SCHOOL POLICIES

Attendance

 Attendance is recorded and reported for each class. Repeated unexcused absences may make promotion impossible.

 Please email student absences to churattendance@vsb.bc.ca indicating:

• Student's name
• Student number
• Date and time of absence
• Reason for absence

 Early dismissal: Students must bring a note signed by their parent/guardian. The student should show the subject teacher the note and then report to the office to sign out.

 Extending Vacations: The policy is that the school does not recommend extending vacations. Students who take extended vacations do so without the endorsement of the school. Notification should be provided to the office at least 2 weeks prior. Teachers are not obligated to provide assignments either before or after, or give any make-up tests or examinations. Exams or assignments missed may count as a zero.

 Field Trips: Students going on field trips must have signed permission from their parent/guardian. Teachers whose classes are being missed should sign the form also.

Lates

 Students must be in their classroom before the beginning of each period or they will be marked “late.” Students who are frequently late may be required to make up the time at the teacher’s discretion. Students are expected to be in-class, ready to work, with all materials, BEFORE the final bell rings. Please talk to your counsellor or teacher if there is an issue that may affect attendance.

Cheating Policy

 Academic integrity is important. Colleges and universities will withdraw students for cheating. Even the suspicion of fraudulent behavior results in a report to the Ministry of Education during a Provincial Exam. The best interests of the individual and of society are not being served when a person cheats.

 Examples of cheating include:

·       Plagiarizing/copying material from any source (e.g., students, Internet, a tutor) without appropriate acknowledgement. This includes essays, assignments, homework submitted for marks, lab reports, computer programs, drawing, sketches, designs and visuals, including recorded materials, and all other assigned work. Paraphrasing another’s work is also the plagiarizing of that person’s ideas. Cutting and pasting from internet sources is plagiarism, if you do not cite the author and source.

·       Supplying information or work of any kind to another student with the knowledge that it may be copied or used for marks.

·       Copying from another person’s test paper, or knowingly allowing another student to copy from your test paper. 

·       Unauthorized communication of any kind during a test.

·       Bringing or using unauthorized notes or equipment during a test.

·       Claiming any portion of work for yourself, which was created by another.

Cheating Policy Consequences

On First Offence

·       The student will receive “0” for that particular work.

·       The incident will be recorded on the student’s discipline file.

·       The parents/guardians may be informed.

·       The student will not be eligible for Honour Roll recognition for that particular term.

 On Second Offence

In addition to all first offence consequences:

·       Parents/Guardians will be informed.

·       The student will not be eligible for school-based scholarships.

·       Depending on the seriousness of the offense, there may be more serious consequences, which may include suspension.

Universal Washrooms

A key for the universal washrooms is available from each grade counselor. These washrooms are for individual use only.

Drugs and Alcohol

No student may be in possession of or under the influence of illegal or non-prescribed drugs or alcohol:

·         in the school,

·         in the vicinity of the school,

·         at school-sponsored functions.

Any infraction will be considered serious and will result in the immediate implementation of school and Board policies dealing with student discipline. This may include possible suspension, withdrawal and transfer of the students involved.

Students are encouraged to seek the assistance of the counsellor if they have any concerns about themselves or others in regards to drug and alcohol use. There is a drug and alcohol counsellor available at the school to answer questions and provide support.

Harassment, Multi-Culturalism and Anti-Racism

The Vancouver School Board recognizes that every individual should be treated with respect and dignity and, therefore, has the right to be free from harassment in our schools and workplaces. A positive and welcoming work and learning environment protects and promotes the self-esteem, worth, and human rights of every person and supports mutual respect and cooperation among individuals.  All people have the right to their fundamental freedoms and protection from discrimination. The school will treat seriously behaviour or communication that discriminates based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation (prohibited grounds set out in the BC Human Rights Code). This applies to verbal communication in our school environment, and as well applies to the on-line community.

Violence and Weapons

The Vancouver School Board works hard to ensure that schools are safe places for students. Board policy states that violence and intimidation that threatens the health, safety and welfare of students is not acceptable. Violence includes verbal, written, or physical threats, bullying, fighting, or emotional or sexual abuse.

Students are not permitted to have weapons. Any student found with a weapon, involved in a violent act, or soliciting others to commit an act of violence will be disciplined. Weapons are defined as anything that is used with the intent to hurt or intimidate someone.

Smoking & Vaping

There is a Vancouver School Board policy of no smoking or vaping on school grounds, in the school building, and at school functions. Disciplinary action is taken against students who break this policy. E-cigarettes are included in this policy.

Auditorium Rules

·       Students should sit with their teacher when possible.

·       Students should give courteous attention to speakers and performers.

·       Remove hats, bandanas, ear buds.

·       Mute and put away any electronic devices.

·       Acknowledge performances by polite applause only.

Cellular phones

      The use of cellular phones is not encouraged on school property as such devices result in disruption of student learning, school proceedings and the educational tone. It is disrespectful of the classroom learning environment. It is up to the teacher to grant permission for use of such devices, regardless of the intention behind the use of the device. Students who fail to comply with this expectation may have their device confiscated by teachers or administration, and parent/guardians may be involved if the behaviour continues to disrupt learning. The School Act permits Administrators to seize and search cell phones in order to maintain safety and order.

