of his or her behaviour; and

3. Whether the pupil‟s continuing presence in the school does or does not create an unacceptable risk to the

safety of any other individual at the school.

If a pupil does not have the ability to control his or her behaviour or does not understand the foreseeable

consequences of his/her behaviour, the principal will not suspend the pupil. Alternative discipline and/or other

intervention may be considered by the principal in such circumstances. If the pupil poses an unacceptable risk

to the safety of others in the school, the principal will consult with his/her Superintendent regarding appropriate

accommodations and/or strategies that might be instituted to ensure safety of pupils, staff, and others in the

school.

Other Factors to be Considered

Where the pupil is able to control his/her behaviour and is able to understand the foreseeable consequences of

his/her behaviour, the principal will consider whether the following factors mitigate the length of a suspension

or the decision to apply a suspension as a form of discipline for the pupil:

1. The pupil‟s academic, discipline and personal history;

2. Whether progressive discipline has been attempted with the pupil, and if so, the progressive discipline

approach(es) that has/have been attempted and any success or failure;

3. Whether the infraction for which the pupil might be disciplined was related to any harassment of the pupil

because of race, ethnic origin, religion, creed, disability, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or

harassment for any other reason;

4. The impact of the discipline on the pupil‟s prospects for further education;

5. The pupil‟s age;

6. Where the pupil has an IEP or disability related needs,

a. Whether the behaviour causing the incident was a manifestation of the pupil‟s disability;

b. Whether appropriate individualized accommodation has been provided; and

c. Whether a suspension is likely to result in aggravating or worsening the pupil‟s behaviour or conduct

or whether a suspension is likely to result in a greater likelihood of further inappropriate conduct; and

7. Whether or not the pupil‟s continuing presence at the school creates an unacceptable risk to the safety of

anyone in the school.

EXPULSION

Subject to the Factors to Consider Before Deciding to Impose a Suspension below, reasonable grounds to

believe that a pupil has committed one or more infractions outlined below on school property, during a school

related activity or even, and/or in circumstances where the infraction has an impact on the school climate, the

principal will suspend the pupil.

The principal will also contact the police consistent with the Police and School Response Protocol if the

infraction the pupil is suspected of committing requires such contact. When in doubt, the principal will consult

with his or her Superintendent.

The enumerated activities are:

1. Possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm;

2. Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person;

3. Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical

practitioner;

4. Committing sexual assault;

5. Trafficking in weapons or restricted drugs;

6. Committing robbery;

7. Giving alcohol to a minor;

8. An act considered by the principal to be significantly injurious to the moral tone of the school

and/or to the physical or mental well-being of others (e.g., theft, academic dishonesty, hazing

activities, harassment, verbal abuse, extortion, possession of an explosive substance, distribution of

hate material, etc.);

9. A pattern of behaviour that is so inappropriate that the student‟s continued presence is injurious to the

effective learning and/or working environment of others;

10. Activities engaged in by the student on or off school property that cause the student‟s continuing presence

in the school to create an unacceptable risk to the physical or mental well-being of other person(s) in the

school or Board;

11. Activities engaged in by the student on or off school property that have caused extensive damage to the

property of the Board or to goods that are/were on the Board‟s property, (e.g. inappropriate use of

electronic and/or voice mail systems, fire setting, etc.);

12. The student has demonstrated through a pattern of behaviour that s/he has not prospered by the instruction

available to him or her and that s/he is persistently resistant to making changes in behaviour which would

enable him or her to prosper, e.g. neglect of duty, truancy, consistent opposition to authority, etc); or

13. Any act considered by the principal to be a serious violation of the Board or school Code of Conduct.

In accordance with the Police and School Response Protocol/School Board Procedural Protocol, police shall be

contacted by the principal for but not limited to the above infractions. Consequences resulting from criminal

charges related to school incidents are independent of those imposed under the Education Act.

