Christ the King School
School Handbook
(this document is presently under review and is subject to change)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL
Page
I. Vision, Mission and Covenant of Shared Values 2
II. Teacher-Parent-Student Responsibilities 2
III. Duties of Pupils According to Education Act 1995 4
IV. Specific Student Responsibilities – General, Bikes 4
Gymnasium, Hallway, Playground, Washrooms
V. Organization of the School – Staff, Administration 6
School Board, School Hours
VI. Program – Assembly, Awards, Extracurricular 7
Library, Physical Education, Resource Room, School,
Safety Patrols, Spiritual Development,
Sacramental Program
VII School Policy – Absenteeism, Dress Code, Homework, 9
Illness-Accidents, Medication, Lost and Found, Message
To Students, Noon Hour, School Supplies and Texts,
School Fees, Storm Policy, School Closure, Agenda Book, Student Evaluation, Telephone, Policy re Vehicles on School Grounds, Communication, Computer Usage and Electronic items.
VISION
Serving God’s Children in a Spiritual Learning Environment.
MISSION
Christ the King School community is dedicated to teaching God’s children: spiritually, academically, and physically. Christ reigns in everything that we do, the Christ who said, “Let the little children come to me”
COVENANT OF SHARED VALUES
Life is a gift from God and, therefore, each person is unique and special.
All members of Christ the King School community will receive a foundation in Catholic Christian values to support their spiritual, academic, and physical lifelong journey.
Christ the King will provide the tools necessary for academic excellence.
Christ the King is an inclusive community, which welcomes all who wish to experience a Catholic Christian education. A warm and caring environment is an attribute of a Catholic School.
Christ the King is open to change that will enhance student and staff achievement. Assuming that it is possible and practical, and there is an adequate level of understanding and maturity, decisions will be made by those at the level most directly affected by the decisions.
TEACHER-PARENT-STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The education of each child is a jointly shared responsibility of teachers, students, and parents. Together they are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive school climate – a learning environment in which all will find it easier to learn. Christ the King School is a place where there is a joint effort to learn, relate, and grow.
At Christ the King School, we believe that it is our job to provide students with a safe place where all students can feel respected, needed, valued, and responsible. It is our job to provide them with tools – how to speak and act with respect for each other – to become persons who can build a good and decent society.
EDUCATION ACT 1995
DUTIES OF PUPILS
Section 150
In the exercise of his/her right of access to the schools of the division and to the benefits of the educational services provided by the board of education, every pupil shall co-operate fully with all persons employed by the board and such other persons who have been lawfully assigned responsibilities and functions with respect to the instructional program of the school or such special or ancillary services as may be provided or approved by the board or the department and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, every pupil shall:
a) attend school regularly and punctually;
b) provide himself with such supplies and materials not furnished by the board of education and may be considered necessary to his/her course of study by the principal;
c) observe standards approved by the board of education with respect to cleanliness and tidiness of person, general deportment, obedience, courtesy and respect of the rights of other persons;
d) be diligent in his/her studies;
e) conform to the rules of the school approved by the board of education and submit to such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm, and judicious parent. 1995, c17,s.149
SPECIFIC STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
General
The student will:
1. help to keep the school clean – avoiding things, which will make cleaning difficult – sunflower seeds, etc.
2. use designated entrances
3. report damage and accidents to the supervising teacher.
4. assume responsibility for actions, which cause damage to student or school property.
5. go outdoors before 8:55 a.m., during recess or noon hour unless the weather is inclement – Principal in consultation with the supervisor is responsible for determining if students should go outside.
6. wear clean footwear indoors.
Bikes
Students will:
1. walk bikes in and out of the school grounds.
2. place their bikes in the racks provided for them.
3. drive their bikes respecting the rules of bicycle safety,
4. walk their bicycles across intersections patrolled by the Safety Patrol.
Gymnasium
Students will:
1. help to keep the gymnasium neat and tidy by returning equipment properly.
2. keep the change rooms tidy and organized.
3. wear suitable clothing.
4. enter the gymnasium only when given permission.
5. follow teacher directions.
6. move about the gymnasium in a manner, which will ensure the safety of self and others.
7. demonstrate good sportsmanlike behavior.
