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Table of Contents
Message from the Administration
Dear Friends,
A warm welcome to St. Ann's Academy, the oldest continuously operating school, public or independent, in all of British Columbia.
St. Ann's Academy is an ordinary school in that it teaches all the regular subjects needed for High School graduation and post-secondary continuation of education. Part of this booklet explains these courses on the High School level. St. Ann's Academy is not an "elitist" school, catering only to the academically talented students, though we do have our share of excellent students in that area. Neither is it an expensive school. High School fees, even for those not of the Catholic Faith, are two hundred and seventy dollars per month. It is not an exclusive school, since students of Faiths other than Catholic are accepted if there is room.
What does make St. Ann's Academy unique is a special vision, a vision that comes from parents, students and teachers pulling together to make St. Ann's Academy an enthusiastic Christ-centred learning family. This means that the Christian values and ideals are taught in regular Religion periods and that the atmosphere and approach throughout the day is an openly Catholic Christian one.
The commitment to excellence is an integral part of this vision. We have been given our gifts by God, so we have immense motivation to develop them to the fullest. This takes self-discipline, so an integrated approach is taken to develop this important virtue and skill.
Christ's message was a challenging one that wouldn't stand for mediocrity. However, it was also a positive one that centred on charity and purposefulness, so this happy spirit is central to our life at St. Ann's Academy. Everyone tries to co-operate in the exciting task of striving together for excellence and wholeness in every part of our person and world.
The following pages will give you a little more information about St. Ann's Academy, where we have a proud legacy of over one hundred and twenty-five years of whole-hearted scholarship and Christian service.
All the best.
Mr. Shawn Chisholm, Principal
Mr. Byron Green, Vice PrincipalMr. Christopher Yuen, Vice Principal
To provide a Christian environment
in an ever changing society,
by living the gospel of Christ, in which we
nurture and respect individual spiritual growth,
and personal excellence in academic,
artistic, and athletic endeavors
while honoring our traditions and Catholic values.
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIAA Policy Statement by the Catholic Bishops of British Columbia
Revised January 2005
I. THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL SHARES IN THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
At the beginning of the third millennium, all those involved in Catholic education are called to build communities of faith and holiness. In partnership with the family and the parish, the Catholic school participates in the saving mission of the Church. By evangelization, catechesis and works of service, the Catholic school builds up both the family of faith and human community.
The Catholic school provides religious and moral reference points to help students critically examine the culture around them and build a society enlightened by the values of the Gospel:
- in a world that ignores the human thirst for God, it shares the living waters of our faith;
- in a time when there is little reverence for the image of God in the human person, it gives an unequivocal witness to the dignity of human life;
- in an age marked by relativism and a crisis of meaning, it evangelizes our culture’s ways of thinking, standards of judgment and norms of behaviour with the truth of the Gospel;
- in a culture in which communication and relationships are often reduced to utilitarian ends, it proclaims a life of communion with God and others;
- in a world disfigured by poverty, oppression and war, it promotes justice and peace;
- in a society marked by personality cults, it bears witness to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, as the model for the fullest human life;
- in a time that often seems to be without goals and fearful of the future, it gives an account of the hope that is within us (cf. I Peter 3:15).
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Christ is the foundation of the whole educational enterprise in a Catholic school (The Catholic School, #34). His teaching and life inform the school’s identity and characteristics, which include:
- a belief in the inviolable dignity of every human person;
- a sacramental sense that leads us to recognize God manifested by His creation;
- a recognition of God’s sanctifying presence in Word and Sacrament;
- a love for encounter with God in prayer;
- a Gospel spirit of freedom and love;
- a spirituality of communion marked by mutual respect, accountability and caring;
- a concern for justice leading to a critical analysis of society;
- a sense of solidarity and commitment to the marginalized.
These core elements of Catholic faith provide a framework for Catholic Education.
A. Teaching the Whole Person
The Church “establishes her own schools because she considers them a privileged means of promoting the formation of the whole man, since the school is a center in which a specific concept of the world, of [humanity], and of history is developed and conveyed” (The Catholic School, #8).
Catholic education goes beyond the purely technical and practical aspects of schooling and aims at an integration of all knowledge within a vision of the world and the human person. It focuses on the physical, emotional, moral and spiritual dimensions of human development, leading to a personal synthesis of faith and life in each student. Growth in all areas prepares students for a meaningful life of service as committed Christians, building the Kingdom of God in a pluralistic society.
- Faith Lived in Christian Community
The New Testament word for Christian community is “koinonia”, which means a communion or life-sharing relationship with Christ and others. Living Christian community means living in relationship with Jesus, the Head of the Church, and the members of His Mystical Body. Communion with Christ and others leads to relationships characterized by mutual love, honest communication and commitment to serve each other’s needs, to rejoice together, to mourn together, and to delight in each other. “A spirituality of communion indicates above all the heart’s contemplation of the mystery of the Trinity dwelling with us, and whose light we must also be able to see shining on the faces of the brothers and sisters around us” (At the Beginning of the Third Millennium, #43).
