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Student/Parent

Information Handbook

650 Laurelwood Drive Waterloo, Ontario

N2V 2V1

Phone: 519-880-9979 Fax: 519-880-9718

This handbook is also available on our website:

http://sjam.wrdsb.on.ca

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

SJAM’s Credo: “Audere est credere.”

“Dare to Believe. Expect to Succeed.”

SJAM’s Vision: “A caring environment where together

We can learn to be our best”

SJAM’s Mission Statement:

“Learning Together, Caring For Each Other”

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Table of Contents

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES.................................................. 3

Be Here..................................................................................... 3 Daily Schedule

General Information

Absence Reporting Procedure

Extended Absences

Work Missed Due To An Absence

Absences During Examinations

Consequences of an Absence

Bus Cancellation/School Closures

Be On Time .............................................................................. 5 Punctuality

Be Prepared To Learn............................................................. 6 Be Rested

Arrive with Appropriate Supplies

Do Homework

Stay free of illicit substances

Be Responsible ....................................................................... 6 Textbooks/Musical Instruments

Lockers

Student and Visitor Parking and Traffic

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Guideline

Acceptable Use for Technology Guideline

Commitment to Safe Schools

Students’ Code of Conduct

Athletes’ Code of Conduct

Spectator’s Code of Conduct

Be Co-operative .................................................................... 12 Food and Drink

Hall Behaviour

Behaviour in the Community and at the Plaza

Dress Code

Electronic Equipment

Smoking and Tobacco Products

Be Courteous ........................................................................ 15 Respect

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES............................................. 16

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES ............................. 19

COURSE ENHANCEMENT FEES ............................................ 21

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Day 2* Schedule Period 1 8:50-10:05 Period 2 10:10-11:25 Lunch 11:25-12:25 Period 3 12:25-1:40 Period 4 1:45-3:00

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Attitude is everything! Students who are positive and who strive to do their best are successful. A key ingredient is attendance. Learning in all school-sponsored environments leads to achievement and prosperous post-secondary opportunities.

As a Macdonald Student, I will:

Be Here

Daily Schedule

Day 1* Schedule Period 1 8:50-10:05 Period 2 10:10-11:25 Lunch 11:25-12:25 Period 3 12:25-1:40 Period 4 1:45-3:00

* The courses in 3 & 4 flip on alternate days. Odd numbered

calendar days are Day 1’s, even numbered calendar days are Day 2’s.

General Information

All students under the age of 18 must be registered in full-time studies.

It is the duty and responsibility of each student to attend all assigned classes.

Skipped classes (invalid absences) are unacceptable.

Absence Reporting Procedure

Students must notify the Main Office of the reason for an absence

by a note or by a telephone call preferably before an absence or on the day of the absence. Parent/guardian approval is required for all absences for students under 18 years of age.

Students leaving the school at any point during the school day

must report to the Main Office to Sign-Out. Before a student can Sign-Out the absence must be validated by a note or call to parents.

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Extended Absences

Absences of more than five consecutive school days must be

approved through a Short Term Withdrawal Form available in the Main Office. This form must be completed by the student, signed by the parent/guardian, all teachers involved and the Vice Principal.

Work Missed Due To An Absence

Students are expected to:

complete all work missed during any absence.

contact all teachers regarding missed work upon return to class after any absence.

write/hand in tests/assignments missed because of an absence immediately on your return to school.

contact your teachers ahead of time if you know of a future absence, in order to inquire about assignments and tests which might be missed.

have parents/guardians contact the Main Office/ Attendance Secretary to arrange for work to be sent home in the case of an extended illness (three days or more).

Absences During Examinations

Final examinations are held at the end of each semester in most courses. Please refer to the school year calendar. EACH STUDENT MUST WRITE THE ASSIGNED FINAL EXAMINATION (if the Ministry/Board requires it) AT THE SCHEDULED TIME TO COMPLETE THE COURSE EXPECTATIONS.

