Policies and Procedures

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

All District policies may be accessed on the Newfoundland English School District website at

https://www.nlesd.ca

VAPING / SMOKING POLICY

The School does not permit smoking, smokeless tobacco (vaping) or any product that mimics tobacco, in school or modes of transportation used to transport students. This includes the smoking (or consumption) of cannabis or other substances which may be illegal; cause impairment, or be dangerous to the health of students and staff.

VIDEO SURVEILLENCE

For the safety and security of our students, staff and visitors, we now have video camera surveillance equipment installed on school property.

The video surveillance cameras are utilized only in public areas where there is no “reasonable expectation of privacy.” The surveillance cameras are not installed in “private” areas such as restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, private offices or classrooms.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION POLICY

Examinations and tests are but one means of allowing teachers to assess students' success in attaining the educational outcomes of their prescribed curriculum. Formal examinations are scheduled at mid-year and in June for some courses. This will be communicated to you and your student early on in the school year and during Curriculum Night.

A teacher's evaluation of a student takes place over the entire year. Final marks in a course are based on tests, exam results, assignments, projects, quizzes, class participation, etc. A specific course evaluation format will be provided to students early on in the year.

It is expected that all students will take the quiz, test or exam on the day stipulated by the teacher. If a student is absent on such a day, the school is to be notified immediately by the parent or guardian. The student will write the quiz, test, or exam on the first day of his/her return.

NUTRITION POLICY

The Newfoundland English School District's Nutrition Policy has been in full effect since September 2008. You can support our nutritional goals by not giving your child ‘junk food’ (pop, chips, etc.) for recess or lunch.

ANAPHYLAXIS POLICY

We have identified cases of children with anaphylaxis here at St. Peter's. Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. It is regarded as a medical emergency. The key to prevention of anaphylaxis is identification of triggers and prevention of exposure to these. As such, parents/guardians are reminded that we have a peanut alert environment. DO NOT SEND PEANUT OR PEANUT PRODUCTS TO SCHOOL as these may threaten the life of those affected by anaphylaxis

MEDICATION POLICY

We recognize that it is sometimes necessary for students to take medication during school hours. A policy exists in order to guide school personnel in the administration of medication to students. This policy attempts to ensure that safety of students taking medication as well as other students in the school. Please read this section carefully.

1. School personnel will agree to administer medication which is prescribed by a physician when it is essential the medication be administered during the regular school day. Consent forms must be signed by parents/ guardians before any medication can be administered. This consent form is available at the office.

2. Over-the-counter medication will not be given to students by any school personnel. Students are not to bring over-the-counter medication to school. We do, however, recognize that there may be times when this is necessary. If a parent has a specific request regarding over-the-counter medication, they are to contact the school administration

EARLY DISMISSAL/EVACUATION PROCEDURES POLICY

It is sometimes necessary for school to close early for weather or other unexpected causes. On bad weather days, please make sure someone is available to receive your child at home. Coming to the school to pick up your child is a great help!

At the beginning of each year, students are made aware of safety regulations and evacuation procedures. Fire drills occur on a monthly basis. Evacuation routes will be posted in every classroom or instructional space. With teachers' assistance, students are strongly encouraged to become familiar with evacuation procedures.

At St. Peter's Academy, we have established a Crisis Response Plan as part of our Provincial Safe and Caring Schools Mandate. A committee comprised of teachers, administration, parents, and emergency measures groups have laid out various procedures in the event of any extraordinary circumstance, crisis, or emergency. We have also established a list of emergency contacts should the need arise. Parents are asked to ensure that they have provided the school with the name and telephone number of an emergency contact person, other than themselves. This is especially important for parents who work outside of the community and who may not be able to respond to a call immediately if need be. Contact the school secretary any time there is a change in your phone number or that of the individual(s) you have listed as emergency contacts.

Parents must make sure that children understand fully what they must do in the event that school is closed on short notice. While we will make every effort, it is very possible that we may have to close school in an emergency with no time to make phone calls. Therefore, the student must know what to do in the event that this happens.

ATTENDANCE/ LATE POLICY

Regular attendance at school is an important factor contributing to academic success. Students are expected to be in regular attendance at school, and to arrive in the morning and afternoon on time (students must be in their home room by 8:25 a.m. and 12:25 p.m.)

In case of late arrival or early dismissal, students must report to the office. Whenever possible, student appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours. Leaving school for any reason other than illness requires a note of explanation from parents or guardians. Early dismissal slips will not be issued without the consent of parents or guardians, i.e. phone call or written permission. Leaving for any reason without signing out is considered skipping and will result in a referral to the administration.

Students who are late, even though they receive a late slip at the office, will be tracked by the homeroom teacher. Issues relating to chronic lateness and/or unexcused absenteeism will be addressed within our School-Wide Code of Conduct.

