Safe Arrival Programme
If your child is going to be absent, please inform the school by telephoning and leaving a message on the answering machine.
If a child is absent and we have not received a phone call or a note, we will attempt to contact you.  On days when buses are cancelled, parents of bussed students need not phone in the absence.

Bus Transportation
The Board provides transportation to and from school when distance warrants.  Transportation may also be provided to accommodate special programs, or to meet an essential need.  Students are assigned seating according to the Board Transportation eligibility policy.

Empty Seat Policy
Once routes have been established any available space will be offered to students (age and special circumstances are given priority) though their distance from school is within the minimum limit.  This privilege is for the present school year only and  may be withdrawn at any time.  It should not be considered to constitute a precedent or to establish a right and must be applied for each year.
Bus Passes are provided to children riding the bus as a result of the Empty Seat Policy.  The following procedure will be followed:
a)   From the first day of school to mid-October, only eligible students ride a bus.
b)   Applications to ride the bus will be accepted during the month of October.
c)   The Principal, based on knowledge of seat availability, will approve applications.
d)    Parents or guardians sign a form, indicating their awareness that the student is not eligible for transportation, that privileges may be withdrawn at any time and the seat is only available until June of that school year.

Bus Safety
Students are expected to obey the bus driver as well as the following rules:
• Board the bus in a single line, without pushing
• Remain seated while the bus is moving.
• Talk quietly.
• Do not eat or drink on the bus.
• Keep head and arms inside the window.
• Cross the street in front of the bus.

Parents are asked to review these expectations with students.  Every effort must be made to maintain a high standard of discipline and safety in the operation of the school buses. 

Following is an excerpt from Board Policy re: Inappropriate Bus Conduct:
• When improper conduct is reported:
• On the first occasion, the Principal or teacher will speak to the pupil.
• On the second occasion, a letter and /or phone call will be made to the parents.
• On the third occasion, the Principal may restrict bus privileges.

Bus Loading Zone
The front of the school, must be kept free of cars to allow access to school buses  and to reduce traffic hazards for children.  We ask you to observe the entrance and exit signs at the front of the school.
Parents are reminded to drop-off and pick-up their children in the church parking lot.

Bus Restrictions
From time to time, the school receives requests for students to ride on a friend’s bus to a birthday party or similar function.  Parents are reminded that bus transportation is provided to the stop nearest your home and to the school from that stop.  We are unable to adjust this policy by changing buses and stops on a daily basis.  As a result, permission will not be given to your child to ride on a different bus.    Please cooperate with this policy by not sending notes to school requesting bus changes.

Cell /Video phones
Any unauthorized use of photographic, video or audio communication devices is strictly prohibited on all school board property and during any school related activities. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action as per the Catholic Code of Conduct.

Child Abuse
The Board has a Policy based on the Child & Family Services Act, 2000, concerning children in need of protection. If there is any reason to suspect that a child may be abused or neglected, the teacher or Board employee must report suspicions directly to the Children's Aid Society.  It is not the school’s responsibility to investigate, evaluate or assign blame.

Classroom Expectations
The Faculty of St. Kevin School believes that every student can be a successful learner.  In developing an appropriate learning climate, teachers set expectations and establish classroom regulations in the first few days of school.  Students are required to follow the rules of their classroom.

Communicable Diseases
When there is reason to suspect the existence of a contagious disease in the school, it is the duty of the school to report promptly to the Board and to the Municipal Health officer.  The school may refuse admission to any person who is  believed to be infected with a communicable disease, which requires quarantine.
Before returning to school, a person who has been infected with a contagious disease may be required to produce a doctor's certificate stating that the individual is able to return to school.

Pediculosis
Head lice are parasites, which have been common among human beings for centuries.  They are not connected in any way with dirt, or neglect.  Anyone can be infested with head lice. If a case of head lice is found, we shall inform parents.  If you are aware that your child has head lice, it is your responsibility to inform the school to prevent an outbreak in the class.

If your children are infested, we will be asking you to keep them out of school until after they have been treated with the correct shampoos and their heads are entirely clear of both lice and nits (eggs).  Keep in mind that once your child has gotten head lice, regular check-ups are required even after you have treated and removed all visible nits.
If we all co-operate in these procedures, we may not escape outbreaks, but we will be able to bring them under control quickly.

Computer Policy
Computers are the property of the school and are available for student use as a part of the curriculum.  All students and parents/guardians are asked to sign the Network Use Application and Agreement to ensure proper usage and the respect of privacy.  Infringements of the agreement shall result in the loss of computer privileges  and/or disciplinary action as outlined in the Catholic Code of Conduct.

Evacuation
If an emergency required the total evacuation of the school, students and teachers would walk to:
Fletcher’s Creek School

The nature of the emergency may affect more than one school in a neighbourhood or region.  In this event, we would receive direction from the Peel Regional Police.   Parents would be informed as soon as possible as to the safety and whereabouts of their children.

