BISHOP McNALLY
HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2013-2014
Deana Helton
Principal
Richard McKenty,
Betty-Lou Elofson, Kim Praznik-Solomon
Vice Principals
5700 Falconridge Blvd NE
Calgary, AB T3J 3N4
Telephone: (403) 500-2091 Fax: (403) 500-2291
www.bishopmcnally.com
bishop.mcnally@cssd.ab.ca
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STUDENT AGENDA
2013-2014
SCHOOL VISION
The Catholic School Community of Bishop McNally is a faith- filled, collaborative, caring and diverse learning
environment which encourages all students to reach their full potential. We are committed to developing
positive relationships built on trust and respect. Open communication among students, parents and staff is
encouraged. We recognize the many contributions that all individuals make at our school.
BISHOP JOHN MCNALLY
Bishop McNally High School is named after the first Bishop of the Calgary Roman Catholic Diocese, the Most
Reverend Dr. John Thomas McNally. He was appointed Bishop of Calgary in 1913 and served until 1924. Bishop
McNally was born in Hope River, Prince Edward Island on June 24, 1871 and died November 18, 1952 in
Halifax, Nova Scotia. He studied in Charlottetown, Ottawa and Rome.
Bishop McNally was known for firmly establishing the Calgary Diocese. During his tenure, nearly 50 priests
were enlisted in the service of the diocese. Bishop John McNally is remembered for his fondness of children.
He shared his delightful wit and playfulness with them by sharing fascinating tales and reciting amusing
poetry.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
August 2013
28
Wed.
29
Thurs.
30
Fri.
Teacher Organization Day
Professional Development/District Mass
Teacher Organization Day
September 2013
3
Tues.
School Opens, staggered entry
October 2013
4
Thurs.
14
Mon.
Professional Day
Thanksgiving Day (No Classes)
November 2013
1
4
8
Fri.
Mon.
Fri.
December 2013
20
Fri.
Faith Day (No Classes)
Beginning of Term 2
Parent Interviews (5:00 – 8:00 pm)
Christmas Holiday begins (noon dismissal)
January 2013
6
10
13-29
30
Mon.
Fri.
Thurs.
School Re-opens
Last day of Semester 1
Exam Weeks
Sem II begins
February 2013
13-14 Thurs-Fri.
17
Mon.
March 2013
14
Fri.
24-28 Mon.-Fri.
31
Mon.
Teachers Convention
Family Day (No Classes)
Professional Day (no classes)
Spring Break
School Re-opens
3
April 2013
11
17
22
Fri.
Thurs.
Tues.
Parent Interviews
Easter Break (noon dismissal)
School Re-opens
May 2013
16
19
Fri.
Mon.
Professional Development Day (No Classes)
Victoria Day (No Classes)
June 2013
Grad Mass & Convocation
Meet the TA Night
Night of the Wolves
Grad Banquet
Final Exams
12-27
Calendar dates are subject to change.
CLASS TIMES
Monday (65 min)
Tue/Wed/Thu
Per 1
TA
Per 2
Per 3
Lunch
Per 4
Per 5
Per 1
Per 2
Per 3
Lunch
Per 4
Per 5
8:30-9:35
9:38-10:13
10:16-11:21
11:24-12:29
12:29-1:04
1:07-2:12
2:15-3:20
Period 1
TA
Period 2
Lunch
Period 3
8:30-9:43
9:46-10:59
11:02-12:15
12:15-12:50
12:54-2:06
2:09-3:22
FRIDAY DAY A
9:05-10:30
10:33-10:43
10:46-12:11
12:11-12:41
12:41-2:04
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FRIDAY DAY B
Period 4
TA
FLEX
Lunch
Period 5
9:45-11:10
11:13-11:23
11:26-12:06
12:06-12:36
12:39-2:04
TEACHER ADVISOR & STUDENT ADVISEE PROGRAM
The Teacher Advisor & Student Advisee Program is central to the mission of Bishop McNally High School. Every
student at Bishop McNally has a Teacher Advisor (TA). Teacher Advisors assist their Student Advisees from
their first year of high school until they complete their studies. TA groups consist of a mixed grouping of
students from Grade 10–12. Interaction is encouraged between the grades; older students mentor younger
students in the TA groups.
