St. Theresa Shrine

Catholic School

STUDENT AGENDA 2016 – 2017

St. Theresa Shrine School Hours

THIS AGENDA BELONGS TO:

NAME: _______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________

CITY/TOWN: __________________________________________________________________

PHONE: ______________________________________________________________________

GRADE: ______________ TEACHER: ______________________________________

Student agendas are an excellent way to assist students with their studies and maintain communication between home and school.

Please note that the introductory pages provide parents and students the Dress Code, Code of Behaviour, and overall guidelines and expectations for all students at St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School. We are asking that parents take the time to review the policies and procedures of the school with their children so that they are familiar with the expectations.

8:00 Office is Open 8:10 Student Arrival Begins 8:30 - 8:35 Opening Exercises 9:39 - 9:54 Morning Recess 11:15 - 12:15 Lunch 1:40 - 1:55 Afternoon Recess 3:00 End Time – Dismissal 4:00 Office is closed

“I will let fall a shower of roses. I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth.” St. Therese of Lisieux

St. Theresa Shrine Catholic Elementary School 2665 Kingston Road, Scarborough, Ontario M1M 1M2 Phone: 416-393-5248 / Fax: 416-397-6492 Principal: Sharon Gardiner-Hunt Secretary: Jacqueline Medeiros Ward 12 Trustee: Nancy Crawford Superintendent: TBD

Our Parish: St. Theresa Shrine Parish Shrine of the Little Flower

2559 Kingston Rd, Scarb. ON M1M 1M1

Tel: 416-261-7498 Fax: 416-261-2901

Email: parishs@st-theresa-shrine.org

Pastor: Rev. Joel Pabilona

TCDSB School Year Calendar 2016 – 2017 Number of School Days 194

Professional Activity Days 7 Labour Day September 5, 2016 First Instructional Day September 6, 2016 Thanksgiving Day October 10, 2016 Christmas Break Dec 26/16–Jan 06/17 Family Day February 20, 2017 Mid-Winter Break March 13-17, 2017 Good Friday April 14, 2017 Easter Monday April 17, 2017 Victoria Day May 22, 2017 Last Instructional Day June 29, 2017

Supervision of Students

Supervision is provided during the recreation periods starting 8:10am. Please do not drop off your child before 8:10 am. The playground is for staff and students only. Please do not approach any of our students in the playground. Come to the office and we will help you with any concern/question you might have.

Visitors to Our School

All visitors must report to the office when visiting the school. No individual is allowed to go to a classroom without first checking with the office and obtaining permission.

Doors are locked during school hours

To enter buzz at the front door

Identify yourself and report directly to the office upon entering

Anaphylaxis / Allergies

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe life threatening allergic reaction caused by exposure to a trigger (allergen). We remind you that there are children in our school with severe, life threatening food allergies to peanuts/nuts and products that may contain these allergens. It is the responsibility of our entire school community to be vigilant. We are requesting that you not send foods to school with your child that may contain peanuts/nuts. Check labels to ensure foods are ‘peanut/nut free’. To ensure the safety of those students with these serious allergies we ask that no parents send food to share with the class. This includes birthday cake, pizza, or any other shared consumable. Instead we recommend that you send nut free loot bags that your child can distribute to the class and that they can take home and open with their parents.

Safe School Arrivals Program / Student Absence & Illness

Your child’s safety is very important to us. If your child is not well please consider keeping your child at home both for the well-being of your child and in order to prevent the spread of viruses to other children. We are not able to accommodate requests to keep your child in at recess for medical reasons as there is no supervision available. If your child is absent or late: Please call the school at 416-393-5248 to report your child’s absence. Calling this number before 8am or after 4pm will connect you with the auto attendant in order to leave a message. When reporting an absence, include your child’s name, grade, teacher’s name, and the reason for the absence. Students Leaving the School: No child is permitted to leave the school for any reason without written and signed permission of a parent/guardian. All students must sign out at the office if they are leaving the school during school hours. In cases of ongoing problems with punctuality and absenteeism, it may be necessary to involve the Social Worker.

We are a CATHOLIC School

The school day reflects our witness to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Gospel Values permeate our school environment. The following highlights the Catholic dimension of our school community:

Daily Religious Instruction

Community Prayers and Readings read over the P.A. to begin each day

School life focused around Roman Catholic doctrine and practices

Religious songs taught in class and through the vocal music programme

A strong bond with our parish Church

A strong sacramental emphasis and meaningful liturgical celebrations throughout the year including special occasions like Easter, Graduation, etc.

