Notre Dame School

Handbook

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Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to the Notre Dame School community. The mission of our school is “to educate the whole child providing knowledge and skills for lifelong learning within a Christian environment wherein all are accepted and valued and, as disciples of Jesus, to spread these Gospel values outwards into the broader community.” We at Notre Dame are pleased to be able to contribute to the education of your child(ren) and provide opportunities for them to grow and develop in all aspects in their lives; especially academically, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to prepare students to think crucially about the world, finding their way as constructive, creative members of society. I feel blessed and privileged to be making a contribution to this inspiring, significant task. I am pleased to work with a dedicated, knowledgeable staff both within the school and parish office, and with supportive parents and families. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our children and spread our gifts throughout the local and global community. Please read this handbook and familiarize yourself with its contents. If you have any other questions about the school or our programs, please feel free to contact me at the school.

God Bless. Your partner in education, Terri Haynal Principal Phone: 250-782-4923

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Table of Contents Philosophy of our School Rights/responsibilities of Parents Rights/responsibilities of Students Progress Reports Government Grant/Absences Parent Visits to the School Parent Volunteers Parental Concerns Admission Policy for New Students Monthly School Fees Other Fees Fundraising Field Trip Policy Lost and Found Gym Strip School Regulations Student Behavior Consequences Vandalism Suspension/Expulsion Discipline Bullying Prevention Peaceworks Virtues Staff

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Philosophy of our School Notre Dame is committed to an educational program, which strives to provide not only academic excellence but to foster a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We aim to integrate different aspects of human knowledge in light of the teachings of Jesus Christ as taught by and lived in the Roman Catholic Church. We work to build up an awareness of self within the Christian community and transmit the Gospel values of living in the world and making it a better place. We encourage this growth not only through our Religious Education programs but also in the day-to-day lives of staff and students. Notre Dame School offers a sound academic program that complies with all the requirements of the curriculum guidelines of the BC Ministry of Education. In addition, we offer programs from Kindergarten to Grade Seven in Learning Assistance, French and Music. A wide variety of extra curricular activities are sponsored by the teachers and enjoy a great deal of support from Notre Dame students.

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Rights and Responsibilities of Parents Parents’ Rights: • • • • • • • • •

to be recognized as the first educators of their children to participate in the religious, social and academic education of their children to visit the school to elect School Council members to have parent-teacher interviews to expect excellence in religious and academic education to be informed regarding the progress and concerns regarding their children to have the school reinforce the Catholic moral and religious guidance and discipline given in the home to appeal to CIS Prince George when problems cannot be solved locally

Parents’ Responsibilities: • • • • • • • • • •

to take the initiative and leadership in the religious education of their children and to cooperate with the religious programs of the School District 59 to set a good example for their children by practicing their Catholic Faith to take an active role in the guidance of their children to familiarize themselves with the School Policies and to abide by them to foster close relationships with the Principal and Teachers to cooperate with teachers for the welfare of their children to attend meetings called by the School to participate in certain school activities and events (religious, academic, social) to support the school financially and through their service to support the school staff regarding academic and behavioral decisions

5 Rights and Responsibilities of Students Students’ Rights: • • •

to be treated with respect to be safe and feel secure within the School to be given every opportunity to learn to the best of his/her abilities

Students’ Responsibilities: • • • • • • •

to treat others with respect to be polite and cooperative in their relationships with staff, parent volunteers, school visitors, and their peers to behave in a way that promotes safety for others and for self to observe all school and classroom rules and regulations to be an active participant in the classroom learning and to complete all assignments on time and to the best of their ability to respect school property and the property of others to report issues of safety to a supervisor

Progress Report There are three progress reports issued in each term. These are usually in December, April and June. Specific dates will be posted on the monthly newsletters. Students in Kindergarten through Grade Three receive anecdotal reports. Students in the intermediate grades (4 – 7) receive a combination of anecdotal reports and letter grades based on the following chart: A+ A AB+ B B-

96 90 86 80 76 73

– – – – – –

100% 95% 89% 85% 79% 75%

C+ C CF I

67 – 72% 60 – 66% 50 – 59% Below 50% Incomplete Assignments

Government Grants/Absences Notre Dame School receives 50% of the local public school district funding from the government of British Columbia. The funding is based on the students’ actual days in attendance. Dated and signed notes stating the reason for absence are required for funding calculations. (Personal holidays do not qualify as acceptable absences. The days a student is absent due to personal holidays will be subtracted from the total). As an added safety precaution, please call the office to alert us of your child’s absence for that day by 9:00 am.

