Student Agenda Information
Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School General Information
"I want it said of Philip Pocock High School, ‘There's a school with a good spirit.’ In a school that has good spirit all of the students love their school until it hurts a little. That means that you must be willing to make sacrifices for your school.”
Most Reverend Philip Pocock
Archbishop Of Toronto
1971-1978
The Virtues…
A virtue is a habit or established capacity to perform good actions according to a moral standard. A Catholic school is the ideal place to practice and prepare to live a virtuous life. Many elements of Catholic character and virtue are developed in Dufferin-Peel schools. In the coming year, our school will focus on these virtues:
Faith... | is an attitude which encourages us to involve God in our lives and helps us to maintain and develop our relationships with God and with others both when things are going well and when they are not. |
Empathy… | is the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes and the capacity to feel what the other person is feeling. |
Conscience… | is the voice of God within us. A developed conscience helps us make decisions that nurture truly loving relationships. |
Hope…
| is the virtue of relying on God. It keeps us searching for true happiness, sustains us during hard times, and keeps us from being discouraged. |
Self-Control…
| is regulating your thoughts and actions so that you stop any pressures from within or without and act the way you know and feel is right. Developing loving habits helps us to respond lovingly to others in our choices and actions. |
Respect… | is seeing the goodness in others. It helps us to see all as God sees them, to accept them as they are, and to treat them with dignity. |
Kindness… | is the act of loving and giving generously to others as God does. Our empathy for others is transformed into action, an action that extends beyond concern for ourselves. |
Love… | God wants us to serve and to see the goodness in everyone. |
Acceptance… | is the ability to respect the dignity and rights of all persons, even those whose beliefs and behaviours differ from our own. Everyone should strive to love and respect their neighbour, as they love and respect themselves. |
Fairness… | is the ability to be open minded and act in a just and fair way. Fairness allows us to treat others with mercy and compassion - to feel and act with and for another person. |
When we act out these virtues, we are making the presence of God visible in the world around us. We will be participating in our own prayer that: your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Mt 6:10)
Daily School Schedule
Class Periods: Period 1 Period 2 Period 3AB Period 3BC Period 4 Lunch Periods: Period 3A Period 3C | 8:00--9:20 9:25—10:40 10:45--12:00 11:30--12:45 *Bell at 11:25 ending 3A lunch 12:50--2:05 10:45—11:25 12:05--12:45 |
Early Dismissal Schedule
Class Periods: Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 | 8:00--8:50 8:55--9:40 9:45--10:30 10:35--11:20 |
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board:
Expectations with respect to Religious Education and Student Participation in Liturgies and Retreats.
Thank you for choosing to send your son/daughter to Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is committed to providing quality Catholic education which serves the academic, social, physical and spiritual needs of our students.
The mandate of the Catholic school system in Ontario is to model the entire syllabus of the school on the life and teaching of Jesus. As a result, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has expectations of all students admitted.
- Every student MUST enroll in a Religion course each year. Religion courses, which, under Ministry guidelines count towards the OSSD, are approved by the appropriate Catholic authority.
- Every student will participate in an annual retreat for the first four years of attendance at Philip Pocock. Retreats normally take place during the school day at a site off school property. The school chaplain organizes the retreat based on spiritual developmental themes appropriate for adolescents.
- Each student will participate in the prayer and in the liturgical life of the school. Catholic students are expected to participate fully as mandated by the sacrament of Baptism. Non-Catholic students are also expected to participate. It is not the intention of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board to proselytize, however, for supervision, safety and community reasons, the entire school participates in all of the religious events that occur during the school year. At a minimum, non-Catholic students will attend and maintain respectful silence at all religious observances.
- The Catholic District School Boards of Ontario follow approved provincial curriculum. Given the distinctiveness of Catholic schools, the Government of Ontario recognizes parallel curricula for our system based on Catholic course profiles. All courses in all subject areas in a Catholic secondary school are taught from a Catholic perspective. We hope that your experience in our Catholic school will be rewarding.
We hope that your experience in our Catholic school will be rewarding.
Philip Pocock Community Philosophy
The pursuit of excellence in all things governs school life. The investigation of human knowledge and the acquisition of skills within a vibrant Christian climate inspire and provide focus. The education process is both formative and summative. It demands total participation in the exercise of the intellectual, physical, and spiritual faculties found within each member of our community. Each person develops a keener awareness of life in Christ and an appreciation of the attendant responsibilities.
Spiritual Life
For a Catholic Christian, having a spiritual life means that something is happening in one's relationship with God. That has been the goal of parents ever since they brought their son or daughter to their local parish church to be baptized. We accept that students come to our high school with a relationship in place. We create the kind of atmosphere in which all our students can understand more about their faith (theology classes), express that faith (religious services) and reach out to others (Christian outreach). A full-time Chaplain and a team of both staff and students are actively involved in promoting the development and expression of true Christian community. Philip Pocock is a place where students can truly grow as Christian people.