DRESS CODE POLICY

Students will maintain their person and clothing in a modest and orderly manner that reflects pride and respect in self and school. Students should present themselves in a neat and clean manner for school. Recognizing that school is a special place and therefore requires appropriate attire, students at St. Peter's Academy will dress in accordance with the following ‘dress code’:

1. All clothing must be in good taste for a school setting. Clothing is to cover the full torso; therefore, spaghetti straps, low cut tops, clothing that reveals undergarments of any kind, shirts which reveal the mid-section, back and/ or shoulders are not to be worn.

2. Skirts and dresses must be appropriate for school setting. Skirts must be below mid-thigh. Shorts will be permitted in school during the fall and spring when temperatures are relatively high. The shorts should be walking shorts. Pants must be worn appropriately. Pajamas are not permitted.

3. Students are not to wear any clothing or accessories which promote or display violence, drugs/ alcohol, foul language, inappropriate slogans, foul language or makes reference to sexual activity.

4. Outside boots, coats/ jackets, sunglasses, bandannas, hats and other head-wear are not to be worn in school and are to be stored in lockers.

5. Footwear. Students are expected to have separate footwear for inside the school. For safety reasons, students are not to wear footwear such as high heels, platform shoes and flip flops. Sneakers, purchased

for school should be non-marking.

6. The school administration reserves the right to prohibit any item of clothing that is not appropriate for school wear but is not listed above.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLOTHING POLICY

Students should be dressed appropriately for gym classes (as per dress code above). Primary students

do not need to change for gym class given the nature of their activities. Elementary and junior high students must have separate gym clothes. For health reasons, students should not borrow physical education clothing and footwear from other students and gym clothing is not to be worn in the regular classroom.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Students are permitted to use electronic devices such as iPads, iPods, cell phones, hand-held gaming devices, etc. before homeroom in the morning, during recess and lunch time. Appropriate music and non-violent games only are permitted. These devices may also be used in the classroom to support learning under the direct supervision of the teacher. The teacher will inform students when to bring a specific device into the classroom for instructional purposes. Failure to comply with regulations will result in the item being confiscated from the student and will only be returned when a parent/guardian comes to the school to retrieve it. Students are to be respectful of other's right to privacy and are to refrain from taking pictures or making any type of video or audio recordings of any individual without their expressed consent. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the electronic device being banned indefinitely from the student's use while in school. Please note that students are not permitted to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc while in school.

SCHOOL BUS POLICY

Students and parents are reminded that the bus is an extension of the school, and as such, students are expected to conduct themselves as they would in school. If a student does not comply with the regulations set down for safe operation of the bus, he /she may be suspended from the bus for a period of time or indefinitely, if circumstances warrant. Students who travel on the bus have assigned seats.

PARKING LOT SAFETY POLICY

Since children are not always mindful of their own safety, we ask that parents and guardians remember the following when entering or exiting the school parking lot:

1. Do not block the bus route, or bus parking spaces.

2. Please drive slowly and carefully when on the lot and avoid backing up at all times.

3. At the end of the day, all students from K-9 are dismissed at the same time. Vehicles are not permitted to leave the parking lot until all walkers and buses are off the lot. Traffic is to move in one direction around the parking lot. Please respect the parking lot signs and the teachers on duty.

VISITORS POLICY

A new Security System has been installed at the main entrance of the school. This system was installed under the new District Safe & Caring Schools Policy Act for security purposes. If you have business at the school, we are requesting you do so between 8:20 – 11:20 a.m. and after 12:20 p.m. There will be no one at the desk to let you in while our school secretary is gone home to lunch (11:20 – 12:20).

All school visitors must report to the General Office for the safety of our children. It is very important that we are aware of all visitors to the building. As well, to minimize the loss of

instructional time, parents must leave items or messages for their children at the main office.

STUDENTS STAYING AFTER SCHOOL POLICY

If a primary or elementary child is remaining after school for an extra-curricular activity, a note must be sent to the teacher on each day the activity takes place, granting permission for the child to stay and indicating who will be picking up the child. It is important that the person indicated be at the school promptly at the end of the activity. This note can be written in this planner. This requirement to have a note does not apply to junior high students.

FEES POLICY

All students in Kindergarten through Grade 9 have been provided with textbooks from the Department of Education. There are, however, instances where a fee must be charged by the school. These would include such things as student field trips, band instrument rentals and enrichment activities. We ask that these fees be taken care of once they are communicated to parents/guardians.

LOCKER POLICY

Students are provided with lockers in which to place their things. Primary and elementary students do not need a lock on their locker. In Junior High, LOCKS MUST BE USED AT ALL TIMES. Junior high students are required to provide their own combination lock. The combination will be recorded by the homeroom teacher and a copy submitted to the office. Locks may be purchased at the office for a fee of

$5.00. Failure to provide the lock combination to the office may result in the removal of the lock. All students should keep their lockers in good order. Lunch containers, gym clothing etc., should be taken home on a regular basis rather than being left in the locker for long periods of time. One suggestion to help maximize space and improve organization is for students/parents to purchase locker stacking shelves.

