SCHOOL PROCEDURES 

OPENING EXERCISES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Opening exercises consist of the playing of the National Anthem, reciting daily prayer, and announcements listing pertinent events and program information. It is imperative that all students cease their activities and give their undivided attention to opening exercises and announcements.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

By choosing to attend St. Joseph's Catholic High School, students and their parents have made a serious and long-term commitment to Catholic Education. Our school community has a strict school uniform policy. In choosing St. Joseph's, parents and students accept the school uniform as an integral part of the school community life. As a student at St. Joseph's, you are an ambassador of all that St. Joseph's Catholic High School symbolizes. Because of this, the uniform should be worn proudly and in good repair. Though we recognize our individuality, the uniform at St. Joseph's is part of what unites us as one community. The uniform policy has been chosen in consultation between the administration and the School Council.

1. Only approved clothing by R. J. McCarthy is acceptable.

2. Oxford dress shirts must be buttoned and tucked in.

3. T-shirts worn under the uniform must be plain white with sleeve length to be no longer than that of the outside shirt.

4. Uniform clothing cannot be defaced to alter appearance. This includes the opening of seams at the base of pants or the cutting off of sleeves.

5. Students wishing to wear a sweater in school must have a McCarthy. St. Joseph's sweater. There are several styles available as chosen by parents and the school administration

6. Non-uniform sweaters or jackets may be worn over a uniform sweater for students traveling to portable classrooms during cold weather. These non-uniform jackets or sweaters are to be removed upon arrival and not to be worn in classrooms.

7. School kilt, skirt and jumper hems must be no more than 10 cm. above the knee.

8. Caps, hats and any form of headgear are not to be worn in the school.

9. Special order tops celebrating participation in the extracurricular program may be worn in school provided they have been approved by the coach and the school administration. Team ordered t-shirts or track pants may not be worn as substitutes for uniform clothing. 10. All jewellery must be complimentary to the uniform with no points, spikes or other potentially dangerous adornments.

11. Tights and socks must be navy, black, white or khaki.

12. Footwear must allow for safe movement in the school and be in good repair.

Students who are out of uniform

Students who come to school without a complete uniform must report to the office and speak to the Vice-Principal. While it is the desire of the school to have students in class, uniform violations may result in one or more of the following depending upon the severity of the uniform violation:

• Lending of uniform clothing from the Main Office. • Detention

• Confinement to the Main Office and provision of school work from classroom teachers • Removal from school, being sent home to change

Final decisions on student uniform and dress rests with the administration. N.B..

a) School uniforms are to be worn from the time of arrival at school until 15 minutes after the last bell.

b) School administration is solely responsible for what is considered to be appropriate or reasonable.

CHANGE OF INFORMATION

It is critical that parents keep the school well informed regarding any changes to telephone numbers, addresses, or family circumstances.

ACTIVITY FEE ($50.00)

Every student is charged an activity fee to help pay for a yearbook, agenda book, student council activities, awards and special presentations, retreats, athletics and charities. This fee of $50.00 is due the first week of school in September and will be collected by the Main Office. Cheques should be made payable to ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. The fee for one individual family will not exceed $100.00.

FUNDRAISING/PROMOTIONS

Fundraising and/or promotional programmes must have Board authorization prior to being allowed to take place on school property, or being allowed to use the school name. 

SCHOOL PICTURES

All students are to be photographed for school records, yearbook, student I.D. cards, etc. on Picture Day. The cost of these pictures is included in your Student Fees. Additional photo packages may be purchased. A flyer will be made available explaining this in detail. Student photo I.D. cards are mandatory for all students riding school buses and to purchase tickets to school dances.

STUDENT I.D. CARDS

In order to ensure identification of students present within the school, at school functions or to use school services, including bus transportation, each secondary school student will be provided with a photo identification card.

• At the commencement of each school year upon receipt of student fees, students will be provided with a photo-identification card (I.D. Cards). The front of the card shall include a photo, the student's name, date of birth, the school, and year. The reverse of the card shall include the statement,

"This is to certify that the student pictured on this card, is enrolled in a London District Catholic School Board school."

Students must carry their ID card while at school and school sponsored events and show it to school staff or the providers of service to the school (i.e. bus driver) in order to access services or privileges.

This card must be presented and/or surrendered at the request of ANY school personnel upon request.

