School Information

Hours:

8:15 am – 8:30 am                         Morning supervision begins

8:28 – 8:30 am                               Morning bell - classes begin

10:30 am – 10:45 am                     Morning recess

11:25 am – 12:25 pm                     Lunch hour

2:05 pm - 2:25 pm                         Afternoon recess

3:00 pm                                         End of day dismissal

Attendance And Punctuality

The Board sets out as the responsibility of each student to be in attendance at all classes and scheduled activities on time and with the proper material required for full participation. (Mission Statement)

Regular attendance on the part of students is vital to the process of learning. Students who habitually miss class will suffer in the evaluation process because their participation and achievement cannot be fully assessed.

St. Valentine School expectations are as follows:

1.       Students are to be punctual. Students who arrive late miss instruction and early organizational activities and disturb the other students who have already begun the school day. Please have your children arrive at least a few minutes prior to the 8:28 a.m. bell. Your assistance in teaching your child this valuable life skill will benefit all of our students.

2.       A phone call is required to inform the school that a student will be absent. A call must be made each day that there is to be an absence. This assists in the effective running of the Attendance Monitoring Program.

3. Students staying for lunch are expected to stay in the classroom until they     

    finish lunch and remain on school property for the recess period.

4. All students will be expected to go outside during recess unless:

a) They are, involved in extra-curricular supervised activities;

            b) They are working with a teacher,

c) A signed and dated medical certificate is received. The doctor’s note should indicate the reason(s) for exemption and the effective dates.

5. Students who regularly stay for lunch and who wish to leave school property

    at the lunch hour are to have a dated note from a parent/guardian

    requesting that the student be allowed to leave school property. Students are

    to share the note with their classroom teacher and the office staff before they

    leave the school property.

6. If students need to leave the school for any reason during the day (i.e. doctor

   appointments), please ensure that you check with the office and sign the

   student out.

7. If there is a change in the person who regularly picks up a child, this change

    is to be reported to the teacher or the office.

Bicycles/ Skateboards/ Roller Blades

Bicycles are to be walked onto school property and locked to the racks provided. Bicycles are the responsibility of the child.

Please remind your child that bicyclists are governed by the same traffic rules as drivers and review safe cycling procedures with them. Be certain that the bicycle is road worthy, and that your child wears a helmet as is required by law.

Roller blades, scooters, “wheelie-shoes” and skateboards are not to be used on school property. These items must be carried at all times while on school property.

Students are to refrain from bringing in the following equipment: hardballs, hockey sticks, baseball bats.

Bus Transportation

Bus transportation is provided by the Dufferin-Peel Roman Catholic Separate School Board only to those students who live more than the distances outlined below, or more, from the school. Bus stops are posted each year on the front doors of the school about one week before school starts. If empty spaces on the buses permit room for riders in addition to the designated bus students, parents may apply for permission for their children to receive bus transportation under the Empty Seat Policy after October 15th each year. Permission to ride under this policy is given to the youngest students who live farthest away first.

Distances:

• Kindergarten & Grade 1 1.0 kilometers
• Grades 2 – 4 inclusive 1.6 kilometers
• Grades 5 – 8 inclusive 2.0 kilometers
• Grades 9 – 12 inclusive 4.8 kilometers

Safe and considerate behaviour while traveling to and from school is an expectation. Repeated misbehaviour on the bus may result in the loss of riding privileges.

Care Of School Supplies

The school provides students with a wide variety of materials such as workbooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, art materials, texts, library books, and sports equipment. Consumables are ordered only once per year and when the supply has been exhausted, students may have to supplement inexpensive items from home. Costs of paper materials and textbooks are steadily rising. We expect the students to treat these learning tools with respect. Any items, which are lost or damaged, while in their care, must be paid for or replaced.

Students may be asked to acquire special items for specific projects. If any school purchases are a hardship for you, please call or send a note to Mrs. LeClair.

Cellular Telephones

Cellular telephones are not to be used on school property during the regular school hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If there is a need for you to reach your child during the day, the office staff will gladly relay a message to them.

Child And Family Services Act

The Child and Family Services Act, 1984 requires that we must report all suspected cases of child abuse. In those situations where emotional, physical or sexual abuse is suspected by a teacher, secretary, custodian or principal, we are obligated to follow Board protocol and C.A.S. directions. It is the role of the C.A.S. to investigate the suspicion. It is not our mandate to do so.