Liturgies
Masses are organized for the opening of the school year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and for smaller settings such as Masses in the chapel. Prayer services are also organized at special times such as Ash Wednesday and Holy Thursday.
Retreats
Retreats are a compulsory part of the Catholic school curriculum. All students are required to participate. These are provided to all students at all grade levels.
Special Programs
Specific liturgical events, which celebrate our faith are planned throughout the year. There are funds raised throughout the year for Share Life and at other special causes such as the food drive at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Guest speakers, seminars and conferences are set up to deal with special issues.
Prayerful Moments
These are a regular part of everyday life at Philip Pocock. They include the Morning Prayer and reflections, prayers before the start of daily classes, private Chapel visits, penitential services, and confessions and special times when students need to pray together with groups of their friends in the Chapel or in their classroom.
School Resources And Services
Administrative Contact
The Vice-Principals are responsible for ensuring both the safety and effectiveness of the learning environment for all students. Each Vice-Principal is assigned a segment of the student population divided alphabetically. Parents are encouraged to contact the students’ teachers and the appropriate Vice-Principal when a concern arises.
Guidance and Career Education
The Guidance and Career Education Office provides a program of on-going support, information and guidance regarding students' educational, social and personal concerns. The program will be delivered by counselors through personal counseling, small group sessions and classroom instruction.
The following are among the services offered:
- Academic counseling/planning
- Career interest inventories Support groups e.g. students of separated/divorced parents, bereavement
- College and university information
- DISCOVER - career software and a guide to post secondary education
- Night school, summer school and correspondence information
- Job bulletin board
- Career centre
Counselors are assigned to students by alphabet. Please state the student’s last name when calling for a guidance counselor.
Timetable Changes
Any reasonable timetable change requests will be considered before the commencement of each semester. Any timetable change after the semester begins will be considered only for the following reasons list below.
A request for a course change must be submitted on the appropriate form with a parent/guardian signature within the first week of each semester to the appropriate counselor. Timetable changes will be considered for the following reasons:
- To enable a student to meet diploma requirements
- Level change or a change in career plans requiring a pre-requisite course
- Summer school or night school results
- Failure of a pre-requisite course
Course Load Policy:
- Grade 9, 10 and 11- 8 full courses
- Grade 12 (Year 4)- Minimum of 6 full courses
Note: Students in Year 4 who have less than 24 credits must carry 8 courses.
Please consult with a guidance counselor with regards to the deadlines for courses changes and drops and the effect of a course drop on the student’s transcript.
Secondary schools are required to make a full disclosure of courses completed, attempted and failed to Colleges and Universities. This means that all course withdrawals and failures beyond grade 10 courses must be reported. Repeated courses beyond grade 10 must indicate a mark for each attempt. The date on which the student completes each course in grades 9 and 10 will also be noted.
Community Service
Graduation requirements include the completion of 40 hours of Volunteer Christian Community Service. The activity must fall into the guidelines published by the Ministry of education and Dufferin-Peel. There are very specific lists of both eligible and ineligible activities. Be sure to consult with your parents, the administration or the guidance office BEFORE you begin a volunteer activity to make sure that it is on the list of eligible activities.
When you have completed the 40 hours, submit your completed passport to Guidance. Be sure to complete all the areas of the passport: your name, student ID number, school address, description of the activity, number of hours completed, supervisor signature, parent signature and student signature. If the passport is not completed properly it cannot be approved by the administration.
Student Support Services
In addition to the Guidance and Career Education Office, Philip Pocock also provides a specialized student support team, consisting of a psychologist, a social worker, child and youth worker, and speech and language pathologist services. It is recognized that adolescents often experience personal, social and academic difficulties to such a degree that it interferes with their daily functioning. All appointments are considered confidential and services are also available to the families of our students. These services are located in the Attendance Office.
SSI – Student Success Initiative
The SSI was implemented in September 2005. The SSI has a broad based goal of improving student achievement, in particular, with the “at risk” student in mind. Student Success Teachers (SST) work specifically to identify, assist, monitor and advocate for the “at risk” student population. The SST also assists in the coordination of supports and programs necessary for student success primarily through the In School Education Team. Research shows that students who fail one credit early in high school are at a significantly greater risk of dropping out of school. New programs such as Credit Recovery and Credit Rescue will allow students an opportunity to recapture a lost credit by receiving more individual instruction focused on course expectations that were not successfully achieved. These programs are key intervention strategies in particular in grades 9 and 10.
SSI goals include:
- To reduce school leaver rate (2004 – 29%) to 15% by 2010.
- To identify and support Grade 9 and 10 students who are at risk of failure.
- To reduce/eliminate credit deficiency for Grade 9 and 10 students.
- To identify students who are credit deficient and coordinate supports for a specific Pathway or Co-operative Education or Alternative Education.
Role of Student Success Teachers – SST
Coordinate the Credit Rescue/Recovery program
Frequent one-on-one sessions with at risk students to provide academic support and/or referrals to the In School Support Team.
