24 June 2021

St Oliver

Student Handbook

“CARING TO LEARN, LEARNING TO CARE”

 

2020/2021

STUDENT HANDBOOK

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We the St. Olivier community: teachers, support staff, parents, School Community Council, and church are entrusted to respond and fully meet all of the educational needs of our students in a Christ-centered environment.

 

OUR VISION

To create a student-centered, inclusive community of lifelong learners striving to develop academically, socially, physically, spiritually, technologically, and morally.

 

WE BELIEVE…

 

• It is important to live by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

• In the philosophy of inclusion and success for all students.

• In fostering an environment where everyone  feels safe, loved, and supported.

• In the importance of striving to be the best we can be and seeing the best in others.

 

OLIVIER STAFF – 2020/2021

Mrs. Trina Verhelst Kindergarten

Mrs. Erin Doud Grade 1

Mrs. Shelagh Gilmore Grade 2

Mrs. Courtney VanDeSype Grade 3                   

Mrs. Sherrill Verhelst Grade 4 

Ms. Lorrie Fiechter Grade 5 

Mrs. Lisa Fisher Grade 6 

Mrs. Jocelyn Olson Grade 1/Learning Facilitator 

Mr. Darrell Perras Principal

Mrs. Marsha Prost Secretary/Librarian

Mrs. Lana Bourassa Educational Assistant

Mrs. Christian Kaufmann Educational Assistant

Mrs. Becky Stadnick Educational Assistant

Bridget Harder Custodian

Becky Tuchscherer In School Counsellor

Amy Scott-Wawro Speech Language Pathologist

Director of Education Mrs. Gwen Keith

Sup. of School Operations Mr. Chad Fingler

Board Chairman Mr. Bruno Tuchscherer

 

DAILY TIMETABLE

8:55 A.M. Bell rings for students to enter the school.

We request that children do not arrive at school before 8:40 a.m.

 

9:00 School Begins

9:00 - 9:25 Period 1

9:25 - 9:55 Period 2

9:55 - 10:25 Period 3

 

10:25 - 10:40 Recess

 

10:40 - 11:30 Period 4

11:30 - 12:00 Period 5

 

12:00 - 12:45 Noon Hour

12:15 - 12:45 Intramurals 

 

12:45 - 1:15 Period 6

1:15 - 1:45 Period 7

1:45 - 2:15 Period 8

 

2:15 - 2:30 Recess

 

2:30 - 3:00 Period 9

3:00 - 3:25 Period 10

3:25 - 3:30 Bus Pickup

 

Students are supervised from 8:40 a.m. - 3:35 p.m. 

 

AT ST. OLIVIER WE CARE!

At St. Olivier, we have a philosophy for living and learning together.  This philosophy is based on the word C.A.R.E.  The letters in C.A.R.E. represent: - Courtesy

- Appreciation

- Respect

- Enthusiasm

 

The students and teachers came up with a list to follow:

 

I can be COURTEOUS by:

• Welcoming new students and making them feel at home.
• Greeting students, parents, teachers, and other adults in a friendly manner.
• Showing a real concern for my fellow students.
• Opening doors for people with armloads.
• Moving about the school without being a disruption.

 

I can be APPRECIATED by:

• Complimenting others with a smile.
• Taking care of school property.
• Listening politely when someone is speaking.
• Neatly putting outdoor footwear on the boot racks and wearing only indoor shoes in the school.
• Looking for the good in others.
• Being fair to all and including others in my activities.
• Returning and turning in items that were lost.
• Keeping the school and school yard neat and clean.

 

I can show RESPECT by:

• Accepting others for who they are.
• Considering other people’s feelings.
• Respecting other people’s property and taking care of it when  I’ve been given permission to use it.
• Putting all my belongings in the proper place.
• Obeying the rules of the school.
• Being careful with library books.
• Allowing others to take their turn.
• Talking politely to others.

 

I can be ENTHUSIASTIC by:

• Wearing a smile.
• Doing my work cheerfully and not complaining when asked to do something.
• Listening to instructions and always trying my best when  something new is suggested.
• Always doing my homework.
• Encouraging others to do well.
• Showing good sportsmanship.
• Taking part in the Celebrations at school - singing, reading etc.

 

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AT SCHOOL

• Walking; not running is expected in the classroom and hallways.
• Clean indoor footwear should be worn in the school (2 shoe policy).
• There are several places which are out of bounds without teacher’s permission,  including: storage rooms, phys. ed. equipment room, and the staff room.
• Students are to eat their noon lunches in their homeroom at their desk.  All garbage is to be placed in a garbage container.
• Students who eat lunch at school will need their parent’s permission to leave the school grounds during noon hour.  Students who are disruptive will not be able to stay at noon hour.
• Profanity has no place in the school or at school activities.
• Acceptable social behavior is required in school.  Good sportsmanship, proper treatment of fellow students, and respectful behavior are expected.
• Students must have teacher’s permission to use the telephone.
• Students attending practices, performances, games or tournaments after school hours should be on time, well behaved, and cooperative.
• Appropriate clothing should be worn in the school.  This means no revealing clothing or shirts with inappropriate slogans.  
• Behavior which may endanger the safety of students is not permitted - rough play, throwing snowballs or stones, and use of harmful or dangerous objects.
• Students will be expected to go outside at recess and noon hour, except for inclement weather.
• Town students do not leave until school buses leave the school grounds. 

