St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Inspired Girls. Empowered Women.

Parent Handbook

2014 - 2015

8 Vision

Our vision is to be respected in local and global communities for our insights and expertise in educating young women, and for the exceptional qualities of our students and faculty. Mission

At St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School our mission is: To develop courageous girls who challenge and change the world. Dear Parents,

You are looking at the 2014-2015 edition of our Parent Handbook. This document provides a wealth of information for our families. In it, you will find day-to-day details that will answer your questions throughout the year. I suggest that you make yourself familiar with the general and school specific information that will assist you!

You have a key role to play in your daughter’s life at SMLS. Please take advantage of opportunities to come to school to visit, meet with teachers, hear speakers, or be an audience member when our girls perform. Research clearly demonstrates that your participation supports your daughter’s success; family engagement plays a key role in the development of successful learners. We are your partners as your daughter learns and grows at SMLS, and we welcome this opportunity!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our Parent and Alumnae Liaison, Donna Cossitt. Drop in to see her, call her at 905-845-5830 ext. 807, or send her an email at [email protected]. Donna’s role is to support you throughout the year and she is a valuable resource for our parents!

Warm regards for a wonderful school year.

Dorothy Byers Head of School

Parent Handbook 1 Table of Contents

Letter from the Head of School...... 1 Privacy Policy ...... 4 School Year Calendar ...... 7 Main Contact Directory ...... 9 Leadership Team ...... 10 Academic Council ...... 10 Non-Teaching Staff ...... 11 Preschool Faculty Directory ...... 12 Junior School Faculty Directory ...... 12 Middle School Faculty Directory ...... 12 Senior School Faculty Directory ...... 13 Governance, Administration & Community Relations ...... 14 Governance ...... 15 Administration ...... 16 Leadership Team ...... 16 Community Relations ...... 17 Admissions Office ...... 17 Advancement Office ...... 17 Business Office ...... 18 SMLS Alumnae Association ...... 18 SMLS Parent Association (PA) ...... 18 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Expectations ...... 20 SMLS Family Code of Conduct ...... 21 Academic Honesty ...... 29 Internet and Computer Use ...... 30 Student Acceptable Use Policy ...... 31 Take a Stand Pledge ...... 37 Full School Information ...... 38 Uniforms ...... 39 SMLS Traditions ...... 43 The Global Studies Program ...... 45 School Procedures ...... 47 School Services ...... 50 Auxiliary Programs ...... 53 Financial Aid ...... 54

SMiLeS Preschool Program ...... 55

Our Philosophy ...... 56 Features of the Program ...... 57 Program Framework ...... 57

2 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Schedules ...... 58 Arrival/Pick-Up ...... 58 Daily Program ...... 58 Meals/Snacks ...... 59 Outdoor Play ...... 59 Outings/Field Trips ...... 59 Toilet Training Policies ...... 60 Behaviour Management ...... 60 Health Requirements ...... 60 Keeping in Touch ...... 61 Volunteering ...... 61

The Junior School ...... 62

Curriculum Objectives ...... 63 Important Dates and Times ...... 63 Extended Day Program ...... 64 Class Parents ...... 64 Junior Resource Centre (JRC) ...... 65

Middle School ...... 67

Curriculum Objectives ...... 68 Important Dates and Times ...... 69 Communication ...... 70 Faculty ...... 71 Homework ...... 73 Character ...... 76 Student Behavior & Code of Conduct ...... 77 Drop-off/Pickup Guidelines ...... 79

Senior School ...... 80

Curriculum Objectives ...... 81 Senior School Programs ...... 81 Important Dates and Times ...... 82 Assessment and Evaluation ...... 83 Detentions ...... 85 School Services ...... 86 Prefects ...... 87 Senior Resource Centre (SRC) ...... 88 Textbooks ...... 89 Drop-off/Pickup Guidelines ...... 89 Academic Prizes & Awards ...... 90

Parent Handbook 3 SMLS Privacy Policy

A Commitment to Our Community

St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (the “school”) is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, accuracy and security of personal information in line with principles established in the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This privacy policy (the “policy”) describes the school’s personal information management practices. This policy is subject to change, for example, in response to changes in our practices. Check our website periodically for the most updated copy.

Collection and Use of Personal Information

When you, as a parent, student, alumna or other individual, provide your personal information to the school, such as your name, address, email address and telephone number, it will be available to our staff, teachers and volunteers, including the Advancement Office and the SMLS Parent Association (PA), for the purposes described in this privacy policy. When you provide us with personal information about someone other than yourself, you are representing to the school that you have consent or are otherwise authorized to do so.

The school collects and uses personal information of students for all matters related to their academic, educational and co-curricular program and activities, including without limitation, registration, participation, attendance, communications, administration, evaluation, grading and report cards, transcripts, references, grants, awards, discipline, and health and related services. We use personal information of parents and guardians, including their contact and financial information, to communicate with them about matters relating to their child or ward and for administrative activities including registration and billing.

The school also collects and uses student’s personal health information for purposes that include administering and providing or obtaining consent to treatment, participation in field trips, management of allergies and like conditions.

Personal information of our constituents, including students, parents and guardians, alumnae and staff, is used by the school to communicate announcements and urgent notices (for example, school closures due to inclement weather, as well as school news, information about school events,

4 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School issues and opportunities for involvement so as to keep connected and strengthen our community. We may collect personal information through our website where we provide for online registration for school events.

We also use personal information to communicate with our constituents about supporting the school. The school solicits financial and volunteer support of its many constituents through the Advancement Office. While the school aims to celebrate the many donations and gifts to the school by publishing donor names in our Annual Report, on our Donor Wall or recognition plaques, we will refrain from publishing the name of any donor or volunteer who notifies our Privacy Compliance Officer or Head of School in writing of their wish to remain anonymous.

Protection of Personal Information, Service Providers

Personal information stored on school premises is stored in password- protected databases or files which we have secured. Access to personal information is restricted to staff, teachers and volunteers, who are authorized to use the information for the purposes described in this policy, have received training in maintaining our privacy standards and applying our privacy policy and practices, and have signed a confidentiality agreement.

We retain third parties to provide us with a variety of services, including mailing houses and information technology service providers. We choose our service providers carefully and impose obligations on them to protect any personal information that they use in the course of providing their services to the school. The security measures required of our service providers may include encryption and maintenance of personal information in secure facilities meeting generally accepted specifications and standards. We require our service providers to adhere to our privacy standards. Some of our service providers, including those supporting and maintaining our electronic information systems and maintaining data including personal information our behalf, operate in the United States. For this reason, personal information provided to us will be transferred to, used and stored in the United States. This information will be subject to the laws of both Canada and the United States and may be subject to disclosure under those laws, including to the governments and government agencies in both countries.

Parent Handbook 5 Disclosure of Personal Information

Under no circumstances does the school rent, sell or give personal information to any organization outside of the school, unless we are required to do so by law, the disclosure is necessary for the administration of the school, for example for insurance purposes, or the information is required in connection with a reorganization of the school or a transaction, for example for the sale of school assets.

The school endeavours to respect its constituents’ wishes in regard to the use and disclosure of their personal information, while acknowledging that it requires personal information for its operations and compliance with the law. Circumstances of which the school is unaware may have an impact on privacy. Parents and guardians are asked to ensure that the school has clear instructions as to who it is to contact and with whom it may share information about a student. The school cannot be held responsible for disclosing personal information of a student to a parent or guardian listed as such in the school’s records.

Access, Correction, Inquiries

You have the right to access and request the correction of your personal information held by the school. We will endeavour to process your request within approximately 30 days.

Questions or concerns about this Policy may also be directed to Dorothy Byers, our Head of School at 905-845-5830, Ext. 801 or [email protected].

6 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School School Year Calendar School Year Calendar

Beginning of FALL TERM School Opens Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Preschool 8:00 a.m Thursday, September 4, 2014

Junior Kindergarten Students 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2014

New Senior Kindergarten Students - JS5 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2014

All MS1 Students and Prefects 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2014 New Students Senior 1 - Senior 6

All Students School opens at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2014

Thanksgiving Weekend School closes at 3:40 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2014 School opens at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2014

November Weekend School closes at 3:40 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2014 School opens at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2014

End of Fall Term School closes at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Beginning of WINTER TERM School opens at 8:00 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2015

Mid-Term Holiday School closes at 3:40 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2015 School opens at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2015

End of Winter Term School closes at 3:40 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015

Beginning of SPRING TERM School opens at 8:00 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2015

Easter Weekend School closes at 3:40 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2015 Mid-Term Holiday School opens at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Victoria Day Weekend School closes at 3:40 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2015 School opens at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2015

End of Spring Term Last full day of classes Monday, June 8, 2015 Junior & Middle School Closings Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Senior School Closing Thursday, June 11, 2015

Regular work and tests at all grade levels are carried to the end of each term. It is very important that travel arrangements be made to fit in with the school’s holiday dates.

Parents are further reminded that, according to the Ministry of Education regulations, secondary school credit standing in any subject may only be granted if students have received the requisite number of hours of classroom instruction.

8 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Main Contact Directory Main Contact Directory

Main Number: 905-845-2386 Direct Dial: 905-845-5830 Fax Number: 905-845-4799 Website: www.smls.on.ca Ext: Ext:

Admissions 814 Extended Day Program 829 Advancement Office 835 Health Centre 827 Alumnae Affairs 807 Inclement Weather Line 820 Attendance 855 IT Support 843 Buses 805 Made for Millies Store 834 Business Office 858 Parent Association 760 Chaplain 831 Student Services 808

Leadership Teams

email = (1st initial + surname)@smls.on.ca i.e. [email protected] Academic Leadership Head of School Mrs. Dorothy Byers 801 Head of Junior School Miss Cheri Grogan 830 Head of Middle School Mrs. Carol Steven 840 Head of Senior School Mrs. Karen Hansen-Cowper 806 Dean of Academic Administration Mrs. Janet Worboys 803 Director of Global Studies Mrs. Judy Ross 828 Director of Student Life Mrs. Nicki Newhouse 804 Business Leadership Director of Admissions Mrs. Andrea Williamson 814 Director of Advancement Mrs. Melanie Snyder 835 Director of Finance & Administration Ms. Leslie Goodfellow 839 Director of Information Technology Mr. Greg Baschuk 841

Academic Council Head of School Mrs. Dorothy Byers 801 Head of Junior School Miss Cheri Grogan 830 Head of Middle School Mrs. Carol Steven 840 Head of Senior School Mrs. Karen Hansen-Cowper 806 Dean of Academic Administration Mrs. Janet Worboys 803 & Head of Guidance Director of Global Studies Mrs. Judy Ross 828 Director of Arts, Arts Department Head Ms. Karen Dyne 756 Director of Athletics, Ms. Carly McClements 701 Phys. Ed. Department Head Director of MS & SS Student Life, Guidance Mrs. Nicki Newhouse 804 Director of Information Technology Mr. Greg Baschuk 841 Coordinator of Learning Strategies Mrs. Nicola Rieger 893 JS Curriculum Leader, Music Mrs. Barbara Workman-Tan 818

10 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School JS & MS Chaplain Rev. Maria Nightingale 831 JS & MS Athletics Coordinator Mr. Simon Samsworth 743 JS & MS IT Coordinator Mrs. Susanne Goodridge 775 SS IT Coordinator Ms. Leanne Mladen 703 SS Math/Business Department Head Ms. Linda Moore 712 SS Modern Language Department Head Mme. Nadia Talaat 735 SS Science Department Head Ms. Alison Reynolds 755 SS English Department Head Ms. Sherida Scott 765 SS Curriculum Leader Mrs. Catherine McCauley 825 & Senior Resource Centre Manager SS Social Studies Mr. Scott Pollock 747 JS Coordinator Mrs. Clare Staszkiel 719 JS Coordinator Ms. Anna-Gail James 729

Non-Teaching Staff

Administrative Assistants Assistant to Head of School Mrs. Julia Osena 810 Secretary to the Board of Governors Mrs. Barbara Webb 821 & Assistant to the Head of Senior School Business Office Administrative Assistant Miss A-C Mertei 805 Student Services Administrative Assistant Ms. Donna Curran 808 Admissions Director of Admissions Mrs. Andrea Williamson 814 Parent and Alumnae Liaison (PAL) Mrs. Donna Cossitt 807 Advancement Director of Advancement Mrs. Melanie Snyder 835 Manager, Marketing and Communications Mrs. Vicky DiMichele 838 Donor Relations Officer Ms. Tina Eidukaitis 884 Business Auxiliary Programs Ms. Marilyn Caird 882 (SMiLeS Camp and Facilities Rentals) Business Office Assistant (AP/AR) Mrs. Cathy Alexander 858 Manager of Finance TBD 809 Receptionist Mrs. Wendy Bowman 800 Health Centre Nurse Mrs. Jane Huehn 827 Nurse Mrs. Jayne Thomson-McWilliams 827 Human Resources Human Resources Mrs. Jennifer Smith 881 Information Technology Director of Information Technology Mr. Greg Baschuk 841 IT Support Mr. Alex Campuzano 843 IT Support Mr. William Dors 892

Parent Handbook 11 IT Support Mr. Bill Shaw 837 IT Support Mr. Simon Jagassar 843 Learning Strategies Coordinator of Learning Strategies Mrs. Nicola Rieger 893 Learning Strategist Ms. Elizabeth Dekker 761 Plant and Grounds Supervisor of Plant and Grounds Mr. Chris Turner 815 Plant and Grounds Assistant Mr. Tim Gray 815

Preschool Faculty Directory

Director Miss Cheri Grogan 830 Supervisor/Teacher Ms. Krista Edgar 720 Preschool Teacher TBA

Junior School Faculty Directory

Junior Kindergarten Mrs. Kim Marshall 713 Mrs. Myra Eddy 774 Senior Kindergarten Mrs. Paula Granger 748 Ms. Nadia Filice 736 JS 1 Ms. Anna-Gail James 729 Ms. Kristen Wiley 723 JS 2 Ms. Sylvia DaRocha 741 Ms. Elizabeth Kuzyk 781 JS 3 Mrs. Fiona Mittun 709 Mrs. Sarah Pace 706 JS 4 Mrs. Lisa Jones 711 Mrs. Clare Staszkiel 719 JS 5 Mrs. Susanne Goodridge 775 Mrs. Jo Oliver 734 Art Mrs. Sandra Hutton 710 Religious Knowledge Rev. Maria Nightingale 831 Extended Day Mrs. Myra Eddy 829 Miss Nadia Filice 829 French Mme. Ruta Nausedas 773 Mme. Pauline Gray 714 Music Ms. Jennifer Johnston 762 Mrs. Barbara Workman-Tan 816 Physical Education Mr. Simon Samsworth 743 Mrs. Michelle Werbowski 707 Coordinator of JS Athletics Mr. Simon Samsworth 743