Teacher Advisors are committed to helping their student advisees achieve their school goals. However, the
school recognizes the primary role of parents and guardians in the education of their children. The ultimate
responsibility of monitoring student progress and ensuring school success resides with the parent and
student. Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s TA on a regular basis. Responsibilities of
the TAs include some of the following:
 Provide a home for advisees in their Teacher Advisory Group (TAG)
 Assist the student in accessing services to Bishop McNally High School such as extra curricular
activities and counseling
 Be the primary liaison for information between home and school
 Advocate for the student with school concerns
 Assist students with registration, scheduling and understanding graduation requirements
 Monitor and report to parents about the student’s academic progress, attendance and any school
concerns
Teachers will meet with their TAG groups every day but Friday. Each TAG becomes a small, caring Catholic
learning community where student concerns can be addressed. Extended TAGs can occur on certain school
days. This is a special class where TAs and students work collaboratively to address any school concerns. TAG
is also a time to pursue many school activities such as registration, charity fund-raising, inter-school
competitions and Student Council Events.
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STUDENT CONDUCT
Alberta School Act (Section 12)
A student shall conduct himself or herself so as to reasonably comply with the following code of conduct:
(a)
be diligent in pursuing the student's studies;
(b)
attend school regularly and punctually;
(c)
co-operate fully with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and
other services;
(d)
comply with the rules of the school;
(e)
account to the student's teachers for the student's conduct
(f)
respect the rights of others.
Behavior
Students have both rights and responsibilities. It is the obligation of the school to protect these rights and
insist upon the responsibilities. It is expected that students will:
 Behave in a Catholic Christian manner which reflects Gospel values by following the Golden Rule:
“Treat others as I want to be treated”
 Respect the rights of everyone to learn and study in a safe and disciplined environment
 Respect the rights of everyone to study in a clean and attractive environment free from litter and
vandalism
 Be an ambassador of Bishop McNally High School in the community and at off-campus events
Tip Line
Students may call the Bishop McNally Tip Line to anonymously give information on thefts, assaults, bullying,
intimidation, vandalism or other concerns by calling the school at 500-2091, press 2 and local 888#. All calls
will be addressed by school administration or the Calgary Police Service.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Course Withdrawal
Students in Grade 10 and 11 are not permitted to withdraw from courses. Exceptional cases will be
considered. Grade 12 students may only withdraw from courses that do not affect graduation outcomes.
Please consult your TA and Student Services for course withdrawal forms. Course withdrawals may be denied.
Approval for course withdrawal must come from Guidance department, Course Teacher, Parent or Guardian
and Administration.
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Exam Exemption
Students with an average mark over 80% in a core subject such as English Language Arts, Social Studies,
Science and Math may exempt a final exam. Please consult your TA regarding rules governing eligibility. Grade
12s cannot exempt any exams.
Grading Policy
The Grading Policy is governed by Alberta Learning curriculum guidelines, department regulations and
teacher’s professional judgment. Students can expect timely assessment that is fair and unbiased. Students
should consult regularly with the teacher regarding their marks and keep their own record of their marks. A
reassessment occurs when a student is permitted to demonstrate competency in course material a
subsequent time. Students are advised to consult their teacher regarding the details of a reassessment.
Concerns regarding assessment should be directed to the subject teacher. A student is encouraged to seek
assistance from their Teacher Advisor in this process. Appeals should be directed to the Dean of the
Department. Final appeals are heard by Administration.
D2L
Desire 2 Learn (D2L) is a web-based learning management system that all students have access to through the
school web-site. Student progress, homework and assignments can all be accessed through this program.
Homework
Students are expected to do regular homework. It is the student’s responsibility to complete homework as
assigned. Whenever homework is assigned the student should record this information in this handbook. Many
teachers provide a Homework Hotline or on-line assignment information (D2L).
Attendance
Attendance is one of the most important factors determining success at school. Students must be on time and
attend each and every class. Students arriving after that time should seek to amend this situation with the
classroom teacher by making up this time during tutorial or at a time arranged with the teacher. A student
always remains responsible for classroom work missed during their absence. Numerous lates will be referred
to administration.
Parents and Guardians are advised to contact the school to excuse any absences. Such calls are checked for
authenticity. Teacher Advisors monitor student advisees tardiness and absences and will contact parents and
guardians if it is habitual. This may result in disciplinary action.