Catholic education is committed to developing communities of faith. Those involved in Catholic education are called to create a faith community in the school and to link it to the wider Church community.
C. Commitment to Justice and Compassion
Catholic educators nourish in their students a relationship with Jesus that leads to awareness of those Christ loves, namely, all of humanity, and inspires a spirit of solidarity and service.
III. PARENTS AS EDUCATORS
IV. PASTORS“Parents have a particularly important part to play in the educating community, since it is to them that the primary and natural responsibility for their children’s education belongs” (The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium, #20). The school exists to complement the work of parents as the first teachers of their children. Parents should be involved with the life of the school by participating in school councils and committees and through regular collaboration with teachers.
V. STAFF AS LIVING WITNESSESThe priest is a necessary and integral member of the school community. He has a specific role and responsibility, particularly in the religious instruction given and in all matters that affect the Catholic character of the school. Pastors should promote Catholic education especially for those who are poor, those deprived of the benefits of family life and those weak in faith.
VI. RELIGIOUS FORMATION IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLCatholic educators are called to do much more than share religious knowledge. “Professionalism is marked by, and raised to, a supernatural Christian vocation” (Lay Catholics in Schools: Witnesses to Faith, # 37). It is the personal witness and holiness of the teacher that will have the greatest impact on the students. Catholic educators should model collaboration, love of the faith, communion with the Church and concern for the poor and marginalized. They must be committed to leading their students to encounter Jesus and develop a relationship with Him that expresses itself in witness and service.
“The special character of the Catholic school and the underlying reason for its existence, the reason why Catholic parents should prefer it, is precisely the quality of the religious instruction integrated into the overall education of the students” (The Religious Dimension of Education in the Catholic School, # 66) This catechesis should be spiritual, liturgical, moral, sacramental and apostolic (The Religious Dimension of Education in the Catholic School, #69), so that the student may experience the transforming power of the Gospel in an integral way.
VII. THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND NEW EVANGELIZATION
As the Catholic Bishops of British Columbia, we emphasize the Catholic school’s central role at the beginning of the third millennium in the Church’s work of evangelization, which must be new in ardor, methods and expression (Church in America, # 6). In setting forth principles to direct the Catholic schools of our province, we call for the commitment of students and parents, teachers and administrators, pastors and religious, trustees and committee/council members, and the whole Catholic community to this great work.
VIII. REFERENCES
Congregation for Catholic Education, Lay Catholics in Schools: Witnesses to Faith, 1982.
Congregation for Catholic Education, The Catholic School, 1977.
Congregation for Catholic Education, The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium, 1997.
Congregation for Catholic Education, The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, 1988.
Pope John Paul II, At the Beginning of the Third Millennium, 2001.
Pope John Paul II, The Church in America, 1999
Rights and ResponsibilitiesStudents, parents/guardians, teachers, priests, support staff and Administration work together to provide a respectful, caring environment where faith and learning go hand-in-hand. Leading our children to be the best they can be, St. Ann’s Academy is committed to being a place where everyone feels safe and appreciated. All members of our communities have rights and responsibilities in ensuring a safe environment.
Parents/Guardians have the right to expect that:
- Their children are safe from physical and emotional harassment
- Their children are receiving the best instruction in a positive learning atmosphere
Students have a right to expect:
- Fair and consistent treatment
- An opportunity to learn to their maximum potential
- That personal property is safe from theft or damage
- An environment free from physical and emotional harassment
School staff has a right to expect:
- Respect, courtesy, and consistent effort from students
- Support from parents/guardians in their efforts on behalf of students
- That school and personal property be safe from theft or damage
- An environment free from physical and emotional harassment
All members of our school community have responsibilities.
Parents/Guardians have a responsibility to:
- Provide spiritual guidance
- Ensure students are consistently and properly fed, clothed, and rested
- Ensure students arrive at school on time and attend regularly
- Teach responsible behavior
- Teach socially acceptable values such as honesty, respect for others, work ethic
- Show concern for their child’s progress
- Be supportive of the school
Students have the responsibility to:
- Make a consistent effort to do their best in all their work
- Treat students, adults, and property in the school with respect
- Behave responsibly and appropriately
School staff has a responsibility to:
General Information
- Provide spiritual guidance
- Treat students fairly, consistently, and respectfully
- Provide the best possible learning environment for each student
- Act on behalf of the child’s well being
- Adequately inform parents of progress, performance, and behavior of their children
- Be a supportive role model for students
- Be supportive of the home
School OrganizationStudent ServicesSt. Ann’s Academy shares in the mission of education of our catholic students, with the Catholic churches in the Kamloops diocese. We are a community that promotes the academic and religious development of teachers, staff and students.
St. Ann’s Academy belongs to the Catholic Independent Schools of the Kamloops Diocese (CISKD). Under the CISKD and in coordination with the school administration, the School Council will oversee the operation and management of the school. The Council has monthly meetings that parents and staff are encouraged to attend.
