Code of Behaviour

STUDENT CODE OF BEHAVIOUR 2022-2025

The Student Code of Behaviour has evolved over a number of years through input by students, parents, staff, Parish and community representatives. Its purpose is to create and maintain a positive and Christian learning environment in which each student can develop his/her full potential and to assist the student in reaching his/her goals. This Code was reviewed by Saint Joseph’s staff, students and School Council and is consistent with the legislative expectations of the Safe Schools Act, (Bill 212) and Renfrew County Catholic District School Board Policy.

STUDENT RIGHTS

• be able to acknowledge God openly

• maintain Catholic teaching in an open way

• learn in an environment of self-respect, mutual respect and friendship

• be taught in an environment where the student is aware of what is expected and to have access to additional assistance where needed

• be taught by teachers who behave at all times in a professional manner; respect each student as a person; are willing to put in an extra effort where needed and help students achieve the best education possible

• be taught in an atmosphere where the student can grow spiritually, mentally, physically, socially and emotionally and develop the values necessary to become mature, responsible citizens who can successfully function in the outside world

• Attend school free of ridicule, or harassment, based on one’s race, gender identity or sexual orientation

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The regulations that follow contain the details of the application of the Student Code of Behaviour.

ATTENDANCE

You are expected to attend school regularly and to attend all your classes when you are at school.

PUNCTUALITY

You are expected to be on time for all your classes throughout the day. On time means being inside your classroom prior to the ringing of the bell, which signals that classes can begin.

CLASS PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION

You are expected to fulfill all course requirements. This includes being prepared for all classes by bringing the required materials to class, as indicated by your teachers; to have homework completed; to hand in assignments on the due dates and to prepare for tests and examinations. You are expected to participate in a constructive manner in class.

RESPECT FOR PROPERTY

You are expected to treat the school grounds, school buses, the school buildings and everything in the school including desks, walls, change rooms, books and furniture with care and respect. This includes the personal property of others .

RESPECT FOR PROPERTY AND OUR NEIGHBOURS

In addition to treating school property and other peoples' personal property with care and respect, we must recognize that our neighbours also deserve respect and the peace and enjoyment of their property. Therefore , you are asked not to loiter on the streets and the median adjacent to school property, nor walk on neighbours' properties.

CAFETERIA

Students are expected to keep the cafeteria clean and heed the instructions of the supervisors and cafeteria staff. Failure to do so may lead to a loss of cafeteria privileges.

REGULATIONS CONCERNING STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

The regulations that follow contain the details of the application of the Student Code of Behaviour.

ATTENDANCE

At St. Joseph's High School attendance is an essential component of all courses. Therefore, students and parents/guardians are advised that you must be in attendance in all your classes except when absent for valid reasons.

VALID REASONS - which will not count as absences for the purpose of this policy are:

(a) illness or accident where a doctor's letter or certificate is received by the office;

(b) absence due to participation in school sponsored extracurricular activities or field trips when authorized by the Principal/Vice Principal or a teacher;

(c) absence due to a required court appearance or visit to a legal professional when supported by a letter from a legal professional, or a subpoena.

FREQUENT ABSENTEEISM

Students need to be aware that frequent absenteeism, even for valid reasons, can make it impossible for the teacher to assess your progress. This is particularly true when several tests are missed. In such a case, the credit may be lost.

ABSENTEEISM

Upon returning from an absence, it is expected that a parent, or guardian, has contacted the school to authenticate the reason for the absence. Students who are 18 years of age, or older, may take responsibility for authorizing their own absences. Parents, or guardians, can call the school before 8 a.m. on the day of, or prior to, the absence and leave a message on the school answering machine. If the absence has not been approved, then families will receive a text, email and phone message from the school indicating the absence.

Absent students have a responsibility to make up missed work and assignments.

