St. Jean Elementary School Handbook
2009-2010

School Calendar School Features/ Programs
Administration’s Message Fire Drills
Mission Statement Fundraising
Communication Speech/Language
Emergencies Public Health Nurse
Parent Teacher Conferences School Supplies
School Drop-Off - Pick-Up Zones Pizza Day
School Visitors Milk Program
School Attendance Healthy Eating Policy
School Hours Student Behavior and Conduct
Age of Entry to Grade 1, Registration Parental Responsibility 
in Supporting the School’s Code of Conduct
Student Supervision The Caring Places to Learn Policy
School Cancellations Due To Storms Bus Travel
One Hour Delay PEI School Accident Insurance
Late Bus Run Eastern School District
School Cancellation During the Day Administrative Staff Positions

This handbook is sent home at the beginning of each new school year to give parents information on the operation and policies of St. Jean Elementary School.

It is hoped that you will find this guide useful during the year. If you need clarification, please call the school anytime during the day (8:00 - 4:00 pm) at 368-6985.

School Calendar for 2010 - 2011

September (21 School Days) (18 Instructional Days)

1 Orientation day for teachers

2 Professional Development/School Development day

3 Professional Development/School Development day

6 Labour Day

7 First Instructional Day for Grades 1 to 12

9 First Instructional Day for Kindergarten

October (20 School Days) (17 Instructional Days)

1 Professional Development Day

11 Thanksgiving

14-15 PEITF Annual Convention/CUPE Annual Convention

November (21 School Days) (20 Instructional Days)

11 Remembrance Day

26 Professional Development/School Development day

December (16 School Days) (16 Instructional Days)

22 Last Day of Classes, 2010

January (20 School Days) (20 Instructional Days)

4 First School Day for 2011

February (19 School Days) (18 Instructional Days)

1 End of Semester Administration/Professional Development Day

21 Islander Day

March (18 School Days) (18 Instructional Days)

21-25 March Break

April (19 School Days) (18 Instructional Days)

22 Good Friday

25 Easter Monday

26 Professional Development/School Development day

May (21 School Days) (20 Instructional Days)

6 Area Association Professional Development Day/CUPE 3260 Annual Convention

23 Victoria Day

June (22 School Days) (19 Instructional Days)

10 First day on which examinations for grade 12 students may be scheduled

14 First day on which examinations for grade 10-11 students may be scheduled

17 First day on which examinations for grade 9 students may be scheduled

20 Last day for senior high graduating students

20 First day for grade 12 graduation ceremonies

23 First day for elementary and intermediate closing ceremonies

27 Last Instructional day. Report cards for grades 1-11

30 Last day for teachers


Administration’s Message
Welcome back to a new and exciting school year! A special welcome is extended to students and parents/guardians who are joining the St. Jean School Community for the first time.

We believe in a co-operative partnership between home and school to ensure success. As is evidenced by our mission statement below, our staff is committed to providing an environment that is both safe and caring. This environment is necessary to promote the academic and social growth of all of our students.

We hope you enjoy your experience with us at St. Jean Elementary. Please take a few minutes to read through our handbook and familiarize yourself with the operation and policies so that we can work together to make this a great year for everyone.


Mission Statement
The mission of St. Jean Elementary School is to create a positive, safe and caring environment, where quality instruction promotes life-long learning. In partnership with parents and community, staff will establish a climate where all students can work to the best of their ability to achieve academic and social success.

Communication

Good communication between home and school is essential. You are encouraged to call if your have questions or concerns about your child. The best time to contact the teacher is after school. If however you wish to call during the day, the office will take a message and relay it to the teacher. If you have a urgent concern that you wish to discuss, please send a note with your child to the teacher for them to contact you.

Parents/guardians are welcome to visit our school or our staff. We ask however that you do not drop by your child’s classroom to discuss their progress during the school day as this interferes with the smooth running of the classroom and is very distracting for all students. The office will relay any urgent messages for you or will inform your child if you need to see them.

A newsletter will be sent home at the beginning of each month informing you of school events.

Separate notices will be sent home for special activities. Each teacher will require a signed permission slip for activities outside the regular school program.

Parents are asked to participate in specific projects such as family life education, school fund raising and our Home and School Association.

Parents will be invited at scheduled times to meet their child's teacher as part of our regular parent-teacher interviews. Notices will be sent to you suggesting an appointment time. Please confirm the appointment by signing and returning the notices.

Parents initiating conferences should do so by appointment. Staff members are involved in a variety of curriculum meetings and university course work and are not readily available for unscheduled meetings.

To make an appointment call Sharon Cronin, Administrative Assistant at 368-6985.

