Staff

Hernewood Intermediate School

HERE’S ONE OF THE RULES
THAT WE LEARN JUST BY LIVING;
RESPECT IS A THING
THAT IS GOTTEN BY GIVING.

-Joseph Joubert-

We hope this handbook will be a useful guide to you throughout the school year. It contains a lot of important information that will help each student enjoy a happy, successful school year. Let’s all work together each school day to make 2009-2010 an excellent school year.

Hernewood's Mission Statement

To provide an atmosphere which is conducive to learning and where students are given a variety of experiences promoting the overall development of the individual, both socially and academically.

History of Hernewood
Hernewood Intermediate School welcomed its first students in September, 1975. The unique name our school has inherited, refers to part of the estate John Hunter Duvar owned. Mr. Duvar was a son of many talents, military officer, poet, farmer and member of the legislative assembly. The following is a small section of one of his works.

Emigration of the Fairies

It was in truth, a quiet shady place,
A nook apart from traffic's toil and moil;
Nor fair nor market, but unbroken fact
Of lush, green pastures on a fertile soil,
Well clothed with wealth of woods, by nature's bounty,
and known as "Hernewood" all throughout the country.

For the blue herons there would build their nests,
High up on the tall tops of withered pines.
And sit there with their bills upon their breasts.
Or on one leg, erect would stand in lines
Fishing along the inlets, marish, sedges
Like sculptured ibises on old Niles edges.

Code of Conduct
Hernewood Intermediate School Code of Conduct:
I will:
1. Respect myself, others and school property.
2. Take responsibility for my own actions and learning.
3. Behave in a safe and responsible manner.
4. Make a positive contribution to my school.

Students, you will see guidelines for behavior posted in all classrooms. This is the code of conduct that each Hernewood student is to know and follow.

School Information
Bus Service
Students and parents who have questions or concerns about bus service are asked to contact the transportation supervisor at the Elmsdale School Board Office (853-8602). Expectations regarding behavior on the buses will be described and enforced by individual drivers with support from the school administration.

Dress Code

*Pants must not ride below hips

*Head wear is not permitted

*Shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses must not be too short/revealing (hem must be below fingertips of extended arms)

*Any clothing accessories that are considered a safety hazard are not permitted

*Any clothing that is considered offensive (for example: racial, sexual or profane) will not be permitted

*Clothing must meet front and back (for example: tops must meet pants/skirts)

*Tops must have wide shoulder straps (no undergarments showing)

*Neckline must not be revealing

*Back must be covered

*Appropriate footwear must be worn

In addition to the above guidelines, any other clothing that may be considered inappropriate will be addressed on an individual basis.

School Visitors
Visitors are welcome to Hernewood Intermediate School. Upon arrival, visitors must report to the office reception area. To comply with Safe School Guidelines, ALL visitors will be provided with a visitor’s name tag.

Network/Internet
All students at Hernewood are given a login and password to use the schools Network. The Network allows students to use a word processor, graphics, data base and spreadsheet. From time to time, various educational programs (ie: math) may be assigned to students. Each student will be given an E-mail address account at no cost. Abuse of the Network results in a loss of privilege. Students must have their parents sign an Internet Access Use Agreement, this allows students access to the World Wide Web.

Medicine
No staff member is permitted to administer any medication, including over-the-counter drugs. With appropriate forms, signed by Doctor and parent, medications can be administrated under special circumstances when provided by parents.

Illness And Injury
If a student becomes ill or injured while at school, every effort will be made to contact parents. If in the event of a serious situation and parents cannot be contacted, the school administration will use its own discretion in regard to medical attention. Please be sure that you, the parent, has given the school an emergency contact number other than parent.

Hernewood is a scent free and peanut free school. We ask that all staff, students and visitors follow this guideline.

Student Guidelines
Personal Belongings
Students are responsible for their own valuables and personal belongings. Please leave hats, coats, MP3 players, CD players and sports equipment in your lockers. Cell phones are not permitted in school. Students are asked NOT to bring their bicycles, wheelies skateboards and electronic communication aids including cameras to school. With bus driver's permission students may listen to iPods, etc on the bus.

Homework/Buddy System
Homework will be assigned in reasonable amounts and with adequate preparation and instruction. When students miss a day, it is their responsibility to complete any work that was missed and to make sure that someone picks up their books. If a student is out for an extended period of time due to medical reasons, parents are asked to contact the home room teacher.

Homework Club will be held during both lunches. Students can voluntarily attend homework club if they are falling behind or need extra help. Teachers can assign students to homework club if assigned homework, assignments or projects have not been completed.

Assignments, Tests and Examinations
All assignments/projects are due on time. Students are expected to write all tests on the day scheduled. When a circumstance arises where this is impossible, tests will be given after school or at the teacher's convenience.

Student Promotion
The standard required for promotion to the next grade level at Hernewood Intermediate and to move on to Grade 10 is as follows:

Minimum grade in English: 60%

Minimum grade in Math: 60%

Immersion students - minimum grade in Math, French and English Language Arts: 60%

Minimum grade in all other subjects: 50%

Please note: No more than ONE of these subjects has a, final mark, below 50%

Attendance
After a 10 day absence, a letter will be sent home to parents to alert them of the school's concern. If attendance continues to be a problem, a letter to parents and the school board will be issued.

