Heart Lake
Secondary School
CHARACTER COUNTS!
2015 – 2016 School Agenda
Heart Lake Secondary School
296 Conestoga Drive
Brampton, Ontario
L6Z 3M1
Tel: (905) 840 – 2328
Fax: (905) 840 – 6289
Website: http://heartlakess.ca
Mr. P. Koehnen, Principal
Mr. R. Armstrong, Vice Principal
Ms. S. Patel, Vice Principal
This agenda belongs to:
Name: __________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
City/Town: ______________________________________________________
Postal Code: ___________________ Phone Number: ___________________
Student Number: ________________________________________________
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“Strong hearts, bright minds…be the best we can!”
2015 – 2016 School Calendar
Tuesday, September 8
Wednesday, September 9
Thursday, September 24
Friday, September 25
Wednesday, September 30
Wednesday, September 30
Monday, October 13
Thursday, October 15
Friday, October 16
Wednesday, October 21
Thursday, October 22
Wednesday, November 4
Monday, November 9
Tuesday, November 10
Thursday, November 12
Friday, November 20
Friday, December 11
Monday, December 21 – January 1
Monday, January 4
Wednesday, January 27 – February 2
Wednesday, February 3
Thursday, February 4
Thursday, February 11
Monday, February 15
Friday, February 19
Thursday, March 10
Monday, March 14 – March 18
Wednesday, March 23
Friday, March 25
Monday, March 28
Thursday, March 31
Wednesday, April 13
Thursday, April 14
Friday, April 15
Friday, April 29
Friday, May 20
Monday, May 23
Friday, May 27
Friday, June 3
Wednesday, June 1
Monday, June 20 – June 23
Wednesday, June 29
Thursday, June 30
Thursday, June 30
Grade 9 Orientation
Classes Begin
Photo Catch Up Day
Early Release Day
Grade 8 Parent Night
Terry Fox Run
Thanksgiving Day
Early Progress Reports Issued (Semester 1)
Commencement
Parent/Teacher Interviews (6:00–8:00pm)
Post-Secondary Fair (Grade 11 & 12, 8:00am – 12:20pm)
Take Our Kids to Work Day (Grade 9)
End of Semester 1, Term 1
Beginning of Semester 1, Term 2
Midterm Report Cards Issued
Early Release Day
Principal’s Reception (Period 1)
Winter Break
Classes Resume
Semester 1 Final Exams
Turn Around Day
Semester 2 Begins
Semester 1 Final Report Cards Issued
Family Day
Early Release Day
Early Progress Reports Issued (Semester 2)
March Break
Parent/Teacher Interviews (6:00–8:00pm)
Good Friday
Easter Monday
OSSLT Grade 10 Literacy Test
End of Semester 2, Term 1
Beginning of Semester 2, Term 2
Midterm Report Cards Issued
Early Release Day
Principal’s Reception
Victoria Day
Prom Night
Grad Picnic
Athletic Banquet
Semester 2 Final Exams
Commencement
Semester 2 Final Report Cards Issued
Last Day of School
Daily School Schedule
Period 1
8:10 to 9:25
Homeform
9:25 to 9:30
Period 2
9:35 to 10:50
Lunch
10:50 to 11:40
Period 3
Period 4
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Course A
Course D
Course A
Course C
Course B
Opening exercises attached to Period One daily.
Course B
Course C
Course B
Course D
Course A
11:40 to 12:55
Course C
Course B
Course D
Course A
Course D
1:00 to 2:15
Course D
Course A
Course C
Course B
Course C
Heart Lake Secondary School
Floor Plan
100
101
114 A
417
PORTABLES
Department Office Locations
Business
Rm. 411 & 412
Languages
Rm. 109
Physical Education
Gym Hall
Co-op
Credit Recovery
Drama
English
Rm. 113
Rm. 102
Rm. 109
Rm. 109
Geography
History
I.L.C.
Math
Rm. 408
Rm. 408
Rm. 102
Rm. 411 & 412
Science
Special Education
Support Room
Technology
Rm. 207
Rm. 109 A
Rm. 303
Rm. 411 & 412
Family Studies
Rm. 207
Music
Rm. 118
Visual Art
Between Rm. 107 & 108
Student Services
Office Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Counsellors
Mr. Finlay
Ms. Lepp
Ms. Polla
Student Success Teacher
Ms. Spadijer
Secretary: Mrs. Allen
To make a guidance appointment, please see Mrs. Allen in Student Services.
Appointments can be made during lunch and/or after school.
Important Websites and Emergency Phone Numbers
Important Websites
Heart Lake Secondary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://heartlake.peelschools.org
Online Student Attendance Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://gweb.peelschools.org/pls/opt/opt.main?IN_SCREEN=parents
Peel District School Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.peelschools.org/
EQAO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.eqao.com/
Ministry of Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/
Emergency Phone Numbers
CRISIS – Emergencies dial 9-1-1
Crisis Intervention Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(905) 813-2399
Crisis Intervention Team (after 5pm & weekends) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (905) 813-2200
Distress Centre Peel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(905) 278-7208
Kids Help Phone (24 hours) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1(800) 668-6868
Peel Crisis Services (24 hours) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(905) 278-9036
Phone Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(905) 459-4590
Telecare Distress Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(905) 459-7777
SEXUAL ASSAULT / ABUSE
Assaulted Women’s Helpline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Children’s Aid Society (CAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Family Services of Peel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Family Transition Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel (24 hours) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(416) 863-0511
(905) 363-6131
(905) 453-5775
(519) 941-4357
(905) 273-3337
(905) 273-9442
SHELTERS
Interim Place South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interim Place North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Peel Youth Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Peel Family Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Family Life Resource Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wilkinson Road Shelter (single males/females) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(905) 403-9691
(905) 676-8515
(905) 791-5576
(905) 272-7061
(905) 451-4115
(905) 452-1335
Sports Calendar
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Badminton
Basketball (Boys)
Basketball (Girls)
Basketball (Spring League)
Baseball (Boys)
Fast Pitch (Girls)
Fitness Training
Flag Football (Girls)
Golf
Hockey (Boys)
Hockey (Girls)
Indoor Cricket (Boys/Girls)
Lacrosse (Boys)
Lacrosse (Girls)
Rugby (Boys)
Rugby (Girls)
Soccer (Boys)
Soccer (Junior Girls)
Soccer (Senior Girls)
Table Tennis
Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball (Boys)
Volleyball (Girls)
Wrestling
Weightlifting
X-Country
All participants must also have a valid Student Activity Card.
Security in School Changerooms
Changerooms are accessible to many students throughout the day and, therefore, valuable items should not be brought
into the changerooms or left unsecured. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the security of their personal
items. School staff cannot be responsible for valuable student items left in the changerooms.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Audio – Visual Club
