J.M. Olds Collegiate Student Handbook


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J.M. Olds Collegiate is a Student Centered School

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Mission_Statement
Philosophy
Rights_Responsibilities_and Expectations
Student_Rights_and_Responsibilities
School-Wide_Expectations
Appropriate_Behavior..._You_make_the Choice
School-Wide_Policies
Conduct_Unbecoming_a_Student Disciplinary_Interventions
Consequences_:_You_make_the_Choice

Mission Statement

The MISSION of J.M. Olds Collegiate is to enable students to reach their maximum potential through a quality learning experience and equal opportunity. In promoting a desire to learn, we believe students to be our primary focus.

We can accomplish our mission by satisfying the needs of all students:

  1. The need for competency and achievement;
  2. The need for structure, safety, control and discipline and;
  3. The need for positive, personalized interaction with peers and adults.

We believe the students at J. M. Olds Collegiate should be provided the opportunity to learn, grow and develop in a safe and orderly environment. Inherent in such a quality learning environment are the structure and expectations that will allow our school to function properly. It is the firm, fair and consistent application of these "expectations" which will become the guiding principle for a quality learning environment at J. M. Olds Collegiate.
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Philosophy

J. M. Olds Collegiate operates on the philosophy that all students have the right to learn. To do so, each student must be in a school climate that is satisfying and productive.

Students must understand that they are responsible and accountable for their behavior and for their overall school performance. Students must be aware of school expectations and be willing participants in the learning process. Students have to make the appropriate choices at J. M. Olds Collegiate.

While students at J. M. Olds Collegiate are generally responsible, we recognize that, at some time, a student may practice poor judgment regarding his/her behavior. Students will be taught how to take responsibility for and correct errors in judgement by school staff & parents. A cooperative and supportive student - teacher - parent relationship is essential for maximum achievement in education.
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Principles Of Success

Rights, Responsibilities and Expectations

A school-wide discipline program called the Principles of Success has been adopted by J.M. Olds Collegiate. This program is based on a set of school-wide expectations that will become the foundation for quality learning experiences for all at J.M. Olds Collegiate
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Student Rights and Responsibilities

The staff of J.M. Olds Collegiate expects that students behaves in a reasonable, responsible, positive manner, and understand the need for the following rights, responsibilities and school-wide expectations.

  1. I have the right to an education.It is my responsibility to listen, to learn, to strive to meet academic expectations, and to accept and respect the instruction of my teachers.
  2. I have a right to a quality school life and to be treated with dignity and respect in the school. It is my responsibility to treat others with respect and dignity. I will not make students or staff feel uncomfortable in the school setting.
  3. I have a right to be safe, secure and comfortable in this school. It is my responsibility not to physically, verbally, and/or emotionally threaten others.
  4. I have a right to free expression in learning about others and myself. It is my responsibility to learn about others and myself in this school. I have the right to express my feelings in an appropriate manner.
  5. I have a right to privacy and to my own personal space. It is my responsibility to respect the personal property of others, and to accept their right to privacy.
  6. I have a right to assistance and support in learning self-control. It is my responsibility to practice self-control and ask for assistance when necessary. I will expect to be corrected when I abuse the rights of others, as they shall be corrected if my rights are abused.
  7. I have a right to participate in extra-curricular activities. It is my responsibility to demonstrate a strong academic effort while involved in extra-curricular activities.
  8. I am an ambassador for my school. It is my responsibility to reflect the values of my school during any extra-curricular activities I may be involved in.

I can expect that all these rights will be mine as long as I am fulfilling all my responsibilities.
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School-Wide Expectations