Middle School Faculty Directory Art Mrs. Sandra Hutton 710 French Mme. Pauline Gray 714 Mme. Ruta Nausedas 773

12 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Language Arts/Social Studies Miss Vivian Cheung 753 Mrs. Vera O’Connor 708 Ms. Amanda Jewson 730 Mandarin Dr. Rebecca Ren 759 Mathematics/Science Mrs. Sarah Sils 750 Ms. Carolyn Houlgate 769 Mrs. Robyn Hahn 721 Music Mr. Clay Tan 726 Ms. Jennifer Johnston 762 Ms. Sarah De Val 728 Physical Education Mr. Simon Samsworth 743 Mrs. Michelle Werbowski 707 Mrs. Shari Taferner 757 Religious Knowledge Rev. Maria Nightingale 831 Guidance Mrs. Nicki Newhouse 804

Senior School Faculty Directory

Accounting, Mathematics, Science Mrs. Thuy Vallance 740 Art Ms. Karen Dyne 756 Art & Communication Technology, Ms. Leanne Mladen 703 Senior School IT Coordinator Chemistry, Science Mrs. Gayle Peters 724 Curriculum Leader Mrs. Catherine McCauley 825 & Senior Resource Centre Manager Drama, History Mr. Tim Pace 749 Economics, Business Ms. Lisa Armstrong 767 English Mrs. Sherida Scott 765 English Ms. Patti Kleeb 722 English, Drama Mr. Martyn Smith 745 French Mme. Nadia Talaat 735 Geography, Civics Mr. Brian Speck 746 Global Studies (Co-op), Career Studies Ms. Erinn O’Shea 742 Global Studies & Risk Management Ms. Dona Andela 890 Guidance Mrs. Nicki Newhouse 804 Library Technician Mrs. Katie Boyd 826 Mandarin Dr. Rebecca Ren 759 Mathematics Ms. Linda Moore 712 Mathematics, Computers Mr. James Chaykowski 752 Music Mr. Clay Tan 726 Physical Education Mrs. Shari Taferner 757 Ms. Carly McClements 701 Physics, Science Mr. Nathan Chow 718 Science, Biology Ms. Allison Reynolds 755 Ms. Gurpreet Sambhi (mat leave) 713 Social Studies Mr. Scott Pollock 747 Spanish, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology Ms. Kathy Campbell 725

Parent Handbook 13 Governance, Administration & Community Relations

9 Governance, Administration and Community Relations

Governance Mandate

The ultimate responsibility for the governance of SMLS resides with the Board of Governors. The Board manages the affairs of the school and serves as the trustee of the mission, vision and values, providing oversight of the implementation of the school’s strategic plan. Board members are volunteers who commit time, energy and resources to support our independent school. The Board functions at arm’s length from the school’s administration. Structure

The Board is currently comprised of sixteen members, three of whom are voting ex-officio members (including the Sister Provincial of the Community of the Sisters of the Church, a representative from the Sisters of the Church, and the Bishop of Niagara’s designate). The Head of School is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school and serves as a non-voting ex-officio member. Board members are drawn from the SMLS community and exercise a fiduciary responsibility, oversee the management of the business and affairs of the school, and ensure that adequate resources are in place to support the realization of the school’s mission, strategic plan and program goals. Terms

Members may be appointed for two or three year terms in such a cycle to ensure continuity of membership. Governors may be re-appointed to additional terms and may serve a maximum of ten consecutive years, although the Board is empowered to extend the terms of the Governors beyond ten years if deemed appropriate. A quorum of seven voting members must be present for a meeting of the full Board to be duly constituted. Committees

In addition to various Task Forces that may be struck to focus on particular key issues, there are five standing committees of the Board as follows: Governance, Finance/Audit, Fundraising, Planning, and Risk Management. Committees are chaired by members of the Board and their composition may include non-Board members, such as SMLS parents, alumnae and school staff, in addition to members of the Board of Governors.

Parent Handbook 15 Accountability

Each Governor makes an annual written commitment to follow the principles of the Board’s Code of Conduct and abide by the Board of Governors’ Conflict of Interest Policy. The Board of Governors evaluates its own effectiveness on a biennial basis. In addition, Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CA+IS), as part of its periodic review regarding the accreditation of the school, evaluates the Board with reference to its Standard 8 on Governance and corresponding indicators of effectiveness. Board members are recruited with reference to criteria including their skills, experience, ability to contribute time, willingness to provide financial support and resources, respect for traditions, and diversity reflective of our community, to best support the goals and vision of the school.

Interested members of the community who wish to be considered as Board candidates are encouraged to complete the “Confidential Board Profile” available on our website and submit by email to Barbara Webb at [email protected] for consideration by the Board’s Governance Committee. A list of current Board members can be found on our website.

Administration Academic Leadership Head of School Mrs. Dorothy Byers is responsible for the overall leadership, vision and direction of the school. She consults with and works closely with the Board of Governors, Leadership team, faculty, parents, alumnae and the student body. She is an ex-officio member of all Board committees and represents the school at CA+IS, CIS and NAIS events. Head of Junior School Miss Cheri Grogan is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Junior School. This involves overseeing curriculum, student discipline and guidance, teacher evaluation, staff professional development, and co-curricular programs. Head of Middle School Mrs. Carol Steven is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Middle School. This involves overseeing curriculum, student discipline and guidance, teacher evaluation, staff professional development, and co-curricular programs. Head of Senior School Mrs. Karen Hansen-Cowper is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Senior School. This involves overseeing curriculum, student discipline

16 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School and guidance, teacher evaluation, staff professional development, and co-curricular programs. Dean of Academic Administration Mrs. Janet Worboys is responsible for the scheduling and organization of school activities, as well as the documentation and record-keeping of academic administration. She also performs guidance counselling and assists with university applications for the Senior School, and is the liaison to the Parent Association.

Business Leadership Team Director of Admissions Mrs. Andrea McMULLEN Williamson '87, Director of Admissions, manages all aspects of the admission process, and is the key contact for prospective students and their parents. Director of Advancement Mrs. Melanie Snyder is responsible for fundraising, planned giving, alumnae relations, and marketing and communications. She works closely with the SMLS Fundraising Committee of the Board of Governors. Director of Finance and Administration Ms. Leslie Goodfellow is responsible for the business functions of the school including student billing, financial reporting, and plant management. She works closely with the Finance Committee of the Board of Governors. Director of Information Technology (IT) Mr. Greg Baschuk is responsible for the overall operation, strategic planning and initiatives of the IT Department.

Dean of Academic Administration Director of Global Studies Mrs. Judy Ross is responsible for planning and delivering the Global Studies experiential learning program, including organizing and hosting exchange groups from our ‘sister schools’. Her office also runs The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program promotes community service opportunities. Director of Student Life As Director of Student Life, Mrs. Nicki Newhouse oversees opportunities for student leadership, growth, interaction and responsibility, and promotes student participation in a variety of social, recreational, cultural and educational activities through service projects and social and learning opportunities.

Parent Handbook 17 Community Relations Admissions Office

Mrs. Andrea McMULLEN Williamson '87, Director of Admissions, manages all aspects of the admission process, and is the key contact for prospective students and their parents. Advancement Office

The Advancement Office is responsible for fundraising, alumnae relations, marketing and communications, and provides support to the Parent Association.

Fundraising at SMLS encompasses annual giving, capital and endowment campaigns, planned giving and events. While parent and alumnae giving remain a cornerstone of the fundraising program, other sources of donations include faculty and staff, foundations and corporations.

The Alumnae Relations program at SMLS is designed to build and strengthen relationships with former students and faculty. Alumnae are invited to stay connected with current SMLS students and the school by participating in the Junior Mentorship Program, Career Carousel, Grad Seminars and alumnae events.

School news and updates are communicated to the SMLS community via the Advancement Office. Information is disseminated through regular email broadcasts, the public SMLS website and private ‘My SMLS’ portal, and various publications, including the Annual Report and Report Card, admissions packages, brochures, campaign materials and the SMLS magazine, Jubilate. Through timely and consistent public and media relations, we strive to keep the broader community informed about our school and the many accomplishments of our students. Business Office

The Business Office is responsible for finance and administration, including accounts receivable and payable, student billing, and tax receipts (not related to donations). This office also administers the bus program and Extended Day program, and is in charge of maintaining the school building and grounds. Parent / Alumnae Liaison (PAL)

Mrs. Donna Cossitt is responsible for parent and alumnae engagement at SMLS. She works closely with the Admissions and Advancement departments to develop, plan, and implement engagement events for parents and alumnae throughout the year.

18 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School SMLS Alumnae Association

The SMLS Alumnae Association consists of close to 1,900 alumnae with up-to-date contact information. The Alumnae Executive Committee is comprised of a slate of volunteers whose goal is to keep alumnae connected to the school through events and programs. They work actively to promote alumnae involvement and to raise money for the Alumnae Bursary Endowment Fund. SMLS Parent Association (PA)

SMLS has an active and dedicated parent body, whose support through events and fundraising activities benefits our students. The PA runs the Made for Millies Store, selling gym uniforms, additional items of clothing, and SMLS crested gifts. The PA also assists with communications via Class Parents in the Junior School and Grade Parents in the Middle School and Senior School.

Every parent with a daughter at SMLS is automatically a member of the PA. An Executive Committee meets monthly, and parents are encouraged to attend these meetings. If you would like to share your time and talents with the PA, please contact the PA Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteering is a great way to meet fellow parents and contribute to the enhancement of your daughter’s education. For a Volunteer Enrolment Package, which includes the form and privacy policy, please visit the Volunteering section of the website under Get Involved. PA Mission Statement

The SMLS Parent Association contributes to the overall well-being of SMLS by promoting good fellowship among all those associated with the school and by providing financial support for the school through fundraising activities.

Proposed Slate of Executive Members of the SMLS Parent Association 2014-2015

Officers

Head of School Dorothy Byers Dean of Academic Administration Janet Worboys Past President Andra Carpino

Elected Officers

President Cherilyn Carson Vice President Sasha Woodbridge Treasurer Lynn Scott

Parent Handbook 19 Manager of Accounts Receivable Liz Wilczynski Secretary Penny Olson Co-Secretary Michelle Codrington

Convenors

Movie Night Amanda Aquino Father-Daughter Bingo Steve Aquino Mother-Daughter Tea Party VACANT Traditions of Christmas Sandra Pistilli Traditions of Christmas Nadine Farran-Gatti Used Uniform Sale Cara Garvey Used Uniform Sale Lena Gallagher Senior/Junior School Resources Cheryl Wessel Made for Millies Store VACANT Fundraising Jennifer Guo Middle Level/Senior School Maria Bot Communications Junior School Communications Carol Misek Junior School Communications Sasha Woodbridge Volunteer Coordinator Natalie Dawick Public Relations Jennifer Honey-Brannon Public Relations Sarah Chapman New Family Liaison Judith Nunn Opening and Closing Activities Juliet Nishimura Decor Tracey Tuck Gala Co-Chair Jocelyn Copeland Gala Co-Chair Erin Grace

20 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School SMLS School Expectations St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Expectations

SMLS Family Code of Conduct

The goal of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School is to provide a stable and nurturing environment for girls of all ages, one in which they may grow intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally, while encouraging respect for the school, its traditions and the community at large. In order to ensure that students make the best of their time in school, they are expected to abide by the SMLS Family Code of Conduct.

The vast majority of our students are model school citizens and are supported and encouraged to contribute productively to school life. However, students who do not adhere to the SMLS Family Code of Conduct can expect consequences from the school ranging from counselling and detention to suspension and withdrawal of services. Any behaviour that threatens the safety and well-being of others will result in severe penalties.

In collaboration with several volunteer parents and staff members, we have developed the SMLS Family Code of Conduct. The following desired behaviours for students, parents and staff members are based on key traditional values that serve as the foundation of our community. This Code can also be accessed in the private parent portal of our website, ‘My SMLS’.

22 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 21 Students

Demonstrate INTEGRITY by: • Having learning as a primary focus. • Being prepared to participate. • Striving for high moral standards (i.e. honesty, trustworthiness, etc.). • Making the most of opportunities and time presented at SMLS. • Demonstrating social responsibility within the school and the community at large. • Ensuring that they abide by the Academic Honesty Policy.

Demonstrate RESPECTFULNESS by: • Being present and on time. • Bringing required learning materials to class. • Refraining from interfering with the learning of others. • Ensuring that pagers and cell phones are turned off in lockers. • Treating all people in our school community with dignity, both within the school walls and grounds (i.e. play areas), including leaders and organizers of school events and school bus drivers. • Treating others and their property with consideration. • Refraining from damaging or defacing school property.

Demonstrate COMPASSION by: • Recognizing the worth of every person in our own community and beyond. • Listening with respect and not criticizing. • Issuing birthday party and/or social invitations privately via mail, email or phone to prevent any distress for excluded students and their families. • Refraining absolutely from acts of violence or bullying, and actively supporting the school’s proactive anti-bullying campaign.

Demonstrate PRIDE by: • Following regulation school and gym uniform guidelines and recognizing their importance to the school community. • Attending and supporting all gatherings of the school community held during school hours. • Taking on leadership roles within the school and community. • Acting in accordance with the SMLS Family Code of Conduct when representing the school at any school function.

22 Parent Handbook 23 Demonstrate POSITIVE COMMUNICATION by: • Focusing on the situation, the behaviour or the issue, versus the individual. • Getting the facts, giving the benefit of doubt, keeping an open mind, and having a period of reflection before reacting to a concern or issue. • Using positive behaviour and language that does not offend community standards.

Demonstrate SAFETY by: • Signing in at Student Services when entering the school late. • Supporting SMLS’ policy of providing students with a nut-free school. • Refraining from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others. • Not being in possession of, under the influence of, or providing others with alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs. • Not smoking and/or drinking alcohol anywhere on school property or in school uniform or on a school trip.

Parents/Guardians

Demonstrate INTEGRITY by: • Having student learning as a primary focus. • Supporting and demonstrating behaviours contained in the SMLS Family Code of Conduct. • Encouraging and supporting your child’s attempts to strive for all forms of success. • Encouraging students to develop their own full academic and personal potential. • Being prepared to support and encourage your daughter’s participation in school life. • Encouraging students to make the most of opportunities and time presented at SMLS. • Being socially responsible within the school and the community at large. • Not discussing a member of staff with a student or other staff member.

Demonstrate RESPECTFULNESS by: • Ensuring that your child attends school regularly and on time. • Responding to your child with reason, honesty and sincerity. • Honouring the privacy of others in maintaining the strictest of confidentiality in dealing with personal matters pertaining to any member of the SMLS community.