STUDENTS RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

For every right there is a corresponding responsibility:

• I have a right to learn.  It is my responsibility to be on time, be prepared, listen to instruction, and work quietly.
• I have a right to hear and be heard.  It is my responsibility to listen when others are speaking.
• I have a right to be respected.  It is my responsibility to treat others with respect.
• I have a right to be safe.  It is my responsibility to respect the personal safety of others.
• I have a right to privacy and to my own personal space.  It is my responsibility to respect the personal property of others and to accept their right to privacy.

 

ACCIDENT CARE

In the event that there is an accident that requires medical attention, a member of the staff will take the student to the health center.  We will call the home or business to let the parents know of the accident.  It is important that medical needs are addressed quickly.

 

BICYCLES

Bikes are never to be ridden on the school playground.  Bikes are to be placed in the bicycle racks. 

 

BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS

We please ask that students and/or parents do not bring birthday invitations to be handed out on school property. Birthday invitations often lead to hurt feelings on the part of those who are not invited. 

 

BOOK FAIR

A Book Fair is held each year to assist parents and students in finding suitable reading materials. Profits from the Book Fair go towards providing supplementary Resource Center materials.

BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT

Each student is responsible for the good care and return of all books and equipment within the school. Students may be requested to pay for school books or equipment if damaged.

 

BUS GUIDELINES

Waiting for the bus:

• Students must wait at the southwest corner of the school until all the buses have come to a complete stop, before approaching the bus to board.

Riding the bus:

• Students are responsible to the bus driver for their actions while being transported.
• Please ensure that your child is adequately dressed for prevailing weather conditions.

Making alternate travel arrangements at the end of school:

• If your child is not taking the bus home after school a parent or guardian MUST call the secretary to inform the school.

Safety:

• Students and parents should check for buses approaching the school driveway. 
• Students are not to walk in between the buses.
• If you are picking your child up before buses leave you must come into the school to get them.

 

EMERGENCY

In an emergency that would require the removal of students from the school, students will be taken to the Catholic Church Basement.  (Ex – Fire, Poisonous Fumes, etc)

During unsafe weather conditions, all parents will be contacted before students are sent home. If parents cannot be reached, the student will stay in town with his/her billet.

 

FAIR NOTICE FOR DEALING WITH THREATENING BEHAVIOR

The safety of our children is a top priority for us all.  We, as a school system, have been involved in intensive safety training with our community partners - the police, Mental Health, and other agencies.  Together we have developed a plan for responding to all situations in which students may be posing a threat to themselves or others.  This is to inform you that we, as a school division, have a policy that requires principals to complete a “threat assessment” in all cases of students making significant threats to harm themselves or others.  The purpose of the assessment is to determine how best to support high-risk students so that their behavior does not become hurtful or destructive.  If your child comes home to tell you that a student has behaved in a threatening way at school, please be assured that your principal will be taking measures to deal with the situation in a positive and proactive manner.  If your principal invites you to a meeting to discuss safety concerns about your own child, please be assured that policy is being followed and that the goal is safety, not punishment.

This is intended to serve our community with fair notice that we, as a school community, will  not accept “no response” to a serious threat.  Our goal is to respond to all threats in a professional manner that provides for a healthy and caring learning environment.

We are proud to be able to provide this level of support to our school communities and are most fortunate to have our community partners on our side.

 

FIRE DRILLS

The drills provide practice in a safe, effective method of vacating the building.  When the fire bell sounds, students quietly leave their room in single file, and walk along a designated exit route area where their teacher will check to see that all students are present.

 

FOOTWEAR

Students must wear footwear at school both for safety and health reasons.  Students are asked to have a pair of non-marking running shoes to be left at school and worn in school and while participating in gym activities.  Students are required to remove outer footwear before entering the school.

 

GRADE SIX GRADUATION

This is an informal evening for the immediate family of Grade 6 students.  It consists of a barbecue, a short program to highlight, honour, and thank the students leaving the school.  The celebration ends with a fun parents vs students ball game.

 

GUARDIAN

If parents are going away, contact the school with the information regarding the student’s guardian (where your child will be staying).

GYM REGULATIONS

Proper gym wear must be worn during all gym activities for Grades 4-6.  This includes:

• Non-marking gym shoes
• Gym shorts, sweat pant, t-shirt

All medical or health problems should be brought to the home room teacher’s attention.

 

HEALTH CARE

The Public Health Nurse will offer service to St. Olivier School.

 

INTRAMURALS

Intramural activities include football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, kickball, softball, dodge-ball, and bench-ball. 

Intramurals are scheduled from 12:15 to 12:40.

- Emphasis is on participation and fun.

- To develop and maintain school spirit.

- To develop personal skills ranging from sportsmanship to leadership skills. 