Band – Grade Nine
Band – Intermediate
Band - Jazz
Band – Senior Concert
Breakfast Club
Chamber Ensemble
Chess Club (Jan. – Apr.)
Chess Team (Mar. – Apr.)
Computer Club
Cosmos Club (Sept. – Jan.)
Counting on You Literacy & Numeracy
Crime Stoppers
Culture Connection Club
DECA Business Club
Drama Club
Formal Committee
Game Crew
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
Grad Committee
Heart Lake Environmental Action Leaders
(H.E.A.L. Team)
Heart Lake Dance Team
Hurricane Athletic Association
Improv Club
Intramural Sports
Lifeline (Christian Fellowship)
Link Crew
McMaster Science & Engineering Team
Model UN
Newspaper (Hurricane Express)
Page Turners Book Club
Peer Helpers
Prom Committee
Reach for the Top
Robotics Team
Spirit Committee
Squash Club
Student Activity Council (S.A.C.)
Student Announcers
Tech Club
World Issues Club
Writing Club
Yearbook Club (Sept. – Apr.)
Zonta
You must have a valid Student Activity Card for access to and participation in school clubs and organizations.
Heart Lake’s Code of Conduct
Our Commitment – Strong hearts, bright minds…be the best we can.
Heart Lake Secondary School recognizes that students achieve their best when they feel safe, nurtured, welcomed, respected and included.
We are committed to providing a healthy learning and working environment to support student success by promoting responsibility, respect,
civility, academic excellence and good citizenship. For learning to be successful, schools must be free of negative factors such as bullying,
discrimination, intimidation, hateful words and actions as well as physical violence in any form.
At Heart Lake, Character Counts! Some character attributes expected of Heart Lake students and staff are being:
 Caring – showing compassion and kindness towards others.
 Cooperative – working collaboratively with others for a common purpose.
 Honest – being truthful, trustworthy and sincere in your speech and actions.
 Inclusive – treating everyone fairly and equitably.
 Respectful – treating others, yourself and the environment with high regard and value.
 Responsible – being accountable and reliable in your actions and commitments.
We believe that parents, the school and community must all work together to help students learn to become responsible members of society,
being sensitive to the diversity, cultural and special needs of individual students. We must clearly demonstrate respect for social justice and
human rights, and promote the values needed to develop responsible members of a democratic society.
Our Code of Conduct
The Heart Lake Secondary School Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community including students, parents, g uardians,
volunteers, visitors and school staff, whether they are on school property, on school buses, at school-authorized events or activities, or in any
other situation that may impact the school climate.
All members of the school community have a responsibility to respect and honour the school Code of Conduct, to demonstrate age and
developmentally appropriate social behaviour and to take responsibility for their own actions.
Our Responsibilities
All members of the school community are expected to:
 demonstrate honesty and integrity.
 treat one another with dignity, respect and fairness, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnicity, creed,
citizenship, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or any other attribute.
 take appropriate action to help those in need, seeking assistance to resolve conflict constructively and respectfully.
 show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.
 respect that Heart Lake Secondary School is a “scent free” building.
Parent and guardian responsibilities include:
 taking an active role in their son/daughter's education by ensuring that he/she is prepared for learning, including punctual and regular
attendance, promptly reporting authorized absences and late arrivals, and communicating regularly with the school.
 reviewing the school Code of Conduct with their son/daughter and helping him/her follow school rules.
 helping their child understand that it is not appropriate to tease or bully others.
 monitoring their teen’s Internet use and taking responsibility for his/her behaviour when accessing electronic resources from home.
Student responsibilities include:
 demonstrating a commitment to learning through punctual and regular attendance, being prepared and ready to learn, including not
loitering in the halls and respecting other students’ right to a quiet learning environment.
 submitting assignments on time, writing final assessments, practising honesty and integrity including, but not limited to, not
participating in or encouraging plagiarism, misrepresentation of original work, use of unauthorized aids, theft of evaluation
instruments, or false representation of identity.
 following school rules and taking responsibility for his/her own actions.
 following the school’s Technology Policy at all times.
 showing proper care and regard for school and community property including not causing graffiti.
Student responsibilities, continued…
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only visiting other schools for school-related and authorized activities.
keeping the assigned locker clean and free from damage.
consuming food and beverages outside of the classrooms, library, or the gymnasium.
placing all garbage and recycling in the appropriate containers.
skateboarding off school property.
supporting and maintaining peaceful and safe interaction with others, and the operation of the school
cooperating with all staff at Heart Lake, including administration, teaching and support staff.
Cooperating with staff in the classroom includes:
 being on time for class with the required materials
 sitting and completing all assigned work
 participating in class activities
 communicating with the teacher and other students in a respectful manner
Cooperating with staff outside the classroom includes:
 identifying self when asked to do so by a staff member and show a Student Activity Card for admission to all school events
and having a School ID card for the use of the school library and school computers.
 following staff members’ direction to ensure a safe school environment in the hallways, cafeteria, washrooms and other
common areas inside and outside the school building.
Staff responsibilities include:
 helping students achieve to the best of their ability, developing self-worth, and being responsible citizens.
 maintaining order in the school and holding everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behavior.
 communicating regularly and meaningfully with parents/guardians.
 establishing a range of clear, fair and developmentally appropriate interventions, supports, direct skill instruction and consequences
for unacceptable behaviour including but not limited to homophobia, gender-based violence, sexual harassment and inappropriate
sexual behavior.
 responding to and reporting behaviours which may have a negative impact on school climate.