6 Parent Visits to the School Parents are encouraged to visit the school and keep informed of their children’s progress and activities. At specific times during the school year, parents receive invitations for various parent activities. When parents come into the school during instructional hours they must report to the school office and sign in. If they desire to see a specific teacher, the office staff will be happy to check schedules and make a mutually convenient appointment. Parent Support Group Notre Dame School has an active PSG. The Parent Support Group assists staff and students by coordinating a variety of fundraisers throughout the school year. PSG meetings are held monthly. Notices are sent home with specific dates, times, and locations of each meeting. Parent Volunteers The school is always in need of parent volunteers to become involved with a variety of tasks and activities within the school. Such activities include helping in the classroom under the direction of the teacher, library assistance, preparation of teaching materials, and assistance with concerts or teaching a craft or sport activity. Parent volunteers are required to: • • • • •

Complete a criminal record check through the RCMP (forms are located in the office) Sign a School Volunteer Agreement Form Be strictly confidential concerning student behavior or academics Sign in and out at the office Wear a volunteer badge

If interested in volunteering at the school, please contact the principal.

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Parental Concerns about School Personnel, Programs or Practices At Notre Dame School, we encourage open communication between parents and staff. It is important that concerns are brought forward. We cannot address issues we do not know exist.

A parent with a concern should follow school policy and protocol: 1. 2. 3. 4.

contact the teacher in question first if no agreement can be reached, contact the principal if parents are still not satisfied with the action taken, they may bring the matter in writing to the Superintendent of Schools, Catholic Independent School, Diocese of Prince George if the parents do not receive satisfaction from the above parties, an appeal in writing may be made to the Board of Directors of the Catholic Independent Schools in Prince George. (CIS Policy #437)

Admission Policy for New Students New students are accepted from families that have children currently attending Notre Dame School and from members of Notre Dame Church. Children whose parents/guardians are not from Notre Dame Church are accepted when there is room in the class. (CIS Regulation #501) All students are expected to participate in the educational program of the school, including the religious instruction program and celebrations (CIS Policy #501). At school celebrations of the Eucharist (Mass), Communion is only for those students and staff who are practicing Catholics and have received their First Eucharist. Parents are given an opportunity to review the objectives of the Family Life Program and if they feel that they do not want their children to participate in the Family Life program in part of entirely, they may write a letter to the teacher asking that the child be excused from class and will continue to work on the regular religion program independently. Parents wishing to register their children at Notre Dame School must contact the office and make an appointment with the Principal. All information and forms may be obtained at the office.

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Monthly School Fees One Child Two Children Three or more

$155.00 $175.00 $195.00

For parents who are supporting Notre Dame Parish through the weekly collection, the fees are reduced. One Child Two children Three or more

$135.00 $155.00 $175.00

Other School Fees These fees are to be paid at the beginning of the school year. Supply Fees (Kindergarten t0 Grade 7) $50.00 Bus Fees $30.00/month/child $75.00/month for three or more children Fundraising Each year we hold fundraising events such as the school carnival and hot dog sales. The money raised is used for school needs such as playground and technology equipment. School newsletters will give you details about these projects. It is important that all parents participate to the extent of their ability. Field Trip Policy If students are leaving the school grounds to take part in a regular part of the school program, the parents will be notified, but special permission slips are not required. Visits to the fire hall, bank, post office, etc. are not considered as “regular” part of the school program. If the field trip requires transportation, the parent’s permission will be required. Students participating in school-sponsored activities off school premises are expected to demonstrate exemplary behavior at all times during the event. Parents who wish to volunteer for field trips must have a criminal record check. Those who wish to transport children must also fill in a driver volunteer form, a driver’s abstract and a copy of their current insurance. All forms can be found at the office.

