ST. ANDREW SCHOOL
HANDBOOK AND CODE OF
CONDUCT
1
ST. ANDREW SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
AND
CODE OF STUDENT
BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Page 3
ST. ANDREW SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Page 4
A YEAR OF VIRTUES
Page 5
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
Page 6
SCHOOL ROUTINES
Attendance/Punctuality/Reporting Absences
Evaluation and Reporting
Freedom of Information/Protection of Privacy Act
Library Resources
Newsletters
Permission Notes and Forms
Phys. Ed. Activities - Clothing
Professional Activity Days
Recess Policy
School Hours
School Visitors
Picking Up Your Children
Extra - Curricular Activities
Student Use of School Materials
Telephone
Use of Computers and the Internet
Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs)
Yard Supervision
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
7
7,8
8
8
8
9
9
9
10
10
10,11
11
11
11
11,12
12, 13
13,14
14
BUS INFORMATION
Eligibility Distances
Expectations for Students
Kindergarten Students
Bus Restrictions
Bus Cancellations
Early Dismissals
Safe Crossing Procedures for Bussed Students
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
14
14,15
15
15
15
15,16
16
2
HEALTH AND SERVICES
Accident Insurance
Illness and Accidents
Medication
Pediculosis (Head Lice)
Peer Mediation Programme
Public Health / Communicable Diseases
Special Services School Team
SAFETY AND PROCEDURES
Bullying Behaviour
Child Safety: Drawstrings & Playground Safety Tips
Emergency Procedures/Evacuation
Inclement Weather Procedures / Severe Winter Conditions
Parking Lot
Parking Restrictions on Meadow Drive
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
16
16
17
17
17
17,18
18
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
18
19
19
19
19,20
20
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE SCHOOL
Catholic School Council
Parent / Guardian Volunteers
Page 20,21
Page 21
CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR & DISCIPLINE
I
Respect for Self
II
Respect for the Safety of Others
III
Respect for Staff
IV
Respect For the Rights of Others
V
Respect For the Property of Others
VI
Attendance & Punctuality
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
INTRODUCTION
3
21, 22
22
23
23,24
24,25
25
The Ministry Of Education requires that every school develop a code of conduct which
communicates to all members of the school community the standards of behaviour expected
of them. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and St. Andrew School recognize
that all students, parents and staff have the right to be safe and feel safe in their school
community.
The purpose of the St. Andrew School – Student Handbook and Code of Student Behaviour
and Discipline is to provide students, parents and staff with a clear understanding of the
school policies, procedures and expectations. This school code of conduct has been
developed in accordance with the guiding principles of the Province of Ontario legislation
entitled Bill 212, in order to create a common philosophy and understanding upon which safe
learning and working environment can be maintained for all school community members.
The Code of Behaviour also incorporates our School Board’s Virtues Program which values a
community of caring, committed partners that contribute to a healthy, positive learning
environment by fostering a climate where all embers feel safe, confident and hope-filled
about themselves, their relationships, and their futures.
Throughout the school year, school policies, procedures and expectations are highlighted
and reviewed during morning announcements and in school newsletters. Please take a few
minutes to read and review this handbook with your children.
We hope that this school handbook will provide you and your children with a helpful guide
throughout the school year.
4
ST. ANDREW SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
We believe that each member of the St. Andrew School Community
is unique and special and has a positive contribution to make to
society.
We aspire to be living examples of Christ's message of love, serving
as role models in the Christian formation of all members of the
Community.
We endeavour to "touch the hearts and minds of those with whom
we work," and in co-operation with parents, and the parish priest, we
will assist children in their own personal development of faith and
their appreciation and understanding of the Gospel values.
Together, we will provide a friendly and caring environment, which
inspires academic excellence, fosters self-esteem, and promotes
respect for others.
We believe that education is a life-long process involving physical,
intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual development. To this
end we will strive to promote the full development of children in the
image of Christ.
A YEAR OF VIRTUES
5
In Our Safe, Caring and Inclusive School
Welcome back to a great new school year in a great school! As this year goes by, we will work
together and grow together. We will become an even greater school. We will try to become a more
virtuous school and ultimately a safe school.
A virtue is a habit or established capability to perform good actions according to a moral
standard. In other words, a virtue is a habit that shows people and God that I am a good
person.
Each month we will look at developing the following virtue:
September
Faith …
God made us to live together as a family community.
October
Empathy …
God wants us to care about everyone’s feelings.
November
Conscience …
God helps us to choose to be good people.
December
Hope…
God helps us to keep working for a more peaceful world even when we feel
discouraged.
January
Self-Control/Decision-Making…
God wants us to do what we know and feel is right.
February
Respect …
God wants us to treat all people with the respect they deserve.
March
Kindness…
God wants us to give generously to others around us.
April
Love…
God wants us to serve and to see the goodness in everyone we meet.
May
Acceptance …
God wants us to make friends with everyone no matter how different they may look or
act.
June
Fairness …
God wants us to treat each person as we would like to be treated.