Track academic progress of at risk students to ensure problems are identified and that support is provided when needed.
Assist school staff in identifying and meeting the needs of at risk students.
Provide transition assistance as students transition into Grade 9
Improve communication with parents of at-risk students to encourage the team approach to the academic success of their children.
General Information
Accidents
Accidents that occur in the school shall be reported to the main office. First aid equipment as well as qualified First-aid and C.P.R. trained staff are available. Parents/ Guardians will be contacted if a hospital visit is necessary. In the case of a serious accident, an ambulance service will be contacted. Every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian or emergency contact person. It is vital that the school has parent's business numbers on record.
Age Of Majority (Students Over 18 Years Of Age)
Students who are 18 years of age or older legally assume the responsibility for attendance previously held by their parents. The Age of Majority and Accountability Act (1971) gives adult status to those who have attained the age of 18. The Education Act states that all secondary students (regardless of age) must submit to the rules and regulations of the school. This includes the obligation to attend classes regularly (Reg. 298/23. (1d)). As well, after any absence, a student over 18 is required, “in writing”, to give the reason for absence (Reg. 298/23 (2)).
Students over 18 years of age sign in or out of the school “with the consent of the principal” (Reg. 298/23 (3). Administration reserves the right to question and/or approve sign out for students over 18 years. Approval will be based on track record, academic performance and overall deportment.
Bus Transportation
Philip Pocock is served by both Board provided school buses (for eligible students) and public transit. You are expected to follow orderly and courteous behaviour while boarding and riding on school and public busses. You must obey instructions from the bus driver at all times. Students can be excluded from both for unacceptable behaviour.
Civvies Days
There are a number of scheduled civvies (dress down) days during the school year. Some of these civvies days may be designated for charitable fundraising.
The following are expectations for civvies days:
- Participation in civvies days is voluntary: Those students who do not participate are expected to be in full uniform.
- Appropriate and modest dress is expected as determined by teachers and school administration. Tattered or torn jeans, short shorts, T-shirts with inappropriate slogans, halter tops and tube tops are not acceptable.
Crossing Tomken Road
Jaywalking across Tomken Road endangers lives. Please use the crossing area at the traffic lights at the south end of the school. There is a strong possibility that police will ticket students (a $75.00 fine).
Elevator
The elevator is for the use off staff, or students, who for medical reasons, cannot use the stairs. Do not use the elevator without the express written permission of the administration. A deposit of $20 is required; refunded when he key is returned.
Extra-curricular Activities
Our school provides a wide range of activities, giving students more scope for the pursuit of excellence and the broadening of interests. Join a club, become involved in the total life of the school, form new friendships, use talents, achieve self-expression and help create new traditions for the school.
Extra-curricular Eligibility And Participation
Students absent from school will not be allowed to practice, participate, perform or be involved in any school activity on that day. Students representing the school in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are expected to maintain an academic standard that affords them missing classes to participate during class time. Poor attendance, poor achievement, a failing average in more than one course and poor conduct can disqualify a student from participation in all extra-curricular activities. Please consult the full Extra-Curricular Participation Policy. It is available from the main office.
Field Trips And School Excursions
Please be advised that for all field trips, school excursions and retreats students are expected to be in full school uniform. On the rare occasion that an exception is made the students will be informed by the sponsoring teacher.
There is a cost to providing field trips and excursion experiences for students. Some of the cost is covered by the participants and other costs are covered by the school. When a teacher takes a class on a field the teacher’s other classes that remain in the school must be covered by other teachers or by supply teachers. In the event that supply teachers or internal coverage are not available then trips and excursions will be cancelled. Unfortunately, sometimes this may happen on short notice.
Fire Drills
Know what to do in the event of fire. The following regulations are vitally important.
- Observe the sign in every room showing the main and alternate exits.
- Leave the building when the fire alarm sounds.
- Walk quickly and quietly, do not run or push.
- Assemble with your teacher beyond the driveway around the building.
- Keep driveways clear for all emergency vehicles.
- Remain outside for a signal to return (two bells)
Food And Drink In School
To help maintain a clean and healthy environment, food and beverages may be consumed only in the cafetorium. Do not eat or drink in the hallways, gyms, classrooms, washrooms, etc. Provide every consideration to the cafeteria and custodial staff. Deposit your trash in the litter containers provided.
Lunchtime
If you remain at school during your lunch period, please remain either in cafetorium, library, or outside the school building. Hallways and stair wells on the 2nd and 3rd floor are out-of-bounds except for the five minutes before the end of your lunch period. Do not disturb classes by loitering in hallways and washrooms.
