SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 First Day of Instruction
Thursday, June 30, 2011 Last Day of Instruction
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAYS
Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 Provincial Education Priorities
Friday, Oct. 8, 2010 Faith Day
Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 Parent/Teacher Interviews
Monday, Jan. 31, 2011 Report Card Writing
Friday, April 8, 2011 Provincial Education Priorities
Friday, June 10, 2011 Report Card Writing
STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
September 6, 2010 Labour Day
October 11, 2010 Thanksgiving Day
December 20 – Dec. 31, 2010 (incl.) Christmas Break
February 21, 2011 Family Day
March 14 - 18, 2011 (incl.) March Break
April 22, 2011 Good Friday
April 25, 2011 Easter Monday
May 23, 2011 Victoria Day
SCHOOL DAYS
9:05 a.m. Warning Bell
9:10 a.m. Instructional Day Begins
10:35 a.m. Morning Recess
11:40 a.m. JK/SK Dismissal
12:10 p.m. Lunch
1:05 p.m. Warning Bell
1:10 p.m. Instructional Day Resumes
2:30 p.m. Afternoon Recess
3:40 p.m. Students Dismissed
SCHOOL SUPERVISION BEGINS AT 8:55 a.m.
Staff will be available for yard supervision 15 minutes prior to the morning entry bell. For safety reasons, students should not be on the property before this time.
Students will be supervised on bus arrival and departure.
BOARD STAFF DIRECTORY
Director of Education
Mr. Michael Pautler
Superintendent of Education
Mr. J. Langill
Trustee
Arlene Iantomassi; Joanne Matters;
Bob Van de Vrande
St. Mark Administration
Mr. Julius Csernyei, Principal
School Council
St. Mark Catholic School Council is established for the purpose of developing, encouraging and promoting activities which will enhance the quality of school programs and improve levels of student achievement. Council membership includes parent representatives, teaching and non teaching staff members, parish representatives, community representatives and the principal.
The School Council provides advice to the principal and where appropriate, to the School Board, on issues outlined by the Minister of Education in Regulations 612. Elections occur in September of each year.
Student Activity Club (S.A.C.)
Students from Grades 4-8 act as representatives for the Student Activity Club. These representatives are called upon to assist with some assemblies, to organize Spirit Days and other student events, and to undertake outreach activities. As student representatives, they also bring the genuine and reasonable concerns and interests of fellow students to their Student Activity Club Advisor for discussion.
School Policies:
The following procedures are in place to effectively manage our school.
Parents of J.K./S.K. Children:
Your child’s safety and security are our first concern. In this regard, we remind you to drop off your child in the J.K./S.K. yard and leave. This will assist the teacher on duty to better monitor this busy area. Teachers will supervise your child’s safe entry into school 9:00 - 9:10 a.m. and 1:00 - 1:10 p.m.
Safe Arrival at St. Mark School:
St. Mark School has a Safe Arrival Program to ensure the safe arrival of the children to the school. When we do not have an indication of the whereabouts of a student, our procedure is to:
§ Call home;
§ Call the parent/guardian at work;
§ Call the emergency contact number;
§ Phone police after all means have been exhausted.
If a student is going to be absent from school, a parent/guardian is asked to call the Safe Arrival Line at (905) 336-3911 and leave a message on the answering machine. Please state the student’s name, grade, teacher, reason, and probable length of absence.
The student is responsible for finding out what was missed and for catching up. If a student is away for more than two days, she/he should ask a friend to collect handouts and gather other information to make the return to class easier.
Late Slips:
Students who arrive after the instructional day begins must report to the office for a late slip, which will then be shown to the classroom teacher. Such lates are recorded.
Early Leaving:
If it is necessary for the student to leave the school other than at the regular dismissal times, the parent/guardian should advise the teacher, by note, in advance. Understandably, there will be times of emergency when it will not be possible to plan on an early leaving. At that time, a phone call should be made to notify the school.
Lunchtime:
In keeping with the Board’s Policy, students may remain for lunch at the principal’s discretion. Those who do stay are expected to follow rules of behaviour. A note will be required on any day that you give permission for your child to leave school property. These students must sign out and back in at the office. Your child will not be allowed to leave without such a note. Please understand that this note ensures that home and school are aware of your child’s whereabouts during this time.
Medical/Allergies:
Parents of children with life threatening medical concerns/allergies are asked to fully complete a form in September and return it to the school as soon as possible. Also, please provide the school with any required medications. These will be located in the main office area. Students who require an epipen must have one stored in the office and carry one on them at all times.