Parents may receive a call from the school administration as a way to ensure that the student is not being truant. Truancy and skipping will lead to disciplinary action.

Textbooks and Loaned Materials
Textbooks and loaned materials will be distributed to students during the first week of school. The students will be financially responsible for the loss of or damage to textbooks. Students will also be allowed to sign out library books. Should either of the above be lost or damaged, students are responsible for the cost of the replacement.

Gym Expectations
In order to promote safe and healthy activities, all students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

* Proper gym clothing is to be worn when participating in all gymnasium activities. This includes rubber soled gym shoes(non-marking).

* Behavior and conduct in the gym must be safe and acceptable for everyone involved.

* Equipment must be used properly at all times.

* The gymnasium is to be left in the condition that it was found prior to usage. All equipment should be returned to the proper area and neatly stored away.

* Any equipment which is damaged due to student abuse, will be replaced by the students involved.

* Food or drink of any kind is not allowed in the gymnasium area.

* It is the students responsibility to ensure their possessions (money, Jewellery, etc )are kept locked in their gym lockers during gym time. Responsible behaviour is a must in locker room. The boys locker room has new lockers and will be monitored very closely for damage. Any damage done will be the responsibility of the student to pay for it.

* Scent Free Zone - no aerosol sprays allowed.

Main Lockers
Each student will be assigned a locker and combination lock at the school. Students must use only their assigned locker. Students are required to purchase their lock for $5.00 from the school and this lock is guaranteed for the 3 years. Because you will move from one class to another throughout the day, all books will be kept in your main locker rather than in your home room. You should ensure, however, before morning and afternoon classes that you remove from your main locker the necessary books and materials for those classes. All gym clothing and equipment will be kept in your gym locker.

Student Search
A school official may search a student or the student's locker providing the search is reasonable and is conducted with the following in mind:

a. The school official has reasonable ground for believing that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated the law or the rules of the school.
b. The search is conducted by or in the presence of the Principal or Vice-Principal.*(or designate)

Telephone
The schools Administrative Assistant is in the office from 8:15 - 3:45 to answer phone calls. Student phone calls must be made when classes are not in session. Office phone may be used in cases of emergency; all other calls can be made from the school pay phone located in the lobby (25 cents). The school secretary will take messages for students from parents/guardians during class time. Students are not permitted to make long distance phone calls from school unless it is made from the pay phone.

Substitute Teachers
Our school is fortunate in having capable people to help us whenever our regular teachers are ill, or are attending conferences. Substitute teachers are to be given the same respect and cooperation as regular staff.

Use of Tobacco/Drugs
Smoking and use of tobacco products are prohibited in our school and on Hernewood Intermediate School grounds. Failure to abide by this rule will result in the actions as outlined in the Western School Board Policy.

DISCIPLINE AT HERNEWOOD

To be partners in education, parents and teachers must focus on what they will accomplish together. As children arrive at school, they literally switch on the set of behaviours associated with being students. The two main goals of school discipline are: 1) to ensure the safety of students and staff, and 2) to create on environment that allows for learning to take place.

Students, you are expected to behave maturely and to take responsibility for your own actions.

The following discipline has been set down so you the students, and we, the teachers, can work together to benefit everyone.

Disciplinary Action To Be Taken

A. Teachers will meet with students and contact parents if there are any concerns in the classroom.

B. Students who are continuously involved in minor offenses will be put out of class and the Administration will be notified and contact the home when deemed necessary.

Persistent refusal to follow any Teacher’s or Staff Member’s instructions will result in the student being removed from class for 1 day or suspension from the school depending on the severity of the situation.

Consequences (based on the Western School Board Policy Handbook):

Alcohol/Drug Use and/or Possession: Minimum 5 day suspension

Alcohol/Drug/Tobacco Trafficking: Minimum 10 suspension

Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination, Physical and Verbal Abuse:
Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken which, depending on the severity of the situation, may include mediation, parental involvement, removal of student’s privileges, or suspension. Repeated or more serious incidents of bullying, harassment, discrimination, physical and verbal abuse, including fighting will result in a suspension of 1-5 days.

Persistent Profanity: first offense: 1 day suspension,second offense: 2-5 days.

Pulling of Fire Alarms, Arson or Bomb Threats:
Automatic suspensions will be given to students who pull fire alarms, commit acts of arson or who make bomb threats:

Fire Alarm: 1-5 day(s)
Arson or Bomb Threat - 10 days suspension

Skipping Class: first offense: 1 day suspension

Weapons or replicas:
Possession of weapons or replicas: Minimum of 10 day suspension and notification of RCMP

Threat of Use of Weapons: Minimum 5 day suspension

Vandalism, Destruction of Theft of School or Personal Property:
Minimum of 1-5 days suspension, restitution and/or notification of RCMP.

Extra-Curricular Participation

When students agree to represent Hernewood then they are expected to honour that commitment. If they do not then there may be restrictions in participating in other school extra curricular activities for one calendar year.