A preliminary exam schedule is released well ahead of time.

Students and parents are advised to consult this schedule before making plans for the examination period. Students and parents should plan well ahead and arrange family vacations, trips, Royal Conservatory Exams, Drivers’ Tests, etc. at times other than when examinations are scheduled.

Where a student is unable to write an exam due to illness, a doctor’s certificate is required.

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Consequences of an Absence

If a student is absent from any assigned classes, the automated phoner will call home that evening.

A “skipped” class may result in an interview with the Vice Principal and an additional personal phone call to parent/guardians.

Consequences may include detentions, suspensions, parental meetings, referral to outside agencies or removal from class.

Bus Cancellation/School Closures

Local radio stations (96.7 FM, KOOLFM, 570 AM) will announce school bus cancellations/school closures beginning at 6:00 a.m.

Only “school-bused” students (students who ride yellow school buses) are excused from attendance at school on a bus cancellation day.

All “non-bused” students are expected to attend all scheduled

classes on a bus cancellation day.

Be On Time

Punctuality

Punctuality is an important employability skill.

It is the student’s responsibility to be on time with the necessary supplies for all scheduled classes.

Students who arrive at school after their first class has started or

after lunch must Sign In at the Main Office and receive an admit slip.

Students who are late between periods should report directly to their classroom teachers.

Students who are habitually late for class will be referred to the

Vice Principal and may, ultimately, be removed from class.

Be Prepared To Learn Students should be prepared both mentally and physically in order to be successful in school.

Be rested

Sufficient sleep and proper nutrition are essential fuels for optimum performance in school.

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Arrive with appropriate supplies

Students must arrive at each class with the appropriate materials

as specified by each teacher (such as textbooks, notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, calculators, gym uniform, etc.). Students who habitually arrive for class without the appropriate materials may be referred to the appropriate Vice Principal. Parents may be contacted.

Failure to correct the situation may result in further consequences.

Do homework

Students must complete all homework as assigned by each subject

teacher. Most courses will have some homework each night. Completion of homework assignments prepares students for the next class.

Homework which is incomplete or not understood may lead to poor course results and possible course failure.

Review of daily work is recommended.

Stay free of illicit substances

Students must arrive at each class drug-free and alcohol-free. The use of these substances is prohibited on school property and at all school-sponsored functions. Students consuming drugs or alcohol at school or at school functions or who arrive at school or at school functions “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol will be suspended. Parents and police (if appropriate) will be notified.

Be Responsible

Accept responsibility for your own learning and behaviour.

Do all homework as assigned by your teachers.

Complete all work missed due to an absence.

Prepare well for tests and examinations.

Help keep SJAM a clean and safe environment.

Report all suspicious acts or inappropriate behaviour to the Main Office.

Textbooks and Musical Instruments

Textbooks are the property of the school. Students who lose or

abuse texts will be required to pay a replacement cost.

Musical instruments borrowed for at-home practice are the

responsibility of the student. Theft or damage to an instrument on loan is not covered by school insurance.

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Lockers

Lockers are the property of the school. They may be subject to search at any time. Report any damage to the Main Office immediately. Students who abuse locker privileges may lose them.

All lockers must be secured with a dial-type combination lock. These are available at local stores or from the school at a reasonable price ($5.00).

Correct lock combinations must be on file in the Main Office at all times. To keep your personal items safe, keep your lock combination private.

The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Valuables should be kept at home, where that is not possible, valuables should be kept in the student’s locker.

Student and Visitor Parking

Parking at the school and in the immediate school community is at a premium.

Students may only park in the rear of the school in the lower parking lot off of Creekside Drive in the unnumbered areas.

Students may not park in the numbered staff spots, visitor spots or handicapped spots.

Visitor and handicapped parking spots are available at the front of the school (off Laurelwood Drive).

Student cars parked on school property are out of bounds during school hours (including lunch and spare periods).

