Family Handbook 2018-2019
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TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME TO KINGSWAY COLLEGE SCHOOL 3 THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AT KCS 3 COMMUNICATION AT KCS 5 KNOWING WHAT MATTERS IN LIFE: KCS HABITS OF MIND, BODY AND ACTION 6 KINGSWAY COLLEGE SCHOOL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR 9 DRESS CODE 10 KCS UNIFORM 11 STUDENT BILLING 12 THE SCHOOL DAY 12 ENRICHMENT AT KCS 15 SERVICE LEARNING 15 LEADERSHIP AND INITIATIVE 16 STUDENT VOICE 16 STUDENT GOAL SETTING IN GRADES 6 - 8 16 HOMEWORK POLICY 17 DEVELOPING SELF-DISCIPLINE AT KCS 18 ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY – GRADES 3 TO 8 20 ASSEMBLIES 22 CHAPEL 22 RECESS 22 LUNCH 22 AN ALLERGY-SAFE SCHOOL 23 EXTRA-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT AT KCS 23 ATHLETE SELECTION 23 THE KCS HOUSE SYSTEM 24 MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC PRODUCTIONS 24 CLOSING CEREMONIES 24 RECOGNITION AND AWARDS AT KCS 25 THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS 26 KCS PARENT NETWORK 27 IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 27 TRAFFIC SAFETY 29 IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2018-19 30 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PRE-KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES ONLY 31 2 Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019 OUR MISSION To be the defining force in developing lifelong learners by stewarding a learning environment that inspires us to reach our ultimate potential. WELCOME TO KINGSWAY COLLEGE SCHOOL Whether you are new to KCS or have been with us for many years, please take the time to review this handbook prior to the start of the school year. In particular, please review the key areas that span the relationship between your child's school and life at home, such as expectations for living the school rules, behaviour, and the completion of homework. The dynamic partnership between home and school is one of the reasons that KCS graduates are known for their ability to lead and succeed in all areas. By working together, our entire community can ensure that KCS is a supportive and challenging learning environment in which each child learns to strive for excellence and live the three school rules: 1. RESPECT 2. MANNERS 3. TRY YOUR BEST THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AT KCS KCS is committed to effective communication with all of our families. We appreciate hearing from you and value your input and feedback. In order to make your communication with us as smooth as possible, please refer to the following list of people and their roles in the organization. Head of School Derek Logan [email protected] Ext. 216 The Head of School is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the school. He is the person to contact if you have questions that deal with the overall operation of the school or a very serious student, faculty, staff, or family situation. Assistant Head, Academics Andrea Fanjoy [email protected] Ext. 235 The Assistant Head, Academics is responsible for meeting student needs in the area of academics beyond the scope of the regular day-to-day classroom activities. She is the person to contact if you have questions about the KCS curricular program, the Learning Strategies program, report cards, or standardized tests. Director of Admissions and Operations Lise Lacroix [email protected] Ext. 238 The Director of Admissions and Operations is responsible for the school’s day-to-day operations and leads the admissions team. She is the person to contact if you have updates about your child’s medical needs or questions about school safety, daily operations, or the admissions process. Director of Student Life Tamara Drummond [email protected] Ext. 265 The Director of Student Life is responsible for student mental health issues, personal counselling, guidance, and discipline. She is the person to contact if you have questions about how the school supports students and families who are dealing with personal issues or challenges. 3 Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019 Director of Athletics Sherri Field [email protected] Ext. 245 The Director of Athletics is responsible for the Physical and Health Education program, the Outdoor Education program, extra-curricular activities (clubs and teams), and the House System. She is the person to contact if you have questions concerning athletics or extra-curricular activities. Director of Information Technology (IT) Curriculum Stacy Marcynuk [email protected] Ext. 215 The Director of IT Curriculum is responsible for developing ways in which the school can best utilize technology as an integrated tool for teaching and learning. She is the person to contact if you have questions about the use of technology in the classroom at KCS. Homeform Teachers Homeform Teachers are the primary contact with students in each grade. Contact your child’s homeform teacher if you have questions about class