Computers

St. Valentine currently houses Macintosh computers both in a lab and within the library. Students are regularly booked in to use the lab.

Crisis At Home

If there is a crisis at home, such as a death, separation, divorce, or illness in your family, please let us know so that we can provide support for your child upon his/her return to school. Death or illness in family pets can also be upsetting to children and affect their ability to learn. Our Social Worker is with us one day a week to provide counseling to children who face such a crisis. Please call us if you feel that your child would benefit from this counseling.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress appropriately to promote a positive learning environment, which reflects our Catholic beliefs and values. Students are to be neat and clean. Students are to dress in a manner that shows respect for themselves and others. This includes suitability for weather and special occasions. The emotional and physical maturity of the students should be considered when determining appropriate dress.

1. Shorts and skirts should be an appropriate length for school.
2. Suggestive or inappropriate language and violent or vulgar symbols are not permitted on any clothing or personal belongings.
3. Sunglasses and hats (including bandannas worn as a head covering) may be worn outside. They are to be removed when entering the school building.
4. Black-soled shoes, which mark the floor, are not to be worn in the school.
5. Shoes must be worn indoors at all times for safety reasons, and in the event of emergency evacuation. It is suggested that a pair of indoor shoes be left at school throughout the year.
6. We encourage parents to consider sending a change of socks and/or sweats in the winter months.
7. Warm clothing is needed for outside recesses in winter months. Parents will be called to bring warm clothing if necessary.

Emergency Response & Fire Drills

Regular fire drills and emergency response drills are held throughout the year to practice student safety procedures. If an emergency required the total evacuation of the school population, students and teachers would walk to St. Francis Xavier Church. 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.

Emergency School Closure

With the onset of cool weather, thoughts turn to the inclement weather procedures. Generally, there are two different situations which dictate the use of such a procedure.

The first is when transportation is cancelled due to poor weather conditions. This normally occurs before school begins in the morning and this decision will be announced by the following radio stations:

CFRB CKMW CBC CFTR CHUM CJCL CHWO CKFM CHIN CJMR CFNY CKEY CHAY CISS

If bus transportation is cancelled in the morning, children will also not be picked up after school. If you drive your child to school on the day the transportation is cancelled, it is then your responsibility to pick your child up promptly at 3:00 pm.

When transportation services are cancelled only, 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.

A second situation occurs when the school is closed during the day before 3:00 p.m. due to deteriorating weather conditions. It is then the responsibility of the 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 as soon as buses arrive at the school. If deteriorating conditions require an early school dismissal, please be certain that your child has a plan to observe - go to neighbour, sitter, etc. The heavy demands on phone lines make it impossible to contact each family. Please review the procedure you wish your child to follow.

Emergency School Closing During The School Day

During the fall you will be asked to fill out a “Parent Information Update Sheet” telling us new information and where you want your child to go if the school has to be closed during the school day because of an emergency or because of snow conditions. If you commute to Toronto, you will be tied up in traffic snarls caused by the same weather conditions that necessitate early closing of schools, therefore, please find someone who lives close to the school to be your child’s emergency closure destination. We want to be certain each child can get to a safe place in winter storms, and that someone will be there to receive them. Please be advised that we will always call parents first and that the emergency contact person is contacted only in the event we cannot contact you.

Using the information you give us on the Parent Information Update Sheet, the following procedures will be followed:

1. Students whose parents have indicated will go home by bus or walk home when instructed to do so.

2. Students who are to be picked up by their parents will be kept at school until you arrive. If you indicate that you will pick up your child in the event of an Emergency Closure during the school day, you are expected to pick up your child at the early dismissal time, not after your working hours.

Do not call the school to ask if we are going to close early. This is a decision that is made centrally by the Director of Education. When we are advised of early closure we need the lines clear to contact parents.

Entrance And Dismissal Procedures

Students are expected to be in the school yard by 8:28 a.m. to line up with their classmates at their assigned entrance door. Students are to refrain from using the front doors. Students are to remain outside of the school prior to the morning bell and following dismissal, unless supervised by a teacher. Students who come in early for specific school activities must report to the appropriate teacher.

On bad weather days, students are permitted to enter the building on arrival and go directly to the gym until dispersed to their classrooms. We ask that children do not arrive in the schoolyard before 9:00 a.m., as the school playground is not supervised until then.

