Elwood Regional High School
Student Handbook 2014-2015
22 Farm Road
Deer Lake, NL
A8A 1J3
Telephone: (709) 635-2895
Fax: (709) 635-5985
Web: www.elwood.k12.nf.ca
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Message ...................................................................... 3
Mission Statement ....................................................................... 3
Vision Statement.......................................................................... 3
School Goals ............................................................................... 4
Daily Timetable ............................................................................ 5
Graduation Requirements.............................................................6
General Information ......................................................................7
Dates to Know ..............................................................................7
Accidents ......................................................................................7
Emergency Drills ..........................................................................7
Electronic Devices ....................................................................... 8
Cafeteria/Student Lounge.............................................................9
Computer Labs .............................................................................9
Guidance ......................................................................................9
Gymnasium ..................................................................................9
Locks & Lockers .........................................................................10
Insurance……………………………………………………………10
Learning Resource Centre .........................................................11
Student Council ..........................................................................11
Telephone...................................................................................11
Textbooks ...................................................................................11
Visitors ........................................................................................11
Student Code of Conduct ...........................................................12
General Conduct ....................................................................... 12
Bus Conduct ...............................................................................14
Attendance .................................................................................15
Synrevoice ………………………………………………………….15
Discipline ....................................................................................16
Discipline Procedure...................................................................16
Student Appeal ...........................................................................17
Extra Curricular Activities ...........................................................17
Student Evaluation .....................................................................18
Course Changes .........................................................................20
School Closures .........................................................................20
Tips for Success .........................................................................21
2
WELCOME MESSAGE
We believe that your time at Elwood will be a rewarding
experience. W e encourage all students to do their best on a daily
basis in all classes and activities, keep up on their homework and
class work, and participate fully in the school's extracurricular
activities. We believe that student accomplishments and
enjoyment at school are in direct relation to their daily effort and
involvement. Best wishes to all for a successful and enjoyable
year.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Elwood Regional High School is to provide all
students with a balanced program that promotes independent,
life- long learning skills for an ever-changing world, in a caring
environment of mutual trust and respect.
VISION STATEMENT
All students of Elwood Regional High School will be life-long
learners and active citizens fully prepared to meet the challenges
of an ever-changing society.
Students, staff, parents, and the community at large share in the
responsibility of providing a s a f e ,
caring
and
socially
just
learning
environment with an
atmosphere of co-operation and mutual respect to ensure that our
students can achieve their maximum learning potential. Our
students are active participants in all aspects of their learning, both
in curricular and co-curricular activities.
The teaching staff of Elwood Regional High School is comprised of
qualified, competent individuals who are dedicated to providing the
best possible educational opportunities for students. Our teachers
recognize the individual needs and diversities of our students. W e
share a common approach: to be inclusive, fair, consistent,
respectful, and positive to all students.
The parents of Elwood students are supportive and involved in their
son’s/daughter’s education. They provide a nurturing home
environment where encouragement is given and learning is valued.
Our parents co-operate with the staff in decision-making, building
programs and ensuring that the school can best meet the needs of
all students.
3
4 Year School Development Plan
Elwood High School 2013-2017
The 4 year School Development Plan outlines our school’s goals and
objectives.
Goal 1: To create a safe and caring school environment that promotes wellness
for everyone.
Year
Objective
Increase the level of
mutual respect within
the school.
20132017
Objective
Objective
Enhance a sense of
security and safety in
school and on the
busses.
Improve wellness of all
members of the school
community.
Goal 2: To create a school culture where all members of the school community
understand their role and share responsibility in the education of students.
Year
Objective
Increase students,
teachers and parents
engagement in the
learning process.
20132017
Objective
Objective
Enhance
communication
between the school
and community to
meet the needs of all
learners.
Maintain and increase
leadership in our school
community.
Goal 3: To improve student achievement in a collaborative environment.
