High School Student Handbook - Dufferin Christian School

Dufferin Christian High School

P.O. Box 1450

Carman, MB

R0G 0J0

Phone: 745-2278

Fax: 745-3441

e-mail: dufferin@mts.net

Internet: www.dufferinchristian.ca

Student Handbook

2010 - 2011

1.0 Mission Statement

The parents of Dufferin Christian School envision DCS as a

place where students and teachers are engaged in the

study of various subjects and enlightened by the Word of God,

as confessed in the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism,

and the Canons of Dort, for living a life of Christian discipleship

in contemporary society.

Dufferin Christian School offers a learning program that is

approved by Manitoba Education, taking into account

a variety of abilities and needs God has given to each child.

2.0 Staff

Mr. A. Huisman Band, ELA, History

Mr. L. Lodder Ref. Studies, World Views, Social Studies

Mrs. E. DeWit Art, ELA, Ref. Studies, E-Math

Mr. W. Hoogerdijk Sciences, Math, Comp. Studies

Mr. M. Raap Math, Phys. Ed., Geography

Mr. J. Ellens Science, Math

Mrs. J. Lodder Math, ELA, Director of Student Services

Miss L. Oosterhoff Grade 8, French

3.1 School Routine

3.1.1 Class Rotation

The high school will follow one of two schedules. They are as follows:

Schedule 1	Devotions / Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5	9:00 to 10:20 10:30 to 11:40 11:45 to 12:55 1:45 to 2:35 2:40 to 3:35
Schedule 2	Devotions / Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5	9:00 to 10:00 10:10 to 11:00 11:05 to 11:55 12:40 to 1:20 1:25 to 2:05

Bells will signal the beginning and end of classes. A five minute warning bell will ring prior to Period 4 classes.

You are expected to be in class before the bell rings.

3.1.2 Devotions

Opening devotions will be carried out in Period 1 classes. Lunch devotions will be carried out at the end of Period 3 classes. Closing devotions will be carried out at the end of Period 5 classes.

3.1.3 Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance on your part is vital to the process of learning and essential for success in the course. If attendance is irregular, you suffer a loss of experience that cannot be entirely regained. Furthermore, the Department of Education stipulates that a credit is earned on the basis of 110 hours of instruction. It is for these reasons that excessive absences may result in you having to make up time.

As well, a maximum number of 15 absences per credit will be accepted. If you miss more than this, you may be withdrawn from the class. There are 3 exceptions to this policy:

1. In case of medically documented illness,

2. School initiated absence,

3. Family holidays with proper notification.

When a family holiday brings total absences in any one course to more than 15, credit may not be granted unless further absences are verified by a note from a doctor.

Your parents or guardians are requested to inform the school before 9:00 a.m. if you will be absent from class.

You must follow your timetable throughout the day. Skipping a class will be treated as a serious offence and lost time must be made up.

3.1.4 Lateness

You are expected to be at your scheduled classes on time. Each teacher will, within the first week of classes, outline procedures for you to follow when you are late. A record of lates will be kept. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will be considered as absent. Three (3) late slips will be treated as the equivalent of one absence. Excessive lates will be dealt with by the office and your parents will be notified.

3.1.5 Study Periods / Spares

While you are encouraged to take a full-course load, there may be times when you do not have classes. If you are in Senior 1 & 2, you will be assigned a designated supervised study room. Parents will have the option of taking you home or to work. If you are in Senior 3 & 4, you have the option of either leaving the school building or staying in a designated area. In all cases, you are expected to keep the hallways clear during class time.

3.1.6 Course Changes or Withdrawals

Course selections are finalised in June of the previous school year. Any changes must be approved by the Principal.

If you wish to withdraw from a course during the year, this will be considered on the following basis:

1. effect of withdrawal on the number of credits required for graduation.

2. reasons for withdrawal.

3. presentation of an alternate educational program.

4. benefit, if any, of withdrawal to you.

5. benefit, if any, of withdrawal to the school.

Before you are permitted to withdraw, a consultation between teacher, parent, and principal may be required.

