GENERAL POLICY
ACADEMIC EVALUATION
The pass mark for every subject is 60%. Students are expected to write all scheduled tests, writing process sessions and examinations. When a student is absent from a test or an exam without authorization, a mark of zero may result. In the event of an illness, a medical certificate is required.
REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE – JUNE 2008 A Quebec High School Diploma consists of 54 credits from Levels 4&5, including at least 20 from Level 5. The following are compulsory credits: English 516, French 514, History 414, Mathematics 416 and Physical Science 416.
Students may be required to pass other prerequisites for certain programs at CEGEP.
STUDENT ABSENCES
It is the parents’ responsibility, prior to the absence, late arrival or early departure from school to advise the school of their child’s situation. Please call before 9:00 am. at 819-684-7472. ALL students arriving late to school must enter by the reception and report to room 126. Students who leave school during the day must have parental permission (telephone call or note) prior to their departure and must sign out with the Secretary in Room 126.
Non-verified absences are considered truancy and may result in a detention or suspension from school. An absence is not verified when neither a telephone call nor a note was received, from a parent/guardian, prior to the absence. Absences are recorded daily for each period. The administration could request a meeting with the parents/guardians of students who are often truant from school.
A student, absent from a test, exam, or writing workshop does not have the right to sit at a later date (This absence should be verified by a medical certificate).
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESStudents who choose to participate in extracurricular activities (teams, clubs, etc.) must be in good standing (academic, attendance, and behavior). Although these activities are not compulsory, students are encouraged to participate. Parents are advised to monitor the academic performance of students involved in extracurricular activities. Status as a player or participant in any activity organized by the school is subject to review by the school administration at any time.
STUDENT SERVICES
The Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Borts, is available to answer questions pertaining to credits for graduation, post-secondary education and new registrations. She is also available to help with academic, motivational and emotional/social issues. Her office is room 132. To make an appointment with Mrs. Borts you can email her at
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, sign up in her red binder in the library or request an appointment at recess or lunch.
STUDENT FEES
A $100.00 fee will be charged for each student (with a maximum of $200.00 per family). This payment entitles each student to one identification card and one student planner.
Unpaid fees may prevent participation in school or extracurricular activities.
Combination locks ($4.00) are necessary and must be purchased from the school. You may use a lock you have previously purchased from the school.
ACCIDENTSPlease note that all accidents are to be reported immediately to a teacher or supervisor. The School Board is not responsible for any accident in the school or on the school grounds. It is strongly recommended that all students have a private accident insurance policy. When a student is going to be transported to a health center, the cost of his transportation is the responsibility of the family.
Many activities are organized for student participation. Some of these, especially sporting events, can result in minor accidents. A private insurance policy is strongly recommended for participants.
SAFE SCHOOLS POLICY
The Western Quebec School Board believes in the right of each learner and each staff member to work in a safe environment in its schools. The Board believes it is the responsibility of everyone, parents and students included, to contribute to the development of safe schools. Through the implementation of effective measures such as preventative practices, early intervention and the administration of fair, consistent disciplinary action, Safe Schools will become a reality in our Board. The Board believes in teaching self-control, self-respect, and self-discipline to help students prepare for a satisfying and productive life.
The Board’s role is to safeguard the learners and teachers on its premises or at school sponsored events and does not tolerate:
- Weapons (including replicas)
- Acts of violence—actual or threatened
- Vandalism or theft
- Expressions of racial, ethnic, religious or sexual prejudice or harassment
The safe schools policy applies to school-related transportation as well as school activities (both on-site and in other locations).
WESTERN QUEBEC SCHOOL BOARD DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
The following was adopted as policy in December 1996: any student using or in possession of alcohol and/or illegal drugs on school property or while participating in a school activity can expect the following action:
1. The school administration will confiscate the alcohol and/or illegal drugs.
2. The student’s parents will be informed 3. Where appropriate, the police will be notified, the student will be identified to them and the police will be given the confiscated goods.
4. Any youth sector student, in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs on school property or during school organized activities shall be suspended immediately for a period of ten (10) school days. At the discretion of the school Principal, the suspension period may be reduced to no less than five (5) school days.
5. The school administration will recommend that parents enroll the student in a rehabilitation program and will make available to the parents and the student a drug information package.
6. Students repeating the offence shall be liable to expulsion from school after a hearing by the Discipline Committee of the School Board. 7. Traffickers of alcohol and/or illegal drugs will be suspended immediately for a minimum of ten (10) school days and will be liable to expulsion from school. In this case as well, the police will be informed and the rehabilitation information will be provided.
SCHOOL BUS
Students must use only the bus assigned to them by the school board. Anyone missing the bus will have to telephone parents to arrange for transportation. Bus company regulations must be respected as enforced by the driver. No permits to take another student’s bus will be issued by the school administration. Bicycles are not permitted in or near the bus loading area.
There is NO student parking in either of the staff parking lots.
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR As members of society, each one of us is responsible for our own behaviour. At D’Arcy McGee, reminders, corrections, or other behaviour shaping disciplinary measures may be used when a student’s behaviour is not acceptable. Students are expected to honor behaviour shaping measures such as would be administered by a judicious parent. Every staff member is authorized to correct faults and to discipline offences whenever misconduct is observed on the premises.