Year
Objective
Objective
Objective
Enhance the use of
internal and external
data to guide
instruction and
planning.
20132017
4
Improve the use of
collaboration to
enhance the
understanding and
delivery of curriculum.
Enhance the use of
technology to meet the
needs of all learners.
Time
8:35-8:45
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
TRANSITION
Period 1
8:45-9:45
Period 2
9:45-10:45
10:45-11:00
RECESS
Period 3
11:00-12:00
12:00-12:50
LUNCH
12:50-1:00
TRANSITION
Period 4
1:00-2:00
Period 5
2:00-3:00
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
5
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Senior high school graduation requires the attainment of thirty-six
credits, selected from subject areas as specified below, such that:
(i) at least 20 of the total credits must be Level I and Level II
(ii) at least 9 of the total credits must be Level III.
Graduation requirements are as follows:
Minimum Course Requirements
6
English Language Arts
6
Optional Language Arts
2
Mathematics
4
Science
4
World Studies
2
Canada Studies
2
Career Education
2
Fine Arts
2
Physical Education
2
Other Required Credits
(Enterprise, French, Religion,
Technology and Family
Studies)
4
Any Subject Area
6
Total
36
GENERAL INFORMATION
DATES TO KNOW
September 2……………..Administration Day
September 3……………..School opens for students
October 2………………...Curriculum Night
October 13……..………..Thanksgiving
November 7..…………....Progress Report Cards
November 10 &11……....Remembrance Holidays
November 13..…………..Parent-Teacher Conferences
December 17…………....Awards Night
December 19…………....Final Day
January 5………………..School Re-opens
January 19 to 23….…….Midyear Exams
February 13..……………Progress Reports
February 16……………..Holiday
February 19……………..Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 16………………...Holiday
April 2………..…………..Last Day before Easter
April 13…………………..School Re-opens
May 1…………………….Progress Reports
May 18…..……………….Commonwealth Holiday
June 12…………………..Last Day of Classes
June 26..………………...Administration Day
ACCIDENTS
Every accident that is in any way associated with the school/school
activities must be reported to the supervising teacher immediately,
with follow-up to the administration. In the case of serious accident,
every effort will be made to contact parents/guardians.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Emergency drills (fire and lockdown) are required by law and
are an important safety precaution. It is essential that when the
signal is given, everyone follows promptly. For fire drills, it is
important that all students clear the building by the prescribed route
as quickly and as quietly as possible. Once outside, students are
to move away from the building and line up in class units in order
that the roll call may be taken.
7
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones, smartphones and other electronic devices are a part
of contemporary society.
They can be very helpful as a
communication tool and as a source of information. Teachers are
welcome to allow the use of these devices if they feel they can
contribute to the learning and discussion in the classroom.
However, these devices can be a major problem for schools if
used inappropriately or irresponsibly. The use of smartphones
at school can be detrimental to the academic climate because it
takes valuable time away from instruction and can create discipline
problems. On occasion, they have exacerbated situations and
have turned them into an unnecessary crisis.
Cell phones and electronic devices are only permitted to be
used in the classroom at the discretion of the teacher. This
means that students must have teacher consent prior to
using these devices. Under no circumstances are students
permitted to take pictures or video of others. Students and
staff are entitled to the protection of privacy and posting
pictures or videos to social media sites is strictly prohibited.
Students who violate this policy shall face disciplinary action.
If a student is using a cell phone or an electronic device without
the teacher consent, the student may face the following
consequences:
• The device will be confiscated from the student.
•
•
The device may be returned to the student or forwarded
to the office
If deemed necessary, (if the student is a repeat
offender or does not offer genuine assurances the
misbehavior will stop) the device may o n l y be
returned to the Parent/Guardian a n d n o t the
student.
Students who have cell phones confiscated more than two times
may be suspended from school for one day for continued defiance.