Following the guidelines outlined in the CISKD policy manual, the school also has a Parents Support Group. The parents of St. Ann’s Academy are an integral part of the school community and are encouraged to become involved in the activities of their child(ren). The Parents Support Group also has regular meetings that you are encouraged to attend.
ChaplainSt. Ann’s Academy has two student service advisors. Any student may request to see either one of them. If you would like to talk to one of them, please make an appointment at the front office.
Father Derrick Cameron, the rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, is the school chaplain. Father Derrick is available for assistance and guidance by making an appointment through the school office.
LockersLockers are the property of St. Ann’s Academy and are provided to the students for their use. Students are responsible for purchasing a combination lock from the school and keeping their lockers locked at all times. St. Ann’s Academy assumes no responsibility for items stored in the lockers.
High School Daily ScheduleThe schedule of classes for St. Ann’s Academy is a 8 x 4 block rotation with each period lasting 75 minutes. The schedule is:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day6
Day7
Day8
A
E
B
F
C
G
D
H
B
F
C
G
D
H
A
E
C
G
D
H
A
E
B
F
D
H
A
E
B
F
C
G
Registration Jurisdictions
St. Ann’s Academy & Our Lady of Perpetual Help SchoolThe following jurisdictions apply for registration in elementary school, kindergarten to grade seven inclusive:
Those families residing in the areas of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and St. John Vianney Parish will enrol their child(ren) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.
Those families residing in the areas of Sacred Heart Cathedral and Holy Family Parish will enrol their child(ren) at St. Ann’s Academy.
Families residing in other parish areas will be considered on an individual basis.
Exceptions:
A. Employees of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and St. Ann’s Academy may enrol their child(ren) at the school where they are employed, if they so desire.
B. If there are extenuating circumstances, the administration of St. Ann’s Academy and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School will deal with families on an individual basis. In these situations, the decision of the school administration will be final.
School FeesA. School fees are applicable for the current year are listed on-line at www.stannsacademy.bc.ca .
B. International Students Fee Structure:Re-registration is $100.00 per year per family and will be credited towards next year’s tuition.
St. Ann’s Academy and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School have merged the tuition structure for the benefit of families with children attending both schools.
Proof of registration in a Catholic parish must be submitted with the registration form. Forms are available at the school office.
Parents should understand that Sacred Heart Cathedral (Kamloops), Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Kamloops), Holy Family (Kamloops), St. John Vianney (Kamloops), Sacred Heart (Merritt), St. Michael’s (Logan Lake), Blessed Sacrament (Chase), Our Lady of Lourdes (Heffley Creek), and St. George’s (Barriere) parishes will continue to subsidize the school and we hope our families will maintain their financial support to their parishes. The subsidy from these Parishes is the basis for the discount for Registered Catholic Parishioners.
Tuition fees for foreign students are listed on the school’s website. The tuition is due in May of the year previous to their attendance. (Not Tax Deductible)
If a student is interested in applying for enrollment into St. Ann’s Academy, a registration form, along with a copy of the most recent report card must be sent to the school. Upon receipt of the registration form, the acceptance of the completed registration form and tuition payment, a letter of acceptance will be forwarded.
All payments for Tuition will be accepted using pre-authorized bank debit. Tuition payments can be spread over 10 or 12 equal payments. Please note, if you are using the 12 month option, the payment schedule must run from July of the current year to the following June. Payments will be transferred directly from your account to the school’s account.
Tuition Payment Policy
- Income tax receipts for tuition will be issued in the spring of each year.
- All payments for the Bus will be accepted as 10 postdated cheques to the school.
- The Pre-Authorized Debit Form is available at the back of this booklet.
Collection of tuition fees is necessary for the operation of St. Ann’s Academy. The School Council, working with C.I.S.K.D., endeavors to establish tuition rates that are affordable for parents/guardians wishing to enroll their child(ren) in a Catholic school. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to pay the tuition fees as set by the School Council each January for the following school year. Tuition fees must be paid in full unless financial assistance procedures have been concluded with the finance committee.
Guidelines
1. Parents/guardians must apply for initial admission to St. Ann’s Academy according to the admission policy and complete re-registration packages for each school year.
2. Parents/guardians are encouraged to pay tuition fees through an auto-debit payment with a local bank or credit union. Parents/guardians can arrange for these payments to come out of their account on the 5th or the 22nd of each month. They may make payments over twelve months, from July to June, or they may make payments over ten months, from September to June.
3. Parents/guardians experiencing financial difficulties due to illness, limited financial means, accident or other unforeseeable events are invited to apply for tuition assistance by completing the Financial Assistance Application, available at the school office.
4. At the time of admission and yearly re-registration, a tuition deposit of $100.00 is required. This deposit is non-refundable. This deposit is credited to the family’s tuition for the year and is receipted. This payment will be made on March 1st of each year for the following school year. If this payment is not received, the child(ren) will not be registered at St. Ann’s Academy.
5. Any tuition payment, by cheque or auto-debit, which is not processed due to insufficient funds, will result in a charge of $20.00 from St. Ann’s Academy.