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Lost and Found PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT LUNCH KITS, SHOES, HATS, COATS, GOLVES, MITTONS, BOOTS, ETC. ARE MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME. Students and parents are directed to look through the lost and found box frequently. At the end of the school year, any unclaimed items are donated to worthy charities. Gym Strip Students in grades K – 2 require running shoes for participation in gym. Students in grades 3 – 7 need ‘gym strip’ which includes a t-shirt, gym shorts of an appropriate length (see dress code), and gym shoes. Students need to be responsible for bringing their gym strip to school and taking it home to be laundered. All items should be labeled and placed in a cloth carryall. School Regulations 1.

School Schedule 8:40 10:30 12:00 – 12:40 2:45

Monday to Friday School begins Recess Lunch School ends

All students must attend, on time, all scheduled classes and activities. Under the provisions of the Public Schools Act, the school is permitted to recognize only the following as reasons for absence or tardiness: • any sickness of the student • sickness or affliction in the family • a danger to health from exposure • any other unavoidable cause which makes attendance impractical Chronic lateness and absences can adversely affect the learning of a child. Students who are absent or late will be required to bring a note to the office, even if a phone call has been made. 2.

Opening of the school and playground:

School doors are unlocked and playground supervision begins at 8:25 am. Parents are responsible for students dropped off before 8:25 am. After the second morning bell, the gates will be relocked. Late students must enter the front doors and sign in at the office. The gates are opened again at 2:30 and are locked at 2:52 pm after the second bell at the end of the day. Children waiting for pick up must wait at the front entrance by the office.

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3.

Parking lot:

When dropping off or picking up a child, please review the procedures concerning the parking lot. • use common sense and courtesy. Do not block traffic • children are to exit the car quickly and make their way to the playground • do not park on the side of the school or in front of the gate area as this prevents children from seeing on-coming vehicles • turn vehicles off. Exhaust is harmful to those children, parents, or staff who may be on the playground • smoking is prohibited on the parking lot. This includes inside your vehicle 4. Leaving school grounds during class time: If you need your child to leave the school grounds at any time between 8:40 am and 2:45 pm (including lunch time) please inform us with a phone call or letter. For example, we will not dismiss a child for a doctor appointment without notification from the parent. We also need to know who is picking up your child. We will not release a student to someone unknown to us unless notified by the parent. Students must report to the office every time they leave or enter school outside of the scheduled times and sign the In/Out book. 5. Inside recess: Students may remain inside during recesses if they bring a note from their parent indicating that they are ill or injured in some way. Students may also be detained for recesses if fulfilling a consequence for a specific behavior. Provision is made for all students to remain in their classrooms, supervised by the teachers on duty, during inclement weather. This includes heavy rainfall or temperatures colder than -20 degrees Celsius.

6.

All students must complete assigned work to the best of their abilities and to the satisfaction of their teachers. The amount and type of homework varies according to the grade level and the individual teacher. If your child is spending more than one hour per night on homework, you should discuss the issue with the teacher. Intermediate students (grades 4-7) are supplied with an agenda/homework book, which is used to communicate with parents during the school year. The homework book will be signed daily unless indicated otherwise by the classroom teacher. Students that have missing or incomplete assignments may receive an inschool or after-school detention. After school detentions will be preceded by a phone call to the parent/guardian. Students are responsible for making up missed assignments.

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7. Inside shoes: In order to keep the mud and dirt outside, we ask that all students have an extra pair of shoes for indoor wear. Indoor shoes should have non-marking soles. Please ark all shoes and boots (and clothing) with your child’s name to prevent misunderstandings. 8. Healthy Body and Healthy Environment At Notre Dame we promote healthy eating. We encourage students to bring fruits and vegetables for snacking and a balanced meal for lunch. Avoid sending soda pop, chocolate bars, cookies, potato chips, etc. A healthy lunch is a must for an active body and an alert mind. At Notre Dame, we also encourage recycling to keep the earth clean. Whenever possible, please pack students’ lunches in reusable containers. If a student forgets his/her lunch, a granola bar or a piece of fruit will be provided for that student. Notre Dame School is a Peanut Aware School. 9. Cell phones: Cell phones should not be brought to school. Written permission from parents is required if a student brings a cell phone. The phone must be turned off and remain in the students’ backpack until the student is off the school grounds. In case of an emergency, students are allowed to use the phone in the office. 10. Serious illness or injury: Parents will be notified in case of a serious illness or injury. If unable to reach the parent, the school will call the emergency contact. If unable to reach the emergency contact, the school may take such action as calling an ambulance. All serious injuries are documented and kept on file. 11. School Bus: Notre Dame rural students ride the School District #59 school buses. The pick up spot after school is at the gate on 105 Avenue. It is very important that if your child is not taking the school bus or is taking a different bus after school, the bus garage (250-782-2106) and the school are notified. The bus garage personnel call the school if there are any problems. Those students who choose to ignore bus policy and rules may face suspension. Please see the school for the list of regulations for riding the bus.