Progressive Discipline
Heart Lake Secondary School encourages, supports and recognizes acceptable behaviour in our students through a variety of positive practices.
Progressive discipline is an approach that makes use of a continuum of interventions, supports and consequences, building upo n strategies
that promote positive behaviours.
We encourage students to take responsibility for their behaviour and to accept the consequences of their actions. A progressive discipline
approach will be used to deal with inappropriate behaviour. This may include: oral reminders, review of expectations, contact with
parent(s)/guardian(s), written reflection, volunteer services to the school community, conflict mediation and resolution, peer mentoring,
and/or referral for support services.
We recognize that each student is a unique individual and that every situation that requires disciplinary action has its own set of extenuating
circumstances. All factors that may have affected the student’s behaviour will be considered before progressive discipline is applied. Students
who behave inappropriately will receive an age and developmentally appropriate consequence. For a student with special education or
disability-related needs, all progressive discipline approaches will be consistent with his/her Individual Education Plan and his/her
demonstrated abilities.
Suspension and Expulsion
Heart Lake Secondary School also supports the use of suspension and expulsion for serious incidents as outlined in the Peel D istrict School
Board's Safe Schools Policy. Before considering whether to impose a suspension or make a recommendation for an expulsion, a principal must
consider mitigating and other factors.
The behaviours for which a principal may consider suspending a student include:
 swearing (written or verbal) at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.
 bullying
 uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person
 committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property
 possessing alcohol or restricted drugs
 being under the influence of alcohol
 disruption of the safe operation of a bus
 gambling
 making a bomb threat
 pulling or defacing of a fire alarm
 skateboarding on school property
 inappropriate use of the Internet
 submission of plagiarized work
 committing any act, considered by the principal to:
o have a negative impact on the moral tone of the school
o have a negative impact on the physical or mental well-being of one or more school community members
o be contrary to the school or Peel Board Code of Conduct
Incidents for which a principal will consider recommending to the Board's Discipline Committee that a student be expelled include:
 physically assaulting another person causing bodily harm that requires medical treatment
 possessing a weapon or using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person
 trafficking in restricted drugs or weapons
 giving alcohol to a minor
 committing robbery
 committing sexual assault
 behaviour that:
o is significantly detrimental to the school climate and/or to the physical or mental well-being of others
o causes extensive damage to school property
o causes his/her continued presence at the school to pose an unacceptable risk to other members of the school community
o is a pattern of behaviour so inappropriate that the student's continued presence is detrimental to the effective learning or
working environment of others
o demonstrates a persistent resistance to changes in behaviour that would enable him/her to be successful
o is a serious violation of the school or Peel Board Code of Conduct
Students who are suspended or expelled will be given an opportunity to continue their education through educational programs offered by the
school board.
Bullying Prevention and Intervention
We are teaching students to identify bullying behaviour and giving them strategies to deal with, and stop it from happening. Bullying is typically
a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known
to cause) fear, distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is
a real or perceived power imbalance. When someone experiences or observes bullying behaviour, he/she is expected to report it to a teacher,
teaching assistant or school administrator immediately. Bullying behaviour will be dealt with using a progressive discipline approach.
Drugs
The school recognizes the benefits of a smoke-free environment for all persons. By law, smoking is not permitted at Heart Lake Secondary
School, on any other board property, on school buses or while attending any school-related event or activity. School property includes cars that
are on school grounds and all lands to the edge of the sidewalk or street. The no smoking rule will be enforced within these areas.
Providing tobacco products to anyone under 16 years of age or possessing tobacco products if less than 16 years of age is illegal. We would
emphasize that Peel District School Board policy and the Smoke Free Ontario Act, which has fines as high as #365.00, do not permit smoking
on school property.
Alcohol and restricted drugs may be addictive and represent a health hazard. Possessing, using, trafficking in, or providing others with restricted
drugs and/or alcohol will not be condoned at Heart Lake Secondary School, on Peel Board property or at any school-related event or activity at
any time. Drug-related paraphernalia that can be used for substance abuse are not permitted on school property.
Weapons
Possessing or displaying weapons of any kind, real, toy or replica, and all other objects that could inflict or threaten bodily harm will not be
condoned at Heart Lake Secondary School, on any Peel Board property, or at any school-related event or activity at any time.
Dress Code
The standards for school dress at Heart Lake Secondary School are based on common sense and are intended to support the comfort, safety
and modesty of all students. There is a strong relationship between neat, clean and appropriate clothing and a positive learning environment.
The standard for dress at school is different from that worn in the community. Students are to wear clothing that is appropriate for school:
clean, covered and comfortable.
Clothing
 clothing that covers private parts of the anatomy and underwear (no bare backs, no bare mid-riffs, no tube tops, no spaghetti or bra
straps, no plunging necklines or exposed cleavage)
 dresses, skirts and shorts of an appropriate length and fabric (not see through or shorter than the mid thigh)
 clothing which exposes underwear is not permissible
 attire with spikes or chains is not permitted
 clothing, including hats with inappropriate logos, sayings or pictures that reference sexual content, drugs, violence, profanity, or
make inappropriate references to nationality, race or gender are not permissible.
 shirts and shoes must be worn for health and safety reason
Head Wear
In promoting respect and preparation for the workplace, hats and headgear are NOT permitted in classrooms, the auditorium, office areas or