TRUANCY

Students who are under 18 years of age are legally required in Ontario to attend school. Students eighteen years of age, or older, who choose to attend St. Joseph's High School, agree, in making that choice, to be bound by our attendance policies. The only recognized reasons for missing a class are permission from the Principal/Vice Principal, illness or accident, a medical appointment which cannot be scheduled outside of class time, a legal or court appointment or a genuine family emergency.

AN OUTSIDE JOB IS NEVER AN ACCEPTABLE REASON TO MISS SCHOOL.

If you are illegally absent from class, you can expect:

(a) on the first offense in a semester that detentions will be assigned to make up for time missed. Be aware that the school regularly calls home when students are absent and so your parents/guardians will be informed;

(b) on the occasion of the second and subsequent truancies you may be suspended and additional penalties may be assigned.

LATES

Late arrivals to class disrupt the teaching and learning process.

Because of the special status accorded opening prayer and 0’ Canada, which occur immediately after the 8:15 a.m. bell, students who are late for period 1 shall report to the office for a late slip.

1. The penalties for the first 4 lates in any one class shall be the responsibility of the teacher.

2. Beginning with the fifth late in any one class, or cumulatively in all classes, office detentions may be assigned.

SMOKING & VAPING

Under the Smoke Free Ontario Act, smoking and vaping on school property is prohibited by law. School property includes not only the school building, but the grounds adjacent to the school, including the elementary school located next door.

Students found vaping on school grounds will be suspended and their vapes, nicotine pods, etc will be confiscated.

Students are advised that the Tobacco Enforcement Officer visits the school grounds and that there is a substantial fine for smoking, or vaping on school property.

RESPECT FOR THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OF OTHERS

UNSCHEDULED PERIODS

Students with unscheduled periods (spares) are expected to avoid disturbing classes in session by:

• reporting to the cafeteria or Town Square, or

• reporting to the student lounge for quiet studying or reading, or

• being outside on the school grounds, or,

• if you have permission, leaving the school grounds entirely.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY

Electronic devices can be used in the school during unscheduled times (before school, lunch, and after school). Electronic devices may be permitted during class time if instructed by, or at the discretion of, the classroom teacher. If a student is using a device when they have been instructed not to, the following consequences will be enforced:

1st Offence- Handed over to the teacher for the remainder of the class.

2nd Offence- Handed over to the teacher and turned into the office. Returned at the end of the day.

3rd Offence- Handed over to the teacher and turned into the office. Returned to a parent/guardian at their earliest convenience.

4th Offence- Handed over to the teacher and turned into the office. Student will receive consequences as deemed fit by the P/VP.

APPROPRIATE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE

This policy will include any and all devices (computers, Smartphones, tablets, PED's, etc). Students are accountable for the appropriate use of the Board's Internet systems in an ethical and appropriate educational manner, which must be in compliance with all relevant federal and provincial legislation: the Education Statutes and Regulations of Ontario; Ontario Charter of Rights and Freedom; Ontario Code of Conduct; Ontario Human Rights Code and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and all relevant policies of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board.

Electronic devices will, under no circumstances, be used by any student for the capture of photo, video or audio recording, or for sharing/posting of individuals or groups, without the express authorized permission of those involved and/or the authorization of RCCDSB staff.

The use of electronic devices in a manner that facilitates crime under the federal, provincial and/or municipal statutes is strictly prohibited and shall be subject to discipline and/or the reporting of any such incidents to the police services.

The Board will not service a student's electronic device, nor will it be liable in the event that the device is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise rendered inoperable.

In the event that an emergency is occurring, the Principal, or designate, and the classroom teacher will provide instruction to the school community pertaining to the acceptable use of electronic devices for the specific emergency only.

DRESS CODE

RATIONALE: After much consultation with staff, students and parents, the dress code at St. Joseph’s High School was created to compromise the wishes of the above three entities. Surveys were sent out to the three above-mentioned groups in the winter of 2022, and the following is the accepted middle ground for the new dress code. It was ratified by parent, teacher and student committees in the spring of 2022. Individual expression through dress is encouraged, while still respecting the more conservative tone of our Catholic teachings and faith.