24 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 23 • Treating all people in our school community with dignity, both within the school walls and grounds (i.e. parking lots) including leaders and organizers of school events and school bus drivers. • Honouring others and their property. • Supporting the school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.

Demonstrate COMPASSION by: • Recognizing the worth of every person in our community. • Being open to the ideas, opinions and thoughts of others. • Showing an active interest in your child’s schoolwork and progress. • Encouraging and supporting your child to seek help and guidance with personal and interpersonal relations. • Refraining absolutely from acts of violence or bullying, and actively supporting the school’s proactive anti-bullying campaign. • Working together with the school to understand the definition of ‘bullying’ and ‘age-specific behaviour’. • Contacting the student’s teacher and refraining from contacting other parents when dealing with student issues (i.e. bullying). • Participating fully and positively to any invitation from the school to discuss a student’s social issues occurring with other students. • Preserving student and family privacy during times of conflict. • Working together with an attitude of mutual support. • Avoiding the spreading of rumours and misinformation, both within the school community and beyond. • Issuing birthday party and/or social invitations privately via mail, email or phone to prevent any distress for excluded students and their families.

Demonstrate PRIDE by: • Adhering to regulation school uniform guidelines and encouraging your child to recognize their importance to the school community. • Encouraging and supporting students to have inter-school activities and relations on various levels (i.e. social, academic). • Taking on volunteer roles within the school and community.

Demonstrate POSITIVE COMMUNICATION by: • Communicating regularly with the school. • Contacting your child’s teacher directly as a first step regarding a student issue.

24 Parent Handbook 25 • Referring directly to the teacher or Head of School, any complaints from parents, students and others about individual teachers. • Focusing on the situation, the behaviour or the issue, and not solely on the individual. • Getting the facts, giving the benefit of doubt, keeping an open mind, and having a period of reflection before reacting to a concern or issue. • Using positive behaviour and language that does not offend community standards. • Accessing school information readily available via the school’s website (www.smls.on.ca) and private parent portal, ‘My SMLS’. • Making family contact information (i.e. day, evening and cell phone numbers, as well as email addresses for home and work) available to the school and current for cases of emergencies.

Demonstrate SAFETY by: • Encouraging your child to lead a healthy lifestyle. • Promptly reporting your child’s absence or late arrival. • Dropping your child in the designated drop-off points only. • Not parking in the drop-off zone. • Following the directional areas in the parking lot. • Only turning right onto Linbrook Road from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Paying particularly close attention to the safety of our children in the parking lot. • Adhering to speed limits and designated parking locations. • Supporting SMLS’ policy of providing students with a nut-free school. • Complying with nut-free fundraising initiatives and providing full ingredient disclosure for any bake sales. • Keeping your child at home during contraction and recovery from illness. • Ensuring that your child has fully recovered before returning to school and infecting others. • Ensuring your child returns to school accompanied by a doctor’s note that attests to her full recovery, as well as being checked by the school nurse after suffering from a communicable condition/disease (i.e. head lice, chicken pox, measles). • Complying with school visiting procedures by entering via the main front door, signing in/out at Reception and wearing a visitor’s badge while on school premises.

26 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 25 • Complying with school policy by providing a criminal record (police) check, submitted to the school receptionist when volunteering for school positions/events. • Refraining from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others.

Communication Guidelines

Low Risk (i.e. non-urgent, general inquires) = email preferred

Medium and High Risk (i.e. safety issues) = personal contact with teacher, homeroom teacher, advisor, Head of Junior School, Head of Senior School or Head of School

Staff Members (including outside coaches)

Demonstrate INTEGRITY by: • Having students’ learning as a primary focus. • Supporting and demonstrating behaviours contained in the SMLS Family Code of Conduct. • Demonstrating social responsibility within the school and the community at large. • Not discussing another member of staff with a student or other staff member, other than in a counselling situation.

Demonstrate RESPECTFULNESS by: • Being present and on time. • Encouraging and supporting students’ attempts to strive for all forms of success. • Encouraging students to develop their own full, academic and personal potential. • Encouraging and supporting students in their organization of and participation in social/academic/sporting/artistic activities. • Giving students the attention they merit for any questions, complaints and problems. • Responding to students with reason, honesty and sincerity. • Honouring the privacy of others in maintaining the strictest confidentiality in dealing with personal matters pertaining to any member of the SMLS community.

26 Parent Handbook 27 • Treating all people in our school community with dignity, both within the school walls and grounds (i.e. parking lots) including leaders and organizers of school events and school bus drivers. • Honouring others and their property.

Demonstrate COMPASSION by: • Committing to fostering the school’s mission and values recognizing the worth of every person in our community. • Listening with respect and not criticizing. • Allowing students to express themselves without fear or ridicule. • Encouraging and supporting students to seek help and guidance with personal and interpersonal relations. • Refraining absolutely from acts of violence or bullying, and actively supporting the school’s proactive anti-bullying campaign. • Working together with parents to understand the definition of ‘bullying’ and ‘age-specific behaviour’. • Supporting parents when dealing with student issues (i.e. bullying). • Preserving student and family privacy during times of conflict. • Working together with an attitude of mutual support. • Articulating clearly all outcomes and accountabilities to parents and their daughter when resolving conflicts.

Demonstrate PRIDE by: • Supporting regulation school uniform guidelines and encouraging students to recognize their importance to the school community. • Dressing professionally at all times within the context of a school with a uniform policy. • Encouraging and supporting students to participate in inter-school activities and develop relationships on various levels (i.e. social, academic).

Demonstrate POSITIVE COMMUNICATION by: • Allowing students reasonable access to all available learning tools. • Keeping parents fully informed of their daughter’s progress. • Responding to parent concerns by answering calls or emails within 24 hours during the work week or the first day back if contact was made on a weekend. • Focusing on the situation, the behaviour or issue, versus the individual. • Getting the facts, giving the benefit of doubt, keeping an open mind, and having a period of reflection before reacting to a concern or issue.

28 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 27 • Using positive behaviour and language that does not offend community standards. • Referring directly to the teacher any complaints from parents or students concerning individual teachers or courses.

Demonstrate SAFETY by: • Encouraging students to lead a healthy lifestyle. • Putting in place and following reasonable expectations and measures to promote students’ personal safety. • Paying particularly close attention to the safety of students in the parking lot. • Adhering to speed limits and designated parking locations. • Supporting SMLS’ policy of providing students with a nut-free school. • Complying with nut-free fundraising initiatives and providing full ingredient disclosure for any bake sales. • Ensuring food provided by Dana Hospitality Inc. is nut-free. • Participating in regular Epi-pen demonstrations, CPR and health training. • Complying with school policy by providing a criminal record (police) check, submitted to the school. • Refraining from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others. • Participating in AED re-qualification sessions offered by the school, if a member of the Code Green Team. • Reading and following the procedures for all field trips as outlined in the Risk Management Manual/Faculty Handbook.

Academic Honesty St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School prepares its students for success in their post-secondary education as well as in their personal lives. Academic honesty is fundamental to this goal, and requires that students submit their own work and give appropriate credit when using the works or ideas of other authors. Copyright laws apply to print and internet sources. Students are instructed on using different citation styles and are advised that academic dishonesty is a serious offence that will result in penalties. Students having difficulty completing an assignment in a timely manner are encouraged to consult their teacher and/or advisor.

If a teacher detects evidence of dishonesty in a student’s work, the following consequences will ensue:

28 Parent Handbook 29 Junior School

JS3-JS5: The student will conference with her teacher, and her parents will be notified. The student will redo the assignment with guidance from the teacher. There will be no penalty.

Middle School

MS1 & MS2 1st offence: The student will conference with her teacher and her parents will be notified. The student, guided by her teacher, will be given the opportunity to redo the assignment within a prescribed time frame. Her assignment will be fully re-evaluated.

2nd offence: A meeting will be held with the student, her parents, the subject teacher, her homeroom teacher, and the Head of Middle School. The student will redo the assignment.

Additional offence: The student’s parents and the Head of Middle School will be notified.

Senior School

SS1-SS3: 1st offence: A meeting will be held with the student, her parents, the subject teacher, her advisor and the Head of Senior School. The grade coordinator will be informed. The student will redo the assignment with the teacher’s guidance.

2nd offence: The student’s parents, advisor and the Head of Senior School will be notified.

SS4-Grad Year: A meeting will be held with the student, her parents, the subject teacher, her advisor and the Head of Senior School. The matter will be carefully reviewed by the subject teacher and Head of Senior School, who will determine the most appropriate consequence. A mark of zero may be assigned.

30 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 29 Internet and Computer Use SMLS students are offered the use of networked computers that provide access to the internet, local technology resources and email. These resources are intended for academic use only. Each student will be provided with her own account once the Acceptable Use Policy has been read and signed by both the student and her parent/guardian. The policy applies to all electronic services and any other message or communication facility.

The operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who are accountable for their online behaviour. Students should realize that the use of the internet is a privilege, not a right, and that inappropriate use will result in the suspension of these privileges. The network administrators have access to all user files, accounts and electronic mail.

While the internet expands classroom and library resources by providing access to electronic information that supports curriculum, it can also lead to sources that may be inappropriate and/or inaccurate. We believe that the students’ right to information outweighs the risks associated with the worldwide network. Guidance will be provided on the appropriate use of the available technologies; however, the school will not be responsible for continually supervising or monitoring every communication and internet session.

My SMLS

‘My SMLS’ is St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School’s private password-protected comprehensive e-learning software platform, or intranet, and parent information portal. It is accessible at school and from home (by students or parents) through the SMLS website.

Each course has its own page where teachers post current handouts, assessment outlines, homework instructions and classroom calendars. Students are encouraged to check their courses daily, and are able to access the site when absent from school, in order to stay on up-to-date with their assignments.

Laptop Theft and Damage

Theft of a laptop, damages that occur to the laptop when the laptop is in the student’s possession (i.e. when it is not in the possession of the school), and the cost of repairs which are not covered under warranty (as determined by Apple Canada are the sole responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian(s). Cracked screens, dented housing and other cosmetic damage is not covered under warranty. The cost of these repairs is the sole responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian(s) up to a maximum of $250. However, if the damage to the laptop is caused by a liquid spill (as determined by a certified technician) the full cost of repair is the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian. While the student’s

30 Parent Handbook 31 laptop is under repair, and payment has been received for out of warranty damage (if required), a spare/loaner laptop will be provided to the student until the repair is complete.

Student Acceptable Use Policy

SMLS students are offered the use of networked computers that provide access to the internet, electronic mail and local technology resources. SMLS considers access to computer resources to be a privilege granted on the condition that each member of the SMLS community uses these resources responsibly and in accordance with ethical, legal and SMLS standards. These resources are intended for academic use only, including any activity required to complete course work as required by teachers, support research as part of the learning process, and support organization and information acquisition as part of the learning process.

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of the Acceptable Use Policy (the “Policy”) is to set out conditions for acceptable use of SMLS’ technology, including all computers, networks, systems, databases, software, email, fax and use of and access to the internet (collectively the “System”). This Policy applies and must be adhered to by each student (the “User”) of SMLS that has access to the System. The objectives of the Policy are to demonstrate and promote the commitment of SMLS to provide an effective technological environment to enhance student learning, to provide appropriate, impartial and effective consequences and discipline procedures where violations have occurred.

This Policy should not be considered all-inclusive. The absence of a statement prohibiting a certain activity does not give tacit approval to conduct that activity. Activity or use not specified in this Policy that is contrary to legal, ethical or SMLS standards are prohibited.

Computer and System Use and Risks

Use of the computer and access to the System are conditional upon the acknowledgement of the terms of this Policy. Use of the System constitutes a User’s acknowledgement of the Policy.

SMLS offers access to the System while recognizing that access to and use of the System could present some risks. While the internet provides access to information that supports classroom and library resources and the curriculum, it also provides access to sources that are inappropriate, inaccurate or offensive.

32 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 31 There is also the potential for illegal acts to be committed on the internet. Guidance will be provided on search techniques to verify sources, to avoid inappropriate content and the appropriate use of the System; however the school will not be responsible for continually supervising or monitoring every communication and internet session, and cannot guarantee that no student will ever access such sources, either deliberately or inadvertently.

Users should assume that all information on the school network, computers and/or systems is public. There is no reasonable expectation of privacy when using the System. Users should also be aware that anything posted to the internet or mailed to others can become part of the “public domain”. Information in the public domain can be available to anyone with internet access.

Computers are for academic use only. As such, using the computer for personal use is not supported. We recognize that personal files (photos, music – including iTunes – movies, calendars and other personal documents) may appear on the computers for a number of reasons. Be aware that any files of this type can be removed without warning (with copies returned to the User) during maintenance, especially if they are causing difficulty in using the computer for academic purposes. Please note that in the case of a hardware or software failure, files may disappear, and despite the best efforts of the IT Department, the files may not be recoverable.

A User shall: • At all times, exhibit careful and appropriate use of the computer and the System, which includes following all aspects of the Policy. • (Junior & Middle School) Obtain their teacher’s permission each time they wish to access the System. • Be polite; use appropriate language for all electronic communications. • Log-off from desktop computers at the end of every session. • Restrict all digital media (video, images, sounds and messages) to content that is not offensive to others and appropriate to the academic environment. • Limit searches to appropriate topics and sites. • Regularly delete old and/or unused files. • Be responsible for personal data when using the computer for non-academic purposes. • Be responsible for the cost of non-warranty repairs of the laptop, as identified by Apple. • Be responsible for creating and maintaining a back-up of their files.

32 Parent Handbook 33 A User shall not: • Spill food or drink into the computer. • Use during class time or abuse at any time any form of online “chatting” (i.e. MSN) email or social networking (i.e. Facebook, tumblr). This includes but is not limited to: accessing online chatting during class; using online chatting for harassment of any kind at any time, or using online chatting for communication that breaks any existing SMLS rules or is not legal in any way. • Allow others to use the computer. • Download or install any unlicensed software, or obtain copyrighted digital media without permission of the copyright owner (this includes but is not limited to music (i.e. mp3 files, video i.e. QuickTime or images). • Download or install any licensed software without permission. • Engage in game-playing or other forms of entertainment during class without permission. • Attempt to connect any non-SMLS computer equipment (other than printers, digital cameras, memory sticks or other approved peripherals) to the System. • Attempt to alter, remove or tamper with files on the System or any other User’s computer. • Attempt to access portions of the System which the User knows that the User does not have permission to access. • Use screen-sharing features when not appropriate. • Use their mobile phone or other 3G/4G device as a 'hotspot'/tethering device for their laptop while at school.

System Security

It is the responsibility of each User to preserve the overall security of the System. Each User is responsible for her own account and must take reasonable precautions to ensure the privacy of that account. This includes maintaining proper and secure passwords. Users must notify a system administrator or staff member if they suspect a security issue regarding their account.