Fireworks and Firecrackers

Bringing fireworks or firecrackers to school breaks Vancouver City Fire Bylaws. Students are not to bring fireworks and firecrackers to school, or to be in the possession of fireworks or firecrackers on school property, under any circumstances. Violators of this rule will be referred to the administration and possibly the School Liaison Officer.

Laser Pointers

 These are a potential safety hazard and will be confiscated if brought to school. A confiscated laser pointer may be claimed by a parent or guardian.

Rollerblades, Scooters and Skateboards

The use of rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards on school grounds or in the school building is not permitted as it poses a potential safety hazard to students. Failure to follow the rule may result in confiscation of the item, which will be held until claimed by a parent or guardian.

Snowballs

For safety reasons, snowball throwing is not allowed on or near school property. Students who ignore this rule will face disciplinary action. There is no designated area where snowball throwing is permitted.

Music Devices 

Music devices should only be used before school, during lunch, or after school. Devices without earphones are not permitted in the school (unless with special permission from a teacher for a class assignment). Music devices may be used outside only but the choice of music must abide by our Code of Conduct. Music devices used by students during class time may be confiscated and held until claimed by a parent or guardian.

Use of Ear buds

For reasons of safety and effective communication, students are asked to remove at least one ear bud as they approach the school and in the hallways.

Water Balloons and Water Guns

 These items are not permitted on school grounds as they not only affect the educational tone but also present a potential safety hazard. The items will be confiscated and returned to a parent.

Bikes

 Many students bring their bikes to school. If you are planning to bring your bike, we have places to secure bikes in front of the school. Always remember to lock up your bike and never leave it overnight. Students travelling to and from the school are also reminded to “share the road” and be courteous and aware of others on the road.

Lockers - FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR, LOCKERS ARE NOT IN USE

Lockers are the property of the school and are loaned to students for the entire year. Only locks purchased through the school are allowed on our lockers. Lockers are pre-assigned and not selected by students.   If there is a need to relocate a locker, please see your Vice Principal. Students are expected to keep lockers in good condition, and are welcome to decorate the inside. No permanent alterations or permanent pen mark or stickers are allowed, as this damages the locker.

You can buy your own PE lock. Your PE locker is only to be used for the period. Please do not leave your PE lock on the change room lockers. Also remember to secure all valuables – never leave any valuables unattended or unsecure in the change room. Any concerns regarding your locker please see one of the Vice-Principal’s in the office.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Fire Alarm

  When the fire alarm sounds, all students must follow the teacher’s instructions. The general rules are as follows:

Students follow teacher instruction: the teacher will lead students to the designated exit.

 A quiet and orderly departure ensures instructions are heard.

Once outside, students must remain with their class and move well clear of the   building, to the sidewalk.

 A PA announcement will call student to return to the school. No one is allowed to re-enter the building until instructed to do so.

Earthquake Procedures

 At the first sign of motion the following procedure must be followed:

1.     DROP-COVER-HOLD.  Seek shelter under desks or tables.

2.     Keep your back to windows and move away from windows and avoid shelves and glass cabinets.

3.     Keep away from steam heat radiators.

4.      Remain under cover and in position until at least 60 seconds after the shaking has stopped. Wait until your exit has been checked and you are instructed to leave the classroom. Remain with your class at all times.

5.     Evacuate the building. STAY CLEAR OF EXTERIOR WALLS.

6.     Assemble in the south field away from buildings, trees, poles, fallen wires, or glass. Do not enter the building unless instructed by one of the school administrators.

Lock Down Procedures

During a Lockdown, at the request of Emergency Services, or due to a potential threat from within the school, staff and students remain in classrooms until advised by Police that it is safe to exit the building. LOCK classroom doors; Turn OFF lights, and DRAW blinds and curtains. KEEP EVERYONE VERY QUIET. While in the classroom, students and staff are to be seated on the floor in the safest corner away from any sight lines through windows or doorways.  Cell phones should be silenced/face down. Students not scheduled for classes will be sheltered by administrators and/or counsellors in safe areas of the school. A LOCKDOWN is signalled by 3 short bells repeated and a PA announcement. Classes on fieldtrips or outside of the school do not re-enter. Our school off-site meeting or muster location is the Marpole Community Center.

Hold and Secure Procedures

 Hold and Secure occurs at the request of the administration and/or Emergency Services. Typically a Hold and Secure is called when there is an incident/ potential threat OUTSIDE of the school. Students will be allowed to move freely in their classrooms and between classes during regularly scheduled breaks but may not enter or exit the building until the Hold and Secure is lifted. PE classes would not be permitted to be outside and should enter the building immediately. We lock our external doors in a Hold and Secure.

Shelter in Place Procedures

Shelter in Place occurs at the request of the administration and/or Emergency Services. Typically this is a response to an exterior environmental hazard or danger, making it unsafe to be outdoors. Students are sheltered from environmental hazards until it is safe to exit.