Being Absent or Late Is “A Big Deal”
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Being on time demonstrates respect for your school and your classmates
***************
Academic research shows that there is a correlation between student attendance and academic performance.
Research also shows that when parents and school are aligned and are working collaboratively, the student’s
chance of success is dramatically improved. The steps taken in this process are necessary in ensuring this
student is successful in school and is working towards graduation.
Students who are constantly Absent or Late:
 Demonstrate disrespect for their teachers and fellow students by disrupting classes
 Miss out on valuable learning time and thus do not have the opportunity to reach their full potential
 Learn habits of tardiness that are unacceptable in the working world
 Promote a school culture in which absences and lates are viewed as being acceptable. Consequently
promoting others to skip or be late
• “Attend school regularly and punctually”
•
“Comply with the rules of the school”
Strategies
To be in school and in class on time:
 Ride a bus that will get you to school at least 15 minutes prior to school starting
 Do not rely on friends to get you to school on time
 Move quickly between classes. (Stay away from vending machines)
 East lunch on school campus
 Take pride in being on time. Punctuality shows your “attitude”
 Be a leader amongst your friends and set positive examples
 Make the “Attendance Incentive Program” one of your goals
REWARDS OF
Regular Attendance & Punctuality
Arriving on time and attending all classes for school each and every day demonstrates your commitment to
learning.
You Will:




Achieve higher grades
Graduate from high school in three years
Have better rapport with teachers
Learn habits required by employers in the working world
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 Have a greater opportunity to develop your gifts and talents
 Enjoy a more rewarding and satisfying high school experience
 Drop a final exam or your lowest mark through the Attendance Incentive Program
Note: A student who becomes a truancy problem forfeits his/her school privileges as deemed appropriate
by the principal.
Each student’s TA will monitor absences and lates and will notify parents, counselors and administrators when
appropriate. Students are expected to be in school a minimum of 10 minutes prior to school beginning in
order to prepare for classes. Students who accumulate an exceptional number of absences may have credits
withheld and put their registration at Bishop McNally High School in jeopardy.
Parental Responsibilities
Responsibility for regular attendance rests with the student and parents.
 Parents must phone the school (500-2091 available 24 hrs) to report absences or lates. Telephone calls
from students are not acceptable.
 Parents are requested to phone in advance of the absence, if possible; and no later than the day after
the absence (retroactive reporting – more that 24 hours after the first day – may not count as reported
excused absences).
Legitimate reasons for reporting absences are, illness, medical and dental appointments, death in the
family, and medical emergencies. Students away on approved school activities will automatically be
recorded as excused. All other absences are unexcused.
School Intervention Process:
1)
Five unexcused absences in any one class – Teacher Advisor contacts the parents/guardians.
2)
Seven unexcused absences in any one class – Teacher Advisor contacts the parents/guardians and
a counselor in student services.
3)
Twelve unexcused absences in any one class – The Vice–Principal may withdraw the student from
the class and will inform the parents/guardians.
4)
Students who are withdrawn from a course will be given a spare. If the student’s mark was above
40% the student may be permitted to complete the remainder of the program at home through
our SDS “Independent Studies Program”. Assistance with SDS modules can be obtained during our
morning tutorial program from 8:00 to 8:30 Monday through Thursday.
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If the student is withdrawn from two courses in one term the student will be recommended for
withdrawal from other courses. The school and/or a home study program will be established for the
courses the student is passing.
BISHOP MCNALLY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
The Attendance Incentive Program:
The Attendance Incentive Program recognizes students who have made extraordinary efforts to attend class
regularly and punctually.
Students who qualify for the program may elect to exempt a final exam of their choice (excluding Diploma
Exams), provided that they have a mark of at least 65% in that specific subject area. For students enrolled in a
Diploma course, they may drop their lowest mark at the discretion of the subject teacher, on top of any other
in-class incentives offered by that subject teacher. Students cannot drop the lowest mark or be exempt from
the same subject more than once during the 3 years at Bishop McNally.
To qualify, students can have no more than three lates or absences (excused or unexcused) in any one class,
including TA. School-related absences do not count against a student; suspensions, on the other hand, do
count.
Subject Mastery Incentive Program:
The Subject Mastery Incentive program recognizes students who have achieved a class based mark of 70%
or better in a specific subject area.