Lockers
Lockers are school property. Students have temporary use only. It is expected that lockers will be kept neat and clean and that materials displayed will respect Catholic Values and the moral tone of a Catholic school. The administration has the right to open lockers at any time. Students are expected to remain in the locker assigned in Semester 1 and are responsible for reporting any damages to the office. Deliberate damage will be repaired at the student’s expense and will result in locker privileges being revoked. Students should keep their locker secure at all times and combinations should be kept confidential. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen articles. However, in the event of any difficulty, every effort will be made to assist. This may include police intervention. All items that are left in the locker after “Locker Cleanout Day” in June will be considered abandoned and disposed of appropriately. At no time is the school responsible for the contents of a locker. Dudley combination locks may be used. Locks are available for purchase. New grade 9 student must purchase a dudley lock from their home room teacher before they will be assigned a locker.
Lost And Found
There is a closet in the Attendance area where found items are placed. Please inquire with the Attendance secretary for lost items.
Out-of-bounds Areas
The staircase in the atrium is for staff use only. Safety considerations do not permit its use by students. Loitering in any entrance or stairwell, parking lots or on the public sidewalk on the east side of Tomken Road between the two driveways is not permitted. The creek area to the east of the school building is off limits. Tomken Arena is also off-limits unless Philip Pocock staff is present.
Outside Of School
Please respect the private property of our neighbours. Do not litter and/or loiter in the surrounding areas. You represent the school. Respect the rights of others. Put your cigarette butts and litter in garbage cans so that others do not have to pick up after you and so that we can continue to keep positive relationships with our neighbours. Students who persist in littering or engaging in other behaviour that is detrimental to our relationship with the community will be subject to discipline and/or suspension.
Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs)
The Dufferin-Peel board has encouraged the use of Personal Electronic Devices in the School. Classroom use policies will be determined by the teacher. Peds may be confiscated if they are not used according to classroom direction. Ped retrieval arrangements will have to be made with the teacher/ administration or returned to the parent/guardian.
Photography In The School
Taking pictures or videos of students or staff using any means without prior written permission of the individuals involved is expressly prohibited.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited on school property. This includes the sidewalk in front of the school on the east side of Tomken. Smoking violations will result in suspension, referral to Peel Health and fines levied by Peel Health. The prohibition of smoking extends to all school activities on or off board properties during and after school hours and school vehicles and buses. The possession of matches or lighters is prohibited.
Storm Day Procedure / Bus Cancellations
The cancellation of Board school buses is announced on major radio stations. Our Board serves two counties: Peel and Dufferin. Dufferin County is more often affected by cancellations. The announcements will specify if buses are cancelled for Peel County only or Dufferin County only or for both counties. The school usually remains open; however, should schools need to be closed, the radio stations will broadcast this information as well. Radio announcements begin at approximately 6:00 a.m.
Student Parking
Student parking is available in the southeast side of the parking area at the rear of the school. Vehicles parked in signed and/or restricted areas will be ticketed or towed. Do not loiter in and around vehicles during the school day.
Textbook/Resource Policy
Textbooks are issued in excellent condition and must be returned in the same condition at the end of the course, normal wear and tear excepted. If, for any reason, a textbook or other school materials are not returned or are unusable the student is responsible for the replacement.. Please note that if a textbook is not returned or a debt is not paid the Yearbook will be withheld. In addition, no further textbooks will be issued to the student until the debt is paid or the missing textbook is returned.
Valuables
Valuables or large sums of money should not be brought to school. The school is not responsible for the loss of items from lockers, changing rooms or any other area.
Visitors
All schools are private property. Visitors to Philip Pocock must present themselves at the office to get permission from an administrator to be on school property. Persons who do not have permission to be in the school are unwelcome intruders and will be treated in accordance with the Trespass to Property Act. Signs are posted at all the entrances of Philip Pocock directing visitors to the main office.
Weapons
No person is permitted to enter or remain on school property while in the possession of an article or replica designed as, used as, or intended for use as a weapon. This could lead to expulsion from the Board. If an object is needed as a prop for a dramatic presentation, the item must be kept by the teacher when it is not in use.
Attendance
Regular attendance is vital to the process of learning. When the processes and content of learning are disrupted by irregular attendance, both the individual student and his/her classmates suffer a loss of experiences that cannot be entirely regained. Students who habitually miss class will suffer in the evaluation process because their participation and achievement cannot be fully assessed.
Student Absence
A parent/guardian should telephone the school on the day of the absence between 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at (905) 602-6172, explaining the reason for the absence. Upon returning to school, the student must present a note, dated and signed by a parent/guardian to the attendance office, indicating the duration and reason for the absence. The attendace office will issue an Admit Slip to the student.
All absences must be justified by parents or guardians.
Student Illness While At School
If a student becomes ill during the day, the student must report to the Attendance office and contact a parent/guardian. Once permission has been received and acknowledged by the office, the student will be permitted to sign-out. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the absence being considered illegitimate.
It is not possible to supervise a student who becomes ill during a school day. The Attendance secretary will contact the parent/guardian to arrange to send the student home. If a parent cannot be reached the student will return to the classroom. Board Policy and Ministry Regulations state that staff members are NOT permitted to dispense any form of medication to a student.
