St. Joseph School handbook

          Staff         Regulations         Visitors         Religion         Attendance          Student Phone

        Student conduct and discipline procedures        Bussing        Accident/illness        Dress Code

        Homework/Daily Planners            House leaques            Textbooks            Noon Hour        Library

        Lockers            Bicycles/Skateboards/Rollar Blades/ MP3's/DVD's            Newsletter        Canteen

        SRC            Technology            Annocements            Special Assistance        Outdoor Ed.

        Parent Advisory            Extracurricular            Late assignment        Evaluation        Student Awards         

St. Joseph School Staff                                                           

                                   

TEACHERS

 Mr. Troy Froehlich     Principal
Mrs. Lenzena Zanidean   Vice-Principal
Mrs. Lois Fiddler     Resource
Mr. Ross Kuglan     Band/Arts Ed.
Mrs. Gaylene Little
Mrs. Jana Coward
Mr. Dave Markewich
Mr. Casey Yoemans

SUPPORT STAFF

Mrs. Annette Yuzik  - Secretary
Mrs. Deb Nickel- Teacher Assistant
Mrs. Dawnwyn Harder- Teacher Assistant
Mrs. Jane Cherpin - Teacher Assistant
Mrs. Samantha Parsons - Teacher Assistant
Kelly Rayner - Caretaker


Regulations                                                                 

 Smooth and efficient operation of a school requires some regulations in the matter of “traffic rules”. No attempt has been made to cover all situations since students understand that orderly conduct and courtesy to all staff and other students are expected of them at all times. Students are aware that the staff is expected to monitor student behavior at all times.



Visitors

Parents and visitors are welcome at St. Joseph's School.

Please check in at the office upon arrival



“Open Door” Policy        

Our “Open Door” policy allows students to enter the school upon arrival. However, students are asked not to arrive at school prior to 8:00 a.m. Each morning our gymnasium is supervised by a staff member from 8:15 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. for those students wishing to participate in gym activities.

Religion


All students attending the school are expected to participate in the Religion program. School masses and special liturgies are held throughout the year as part of the student spiritual development. Parents are always welcome to participate in our celebrations.


Attendance


In cases of illness or family emergencies, it may be necessary for students
to be absent from school. Please phone the school if your child is going to be absent. If students are late for class, they are to report to the office. It might also be helpful for your child to have a “Homework Buddy” to inform them of what they have missed. Regular attendance is necessary for maximum learning. The student should arrange with the teacher a time to make up any school work that has been missed. Students arriving late for school must submit a reason to their teacher. Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds during regular hours unless the teacher has received a notice from the parents.


Student Phone


Students are permitted access to a telephone outside the main office.

Students are:

1.  Not allowed to use the phone during classroom instruction time.
2. Encouraged to make calls that are only necessary
3. To use common sense and courtesy.
4.  Phone calls can be made during lunch hour, before and after school
and breaks (with permission)

When necessary, parents can phone the school and leave a message for
their child, however, students will not be called out of class unless there is an emergency.



Student Conduct & Discipline Procedures


Our goal is to make St. Joseph School a safe, pleasant and caring place to
learn. Every effort is made to help children develop respect for God, themselves and others.

Our expectations regarding students behavior must be clear to both parents
and students. The whole school community should be aware that there are consequences for unacceptable behavior. In an effort to maintain a good working relationship between the home and the school, parents are most often informed of transgressions when they occur. By working together potential problems can be solved quickly and our children’s educational experience can be a positive one. The following are serious problems that will not be tolerated:

1. Disobeying authority and rules.

2. Neglecting responsibility constantly.

3. Using improper or profane language and/or

gestures.

4. Fighting or physical abuse of others.

5. Destroying property and/or stealing.

6. Using, possessing or being under the influence of

drugs or alcohol on school property or at school

functions.

7. Possessing firearms, knives or anything that can

be considered a weapon on school property or at

school functions. All types of explosives are also

prohibited.

8. Smoking in the school, schoolyard or within sight

of the school.

9. Behavior that damages the moral tone of the

school and/or the well being of fellow students and

staff.

10. Possession of pornography in written form or

through internet use.



Bussing


All bussing arrangements are made through the Catholic School Board
Office. NOTE - Parents with questions or concerns regarding bussing should be directed to Administrative Assistant, Sandy McDonald at 778-4666. Any changes in the address for pick-up or delivery must be made with this office before the change goes into effect.


Accident/Illness


If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, he/she is checked by the
principal, teacher, or noon supervisor. Parents are informed immediately if the child needs further treatment or is to go home. Pupils are not sent home during school hours unless a parent or guardian has been contacted. If parents are not home and the student requires hospital care, the principal or teacher will transport him/her to the hospital.


Dress Code


The students are asked to wear neat and clean clothes to school which are
appropriate for a Catholic Middle School setting. Shirts or hats advertising alcoholic beverages or carrying inappropriate slogans are not permitted. Hats are not to be worn inside the school.