The staff at J.M. Olds Collegiate believes that the orderly process of education is best achieved when staff, students and parents are fully aware of school-wide expectations.
  1. Students are expected to be responsible for their academic performance and accountable for their school behavior.
  2. Students are expected to show consideration, courtesy and respect to others and their property.
  3. Students are expected to walk quietly and safety to and from all activities in an orderly manner.
  4. Students are expected to avoid the use of profane language and inappropriate gestures.
  5. Students are expected to place hats, coats and ALL electronic devices in their lockers during class time.
  6. Students are expected to sign out at the office before leaving during regular class time and to report in at the office upon return. When arriving late, students are expected to report immediately to the office to receive an admit slip.
  7. Students are expected to treat all school property (walls, desks, washrooms, lockers, etc.) with integrity, care and respect.
  8. Students are expected to be in classrooms during class time. Teacher's permission is required to leave the classroom.
  9. Students are expected to report any vandalism or damage of school property to the school office or classroom teacher immediately upon discovery.
  10. Students are expected to behave in law-abiding ways. School is NOT a sanctuary outside the law. Police advice/involvement will be sought as required.
  11. Students are expected to:
    • be diligent in pursuing their studies;
    • attend school regularly and punctually;
    • be prepared for class;
    • co-operate fully with those involved in the school environment;
    • comply with the rules of the school;
    • account to teachers for their conduct; and
    • respect the rights of others at all time.

Each classroom teacher has reasonable expectations that contribute to the instructional program, classroom harmony, and development of student responsibility.
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Appropriate Behavior... You make the Choice!

Our school-wide / classroom approach to discipline will:

  1. help the student identify his/her problem(s);
  2. help the student solve the problem(s) he/she created;
  3. leave the student's dignity intact and to;
  4. be FIRM, FAIR and CONSISTENT.

All students will be informed of their rights, their responsibilities and the expectation for them as students at J.M. Olds Collegiate. Students will be given the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their performance and behavior at J.M. Olds - Students will make the choice and in doing so - accept the consequences of their actions! The right decision and the right choice will get the right result! In keeping with our Principles of Success, the staff at J.M. Olds Collegiate will continue to ensure that students receive assistance, encouragement, awards, and recognition regarding their positive behavior and academic success.
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School-Wide Policies

Hands Off - Feet Off

With concern for safety at all times, J.M. Olds Collegiate has adopted a "Hands off - Feet off" policy. This policy is to protect students from physical harm, whether intentional or accidental. Aggressive behavior and/or fighting is not acceptable and will be dealt with at a ZERO TOLERANCE level. No student has a right to make another student feel uncomfortable!

At J.M. Olds Collegiate, our policy is to protect all students from bullying, harassment and intimidation. A student must have this protection in order to feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment. The ability to learn is greatly impaired when a student is under any type of duress.
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Homework

Homework is a part of school life. Homework extends and reinforces classroom learning and it is the responsibility of the student to make it a priority and complete it as necessary. Homework is to be completed, by the student, in a diligent and thorough manner within the allotted time frame. Homework may include completion of class assigned work, written assignments, written requests, preparing notes, reviewing material, preparing for a test and pre-reading material for the next class. Students are responsible for all missed work, notes, assignments and test when they are absent. ALL homework is posted on our website.
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Prepared for Class

To avoid a disruption to the learning process in the classroom, students are expected to be fully prepared for class. Students are expected to bring all necessary books and materials at the start of class: notebooks, pencils, pens, paper, binders, textbooks, and handouts, review sheets, mathematical sets, calculators, assignments, and study materials, etc.
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Exams / Test

Testing is an important part of evaluation and it is a learning experience for students in preparation for FINAL ASSESSMENT. Students who miss a test are expected to complete the test when they return to school. However, parents are expected to inform the school of a valid reason for the absence within three (3) days of the test/exam in order for their child to be permitted to write a make up test. Failure to contact the school will result in 0 % on the test. Students who miss formal exams, mid-terms and finals, are required to provide a medical note in order to be permitted to write a make-up exam. Failure to provide the required note will result in the student receiving 0%.
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Assignments / Research Papers

Assignments and research papers are an extension of classroom learning and are usually assigned with deadlines. Students are expected to demonstrate good work habits, be accountable for their work and meet assigned deadlines. Late assignment will be accepted at the discretion of the teacher and the administration. Students need to make arrangements with their teacher to ensure that ALL assignments are passed in, in order to meet curriculum outcomes for their specific courses.
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Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities are an important part of school life and the overall development of our students. However, students have an academic and behavioral responsibility to conform to school expectations before and while they represent J.M. Olds Collegiate on a team or on a committee. Participation in extra curricular activities will require a satisfactory academic effort as determined by classroom teachers, the student and school administration. School attendance must be at 90% and behavior must be exemplary in order to participate in extra-curricular activities, including sports, clubs and school committees. Failure to comply will result in the student being placed on ACADEMIC ALERT. This is an initial two (2) week probationary period for the student to demonstrate their compliance to the school's expectations. Students who leave school during instructional time for extra-curricular activities are expected to attend classes prior to departure. Students are expected to attend school for the next scheduled classes upon their return from extra-curricular activities.
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Student Dress