3.1.7 Visitors and Guests

Visitors to the school must report to the office or the principal. If you wish to bring guests to school you must obtain permission from both the bus driver and the Principal at least one day in advance. Permission to bring guests will be granted under exceptional circumstances only.

3.2 Operational Procedures

3.2.1 Academic Achievement

You are expected to apply yourself diligently to your work. The school recognizes the differences in the ability and aptitude of its students and seeks, as much as possible, ways to meet both your interest and abilities.

3.2.2 Homework

Completing daily homework assignments is a vital and necessary step in ensuring that good academic achievement is possible. We strongly encourage you to purchase a planning calendar so that you can keep a record of your responsibilities in an orderly fashion. Teachers will discuss homework completion problems with your parents.

3.2.3 Academic Honesty

While it is tempting for students, in a wide range of ways, to claim credit where it is not earned, it is imperative to maintain high standards of academic honesty at a Christian school. You are expected to be honest in all dealings with others and in meeting course requirements. Not only does plagiarism and other forms of cheating undermine your integrity and honesty, it also makes it very difficult for a teacher to determine the extent to which you have achieved the curriculum expectations being evaluated in a given assignment or test. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with methods of avoiding plagiarism, and for consulting your teacher to seek help when in doubt.

The simplest definition of plagiarism is presenting as one’s own, the ideas, words, work, or homework of others, or taking personal credit for the words and ideas of others presented in print, electronic, and/or verbal forms.

Plagiarism can take many forms and applies to both written and non-written work, including but not limited to essays, reports, labs, projects, exams, journals; computer programs, models, spreadsheets, web pages, databases; math calculations, derivations; diagrams, charts, graphs, tables, drawings, artworks, photographs, maps, music/ compositions, posters, and oral presentations.

Some examples include:

· Submitting work that you have done under someone else’s name or submitting work someone else has done under your name.

· Using essays/assignments/information from Internet sites or individuals and passing the essay/assignment/information in as your own work.

· Quoting directly - or indirectly (paraphrasing, summarizing, etc.) - from any source without proper citation. To clarify: ‘any source’ does not simply mean books but can include television, radio and film; Internet sites; interviews; and computer programs. Basically, you must cite anything that you did not come up with on your own.

· Writing an assignment for someone else or allowing someone to copy your assignment for them to submit for credit.

· Taking a test for someone else.

· Self-plagiarism is submitting work for a class that you have already submitted to another class for credit without obtaining the teacher’s permission. The consequence for this is the same as other forms of plagiarism

The consequences for plagiarism are:

· The teacher of that subject will contact your parent(s).

· If this is your first incident of plagiarism in the Senior Years, you will be expected to re-submit the assignment with 60% as the maximum mark attainable.

· For any and all subsequent incidents of plagiarism, you are still expected to re-submit the assignment but will earn a zero grade. Repeated offences can result in a suspension and a failure in the course.

3.2.4 Textbooks

In most cases, the school supplies you with the necessary textbooks for each course. You are expected to take care of your textbooks. If there is undue damage, you are expected to pay for the replacement cost. Most textbooks are to be returned either during the midterm or final examinations. Unreturned texts will result in a bill to cover the replacement costs.

3.2.5 Lockers

You will be issued a locker on the first day of school. Any pictures you wish to hang in your locker should be easily removable and should show good taste in keeping with the character of a Christian school. You are responsible for the condition of your lockers. If, during the year, your locker is damaged or does not function properly, the principal should be notified. To minimize the theft, as few valuables as possible should be stored in your locker. If possible, the school will help recover missing articles, but cannot assume responsibility. Hooks provided on lockers must be used to keep lockers closed. If you wish to have a lock, the school will provide one. Locks not issued by the school will be removed.

3.2.6 Posters and Notices

Materials for display in the hallways or foyers must be approved by the Principal, or the teacher supervising the activity concerned. Materials for display in the classrooms must have the approval of the classroom teacher. You are strongly discouraged from vandalizing the display material by marking them up .