Emergencies
The school keeps on file the name and telephone number of a relative, friend, neighbor of each child who may be contacted when parents can not be reached. These reference numbers must be kept up to date in case of an emergency. Parents are asked to notify the school in writing of any changes as soon as possible.

 

Parent Teacher Conferences
Two sets of parent teacher conferences are scheduled during the year. Conferences in the months of May and June leading up to final reports will be optional and will be scheduled at the request of staff and/or parents. The dates are as follows:
October 28th ~ after school/evening
October 29 ~ Full day 8:30 - 3:00 pm
November 30 ~  Report Cards Issued
School Drop-Off - Pick-Up Zones
Due to safety concerns parents who drop-off and pick-up students by car should do so at the Bayfield Street entrance to the playground. The Queen Street entrance is reserved for parking, taxis and commercial deliveries. It becomes very busy and congested before and after school.

 

School Visitors
All visitors, including parents, are required to report to the office when entering the school.

If you are picking up your child, please wait in the front lobby to alleviate congestion and confusion in the hallways. It is very distracting for your child and other students to have people waiting in the hallway while they are engaged in classroom activities. If you are picking up your child for an appointment, and they are not ready, please go the office, and we will page them to join you.

If you are dropping off forgotten items, such as lunch or homework, please leave these in the office, so as not to disturb classes.

 

Six-Day Cycle
St. Jean Elementary operates on a six day cycle. This means that each day has a number from 1 - 6. The cycle begins on the first full day of school in September and continues through the year. Any holiday, teacher workshop day, or day cancelled due to a storm are not counted. Only days the students are in school are included in the cycle.

School Attendance
Consistent school attendance plays a major role in as student’s academic success.

Children are expected to attend school on all designated school days during the year except if they are ill. Parents must inform the school if their child is absent for any reason. Please call the school at 368-6985 before 9:00 a.m. if your child will be absent or late.

The following applies to all activities taking place on school days. "Everyday is a regular school day regardless of field trips, festivals, etc. Pupils are expected to be at school unless parents are notified to the contrary

 

School Hours
Students are expected to be at school by 8:25 am and ready to start the school day at 8:35 am. Please ensure your son/daughter develops good study habits by being on time for school.
8:15 - Supervision begins
8:25 - 1st bell - Start of day
8:35 - O’Canada & Morning Announcements
10:15 - 10:30 Morning recess (outside
10:30 - 10:40 Recess snack
11:40 - 12:00 Outdoors for noon time play
12:00 - 12:20 Eat Lunch
2:25 - Early Bus Students Leave classroom for bus loading
2:30 - 1st Bell - Early bus departs
2:35 2nd Bell (all other bus students load bus/walkers leave)

 

Age of Entry to Grade 1, Registration
Grade one students must be 6 years of age by October 31, 2009 to be eligible to enter grade one in September, 2009. Parents are requested to register students by telephone or in person. Proof of date of birth will be required at the time of registration or, for parents who register by telephone, at the time of the Pre-Grade l orientation in the Spring.
Student Supervision
Children are supervised by St. Jean Staff during recess and lunch hour. There is no supervision on school grounds before 8:15 am and after 2:35 pm.

Notes are requested from parents asking for permission for a child to stay indoors at noon or recess because of illness.

School Cancellations Due To Storms
If schools are to be cancelled, parents will be notified on all local radio stations. The first notice will be announced by 7:00 am.

One Hour Delay
In cases where a decision cannot be made by 7:00 am, a one hour delay will be announced. This means that all schools and busses will operate one hour later than the usual time. A further announcement regarding delays will take place before 8:00 am.
When school is delayed one hour there is no supervision before 9:20 am and children should not be dropped off or sent to the school before that time.

Late Bus Run
In some instances, even in good weather, busses may be delayed. In these cases, parents will be notified by radio that a bus will be delayed by a specific amount of time. For examples, if a bus is delayed 30 minutes, students can expect to meet the bus 30 minutes later than would normally be the case.
School Closure During The Day
In some instances, it may be necessary to close individual schools or the entire District during the school day in order to get students home before weather conditions become too severe. Parents who will not be in the home when children arrive should make alternate arrangements for the care of their children on such days. Parents will fill out a form in the fall explaining where children are to go.

 

School Features
Types of Programs Offered


Click on the link for further information about the types of programs offered at St. Jean Elementary School.