Hallway
Students will:
1. walk in the hallways.
2. walk and/or work in the hallway quietly. Playground equipment will be used outdoors.
3. help to keep the hallway clean.
Playground
Students will:
1. help to keep the playground clean.
2. use good manners.
3. treat others in a polite, courteous, and respectful manner.
4. use equipment properly and safely.
5. return all equipment to the appropriate place in the classroom.
6. return to classrooms immediately following the bell.
7. remove outer footwear at the entrance near the door during time when the playground is wet/or muddy.
Washrooms/Change Rooms
Students will:
1. talk quietly inside the washroom
2. help keep the washroom clean and pleasant.
3. practice good health habits.
4. treat everyone in a polite and courteous manner.
School Hours
There is no specific school opening time. We do begin offering supervision at 8:40 AM and offer supervision until the last student leaves the school at the end of the day. Classes begin at 8:55 AM and end at 12:05 PM for Lunch. Classes resume at 12:55 PM and are dismissed at 3:25 PM.
ASSEMBLY
Assemblies are generally held on a weekly basis in conjunction with what would be a Kindergarten day.
AWARDS
We believe that students should be recognized for their efforts and achievements through an awards system. In addition to regular classroom awards throughout the school year, awards at weekly assemblies and at the year-end award assembly recognize students.
Each week students are chosen by staff for the “Student of the Week” Award. At the end of each month, one student in K – 3 and one student in 4 – 7 is awarded “Student of the Month”
In June, students are recognized for their efforts and achievements throughout the school year.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
A variety of extra-curricular activities are offered during lunch hour or after school. These programs provide students with an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities for enjoyment or skill development.
a) Intramural Program
Students in Kindergarten through Grade 7 are organized into four Houses. Activities will be organized to allow the students to compete against other houses. Records will be kept of student participation and points will be awarded for both participation and wins/losses. Participation will be emphasized over winning. Students will participate in a combination of school spirit activities and sports such as volleyball, basketball, badminton, etc. Each house will be subdivided into junior and senior groups to allow students to participate in higher skilled activities.
b) Extra-curricular
Students also have opportunities to develop and practice skills through noon hour or after school programs, which may include drama, music, volleyball, basketball, etc.
Participation is voluntary.
LIBRARY
A school library is an integral part of a school program. It is a center providing print and non-print materials for the use of staff and students. All materials must be signed out. The borrowing period is usually 6 school days.
Students are expected to take good care of their library books. Please help your child care for the library materials by providing a safe place for them at home and by making sure they are returned when due.
When students lose or damage library materials, a nominal fee will be charged. If the book is found later, the fees will be reimbursed.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is one of the required areas of study. Therefore, all students are expected to participate as fully as possible based on their level of skill and development. Students who may be unable to participate for medical reasons must bring a note from home or a medical certificate.
Students are asked to wear clothing, which allows them to participate freely in all activities. In Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, and 3 students are encouraged to wear loose fitting clothing. In Grades 4 – 7 students are required to have separate gym clothes.
All students are required to have a clean, soft soled, non-marking pair of indoor or gym running shoes.
SCHOOL SAFETY PATROLS
Students in Grade 4 through 7 may volunteer to serve on our School Safety Patrol. These students provide a valuable service to students by ensuring that they can safely cross the busy intersections near Christ the King School at 3:25 PM.
These students are under the supervision of a classroom teacher.
ALL STUDENTS AND ADULTS who cross the intersections, which are patrolled, are expected to use and obey the patrols.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Christ the King School exists to foster and promote the spiritual development of children of the Catholic faith. Therefore, the school devotes a minimum of two hours religious instruction in each 5-day cycle. In addition, students are made aware of their spiritual obligations and traditions through Penitential Services, School Masses, and participation in Parish activities.
Prayer is considered vital to the spiritual development of all Christians. Therefore, prayer is integrated into various school routines and programs.
Father John Mock, our parish priest, works closely with the staff to support the religious programs.
While religious instruction is a vital part of the instructional program at Christ the King, the school cannot and should not assume full responsibility for spiritual development of students. Our efforts are minimized if the home is not prepared to undertake the major part of this responsibility.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
In keeping with the direction of the CCCB we support through our religious instruction the role of parents in preparing their children for the sacraments.