Kiss'n Ride

Parents are reminded to drive up to the stop sign before letting their children out of the car. Parent volunteers are always needed to help direct the traffic to move quickly but safely.

Bus Routines

Students arriving by bus are to enter the school by their regular doors unless the bus is late, in which case they would use the front doors. For dismissal, students are assigned a bus number and will line up accordingly.

Field Trips

During the school year, the teacher may arrange a class trip in order to supplement and enrich the learning experience of the students. There are many opportunities for hands on experiences that consolidate what was learned from classroom research. We try to keep the cost of these trips to a minimum. You will be advised of these trips through a letter from the teacher outlining the details and costs.

You will also be asked to sign a letter of permission indicating that your child may take part in the trip. No student will be allowed to go on a trip without presenting this signed form. Verbal permission is not sufficient.

Fund Raising

We realize that there will be times when you are not able to support fund raising that is being done at the school. We appreciate the support you have given us for fundraising done in the past. The money raised is spent on purchases and activities for the school.

We will undertake one to three major school-wide fund raising ventures per year. This may also include coordinating a fund raising event for charity to support the church.

Health & Safety

Contagious Diseases:

Health Department Regulations require that your child be immunized before attending school. In addition, your child must be kept home from school if she/he is suffering from any of the following contagious diseases:

·         Chicken pox

·         Scarlet Fever

·         Rubella (German Measles)

·         Measles

·         Ring Worm

·         Scabies

·         Impetigo

·         Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

·         Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

·         Mumps

·         Diarrhea

·         Strep Throat

·         SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

Further information on the contagious period for each of the above conditions may be obtained from your doctor or the Peel Health Department. The Health Department also offers free immunization clinics for all ages.

Head Lice (Pediculosis)

From time to time, there may be cases of pediculosis or head lice in our school. This should not be a cause for alarm. Lice are a nuisance, but are not hazardous to your child’s health, as they do not carry disease. One of the most important steps to both their prevention and treatment is knowledge. Head lice do not fly or jump. They can only hitch rides from one head to another, and they prefer clean scalp and hair. By the time that the nits or empty egg sacs are noticed on the head of one child in a class or family, it is likely that other children also have head lice.

If a child has pediculosis, we will ask the parent to come to school and pick up the child. We will recommend specific shampoos to get rid of the live lice, and for appearances sake you may want to remove the nits with a fine toothed comb. An alert letter is sent home to parents of the infected class.

Illness or Injury at School

Your child's health and safety are a major concern. If your child feels unwell early in the morning, please let him/her be cared for at home or at a babysitter. We ask that you ensure all phone numbers (home, work and emergency contact) are kept up to date. If you have a change of phone numbers at any time during the year, please contact the school.

Immunization

Ontario law requires that all children attending school in Ontario be up to date with diphtheria, tetanus, polio, mumps, measles (2 doses) and rubella immunization. Documentation must be provided at the time of registration. Students who are not up to date will be suspended from school. Students in Grade Seven receive immunization against Hepatitis B at school during the school year.

Medication-Allergies

If a child has a serious and ongoing medical condition and needs to be given medication at school, you, and in some cases your family doctor, must complete a form that is available at the office. The medication is to be placed in a sealed container with medication, name, dosage and time to be administered written on the outside, along with the child’s name and class. All such medications are to be given to the office.

Children receiving daily medication will be assisted to set up a routine for remembering to come to the office at the right time. If your child temporarily needs to take medication for a cold or cough, please time the doses so that it is given at home.

Epi-Pen Procedures

If your child has an allergy that requires the use of an epi-pen, please contact the office.

An emergency plan will be developed by the Principal in conjunction with teachers and other support staff to meet the needs of each child.

An in-service for all staff by a qualified practitioner will take place in early September of each year.

Medication For Students

From time to time, the school is asked to store and/or give medication to students. These forms can be picked up in the office. The following excerpt is taken from the Policy (502.8) re: Request For The Storage And Distribution Of Medication Notice To Parents:

1. A completed form must accompany each request for medication to be stored and given out by school personnel. It is the prerogative of the Principal to decide whether or not medication will be stored or given out and may establish such conditions as he/she deems necessary regarding any specific request of a parent.
2. School personnel will not assume responsibility for the administration of any medication.
3. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to monitor the quantity stored by the school.

Homework Policy

Laser Pointers

Traditionally, these pointers are used during presentations. These small laser lighted instruments are not permitted on school grounds or for use in school at all.