HEADWEAR

Students are permitted to wear headwear in the school building, but it is at the discretion of individual teachers whether headwear will be permitted to be worn in classrooms. Students must ensure that their faces are visible at all times. Headwear must be removed for the playing of O’Canada, land acknowledgement and prayer.

LOGOS/BRANDING

Clothing or headwear that promotes drugs, alcohol, illegal activity, profanity, pornography or anything else that contributes to a culture of hate and discrimmination will not be permitted.

TOPS

• Tank tops with straps measuring two finger widths are permitted

• Crop tops are not considered acceptable school attire.

• Tops with spaghetti straps must be covered by an overshirt/sweater.

• Muscle shirts are not considered appropriate school attire.

• Backless shirts are not permitted.

BOTTOMS

• Shorts that measure the length of your arm when fully outstretched are permitted. This is the same rule for skirts and dresses.

• Rips in jeans are permitted, but rips must not be above the length of your arm when fully outstretched.

GYM ATTIRE

• Dress expectations for gym remain the same as dress expectations throughout the building. There may be some leeway with gym attire, at the discretion of the coach and in the interest of mobility and peak performance.

• Undergarments should not be clearly visible for others to see.

Lastly, please note that Staff have the authority to address students who are in violation of the policies set forth regarding dress code. When this occurs, staff will do their best to speak to the student without drawing undo attention (ie. asking to speak to them in the hallway or stepping away from the group). The Principal, or Vice-Principal, further reserves the right to address students with regards to the appropriateness of their dress and determining if it is school appropriate attire. Should student dress be deemed not school suitable, students can be asked to change clothing, or contact home for an alternative outfit.

INAPPROPRIATE DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

In the context of the school, kissing, holding hands and romantic hugging are inappropriate.

SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLER-BLADES

Because of the safety considerations, the use of skateboards and roller blades is not permitted on school property.

SNOWBALLS

The Lord made the snow to fall on the ground. Please leave it there as the chance of injury to other students is a concern.

CHEWING TOBACCO/SPITTING

The use of chewing tobacco is prohibited at all times on campus. Spitting is highly inappropriate behaviour and is not tolerated.

ACCEPTABLE LANGUAGE

Use of foul or inappropriate language is unacceptable. Students can expect that such language will be penalized.

DETENTION - SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE

Office detentions and/or school community service may be assigned for misbehaviour or failure to carry out your responsibilities. They are generally held at lunchtime.

If you are assigned to a detention and/or school community service, it is your responsibility to present yourself at the specified time and place. If you feel that a detention was unfairly assigned, you may appeal to the teacher for reconsideration of the penalty. If, however, the teacher, having heard your appeal, decides that the detention is justified, it must be served. You do not have the right to refuse to serve a detention.

Detentions may be held at noon hour, or after school (with sufficient notice to parents). Following after school detentions, the student may make use of the late busing service if he/she lives beyond the normal walking zone.

*DETENTIONS TAKE PRIORITY OVER ALL OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING SPORTS!

USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

The use, or possession of such substances, or being under their influence on school property or when in attendance at any off-campus school activity, is considered a most serious offense which may lead to immediate suspension or even being asked to withdraw from school entirely. Students should be aware that the school works closely with the Ontario Provincial Police to check that a "Drug Free Zone" is maintained.

STUDENT LOCKERS-SEARCHES

School lockers are the property of the school and are loaned to students. The school reserves the right to inspect the contents of lockers when reasonable cause dictates and in the interest of student and school safety. (See also: Safe Schools Policy, 2008, R.C.C.D.S.B.)

BOOKBAGS

Students are required to leave book bags in their lockers, or in another safe area as designated by the classroom teacher (i.e. front or back of class). The administration reserves the right to ask that all book bags, gym bags, purses etc., be kept out of the classroom, library or cafeteria, if safety becomes a concern

RESPECT FOR OTHERS

St. Joseph's High School Anti-bullying Policy Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent, and aggressive behavior directed at an individual, or individuals, that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person's body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. Students may attain or maintain power over others in the school through real or perceived differences. Some areas of difference may be size, strength, age, intelligence, economic status, social status, solidarity of peer group, religion, ethnicity, disability, need for special education, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, and race.