Inclement Weather
Please be advised that during the winter months, inclement weather may cause disruption of bus transportation and regular school operations. A decision to cancel school transportation and/or to close schools is usually made by 6:00 am, and will be announced on the following radio and television stations:
CKFM 99.9; CHUM 1050; CFTR 68; CFNY 102; CFTO; CBC; CJCL 590;

CHFI 98.1; CFRB 1010; ENERGY FM93.1; CJEZ; EZ ROCK; CJBC (FR) 860 AM;
CHIN 100.7 FM/1540 AM; TALK; 640CJMR/CHWO 1250; Z103.5;
THE WEATHER NETWORK; FOXY; 88.5 FM CJEZ; CITY PULSE. 

Our school board is the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

If buses are cancelled in the morning, they will not   run at the end of the school day.  If you drive your child to school on a day that buses are cancelled, you are responsible for collecting your child at the end of the day.

When buses are cancelled, the school remains open and it is the responsibility of the parent to determine whether or not it is safe for a student to walk to and from school.
Occasionally, deteriorating weather conditions may cause the school to be closed before 3:00 p.m.  It is then the responsibility of the Dufferin-Peel  Catholic District School Board and school personnel to make emergency arrangements with the safety of the students being prime consideration.  If the school is closed early, bus students will be sent home by bus.
Please ensure that your child has a plan to follow, should weather conditions require an early school dismissal (e.g: go to a neighbour, sitter, or relative.).  The demand on telephone lines makes it impossible to contact each family.

Student Verification Forms
Each year, we ask you to check Student Verification forms; it is urgent that these forms be accurate and current.   If information changes during the school year, please inform us of:
• change of address (and name, where applicable)
• change of phone number
• change of business phone number
• change of baby-sitter – name and phone number or emergency contacts.

Extra Curricular Activities
When considering the totality of an education, there are certain aspects of personality development and social interaction that fall outside the realm of the academic curriculum.  Extra curricular activities provide a variety of situations requiring social interaction and engendering personality growth.
Because these activities are school generated, it is necessary that rules and regulations be established for the safety and well being of all concerned.  Permission forms will be sent home.  It is important that these forms be filled out, signed and returned to school.  No student will be allowed on any trip without a signed permission form.

Homework
Teachers assign homework, when appropriate, in addition to a child's regular work.  Homework is most frequently assigned in the Junior & Intermediate grades.
Homework serves many purposes:
• reinforces skills and concepts taught during class
• helps students to develop self-discipline and self-motivation
• allows  students to gain experience in research  techniques
• provides an opportunity for students to develop study habits, including organization of time and materials 
• is a vehicle of communication between home and school.

Immunization
The Mandatory Immunization of School Children Act (1982),  makes it compulsory for all students, up to the age of 18,  to be immunized against Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Poliomyelitis, Rubella, and Tetanus.  In co-operation with the Peel Regional Health Unit, we request an updated immunization record for each child upon registration. 

Leaving School Property
Students are not permitted to leave school property at any time.   If an emergency arises and it is absolutely necessary for a student to return home, the school will contact the parents or sitter for permission. 
It is wise for younger children to have a change of clothing at school.  Accidents do happen!

Lunch Policy
Lunch hour arrangements must be established and provided to the teacher at the beginning of the school year.  Any students who normally stay at school for lunch, but are going home on a particular day, must have a signed and dated note from a parent/guardian.  Students who leave school for lunch are under parents’ supervision.  Students must leave school at 11:30 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m. 
The principal is responsible for the students who stay for lunch.  There are certain expectations: 
• Children are asked to observe good manners and to be mindful of others.
• Students are to remain on school property.  If a problem arises you will be notified. 
• Students in Grades 1-8 have the opportunity to purchase drink items daily.  Your child is asked to bring the correct change for items they wish to purchase.
• All food and drinks are to remain in the classroom.  No such items may be brought into the hallways or any other area of the school.
• Gum chewing is not allowed on school property.

Medication
From time to time the school is asked to store and/or give medication to students.  The following excerpt is taken from the Policy (514.00) re: Storage and Administration of Prescribed Medication
1. If the medication must be administered by designated staff, the principal shall, after agreeing to the request, obtain signed request/authorization forms from the parents/guardians and the supervising physician, whenever a prescription is initiated or changed.
2. The required authorization forms and the medication shall be delivered to the principal or designated person by the parents/guardians or other responsible person.
3. The principal shall ensure that all medication is kept in a safe location.  All medication shall be clearly labeled by the pharmacy/physician to indicate:  name of student, name of medication, dosage, frequency of administration, food or other medications that could be contra-indicated with the drug, and special instructions for storage and/or disposal.

Recess Policy
Under ordinary circumstances, children who come to school are expected to participate fully in school programs.  This includes taking recess breaks with the class.  Fresh air is not likely to worsen a mild cold, if the child is dressed properly.  If the cold or illness is severe, we respectfully suggest that the child not be sent to school.  In the event of severe inclement weather all the children are kept indoors and therefore are appropriately supervised.