Users should be aware that computer viruses, adware and malware might inadvertently be downloaded from the internet, file-sharing programs or the network. If a User has any concerns regarding the safety of a file, she should contact a system administrator before opening the file.

SMLS has the right, but not the obligation, to inspect any computer or computer systems, and to monitor the use of the System. Users will not necessarily be notified when such monitoring is to take place, or whether monitoring has occurred. SMLS may cooperate with legal authorities and/or third parties in the

34 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 33 investigation of any suspected or alleged crime or civil wrong. SMLS may also, on occasion, access, read, copy, reproduce, print, retain, move, store, destroy and/or disclose information, including files, messages, documents, stored in or sent over the System. These situations may include, but are not limited to: (i) in the course of regular maintenance of the services; (ii) in the event of a request for documents as part of legal proceedings; and (iii) where SMLS has reason to believe that the System is being used in violation of this Policy or otherwise contrary to the SMLS Family Code of Conduct.

Personal Safety • Never send information about yourself or others that would or could be considered inappropriate. • Keep in mind that any email you have sent is now beyond your control. It can be copied and re-sent to anyone, so consider what you are sending. • Keep information about your personal identity (such as your name, address, phone number, age, physical description or school) hidden from strangers you may encounter online. • Hide personal information in a public online forum where you may not know everyone who might see the information. • Never reveal personal information online about someone else, unless you have their prior permission and you know the information will not be used for harmful purposes. • Keep your access password or that of anyone else private. • Never send or post a picture of yourself, another person or a group, over an electronic network without prior informed permission of all the individuals involved and, in the case of minors (under 18 years of age), their parent/guardian(s). • Report immediately to a teacher any message or request you receive that bothers you or that suggests personal contact with you. • Never publish the specific dates, times and locations of field trips to people who are not directly entitled to such information, or to public forums where unknown persons might access the information. • A password policy will enforce mandatory password changes every three months.

Laptop Storage

While in the school, the laptop shall remain: • In a locked locker • In a locked classroom • In the possession of the User to which it is assigned

34 Parent Handbook 35 Losses that occur as a result of a laptop being left unattended (meaning not in one of the locations noted above) will be the sole responsibility of the User’s parent/guardian(s).

Laptop Transportation

When moved outside of a classroom, the laptop must always be in an approved laptop carrying case. Carrying the laptop outside of a classroom if it is not in an approved carrying case constitutes a violation of the policy. We recommend a backpack or bag designed for protecting and transporting laptops, or a sleeve and backpack combination. Please note that a laptop sleeve does not provide adequate protection for transporting the laptop outside of the school, but may be acceptable for short trips within the school.

Theft of a laptop, damages that occur to the laptop when the laptop is in the User’s possession (i.e. when it is not in the possession of the school), and the cost of repairs which are not covered under warranty (as determined by Apple Canada – see note below) are the sole responsibility of the User’s parent/guardian(s).

Violations of the Policy

The appropriate disciplinary response to violations of the Policy will be determined based on the User’s intention to violate this Policy and the nature of the violation. In addition to being a violation of SMLS’ rules, certain computer misconduct is prohibited under Canadian law. In addition, a User may be held responsible for misuse which occurs as a result of allowing their account to be accessed by a third party.

Sanctions

Students are reminded that while at school and at all times while using technology, they are to adhere to the expectations of the SMLS Family Code of Conduct. In response to violations of this Policy, SMLS may take any one of more of the following actions: • Verbal warning to student • Written documentation emailed to student, copy sent to advisor, grade coordinator and Director of IT • Depending on the nature and severity of the offence, parents may or may not be advised of first offences as the school attempts positive corrective action; however parents will be advised if laptop privileges are suspended or network access is reduced • Warning letter submitted to student, read and signed by parent/guardian(s)

36 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 35 • Notify advisor, grade coordinator, copy sent to Director of IT • Suspend privileges and/or reduce network access • In-school community service

Continuing offences or serious violations: • Written documentation letter, Head of Junior/Middle/Senior School in direct communication with parent/guardian(s) • Complete and indefinite ban from all computer and network resources • Suspension or expulsion of the User from SMLS; and/or • Legal action to enjoin violations and/or to collect damages, if any, caused by such violation

All serious violations will be brought before the administration for review. Conditions for reinstatement will be determined and reviewed by the administration.

NOTE: for more information on Apple’s Applecare extended warranty, please see below:

1. Applecare protection information page http://www.apple.com/ca/support/products/proplan.html

2. Apple’s general warranty information page http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/

3. Follow the English North America link for a PDF with the Terms and Conditions of the Applecare warranty http://www.apple.com/legal/applecare/appgeos.html

36 Parent Handbook 37 Take a Stand Pledge

I will not bully. I will be my own superhero. I will defend the right to be different. I will rejoice in who you are.

I will not judge. I will care for those who are hurting. I will accept your uniqueness. I will include you in my world.

I will not gossip. I will not hurt others with my words or actions. I will not be mean. I will remain true to myself.

I will step up and lead. I will stand my ground and defend. I will be strong and ask for help. I will be a friend and not stand by.

My name is ______and I won’t be afraid to STAND UP ... for what I know is right ... for my friends, family and community ... for change.

Written by students, staff and parents of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 2006

38 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 37 Full School Information Full School Information

Uniforms

All SMLS students are required to wear a regulation school uniform.

Every June, the PA runs a Used Uniform Sale where parents can sell or purchase gently used uniforms. InSchoolwear Made for Millies Store 482 South Service Road East In SMLS, outside of main gym Oakville, ON L6J 2X7 Hours of operation: Tel: 905-338-3030 Monday-Friday 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Tel: 905-845-5830 ext. 834

Dress and Appearance • Uniforms must be worn at school on a daily basis as well as to and from school. For Senior School, this includes shoes, except during inclement weather when approporiate footwear may be worn. • Correct SMLS athletic wear must be worn during physical education classes and team practices, and is not to be worn during the day or to and from school. All team members must travel in their team uniforms and SMLS track suit. • Appropriate hairstyles are expected. Long hair should be tied back in the Junior School and hair accessories should be discreet and in school colours (burgundy, white, navy blue). Hair colour must be discreet and appropriate. Markedly unnatural hair colour is not acceptable. • Jewellery should be discreet. If earrings are worn, they should be studs or hoops of a diameter which cannot accommodate a child’s finger. • Facial piercing (except for religious reasons) and visible tattooing are prohibited. • Gum chewing is prohibited. • Nail polish is not to be used in the Junior School.

Uniform Infractions Students are required to adhere to all aspects of our uniform policy. Uniform infractions include: inappropriate footwear and socks/tights, oversized earrings and jewellery, hair accessories, non-uniform sweaters and pants, facial piercings and visible tattoos. Infractions may also include articles of clothing that are in need of repair.

40 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 39 Students who are in violation of SMLS’ uniform policy will receive a uniform infraction. Parents will be notified in the Junior School and Middle School. In the Senior School, students will report for detention at lunch as assigned.

Preschool Regulation Uniform

All removable clothing items must be clearly marked with the student’s name, and one complete change of clothing is to be kept at the school. • Short-sleeved polo shirt (spring or fall) • Long-sleeved polo shirt or turtleneck (winter) • Navy v-front jumper (for everyday) – no vest • Black bike shorts (worn under jumper) • Plain navy blue tights/socks • Gingham tunic (summer May 1 to Thanksgiving)

JK/SK Regulation Uniform

All removable clothing items must be clearly marked with the student’s name, and one complete change of clothing is to be kept at the school. • Short-sleeved polo shirt (spring or fall) • Long-sleeved polo shirt or turtleneck (winter) • Navy v-front jumper (for everyday) – no vest • Black bike shorts (worn under jumper) • Plain navy blue tights/socks Optional uniform From November 1 - May 1, depending on weather: • Navy blue SMLS pants with sleeveless vest • Regulation turtleneck From May 1 - November 1, depending on weather: • Skort • White short-sleeved, SMLS crested polo shirt (NO oxford shirts with skorts) • Plain white, undecorated ankle socks (NO anklets)

Junior School (JS - J5) Regulation Uniform

Number 1 Uniform consists of: • Navy blue tunic with school crest • White oxford shirt with buttoned-down collar, short- or long-sleeved (short-sleeved shirts are preferable for Kindergarten because of the extensive use of art supplies; one long-sleeved shirt is required for special occasions)

40 Parent Handbook 41 • Navy blue cardigan with school crest • School tie • Bloomers or boxer shorts • Navy blue knee socks or tights

The Optional Regulation Uniform consists of:

From November 1 – May 1, depending on weather • Navy blue SMLS pants with sleeveless vest • Regulation turtleneck

From May 1 – November 1, depending on weather • White short-sleeved, SMLS crested polo shirt (NO oxford shirts with skorts) • Skorts • Plain white, undecorated ankle socks (NO anklets)

Shoes • Polishable plain black leather Mary-Jane, Velcro or lace-up shoes which fit the foot securely with heels no more than 5 cm (2 inches) including platform (NO patent leather, suede or skinny heels) • Preschool to SK: polishable black Velcro shoes

Fall and Winter Outerwear

In warmer weather, students may wear a jacket, the SMLS cardigan, vest, sweatshirt or fleece vest. These items (other than the cardigan or vest) are only to be used as outerwear and not as part of the indoor uniform.

Regulation Gym Uniforms

Gym uniforms are required for students in JS2 and up, and consist of: • SMLS navy blue t-shirt • Navy blue SMLS gym shorts • Gym bag • Running shoes with good support and non-marking soles • White socks

Optional: • SMLS tearaways • Navy blue or grey SMLS sweatshirt • Climbing wall pants and shirt • SMLS track suit

EVERY ARTICLE OF CLOTHING MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE STUDENT’S NAME

42 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 41 Middle & Senior School (MS1 - Grad Year) Regulation Uniform

Students have the option of wearing five regulation indoor uniforms, each of which must be accompanied by classically-styled, low-heeled, polishable, plain closed-back black leather shoes. No shoes raising the heel (including the platform) more than 5 cm will be permitted. In cases where a student has a medically diagnosed condition, the alternate shoe must be black. Ballet flats, Toms and decorated shoes are not acceptable. THE SHOE POLICY WILL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO.

In 2014-2015 – MS1 must wear the cardigan; MS2 may wear the cardigan or the blazer. In 2015 - 2016 – MS1 & MS2 must wear the cardigan.

Number 1 Uniform consists of: • Kilt • White oxford shirt with buttoned-down collar, short- or long-sleeved • school tie • Blazer with school crest • Navy blue knee socks

The Optional Regulation Uniforms consist of:

Number 2 Uniform: Kilt, school turtleneck and v-neck sweater or blazer, with navy blue tights or knee socks Number 3 Uniform: Kilt, shirt, tie, v-neck sweater or vest, with navy blue tights or knee socks Number 4 Uniform: Navy blue SMLS pants, shirt, tie, vest, with navy blue socks (Nov. 1 – Apr. 1) Number 5 Uniform: Kilt, navy blue SMLS crested polo shirt, with navy blue knee socks (May 1 – Thanksgiving) • Although students may wear any uniform on a daily basis to and from school, #1 Uniform must be worn on special occasions (i.e. Eucharist) and when representing the school at certain outside events. • Kilts must not be more than 15 cm (6”) above the knee when kneeling. • Ties and blazers must be regulation. Burgundy blazers are reserved only for members of the Prefect Body. Grads may wear the special ‘Grad Tie’. The Athletic Council also has a tie. • Correct SMLS athletic wear must be worn during physical education classes and team practices, and is not to be worn during the day or to and from school. All team members must travel in their team uniforms and SMLS track suit. • Parents are to ensure that their daughters are appropriately attired upon leaving home.

42 Parent Handbook 43 SMLS Traditions The House System

The tradition of the House System is a vital and integral part of life at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School. Every student and staff member belongs to one of the three Houses: Brant-Massey (red), Cartier-Vanier (green) and Grenfell-Alexander (blue), and sisters are placed in the same House. Each House has a House Head, selected from the Prefect body (Grad Year students), and in MS1 – SS4, there are House Reps. They are responsible for organizing spirit-raising activities, and run Michaelmas and Sports Day, which are devoted to House competitions.

Students and Houses work to earn House Points. Each student contributes to the success of her House in a number of ways: academic effort, intramural participation, service to the school, club participation and involvement in various other sports activities. The goal of this program is to combine House spirit and school spirit, giving a family atmosphere and unity which otherwise might be difficult to attain within our diverse student body. It also encourages students to work together and with staff, developing leadership skills and personal growth, and rewards students who would otherwise be reluctant to participate in school life.

The Senior School student with the highest cumulative point total at the end of the year receives a personal plaque and her name engraved on the House plaques displayed at the school. The House with the top average points per student receives recognition at the final Chapel of the year, and the House and academic year is engraved on the House Cup.

Religious Knowledge and Chapel

While St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School has a traditional and formal association with the Anglican Church of Canada and celebrates the Eucharist, church seasons and festivals (led by our School Chaplain, Reverend Maria Nightingale), we recognize that our students represent a wide range of religious backgrounds, including many Christian denominations and world religions.

The only requirement is that every student, regardless of her religious affiliation, must attend school Chapel and Eucharists, and in the case of Junior School and MS1, Religious Knowledge classes taught every week.

In Junior School, students begin every Monday and Wednesday in Chapel with stories, prayers and songs (they have homeroom on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays).

Middle School and Senior School students attend Chapel three times a week, and it is generally a short service led by our School Chaplain, Head of School, individual teachers, Prefects and/or specific classes.

44 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 43 Leadership and Mentoring

Student leadership and mentoring opportunities are encouraged beginning early in Junior Schooland through a student's career at SMLS. Opportunities for leadership are presented both within the classroom and beyond.

Big Sister/Little Sister Program

All Junior, Middle and Senior School girls are paired up with a Junior School classroom through their advisor groups and participate in various activities The main objective of the program is to facilitate the forming of relationships between students in all levels of the School.

Community Service

The school fosters a sense of caring and responsibility to the wider community. SMLS introduces students to a lifelong commitment to community involvement by encouraging class projects and fundraisers. The Terry Fox Walk, Kerr Street Ministries, United Way, Empty Bowls, and Special Olympics are annual charities for SMLS. In order to receive their graduation diploma, all students from SS1 to Grad Year must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service.

Co-Curricular Programs

St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School recognizes the value of experiences that take place outside of the classroom, and offers a vast array of co-curricular activities. These include clubs, drama/musical presentations, choirs, bands, visual arts and team sports.

In the Junior and Middle Schools parents receive communication each term re- garding clubs and teams that are available.