WEATHER EMERGENCIES

In the event of a weather emergency that makes travel to school questionable, students and parents are required to listen to Q97.5 FM radio for notices regarding cancellation of buses. Students are not to assume that school is cancelled unless notified through the radio.

BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS DUTIES OF STUDENTS

(1) A pupil shall,

a) be diligent in attempting to master such studies as are part of the program in which the pupil is enrolled;

b) exercise self-discipline;

c) accept such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm and judicious parent;

d) attend classes punctually and regularly;

e) be courteous to fellow pupils and obedient and courteous to teachers; f) be clean in person and habits;

g) take such tests and examinations as are required by or under the Act or as may be directed by the Minister; and

h) show respect for school property.

(2) When a pupil returns to school after an absence, a parent of the pupil, or the pupil where the pupil is an adult, shall give the reason for the absence orally or in writing as the principal requires.

(3) A pupil may be excused by the principal from attendance at school temporarily at any time at the written request of a parent of the pupil or the pupil where the pupil is an adult.

(4) Every pupil is responsible for his or her conduct to the principal of the school that the pupil attends,

a) on the school premises;

b) on out-of-school activities that are part of the school program; and while traveling on a school bus that is owned by a board or on a bus or school bus that is under contract to a board.

INTRODUCTION

The discipline code at St. Joseph's Catholic High School is based on the partnership of student, teacher, parent, and administration. It is crafted to nurture a supportive learning environment that will invite students to grow in their love and commitment to our Catholic faith, to develop and maintain self-esteem, and to thrive in an atmosphere of self-confidence, comfort, and fearlessness. The Code of Behaviour shall protect students, and enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes they will require for the rest of their lives. We have high expectations from each of our students at St. Joseph's, and we are satisfied only with their best efforts in every aspect of school life. With this in mind, it is the responsibility of the students to become familiar with and obey the duties, regulations and guidelines outlined below.

All students have the right to attend school free from threats of violence or harassment of any type. Therefore, the administration of St. Joseph's Catholic High School wishes to emphasize that neither threats of violence nor harassment of our students will be tolerated. Any student who experiences a direct threat or harassment, whether verbal, non-verbal and/or physical, is directed not to respond to the threat, but to immediately report the incident to the Vice-Principal.

a) Any student making serious threats to another will be reported to police, and will also face consequences at the school level.

b) Any student involved in instigating or participating in physical assaults, notwithstanding "who started it", will be suspended. A Violent Incident report will be sent to the Chief of Police, and a copy to the Ministry of Education and Training, as per Ministry of Education Policy.

c) Students should note that responding physically to an aggressor may be seen as a "consensual act of violence", (if the retaliatory force is deemed as being more than necessary). Both students may be seen (as a result) as being equally at fault. However, if a student is attacked and responds with no more than what reasonably may be deemed as self-defence, the aggressor may be charged with assault. In both instances, police may be contacted. Our best advice is to encourage a student who has been assaulted to attempt to immediately leave his or her attacker, and report to the nearest teacher or administrator.

d) Students involved in harassment or violence of any sort, during the school day, will face disciplinary action appropriate to the severity of the behaviour.

e} Any student found bringing weapons of any sort onto the school premises, or using a weapon in any manner, will face severe consequences, including possible arrest and expulsion.

RESPECT FOR STAFF

You are expected to comply with the rules of the school and with the expectations of your teachers and all other school personnel, in classrooms, hallways, on the school grounds, on the school buses, and while on school sponsored activities. Those who participate in our co-curricular program are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the behaviour expected in school. If a teacher finds that your behaviour is inappropriate or disrespectful in classrooms or elsewhere, you may be asked to report to the teacher after class. You may also be asked to meet with the Vice-Principal if the situation warrants further attention. Any student refusing to report to a Vice-Principal's office when so directed by any staff member faces severe consequences. Continued inappropriate behaviour will result in disciplinary action, which may lead to a detention, or an official school suspension.

If a student-teacher relationship comes into conflict or disagreement, the student and/or parent should first discuss the concern with the teacher. If a resolution is not found, the student may refer to his or her appropriate Guidance Counsellor and/or Chaplain and/or Social Worker, who will mediate the concern toward resolution. Failing this protocol, a VicePrincipal may be contacted.

STUDENTS WHO ARE SENT TO THE OFFICE

If a teacher or member of the school staff has sent a student to the office, they are to report immediately and identify themselves to a member of the office staff. Students are not to loiter in the hallways during class time including lunch periods.