Students and others who abuse parking privileges may have their cars ticketed or removed from school property.

Traffic

Traffic is congested around the school. Please drive carefully and watch for pedestrians.

Arrange for drop off and pick up of students away from the school zone. Avoid traffic on Laurelwood by meeting students at the back of the school and at off peak times (i.e., arrive before 8:30 a.m. and depart after 3:15 p.m.).

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Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Guideline

Plagiarism is a serious form of cheating which involves taking the ideas or words of someone else and presenting them as though they were your own. Plagiarism is academic theft, and will not be tolerated.

Plagiarism may include any of the following practices:

Reproducing the exact words of another writer without placing them in quotation marks and stating the source.

Presenting a loose paraphrase of someone else’s words (i.e., changing only a few words or phrases in a borrowed passage to avoid the use of quotation marks) without stating the source.

Borrowing or buying all or part of another person’s work and presenting it as if it were your own. This includes work done by your fellow classmates or from the Internet.

Borrowing another person’s ideas without acknowledging the source. This would include, but is not limited to, “cheating” on a quiz, test or exam.

To avoid plagiarism, simply acknowledge what is not your own. Allowing someone to use your work as his or her own is also subject to disciplinary action. Check with your subject teacher, with the teacher- librarian or with the resources available in the school library online.

Acceptable Use of Technology Guideline

In keeping with the Ministry of Ontario’s mandate to provide “equitable access to information for all students”, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) provides access to the Internet (and other technologies and databases) free of charge. These technological resources have been provided for academic purposes only. Students are expected to refrain from any activity which could be deemed ‘personal use’. This would include browsing sites of personal interest, gaming sites, downloading of videos or music, all access to personal webpages or personal net ‘space’, all blogs, chats, bulletins, emails, etc.

In plain words, if a teacher has not assigned it, DON’T DO IT!

Students are given an amount of server space sufficient for their school assignments, securely protected by a password which they must not share with others. Each student will be held accountable for any activity which occurs within his/her account. Account activity is monitored by both the school and the WRDSB. Disciplinary consequences for infractions of the above rules range from a warning, loss of computer privileges, suspension or, in extremely serious cases, legal action.

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Commitment to Safe Schools

Everyone has the right to a safe and secure environment, free from deliberate insult and injury. The Waterloo Region District School Board is committed to a policy of non-tolerance of violence in our schools.

Discipline

The purpose of any discipline plan is to encourage students to make smart choices and to take ownership and responsibility for their actions. Depending on the severity and the frequency of misconduct, a student may be suspended for up to 20 school days for any of the following activities while the student is at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity has an impact on the school climate such as:

Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm to another person.

Possessing alcohol, illegal and/or restricted drugs.

Being under the influence of alcohol and/ or illegal drugs.

Swearing at a teacher or at another person in the position of authority. Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the

pupil’s school.

Bullying

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

Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the physical or mental wellbeing of any member of the school community.

Any act considered by the principal to be contrary to the Board or school Code of Conduct.

Possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm.

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

Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm

requiring treatment by a medical practitioner.

Committing sexual assault.

Trafficking in weapons or illegal drugs.

Committing a robbery.

Giving alcohol to a minor.

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.

A pattern of behavior that is so inappropriate that the pupil’s continued presence is injurious to the effective learning and/or working environment of others.

Activities engaged in by the pupil on or off school property that cause the

pupil’s continuing presence in the school to create an unacceptable risk to the physical or mental wellbeing of other person(s) in the school or Board.

When a student is suspended for five days or longer, he/she will be assigned to a program for suspended students

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Athletes’ Code of Conduct Conduct

Team players are privileged to represent Sir John A. Macdonald and should conduct themselves as suitable ambassadors for our school at all times. All students are accountable to the Principal for their conduct at any school event. This includes all games, practices and tournaments. Students are required to conduct themselves in accordance with WRDSB policy for all school-related activities. Behavioural misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action.

