Student Handbook
STAFF OF SYDNEY ACADEMY – (2023 – 2024)
Principal ...................... Mr. Ron Martin
Vice-Principal ...................... Ms. Michelle Talbot
Vice-Principal ...................... Mr. Mike Kelly (Acting)
Guidance Counsellor ..................... Ms. Maureen McNamara
Guidance Counsellor ................... Ms. Leah Cyr Donovan
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY DEPT. MATHEMATICS DEPT.
Mr. Shaun Morrison (Dept. Head) Mr. Kevin O’Neill (Dept. Head)
Mr. John Fraser (O2 Coordinator) Mr. Sandy Urquhart
Mr. George MacLean (CO-OP) Ms. Rebecca Jackson
Ms. Leanne Mombourquette-Hutt Mr. Neil MacLellan
Mr. Ryan MacPherson Mrs. Janice O'Neill
Mr. Scott O'Neill
Ms. Gina Tubrett-Crawley
Mr. Frank McMahon
Ms. Kim Chiasson
FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT DEPT. PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPT.
Mr. Ryan Hawboldt Mr. Bradley MacNeil
Ms. Lisa Penny Mr. Joel LeBlanc
Mr. Brian Burns Mr. Cyril MacKinnon
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Andrew Unsworth (Dept. Head) Mr. Greg Callaghan (Dept. Head)
Ms. Laurena Clarke Mr. Bruce Dalzell
Mr. Brian Doue Ms. Gillian MacKenzie
Ms. Lindy Holland Ms. Heather LeBlanc
Mr. Michael MacNamara Ms. Danyelle Miles
Mr. Keith Morrison Ms. Jill Taylor
INTEGRATED RESOURCE/LEARNING CENTRE/SUPPORT SOCIAL STUDIES DEPT.
Ms. Yolanda Aubrecht Mr. Barry Halloran (Dept. Head)
Ms. Sharon Brennan MacDonald Ms. Rhonda Ferguson
Mr. Brant McGowan Ms. Gloria Johnson
Ms. Caroline Mills Ms. Joanne MacGillivary
Ms. Alison MacDonald Mr. Danny McGee
Mr. Dale Winters Ms. Paula McNabb
Ms. Kimberly Corbett Ms. Melissa Vokey
LANGUAGES POLICE LIAISON OFFICER
Ms. Heather Urquhart (IB Coordinator) Constable Ian Parsons
Mr. Michael Kelly (Pascal Foku Mbogne)
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SECRETARIAL STAFF
Ms. Vanessa Parris Mrs. Janice McIntyre
Mr. Bruce Herney Mrs. Chessam Barrett
Krystal MacKinnon (Guidance)
TEACHER ASSISTANTS LIBRARY TECHNICIAN
Ms. Laura Campbell Ms. Wanda Brewer
Ms. Shelley Campbell
Ms. Donna Grover LUNCH/BUS/GROUNDS
Ms. Brenda Hanna Ms. Marilyn Dixon
Ms. Charlene Libbus
Ms. Ann MacDonald
Ms. Denise MacKay CUSTODIAN
Ms. Jennifer MacKinnon Chris Penny
Ms. Karen MacPherson
Ms. Fonda MacQuarrie
Ms. Sarah McNeil
Ms. Rhoda Mills
Ms. Sandra Muise
Ms. Amber Young
PHILOSOPHY
The general aim of public education at Sydney Academy is to provide an inclusive and culturally responsive school environment that will enable students to think clearly, to communicate effectively, to make sound judgments, and to discriminate between values. The school’s mandate is to help all students to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable them to achieve their full potential. The programs, activities and experiences offered to students have been developed to further the general aim of the school.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CAFETERIA
The Cafeteria will be available for students to eat lunch. Cafeteria service from Chartwells will be available for the year. The cafeteria supervisor may recommend revocation of cafeteria privileges for any student whose behaviour is considered unacceptable.
LOCKERS
Lockers will be available according to the guidelines set out by the province.
FEES ** Please pay any School Fees on Line at: https://cbv.schoolcashonline.com/
GRAD FEES
Students eligible for graduation will be required to pay a fee of $50. per student. Potential graduates are required to pay the first $25 installment at the office by Oct. 5. The remaining $25 shall be due Feb. 26.
