Queen Elizabeth High School 1929 Robie Street, Halifax NS B3H 3G1 (902) 421-6797 - FAX: (902) 421-2523 STUDENT HANDBOOK 2005 - 2006 Elwin LeRoux Principal John Miller (A-K) Vice-Principals (902) 421-6804 Maureen Coady (A-K) Student Services (902) 421-6803 Kelly MacLeod (L-Z) Gerard White (L-Z) THIS AGENDA BELONGS TO: NAME: ___________________________________________________ GRADE: ___________________________________________________ PHONE: ___________________________________________________ HOME ROOM: ___________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS Opening Page Table of Contents QEH Departments QEH 2004-05 Calendar Extra-Curricular Student Council Executive Advisory Council Youth Health Centre School Code of Behaviour Policy Dress Code School Code of Conduct School Discipline Policy Sexual Harassment Discrimination Policy Late Policy HRSB Attendance Policy Attendance Policy Extra Curricular Policy Dance Policy General Information Information Technology School Plan for Communicating Student Learning 1 2 3 4-5 6 7 7 7 8-10 8 10 11-15 16 16-17 18 17-18 19-20 21 22 23-25 26-28 29-32 DEPARTMENT HEADS ENGLISH Linda Dean FINE ARTS Stewart D’Arcy MATHEMATICS Chris Hamilton SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Wayne Lincoln SOCIAL STUDIES Amber McFadden STUDENT SERVICES Maureen Coady REGISTRAR Carla Christianson SECRETARIES MAIN OFFICE Linda Abbott STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE Susan Lewis CONTACT INFORMATION ATTENDANCE CALLS MAIN OFFICE STUDENT SERVICES PHYS.ED. SCHOOL RENTALS STAFF ROOM LEARNING CENTRE 421-6797 421-6804 421-6803 421-6805 490-3675 421-6810 421-2519 RESOURCE LIBRARY ALL CITY MUSIC CUSTODIAL CO-OP CAFETERIA YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE qeh@staff.ednet.ns.ca www.qeh.ednet.ns.ca 421-2657 421-6799 421-6700 421-6812 421-8715 421-8012 421-3053 QEH SCHOOL CALENDAR 2005-2006 August 31 September 5 September 6 September 7 September September September September 12-16 15 16 16 September 22 September 26 September 30 October 4-8 October 5 October 10 October 13 October 17-21 October 28 November 2 November 8 November November 10 November 11 November 14 November 16 November 17 November 23 November 24 November 25 December 8 December 14-20 December 15 December 20 January 3 January 30 January 31 February 1 Late Registration Day Labour Day (No classes) First Day of School – Organization Day (No Classes) First Day of School for Students First Day of Term 1, Semester 1 Grade 10’s – 9:00 am, Grade 11 & 12’s – 1:00 pm ‘Lions’ Daze’ – Welcome Week School Dance Terry Fox Run Course Outlines/Assessment Information Sent Home with Students Curriculum Night 6:30 p.m. School Advisory Council Annual Meeting Room 238 7:00 p.m. Professional Development Day – No Classes International Walk to School Week Student Council Activity Thanksgiving Day (No classes) Recognition Night for Honours Students Oktoberfest NSTU Provincial Conference Day (No classes) Take Your Kids to Work Day Economics of Staying in School – Junior Achievement Graduation Rings on Sale Remembrance Day Assembly Remembrance Day – No Classes Term 2/Semester 1 begins Reports Sent Home Early Dismissal Parent/Teacher Interviews (1–3 pm, 6– 8 pm) Student Council Activity Atlantic Post-Secondary Visits 1:00-3:00 Professional Development Day – No classes Fashion Show Festivas School Dance Last Day of Classes before Christmas Break! School Re-opens after Christmas Break First Day of Exams – Semester 1 NSE, English 12 NSE, English Communications 12 NSE, Math 12 NSE, Physics 12 February 1 February 2 February 3 February 6 February 8 February 9 February 13-17 February 13 February 15 February 16 February 27 February 28 March 8 March 10 March 13-17 March 20 March 22 April 11 April 12 April 14 April 17 April 18 April 20 April 27-29 May 1-5 May 5 May 10 May 11&12 May 29-June 2 May 31 May 22 June 20 June 20 June 21 June 22 June 23 June 27 June 29 June 28,29 June 30 HRSB Registration for 2006-2007 Begins Last Day of Exams Assessment & Evaluation Day (No classes) First Day of Term 1, Semester 2 Semester One Exams Returned 2:00 p.m. School Dance Valentines Week Course Outlines/Assessment Information Sent Home with Students First Semester Report Cards Sent Home with Students Curriculum Night 6:30 pm (Alternate Storm Date Feb. 23) Professional Development Day – No Classes Registration for 2006-2007 Ends Student Council Activity Last Day of Classes before March Break March Break School Re-opens after March Break Parent Information Night Grade 9- 6:30 p.m., Grades 10, 11- 7:00 p.m. Reports Sent Home Early Dismissal Parent/Teacher Interviews (1–3 p.m.,6-8p.m.) Good Friday Easter Monday Term 2, Semester 2 begins School Dance Musical Education Week Professional Development Day – No Classes Grade 9 Orientation Model Parliament Spring Fling Week Student Council Activity Victoria Day High School Examinations Begin NSE, English 12 NSE, English Communications 12 NSE, Math 12 NSE, Physics 12 Last Day of Exams Prom/Safe Grad Graduation Ceremonies 10:00 Assessment & Evaluation Days (No classes) Last Day of School! Semester Two Report Cards Picked Up CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 2005-2006 CLUB/TEAM Art Club Gay-Straight Alliance Amnesty Inter. Girls Indoor Field Hockey Badminton Golf Band Grad Committee String Ensemble Hockey Basketball – Boys Junior Achievement Basketball – Girls Lion’s Tale Cheerleading Model Parliament Choir Musical Schola Cantorum No More Butts Program Concert Choir Robotics Cross Country Safe Grad Curling School Spirit Committee Encounters with Canada Ski Club Envirothon Team Ski Team Fashion Show Smart Ask Football Soccer – Boys Student Council Soccer – Girls Technical Crew Track and Field Volleyball – Boys Year Book Volleyball – Girls NSSSA (N.S. Secondary School Students Association) * An extra-curricular review committee is in place to ensure that participating students demonstrate academic responsibility through satisfactory attendance, effort and conduct. STUDENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE President – Hanna Zatsman V.P. of Administration – Bailey McGinn Treasurer – Kevin Kyeong V.P. of Communications – Mike Oland Secretary – Megan Bell Grade Level Councillors Grade 12 Matt Johnson Jason Kontak Siobhan Shears Mike Sime Grade 11 Mary-Dan Johnston Robin Munro Alexi Pianosi Jonathan Reid Grade 10 (elected in Sept.) STUDENT COUNCIL MESSAGE Hi everyone! Student council is so excited to meet everybody and start the school year. Our goals for 2005-2006 are to increase student participation in the events at QEH by reaching out to as many students as possible and to reach out into the community and lend a hand. Student council wants to hear EVERY idea, so don’t hesitate to say hi in the hall or visit the council room. We are very approachable and fun-loving and we’re here to make this year your best yet! THE QEHS SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL The School Advisory Council is comprised of students, parents, community, staff representatives and the principal. It provides advice and guidance to school administration on matters pertaining to school policies and procedures. We welcome new participation from the school community. If interested, please contact Mr. LeRoux at 421-6804 or eleroux@staff.ednet.ns.ca YOUTH HEALTH CENTER The QEH Youth Health Centre (YHC) is a youth-focused and youth-friendly service. Students often have questions about sexuality, mental health issues and how to live a healthier life. They can visit the centre to get accurate and non-judgmental information by picking up booklets, watching health videos and taking part in discussions in the lounge area. There are lots of opportunities to get involved as student volunteers. Confidential and private health counselling is also available with the YHC Coordinator. To reach