 

Fire Drills
These are held on several occasions throughout the year to make school life safer.
Fundraising
Each year we raise funds to enhance programs, support field trips and supplement learning opportunities for your children. Our main means of raising these extra funds is through pizza sales and our annual Chocolate Bar Sales. As well, our Home & School Association hold several fundraising projects each year. We hope you will support these efforts to the best of your ability.
Speech/Language
Speech/Language support is available on a referral basis through the school. The children needing help in this area are usually referred by the child's teacher in consultation with parents.
Public Health Nurse
Ms. Loretta Taylor is our school Health Nurse. She will be at our school on Tuesday mornings. The school health program includes the following:
Vision and Hearing Screening
-For those Grade 1 students who did not attend 4 year assessment
-For those students who were referred to the nurse by teachers, parents, or self referred, who suspect a problem in either area.
-For follow-up screening for students with a known visual or hearing problem.
-For those students new to the school

*All Grade 4 students are offered a vision check, as this is an age when changes in vision may occur.

Communicable Disease
- There may be a individual, or classroom inspection for control of communicable disease, such as scabies, head lice, etc.,
Health Teaching
-May be conducted individually, or in classroom setting.
Immunization
- We are currently continuing Hepatitis B immunization for all Grade 3 students who have not been immunized for Hepatitis B. Specific consent forms will be sent to parents. The nurse must have the signed consent returned before this will be given.
Family Life Education
-May assist Grade 6 teachers in carrying out family life program, outlined by the Department of Education.
- Follow up of children with specific health conditions, such as diabetes, reactions, (i.e. Anaphylaxis, etc.,)
-Parents are encouraged to contact the school health nurse if they have any concerns about their child. Ms. Taylor may be contacted either through the school, or at the Public Health Nursing office at 368-4530.

 

School Supplies
In May & June teachers collect money for each student to purchase and provide them with necessary school supplies. We have found this to be a cost saver for parent and very beneficial for students. We are able to purchase in bulk to save you money. Parents do not have to worry about the necessary school supplies that teachers are now using in their new programs. Items such as scribblers, pencils scissors, glue, homework agendas (Grades 4,5,6) are provided. The prices are as follows: Grade 1, 2 & 3 is $35.00 and Grades 4 - 6 is $40.00. We also have a family rate of $70.00.
Please send in your child’s school supply fee as soon as possible in September if you have not done so already so that teachers may take advantage of sale prices.
Pizza Day
Children are able to purchase a slice of pizza and a carton of milk for a cost of $2.50. As well, ice cream can be purchased on pizza day at a cost of $1.00.
j
Milk Program
Milk is offered to students at recess and lunch time at a cost of $.55 per carton for white milk or $.65 for Chocolate Milk. This price is possible through subsidization by the P.E.I. Milk Foundation.
Healthy Eating Policy
The Health Program at all levels stresses the importance of good nutrition. Consistent with that teaching, the staff, administration, our Public Health Nurse, and Home & School have promoted for many years a policy on nutritious lunches. Families have given excellent support to the policy.

The main features of the policy that call for the support and understanding of families are as follows:
-Snacks and lunches will be eaten at breaks after recess and at noon. All food will be consumed inside the building.
-Lunches should not include food with little or no nutritional value such as candy, marshmallows, gum, chips, cheesies, pop, and dry noodles.
-Nutritional recess snacks and lunches are encouraged
-Gum is not permitted in school.

Student Behavior and Conduct
The staff of St. Jean Elementary School will attempt to provide a safe environment for children to learn through support of the principles provided in the Eastern School District’s Policy: Caring Places To Learn - Safe School Environment.

The Board recognizes that student learning and staff productivity are improved by a positive learning environment. Behaviors that infringe upon the rights of students and/or staff will not be tolerated. In all cases of reported violation, immediate and ongoing attention and care will be given to meet the needs of the victims.

Discipline at St. Jean is fair and consistent. Children are expected to show respect for staff and fellow students. The supervising teacher has the responsibility of assuming the role of a judicious parent in situations where a child is misbehaving or when an injury takes place.

As stated in the PEI School Act (section 72) students have the following responsibilities:
-To observe the code of conduct and other rules and policies of the school board and of the school;
-To attend classes regularly and punctually and participate
-To be diligent in pursuing the student’s studies;
-To respect the rights of others

Parental Responsibility in Supporting the School’s Code of Conduct
Parents play a vital role in developing student behavior and conduct. It is our expectation that parents:
-be aware of the school’s code of conduct.
-work with the school to resolve student behaviour issues when they affect their children.
-cooperate with the school’s or district’s recommended course of action for the student.
-model appropriate behavior and language for their children.
All parents/guardians are reminded that they are subject to the school’s code of conduct and the ESD Caring Places to Learn Policy, as are all students and staff.

 

The Caring Places to Learn Policy
The Eastern School District's Caring Places to Learn policy is a comprehensive policy designed to ensure that schools in the Eastern District provide a healthy, safe, and supportive working and learning environment for every student and staff member. The Caring Places to Learn policy is an "umbrella" policy which supports each school's own policies and practices in this area.