TEXTBOOKS
Students will either be issued textbooks in each course or have the use of class sets of books. These books are being provided free of charge to the students. Each student is expected to either return the text they have been originally issued or pay the replacement cost of the textbook. Failure to return or pay for texts will result in final marks being withheld from the student until such time as the book(s) are either returned or paid for.
THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
It is the function of a Guidance Counselor to help a student assess their talents, aptitudes, and interests; to provide information about the world outside school, and to relate the two so that the student’s potential may be achieved.
There are two Guidance Counsellors working on a full-time basis at Sydney Academy. The Guidance Office is open to students from 8:30 am until 3:10 pm. Students can make an appointment during the school day to have an interview with Guidance Counsellors. Education and occupation information is available in the guidance area and also, much information is posted on the various guidance bulletin boards.
All Grade 12 students should visit the Guidance Office during the school year to discuss future plans. Students may receive help from Guidance Counselors in the following areas:
1. Educational -- The placement of students in proper courses.
2. Career – Students may wish to discuss career plans, research career-related information, and inquire about post-secondary requirements as they relate to specific career choices.
3. Personal – This deals with the problems that many students encounter during their high school days; such as troubles in the family, sex, drugs, peer groups, student-teacher relationships, etc.
G. G. CAMPBELL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
THE LIBRARY IS YOURS
USE IT! ENJOY IT! TAKE CARE OF IT!
The G.G. Campbell Memorial Library collection contains over eight thousand items (books, records, audio, and video cassettes, film strips, computer software, and CD-ROM), all of which are fully cataloged. Information on topics of current interest is kept in the Vertical File and on computer software.
Circulating materials may be borrowed for a period of two weeks. Books that are in heavy demand are placed on reserve shelves for use in the library only. Reference materials do not circulate. The reference section includes general and subject encyclopedias (French and English), yearbooks, annuals, almanacs, atlases, maps, newspapers, periodicals and periodical indexes. In addition to the printed and audiovisual materials, computers are available for research and word processing.
All students are encouraged to take advantage of the facility.
STUDENT GUIDELINES
Mission Statement
Sydney Academy aims to develop independent, knowledgeable, well-rounded young people who are risk takers, problem solvers, and are actively engaged in helping to solve local and global problems in a creative and critical manner.
To this end, Sydney Academy fosters a challenging environment in which students are actively engaged in rich educational experiences which encourage them to conduct themselves in a principled, compassionate manner that is respectful and open to other possibilities and perspectives.
Sydney Academy strives to produce a dynamic school environment that will enable each student to develop an ability to think clearly, to communicate effectively and to make sound judgments. The Academy’s mandate is to empower students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills that will enable them to reach their full potential in tomorrow’s world through various programs, activities and experiences. The school endeavours to expose students to the values of the past, the excitement of the present, and the challenge of the future. Sydney Academy aims to provide students with the awareness that tolerance, concern for others and a sense of responsibility can empower them to make the world a better place.
Vision Statement
Sydney Academy recognizes that in order to promote, establish, and maintain a love of knowledge and a desire to learn, the school must make every effort to provide an atmosphere which allows each and every student, regardless of race, creed, gender or ethnic diversity to function without fear of prejudice and with the assurance that their efforts will be evaluated in a fair and equitable manner. Sydney Academy also acknowledges that the curriculum must be presented in such a fashion as to provide each student with an opportunity to succeed within the limits of his/her capabilities. Each student must be encouraged to participate and be challenged to excel.
STANDARDS OF DRESS
Students are asked to adhere to the following:
No intimates, undergarments, or swimwear is worn as a singular piece of clothing.
No writing or pictures on clothing that implies or suggests violence, racism, discrimination, vulgarity, etc.
All clothing must cover the groin, buttocks, and nipples.
Clothing must be appropriate and safe for the activity that students are doing (eg. no high heels in the gym, no billowing tops in a chemistry lab, etc.)
The final decisions about the school Standard of Dress will be on a case-by-case basis by the administration of Sydney Academy.
SCHOOL POLICY RE: ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Students are not permitted to use electronic communication devices in any classroom - except when explicitly directed by a teacher or administrator for a specific educational purpose. Teachers will send students to the office who are using electronic communication devices in the classroom without explicit direction to do so. The consequences will range from a warning to a suspension from school for repeated offences.
The International Baccalaureate Program at Sydney Academy
IBO MISSION STATEMENT
The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
As IB learners we strive to be:
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our own actions and their consequences.
Open-Minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others in the world around us.