In Senior School, students can choose from a variety of co-curricular activities or varsity sports teams, competing against other girls’ teams from CIS schools.

FALL WINTER SPRING

X-Country Running Badminton Floor Hockey Basketball Basketball Golf Sr. Field Hockey Floor Hockey Soccer Soccer Swimming Softball Swimming Volleyball Track & Field

44 Parent Handbook 45 The Global Studies Program

The Global Studies Program is a unique and innovative program, designed to extend and enhance the compulsory Ontario Curriculum to connect students with the world beyond the school walls, via technology and real-life experiences: • In JS3 and JS4, students participate in a one-day activity-based Global Studies day with specific tie-backs to the Ontario Curriculum. • In JS5, there is a one-day field trip to Bronte Creek Provincial Park and an overnight experience at the Norval Outdoor School for a two-day program of experiential learning. • JS 3, 4 and 5 students will participate in the “Millie 100 Award” as part of their Global Studies program. • In MS1, students spend a day at the Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre for fun water-based activities. Mid-year, there is a theme day focused on the Junior Duke. Late spring, there is a three-day trip to the nation's capital, Ottawa. • In MS2, students participate in an overnight team-building and high ropes experience at Canterbury Hills Conference Centre in Ancaster in September, as well as a four-day trip to Quebec City in the new year. • In SS1, students participate in a four-day, three-night winter sports and adventure program at YMCA Camp Wanakita, Haliburton, with A.L.I.V.E. Outdoors. • In SS2, the program focus is on team-building, multiculturalism and tolerance, and the development of leadership skills. This includes a four-day outdoor education experience at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana, Georgian Bay. • In SS2/SS3, students participate in an exchange program with our ‘sister school’ in Perth, Australia and St. Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart, Tasmania, as well as with IES Bromma, Sweden. • In SS3, we offer a two-week learning opportunity at our ‘sister schools’ in China, an eco-service adventure in Ecuador, a philanthropic/historical journey to Germany and Poland, and local job-shadowing/community service. Students will develop essential life skills (i.e. CPR and first aid training and certification) in addition to extended curricular studies experientially in an integrated delivery. • In SS4, we offer a five week co-op education program in addition to other innovative opportunities, such as mini-gap work placements in our ‘sister schools’ in Scotland, England, France, Spain, China, Japan and Australia, or volunteer work overseas in developing countries with Projects Abroad.

46 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 45 The timetable is adjusted to allow for the completion of Ministry credits prior to the SS4 Experiential Learning block.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program is an elite and pretigious program and is recognized internationally. Founded by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, in Great Britain in 1956, the program is designed to help young people develop a sense of responsibility in themselves and their community by expanding their horizons. It has evolved into one of the most comprehensive individual development, self-training and personal achievement programs in the world, and since its inception, over 7 million people in over 130 countries have participated.

The program is open to those between 14 and 25 years of age, and consists of four sections: community service, skills development, physical fitness and expeditions. There are three levels: Bronze (entry age 14), Silver (entry age 15) and Gold (entry age 16). The Bronze Award is a compulsory part of our Senior School program while the Silver and Gold Award are strongly encouraged. SMLS strongly supports this initiative, as its goals parallel our own. The Junior Duke

Students in the Middle School and SS1 will have the opportunity to participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program at a junior level (ages 11-13) and be recognized and rewarded for their efforts to lead an active lifestyle, help others, and develop their hobbies and interests.

School Procedures

School Hours With the exception of students enrolled in our Extended Day program, please remember that, for the safety of all Middle and Senior School students are not to be in the school before 8:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. unless they are involved in a school activity (including clubs, practices or sports where they are under teacher supervision). Any Junior School student arriving before 8:15am or staying after 3:30pm must go to the Extended Day program. Any MS1 student remaining in school after 4:00pm should also go to the Extended Day program. If your daughter is involved in an after-school program or club, she is to leave the building upon completion of her activity. Earlier than 8:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. the girls are unsupervised.

Generally there is no one available after 5:00 p.m. to allow access into the school through the front door. The safety of our students is always of prime importance.

46 Parent Handbook 47 Five Day Schedule Due to the recurring number of classes missed on Mondays and Fridays throughout the year, classes operate on a 5-day schedule. The first day of school on Thursday, September 4th is Day 1.

Absence/Late Reporting

Parents must call the school at ext. 855 before 9:00 a.m. to inform Student Services if their daughter will be absent or late. Please try to schedule your daughter’s appointments outside of school hours, and please provide a note for dismissal or return to school. Students who are absent because of illness must bring a note from their parent/guardian immediately upon their return.

Junior School students arriving after 8:30 a.m. are considered late. Upon arrival, they are to sign in at Student Services and check in with their homeroom teacher. If late to Chapel, parents must accompany their daughter to Chapel.

Middle School and Senior School students arriving after 8:30 a.m. are considered late and must sign in at Student Services with a note from their parent/guardian. All students are to attend Chapel. If late to school, students are expected to go directly to Chapel. Senior School students will be required to serve a detention during lunch the day they are late to either class or Chapel. If they are late to afternoon classes, the detention will be served the following day.

Participation in activities such as sports, clubs or trips are co-curricular and students must keep up with their regular schoolwork, including tests, homework and assignments when absent. Classes and all scheduled school activities, such as Sports Day, Chapel and Eucharist, are a compulsory part of school life. Punctual and regular attendance at all these events is expected.

Parents are to email Mrs. Byers, Head of School, if they are taking their daughter out of school for a holiday beyond our specified dates. Please refer to our SMLS Calendar in the parent portal section of our website, ‘My SMLS’.

Elite Extended Training/Competitions

Extended or cumulative absences from school can have a detrimental effect on academic performance that is critical to success. If your daughter is involved in “high level” or elite training in an athletics or arts discipline, it is essential that you contact the Head of Junior, Middle or Senior School early in the school year to assist her in her planning. Together academic advisors and subject teachers will work with you and your daughter to arrange appropriate schedules and work assignments. It is the responsibility of the student and her family to be proactive in maintaining academic expectations.

48 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 47 Closing for Inclement Weather Parents should check the school website or call the Inclement Weather Line (ext. 820) for information regarding school closing. Radio station Newstalk 1010, 680 News and City News Toronto will also announce school closures after 6:30 a.m. If a severe storm starts during the school day, the bus company will try to have the buses leave earlier. The school will remain open if at all possible, but for our students’ safety, we are guided by road conditions and the bus company.

Please ensure that your daughter knows where to go if you will not be home. If a small child’s parents cannot be reached, we will keep her at school. However, we ask for your cooperation in making suitable arrangements for the safety and well-being of your daughter when emergency conditions occur. • Please indicate your Inclement Weather Procedures on the back of the Master Contact and Consent Form. • Please notify the school if your telephone number/email address changes.

Parking

Parents MUST NOT leave their cars during drop-off and pick-up. The inside lanes (closest to the school) are for drop-off and pick-up ONLY, and after drop-off or pick-up, parents must move to an outside traffic lane.

In the west parking lot (by the soccer field) use both sides, as the middle is for exiting only. There is limited student parking available in the east lot (by the new wing). All vehicles need to be authorized and display a parking permit sticker available from the Business Office. Students are to see Mr. Turner regarding parking concerns.

Leaving School Property

Students from Preschool – SS3 MAY NOT leave SMLS grounds during school hours unless they have written permission from a parent or guardian. SS4 – Grad Year students may leave the grounds when they do not have a scheduled class or other school activity but are expected to remain in proper uniform. All students are expected to be back in time for the start of their next class.

All students who leave the school during the day, for any reason including illness, MUST SIGN OUT at Student Services and provide a note of explanation from a parent/guardian upon leaving or returning. Failure to sign out may result in the removal of this privilege.

48 Parent Handbook 49 Out of Bounds

To ensure our students’ safety, they are not permitted in the following areas: • pine trees in the back of the main gym • near the creek • in the parking lot (during school hours) • in the gym, fitness centre or change room, unless a member of staff is supervising a class or activity.

Field Trips/Overnight Excursions

Field trips are an integral part of the school program. Permission forms are sent home prior to each trip. If the trip takes place through lunchtime, a boxed lunch will be provided.

No student will be allowed to participate in any off-site trip/excursion without a completed Health Form on file for the current school year.

Spirit Days

These are designated days when students are not required to wear the school uniform. Parents and students will be informed ahead of time of the theme and suggested attire.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found for clothing is located in the gym change room. Precious items are kept in Student Services.

Lockers

All students from MS1 and up are issued lockers, which belong to the school and must be treated accordingly. School-issued locks must be used at all times. The school will not be responsible for any possessions taken from lockers, and has the right to examine lockers at any time.

Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy

SMLS students are permitted the privilege of having a cell phone at school, with their parent’s permission. Cell phones are not permitted to be visible during class time and must be on silent at all times. Students may not send or receive calls or messages on their phones during class time. Middle and Senior School students may use their cell phones during breaks or lunch in the locker area or at entrances/exits. Junior School students are not permitted to use cell phones /

50 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 49 electronic devices during the school day without teacher permission. Cell phones may not be visible or used in the Resource Centres, Dining Hall or Student Lounge. Students who do not adhere to this policy will have their phones taken from them by a teacher and turned into the appropriate Head of School. If a student is unwell, she should go to the Health Centre and the nurse can call home. Ongoing violations of the policy will result in further consequences, up to and including the removal of the privilege.

School Services

Health Centre

The Health Centre is located by the main gym. Nursing staff provide first aid, assessments, and care of arising or ongoing conditions. Should your daughter become ill during the school day and are unable to return to class, parents/guardians or designates are required to pick up the student immediately.

Medication at School

Students should bring to school only medications which have been prescribed by a doctor. All medication must be in the original dispensing container from the pharmacy, and should be given to the nursing staff first thing in the morning to be secured in a locked cupboard along with any instructions. Parents of Preschool students are to give the medication to the Preschool teacher.

Common over-the-counter (OTC) medications are also kept in a locked cupboard in the Health Centre and are administered after a nursing assessment. Parents of JK to JS5 students are contacted prior to administration where possible, whereas Middle School and Senior School students may request OTC medication from the nursing staff.

Health Forms

A confidential record is kept for each student regarding immunization, existing health conditions, treatments and administration of medications. The annual Health Form provides the basis of this record. Parents are required by law to provide the Regional Municipality of Halton Health Department with a copy of the student’s immunization record. Photocopies of these documents are preferred and should be included with the annual Health Form. These are then forwarded to the Health Department, complying with regulations concerning mandatory immunizations for school attendance. Please update us on any changes in your child’s health status throughout the year.

50 Parent Handbook 51 Please note that no student will be permitted to participate in any off-site trip/excursion without a completed Health Form on file in the Health Centre for the current school year.

Accidents/Emergencies

In the case of a serious accident or emergency, parents/guardians will be notified immediately. An Incident Report will be completed, which will be reviewed by the Head of School and the Health and Safety Committee.

Allergies/Anaphylaxis/Asthma

SMLS is an allergen-aware environment. The most common triggers for allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) include: food (i.e. peanuts, tree nuts, egg, milk, wheat, shellfish, soy, sesame, fish); insect stings, and latex. SMLS attempts to provide a “minimized allergen environment”, and the entire SMLS community is expected to respect this policy. No products labelled “contains/may contain peanuts or tree nuts” are to be brought into the school. Allergy History forms must be filled out annually for the students’ safety.

Each parent/guardian whose daughter has allergies is responsible for providing an updated Anaphylaxis Form annually. Students with anaphylaxis follow a specific protocol depending on their age If an epi-pen is required, the student must carry it with her at all times.

Each parent/guardian whose daughter has asthma is responsible for providing an updated Asthma Emergency Plan annually. If the child has been prescribed a Ventolin puffer, it must be kept at school at all times.

Junior School – puffers will be kept with the teacher or school nurse, unless otherwise directed by the parent/guardian.

Middle School and Senior School – Puffers will be kept with the student at all times, and can be taken as needed. The student will then be responsible for informing the school nurse of any medication administration.

Communicable Diseases

If you suspect your child has a communicable disease that may spread to the school community, keep your child at home, away from others, and contact your family doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor will advise you about the care and treatment of the condition.

52 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 51 Concussion

It is the parents’ responsibility to inform the Health Centre when their daughter has been diagnosed with a concussion by a physician. The nurses will then initiate the Return to Learn and Return to Play guidelines as required, in conjunction with the Head of Junior/Middle/Senior School, the student’s homeroom teacher/advisor, the Student Success Centre, and the Guidance Department.

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

At SMLS routine lice checks are done throughout the year. If your daughter has head lice, you will be notified and asked to pick her up from school. Parents are required to keep their daughter home until the condition clears. Upon return to school, students must check in with the nurse before going to class.

Parents will be provided with a fact sheet which contains information about remedy options and instructions for treating head lice, as recommended by the Halton Public Health Department.

If you have questions or concerns about any of the above, please contact the Health Centre at ext. 827 any time during the school year. All of the mandatory forms are available on our website.

Food Services

The SMLS food services (lunch and snack) program is provided for all students, and the cost is included in tuition fees. Each day we offer a variety of healthy hot and cold options and a morning snack. All students from SK to Grad Year enjoy their meal in the dining hall, and Preschool and JK students eat in their classroom.

Meals are planned and prepared onsite by our food services provider, Dana Hospitality Inc., and menus are posted on the notice board and in ‘My SMLS’. All meals are nutritionally balanced in accordance with the Canada Food Guide and PPM 150 (Policy Program Memorandum No. 150 – Nutrition Standards for Schools).

Out of consideration for those who are allergic, nuts and any foods containing nuts must not be brought to school. While SMLS and Dana Hospitality Inc., make every attempt to provide food not containing nuts or nut products, the school cannot guarantee the risk of cross-contamination. The Health Centre will deal with individuals who have severe allergies and/or intolerances, as indicated in their Health Form, on an individual basis. For more on Dana’s Allergy Awareness Program, please visit the private parent portal of our website, ‘My SMLS’.

52 Parent Handbook 53 Bus Program

The Bus Program, provided by Attridge Transportation, is available on a regular or occasional basis as an alternative to driving your daughter to school. All students participating in the bus service are expected to behave with common courtesy and obey the rules, as set out by the driver as well as all expectations set out in the SMLS Family Code of Conduct. In order to provide consistent service to our regular riders, occasional riders will be accommodated on a daily basis as space permits, and picked up and dropped off at a designated group stop, as the routes are designed around regular ridership. Buddies are provided for students in JK-JS1.

Questions: Contact Miss A-C Mertei at ext. 805 • [email protected]

Auxiliary Programs

SMiLeS Camps

SMLS offers co-ed PD Day, March Break and summer camps for children aged 21/2 to 10 years. Teaching professionals guide traditional camp activities in keeping with themed days or weeks. Children benefit from well-equipped facilities, low camper to leader ratios, and diverse programming well-suited to learning and fun. Before and after care is available, and advance registration is required. For more information, visit the Camp, Care and Skills Programs section of our website.