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12. School Bus Passenger Regulations The following regulations apply to all passengers transported on owned, contracted or chartered school busses: -

the driver has immediate authority on the School Bus at all times the driver may designate the seat which the student shall occupy student behavior and conduct must not create a distraction for the driver, or discomfort for other students for the safety of students no eating or drinking on the bus students are responsible for maintaining their area of the bus in a neat and presentable manner to ensure safety students will remain in their seat and will not extend arms or heads out of windows when loading or unloading the bus, students must observe directions of the driver

The following restricted items shall not be taken aboard a school under any circumstance: -

skis and poles sleighs, toboggans, or snow shoes firearms or weapons of any description any school project items if they have sharp projections or are too large to hold on the owner’s lap pets or animals of any description. Exception will be made for ‘help’ dogs with prior authorization from the School Bus Garage skateboards scooters snowboards large musical instruments large sports bags laser pointers explosive devices (ie. firecrackers and caps)

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It is permissible for students to carry aboard school busses the following items subject to limitations as noted: -

hockey sticks, curling brooms, baseball bats a) must be placed parallel to the side of the bus between the edge of the seat and the windows next to the student

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ice skates, roller blades a) ice skates must be carried on the owner’s lap in a heavy bag with a drawstring or zipper

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toys, collector cards, balls must be transported in a bag

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small musical instruments a) carried in the manufacturer’s box or carrying case b) must be carried on owner’s lap at all times and not placed on an empty seat

-

portable radios, cd players, cassette players, computers a) may be used ONLY with the permission of the driver and with head phones b) must be used in such a way so as not to interfere with the driver or other passengers

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field trip equipment and supplies a) personal clothing is packed in kit bags or knapsacks b) bags and boxes shall not be stored in aisles or seats blocking emergency exits or be stacked any higher than the seat backs c) alternate transport must be arranged for restricted items and excess equipment d) garbage from extended trips (ie. Gwillim Lake) will not be transported on the bus e) outdoor education equipment and supplies carried on the bus will be transported in netting bags supplied by School District #59 Transportation Department

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13. Dress Code: All students are expected to wear clean, neat, modest clothing. The following may not be worn: • • • • • • • • • • 14.

hats, toques, etc. halter tops, spaghetti straps, “belly shirts”, etc. noticeable make up scented lotions, perfumes or colognes decals not within the Christian ethics earrings extended below the earlobe clothes with rips and holes in them flip-flops skirts, shorts or dresses more than 4 inches above the knee facial piercings

Chewing gum is not permitted in the school or on school grounds.

15. Bicycles/scooters must be walked on the school grounds. Roller blades and skateboards must be carried. Bicycles must be parked in the rack and locked. Portable wheels may be kept in the mudroom or in the classroom with the teacher’s permission. 16. Birthday Invitations: Birthday invitations are not to be handed out or placed in individual book bags unless there is an invitation for each child in that classroom. At Notre Dame we teach that everyone should be included in our daily interactions, as we feel that it is important that no child should feel excluded.