Risk-Takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. we are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives-intellectual, physical, and emotional- to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
The IB Diploma Program
The Diploma Program is suited to any academically ambitious high school student who seeks to attend university. This comprehensive two-year program is delivered in grades 11 and 12, usually after students complete the SA Pre-IB program in Grade 10. The program culminates in a series of international examinations written in six academic subjects chosen by each student–one subject from each of the following groups which correspond to the principal domains of knowledge:
Group 1 – Language A – English
Group 2 – Language B – a second language such as French, Spanish
Group 3 – Individuals and Society – subjects such as history and global politics
Group 4 – Experimental Sciences – subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology
Group 5 – Mathematics
Group 6 – The Arts or one Elective – subjects such as visual arts and film, or one elective from Group 3 or 4.
The student’s choices must include three courses taken at the Higher Level (HL), comprising 240 teacher-student contact hours, and three courses taken at the Standard Level (SL), comprising 150 teacher-student contact hours. Most subjects are taken over two years.
The IB Diploma is about more than the six subjects that students study. At its heart, are three core requirements that are integral to the curriculum and make the IB Diploma program unique. These three requirements are:
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course – an interdisciplinary course designed to develop habits of critical reflection, clarity of thought, and moral judgment.
The Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) program – participation in creative programs, athletics or other physical activities, and community service which enhances personal growth.
The Extended Essay (EE) – a 4000-word piece of original research on a topic chosen by the student with the guidance of a teacher supervisor.
Schools that offer the IB Diploma Program are required to encourage a global view, international understanding, and respect for others; important goals in all subjects.
The aims of the extended essay are to provide students with the opportunity to:
Pursue independent research in depth on a focused topic
Develop research and communication skills
Develop the skills of creative and critical thinking
Experience the excitement of intellectual discovery
The Nova Scotia Department of Education is pleased to confirm that students who successfully complete all of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma requirements will thereby earn a Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma.
Please note that students who decide to leave the IB program will be required to meet Nova Scotia graduation requirements. Those students will, of course, be given credit toward those requirements for the IB courses they have successfully completed.
If a student does not opt for the entire IB Diploma Program, they may opt to pursue IB Certificates in courses of their choosing. They are required to meet Nova Scotia Graduation requirements.
THE BENEFITS OF AN IB DIPLOMA:
The ultimate benefit is that IB Diploma graduates are literate, articulate, confident young adults with an understanding of global issues and other cultures.
University admissions and scholarship committees are increasingly taking into account an applicant’s entire school record, not just marks. The IB Diploma Program’s emphasis on citizenry and extracurricular activities speaks aptly to those criteria.
The IB Diploma graduates receive excellent recognition from universities’ admissions offices in Canada, the USA and abroad. This recognition in Canada includes early acceptance, advanced standing and eligibility for special IB scholarships as well as traditional university scholarships. Many Canadian Universities have established dedicated IB admissions staff to recruit and advise IB Diploma graduates. Please refer to university websites for policies regarding IB.
IB Diploma graduates consistently perform well once at university with many advancing to postgraduate programs. Typically diploma holders bring to university a capacity for in-depth study, strong writing skills, and knowledge of how to research a topic and express their opinions.
CREDIT SYSTEM
Generally, each course is worth one full credit. Grade 10 academic and Pre-IB Math are 2 credit courses.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
For students who are entering Grade 10:
1. The completion of eighteen (18) credits for grades 10, 11, and 12.
2. These eighteen (18) credits must include fourteen (14) compulsory courses
3. Students are required to pass five (4) additional elective courses.
4. No more than seven (7) of the minimum eighteen (18) credits can be for Grade 10 courses.
5. At least five (5) of the minimum eighteen (18) credits must be for Grade 12 courses.
6. In most cases, students may not count 2 credits in the same specific subject area at the same grade level toward
the minimum of 18 credits required for high school graduation.
Language, Communication and Expression:
3 English language arts (one at each level)
Fine Arts:
1 Fine Arts (art, music, drama, art dramatique, dance)
Science, Mathematics and Technology:
3 Mathematics courses (one at each grade level)
2 Science courses: one from Science 10, biology, chemistry, or physics, and one other approved science course.
1 Others from mathematics, science, or technology: eligible technology courses include:
Communication Technology 11 and 12; Construction Technology 10; Computer Related Studies 12 Business Technology 11 and 12; Design 11; Electro-technologies 11; Energy, Power, and Transportation 11; Exploring Technology 10; Production Technology 11 & 12; Film and Video Production 12; Food Preparation &.Textile Production 10; Food Studies & Hospitality 12
Personal Development and Society:
1 Physical Education, which includes 1 of the following: Physical Education, Physically Active Living, Physical Education, Dance, Yoga 11, Mode de Vie 11 and CAS(IB).