Students are asked to CO-OPERATE with school staff regarding dress standards. Dress that is suggestive, provocative, insulting and/or unsuitable for public school wear; that may result in a student distraction, disturbance or interruption of school proceedings is inappropriate. All shirts/tops must have a minimum of a 3" shoulder strap, must cover the midriff and must not show any cleavage. Undergarments are not to be visible. Students are not permitted to wear low cut clothing. . Dress that is questionable will be discussed with the student, parent/guardian and the school principal. We request that parents see that their children are dressed according to the weather conditions. Students may be asked to change their dress during regular school hours. A school reserves the right to establish a dress standard that is reasonable for all concerned.
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Contraband

Contraband items such as pornographic materials, weapons, cigarettes, drugs or alcohol are not permitted on school property. This, of course, is not an exhaustive list. It is only meant to serve as an example. All contraband items will be confiscated on sight.
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Smoking

Smoking is NOT permitted on J.M. Olds Collegiate property by students, parents, guardians or staff members as set forth by the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador. Cigarettes, matches, and lighters are not to be brought to school and will be confiscated on sight.
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Food and Beverages

Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom during instructional time and are not permitted in the computer rooms, gym at any time. The learning process in the classroom must be free from distractions and the classroom environment should be clean at all times.
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Use of Personal Electronics

Students are not permitted to use cell phones, portable musical devices (i.e. MP3/4 players, iPods) during class time. These items are to be stored in book bags (or lockers) while class is in session. Students are also expected NOT to use cameras or cell phones to take pictures at school. The unauthorized use of such images has great potential to subject students to unnecessary distress and we feel there is a need to take a proactive approach to such an occurrence. To maintain the preservation of our history and promotion of school pride, school events will be recorded by staff members.
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Textbook Return

Students are responsible for returning ALL textbooks in similar condition, in which they were received; during their last class for that particular course unless the books are required for final exam preparation. If required for a final exam, the textbook(s) are to be returned on the day the exam is being written prior to writing the exam. Failure to comply will result in parents having to replace the book at full cost.
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Conduct Unbecoming a Student

The following behaviors are those perceived to be DISRUPTIVE to the orderly process of education in the classroom, on school property, and during school sponsored activities.
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Category 1:

These categories of behaviors are those perceived to be DISRUPTIVE to the orderly process of education in the classroom, on school property or during school sponsored activities or field trips.

  1. Hats and Coats in the Classroom: hats and coats are not part of indoor wear. Hats and/or coats are not to be worn in class. Students are expected to use their lockers.
  2. Dress Code: all clothing should be neat, tidy and conservative. Clothing with inappropriate logos, beer labels, phrases, pictures or designs are not permitted. As well as the 3 'B's" policy.
  3. Inappropriate Talking: deliberate disruption to the learning process in the classroom.
  4. Notes: transfer of personal notes in class during instructional time is disruptive to the continuity of instruction.
  5. Lateness: a pattern of arriving to school late for class.
  6. Homework: incomplete homework and/or assignments
  7. Unprepared for class: Students coming to class without proper materials.
  8. Movement within the School: disregard for bells (hanging out in the corridor) and leaving class without teacher's permission.
  9. Use of Personal Electronics: Any violation of the above noted guidelines will result in confiscation of the electronic device, 1st Offence Confiscation - device returned to student after discussion with administration; 2nd Offence (and subsequent offences) Confiscation - device returned to parent/guardian by administration or designated staff member.
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Category 2:

These categories of behavior are those perceived to be SERIOUSLY DISRUPTIVE to the orderly process of education in the classroom, on school property and during school sponsored activities.