A medical certificate may be required after three days consecutive absences.
Student Lates
Punctuality for all classes is expected. If a student arrives at the first period class after the 8:00a.m. bell, he/she is considered late. The student is to go directly to his/her first period class. If the attendance records have already been sent to the office then the student must go to the attendance office to sign-in. If the student arrives after period 1 he/she must report to the attendance office to sign-in.
Early Dismissal/Sign Outs
If you must leave early, you are required to obtain a release slip from the attendance office before 8:10 a.m.. A note dated and signed by a parent/guardian, indicating the time and the reason for early dismissal must be presented in order to receive a release slip. Please retain your release slip as this will be considered an admit slip when you return to class. If you are absent the following day after a release, you must follow the student absence procedure. A student who leaves the school without proper permission will be considered truant. Appointments should be made after school ends at 2:05 pm Additional verifications, other than a parental the note, may be required.
Attendance System
The teacher shall maintain an attendance profile for every student in his/her classes. On the attendance profile, the teacher shall record the absences, the reason for the absences and the action taken by the teacher (I.e. conference with student, phone calls home, referrals to the administration, etc...).
When a student is absent the absence notification system will call home to announce to the parent/guardian that the student has been marked absent in one or more classes for that day. Please call the school to discuss the reported absence. A significant number of absences will place a student’s mark and credit achievement in jeopardy due to loss of instructional time. Also, assessment and evaluation become problematic. While a student is enrolled in co-op placements then the co-op policy will apply.
Extended Absence Notification
The curriculum covered in every course is important and requires daily attendance. On occasion, parents choose to remove their son(s)/daughter(s) for an extended period of time. This decision should not be taken lightly as there are academic consequences for missing extended periods of class time.
Although trips and vacations may provide diverse learning opportunities, the school does not support travel or vacations during school time. Parents are expected to consult with the Vice-Principal prior to making plans for a trip during school days. Parents must inform the Vice-Principal (in writing) of the dates of departure and return to school at least two weeks before departure. The student must complete an Extended Absence Notification Form that must be signed by all of the student's subject teachers, the parent/guardian and returned to the Vice Principal. The time away from classes is recorded as an absence and counted in the total absence record. The student is responsible for all missed work, collection of handouts, notes and reading assignments. Exams, tests, labs, project, essays, presentations, performances, etc. missed due to a trip will not be rescheduled and a mark of zero will be assigned. Any work due during the absence must be submitted by the student before departure. Parents are urged to consult the Student Agenda for examination and school break dates. NOTE: A doctor’s note is required if a test or examination is missed.
Study Periods
Senior students may have study periods within the timetable. This unstructured time is to be used to complete homework, projects, assignments, essays and for study. Students with less than 24 credits accumulated will be assigned a full timetable.
Educational Excursions/Field Trips
You are encouraged to participate in excursions and activities that are school or subject related. It is your responsibility to inform each subject teacher two days in advance of any trip or activity and obtain and complete any work or assignments covered during the missed periods. UNIFORM POLICY As a Catholic school community, we are committed to standards of simplicity, neatness, cleanliness, attractiveness, modesty and good taste. Board policy (GAP 504.00) indicates that school uniform items, as outlined in the school’s uniform policy, must be purchased from the Approved Uniform Supplier.
Uniform Policy
As a Catholic school community, we are committed to standards of simplicity, neatness, cleanliness, attractiveness, modesty and good taste. Board policy (GAP 504.00) indicates that school uniform items, as outlined in the school’s uniform policy, must be purchased from the Approved Uniform Supplier.
Expectations
- The uniform must be kept clean, in good repair and not modified.
- The uniform identifies the student as a Philip Pocock student. Students must wear the uniform during out-of school events and field trips.
- Undershirts worn under the uniform shirt must be plain white with any logos, graphics or decoration. Pants are to be worn at the waist.
- Outdoor coats or jackets are not worn in the building during school.
- Headwear is never allowed indoors and will be confiscated.
Standard Uniform
For Students enrolled prior to the 2009-2010 School Year (from Thanksgiving to May 1)
Pants: Plain black dress pants from McCarthy's, the Official Supplier.
Shirts: White Oxford dress shirt (must be tucked in), white golf shirt (may be worn outside the pants if it is of reasonable length).
Shoes: ALL black shoes, closed toe and heel, and NO LOGOS or other coloured graphics or stripes.
Kilts: ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED AND MAY NOT BE WORN AT ANY TIME.
Sweaters: Philip Pocock logo blue sweater or logo blue fleece top.
Summer Uniform
(before Thanksgiving & after May 1)
The Philip Pocock sweater becomes optional. If a student chooses not to wear the school sweater then his/her shirt must bear the Philip Pocock logo.
New Uniform
For Students enrolled beginnng 2009-2010.