Bullying is a dynamic of unhealthy interaction that can take many forms. It can be physical (e.g., hitting, pushing, tripping), verbal (e.g., name calling, mocking, or making sexist, racist, or homophobic comments), or social (e.g., excluding others from a group, spreading gossip or rumours). It may also occur through the use of technology (e.g., spreading rumours, images, or hurtful comments through the use of e-mail, cell phones, text messaging, Internet websites, or other technology). Because of the nature of the various forms of bullying the consequences for a student who engages in bullying behaviour vary as well. Generally, a progressive discipline approach will be executed up to and including a police referral for a police investigation. The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board provides all students with this outline in Policy P-17 which can be found at http://www.rccdsb.edu.on.ca/.

CYBER-BULLYING GUIDELINES

All forms of harassment in cyber-space are unacceptable. Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another person by sending, or posting, inappropriate and hurtful e-mail, instant or text (messages), digital media, including pictures or video, or website postings (including blogs).

All reports of harassment in cyber-space will be investigated. Students who engage in cyberbullying behavior will be subject to the same consequences as all other types of bullying. Cyber-bullying guidelines are expected to be followed during school and after school hours.

BEHAVIOUR ON BUSES

Students traveling by school bus are subject to the same rules that govern behaviour at school. This applies to regular morning and evening service and any other time buses (or taxis or private vehicles) are used to transport students, including on field trips and traveling to and from extracurricular activities.

Because of the dangers associated with children who have allergies that can lead to anaphylactic shock when exposed to certain food substances, nuts and highly scented products are not allowed on the school buses. School board policy forbids eating food on school buses. The penalty for misbehaviour may include suspension of bus privileges of up to 10 months under the Board's Transportation Policy.

ALLERGIES AND HEIGHTENED SENSITIVITIES

Because of the dangers for students with allergies and heightened sensitivities, the excessive use and application of heavily perfumed products, hair sprays, deodorants etc., is not permitted. All students are expected to be respectful and considerate to those with environmental sensitivities.

GENERAL INFORMATION VISITORS AT THE SCHOOL

Parents and guardians are welcome to visit the school at any time; however, If you wish to speak to a specific teacher please call ahead for an appointment. Students wishing to bring visitors onto school property must seek permission from the office the day prior to the proposed visit. If permission is granted, the guest will receive a pass to be shown to school employees upon request. Permission of each individual teacher is also required for the guest to be admitted to classes.

ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE UPON ENTERING SCHOOL PROPERTY.

TRANSCRIPT OF MARKS

All students will be provided one copy of their transcript UPON REQUEST. In order to protect the confidentiality of your school records, we require your permission before releasing them to a third party. PLEASE ALLOW THREE DAYS NOTICE TO PROCESS REQUESTS FOR TRANSCRIPTS.

GRADUATION FEE

Graduates are assessed a fee to help defray the costs associated with the Graduation Ceremonies. This fee is applied toward gown rental, the cap and tassel (which are kept by the graduate), printing programs, as well as any other incidental costs associated with this occasion.

ILLNESS & MEDICATION

1) School personnel are not authorized to dispense any medication. If you require medication during the school day, you must supply your own.

2) Students are not to share or borrow medications. It can be very dangerous to do so.

3) If you become ill during the school day, report to the office. If you are too ill to report to the office, report to a teacher or have another student summon assistance. Students who are ill will be asked to contact a parent/guardian to arrange to go home .

For the well being of the student, we do not operate a sick room.

LEAVING SCHOOL PROPERTY

From the time you get on the school bus, or (if you walk to school), from the time that you step onto the school property, we are responsible for you. This applies throughout the school day with the exception of lunch hour and excluding students who have permission to sign out on spares. NEVER LEAVE THE SCHOOL PROPERTY DURING THE SCHOOL DAY UNLESS YOU HAVE THE PERMISSION OF THE SCHOOL OFFICE.