the library at any time. For school security and as a sign of respect for our school, students are not to wear certain headgear (unless for
religious purposes) . That means:
 no hoods
 no dress representing gangs ( bandannas , or gang paraphernalia)
 no headbands that are tied or made out of bandanna or T-shirt type
 material
 no kerchiefs or earmuffs
 no more than one head wear at a time
 no duraps (du- rags, wave caps)
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
 Students who are inappropriately attired may be sent home to change into more suitable attire.
 Students who continue to dress inappropriately will be subject to progressive discipline ( Escalating consequences involve warning
confiscation of the headgear, detentions or suspension).
 Students are expected to remove their hats during the playing of the national.
 Anthem and the moment of silence.
 Hats that contain gang related affiliations/drug related messages and/or offensive.
 Images/sayings are never acceptable in the school.
Use of Technology
Students will demonstrate appropriate online conduct and manners and refrain from improper/unethical use of technology, including computer
hacking and cyber-bullying, as described in the school’s Technology Policy. The internet must not be used for any purpose that is contrary to
the intent of the Heart Lake Secondary School Code of Conduct. This applies to school, work and home internet use. Refer also to the school’s
Technology Policy.
Personal Electronic Devices may only be used for personal communication in the common areas (front foyer, hallways, outside the building).
Personal Electronic Devices may only be used for taking photographs/videos outside of the school building. Heart Lake Secondary School, its
staff or employees are not liable for any device stolen or damaged at school.
Extra care should be taken with expensive items as the school cannot be responsible for electronic items which students choose to bring to
school. During Physical Education classes personal items should be stored in lockers.
Posting photographs or images on the internet (including social network sites) without adult permission violates the Heart Lake Secondary
School's Code of Conduct.
Bus Travel
Students are expected to follow the standards of behaviour outlined in the Code of Conduct while they are on the school bus which includes
behaving appropriately on all school buses and public transportation.
Assessment and Evaluation Policy
PLEASE NOTE: Processes around assessment, evaluation, and reporting are governed by Ministry of
Education and board policies. If changes go into effect, the board will notify parents.
The primary purpose of assessment, evaluation, and reporting is to improve student learning.
Assessment - the process of gathering information from a variety of sources that accurately reflects how well a student is
achieving the curriculum expectations in a subject or course.
Evaluation - the process of judging the quality of student work on the basis of established criteria, and assigning a value to
represent that quality.
Formative Assessment - the collection of information that occurs throughout the school year, term, or unit that enables
teachers to track, support, and guide students’ continuous progress toward achievement of expectations. It provides direction
for the adjustment and improvement of individual students or of the whole class.
Summative Assessment - determines student achievement at the end of a unit, course, term, semester, or year. It provides
teachers with information for making formal judgments about student achievement to be used in reporting results in relation
to expectations.
Assessment as Learning – the process of developing and supporting students engagement in the assessment process by
monitoring their own learning, using assessment feedback (from teachers, peers, and self) to determine next steps.
Assessment for Learning – the ongoing process of gathering and interpreting evidence about student learning for the purpose
of determining where students are in their learning, where they need to go, and how best to get them there. The information
gathered is used by teachers to provide feedback and to differentiate instruction appropriately.
Assessment of Learning – the process of collecting and interpreting evidence for the purpose of summarizing learning at a
given point in time, to make judgments about the quality of learning, and to establish a value to represent that quality.
Reporting – the process of communicating with parents and students about student learning.
Student Achievement
Assessment and evaluation are based on the provincial expectations and achievement levels outlined in the provincial
curriculum document for each subject in secondary school. A wide range of assessment and evaluation opportunities allows
students to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. This information provides the basis for reporting student grades
on the Provincial Report Card.
Percentage Grade
Achievement Level
Scale
Summary Description
80 - 100%
Level 4
4+
4
4-
Very high to outstanding level of achievement.
Achievement surpasses the provincial standard.
70 - 79%
Level 3
3+
3
3-
High level of achievement. Achievement is at
the provincial standard.
60 - 69%
Level 2
2+
2
2-
Moderate level of achievement. Achievement is
below, but approaching, the provincial
standard.
50 - 59%
Level 1
1+
1
1-
Passable level of achievement. Achievement
falls much below the provincial standard.
Below 50%
Level R
Insufficient achievement of curriculum
expectations. A credit will not be granted.
Final Grade for the Course
For grades 9 to 12, a final grade is recorded for every course. A final course grade is determined as follows:
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70% of the grade is based on summative assessments and evaluations conducted throughout the course. This portion of
the grade reflects the student’s most consistent level of achievement throughout the course, although special
consideration is given to more recent evidence of achievement.
30% of the grade is based on a final summative evaluation/cumulative task(s) which is/are completed towards the end of
the course. This evaluation will be based on evidence from one or a combination of the following: an exam, a performance,
an essay, and/or another method of evaluation suitable to the course content. The final evaluation allows the student an
opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive achievement of the overall expectations for the course.
In grades 9 and 10, the code “I” may be used to indicate that insufficient evidence is available to determine a letter grade
or percentage mark. The report card comment will indicate the reason for assigning an “I”.
In grades 9 through 12, the code “W” indicates that the student has withdrawn from the course.
Learning Skills and Work Habits
Learning Skills and Work Habits allow students to know how to learn more effectively, develop their potential as independent