3.2.7 Field Trips

During the school year a number of field trips may be organized to complement the classroom learning. You will be responsible for catching up on any school work missed while away on a field trip.

3.2.8 Lost and Found

Please check the Lost & Found box regularly and retrieve your belongings. Physical Education clothing and related paraphernalia are to be stored in your locker, not in the change rooms.

3.3 Building & Grounds

3.3.1 Leaving School Property

You are not to leave school grounds during class time unless (1) permission has been obtained by the Principal, and (2) you have signed out at the office. Express parental consent may be required before such permission is granted. If you are in Senior 3 or 4, you may have off-property privileges during the noon break and your spares, provided you have parental consent. You are not to loiter on roadways or other properties in the vicinity of the school.

3.3.2 Automobiles and Parking

You may park your vehicles in the designated ‘student parking’ area. There is to be no loitering in and around the vehicles during the school day. You must have parental consent to use your vehicles during school hours and must complete the appropriate form. You should realize that the school grounds are used by many students and should, therefore, drive slowly and carefully. Under all circumstances, pedestrians have the right of way.

3.3.3 Vandalism

Vandalism that results from the carelessness or deliberate actions on the part of students must be compensated for.

3.4 Student Deportment

3.4.1 Code of Student Behaviour

You are expected, as students of a Christian school, to present yourself in speech and conduct in a Christ-like fashion. The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. With that in mind, you are expected to:

· Demonstrate respect for and obedience towards the Word of God as it is taught in the school. This respect means that opinions, decisions, and conduct are submitted to the authority of Scripture. This also includes a willingness to be corrected by the Word of God.

· Demonstrate respect for and obedience to the teachers as those set in authority over you. This respect can be shown by addressing teachers and referring to them by their proper titles, by speaking politely without backtalk and by accepting and submitting to their instruction and discipline.

· Demonstrate respect for fellow pupils. This respect can be shown through the ways in which you treat the person, property, and feelings of others. Gossip and ridicule break down and destroy.

· Stand up for what is right in our life before the LORD. This may mean speaking out against wrongdoing. It includes encouraging peers in doing good rather than evil.

· Use language respectfully in the service to God and their neighbour. Verbal abuse of any kind is sin and cannot be tolerated.

3.4.2 Consequences

Staff, students, parents, and administration all have their part in maintaining this code of behaviour. Rewarding fulfilled expectations and consequencing those that have broken must be the responsibility of each and every adult guiding the process.

The staff will

! teach and reinforce expectations,

! problem solve through conflict mediation,

! seek parental supports,

! model appropriate behaviour,

! support each other in maintaining a high standard within this code.

The administration will

! intervene in repeat or serious cases.

The following is a list of consequences used. The primary goal is to include, rather than exclude, students in school programs. While not always applied in this order, the list moves from the less to the more severe consequences:

! student interview,

! removal of privileges,

! detention,

! parental involvement,

! withdrawal from classroom,

! restitution,

! suspension,

! individual behaviour plan,

! expulsion.

Detentions will be served on a daily basis (except Mondays) in a designated room. Detention takes priority over all other school activities. Detentions will be served during the noon break from 1:00 -1:40 p.m., but they may be assigned for after school hours as well. An accumulation of 3 detentions may result in a meeting with the student, principal, and parents and a possible suspension.

You may be suspended by the principal for a period of up to one week, by a classroom teacher for up to 2 days. If any classroom tests are scheduled or assignments due during the time of suspension, you will not be given an opportunity to re-write (for credit) but will be given a zero for the work missed.

If you transport, consume, and/or possess alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs at school, on the buses, or at activities sponsored by the school, you will be immediately suspended and reported to the School Board. The School Board will decide upon the disciplinary measures to be taken. Such measures will range from prolonged suspension to expulsion.

3.4.3 Parental Contact

As much as possible, the school will maintain communication with your parents to ensure that discipline problems are addressed cooperatively.

3.4.4 Dress and Appearance

You are expected to reflect a Christian life-style in dress and appearance. You should be well-groomed and wear neat, modest, and clean clothing. Clothing also reflects an individual and his / her role. Therefore, at school, your clothing should be appropriate to a Christian school setting.