The problem with laser pointers is that when used incorrectly and flashed in another person's eye there is a potential that the other person could be blinded on a temporary or permanent basis.

Please ensure that laser pointers are not coming to school with your children.

Lost and Found

Frequently items are mislaid. If the items are labelled with names, it greatly assists in their speedy return. A lost and found box is kept for mislaid items and we encourage students and parents to check this box if something has been misplaced. Smaller items, such as keys, jewelry and glasses, are normally kept in the office. At the end of each term, unclaimed articles are turned over to charitable organizations.

Going Home For Lunch

Notes are required for those students going home for lunch who regularly eat at school.  A form will be sent home at the beginning of the year to establish the protocol for lunch for your child(ren).

When a student is in view of the school, they must go directly to the schoolyard.

OSR - Ontario Student Record

The Ontario Student Record is the ongoing confidential record of a student's progress. It is established when a student registers in an Ontario school and may be stored electronically or in print. Students and parents are entitled, on request, to examine the OSR. Non-custodial parents have full access to the OSR unless denied so by a court order.

The OSR consists of the folder, an office index card and other information relevant to the instruction of the student such as:

• reports cards
• record of secondary school courses
• records of accumulated instruction in French as a Second Language
• documentation file for psychological, health or educational assessment reports
• letters pertaining to custody or change of name requests
• record of suspensions

The office index card or file includes home addresses, phone numbers, parent numbers, and important health information.

When a student transfers to another Ontario school, the OSR folder and contents are transferred to that school.

Pets

Some of our students have extreme allergic reactions to pet hair and dander, so if you walk your pet with you when you bring your child to school, please do not bring it into the building or the schoolyard (with the exception of seeing eye dogs.) For classroom presentations, prior approval must be given before animals are brought into the school.

Photographs

Class and individual pictures are taken each year and specific dates will be established in the school calendar. Please remember that the cheque to pay for these pictures should be made out to the photographer and not the school. Students graduating from Grade Eight will have individual Graduation Photos taken as well.

Playground Use

• Students are to stay within the school boundaries and away from the parking lot and the front of the school.
• St. Valentine has three specific play areas: field, and three paved areas.
• No throwing of stones, snowballs, or ice etc. is allowed.
• Students are to request permission from the teacher on duty in order to enter the school.
• Students are to use walkways, not the parking lot, to enter or leave the school property.
• Students should wear suitable clothing for weather conditions as they are expected to take part in outdoor recess on most days.
• Students are to ask permission to leave the school grounds (to retrieve balls, etc. on private property or near roadways).

Evaluation Of Student Achievement

Evaluation is an ongoing process in the classroom. It enables teachers to assess individual student needs, to plan and assess programs, or to measure a student's achievement and progress according to a specified standard. The following are some of the methods of evaluation which may be used throughout the year.

1. Observation
2. Checklists or Inventories
3. Anecdotal Records
4. Rating Scales
5. Questionnaires
6. Participation Charts
7. Teacher-Student Interviews or Conferences
8. Student Self-Evaluation
9. Tests, Projects, Homework
10. Standardized Achievement Tests
11. Informal Individual Assessments

Reporting To Parents

Conferences with your child's teacher will be arranged by the teacher.

If you want to speak with your child's teacher, you are not limited to the time periods set aside for formal parent-teacher conferences. Please feel free to book an appointment with the teacher by calling the school office, especially if you have a concern about your child's progress, or if there is special information about your child which you feel the teacher should know. Similarly, the teacher may contact you at various times throughout the year to share information.

In preparing for the conference you might want to consider asking some of the following questions:

1. Is my child paying attention to the instruction?
2. Is my child able to complete the work in a reasonable time? Is the quality satisfactory? Does it show insight? Creativity?
3. Is my child cooperative, helpful and friendly? With you? With classmates?
4. Does my child do just what is expected or does she go beyond this?
5. What do you see as my child’s strengths in learning? Areas of need?
6. How is my child developing in social and/or emotional growth? How does my child deal with frustration? Anger? Correction?
7. Does my child have friends? Do they work well with others?
8. Is my child achieving to the best of his/her ability? What can we do at home to help my child improve? Develop?
9. Does my child demonstrate responsible behaviour? Does he/she follow through on commitments? Homework? Projects?
10. Does my child make good use of time? Is his/her desk, personal materials, and notebooks, well organized?
11. How can I help my child be a more effective learner?