As well, if your child is taking any type of medication during the school day, we would like you to contact us. We will send you a form that must be completed by your family doctor.
Administration must be informed of all medication being brought on site for proper handling and dispensing.
If your child is ill, we urge you to keep the child at home until she/he has sufficiently recovered and can participate fully in the regular school day, which includes gym and outdoor, recess play.
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco:
The possession, use, or sale of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is not allowed on school property or at any school-related activity.
Contact information- Email, Address and Telephone Number Changes:
Changes in your email address, work or home address, telephone number or other pertinent information must be reported immediately to the Main Office. Much of our information will be relayed to you by email so please let the office know if you are making changes to your email address or if you do not have access to email so we can make other arrangements for information to be sent to your home.
Lost and Found:
There is a lost and found bin located in the school library. Please check it periodically for missing items. Before Christmas and March Break and at the end of June, all items are displayed for the students and whatever is not claimed is bundled up and donated to charity. The secretary has smaller items in the office.
Accidents:
School accidents must be reported as soon as possible. Where necessary, an accident report will be fully completed and duly submitted. As well, Student Accident Insurance covers the students while at school or during school related activities. This insurance is available for all students. Families are encouraged to avail themselves of this service in September. All claims are made directly to the insurance company by the family.
Parents/Visitors to the Office:
Although we want to maintain a welcoming environment at St. Mark, the safety of children is a major concern to staff. Be assured that every precaution will be taken to ensure that your children are safe while attending school.
Parents, when you come on site, you are a visitor and a stranger to most of our students. The board-wide video surveillance program is in effect which means the doors are locked during the school day and all visitors, upon arriving at the school, must page the office from the front door. The secretary will unlock the door for you to enter and report to the office.
To ensure the safety of our students, we ask that all parents/visitors report to the office and state your reason for the visit and you will be invited to sign in and receive a visitors badge or orange vest for the yard.
Staff and students will report all strangers without identification immediately to the office.
Parents/visitors who are in the school as helpers, consultants, or providers of special services as well as board personnel must sign in and must wear the appropriate identification badge.
Pets on the Property:
We want to ensure that no child is at risk of a bite or attack from an animal brought on the school site. Animal behavior can be unpredictable under the conditions of a school environment. For this reason, animals are not permitted on any part of our school property. This includes the parking lots.
Physical Education:
For safety reasons, proper attire is expected to be worn in the gym: i.e. runners, short sleeves, shorts. There must be nothing dangling such as a belt or scarf. Long hair must be tied back. Earrings, watches and rings must be removed. A note from a parent/guardian is required to temporarily exclude a student from regular Physical Education classes. Exclusion from this part of the school program for an extended period requires a note from the family physician.
Recesses:
Recess breaks are an important part of the daily routine and learning. Except in medical circumstances, all students are required to go outside for recess. If a student cannot go outside for fresh air and exercise because of a heavy cough or cold, then that student is likely too contagious with the cold virus to be sitting in the classroom with other children and should remain home.
Lockers:
Lockers are a privilege. Lockers should be kept clean and well organized. Lockers are school board property and may be entered by the staff at any time.
§ Locks are optional for intermediate students. Students must provide their teacher with a copy of their combination.
§ Food must be removed on a daily basis.
§ The Halton Catholic District School Board and the school assume NO responsibility for the safekeeping of any items in lockers. Students should not leave money or valuables in a locker.
Cell Phones, Cameras and Other Valuables at School:
Students are requested to NOT bring valuable personal items to school. Walkmans, disc players, IPods, MP3 Players, game-boys, special pens, etc., are not necessary on school property. They may be broken or misplaced and the school will not accept responsibility for these personal items. As per Board policy, cell phones, pagers, video/camera phones, cameras and recording devices must be silenced and securely stored out of sight by the owner/user setting foot on any Board premises. Cell phones and other personal electronic devices may not be operated/used by students while at school. Students are instructed to use the office phone to contact parents with permission from their teacher.
Care of Property:
Students should not vandalize damage or litter any part of the school environment. They are expected to treat the property of the school and that of other students with respect. This includes all textbooks, furniture, walls, other school items and all items of other students.
Students will be loaned textbooks and other materials for use throughout the year and are expected to pay for their replacement should they lose, deface or damage these materials.
Buses:
The Education Act states that: Every pupil is responsible for her/his conduct to the Principal of the school that the pupil attends....while travelling on a school bus that is owned by a board or on a bus that is under contract to a board.