Countless personal interactions occur in Eastern District schools every day, and these interactions are the focus of this policy. The policy guides the way people in our school communities treat each other, and the expectations for behavior for all members of the school community are similar: that we will demonstrate regard, concern, and respect for each other in all our interactions – both inside and outside the classroom – and that we will respect the unique differences and worth of every individual.

Achieving and maintaining this positive climate is the responsibility of everyone involved in education in Eastern District schools -- students, parents, teachers, support staff, and trustees. There are high expectations for all members of school communities, and these expectations are met and exceeded daily on a regular basis. We continually strive to work hard to make sure that our schools are inclusive, supportive, and healthy for all.

The Caring Places to Learn policy covers such specific areas as verbal abuse, violence, bullying, discrimination, sexual abuse, threats, trespassing, and weapons. Within these areas, the policy dictates what steps should be taken when allegations of violations of this policy are made. These allegations may involve student to student incidents, student to staff incidents, staff to student incidents, and staff to staff incidents.

Parents in particular are encouraged to inform us immediately about situations which would negatively affect the school's healthy and supportive environment. Sometimes parents are reluctant to contact the school when students may be having a difficult time with a situation, and the situation worsens. We can't guarantee that we can "fix" every situation, but if the school knows about problems early, we can often take steps to prevent the problem from becoming worse.

Parents are encouraged to become involved with their school to help maintain its safe and caring atmosphere. It's a responsibility of the entire school community.

Bus Travel
Children traveling by bus are required to obey all the rules. Parents are responsible for the supervision of students until such time as the student boards the bus in the morning and after the student leaves the bus at the end of the school day. The bus is an extension of the classroom. Students are required to conduct themselves properly. The following rules have been established by the Eastern School District:

l. The Driver is in full charge of the bus and pupils. His instructions are to be obeyed.
2. Do not talk to the Driver; conversation in normal tones is permitted between pupils
3. Keep any seat that may be assigned to you by the driver. Do not stand or move about while the bus is in motion.
4. Do not extend hands, arms or head out of the bus window or throw articles from the bus.
5. Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary. Damage to seats, etc. must be paid for by the offender.
6. Learn how to get off the bus quickly and safely in case of emergency.
7. After leaving the bus, cross the road at a point at least ten feet in front of the bus.
8. Walk well over to the left side of the road when coming to meet the bus.
9. Never stand or play in the roadway when coming to meet the bus or when returning home.
10. The bus cannot wait for late students. Please be on time.
11. Use of tobacco in any form is not permitted on the school bus while pupils are being transported.
12. The aisle of the bus must be unobstructed at all times.
13. No student shall cause a disturbance or interfere with any other student while entering, leaving or traveling on the school bus.
14. Violations of any of the above regulations will be reported to the school principal by the bus driver.
15. If your child needs to travel or get off the bus at a different stop, a note or phone call must be received at the office.

Concerns re: student behavior and conduct are handled by the Principal or Vice Principal. If a student loses his/her riding privileges, it is the responsibility of the parent to arrange for transportation of the student to and from school.
Our buses are normally full. Students are assigned seats and changes are made by the bus driver. There is little room to accommodate extra students for special events such as birthday parties, sleepovers, etc. Students are expected to go home from school and make transportation arrangements from there.

 

PEI School Accident Insurance
Students in Grades 1 to 12 receive basic accident coverage at no cost to parents. Most students are automatically insured when they are:
-at school
-at community-based learning activities (school sports events, co-op placements, field trips)
-traveling to and from school and community-based school activities

The claim forms are available on our website at
www.edu.pe.ca/esd/main/forms.htm

Any questions concerning coverage should be directed to Aon Red Stenhouse Inc.: 1-800-448-2539.

Eastern School District
The Eastern School district, chaired by Robert Clow, is responsible for providing public elementary and secondary programs.
Charlottetown ~ 368-6990
Student Services ~ 368-6825
Administrative Staff Positions
Dr. Alex (Sandy) MacDonald ~ Superintendent of Education
Marjorie Steeves ~ Director of Corporate Services
Adrian Smith ~ Director of Student Services
Walter Wilkins ~ Director of Curriculum Delivery
Ricky Hood ~ Director of School Development
Tim Christensen ~ Manager of Human Resources
Anne Hall ~ Leader of School Development
Bob Andrews ~Director of School Development
Cathy MacKinnon ~ Transportation Supervisor
John Miodowski ~ Property Supervisor
Grand Canfield ~ Operations Manager
Phillip Connolly ~ Manager of Policy Planning


 
Click on the bus to go home!

Updated Nov. 1st, 2009