STUDENT SAFETY

Reporting Absences

Regular and punctual attendance contributes greatly to a student’s success at school.  If your child is to be absent, we request that you please send a note with a brother/sister to your child’s teacher or phone the school before 9:00 am.

School Arrival and Entry

Please ensure that your child does not arrive at school prior to 9:00 a.m as there is no adult supervision available in the yard until that time. All students are expected to enter and dismiss from their assigned doors. Students are to use the front door only if they are late for school and coming into the office for a late pass.

ALL STUDENTS MUST SIGN IN IF LATE ARRIVING AT SCHOOL DURING THE DAY AND ACQUIRE A LATE SLIP FROM THE OFFICE.

Early Dismissal/Picking Up Students

If you are coming early to pick up your child from the school please report to the office and we will call for your son or daughter. You will then be asked to sign out your child at the office. An adult must be there to sign out a child early from school. If you are sending someone to pick up your children, please inform the office of this intent. Parents are asked to provide a note/call if the child is to leave school early. Students will not be released without prior parental consent.

Walking Safely:

• Obey all traffic rules.

• Pay attention; do not run on sidewalks; look both ways when crossing.

Kiss ‘n Ride

Parents who drive their children to school are requested to drop their children off at the Kiss and Ride area at the front of the school.  Please do not park at the Kiss and Ride area.  The process for the Kiss and Ride will be explained in our first newsletter

Kiss 'n Ride Safety:

- When you get to school, make sure you wait until your parent's car has come to a full stop, and then get out the passenger side, not the driver side.

- When going home, wait at the sidewalk until your parent's car pulls up to the Kiss 'n Ride.

- Do not walk into the parking lot to meet your parents!

-Make sure your parents do not PARK in the Kiss 'n Ride lane.

Bus Safety Rules

Riding the bus to school and back is a privilege.  Students must obey the following rules:

1. Students are to stand in their assigned bus line at the front of the school. Students are not to save a place in line for their friends.

2. During inclement weather, bus students are asked to remain in their classrooms with their teacher, until they are notified that their bus has arrived.

3. Students are to board their assigned bus without pushing or shoving.

4. Students are to remain seated while the bus is moving and keep heads and arms inside the window.  Loud noise, fighting, and throwing things will not be tolerated; nor will graffiti or any other form of vandalism. Students are to respect the bus company's property. 

5. Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the bus.

6. Obey the bus driver and bus patroller at all times and be on time for the bus.

7. If you need to cross the street, cross in front of the bus. Wait until the bus driver has given the signal first.

8. Be respectful of the property of others while waiting for the bus.

Students experiencing difficulty with the  bus rules will be spoken to by the Principal or Vice Principal.  On subsequent occasions parents will be informed and, if necessary, bus riding privileges will be restricted.

Arriving at School

Students must remain on school property when they are dropped off  by parents or the school bus. Students walking to school must proceed directly to the school. Students are not allowed to wait in the neighbouring park. Students should become familiar with the boundaries of the school and must not leave school property without permission. 

Bicycles

Students who ride their bicycles to school must walk them on school property and see that they are locked in the bicycle rack at the front of the school. The school is not responsible for the student's bicycle.

Late for School

Students arriving late to school must report to the office. 

Physical Education

Students participating in physical education must wear non-marking running shoes. In the interest of personal hygiene students should bring a change of clothes for physical education classes. In the interest of safety, students must remove jewellery prior to participating in Phys Ed.

Athletics

All students are invited to participate in our Intramural programs. These events are usually scheduled during the lunch hour. The emphasis in these programs is on having fun. We encourage maximum participation along with team play and good sportsmanship. Hopefully all students will gain some knowledge and insight of particular sports. The students will be aware of various skill levels and respect all participants.

Our school participates in a variety of sports events at the Family of School and Board level. Team membership is limited to students in the Junior and Intermediate division. Students interested in trying out for a school team must demonstrate responsibility for their school work, other students, and teachers before being allowed to participate. Participation on our school teams is a privilege.