Students who have achieved a subject mastery mark of 70% or above may elect to exempt the final exam in
that specific course (excluding Diploma Exams). For students enrolled in a Diploma course they may drop their
lowest mark at the discretion of the subject teacher on top of any other in-class incentives offered by that
subject teacher.
Important Rules:
 The Attendance or Mastery Incentives can only be used once per semester and cannot be used in
conjunction with each other.
 Students may only exempt a final exam in a “specific subject area” once in three years at Bishop
McNally.
 Students with special circumstances can make formal appeals directly to the principal.
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 Students are responsible for obtaining the proper form to be signed by their Teacher Advisor and Subject
Area Teacher. Students can pick up the form from the main office once their final class based mark is
known or during the last scheduled week of classes.
Mastery Awards
Mastery Awards recognize the academic achievement of students who have maintained a minimum average
of 80% throughout the year. Eligible students are honored at an Awards Ceremony.
Plagiarism & Cheating
Plagiarism and cheating is the unauthorized use of another person’s work as if it was your own personal work.
School work that is plagiarized may not be given any credit and receive a zero. Cheating during tests and
exams may mean expulsion from the exam area and a zero on the exam. Giving, lending or selling work to
another student is academically dishonest and is subject to discipline.
Electronic Plagiarism
The Internet provides an extraordinary amount of information to students, which requires students to be both
selective and careful in its application. When using information from Internet sites, textbooks or other
materials, it is extremely critical that students properly reference each source. Subject teachers will be able to
provide students with appropriate referencing formats to ensure that credit is given to source materials. Acts
of copying materials or ideas directly from another source without referencing are considered plagiarism and
will result in severe penalties ranging from mark reductions, awards of “zero” on assignments, suspension or
other disciplinary action.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Bishop McNally High School Diploma
The Bishop McNally High School Diploma represents the mission and values of our school community. In
addition to the Alberta High School Diploma requirements, Bishop McNally High School students must
successfully complete their Religious Education Courses (9 credits). Students who are successful in these
requirements are eligible to participate in the Convocation Exercises.
ALBERTA HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
Bishop McNally High School Diploma
Programs
English
Credits
15
11
Social Studies
Mathematics 5 credits in Grade 11
Science 5 credits in Grade 11
Physical Education 10
Career and Life Management
Subtotal
Career & Technology Studies or Fine Arts or
a Second Language (can be used in
combination)
Two Grade 12 Courses in addition to English
and Social Studies
Religious Studies
15
10
10
3
3
56
Other Credits
TOTAL
15
100
10
10
9
Students may not bring any papers, notes of any kind, headsets, audio cassette/CD players, digital and
audio players, cell phones, pagers, or books other than those allowed into the examination room. No handheld electronic dictionaries are allowed. Students must ensure that dictionaries and references used for
Part(ie) A of English Language Arts 30-1, English Languages Arts 30-2, French Language Arts 30, Social
Studies 30-1 and Social Studies 30-2, Études Sociales 30-1 and all calculators are completely free of notes or
study materials.
Any student in possession of materials not allowed in examination rooms will have his/her mark
invalidated.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Advanced Placement (AP)
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program gives students the opportunity to enter a universe of knowledge that
might otherwise remain unexplored in high school. The AP program provides access to quality education,
accelerates learning and rewards academic excellence. Through AP exams, you have the opportunity to earn
credit or advanced standing at many colleges and universities. AP is currently offered in English, Math, Art,
French and in the Sciences. Contact the AP facilitator for more information.
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Extended French Program
The Extended French program allows students to achieve a French Language Diploma in recognition of their
bilingual studies. To be eligible to receive this diploma a student must successfully complete 15 credits in
French Language Arts and an additional 15 credits in Social Studies and/or Math Pure. Students must have 10
credits in French Language courses at the 30 level. The requirements for the French Language Diploma are in
addition to those required for a Bishop McNally High School Diploma.
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
RAP is a way for high school students to become apprentices, and earn credits toward a high school diploma
and hours toward an apprenticeship at the same time. An apprentice is someone learning a trade while he or
she is employed in that trade. Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training, work experience and
technical training in a trade. Please contact the RAP Coordinator for more details.