Opportunities for students to practice and demonstrate leadership skills

In-school Guidance and Social Work assistance when appropriate

Opportunities for students and staff to demonstrate global perspective and community responsibility through fundraising efforts and involvement in community events

The involvement of parents and guardians to share in the partnership of educating their children

History & Tradition

St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School opened its doors in September, 1952. In that first year, many of the students who enrolled at our school came from St. Joseph's Convent School located on Cathedral Bluffs Drive. The convent school was closing down that year. The first principal was Sister Yvonne who had also been principal at St. Joseph's Convent. Many of our students had to travel by Greyhound bus from the villages of Highland Creek and Pickering, as St. Theresa was Toronto's most eastern school.

During that first year many exciting activities happened. The two blue spruce trees in our front yard were planted and were named after Patricia and Paul, two first year students. Since there was no fence, a hedge was planted around the perimeter of the school; remnants of the hedge still remain. In 1966, an addition, with a gymnasium and library, was added to accommodate the growing needs of the community.

Our patron saint, St. Theresa, is often referred to as the Little Flower of Jesus. Each year, after our Graduation Mass, our Grade 8 students honour their families by giving them a “rose”. The feast day for St. Theresa is October 1st, at which time we have our first Mass of the school year.

Mission Statement

Meeting the Diverse Strengths and Needs of our Students At St. Theresa Shrine, our students bring individual abilities, experiences, interests and learning styles to the learning process. Our school strives to create a very positive school culture in which students with differing strengths and needs feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to develop to their potential.

The Shrine’s mission is to develop students who:

are formed in the Catholic faith

apply Christian values to life’s opportunities, challenges and choices

display self-esteem and self-respect

demonstrate skills for developing and maintaining personal and family wellness;

demonstrate global perspective and community responsibility

General Information & School Rules

Main School Rules

Based upon the TCDSB and St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School Codes of Conduct, the following rules have been developed to ensure the safe and orderly running of the school.

During class time, all students are to walk through hallways and stairs while remaining silent. No teacher or class will be disturbed because of their noise or behaviour

When entering the school, students walk in a single line and use the right- hand side of the stairs. All entries and exits must be quiet and orderly.

At dismissal times, students are to wait until

told to leave by their teachers

At recess, all students are expected to be

outside.

Students must carry skateboards, scooters and rollerblades into the schoolyard and not use them during school hours (8:10 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).

Bicycles must be walked into the yard

The school cannot be held responsible for lost

or stolen personal property.

War toys are not allowed at school.

Snow, ice and stones must stay on the ground.

Students from other schools are not allowed on school property during school hours (8 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Caps must not be worn in the school. However, during the winter months, hats are permitted in the school as students go to and from recesses and at arrival and dismissal times.

Chewing gum is not permitted in the school building.

All electronics must be off or powered down during school hours.

No taking pictures of other students is allowed including ‘selfies’.

Sharing of food is not permitted including the bringing of food for celebrations (i.e. birthday cake, cupcakes, ice cream, etc.) In the case of a birthday you may provide non-food items for students to take home. Items suggested are pencils, erasers, and other small non-edible items.

Appropriate Dress Code

St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School adopts the TCDSB Navy and White Appropriate Dress Code for all students. The dress code is any combination of white and navy blue garments. Tops should be an appropriate solid colour (no patterns, prints, or logos) navy or white top (shirt/blouse/polo shirt/etc) with a collar. Bottoms should be solid navy dress pants, or appropriate length skirts, pinafores, or shorts. All student attire must be in keeping with our Catholic teachings and beliefs, and reflect the principles of modesty and shall not include the following:

Short shorts/skirts, bare midriffs, halter tops, tank tops, etc.

Accessories such as spiked bracelets / necklaces or others not in keeping with the spirit of the dress code as determined by the local school

Language and/or representation on attire that depicts violence, profanity, or discrimination of any kind whatsoever or that otherwise demeans an identifiable individual or group

Bullying Bullying occurs when a person is hurt by the actions of others. It is a repeated act over a period of time. It can be physical, verbal or social meanness. It can occur both on and off school property (e.g. cyber bullying). It could involve one or more bullies at a time.