the YHC call 421-3053 or email: pbriand@staff.ednet.ns.ca to make an appointment with a Youth Health Center coordinator during July and August, call: 481TEEN (8336) or 1-866-606-TEEN (8336). QEHS SCHOOL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR POLICY Students entering senior high school have greater freedom coupled with greater responsibility, especially in the preparation of their courses and in their use of free time. At QEH, we expect that the students will recognize that with every right there is a corresponding duty or responsibility and the rules and regulations that exist are designed not to frustrate their development, but to assist them to become responsible, mature individuals. QEHS DRESS CODE Students are welcome to dress informally but some items of clothing are considered unacceptable in a school setting. These would include (but are not limited to) articles of clothing that reveal private body parts or those displaying or implying rude, offensive or inappropriate words, pictures or expressions deemed by society in general to be “vulgar” and “crude”; offensive to people of a particular religion, sexual orientation, race or ethnic background; advocating or suggestive of violent behaviour or those considered offensive or degrading to a person of the opposite gender. This also includes pins, badges or painted slogans. In warm weather, students are welcome to wear clothing suited for warm weather, however be mindful of the need for both male and female students to dress tastefully in a manner considered appropriate for school or any school activity. Administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate. Students will be asked to either leave or change their clothing if they dress inappropriately for school activities such as dances. CELL PHONE USE At Queen Elizabeth High School students are not permitted to make or receive phone calls or text messages during class time. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off in the classroom. With the introduction of cell phones equipped with cameras, it is important for students and parents to understand that the use of camera phones is prohibited in all locker or change rooms, washrooms and classrooms in all Halifax Regional School Board schools. At QEH students found using camera phones in these areas will be sent to a vice-principal and may face 1 to 5 days suspension. When using camera phones in other areas of the school, including school grounds, students should always respect the privacy of others and make sure that the people being photographed give their consent first. It is never acceptable to post pictures on a website or send them by email to a group unless everyone in the picture has seen the picture and consented to it being shared. Repeated cell phone use in classes will be treated as a discipline issue. ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUG USE Students who are under the influence of alcohol and/or other illegal drugs while on school premises or involved in a school-sponsored activity are to be referred to the Administration. This behaviour will not be tolerated and students will be disciplined. Discipline will include: Suspension (minimum of 3 days) Recommendation for counseling Notification to parent/guardian Depending on the seriousness of the situation, the following may occur: Recommendation to the Discipline Committee for further disciplinary action, such as a suspension longer than 1-5 days or withdrawal for the balance of the school year Legal action Students may be searched if school administration suspects that the student is in possession of or selling illegal substances on or near school property. Students who smell of drugs but do not appear to be under the influence of drugs will not be permitted to attend classes. TOBACCO FREE SCHOOL POLICY QEH is committed to providing healthy work and learning environments for all students, staff, volunteers and visitors. It is also dedicated to providing healthy lifestyle choices to students. The use of tobacco products in the school, on the school grounds or within 4 meters of the school property is prohibited at all times. The use of tobacco products by staff, students or volunteers is consequently strictly prohibited in vehicles while on school property and at all school related events. The use of tobacco products by students on school premises and at all school related events will be treated as severely disrupted behavior. Persons under the age of 19 are strictly prohibited from having tobacco products in their possession. CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR SPECTATORS QEH appreciates the show of support that spectators give our team members. However, being a spectator at school events is a privilege, not a right, which may be withdrawn for inappropriate behaviour. It is expected that spectators will: Treat the premises, students, staff, players, other spectators, and the officials with respect and courtesy Abide by the decisions of the officials whether or not they are in favour of your team Respond politely to the requests of the officials Remain seated in the areas designated for spectators and leave the playing surface clear at all times Be polite and courteous and use only appropriate language Refrain from any behaviour that might distract the athletes or interfere with the progress of the game Applaud good plays and never make derogatory remarks about the officials, players or coaches SNOWBALLS Throwing snowballs is prohibited and will lead to suspension. In extreme or dangerous situations, the police will be involved. HAZING Any Hazing activities involving incoming grade 10 students, students otherwise new to the school, or students new to sport teams etc. are strictly prohibited. Please refer to the QEH website for complete information. Any student involved in hazing activities will be subject to disciplinary action, which could include suspension, community service, loss of extra-curricular activities, restitution, counseling etc. CODE OF CONDUCT Students are expected to show respect for others, themselves and school property. In all cases, student behaviour must be reasonable and appropriate. Specifically, it is expected that all students will: 1. Respect the rights of other people; 2. Respect the authority of teachers and all other staff members; 3. Identify themselves when asked to do so by a staff member. 4. Use proper and acceptable language at all times; 5. Refrain from using drugs or alcohol during school hours and at all school sponsored events; 6. Arrive on time, complete required school work and attend each of their classes; 7. Refrain from smoking or using all tobacco products in the school building or anywhere on school property; 8. Obtain the permission of the principal or vice-principal when inviting anyone who is not a student at QEH to visit the school; 9. Maintain quiet and orderly behaviour in the halls. Students who disregard the conduct code will be subject to consequences, which will be in accordance with School Board Policy and may, in certain circumstances, include suspension. If a suspension is necessary for any reason, students must be aware that during the time of their suspension from the school, they are not permitted on or in school property, at any location of the HRSB, nor are they permitted to participate in or attend any extracurricular events. Everyone at Queen Elizabeth High School deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Staff recognizes the importance of treating students with respect and equally so, students must, at all times treat both staff and fellow students with respect. Disrespectful comments or behaviours directed to students or staff (teaching and nonteaching) will not be tolerated. Verbal abuse, profanity (spoken or written), and rude gestures are unacceptable behaviours and will be dealt with severely. QEH DISCIPLINE POLICY QEH is committed to providing a safe and productive learning environment for all staff and students. Maintaining good discipline is an essential component of such an environment. Students who engage in behaviors that disrupt the learning environment of the classroom or school will be referred to a vice-principal and subject to consequences. QEH, in accordance with HRSB policy recognizes two major categories of misbehaviour: 1) Disruptive Behavior – Behavior that is not frequent or not serious enough to significantly interrupt the learning climate of the school, endanger the well-being of others or damage school property may be classified as disruptive. These acts are not usually a direct threat to the health and safety of others, but are often serious enough to require action by the school administration. Continued disruptive behaviour will be considered ‘defiance’ and may be treated as severely disruptive behaviour. 