1 Canadian History: Canadian History 11, History 11, African Canadian Studies 11, and Mi’kmaq Studies 10.
1 Global Studies: Global Geography 12, Global History 12, Géographie plantaire 12, IB History 12, IB Histoire 12 or IB Global Politics 12
COURSE SELECTION
A course of studies booklet is available to all students on the Sydney Academy Website. The purpose of this booklet is to inform parents/guardians and students of the various course offerings for the following year. A brief description of each course is contained in the booklet. Students should choose their courses with great care, consulting with parents/guardians, homeroom teacher and Guidance Counselor. Course registration will normally be considered final. Changes may be requested in cases such as a change in career plans or failing of a required course.
EVALUATION
Evaluation procedures use the following the framework. The Department Head and department teachers determine the kind and number of tests, projects, term papers, essays, labs, etc., to be given within an evaluation period. Formal examinations are held once during the semester. Please refer to the school and subject communication plans for further information on course requirements.
1. 1st Semester - Finals - January
2. 2nd Semester - Finals - June
Specific evaluation procedures for each course will be outlined in the communication plan that will be provided for all courses.
POLICY ON COURSE CHANGES
Sydney Academy urges students to choose courses with great care. Their registration selections should be based on their interests, aptitudes and career plans. All Students are required to take a full course load while at Sydney Academy. For grade ten students, a full load is eight (8) courses - four each semester. For grade 11 students a full course load is a minimum of seven (7) courses, provided there are no failures on the transcript. For grade 12 students a full course load is a minimum of six (6) courses (three/semester) provided there are no failures on the transcript. Post grads and mature students must take a full load unless given special permission to take a reduced course load by the administration.
Grade 12 students choosing to take a reduced course load should be aware of the following:
Eligibility for co/extra curricular activities will be lost if even one failure occurs. Please review the Discipline Policy for more information on academic eligibility.
Students should investigate fully their eligibility for scholarships and bursaries.
Especially for students in grade 12 - investigate fully how a reduced course load will affect your eligibility for entrance into programs at any post-secondary institution.
If students prepare carefully for course registration, and receive the necessary information and guidance, requests for course changes should be minimized. At times, however, it is in the best interest of the student to entertain a course change. Course changes will be considered for the first two weeks following the start of classes and will be permitted only if there is room in the course requested. A number of possible situations may be cited. These include:
Keeping the same course but requesting a teacher change. Requests for a teacher change are normally not allowed and will be accommodated only in extraordinary circumstances and at the discretion of the administration. If such a change is granted, any marks by the student will be transferred and form part of the evaluation in the new class.
"Drop-down" situations - e.g. Math 10 to Math at Work 10. Such situations should have been avoided during regular registration periods. Drops downs will only be permitted at the discretion on the Administration if there is room in the lower level class. If an IB student should decide not to continue with an IB course, they may receive an academic credit using the NS Department of Education Soft Landing Guidelines.
Grade Eleven and Twelve Students Dropping a Class. Grade twelve students may carry as few as six (6) courses, provided there are no failures on the transcript. If a grade eleven or twelve student taking more than the minimum required number of courses wishes to drop a course, they may do so up to one month prior to the final exam period each semester.
Changing from one course to an entirely different course - e.g: His 12 to Eco 12. Course changes are not normally permitted except in cases where the change is required for a student to graduate. In some circumstances, course changes may be entertained if the request is due to a failure in a first semester course or a change in career plans.
Student transferring from another school. Students who transfer to Sydney Academy from another school outside our Board part way through the term will normally be required to take the same courses as studied at the previous school. Problems may arise in some cases due to differences in course offerings. Such problems will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Once the Course Change Deadline has passed, there will be no consideration given for further changes in scheduling.
EXAMINATION RULES FOR STUDENTS
THE FOLLOWING RULES WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS. THEY HAVE BEEN DRAFTED TO ALLOW ALL STUDENTS TO WRITE AND COMPLETE THEIR EXAMINATIONS WITHOUT UNNECESSARY INTERRUPTION.