6. Outstanding Payments
- If a payment is not processed due to insufficient funds, or if parents/guardians fail to make a monthly tuition payment, they will be contacted by the Central Bookkeeping Office of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Kamloops Diocese. At this time, the bookkeeper will inform the parents/guardians that they must make their payment at the school office within the next ten school days.
- If a payment is not received at the school within the ten days, an invoice will be issued from the Central Bookkeeping Office stating a deadline for payment of all outstanding fees, including service charges for insufficient funds.
- If payment is still not received, in full, by the stated deadline, the tuition account will move to a collection agency.
- Parents/guardians with outstanding tuition will not be permitted to re-enroll their child(ren) until the account is paid in full by no later than March 30th .
- If a tuition account remains in arrears for more than 120 days, the parents/guardians will be mailed a registered letter from the School Council informing them that their child(ren) must be withdrawn from the school at the next school break (e.g. end of report card period, Christmas Break, Spring Break or Easter Break).
- The School Council will determine any further steps for collecting unpaid tuition fees.
Please call the school if you have any questions or concerns about this.
Parent Participation ProgramThe St. Ann's Academy Parent Support Group initiated an investigation into the creation of a program that would encourage parents to be involved with the volunteer efforts that take place at our school.
Highlights of the program are:
- each family commits to at least 20 hours of volunteer service to St. Ann’s Academy each school year (more is welcomed and encouraged).
- families may choose to donate $300 in lieu of their participation in this program.
- each family will submit a cheque, post-dated for May 15th of the following year, in the amount of $300. When they have completed their hours, their cheque will be returned.
Many areas are available for parent participation. Each family will have a card that will reflect the hours they have volunteered at the school and this card will be used to obtain the return of your post-dated cheque.
The goal of this program is to encourage parents’ participation – not to generate revenue for the school. Our school community can only benefit from increased participation of our parent community.
Electronics Policy: Radios, MP3’s, IPods, Cell Phones
Items such as radios, MP3 players, Ipods, or cell phones should not be brought to class and are not to be used during the school day within the school building or on the school campus for the duration of the school day (including recess, break and lunch). In the event that a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the items will be confiscated by staff and stored at the office and will only be returned to parents. A second violation of this policy will result in the item being confiscated once again and the student being required to serve 5 hours of school community service. Subsequent offences of this policy will require the student and parents meet with administration and the school Pastor to determine the assignment of greater disciplinary consequences which may include more community service hours, a school suspension or possibly expulsion.
To support our students in this policy parents are asked not to contact their children on cell phones during school hours. If an emergency arises, contact the school office and students will be informed immediately.
Dress Code
High School Dress Code, Grades 8 - 12Regular Dress Code (Male and Female)St. Ann’s Academy has a dress code for students, and all students are expected to follow that dress code at school and all school related functions. The primary intent of the dress code is that students dress modestly and appropriately while attending classes and all school functions.
In general:
- Dress must be neat, clean, and modest (not displaying cleavage, mid-riff, or underwear).
- No clothing should be worn with logos that are in conflict with our Catholic values, such as, but not limited to, references to drugs, sex, violence, alcohol or profanity.
In all cases, the Administration and staff has the right to say what is and is not appropriate.
Mass Dress (Male and Female)01. Boys may wear a shirt with a collar or a t-shirt with dress pants, slacks, jeans, or cords or Crusader wear.
Girls may wear dresses or skirts of modest length (no greater than 4” above the top of the kneecap), pantsuits, jeans, dress slacks, blouses, sweaters or t-shirts orCrusader wear. Length of tops must extend past the belt line of skirts or pants.
02. Hats, caps or other head coverings must not be worn in school during the day.
03. Jackets and gym wear must not be worn in class.
04. Hooded sweatshirts may be worn, unless a teacher disallows them in class for reasons of hygiene and/or safety.
05. Pajamas are not to be worn to school.
06. Tank tops are not to be worn.
07. Personal Grooming: Hair should be clean and neat. Unconventional hairstyles (Mohawks, multi-colored) and colors other than natural hair colors are generally not acceptable.
08. Piercing and Tattoos: Piercings are restricted to a reasonable number in the ears and should only be studs or small rings. For safety purposes piercings of other parts of the body are generally not permitted. Tattoos should not be visible when dressed in compliance with the school dress code.
09. Footwear: Specified footwear (closed toe shoes or runners) are required in the following classes; Shop, Photo, Science Labs, PE, Foods and for students working in the Canteen. The course instructor or canteen supervisor will determine if the footwear is appropriate
Summer Dress (Male and Female): The starting and ending dates for Summer Dress are at the discretion of the Administration.01. Boys must wear a dress shirt with a collar and a tie along with dress pants, slacks, or cords. Jeans, no matter what color, are not permitted to be worn.
02. Girls must wear a dress or skirt of modest length (no greater than 4” above the kneecap), or dress pants with a blouse, dress top or plain sweater. Jeans (including jean skirts), no matter what color, are not permitted to be worn.