RESPECT FOR OTHER STUDENTS

St. Joseph's students are expected to be courteous and respectful in their contact with other students. Language used at St. Joseph's Catholic High School must reflect the respect we hold for each other's dignity. Vulgar or inappropriate language will not be tolerated. Students are challenged to work at performing acts of kindness as encouraged by our Catholic Faith. BULLYING

Bullying is any unwanted form of physical or verbal aggression directed toward another person or their property. Bullying may also take the form of deliberate isolation or exclusion from regular interaction or activity. Students who engage in bullying make school difficult for their student colleagues and the behaviour is offensive to a positive school environment. Bullying is treated as a serious offence under the Code of Behaviour of the school and as a violation of the Criminal Code of Canada. The administration of St. Joseph's Catholic High School will work with the Community Resource Officer, St. Thomas Police to encourage positive relationships among students and to confront bullying behaviour.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is any unwanted, uninvited remark, gesture, sound or action of a sexual nature that makes one feel unsafe, degraded or uncomfortable. It includes any overt, subtle, verbal or written comment or any physical conduct, which places pressure on, ridicules, degrades, or expresses hatred based on a person's sex or sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, place of birth, religion, citizenship or ancestry. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at St. Joseph's Catholic High School. Sexual harassment is considered an act of violence. The school will respond by contacting the school's social worker, parents, and police.

SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

The Ontario Tobacco Control Act (TCA) became law on November 30, 1994. The intent of the law is to reduce smoking in young people and protect the people of Ontario from environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The London District Catholic School Board has for some time, had a smoke-free schools policy, which includes school grounds. The TCA also, prohibits smoking in school buildings and on school property by all users, at all times.

St. Joseph's Catholic High School is a smoke-free environment. In accordance with School Board policy and the Ontario Tobacco Control Act, the smoking of cigarettes is not permitted anywhere on campus. Students smoking on school property will be charged under the Provincial Health Act (approx. $115). Students under the age of 16 will receive a summons to appear in court on charges under the Tobacco Control Act.

Students who smoke on school property are subject to a range of consequences including warning, in-school disciplinary action, suspensions and fines.

Being associated with alcohol or illicit drugs in any way (i.e. bringing, consuming, possessing, or arriving under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, notwithstanding amount consumed) while on school property, while riding a school bus, or while participating in a school event is forbidden and unlawful under the Criminal Code, School Board Code of Conduct, Ministry of Education and Training "Provincial Code of Conduct". All school functions, school sponsored trips and all Graduation celebrations shall be alcohol and drug free. Since it is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the police will be notified. In addition, students with any association with alcohol and/or illegal narcotics will face severe school consequences - including possible expulsion. The school reserves the right to arrange to send students home, if they are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs either while at school or on a school sponsored activity or trip, at parent expense. In addition, students suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs jeopardize their continued participation in school related functions and their participation in co-curricular programs.

CONDUCT IN PUBLIC

As a student of St. Joseph's Catholic High School, you will be judged by your actions, which in turn can affect the reputation of the school as a whole.

For good public relations:

• Respect the privacy and property rights of our neighbours. • Do not loiter or litter on neighbouring property.

• Do not walk in groups that jeopardize your safety by interfering with traffic, or harm the property of neighbours.

• Specific incidents involving loud, disruptive activity, fighting, use of improper language or intimidation will not be tolerated.

• St. Joseph's students risk consequences for disruptive or dangerous behaviour throughout the school day, even if this occurs off school property.

DANCES

The Student Council sponsors several dances during the school year. Dances provide opportunities for students and staff to meet in a friendly and casual environment for the purpose of developing school spirit, supporting fundraising causes and fostering positive relationships among members of the St. Joseph's community.

• Student cards must be presented when purchasing dance tickets.

• Students may be asked to present his or her student card upon entering a dance. • No tickets will be sold at the door.

• Students and guests attending dances are subject to all provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour for St. Joseph's Catholic High School.

• Guests of St. Joseph's students will only be allowed to attend dances with the approval of the Vice-Principal.

• Guests must be sponsored by a St. Joseph's student and must arrive at the dance in the company of the sponsoring student.

• St. Joseph's students assume full responsibility for the behaviour of guests and guests are subject to all rules for conduct at dances.