Student Behavior All students must be polite, cooperative, and respectful in their dealings with both staff and other students at all times. Notre Dame School uses the following school rules as guidelines for behavior both in and out of the classroom: Act kindly Be safe Cooperate Do your best

15 We expect the following behavior from our students at all times: On the playground • • • • • • • • • •

cooperative play, inclusive play, sharing materials, equipment, and playground space respectful language respectful problem solving safe play in the designated area respond to the bell promptly and line up quietly; all play stops in the line up no rough games or play including ‘play fighting’ and all contact sports no pushing or shoving play with students in one grade above or below responsible use of outdoor equipment no snow, snowball or stone throwing

The following are not to be used on school property: •

• •

electronic equipment includes: iPods, mp3 players, games, cell phones, etc. (mp3 players and iPods will be allowed if they have been recommended as an adaptation to a student’s academic program). The teacher would then determine when the device should be worn at school. food (snacks and lunch items are to be eaten in the classroom) personal toys from home such as stuffed animals, balls, skipping ropes, trading cards, trucks, etc. (exceptions will be made for special occasions or spirit days)

The school cannot be responsible for lost or broken articles. In the Hallways • •

walk quietly to and from the classrooms at all times walk in single file to allow for people to pass

In the Mudroom • • • • • •

speak quietly (inside voices) place boots or outdoor shoes on the rack always change into indoor shoes before going to your classroom respect others property in the mudroom walk, do not run in the mudroom shoes and clothing left on the floor in the mudroom will be placed in the lost and found.

16 At Lunchtime • • • • • • • • •

remain seated facing forward with feet under the desk while eating use inside voices do not share or trade food ask permission from teacher on duty before leaving the classroom do not discard uneaten food place all recyclables, compost, garbage, and lunch kits in the appropriate places before leaving for recess tidy up classroom and push in chair make sure desktop is clear of all items for cleaning go directly to playground when dismissed by the supervisor

Leaving the School Yard • • • •

all students who use the bus, walk home or have parents waiting for them in a vehicle must leave the playground after the first bell students are expected to use the crossing guard if they are crossing the street at 105 Avenue students are expected to obey the school crossing guard and know and obey the traffic laws students are expected to leave the school safely

On the School Bus • •

students must board the school bus immediately following the first bell at the end of the day students are expected to be cooperative and safety conscious as they wait for their buses when riding school buses

Consequences Students who do not play cooperatively with others will be disciplined in the following ways depending on the severity of the problem: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

staff on duty reminds the student what is expected of him/her student may be asked to stand by the building for a specified period of “time out” student may be asked to stay close to, or walk with, the supervisor student(s) may be asked to speak with the Student Conflict Managers student may be denied the privilege of recess and will be asked to fill in a Behavior Reflection form at the office student may be sent to the Principal

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Vandalism According to CIS Policy #512, “a student(s) found guilty of destroying or damaging school property will be liable for suspension until his/her parents or guardian makes restitution for the damage, or until arrangements satisfactory to the school and local school council are made”. Vandalism is defined as the “willful destruction or defacement of things” (Gage Canadian Dictionary, 1984). Suspension and Expulsion Suspension and/or expulsion may be used as a consequence for serious and/or persistent behavior, following CIS Policy #506. Serious behavior includes but it not limited to: • use of drugs or alcohol • theft • gross insubordination • serious damage to the School • physical violence • disruptive behavior • truancy • watching a fight “chiming” or “cheering on” • being witness to and not reporting acts of violence Discipline We believe that with suitable support and guidance all students can behave appropriately in school. In order to ensure each student at Notre Dame School is provided with the excellent learning atmosphere that he/she deserves, we use the following discipline plan. Teachers help children check their behavior in a variety of ways from least intrusive to serious intervention. The least intrusive but normally effective techniques include: • • • •

eye contact a sign, such as a finger on the lips calling the child by name closer proximity to the child

Modern intervention may include: • •

redirecting the child’s attention to the desirable behavior removing the child from the situation to another area of the room

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requiring the child to work alone on a task if, for example, the child is disruptive in a group and is not responsive to other forms of discipline

Serious intervention may include: • •

giving the child a “time out” keeping the child in for recess to complete work or to consider alternatives to unproductive or inappropriate behavior

When a classroom teacher feels that a student’s behavior warrants more serious consequences, the following guidelines apply: •

•

•

for the first offence (depending on the degree of seriousness), the teacher may opt to settle the problem directly with the student, giving him/her a warning and deciding upon the appropriate consequence for the second offence the teacher, in consultation with the Principal, may opt for an in-school suspension or other appropriate disciplinary measure. The Principal will inform the parents. (See CIS Policy #506) in the absence of the Principal, the Teacher in Charge has full authority for disciplinary action.