SCHOOL POLICY
ABSENTEEISM
When a child will be absent from classes, we ask parents to inform the classroom teacher by a written note or by telephone indicating the reason for the absence prior to 9:00 a.m. on the first day the child is absent. If contact is not made, the school secretary will contact the parent(s) between 9:00 a.m. and 10: 00 a.m.
.
SCHOOL DRESS CODE
The school dress code should reflect good taste and judgment. Students are expected to dress appropriately in relation to their activities at school and in relation to the outdoor weather.
Clothing or any other item worn on the body, such as jewelry, tattoos, etc should not be offensive to others, with regard to race, gender, language, drug and alcohol abuse, images, etc.
Summer attire for students K-3 no short shorts or daisy duke shorts are allowed. Spaghetti strap tank tops are to be tasteful and unrevealing. Mid drift is to be covered, and no under garments are to be exposed. . Boys are allowed to wear muscle shirts that have a tailored seam that are no more than 2 fingers of skin revealed under the arm or on the side of the body.
Students 4-7 no short shorts or daisy duke shorts are allowed, spaghetti strap tank tops are to be tasteful and unrevealing If bra straps are exposed the shirt is inappropriate. Midriff is to be covered, and no undergarments are to be exposed. Boys are allowed to wear muscle shirts that have a tailored seam that are no more than 2 fingers of skin revealed under the arm or on the side of the body
Headgear, hats, visors, and any other accessory that covers the students head is to be removed upon entering the school. Bandanas that are worn as hair accessories are not to be worn as a head covering.
For safety purposes, foot wear must be worn at all times in the school, and on the school grounds.
For Gym periods, students K-3 are expected to wear appropriate clothing that will allow them to move freely in order to participate in the activities. Students 3-7 are expected to have a gym strip with them that includes, shorts and or sweat pants, t- shirt, socks and appropriate gym shoes. The student is responsible to take these items home to have them washed throughout the year.
Principal teachers and Support Staff have the authority to require students not conforming to these guidelines to change into suitable clothing immediately which may result in the students being sent home.
HOMEWORK
Student achievement is enhanced through regular and appropriate homework, which reinforces skills, which a student is learning.
Teachers are expected to give students time to work on assignments in class. Students are expected to complete these assignments as assigned by the teacher.
The purpose of homework usually involves:
a) completing assigned exercises not completed in class time.
b) researching and reporting on specific topics
c) reviewing work previously taken in preparation for assessments
Students in Grades 1 through 3 are expected to do an average of approximately 15 minutes (quality time) per day three/four times per week. Students in Grades 4 through 6 can expect on average approximately 30 minutes (quality time) per day, three/four times per week. Students in Grade 7 can expect an average of approximately 45 minutes (quality time) per day, three/four times per week.: It is the policy of the school to exercise moderation with respect to homework requirements.
Students who regularly exceed these general guidelines may require program adjustments. Therefore, parents are urged to communicate any concerns to the classroom teacher.
ILLNESS-ACCIDENTS
When a child becomes ill or is injured at school, a teacher, supervisor, or principal checks him/her Parents are informed immediately if the child requires further treatment or would be most comfortable resting at home.
Students are not sent home during school hours unless a parent/guardian has been contacted.
When it is deemed that a child requires medical attention, every possible effort will be made to contact a parent/guardian or other designated person.
MEDICATION
Every attempt shall be made by the parent/guardian to arrange for any special medicinal attention required by their child independent of school personnel at Christ the King School.
An individual serving as an employee or volunteer of Christ the King is not compelled to administer medication to any student. However, in cases of a student who may be considered incapable of self-administration, an employee or volunteer shall have the freedom of choice to act according to the following:
1. If any school personnel at Christ the King School freely and willingly agrees to take the responsibility of administering medication, the parent’s /guardian’s written request shall be filed with the school principal specifically outlining the need, the measured amount, the time and/or the frequency of administering the medication and other pertinent directions. Request forms are available from the principal.
2. The written request shall include a statement which waives any legal claim against school personnel acting in good faith while responding to medicinal need of the student.
3. The principal shall make provision for adequate orientation to staff regarding the medicinal need of the student requiring special attention.