• Any student attending a dance, found to be or suspected of consuming alcohol or illegal narcotics, notwithstanding the amount, will be subject to discipline by the school and possible criminal charges as applied by the police. The consequences through school include suspension from school and refusal of admittance to future dances for the remainder of the school year. This includes the prom and semi-formal dances. Students suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be detained, for their own safety, until a parent can be notified to make arrangements for transportation home.

• Any student or guest involved in using false identification to gain entry into a dance or other school function will face severe school consequences as well as charges of trespass. • All students MUST leave their coats, bags and purses at the coat check before entering the dance.

• Students must respect the authority of all teachers/supervisors at all times during the dance.

• Students absent from the school on the day of a dance may not attend dances (or any other co-curricular activity) on that day unless given approval from administration.

• Admission ceases 45 minutes after the start of the dance. No refunds will be given for those unable to arrive by this time. Anyone leaving the building during the dance WILL NOT BE READMITTED.

• Please note that dances are a privilege. School Administration reserves the right to disallow a student or guest entry into the dance, at their discretion.

• School Administration also reserves the right to judge the appropriateness of a student's attire, as to whether or riot it complies with the philosophy of our Catholic School. 

CONDUCT WHILE ON FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are scheduled during the school year and participation by students should not be considered as optional. As field trips are school events, the school Code of Conduct remains in effect. Students are to be in full uniform for field trips unless, at the discretion of the teacher, the activity of the outing may result in damage to the uniform. Signed consent forms must be on file in the school office before any student can go on a field trip. 

DETENTIONS

Detentions may be assigned by teachers or the administration for lateness, uniform policy violations and other violations of school and classroom rules. Detentions will be served in the Main Office or classrooms and the duration may vary. Students must come prepared with suitable work or reading to complete during detention.

SCHOOL BUILDING AND FACILITIES 

RESPECT FOR PROPERTY

Students are expected to treat the school grounds, buildings and everything in the school with respect. They are encouraged to help keep the buildings, cafeteria and grounds clean by depositing all scrap paper, wrappers, etc. into wastebaskets in lunch areas and classrooms. Students are encouraged to recycle waste whenever possible. Lunches and snacks must be eaten in the cafeteria or outdoor areas only. Students who litter on school property may be assigned clean-up duty.

Those who destroy or deface school property will be required to pay the full cost of repair or replacement If you lose or purposefully damage school equipment (i.e. library books and textbooks, musical instruments, computers, etc.) you will be charged the cost of replacement or repair, and will also face suspension from school. Students may be sent home to retrieve overdue library books after failing to respond to 2 notifications from the library office.

Students are responsible to cover the full purchase costs of unreturned textbooks, library materials, school equipment and school team uniforms.

LOCKERS

Each student will be assigned a locker to be used for the year. It is the student's responsibility to maintain the locker in a clean and organized manner. Ownership of the locker stays with the school, which reserves the right to record locker combinations and search a locker with reasonable grounds. The school also reserves the right to perform random locker searches, as it sees fit. We have no liability for the locker's contents.

• All lockers must be equipped with "Dudley" locks, which have a serial number and must be registered with the school. Unregistered locks will be cut off.

• Protect your property by putting your name on all your books and equipment and by keeping your locker locked.

• Never share your combination with another student - not even your best friend!

• You must retain the locker assigned to you unless you have the Vice-Principal's permission to change.

• Students are responsible for reporting any damage incurred to their locker to the Vice-Principal immediately upon noticing it.

• Due to the limited number of available lockers, some students may need to share lockers. 

• Since the school's insurance policy does not cover theft from lockers or stolen locks, the school cannot accept any responsibility for articles from a student's locker.

• No personal materials are to be permanently posted in lockers. Violent, suggestive, provocative or other inappropriate materials will be confiscated and destroyed. Anyone defacing a locker may lose the use of a school locker or other appropriate consequence. 

PERSONAL PROPERTY

It is strongly recommended that students put their names or other identifying marks on all personal property, and clothing, including Phys. Ed. uniforms. Large sums of money, jewelry, clothing and personal electronics are unfortunately the object of thefts, and students are strongly advised to refrain from bringing these items to school if possible.

Personal electronics devices such as CD, DVD, MP3, pagers and laser pointers are generally disruptive to classroom activities and school events. Students are strongly urged not to bring these items to school except in the case of emergency or special circumstances. Laser pointers can be dangerous to one's eyesight and not to be used in school at all.

Hats are not to be worn in the school and may be confiscated by school staff. St. Joseph's Catholic High School cannot be held responsible for articles that may go missing at school including hats.