We will pray about virtues; we will talk about them in the classroom; we will practice them in the
hallways and schoolyard. We will make the effort to treat other students and the adults in our school
according to the demands of these virtues. And we will celebrate the progress we make to be a more
virtuous Catholic school-a place of safety, caring and inclusivity for all.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
6
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and St. Andrew School will do everything in their
power to create a Catholic learning community in which students will be able to develop to their
spiritual, intellectual, physical and social potential. It is the expectation of the Board and St.
Andrew School that students will respond positively and will avail themselves of their
opportunities.
St. Andrew School, acknowledges the following rights and responsibilities for each of its students:
(A) Rights
1. to be respected in both person and conscience as a son or daughter of God;
2. to learn in a safe, orderly and stimulating environment;
3. to have access to the facilities and equipment of the school;
4. to participate in any program offered by the school;
5. to be conscientiously instructed by the teaching staff.
(B) Responsibilities
1. to respect the person and the rights of all members of the school community;
2. to give respect, obedience and cooperation to all adults in positions of responsibility in
the school;
3. to comply with all particular school expectations and regulations respecting student
behaviour;
4. to contribute positively to the Christian climate of the school;
5. to use language that is appropriate to their dignity as Christians;
6. to adhere faithfully to the school dress code;
7. to respect the property of the school at all times: building, grounds, equipment, and
materials;
8. to be in attendance at all classes and scheduled activities on time and with the
materials required for full participation;
9. to take part in the service offered by the school to its community;
10. to participate fully in the religious life of the school, including the celebration of liturgy,
Religious Education courses, and related activities;
11. to welcome the opportunity to participate, as appropriate to their status and
conscience, in the sacramental life of the Church and, in particular, as it is celebrated
in the school context;
12. to develop personal skills and talents to serve God, and thereby his/her neighbour.
SCHOOL ROUTINES
7
Attendance/Punctuality/Reporting Absences
1.
Students are to be punctual - entry times are 8:55 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
2.
In the interest of your child's safety, it is important that you phone the
school to inform us that your child will be absent from school. Since we
use Bell Canada's "Call Answer" service, parents are able to leave this
information not only during school hours, but also anytime from 4:00 p.m.
- 9:00 a.m. If the absence is not reported, we may need to contact your
home or work number.
To record your child's absence, call the school (942-0262) and please
leave the following information on the tape:
(a) Your Child's Name
(b) Reason for absence
When your child returns, please send him/her with a note explaining the
absence.
3.
Written parent permission is required for students to leave school early,
to leave school property or when alternate dismissal arrangements
occur.
Evaluation & Reporting
Progress is formally reported to parents of students in grades 1-8 at the end of each
term through the Ministry report card, and parent-teacher-student conferences. Junior
and senior kindergarten students receive a June report only.
The report card provides clear and detailed information to parents about how their child
is achieving and progressing in relation to provincial expectations and standards.
The provincial report card is designed to involve students in assessing their own
progress and setting goals, and to provide parents with information they need to
identify how they can support their child’s learning at home.
Students are assessed on many aspects of their school performance including class
work, home assignments, essays, projects, class participation and their contribution to
school life. Teacher observation, formal and informal testing, and standardized testing,
are also used in the assessment of student progress and achievement.
The provincial report card is only one among several means used by teachers for
reporting student’s achievement to parents and students. Communication about
student achievement is a continuous process throughout the school year and can
include, in addition to the report card, such things as teacher-parent interviews,
portfolios of student work, phone calls and informal reports.
8
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Under the present legislation, it is permitted to use "student's personal information" if it
is consistent with the expectations of parents/guardians.
Over the past few years, our school has developed the practice of:
(a) displaying student's work with their names in hallways, public places (i.e.
Orangeville Mall), and in the local newspapers,
(b) using student names and/or pictures in local newspapers, i.e. graduation lists,
Legion Public Speaking winners, special school/classroom events,
(c) congratulating students for their school achievements in newsletters,
(d) taking pictures and video taping our students in school functions, i.e. class trips,
Christmas concerts, school plays, kindergarten events,
(e) allowing parents to also take pictures and videotape their children in the above
mentioned school functions.
If requests for personal information do not fit within the practices outlined above, you will
receive a form seeking written consent.
Library Resource
In our school's resource centre, students are encouraged to explore, to investigate, to
take more responsibility for learning and to develop a love and appreciation of literature.
To minimize loss of materials, our teacher librarian asks Kindergarten and Grade 1
students to keep the books they have borrowed for a maximum of 2 weeks, and Grade 2 to 8
students for 3 weeks. After this time, a notice is sent home requesting your assistance to
locate the books and to return them. If the books have been lost or destroyed, a second
notice is sent asking students to pay the replacement cost. Should these books be found and
returned at a later time, your money will be refunded.
Newsletters
Newsletters will be sent home to keep parents informed about what is happening in
our school. You should receive a minimum of one newsletter per month. However, we ask
you to check regularly with your child to ensure that you receive copies of newsletters, as well
as other letters, bulletins, or items of information that have been sent home. Newsletters are
also posted on the school’s website at
http://www.dpcdsb.org/ANDRW
The first newsletter of the year is sent home with every student. It contains important
dates/schedules for the school year. Subsequent newsletters are sent home with the
youngest or only child in the family. Let us work together in maintaining good lines of
communication. If you are in doubt, haven't heard, or don't understand, please call us at the
school.
