School Policies

Updated September 2010

VISITORS
Parents are always welcome at our school. When parents enter Xavier, however, they are asked to come first to the office where staff will be pleased to assist them in speaking to, meeting with, or relaying a message to a child or teacher.

AGENDA
All Xavier Junior High students are provided with a School Agenda. This agenda is invaluable, not only because it contains school policies, but because it assists students in planning to learn and succeed. Students are encouraged to use it to keep track of dates when homework and assignments are due, for recording marks for each subject, and for planning how to use their time wisely.

XAVIER PRIDE
Because I am proud to be a student at Xavier Junior High, I will:

• Be clean and tidy about my appearance.
• Refrain from using or selling tobacco, alcohol, or drug related substances.
• Attend school regularly and punctually.
• Complete assigned work in class and at home and be prepared to submit assigned work on time.
• Be prepared for learning by bringing materials and needed supplies to class.
• Keep my language and gestures respectful and free from profanity and obscenities.

Because I am proud of my school, I will:

• Respect all school property and conduct myself in a respectful manner while at school, on the school bus, and at all school-sponsored activities.
• Keep personal belongings in my locker, and ensure my personal space is clean and tidy.
• Keep my cafeteria clean by placing all garbage and recyclables in the appropriate containers.
• Support and give my best effort in all school-sponsored activities.
• Take some initiative in activities promoting school spirit and support the recognition of student accomplishments.

Because I am proud of my teachers, administration, secretarial, janitorial staff, and volunteers, I will:

• Look to them for support to improve my academic, social, physical, and mental well-being.
• Support them in their efforts to maintain a safe, orderly, and clean school environment.
• Accept their right to expect respectful behaviour in the classroom, in the gym, at assemblies, on the bus, and at all school-sponsored activities.
• Show respect and expect to be respected.

I accept the appropriate consequences of my actions because I am a responsible student.



1. ENTRANCES
Student entrances are the front door in the East Wing and the front door in the Main Building. The Link Door and the Side Doors are not student entrances. The student entrances are unlocked at 8:20 AM and remain unlocked throughout the day.


2. EVACUATION
Evacuation drills are required by law. When an alarm sounds, all students and staff must clear the building. School evacuation procedures are posted near the doorway of each classroom, and in all major areas throughout our school. Once outside, students are to remain orderly, follow the instructions of their teacher, and move away from the building thereby permitting the entry of emergency vehicles. Students are not to return until they hear a school bell ring three times, the indication it is safe to return.

3. FOOTWEAR
Students are required to remove outside footwear at their entrance. Outside footwear must be stored inside student lockers. Everybody is required to wear footwear while inside the school, and therefore a second pair of shoes designated for inside use must be put on at the student’s locker. When leaving the building at the end of the day, students are permitted to put on outside footwear at their locker.

4. OUTSIDE CLOTHING
Students are not permitted to wear heavy outside coats or jackets to any classroom or study area. They must be stored inside the student lockers. If the weather outside is cold causing classrooms to be cooler than normal, students are to come to class wearing a warm sweater/sweat shirt. For safety reasons students may be required to remove nylon or flammable clothing while in the home economics or science labs.

5. CLASS PREPARATION
Upon arriving at school, students are to check their timetables and organize books and materials needed for class. Students are expected to go to first class with the books and materials needed for periods 1 & 2. After lunch, students are to go to their fourth class with the books and materials needed for periods 4 & 5. Students are not to go to their lockers between back-to-back periods.

6. SIGNS AND NOTICES
All signs and notices posted outside the classrooms must be approved by school administration, and must be removed after a reasonable period of time by the person responsible. Sign boards have been erected in various places throughout the school for student and public use.

7. FUNDRAISING
All fundraising by school groups on behalf of their school must be approved in advance by school administration. School administration is required to follow the fundraising guidelines approved by Xavier’s School Council.

8. FIELD TRIPS AND SPORTING EVENTS
School Board policy requires that before any student leaves on a field trip or sporting event which takes him/her outside of Deer Lake, the student must have a Travel Consent Form signed by the parent or guardian granting permission for the student to travel.

9. MOVEMENT THROUGH CORRIDORS
Students are required to remain in their own area of the building when classes are not in session. Grade 6 and 7 students should remain in the east wing except to use the main canteen and the food services room. Grade 8 and 9 students are required to remain in the main wing of the building. Students are not to be loitering in the link or auditorium unless they are there for school activities supervised by a teacher.

10. BUS PASSES
The office will issue a pass for a student to ride a bus that is not their own only after the student’s parent or guardian contacts the school and requests the pass.