CAFETERIA

A cafeteria is operated by the school for the convenience of staff and students. Students are asked to be especially considerate of cafeteria, custodial staff and fellow students when using the cafeteria. In order to provide a clean and inviting environment for all lunch periods, every student is expected to put garbage and recyclable materials in the containers provided. Food or beverages are to be consumed in the cafeteria or outdoor areas only. There is to be no food or beverages in the hallways, or classrooms. Students must leave all bags outside of the food purchasing areas. Coats are not to be worn in the cafeteria or servery.

GYMNASIUM

- Street shoes are not allowed on the gym floor at any time.

- Proper attire must be worn in the gymnasium as established by the Physical Education Department.

- Equipment must not be taken out of the gym.

- No student enters the Equipment Room unless accompanied by a supervising teacher. - Drinks and food shall not be taken ^-into the gym at any time.

HALLWAYS

In order to provide a quiet learning environment, students are not permitted to loiter in school hallways during the day. During lunch periods, students are only permitted to access their lockers during the first and last 5 minutes of their assigned lunch period. Students are urged to spend free time in the library, cafeteria or on the school grounds.

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

For the safety of our students and staff, surveillance cameras will be used in and outside of the school, 24 hours a day.

POSTERS AND NOTICES

Any student wishing to display posters or notices on school property must first receive permission to do so from the Principal or Vice-Principal. Failure to do so will result in removal of the material and possible discipline. Notices promoting businesses or commercial entertainment events are strictly forbidden.

COMPUTER POLICIES

• Students are only allowed to use a computer with the consent of staff responsible for the equipment in that area.

• Students are not to have food or drinks of any kind in any proximity to a computer.

• It is the student's responsibility to maintain the security of his/her password and User-ID. The student must accept responsibility for any inappropriate use of his/her User-ID.

• Students are NOT allowed to lend their User-ID to any other student. User-IDs are personal storage space and should not be used by anyone else. If a student DOES share their personal User-ID, then they are deemed to have accepted the responsibility for someone else's behaviour.

• Computers are individual workstations and should be used by only one person at a time, unless directed otherwise by your teacher.

• No network files are to be copied from the network without the written permission of the School Computer Co-ordinator or an Administrator.

• Students are not allowed to store or install any copyrighted material whatsoever, (software, data or documents) onto the network without the expressed written permission of the Administration.

• Students will not be allowed to exceed user storage space maximums. Old or unwanted files should be deleted regularly.

The sending, creating, storing or displaying of inappropriate mail, messages, documents or graphics, by way of the Internet or any other manner, is not allowed on any school computer. Violators of this policy will lose their computer use privilege, and will suffer consequences in conjunction with the severity of their behaviour.

TELEPHONE

Pay phones are available for student use. Please do not use the Main Office and Guidance Office phones. "Emergency messages from parents or guardians will be taken for students and given at appropriate times in the day. No student will be called from class unless approved by the administration.

Cellular telephones can be a particular nuisance when used during school hours. Students who do not have a particular need to have a cellular phone as expressed in writing by a parent or guardian may have the device confiscated for return at the end of the school day. Pay Telephones are available to students in the building.

TRANSPORTATION

Students resident in the London District Catholic School Board and enrolled in the Catholic Secondary School within their designated attendance area are eligible for transportation provided they reside more than 3.2 km (2.0 miles) from the school.

• Students resident in a city, town or village may be required to walk a distance of up to 1.6 km (1.0 mile) within the limits of the municipality in order to access their school bus.

• Students resident outside city, town or village limits may be required to walk a distance of up to 0.8 km (.5 mile) in order to access their bus.

• If any pick-up point is hazardous, students may be required to walk up to 1.6 km (1.0 mile) in order to access their bus.

• Co-op students will be required to provide their own transportation.

For "Safe School" purposes all students allowed the privilege of transportation MUST show a current St. Joseph's student photo I.D. card whenever requested by the driver. • Taxi students are required to contact the cab company when they do not require transportation, i.e. exam days, sick days, etc.