Academics

Players are expected to be conscientious students and good citizens of the school. Sport-related absences are considered valid; however, work missed because of athletic activities must be completed to the teachers’ satisfaction. All athletes must be enrolled in a full-time program if they are in Grades 9, 10 or 11. All athletes should communicate their absences to the classroom teacher in advance of the event.

Sportsmanship

SJAM players will display good sportsmanship, at all times. Good sportsmanship means showing respect in dealing with teammates, coaches, opposition, officials and spectators.

Transportation

Strict adherence to school rules while on buses is expected. Students must be transported in vehicles arranged by the school, unless otherwise approved.

Fees/Uniforms

Players must purchase a Student Card to be eligible to play sports at SJAM. There will be a minimum team fee for each school team. There may be additional fees for tournaments, replacement teachers and extras. Team uniforms must be in good repair and washed prior to their return. Team uniforms are to be worn for team activities only. Students will be responsible for the cost of damaged or missing uniforms.

Attendance

In order to play on a specific game day, players must be in attendance at school and in class, unless the coach has been forewarned of a valid reason (e.g., doctor’s appointment). All absences must be validated.

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Injuries

All injuries must be reported to the coach immediately. Valuables

Players are responsible for the safekeeping of their own valuables during practices, games or field trips. Students should leave their valuables at home and not in change rooms.

Drugs/Alcohol

Consumption of drugs or alcohol is forbidden at any time, on any school premises, or at any school sponsored event or activity.

Students breaking this rule will be removed from the team for the remainder of the season and suspended indefinitely from all sports teams, pending a meeting with the Principal, Coach and Head of Phys- Ed.

Smoking

Since smoking is not considered a good health practice, players are expected to refrain from smoking during the sports season.

Commitment

Once the commitment to a school team has been made, a player must follow through with his/her commitment to the team. It is unfair to teammates and coaches to leave a team mid-season. It is also unfair to other aspiring players who have failed to earn a place on that team. Any absences from practices or games must be discussed with the coach beforehand or as soon after the absence as possible. Any player who quits a school team during the season, or is removed by the coach for reasons of commitment or behaviour, will be ineligible to play on any Sir John A. Macdonald school team for one full calendar year. Excessive absences could also lead to removal from a school team. Players must abide by any decision made by the coaches. Students may leave the team without penalty, until the commitment date as given by the coach. Under exceptional circumstances, arrangements can be made for a player to leave a team without penalty, pending approval of the Coach, the Head of Phys-ed and Principal. Teams with insufficient interest re: attendance at practices, poor effort, attitude, etc. will be subject to cancellation.

The Athletes’ Code of Conduct has been constructed to ensure respect and dedication for the Athletic Program and for the all participants,

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Spectator’s Code of Conduct

Spectators at sporting events represent Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School and are expected to follow the WCSSAA, CWOSSA and OFSAA CODES OF BEHAVIOUR FOR SPECTATORS listed below:

Cheer in a positive manner.

Respect officials' decisions.

Do not interfere with the competition.

Keep off the playing area.

Be courteous and respectful.

Be Co-operative Students are expected to show co-operation with students and staff at all times. Staff members include teaching staff, supply teachers, administrative staff, secretarial staff, custodians, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, hall monitors and volunteers. Students asked to leave a classroom must report immediately to the Main Office. Students who do not co-operate with staff requests will be referred to a Vice Principal and parents will be notified.

Food and Drink

All food and drink should be consumed in the cafeteria or in the upper and lower foyers.

No food or beverages are allowed in the library. Students should not eat or drink in pod areas unless under the supervision of a staff member.

Students are expected to clean up after themselves both inside

and outside of the school. All garbage and recycling materials should be placed in the containers provided.

Hall Behaviour

Students are requested to stay out of academic halls when classes are in session.

Lounging on spare periods or on lunch is permitted in the cafeteria, the upper and lower foyers or outside.