Mitigating Factors and Other Factors

Before imposing a suspension pending an investigation to determine whether to recommend expulsion, the

principal must consider any mitigating factors as set out in the Student Discipline Procedures.

If the principal imposes a suspension pending an investigation to determine whether to recommend expulsion,

the Principal must consider any mitigating and other factors as set out in the Student Discipline Procedures in

determining whether to recommend an expulsion from the pupil‟s school or from all schools of the Board, as

required by the Education Act. If the principal determines it is not appropriate to recommend an expulsion, the

principal must consider mitigating and other factors in deciding whether to shorten the length of the

suspension.

7

8

EXPECTED

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

REASONS FOR

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

STUDENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL

RESPONSIBILITIES

RANGE OF

CONSEQUENCES

Regular Attendance

Students:

are expected to attend

school regularly

are not permitted to

leave the school

grounds during the

day without parental

consent

must notify school

administration before

leaving the school

grounds

good attendance is

essential to be

successful in school

your parents are

vitally interested in

your academic

success and

therefore, in your

attendance at school

communication from

home is essential if

you are absent to

ensure us that

nothing happened to

you on the way to

school

there is a legal

requirement to attend

school at this level

attend school.

assume

responsibility for

school

assignments

missed when

absent

report to the

office if you do

not feel well at

school

if you have to

leave school

during the day,

you will need a

note signed by a

parent, or a

phone call to

excuse you from

school

ensure that your

child gets proper

rest and nutrition

dress your child

according to

seasonal weather

care for your

child at home

when fever or

other signs of

illness are evident

phone the school

if your child is to

be absent. Please

call before

.............a.m.

listen to radio

stations for

reports of

inclement

weather, school

and transportation

cancellations

keep accurate

attendance

records

determine

reasons for

absences

notify parents

when a child

becomes ill

notify parents if

we suspect

truancy

report frequent

absences to the

parent

report frequent

absences to the

Principal

if you are absent

from school without

permission your

parents will be

notified and you may

be required to make

up time.

if truancy persists,

you will be referred

to the Principal.

failure to comply

with this expectation

will result in

consequences as

outlined in the Range

of Consequences

pg.5.

EXPECTED

STUDENT

BEHAVIOUR

REASONS FOR

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

STUDENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL

RESPONSIBILITIES

RANGE OF

CONSEQUENCES

Punctuality

you are

expected to be

on time for

school and

classes

punctuality is a good

habit which will be

expected of you on the

job and in your

personal relationships

punctuality shows

respect and

consideration for

others

if you are late for class,

your lateness is a

distraction to the

teacher and your

classmates

being late for class

may result in missing

essential information

children are

unsupervised when late

(No one to walk with,

no crossing guards.)

be on time for school

and for classes

don‟t fool around

going to school

when late, report to

the office before

going to class

ensure that your

child leaves for

school with

sufficient time to be

punctual

encourage

punctuality

notify the school if

your child will be

late

record lateness

report frequent

lateness to the

parent

report frequent

lateness to the

Principal

admit students to

class when late

if you are

repeatedly late,

you will be

required to make

up time

if you continue to

be late, your

parents will be

notified and asked

to assist the school

in helping you to

consistently arrive

to school on time

failure to comply

with this expecta-

tion will result in

consequences as

outlined in the

Range of

Consequences

pg. 5.

9

10

EXPECTED

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

REASONS FOR

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

STUDENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL

RESPONSIBILITIES

RANGE OF

CONSEQUENCES

Respect for Authority

Students:

are expected to

comply with the

rules listed in the

school Student

Code of Conduct.

are expected to

follow the safety

rules established by

the school and

school bus driver

are expected to

respect all staff, and

any other person

working in the

school or at school-

sponsored activities

and events

it is necessary to

provide an orderly

learning

environment.