We realize that having to pick up a student’s device may be
inconvenient for parents and guardians. Therefore we recommend
that parents discuss this policy with their son or daughter to
avoid this problem. Parents m u s t k eep in mind that the
u n a u t h o r i z e d use of cell phones are an inconvenience in class
and disruptive to all.
8
ELWOOD HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR LOST, STOLEN OR BROKEN CELL PHONES
AND WILL NOT PAY FOR PHONES THAT ARE LOST,
STOLEN OR MISPLACED BY STAFF MEMBERS
AFTER CONFISCATION.
CAFETERIA/STUDENT LOUNGE
The school cafeteria is intended to provide clean and comfortable
lunch facilities for students. The cafeteria regulations are made to
avoid accidents, wasted time, damage and uncleanliness. After
finishing lunch, students are to ensure that the location is left in a
clean and tidy condition. Please deposit all empty aluminum
pop/juice cans in the recycling containers and all garbage in the
containers provided. All food and beverages are to be
consumed in the cafeteria.
COMPUTER LABS
Each student will be given a USER ID at the beginning of their
high school career at Elwood Regional High. This USER ID will
allow access to the school computing resources and the Internet
(must be obtained with written parental consent). Students
should keep their passwords confidential. No one is permitted to
use another person’s USER ID. Breach of posted lab rules
may result in suspension of lab privileges and USER IDs.
GUIDANCE
The Guidance Office is located on the ground floor near the
office.
The
Guidance
Counsellor
is
available
for
appointments before and after regular classes. During the regular
school day, however, a student should have an appointment slip to
be excused from class.
GYMNASIUM - PHYS. ED.
Students are permitted in the gymnasium only for scheduled and
supervised activities. No student is to enter the gym or engage in
gym activity unless supervised by a teacher. Students should
wear appropriate footwear and clothing whenever engaged in
Physical Education or sports activities in the gym. Food and
beverages should be consumed in the cafeteria and are not to be
consumed in the gymnasium.
9
LOCKS AND LOCKERS
Each student will be assigned a lock and locker for use during the
school year. All locks are to be returned at the end of the year.
Students are responsible for the replacement cost of $5 for any lost
or stolen locks. Students are to report any damages to their lockers
immediately. Keep your locker locked at all times and use it to
store your textbooks, workbooks, personal property and other
valuable items. Keep the tops of your locker clean at all times. Any
item left on top of the locker will be considered garbage. Do not
disclose your lock combination to other students; only school locks
are to be used on school lockers.
In order to avoid overcrowding, and in the interest of punctuality,
students should get the necessary classroom materials at the
following times:
(a) Before the homeroom period each morning - materials
required for classes scheduled in Periods 1 and 2.
(b) During recess - materials required for Period 3.
(c) During lunch – before the start of Periods 4 and 5.
INSURANCE
Each student will automatically be enrolled in a school insurance
plan. Further information is available from the office.
10
LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE
The Learning Resource Centre offers support to all areas of the
curriculum. Students are encouraged to use the centre for tutoring
help, to complete homework, research or do some leisure
reading.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council elections are held each year. The executive
positions are President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and
Communications Officer. Student Council
Classroom
representative elections are also held. Each homeroom has one
representative. The student Council mandate is to encourage the
opportunity for spirit and extracurricular activities in the school, and
to act as a consultant to the school administration on decisions
concerning student matters.
TELEPHONE
A telephone for student use is provided in the lobby near the front
entrance. All calls should be kept to a reasonable length. No calls
should be made during class time. If an emergency call must be
made, a student must get permission from the classroom teacher
and then the office.
TEXTBOOKS & COSTS
Students are issued textbooks and novels throughout the year. It
is expected that these items be returned. Students failing to return
these materials will be held responsible for replacement costs.
VISITORS
All visitors are required to report to the office upon arrival at the
school. Individuals are not permitted to loiter inside the school
or on school property.