Riding a school bus/taxi is a privilege; therefore, students shall abide by the school bus regulations:
Students will:
§ Act in a safe and appropriate manner on a bus and at their bus stop;
§ Line up in a safe manner while waiting for the bus;
§ Obey and take direction from the bus driver;
§ Respect the property of neighbours at the bus stop, by keeping off yards and driveways;
§ Keep arms and head inside windows;
§ Keep feet, arms and bags out of the aisle;
§ Remain seated on bus;
§ Use low tones while riding on the bus (no yelling/screaming);
§ Be held responsible and accountable for any damage students do to the bus;
§ Use only appropriate language at all times;
§ Not eat or drink on bus.
Pupils who must cross the street after leaving the bus must go to the right front of the bus and wait for the driver to signal before crossing. The driver must see that the way is clear before signalling pupils to cross. Pupils must never cross behind the bus. If there is a stoplight at the bus stop, students must cross with the light.
Students who miss the bus at dismissal time must report to the office where they will be required to phone home for alternate transportation arrangements.
Bicycle Safety:
Discuss with your child your expectations regarding the safe operation of a bicycle, including the rules of the road as they pertain to bicycles. Please ensure that your child is physically capable of riding a bicycle in a safe manner. As well, please determine that the bicycle is always roadworthy. Students must walk their bicycle on school property and ensure that the bike is securely locked to the bike rack. Helmets must be worn.
Skateboards and in-line skates are not allowed on School Board property.
Playground Safety:
Parents, watch for loose clothing, hoods and scarves which can get caught on playground equipment or fences. Watch also for drawstrings on hoods, hats and jackets; as well as mitten cords and items placed around the neck on a string. These can all strangle a child! Let’s teach our children to play safely.
Homework:
The use of this Agenda is an important step in developing good homework habits.
Learning is a lifelong process which can occur everywhere, not just in school. Research has shown that homework is a valuable tool, if used correctly:
§ if it is related to learning that goes on in the classroom;
§ if parents are involved in supervising and assisting; and
§ if teachers provide input and monitoring.
Homework should provide an opportunity for growth, student responsibility, independence and self-discipline. Homework is intended to provide practice and application of known concepts.
Parents are encouraged to assist their children in setting a time period for homework. Time will vary depending on the age, ability and project requirements of the student.
Students who indicate that they have no homework should work on such activities as: reading a story or novel, practising mathematical number facts, reinforcing language and mathematical concepts, reviewing notes, writing a story, and/or proof reading and editing a story.
Evaluation & Reporting:
The evaluation and reporting of student progress is continuous and ongoing. The form of evaluation may include classroom observations, homework assignments, tests, essays, projects, oral reports, class participation and other productive work as assigned by the teacher.
Parents can expect to receive information on evaluation and reporting at the annual Curriculum Night. Any parent/guardian wishing more information on a student’s progress may contact the student’s teacher.
A mid-term report will be sent to parents in mid November outlining student progress in Learning Skills. Parent/teacher interviews will follow the first term progress report. There will be two formal reports sent home this year – one in mid-February and the other at the end of the school year. A parent/teacher interview can be requested by either the parent or the teacher at any time.
Co-Curricular Program:
We encourage many co-curricular activities and clubs in support of extended learning and education. These activities, some of which are listed below, take place at various times in the school year.
|
Cross Country
Volleyball
Track & Field
Basketball
Faith Club
|
Soccer
Choir
Guitar Club
Free Throw
Games Club |
Musicals/Drama Environment Club
Battle of the Books
PROPS
Student Activity Club |
Volunteers at the School
St. Mark School staff appreciates the valuable contributions of volunteers in the school. Parent volunteers support and enrich classroom programs, school activities and community events. To become a parent volunteer in the school you will require a current Criminal Reference Check and/or a current Volunteer Criminal Offence Declaration Form as well as a Vulnerable Sector Screening. If you anticipate becoming involved in your child’s education by being a volunteer in the school, please ensure that you have provided the school with the necessary documentation.
Code of Conduct for Student Behaviour
The word discipline comes from disciple; someone who follows the teaching of another. The Disciples followed the teachings of Christ. Discipline involves knowing rules and expectations which will help you to make good decisions on how you behave now, and how you will behave in the future. Then you will have self-discipline. Self-discipline means developing rules of behaviour which are important to you. You follow these rules because you know they are right.