1. Examinations will begin exactly at the designated times. Morning examinations begin at exactly 9:00 a.m. and afternoon examinations begin at exactly 12:15 p.m. Students are to be in the room designated for their examination at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the examination.
2. Students must remain in the examination room for at least 60 minutes after the examination commences.
3. Any student arriving late for an examination must report to the Main Office before proceeding to the examination room.
4. Students must keep all scribblers and textbooks at the front of the class during the examination period.
5. Students must bring to the examination room ALL materials necessary to write examinations. However, foolscap, scrap paper and graph paper will be provided. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO BORROW. EACH STUDENT IS TO HAVE HIS/HER OWN SUPPLIES.
6. Students leaving the building are to leave by the nearest exit.
7. a) Students may go directly to the library after passing in their examination paper.
b) Students in the downstairs area are to proceed to the library by Door 3, located opposite the
gymnasium and in the corner of the large parking lot.
c) Students arriving at the building to go to the library are to follow the same procedure as (b)
above. This will enable you to proceed to the library without disturbing the students who are still
writing their exams.
8. Electronic communication device are not permitted. Students found in possession of an electronic communication device during an exam will be given a mark of zero.
9. Each student is to do their own work. Any student caught cheating in any way during an examination will receive a mark of “0” - ZERO - for that particular exam.
“ P L E A S E R E M E M B E R ”
SILENCE is necessary in the classrooms and in the hallways while examinations are in progress.
Sydney Academy
Team/Co/Extra Curricular Discipline Policy (Revised Sept. 2016)
Currently Under Review
Participation in Co/Extra Curricular Activities is a privilege not a right. This privilege may be removed by the School Administration and/or Athletic Council at any time due to educational and or behavioural issues.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
A student must pass at least three (3) courses at the mid-term and final reporting periods in each semester to be eligible to take part in sports. If a student passes two courses they shall be removed from the team for four (4) weeks from the issuing of report cards. After this period they may be reinstated if satisfactory student progress has been achieved. If the student has less than two (2) passing grades they will be ineligible until the next official report.
JV SPORTS PROGRAMS
JV Sports are offered when enough students try out for a Varsity Team to create a second team, and the their is available gym or field time and coaching available. Student who try out for the varsity team will be given priority in the selection of the JV Team.
SUBSTANCE USE VIOLATIONS
First offence - A two to five day suspension from school and a 30 school day suspension from school sports teams/co/extra curricular activities.
Second offence - A five day suspension from school and removal from all teams/co/extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year. If the second offence occurs in the last two months of school (May or June) then the suspension from teams/co/extra curricular activities is for the remainder of the current school year and the first semester of the next school year.
Third offence - A five day suspension from school with possible recommendation to the School Board for a further suspension and termination from all teams/co/extracurricular activities for the remainder of the student’s school attendance with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board.
SCHOOL RELATED SUSPENSIONS
First offence - Student is ineligible to play, practice, or participate in team/co/extracurricular activities while serving a suspension from school.
Second offence - Student will receive a game suspension for each day suspended from school (a three day suspension includes a three game suspension). Students will not be permitted to take part in co/extra curricular activities for five school days following their return to school from the suspension from school.
Third offence - Student is suspended from school sport/co/extra curricular activities for the remainder of the year.
LEAGUE RELATED SUSPENSIONS AND TOURNAMENT TRAVEL
A player who is suspended from league play and whose eligibility will not be reinstated during round robin play is ineligible to travel with the team to any tournament. If the tournament does not contain a play off round then the coach must check with the school administration to determine if the player will be eligible to travel with the team.
ATHLETES PLAYING MULTIPLE SPORTS
Athletes who play more than one school sport at the same time must inform their coaches of conflicts. Athletes are required play games rather than practice when conflicts arise. The athlete will practice and play with the team in play offs before any other team’s commitment. If both sports are in the regular season the athlete will alternate games for each team unless an alternate agreement is made with the coaches and athlete.
ATTENDANCE
Any student who is unexcused absent or excused sick is not permitted to take part on teams and/or co/extra curricular activities on the day of the absence. Attendance will be checked on game day and coaches will be provided with a list of ineligible students. If a student does not inform the coach of their ineligibility and plays in the above circumstance they will be ineligible to play for the next two games. Students involved in other co/extracurricular activities will be ineligible to participate for the next five school days.