11
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
FOREWORD
We believe that all students have the right to an education in a safe
and caring school environment, with a focus on current and
effective teaching practices, respect, and fair treatment from
teachers and administration. In return, teachers and administration
expect from their students respect, regular attendance,
punctuality, preparedness for class work, a n d reasonable
effort.
1. GENERAL CONDUCT
Good sense, courtesy, and safety provide the basis for day-to-day
student conduct in our school. W e hope that students become
independent, responsible and self-disciplined. W ith this in mind the
general rules of conduct follow.
1.1
Students are to use the Main Entrance of the school
unless accompanied by a teacher. All other exits are to be
used in cases of Emergency ONLY.
1.2
Persistent disruptions, poor attendance, or satisfactory
effort will likely lead to poor grades.
1.3
Students are to come to classes with all their textbooks,
notebooks, and other school items necessary to effectively
participate in class.
1.4
Respect and consideration for others who are speaking in
class or at student assemblies is expected of students at
all times.
1.5
Food is to be consumed in the cafeteria only.
1.5
School Board policy prohibits smoking in schools and on
school board property. This includes the smoking inside
of vehicles on school grounds. Students in violation of
this policy will be subject to consequences from the
school and/or school board.
1.6
The use of, or selling, any kind of drug anytime at
school, on school board property, or in any schoolrelated activity is prohibited. Should any student be
suspected of being under the influence of drugs, the
priority of this school will be to contact parents, police,
and medical personnel.
NOTE: It should be understood that this school offers no
protection to students who violate civil and criminal
laws of the land.
12
1.7
Students are always expected to be courteous and
respectful towards teachers, other students, support staff,
and all visitors to the building. Students must avoid
fighting/rough play/threatening and intimidating behaviour.
1.8
Students are always expected to be courteous in manner
and obey the instructions/requests of their teachers and/or
substitute teachers.
1.9
Students are required to use proper language and orderly
conduct; foul/offensive language, disorderly conduct and
physical displays of affection are inappropriate to the
school setting.
1.10
Sitting on desks, tables and chair backs is not permitted.
1.11
Tampering with fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and other
life saving equipment is prohibited by law.
1.12
Students are to keep stairways, corridors and constricted
passages clear at all times. Students are encouraged to
socialize in the cafeteria.
1.14(a) Students are not permitted to wear clothing that promotes
violence, drugs, alcohol, foul language or makes
explicit/implicit references to sexual activity. Clothing which
exposes undergarments, bare midriffs, abdomen, chest,
back, buttocks, etc. is not allowed.
1.14(b) Students will maintain their person and clothing in a
modest, orderly and hygienic manner that reflects pride in
self and school. If a student’s clothing is deemed
inappropriate for the school setting (eg. pajama pants) the
student may be asked to see the administration, guidance
counsellor or sent home to change.
1.15
We encourage students to have two pairs of footwear, one pair for
outside and the other exclusively for inside. Outside
footwear should be removed in the main foyer (porch)
and placed in the students’ locker.
1.16
Outside clothing, including hats, caps, coats and jackets
must be removed and placed in students’ lockers before
going to class. Hoods are not to be worn in school. It is
important we are able to identify students at all times,
and hats and hoods can affect our ability to do this.
1.17
Damage and destruction of school property will not be
tolerated. Students will be billed for the cost of repairs or
replacement and disciplinary action will be taken.
13
NOTE: Section 11 of the School Act - Every student shall
comply with school discipline and the rules of the
school and shall carry out the learning activities within
the prescribed curriculum.
2. BUS CONDUCT
The school bus is an extension of the school.
Transported students shall:
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
Be subject to all school regulations while travelling on
school buses.
Obey the instructions of the driver and bus monitors
appointed to assist the driver at all times.
Refrain from any activity that might endanger another
person or distract the bus driver's attention from his/her
duty.
Respect private property while waiting for or disembarking
from the school bus.
Line up and board the bus promptly in single file without
crowding or pushing.