03. All students must remain in Mass dress for the entire day.
01. No short shorts are permitted. Neat, clean, modest shorts with t-shirts may be worn.
02. Tank tops or muscle shirts are not permitted. Shirts must cover from the neck to the edge of the shoulder.
03. Any tops exposing the midriff area, cleavage or underwear are not permitted.
Disciplinary Action to address Dress Code Infractions
Elementary Dress Code, Grades 1 - 71st Offence: Verbal warning to student, written warning mailed to parents.
2nd Offence: Written notification to parents, followed by scheduled consultation between Administration and parents. Student will be required to serve two hours community service.
3rd Offence: Student will receive a suspension and be required to serve community service. Parents will be advised by a phone call, followed by written notification mailed to parents.
Subsequent offences may result in further suspension &/or expulsion from St. Ann’s Academy.
Winter Dress CodeUniforms are mandatory, and this includes gym strip. All students are expected to follow this dress code.
Boys:
- Blue pants
- White shirt, blue/white golf shirt (crested)
- School crested sweatshirts, sweaters
- Shoes/sneakers with socks
Girls:
- Blue pants, tunic, or skort
- White blouse, blue/white golf shirt (crested)
- School crested sweatshirts, jerseys, or sweaters
- Shoes/sneakers with socks
Boys and Girls:
Kindergarten
- Blue shorts
- White/blue golf shirts with school crest
- Shoes/sneakers/sandals must be worn with sock
- No flip flops
- Play Clothes
Boys:
- white shirt with school tie and dress pants
- dress shorts and short sleeve dress shirts
Girls:
- blouse with tunic, shirt, skort
Please Note:
Students are to wear the garments as they are intended to be worn (i.e. not wrapped around their waist) Hats/visors may be worn at break/lunch, not within the school. Headbands, kerchiefs, or bandanas that cover the head are not permitted. Accessory items, such as belts, should be black or brown. With parental support, the school looks forward to achieving its goals of having all children wearing the correct school uniform.
If a child is found not wearing the proper uniform, the parents will be notified and asked to remedy the situation.
Purchasing UniformsUniforms pieces must be purchased from the vendor contracted by the school.
Further information about uniform purchases is available from the school office.
Ties for boys and girls are available for purchase at the school office.
TransportationSchool Bus FeesParents are responsible for getting their children to school. St. Ann’s Academy operates two school buses with morning and afternoon runs for a limited number of students. Bus routes are located on the school’s website at www.stannsacademy.bc.ca.
School Bus Safety and Behavior RegulationsThe school bus fee is determined by the School Council. Fees are subject to change each year. For the current rate, please check with the school office. The public school buses are available for use by St. Ann’s Academy students as long as there is room.
- Drivers shall report all student accidents to the Principal.
- Students must obey the instructions of the bus drivers and may be refused a ride on the bus as a result of improper conduct. The bus driver will report all cases of misbehavior on the school bus. The Principal will contact the parents. This may result in suspension from riding the school bus.
- Any willful damage to a bus by a student must be paid for by the student or his/her parents under Article II of the Rules and Regulations of the School Act.
- When students want to get off the school bus at a stop other than their regular stop, they must have a note from their parent/guardian informing the driver of this change.
- For safety reasons, the Motor Vehicle Branch recommends that extraneous objects such as skateboards, hockey sticks, etc, not be permitted on school buses.
Failure to comply with any of the above rules may result in a discipline notice being given to the student, the parents, and the Administration. A second offence may result in a suspension of bus privileges. A third offense may mean expulsion from all bus privileges.
Absence from School and Qualifying DaysAll students are expected to attend assigned classes. Failure to attend class will result in contact with the home and follow-up actions by both the school and the home.
Students who have missed school must bring a note stating why they were absent, signed by a parent or guardian.
Students are expected to bring this note to the main office when they return to school.
Students must report to the main office before they return to class.
Occasionally a student will be absent for special family reasons. This includes events such as weddings, funerals, and extended family trips and holidays. If such an event is planned, a note from the parent/guardian explaining why and what classes will be missed shall be given to the Principal. The class teachers will then be informed. Work will be given when possible, but it is the responsibility of the student to find out what is going to be missed and what is going to be assigned. Failure to do so may result in missed grades. The responsibility for taking a student out of school and the resulting consequences must ultimately rest with the student and the parent.
LatesIf your child is absent from school for any reason, please phone the school as soon after 8 am as possible.
In order to qualify for government funding, pupils must be in attendance for 135 days from September to May 15th. Absence due to illness is not deducted from the 135 days unless there is no note from the parents verifying the cause of the absence. The government auditor checks these notes while completing his attendance audit in June. A student, who because of holidays or other reasons, is in attendance for less than 135 days, qualifies for partial funding only.
We, therefore, ask parents, out of consideration for the school’s financial situation, to be very careful about this matter.
Doctor’s or Dentist’s AppointmentsSchool starts with Period One. Students who arrive at school after the beginning of the first class are expected to sign in at the front office. Students are expected to arrive on time for the start of the school day and for their classes. Excessive lateness will be dealt with firmly.