Work Experience 15, 25, 35
Once enrolled in a work experience course a student can earn up to fifteen credits toward their high school
diploma. Three, five, seven, or ten credits can be awarded at each level. The courses may be taken nonsequentially. Students can complete and earn credits at the 35 level before completing work experience 15 or
25.
Prerequisite for Off-Campus Employment
Students must complete CTR1010, which is the job preparation module. These booklets may be signed out
from the library. Upon successful completion of this module students will earn a credit toward their high
school diploma.
Self Directed Study/U Learn courses on-line
Self Directed Studies provides students an opportunity to gain credits in certain courses independently. Please
contact your Teacher Advisor and Student Services regarding eligibility.
COURSE REGISTRATION & SCHEDULING
Schedule Changes
Changes to student schedules should be completed before the beginning of the semester. If a course is full, a
student must select an alternate course. No schedule changes will be allowed other than for the following
reasons:
 graduation requirements
 failure in prerequisite course
 summer school credit in course
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 balancing core courses
Course Pre-requisites
Students should have 60% in a preceding course in English, Math, Social Studies or in any of the Sciences. If
they do not meet with the pre-requisite but have a passing grade and wish to take the subsequent course, a
Probationary Course Contract can be put in place by the subject teacher. At the end of probationary period, a
decision will be made for the student to either continue in the course or be moved to the lower level. Contact
your Teacher Advisory or Student Services for more information.
Spare Periods
Students choose courses that meet graduation requirements with help from their parents or guardians and
their Teacher Advisor. Students must keep a full schedule with the following exceptions:
 Grade 10 – One spare period
 Grade 11 – Two spare periods/ one per semester
 Grade 12 – One/Two spare period each semester

Students are expected to be in SDS/D2L Centre, Library, the Cafeteria or off campus (with parental consent)
during their spare period. Loitering in the hallways is prohibited. Students with 5th period spares and without
extra-curricular activities are encouraged to leave campus.
Fourth Year Students
Students wishing to upgrade course marks or complete high school requirements must do so at:
St. Anne High School
1010 – 21 Avenue SE
(403)500-2013
www.saintanne.ca
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bus Passes
Students are required to purchase bus passes at local convenient store and then get reimbursed by the
District.
Chaplain
The Chaplain serves the school community in our faith journey. The Chaplain is available to give personal
guidance in matters which concern Catholic faith. He or she also coordinates school liturgical celebrations,
masses and student retreats.
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Cafeteria
The cafeteria offers soups, salads, sandwiches and full meals. The cafeteria will be open for service before
school and at noon only. Students are to remove all garbage from the eating area. This will make the cafeteria
a pleasant place to eat and socialize. Hot water and microwaves are available for student use in the cafeteria
area. All food services are offered by our Culinary Arts classes with revenues remaining at the school for all
students to benefit from.
Career Centre
The Career Centre offers assistance to students in developing an understanding of careers and providing
information to achieve these goals. It is staffed by a Career Practitioner and offers a host of services such as:
 Career exploration and research
 Job Fair information & Job boards
 Post-Secondary research & presentations
 Self assessment tools and interest inventories
 Resume writing, cover letters, and interview skills
 Work search strategies and job research skills
 Various career guest speakers
Door Access
All doors are locked during class hours except for the main door. Late students must enter through the main
door. This is to ensure a safe environment for our students, visitors and school personnel.
Illness
Students who feel ill at school must report to their teacher during class time or to the main office during other
times. Students will be given an opportunity to contact their parents. Their parent or guardian will then speak
to school office staff in order to grant permission to go home. Only independent students are permitted to
sign themselves out in the main office.
KARA
The KARA Program is designed to allow pregnant and parenting teens to continue with regular high school
classes. It provides a Community of Caring by making available services such as:
 Support to complete education
 Personal and Adoption counseling
 Parenting skills
 Health and Social Worker Services
 Volunteer support
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Library
The library is open before and after school, as well as during school hours for research, studying, audio-visual
viewing and listening to approved materials, small supervised study groups, computer access and recreational
reading. There is a two-week loan period for books with a limit of five books out at any one time. ID must be
used to borrow materials and to enter the library. The book drop outside the library entrance may be used at
any time for returns.
Certain materials, such as reference books, magazines and audio-visual materials are restricted to library use
only. An on-line catalogue is provided to find library materials. Internet access and a variety of computer
programs are provided for general knowledge and to help students with research assignments and school
work.