Permission Notes & Excursion Forms
9
Written parental permission is required for students to leave school early, to leave
school property during the day, or when alternate dismissal arrangements occur.
(a) Early Dismissal
If a student is to be released from school early, a note must be sent to the child's
teacher signed by the parent/guardian. Since office staff are not familiar with all
members of the student's family, the note should clearly state who will be picking up
the child, if it is someone other than the parent/guardian. No child will be released to
an adult without parental consent. Upon arrival, parents/guardians are required to
report to the office. The secretary will then arrange for the child to come to the office.
To ensure the safety of your child, phone calls to request student release during the
day should be avoided.
b) Excursions/Extra-Curricular Activities
Prior to any events, permission forms are sent home. It is important that all forms be
filled out completely, signed and returned to the school on time. Verbal permission
from parents/guardians for student participation on field trips cannot be accepted. As
a result, NO STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED ON ANY TRIP WITHOUT THE SIGNED
PERMISSION FORM(S). TEACHERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO MAKE ANY
EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
Physical Education Activities - Clothing (Gym Attire)
Physical Education and physical fitness are important goals of our school. There will
be a broad range of activities within the Physical Education program and a good variety of
extra curricular sports available to your child. It is important for students from Grade 4
through Grade 8 to bring a change of clothes, including shorts/track pants, top and running
shoes.
Running shoes are mandatory in the gym and we would ask parents to purchase
shoes with light-coloured, non-scuff soles. The black-soled variety often marks the gym floor
and are prohibited in the gym area. This pair of gym shoes will be for indoor use only.
Students who wear their outdoor shoes inside the gym bring in dirt, which can cause the gym
floor to become slippery and potentially dangerous for all.
Professional Development Days
There are a number of Professional Development that will occur during the school
year. These are identified in the September Newsletter. Reminders will be sent home again
just prior to the Professional Development date.
Teachers are involved in numerous activities during Professional Development Days
including evaluation of pupil progress, consultation with parents, program development and
evaluation, and professional development through workshops and in-services. Students do
not attend classes on Professional Development Days.
Recess Policy
10
Under ordinary circumstances, children who come to school are expected to
participate fully in the school program which includes recess breaks. All students are
expected to go outside during recess unless a medical certificate indicates otherwise.
Students with a medical certificate will be supervised in the school's Health Room during
recess breaks.
In the event of severe weather conditions, recesses are shortened or students remain
indoors and are supervised by staff indoors.
School Hours
8:55 a.m.
10:25 - 10:35 a.m.
11:25 a.m.
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
2:20 - 2:35 p.m.
3:20 p.m.
3:25 p.m.
- morning classes begin
- morning recess
- morning junior kindergarten classes dismissed
- lunch
- afternoon classes begin
- afternoon recess
- Extended French Program buses depart
- afternoon classes end - dismissal
The School Day commences at 8:55 a.m. and ends at 3:25 p.m. Students eat lunch
in their classrooms from 12:00 noon - 12:20 p.m. and then are dismissed for an outdoor
recess from 12:20 – 1:00 p.m.
Morning kindergarten classes end at 11:25 a.m. and afternoon kindergarten classes
commence at 1:00 p.m.
School Visitors
In the interest of safety, office staff must know who is in the school or on the grounds
at all times. All visitors, parents, babysitters to the school must use the front doors and report
to the office when arriving at the school. All visitors are required to sign in at the office and
wear identification badges that are available at the office.
If you are picking up your child during regular school hours we ask that you report to
the main office and we will arrange for your child to meet you there.
Also, if a family member or friend is picking up your child, please send us a note with
your child to inform us of this arrangement. Students being picked up early are not dismissed
directly from the classroom. They must report to the Main Office before leaving school
property. This procedure will reduce interruptions to classroom instruction and also helps us
maintain a safe school environment for the children.
Parents please do not drop by the classroom or portable unexpectedly during the
school day. Teachers do not have the time during the teaching day to divide their attention
between the students they are responsible for and a parent with a concern or question at the
classroom door.
11
To avoid frustrating both yourself and the teacher by attempting to discuss something
at the classroom door, please send a note to your child’s teacher or call the school and leave
a message.
You will notice that signs are posted in our school hallways that state ALL parents,
volunteers and visitors MUST wear a VISITOR’S BADGE. All visitors, volunteers and parents
must report to the Main Office upon arrival to sign in and receive a Visitor's Badge.
Picking Up Your Children
Parents are reminded that when they are picking up their child(ren) from school for
appointments, they are to report to the Office, and remain in the Office area until their
child(ren) arrive(s) from the classroom(s).
If you are picking up your child(ren) on a daily basis, please meet him/her at the
regular class entry/exit doors which students use to enter the school at the beginning of the
day and at all recess breaks. Since the students are familiar with these entry/exit areas, they
are also good locations for you to meet them. Please do not stand and wait outside your
child’s classroom, at the bottom of stairways, or inside exit doors. This only adds to the
congestion created in hallways and hampers the smooth flow of student traffic.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-curricular activities provide students with the opportunity to experience a variety
of situations which foster social interaction and engender personality growth. Because these
activities are school generated, it is necessary that rules and regulations be established for
the safety and well-being of all concerned.