You are not permitted to wear clothing which advertises rock music groups, alcohol, inappropriate lifestyles, or makes offensive statements. Shirts, blouses, and T-shirts are to cover the shoulders and the entire mid-section. Coats, hats, and sunglasses are not to be worn in classrooms. Proper footwear must be worn at all times.

3.4.5 Displays of Affection

Undue displays of affection are to be avoided in and around school property.

3.4.6 Smoke-Free Environment

DCS maintains a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted on school property or anywhere in sight of the school.

3.4.7 Dangerous Behaviour

In order to maintain a safe environment, fighting, roughhousing, and running around inside the school is not permitted.

You may not bring knives, firecrackers, and similar hazardous material to school, or ignite lighters, matches, firecrackers, or start fires.

3.4.8 Bullying

In order to maintain a safe and caring environment for all students, bullying will not be tolerated.

Definition of Bullying - Bullying is when purposeful and willful acts of meanness are repeated over time in a situation where there is an imbalance of power.

Types of Bullying:

· Physical- hitting, shoving, pushing and destroying property.

· Verbal - teasing, name calling, threats,

· Relational - gossiping, embarrassing, leaving someone out

· Cyber-bullying – use of technology to inflict physical, verbal or relational bullying upon someone. The list may include but is not restricted to: computer and web pages, cell phones, digital cameras and other personal communication devices

3.5 Health & Safety

3.5.1 Illness at School

You should notify a staff member in case of illness or injury. In case of serious indisposition, your parents or guardians will be contacted.

3.5.2 Medication

The school will provide no medication. If it appears that you need medical attention, your parents will be contacted and if necessary, you will be taken to the hospital.

3.5.3 Emergency Procedures

To prepare for an emergency event, various drills will be held on a regular basis. It is important that during all drills, you are to conduct yourself orderly, quietly, and quickly. During the first week of classes, the staff will inform you of the various emergency procedures.

3.5.4 Prairie Rose Bus Ridership

Pupils' Responsibilities

! Be aware that pupils are responsible for their action and behaviour.

! Know what the rules and procedures are and abide by them.

! Display proper respect for the rights and comfort of others.

! Realize that school bus transportation can be denied if they do not conduct them selves properly.

! Be aware that any driver distraction is potentially hazardous to their safety.

! Be familiar with emergency procedures.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

! Know the rules and encourage children to abide by them

! Support safe riding practices.

! Support drivers and/or schools in disciplinary measures

! Ensure that pupils are on time at bus pick up points

! Ensure that pupils are properly clothed according to weather conditions.

Notes

! Students shall not board or exit a bus at any point on the route other than designated approved locations except in the case of emergencies.

! Only those students assigned to a bus will be allowed to ride. Any student within the Prairie Rose School Division may be transported on any Prairie Rose School Division bus. These arrangements must be made by the parent with the driver, prior to bus use and are subject to space availability.

Storm Policy

! The School Division may under extreme conditions cancel all classes.

! Bus cancellations due to poor weather will be announced on the local radio stations, CKMW (1570), CFAM (950), and CBC (990). Note: DCS lies in Prairie Rose School Division - Section A.

! Drivers have the authority to cancel all or part of the route if in their opinion the safety of the students may be compromised.

! All buses are radio equipped and constantly monitored.

Requests for special services due to medical or other reasons shall be made to the Supervisor of Transportation at the Division Office.

3.6 Evaluation

3.6.1 Grading and Reporting

The evaluation of academic achievement is based on the completion of daily work, term assignments, and formal assessment. Report cards will be issued after each examination period. Interim reports will be issued twice a semester.

3.6.2 Missing Tests / Assignments

If, for some unplanned reason, you will be absent from a test or an assignment due date, you must inform your subject teacher as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to arrange a mutually convenient time to write the test or submit the assignment. If, for some planned reason, you will be absent from a test or an assignment due date, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with your teacher to write the test or submit the assignment before your absence.