School Resource Officer
Since 1974, high schools in Calgary have benefited from the School Resource Officers (SRO) Program. Offered
by the Calgary Police Service (CPS), this program allows a police constable to be assigned to work within the
high school environment. The officer assigned to Bishop McNally brings a wealth of knowledge gained from
working in various areas of the CPS.
The officer’s primary role is to promote a positive relationship between the CPS and the students of Bishop
McNally High School. The SRO may also provide the following services:
 In class lectures
 Individual or group counseling
 Conflict resolution
 Criminal investigations
If any concerns arise within the school community, the SRO may conduct an investigation. Although the SRO
cooperates with school administration, their investigations and actions are conducted independently. As the
name suggests, the SRO is a resource to the school. Contact our SRO at 500-2091 local 384, or at their office
on Main Street, Room 1040.
Student Services
The Counseling Department at Bishop McNally High School is here to assist students and parents as much as
possible. All our counselors are trained with a Masters Degree, and can assist you in scheduling classes,
career-exploration, referrals, scholarships and post-secondary areas, personal and social/emotional issues,
short term individual counseling, group counseling and referral to district programs and outside professionals
and agencies.
If you son/daughter wishes to access any of the counselors, an appointment may be made directly with the
secretary or by asking their teacher advisor to assist them in accessing counseling services.
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Parking
Student parking is available in the south east parking lot only. Vehicles must be registered with the business
office and a Parking Tag must be visibly displayed in the vehicle ($10.00 year). Vehicles without tags may be
ticketed and towed. Loitering, stunting, and littering in the parking lot is prohibited and may result in
disciplinary action and loss of parking lot use.
Student Drop-Off
Students should be dropped off in the Student parking lot. Please
advise your ride that the use of the staff parking lot is for visitors
and staff only.
Travel Regulations
Students participating in school-sponsored or extra-curricular activities must use school arranged
transportation (i.e. charter bus, volunteer driver, school van). Volunteer drivers must be registered with the
school office.
Visitors
Bishop McNally High School is a Closed Campus. Anyone who is not a student at Bishop McNally must sign in
at the main office. Authorized visitors will be issued visitor passes so that they may be readily identified.
Students are not to invite friends to visit Bishop McNally during the school day. They will be considered
unwelcome visitors and will be asked to leave. If they are found on school property, including the parking lot
and school grounds, they may be charged with trespassing by the Calgary Police Service as per the School Act
{Sec 21 (1) (C)}. Similarly, Bishop McNally students may NOT visit other schools unless they are on school
sanctioned business.
Alcohol and Drugs
Possession, use or distribution of banned substances is strictly prohibited. Students using, possessing or in the
presence of others using drugs or alcohol will face disciplinary action including, but not limited to, parental
contact, community service, suspension, mandatory counseling, Calgary Police Service intervention,
redirection and expulsion.
Dress Code
Students must dress in a manner that reflects a Catholic School environment. Students who dress
inappropriately will be asked to change or cover up with t-shirts provided by the school office. Inappropriate
attire in school includes:
 hats, head wear, coats and outside garments
 excessively short clothing that is too revealing
 unkempt clothing
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tank tops, muscle shirts
beach wear, tank tops/dresses with spaghetti straps or open backs
clothing depicting indecent language or illustrations
studded clothing i.e. bracelets, neck bracelets, jackets, etc. may NOT be worn to school if deemed
inappropriate
 and for anything that may cause a distraction to the learning of others




Physical Education Clothing
All students are required to wear appropriate clothing for PE class. Failure to do so will result in a lower unit
mark and prevent the students from participating in the activity of the day. Students who do not come
prepared for class will not be allowed to participate in that day’s PE activities. These students will instead be
given an assignment or task to complete in the physical education area.
Lockers
Lockers are the property of Bishop McNally High School and are loaned to students. Teacher Advisors govern
the assignment and use of their student advisees lockers. Students may not share their combination with
other students nor arbitrarily exchange lockers with another individual. Lockers may be searched at anytime,
by administration, for reasons of safety and security.
Lockers in the Physical Education change rooms are for class period use only. Students are responsible to
provide their own locks for class use. Locks and the locker contents are to be removed daily. Locks that are left
on lockers after class may be removed and the contents placed in the lost and found.