Homework/Daily Planners


*Students will be assigned work that will be required to be completed at
home. Parents are asked to provide a quiet, comfortable, well lit area for your childs work (away from the phone and t.v.!)

*All students are required to purchase a St. Joseph’s daily planner. These
are very useful for the organization of school work, and are expected to be with the student at every class. Students are encouraged to use these on a daily basis.

*As parents, it would be helpful to monitor your childs work with the use of
these books. At the end of each day students will be required to check these with their homeroom teacher.


House Leagues


House Leagues provide an opportunity for students to participate in a
variety of games and sports which promote good leadership, sportsmanship and school spirit. Each student is a member of a house team which participates at noon hour and during special school events. The winning house receives special recognition at the end of the year.


Textbooks


All textbooks are given free to the students at the beginning of the year. If
books are lost or damaged, students will be charged accordingly.


Noon Hour Supervision


Noon hour activities will take place including intramurals. Students
staying for lunch are not allowed to leave the school premises unless a parent requests and it is approved by Mr. Froehlich.


1. Noon supervision is from 11:55 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2. Student Lunch will be until 12:15 p.m. The students

will not leave the gym without the permission of the

supervisor.

3. The supervisor will direct students as to whether they

remain indoors or outdoors for the remainder of the

lunch break.

4. Organized activities or student work will be

conducted from 12:15 - 12:50

5. Students are expected to clean up after themselves

upon completion of lunch. The gym should be left

in a neat and orderly condition.

6. In case of a minor accidents (scrapes, bruises, cuts,

etc.) first aid will be administered. If the injury

appears to require medical attention Mr. Froehlich or

a teacher will be notified.

7. Misbehavior will be dealt with by the noon supervisor
in such a fashion that would be in keeping with the school’s disciplinary measure. Any incidences of misbehavior will be reported to Mr. Froehlich
prior to 1:00 and dealt with accordingly.


Library


Books may be signed out for a two week period. Parents can help our
library by ensuring that books are returned promptly. Please help your child care for library books by providing a safe place for them at home and making sure they are promptly returned when read. Students are not charged or penalized for overdue books; however, a nominal fee is payable for any unreturned or lost books.

Miss Fisher is our teacher librarian, Mrs. Wiebe is our library assistant.
Students will be supervised when using the library. The library will be off limits during noon hour unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher or principal.


Lockers

Lockers are provided for each student. Storage of all texts and personal
supplies (including coats) is expected, so that we need provide no further storage space for student supplies. Students should only get books from their lockers before the bell in the morning and at noon, or at the five minute break.  

Students will be charged $7.00 for lost locks. <>Students are responsible to secure their belongings. Students are
encouraged not to inform others of their locker combination.


Bicycles


Students who wish to ride bicycles to school are provided with bike racks
outside the school. Students are encouraged to lock their bicycles.

Skateboards, Roller blades


For safety reasons, skateboards are prohibited for use at St. Joseph School.
Students rollerblading to school will be required to remove the blades upon entering the school.


MP3 and DVD Players


We recommend that DVD and MP3 players be left at home. The school will
not be responsible for these items.


Student Representative Council


The S.R.C. (Student Representative Council) members are elected
representatives of the student body and is a vital part of the decision making in our school. They sponsor many activities throughout the year such as Spirit Days, Carnivals and school dances. Fund-raising activities support such organizations as the Canadian Cancer Society, Telemiracle, Can Save, Red Cross and Development and Peace. Miss Fisher is the teacher advisor.


School Newsletter


The Spartan Spirit Newsletter will be sent home once each month. These
can be sent home either by e-mail or paper copy. Individual letters will be sent to parents to inform them of school events.


School Canteen/Noon Lunches


The school canteen is open every day at noon. Please watch for special
lunches served monthly.



Technology


St. Joseph’s provides students with access to technology in various forms
to assist with their learning. We promote computer use to enhance school curricula and increase technological literacy. This includes access to the Internet. We monitor this access carefully and will attempt to ensure that it is done in a responsible and safe manner by all our students. To protect our students we do have an internet policy. <>

In order to utilize the internet, students and parents will be required at the
start of the school year, to sign an “internet use form”. This will ensure that both students and parents understand the proper procedures for computer use. The use of the Internet is a privilege. This privilege will be withdrawn if
students are using the Internet inappropriately.

Our system-wide Internet technology Acceptable Use Policy is as follows:

  1. All student messages and files may be accessible to and monitored by the teacher.

  2. Accessing “chat lines” will not be permitted at

school without administrative approval; students

will not disclose personal contact information

about themselves.

  1. Students will neither agree or encourage meeting in person with anyone they have met online.

  2. The network will not be used to express or observe material that is profane, obscene, or that promotes violence, sexism, racism, or hatred.

  3. The network will not be used to promote any illegal activity.

  4. Parents or guardians permission will be required to publish any students’ material on the Internet.

  5. Students will not make purchases from the school using the Internet.

  6. Copyright laws will be observed.

  7. Accessing staff or other student files without the owner’s permission is strictly prohibited.

  8. Any act of vandalism to computer hardware will require repair or restitution by students and their parents.

  9. Interference with the operation of the computers or network by means of hacking or installing virus or illegal software will not be tolerated.