and autonomous learners, and to take ownership over their own learning. While strong learning skills and work habits do
contribute to a student’s ability to be successful at school, they are evaluated separately from student achievement of course
expectations. These learning skills and work habits include: responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration,
initiative, and self-regulation.
Learning Skills
& Work Habits
Sample Behaviours
Responsibility
The student fulfills responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment, completes and
submits class work/homework/assignments according to timelines, and takes responsibility for and
manages their own behaviour.
Organization
The student devises and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks, establishes priorities and
goals, and manages time to complete tasks.
Independent Work
The student independently monitors, assesses, and revises plans to complete tasks and meet goals. The
student uses class time appropriately and follows instructions with minimal supervision.
Collaboration
The student accepts an equitable share of work in a group, responds positively to the
ideas/opinions/values/traditions of others, builds healthy peer-to-peer relationships, and works with others
to resolve conflicts and build consensus.
Initiative
The student looks for and acts on new ideas/opportunities for learning, demonstrates the capacity for
innovation and a willingness to take risks, demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning, approaches new
tasks with a positive attitude, and recognizes and advocates appropriately for the rights of self and others.
Self-regulation
The student sets individual goals and monitors their progress, seeks clarification or assistance when
needed, identifies learning opportunities, and perseveres and makes an effort when responding to
challenges.
Additional Information
Attendance
Frequent absences interrupt the learning process and thus negatively affect student achievement. Missed formative assessments may also
affect the students' ability to be successful on summative evaluations. Students must contact their “buddy,” in each course, whose job is to
get any assignments and handouts for them on days that they are absent from class.
Deadlines
Deadlines are realistic in the normal working life outside of the school setting. Deadlines are also set as a reasonable management strategy for
teachers so that workloads can be varied and balanced. We also set deadlines as a way of bringing closure to one unit of work and moving
ahead to another.
It is the students' responsibility to seek assistance from the teacher when he or she has difficulties completing a task/assignment due to
insufficient knowledge or skill. Be sure to advise the teacher of any problems well before a task/assignment is due.
Some deadlines are negotiable - a few are absolute. Work that is not completed on either a negotiated or absolute deadline may not be
evaluated.
Missed Summative Assignments
Students who know ahead of time that they will miss an assessment are expected to discuss the situation beforehand with the subject teacher.
Students who miss an in-class summative assessment for an unauthorized reason may lose the opportunity to complete the task.
Students who are absent on the day of an assessment are responsible for the work covered and assigned during the class, the handing in of
assignments at a time negotiated with a teacher, and the writing of any missed tests at a time negotiated with the teacher. After a legitimate
prolonged absence (more than two days) the student is to make arrangements with the subject teacher immediately upon returning to school
for an alternative date for the missed assessment.
Final Exams are scheduled long before they are administered. Dates are noted in this agenda. Only in exceptional circumstances, usually
involving illness and personal and family tragedy, are they re-scheduled and only with appropriate documentation. Missed exams result in a
score of zero.
Insufficient Evidence or “I”
When students receive an “I” on their report card this means that there is insufficient evidence of learning and, therefore, no percentage mark
can be given. If an “I” is given on the final report card, this means that the credit cannot be granted to the student. Teachers use their
professional judgment to decide whether using an “I” will be in the best interest of the student. If an “I” is given on the report card, there will
be a report card comment explaining the reason for doing so. An “I” may be given to students in grades 9 and 10 only.
Absence of Evidence of Student Achievement
Students are responsible for providing evidence of what they have learned or accomplished in the time frame allowed by teachers. When
students do not submit products to the teacher, there is no evidence for teachers to assess. Similarly, when students do not submit products
in a timely manner, assessing or judging the evidence can be a problem, especially when teachers have deadlines for reporting to parents.
Student products that are plagiarized also fail to provide any evidence of student achievement.
Assigning a Zero and Mark Deduction
If students do not provide work for evaluation, teachers may use a zero to note the missed work. A zero provides teachers with an
opportunity to discuss with the student and parent the student’s obligation to provide evidence of learning and for the student to be
responsible for their learning.
When teachers determine grades for report cards, they consider the whole picture of achievement for each student, considering work that
was and was not completed.
Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and Cheating
Plagiarism is defined in Ministry policy as the use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another without attribution, in order to
represent them as one’s own original work. Plagiarism exists when a student copies word for word from another source without proper
annotation, but also includes taking and using as one’s own the thoughts, ideas, designs or inventions of another person. Credit must be
given to source material (including Internet sites) in the body of an assignment, as well as in the bibliography. When a student plagiarizes or
cheats, he/she does not provide evidence of his/her achievement. Based on the consideration of mitigating factors (age, maturity, number
and frequency of incidents, individual circumstances of the student), school teams and teachers will choose from a variety of possible
responses/resolutions to plagiarism and cheating including assigning of a zero and/or the opportunity to complete a similar evaluation as well
as discipline measures consistent with the Code of Conduct.
Technology Policy
BYOD = Bring Your Own Device
“In global communities that are linked so closely through the Internet, it’s critical that we provide our students
and staff with the tools they need to build 21st Century learning skills.”
(Tony Pontes, Director of Education)
Heart Lake’s technology policy is based on the principles of 21st Century learning:

collaborative inquiry to solve real and relevant problems

creativity and innovation

critical thinking and problem-solving

communication
As new technologies emerge, we have a responsibility to provide new and positive educational benefits for classroom
instruction. To encourage this growth, students at Heart Lake Secondary School are invited to bring their own personal
electronic devices to school.
Definition of “Technology”
For purposes of BYOD, “Technology” means a privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic handheld device that
includes, but is not limited to, existing and emerging mobile communication systems and smart technologies, portable
internet devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld entertainment systems or portable information technology
systems that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, image capture/recording, sound recording and
information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc.
Security and Damages
Responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the individual owner. We strongly recommend that:

an extended warranty providing next-day (or immediate in-store repair) be purchased.

a high-capacity USB key (4 GB or greater) or external hard drive be purchased for file backup.

your personal electronic device be added to the list of items covered by your home insurance policy. Heart Lake
Secondary School and the Peel District School Board do not carry insurance for personal devices.
Students are strongly discouraged from lending or borrowing personal electronic devices. Heart Lake Secondary School, its
staff or employees are not liable for any device stolen or damaged at school.
Heart Lake Secondary School, its staff or employees are not responsible for repair or maintenance of personal electronic
devices, and are not permitted to offer technical support.
Appropriate Images
It is recommended that skins (decals) and other custom touches are used to physically identify your device from others.
Additionally, protective cases for technology are encouraged.
Skins, decals, screen savers, desktop images, etc. must be appropriate for a school setting.
“Screens Down” Policy
Teachers are responsible for managing their classes and students are expected to respect this responsibility. Students may
be required to close their devices or place them upside down on their desks if technology use is not required at any point
during classes.
Social Media
Students must act responsibly when using social media sites (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Post only meaningful and
respectful comments. Do not write anything about a peer, staff member, or other schools that could be construed as
slanderous or offensive. Students are responsible for what they post.
Posting photographs or images of students, staff, or the interior of the school building on the internet (including social
network sites) without the express permission of the administration violates the Heart Lake Secondary School's Code of
Conduct.
B.Y.O.D. Heart Lake Secondary School’s Student Agreement
The use of technology to provide educational material is not a necessity but a privilege. While students are invited to bring
their personal electronic devices to school, a student does not have the right to use his or her laptop, cell phone or other
electronic device while at school. Computer access may be withdrawn from those who do not follow the Technology Policy.
Students and parents/guardians participating in B.Y.O.D. must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, as well as all Board
policies and Operating Procedures, particularly Acceptable Use of Technology (Policy #78)\.
Use of School Computers:
Students are also not permitted to:

vandalize the room/equipment

move or remove equipment

consume food or beverages in computer labs or other digital learning environments
Additionally, personal electronic devices:

must be in silent mode while inside the school and while riding school buses. Sounds and vibrations are not
permitted.