The right to participate in these activities depends upon the student's responsibilities
attitudes and behaviour in all areas of the school program.
Student Use of School Materials
The school will provide your child with the regular school materials such as pens, pencils,
workbooks, and textbooks. Therefore, it is not necessary that you purchase such materials.
However, it is important that children learn to make proper use of these materials, i.e. keep
notebooks neat, textbooks doodle-free, and minimize the waste of paper.
With this in mind, your child’s teacher will explain our expectations in this matter to the
children. One of our expectations is that students will be responsible for the replacement of
lost or damaged materials including texts or library books.
Telephones
(i) Student Use
Except for unforeseen circumstances, or emergency situations, students do not
receive phone calls at school, nor are they allowed to call home during the school day.
Social activities should be arranged the previous day.
12
(ii) Changes to Routines
If you have changes to routines, for example, doctor's appointment, dental
appointment, early dismissal, or lunch arrangements, we respectfully request that you do not
call the school, but please do send a note with your child to the classroom teacher. This will
help reduce the number of calls coming into the school, and avoid the need to interrupt
classroom instruction and the possibility of a "last minute" message not being delivered on
time.
The school understands that there are exceptions and that emergency situations may
occur.
Use of Computers and the Internet
In the spirit of its Mission statement, the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board
has developed and installed a Wide Area Network connecting all of its sites together.
Included in the many services available on the Board Network is access to the Internet. In
developing the Board Wide Network, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board strives
to achieve educational excellence, and to enhance the educational experience through the
sharing of resources, access to information, innovation, communication and collaboration. By
helping education extend beyond the classroom, this network will enhance the ability of our
educators and students to meet the challenges of the future.
It must be noted however, that school boards do not have control over the information
that is accessible on other networks, nor can they erect barriers which completely limit
access to the full range of information available. Information located on the Internet may
contain matter which is illegal, defamatory, pornographic, inaccurate or potentially offensive
to some people.
The benefits to educators and students far exceed any disadvantages of access.
Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors, supported by the boards and teachers are
responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their child or ward should follow.
The network that has been developed has been designed to allow access to, and
promote the use of the vast information resources that are available both within our
organization and on the world wide Internet from anywhere in the Board. Students and staff
are encouraged to seek out and utilize resources on the network that improve their personal
skills and efficiencies. It is expected that at all times students of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic
District School Board will abide by all other rules and regulations in place including the
Student Code of Behaviour in the use of network resources. It should be understood that it is
the policy of the Board that it will make every reasonable effort to ensure that access to the
negative aspects of global communications are limited, and to that end the following
regulations have been developed.
Regulations:
The following activities are prohibited on the Dufferin-Peel Network regardless of the
method being employed to gain access to the network. Users are forbidden from:
13
(a) Engaging in illegal, unethical, or malicious acts.
(b) Intentionally sending files or messages containing programs designed to disrupt
other systems. (Commonly known as viruses).
(c) Accessing any resource without explicit authorization inside or outside of the Board
network. (Commonly known as hacking).
(d) Possessing, using, or transmitting unauthorized material. (i.e. copyright protected).
(e) Creating, possessing, or distributing unlawful information on any computer system
accessed through the Dufferin-Peel Network. This includes pornographic, obscene, or
other unacceptable material.
(f) Sending messages which include profanity, sexual, racial, religious or ethnic slurs or
other abuse, threatening or otherwise offensive language.
(g) Revealing of personal information contrary to the Municipal Freedom of
Information, and Protection of Privacy Act.
(h) Using the network for commercial objectives.
Contravening any of the above regulations will result in the loss of network privileges
by the student, and depending on the incident, the Police may be called. The student may be
charged and suspended from school.
It should be noted that electronic communications via the Dufferin-Peel Network is not
guaranteed to be private. System administrators do have the ability to intercept electronic
communications, and although communications are not to be regularly monitored, there is to
be no reasonable expectation of privacy when using the network.
It is critical to the security of the Dufferin-Peel Network, that all users do their part to
safeguard the security precautions in place. If any users should feel that they could identify a
security problem on the network, they must notify a system administrator.
Users are prohibited from:
(a) Demonstrating a security problem to other users.
(b) Using another's account,
(c) Sharing accounts and passwords.
Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs)
It is the policy of the Dufferin-Peel CatholicDistrict School Board that PEDS are
to be kept out of sight, turned off and not used within school premises or during school
sanctioned events.
To prevent the loss or damage of PEDS, the school encourages students to leave their PEDS
at home. The use of PEDS is strictly prohibited in the school or during school related
activities such as retreats, field trips, sport events etc. Failure to comply with this policy
may result in the confiscation of the PEDS and/ or disciplinary actions as outlined in the
Catholic Code of Conduct 2001. The school and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School
Board assume no responsibility for the loss, recovery, repair or replacement of any PED
brought onto school property.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board acknowledges that the dignity
of the human person, as promoted by the Catholic Church, may be compromised by the
potential invasion of personal privacy made possible by the inappropriate use of PEDs on
school premises.