GRADE EIGHT STUDENTS must have parent permission to leave school property at lunch.

CAFETERIA SERVICES

The school contracts with a caterer to operate a full-service cafeteria. Hot lunches, sandwiches, salads, cold plates and snacks are available on a daily basis. Students are expected to keep the cafeteria clean and heed the instructions of the supervisors and cafeteria staff. Failure to do so may lead to a loss of cafeteria privileges.

LATE BUSING

Currently, late busing is available at 5:15 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, to permit students who live a distance from the school to participate in the extracurricular program and to receive academic assistance after classes. A late busing slip is required and is available at the main office on the date required until 11:45 a.m. only. There is a two-dollar fee per trip. This program will continue as long as budgets allow.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

ONTARIO CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS

In addition to Ministry of Education defined graduate outcomes, a graduate of an Ontario Catholic School is expected to be:

• A discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community

• An effective communicator

• A reflective and creative thinker

• A self-directed, responsible, life-long learner

• A collaborative contributor

• A caring family member

• A responsible citizen

DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

Grade 9, 10, 11,12 students will take courses under the Ontario Secondary Schools policy. The four-year programme requires students to complete 30 credits, 18 of which are compulsory, from grades 9-12. In addition to the compulsory credits below, students must also complete 40 hours of COMMUNITY SERVICE and pass the GRADE 10 TEST of READING AND WRITING SKILLS.

E-Learning Credits: The eLearning credits are included as part of the 30 credits required to graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students will take 28 credits in-person and 2 credits through eLearning, for a total of 30 credits.

The expectation for secondary students in the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board shall be a minimum of four credits in Religious Education towards their diploma. As always the spiritual and educational needs of students will be paramount in meeting this expectation.

COMPULSORY CREDITS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 9 - 12

• 4 English

• 2 Science

• 1 French as a Second Language

• 3 Math

• 1 of Grade 11, 12 Science or 9 -12 Tech or Co-op

• 1 Canadian History

• 1 Canadian Geography

• 1 Arts

• 1 Physical and Health Education

• 1 of English/third language, social science, Canadian and World Studies or Co-op

• 1 Civics and Career Studies

• 1 of Phys. Ed, Music, Art, Drama, Dance, Business or Co-op

• PLUS 12 ELECTIVE CREDITS

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS

Students planning to continue studies at a university will take a minimum of 6 grade 12 university streamed courses in the Senior Division. Students who plan to attend a College of Applied Arts and Technology should be aware that a few programs require, or prefer, some specific grade 12 credits. (Most college programs require that a student only have the 30 credit OSSD.) Check with the Guidance department.

IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW WHAT COURSES ARE REQUIRED FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.

COURSE LEVELS

Courses at grade 12 may be offered at four levels of difficulty: Workplace, College/ University, and University streamed courses. In order for students to be eligible for particular streamed courses, they need to have prerequisite courses taken at the desired level.

COURSE CHANGES

Students are permitted to make course changes with the approval of the Guidance Counselor and parents/guardians prior to the start of the semester. In the rare occasion where a course change is requested after the semester has begun, the principal, or vice-principal, has the discretion to determine if the change is warranted. A course may be dropped entirely with the approval of parents/guardians, the subject teacher and the Guidance Counselor providing the student will still have the minimum number of credits required for the grade level.

ACADEMIC POLICY

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. Information gathered through assessment helps teachers to determine students' strengths and weaknesses in their achievement of the curriculum expectations in each course. This information also serves to guide teachers in adapting curriculum and instructional approaches to students' needs and in assessing overall effectiveness of programs and classroom practices.

Assessment is the process of gathering information from a variety of sources (including assignments, demonstrations, projects, performances, and tests) that accurately reflects how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a course. As part of assessment, teachers provide students with descriptive feedback that guide their efforts towards improvement.