Be picked up and discharged only at their designated
school bus stops. Responsibility for a student boarding or
leaving the school bus at any stop, other than the student’s
designated stop, rests with the parents.
Keep all personal items out of the aisles and out of harm’s
way. Items such as skis and hockey equipment are only
permitted with mutual agreement between the principal
and the bus operator. Ice skates must have guards and be
placed in a bag. Students must refrain from taking any
dangerous or annoying objects on the school bus; this
includes pets.
Keep windows closed during bus rides unless permitted to
open them by the driver.
Keep arms and head inside the bus at all times.
Use appropriate and respectful language.
Be responsible for any damage done to the bus resulting
from improper behaviour.
Ensure the driver is not distracted by unnecessary
conversation while the bus is in motion.
Since the bus carries a large number of students, and their safety
is the first and foremost concern, these rules will be strictly
enforced. Failure to comply with the above may result in a
suspension from travelling on the bus and a meeting of the student,
14
parent, and school administration may be held to decide on further
action.
3. ATTENDANCE
3.1
All full time students enrolled at Elwood, regardless of age,
should be in attendance when school is in session.
Absenteeism must be verified by a note or phone call from
the parents or guardians. When classes are in session, all
students are expected to be in their assigned
rooms. It is the students’ responsibility to complete all
work missed when absent from class for any reason.
3.2
The school’s automated telephone system, Synrevoice,
will send messages home in the morning and
afternoon/evening, advising parents of students whose
absence has not been excused by a parent or guardian.
Synrevoice will also be used from time to time to deliver
other messages (i.e. weather closures) from our school
to parents.
3.3
All part-time students must sign in and out at the main
office on a daily basis and be in attendance when their
classes are taught.
3.4
The school expects parents/guardians to inform the
administration, in advance, if their child will be absent due
to non-school related activities.
3.5
Students should avoid scheduling appointments during
class time. If this is not possible and a student has to leave
school for an appointment, the parent or guardian must
provide notice (through a note or phone call) that their son
or daughter must leave school premises.
3.6
Student absenteeism will not exempt students from
assessment. Upon return to the school, arrangements will
be made, in consultation with the student, to complete
the missed assessment or an alternate form of the
original assessment
without academic penalty. In
extreme circumstances, exemptions may be granted in
consultation with parents/guardians, teachers and
administration.
3.7
Any student leaving the building during school hours IS
REQUIRED to have permission from their parent/guardian
to sign out. This permission MUST be relayed to the
school staff via a telephone call or a written note. Any
student who leaves the school without following the proper
procedure will be subject to disciplinary action and may not
be permitted to return to class unless accompanied by a
parent or guardian.
15
3.8
3.9
Students out of the building participating in a schoolsponsored activity will be given credit for attendance.
Excellent attendance awards will be given to students who
have not missed more than 10 sessions or 5 days of
school. Perfect attendance awards will be given to
students who have be in school for every session all
year.
4. A. DISCIPLINE
All students have a right to a safe, caring and socially just
learning environment. With these rights there also come
responsibilities. All students are expected to be courteous
to their fellow students, teachers and support staff. They must
follow policies and regulations set by the administration and/or
school district, while in our building, participating in an extracurricular activity, and while traveling on the school bus.
Students failing to abide by these policies and regulations will
be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
4. B. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
4.01(a) The teacher will discuss with the student their concern with
the incident(s) requiring disciplinary action. Disciplinary
action may include but is not limited to the teacher talking
with the student, changing a seating assignment,
detention, removal from the class for one period,
contacting the parent, referral to administration, removal
from an extra-curricular team or event, a n in school
suspension, or an out of school suspension.
4.01(b) If the desired result is not obtained, the teacher may
impose a number of classroom based consequences
(verbal warning, changing seating arrangement,
detention), or arrange a parent-teacher and/or parentstudent-teacher conference. If there are still no desirable
results then the matter will be referred to the administration
to take action deemed necessary.