may not be used to cheat on assignments or tests.

may only be used to access files on computer or internet sites which are relevant to the classroom curriculum.
Games are not permitted unless recommended by teachers as a component of the course curriculum.
Students acknowledge that:

sending or receiving personal messages (phone calls, text messages, bbm’s, im’s, etc.) will not be permitted
during class time.

teachers reserve the right to request students follow the “Screens Down” policy if technology use is not suitable
at any point in time during class.

the school's network filters will be applied to one's connection to the Internet and attempts will not be made to
bypass them.

Bringing on premises or infecting the network with a Virus, Trojan, or program designed to damage, alter,
destroy, or provide access to unauthorized data or information is in violation of Acceptable Use of Technology
(Policy #78).

Processing or accessing information on school property related to “hacking”, altering, or bypassing network
security policies is in violation of Acceptable Use of Technology (Policy #78).

the school district has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of causing problems or was
the source of an attack or virus infection.

files may have to be saved on the C drive of the laptop, a jump drive, an external drive, or another media device,
or they may be e-mailed to a personal e-mail account.

printing directly from personal laptops/devices will not be possible at school.

failure to follow the school’s technology policy may result in the student’s computer privileges being revoked at
the discretion of Heart Lake Secondary School, its staff and employees.
SAVE your work to:




a USB memory stick at school & home
AND
your personal space = student number (at school)
AND
your hard drive (at home)
a personal e-mail sent to yourself
SAVE your work from home as:
Enter File Name & select File Type:





Open Office file as a .doc (2003 version).
Microsoft Office 2003
as a .rtf (rich text file)
Publisher 2002
Microsoft PowerPoint 2003
We do NOT support the use of burned CDs!!
Check PDSB versions!
PDSB does not support Microsoft Works
Heart Lake Secondary School Library
The library is for learning. Students can research, study, complete homework and assignments, and read.
It’s the school’s largest classroom!
This year we will provide services for more than 1400 students and more than 100 staff.
Library Hours
7:50am – 2:40pm / Open during lunch
Staff
Ms. S. Freeman (Teacher-librarian)
Ms. S. O’Brien (Teacher-Librarian)
Ms. D. O’Brien (Library Technician)
Resources











Wifi (wireless internet) – use your computer login and password on your own device
Fiction = novels and Young Adult Collection
Manga & other graphic books (fiction & non-fiction)
Non-fiction = books to support all subject areas
Reference = dictionaries, almanacs, encyclopedias, CBC News in Review DVDs
Professional = a collection for Staff Professional Development
Computers = a lab of 27 computers & 5 independent computers
Magazines & Journals
Children’s Collection (illustrated books)
LCD for presentations mounted in the back classroom space, portable LCD cart for sign-out, & Document Camera
available
Databases/Digital Library
Services


Photocopier = 10¢ per page
Colour Laser Printer = from PaperCuts Balance (50¢ per page); Black & White Printer 10¢ per page
Fines and Overdues


Circulation Period
o
2 weeks for novels & non-fiction (extensions can be requested)
o
1 night for DVDs and computer program discs (extensions can be requested)
Fines = 10c per day for books & 25¢ per day for DVDs
Items are assumed lost after 30 days. Replacement value will be charged.
Behaviour Expectations




Work in small groups, pairs, or alone.
During class hours teachers must call the Library before a student may come to work in the space; all students
who are not accompanied by their teacher must sign-in.
Do not eat or drink in the library!
Priority is for quiet study. Socializing is inappropriate for this classroom.
PDSB Databases available 24/7