SmokingFor any special appointments the student has during school time, parents MUST send a note or doctor’s/dentist’s appointment card to the school in order for their child to receive an early dismissal form.
St. Ann’s Academy has a NO SMOKING policy with the following conditions:
01. There is to be no smoking anywhere in the building. This includes school and out-of-school functions.
02. There is to be no smoking on the school grounds during any school function.
03. Students who wish to smoke during the school day MUST go off the school grounds, and must be out of sight of parents, teachers, and/or other students. This includes NOT smoking on the slope between the school and the hospital, or Loma Bella, as this is in full view of parents and students driving to or from school.
SCHOOL POWERS AND AUTHORITYJurisdiction:In an effort to keep schools safe places to be, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that principals and teachers have the legal flexibility to search students and/or their belongings without obtaining a warrant. School officials are not subject to the same strict rules as police when conducting searches. Students have privacy rights, but those rights are diminished if educators have reasonable grounds to believe that a student(s) is/are breaking rules that threaten the safety of themselves or others. These suspected activities could include weapons, drugs, alcohol, fireworks, etcetera.
Classroom Discipline:This Policy applies in a wide range of circumstances, including:
- In any school building and on any school ground at any time
- In the community, if the conduct directly impacts on the reputation or integrity of the school
- At any time during the school day, including on the way to and from school
- On field trips (day or overnight) organized by the school
- Towards school staff and their property at any time or place
In general, students whose conduct adversely impacts on the welfare of staff, parents, other students, or learning atmosphere of the school will be subject to discipline.
Teachers are responsible for their own classroom management. Students must be supervised at all times. Disruptive behavior in the classroom or school is dealt with according to the following steps and possible consequences are intended for an offense of a minor nature that occurs within in the classroom or school facility:
Examples: tardiness, inappropriate language, unco-operativeness, disregard of classroom/school cleanliness, missing homework, etcetera.
Possible Consequences:
Playground/Hallway Supervision:
- The teacher informs the student what is expected of him or her, and the steps dealing with disruptive behavior are clearly outlined.
- The teacher talks privately with any student whose behavior is not acceptable and may issue classroom disciplinary consequences.
- The teacher informs parents of the persisting behavior and future consequences.
- Classroom detention/service time.
- Reconciliation of the problem.
Referral to Administration:
- The supervisor on duty is responsible for playground/hallway discipline.
- If the bell rings and the problem has not yet been resolved, the student is referred to administration with an explanation of the event.
If the unacceptable behavior continues, or is a serious breach, the teacher notifies the office of the situation and sends the student to the office.
Examples: repeated tardiness, dress code violation(s), inappropriate language, defiance, unco-operativeness, and disregard of the cleanliness of the school environment, etcetera.
Possible Consequences:
- The Vice-Principal may issue 1-5 days of after school detention, clean-up duties, or other suitable consequence.
- Parents are informed by phone and by letter. The administrator will inform the classroom teacher of decisions made regarding the student's misconduct.
ADDRESSING CONFLICTDiscipline reports will be kept on file in the office and a copy supplied to the homeroom and/or attending teacher. A cover letter outlining dissatisfaction expressed by teacher(s) and/or parent(s) may be included.
A three-step protocol exists at St. Ann’s Academy for effectively resolving conflict. All community members are expected to abide by it: students, parents, staff, and administration.
a. Direct concern privately and respectfully to person directly involved. If dissatisfied,
b. Inform administration of concerns in writing, who will seek out resolution. If still unresolved,
c. Address a letter to School Council, which states the problem, the levels of redress already taken and a request for assistance and potential solution for consideration. If Council is unable to resolve the matter, the individual will receive direction from Council on how to proceed [see `Appeals'].This protocol is in place to protect those involved. Defiance of this policy shall result in further disciplinary action.
These suspensions exist for response to continued offences of a minor nature, or for more serious offenses where individual or group safety is at risk.
Examples include, but are not limited to: fighting, intimidation, theft, vandalism, truancy, defiance of authority, deliberate disruption of class, obscene or abusive language, skipping detentions, and/or misbehavior while representing St. Ann’s Academy
Possible Consequences:
Indefinite:
- In-school suspensions of 1-5 school days. The student must be at school by 8:30 am to an assigned area and remain there until 2:25 (elementary) and 2:50 (secondary). The student foregoes the privilege of social time (break and lunch) and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Assigned work must be completed satisfactorily. Formal written notification will be given to parents, course/homeroom teacher(s), and included in the administrative file.
- Out-of-school suspensions of 1-10 school days. The student may not attend any school-related functions or activities and assigned work must be completed to the satisfaction of the course teacher. Formal written notification will be given to parents, course/homeroom teacher(s), and included in the administrative file. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with missed work.
- The present problem must be reconciled.
- Additional, alternate, or adapted consequences to the aforementioned may be utilized as appropriate to the age, maturity, and context of the student's situation.
- The parents will be asked to attend a conference meeting with the teacher and the administrator. The student may be included.