ASSEMBLY POLICY

St. Peter’s Academy has seven pre-planned assemblies throughout the year: September Opening, Thanksgiving, Christmas Dinner, Remembrance Day, Easter, Athletic Awards and Academic Awards. Other assemblies may occur throughout the year and are announced through newsletter, memos and our website. Parents are always welcome to attend these events.

LOST AND FOUND POLICY

All found articles should be placed in the lost and found bin or turned into the General Office. All persons may claim lost and found articles from these locations. Clothes not claimed after a reasonable period of time is donated to the Salvation Army.

BULLETIN BOARDS & NOTICES POLICY

All notices and signs to be posted must be approved by the administration and be removed by those responsible within a reasonable time after the event.

TELEPHONE CALLS POLICY

A telephone has been provided just outside the main office. Depending on the nature of the call, school personnel may give elementary and junior high students permission to make necessary calls to their parents. Calls will be made to parents by school personnel if the student is sick and intends to go home. Primary students are not permitted to use this phone; their phone call must be made through the main office.

STUDENT COUNCIL POLICY

The primary organization governing student affairs is the Student Council. Elections will be held in the fall, under the direction of an assigned teacher liaison. Grades 4 through 9 will be represented on the school council.

SCHOOL DANCES POLICY

School dances must be organized by a school group and approved by the administration. Such dances will be subject to the following rules:

(a) Once the dance begins, the doors will be locked. Students will not be permitted to leave the dance. Those students that do leave the school will not be permitted back.

(b) Any student who does not attend St. Peter's Academy must be signed in by a St. Peter's Academy student. The names of these students must be provided to the administration by the day preceding the dance and approval must be given. Any student who disobeys school rules will be removed and may be barred from future dances.

(c) All areas outside of the gym are off limits to students.

In accordance with Newfoundland English School District's Tobacco Policy, smoking will not be in the building or on school property.

(d) Any student suspected of drinking or under the influence of illegal drugs will be removed from the dance and barred for an indefinite period. Parents and law enforcement will be contacted.

(e) Any person exhibiting unseemly behavior such as swearing, fighting, sexual activity, etc. will be removed from the dance. Such students face school suspension and suspension from school social events for an indefinite period.

Athletics Policy

St. Peter’s Academy provides opportunities for students to take part in sports teams throughout the year. Being a student athlete is a privilege and with privileges come responsibilities. Athletics are expected to sign an agreement and comply with the following expectations and responsibilities.

Athletes will perform to the best of their abilities in all classes.

You are a student first and an athlete second. Failing to complete assignments, submit work, or maintaining a passing grade, indicates an inability to handle the load of being a team member as well as a student. If teachers are not satisfied that you are working to your potential, administration reserves the right to suspend or restrict participation until improvement is shown.

2. Athletes academic achievement criteria for participation in school sports

a. Maintain a passing grade in core subjects

b. Have all assignments up to date before playing in games or tournaments

c. Have all homework completed on a daily basis or at least present evidence that homework was attempted.

d. Wear team uniforms during tournaments only unless otherwise communicated by the coach or administration

e. Be on time and present in school on the day of practice or a game unless a valid reason is presented to the administration. If absent, a parent note or proof of a previously scheduled medical appointment should be presented upon the student’s return to school that day, prior to the practice or game.

3. Athletes are expected to demonstrate respect and leadership in all classes.

This includes showing respect for self, others, learning and the environment and demonstrating cooperation, and responsible behavior at all times. Behavior should not interfere with the learning opportunities of others.

4. Athletes will commit to participate fully in the Athletic program at St. Peter’s Academy including:

a. Committing to all practices, games, fundraisers and team experiences.

b. Committing to staying on the team until the end of the season, unless agreed upon by the coach and athlete.

c. Conduct themselves in a manner that displays respect for coaches, teammates, officials, and opponents.

d. Making arrangements to fully take care of all team fees.

e. Taking good care of equipment

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS POLICY

Students are not permitted to leave school grounds at recess time. Walking students are permitted to go home to lunch. If they choose to stay to eat their lunch, they must remain on school grounds for the entire lunch period. Bus students are also permitted to go home at lunchtime, provided that a parent is picking the child up. Junior High bus students can leave the school grounds at lunch time if they provide written consent for either the day or for the school year. Students leaving throughout the day for any reason must have a parent/guardian speak to, or provide a note for, office personnel prior to the student’s dismissal.

GUM CHEWING POLICY

Gum chewing is not permitted in school at any time.

STUDENT/PARENT APPEAL POLICY

It may happen that occasionally a student feels that he or she has been unfairly treated. The issue must not be debated where those not directly involved are present.

The student/parent should follow the procedure outlined below: (a) Carry out the direction given

(b) Ask the person involved for an appointment to discuss the matter.

(c) If after (a) and (b) you feel that you have not been fairly treated, you should see one of the administrative personnel