14
General Definition of a Personal Electronic Device (PED)
Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) are Wireless and/or Portable Electronic
Handheld Equipment that include, but are not limited to, existing and emerging Mobile
Communication Systems and Smart Technologies (cell phones, smartphones,
walkie-talkies, pagers, etc.), Portable Internet Devices (mobile managers, mobile
messengers, BlackBerry handsets, etc. PDAs (Palm organizers, pocket PCs, etc.),
Handheld Entertainment Systems (video games, CD players, compact DVD players,
MP3 players, iPods, Walkmen, etc.), digital or film Cameras, digital or analogue Audio
Recorders or Video Recorders (tape recorders, camcorders, etc.), Spy Gadgets (spy
cameras, covert listening devices, etc.), and any other Convergent Communication
Technologies that do any number of the previously mentioned functions.
PEDs also include any current or emerging Wireless Handheld Technologies or
Portable IT Systems that can be used for the purpose of communication,
entertainment, data management, word processing, wireless internet access, image
capture/recording, sound recording and information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc.
Yard Supervision
Sufficient designated staff are assigned to yard supervision for all recesses. Morning
supervision commences at 8:40 a.m. Children should not be dropped off before that
time unless arrangements have been made for specific events such as class
excursions, school team practices, etc.
BUS INFORMATION
Eligibility Distances
Transportation is provided by the Board when bussing is warranted due to distance to
and from school.
Eligibility distances are as follows:
JK to Gr 1 1.0 km
Gr 2 to Gr 4 1.6 km
Gr 5 to Gr 8 2.0 km
Expectations For Students
All students who are eligible to take the school bus should be waiting at bus stops at
least five minutes prior to the scheduled bus arrival time.
While riding the bus, students shall remain seated and conduct themselves in a safe,
orderly manner. The bus driver shall be treated with the same respect given to other school
authorities.
At times, bus drivers may need to issue Student Behaviour Reports to the office for
inappropriate behaviour on the bus. Reports may be written for any of the
15
following reasons: obscene language, fighting or scuffling, throwing objects, littering on the
bus, eating on the bus, excessive noise, damaging the bus, hanging out the window, not
remaining in the seat, being discourteous, and being late at the bus stop.
Depending upon the severity of the infraction, a suspension of bus privileges may be
warranted.
Kindergarten Students
The parent is responsible for seeing that the Kindergarten child is met on time at the
drop-off point, if the child cannot safely make his/her own way home from the bus stop.
If a pupil indicates to the driver that he/she is unsure as to the location of his/her stop,
the driver will return the child to the school where the delivery of the child home will become
the responsibility of the parent.
Bus Restrictions
From time to time, the school receives requests for students to ride on a friend's bus to
a birthday party or similar function. Parents are reminded that bus transportation is provided
to the stop nearest your home and to the school from that stop. We are unable to adjust this
policy by changing buses and stops on a daily basis. As a result, permission will not be
given to your child to ride on a different bus to go to a friend's home. Please cooperate
with this policy by not sending notes to school requesting bus changes.
Bus Cancellations Due To Severe Weather
During the winter months, inclement weather may cause disruption of bus
transportation and regular school operations. Please listen to your radio should weather
conditions warrant it. A decision to cancel school transportation and/or close schools is
usually made by 7:00 a.m. Bus cancellation information is also posted on the school board
website at www.dpcdsb.org whenever school bus service is affected by inclement weather.
For additional information, please refer to our November Newsletter, which outlines
radio stations to listen to for further information and standard messages that will be issued by
the School Board.
Please note: If buses are cancelled in the morning, they will not operate later in the
day. This also means that there will be no bussing for afternoon kindergarten children.
Parents who drive their children to school in the morning must arrange to pick them up at
3:25 p.m. dismissal.
Early Dismissal Due To Severe Weather
In the rare event where severe weather creates the need for students to be dismissed
early from school, please be sure that you have made arrangements for a place for your child
to go to (neighbour, relative), if you are not at home and early dismissal is necessary for bus
16
students. Also, be sure that the school is informed and that your child is aware of these
arrangements.
Safe Crossing Procedures For Bussed Students
Please review the following bus safety rules with your child:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be at your bus stop early, at least five minutes before scheduled pick-up time to
avoid running after the bus.
Wait in a safe place, away from the road at your designated bus stop.
Exit the bus carefully, holding the handrail, and walk 10 giant steps beyond the
front bumper, look both ways, and wait for the driver's signal before crossing the
road. Never cross behind the bus.
Always look both ways and NEVER EVER reach under the bus for something.
If you have to cross the road, always cross when the flashers and stop arm on the
bus are activated. Do not wait for the bus to leave before crossing.
HEALTH AND SERVICES
Accident Insurance
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has arranged for a low-cost accident
insurance coverage. Participation in the plan is entirely optional. Forms are distributed in
September to all children. Parents may send the completed forms directly to the Insurance
Company if they wish the coverage.
Illness and Accidents
During the course of a school day, a child may become ill or suffer an accident.
In such events:
a)
Our first action is to call parents at home or at work. In most cases we
prefer that you come to the school and see your child safely home.
b)
If we cannot reach a family by telephone, we attempt to contact the
emergency number which we request from all families. We will then
place your child in the care of this person.
c)
Certain situations may require immediate action. If we are unsuccessful
with a) or b) then we will take the action we feel is necessary.