Helpful Hint?

Why not send a note to your child's teacher one week prior to the interview date? This way, if you have specific questions you would like addressed during your conference, the teacher can prepare appropriate material.

In the younger grades, student work is sent home on a regular basis. Dating and posting worksheets, stories and art work on the fridge, then saving it in a file permits you to observe your child's progress and development throughout the years, and also helps to develop your child's pride in his/her work.

In the older grades, notebooks and tests which may be sent home to be signed by you are another method by which the teacher reports on your child's progress.

Notes from the teacher which indicate that work has been missed, is incomplete or not done are warning signs that a student is not working to his/her potential or is experiencing difficulty.  We ask you to sign these notes and return them to the school so that we know you have received the note. Signing such a note does NOT indicate that you approve of your child’s behaviour; it simply tells us that you know about it, and provides you with the chance to work together with the teacher to correct it.

Sacramental Life At St. Valentine

As a Catholic school in the region of Dufferin-Peel, St. Valentine Catholic School provides education grounded in the Catholic faith. Catholic education is not limited to Religion and Family Life classes but permeates the curriculum throughout the day and underlines the attitudes and expectations of students, parents and staff.

Religious Education is taken from We Belong to the Father which is a Board approved publication from the Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Grade Two (age 7) - Students commit to their faith through First Communion and the sacrament of Reconciliation. They are prepared for the sacraments through in-class instruction from the teacher and the parish priest.

Grade Eight (age 13-14) - Students in grade eight take a more active role in their own faith commitment. Confirmation may be conferred by the Bishop, but will more likely be conferred by the Pastor. Students are prepared for the sacrament by their teacher and the parish priest. Service to God with the school, Church, community are some signs that our young adults are beginning to live their faith more completely.

Throughout their education, parental involvement and reinforcement of religious education and Catholic values are needed to develop faith filled children and young adults. Parents are the first and most important models and guides in forming a child's values.

School Organization

All elementary schools in Dufferin-Peel, including St. Valentine School, are organized according to the ratios determined by the Ministry of Education.  Students are distributed across the grades according to these ratios. This distribution can sometimes result in too many/too few students in a single class. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a combined class in order to balance the number of pupils across the grades.

Student Placement

Careful consideration is given to the placement of each student in any grade. The principal, appropriate resource teacher, the child's classroom teacher and the prospective teachers will sit in on the meeting and offer feedback with regard to each child's optimum class placement. All classes at St. Valentine School are heterogeneous. No classes are streamed according to ability. Every effort is made to organize classes on the basis of the number of male/female students, number of students in a class, previous placement, as well as social needs.

School Procedural Guideline

1. Where possible, the school will be organized on the basis of single grade classes.
2. When placing a child in a class, previous placements will be taken into consideration. Where possible, students will not be placed in a combined grade more than once in any one division.
3. Parental input will be considered in the placement of a student, however, the final decision remains with the principal of the school.

Split-Grade Procedure

1. Students should receive the opportunity to be exposed to a different teacher each year.
2. If a child is in a split grade in one year, if possible, the child should be placed in a straight grade in the following year.
3. Students should receive the same opportunity to be in the upper end and lower end of a split-grade classroom.
4. Parent requests are considered based upon their child's social and academic needs.

Note: EFFECT OF COMBINED GRADES ON CHILDREN

Studies have shown that there are no significant differences in the development of children as a result of their placement in combined grades. In fact, in a few studies differences occurred in the favour of students in combined grades in the areas of personal and social development. Some research also suggests students in combined grades make better gains in basic mathematics and language arts.

School Profile

The School Profile is an overview of many of the ongoing practices and many events that take place at St. Valentine School.

Curriculum:

At St. Valentine, and at all schools within the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District Board, the document Curriculum at a Glance is used by all teachers and will help to ensure the consistency of program. Curriculum at a Glance is based on Ministry Directives and Board programs. It is the long range planner for educators which provides system-wide direction, consistency and accountability. The document defines the expectations for each grade level so that all educators know their areas of responsibility regarding curriculum.

Included within the document are the Ministry expectations and Board mandated core resources. This provides the overall framework of what is to be taught in every subject area and naturally leads to an in-depth investigation of program delivery among grade/division levels and across the school. The document acts as a reference for curriculum planning, tracking and assessment and networking with other educators. Full implementation of this document ensures that both Ministry and Board expectations for program planning are being met.