throughout your life,

you will have to

respect the authority

of people who,

because of their

position, have been

given the right and

responsibility to

impose that

authority

the school and your

teachers have the

authority, under the

Education Act, to

impose certain

requirements on you

for academic

diligence and proper

behaviour

all individuals

deserve courtesy,

consideration and

respect.

respect teachers,

staff and all other

persons in the school

obey the bus driver

while travelling on a

school bus

obey the rules of the

school as outlined in

the Student Code of

Conduct

encourage your child

to respect the rights

of fellow students,

teachers, principal(s)

and other school

community members

provide an

appropriate role

model

communicate and

work co-operatively

with the school

encourage respect

for all individuals of

authority in society,

(e.g., police, other

community partners)

review the School

Code of Conduct

with your child

approach the education

of the student in a just

and fair manner

provide an appropriate

role model

parents are promptly

notified about

behaviour problems on

the bus

the Principal will hold

everyone accountable

for their behaviour and

actions

failure to comply

with this

expectation will

result in

consequences as

outlined in the

Range of

Consequences

pg. 5.

progressive

discipline

consequences

including

suspension and/or

expulsion from

school and school

bus privileges is

enforced for

repeated

infractions of the

school Code of

Conduct

11

EXPECTED

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

REASONS FOR

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

STUDENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL

RESPONSIBILITIES

RANGE OF

CONSEQUENCES

Respect for Self and

Others

Students:

are expected to

demonstrate

Catholic values in

helping others in

the school

community

must treat

everyone with

respect and

dignity and value

all persons for

their gender, race,

cultural and

religious heritage.

expected to

use language that

is appropriate to

the dignity of all

persons in school

coarse, profane or

vulgar language

and gestures or

taking God‟s

name in vain

are unacceptable

every person has the

right to expect a

school environment

that is free from

fear, harassment,

injury, distractions

and prejudice

each person has the

right to develop

physically,

intellectually,

emotionally,

spiritually and

socially

a student who treats

others the way s/he

wants to be treated

demonstrates self-

respect and respect

for others

respect for others is

a trait that makes it

possible for students

to get along with

peers and others

respect the rights of

staff and fellow

students to foster a

school environment

which is free from

fear, harassment,

injury, distractions

and prejudice

be respectful and

courteous to other

people

keep hands and feet

to self (Hands Off

policy).

demonstrate Gospel

values in words and

actions

encourage your child to

respect the rights of

fellow students, staff

and others

encourage self- respect

provide a home

environment that helps

a child understand the

Golden Rule: treat

others the way you

want to be treated

teach your child to be

respectful and

courteous to others

consistent with values

promoted by the

Catholic school

respect the

fundamental rights of

all people

exercise such

discipline of kind,

firm and judicious

paren

model respect and

courtesy to others

consistent with

values promoted by

the Catholic school

system

the Principal shall

hold everyone

accountable for their

behaviour and

actions

the use of

profane or

inappropriate

language is

considered an act

that is injurious

to the moral tone

of the school and

thus, may be

considered for

suspension

failure to comply

with this

expectation will

result in

consequences as

outlined in the

Range of Conse-

quences pg. 5.

EXPECTED

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

REASONS FOR

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

STUDENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL

RESPONSIBILITIES

RANGE OF

CONSEQUENCES

Safety

Students:

are expected to

conduct yourself

in such a manner

as to promote

safe use of

building and

property

are expected to:

(i) avoid out of

bound areas;

(ii) refrain from

rough play;