In September, the school sends out a "Student Verification Sheet" which
contains emergency information about your son/daughter. It is imperative
that this verification sheet is returned to the school, and that we are
informed of any changes to this information throughout the school year.
17
Medication
From time to time the school is asked to store and/or give medication for
students.
1)
A completed form, obtained at the Office, must accompany each request
for medication to be stored at the school. Generally, staff do not administer medication
to students. It is the prerogative of the Principal to decide whether or not medication
will be stored or given out and to establish such conditions as he/she may deem
necessary regarding any specific request by a parent.
2)
School personnel will not assume responsibility for the administration or
any medication.
`
3)
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to monitor the quantity
stored by the school.
Pediculosis (Head Lice)
Parents shall be informed immediately of an outbreak of pediculosis in the school.
When cases have been verified, the children concerned shall be sent home. Students sent
home are to be treated for pediculosis. Upon returning to school, students report to the
Office to be rechecked prior to entering the classroom.
Peer Mediation and Peer Buddy Programme
During each recess, we have student Peer Mediators on-duty outside to help our
students resolve their problems and differences in the schoolyard without using physical
force.
Our Peer Mediators are elected by their peers and endorsed by our staff. After being
selected, these students are trained and then must pass a test before they become peer
mediators. Once successful they then assume the role of peer mediator for the entire school
year which includes: weekly duties in the schoolyard, as well as classroom presentations to
teach conflict resolution skills to younger children.
The Peer Buddy Program matches up younger students, who have a variety of special
needs, with Intermediate Division buddies at recess times. The older buddies are trained by
our school’s Educational Resource Workers (ERWs) in issues of safety, behavioural and peer
interaction skills, to better assist them in becoming productive Peer Buddies. This program
really enriches the inclusive environment of our school.
Public Health/Communicable Diseases
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will co-operate fully with the Ministry
of Health and the Ministry of Education and Training in meeting the required health-related
needs of the pupils.
The school will collect a record of immunization and request that an "Immunization
Data Form" is completed by each new student. The Immunization of School Pupil Act, 1990
makes it mandatory for all school pupils to be immunized against Diptheria, Measles, Mumps,
18
Poliomyelitis, Rubella and Tetnus. Section 3 of the Act authorizes the Medical Officer of
Health to require the suspension of a pupil who has not provided an up-to-date immunization
record or produced a signed medical or conscientious exemption form.
The local Health Unit will assess all schools annually for immunization coverage of
students through mailed questionnaires to "at risk" students. Schools are requested to aid in
the collection of immunization information forms and updates. Enforcement of any
subsequent orders by the Medical Officer of Health is the responsibility of each school
principal.
Special Services School Team
In addition to the regular classroom teacher, our school provides the following
personnel for students who require intervention or support for special needs:
Psychologist, Speech/Language Pathologist, Social Worker, Special Education
Teacher, Special Education Resource Teacher, Educational Resource Worker, Child Youth
Worker and Public Health Nurse through St. Andrew School.
The services of an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Speech Therapist are
requested through the Wellington/Dufferin/Guelph - Community Care Access Centre.
The School Team meets on a regular basis to discuss new student referrals or to
review
the progress of students previously discussed. Classroom teachers are usually an integral
part of our team meetings.
SAFETY AND PROCEDURES
Bullying Behaviour
Students encountering problems in the schoolyard are encouraged to use our student
peer mediators to help them resolve their differences. Unfortunately, bullies often do not
respond to this approach.
When situations go beyond simple disagreements and become bullying by either a
peer or an older student, students are asked to share their problems with an adult - their
classroom teacher, a teacher on yard duty, the vice principal, or the principal. Parents
should also enlist the assistance of the appropriate school personnel, depending on the
problem, i.e. classroom teacher, vice principal, or principal.
Once informed by the student, the school will then work to prevent further incidents of
bullying at school against that student.
19
Child Safety: Drawstrings & Playground Safety Tips
Drawstrings on jackets, sweatshirts and other clothing items pose a danger to your
child. They can become snagged on school bus handrails or doors, on playground
equipment, on escalators or other mechanical equipment.
Information campaigns by the Product Safety Bureau (Health Canada), Canadian
Children’s Apparel Manufacturing Association, and Safe Kids Canada have caused many
clothing manufacturers to eliminate drawstrings from their clothing. But some still remain.
Please inspect all of your children’s existing clothing and eliminate these hazards wherever
possible. The simplest solution is to either remove or cut all drawstrings from the clothing.
Emergency Procedures and Evacuation
Each school in the Province Of Ontario has developed a number of emergency
procedures in the event that the staff and students have to respond to a real
emergency situation have been in place for many years at all schools. Emergency
and practice drills such as “Fire Drills”.
In the event that an emergency occurs which
requires the total evacuation of the school population, students and teachers will walk to
Credit Meadows Public School on Blind Line.
A Board-wide emergency procedure called a “Lockdown Procedure” has been
developed to deal with a situation where someone enters our building and poses an imminent
risk or danger to students and staff. Our school annually conducts a “Lockdown Drill” so that
students are familiar with the response they need to take in the event that we ever had to
initiate an actual “Lockdown” of the school.