Please note that the Principal and Vice-Principal will use their discretion regarding consequences for behaviour. These may lead to detentions, suspensions and/or expulsions. A suspension could oblige students, along with their parents/guardians, to meet with the administration. All students must catch up with any missed schoolwork prior to returning to class. During the suspension, the student is not allowed to use the school bus, attend school activities or to be on school property.
School regulations are in effect during all student activities including dances, football games, activity days, and other events. 1. Students must stay on school property.
The school administration does not accept responsibility for the behavior or the safety of students leaving the grounds with or without parental permission. Students must not invite friends or any visitors to the school or on to school grounds during the day. Visitors, on school business, must report to reception, Room 130, upon arrival.
2. Students must refrain from smoking on school property.
A student caught smoking will be suspended for at least one school day for the first infraction. The administration may increase suspensions up to three days if a student is found smoking more than once. Effective May 31, 2006, Quebec's Bill 112 will prohibit smoking on school grounds.
3. Students must treat all members of the school community with kindness and respect.
Students who direct foul or threatening language towards any member of the school personnel will receive a suspension from school. Students who harass, bully or threaten other students will be suspended from school. Victims will be encouraged to file an official complaint with the police. 4. Students are expected to take care of school property.
Students will be held financially responsible for damage to school property and for loss or damage to books issued to them by teachers or on loan from the library.
Students are responsible for the cleanliness and care of lockers and may not change locker partners without authorization from administration. Locker inspections can be made at any time. Be careful with your locker combination!
Food should be eaten in the cafeteria. If seated at a messy table, you are expected to help clean the table. Students are expected to use garbage cans to help keep the school and grounds clean.
5. Students must refrain from inappropriate displays of affection in and around the school.
6. Students must dress appropriately for school.
Students are expected to dress in a manner that is clean, neat, modest and appropriate to the school setting (typical of what you would wear if you had a part-time job, meeting the public and answering the telephone in an office or bank setting).
Clothing that does not meet the beltline or leaves underwear exposed is not permitted during school hours. Tube tops and spaghetti-strap tops are not permitted. Walking shorts will be permitted (bike and short shorts are not). Students who are not dressed appropriately will be asked to wear school clothing.
Jewelry, such as “Dog collars”, spiked bracelets, bike chains, etc., is not appropriate. Any clothing that promotes alcohol or drugs, and/or clothing with vulgar, offensive, racist, sexist, or violent slogans or symbols is not to be worn at school. Coats, jackets (outdoor wear), hats, caps, and bandanas must be left in lockers during class hours. Headgear is to be removed when entering the school. Issues pertaining to style of dress will be subject to the Principal and Vice-Principal’s discretion.
7. Students must demonstrate self-discipline at all times.
Students have the right to receive an education in a favourable learning climate. The philosophy of our school is one that balances rights with responsibilities. We encourage and support behaviours that promote a favourable learning environment. In general, students are expected to behave in a manner that permits every student the right to the best education possible. Students can expect to be disciplined accordingly (in some instances, police intervention) if they can not adapt to the school rules and procedures.
8. Students must be prepared for class.
Students must arrive to class on time. Unjustified late arrivals to class could have disciplinary consequences. Students who are out of class during class time, must have a hall pass signed by a staff member. Students must bring only appropriate material to class. Cell-phones, beepers, laser pointers or any other items which can be disruptive to the classroom must be left in lockers during classroom hours. If brought to class, these items could be confiscated. Walkmans/Discmans, MP3 players, are permitted in class only with the permission of the classroom teacher. These items are the students’ personal responsibility and should not be left unattended. Valuables should not be left in the gym change room. School bags, backpacks, and purses must be left in lockers during class hours (unless needed for physical education class).
The school does not accept responsibility for lost or stolen articles. If, during the course of the year, a student leaves D’Arcy McGee, he/she must return all textbooks, complete appropriate forms and leave a forwarding address with Anne Spears in room R118.
9) Students must hand in quality assignments.
- Assignments, projects, workbooks, homework and notes submitted for correction are subject to the following guidelines:
- be legibly written if not typed – math assignments should be done in pencil● be spaced according to the teacher’s instructions
- be presented neatly and on clean, numbered pages● show a title, date, student’s name, teacher’s name, with a cover page if required
- make use of proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar rules
- be handed in by the due date.
Plagiarism is the downloading of information from internet sites and presenting it as your own or taking someone else’s idea or work and presenting it as your own. Plagiarism will result in a mark of zero. A student could be expected to resubmit the project or essay under conditions established by the teacher and/or the administration.
10. Students must take responsibility for their academic achievement. Students are responsible for doing their assignments on time and conscientiously. Homework is not merely the written work, it should also include: preparing for classroom discussions, researching, improving skills learned in class (practicing specific skills), reviewing material, preparing for tests, and attending mandatory tutorial sessions when required.
The minimum suggested time, per evening, by level is:
Secondary III – 75 minutes Secondary IV – 90 minutes Secondary V - 90 minutes.
Students are responsible for course material covered during an absence, outing, or other extended activity. Students are encouraged to make prior arrangements with a classmate to take notes, accept handouts, record assignments and get other pertinent information given during their absence. Tutor/Recuperation sessions, given by teachers, are for the purpose of dealing with specific difficulties, not to re-teach missed class time. In the event of an extended absence, for valid reasons, (more than four 4 days), parents can contact the Secretary at 819-684-7472, and request assignments. The request will be passed on to the teachers who will be asked to provide information to room 130 as soon as possible. Teachers may choose to call the student/parent directly and provide the available information.
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