Reporting
Parents, students and teachers have many opportunities for ongoing communication during the year.  The formal reporting process includes three phases for communication.
In September, a Curriculum Night is scheduled for parents, students and teachers.  Formal written reports will occur in December, April, and June for Grades 1-8.  Kindergarten reporting varies. Conferences may accompany these reports.
Parents are encouraged to contact their child's teacher at any time to review progress.  Student evaluation is ongoing and assessment includes the many aspects of their school performance, i.e:  class work, assignments and contribution to school life.  Teacher observation, projects, tests, along with peer and student self-evaluation are all part of the evaluation process.

Safety
The safety of children is a priority for all school communities.  Our school participates in several activities and programs to assist in creating a safe environment for children to learn, to develop and to grow.  Some of our resources include: 
• Bus Safety Programs
• Teacher Yard Supervision
• Emergency and Fire Drills
• Public Health Services
• Seasonal Safety Programs  
• Peel Regional Police Youth Bureau  
• School Council Initiatives
Although these activities assist in making the school environment as safe as possible, the school and the playground are not always risk free.  It is everyone's responsibility to teach safe practice.  Parents share this responsibility with school staff, supervisors, the police and fire department, and other community service agencies.
A totally risk-free environment is not possible in a healthy school system.  We ask parents to understand and co-operate with us.  By working together we can create safe environments and practices to benefit our children.

Fire Evacuation Procedures
Fire drills will be conducted in September by each class until the children are fully familiar with the routine.  A school-wide drill will be held following prior notice to staff and students.  Subsequent school-wide drills will be held without notice.

Illness and Accidents
During the course of a school day, a child may become ill or suffer an accident.  In such events: 
• After insuring the safety of the student, our next action is to call you at home or at work.  In most cases, we prefer that you come to the school and see your child safely home.
• If we cannot reach a family member by telephone, we attempt to contact the emergency number, which is requested from all families.  We will place your child in the care of this person.
• If we are unsuccessful in either of the above, we will then take the action we feel is necessary.
• A major incident requires immediate action. 
N.B. the importance of emergency forms which give your authorization to take your child to the hospital, etc.

Accident Insurance
The Dufferin-Peel C.D.S. Board has arranged for low cost accident insurance coverage.  Participation in the plan is optional and forms are distributed in September.  Parents may return the forms directly to the Insurance Company if they wish the coverage.

Leaving School Before Regular Dismissal
If a student needs to leave school before the regular dismissal time, the parent/guardian must come to the office to sign the child out of school.  If you have changes to routines, for example, doctor’s appointment, dental appointment, or lunch arrangements, we respectfully request that you do not call the school, but please do send a note with your child to the classroom teacher.  This will help reduce the number of calls coming into the school, and avoid the need to interrupt classroom instruction and the possibility of a “last minute” message not being delivered on time.

Trespass to Property Act
Provincial legislation clarifies the rights and responsibilities of both occupant and visitor.
Visitors to the school building are expected to exhibit the same courtesy one would expect from a caller to a private home.  The onus is on the visitor to ascertain any restrictions which apply with respect to use of school grounds.  Hazardous conduct or willful damage is an offence subject to prosecution under the Provincial Trespass Act.

Visitors
All visitors, by law, including parents and former students, are to sign in at the main office and obtain a visitor’s badge before proceeding to any other school area.  If you have to bring a forgotten lunch, or book to school, we request that you leave it at the office clearly labeled with your child’s name.
If a parent wishes to pick up their child at school, they must go to the office.  The office will then contact the child's classroom and the student will come to the office. Parents are not allowed to go directly to the classroom to pick up their child.

Support Resource Staff
Our Support Resource Staff is comprised of the Special Education Resource Teachers, the Child & Youth Worker and Education Resource Workers.
These staff members are school based and are available to assist students, teachers and parents.

Special Services Team
Our special services team, together with our staff, helps many students, teachers and parents in a variety of ways.  All bring their own expertise and commitment to education and to the development of our students. These include the Psychologist, Speech and Language Pathologist, and Social Worker. They are available at St. Kevin School once each week.

Telephone Use
Except for unforeseen circumstances, or emergency situations, students do not receive phone calls at school, nor are they allowed to call home during the school day.  Social activities should not be arranged at school.

Textbook Policy
Textbooks and library books are the property of the school and are loaned to students with the expectation that they will be returned.  Teachers are asked to record each textbook given to a student.  Please help us to keep our costs down by encouraging your child(ren) to take proper care of books.  Students will be responsible for lost or damaged books.

Valuables
There is no place in the school to store valuable belongings.  Please make sure that the children do not bring valuables to school.  We will not accept responsibility for personal items.  Pagers, cell phones, video phones, Walkmans, CD players, digital cameras, Gameboys, laser pointers, and other personal possessions are banned from St. Kevin School as well as all types of trading cards and other such items.