Bullying is not tolerated in this school community. Parents of both the victim and the victimizer will be contacted. This is considered a major incident in our discipline model and will lead to suspension.

Bus Conduct and Information

The provision of bus service is not a right. As per the Code, students are reminded that the same rules followed in school must also be followed while using the bus service. Students should be at their “home bus stop” on time and wait on the sidewalk, well back from the street. Students should enter the bus, holding the handrail, and proceed to their seat in an orderly manner. They should keep their feet and belongings clear of the aisle. No food or drink is to be consumed on the bus.

Students taking the bus are expected to line up in an orderly fashion. While on the bus, students are to remain seated at all times and to maintain a reasonable sound level. Students are expected to maintain safe and courteous conduct at all times. Students are expected to proceed directly home upon arrival at their “home stop”. Parents or Guardians must ensure that a designate is at the stop to receive younger students. Inappropriate and dangerous actions such as fighting, throwing objects, spitting or profanity will not be tolerated under any circumstances. When poor bus behaviour warrants, warning notes will be issued by the driver and enforced by school administration. Parents will be contacted

and bus privileges may be revoked. Please understand that there may be disruptions and delays in the first days of school, as bus routes are modified and adjusted. Please remember that weather and traffic are significant factors in delays or lateness.

It is important that the person responsible for picking up your child is at the drop-off location on time. Children who are not picked up will be returned to the school by the driver and the parent/guardian will be notified by the school. Please refer to the Bus Conduct section of the agenda for the school’s expectations with regards to behaviour while using this service.

If parents have any concerns regarding the buses, please contact the school immediately. For further information see: www.tcdsb. org/services/studenttransportation.htm

Catholic School Parent Committee (CSPC)

One way for parents to become more involved in the life of the school is to consider participating as a parent member on the Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC). The Catholic School Parent Council is integrally involved in the school. CSPC plans fund-raising events, coordinates community activities and assists the administration and staff of the school in ensuring all students benefit from an enriched school experience. Meetings are held once per month and held in the school library. Information about the AGM and the number of parent and community seats available will be distributed to all families in September. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend CSPC meetings at any time. Read the monthly newsletter for CSPC meeting dates and school news.

Homework

Homework is important for each child’s success in school. Homework can help students to develop a sense of responsibility, teach organizational skills, provide practice of skills taught in class class and provide a basic communication link between home and school. It is the student’s responsibility to complete assigned work and bring to school the following day unless otherwise communicated by the teacher. All homework and assignments are to be recorded in this agenda planner on a daily, complete work begun in basis. Please refer to the TCDSB website for information on homework guidelines.

Types of Homework: There are many different types of homework assignments. Some examples include:

Work assigned by the teacher to be

completed for the next day

Completion of classroom assignments

Project work

Studying for quizzes and/or tests

Review of daily lessons

Independent Reading

Lock Down / Fire Drills Emergency Response Procedures

Fire Drills and Lock Down procedures are practiced throughout the school year. Should severe weather conditions make it necessary to close the school during the day, students will not be dismissed until parents/caregivers are first contacted and the school is assured that someone is ready to receive them.

Lunchtime Rules All students who eat lunch at school must understand that failure to follow the rules set out below may result in the loss of this privilege for a period of time. These rules have been established to ensure safe and orderly conduct during the lunch period. Lunches are to be eaten in the students’ classroom beginning at 11:15 a.m. unless special arrangements have been made by the teacher. Classroom monitors have graciously volunteered their time for this duty in the younger grades. They are the representatives of the teacher and principal and their directions are to be respected and followed. All children are to remain seated at their desks while eating lunch. The Lunch Time Supervisor or the teachers on duty in the hallways will release the students to the school-yard. When students exit the room, they are to go directly to the yard in a quiet and orderly manner.

Office Telephone Use

Students are not allowed to use the office telephone under any circumstances other than for emergencies. Please ensure that you have written a note if your child has permission to leave school property at lunch or to go to a friend’s house after school. Your child is expected to show this note to his/her teacher

Playground Conduct

These rules were collaboratively created by the members of the St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School community to maximize safety, free play and physical activity for all students during recess times and before/after school (8:10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). Playground rules will be constantly monitored by the St. Theresa Shrine Staff. In general: Students are responsible for their own safety and that of other students in the playground; Students must immediately report any difficulties or concerns to a teacher or to the supervisor on yard duty. Balls: The following balls are allowed:

Soft balls of any shape or size (tennis balls,

Nerf balls)

Basketballs are to be used in the

designated court areas

Soccer balls are permitted.