The new uniform for new grade 9 students and students new to the school as of September 8, 2009 consists of a Pocock logo, black rugby shirt with long or short sleeves and Pocock logo taupe pants. Both items can only be purchased at McCarthy's, the Official School Uniform supplier. Shoes must be all black, low cut, closed toe and closed heel shoes. Shoes may be dress or casual without any logos, colour graphis or stripes.
Headwear
Hats/headwear may not be worn in the school and must be surrendered to staff upon request. Headwear will be returned at the end of each semester.
Consequences
Students who are out of uniform will not be allowed to attend classes and may be sent home to change by the Administration. Habitual offenders will be suspended. Students under the age of 16 will be sent home after the parent is contacted.
Official School Uniform Supplier
R. J. McCarthy Ltd.
The McCarthy Building
360 Evans Ave Toronto,
Ontario M8Z 1K5
Tel.(416) 593-6900
Evaluation And Assessment
Assessment and evaluation are based on the Provincial curriculum expectations. Students are given numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate the full extent of their achievement of expectations across all four categories of knowledge and skills.
Regular attendance and active participation on the part of students are vital to a student’s ongoing learning and continuous improvement. Students who habitually miss class or neglect to complete assignments will suffer in the learning process because their participation and achievement cannot be fully assessed and these students may jeopardize their credit. Hence, it is responsibility of each student to be in attendance at all classes and scheduled activities on time and with the proper materials. Unexcused absences (“skips”) will be dealt with accordingly. Teachers will make every effort to contact parents when attendance is a concern.
Missed Tests And Evaluations
Teachers will give the class ample notice for up-coming tests/evaluations. It is the student’s responsibility to make alternative arrangements with the teacher before the scheduled time for the evaluation. Students will provide their teachers with at least two weeks notice of an upcoming planned absence that will cause them to miss an evaluation. If an evaluation is missed for a legitimate reason, a note from a parent must be given to the teacher indicating that the parent is aware the student has missed an evaluation no later than the day of the student’s return. An alternative date will not be during the regular class time. If an evaluation is missed as a result of truancy, a mark of zero will be assigned with no opportunity for a re-write.
Deadlines For Assignments/Projects
The due dates for major assignments will be clearly articulated by the teacher when the task is assigned. The teacher will establish a deadline and an acceptance period of 3 school days following the deadline. The teacher may also allow for submission of assignments before the deadline of the acceptance period for the purpose of assistance in revising. If a student does not hand in the assignment by the deadline, a mark reduction will be applied to the assignment submitted thereafter up to a total of 10%. If the assignment is not submitted by the end of the acceptance period the student will receive a mark of zero. The teacher will accept the assignment for the purpose of providing feedback; however, a mark will not be assigned. The teacher will notify the parents/guardians if a mark of zero is assigned to a major assignment.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious offence. Students must acknowledge their source when using the words or the ideas of another person or group of persons for an assignment. This applies to any written or visual source. This includes books, periodicals, computers and software, art, internet etc. Cheating on class work, tests, quizzes, and exams is also plagiarism. Therefore, willful participation in any of the preceding actions will result in a zero assigned for the work. The student’s parents/guardian will be notified and a disciplinary process may be initiated.
Learning Skills
A variety of critical Learning Skills are reported on the Provincial Report Card. Students are assessed daily on the ability to work independently, teamwork, organization, homework completion and initiative. These skills are essential for learning and academic success. Learning skills are reported separately from the numerical grade on the report card but nonetheless, improving these skills will ultimately affect the student’s learning and course grade.
Extended Absence
In the event of an extended absence due to approved situations (i.e. medical reasons, family circumstances, late registration), modification to the evaluation may be made only after consultation with the student, parent, teacher, administrator and counselor.
Course Outlines
Students receive course outlines at the beginning of each semester in each course. It will contain the Course Name and Code, a brief description of the course and category weightings. It will state classroom expectations and evaluation policies. A description of the final evaluation will also be stated in the outline. Textbooks and any materials supplied for a course are the student’s responsibility. It is the student’s obligation to be familiar with the return procedures specific to each course.
Methods Of Reporting
Parents and teachers are encouraged to keep an open line of communication throughout the semester in order to address any concerns or share praise. For every credit course, semester work will make up approximately 70-80% of the final grade. The remainder of the final grade will consist of a final evaluation.
Progress Reports
At any time throughout the scheduled semester, a student or parent may request, from the subject teacher, an updated report of the student’s academic progress.
Mid-semester Report Card
At mid-semester, students will receive a grade in each subject including progress to date as well as an assessment of learning skills. The report is based on continuous daily effort, assigned work and projects, and unit tests. Student attendance will also be entered on these reports. An interview night is scheduled after mid-semester.
Final Summative Evaluation
Final evaluations are an integral part of evaluating material learned in each credit course of study and are worth up to 30% of the final mark. These evaluations may be in the form of written exams, practical exams, culminating assignments, portfolios, etc and will occur near the end of the semester during the scheduled final evaluation period. The evaluation technique, testing environment, and weighting (i.e. percentage of course’s final grade) of the exam are determined by each subject’s department, according to the curriculum guidelines of the Ministry of Education, program of study, board policy and individual student’s needs.