Expectations:
At St. Mark School we
§ live our Catholic Faith
§ treat each other with respect
§ show Christian attitudes
§ are considerate
§ work diligently; try our best
§ do our homework
§ walk safely in the hallways
§ follow safety rules
§ play fairly; include each other
§ are environmentally conscious
§ treat school property carefully
§ follow classroom rules
§ arrive promptly and on time
§ inform the office when we are absent or have written permission to leave
§ stay on school property during school hours
Unacceptable Behaviour:
As a student of St. Mark School, we expect you
NOT TO:
§ fight or threaten others
§ use foul or abusive language
§ play games harmful to others
§ make fun or belittle others
§ endanger others’ welfare
§ throw rocks, snowballs, or any objects that could injure another person
§ damage school property or others’ belongings
§ bring dangerous objects to school
§ take other peoples’ belongings
§ leave school property without permission
School Dress Code
Current fashions in clothing may cause problems if they are worn to school, regardless of grade level. Please consider the following when you send your child to school:
- Observing modesty in dress may be an old fashioned concept in the rest of the society but it does have a place in our Catholic School.
- Spaghetti straps, tube tops, tank tops, muscle tops and halter tops often end up falling off a child’s shoulders, are easily pulled down by active play and, in general, interfere with a child’s ability to move about easily. These are not allowed at school.
- All shirts should have a sleeve to cover the shoulder (for girls and boys) OR shirts sleeves may end at the shoulder provided they are at the shoulder seam and are not cut off.
- Shorts, skirts, and skorts should comfortably cover to the mid-thighs when seated.
- Tops should not be cropped (if they expose the stomach when arms are raised above the head they are too short for school) nor should they have large cut armholes, be skin tight or sheer.
- On maturing, adolescent bodies, sheer, low cut, tight and skimpy clothing shifts the focus from learning to looking.
- Shirts with logos, pictures or sayings that are obscene or offensive are not allowed.
- Proper footwear should be worn at all times. Open shoes expose toes and feet to injury while children are in the classroom or active at recess, so it is recommended that students wear closed shoes while at school.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR HALTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
The Halton Catholic District School Board is dedicated to providing and enhancing a Catholic community of learning in which students will be afforded reasonable opportunities to achieve their potential in spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical and social development. It is the expectation of the Board that students will respond positively to this policy and act accordingly.
Roles and Responsibilities
Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. Students
have the right to learn in a safe, orderly and stimulating
Catholic environment and to be conscientiously
instructed by the teaching staff. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others, and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:
· participates fully in the religious life of the school, including the celebration of liturgy, Religious Education courses, and related activities;
· develops personal skills and talents to serve God, and thereby his/her neighbour;
· contributes positively to the Catholic climate of the school and exhibit the responsibilities of citizenship;
· cooperates with all adults in positions of authority in the school community;
· complies with all school expectations and regulations respecting student behaviour;
· uses language that is appropriate to their dignity as Catholics;
· adheres to the school dress code;
· respects the school property and property of others at all times;
· comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn;
· refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;
· exercises self-discipline and accountability for their actions based on age and individual ability.
Parents play an important role in the education of their children, and can support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfil their role when they:
- show an active interest in the child’s school work and progress;
- communicate regularly with the school;
- help their child to be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;
- ensure that their child attend school regularly and on time;
- promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;
- show that they are familiar with the provincial Code of Conduct, the Board’s code of conduct and the school rules;
- encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;
- assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child.
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE
Progressive discipline is a non-punitive, whole-school approach that uses a continuum of corrective and supportive interventions, supports and consequences to address inappropriate behaviour and to build upon strategies that promote positive behaviours. Consequences include learning opportunities for reinforcing positive behaviour and assisting pupils to make good choices.
The range of interventions, supports, and consequences used by the Board and all schools must be clear and developmentally appropriate. For pupils with special education and/or disability related needs, interventions, supports and consequences must be consistent with the expectations in the student’s IEP and/or his/her demonstrated abilities.
Appropriate action must consistently be taken by schools to address behaviours that are contrary to provincial and Board Codes of Conduct.
The Board, and school administrators, must consider all mitigating and other factors, as required by the Education Act and as set out in Ontario Regulation 472/07.