2) Severely Disruptive Behavior –Behaviour that is frequent or serious enough to significantly disrupt the learning climate of the school, endanger the well being of others or damage school property is considered severely disruptive. This type of behaviour will be dealt with in accordance with the school plan for discipline and the Discipline Handbook for Nova Scotia schools from the Department of Education of Nova Scotia. The chart on the following pages outlines descriptions and consequences for severely disruptive behaviours. CHRONIC DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS Defined as where a student has committed repeated acts of disruptive behaviour as described earlier which because of their repetitive nature could then be considered as becoming severely disruptive. CONSEQUENCES COMPULSORY OPTIONAL Communicate with the student’s parent(s) and schedule a conference with the parents(s) and the student. Notify community service agencies where appropriate. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. Recommend the student participate in a counselling program. Request the Area Co-ordinator consider an alternative learning option for the student. Recommend to the school discipline committee that the student be suspended for longer than five (5) days. ILLEGAL ACTIVITY INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS Defined as where a student has committed any act or incites others to commit any act involving a serious civil wrong or crime such as but not limited to possessing or selling stolen property, possessing or selling a controlled substance or purported by the student to be a controlled substance, stealing, smoking. CONSEQUENCES COMPULSORY OPTIONAL Communicate with the student’s parents(s) and schedule a conference with the parent(s) and the student. Demand replacement or restoration of items stolen. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. Contact the police where a criminal act has occurred. Notify community service agencies where appropriate. Recommend that the student participate in a counselling program. Request the Area Co-ordinator consider an alternative learning placement for the student. Recommend to the School Discipline Committee that the student be suspended for a period longer than five (5) days. VANDALISM INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS CONSEQUENCES COMPULSORY Defined as where a student has committed or incited others to commit malicious damage to the personal property of a member of the school community, property owned or operated by the School Board, or any other property while attending a schoolrelated activity. Communicate with the student’s parent(s) and a conference with the parent and the student. Demand payment of costs by the student. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. OPTIONAL Contact the police where a criminal act has occurred. Initiate school-based community service as restitution. Recommend the student participate in a counselling program. Notify Community Service where appropriate. Request the Area Co-ordinator consider an alternative learning placement for the student Recommend to the school discipline committee that the student be suspended for longer than five (5 days) DISRUPTION TO THE OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS Defined as where a student has committed an act or incites others to commit acts that are severely disruptive, or creates a hazard to threaten the safety and security of other students, staff, or school property; such as, but not limited to, making bomb threats, setting fires, pulling fire alarms. CONSEQUENCES COMPULSORY OPTIONAL Communicate with the student’s parent(s) and schedule a conference with the parent(s) and the student. Demand payment of costs incurred as a result of the disruption. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. Notify community service agencies where appropriate. Notify the appropriate area co-ordinator of the situation. Contact the police where a criminal act has occurred. Initiate school-based community service as restitution. Recommend the student participate in a counselling program. Request the Area Co-ordinator consider an alternate learning placement for the student. Recommend to the School Discipline Committee that the student be suspended for a period longer than five (5) days. VERBAL ABUSE INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS CONSEQUENCES Defined as where a student has used language intentionally to threaten or intimidate any member of the school community; or, used profanity directly toward any member of the school community. COMPULSORY OPTIONAL Communicate with the student’s parent(s) and schedule a conference with the parent and the student. Contact the police where a criminal act has occurred. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. Request the Area Co-ordinator consider an alternative learning placement for the student. Notify community service agencies where appropriate. Recommend to the School Discipline Committee that the student be suspended for longer than five (5) days. PHYSICAL VIOLENCE INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS Defined as where a student has used force or incited others to use force to injure a member of the school community while on school property, property adjacent to the school, or attending a school-related activity. CONSEQUENCES COMPULSORY OPTIONAL Communicate with the student’s parent(s) and schedule a conference with the parent(s) and the student. Contact the police where a criminal act has occurred. Notify community service agencies where appropriate. Recommend the student participate in a counselling program. Request the Area Co-ordinator consider an alternative learning placement for the student. Recommend to the School Discipline Committee that the student be suspended for longer than (5) days. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS Defined as where a student has committed a sexual assault, has committed or incited others to commit acts of sexual abuse or sexual harassment or displayed sexual behaviour which offends generally accepted community standards. CONSEQUENCES COMPULSORY OPTIONAL Communicate with the student's parent(s) and schedule a conference with the parent and the student. Notify community service agencies where appropriate. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. Recommend the student participate in a counselling program. Contact student support services staff and provide a report according to the regulations of the Children and Family Services Act. Request the Area Coordinator consider an alternative learning placement for the student. Implement the Board's Sexual Harassment policy as it pertains to students. Recommend to the School Discipline Committee that the Student be suspended for longer than five (5) days. Contact the police where a criminal act has occurred. RACIAL MISCONDUCT INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS CONSEQUENCES COMPULSORY OPTIONAL Defined as where a student has used racial slurs, displayed racist behaviours, engaged in racial/ethnic namecalling or invited others to use the above behaviours. Communicate with the student’s parent(s) and schedule a conference with the parent and the student. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. Communicate the incident as required by the Board’s Race Relations, Cross Cultural Understanding and Human Rights Policy. Contact the police if a criminal act has occurred or there is a chance a serious disturbance may occur. Recommend the student participate in a counselling program. Notify community service agencies where appropriate. Request the Area Co-ordinator consider an alternative learning placement for the student. Recommend to the School Discipline Committee that the Student be suspended for longer than five (5) days. USE OR POSSESSION OF A WEAPON INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOURS CONSEQUENCES COMPULSORY OPTIONAL Defined as where a student threatens to use, uses or possesses a weapon, or incites others to threaten use, use or possess weapons while on school property, property adjacent to the school property, or while attending a school-related activity; weapon includes any item specifically designed to be used in combat or to inflict punishment, any item a person uses or intends to use as a weapon. Weapons include but are not limited to (a) law enforcement devices such as tear gas, mace, handcuffs, batons, etc.; (b) martial arts devices such as nunchaku, sword canes etc.; (c) military paraphernalia such as replica firearms, etc.; (d) animal control devices such as choker chains, stun guns, etc.; (e) miscellaneous devices such as brass knuckles, spiked wristbands, pellet guns, fireworks, slingshots, etc.; (e) mock weapons, and (f) any other object that is carried or used for the purpose of inflicting injury or intimidating others. If feasible, confiscate the weapon, and release it to either the police or parent(s), as required by law. Contact the police where a criminal act has occurred. Communicate with the student’s parent(s) and schedule a conference with the parent(s) and the student. Suspend the student for a maximum of five (5) days. Inform the appropriate Area Co-ordinator of the incident. Contact the student support services staff who in turn may notify community service agencies where appropriate. Recommend the student participate in a counselling program. Request the Area Co-ordinator consider an alternative learning placement for the student. Recommend to the School Discipline Committee that the student be suspended for longer than five (5) days. SECURITY CAMERAS QEH has security cameras throughout the building to give our students an increased sense of security and well-being and to prevent theft and vandalism. Cameras are placed to monitor all entrances (inside and out) and exterior premises, corridors, cafeteria, offices and technology areas. There are no cameras in classrooms, washrooms, etc. SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY Every person at QEHS should feel welcomed, valued and supported. Our goal is to create a safe, all-inclusive learning environment. What is SEXUAL HARRASSMENT? Sexual Harassment is any sexually oriented practice that endangers your learning at school, your work performance in class, or undermines your sense of personal dignity. EXAMPLES MIGHT INCLUDE: - Gender based insults or remarks Suggestive or insulting sounds such as whistling and wolf calls Comments about breasts, buttocks, penis or overall figure Sexual looks such as leering and ogling Persistent and unwelcome flirting Display of pornographic or other offensive, derogatory and/or sexually explicit pictures, cartoons, magazines, movies, etc. Touching, grabbing, hugging Attempted or actual kissing or fondling Coerced or forced intercourse Repeated unwanted social invitations Repeated requests for sexual favours Commenting about a person's virginity, choice of sexual partner or practices, or sexual orientation Lewd gestures, such as hand or sign language to denote sexual activity ARE YOU A VICTIM OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT? - - If you or someone you know is being sexually harassed, it is important to talk to someone you can trust and who may be able to provide support. Options include your parents, a vice-principal, guidance counsellor or a teacher. The school has a process in place to fully investigate complaints of sexual harassment. Additional information and support can be obtained by contacting Ms. Carla Christianson, the school sexual harassment liaison officer, or a member of the administration. DISCRIMINATION POLICY QUEEN ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL and the HALIFAX REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD are committed to educating staff and students on issues related to race relations, cross cultural awareness and human rights. Every person at QEHS should feel welcome, valued and supported. Our goal is to create a safe, all-inclusive learning environment. What is DISCRIMINATION? An action or behavior based on prejudicial feelings. What is STEREOTYPE? An instant or fixed picture of a group of people. What is PREJUDICE? A state of mind in one person or group about another, casting the other in an inferior light despite the absence of legitimate evidence. What is RACISM? A form of discrimination. It is prejudice used to the advantage of one ethnic group and to the disadvantage of other ethnic groups. EXAMPLES MIGHT INCLUDE: race/ethnic based insults or remarks racist/ethnic jokes racial/ethnic slurs racial/ethnic name calling or inciting others to do so ARE YOU A VICTIM OF DISCRIMINATION? - - If you or someone you know is being discriminated against it is important that you speak to someone you can trust and who may be able to help and support you such as your parents, guidance, counsellor, a trusted teacher, or member of the clergy. The school has a process in place to fully investigate complaints of discrimination. Additional information and support can be obtained by contacting Ms. Carla Christianson, the school sexual harassment liaison officer, or a member of the administration. LATE POLICY 1. All teachers must record late arrivals to class using the symbols: L = Late (arrives within first ten minutes after the bell) V = Very Late (arrives sometime after the first ten minutes) B = Left the room during class and did not return. 2. Teachers are responsible for contacting home after a student has arrived late 3 times. (The purpose is to try to curb the habit of arriving late.) * 3. Students who arrive late: a) Should be admitted to class up to one-half hour after class has begun. b) Should enter the class with minimal disruption. c) Should indicate to the teacher a reason for being late. 4. Students who arrive later than one-half hour may be admitted only with a note from home, a medical appointment card, or a note from a member of the administration, Youth Health Centre, Guidance, Resource, or Learning Centre. Please send these students to the main office (Mrs. Abbott) if they are not admitted, so that she can contact the V.P. 5. Students whom teachers deem to be chronic lates may be referred to the appropriate vice-principal as a discipline issue. The referral should indicate the number of late arrivals and what steps have been taken by the teacher to change the behaviour. 