Evaluation refers to the process of judging the quality of student work on the basis of established criteria, and assigning a value to represent that quality. In Ontario secondary schools, the value assigned will be in the form of a percentage grade. Everything that we do at SJHS is to ensure that students have opportunities to improve their learning. It is for that reason that we expect students to participate and do their best in all activities, to complete and submit all assignments, and to be prepared and present for all tests.

ABSENCE FROM FINAL EXAMINATIONS

A student who is absent from a final examination because of illness or accident requires a doctor's letter, or certificate, attesting to the fact that he/she was medically unable to write the examination. Normally, no exceptions to the rule are possible; therefore, if illness or accident will cause you to miss an examination, call the school and let us know and then SEE YOUR DOCTOR. It is strongly encouraged that all parents book winter travel, or family trips, outside of the examination schedule. For planning purposes parents should know that examinations in the winter are typically placed during the LAST 2 WEEKS of January, but we strongly suggest you consult the school year calendar prior to booking. The month of February would be more of an appropriate time for booking a family trip with respect to student academic success.

ABSENCE FROM IN-CLASS TESTS

Students who miss in-class tests due to illness, or accident, require a note from their parents, just as any absence does. If the absence was ABSOLUTELY UNAVOIDABLE due to illness, or accident, the student must make arrangements with their teachers for alternate assessments. In some cases, a doctor's note may be necessary. However, STUDENTS ARE CAUTIONED that frequent absences from class tests may make it impossible for the teacher to assess your progress and this may result in LOSS OF THE CREDIT.

It is the student's responsibility to inform the teacher in advance if a test, or a major presentation, is going to be missed due to extra-curricular, or unavoidable circumstances. Arrangements may then be made for alternate assessment. Prior permission of the classroom teacher is required in such cases for the student to participate in the extra-curricular activities. A student's participation may be in jeopardy without prior notification to their teacher

PLAGIARISM

Our school views plagiarism as a serious matter. Students who copy other people's work and present it as their own on any assessment can expect the following penalties.

First offence: Student will be educated on the seriousness of the matter, required to complete a new assignment and parents will be contacted to advise them of the offence.

Second offence: Student may receive a zero on that project, parents will be contacted and they will complete an additional assignment on plagiarism.

Third offence: Student may receive a zero on that project, suspension and possible loss of credit. Students can easily avoid plagiarism by not copying other people's work, and by using proper referencing techniques.

OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

TEXTBOOKS/MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER LOANED MATERIAL

You are expected to maintain textbooks, musical instruments and other materials that are loaned to you by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in good condition. Students will be billed for lost or damaged textbooks. Musical instruments, materials or supplies will not be loaned to a student who has not settled his/her account.

HOMEWORK

Homework is an essential part of the learning process at the high school level. It is necessary in order to understand course material and master it. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how much homework is necessary because there are a great number of factors which contribute, including the grade level, the level of difficulty being attempted, the student's ability in the subject area, attentiveness in class and the individual student's style of learning. There are, however, a few guidelines that parents and students can follow:

• The norm is that every student should have some homework each night. A student who claims that there is no homework is simply not spending the time necessary to master the work. Homework may include review of the day's lessons to encourage a greater understanding.

• Parents are advised that nights without homework assignments should be rare occasions. You are encouraged to check with your child's teachers in cases of doubt or if the student frequently claims to have 'no homework

• Homework is not only written work. It includes on-going study and review of each day's lessons. There are also long-term projects in several courses that need to be worked on over a period of time. When there is no written work assigned, the student should be using it as an opportunity to review.

• At the opposite end of the scale is the problem of the student who always seems to have too much homework. If this is the case with your child, you would be well advised to investigate the situation with the teachers and/or the Guidance Counselor. Students need recreational time and continuous work is not a healthy situation.