(iii) keep your

hands and feet

to yourself

are expected to

walk bicycles on

the school

grounds

are expected

not to use skate-

boards or in-line

skates on the

school grounds

students have a

right to learn in a

safe and orderly

environment

care for and store

personal property

so that it poses

no hazard to any

other member of

the school

community

play in

designated

areas

do not play

games that

involve physical

contact or games

which pose a

risk of injury to

fellow students,

staff or visitors to

the school

use equipment

appropriately and

safetly

report unsafe

conditions and

situations to an

adult

keep valuables at

home

provide personal

property which is

easily and safely

stored

encourage

consideration for

the safety of self

and others

review the Hands

Off policy with

your child

review safety

notices sent home

from school with

your child

drive safely on

school property

designate out of

bounds areas

provide for adequate

supervision of the

school site during the

school day

teach and review the

Hands Off policy

with students

designate playground

areas to students as

appropriate for age,

size and type of

activities according

to seasonal

conditions

impose limits on

activities found to be

potentially unsafe

report unsafe

situations/conditions

to the Principal

the Principal shall

hold everyone

accountable for their

behaviour and actions

you may be

refused use of

equipment,

facilities and

access to play

with fellow

students where

behaviour is

actually or

potentially

unsafe

parents will be

contacted by

phone or, in

writing,

concerning rough

play

repeated instances

of rough play or

unsafe conduct

may result in

suspension from

school

expect to pay for

damage to

property due to

unsafe

behaviour

failure to comply

with this

expectation will

result in

consequences as

outlined in the

Range of

Consequences

pg.5

EXPECTED

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

REASONS FOR

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

STUDENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL

RESPONSIBILITIES

RANGE OF

CONSEQUENCES

Respect for Property

Students:

are expected

to take care of

personal property

and to leave

personal

property of others

alone

are expected to eat

in the designated

lunch area and

place all litter in

garbage and

recycling

containers

provided

expected to use the

school grounds,

buildings, lockers,

furniture,

equipment and

supplies with care

and for their

intended purposes

school buses, used

either for daily

travel or for school

field trips, are to

be treated with the

same care as other

school property

the cost of

maintaining school

buildings, buses

and supplies is

assumed by the

taxpayer. Vandalism

increases this cost.

school custodians

maintain the school

building, keep it in

good repair and keep

it tidy. It is a waste of

their service to be

cleaning up messes

deliberately made by

students.

we need a clean, safe

environment in which

to learn.

students do not like

having their personal

property tampered

with by others. It

costs money to have

things cleaned,

replaced or repaired.

library books, school

books and materials

are expensive to

replace.

take care of the

building, its facilities

and all its equipment.

do not litter.

respect the property of

the school and of

fellow students.

take care of school

textbooks, library

books, school

furniture and

consumable materials.

store your

clothes/property in the

appropriate places.

promote the value of

respect for public and

personal property.

make restitution for

damage to property.

Allow this

consequence to

affect your child in

some way.

provide good models

of behaviour and

attitude.

provide the student with

a clean, safe learning

environment.

promote the value of

public and private

property.

provide containers for

litter and recycling.

collect the replacement

cost for lost or damaged

textbooks, library books

or school equipment.

the Principal and

teachers shall hold

everyone accountable

for their behaviour and

actions.

students who

damage school or

personal property

are expected to

make restitution.

destruction of

school property

may result in

suspension and

possible police

action.

students who litter

are expected to

pick up garbage.

failure to comply

with this

expectation will

result in

consequences as

outlined in the

Range of

Consequences pg

5.

vandalism causing

extensive damage

to school property

or property

located on school

premises results in

a mandatory

suspension and

possible Police

involvement.

EXPECTED

STUDENT

BEHAVIOUR

REASONS FOR

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

STUDENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL

RESPONSIBILITIES

RANGE OF

CONSEQUENCES

Preparation for Class

and In-Class Conduct

Students:

be prepared for

each class

have note

books,

textbooks and

materials that

your teachers

have indicated

are necessary

have assigned

homework

completed on

due dates

be prepared to

put forth your

best effort

you are

expected to

conduct

yourself

according to

class rules and

teacher

instructions

and to fully

participate

not to

plagiarize,

cheat, copy or

knowingly

present the

language, ideas

or thoughts of

another person

as your

own work.