Skateboards, roller blades, etc. are not permitted in school. Inappropriate use of these items may result in the confiscation of the equipment with additional consequences assigned by the Vice Principal.

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Behaviour in the Community and at the Plazas

Students are ambassadors of SJAM. They are expected to be good citizens: courteous, polite and helpful.

Students will not trespass on the property of neighbours.

Students will not loiter at the plazas. They are to make their

purchases and return to the school property.

Dress Code

Going to school is like going to work. Students are expected to dress in a manner appropriate for a learning/working environment.

Clothing must cover the torso in an appropriate manner. The showing of undergarments (e.g., bras, bra straps, muscle shirts, boxer shorts) is never appropriate.

Offensive clothing or logos (e.g., condoning drugs, alcohol,

inappropriate language or innuendo, gang affiliation or discrimination) are never appropriate.

Bandanas and gang “colours” are not permitted.

Hats are permitted at school but must be removed as a sign a respect during the playing of the National Anthem, during assemblies, in the Main Office and in classroom teaching areas (at the discretion of the teacher).

Students who are dressed inappropriately for school may be instructed to change into more appropriate clothing or may be sent home.

Electronic Equipment

Cell phones, personal listening devices with headphones and other communication devices may be brought to school but must not interfere with learning. Use in the classroom is at the discretion of the teacher. Any form of laser device (e.g., pen) is a safety concern and is not permitted at school. The inappropriate use of electronic equipment may result in additional consequences assigned by the Vice Principal

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Smoking and Tobacco Products

SJAM and all school-designated property is a smoke-free environment. No one is permitted to smoke or use tobacco products on school property or while attending school-sponsored activities.

Students who do not follow the Provincial Smoking Laws will be suspended and may incur increasingly significant fines.

Be Courteous

Respect

Demonstrating respect for one’s self and for others is an essential behaviour in the journey to become a good member of our society.

Students are expected to show respect for all school property, for fellow students and staff, and for the community.

Discrimination, harassment or bullying of any kind (racial, religious, sexual, ethno-cultural, etc.) will not be tolerated.

Any form of vandalism to school property, to school equipment or to any vehicles will not be tolerated.

The use of vulgar or profane language is unacceptable on school property.

Failure to demonstrate respect towards students, staff and community members will result in referral to the Vice Principal. Consequences may include parental involvement, detentions, suspensions, referral to support staff or outside agencies, police involvement or removal from class.

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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Guidance Support

Guidance services are available for every student in the school. Services include assistance with course selection information, post-secondary educational planning, career information and help with home, school and/or social concerns. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with their guidance counsellor to discuss these issues or any other concerns that may arise.

Course Change Procedures

Course changes are permitted during the first two weeks of a semester. In most cases course drops will not be considered until the semester mid-term report. All changes and drops require consultation among teachers, guidance counsellors, parents and administrators. Parental approval is required for all students under 18. All students under 18 who have not graduated must maintain a full- time course load.

Students must continue to attend the originally scheduled class until permission has been granted and the new timetable has been received. Non-attendance does not constitute dropping a course.

Special Education Support

Need some extra help? Subject teachers are always available to meet at a mutually agreeable time. The Learning Assistance Centre (L.A.C.) also provides services that are available to all SJAM students. Our special education staff organizes numerous enrichment opportunities and a Peer Tutoring program. The R&R (Respect and Responsibility) Room staff is available to all students who need support or strategies for dealing with the demands of school life. The L.A.C. is also open during lunch for any students who would like to drop in for extra help with homework or assignments.

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SJAM Library

The library is open most days from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We have over 19,000 books, including up-to-date bestselling fiction, current reference sources and magazines. Come in and search the online catalogue or ask for help finding what you need. Help with research/essay projects is also available: note taking, navigating databases, citing sources, preparing works cited, annotated bibliographies, presentation skills, avoiding plagiarism.

sjam.wrdsb.on.ca/library

Find a wealth of information/links on the SJAM library website!