Inclement Weather Procedures / Severe Winter Conditions
During periods of severe or inclement weather, the duration of an outdoor recess may
be altered to ensure the well-being of the students. While indoors for recess, during a period
of inclement weather, students shall continue to exhibit the behaviour deserving of a
classroom.
During the winter season, it is generally accepted that when the Wind Chill factor
drops below -28°C, students should not go outside for recess. Board policy uses a Wind Chill
factor of -25°C as the determining temperature. Students are reminded to consider the
season and the weather forecast when dressing for school, and to dress appropriately.
Winter attire should include: boots, gloves/mitts, coat and hat.
Parking Lot
Due to the large number of cars at arrival and dismissal times, students are prohibited
from walking through the north parking lot.
20
Parents picking up or dropping off their children during morning arrival and/or
afternoon dismissal times are asked to use the Kiss-and-Ride area to the north
of the school building.
In addition, Fire Department regulations prohibit parked cars in the fire route which is
the area between our entrance and the north parking lot.
With your co-operation, we can continue to provide a safe environment for all children.
Parking Restrictions on Meadow Drive
Parents are reminded that there are parking restrictions on Meadow Drive in front of
St. Andrew School to increase student safety in the area and to allow our buses to exit safely
from the school to the street.
There is “No Stopping” on the east-side of Meadow Drive in front of the school,
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. There is “No Parking” on the west-side of
Meadow Drive in front of the school, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
If you are picking up your child, please park on Meadow Drive to the north or south of
the school. To further alleviate congestion, parents also have the option of picking up their
children at either of the two walkways which exit from the back of the schoolyard onto
Meadow Drive and Passmore Drive.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE SCHOOL
St. Andrew Catholic School Council
The Council's mandate is to promote the best interests of the St. Andrew School
community by providing advice to the school principal and, where appropriate, to the school
board on matters such as: the faith development of the school community; the Board schoolyear calendar; preparation of the school Code of Behaviour and the school profile; curriculum
and program goals and priorities; the responses of the school or board to achievement in
provincial and board assessment programs; the selection of principals; school budget
priorities; extracurricular activities in the school; school-community communication strategies;
and the development, implementation, and review of board policies at the local level.
The membership of the St. Andrew Catholic School Council includes:
parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school (who form the majority of the Council,
who are elected by the parents/guardians of the school, and one of whom is elected by
Council members to be Chairperson); the principal (a designated member); teaching staff
(who are elected by other teaching staff); a non-teaching staff member (who is elected by the
non-teaching staff); and a community representative from the parish (who is nominated by
the Pastor and appointed by the Council). Other community representatives may be
appointed by the Council. All positions on the Council are voluntary, and no honorarium is
paid to any member.
21
The Catholic School Council meets on a regular basis (once per month) outside of
regular school hours, and communicates its activities with parents and other members of the
school community regularly through the Council Newsletter.
Parent / Guardian Volunteers
One of best ways for parents/guardians to become involved in their children's
education and become better informed about school programs is by offering their time as a
volunteer. St. Andrew School actively supports the Volunteer Program as an important facet
of the partnership between home and school. The more adults we have working in the
school, the more attention we can provide for each individual child. As well, the dedication
and commitment that is shown by volunteer parents/guardians serves as a source of
inspiration for all members of our school community.
One day each spring, a "Volunteer Social" reception is held in the school to thank
those parents/guardians who have dedicated their time as volunteers during the school year.
Some areas where volunteers are required are: one-on-one reading with students,
supervising the use of computers, and tallying grocery receipt tapes. If you are interested in
offering your time as a volunteer, whether on a regular basis or only for a special event,
please contact the school.
CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE
Failure to comply with the school expectations outlined on these pages will result in
disciplinary action.
The St. Andrew School Code of Student Behaviour and Discipline includes:
I.
RESPECT FOR SELF
Dress Code
In striving to achieve the personal and social values which are attached to
appropriate dress, St. Andrew School is committed to standards of neatness,
cleanliness, modesty and good taste.
Tops, tube tops, halter tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, or any clothing that
exposes the midriff are not suitable for students to wear. No undergarments, cleavage
or midriffs should be exposed.
Tops should not be “cropped” (if they expose the midriff when the arms are
raised straight above the head, they are too short for school) nor should they have
large cut armholes, be skin tight or sheer. Tops should have wide shoulders, at least 3
finger widths.
Shorts or skirts may be worn no shorter than two inches above the knee. A
22
good way to check this is to see that the shorts or skirts extend at least as far as the
pointer finger when the child’s hand is extended down by his/her side.
Clothing with slogans, logos or writing deemed inappropriate are also not
permitted. Students are expected to dress in a manner and attire suitable for the
occasion and appropriate to the school environment.
In the event that a student comes to school in attire considered inappropriate,
school main office staff will contact the parent of the child.
Drugs and Alcohol
All school functions, school-sponsored trips and celebrations, such as
graduation, shall be free of alcohol and illicit drugs. The possession, sale or use of
alcohol or illicit drugs on school property or at school events are forbidden and/or
unlawful under the Criminal Code and the Policy and/or Regulations of the DufferinPeel Catholic District School Board.
