POLICIES & PROCEDURES
DISTRICT POLICY ON FIELD TRIPS AND OTHER EXCURSION | DISTRICT POLICY ON STUDENT DETENTION
HOMEWORK POLICY | SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES | STUDENT ATTENDANCE
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT | ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004
DISTRICT POLICY ON FIELD TRIPS AND OTHER EXCURSION
1. Each student, younger than 19 years, is required to submit a consent form granting permission by the parent or guardian for the student to go on a field trip or excursion.
2. One teacher must be present at all times when traveling by bus, as well as during loading/unloading.
3. Where the activity involves high school students, a minimum of one adult supervisor per 35 students and two for 36 students or more shall be assigned to each bus carrying students.
4. Where the activity involves primary or elementary students, the number of adult supervisors shall be increased as far as circumstances will allow. (Minimum one adult supervisor per 20 students).
5. With respect to student(s) with challenging needs, the level of supervision shall reflect the needs of the student(s) and is to be provided in addition to the level of supervision outlined in items 3 and 4 above.
6. A first aid kit shall be taken on every trip.
DISTRICT POLICY ON STUDENT DETENTION
As a penalty to enforce the proper management of their classes and appropriate student behaviour in accordance with the code of student behaviour or other policies and regulations, teachers may detain students after school hours. Before assigning students to detention, the teacher will inform the student of the conduct that allegedly constitutes the violations, and the student will be given an opportunity to explain his/her version of the incident. The teacher would report the detention to the principal as soon as possible and not later than the end of the school day.
An entire class should not be detained for the misbehaviour of one or a few students.
Notice to Parents/Guardians:
When detention is used, notice will first be given to the student's parents/guardians to inform the parent of the reason for the detention and permit suitable alternative arrangements for the student's transportation to be made. Except in the case of a student who is 19 years of age or older, the detention will not begin until the parents have been notified.
Teachers will not cause a student who is transported by school bus to miss a bus without prior arrangements for the parent to transport the student. The student's parents/guardians, if the student is a minor, may be required to provide transportation when the student has been assigned to detention for disciplinary purposes.
Staff Supervision:
All students detained for disciplinary purposes will be under the direct supervision of the teacher or another member of the professional staff. The principal will be responsible for seeing that the time that the student spends for disciplinary purposes is used constructively for educational purposes.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is, by definition, school work (study and/or written) assigned by the teacher or voluntarily done by students outside the regular class time.
The following guidelines shall govern the assigning of homework at Gander Academy:
 Homework must be based on classroom work already completed or currently studied, and within the capabilities of the student.
Homework should never be assigned as a source of punishment.
 Projects: Grade 4,5, and 6
Must deal with topics under study.
Must be reasonable; that is, they must not demand research capabilities or materials beyond the ability of the students.
Time guidelines - While it is not possible to state absolute time allocations for each student, the following guidelines are recommended as approximate periods for the guidance of parents and teachers:
Kindergarten - Maximum of fifteen (15) minutes per night
Grades 1,2 and 3 - Maximum of thirty (30) minutes per night
Grades 4, 5 and 6 - Maximum of forty-five (45) minutes per night
SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES
Overnight Storm:
If a storm comes up overnight making it necessary to cancel classes, the following procedure will be followed:
An announcement will be made over all local radio stations prior to 8:00 a.m. that school will not open. If there is not an announcement, this means school as usual.
School will be closed for one session at a time. A further announcement will be made by ll:30 a.m. concerning the afternoon session.
A Day Storm:
If a storm comes up while school is in session, the following procedure will be followed:
School will close at the regular time, either 11:56 a.m. or at 3:19 p.m. This means that classes will continue as usual until the regular closing time. We will not close school half-way through the session.
Parents who are concerned about the safety of their children may come to school and pick up their children at any time.
The Benton bus, which is co-ordinated with St. Paul=s Intermediate and Gander Collegiate, may leave before the regular closing time. This decision will be made in consultation with the drivers.
In-town buses will operate on regular schedule.