 

MILK PROGRAM

We may provide chocolate or white milk for the students at lunchtime.  Please advise the homeroom teacher if they are not to take part in this program.  Payment will be made at the end of each month.  We would like the parent’s help by making sure their child pays this amount immediately after receiving the bill at the end of the month.  The price of milk will be $.75 per carton.  

 

PARENT  & GRANDPARENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

We encourage parents to visit and take an active part in the life of our school.  Parent volunteers assist the professional staff in numerous ways:  from serving as guest speakers, giving presentations, assisting in sports, assisting in the library, accompanying class groups to provide additional supervision on excursions, and much more.  It is school division policy that any parent/grandparent that is involved as a volunteer with students is to have a criminal record and vulnerable sector check completed and given to the school to be kept on file.

PROGRAM PLUS

Activities to enrich the student’s school life are offered by the school staff and our School Community Council through their dedication and desire to provide a variety of opportunities for the students. Some of these may include:

• Outdoor Education Trips
• Enriched Phys. Ed. program (bowling, curling, skating, skiing)
• Intramural Sports Program
• Interschool Sports Program
• Various Presentations
• E.Y.E.S.
• Family Dance
• Library service
• Gospel Values

 

REPORT CARDS / LEARNING PROFILES / STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

Report Cards and Learning Profiles will be issued three times during the year. Student- Led Conferences will follow the 1st and 2nd reporting periods. Parents are encouraged to inquire about their child’s progress any time during the year.

 

ROAST BEEF SUPPER

Each fall, there is a Roast Beef Supper put on by the school.  The purpose of the supper is to raise funds in support of each grade’s Outdoor Education Trip.  This helps to keep costs lower for our students.

 

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to be regular attenders and to comply with all school regulations.  In relation to each absence the student is required, on teacher request, to provide the homeroom teacher with a parental signed note stating the reason for the absence.  Students who have been absent are to be responsible for work taken up or assigned during their absence.  Attendance will be taken at 9:00 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

 

1. OLIVIER SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The purpose of School Community Councils is to help strengthen the capacity of schools to improve children’s learning.  School Community Councils are established within the authority of Boards of Education to ensure alignment of accountability, authority, and responsibility among the schools of Holy Family School Division. 

The purpose of the School Community Council is to:

• Develop shared responsibility for the learning success and well-being of all children and youth.

• Encourage and facilitate parent and community engagement in school planning and  improvement processes.

 

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY

Rationale

The staff want to ensure that every student succeeds.  As a result, we will be implementing procedures that will ensure every student is held accountable.  

Authentic assessment is very important to educators.  Holding students accountable for all work allows us to accurately measure what they know.  Past practice may have been to give students “zero”, which does not allow us to accurately measure their abilities.  If we wish to address irresponsible behavior, it must take a form that does not distort the student’s actual record of academic achievement on the course learning outcomes (Stiggins, 2006).   

Procedures

If a teacher feels that a student isn’t putting enough time into their studies either during class or as homework, they may be required to put in extra time where completion of work is carefully monitored.  Teachers will monitor daily student work to ensure time is used wisely.  As soon as a deficiency is recognized, the teacher will use a proactive approach and have the student dedicate additional time to their studies to increase the chances that the student’s homework will be completed prior to the deadline.  The teacher will clearly inform the student of when and where this additional time will occur.  Parents will be informed through a teacher contact at this point.  If this approach has been utilized, and the student still has not completed the assignment, it will be up to the teacher to decide if the student needs further time to complete assignments or whether administration will be involved for “Neglect of Duty” (Education Act, 1995).  As soon as administration becomes involved, a number of options may occur depending on the frequency of neglect: 

• A meeting with parents, student, teachers, and administration to put in place a plan for success. 
• Additional after hour time at school, working in a focused environment. 
• Accessing outside agencies.
• In-school suspension until the assignment is completed, as well as any other outstanding assignments. 

 

If a student has plagiarized or cheated on an assignment, the student will be dealt with in two ways.  Firstly, the issue will be dealt with as an inappropriate behavior. Secondly, the teacher will dedicate time to the student to ensure they understand the skill necessary to demonstrate the outcome.  If not, the skill will be re-taught.  If the student does understand the skill, the assignment will be re-done with a new focus.

 

STUDENT MEDICATION

If your son/daughter is required to take prescribed or non-prescribed medication during the school day, please contact the homeroom teacher.  Provincial Legislation and School Board Policy are in place to address the way in which the medication is to be stored and/or administered.

 

USE OF SCHOOL TELEPHONE

Students must have teacher’s permission to use the telephone.  As the telephone is installed for business purposes, a student will only be granted use of the telephone for emergency calls.  If you wish to contact your child, it would be most convenient that the attempt be made during recess or noon hour.  Please leave a message with the school secretary as asking to talk to your child disrupts the classroom.

 

ALLERGY SAFE SCHOOL!

St. Olivier has an Allergy Safe School Policy.  We request parents respect our efforts to provide a safe learning environment, for all our students, especially those with life threatening allergies.  PLEASE DO NOT SEND PRODUCTS TO SCHOOL CONTAINING PEANUTS OR NUTS OR ANY KIND.  We appreciate your support.