Expulsion:Certain situations may require immediate action. Indefinite suspensions exist for an extremely serious offense such as drug/alcohol violation, assault or abuse of a student or teacher, malicious vandalism, etcetera, or for repeat misbehavior as described above.
Appeals:Expulsions exist to address first time violations of severe behaviors that threaten the safety of the student involved as well as others within the school community. Expulsions also serve as the final stage in dealing with persistent inappropriate behavior.
A SAFE & HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
- An appeal may be made in writing to School Council for a suspension or expulsion. Should a disagreement between home and school occur regarding the principal's suspension/expulsion decision, the student may not return to school to attend classes before the matter is resolved at the Council level. Should the student be permitted to return to school, a non-negotiable behavior/academic contract may be utilized as signed by the student, parents, and administration. No appeal exists if the terms of the contract are broken.
- Should Council uphold the decision of the principal, a second appeal may be made in writing to the CISKD Board of Directors. School Council shall provide specific direction for this to occur.
To ensure the continued maintenance of a safe, healthy, and clean environment, the following policies have been developed in specific response to dealing with unhealthy practices. Please read them carefully.
Unhealthy Choices: Tobacco, Alcohol, Narcotics, & Unsafe Behaviours
Alcohol & NarcoticsSince tobacco usage (chewing or smoking) does not advocate a healthy lifestyle or conform to the Catholic culture of the school (namely taking care of our God-given bodies), it is not acceptable behaviour anywhere on campus or within visible distance of the campus at any time. Likewise, tobacco usage is not permitted at related off-campus functions. We thank staff, parents, and guests for also honouring this policy.
Unsafe Behaviours:St. Ann's Academy is a declared drug-free zone. There are serious consequences to students caught producing, distributing, transporting, or using alcohol and/or narcotics within the school or any related school event. It is the prerogative of the principal to suspend or expel any student involved with drugs or alcohol at school or any related function. Any student found to be in possession (which includes ingestion) of illegal drugs (which includes alcohol for minors) will result the minimum consequence of an out-of-school suspension lasting for at least five (5) school days. Any student who traffics or distributes drugs or alcohol will receive a minimum consequence of an out-of-school suspension lasting for at least ten (10) school days, and may result in possible expulsion and police notification.
St. Ann's Academy has been and continues to be a very safe learning environment. In an effort to maintain that level of safety, the following violations that threaten the safety of our school community will result in suspension, possible expulsion, and/or police notification. Examples of unsafe behaviour include, but are not limited to:
- Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person or willfully using force or violence upon another.
- Possession or sales of any firearm, knife, explosive, laser pointers, or other dangerous object.
- Brandishing a knife or other weapon-like object towards another person.
- Possessing, using, selling of tobacco, drug paraphernalia, or any controlled substance.
- Committing or attempting to commit robbery or extortion.
- Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property or private property.
- Committing an obscene act or engaging in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
- Disrupting school activities.
- Receiving/in possession of stolen property.
- Possessing an imitation (replica) firearm.
- Committing or attempting to commit sexual assault or battery.
- Harassing, threatening, or intimidating a witness.
- Committing assault or battery upon any school employee.
These policies are in effect to maintain and ensure a safe learning and teaching environment for all.
DEFINING BULLYING/HARASSING BEHAVIORS
Bullying and harassment occur when there is an abusive power imbalance; it is different from conflict arguing. The following behavior exemplifies bullying or harassment that will not be tolerated at St. Ann’s Academy. The fundamentals of discipline, as aforementioned, will be applied.
Physical aggression:
Hitting, pushing, budging, spittingIntimidation:
Verbal threats, taunting, dirty looks, hateful lettersVerbal Aggression/Teasing:
Insult, offensive jokes, put downs, making fun of or mockeryDiscrimination:
Judging or imitating a person because of their race, ethnic origin, or genderExclusion:
Gossiping, spreading rumors, isolating a person, refusing to acknowledge a personTrickery:
Hurtful pranks, “accident” on purpose, lying, denying, blaming, setting someone upStealing:
Taking someone’s personal possessionsAt the discretion of school administrators, bullying and harassing behaviors may lead to suspensions and possible expulsions. In an effort to be fair, each case is handled individually.
Elementary SchoolStudents are responsible for their own supplies.
Elementary student supplies are included in the tuition fees. These are handed out to students as necessary by their teachers.
Student CouncilStudents’ council is a forum for student input. This group of dedicated students come together to work for the student body. The work of the students’ council is very important and essential, and we urge those who are elected to do their best when serving their fellow students.
School Athletic TeamsSt. Ann’s Academy features a number of very competitive teams at the grade 8, junior and senior single A levels: volleyball, soccer, basketball, rugby, golf, and track and field. These teams are offered on a yearly basis as determined by student interest and availability of coaches.
Special EventsSt. Ann’s Academy promotes the spiritual and social life of students through special events such as retreats, food hamper collections, mission collections, special liturgies, dances, Winter Carnival activities, and Sports Day.