• Generally speaking, the amount of homework increases with each higher grade level. Where a grade 9 student might have an average of one hour of work per night, a grade 12 student might easily require two and-a half, or three hours.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENTS ON OR BY THE DUE DATE

Assignments must be submitted on or by the due date. Students who wait until the final day to submit projects or assignments have a responsibility to ensure that they are in the hands of their teacher on that date.

(a) If you are unavoidably absent on the due date because of illness or other VALID reason, it is still your responsibility to insure that someone brings the project or assignment to your teacher. If a student is unable to hand in an assignment by the due date, the student must see the teacher for alternate arrangements.

(b) Students who are truant from a class or classes in order to work on a project or assignment without the prior knowledge and permission of the teacher(s) are, first of all, subject to the usual penalty for truancy.

(c) Failure to complete and submit a summative assignment may result in loss of credit.

(d) It is the student's responsibility to inform the teacher in advance when extra-curricular activities are scheduled at the same time that a major in-class assignment is being carried out. Academic responsibilities take precedence over extra-curricular activities.

STAFF ADVISORS/COACHES

All student activities, teams, clubs and associations are required to have a staff advisor or coach in order to operate. Without a staff advisor/coach the activity cannot take place.

ACTIVITY USER FEES

The school reserves the right to charge an activity fee to operate the extra-curricular programs (i.e. sports and clubs). As well, some courses will require a course fee to offset expenses related to that particular course.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The list of possible activities is large. Some possibilities include: basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf, track & field, French Club, soccer, badminton, drama, yearbook, choir, band, curling, Pro-life, dances, student council led activities, Reach for the Top ...in fact, any extracurricular activity where there is sufficient student interest and where a staff member is available to act as an advisor or coach.

MEETINGS AND USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

1. Students wishing to make use of school facilities for meetings or activities require the presence of a staff member who agrees to take on such responsibility.

2. Students are responsible for any necessary clean-up following the use of the school facilities. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the privilege of holding such activities.

3. In order to schedule a meeting or activity, the knowledge and permission of the Staff Advisor/Coach is required.

PARTICIPATION CRITERIA

1. Students need to be aware that participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right. Participation should not be detrimental to academic progress. Students whose school work, academic progress and/or attitude are deemed to be unsatisfactory may not be allowed to join extra-curricular activities. Or, if they are already participating, be required to withdraw from extracurricular activities. These activities include sports teams, clubs, etc., and also include Student Council or any of its clubs and committees. In all cases, academic responsibilities take precedence over all other activities.

2. When participating in activities outside of the school, students need to remember that you represent the school and should govern your behaviour accordingly. All school rules apply when participating in outside activities.

3. Once you have made a commitment to an extracurricular activity, it is irresponsible to drop the activity, or fail to live up to your commitments. Such actions could jeopardize your school's future participation and is unfair to other students. Therefore, once you have made a commitment to an activity it is expected that you will carry on until its conclusion. This includes being present for all required practices, games, rehearsals and meetings.

At the beginning of each activity, the coach or faculty advisor will develop an attendance policy with the participants. STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO ADHERE TO THIS POLICY WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE ACTIVITY AND WILL BECOME INELIGIBLE FOR ALL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUBSEQUENT TWO SEMESTERS. ONLY AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COACH/STAFF ADVISOR OR THE PRINCIPAL MAY A STUDENT BE PERMITTED TO DROP AN ACTIVITY WITHOUT PENALTY.

Normally, a student who is absent from classes on the day of a scheduled extra-curricular activity is not eligible to participate in that activity. Absence on a Friday afternoon will mean that a student cannot attend a school dance that evening.

RESTRICTION ON THE NUMBER OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Over-participation in extracurricular activities can pose problems in maintaining a high level of academic excellence. Furthermore, a student who is involved in more than one major extracurricular activity at the same time cannot do justice to all of them. Normally, this means that a student cannot be involved in two major activities at the same time (i.e. drama and sports.)

TRAVEL TO AND FROM OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Students who participate in off-campus activities for which busing is provided, may not normally use their automobiles. If you wish to participate, you are required to travel by bus. In exceptional circumstances, permission of the Principal may be obtained for a student to drive him/herself with written parental permission. However, under no circumstances is a student permitted to drive another student to, or from, an off campus activity. This is School Board Policy.