6. This policy will be reviewed during the first semester of each school year. ATTENDANCE POLICY The Halifax Regional School Board has a High School Attendance Policy which can be found in full text at the HRSB website. For purposes of brevity, the essence of the policy is as follows: Students are expected to report to all classes on time, every school day. Attendance will be recorded on a period-by-period basis by classroom teachers. Attendance will be marked using the categories of PRE (present), EXA (excused absence), UNA (unexcused absence), SUS (suspension) and SCA (special circumstances – this category includes absences related to acute or chronic medical condition, religious observance, death in the immediate family etc. In the case of special circumstances, the appropriate VP should be notified immediately). Eligibility for a credit will be lost when a student is absent (excused or unexcused) for sixteen or more hours of a full credit course and eight or more hours of a half credit course. In a semestered system with 80 minutes periods this hour ratio is the equivalent of 12 classes for a full credit course and 6 classes for a half credit course. When a student loses eligibility for credit under the last provision, parents/guardians will be notified by a staff member. A student who loses eligibility to be granted credit for two or more courses is in violation of the school attendance policy and may be withdrawn from school for the remainder of the semester. ATTENDANCE REFERRALS Should a student begin to miss classes for which no excuse or phone call is provided, the subject area teacher will contact home to advise parents/guardians after 3 absences in a full credit course or after 2 absences in a half credit course. Should absences continue, both unexcused and/or excused, the teacher will then refer students to the appropriate after a total of 8 absences in a full credit course or after 4 absences in a half credit course who will conference with the student, and then contact home. If the absences continue and a student exceeds the maximum number of allowable absences, they will become in violation of the attendance policy and further action in the form of an Administrative Withdrawal/Loss of Credit will result as indicated previously. A student’s attendance record is available to parents/students via ‘George’, a webbased computer program that can be accessed through the QEH home page. STUDENTS' AND PARENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES CONCERNING ABSENCES 1. 2. Medical, dental or other outside agency appointments should be made during free time or after school hours, whenever possible. In the event that a student must miss a lengthy period of time for a legitimate reason, a phone call to the main office or a written statement from a parent or guardian will be required in advance of the time the student is to be absent. At the teacher’s discretion the student will not be penalized for his absence but will be responsible for completing the work that is covered during his/her absence. Teachers are not required to give make-up tests in these circumstances; however every consideration will be given in the event of compassionate leave. 3. If the student is to be absent for a full day because of illness or appointments, the parent/guardian should notify the office by phoning (421-6797) on the day the absence takes place. If the parent/guardian is unable to call, a written note should accompany the student on the day he/she returns to be presented to the teacher. Students who do not have an excuse from a parent/guardian will be marked absent without an excuse. Students who become ill during class must report to the main office to receive permission to be excused from school. If possible the parent/guardian will be contacted. Students or parents can check attendance via email by contacting the registrar, Mrs. Christianson 421-6798. 4. 5. We appreciate and need the support of parents and guardians. Please feel free to telephone (421-6804) or visit us if you have any concerns. Independent students (those who live on their own) should make themselves known to student services. ABSENCES DURING EXAMINATIONS 1. Examinations are an integral part of a course. It is expected that all students write final exams. 2. The ratio of on-going assessment and examinations components of marks will be determined at the department level within each school for each course in the department. The examination component of the final mark must be in the range of 20% to 30%. Please see The School Plan for Communicating Student Learning section for additional information. 3. Student absence from examinations: If a student is absent from a formal mandatory examination for compassionate reasons, a mark will be calculated based on work completed by the student in the semester. The student must provide the main office with a medical certificate within 24 hours of scheduled exam where illness is the reason, or substantive proof for other reasons deemed compassionate. 4. There will be no makeup exams scheduled. If a student is absent for a valid reason, the term mark will be calculated on the student’s work for the term. STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILITY In order for a student to participate in athletics or other co-curricular activities at Queen Elizabeth High School the student must have: 1. 2. Three passing grades in the previous semester and be passing 3 courses during their particular activity. An attendance record that is acceptable to the Academic/Cocurricular Review Committee (ACRC) and meets the standards of the school attendance policy. REVIEW PROCESS All teams, groups and student activities must submit a list of participants to the ACRC for review. Any student who fails to meet the standards of eligibility will have to face a FORMAL REVIEW. The ACRC will examine all available details and issue a decision which may vary from probation to suspension to complete removal from this activity for the semester, the season or the year. Students’ eligibility will be reviewed at any formal reporting period during their activity. At any time, there may be a review at the request of any teacher who is dissatisfied with the student’s academic progress, attendance and/or behavior. WARNING A student, who meets the minimum academic requirements, but appears to be “at risk” (poor marks, attendance or effort) can at any time be issued a warning by the committee. The student’s: Staff advisor will speak to him/her on behalf of the committee Teachers will receive an academic warning notice from the Co-Curricular Review Committee (CCRC). APPEALS If a student feels that there are extenuating circumstances that warrant special consideration he/she may appeal the decision of the ACRC to the Vice-Principals in writing. The Vice-Principals will review the student’s appeal, interview the student’s teachers and meet with the ACRC. The Vice-Principals will make a decision on the appeal within 1-2 weeks and will inform the ACRC and the student of their decision. INELIGIBILITY: If any student brings dishonor to the name of Queen Elizabeth High School through his/her actions while representing the school at any event, he/she will become ineligible to participate in co-curricular activities for at least one semester. Any re-instatement will be at the discretion of the ACRC and the school’s administration. The student must submit a written request for reinstatement to the ACRC for consideration. The ACRC will make a decision within a reasonable time period, at which time the student will be informed. Please note: All students participating on interscholastic teams must meet NSSAF criteria of eligibility. DANCE REGULATIONS Queen Elizabeth High School Students’ Council holds a number of dances during the school year. The dates for these dances can be found in the School Calendar section of the agenda book. The staff at QEH wants all students to enjoy school dances. To help ensure that all goes well, the following are some expectations/procedures which are in place for all our dances. Dance Hours are from 7:30 – 10:30 pm. No one will be admitted after 8:30 pm. Special circumstances must be previously arranged with the school administration. 