4. A staff member may obtain further orientation and/or training on his/her initiative.
5. It shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the school with measured and updated amounts of medication required.
6. The principal shall ensure security of any medication at the school level.
7. It shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to keep the school updated in writing on any changes to the student’s medicinal condition, which may affect any school-based assistance.
Should the school feel itself incapable of dealing with a parent/guardian’s request to provide special medicinal care to a student the principal shall so notify the parent/guardian in writing.
None of the above shall restrict anyone from acting instinctively and in good faith in the event of an emergency situation.
In the event that a parent/guardian chooses to have a child self-administer medication, prescription or non-prescription drugs, the parent/guardian shall indicate in writing that their child has medication at the school (this includes inhalers). School personnel shall not be responsible for the administration of the medication but will only ensure that the medication is stored in such a manner that other students do not have easy access to the medication.
LOST AND FOUND
Articles which are found in the school or school grounds are placed in the “Lost and Found Box” in the hallway. Items which are very small or considered valuable will be kept at the Principal’s office.
Parents are encouraged to check the Lost and Found Box on a regular basis. Items will be kept until the end of June, at which time the articles will be disposed of.
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS
Parents are encouraged to leave messages at the office for their children. Students will be called to the telephone when special circumstances warrant it.
NOON HOUR
As Christ the King School serves the needs of both rural and town students, noon hour supervision is provided for all rural students who must stay at the school for lunch.
Town students are encouraged to go home for lunch if possible. However, they are welcome to stay for lunch at the school when home situations, walking distance, weather conditions, school noon hour activities, etc. warrant it. Town students are reminded that eating lunch at school is a privilege and not a right. Students earn this privilege by conducting themselves in a polite and courteous manner.
Supervision is provided during the noon hour by school staff. Students eat lunch in their classroom from 12:00 to 12:20. During this period, students are expected to remain seated in their assigned seats. Students who have completed their lunch at 12:20 are dismissed. Those not finished may remain until 12:25 to complete their lunch.
Students are expected to be outdoors for the remainder of the noon hour unless weather is inclement – the principal, in consultation with the staff supervisor, is responsible for determining if students should go outside.
Bus students are expected to remain on school property during the noon hour. Written parent permission is required for students to leave the school grounds. This permission should be communicated to the homeroom teacher.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND TEXTS
Christ the King School Division supplies textbooks and workbooks free of charge for each student. Students are responsible for all textbooks issued to them and will be responsible for the lost or damaged texts.
Students are expected to provide their own pencils, pens, rulers, notebooks, and related supplies. Lists of materials required for the school year are distributed in June.
\
Student Fees Kindergarten to Grade 3
Kdgn Gr 1& 2 Gr 3
|
Extra Curricular Field Trip |
6.00 |
$9.00 |
$9.00 |
|
Arts Ed Enrichment |
$6.00 |
$7.00 |
$7.00 |
|
Classroom Consumables |
$6.00 |
$7.00 |
$7.00 |
|
Student Agenda Book |
|
$6.00 |
$6.00 |
|
Total |
$18.00 |
$29.00 |
$29.00 |
Student Fees Grade 4 to 7
Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6/7
|
Extra Curricular Field Trip |
9.00 |
$9.00 |
$9.00 |
|
Arts Ed Enrichment |
$7.00 |
$7.00 |
$7.00 |
|
Classroom Consumables |
$7.00 |
$7.00 |
$7.00 |
|
Student Agenda Book |
$6.00 |
$6.00 |
$6.00 |
|
Ski Trip |
$6.00 |
$6.00 |
$6.00 |
|
Total |
$35 |
$35 |
$35 |
STORM POLICY
Every year all students are assigned to billets with which they will stay in the event that a storm causes school closure and the school buses from leaving town. If the storm is very severe, they will be bussed to their billet. These billets are indicated on the fall registration sheet in early September.
Students will walk to their billets in town (weather permitting) or if the storm is very severe, they will be bussed to their billet.
If during a storm parents come to pick up their children, please be sure to notify the teacher or teachers concerned, that your child is going home with you. In this way, the school keeps a record of which children have left the school, and with whom.
With your co-operation the safety of the students will be looked after in a quick and efficient manner.