4.01 (c) The administration may discipline any student immediately
who engages in a serious infraction of school rules. Such
infractions include fighting, vandalism, using profane
language, theft and other such actions.
16
4. C. STUDENT APPEAL
It may happen that a student feels that he or she has been unfairly
treated. The issue should not be debated in the presence of those
not directly involved. In such cases the following procedures
should be followed:
4.02(a) Carry out the direction given by the teacher.
4.02(b) Ask the teacher involved for an appointment to discuss the
matter.
4.02(c) If after (a) and (b) you still feel that you have not been fairly
treated, you should see one of the administrative
personnel, or the guidance counsellor and a meeting will
be arranged to discuss the matter.
4.02(d) If satisfaction is still not forthcoming, a further appeal can
be made to the School Board Office.
POLICY STATEMENT ON STUDENT PARTICIPATION
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The policy statement on extra-curricular activities recognizes the
following principles:
1. Extra-curricular activities are an important part of the
schooling experience, contribute to the development of
the whole student, and can have substantial benefits for
the student, both socially and academically.
2. The classroom/homeroom teacher, or teachers involved
should have input in a decision, regarding participation, of
student.
3. It is a privilege, and not a right, of students to participate
in an extra-curricular activity.
4. If students repeatedly break rules while in school, or are
not fulfilling their academic potential, then they jeopardize
their opportunity to participate, or represent Elwood
Regional High in such activities.
5. The administration has a right to deal immediately with
behaviour that is a serious infraction of school rules.
4.03
The coach or teacher sponsor of any activity shall post a
list of participants in the staff room one(1) week prior to
the event/trip so as to solicit input from the teachers
regarding student participation in such events.
17
5. STUDENT EVALUATION
Teachers will evaluate students using a variety of sources,
on a frequent basis, to make evaluations. Data sources
include daily work, assignments, quizzes, chapter/unit tests,
projects, participation in class (PE, Theatre Arts) and in some
cases, midterm and final exams. Course outlines will be provided
to students at the beginning of the year. Reports will be issued
to parents four times (November, February, April and June).
Formal parent-teacher interviews will follow the first two reports.
Students and parents should check the dates in the General
Information section of this handbook. Students and parents
have access to online marks and grades using PowerSchool.
This is a great way to keep informed of the latest grades and
attendance information.
Parents should contact the
administration to obtain information to create their account.
Examinations, Tests, Quizzes
5.1
A copy of the District K-12 Assessment, Evaluation and
Grading Policy, plus a Policy Addendum, is on our
website at www.elwood.k12.nf.ca. Just click on the link
Parent Info. These are comprehensive documents
which include all District student evaluation policies and
regulations.
5.2
If a student misses an exam, test or quiz, upon return to
school, arrangements will be made for a student to
complete the missed assessment or an alternate form of
the original assessment will be given without academic
penalty. In extreme circumstances, exemptions may be
granted in consultation with parents/guardians, teachers,
and administration.
5.3
For late submission, teachers shall not assign zero percent
or decrease the value of a given assessment.
5.4
Teachers will give a minimum of five school days notice
in advance of any unit or cumulative assessment.
Additionally, a minimum of five school days will be given to
complete major projects/assignments.
5.5
All assessments, excluding final exams, shall be returned
in a reasonable time frame. Once returned, students shall
retain possession of their graded assessments.
5.6
Midyear exams shall be returned to students no later than
the parent-teacher conferences in February. Final exams
will be secured in the school until the following
September.
5.7
Major projects/assignments will be graded and returned to
students no later than three weeks from submission.
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5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
5.12
5.13
5.14
5.15
5.16
5.17
5.18
Except in extraordinary circumstances, unit tests, quizzes,
etc. will be graded and returned within one week from the
date of the assessment. Any delay will be communicated
to students and approved by administration.
Student absenteeism will not delay the return of a graded
assessment (i.e. teachers will not withhold assessments
because a student has yet to be evaluated).