If school is closed for the afternoon session, teachers and students will be notified before leaving at noon, and radio stations will be called before 11:30 a.m.
It should be noted that the primary criteria in making the decision is student safety. Visibility, street conditions and snow clearing are all factors for consideration. It is also understood that where the decision is made not to close school because of weather and/or related conditions, the parent maintains the right to keep his/her child at home where the individual feels that conditions are unsafe.
In Emergency Situations:
If a emergency occurs at Gander Academy, the following procedure will be followed:
The automatic alarm system will signal evacuation.
All personnel will evacuate the building following the usual fire drill procedures.
If the weather is suitable, students will remain outside with their teachers until arrangements have been made to get them home.
If the weather is unsuitable, Grades Kindergarten, 1, 2 and 3 students will proceed with teachers to St. Martin=s Church, Grades 4,5 and 6 students will proceed with their teachers to the United Church, all students and teachers will remain at the Churches until arrangements have been made to get the students home.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Kindergarten to Grade 6
If your child is going to be absent from school and you know this in advance, please inform your child=s classroom teacher so that any extra work may be prepared ahead of time. Please send a note to the teacher when your child returns to school after all absences from school.
Kindergarten to Grade 2 - Safe Arrival
As a safety measure, parents of students in Kindergarten to Grade 2 are asked to call the school secretary when the child is absent from school, if they have not already notified the classroom teacher. Please call between 9:00 and 9:30 for the morning session and from 1:00 to 1:30 for the afternoon session. The school telephone number is 256-8662.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Section 1 - Academic Success
Expected Behaviour
To be successful in school, you are expected to bring to class all required materials and supplies, to finish all class and homework assignments on time and to do your very best.
Reason for Expected Behaviour
Hard work and doing your best are the keys to success.
Consequences
If your classwork and homework are not completed or properly done, your teacher may ask you to do it again. In repeat occurrences, your parent may be contacted or you may be asked to bring a note from home stating why the homework/assignment is late.
Section 2 - Attendance, Absenteeism and Tardiness
Expected Behaviour
Attend school regularly and come to class on time.
Parents of students in Primary grades should call the school when their child is absent.
When you return to school, you should bring a note from your parent to your teacher explaining why you were absent.
Reason for Expected Behaviour
When you come to school every day, you will do well in school and will feel good about your progress.
When you are late, you disrupt others, and when you miss too many school days, you get behind in your schoolwork and you will have difficulty completing it.
Consequences of Being Late/Absent
If you make a habit of coming late to school:
Your parents will be called.
You may serve detention. (Elementary Grades)
You will have to do the work that you missed.
Section 3 - Respect for Others
Expected Behaviour
You are expected to treat all people with consideration, kindness and respect. Fighting, pushing, tripping, kicking, disruptive behaviours and rough play are examples of student behaviours that are not allowed. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated.
Reason for Expected Behaviour
Every person has the right to be treated with respect. Getting along with others is very important. Rough behaviour may hurt someone=s feelings or injure them. School must be a place where everyone feels safe.
Consequences of Disrespect
Not behaving in the proper way could result in the following consequences:
Written account of the incident which will be sent to your parents..
Apology to the other person involved.
After school detention.
Parents will be contacted.
Denial of certain privileges such as library or computer passes.
Section 4 - Honesty
Expected Behaviour
Lying, stealing, or cheating are not tolerated. You are expected to pass in school work completed by you and not someone else. This may include work plagiarized from a text, the internet, etc. Your work should be your best and your own.
Reason for Expected Behaviour
Only if you are truthful in what you say and do, will you be able to get along with others.
Consequences of Dishonesty
If you are caught cheating on a test project or classwork, you may:
Have to do the test, work or project again.
Be denied the chance to do the test or project again.
Be assigned a zero grade and your parents will be contacted.
If you are caught stealing:
You must return or replace the item that was stolen.
You must apologize to the person you stole from.
Your teacher will contact your parents.
Section 5 - Language
Expected Behaviour
Your language should always show respect for others. Name calling, demeaning comments, inappropriate language and tone of voice are not tolerated. Negative non-verbal communication expressed through clothing, gestures, notes,e-mail, graphics etc. are also not permitted.