Facility Rentals

SMLS offers premier, competitively-priced rental facilities, including a theatre, playing field, gymnasium, classroom and a dining hall, for team practices, recitals, theatre group rehearsals, and after school get-togethers.

Questions? Contact Ms. Marilyn Caird at ext. 882 • [email protected]

54 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 53 Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Families seeking financial assistance on the basis of need should submit their requests by February 15th of the preceding school year. All applications are reviewed in the strictest confidence. For further information, consult the Financial Handbook.

Individuals, corporations, associations or foundations interested in making a tax-deductible donation to our bursaries and student awards can contact the Director of Advancement for more information.

Questions: Contact Mrs. Melanie Snyder at ext. 835 • [email protected]

54 Parent Handbook 55 SMiLeS Preschool Program SMiLeS Preschool Program

Our Preschool program caters to girls from 21/2 to 4 years of age. Our highly qualified staff and state-of-the-art facilities allow our students to flourish and thrive.

The children enjoy daily playtime, rest periods, outdoor fun and exercise, as well as readiness activities in reading, math and science. In addition, through carefully planned games and activities, our students develop initiative and independence while building self-esteem and decision-making abilities.

SMiLeS Preschool is licensed and inspected annually by the Early Learning Division of the Ministry of Education and the Health and Fire Departments, and complies fully with the Day Nurseries Act.

Child Teacher Ratio

SMiLeS Preschool is licensed to accept 16 children in each of the two classrooms, and does not exceed the staff/child ratio of one adult for every eight students (established by the Day Nurseries Act). All of our Preschool teachers have Early Childhood Education qualifications.

Our Preschool Supervisor is a qualified, experienced Early Childhood Educator. She is responsible for planning and implementing an exemplary Preschool program, and ensures the safety of the children in accordance with relevant federal, provincial and municipal legislation and policies. The Preschool Supervisor ensures that equipment and facilities are clean, safe and well-maintained.

Our Preschool Director ensures the Preschool meets the requirements of the Day Nurseries Act, and is the liaison between the Ministry of Child and Youth Services and the school. The Director supervises the program development and teachers.

Our Philosophy

We believe in the importance of providing an exciting, interactive program that allows children to grow, thrive and learn in a safe and nurturing environment. Our play-based approach provides experiences that enhance learning through play, exploration and social interaction.

56 Parent Handbook 57 Features of the Program

• An intellectually stimulating environment to take advantage of rapid cognitive development in the preschool years • A focus on the value of childhood play as way to learn and connect with others • Learning projects and activities born out of the girls’ natural curiosity and questions about the world • Arts integrated into every aspect of the program • A learning environment specifically designed to meet the learning needs of girls

Program Framework

The children’s day is a blend of structured and unstructured activities:

Indoor Environment is designed to promote a variety of spontaneous and planned experiences which can be enjoyed individually or in groups.

Routines for dressing, washroom and lunch/snack to foster independence and self-help skills; children are encouraged to do as much for themselves as possible.

Rest/Quiet Time for children to re-energize; non-sleepers are able to participate in quiet playroom activities after one hour of rest.

Outdoor Play to meet children’s physical need for large muscle activity, as well as encouraging exploration of the natural surroundings.

Field Trips to enhance and expand on the classroom curriculum; may include walking in the surrounding areas or use of public/chartered bus services.

Nutrition through a hot well-balanced meal prepared onsite at midday, as well as healthy morning and afternoon snacks.

Schedule

SMiLeS Preschool operates Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with full and part-time program options. Preschoolers may also be registered for before or after care through the Extended Day program (refer to page 63).

58 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 57 Arrival/Pick-Up

Parents/guardians must present their child to the teacher to ensure proper notification of the child’s arrival, and are to inform the teacher of any changes in routine or behaviour which may affect the child’s participation in the program.

Parents are asked to notify the school if their child will be absent by calling ext. 811.

If parents are unable to pick up their child at the end of the day, they must notify the school in advance with the name and address of the person they have designated to do so. Staff must be provided with proof of identification before a child will be released.

Daily Program

Please refer to page 8 for the general School Year Calendar and dates of statutory holidays and school closures.

Morning Program 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Free Play and Visual Arts 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. Washroom/Snack 9:15 – 9:30 a.m. Learning Circle 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Rotation of Table Activities 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Journals/Story Time/Singing 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Morning Program Dismissed

Afternoon Program 11:30 – 12:00 p.m. Washroom/Lunch 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Rest Time 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Free Play and Visual Arts 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Rotation of Table Activities 2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Washroom/Snack 2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Learning Circle 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Washroom/Outside Play 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Journals/Story Time/Singing 4:00 p.m. Afternoon Program Dismissal

58 Parent Handbook 59 Meals/Snacks

Preschoolers are provided with a mid-morning snack and a mid-afternoon snack. A nutritious lunch is served between 11:30 -12:00 p.m. Children attending our full day program receive two snacks and one full lunch daily; half-time students re- ceive one nutritious snack.

Please do not send candy, chewing gum, food or money to the Preschool with your child.

For more, including information on our food services program and food allergens, refer to the Food Services section in Full School Information (page 50)

Outdoor Play

The Ontario Day Nurseries regulations mandate that children are to be outdoors for a minimum of two hours each day, except in inclement weather. Parents need to ensure their child is dressed appropriately for the day’s weather conditions, and must provide a labeled sunhat and sunscreen. Children should have their sunscreen applied before their arrival, and the teachers will re-apply as necessary.

We cannot accept individual parental requests to keep their child indoors; if the child is well enough to attend school, then she is expected to participate in every aspect of the daily routine.

Outings/Field Trips

For any off-site trips and walks within the neighbourhood, parents must sign a permission form. We also require parent volunteers for such excursions for additional supervision.

Toilet Training Policy

SMLS policy is that children are to be toilet-trained before entering the Preschool program; diapers are not permitted at any time. The children are given frequent, regular opportunities to use the washroom, although occasional “accidents” are normal in this age group. The teachers encourage independence by assisting them while they change.

A child who proves to be unreliably toilet-trained may be asked to leave the program until she is properly trained. However, there is no guarantee that her space in the Preschool will remain secure. Parents of children who regularly have bowel movements in their underwear may be asked to come to school to “change” their child.

60 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 59 Behaviour Management

At SMiLeS Preschool, students should feel protected, safe and loved at all times in a welcoming and nurturing learning environment. Our teachers provide a kind, compassionate, understanding atmosphere that involves helping children develop self-control and self-direction skills through fairness, flexibility and firmness.

Our Behaviour Management Plan is designed to teach students the behavioural skills, concepts and knowledge necessary to become respectful, responsible and self-disciplined learners, based on their level of understanding.

A copy of our Behaviour Management Plan is available in ‘My SMLS’ under Forms and Documents.

Health Requirements

The Public Health Act (section 75, SS1-5) requires that children who are suffering from any communicable disease, such as viral infections accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, persistent cough and conjunctivitis (pink-eye), not attend Preschool until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.

If the child becomes ill at school, the parent will be contacted and the child will need to be picked up as soon as possible. Children who are at school must be able to participate fully indoors and outdoors, as we do not have staff to supervise children individually.

Please refer to the Health Centre section under Full School Information for details on Medications at School, Health Forms, Accidents/Emergencies, Allergies/Anaphylaxis/Asthma, Communicable Diseases, Concussion, and Pediculosis.

Keeping in Touch

Communication between the school and our families include: • The SMLS Parent Handbook. Parents are asked to acknowledge receipt of the Handbook by signing the relevant section on the Permission Form. • The Parent Information bulletin board with calendars, events, program plans and menus. • Regular newsletters. • The child’s progress report, sent out in February/March, and parent interviews held in November and March with dates and times arranged in advance. Such interviews allow a special time for parents and teachers to share the child’s progress and discuss any concerns about the program.

60 Parent Handbook 61 • Our website, private parent portal ‘My SMLS’, and weekly school-wide eblasts.

Parents are welcome to visit the Preschool to familiarize themselves with their child’s friends and routines, and are asked to make arrangements beforehand. Parents will be required to sign in/out at Reception in Nicholas Hall.

Volunteering

We welcome parents to visit and/or volunteer in our program at any time. Parents can take an active role in our program by assisting at one of the centres, working with a small group on an activity, volunteering to supervise on a field trip, reading stories, supporting the science or social studies activities and/or being an extra pair of hands in the classroom.

All parents wishing to volunteer must fill out the SMLS Volunteer Enrolment Package, which includes the form and privacy policy, and must submit a valid police check. See ‘My SMLS’ for forms and complete details.

Please refer to the Full School Information section (starting on page 35) for details on: • Uniforms • School Procedures (including Closing for Inclement Weather and Parking) • School Services (including Health Centre, Accidents/Emergencies, Food Services and Camps)

62 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 61 The Junior School The Junior School Curriculum Objectives

• To foster intellectual curiosity and initiative. • To develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. • To meet the changing technological requirements of the information age. • To respect and seek to understand other cultures and faiths, to give attention to issues of values, ethical behaviour and spirituality. • To encourage the involvement of parents in the education of their daughters. • To recognize the role of co-curricular activities as a meaningful and rewarding aspect of the program. • To maintain a well-qualified and committed faculty who support the mission of the school. • To continue to increase leadership opportunities for students and faculty. • To provide an appropriate physical environment for student learning. • To ensure understanding of and participation in the school vision.

Important Dates and Times Daily Schedule

8:30 a.m. Attendance Taken 8:30 a.m. Junior School Chapel (Mon. - Wed.) 3:05 p.m. JK Dismissal 3:10 p.m. SK 3:15 p.m. JS1 Dismissal 3:20 p.m. JS2 Dismissal 3:25 p.m. JS3 Dismissal 3:30 p.m. JS4 and JS5 Dismissal

Junior School students should not arrive without permission before 8:15 a.m. Students must be in the classroom by 8:30 a.m.

Report Cards and Interview Cycles

JK & SK JS1 – JS5

Observations & Interviews October/November Interviews February November/February Reports February/June February/June

64 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 63 Parent/Teacher Interviews

Homeroom teachers make contact with parents/guardians approximately every six weeks. Personal interviews can be scheduled at the request of parents or teachers. Should you have a concern involving more than academics, please contact:

Miss Cheri Grogran, Head of Junior School • 905-845-5830 ext. 830 Mrs. Byers, Head of School • 905-845-5830 ext. 801

Parent Information Evenings

Visits to classrooms for students in Preschool to JS5 will take place on Thursday, September 11th, 2014. See the school calendar for times.

Homerooms

From JK-JS5, each class is divided into groups called homerooms. The homeroom teacher is responsible for closely monitoring each student’s progress, and is an important point of contact for parents.

Extended Day Program

The Extended Day Program is available for students from Preschool-JS5. Your daughter will be supervised either in the morning session from 7:15 – 8:15 a.m. and/or the after school session from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. A variety of activities are offered, and homework assignments can be completed. This is also a valuable time for students to interact with their peers.

This service is also available on an occasional basis before or after school. Arrangements must be made 24 hours in advance by calling the Extended Day Program coordinator and your child’s classroom teacher. Keep in mind that students up to and including Grade 5 are NOT allowed to be in the school unsupervised before 8:15 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. Students must leave the Extended Day Program in their school uniform.

Questions: Contact Mrs. Eddy at ext. 829 • [email protected] Miss Filice at ext. 829 • [email protected]

Class Parents

Through the SMLS Parent Association, parents can volunteer to be “Class Parents”, who chaperone school trips, assist in the resource centre, and help with a variety of other projects.

64 Parent Handbook 65 Class Parent Responsibilities • Introduce yourself to the classroom teacher and discuss his/her expectations for the class parent. It works well if both class parents for the grade meet with the grade teachers at the same time. • Assist the teacher with special events (i.e. arranging volunteers for field trips). • Coordinate special grade events with the other class parent, ensuring activities, snacks, etc. are the same for all classes. • Contact each family in your daughter’s class and introduce yourself as their class parent. • Obtain contact information for each student. • Assist in obtaining signed permission forms to release personal information on a class list (name, home phone, email). • Prepare class list for distribution to all classes in the grade. • Keep class list up-to-date. • Be up-to-date on all upcoming SMLS events. • Foster fellowship and friendship in the classroom. • Help recruit volunteers for school events when required. • Obtain approval for all literature you wish to send home to our families. • Liaise with the Junior School Communications Convener when applicable. • Sign confidentiality agreement.

The class parent is responsible for checking with the school as to the status of their police check, to ensure it is valid.

Junior Resource Centre (JRC)

The Junior Resource Centre provides resources to the Junior School students and access to networked computers. The library stocks a large collection of videos, software and various online databases which are accessed through our web page, as well as print and electronic curriculum-based materials.

Students and parents are required to sign the Acceptable Use Policy Agreement in order to access the school network. Abuse of any of the systems will result in withdrawal of privileges.

66 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 65 Middle School Middle School

Curriculum Objectives

• To foster intellectual curiosity and initiative. • To continue to foster and develop inquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. • To meet the changing technological requirements of the information age. • To respect and seek to understand other cultures and faiths, to give attention to issues of values, ethical behaviour and spirituality (based in the Christian tradition). • To create more opportunities for involvement in the wider community by broadening the community aspect of the program. • To encourage the involvement of parents in the education of their daughters. • To develop links with business and alumnae. • To recognize the role of co-curricular activities as a meaningful and rewarding aspect of the program. • To build the co-curricular program by stressing teamwork, interdependency, interpersonal skills, citizenship and responsibility. • To maintain a well-qualified and committed faculty who support the mission of the school. • To continue to increase leadership opportunities for students and faculty. • To provide an appropriate physical environment for student learning. • To ensure understanding of and participation in the school vision.

Middle School Mission

Our Middle School (MS1 and MS2) at SMLS strives to provide a challenging and engaging program that is inspired by the grades 6, 7, and 8 Ontario curricula. We intentionally seek and explore connections between subject areas, within subjects, and to the real world. We provide a nurturing environment, allowing us to focus on the social, emotional, and academic well being of our girls. Our inquiry-based programming aims to engage the interests and foster the natural curiosity of our students, and develop skills for lifelong learning. We guide our students to ask and explore answers to questions that are relevant to their 21st century world. We encourage our girls to be informed and active citizens of their local and global communities.