Final Report Card
At the end of each semester, all students will receive a final report. Subject teachers will contact unsuccessful candidates so that students can arrange for timetable changes and/or summer school enrolment.
Attendance During The Final Examination Period
Students are expected to complete each of their scheduled final examinations. If a student is unable to complete a final examination due to illness, a medical certificate will be required or a zero will be assigned for the examination component of the course. The medical certificate must be submitted to the appropriate administrator prior to the end of the examination period. Family holidays and/or appointments must be planned outside of the final exam period, as exams will not be rescheduled.
Athletic Policy
Philip Pocock Athletics Mission Statement
The mission of Philip Pocock Athletics is to create a dynamic environment that promotes competitiveness, spirituality, teamwork and self-discipline. Philip Pocock is committed to the philosophy that academic excellence and athletic excellence are mutually compatible. We strive to provide a quality experience for all student-athletes in the Roman Catholic tradition. We are committed to building character, developing responsibility, and promoting sportsmanship, which will become life-long traits.
Our school commitment to interscholastic athletics over the years has allowed thousands of student-athletes to benefit from the lessons that athletic competition offers. Representing Philip Pocock by wearing the black and gold is a privilege earned through hard work, discipline and determination. We believe that athletics are an integral part of the school’s mission to educate the mind, body and soul of each student and contribute to the educational experience of the school community.
Athletic Eligibility Is Tied To Academic Performance
In order to be eligible a student must be enrolled in and attending four courses and achieving an average of 51% or greater in at least 3 out of 4 courses based on the last mark reporting cycle. Senior students must be passing 2 out of 3.
Eligibility for a fall sport (football, x-country) is based on semester 2 final marks from the previous school year. If a student fails to meet the criteria, they are ineligible to participate in athletics until the next reporting cycle. A list of ineligible athletes will be made available after each reporting cycle. Ineligible athletes are not permitted to be placed on any ROPSSAA eligibility list nor are they permitted to practice with any teams until they are declared eligible. An ineligible student may be re-instated if his/her academic performance and/or attendance has improved to an acceptable level i.e. passing. The decision for reinstatement will only be made by administration and the athletic director, not the coach of that particular sport.
Athletes may participate on a maximum of two teams during any one season i.e. fall, winter, spring.
In addition, all athletes wishing to represent Philip Pocock on any interscholastic team must:
- Submit the mandatory Athletic Fee of $20.00 prior to participating with their first athletic team. This fee is paid only once a year even if the athlete participates on a number of teams. Athletes must also submit a refundable deposit cheque for the use of school equipment/uniform(s). The Athletic Department will not allow athletes to participate until the athletic fee and deposit cheque has been submitted.
- Be in attendance and actively participate in all subject areas. Any student who misses a class (without a legitimate reason) on the day of a game or practice, will not be allowed to dress or participate in that game or practice.
- Make arrangements with subject teachers as to work and tests missed. It is expected that this will be done prior to a scheduled game or competition.
- Represent the school in a positive manner inside and outside the school. Be a positive role model for others.
- Stay with the team as a productive and active member for the entire season. If an individual quits a team, he/she is not permitted to participate on any other school team for an entire calendar year.
- Communicate with the coach ahead of time of any possible conflicts with games or practices resulting from prior commitments.
- Attend practices on time and be prepared to actively participate.
- Be verbally supportive of all team members.
- Take care of and return uniform at the end of the season.
Awards Program
Philip Pocock takes great pride in the academic achievement of our students. We extend our recognition and share our pride in students who have an achieved average of at least 80% in day school courses taken from September to June by inscribing their names on the Honour Roll. Recognition is given to these students at the annual ceremony in the first semester. All awards are subject to the student’s compliance with school policies.
Honour Awards
Medallions are presented to students in years 1 through 4 for the achievement of at least 80% in day school courses taken from September to June. To qualify for the Honour Roll students must carry a full load of courses for the entire school year. Grade 9, 10 and 11 students must carry 8 courses and all 8 courses are included in their average. Grade 12 students must carry a minimum of 6 courses. If a Grade 12 student carries more than 6 courses, only the best 6 are included for the average. Only courses taken at Pocock in the regular day program qualify for Honour Roll.
Proficiency Awards
Awards are granted to graduating students who achieve an average of at least 90%.
Graduation Subject Proficiency Awards
Awards are presented during for the highest overall average in all year 4 courses.
Academic, Service And Community Awards
The PHILIP POCOCK THEOLOGY AWARD is donated by the Knights of Columbus and is presented to the individual who has shown outstanding scholarship, and inquisitive mind, and an ability to apply the gospel of Jesus in today’s world.