Proper Language
Students are expected to use language that is appropriate to their dignity as
Catholics and the dignity of others. Coarse, profane or vulgar language or taking
God's name in vain are unacceptable.
Smoking
Smoking is banned within school buildings, in school vehicles, and on all Board
property. Possession of tobacco products by students under sixteen (16) years of age
is illegal.
II.
RESPECT FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS
It is the right of students "to learn in a safe, orderly, and stimulating environment". It is
the responsibility of everyone at the school to respect and protect the safety of others.
Students are expected to play safely in the school yard and to be orderly in the
classroom. Students are advised of our school's "No Contact" rule on a regular basis.
During recess breaks, students shall refrain from activities which could injure others,
i.e. throwing snowballs or iceballs; playing "rough" games like "British Bulldog" or "Red
Rover"; participating in games that involve tackling and any other contact games.
23
III.
RESPECT FOR STAFF
Students are expected to comply with the rules of the school and with the
expectations of all staff: in the classrooms, in the hallways, on school grounds,
and while on transportation or school sponsored activities. Behaviour is to be
appropriate and respectful.
IV.
RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS
Students 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 or creed.
1. Abuse of Staff Members
Abuse is defined as any physical or verbal expression that impinges upon the
human rights of another person. This includes racial, religious or ethnic slurs, namecalling, insults, ethnic jokes, teasing, physical abuse or violence.
2. Fighting and/or Physical Assault
Students are encouraged to resolve disagreements in an appropriate
manner which insures the dignity and safety of others. Students engaged in fighting
may be suspended from school.
3. Harassment
Harassment is defined as any unwelcome comment or conduct that intimidates,
demeans or offends an individual. Harassment can be based on gender, race, or
ethnicity. Students must not harass others physically or verbally, by telephone, or in
person.
Breaches of this element of the Code of Student Behaviour and Discipline may
result in the involvement of outside agencies, suspension and/or expulsion.
4. Trespassing
Visitors to the school building are expected to exhibit the same courtesy one
would expect from a caller to a private home. The onus is on the visitor to ascertain
any restrictions which apply with respect to the use of school grounds.
Persons who are not pupils of St. Andrew School must follow the guidelines for
visitors when they enter the school and report to the Office.
Should a situation arise in which the mental and/or physical well-being of students or
staff are put in jeopardy by trespassers or visitors, the school will pursue the courses
of action available under the Trespass to Property Act.
24
St. Andrew School students who participate in activities at other schools are guests at
those schools and are expected to follow the rules established at that school.
5. Weapons and Dangerous Articles
Items such as caps, cap guns, fire crackers, matches, kitchen knives, hunting
knives, Swiss Army knives, switchblades, starter's pistols, pellet guns, sling-shots,
brass knuckles, and any homemade replicas thereof, or any replicas of guns, are not
allowed on school buses or on school property. If these items are brought to school,
they will be confiscated. Also, depending on the item, the Police may be called. The
student in possession of the item may be charged and suspended from school.
V.
RESPECT FOR THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS
Students are expected to treat with respect the school grounds, the school
buildings, everything related to the school, and any items which belong to
the school, other students, or staff.
1. Academic Honesty
Students must not plagiarize, cheat, copy, or knowingly and deliberately present
the language, ideas, or thoughts of another individual as their own work.
Consequences may include assessing a grade of zero on the assignment, test or
exam.
2. Lunch
Students are expected to consume food and beverages in their designated
area. Facilities utilized by students must be left clean and tidy.
3. Library Books and Texts
Students who lose, fail to return, or damage school equipment (i.e. library
books, textbooks, musical instruments, etc.) will be required to make restitution.
4. Littering
Students are expected to help to keep the buildings, grounds and
neighbourhoods clean and are expected to deposit all scrap paper, wrappers, etc. into
wastebaskets or recycling containers. Students are asked to keep all snack wrappers
indoors and not to take wrappers, chip bags, etc. out into the playground at recesses.
25
5. Theft
Students must not convert to their own use school equipment or materials or
the personal belongings of teachers or other students.
Theft violates the spirit of respect for the property of others and contravenes
civil and divine law. Police may be called if it is deemed appropriate.
6. Vandalism/Wilful Damage
Students who destroy, deface, or otherwise damage property belonging to the
Board, to another student, or to a staff member, will be required to make restitution
where appropriate, may be suspended, and the police may be called and charges laid
if warranted.
VI.
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 materials required for full
participation". (Board's Mission Statement).
Students are responsible for bringing to class the proper materials required for full
participation and will be considered negligent if they fail to do so, whether it be because of
forgetfulness, poor organization, or habitual neglect of duty.
Our School's expectations with respect to attendance includes:
1) Parents are requested to notify the school of an upcoming student
absence before school day begins, by telephone call, or have a note
delivered to the main office by a sibling.
2) Completion and return to school of the "Student Verification Sheet" which
lists home and work telephone numbers of parent(s)/guardians(s);
caregivers; and emergency contacts.
3) Notes and/or doctor's slips should be provided upon the pupil's return
from an absence.
26