When a student reaches 5 absences the student and his/her coach/advisor will be notified that school administration is reviewing the students attendances. The student may be removed from participation in the sport/activity by the administration at any time after five total absences, if attendance issues continue to occur. Athletes who are removed from participation in a sport/activity due to attendance issues will be ineligible to participate for a period of (16)school days (2-8 day cycles). The student may be reinstated after this time if the administration is satisfied that the student’s attendance pattern has improved. Family vacations are not excusable absences. For activities that begin mid-semester, students will be permitted to participate if they have a clean attendance record for two (2) weeks leading into the first game of the season. Any additional absences will lead to the two cycle suspension as outlined above.
**** Students are not permitted to drive themselves or other students to any co/extra curricular event, as per Regional Policy*****
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
STUDENTS’ ASSEMBLY
STUDENTS’ EXECUTIVE
2023-2024
Co-President - Kamran Asim Co-Vice President - Nolan Neville
Co-President - Jaxon MacDonald Co-Vice President - Katie Urquhart
STUDENT ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
For Representative Elections:
Representatives at each grade level (grades 10-12) were selected this past June. The 2 Co-Presidents will oversee the election of Assembly representatives. Assembly representatives will be elected by private ballot, one person - one vote, majority rule. Grade 9 representatives will be chosen in September.
For Co-President (2 positions):
1. Each year during the month of May, 2 Co-Presidents shall be elected from the Grade 11 students to represent Sydney Academy for the ensuing year.
2. The Co-Presidents shall be Grade 12 students during the year they are in office.
3. Duties include:
a) They will on occasion represent and speak to the student body.
b) They will receive guests in the name of Sydney Academy.
c) They will take turns in presiding at General Assemblies.
d) They will be expected to approach teaching staff members as representing the student body when matters arise that call for discussions.
e) They will assist the Principal or Vice-Principals upon request.
f) They will assist in and oversee the organization of the next Co-President elections.
g) They will assist in the organization of the new Assembly officer elections, and continue, throughout the year, to act in an advisory capacity.
h) They will represent the student body on the Sydney Academy School Advisory Council.
Qualifications:
a) Strong academic candidate: average of 75% in seven (7) subjects in grade 10 and 11 with no failing grade on report card. This includes the February and June report cards in grade 10 and the February and April report cards in grade 11.
b) Exemplary attendance.
c) Active participation in co/extra curricular events. Candidates will have served a minimum of one year on the Students' Assembly during their time in High School.
d) Recommendations from one teacher in the form of signatures or reference letters.
e) Personal qualifications include evidence of good character, ability to speak in public, and willingness to accept and completely discharge responsibilities.
Selection of Candidates
Students who meet the eligibility guidelines shall complete a written application and forward it to the selection committee.
The selection committee is comprised of the principal, vice-principals, and a group of interested teachers. The duties of this committee shall be to post a final list of candidates who meet the eligibility requirements.
ORGANIZATIONS IN SYDNEY ACADEMY
Sydney Academy offers students a number of organizations, clubs, sports and special events such as Winter Carnival and Grad Week during the year. Students are encouraged to participate and join in Academy activities. Some of the organizations are listed be
Yearbook
Debating Club
Drama Club
Winter Carnival
Key Club
Students’ Assembly
Green Team
Varsity Sports Include:
Boys’ Basketball
Girls' Basketball
Badminton
Football
Boys’ Golf
Girls' Golf
Boys’ Hockey
Girls’ Softball
Girls’ Volleyball
Girls’ Soccer
Boys' Soccer
Cross-Country
Track & Field
SYDNEY ACADEMY - INTERNET ACCESS AND USER POLICY
Policy Statement:
Students in Sydney Academy will select from a variety of information sources, including the Internet, to support and extend their learning as prescribed in the “Public School Programs” of Nova Scotia. Access and use of the Internet by students in Sydney Academy will allow them to access local, national and international electronic information sources and to collaborate with peers and experts to sole curriculum related problems. Access to information and collaboration are vital to intellectual inquiry in a democracy.
Objectives:
To provide Internet access in accordance with the Public School Program of NS to inform, educate and provide access to the ideas of humanity.
To conduct and share research in pursuit of curriculum outcomes.
To communicate with peers and identified experts to solve curriculum-related problems. To become familiar with career opportunities in a global information economy.
To develop information literacy and technological competence necessary for meaningful employment in an information economy.
To develop entrepreneurial skills.