However, a teacher is under no obligation to permit you to write a test or submit an assignment if it is determined that you were absent without a valid reason. For example, studying for a test, completing an assignment, shopping, going to work, or being absent without parental consent, are not considered valid reasons to be absent. In this case, a zero will be assigned in any form of evaluation that was missed during the absence.

3.6.3 Examinations

Comprehensive examinations will be developed for most subject areas in grades 9 to 12. These subject areas include: Reformed Studies, Language Arts, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, and second languages. These examinations will either be developed locally by Dufferin Christian School or provincially by the Department of Education.

It is understood that if DCS examinations are administered in two parts: Midterm and Final; you are required to write both parts. Barring extenuating circumstances, you are towrite exams during the scheduled exam period.

3.6.4 Academic Achievement

You are expected to maintain an appropriate academic achievement. If your mark falls below 40% on an interim report or midterm report, you will be placed on probation. This means a remedial action plan will be developed by parents, teachers, and yourself and your participation in extra-curricular activities will be suspended. Probation will end once terms of the remedial action plan are met.

In the event that, during the current academic year, you fail to obtain credit in two or more courses, you will be placed immediately on probation. This means a remedial action plan will be developed by parents, teachers, and yourself and your participation in extra-curricular activities will be suspended. Probation will end once terms of the remedial action plan are met.

Before any credit will be granted, you are expected to complete all the academic requirements as set out by each subject teacher. You will have until the last day of the examination period to complete the requirements for each course.

In the past, if you fail a course that has a final examination, you had the option of re-writing the final exam as a means to boost the final grade. However, effective September 2006, that option no longer exists. There are no options available to boost your final grade once the final exam has been written.

Honour Roll

If you have achieved a mark of at least 80% during a particular school term in any course, you will be placed on the Honour Roll for that particular course. If you have achieved at least an 80% overall average, your will be placed on the Honour Roll for your grade level. If you have achieved a mark of at least 90%, you will be placed on the First Class Honours list. The overall average will be determined for Senior 1 to 3 students by taking the best 7 out of at least 8 courses and for Senior 4 students by taking the best 5 out of at least 6 courses. The Honour Roll will be displayed in the high school wing.

Senior 4 Subject Awards

The following Senior 4 subjects will have individual awards:

< Reformed Studies

< English

< Mathematics (Consumer, Applied, & Pre-Calculus)

< Sciences (Physics, Biology, & Chemistry)

< French

< Social Studies

< Computer Studies

< Physical Education

< Business/Accounting

The award will be determined by averaging the student’s S3 and S4 marks in each course. The award will be given to the student with the highest overall mark over 80%. Subject awards will be given at the annual Awards Ceremony. Plaques are displayed in the high school wing.

Governor-General’s Bronze Medal

The student in Senior 4 with the highest overall academic standing (based on Senior 3 and Senior 4 marks) will be presented the Governor-General’s Bronze medal during the annual Awards Ceremony.

Citizenship Award

This award is presented to recognise a particular student’s role in the wider sphere of school and community. The award is based on the following four criteria:

1. Christian regard for others,

2. extra-curricular involvement,

3. involvement in other community activities,

4. academic achievement.

Students in Senior 3 and 4 are eligible to receive this award, although preference will be given to students in Senior 4. A Selection Committee will receive nominations from the community and make a final selection. The award will be presented at the annual Awards Ceremony.

Bursaries

Various bursaries will be made available to graduating Senior 4 students upon submission of an application form. These bursaries are for those who intend to continue their studies in a post-secondary school. Information about these bursaries will be made available on the school’s web-site by the middle of May.

3.7 Extra-Curricular Activities

3.7.1 Disclaimer

The school accepts no responsibility for student activities (including parties, games, etc.) which are not officially sponsored by the school.

3.7.2 Zone IV Sports

Dufferin Christian School is a member of the MHSAA Zone IV Sports Association and as such is privileged to enter sports teams in competition with surrounding public schools. At this point, Stingers’ teams participate in cross-country running, soccer, basketball, and track and field. To cover all costs associated with this (e.g. zone membership, referees, entry fees) an annual Student Athletic Fee will be charged to each athlete, payable before the first game or meet.