The following are not allowed:

There should not be tackling or rough body

contact in any sport.

Footballs are not permitted unless during a

conducted Phys-Ed class.

Hard, solid bouncing rubber balls of any size are not permitted in the playground

Frisbees

If a student is uncertain about whether or not a certain ball is permitted in the playground, she/he must first consult with a Teacher.

Skateboards, bicycles, scooters, rollerblades and wheeled shoes pose a safety hazard in a playground full of children and are therefore, not permitted. Upon arrival at school and before entering the yard, students should dismount and carry / wheel the item into the yard.

St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School will not be responsible for loss of personal objects brought to school.

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How Our Stars Shine

Show respect

Help one another

Remember to be safe

Include everyone

Nourish mind, body and soul

Exemplify Christ

St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School Conduct

The Role of Parents / Guardians

Parents and Guardians play an important role in the education of their children. They have the responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all. Parents and Guardians fulfill this responsibility when they: .

show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress

help their child to be neat, appropriately

dressed and prepared for school

ensure that their child attends school

regularly and on time

promptly report to the school their

child’s absence or late arrival

become familiar with the TDCSB Code of Conduct & the school Code of Conduct

encourage and assist their child in

following the rules of behaviour

assist school staff in dealing with

disciplinary issues communicate regularly with the school

in a respectful and appropriate manner The school recommends that parents and guardians communicate with the staff and administration through the appropriate channels. Please keep in mind that appointments with staff and/or administration should be arranged in advance.

1. Your child’s teacher should be

consulted first with any concerns you

may have. 2. Should the concern remain unresolved,

please then make an appointment with the Principal

3. The Principal will intervene only if the issue has not been resolved.

Parents or Guardians who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner will be contacted by the Principal. Ensuring that our school is a safe and harmonious learning environment is of paramount importance.

OUR STUDENTS

Respect and Responsibility

The fundamental expectation of students in our Catholic Schools will follow the ethic of our Catholic faith, where empathy, care for others, and respect for life are present. If you are aware that a student or group of students is in a dangerous situation, then you should tell a caring adult in the school community immediately. Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:

Comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn

Shows respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority in a courteous and Catholic manner

Refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others

Follows the established rules, policies as described in both the TCDSB and St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School codes of conduct

Takes responsibility for his or her own

action

Accepts such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm and judicious parent

Shows respect for school property

Use language appropriate to the

school environment

Respect and look after the property of

others as well as their own

Take pride in good behaviour, good

work and in school

Encourage fellow students to carry out their duties and praise their accomplishments

Dress should respect the values of

this Roman Catholic school

community

Virtue of the Month

September—Hospitality

Quote of the Month: Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do

unto me. Matthew 25:40

October--Gratitude

Quote of the Month: This is the day, the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be

glad. Psalm 118:24

November--Peacemaking

Quote of the Month: Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you. John 14:27

December--Charity

Quote of the Month: Ubi Caritas et amor, Deus ibi est – Where there is charity

and love, God is there

January--Courage

Quote of the Month: Do not be afraid I am with you. Isaiah 41:10

February--Love

Quote of the Month: For God so loved the world, He gave it His only Son.

John 3:16

March--Forgiveness

Quote of the Month: To Err is Human, to Forgive is Divine. Alexander Pope

April--Justice

Quote of the Month: Let Justice flow like a stream, and righteousness like a

river that never goes dry. Amos 5:24

May--Compassion

Quote of the Month: Jesus saw her weeping…his heart was touched, and he

was deeply moved. John 11:33

June--Faithfulness

Quote of the Month: Happy are those who have not seen, yet still believe. John

20:29

TCDSB Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) (Electronic Equipment: Use Of/Conduct)

The TCDSB Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) governs the proper use of technology and electronic communication in our schools. The purpose of the AUP is to provide students and their parents with a set of guidelines that outline the safe and appropriate use of technology within our Catholic School system. Included in the AUP is a definition of electronic communication to include social media, website publishing, and the use of personal electronic devices (PED’s). In addition it addresses expectations surrounding the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy effective as of September 2012. While these devices are not mandatory for classroom activities, they may be included when there is a clear educational purpose that has been identified by the teacher.