Special Education

St. Valentine is an inclusive learning environment. Students requiring the support of resource personnel will be provided for on an in-class or modified withdrawal basis. If you have questions or concerns regarding special education, please feel free to contact the school Special Education Resource Teachers or the Principal.

Student Agendas

St. Valentine School will continue to promote the use of a student planner for the 2011-2012 school year. This planner is beneficial for students from junior kindergarten to grade eight and is strongly recommended as an excellent tool for home-school communication, time management and organizational skills. It is to be signed daily by both teachers and parents.

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 phone the school to give the following information:

• your child's name
• teacher's name
• reason and length of absence
•  

In cases where no phone call (or note) has been received, the school will contact the parents of the absent students (either at home or work) as soon as possible. On days when bus transportation is cancelled, parents of bus children need not phone in the absence.

Access to School Premises

It is the policy of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board to provide a safe work place and learning environment by governing access to school premises. The policy on access to school premises during the school day and for school authorized activities shall be in accordance with Education Act sections 212 and 265 (m) the Safe Schools Act, section 305 and Ontario Regulation 474/00.

The following persons are permitted to be on school premises:

• a person enrolled as a pupil in the school;
• a parent or guardian of such a pupil with the permission of the office;
• a person employed or retained by the Board;
• a person who is otherwise on the premises for a lawful purpose (i.e. delivering mail or voting);
• a person who is invited to attend an event, a class or a meeting on school premises provided the person is on the premises for that purpose;
•  

Picking Up Students

If you are sending someone to pick up your children, please inform the office of this intent.

When Children Become Sick at School

In the event that your son/daughter becomes ill or is injured, please note our procedures:

• the parents will be notified to come and pick up the child
• we cannot have an ill child stay in the office all day since there is no one to supervise or nurse the sick child - that is a parent responsibility
• if your child feels unwell early in the morning, please make arrangements for him/her to be cared for at home or at a sitter. Please do not send your child back to school until they are well enough to participate actively. Our school days are very full and do require a healthy energy level. It is sometimes necessary to call a parent from work to come for a sick child. Please give precedence to your child’s health and comfort.

Student Services

Special Services

Every effort is made to provide programs and services to support children with exceptionalities in the regular class setting. We believe that children with exceptionalities should:

• receive appropriate special education programs and services
• have access to the most enabling setting that will meet their needs
• have opportunities to interact with their peers, to enjoy the life of the school and to participate in local community activities.

As parents, you are most aware of your child's strengths and needs. You are invited to discuss these strengths and needs with your child's teacher. Your child’s needs determine whether he/she will be considered for special education assistance. Open discussion with teachers, principal and or the school team are the first step in coming to a shared understanding of your child’s strengths and needs. Preliminary discussions may result in a request by you or the school team for a full educational assessment that may also include psycho-educational testing, which requires your written permission.

Assessment information is discussed at a case conference. The results may indicate a need for special education assistance and where this is the case, you and/ or the principal may request an I.P.R.C. (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) to consider your child’s appropriate identification and placement. Special student services offered by the Board include:

• psychologists
• speech/language pathologists
• social workers
• child youth workers
• assistive technology or devices
• special education resource teacher

Library

It is very important that our students learn how to access and use resources and manage information. Our library is open for classes during the school day and for general student use at other times. The school resource centre provides students with a wide range of instructional materials such as books, tapes and recordings. Students are assisted in the use of all forms of media and are encouraged to use the print, non-print, computers and human resources in our school, our community and beyond.

Telephone

The office telephone is to be used only in cases of emergency.

Please remind your children that the office telephone is not to be used on a regular basis.

Visitors

All visitors must report to the office. A sign-in and out procedure for students being picked up during school hours and for reporting visitors to the school, is followed for the safety of students. All visitors including parents must wear a badge (provided in the office) when in the school building and when in the school yard during recess.

Volunteers

Parents enrich student life at the school. You can help as a classroom assistant, tutor, library assistant, coach, computer advisor, volunteer driver etc. Your contribution is valued and appreciated.

Our All Star Reading program always needs parents to help us reinforce early reading skills for our students. Each year we ask for volunteers to complete a form or give us a call to indicate the skills they would like to share with the school. We’d love to see you here!

The Catholic Code Of Conduct

Each School's Catholic Code of Conduct applies to all persons involved in any aspect of school life.

I. 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.

II. 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.

Fighting, Physical/Sexual Assault, or Bullying

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 may be suspended from school.