Bullying Notre Dame School takes reports of bullying seriously. CIS Policy #510 provides guidelines for creating an overall safe school environment. Bullying preventions is an important component of this policy. The following prevention and intervention strategies are taken from Policy #510 and may be among those used to address incidents of bullying within Notre Dame School: • • • • •

students, parents and staff are encouraged to report incidents (what we do not know, we cannot fix) students are encouraged to use conflict resolution techniques to work out their problems all persons involved in an incident may be interviewed to gather pertinent information suspensions or expulsions may be imposed recommendations may be made that the victim or the perpetrator participate in counseling programs

19 Peaceworks Students learn positive strategies for dealing with problems on the playground and in the classroom where other students are involved. The children learn to: • • • • • • •

state clearly what they want listen carefully to what others are saying let others know how they feel respect the feelings of others control negative impulses develop ways of taking turns and sharing take responsibility for their own behavior

To do this, students in kindergarten to grade two learn “I Care Language”. This means: • • • • •

we listen to each other hands are for helping, not hurting use “I Care Language” we care about each other’s feelings we are responsible for what we do and say

Students in grades three to grade seven will practice “Rules for Fighting Fairly”. These are to: • identify the problem • attack the problem not the person • listen with an open mind • treat the other person’s feelings with respect • take responsibility for your actions The goal of fighting fairly is to make everyone a winner. What do we win? • • • •

a feeling of being understood respect for yourself and from others friendship based on truth and trust a solution (usually) to the problem

If we want to live in a peaceful world, we need to find alternatives to violent verbal and physical confrontation. We strive to teach students to work together to solve common problems through developing the skills of:

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communication listening problem solving decision making mediation negotiation

Student and adults who learn and use their skills become confident learners and responsible and caring members of our faith community. Jesus taught us the importance of loving our neighbor as ourselves. Our approach to discipline is one becoming to disciples of Jesus. It involves us as a community working together to answer some important questions: • • • •

how do I love myself? who is my neighbor? what is love? what would Jesus do?

It is an ongoing process and we hope to grow more and more to be truly recognizable as children of God. We also expect to forgive each other frequently and to ask for forgiveness as we struggle to grow in wisdom and grace as well as age. “We are called to shine like the stars of Heaven” Daniel 12:3 Virtues Students are taught virtues through classroom and school wide activities throughout the school year. One virtue is selected as a teaching focus each month. Some of the virtues that are focused on as necessary for making moral choices are: •

empathy

•

conscience

•

self control

•

respect

•

kindness

•

tolerance

•

fairness

21 NOTRE DAME SCHOOL STAFF Principal Kindergarten Grade One Grade Two Grade Three Grade Four Grade Five Grade Six Grade Seven French/Library Physical Education Learning Assistance

Mrs. Terri Haynal Mrs. Haylie Laursen Mrs. Cathy Clement Mrs. Meghan Buller Mrs. Margaret Abbott Miss Hilary Copeland Mrs. Jenna Gilbertson Miss Aeden Miller Miss Sarah Marchildon Mrs. Cristina Charbonneau Mrs. Lidia Arndt Mr. Curtis McCarthy Mrs. Colleen Richard

Educational Assistants:

Ms. Lorena Wilson Mrs. Angela Dufour Mrs. Bradi Willich Mrs. Gemma Scanlon Mrs. Nicole Mackrell

Maintenance:

Mrs. Fem Cruz

Crossing Guard:

Mr. Albert Duque

Secretary:

Mrs. Sarah Rausse

22 PARISH Pastor:

Father Louis Kwena

Pastoral Assistant:

Sister Connie Harkin SSND

Secretary:

Mrs. Pauline Bates

If interested in becoming a member of Notre Dame Parish, call the parish secretary and register. To inquire about becoming a Catholic or to learn more about the Catholic Faith, call Sister Connie or Father Michael.

SCHOOL COUNCIL Chairperson

Kathy Mould

Vice Chair/Staffing

Sheri-Lynn Heighington

PSG Rep/Publicity

Kim Pekrul

Secretary

Jeannette Shaw

Finance/Treasureer

Charmaine Moeller

Admissions/Public Relations/ Kim Skin Maintenance & Repair Representative Parish/School Liaison

Kathy Mould

CIS Representative

Sister Connie Harkin