Dropping off Lunches

When dropping off a lunch at the school, please bring it to the office and the office staff will have your child come to pick up their lunch at an appropriate time. Please do not bring it directly to your child’s class. Children are not allowed to wait outside the front of the school for their parents to drop off their lunch.

Environment

Parents are encouraged to send student lunches in reusable containers. Throughout the year our environmental club will hold “garbageless lunch days” to monitor the amount of garbage that is not put into landfill. Students are encouraged to recycle juice boxes and pop tins using the blue boxes.

No snacks are allowed outside.  Students are given time to eat their snacks in the classroom. We hope to have a litter free school yard!

Recess Policy

Under ordinary circumstances, children who come to school are expected to participate fully in the school program, including recess breaks. The recess break is vital for children. 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 your child should not be sent to school.  Children should be dressed appropriately for all weather conditions.  In the event of severe inclement weather conditions, all the children are supervised indoors.

Use of the Office Telephone

Normally, students will not be permitted to use the school phones to call home to arrange for forgotten items to be brought to school or for similar reasons.  With the exception of emergencies, the office will not call students out of class to come to the phone. This practice allows our phones to be open for school business.  In addition, it fosters a greater degree of responsibility in our students.  The office will make calls for emergency reasons.

Kid Courier

Special events - such as lunch days (offered by the School Council), walking excursions, sports events, or in-class celebrations - will be advertised through newsletters and teacher notes.  Please make a habit of giving all such notes and newsletters to your parents so you won't miss out and neither will they.  You are our courier between school and home!

Learning Materials and Textbooks

All students will be asked to replace damaged or lost materials, which have been issued or loaned to them.

Homework

From time to time, teachers may assign homework, where appropriate, in addition to a child's regular work or to complete classroom assignments. Homework serves many purposes:

• reinforces skills and concepts taught during class time

• 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.

Home study & After School Services

Students whose dismissal time is delayed due to remedial work, completion of assignments, discipline, extracurricular activities and who travel by school bus will be given a full day’s notice so that parents can arrange alternate transportation.  From time to time, students may be assigned homework.  Please use the Student Agenda as a means of communication with regard to assignments due.  Further information on homework is included in the Agenda.

Expectations for Students

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will do everything in its power to create a Catholic learning community in which students will be able to develop their spiritual, intellectual, physical and social potential. It is the expectation of the Board that students will respond positively and avail themselves of their opportunities.

The Catholic Community finds its’ expression in sacraments, practices, rituals, prayer gatherings, community outreach, and a deep respect for the Catholic faith. All students must respect our Catholic expression, as this is the reason for our Catholic schools. Students who attend a Catholic school in Dufferin-Peel must, by routine, acknowledge and support the Catholic nature of the school and do nothing that would take away from this purpose.

Within this context, the Board, therefore, acknowledges the following rights and responsibilities for its students:

Rights

§         to be respected in both person and conscience as a son or daughter of God;

§         to learn in a safe, orderly and stimulating Catholic environment;

§         to have reasonable access to the facilities and equipment of the school;

§         to participate in appropriate programs offered by the school;

§         to be conscientiously instructed by staff.

Responsibilities

§         to respect the person, property and rights of all members of the school community;

§         to give respect, obedience and cooperation to all adults in positions of responsibility in the school;

§         to comply with all particular school expectations and regulations respecting student behaviour;

§         to contribute positively to the Catholic climate of the school;

§         to use language that is appropriate to their dignity as Christians;

§         to adhere to the school dress code;

§         to respect the property of the school and others at all times: building, grounds, equipment, materials;

§         to be in attendance at all classes and scheduled activities on time and with the materials required for full participation;

§         to take part in services offered by the school to its community;

§         to participate fully in the religious life of the school, including the celebration of liturgy, Religious Education courses, retreats and  related activities;

§         to welcome the opportunity to participate, as appropriate to their status and conscience, in the sacramental life of the Church, and, in  particular, as it is celebrated in the school context;

§         to develop personal skills and talents to serve God, and thereby his/her neighbour.