Virtual Library - Online encyclopedias, journal, magazine and

newspaper articles, ebooks, subject-specific resources.

Catalogue of books available in the SJAM Library

SJAM Style Guide

Research Templates

Quick links to useful sites and information including local libraries and StatsCan

Student Activities

Student Activities offers a wide range of co-curricular activities for all students from group activities (e.g., clubs) to the arts (e.g., bands, choirs, art displays, and drama and dance productions) to athletics (e.g., teams and intramurals). A student activity card must be purchased to participate in any of these activities. For more details, contact the Student Activities Office. Get involved!

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First Letter (White) 4 semesters on the honour roll Second Letter (Light Blue) 6 semesters on the honour roll

Sir John A. Macdonald Certificate Awards Academic

Activities

First Letter (White) 6 activities

Second Letter (Light Blue) 8 activities Athletics

First Letter (White) 6 sports or 4 yrs in the same sport

Second Letter (Light Blue) 8 sports or 5 yrs in the same sport

Arts

First Letter(White) 6 groups or 3 senior (grade 10 – 12)

years in the same type of group

Second Letter(Light Blue) 8 groups or 5 years in

the same type of group

Sir John A. Macdonald Honour Awards Silver Award

The Silver Award is awarded to those students who have earned any four letter certificates.

Gold Award

The Gold Award is awarded to a student who has earned a second letter Academic and four additional letter certificates.

Highlander Extra-Curricular Award

The Highlander Extra-Curricular Award is awarded to a student or students who have made a significant impact on the life of Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School. This award is given by Confederation and may only be won once by a student. It is awarded for students who have gone above and beyond for Student Activities. Students may not receive the Macdonald Citizenship Award, the Confederation Award, or the Principal’s Award in the year they win the Highlander Extra-Curricular Award.

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Confederation Award

This prestigious award is only given out to one individual each year. It may or may not be given out in a given year. It was created by Activity Director’s ten years ago to give special recognition to a member of the student body who goes well above and beyond the call of duty in relation to Student Activities. This student may not be a Prime Minister, but has contributed like a Prime Minister to the student body of SJAM.

Macdonald Citizenship Award

The Macdonald Citizenship Award is awarded to one male and one female student in each grade level. Students will be nominated by staff and students, and will be decided by a vote by students of each grade level. The candidates must have good academic standing and be involved in extra-curricular activities. Candidates must display outstanding citizenship qualities that include being friendly, improving school climate, and demonstrating a willingness to help others.

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Macdonald Parent/Guardian, I will be supportive by:

Making sure that my student attends school regularly and on time.

Contacting the school when I have a concern.

Working together with the school to solve problems.

Providing an appropriate home setting, as well as time

and materials, for my student to complete homework.

Encouraging my student to be a respectful, responsible and co- operative citizen.

Attending parents’ nights, information sessions, teacher interviews, special events and school council meetings.

Recognizing the importance of evaluations and examinations as part of the learning process and ensuring that my student is in attendance for class, tests and exams.

I will contact the school (519-880-9979) if:

I have a curriculum/mark concern – contact the subject teacher.

I have an individual student concern – contact the guidance

counsellor.

I have a general question – contact the receptionist in the Main Office.

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I have other concerns – contact the Vice Principal.

I have financial concerns which require alternate payment procedures for optional school activities – contact the counsellor or the Vice Principal.

my child has a brief or prolonged absence – contact the attendance secretary.

my child will be on an extended vacation (more than five consecutive school days) during school time – have student pick up a Short Term Withdrawal form from the Main Office, gather teachers’ input, obtain Vice Principal’s signature and then return the completed and signed form to the main office. This process usually takes about two school days.

The Principal is always willing to assist and may redirect your call to the above-mentioned staff.

SJAM School Council Information

We invite you to join other Macdonald parents to improve the school experience of our students. All parents of Macdonald students are welcome to attend any or all School Council meetings. Voting members will be elected each year in accordance with the Macdonald School Council By-laws.