11. USE OF WASHROOM
Students are to use the washrooms during free time. Students are not to ask to use the washroom after the start of class except in an emergency. Students are never to leave class to visit the washroom unless requesting and receiving permission from the teacher. As a rule, only one student at a time may leave a class.

12. CONSUMPTION OF FOOD
Consumption of food &/or beverages (other than water) is only permitted in the school cafeteria. This is necessary to help maintain a clean, healthy and safe school environment.

13. GUM CHEWING
Gum chewing is discouraged. If it is done in a discreet manner, however, the teacher may use judgement and allow it.

14. STUDENTS STAYING FOR RECESS &/or LUNCH
All students staying for lunch are required to be in the cafeteria for the first twenty minutes. If students opt to leave the building, they are expected to remain outside until 12:26.  At 12:26, students are permitted to return to their respective areas inside the building. During recess, ALL students are required to be in the cafeteria. If students opt to leave the building, they are expected to remain outside until the 11:01 am warning bell.

15. STUDENT PAYPHONE
There is a student phone in the vicinity of the General Office. Students using this phone are asked to keep their calls to the shortest possible time, as there is often a line-up of students waiting for their turn. Students are asked to restrict their calls to out-of-class time. Calls made during class time must have teacher permission. There is also a payphone in the vicinity of the gymnasium.

16. ACTIVITIES DURING RECESS AND LUNCH
• Normally the gymnasium will have scheduled activities during lunch hour.
• Teachers can use judgement and stop any activity that is inappropriate for a school setting. This includes any activity that poses a risk to a student or one that can possibly damage school property.

17. LOCKERS
• Lockers are provided for all students. For security reasons, nothing of value should be left unattended. All student books and materials (including money, jewellery, pens, pencils, calculators, etc..) not being used should be kept in lockers.
• Most school thefts take place during gym classes, therefore, nothing of value should be left unattended either in the change room or in the gymnasium. Use your locker.
• Students are permitted to use only a lock issued by the school, and are required to keep locks locked at all times. Locks not approved by the school will be removed and confiscated. The school does not accept any responsibility for the removal or confiscation of unauthorized locks.
• Outside clothing and footwear must be kept inside the locker throughout the school day.
• Students are asked not to share their combination with any other student.


18. STUDENT EQUIPMENT
All property owned by students may not be suitable for a school setting. Therefore, students are asked to note the following:

• Musical equipment, such as guitars, may be permitted in classrooms or the cafeteria during free time. The supervising teacher will use judgement to determine if it is acceptable and an appropriate volume.
• Walkmans are not permitted during class time. They should be stored in lockers for safe keeping.
• Cell phones, MP3 players, I-Pods, pagers and such devices are required to be turned off and stored in lockers if brought to school. (See detailed policy in section 34 subsection 1.06 on page 15)
• Skateboards must be immediately stored in student lockers upon entering school.
• In-line skates must be removed at the front door and stored in student lockers..
• Student bicycles, if brought to school, should be locked in a bike rack when unattended. Bicycles are brought to school at a student’s own risk.
• Students are not permitted to ride bicycles or skateboards in the school parking lots.


19. DRESS CODE
• Personal cleanliness is expected of all students.
• Appropriate gym attire is required for all physical education classes.
• Students are not permitted to wear any clothing that is offensive to others. Clothing must make no direct/indirect reference to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, violence or sex.
• Students are to remove head gear and sun glasses upon entering the building.
• Wearing shorts, skirts and dresses is permitted in school, but they must be an acceptable length, which is generally considered at the knee. Spandex shorts are not to be worn outside the gymnasium.
• Students are not to wear shirts that expose the midriff or shoulder area, or are cut low in the neck or under the arm.
• Students are not permitted to wear clothing in such a way that exposes underwear.


ATTENDANCE POLICIES

20. ATTENDANCE
All students enrolled at Xavier must be in attendance when school is in session. All absenteeism must be verified by a note from the parent or guardian on the day the student returns to school.
• When classes are in session, students are to be in their assigned rooms unless excused by the teacher from that particular class.
• It is the student’s responsibility to complete all work missed during their absence from class.
• Parents are to inform administration well in advance, when possible, if their child will be absent for an extended period of time.
• Students should not schedule appointments during class time. If this is not possible and the student has to leave for an appointment, the appropriate form must be picked up at the office and later returned for verification that the appointment was kept.