The vast majority of students in Dufferin-Peel are well disciplined, responsible and self-directed. However, as with any large group of people, there are a few students who, from time to time do not abide by the guidelines established for the benefit of all.

The Catholic Code of Conduct implemented in each school clearly reflects the need to provide a safe, effective learning environment for all students and staff based on a set of behavioural expectations, disciplinary procedures, and consequences, which are both fair and consistent.

In addition to the Board Mission Statement and the Board Policy, a set of Regulations has been adopted by the Board to ensure that certain elements are present in the Catholic Code of Conduct.

"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other just as the Lord has forgiven you"

1 Thessalonians 5:14 14

Classroom Expectations

The teachers at Holy Spirit Catholic School believe that every student wishes to be a successful learner.  In order to bring about this success, each teacher develops an appropriate learning climate according to his or her subject discipline and teacher practices.  The teacher’s expectations and regulations are explained to students in the first few days of class.  Students are then required to follow these rules set out in each of their classes. When problems do arise teachers will communicate these concerns to parents in an effort to work together to assist our students in making positive choices.

Show our positive attitude and desire to achieve by:      

- completing opening exercises respectfully;

- not using put downs or swearing;

- being attentive while others are talking;

- taking pride in our classrooms and desks;

- not rocking on chairs;

- demonstrating respectful behaviour.

- we put forth our best effort at all times and always do our own work.

- we do not chew gum or eat candy.

-we follow our teacher's system for getting permission to leave the room

-we bring the proper clothing for Physical Education classes.

- we do not take food outside.

- we obey classroom rules, tidy up and recycle.

- radios, walkmans, CD players "Game Boys", cell phones, any other electronic toys, or games such as Pokemon, are not to be brought to school.

- we should leave all other expensive, personal items at home.  (The school cannot be responsible for personal items that are lost or stolen.)

- objects designed for use in the classroom for science and technology, art or other curriculum areas, will be used only under direct supervision of a teacher and only within strict safety rules. We will never remove such an item from the classroom.

At School… Entry/Exit/Hallways

We enter the school building in a safe and orderly way through the doors where our teachers meet us.

We walk quietly in the hall.  When classes are changing we are to be in a single file and walk quietly along the right hand side of the hall. We always get a hall pass from the teacher before we go into the halls during class time or if we come in from outside.  Our teachers must know where we are at all times.

We are to use student washrooms and not staff washrooms.  We get a washroom pass from our teachers within the school, during class and recess. We are not allowed to bring any classroom objects with us into the washrooms (e.g. pencils), or outside at recess.

We are to make all necessary after school arrangements with parents before school begins.

Peace on the Playground

Students who find themselves in disagreement with another student or students in the playground are expected to use peaceful problem-solving strategies, including:

-          telling the other person what the concern is in a quiet, respectful voice;

-          asking the person to quit doing whatever it is;

-          leaving the immediate presence of the other person;

-          asking the teacher on duty for assistance.       

Students are also reminded that:

• we are to stay within school boundaries and away from the parking lot and the front of the school. Play areas for Kindergarten are out of Bounds for students in Grades 1-8.

• no food or drinks are allowed outside; time will be given in class for snacks to be eaten. This helps with the reduction of garbage outside and discourages the attraction of birds and wasps.

• we must ask permission to leave the school grounds (to retrieve balls, etc.) on park property. We must have permission (hall pass) to enter the school during recess, before and after school.  

• we dress properly for all outdoor activities.

• the following equipment is not allowed in the playground: hard balls, bats (wooden or plastic), hockey sticks, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, bicycles and frisbees (unless our teacher is supervising a physical education class or coaching us).

• play fighting or contact sports/games are not allowed.

• in the winter snowballs, ice throwing and "snow jobs" are not allowed. Sliding on icy patches/snow hills is not permitted.