  1. Cumulative Absenteeism: any student demonstrating greater than 10% cumulative absenteeism.
  2. Skipping Exams / School: failure to be in class or school without a valid excuse.
  3. Disrespectful Language: displaying inappropriate language in the classroom, on school property, or during a school sponsored event.
  4. Destructive Damage: willfully damaging school property or other student's property. (i.e. bulletin boards, desks, wall, etc.)
  5. Lacking Courtesy: demonstrating behavior towards school staff, substitute teachers, bus drivers, coaches and /or students that is rude, belittling, and/or disrespectful.
  6. Suggestive Behavior: displaying offensive language and/or gestures that are unsuitable to school climate.
  7. Cheating: deliberately using materials, information, or answers on an exam/assignment that is not your own.
  8. Insubordination: refusal to comply with reasonable instructions or authority of teachers and school administration.
  9. Disrespect for Substitute Teachers: demonstrating behavior toward substitute teachers that is rude, belittling, and/or disrespectful.
  10. Lack of Effort: displaying genuine lack of effort to comply with school expectations, including academic expectations.
  11. Inappropriate use of Computers: entering web sites that are inappropriate and unrelated to classroom instruction or curriculum.
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Category 3:

These categories of behaviors are those perceived to the VERY SERIOUSLY DISRUPTIVE to the orderly process of education in the classroom, on school property, and during school sponsored activities.

  1. Threaten Teacher/Student - Bullying: demonstrating aggressive, hostile and/or threatening language, temper or physical action. Use of intimidation, coercion or force. (No student has a right to make another student or teacher feel uncomfortable)
  2. Fighting: any physical altercation that involves intimidation, coercion, or force. (Hands off - Feet off)
  3. Intoxication: possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs.
  4. Illicit Materials: possession of any type of prohibitive material.
  5. False Activation Of A Fire Alarm: pulling a fire alarm without due cause.
  6. Weapons: use of, possession of, and/or concealment of a weapon.
  7. Theft: stealing someone else's property.
  8. Profane Language: displaying offensive language that is unsuitable to school climate.
  9. Any Other Illegal Behavior: J.M. Olds Collegiate is not above the law.
  10. Illegal behavior will be reported to the police.
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Disciplinary Interventions

A firm, fair, and consistent procedure of disciplinary intervention would provide a progressive guideline to students and teachers. This may be a cumulative procedure over an extended period of time. The procedure will involve the following steps:

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Consequences : You make the Choice!

CATEGORY 1 --- Disruptive Behavior

CATEGORY 2 --- Seriously Disruptive Behavior

CATEGORY 3 --- Very Seriously Disruptive Behavior

" The school administration reserves the option of applying any step to any situation, pending circumstances"

Staff members and school administration will consider all mitigating circumstances prior to disciplinary intervention and assure due process for each student. Mitigating circumstances shall include, but are not limited to, the following factors:

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Conduct/Choices Category Minimum Consequences - First Wrong Choice
1. Hats and Coats in Classroom 1 - Disruptive Step 1
2. Dress code 1 - Disruptive Step 1
3. Inappropriate Talking 1 - Disruptive Step 1
4. Notes 1 - Disruptive Step 1
5. Lateness 1 - Disruptive Step 1
6. Homework 1 - Disruptive Step 1
7. Unprepared For Class 1 - Disruptive Step 1
8. Movement Within the School 1 - Disruptive Step 1
9. Cumulative Absenteeism 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
10. Skipping Exams / School 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
11. Disrespectful Language 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
12. Destructive Damage 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
13. Lacking Courtesy 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
14. Suggestive Behavior 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
16. Insubordination 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
17. Disrespect for Substitute Teachers 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
18. Lack Of Effort 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
19. Inappropriate Computer use 2 - Seriously Disruptive Step 2 & 3
20. Bullying / Harassment 3 - Very Seriously Disruptive Step 4
21. Fighting. 3 - Very Seriously Disruptive Step 4
22. Under the Influence 3 - Very Seriously Disruptive Step 4
23. Illicit Materials 3 - Very Seriously Disruptive Step 4
24. False Activation of Fire Alarm 3 - Very Seriously Disruptive Step 4
25. Profane Language 3 - Very Seriously Disruptive Step 4
26. Theft 3 - Very Seriously Disruptive Step 7
27. Weapons 3 - Very Seriously Disruptive Step 7
28. Any Illegal Behaviour
3 - Very Seriously Disruptive
Step 7






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