21. LATENESS
A student is late if not in homeroom by the start of the homeroom period, or not in class by the start of the class period. Late notices will be issued to tardy students by teachers in homeroom or class. Teachers will inform the office of late notifications issued to students, and a record of tardiness will be kept on respective individuals. Consequences for student tardiness will be managed by the homeroom or classroom teacher.


22. SIGN-OUT
Any student leaving the building during regular school hours must first report to the office, state the reason for leaving, receive permission to leave, and be signed out. Any student who leaves the school without permission will be considered skipping classes and may not be permitted to return to class unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.


STUDENT ACADEMIC POLICIES

The Department of Education provides textbooks for all students.  Any student losing or  vandalizing a textbook provided by the school will be required to replace the book at a cost established by the school.

 28.   CHEATING/PLAGIARIZING

A student found cheating on an exam/test/quiz or found plagiarizing an assignment will be required to do a remake.  The student who provides work to be plagiarized may also be required to do a remake. The school may choose to apply appropriate disciplinary consequences.

29. PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
• Any student serving a suspension will not be permitted to participate in any extra-curricular activity during the period of suspension.
• Any student currently being disciplined may be excluded from participation in extra-curricular activity.
• Students who are absent from school on the day of a particular extra-curricular activity may not be permitted to participate on the day in question.
• Students who do not diligently pursue their studies, or do not display a positive attitude toward school work, may not be permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities.

30. STUDENT RECOGNITION
Each Fall Xavier Junior High will hold an annual awards night in our auditorium. This evening will recognize the many academic, athletic, and special achievements of our students.

31. LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE (LIBRARY)
The Resource Centre is one of the key learning environments in our school. Its role is to provide recreational reading, as well as to support all areas of the curriculum through its reference and research sections. Our teacher librarian will help students use the facility, particularly in the area of research. Several Internet ready computers have been placed in the library for this purpose.
Students are reminded, however, that learning centres are quiet places. Therefore, students who enter the library are expected to do so only at times when they wish to read, work or do research. This facility must never be seen as a social gathering area. The cafeteria or classrooms should be the locations of choice if students wish to sit and socialize while out of class.

32. GUIDANCE SERVICES
The Guidance Office is located near the main office in the Main Wing. We are fortunate to have the services of a full time guidance councelor. Students wishing to make an appointment may request one. A student is required to have the teacher’s permission before leaving the classroom for an appointment. Upon returning from an appointment, a readmittance note from the guidance counsellor may be required by the teacher.

33. GYMNASIUM
It is expected that students actively participate in scheduled physical education classes and that appropriate clothing and clean inside footwear be worn during any athletic activities in the gym. Students are cautioned never to leave valuables in a gym change room. Students are only permitted in the gymnasium for scheduled and teacher supervised activities.


CONDUCT

34. CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to foster and enhance a positive learning environment at Xavier Junior High, all students are expected to follow the rules and regulations of their school, and conduct themselves in a responsible and courteous manner. The school expects and will accept nothing less than students treating their school and others with respect. The following rules apply not only in our school, but on school property, on school buses, and on all school sponsored activities.

1.01 At Xavier Junior High, the following behaviours are totally unacceptable:
Section A:
A. Disruptive classroom behaviour
B. Insulting or harassing fellow students
C. Using profane, rude, or inappropriate language in or around the school
D. Forging the name of another on a school document
E. Gambling
F. Smoking on school property
G. Outward displays of intimate behaviour among students
H. Defying school authority
I. Refusing to stay for an assigned detention
J. Any other dangerous or inappropriate behaviours

Section B:
It must be understood that this school offers no protection to students who break the law. Each student is regarded as being responsible for his/her actions, and must be prepared that a report will be made to the authorities if the student is found breaking the law in circumstances such as the following.
K. Theft of school or personal property
L. Fighting, being aggressive, threatening or in any way intimidating others
M. Vandalism or the willful destruction of school or personal property
N. Possessing, using, or selling alcohol, drugs or other illegal substances
O. Bringing weapons or threatening to bring weapons, including cased knives, on school property


1.02 BUS CONDUCT
As the school bus is considered an extension of school, transported students shall:
• Be subject to all school regulations while travelling on the bus
• Obey the instructions of the bus driver and bus monitors
• Refrain from any activity that may endanger another person or distract the bus driver’s attention from his/her duty
• Respect private property while waiting for or disembarking from a school bus
• Line up and board the bus promptly in single file without crowding or pushing
• Be picked up and discharged only at their designated bus stop, unless permission has been received otherwise from the bus driver
• Keep all personal items out of the aisles and out of harm’s way. Certain items such as skis and hockey equipment are only permitted with mutual agreement of the bus driver and the school principal. Ice skates must have guards or be placed in a bag.
• Keep bus windows closed unless permitted to open them by the bus driver
• Place no items out an open window
• Use appropriate and respectful language
• Be financially responsible for any damage done to the bus resulting from inappropriate behaviour
• When finished for the day, students are expected to load the buses at Xavier. Students should not walk to Elwood to board the buses.