A student who sexually abuses/assaults another person shall be suspended and further disciplinary action may be taken. This may include transfer to another school.

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 her/his race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or handicap.

Any form of harassment is not acceptable whether it be physical, verbal, by telephone, 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.

Trespassing

Situations arise in which the mental and physical well-being of students and/or staff are put in jeopardy by trespassers or unwelcomed 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 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 will result in disciplinary action.

Students who cause difficulties at another school will 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 non-prohibited weapon to harm another person on school property, the police shall be contacted, the student shall be suspended and expulsion proceedings may be initiated.

When a student is found in possession of a prohibited weapon (such as a firearm, butterfly knife, switchblade knife, martial arts weapon, etc.) on school property, police shall be contacted, the student shall be suspended and expulsion proceedings shall be initiated.

When a student uses or threatens to use a prohibited weapon, or a replica on school property, the police shall be contacted, the student shall be suspended, and expulsion proceedings shall be initiated.

III. Respect For Self

Dress

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 policy of the Board. Students are required to dress in a manner and attire suitable for the occasion and appropriate to the school environment.

Physical Education Participation and Dress

Physical Education is an integral part of the overall school program as required by the Ministry of Education. All students are expected to participate. If a child is unable to participate for a medical reason, we require a doctor's note to that effect, as other areas of school life may be affected.

Some black-soled shoes may discolour the gym floor. Please check your child’s running shoes when you purchase them to be sure that they do not cause this problem. Teachers will specify clothing that is appropriate for Phys. Ed.

Drugs and Alcohol

The unauthorized possession, sale or use of alcohol and/or illicit drugs on school property or at school events such as school-sponsored trips, celebrations and/or graduation is not permitted. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in disciplinary action.

Students who are deemed to be under the influence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs will face disciplinary action.

Proper Language

Coarse, profane or vulgar language or taking God's name in vain are unacceptable in the Catholic school community. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in disciplinary action.

Smoking

The Board recognizes the benefits to all persons of a smoke-free environment. Smoking is banned within school buildings, in school vehicles and on all Board property.

Failure to comply with this expectation will result in disciplinary action. The policy of our school is to prohibit smoking and holding lit tobacco anywhere in the school or on school property, by anyone, at any time.

This policy applies to students, staff and anyone using school facilities. This policy also applies to field trips.

IV. Respect For The Property Of Others

All persons are to treat school grounds, buildings, contents, and the personal property of others with respect.

Academic Honesty

Plagiarizing, cheating, copying, or knowingly and deliberately presenting the language, ideas, or thoughts of another individual as ones own work is not permitted. Consequences may include academic penalty on the assignment, test or exam, and/or further disciplinary action.

Lunch Room

Students are expected to consume all food and beverages in their classroom seats and when the bell rings, proceed directly outside in an orderly manner. Facilities utilized by the students must be left clean and tidy.

When students remain for lunch, or stay in for rainy day recess, they are to stay seated, talk quietly, tidy up, etc. Permission is required to leave the classroom for any reason.

Library Books and Texts

Restitution will be required for lost, non-returned, or damaged school equipment. (i.e library books, textbooks)

Littering

All persons are expected to help keep the buildings, grounds and the surrounding neighbourhood clean.

Theft/Extortion

Theft/extortion will be treated as a serious offence. Police may be called if deemed appropriate. Consequences may include further disciplinary action.

Vandalism/Willful Damage

Anyone who destroys, defaces or otherwise damages property will be required to make restitution where appropriate. Further consequences will be dictated by the severity of the offence.

V. Attendance And Punctuality

According to the Education Act, students of compulsory school age must attend school and parents have the obligation to ensure that they do attend.

Each student has the responsibility to be in attendance at all classes and scheduled activities on time and with proper materials required for full participation.

Regular attendance at school is critical for the student’s learning and achievement of course expectations.

Students are responsible for bringing to class the proper materials required for full participation. Each school will address this responsibility and the associated consequences.

VI. Use Of Technology

Computer hardware and networking equipment has an increasingly important role in our schools. Computers assist staff and students in making the delivery of education more effective and efficient and help students develop the necessary life skills for the world of work.

All computer usage is to be directed towards sanctioned activities. Use of computers for other purposes, any deliberate misuse, vandalism, damage, tampering or unauthorized access or configuration will result in disciplinary action.