The PE change rooms are a high theft area and students are advised to keep all valuables in their personal
lockers and not in the change rooms.
Bishop McNally High School is not responsible for lost and stolen items. Lost & found is available outside the
PE office and in the Main Office.
Electronic Devices
Electronic communication devices such as cell phones and I-pods, should not be brought into classrooms.
Students are advised to secure these devices in their personal lockers or leave them at home. These devices
may be confiscated if they interfere with teaching and learning. Also, if lost or stolen, Bishop McNally will NOT
spend the time assisting the student to get them back.
Cards
Cards and card games are NOT permitted anywhere in the school. Administration may grant permission for
such activities at certain times of the year.
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Bullying & Harassment
Bullying is harassment and is strictly prohibited by the Criminal Code of Canada. It is any behaviour, verbal or
non-verbal, that is hurtful or humiliating to another person. It includes behavior such as intimidating looks,
offensive or intimidating electronic communication through the internet or phone, pushing and shoving,
comments regarding race, gender and physical appearance, insults, swearing, lewd or sexual comments,
threats to physically harm and unwanted physical contact.
Students who exhibit this behavior will face disciplinary action including but not limited to parental contact,
mediation, community service, suspension, Calgary Police Service intervention, redirection and expulsion.
Students who are bullied or want to learn about healthy relationships are encouraged to contact their TA,
Student Services, Chaplain and other programs at Bishop McNally High School to create a Safe & Caring
Community.
Computer & Internet Policy
All students are provided with a username and password that will allow them access to Bishop McNally’s
student network. Students must sign an Internet Acceptable Use Form in order to use school computers.
Unauthorized access, vandalism and hacking are serious offenses and will result in disciplinary action. Consult
your TA for more information.
Skateboards & Bicycles
Skateboards and bicycles are not to be driven on the Bishop McNally High School campus. Bicycles must be
locked securely in designated areas. Skateboards may be stored in personal lockers.
Smoking Policy
Smoking or possession of tobacco products on the Bishop McNally High School campus is strictly prohibited.
The Prevention of Youth Tobacco Use Act prohibits persons under the age of 18 from the possession or
smoking of tobacco in a public place. Students in breach of this Act may be charged. The fine is $115.00.
Students are encouraged to contact AADAC regarding smoking cessation programs.
Visible Identification Cards (ID)
All students must wear visible student identification at all times. Students are provided an ID card and a
student timetable label at the beginning of the year. Students may not be permitted access to classes,
computer labs, library, business office and exams without an ID card. Lost or stolen ID ($5.00) and lanyards
($2.00) and may be purchased at the main office.
Hallway Passes
Students must exchange their ID for a teacher’s hallway pass if they leave the classroom for any reason
(bathroom, library, etc.). The hallway pass is again exchanged for the ID upon returning to class.
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Athletics
Bishop McNally High School students are active in many sports throughout the year. Students are encouraged
to participate in active living by participating in one of the Timberwolves teams.
Badminton
Basketball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Football
Rugby
Soccer
Swimming
Track & Field
Volleyball
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Athletics Eligibility
Students have 3 years of athletics eligibility beginning in Grade 10. A student must maintain good
academic standing and regular attendance before and after their athletic season in order to maintain
eligibility. Students must also maintain a minimum course load in order to participate in athletics.
Concerns with attendance, grades and behaviour may mean loss of athletics eligibility. Please consult
the Dean of Active Living for more details.
Clubs & Activities
Students participate in a variety of clubs at Bishop McNally High School. Examples of activities that have
occurred include:
 Dance
 Fitness
 Talent Show
 Yearbook
 Catholic Community of Caring Action Committee
 Intramurals
 Student Council
Music
Students participate musically in Choir and Concert Band. Music groups stage public performances at
Mass, convocation and other activities. Bishop McNally High School generally sponsors one Spring Band
Trip.
Student Council
Bishop McNally’s Student Council works to promote school spirit and pride. The council fosters
communication among student groups and serves as the voice of the students in the community. Its
goal is to enrich school life by sponsoring social, academic, and seasonal activities, and encouraging
learning experiences for everyone. Executive positions are filled through Spring elections. The Grade 10
Representative is chosen in October. Every TAG is eligible to send a representative to the General
Council.
Have a great 2013 – 2014 School Year!!
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