it is essential that

you be well prepared

so that your

attention, the class‟

attention and the

teacher‟s attention

can be focussed on

the lesson

well-prepared

students generally

achieve better

results

it is reasonable to set

limits on talking and

movement in the

class- room in

order to achieve the

academic goals of

the lesson

students must

honestly involve

themselves in the

academic program

prepare for each class

have appropriate

change of clothing

have the notebooks,

textbooks and

materials that your

teachers have

indicated are

necessary

complete any

assigned homework

hand in assignments

on their due dates.

be prepared for tests

work diligently at

your programs

do your best

follow expectations

for class as outlined

by the teacher

promote a positive

attitude towards

school by

supporting and

encouraging your

child‟s academic

progress and

social development

provide an

appropriate place

and time for work

and study at home

demonstrate an

active/ positive

interest in the

work your child

does at home and at

school

discuss daily events

at school with your

child, including

tests, projects,

assignments and

special events

read to your child

encourage daily

preparation for each

class

be aware of the

homework

expectations as set

by your child‟s

teacher

provide help to a

child doing

homework without

doing the work

yourself.

promptly contact the

teacher directly with

any concern.

supply the necessary

materials.

provide clear, concise

expectations.

encourage excellence.

assist students in

developing good study

and organizational

habits.

set reasonable

expectations for

completion of work.

promptly communicate

expectations and

concerns to parents.

When work is not

completed the

teacher may:

contact parents;

(b) set a parent/

teacher/ student

conference;

(c) curtail privileges

in order to make

time to complete

work;

(d) arrange to detain the

student during or

after the school day

to finish work.

Academic dishonesty

may result in a grade

of zero.

Failure to comply with

this expectation will

result in consequences

as outlined in the

Range of Consequences

pg. 5.

14

EXPECTED

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

REASONS FOR

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

STUDENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENT

RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL

RESPONSIBILITIES

RANGE OF

CONSEQUENCES

School Dress

Students:

are expected to

wear clothing

appropriate to the

season and the

activity

are expected to

be neat, clean and

modest in dress

are expected to

wear

appropriate

footwear at all

times

are expected to

dress according

to the school

Dress Code

Students should

wear

appropriate

seasonal

clothing to prevent

illness. Students

who become

sick miss school.

Absenteeism is

detrimental to your

education

dressing

appropriately

promotes a positive

learning

environment and

reflects attention to

the values

promoted by the

Catholic school.

In the event of a

fire drill or real

evacuation,

footwear is

essential to

safety

Wear proper

seasonal clothing to

school

Be responsible for

your clothing.

Retrieve your lost

articles from the

Lost and

Found box.

Dress in a neat,

clean and

appropriate manner

Provide proper

seasonal clothing

for your child.

Label your child‟s

clothing to

facilitate return of

lost items

Encourage your

child to care for

his/her

clothing

Support the school

in maintaining the

expected standard

of neatness,

cleanliness and

appropriate

student attire

Provide appropriate

role models of dress

Inform students of

proper seasonal dress

and school

standards of

neatness, cleanliness

and modesty

Be aware of and

enforce the

requirements of the

Risk Management

Policy and

Procedures

If the child

does not have

appropriate

clothing,

parents will be

informed

Students may

be excluded

from

activities for

which they are

not

appropriately

dressed

Failure to

comply with

this expectation

will result in

consequences

as outlined in

the Range of

Consequences

pg. 5.

DRESS CODE GUIDELINES

Clothing with inappropriate* logos, sayings and pictures is not acceptable at school.

Tank tops, halter-tops, cut off shorts and torn jeans are not to be worn to school.

No bare midriffs.

Physical education clothing should provide appropriate coverage for comfortable, modest safe

movement during activities. Clothing which is either too baggy or too tight is not recommended.

Shorts should cover to mid thigh when seated.

*Inappropriate refers to logos, sayings and pictures that address and/or display: sexual content,

substance abuse, violence, profanity or inappropriate references to religion nationality, race or gender.

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