Evaluation Policies For Secondary SchoolIn order to standardize evaluation of students across the grades and across the curriculum, teachers have devised the following evaluation policy. This policy will help us to maintain the high standards of academic excellence and will foster good work and study habits in our students.
Tardiness
- Neatness and clarity are essential.
- All assignments must meet departmental standards, (refer to the course syllabus)
Proper format should be followed and may include:
- outline
- table of contents
- footnotes
- bibliography
- charts, diagrams, graphs, etc.
Proper (acceptable) language should be adhered to within the assignment.
PlagiarismMajor Assignments: These are to be turned in to the classroom teacher no later than 3:00 pm on the date due. If the assignment is turned in after this time, the assignment will receive 0%.
Minor Assignments: (Including Homework) These assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date due. If late, they will only be worth 50% of their original value. If they are not turned in by the next school day, they will receive 0%. This may be slightly modified at the discretion of the department.
HomeworkPlagiarism will not be tolerated. If it occurs:
- Grades 8-10 will receive a zero and must rewrite the assignment. They will only be able to achieve a mark of 50% on the rewrite.
- Grades 11 and 12 will receive a zero on the assignment. There will be no opportunity for a rewrite.
Missed TestsStudents are expected to do the homework assigned to them in all their courses.
Exams01. Students must bring a note from their parents/guardians indicating the reason for missing the test and the parents must state that they know that the test was missed. If the student does not bring in a note, he/she will be given a zero on the test. There will be no make-up for a missed test.
02. The second missed test will automatically be given a zero. Consultation with administration may occur.
03. In Certain courses, Safety Tests must be passed before a student will be able to proceed with the course.
04. Missing the January exam will mean the final exam must be written – No exemptions are possible.
05. If a student misses a term or final exam, then it will be assumed that the illness was serious enough to see a doctor and a doctor’s note will be required to verify that the student was unable to attend school to write the exam. Students without a doctor’s note must do an exam at a time recommended by administration. Notes for missed tests and exams are required within five calendar days of the student’s return to school.
Exemptions from the final examAny term or Final Exams will be cumulative in content from the beginning of the year. (for example, material covered in September will be on all subsequent exams).
ExceptionsSt. Ann’s Academy exemption policy is that students from grade 8 to grade 12 have the possibility of being exempted from the final June exams.
Grades 8 – 12: Maintaining a minimum 80% average. Also the teacher will consider other criteria such as hoemwork completion, attendance, work ethic, attitude and discipline.
Feedback
- Provincially Examinable Courses
- Department modifications and discretion may be applied to the exemption policy.
- When the student misses 10 or more classes. (If there is an extended medical reason (with a Doctor’s note), this exception may be waived.)
Tests and assignments will be returned to the students within a two-week period for their perusal.
It is the responsibility of the subject teacher to return all exams, assignments, projects and research papers to their students for their perusal during class time. These may be retained by the teacher at his/her discretion. Final exams must be kept on file for 12 months.
Evaluation Policies For Elementary School
Major Assignments:Students have the responsibility to make a consistent effort to do their best in all their work. Students are expected to do the homework assigned to them in all their courses.
Minor Assignments:These are to be turned into the classroom teacher no later than 3:00 PM on the date due. If the assignment is turned in after this time, the classroom teacher may access a 0%.
(Including Homework) – These assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. If late, they will only be worth 50% of their original value. If they are not turned in by the next school day, they will receive 0%. This may be modified at each teacher’s discretion.
Missed Assignments
- Any assignment or personal planning task assigned by the classroom teacher is considered homework. For example, having personal tests signed and an up – to – date agenda are considered homework.
- When students are away on vacation a travel journal will be assigned. The remaining assignments missed during the student’s absence from school will be collected and given to him/her upon their return.
AdministrationAny student missing three or more assignments in one month will receive a formal document that is to be filled out by the attending teacher and signed by the Vice-Principal. The document will be sent home and signed by a parent(s) or guardian(s) and returned to the classroom teacher. If the student does not receive another missed assignment document for thirty days they will be given a ‘clean record’.
It is the role of the vice principal to ensure that the academic needs and standards outlined by the Ministry are being consistently followed at St. Ann’s Academy. When students are accessed a formal homework document the Vice-Principal will:
First Incident:
- Speak to each student to discuss the matter/concerns;
- Issue a formal letter documenting the students performance;
- Contact parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding the students performance;
Second Incident within 30 Calendar Days:
- Speak to each student to discuss the matter/concerns;
- Issue a second letter documenting the students’ performance;
- Contact parent(s)/guardians(s) regarding the students’ performance;
- Issue an in-school suspension of 1 – 5 days to be served under the Vice-Principal’s supervision in the office.
Note:
If students do not have any homework issues within 30 calendar days they will receive a ‘clean record’.
Three or More Incidents:
If incomplete homework becomes a habitual problem the classroom teacher will refer the student to administration. In this circumstance the administration and staff of St. Ann’s Academy will consider the matter to be serious in nature. In partnership with home the school will work within the procedures/policy of the school student code of conduct to discuss future consequences.