If Buses are Not Running
If buses are not running due to busing policy the school will still be open and teachers will provide productive instruction to the students who are present. If a significant number of students are absent no new concepts will be taught, but students will be engaged in opportunities that will include either review or extension of learning.
We do not wish to put students or parents in any danger. Therefore in circumstances of severe weather the school will respect the parent’s discretion regarding their child/ren’s attendance and all student absences will be recorded as “absent excused”.
AGENDA BOOK
Each student will have an agenda book. This is an essential tool to aid in communication with the home. School staff will sign the agenda book each day and communicate to the home what homework is expected to be completed, when tests are, special events that are taking place, and positive comments concerning the student. Parents are expected to sign the agenda book each day, also to let the school know that they are aware of homework expectations, tests, upcoming special events, etc. Agenda books are paid for partially by student fees and will be the student’s to take home at the end of the year.
STUDENT EVALUATION
Evaluation of student progress is continual. We look upon evaluation as a very important and integral part of the learning process.
In Grades 1 – 7, pupil progress is reported three times throughout the school year.
November – Progress Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Interviews
March – Progress Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Interviews
June – Progress Report Cards
In Kindergarten, pupil progress is reported as follows:
November and March – Parent-Teacher Interviews
December and June – Progress Report Cards
In addition, frequent informal communication is encouraged. This may occur in the form of phone calls, notes, samples of work, quizzes, tests, etc.
TELEPHONE
Students may use the telephone to make necessary calls, but they must obtain permission from the homeroom teacher. Students are not allowed to use Cell Phones during school hours.
POLICY re: Vehicles on School Grounds
Only vehicles, which are authorized by the school board, may have access to Christ the King School property. Authorized vehicles mainly include delivery and maintenance vehicles.
COMMUNICATION
We encourage parents to maintain close contact with the school throughout the school year. The co-operation of the staff and parents provides for a healthy atmosphere for the development of the child.
Staff uses a number of means of communication; - monthly school newsletter – classroom newsletters – parent-teacher interviews – telephone conferences – agenda book.
COMPUTER USAGE
Christ the King School requires parent permission in order to post student work and/or his/her photo on the School Website, and also to assure proper use of the School’s computers. Permission forms will be sent home.
Bullying Bottom Line
Preamble
In order to create as safe, nurturing environment where students and staff are respected as children of God, students and staff are expected to exercise the self-discipline of respect. Based on this bullying and harassment are not acceptable behaviour.
What is bullying?
Bullying is where a child or group of children keep taking advantage of the power they have to hurt or reject someone else. Some of the ways children bully another child include: calling them names, or saying or writing nasty comments about them, leaving them out of activities or not talking to them, threatening them, or making them feel uncomfortable or scared, stealing or damaging their things, hitting or kicking them, or making them do things they don't want to do.
What the school can do.
If bullying is reported:
1. Deal with specific incidents in a timely manner. This way the incident either has or has not occurred.
2. Talk to parties involved surrounding the incident including students who witnessed the incident.
3. Contact the parents of the victim and the bully outlining the concern.
Depending on circumstance, the following guideline would be followed. If offences are more serious or prolonged in nature, Stages 1, 2 or even 3; may be passed over. In every stage the victim and bully will meet with the principal or designate to discuss impact of actions.
First Stage
1. Students are given a verbal reprimand and are placed on a probationary period.
2. Parents of students are contacted.
3. Staff is made aware of the incident and the parties involved to be vigilant.
4. The student who was the bully will write a formal letter of apology, outlining the negative impact of the behaviour.
Second Stage
The consequences listed above and the following.
1. Loss of minor privileges. (Recess, Lunch hour privileges, House League Activities)
2. Counseling services may be recommended.
Third Stage
The Consequences listed above and the following.
1. Loss of major privileges such as field trips, swimming activities, extra curricular activities.
2. Counseling services will be mandatory upon agreement of parent and principal.
Fourth Stage
The consequences listed above and the following
1. One to three day in school suspension.
Fifth Stage
The consequences listed above and the following
1. One to three day out of suspension. Or alternative arrangements as made by parent and principal.
This bottom line was created in consultations with Student of Christ the King School, Christ the King School Staff and passed by Christ the King School Community Council at a meeting on May 6, 2009. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact the school.