Please call COX CABS AT 631-1800 OR 1-888-549-5806 (toll free). • Bus Lines: Laidlaw 633-9707

Elgie 451-4440 Elgin 765-1100 Langs 1-800-265-7020

CONDUCT ON THE SCHOOL BUS

Riding the school bus to and from school is a privilege. As a privilege, it demands observance of expectations considered reasonable for a well-behaved student. For insurance and liability reasons, you may only ride the designated bus. In the event of an isolated and extreme emergency, and with prior written approval of a parent or guardian, the Principal may authorize a student to ride another bus. While on the bus, students must:

i) remain seated at all times,

ii) not interrupt or distract the bus driver,

iii) refrain from any yelling or use of profanity,

iv) keep windows closed, and heads and arms inside the bus,

v) obey all directions given by the school bus driver,

vi) not touch the emergency exits.

PARKING

Students may park in the north parking lot of the school but not in the spots designated for handicap parking and custodial staff or in the front of the school. Students who abuse parking privileges, who drive in an unsafe manner in the parking lot or who loiter in their car at school, may lose the opportunity of parking in the school parking lot.

VISITORS AND TRESPASSERS

All visitors to the school are required to report to the Main Office of the school and identify themselves. St. Joseph's Catholic High School is a closed campus in that only registered students are welcomed on school property during the day. Students are expected to meet friends after school hours off school grounds and visitors are not welcome during the school day. The School Administration will issue a Letter of Trespass to individuals who refuse to leave school property when requested. A copy of the Letter of Trespass will be filed with the St. Thomas Police. If police action is required, charges of trespass may be laid (R.S.O. 1990, C.T.21). Prior warning of trespass is not required by law.

In addition, students are not permitted to loiter on public property surrounding the school grounds, including the sidewalks.

FIRE REGULATIONS

Homeroom teachers will familiarize all students with specific fire drill procedures of the school. A loud bell ringing continuously inside the school is the unmistakable signal for emergency evacuation. Students must move quickly and quietly to the closest fire exit, as posted in classrooms. Each time the alarm rings, students must react in a serious manner. All classroom doors and windows should be closed by persons as they leave rooms. Students and staff must remain outside and away from the school until administration signals them to return to classes.

Any violation of these procedures be it during a genuine or simulated emergency, constitutes an offence (Section 437 of the Criminal Code of Canada, punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2000). False alarms disrupt all life at the school, especially for our physically challenged students while classes are in progress. Therefore, at the school level, false alarms will be considered a most serious offence, and will be dealt with accordingly.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

PREPARATION FOR CLASS

Students are expected to be prepared for each class and to have notebooks, textbooks, and materials that teachers have deemed necessary for their classes. Students are further expected to have any assigned homework complete, to hand in assignments on due dates and to be prepared for tests and examinations. If you frequently come to class late, without the materials you need and are sent to get them, you will be directed to make up time during lunch. Home contact may be made by the teacher or the office. Continual neglect of duty and responsibilities may lead to a suspension from school.

ATTENDANCE

Regular Attendance is essential for academic success. Students are expected to attend school regularly and punctually, and to attend all classes when they are at school. Absence from school for extended vacations and appointments that could be made outside of school hours are disruptive to the learning process and strongly discouraged. Parents and students must accept responsibility for the classes, tests or examinations missed under such circumstances. If you are absent from class without permission, you will be reported to the Guidance Office. Your parents will be notified of your truancy and you will be expected to make up lost academic time. Persistent truancy will result in a suspension.

Early Dismissal

A note from a parent or guardian is required when a student requires to leave school early. Students who leave during the day must sign out at the Guidance Office. Demit slips will be issued prior to 9:00 a.m. on the specific day. If the reason is for a medical or dental appointment, the doctor's appointment card or telephone number may be requested. A student who falls ill during the day must report to the Guidance Office. If the nature of the illness warrants early dismissal, then the student would be excused to go home only after a family member is notified. School personnel are not allowed to dispense medication.

Punctuality and Lates

Students are expected to be in their first period classroom at least 5 minutes before the class begins. When students arrive late, the class and teacher are interrupted and inconvenienced. The following guidelines are intended to promote good learning through regular and punctual attendance:

• At 8:15 a.m., classrooms are open to receive students.

• By 8:30 a.m., students are to be in their classroom in full uniform, BEFORE the bell rings to indicate the start of class.

• Students who arrive for the first period after attendance has been sent to the Guidance Office, must obtain an Admit Slip from the Guidance/Attendance Secretary.

• Lateness between classes does not require an Admit Slip from the Guidance Office. Initial or infrequent lateness will be handled by the classroom teacher. The teacher will call home and advise your parents of chronic tardiness, and ask them to assist the school in helping promote a habit of punctuality. Should improvement not be evident, more serious consequences may be imposed. If students are significantly or habitually late, they may be directed to sign in with a Vice-Principal.