Reason for Expected Behaviour
Negative verbal and non-verbal forms of communication can hurt feelings.
Consequences of using inappropriate Language
If you repeatedly use this type of language/communication, your teacher may:
Contact your parents.
Give you an after school or recess detention.
Request that you apologize.
Section 6 - Care of School Property
Expected Behaviour
You are expected to respect all school property (classrooms, bathrooms, playground, gym, library, etc.). All equipment including textbooks and supplies should be used carefully. You should not mark any school walls, books or furniture.
You should keep your desk, table and the area around and under your desk neat and tidy. You should use the desks and tables to work on and not to sit on.
You are expected to treat the school building and the equipment in the school with the same amount of care as you would for your own personal things that are valuable to you.
Reason for Expected Behaviour
When you take care of school property, it shows respect and responsibility for property that is not your own.
Consequences of Misbehaviour
When you damage school property (books, student desks etc.), you are expected to:
Pay for the repair or replace the damaged item.
Serve after school detentions.
Section 7-Student Behaviour
Expected Behaviour on Playgrounds
When entering the school grounds, you must go directly to your assigned playground area. If you arrive before the supervising teachers are on duty, you must wait outside until the supervising teacher permits you to go in. (20 minutes before the beginning of each session or arrival of the first bus). On days when there is inclement weather, a teacher may permit the students to enter the school early and wait in the porch under that teacher's direct supervision.
While on school playgrounds, safety rules must be followed. There will be no throwing of objects (e.g. rocks, snowballs, sticks, etc.), pushing, tripping or fighting.
Students who choose to ride bicycles to school must dismount their bicycles upon entering the school grounds. Your bicycle must be walked to the building and locked in the appropriate place. When leaving, you must walk the bicycle until you are off school grounds.
For safety, the only sporting equipment you may use on the school playgrounds is that which is provided by the school or approved by the supervising teachers.
Skateboards and roller-blades may not be used on school grounds.
Inside the Building
When you are in the school, you must walk in a quiet, orderly manner on the right-hand side.
Upon arrival at your locker, you must remove your outdoor clothing and footwear, including caps, and go directly to your classroom. You must get permission from your teacher or a supervising teacher to go to the fountain or washroom.
You must proceed to your class on time and be seated before the last bell.
If you stay lunchtime or after school for extracurricular activities, the same rules apply for movement within the school.
On days when you go outside for recess, you must get permission from the supervising teacher to re-enter the school.
Reason for Expected Behaviour
These guidelines are necessary to ensure that each student has a safe environment in which to work and play. Consequences of Misbehaviour
You will be reminded of the expected behaviour and asked to follow it. If the offence is repeated or serious, your teacher may require you to:
Write an account of the incident
Apologize to the other person involved.
Serve an after school detention
Inform your parent(s).
Students who continue to show disregard for school rules may be:
Reprimanded by the administration.
Required to participate in counselling sessions.
Denied the opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities.
Required to attend a meeting with his/her parent(s), teacher and the school administration.
Issued an in-school suspension.
Placed on a behaviour contract.
Issued an out of school suspension.
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
At Gander Academy we strive to create a learning community in which all relationships are based on mutual respect. All pupils have the right to enjoy their learning and leisure time free from any form of bullying or harassment. Gander Academy will not tolerate unkind actions or remarks regardless of intent. Pupils are expected to support each other and report all incidents of bullying.
Aims
To work together to create and maintain a secure, calm and healthy learning environment
To educate children on the definition of bullying and what bullying looks like
To reduce incidents of bullying
To deal with bullying effectively
To record and analyze incidents of bullying
To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy
To review the anti-bullying policy annually to determine future practice
To educate all members of the school community about the school’s anti-bullying policy
To make available to parents pertinent material on incidents of bullying, coping strategies and interventions.
What is Bullying?