• we are not allowed to retrieve balls that go on the roof.

• when the bell rings, we are to end our play and get into line.

RESPECT FOR STAFF

Students and others are expected to comply with the rules of the school as implemented by all school staff and to respond with respect, obedience and cooperation. Failure to comply affects the moral tone of the school and will result in disciplinary action.

Abuse/Assault of Staff Members:

Abuse/assault is any expression of verbal, physical and/or sexual contact/conduct that impinges upon the rights of another person because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability.

§         A student who verbally abuses/assaults any staff member shall be suspended and further disciplinary action may be taken. This may include transfer to another school.

§         A student who physically and/or sexually abuses/assaults any staff member may be suspended and further disciplinary action shall be taken. This may include transfer to another school. Expulsion proceedings shall be initiated and police shall be contacted.

RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS & SAFETY OF STUDENTS & OTHERS

Many aspects of the Catholic Code of Conduct are based on the rights of students to learn in a safe, orderly and stimulating Catholic environment.

Students and others must respect the person and rights of all members of the school community without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or handicap.

Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality of students reporting violations of the Code of Conduct.

Fighting, Physical/Sexual Assault, Bullying or Threats

Students are expected to resolve disagreements in an appropriate manner, which ensures the dignity and safety of others.

§         Students engaged in fighting, physical assault, or bullying shall be suspended from school.

§         Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm will result in suspension and further disciplinary action shall be taken.

§         A student who sexually assaults another person shall be suspended and further disciplinary action shall be taken. This may include transfer to another school. Expulsion proceedings shall be initiated and police shall be contacted.

§         Students who promote or encourage others to fight are also subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension.

Any violent behaviour either at school or associated with the school will result in disciplinary action.

Harassment

Harassment is a form of discrimination. Harassment is defined as any unwelcome comment or conduct that intimidates, demeans or offends an individual. It includes behaviour or comments that puts down, insults or offends another person because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability.

§         Any form of harassment is not acceptable whether it is physical, verbal, by telephone, electronic, in writing or in person. The Board has made explicit statements on particular types of harassment, namely: sexual harassment, race and ethnic relations, and assault.

§         Failure to comply with this expectation may result in the involvement of police, other community agencies, suspension and/or expulsion.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual comment or conduct that intimidates, demeans or offends an individual. Sexual harassment is an expression of power in a sexual manner. Sexual harassment may include: unwelcome sexual innuendo, unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate body contact, request for sexual favours, display of exploitive material.

Access to Schools/Trespassing

Situations arise in which the mental and physical well-being of students and/or staff is put in jeopardy by trespassers or unwelcome visitors. In such situations, the Principal or any member of staff will be supported by the Board in pursuing the courses of action available under the Education Act, and Trespass to Property Act.

Problems arise when unauthorized persons enter the building/property without the express permission of the Principal.

§         Students of one school must follow the guidelines for visitors when entering any other school and report to the office as stated on posted signs.

§         Students are not permitted to invite or associate with unauthorized persons on school property.

§         Suspended or expelled students are not permitted on school/Board property without written authorization from the Principal.

§         Failure to comply shall result in disciplinary action.

Students who cause difficulties at another school shall be disciplined by administrators in their home school. If an incident involves students from another system with which arrangements cannot be made, the police shall be called.

Dangerous Articles and Weapons

§         A student found in possession of a non-prohibited weapon or replica of a weapon on school property may be suspended, the parents may be notified and the dangerous article confiscated and dealt with in an appropriate manner.

§         When a student uses or threatens to use a weapon, or replica to harm another person, the police shall be contacted, the student may be suspended and expulsion proceedings may be initiated.

RESPECT FOR SELF

Dress Code /School Uniform

In keeping with the Board's Mission and Catholic School teachings, each school is committed to standards of neatness, cleanliness, modesty and good taste as specified in the Appropriate Dress Code