When determining a student’s final grade, teachers shall
consider all evidence of learning because averaging alone
does not reflect a student’s current level of academic
achievement (outliers may be omitted if in the best interest
of the student).
Any attempt by students to gain unfair advantage (i.e.
cheating) will result in the student not receiving a grade on
that particular assessment. After consultation with that
student, parent/guardian, and administration, an alternate
and appropriate assessment will be arranged within a
reasonable time frame. Disciplinary action will take place
at the discretion of the school.
Any student caught cheating on a school or District based
final exam will not receive a grade for that assessment.
After consultation with that student, parent/guardian, and
administration, an alternate and appropriate assessment
will be arranged prior to the end of the school year.
Cheating on public exams will be dealt with according to
the Department of Education policy. The policy can be
viewed at www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/evaluation/reg.pdf
For academic and advanced courses, midyear and final
exams shall be cumulative. Midyear exams should be
based on outcomes from September to January and final
exams shall be based on outcomes from September to
June.
For academic and advanced courses, any student who
demonstrates achievement by passing the final exam in a
course shall receive a mark of at least 50% in that course.
For general courses, if midyear and final exams are
administered, midyear exams shall be based on outcomes
covered from September to January. Final exams shall be
based on outcomes from January to June.
For general courses, a student shall receive a final mark
of at least 50% where the average of the midyear and final
exams is 50% or higher.
Supplementary exams will normally be offered in
September of each year. These exams will be offered in
courses which end in a final exam. Students need a
minimum of 35% as a final mark in the course.
19
6. COURSE CHANGES
Course changes are not permitted after the end of the third week of
the school year. All requests for course changes must be directed
to the Administration and/or Guidance Counsellor. Course changes
will require written parental consent. Course selection changes
are never permitted on the basis of student preferences or
dislikes for certain teachers. It is general policy, that students are
not permitted to drop courses during the school year.
7.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
There are occasions in a school year when school may have to
close due to weather, or some other reason. In these cases,
announcements will be made on local radio stations, our
school’s Synrevoice system (which will send automated
telephone calls to parents), our school’s Twitter account (which
can be accessed on the News link to our school’s website), and
updates on the District’s website at www.nlesd.ca. We advise
parents to check these sources if there is any question that
school might be closed.
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TIPS FOR SUCCESS
ORGANIZATION AND TIME MANAGEMENT
The most important aspect of being a good student is that you
become committed to doing well in school. How you do in the
three years of high school will have a significant effect on what
options will be available to you at the end of high school. Two
ingredients to becoming an effective student are 1) organization
and 2) time management. These important ingredients can be
learned by any student. You should learn to plan and organize
your time and homework tasks in a way that is efficient and
productive.
Good organizational skills and time management skills include:
•
having well organized notes.
•
planning ahead.
•
staying conscious of timetables and schedules.
•
organizing your school subjects.
•
keeping a list of upcoming tests and assignments.
•
committing time to your studies.
•
asking questions in class.
•
completing homework assignments on time.
•
setting goals.
•
learning to prioritize.
HOMEWORK HINTS
•
if possible study in the same place at all times. This
should be a quiet place away from distractions.
•
study sitting up and not lying across a bed.
•
have proper lighting and seating.
•
avoid distractions. Turn off stereos and personal
listening devices. If listening to music is a must, keep it
low and in the background.
•
have homework materials ready. For easy access, keep
all homework supplies in the same place. This avoids
wasting time looking for required materials.
•
reward yourself with a break after certain periods of time.
(e.g., 10 minutes every 50 minutes).
•
focus on the harder homework first. After the more
difficult material is conquered, there is also a sense of
relief and you are better able to tackle the remaining
homework.
•
make a quick schedule for homework time each time you
sit down to do homework. This ensures you have a
clear picture as to what exactly it is you wish to
accomplish in the homework session.
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