A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly to negative behaviour on the part of one or more persons. It is bullying when someone intentionally hurts, or attempts to hurt, injure or inflict discomfort upon another. Bullying can be carried out by physical contact, words, gestures, actions or intimidation. Bullying may include the following behavior or actions:
Hitting, hurting or fighting
Tripping, pushing, blocking movement
Name-calling
Gossiping
Spreading rumors
Threatening people
Teasing, mimicking, or making fun of others
Excluding people from a group
Making people feel unwelcome
Stealing, hiding or damaging property
Using foul or vulgar language toward others
General Principles:
As an anti-bullying school; bullying is not accepted in our community.
We work in partnerships based on mutual respect and we value and respect everyone equally.
Our curriculum will include preventative approaches to bullying.
No one should have to tolerate bullying because bullying hinders learning, social development, emotional and physical health.
Everyone in the school community should know and understand the school’s policy on bullying and how to consistently respond to a bullying incident.
A response to bullying must be made in accordance with school policies and Student Code of Conduct. Action must be taken to support the person being bullied and to change bullying behavior. All parties involved in a bullying incident should be informed of actions taken.
Implementation:
The anti-bullying policy will be implemented through:
Consulting and informing pupils, parents and staff about our anti-bullying policy
Providing opportunities for pupils to behave positively
Positive role modeling by staff/ adults within our school
Teaching themes related to relationships e.g. friendship, conflict, trust, power
Encouraging group tasks and discussions on anti-bullying strategies.
Promoting co-operative behavior and anti-bullying values through the curriculum
Consistent training for staff and all employed at Gander Academy in order to establish a common understanding within the school and the need for vigilance
Displays of Anti-bullying posters throughout the school and on school buses, the provision of resources for classroom use, and promoting anti-bullying as a topic at assemblies.
Consistent adherence to the Student Code of Conduct
Guiding Principles for Dealing with Bullying:
Gander Academy takes incidents of bullying seriously. When bullying is reported it is dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner.
Time is the key so that the pupil feels supported, respected and valued, and also to establish exactly what has happened
The needs and problems of both the victim and the bully need to be taken into account
Bullying must NEVER be ignored by a member of staff, whether it is reported to them or becomes apparent to them
All members of the staff must remain vigilant
All staff are expected to act as positive role models in their relationships with students and colleagues
No case is ever the same and each deserves individual consideration and response
Discussion about incidents should take place in private
If in doubt about dealing with bullying seek guidance from the administration or the members of the guidance team.
Procedures:
When bullying is reported or noticed, an Incident Form must be completed and submitted to the office with the bullying box ticked (as part of our monitoring process.)
It is vital that accurate records are kept of incidents and how the school has responded. These records will be filed in the General Office. Records for office use should include the names of individuals involved. Copies of the reports should be provided to classroom teachers and parents
Sanctions should be used where bullying incidents are clearly established e.g. the bully should apologise and think of a way in which he/she can make up for his/her behaviour
Where incidents are mild a counselling or problem-solving approach may be useful. For more serious incidents involvement of parents at an early stage may be necessary.
Dealing With Bullying Through the Curriculum:
At Gander Academy we aim to take a proactive approach to prevent and minimize bullying and harassment. The following areas of the curriculum may be used to accomplish this:
Counselling SessionsThese sessions will be used to discuss and help students understand the issues of bullying. Sessions may be done on an individual, small or large group basis.
AssembliesThe values of the school and the issues underlying bullying will be addressed in assemblies. This may be done through guest speakers, videos, or recognition of positive behaviour.
Subject lessonsThe curriculum addresses issues related to bullying through a number of themes/ curriculum units at all grade levels.
The Student Council’s Anti-Bullying Statement:
Students at Gander Academy believe:
Bullying is wrong; it is cruel, selfish and hurtful to others.
We should live in a bully free environment; we should not tolerate any sort of bullying to or by any student.
We are all responsible for helping to make sure that all students feel safe.
We should not behave in a bullying way ourselves and if we see any incidents of bullying we should report them.
We should support the victim and make him/her feel safe
If the student feels it is safe and appropriate, he/she may talk to the person who has bullied and try to help them change their behavior
Where possible, the two sides should be brought together to resolve the problem.
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