What is the Macdonald School Council?

It is an advisory group of parents which meets a minimum of four times per year.

What does the School Council do?

Discusses topics of interest related to school issues and school policies and procedures.

Receives information from the Principal and staff about school- related matters.

Gives feedback to the Principal.

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COURSE ENHANCEMENT FEES

Schools provide numerous and varied learning opportunities, both curricular and extra-curricular, for students. Costs for these opportunities vary. Some opportunities are deemed by the school to be integral to the completion of a compulsory course. Other opportunities are enhancements. All basic materials essential for the completion of a program are made available by the school at no cost to students. A course enhancement fee is only charged for supplies, services or activities that are considered enhancements to the program or course. In situations where fees are charged to students, the amount reflects the actual cost of the service or materials being provided to the student. Students/families requiring financial assistance should contact a staff member. The staff member will ensure that the student’s issue is dealt with in an appropriate, sensitive and confidential manner.

Compulsory Courses

Compulsory courses are defined in the secondary school curriculum for secondary students.

Elective Courses

Programs which are selected by students or parents are considered electives.

Extracurricular Sports, Music Ensembles, Clubs

Extracurricular team sports provide opportunities which can only be offered with supplemental funding. They are offered to students at a cost which is generally less than comparable community activities. Participation fees cover the costs of officiating, transportation, equipment and replacement teacher. Supplements such as tournaments, trips, and competitions are available. A variety of fundraising activities also support the costs of school teams, bands and clubs. Costs vary.

Field Trips/Excursions

In most circumstances field trips or excursions provide enhanced learning opportunities for students. They are optional and a participation fee will be charged. The participation fee may include apportioned costs for transportation, entry fees, accommodation, replacement teacher costs, etc. An open and transparent cost accounting is available. In some cases, where the field trip or excursion constitutes a vital part of the curriculum, alternate assignments are made available to students at no charge. Assessment practices will recognize the equivalency of the

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activities. If a field trip or excursion forms part of the essential component of the curriculum and an alternate equivalent assignment is not provided, no charges will be levied.

General Supplies

Students are required to provide their own general supplies. These include such items as pens, pencils, binders, duotangs, scientific calculators, erasers, USB storage device and paper. In the case of computer paper, schools are sensitive to the quantity of the paper which is used in the printer. In an effort to promote and support learning, SJAM offers every student access to 50 printed copies (100 for students in the Fast Forward Program) on an annual basis at no charge. This is provided through a p-counter at each school. Students who require additional copies may purchase them at a modest cost through their school library. Students are able to store electronic information on the school’s computer.

Print Costs: (available in Library) 20 print credits for $1.00

Photocopied Materials

Where photocopied materials are circulated to all students in a class, there will be no charge to students.

Locks

It is mandatory for each student to have a combination lock for their school locker. The student may provide an approved lock or purchase one from the school. The combination must be provided to the school office.

Locks: $5.00

Replacement Items

Notwithstanding, any items referred to above where the initial provision is at no cost to students, replacement for lost or misplaced items may require reimbursement by the student.

Safety Goggles

Student use of safety goggles is mandatory in certain courses. SJAM will provide a number of goggles for student use in class.

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Weight Room/Cardio Room Use

The weight room and cardio room are available for student use during lunch break and after school from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. For safety/security reasons, a teacher supervisor must be present for students to use the weight room. Students must have a student card and a fitness room membership to use the weight room. Memberships can be purchased in the Phys-Ed office. Students are required to display their membership cards upon entering the weight room.

Semester: $30.00

Full year: $50.00

Physical Education Uniforms

Gym uniforms are required for physical education classes for hygiene and safety reasons. This includes a t-shirt, shorts, socks and proper athletic shoes. Students are required to provide appropriate clothing (colour and style) acceptable to the school. SJAM does provide t-shirts and shorts for students at a reasonable cost.