Plagiarism through electronic means will not be tolerated and shall result in disciplinary action and/or academic penalty.

All inappropriate references to board or school personnel and/or students in computer related mediums such as web pages or e-mail are violations of the Catholic Code of Conduct.

Inappropriate use of other technological devices may be subject to disciplinary action.

Implementation Process

The following are the basic interventions and consequences that may be initiated by teachers and/or administrators.

The Catholic Code of Conduct which emphasizes the nurturing of a sense of self-worth and self-discipline for all students must contain a clear outline of realistic and effective consequences for failure to meet the expectations set out in it. To encourage this nurturing of a sense self-worth and self-discipline the Principal should consider the following interventions and strategies:

• Informal interview with the student
• Formal interview with the student
• Parental involvement: by telephone, correspondence, interview
• Utilization of behavioural, attendance or
• performance contracts
• Involvement of school support personnel
• Referral to school Special Services team
• Attendance conference
• Referral to outside agencies i.e. Children's Aid, police, treatment or medical agencies.

Behaviour modification strategies may not always be successful or applicable, and may require the immediate application of one or more consequences. The following list is not all inclusive nor does it imply that each consequence must be exercised before moving to subsequent consequences. Any specific behaviour may lead the school authorities to offer any alternatives or to invoke any consequence or combination of consequences:

• Detention of student 
• Removal of privileges to attend school related functions and/or extracurricular/co-curricular programs
• Removal of student from the classroom to an alternate setting within the school with supervision
• Requiring the student to make restitution where appropriate
• Temporary withdrawal from school
• Suspension as set out in the Education Act and Board Policy, Regulation and Procedure
• Expulsion under the Education Act and Board Policy, Regulation and Procedure

Temporary Withdrawal, Suspension, Expulsion

The Principal of the school, who is responsible for ensuring that the Catholic Code of Conduct is implemented must have sufficient latitude to meet the individual needs of students and to exercise judgment within the context of specific circumstances.

However, in those areas involving serious misconduct which are a breach of Board Policy or Regulation, and/or against the law, and for which the Board has seen fit to recommend a suspension for a minimum number of days, the Principal must regard these as mandatory.

The following consequences are not taken lightly and are recognized as appropriate to serious offences since denying a student access to school is a very serious matter. However, school Principals must balance this concern with their responsibility to provide a safe and effective learning environment for all. Exclusion will be considered when other options to modify behaviour have been unsuccessful, or where the seriousness of the situation warrants it. The school reserves the right to send students home immediately; either while at school or on a school-sponsored activity or trip at no cost to the school. Parents will be notified before any student is sent home.

Temporary Withdrawal

Under some circumstances it may be appropriate for the Principal and parent/guardian (or adult student) to agree to a time out of school for the student. Such a temporary withdrawal will point out the seriousness of the situation while providing a cooling off time and avoid a suspension. During this period further professional support may be sought.

This temporary withdrawal may be for a period of up to four days on the condition that the parent/guardian (or adult student) agrees in writing to such action and wishes to become directly involved in resolving the problem. Failure of the parent/guardian to agree to a temporary withdrawal will result in suspension of the student.

Suspension

Suspension is the removal of a student from the school for a specified period of time.

Suspensions under Board Policy and Regulations and the authority of the Education Act will carry with them the following understandings:

• Any student under 18 years of age becomes the direct responsibility of his/her parent(s) during the period of suspension.
• Students under suspension will not be permitted on school property and shall not attend any school-sponsored events without written authorization from the Principal.

Expulsion

Expulsion is the removal of a student from all schools in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and/or all schools in the Province of Ontario. Expulsions are governed by the Education Act, in accordance with Board Policy and Regulation and General Administrative Procedure.

Expulsion of a student is both an extremely serious matter and an infrequent occurrence. A student may be expelled on the grounds that his/her conduct is so refractory that his/her presence is injurious to other students.

Procedures for the expulsion of a student are initiated on the recommendation of the Principal. Where an expulsion is considered, the Principal will suspend the student for 20 days. There are two categories of expulsion - "limited" and "full". On a limited Principal or limited Board expulsion, the student is expelled from all schools in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board for a period of from 21 school days up to 1 calendar year. When a full expulsion is imposed by the Board, the student is expelled from all schools in the Province of Ontario for an indefinite period of time.

Students under expulsion are required to remain off all school/Board property and may not attend school/Board sponsored events without written authorization.