Absence

• If you must be away from school, a parent or guardian must telephone the Guidance Office (631-2392 ext 255).

• Students returning to school from an absence, whose absence was not reported by phone, must bring a note from their parent or guardian and obtain an Admit Slip before Period One begins. Parents will be notified by telephone if a note is not presented. The school reserves the right to require a medical note for any student who is absent for 3 or more days.

Student notes should include:

a) The student's name,

b) the date on which the note was written,

c) the reason for the absence,

d) the date or dates of the absence, and

e) the signature of the parent or guardian.

• A teacher has the authority to mark a student absent from class if:

a) A student, in the teacher's opinion, has missed a significant part of a taught lesson, notwithstanding how many minutes of a lesson have been missed.

b) A student is asked to leave class for behavioural reasons.

Students who miss in excess of fifteen days in any one class place themselves at risk of not achieving the credit. The Vice-Principal, in consultation with the teacher, may remove a student from a class if poor attendance has made it virtually impossible for them to achieve a credit.

• If a student is absent for a test or assignment submission date, without an acceptable reason, a mark of 0 may be given for that work.

• For extended illness, parents may arrange for homework to be sent home. This can be made through a student colleague or by contacting the Guidance Office. One day's notice is needed for such requests. Upon return, a medical certificate may be required to confirm the student's illness.

FORGERY

Students who participate in preparing false materials such as parent notes, will face strict discipline including possible suspension from school.

ATTENDANCE AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

St. Joseph's has a wide variety of co-curricular activities and all students are encouraged to enhance their academic experience through participation in a club or team activity. Students must also realize that through their co-curricular participation, they are accepting responsibility for an additional learning experience. Participation in co-curricular activities cannot interfere with academic success and the following guidelines have been established for co-curricular participants.

• Students must be in attendance for all classes on the day of a game, practice or event in order to participate in the co-curricular activity.

• Release time for events, games and practices will be established by the coach and broadcast through the daily announcements. Students who leave before the allowed time will be considered to be truant.

• Attendance at all events, practices and games is expected. If a student is unavailable for any co-curricular activity including practices, they must inform the coach in person prior to the activity.

• Coaches and supervisors may require notes to verify absence from practices or games or club activities.

• Participants who miss practices may be deemed ineligible to play in games.

Coaches, teachers and the school administration seek to support students in meeting their commitment to their classes and involvement in the co-curricular program, part of a long tradition of excellence at St. Joseph's Catholic High School.

COURSE REGISTRATION AND CHANGES

Every student at St. Joseph's Catholic High School must register for courses during the designated registration period in February of the previous school year. Course registration is a very serious part of school organization and great care should be taken in selecting courses. The courses that are chosen at course selection time are the ones that will appear on the printed student timetable unless there are conflicts or cancelled courses. In some cases, course changes are necessary and appropriate. The procedures for making course changes or timetable adjustments are as follows:

• Due to small enrolment, some classes may be cancelled. Students will be informed of this and asked to pick alternate courses.

• Students with timetable conflicts or incomplete timetables will receive first priority in scheduling Guidance sessions when the timetable is known.

• Students who take night school, summer school or correspondence courses should notify Guidance of the results of these courses as soon as possible after successful completion. • Students who are unsuccessful in courses at St. Joseph's in Semester 2 should see Guidance to make the necessary adjustments to their timetables for the next year.

• Students may NOT change courses for the sake of convenience, choice of lunch periods, or to choose specific teachers.

• Cross-registration, taking a course at another high school during the school day is discouraged and students must meet strict criteria in order to qualify.

DROPPING OF A COURSE

Students in Grades 9, 10 and 11 must register for 8 credits for every academic year. Under exceptional circumstances and after consultation with parents, teachers, guidance, student services and administration, a student may be placed on a partial timetable. Senior students should maintain a minimum load of 3 courses per semester and must have completed a minimum of 24 credits before a study period is allowed.

Any student wishing to drop a course must continue attending the course until they have met with and been given the approval of a Guidance counsellor. Students do not have the right to withdraw themselves from classes.

Withdrawal from a Grade 11 or 12 course must be within 5 instructional days following the issue of the mid-term report card to ensure the result in the course is not recorded on the transcript. This must be done through the Guidance Office.