Expectations of all students involved in Extra Curricular Activities:

1. Students can be withdrawn or prevented from participation in any extra-curricular activity as a result of: lack of academic effort and other discipline problems.

2. Students in extra-curricular activities must maintain an acceptable academic standing as judged by the staff.

3. Extra-curricular activities are a privilege not a right.

4. Academic subjects will have priority over extra-curricular activities. This includes extra help, homework, tests, assignments, etc. Students are responsible for calling a classmate about work missed.

5. Students involved in extra-curricular activities are reminded that they are representing the school and should act and dress in a manner of which the school will be proud.

6. Students whose extra curricular activities are questionable will have their case discussed by staff and administration.

7. Any materials (ie: music sheets, uniforms) damaged or lost will be the financial responsibility of the student.

8. Due to budget restraints, parents will be requested to take some responsibility in getting students to and from activities when necessary.

Remember!

9. Teachers volunteer their time and students will be expected to follow the above guidelines. Responsible behavior in all areas of school life is mandatory.

10. Students are expected to complete the season in any event they were selected to be involved in (Science Fair, Sports.....). If a student chooses not to finish the season, his/her case will be reviewed. Failure to abide by the above guidelines could result in removal of the student from the extra-curricular activity or prevent participation in other extra-curricular activities,.....

Some Extra Curricular Activities:
A. Interscholastic Sports
Every year Hernewood students are involved in many sports. The coaches are looking forward to a successful year, and to help accomplish their goals, coaches will be looking for dedicated team members. All students and coaches are expected to uphold the honour and integrity of the school. Therefore, we ask for the support and co-operation of both students and parents.

Team lists will be approved by all staff prior to final selection. All team members will be expected to adhere to the following regulations:

1. All team members must abide by the school rules for extra-curricular participation.

2. Be in school on the day of a game. (Phys. Ed. Dept. Head and coaches will determine individual sport expectations.)

3. Follow dress code.

4. Care for the uniforms and return them in good condition. Those not returned will be billed to the student.

5. Students who quit or who are dismissed from a school team will be suspended from all school sports for 1 calendar year. The following is the criteria that coaches will follow:

* discussion with student and parties involved.

* go to practise - but sit and watch only.

* miss a game/band trip, etc...

* meet with parents, student, coach, teacher, etc....

* dismissed from team/band, etc......

B. Music

Students are encouraged to get involved in any of the extra curricular music activities. Involvement in bands or musical groups offers students the chance to acquire skills, to be with friends, and to travel. After students have been enrolled in the Music program they are required to remain in Music for the school year.

C. Allied Youth (A.Y.)

A.Y. is a group for junior and senior high school students that organize activities for members based on a 3-point program - including:

1. Community Involvement

2. Healthy Lifestyles

3. Leadership Development

School and community posts are organized in all areas of your school and regional functions, as well as provincial and international conferences.

D. History and Travel

This club provides the opportunity for grade 9 students to travel to Quebec - Ontario near the end of the grade 9 school year.

E. Additional Opportunities

According to student interest and availability of volunteers, groups such as writers’ club, leader ship, art, drama, outdoor recreation may be organized. Members of the community who have an interest in offering any extra curricular activities are invited to contact the school.

F. OTHER....(example: Heritage Fair,.......)

When students are selected to go to the Provincial Science Fair, Heritage Fair, etc. to represent our school, then they follow the same expectations as all students in extra-curricular events

School Services & Activities
School Counselling Services
All students entering Hernewood receive an orientation session with the guidance counsellor to familiarize each student with the guidance services, as well as exploring concerns associated with entering a new and unfamiliar environment.

Referrals from teachers or parents are not required and all students are encouraged to make an appointment if they wish assistance with any personal, social, academic or career related issues. Parents as well, are encouraged to contact the school counsellor if there are any concerns or questions regarding their children while attending Hernewood.

Students and parents can be assured the problems and situations dealt with in the Counsellor's office will be held in the strictest confidence unless the information shared is illegal or life threatening.

Resource Program
The Resource/Special Education program provides individual and small group assistance or classroom support to students who may benefit from these services.

Library/Resource Centre
Students are invited to use the library/resource centre for study purposes, research or to browse through the material. Students should be proud of their library, and should use the materials to improve their learning as well as for leisurely pleasure. Students must return borrowed materials on or before the date due are have them renewed.

Concerns
School staff want to work with families and students to ensure that all students receive a quality education. If a parent has a concern which he/she wishes to discuss with any teacher, please discuss the matter with the teacher before asking the administration to arbitrate. Any parent may request an interview by sending a note to the teacher concerned. (The secretary is unable to set up a conference time for the teacher since she is unaware of the teacher’s personal schedule.)

If the student has an issue with another student they should try to resolve it together. If a student has an issue of concern with a staff member try to resolve it with that person first because in most instances he/she will be able to resolve the situation immediately. If a student is dissatisfied with the response, then he/she can contact the principal directly. Concerns about the principal’s actions can be brought to the Superintendent and then to the School Board.