Completion and return of a Notification of Field Trip Form is a requirement for most trips. Failure to return the form prior to the trip will make you ineligible to travel to the activity.

DANCE POLICY

1. All school dances require the approval of both the Student Council and the Student Council advisor. This permission must be obtained at least one month prior to the proposed date of the dance.

2. Unless specifically waived by the Principal/Vice-Principal, guest passes are required for all guests who are not students here who wish to attend our dances. The behaviour of your guest is your responsibility. Students wishing to sign-in guests for a dance are required to do so at least two days prior to the dance.

3. The Student Council, its Advisor, the Principal/Vice-Principal, and the teacher-chaperones reserve the right to deny admittance to any person who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or whose past behaviour has not been acceptable.

4. Smoking is prohibited on school property by law during school dances. This rule applies also to off-campus dances including the Graduation Prom.

5. Consumption of alcohol or drugs, or coming to a dance under the influence, will not be tolerated. A student who chooses to ignore this policy can expect to be asked to leave and further disciplinary action, including suspension from school, will usually follow. The student may also be barred from all future social activities for a one-year period.

6. Students who are absent from school on the day, (all day or in the P.M.), of a school dance are not permitted to attend the dance. If you are too ill to come to school, you should not be out dancing in the evening. If you were truant or absent for insufficient cause, you should not expect to be able to attend school social activities.

LOCKERS

1. Combination locks MAY be purchased from the school to be used. These are sold at our cost price.

2. You are required to have a lock. Failure to have a lock on your locker at all times may result in loss of locker privileges. Never give your locker combination to another student.

NEVER LEAVE MONEY OR VALUABLES IN YOUR LOCKER.

*The school cannot accept responsibility for lost or stolen articles. If you need to store a valuable item during the school day, bring it to the office for safekeeping.

GYM LOCKERS AND CHANGE ROOMS

As with lockers, NEVER LEAVE MONEY OR VALUABLES IN A GYM LOCKER OR IN THE CHANGE ROOM. Give such items to the Physical Education Teacher for safekeeping.

STUDENT PARKING

Cars, motorcycles and bicycles may only be parked in the parking lot located off the Barnet Boulevard entrance. You must arrive at that entrance and exit by it. YOU MAY NOT DRIVE ON ANY OTHER PART OF THE PROPERTY. Students' cars must be parked on the side of the parking lot nearest Barnet Boulevard. The rest of the parking lot is reserved for staff and visitors.

Failure to adhere to these rules will result in suspension or loss of parking privileges.

FAIR NOTICE STATEMENT

In Renfrew County Catholic Schools we work hard to promote positive and caring school climates where we demonstrate care for each other, our world, and ourselves. We are committed to creating and maintaining respectful and safe schools. One tool that we have to help us in this endeavour is a Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA). The Violent Threat Risk Assessment is used to protect students, staff, parents and visitors of RCCDSB schools. It is a tool to assess the level of risk, understand the context of the threat, or serious violence, and to develop an intervention plan to support the student.

Across Renfrew County we have a VTRA Protocol that outlines the process of the assessment and the partners that may participate. The VTRA teams may include administrators, school board psychologists, guidance counsellors, school support counsellors, social workers, community liaison police officers, other pertinent professionals, and/or community resources (such as staff at Family and Children Services, the Phoenix Centre, and the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre).

When the VTRA process is initiated the team collaborates to review student information and the details of the event, while respecting the student's right to privacy and the safety of all school members. A threat may include an expression of intent to do serious harm, or act out violently against people, or property. Threats may be verbal, written, drawn, posted on the internet, or made by gesture. All threats must be taken seriously and investigated. A Threat/Risk Assessment may be initiated because of the context of an incident or worrisome behaviour. School staff, parents/guardians, students and community members are responsible for reporting all threat related behaviours.