TEACHER ADVISOR PROGRAMME (TAP)

The "Teacher Advisor Programme" (TAP) is mandated by the Ministry of Education and Training and is a required part of the secondary school program. The information and activities of TAP support the overall program of our Catholic School and full participation is considered to be necessary for success in school.

GOLD CARD

A Gold Card will be issued at the end of each reporting period to students who maintain an 80% or better average. The Gold Card will allow students to work in the library during class time, after receiving permission from the subject teacher. A student using his/her gold card will be responsible for missed work and instruction, but will not be penalized by school administration for missing the class.

OSS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, LITERACY TEST, THIRTY CREDITS

Every student who began secondary school as of September 1999 must complete the equivalent of 40 hours of Community Involvement (Community Service), to successfully graduate from any Ontario secondary school. Charts outlining acceptable activities and completion forms, requiring signatures verifying completion, are available from the student's teacher advisor.

Every student who began secondary school as of September 2000 MUST successfully complete the Grade 10 Provincial Test of Reading and Writing Skills, often referred to as the "Gr. 10 Literacy Test", in order to receive a graduation diploma.

It is ultimately the student's responsibility to monitor the number of credits attained and to ensure they have acquired sufficient credits to graduate. A total of thirty credits must be acquired in order to graduate; eighteen of these credits are for mandatory or required courses.

TRANSFERS / WITHDRAWALS / RETIREMENTS

Students who transfer from St. Joseph's Catholic High School or who are withdrawing/retiring from school must contact the school administration as soon as possible. Retiring students are required to complete a retirement form, return all textbooks, library materials, school team uniforms and equipment.

PLAGIARISM

Should plagiarism occur, the assignment will not be accepted by the teacher and the work may have to be redone and re-submitted to demonstrate achievement of the curriculum expectations. This policy is in accordance with the Assessment and Evaluation for Secondary Schools, London District Catholic School Board.

EXAMINATIONS AND REPORTING OF MARKS

Final examinations are held in January at the end of Semester 1 and in June at the end of Semester 2 followed by a final report. Parents will receive a midterm report in each semester. This report will be based on the on-going assessment outlined in the course marking schemes.

** All students write final exams. ** Medical certificates are required from students who miss exams due to illness. Parents are expected not to make any travel arrangements, or any other arrangements that would cause a student to miss an exam, during the entire examination period. Weather changes and/or other crises may cause a change in exam date. Therefore, it is imperative that the student remains available throughout the entire examination period. Families should listen to Q97.5 FM to hear of any changes in school bus status, or the closing of schools due to inclement weather. If exams must be cancelled, the entire exam schedule will be moved

back so that upon return to school students will write the exam for which they were preparing. Students missing an exam risk receiving a grade of "0" for the exam. Students arriving late for an exam may not be given extra time to write.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Within the structure of our Catholic school, we are privileged to have many people, support groups and professionals available to assist our students in times of need and/or crises. Occasionally students can become overwhelmed from their studies, can experience threats by their peers, or pressures in their home life. Whatever the situation, it is important for the student to realize that the school's Social Worker, Guidance staff and Chaplain, as well as the student's teachers and school administration are available whenever the need should arise. Where allowed by law, the student can share his or her concerns in a confidential manner, and can expect honest advice and direction.

Campus Ministry Services

Our Campus Minister is available for spiritual or personal counselling. Elgin County Parish Priests will all be involved in the spiritual development of students at St. Joseph's Catholic High School.

Guidance Services

The freedom of curricular choice and the planning of individual programs make it all the more necessary to consult the guidance staff who can help with:

- orientation to high school life;

- study difficulties;

- choice of courses;

- selecting and planning for a career;

- understanding individual interests and abilities;

- exploring opportunities for further education and employment; - personal problems.

Counselling sessions can be initiated by student request, referral by parents, staff and routinely by guidance personnel.

Community Resource Officer, St. Thomas Police

The St. Thomas Police have assigned one full-time police officer to work with the four high schools in St. Thomas. As well as providing a liaison between the police and the students of the school, the Community Resource Officer is available for education and information to students and parents. Officer Jeff Pallister is to be treated as one would treat any other member of the school staff.

School Social Worker

The school social worker, Mr. Maurice Brennan, is assigned to St. Joseph's High School and is available to assist students who are having personal, family or school problems. He can provide individual counselling and hosts group programs for some of our students. He may be contacted personally or through the office, chaplain or student services.