All authors are experts for thousands of articles from magazines, newspapers, books, encyclopedias
Reliable and credible sources used by UNIVERSITY students and our TEACHERS too!
E-resource databases are collections of resources that relate to particular subjects or topics. Username and passwords
listed below are only required when accessing from home unless otherwise stated. Students gain access to the databases
from school or home computer 24 hours a day at: http://peelschools.org/students/library/
DATABASE
EBSCO & GALE DATABASES
BookFLIX
ONTARIO EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE BANK
CANADIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA
BRITANNICA ENCYCLOPEDIA
ENCYCLOPEDIE HACHETTE
GROLIER ENCYCLOPEDIA
CAMBRIDGE DICTIONARY
MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY
NAXOS MUSIC LIBRARY
CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
E-STAT (Stats Canada)
CAREER CRUISING
LITERARY REFERENCE CENTER
GENERAL SCIENCE COLLECTION
LegalTrac
NATIONAL & ONTARIO NEWSPAPER INDEXES
USERNAME
PWORD
Peel_dsb
peelsb
PDSBstudent
athome
Peel8567
oerbs
peel
peeldsb
peeldsb
home
peel8567
peel8567
Peel01
Peel01
peelsb
peel
estat
28840
SOURCE IT – A guide for citing research sources using MLA, APA and Chicago styles.
http://library.peelschools.org/SourceIt/index.html
When you use ideas, pictures, maps or quotations from other sources, you must give those sources credit. Failure to give
credit to the original authors is considered PLAGERISM.
Printer Balance = 50 pages per year
 Click: My Applications page  Printer Balance
 Purchase more/add to your Printer Balance = $5.00 in the main office
 Black and white (10¢ per page) OR colour (50¢ per page)
Character Education
What is it that makes people truly great?
It’s not the jobs they have, nor the grades they get. It’s not athletics, musical talent, whether they are famous, nor even
how intelligent they are.
All exceptional people possess certain qualities in common. These unique qualities are called character attributes. A
person may be the fastest runner in the world, but if they don’t show respect for other people, they are merely a great
athlete – which is altogether different than being a great person. Someone else may have the best grades in school, but if
they lack honesty, they simply have an impressive report card.
People are great if their thoughts and actions are honest, respectful, courageous, accountable, fair, responsible, optimistic,
and trustworthy, and they demonstrate perseverance, initiative, empathy, compassion, inclusiveness, and integrity.
The wonderful thing is that anyone who wants to be great can be. It does not matter what background you have, what kind
of job you have, or what grades you have. However, you will find that by developing these character attributes, you will be
better able to realize the natural talents you have. Building your character becomes self-fulfilling and extremely rewarding.
Heart Lake’s Character Attributes
MONTH
TRAIT
September
Respect
We are polite, courteous and value others and ourselves. We treat ourselves, others,
and the environment with consideration and dignity.
DESCRIPTION
October
Honesty
We behave in a sincere, trustworthy and truthful manner.
November
Courage
We face challenges directly and speak up for others and ourselves. We do the right
thing, even when it is difficult.
December
Empathy & Caring
We strive to understand and appreciate the feelings, motives, and actions of others.
We listen and consider other people's views, even though we may not agree. We are
aware of other people around us and act with kindness and compassion.
January
Optimism
We maintain a positive attitude and have hope for the future.
February
Initiative
We are eager to do what needs to be done without being prompted by others. We
seize opportunities and willingly take the steps necessary towards achieving a goal.
March
Fairness
We are sensitive to the needs of individuals. We treat people with dignity and
consideration in the manner in which we would like to be treated. We gather as much
information as possible in order to make a decision that is just.
April
Inclusiveness &
Cooperation
We include everyone in what we do and value their unique contributions. We work
with others collaboratively towards a common goal or solution.
May
Perseverance
We finish what we start, even when it is difficult. We do not give up when faced with
challenges or obstacles. We complete all tasks and assignments to the best of our
abilities.
June
Responsibility &
Accountability
We are responsible for our thoughts, words, and actions and we follow through in our
commitments. We are accountable for our actions. We admit our mistakes and work
to correct them.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) assesses whether students have the literacy (reading and writing) skills
needed to meet the literacy requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). It is based on the literacy
expectations defined by The Ontario Curriculum across all subject areas to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the
OSSLT is one of 32 requirements for graduating with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
The reading skills required of students are:



understanding explicitly stated information and ideas
understanding implicitly stated information and ideas (make inferences)
making connections between information and ideas in a reading selection and personal knowledge and
experience
The writing skills required of students are:



developing a main idea with sufficient supporting details
organizing information and ideas in a coherent manner
using conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) in a manner that does not distract from clear
communication
(Framework Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, EQAO, 2007)
This school year all current grade 10 students and those students who were unsuccessful last year will be writing the OSSLT
on Thursday, March 31, 2016.
For practice and a look at past assessments, go to www.eqao.com. Click on the Parent or Student Resource link at the top of
the page.
Ministry of Education’s School Food and Beverage Policy
Food policy means tasty, healthy options at your school.
You will notice that in the cafeteria and vending machines, choosing healthier food options is easier. Certain foods and
beverages are no longer available, and/or the recipes are different. For example, deep fried French fries have been replaced
by a baked version.




The changes are the result of the Ministry of Education’s School Food and Beverage Policy.
The policy is meant to encourage students to make healthier choices by removing less healthy food and
beverage options from schools. The new food choices are lower in sodium, fat and sugar.
The nutrition standards in the policy are based on the principles of healthy eating outlined in Canada’s Food
Guide.
The policy doesn’t apply to food and beverages brought from home—only food and beverages sold to students
at school.
You may also notice more local food in the cafeteria—local food is food that is produced in Ontario with primary ingredients
raised and grown in Ontario. The Peel District School Board has worked with your cafeteria provider to assess the amount
of local food currently available and made plans to increase it. You should feel good about choosing local food—it’s good
for the environment and supports the local economy.
Research shows children and teens who eat healthy are more attentive, ready to learn and more likely to succeed in school.
When you choose healthy foods and beverages, you give yourself an advantage.
For more information about healthy food choices, call EatRight Ontario at 1-877-510-5102 to speak to a registered dietician.
For more information about the policy, visit http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/policy.html.