Failure to abide with the above rules may result in an automatic suspension from travelling on the bus.

1.03 Disciplinary Actions:
Breaches of our code of conduct may be dealt with in any of the following ways, depending on circumstances: (the following list is not all encompassing. The school reserves the right to implement consequences other than those listed below)
• Interview with administration and a report going on the student’s file
• Conference with the parents/guardians
• Referral to the guidance counsellor
• Detention
• In-school suspension from class(es)
• In-school suspension from extra-curricular activity
• Suspension from school
• Referral to the authorities


1.04 ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET POLICY
• Computers are intended to be used in the pursuit of academic objectives only.
• A network and Internet account is provided for the exclusive use of the person to whom the account is issued, and use by other persons is prohibited. Do not give your password to other students. You are responsible for the any mischief caused by your user ID.
• Users shall not use their computer account to obtain or exchange software when such action would violate copyright.
• Users will not use computer facilities to send or receive obscene, vulgar, harassing or other such inappropriate messages.
• Students are cautioned that all activity on school computers is electronically monitored.
• All students and their parents are required to sign an acceptable use policy before the student is given an account. Failure to abide by the terms of the acceptable use policy can result in the loss of computer access rights.


1.05 STUDENT MEDICATION POLICY

Xavier Junior High is required to follow the student medication policy of Western School District. This policy states that school staff are not permitted to administer over-the-counter medication to students. When staff are requested to administer prescribed oral medication to students, the following procedures apply:

The parents will be supplied with an oral medication request form which contains:
• the signature of the parent or guardian
• the signature of the physician prescribing the medication
• the name, dosage, frequency and method of administration
• the dates for which the medication applies
• prescription number and name, address and phone number of the drug store supplying the medication
• any side effects of the medication and remediation procedures
• specific request that the teacher administer the medication
• consent statement allowing the teacher to administer the medication
• acknowledgement that the teacher is not a medically trained person
• storage and safekeeping requirements for the medication as described by the attending physician
• name and telephone number of the physician to be contacted in case of an emergency

This form is available from the school first aider, Ms. Bouzanne, and school personnel are available to meet with parents regarding the medication policy.

1.06 CELL PHONES, MP3 PLAYERS, I-PODS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Rationale

Effective classroom teaching/learning environments are essential to maximizing student learning. The presence of cell phones, MP3 players, i-pods, and other such devices within the classroom environment can be inhibitors to effective learning and can negatively impact the ability of individuals to focus on instruction, actively participate in educational activities, and gain the necessary skills for successful scholastic achievement. Therefore, it is important that all partners in the educational process do their part in the creation of a classroom atmosphere that is safe, caring, orderly, respectful and focused on learning.

Policy
A. Cell phones, MP3 players, i-pods and similar devices must not be used within the classroom learning environment at Xavier Junior High School.
B. All cell phones, MP3 players, i-pods and similar devices must be turned off and kept out of sight at all times within the classroom learning environment. For example, using a cell phone as a clock or saying that it fell out of a pocket or book bag is not an excuse to have a cell phone out.
C. The school will not investigate stolen cell phones, MP3 players, i-pods or similar devices. Their security is the sole responsibility of the student.

Consequences
If a student is using a cell phone, MP3 player, i-pod or similar device (any of its functions) for any reason during class time, the following consequences will be implemented;
A. The device will be confiscated from the student.
B. On the first offense the device will be returned at the end of the school day. It is the responsibility of the student to come to the office and claim their device.
C. On the second and subsequent offenses the device will be returned ONLY to the parent/guardian of the student. We realize that having to pick up a student’s phone, MP3 player, etc may be inconvenient, but the school must implement this policy to protect the valuable learning environment of our classrooms. We ask that parents/guardians discuss this with their child(ren) as a pro-active measure to avoid situations where staff will have to confiscate electronic devices.


Note 1: There may be times, for educational purposes, when the teacher may grant students the right to bring cell phones, MP3 players, i-pods and similar devices to class. For example, a technology teacher allowing students to bring MP3 players to assist with media presentations.

Note 2: Xavier Junior High is not responsible for lost, stolen, confiscated or broken electronic devices and will not pay for such devices.