All athletes are expected to maintain an appropriate level of academic achievement and student behavior. Should either be unacceptable, the athlete will be prohibited from participating in the sports program until improvement is made. More detailed information is contained in the DCS Sports Policy.

3.7.3 S.A.L.T. (Student Action Leadership Team)

The SALT consists of a group of students in the Senior 1-4 area of the school. You may become a member of this team by application only. The purpose of the SALT group is to provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. This group will remain under the supervision of a staff member.

3.7.4 Fundraising Activities

Throughout the year special interest groups will organize fundraising events. You will be given advance notice of these events and prices will be set to ensure maximum participation. All groups engaging in fundraising activities must have prior approval from school administration.

3.8 Facilities

3.8.1 Photocopier

The school's photocopier is not available for student use. If you require personal photocopies, request either your homeroom teacher or subject teacher. A charge for this may be levied.

3.8.2 Telephone

Two student phones are available for your calls. There is one phone by the gymnasium and one phone in the Secretary’s Office

3.8.3 Computer Room

You may have access to the computer room before school or during the noon break to work on school related activities provided prior permission has been given by the teacher on supervision duty. Except in emergency situations, you will not have access to the computers during regular classes.

You should note that your use of the school’s computers is guided by the Computer Usage Agreement that you are required to sign.

3.8.4 Library

You are encouraged to make use of the library facilities for quiet study or research purposes. Those who wish to take out books from the library must do so through a designated librarian.

3.8.5 Gymnasium

Proper footwear must be worn in the gym – this means clean, non-scuffing athletic shoes. Street shoes are not to be worn in the gym. Students may use the gym during their spares and / or breaks provided: (1) no other scheduled class is using the gym; (2) you have obtained permission from a teacher who will take on the supervision responsibilities. The consumption of food and / or drink (except water) is not permitted in the gym.

3.8.5 Other Facilities / Use of Facilities After School Hours

The request for the use of all other facilities must be made to the Principal. You may not use the facilities after school hours without the direct supervision of a staff member.

3.9 Use of Technology

3.9.1 Computer Usage

Dufferin Christian School is blessed to have a computer network that allows students to have access to a wide range of resources. These resources can enhance the educational experiences of our students. Computer usage at DCS is conducted under the same rules and values as any other activity at the school. However, because our computers are networked, our entire computer system can be adversely affected by one irresponsible user. It is therefore necessary and important to spell out the responsibilities of each user.

Computers are provided to you for educational and course related purposes only. This is a privilege and not a right – inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of that privilege.
Computer accounts are intended for the use of a single individual. Your account password is your signature. If you lend it to somebody else, you then accept the responsibility for what they do in the system. It is strongly recommended that you keep your password a secret. Should you discover that somebody else knows your password, you can make arrangements to have it changed immediately.
You are not permitted to install any software, unless authorized by a staff member. You are not permitted to tamper with any of the files – either on the network or on the computer. You are not permitted to play games, check personal e-mail accounts, access chat lines, download software, access other network accounts, or vandalise hardware or computer data.
You should save your work either on your personal diskette or on your network drive.
Use of the Internet is solely for educational and school-related purposes. You must have the specific permission of the subject teacher and be under the direct supervision of a staff member in order to access the Internet.
Failure to respect these responsibilities and live up to them will result in a loss of computer privileges as well as appropriate disciplinary action.

3.9.2 Use of Cell Phones

All students are hereby notified that the use of cell phones is restricted to break time only. There will be no tolerance for those who use the phone during class times, either a call or text messaging. This is highly disruptive and does not keep you focused on your purpose. If it is urgent for a parent to get a hold of you during class times, they may phone the school office and the secretary will pass on the message. Failure to comply with this will result in the following: First offense – loss of phone for 1 day, Second offense – loss of phone for 3 days, Third offense – loss of phone permanently .