68 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Middle School Homeroom

We provide a nurturing environment, allowing us to focus on the social, emotional, and academic well being of our girls. Our students begin in their homeroom teacher’s classroom each day. Attendance is taken by the homeroom teacher at the beginning of the day and after lunch recess. The homeroom teacher is the main contact person for families of students in his or her homeroom. The homeroom teacher uses homeroom time to work with students on organizational skills such as keeping track of dates for upcoming assignments, tests, and school events. Homeroom time is also used for “class meetings”, development of self knowledge, interpersonal skill building, team building activities, and character development initiatives.

Important Dates and Times Daily Schedule

8:15 – 8:25 a.m. Students arrive 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Attendance/Chapel/Advisor Time 8:45 – 10:05 a.m. Periods 1 + 2 10:05 – 10:15 a.m. Recess 10:15 – 11:35 a.m. Periods 3 + 4 11:35 – 12:15 p.m. Period 5 12:15 – 12:55 p.m. Lunch & Outdoor Recess 1:00 – 2:20 p.m. Periods 6 + 7 2:20 – 3:40 p.m. Periods 8 + 9 3:40 p.m. Dismissal 3:45 p.m. Parent pick-up 3:50 p.m. Buses Leave

Report Cards and Interview Cycles

Interviews October / February Reports January / June

Reporting to Parents

Formal reports will go home to Middle School parents in January and June. In MS1, we evaluate student work and progress using numeric levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 and rubrics constructed using achievement chart categories. Whenever appropriate, percentage grades will also be shown in MS1. In MS2, we evaluate student work and progress using percentage grades and rubrics constructed

Parent Handbook 69 using achievement chart categories. This is to allow a smooth transition from Junior School through Middle School and into Senior School. Report card comments are anecdotal. Learning skills and work habits are evaluated for each subject, so teachers make expectations for success with learning skills and work habits clear to students early in the year and revisit them regularly, so that they may set goals and self-assess on an ongoing basis. As with academic subjects, students will receive ongoing teacher feedback relating to their success with learning skills and work habits regularly throughout the course of the school year.

Communication

We communicate with parents in many ways, including:

• homework • agendas • our My SMLS homeroom pages • evaluated work with written feedback • parent nights • phone calls • meetings • emails • showcases of student work • interviews • report cards

It is our aim to be exemplary communicators and to communicate with parents proactively and on an on-going basis about the progress of their girls academically, socially, and relating to learning skills and work habits.

Homeroom teachers are the main contact people for Middle School families with questions or concerns about their daughter’s progress. Families may also contact Mrs. Carol Steven, Head of Middle School at 905-845-2386 ext. 840 or via email at [email protected].

70 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Middle School Faculty 2014-15

Faculty MS1 (Grade 6/7) MS2 (Grade 7/8)

Homeroom MS1A Mrs. Vera O’Connor MS2A Ms. Amanda Jewson (203) (205) MS1B Ms. Vivian Cheung MS2B Mrs. Robyn Hahn (204) (207) MS1C Ms. Carolyn Houlgate MS2C Mrs. Sarah Sils (209) (208)

Visual Art Mrs. Sandy Hutton (107)

Music Vocal Vocal Instrumental JS/MS Music Room Ms. Jenny Johnston Clay Tan Instrumental Instrumental MS/SS Music Rm Ms. Sarah De Val

French Mme. Ruta Nausedas Mme. Pauline Gray 157A In MS2 homerooms

Physical Education Mr. Simon Samsworth Mrs. Shari Taferner Main Gym/Red Gym

Religious Rev. Maria Nightingale Knowledge In JRC

Mandarin Mrs. Rebecca Ren In MS2 homerooms

Learning Mrs. Nicola Rieger Strategies Mrs. Elizabeth Dekker (113)

Parent Handbook 71 2014-2015 Middle School Timetable

Time Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

8:15 Students Arrive

8:30 Chapel or Homeroom

Period 1 Core Core Core Core Core 8:45 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

Period 2 Core Core Core Core Core 9:25 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

10:00/10:05 Snack

Period 3 Core Core Core Core Core 10:15 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

Period 4 Core Core Core Core Core 10:55 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

Period 5 Specialist Specialist Core Specialist Specialist 11:35 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

12:15-12:35 Lunch in the Dining Hall

12:35-12:55 Outdoor Recess

Period 6 Specialist Core Specialist Core Core 1:00 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

Period 7 Specialist Core Specialist Core Core 1:40 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

Period 8 Core Specialist Core Specialist Specialist 2:20 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

Period 9 Core Specialist Core Specialist Specialist 3:00 Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects Subjects

3:40 Dismissal

72 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Specific timetables for each class will be provided by your daughter’s homeroom teacher.

Middle School Core Subjects: Middle School Specialist Subjects: Language (LA) Visual Arts Math French Science Mandarin Social Studies Religious Knowledge Phys.Ed. Voice and Instrumental Music

Homework in the Middle School

Homework is work that students do at home to practise skills, consolidate knowledge and skills, and/or prepare for the next class (Growing Success – Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools, 2010). In Middle School at SMLS, homework is also a form of parent communication, providing families with the opportunity to see what their daughters are learning. Our Middle School program is challenging. Students are learning concepts and developing skills from grade 6-8 in two years. Generally, our students have 30-60 minutes of core subject (Math, Science, Language, Social Studies) homework daily from Monday to Thursday. Specialist subject teachers communicate with homeroom teachers about any lengthy homework, to ensure that students are not overburdened.

Examples of homework in Middle School include practising math or language (etc.) skills, preparing for tests, and finishing up classwork. At times, such as leading up to a project showcase, students may need to spend extra time working on homework. There may also be times when homework is necessary on the weekend. In cases where homework is frustrating students, or is taking more than 30-60 minutes daily to complete, students and/or parents should let the homeroom teacher know.

Many of our students are becoming increasingly busy with activities outside of school or during school hours. All families are expected to arrange their daughter’s schedule to allow ongoing completion of homework, which may include classwork completion. This is to ensure academic success and confidence at school, and to ensure that all students are practising and consolidating the skills they are learning at school as well as getting the help that they need.

Parent Handbook 73 Agendas and Homeroom Page on My SMLS

All Middle School teachers have a homework board in their classroom where homework and other reminders about academic dates and school events are posted, added to, and revised on an ongoing basis. This is also posted on each homeroom teacher’s Homeroom Page on MySMLS and updated regularly.

Critical Thinking – Habits of Mind

Habits of Mind are 16 traits for success in school and in life. The traits are an excellent discussion starter when working toward strong metacognition and critical thinking skills as well as goal setting and striving toward becoming an excellent lifelong learner.

Please see below for a summary of the Habits of Mind.

Other ways that we develop student critical thinking skills with our Middle School students are through the development of questioning skills during the inquiry process as well as developing skill in drawing conclusions about findings when investigating a topic. Other processes that develop critical thinking include the scientific inquiry process, and mathematics problem solving and communication processes. Examples of critical thinking skills developed through our language programming are: predicting, connecting, inferring, asking questions, summarizing, deciding what’s important, evaluating, synthesizing, visualizing, and analyzing.

74 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Habits of Mind

1. Persisting 2. Managing Impulsivity Stick to it! Persevering in task through to completion; remaining Take your Time! Thinking before focused. Looking for ways to reach acting; remaining calm, thoughtful your goal when stuck. and deliberative. Not giving up.

3. Listening with understanding and empathy 4. Thinking flexibly Understand Others! Devoting mental Look at it Another Way! Being able energy to another person’s thoughts to change perspectives, generate and ideas. Make an effort to perceive alternatives, consider options. another’s point of view and emotions.

5. Thinking about your thinking (Metacognition) 6. Striving for accuracy Know your knowing! Being aware Check it again! Always doing your of your own thoughts, strategies, best. Setting high standards. feeling and actions and their Checking and finding ways to effects on others. improve constantly.

7. Questioning and problem posting 8. Applying past knowledge to new situations How do you know? Having a questioning attitude; knowing what Use what you Learn! Accessing prior data are needed and developing knowledge; transferring knowledge questioning strategies to produce beyond the situation in which it was those data. Finding problems to solve. learned.

9. Thinking and communicating 10. Gather data through all senses with clarity and precision Use your natural pathways. Pay Be clear! Striving for accurate attention to the world around you. communication in both written Gather data through all the senses; and oral form; avoiding over generalizations, distortions, taste, touch, smell, hearing and deletions and exaggerations. sight.

12. Responding with wonderment 11. Creating, imagining and and awe innovating Have fun figuring it out! Finding the Try a different way! Generating new world awesome, mysterious and and novel ideas, fluency, originality. being intrigued with phenomena and beauty.

13. Taking responsible risks 14. Finding humor Venture out! Being adventuresome; living on the edge of one’s Laugh a Little! Finding the whimsical, competence. Try new things incongruous and unexpected. Being constantly. able to laugh at oneself.

16. Remaining open to continuous 15. Thinking interdependently learning Work together! Being able to work in I have so much more to learn! and learn from others in reciprocal Having humility and pride when situations. Team work. admitting we don’t know; resisting complacency.

Images © 2000 Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development,1703 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311 USA This and other resources available at www.habitsofmind.org

Parent Handbook 75 Character Development – Habits of Heart

Character development and the importance of treating of others with respect are integrated into our classroom programming and our everyday work with the girls and each other at SMLS.

In addition to establishing a classroom community pledge or set of expectations, homeroom teachers spend time discussing the SMLS anti-bullying pledge during the first week of classes. Teachers sign and have their students sign the pledge as an indication of commitment to it. The classroom and anti-bullying pledge is prominently displayed in the classroom and revisited regularly during the school year.

The “Six Pillars of Character” can be viewed as our “Habits of Heart.” These are essential for our outstanding girls and pair well with our “Habits of Mind”.

The Six Pillars of Character:

Trustworthiness Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable – do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal – stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act – consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

76 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School Caring Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

See more at: http://charactercounts.org/sixpillars.html#sthash.XY1B8R4r.dpuf

Promoting Positive Student Behaviour at SMLS and the SMLS Family Code of Conduct

Our Promoting Positive Student Behaviour at SMLS (and Anti-Bullying) policies and procedures have been updated (July, 2014). All Middle School faculty are aware of these policies and procedures and will implement them as needed. The SMLS Family Code of Conduct is a companion to this document and can be found in the Parent Handbook.

A growing library of resources focusing on social and emotional learning is available to Middle School students and families. This includes multiple copies of The Kids Guide to Working Out Conflicts (How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along, by Naomi Drew, which may be signed out to students or their families.

Infractions

In the Middle School at SMLS we encourage students to have high expectations and to self regulate by consistently wearing the proper school uniform (outlined in the Parent Handbook) and arriving on time for classes. During the month of September, we ensure that students and their families are aware of these expectations, and assist students in the development and maintenance of uniform and arrival habits. Beginning in October, we implement a system of infractions. If a student arrives without the proper uniform or arrives at school or to class late, the following system of infractions is activated to help her to self regulate in the future:

1) First infraction: The student writes an email to her homeroom teacher, explaining what happened and how she plans to ensure it doesn’t happen again

2) Second infraction: The student uses her recess time to write an email to her homeroom teacher, explaining what happened and how she plans to

Parent Handbook 77 ensure it doesn’t happen again. The homeroom teacher contacts the student’s family to request support for the student with proper uniform or prompt arrival.

3) Third Infraction: The Head of Middle School works together with the student and family to come up with a plan to help the student meet uniform and arrival expectations.

Resource Centres

Our resource centres provide peaceful and welcoming environments for students to use for study, group work and quiet conversation. They are stocked with an extensive range of resources to help students effectively and ethically locate, analyze, evaluate and communicate information.

Our collection is developed to meet curricular expectations, and includes print and electronic resources, videos, DVDs, journals and magazines. Students are encouraged to borrow materials. In most cases, the loan period is for two weeks, and may be renewed upon request. Students with overdue books are notified by email, posted lists and through their homeroom teachers. If books remain overdue, parents/guardians will be notified.

Students are reminded about their responsibility to respectfully care for material they borrow. Books considered lost or damaged need to be replaced, and accounts will be charged at the end of each term.

The resource centre staff encourage a lifelong love of reading. Students are introduced to new resources through classroom book talks and special displays.

78 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 79 Drop-Off/Pick-Up Guidelines

Grade Drop-off Pick-up Time

Preschool East parking lot East parking lot 11:30 a.m. (morning program) 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. 4:00 p.m. (full day or afternoon program) JK East parking lot East parking lot 3:05 p.m. SK East parking lot East parking lot 3:10 p.m. JS1 Front parking lot Front parking lot 3:15 p.m. JS2 Front parking lot West parking lot 3:20 p.m. JS3 Front parking lot Front parking lot 3:25 p.m. JS4 East parking lot East parking lot 3:30 p.m. JS5 West parking lot West parking lot 3:30 p.m. MS1-SS2 West parking lot East parking lot 3:45 p.m. SS3-Grad Year West parking lot West parking lot 3:45 p.m.

Please time your daughter’s pick-up according to the dismissal time for her grade.

The school day commences at 8:30 a.m. for all students, except those in Preschool, and ends at 3:30 p.m. Morning drop-off for students in JK through Grad Year is between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.

Please do not leave your car during drop-off or pick-up. We will assist the students in and out of the car.

80 Parent Handbook 79 Senior School Senior School

Curriculum Objectives

• To foster intellectual curiosity and initiative. • To continue to foster and develop inquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. • To meet the changing technological requirements of the information age. • To respect and seek to understand other cultures and faiths, to give attention to issues of values, ethical behaviour and spirituality (based in the Christian tradition). • To create more opportunities for involvement in the wider community by broadening the community aspect of the program. • To encourage the involvement of parents in the education of their daughters. • To develop links with business and alumnae. • To recognize the role of co-curricular activities as a meaningful and rewarding aspect of the program. • To build the co-curricular program by stressing teamwork, interdependency, interpersonal skills, citizenship and responsibility. • To maintain a well-qualified and committed faculty who support the mission of the school. • To continue to provide leadership opportunities for students and faculty. • To provide an engaging physical environment for student learning. • To ensure understanding of and participation in the school vision.

Senior School Program

Our Senior School program spans the traditional grade levels of Grade 9 to university entrance. It is structured in a highly innovative way to promote academic achievement at the same time as providing a wealth of opportunities to complement students’ academic skills.

In the Senior School, curriculum is designed to promote higher-level thinking skills, critical thinking, creative thinking, the application of knowledge, and the use of problem-solving techniques. This innovative program also enables expanded course options and opportunities to enhance experiential learning.

The Senior School is divided into five specifically designed grades, which allows students to complete, and exceed, the Ministry expectations.