events or social, academic, or behavioural issues within the class. Subject Teachers Subject Teachers are responsible for student learning in specific subject areas. Contact your child’s subject teacher if you have questions regarding a specific subject. Director of Finance Anne-Marie Jarman [email protected] Ext. 233 The Director of Finance is responsible for ensuring that all business aspects of the school are addressed. She is the person to call if you have questions regarding tuition or financial considerations. She is also the person to contact if you have concerns regarding facilities upkeep and maintenance. Accounts Receivable Officer Karin Hill [email protected] Ext. 267 The Accounts Receivable Officer is responsible for student billing and the School Store. She is the person to contact if you have questions regarding your account. Director of Advancement Hallie McClelland [email protected] Ext. 228 The Director of Advancement is responsible for overseeing all fundraising, marketing, and communications activities at the school. In addition, she acts as the liaison with the Parent Network Co-Chairs and Executive. She is the person to contact if you have questions regarding the school’s fundraising efforts or communications. Student Affairs Coordinator (Reception) Foula Filipopoulos [email protected] Ext. 212 The Student Affairs Coordinator is responsible for welcoming people into our school, maintaining the school calendar and directory, managing student absences, and providing care and attention for students who become ill or are injured at school. She is the person to contact if your child is absent or if you need assistance directing your inquiries or concerns. 4 Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019 COMMUNICATION AT KCS We strive to keep our families well informed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us in person, by phone, via email, or with a note. In addition to personal communications regarding questions, concerns, or compliments, the school has a number of communication vehicles to keep families informed. WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA The KCS website is located at www.kcs.on.ca. From there you have access to MyKCS, a password-protected space for our community. MyKCS contains access to: • Your child’s homeform webpage • School forms • School & athletic calendars • News updates • Contact directories • A resource board with links to important information KCS also has a presence on the following social media channels: • Facebook www.facebook.com/KCSMatters • Instagram www.instagram.com/KCSMatters • Pinterest www.pinterest.com/KCSMatters • Twitter www.twitter.com/KCSMatters • YouTube www.youtube.com/KCSMatters • Flickr www.flickr.com/KCSMatters • KCS Blog http://kcsmatters.blog STAY CONNECTED AND OTHER UPDATES Stay Connected is the KCS weekly e-newsletter with community news and specific homeform information. The homeform news summarizes current learning and upcoming events. Over the course of the school year, other newsletters and blogs will appear on the website and in your inbox. 5 Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019 KNOWING WHAT MATTERS IN LIFE: KCS HABITS OF MIND, BODY AND ACTION A KCS lifelong learner has the Habits of Mind, Body and Action needed to embrace challenges and lead a successful, meaningful life. KCS HABITS OF MIND KCS HABITS OF BODY Be active o Embrace learning o Create o Question and be curious o o Persist o Show self-control o Listen to understand KCS HABITS OF ACTION o Think creatively o Respect, manners and try your best o Think flexibly o Do what is right o Respond with awe and o Act with empathy appreciation o Share what you know o Think about your thinking o Communicate clearly o Take responsible risks o Apply the Super Seven learning skills o Strive for accuracy o Lead to make a difference o Find humour o Adapt o Be resilient o Make the world better o Seek collaboration o Use past learning 6 Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019 KINGSWAY COLLEGE SCHOOL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR At KCS, there are three main rules which all students are expected to follow: 1. Respect 2. Manners 3. Try Your Best At KCS we strive to live by these rules, and our community models and reinforces them. The partnership between home and school in assisting students to embrace and live these rules is essential. KCS parents and guardians are asked to talk about these expectations at home with their children and work with the school to instill these values. A positive school climate exists when all members of the KCS community feel safe, included, comfortable, and accepted. KCS recognizes that a whole-school approach is required, and that everyone – educators, school staff, parents or guardians, students, and the wider community – has a role to play in creating a positive school climate and preventing inappropriate behaviours. In addition, as outlined specifically in the Education Act, all members of the school community must: • Respect