All parents and students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the AUP. For parents, the full text of the TCDSB AUP can be found at: http://www.tcdsb.org/board/policies/aup

A summary of the AUP expectations for students in the TCDSB:

Behaviour Expectations: It is a privilege, not a right, to use the Board’s network and devices. Privileges may be restricted or taken

away if the AUP is violated. Students must use their own student account and keep it private when using the board network or devices. Students must use the network and electronic communication for educational purposes only. All students and their parents must sign the "Student Access Agreement" before they will be allowed to use

the Board’s network and devices.

Personal Safety & Privacy: A student should tell the school Principal or teacher immediately if they feel uncomfortable or not safe

because of a message they received from an electronic communication such as an email, text message or photo.

Parents should discuss with their children the importance of protecting their personal information and privacy when using any electronic communication such as the internet.

Password Management: TCDSB student logins grant access to WiFi, school computers and devices, and educational third-party

services e.g., Google Apps for Education (GAFE). Password management is very important and students must personally create their own password and it

must be a strong password. Students must keep their password secret, and never disclose or share a password.

When creating a password we recommend that you make it easy to remember, but hard for others to guess. Avoid using personal information such as your name, email address, or mailing address.

Password creation checklist: 8-16 characters At least 1 upper-case letter At least 1 lower-case letter At least 1 number No space No accented characters

Unacceptable Activities:

Definition: Electronic communication includes but is not limited to Internet use, e-mail, and social media, browsing, publishing or posting on web sites, downloading, accessing or storing files and use of personal electronic devices. The use of an electronic communication system within the Board has an educational and professional purpose. The term educational and professional purpose includes classroom activities and limited high quality, self-discovery activities.

Trying to access or “hack” parts of the Board network or any other computer network is prohibited. Purposely breaking, destroying and intentionally abusing Board computers, network, hardware,

software, or electronic devices. Installing, accessing or sharing unauthorized equipment, software or media files such as games. Engaging in any bullying or threatening behaviour such as cyberbullying, making threats, or posting

inappropriate material about another student to a social media site is unacceptable and will be dealt with according to the Education Act or school codes of conduct.

Impersonation or using a false identity. Any use of inappropriate language (obscene, profane, threatening, harassing, bullying, racist or

disrespectful) posted publically, privately, or on any websites.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

Students must not plagiarize and must obtain permission for any copyright materials they use.

Bring Your Own Computer / Personal Electronic Device (PED): The student use of PEDs is a privilege, not a right and can be removed if it interferes with student

learning. Students can bring Personal Electronic Device (PED) such as cell phones and laptops to school, but

are not allowed to use them during class time unless allowed by the teacher. Students are responsible for securing their own devices and MUST turn them off and put them away during regular school hours.

The teacher may send a student to the office if a PED is used inappropriately during class time. The administrator may confiscate the device and store it securely until the matter is resolved.

The school Principal may decide when and where PEDs are allowed in the school. Students can use PED’s to connect to the school network for internet access only. PEDs are NOT

permitted in examination rooms, unless the teacher has granted permission. Board Technical support will be not be provided for any hardware, software or connectivity issues,

and users may not install any Board/Ministry licenced software, unless the software has been licensed for home use.

All student PEDs must have anti-virus protection on them before they can connect to the Board’s network.

Students cannot take pictures or capture video with their PEDs in private areas such as washrooms or change rooms.

Any pictures or videos published electronically and taken on school property or at a school event must have the permission of the individual(s), their parents or the principal/designate.

Any images or video that negatively impact the school climate must not be captured, transmitted or posted under any circumstances.

Accessing TCDSB Wi-Fi Network with a Personal Device The TCDSB provides students with Wi-Fi access on their personal devices for educational purposes

only. Students must restrict their use of Wi-Fi to this end. Access to Wi-Fi with a personal device is restricted to the TCDSB-Guest network. Any personal device connected to a Wi-Fi network other than the TCDSB-Guest (including but not

limited to TCDSB-Misc) will be identified and banned from all TCDSB Wi-Fi networks.

Disciplinary Consequences:

In the event that a student violates this policy, the student (and parent, where applicable) will be provided with a notice of violation and will meet with a school administrator/designate.

A school administrator/designate may deny, restrict or suspend a student’s access to the Board’s network upon any violation of this policy or other rules of the school. Appropriate legal authorities will be contacted if there is any suspicion of illegal activities.

The Board will cooperate fully with legal authorities in any investigation relating to illegal activities conducted through the Board’s system.