The CATHOLIC STUDENT AWARD is presented to the student whose name has been submitted by the principal to the Catholic Education Foundation in recognition of their contribution to the school and local communities.
The ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL TRUSTEES’ ASSOCIATION AWARD is presented to the student who, while involved in community activities and school affairs, best exemplifies the Catholic faith and Catholic School Philosophy.
The STEVEN TUTAK MEMORIAL AWARD is awarded to the top graduating student continuing studies at a community college.
The PHILIP POCOCK SCHOOL COUNCIL AWARD is presented to the graduating student who, through extensive involvement in school government and activities, has promoted a unified school community and has demonstrated dedication and commitment to the students of Philip Pocock.
The THOMAS J. REILLY SCHOLARSHIP is presented to the graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in the study of modern languages, and has chosen to continue such study at the post-secondary level.
The EDWARD KING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to the graduating student who best embodies “Take a risk, be committed, get involved”.
The JOE CLANCY MEMORIAL BURSARY is presented to the graduating student who, while maintaining high academic standards, enthusiastically accepted new challenges and provided an exemplary Christian role model.
The CHAPLAIN’S AWARD is donated by the chaplain and is awarded to the student who, while at Philip Pocock, has made an outstanding contribution to the ministry of Chaplaincy for our entire community.
The BISHOP OSCAR ROMERO AWARD is presented to the graduating student who promotes social justice and community involvement by encouraging students to seek awareness of social issues.
The LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR’S COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD is presented to the graduating student who has demonstrated exemplary involvement within the community.
The CANADA MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE is part of a national program that celebrates the arrival of the new millennium. This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, community service, leadership, and interest in innovation.
The ST. JOHN FISHER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, donated by the School Advisory Council, is awarded to the graduate who has earned the highest average in year 4.
The GOVERNOR GENERAL’S AWARD is presented to the graduating student who has achieved the highest overall standing in six University level courses.
The Robert W. Wroblewski Memorial Award
This award is presented to the graduating students who, in the judgment of the members of the graduation award committee, has overcome adversity
and/or personal challenges and is pursuing a pathway in graphic arts/media design during his/her high school career, and who intends to continue this path in post-secondary studies.
The PHILIP POCOCK SPIRIT AWARD is donated by the Philip Pocock Mothers’ Guide and is awarded to the student who has demonstrated enthusiasm and an array of qualities that have contributed to the essence of school life.
The HONOUR PIN is awarded to students who have achieved an Honour Award in 4 academic years.
Catholic Code Of Conduct
Please Note: The current Catholic Code of Conduct is under revision. The school will continue to operate with the current policies and procedures including suspensions and expulsions. When the revised Catholic Code of Conduct and information on suspensions and expulsions are available they will posted on the Board Website and copies will be sent home to parents. At that time the revised Catholic Code of Conduct will replace the current Catholic Code of Conduct.
Computer Network Policy / Agreement
This agreement is part of the registration in the Dufferin-Peel CDSB
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board policy supports the use of the local and wide area networks for electronic communication and the Board believes this to be an integral part of the school curriculum. In addition to the school's Code of Student Behaviour and Discipline, any student using the school network is required to adhere to the following rules:
- These are the "Rules of Conduct" for Electronic Networks in the Dufferin-Peel CDSB schools, including Internet access.
- The school reserves the right to change the rules at any time without notice.
- The school reserves the right to remove network access from any user rules.
- The school does NOT warrant that the functions will meet any specific requirements the student may have; nor that it will be error free or uninterrupted; nor shall it be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequent damages (including lost data, information or profits) sustained or incurred in connection with the use of, operation of, or inability to use the system.
- The student will not assist or be a party to others in breaking these rules.
- The student must not intentionally seek information, browse, obtain copies, modify files, or passwords belonging to others, whether at school or elsewhere, unless specifically authorized to do so by those individuals.
- Consistent with Item #7, the student will refrain from using or introducing to the school computer environment, whether network or stand-alone, files, programs, or disks known to contain viruses. In this spirit, the student will also regularly check his/her files and disks for viruses. In this spirit, the student will also regularly check his/her files and disks for viruses and endeavour to keep computing systems virus free.
- The student must not try to obtain privileges to which he/she is not entitled.
- The student will not share his/her login and password with others, nor attempt to learn or use logins and passwords, which are not his/her own.
- The student must not exploit any gaps in security and, furthermore, must report these gaps immediately to his/her teacher.
- The student must not seek or send images, sounds, or messages, which might be considered inappropriate, obscene, abusive, offensive, harassing, illegal, or counsel to illegal activities.
- A student who receives or encounters any of the material indicated in Item #12 should report it to his/her teacher.
- The student is responsible for determining the copyright status of all program(s) or data, and for respecting property rights and the laws, which govern them.
- It is the student's responsibility to back up personal information and data.
- The student must abide by all federal, provincial, and local laws.
- The school reserves the right to review, edit or remove any material.
- The school will be the arbiter of what constitutes a violation.