82 Parent Handbook 81 SS1 (Gr. 9) SS2 (Gr. 10) SS3 (Gr. 11) SS4 (Gr. 11 & 12) Grad Year (Gr. 12)

Building on the strong skills developed in the Junior School and Middle School, the Senior School program continues to enhance and develop students’ abilities in all areas. A layered and cyclical curriculum provides opportunities for students to achieve mastery learning. Small class sizes are maintained and students are able to seek one-on-one help when needed. Grade level teaching teams meet frequently to discuss the programs being delivered. When appropriate, teachers have developed integrated units, which incorporate a variety of curricular objectives.

As a result of this unique structuring, our graduates are able to take more Grade 12 level 4U/4M courses in their final years than in other settings; they complete, on average, 34 credits bettering the provincial requirements by four credits, a true advantage when applying to post-secondary programs. Students are able to take full advantage of our Advanced Placement (AP) program, and they also have more time to participate in our outstanding Global Studies program, which provides opportunities to learn beyond classroom walls.

The Senior School program allows teachers to foster a positive self-image and a commitment to community through classroom instruction, with a conscious focus on how girls learn. The use of laptops and other technology as teaching and learning tools enhances academic and curricular goals, while enabling teachers to use a wider range of teaching methods.

The Senior School program is also designed to enable our students to learn about themselves, their world, and develop their skills for learning while they thrive in an enhanced academic program.

Important Dates and Times Daily Schedule

8 :30 – 8 :45 a.m. Attendance/Chapel/Advisor Time 8 :45 – 10 :05 a.m. Periods 1 + 2 10 :05 – 10 :15 a.m. Recess 10 :15 – 11 :35 a.m. Periods 3 + 4 11 :35 a.m. – 12 :15 p.m. Period 5 12 :15 – 1 :00 p.m. Lunch 1 :00 – 2 :20 p.m. Periods 6 + 7 2 :20 – 3 :40 p.m. Periods 8 + 9 3 :40 p.m. SS1 – Grad Year Dismissal 3 :50 p.m. Buses Leave

82 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 83 Report Cards and Interview Cycles

Interviews October/February Reports December/June Exams January* / June (SS4 exams are in May)

*Some courses may schedule mid-term exams in January

Parent/Teacher Interviews

In the Senior School, advisors contact parents every six weeks and interviews take place in October and February. Students are encouraged to be a part of the interview process. Additional meetings initiated by either parents or teachers may be scheduled at any time in order to address academic concerns in a timely manner. Parents are encouraged to call the school if they have concerns to share with their daughters’ teachers. If you should have a concern that involves more than academics, please contact: Mrs. Hansen-Cowper, Head of Senior School 905-845-5830 ext. 806 Mrs. Worboys, Dean of Academic Administration 905-845-5830 ext. 803 Mrs. Byers, Head of School 905-845-5830 ext. 801

Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment and evaluation are based on the provincial curriculum expectations and the assessment levels outlined in the Ministry document Growing Success, as well as in the curriculum policy document for each discipline. The final percentage grade for Senior School courses is as follows: 70% of the grade is based on evaluations undertaken throughout the course and 30% of the grade is based on a final evaluation in the form of one or a combination of the following: an examination and performance assessment, such as a performance, an essay or another method of evaluation suitable to the course content and expectations.

Assignment Deadlines

SMLS encourages and supports student learning through outcome-based assessments. When assessments are not completed by due dates or students are absent, the following procedures will be followed:

Course Assignments Scheduling Conflict: • If a student is aware that she will be absent the day an assignment is due, she will be required to inform her teacher and submit the assignment PRIOR to her absence. All assignments are to be submitted at the time stipulated by the teacher.

84 Parent Handbook 83 Illness: • The student may arrange to submit an assignment upon her return to school or may submit her work electronically. A communication from the student’s parent/guardian is required and must be submitted to the teacher along with the assignment within 24 hours of the student‘s return; otherwise the terms of the late policy apply.

Extension Requests: • If a student determines that she will not be able to submit an assignment by the established due date, she will be allowed to request a new due date with her teacher. This negotiation must take place not less than 24 hours and not more than 7 days before the due date. In cooperation with the teacher, the student must complete and sign an Extension Request Form (available from her teacher and posted on all MySMLS course pages) stipulating the terms of the extension. Teachers will track the progress of these assignments and support students to meet the due dates and assignment criteria. The subject teacher will notify parents of any concerns immediately. • Students may not exercise the Extension Request more than once per course in a single academic year. • Extension Requests are granted at the discretion of the teacher and students should not presume that submitting a request guarantees approval.

Late Policy: • In the case of a late submission that does not meet the criteria of a Scheduling Conflict, Illness, or Extension, that assignment will have 5% deducted for each day late (up to 5 school days, at which time a final grade of zero will be assigned).

Tests

Scheduling Conflict: • If a student is aware that she will be absent the day a test is scheduled, she will be required to inform her teacher(s) and a mutually agreeable time will be set to the complete the test.

Illness: • The student will be required to make up tests upon her return to school. • A communication from the student’s parent/guardian is required and must be submitted to the subject teacher(s) within 24 hours of the student’s return.

84 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 85 Major Term Assignments Weighed 10% or Greater (i.e. ISU, research papers, seminars) Scheduling Conflict: • If a student is aware that she will be absent the day an assignment is due, she will be required to inform her teacher and submit the assignment PRIOR to her absence.

Illness: • The student may arrange to submit her assignment upon her return to school or may submit her work electronically. A physician’s note is required and must be submitted to the teacher along with the assignment, within 24 hours of the student’s return; otherwise the terms of the late policy apply.

Extension Requests: • Due to the extensive period of preparation given to students for all major assignments, extension requests will not be granted. Teachers will track the progress of these assignments and support students to meet the due dates and assignment criteria. Parents will be notified immediately of any concerns by the subject teacher.

Late Policy: • In the case of a late submission that does not meet the criteria of a scheduling conflict or illness, that assignment will have 5% deducted for each day late (up to 5 school days, at which time a final grade of zero will be assigned).

Examinations

The Ministry of Education requires one examination for most courses, and students must be able to apply concepts rather than merely recall content. SMLS sets formal examinations in SS1-Grad Year, in addition to regularly-scheduled unit tests throughout the year. Performance assessments are equivalent to exams and must be carefully calendared. Students must be present for all final assessments unless there is an extraordinary extenuating circumstance. In the case of illness, a medical note to explain and document their absence must be presented.

Detentions

Detentions are to be served as they are assigned, and take priority over any other school activities, except Advanced Placement classes. Students who miss a detention will be immediately referred to the Head of Senior School for appropriate consequences.

86 Parent Handbook 85 School Services Academic and Personal Counselling

SS1 & SS2 Mrs. Newhouse ext. 804 SS3-Grad Year Mrs. Worboys ext. 803

Student Services provides information and assistance to students, staff and parents relating to personal, educational and career goals. Students are offered many opportunities related to post-secondary counseling, including meeting with university reps, visiting universities, and attending open houses and career fairs.

Students and parents are encouraged to use the reference materials available in Student Services, which include university and college calendars, information on study skills, brochures on personal topics, and information on careers, summer programs, exchanges and other opportunities.

Appointments can be requested by the student or counsellor, and although counselling is available through either of our two counsellors, students are assigned to a specific one based on grade level. Starting in SS1, the program has a guidance component delivered or facilitated by our counsellors.

Advisor Groups

Senior School students are divided into advisor groups where a designated staff member provides pastoral care. The groups meet regularly every Wednesday for 15 minutes. This is a chance for girls from different grades to get to know one another and their advisor, and to share experiences. Various school-related announcements and House challenges are driven through advisor groups. Advisors are the first line of contact for parents on concerns of a general nature, and they make contact at least every six weeks.

SS4 & Grad Year Grade Meetings

These grades meet as needed for a scheduled 42 minute session. This compulsory program is designed to meet the academic and social needs of students at this age level. Grad Seminar

All Grad Year students are scheduled into a compulsory 42 minute weekly meeting, covering a variety of topics to ensure that they have a successful year and plan for post-secondary studies. The Grad Seminar also facilitates the online university application process.

86 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 87 Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer students challenges beyond the regular curriculum. Successful completion in AP may assist students in placement for university study. The program is offered concurrently with final year courses in a number of disciplines. Students must obtain an 85% average in the prerequisite course and acceptance into the AP course is determined by the AP teacher and the Head of Senior School.

SAT Preparation

With increasing interest in study in American universities, and the demands made by those in Canada, SMLS offers an opportunity for girls to prepare for the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) Exam. Information is distributed in September and the course (in conjunction with College Preparation International) runs in the early fall.

Prefects

Each spring, the students in MS1 – Grad Year elect their Prefect Body for the following academic year. The Head Girl is the ‘head’ of the entire student body and represents the students at all major school functions. She leads the group, serves as a liaison between the staff and the student body, helps maintain tradition and establishes new policies. After a year of responsibility, her final duty is to give a valedictorian address at the Senior School Closing Ceremony.

The Games Captain is responsible for sports and sports-related activities in the school. She works closely with the Athletic Director and is responsible for seeing that students are aware of sports opportunities. She also oversees Michaelmas and Sports Day.

The Prefect Body has a multitude of responsibilities as a team and specific responsibilities within their portfolios. The positions include Head Girl, Games Captain, House Heads, Junior and Middle School Liaison, Arts, Student Life, Social, Global Studies, STEMR, and EML. They organize and coordinate day-to-day activities, and begin their day assisting at Chapel, checking for infractions of rules and dress code, raise money for charities and have other special duties. Together, the Prefect Body contributes much richness to the life of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School. The ten elected girls are easily identified by their burgundy blazers.

88 Parent Handbook 87 Prefect Selection

Any SS4 student interested in putting her name forward for Prefect must submit a letter of application, résumé and faculty references to Mrs. Newhouse, the Prefect Advisor. The applications will be screened to ensure all candidates meet the requirements, and the résumés will be posted for the student body to review prior to the election.

Those applying to be a Prefect must meet the following criteria PRIOR to the beginning of the selection process: • Minimum overall academic average of 75% on most recent report card • Proven involvement in SMLS co-curricular activities and school life (minimum one major and one minor event in the current school year) • Solid and respected character • No major discipline/attendance infractions • Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is completed prior to nomination • Respect of both staff and peers • Responsible, both socially and academically • Confirmed return to SMLS in Grad Year – dues and option sheet submitted on time • Completed minimum 40 hours of community service prior to nomination • School evidence of initiative/leadership

Senior Resource Centre (SRC)

Our resource centre provides a peaceful and welcoming environment for students to use for study, group work and quiet conversation. It is stocked with an extensive range of resources to help students effectively and ethically locate, analyze, evaluate and communicate information.

Our collection is developed to meet curricular expectations, and includes print and electronic resources, videos, DVDs, journals and magazines. Students are encouraged to borrow materials at any time during the day. In most cases, the loan period is for two weeks, and may be renewed upon request. Students with overdue books are notified by email, posted lists and through their advisors. If books remain overdue, parents/guardians will be notified.

Students are reminded about their responsibility to respectfully care for material they borrow. Books considered lost or damaged need to be replaced, and accounts will be charged at the end of each term.

88 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 89 The SRC staff encourages a lifelong love of reading, and offers students the choice of reading clubs in each one of the senior grades. Students are introduced to new resources through classroom book talks and special displays.

The SRC is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Textbooks

Tel: 416-461-3542 Website: www.alphatextbooks.com

SMLS supplies textbooks for SS1 students. Starting in SS2, students are required to purchase their textbooks, based on the list provided each June. For your convenience, our supplier, Alpha Textbooks, visits the school in June to collect used books. This is an optional service.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Guidelines

Grade Drop-off Pick-up Time

Preschool East parking lot East parking lot 11:30 a.m. (morning program) 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. 4:00 p.m. (full day or afternoon program) JK East parking lot East parking lot 3:05 p.m. SK East parking lot East parking lot 3:10 p.m. JS1 Front parking lot Front parking lot 3:15 p.m. JS2 Front parking lot West parking lot 3:20 p.m. JS3 Front parking lot Front parking lot 3:25 p.m. JS4 East parking lot East parking lot 3:30 p.m. JS5 West parking lot West parking lot 3:30 p.m. MS1-SS2 West parking lot East parking lot 3:45 p.m. SS3-Grad Year West parking lot West parking lot 3:45 p.m.

Please time your daughter’s pick-up according to the dismissal time for her grade.

The school day commences at 8:30 a.m. for all students, except those in Preschool, and ends at 3:30 p.m. Morning drop-off for students in JK through Grad Year is between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.

Please do not leave your car during drop-off or pick-up. We will assist the students in and out of the car.

90 Parent Handbook 89 Academic Prizes and Awards

SS1-SS2 Diane Elizabeth Cross Memorial Prize for Mathematics Dr. Swayze Award for Academic Improvement Drama Prize Dunwoody Trophy for Highest Aggregate Over 2 Years English Prize Foster Prize for English French Prize Jean Dewar Scholarship Junior Student of the Year Leadership Potential Mathematics Prize May Lo Memorial Scholarship Sarah MacKay Award for Citizenship Science Prize Sharlene Wallace Music Award The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

SS3-Grad Year Anne Ross Scholarship Art Prize Award for Special Service Biology Prize Chemistry Prize Class of ‘71 Award for Outstanding Contribution Made by a New Girl Computer Studies Award Creative Writing Award Diane Elizabeth Cross Memorial Prize for Mathematics Dorothy Andras Music Prize Drama Prize Elsa Fisker Memorial Prize English Prize French Prize Jayne Thomson Music Award Jean Dewar Scholarship Kate Kitching Geale Memorial Prize for Participation & Achievement Khatoon & Shirin Academic Scholarship Law Prize Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award Lynda Palazzi Entrepreneurial Award Mathematics Prize

90 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 91 May Lo Memorial Scholarship McBurney Prize for Outstanding Contribution Made by a Prefect National Technology Achievement Award Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Physical Sciences Prize Prize for School Spirit Rosemary Barbara Cameron Memorial Scholarship Ruggiero Family Award for Community Service S5 Work Experience Award Scott Hogarth Award for Excellence of Character Senior Student of the Year Award Social Science Prize Teresa Mackinley Award for “Joie de Vivre” The Colleen McMorrow Distinguished Service Award The Dr. David Alan Reid Kay Memorial Prize for Chemistry The Dr. David Alan Reid Kay Memorial Prize for Physics The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award The Governor General’s Academic Medal The Harry Barrett Award The Hilliard Award The Jacuzzi Hansen Memorial Scholarship The Jane Pepino Scholarship The Janet Worboys Award for Mentorship The Jing Nan Heng Mandarin Prize The Lifetime Award Witheridge Prize in Media Literacy World Issues Prize

92 Parent Handbook 91 St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School 1080 Linbrook Road, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2L1

Tel: 905-845-2386 • Fax: 905-845-4799

Email: [email protected] Canadian Accredited Website: www.smls.on.ca Independent Charitable Registration # 11919 1963 RR0001 Schools