3. Students must show their current student ID card at the door. 4. If a student does not have a current student ID, another picture ID will be accepted and we will verify that student fees have been paid. (No ID = No dance) 5. There will be no guest sign-ins at the door. 6. Approved sign-in students must bring a picture ID, preferably a student ID from their current school. 7. Coat check is required. Staff reserves the right to inspect purses, bags, pockets etc. 8. The school cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen articles. Leave your valuables at home. 9. Any physical violence or other disruptions at a dance will cause a student to lose dance privileges and be suspended from school. 10. Being under the influence or in possession of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. If a student is found to be drinking or under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance at a dance, the parent/guardian of the student will be called to come and pick the student up from the dance. If a parent/guardian is not available, police may be called to take over care of the student. Suspension and other consequences will result in all cases involving alcohol or other drugs. (Other consequences include loss of privilege to attend future dances.) Students should be aware that an ALERT (blood alcohol screening device) is available and used at our dances when alcohol consumption is suspected. 11. If a student is caught smoking while at the dance, he/she will be removed from the building and appropriate disciplinary action will result, including suspension. 12. Any student removed from a dance is not entitled to a refund of his or her dance ticket money. 13. As always, a dress code is in effect. Feel free to dress casually but exercise good judgment in selecting clothing appropriate to a school activity. If your clothing is deemed inappropriate, you will be asked to either leave the dance, or find some more appropriate clothing. 14. It is expected that students will adhere to high expectations for behaviour (including dancing) when attending dances and all other school activities. Students who choose to dance in a manner that is not socially acceptable in a public space may be asked to leave the dance. Administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate. Your cooperation in making appropriate choices when attending school dances is greatly appreciated. 1. 2. GENERAL INFORMATION BUS PASSES Queen Elizabeth High Students living more than 3.6 kilometers away from the school may be entitled to apply for a student bus pass. Eligible streets are posted in the Student Services office where the bussing applications can be picked up. If the completed application is approved by the vice-principal, the student will receive a bus pass (an information letter regarding the rules and regulations of the bus pass will be given out with the first bus pass.) CAFETERIA Cafeteria services are available from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and offer a broad selection of menu choices. All usual expectations for conduct are to be observed while in the cafeteria. ACADEMIC HONESTY The integrity of the Queen Elizabeth High School program depends upon each student’s strict adherence to academic honesty. Plagiarism, cheating, misrepresentation, falsification of records or academic work, and abuse of computer passwords and accounts constitute violations of school policy. Cheating. Cheating involves submitting work in a written assignment or exam that is not your own. Cheating includes but is not limited to: Copying someone else’s work. Allowing someone else to copy your work. Having someone else complete your work for you. Using unauthorized material to help you complete your work. QEHS students may not receive or give unauthorized assistance in preparation of any work required for submission for course credit. Plagiarism. Plagiarism is a special kind of cheating in which you basically steal someone else’s work and present it as your own. If you use the ideas, words, statements, theories, data, figures, graphs, or electronic information of another person or source to support your ideas, you must always give credit to the person or source. Guidelines for citing sources are available from teachers and in the library. If a teacher detects cheating or plagiarism in an assignment, test, or exam, this may result in a reduced mark, a mark of “0”, loss of credit, suspension, and legal action. COURSE LOAD Students in Grade 10 and 11 have a minimum course load of 7 subjects; 3 one semester, and 4 the other. Grade 12 students must have a course load of 6 subjects, 3 each semester. Any exceptions to this are with administrative approval only. Course changes will not be made in September unless there are extenuating circumstances. STUDENT FEES There are 2 options for student fees: Option 1: $65.00 This fee includes the cost of the Student Agenda Book, Registration Fees, Student Council Fees, I.D. Card, lockers, lock rental, Lunch Monitoring costs, Security and mail-outs. Family rate (2 or more students at QEH): $100.0 Option 2: $105.00 This fee includes all of the items in Option 1 PLUS one yearbook. Family rate: $100.00 + $40.00 per yearbook ordered. Athletic Fees: $50.00 per scheduled sport: Hockey, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey $25.00 per unscheduled sport: Cross-Country Running, Track and Field, Badminton, Curling, Golf, Cheerleading, Skiing Grad Fee: Due Spring 2006 – Determined by Graduation Committee in spring. LOCKERS A shared locker is provided to each student as part of the student fee. While the school takes all reasonable precautions to protect a student’s belongings, students and parents are reminded that the school cannot assume liability for articles left in the school or in lockers. The school administration reserves the right to open lockers if deemed necessary. LOST AND FOUND The main office is designated for this purpose. PARKING Limited student parking is available in the lower parking lot subject to application to a Vice-principal. The upper parking lot is reserved for staff. All unauthorized vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed. The price for a student parking pass is $25/semester. SPECIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES RESOURCE Students who have been identified as having a learning disability or who require adaptations or changes to their course outcomes in order to achieve academic success may receive academic support in the resource center. Students who choose to be in the resource program will have a regularly scheduled resource class included in their timetable and attendance is mandatory. LEARNING CENTER Students who require a full Individual Program Plan will receive specialized programming through the learning center in order to achieve personal and academic success. Individual program plans will be developed and reviewed in consultation with parents/guardians, teachers and the student’s program planning team. YMCA NEWCOMER SUPPORT SERVICES The YMCA, in partnership with QEH, provides support services to youth who are new to Canada. Some of the services provided include orientation, peer tutoring, peer mediation and advocacy. The program also promotes multicultural awareness and antiracism throughout the school. A significant goal of the program is to act as a bridge between Newcomer and Mainstream Canadian Youth. Any student is welcome to become involved in this program. FINE ARTS QEH offers opportunities for all students to take part in the QEHS Concert Choir and for instrumentalists the String Ensemble and the Concert Band. Usually, the school offers a musical, which combines the efforts of Art, Music, Drama, and support from many staff in the school. Many other opportunities for involvement in Art, Music and Drama are available at QEHS. The Fine Arts Department offers an after-school advanced all-city music program in voice, strings and band. LIBRARY The library staff provides class orientations, cooperatively planned programs and classes, individual assistance and instruction, and many other services to students and staff. Resources include books (fiction and non-fiction), magazines, vertical files (clippings, etc.), videos and other audio-visual items, computer software, and Internet access. Help with research and with bibliographic citations is always available. Access to the library’s collection and circulation of materials are computerized. While there are no overdue fines, students are responsible for replacing lost items. Library hours are 8:15am-3:45pm Monday to Friday. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Queen Elizabeth High School has three main networked labs that can accommodate full classes. These labs are running Windows 98, Windows XP, Microsoft Office 2000 and are connected to the Internet. Students and staff will be issued user names and passwords for the network as well as the province’s web based e-mail in accordance with the QEH Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Students may use free workstations for educational purposes in any facility under teacher supervision (labs, library or learning centre). COMPUTERS Computers and the Internet are providing exciting new resources to schools and giving students and educators unprecedented opportunities to obtain, share, and act on information. Computers with Internet access are available in classrooms, labs, and the library at QEHS. Students are assigned a network account with a username and password as well as a Department of Education ‘IMP Webmail’ email address that is usually brought from their previous school. All student accounts include 100 pages of printing. Additional printing credits can be purchased from the library staff in 100-copy increments When using the Internet or other media for research, students are to cite all sources to properly credit the original materials and thoughts of others. Plagiarism and copyright violations are serious offenses. Teachers and the library staff can offer advice and clarification if students need help with research and the documentation of sources. The complete Nova Scotia Department of Education’s Public School Programs’ Internet Code of Conduct can be found at: http://www.ednet.ns.ca/pdfdoc5/internet/english/internet.pdf. COMPUTER/INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY All students are required to have on file at the school a signed (student and parent/guardian) Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy Consent Form. This form is usually passed in at the beginning of the gr. 10 year. A username and password is then issued to the student and usually kept for the grade 11 and 12 years. Students are not to share passwords and all computer/Internet use at school must be in support of curriculum objectives and not for recreational or other unauthorized use. Students and parents should read and become familiar with the school’s Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Questions can be directed to subject teachers, teacher librarian Mrs. M. L. Mills, or the school’s network administrator. INTRODUCTION Computing facilities are intended for school-related purposes only. Each student has a personal email address created by the Nova Scotia Department of Education. It is not possible to predict or control what students may locate or use. They encounter information that is inaccurate, controversial, or inappropriate. Students must use computers and the Internet in support of the educational objectives of the Halifax Regional School Board, in order to remain eligible as Internet users. All users are expected to adhere to the following guidelines. USER GUIDELINES 1. All users must sign an Acceptable Use Policy in order to be granted an individual user account. This agreement will extend for the period a student is in attendance at this school. All student users require the consent of their parent, legal guardian or sponsor before they can be issued accounts and access to computers. 2. Respect for and proper care of all computer equipment is expected to be shown at all times. Deliberate attempts to damage equipment will result in financial restitution being sought. 3. Users must be aware of and adhere to copyright and software piracy policies and legislation. Only school-installed software can be used on the computers. Users may not copy software illegally or store executable files in their network home directories. Research materials from the Internet must be properly cited and not plagiarized. 4. Food and drink are not permitted near computers. 5. Students may only use computers if under the supervision of school staff/designate. ACCEPTABLE USE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Only authorized users may have access to the computer facilities. Users must only log on using their assigned user account. Users are expected to be polite, not abusive, in their messages and to use appropriate language Electronic mail accounts are to be used for responsible communicating only. The use of obscene, profane, forged, anonymous, nuisance, harassment, abusive, false, rude, inflammatory, or threatening messages is not permitted. Email is not private. It can and will be monitored without the prior knowledge and consent of the user. Only the Department of Education’s IMP WebMail email accounts are to be used at school (e.g. no Hotmail accounts). Users shall not use any computer to access, create, or send material that is obscene, advocates violence/discrimination, or is illegal. Users may not copy software illegally or store executable files in their network home directories. The use of Chat programs and sites is prohibited. SECURITY Students must: 1. Never share passwords. Never use another user’s account. 2. Never alter hardware or software components including developing or activating viruses. 3. Respect the resource limits set for users of the network. There is limited bandwidth and space for saving files and all users must share these resources. 4. Never post personal contact information about themselves or other people. Personal information includes reference to ages or last names, as well as individual/school/parent/parent workplace address and telephone number. 5. Save work to school approved drives. The network administrator has the right to view and/or delete user files without prior notice to the user. CONSEQUENCES OF MISUSE The use of computer systems is a privilege. It is expected that the Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy will be followed. Any user violating this policy is subject to loss of computer privileges and possible disciplinary action by the school and/or legal authorities. DISCLAIMER Although this policy has been carefully prepared and reviewed, the Board and school assume no liability for any errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The Board is not responsible for any damage suffered by a user. This includes, but is not limited to unauthorized financial obligations, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions SCHOOL PLAN FOR COMMUNICATING STUDENT LEARNING At Queen Elizabeth High School, we are committed to providing the best educational opportunities to meet the needs of all students in our school. It is only through good communication that teachers, parents/guardians, and students can work together to maximize student learning. We believe that evaluation of all students must be fair and supportive of learning. The purpose of this plan is to inform parents and students of the assessment and evaluation practices used at our school and the process used to communicate student progress. Teachers at Queen Elizabeth High are guided by the provincial Department of Education. All courses share two things: The Principles of Learning1 - a set of statements concerning how all students learn. The Essential Graduation Learnings2 - the teacher is committed to supporting the student achievement of these educational goals. The Department of Education also provides outcomes-based curriculum guides that present the framework for planning each course. Working within these guidelines teachers use their professional judgment to plan and deliver the curriculum and to assess and evaluate student learning. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION Within the first week of each semester teachers will establish clear criteria for assigning marks or grades and communicate to students what is being evaluated and how it will be done. This information will also be available to parents/guardians. The final grade will be reflective of a balanced assessment. Teachers will ensure all students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. The assigning of term or final marks involves teachers using their professional judgment in making decisions based on varied assessment collected over a period of time. In no course will tests, quizzes and examinations account in total for more than sixty per cent of the final mark. No single assessment event, including an examination, will be valued at more than thirty percent of the final mark. Please refer to the individual course outlines for assessment details. 1 See Department of Education website 2 IBID. COMMUNICATING STUDENT LEARNING Queen Elizabeth High School staff will make every effort to provide clear and straightforward information as to the student’s progress. If at any time during the school year a teacher becomes concerned regarding a student’s progress, the teacher may contact the parent/guardian. Or conversely, the parent/guardian may contact the teacher and/or school administration (421-6804) or e-mail (www.qeh.ednet.ns.ca for e-mail addresses). This informal contact can be made in addition to the regular reporting. The school year will be divided into two semesters of five months each. The 2005-2006 Calendar of Communication Events is available at the end of this document. MID-SEMESTER REPORT AND THE REPORT CARD The Queen Elizabeth High School Mid-semester Report is an indication of student performance to that date. It is given in a percentage grade, which also includes anecdotal comments regarding progress. This is sent home with students approximately midway through each semester as indicated in the school calendar. Our Report Card gives the final mark for the student in all courses, the credit values for those courses (students require 18 credits to graduate), total absences and anecdotal comments regarding the student’s progress. This is sent home with students at the end of each semester. Final Marks in most courses* will usually be calculated as follows: 70% - course work 30% - final assessment event (i.e. exam or alternative) * Percentages may vary in some courses. Please refer to the course information on assessment and evaluation distributed by individual teachers early in the course. Examinations are held at the end of each semester on dates provided by the Department of Education. Courses that do not have final exams will incorporate an alternative final assessment event(s). The Final Mark given on the report card represents the student's achievement of the outcomes in that specific course. Student attendance has a significant impact on student learning. Regardless of whether the absence is valid, the number of classes missed can negatively affect student learning. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to ensure that students are attending all classes, especially in light of the compressed semestered schedule. PROCESS FOR ADDRESSING CONCERNS REGARDING EVALUATION RESULTS If you have concerns regarding a student’s progress in a course, please contact the teacher directly. The teacher will respond to your concerns in a timely manner (no more than three school days) by telephone or e-mail. The teacher will make a record of the conversation or meeting and, where relevant, the specific piece of assessment reviewed. If you still have concerns following the teacher’s response, then contact the department head for that course. If students or parents/guardians are not satisfied with the results of this review, they may contact the administration to request further examination of the assessment. The principal or vice-principal will then meet with the parties involved. In the event that a resolution acceptable to all parties is not reached, the principal will make a final determination regarding the assessment in question. If necessary, parents may bring an interpreter, a translator or a person to advocate for them to meetings. IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT, REFERRAL AND PROGRAMPLANNING FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS We are concerned about the learning and well-being of all our students and have established a process for the identification, assessment and program planning for students with special needs. Teachers, parents or students themselves may assist in identifying students with special needs. The QEH Student Support Team will determine how to best plan for the student’s needs. When formal individual assessments are needed, they will be conducted by qualified personnel, either school-based or system-based, and will be undertaken only after parents/guardians have given written consent. If the student requires adaptations to achieve expected learning outcomes, the adaptations will be developed by the Resource teacher and implemented by the student’s regular class teachers. Students on adapted programs will receive learning support in the Resource room. When it is determined that established curriculum outcomes can not be met and an Individual Program Plan is required, a meeting will be held with the student’s Individual Program Planning Team. Team members include a school administrator, the student’s subject teacher(s), the parents/guardians and the student when appropriate. The participation of parents/ guardians is both welcome and encouraged. Students on Individual Program Plans will receive learning support in the Learning Center. REVIEW OF SCHOOL PLAN The success of any plan depends upon the continual feedback provided by those whom the plan affects. Parents/guardians, students and school staff may request a review of the school plan in writing to the principal. The School Plan for Communicating Student Learning will be reviewed annually in June so the upcoming school calendar may be added as well as any changes put forth by the School Advisory Council or the Assessment and Evaluation Committee. In addition, a formal review of the School Plan for Communicating Student Learning will take place every three years when the QEH School Improvement Plan is reviewed. APPENDIX A – Terminology Assessment- The process of gathering evidence about students’ learning and using the information to communicate with students, parents/guardians, and others to improve student learning. Evaluation- The process of analyzing, reflecting upon, and summarizing assessment information and making judgments or decisions upon the information gathered. Balanced Assessment –This includes a number of assessment events and a number of assessment strategies, styles, tasks, and activities. Outcomes- Statements that articulate what a student is expected to know and be able to do and understand as a result of a learning experience.