  10. Users will not waste limited resources such as

disk space or printing materials.


Announcements


Announcements are made at the beginning of classes each day. These Awards
will also be at our hallway displayed on TV monitor. Each week is started with the singing of O Canada.


Special Assistance

Resource Room - Our Resource Room teacher, Mrs Fiddler, helps diagnose,

evaluate and remediate learning difficulties. Pupils are taught individually or

in small groups on a regular basis during the week. In addition, classroom

teachers are assisted in selecting materials and designing programs to meet

specific needs. Mrs. Zerr, Mrs.Wiebe and Mrs. Gardner are our teacher

assistants who help with this program. Consultation with parents will be made

prior to any resource support.

Enrichment Opportunities - An in-school resource teacher concentrates on

providing challenging opportunities for specific or unique students who have a

special ability to pursue activities above and beyond the expectation of a

regular classroom setting. Miss Fisher will be coordinating the enrichment

program.

Guidance Counselling - services are offered at our school. Peer Support will be

a function of our extra curricular program. Our students will be trained to offer

help and support fellow students.


Parent Advisory Council

Our Parent Advisory Council is an integral part of support for St.


Joseph’s school. During meetings throughout the year, issues of common


concern to parents and teachers are discussed. Furthermore, support is


given with workshops, fundraising activities and planning of special


events.


Parents are encouraged to become involved by attending


meetings, serving on a committee or contacting the


school or a member of this association with suggestions.


Your support is appreciated.


Outdoor Education

<>
There is a very active outdoor education program at our school. These
education events will be planned and organized under the direction of all homeroom teachers. These trips are sponsored by fundraising endeavors through the Parent Advisory Council.



Extra Curricular


 
<>St. Joseph’s participates in a city inter-school sports program for both boys and girls. Teams are involved

in the sports of volleyball, baskektball and badminton.


Club Activities/Intramurals - Throughout various times of the year club activities will be organized during the noon hour. Students will be invited to participate in gym activities and others such as crafts, cards and chess. These activities will be arranged by staff.


Yearbook - A St. Joseph yearbook is published each year by the students. It’s purchase is encouraged as a keepsake for future years.


Drama - Drama productions are scheduled as an extra curricular activity and are presented at school concerts.


Choir - Choir is conducted throughout the year and there will be a number of public performances. Enjoyment of singing is the only requirement to join choir.


Band - Although Band is offered as part of the Arts Ed Program, our school Band ensemble performs outside of regular school hours under the direction of Mr. Kuglin.


School Dances - Two dances are planned for the year. These are arranged by the S.R.C and teacher advisors. Dances begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 10:00 pm. Only St. Joseph’s students and approved guests will be admitted to our school dances.


Late Assignment Policy

<>
It is expected that each student will hand in their work on the date the
        assignment is due. It is also expeccted that students who miss school for

any reason take the responsibility to meet with their teachers to see what

was missed.

If a student does not have homework completed on the assigned date,the

following will apply:

  1. The student will finish the work at noon hour during “Study Hall”

  2. 5% will be deducted for every school day the assignment is overdue


If the assignment is one week overdue, the following will apply:

  1. The teacher will grade the assignment zero

  2. The assignment will still be submitted, allowing the student to qualify 

               <> for year-end recommendations.

Evaluation

<>
The purpose of evaluation is to determine a student’s level of achievement
in relation to specific knowledge and skills. A variety of assessment
<>techniques are employed in the evaluation process.
To ensure effective communication with home, St. Joseph School has adopted
the following yearly format:



Sept 10 Student/Parent/Teacher conference pm

Sept 11 Student/Parent/Teacher conference pm

Nov 14 Report Cards Issued

Nov 19 Student/Parent/Teacher conference pm

Nov 20 Student/Parent/Teacher conference pm

Mar 13 Report Cards Issued

Mar 18 Student/Parent/Teacher conference pm

Mar 19 Student/Parent/Teacher conference pm

June 30 Report Cards


Informal communication occurs throughout the year with home and school on a

regular basis. Report cards are sent out prior to interview day and are to be

returned to the teacher during the interview period. Parents are encouraged to

contact the school at any time they have a concern and should not feel limited

to the two interview days.

  1. The teacher will grade the assignment zero

  2. The assignment will still be submitted, allowing the student to qualify for

               <> year-end recommendations <>We support a June final recommendation policy as follows:
If students achieve an average of at least 75% average in a subject area through their evaluation during the year, they will not be required to write a June final in that subject area.

<>A complete recommend is a great achievement. However, every student is
required to write one June final which will be decided by the teaching staff.

<>If a recommend were to be suspended for an individual, reasons would be
discussed with the student and parents.


Student Awards

       <>
     The object of student awards is to provide recognition to students who
have achieved a high degree of academic excellence, participation and <>
contribution to the athletic and social activities conducted in the school year.


Students will receive ‘Winnit’ Awards at the end of the year in recognition of

their school involvement.