Progressive discipline may also include early and/or ongoing intervention strategies, such as:
· Contact with the pupil’s parent(s)/guardian(s);
· Oral reminders;
· Review of expectations;
· Written work assignment with a learning component;
· Peer mentoring;
· Referral to counselling;
· Conflict mediation and resolution; and/or
· Consultation
Progressive discipline may also include a range of interventions, supports and consequences when inappropriate behaviours have occurred, with a focus on improving behaviour, such as one or more of the following:
· Meeting with the pupil’s parent(s)/guardian(s), pupil and participant;
· Referral to a community agency for anger management or substance abuse counselling;
· Detentions;
· Withdrawal of privileges;
· Withdrawal from class;
· Restitution for damages;
· Restorative practices; and/or
· Transfer with support
In some cases, short-term suspension may also be considered a useful progressive discipline approach.
Notwithstanding the above, the principal will take immediate and appropriate action in any situation involving the welfare of others.
SUSPENSION and EXPULSION
The Board supports the use of suspension and expulsion as outlined in Part XIII of the Education Act, the Progressive Discipline and Safety in Schools Act, 2007, Board Policy II-39, Administrative Procedure VI – 44, where a student has committed one or more of the infractions outlined below on school property, during a school-related activity or event, and/or in circumstances where the infraction has an impact on the school climate.
The principal will also contact the police consistent with the Police and School Response Protocol if the infraction the pupil is suspected to committing requires such contact. When in doubt, the principal will consult with his or her Superintendent.
The infractions for which a suspension may be imposed by the principal include:
- Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person;
- Possessing alcohol, illegal and/or restricted drugs;
- Being under the influence of alcohol;
- Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority;
- Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the student’s school or to property located on the premises of the student’s school;
- Bullying;
- Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the moral tone of the school;
- Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the physical or mental well-being of members of the school community; or
- Any act considered by the principal to be contrary to the Board or School Code of Conduct including but not limited to the following:
· academic dishonesty – attempting to deceive by cheating, copying or plagiarizing
· defiance – refusal to comply with persons in authority
· disorderly conduct – persistent opposition to authority, conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school or to the physical or mental well-being of others in the school
· explosive devices – use of or possession of explosive devices
· extortion – to take money, homework or property under threat of harm or duress
· fire setting, bomb threat, fire alarm – setting a fire or an act that places individuals, property or community at risk
· harassment – repeated comments or conduct that is known or ought to be known as unwelcome
· hate crimes – words or actions considered offensive in reference to a person’s race, religion, culture, gender, age, appearance or disability
· smoking on school property – violation of the Tobacco Control Act
· theft – taking, possessing property without the permission of the owner
· trespass – unauthorized presence on school property
· truancy – persistent unexplained absence
· vehicle use – reckless or dangerous use of a vehicle, e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle etc.
A pupil may be suspended only once for any incident of an infraction for a minimum of one (1) school day and a maximum of twenty (20) school days.
Subject to the factors to consider before deciding to impose a suspension, reasonable grounds to believe that a pupil has committed one or more infractions outlined above and below on school property, during a school related activity or even, and/or in circumstances where the infraction has an impact on the school climate, the principal will suspend or expel the pupil.
The principal will also contact the police consistent with the Police and School Response Protocol if the infraction the pupil is suspected of committing requires such contact. When in doubt, the principal will consult with his or her Superintendent.
The activities that may lead to expulsion are:
1. Possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm;
2. Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person;
3. Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner;
4. Committing sexual assault;
5. Trafficking in weapons or restricted drugs;
6. Committing robbery;
7. Giving alcohol to a minor;
8. An act considered by the principal to be significantly injurious to the moral tone of the school and/or to the physical or mental well-being of others (e.g., theft, academic dishonesty, hazing activities, harassment, verbal abuse, extortion, possession of an explosive substance, distribution of hate material, etc.);
9. A pattern of behaviour that is so inappropriate that the student’s continued presence is injurious to the effective learning and/or working environment of others;
10. Activities engaged in by the student on or off school property that cause the student’s continuing presence in the school to create an unacceptable risk to the physical or mental well-being of other person(s) in the school or Board;
11. Activities engaged in by the student on or off school property that have caused extensive damage to the property of the Board or to goods that are/were on the Board’s property, (e.g. inappropriate use of electronic and/or voice mail systems, fire setting, etc.);
12. The student has demonstrated through a pattern of behaviour that s/he has not prospered by the instruction available to him or her and that s/he is persistently resistant to making changes in behaviour which would enable him or her to prosper, e.g. neglect of duty, truancy, consistent opposition to authority, etc); or
13. Any act considered by the principal to be a serious violation of the Board or school Code of Conduct.
In accordance with the Police and School Response Protocol/School Board Procedural Protocol, police shall be contacted by the principal for but not limited to the above infractions. Consequences resulting from criminal charges related to school incidents are independent of those imposed under the Education Act.