Family Handbook 2018-2019

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws; • Demonstrate honesty and integrity; • Respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions; • Treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement; • Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of, for example, race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, gender identification or expression, sexual orientation, age or disability; • Respect the rights of others; • Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others; • Take appropriate measures to help those in need; • Seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully; • Respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority; • Respect the needs of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching; • Not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority. Also, all members of the school community, according to the Education Act, must not: • Engage in bullying behaviours; • Commit physical or sexual assault; • Traffic weapons or illegal drugs; • Give alcohol to a minor; • Commit robbery; • Be in possession of any weapon, including firearms; • Use any object to threaten or intimidate another person; • Cause injury to any person with an object; • Be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or provide others with cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs; • Inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person; • Engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias; • Commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property and/or to property located on the premises of the school, or to property while visiting an off-site location for a school-related activity.

A full copy of our KCS Student Code of Conduct is available upon request.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE KCS is committed to providing a working environment in which all employees are treated with respect and dignity. Workplace harassment and workplace violence is prohibited by Ontario legislation. In keeping with its values and legal responsibilities as an employer, the school will treat any complaint of harassment or violence as a serious matter. The policies KCS has in place in support of these matters are intended to provide greater awareness of the value of establishing and maintaining respectful working and learning environments and of responsiveness to the damaging effects of harassment and violence in the workplace. KCS also has a sexual harassment policy in place which supports our commitment and determination to act promptly against any incident of sexual harassment and to create an environment where sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Copies of these policies are available, upon request.

KCS is also committed to ensuring the safety of all our students. Should any employee suspect that a student is a victim of child abuse, they will follow the procedures outlined in the Duty to Report provided by the Ontario College of Teachers. A full copy of this document is available upon request.

DRESS CODE How one dresses reflects pride in KCS. Dressing appropriately sends a message to others and aims to encourage a safer and more respectful learning and teaching environment. Consequently, students are expected to wear their uniforms correctly. The Dress Code does not restrict, in any way, a student’s right to dress in a manner that is prescribed by religious, cultural, ethnic, or similar tenets and customs.

Parents and guardians are asked to assist by ensuring children leave home properly attired with attention to the following details:

CLEANLINESS AND STATE OF REPAIR Uniform items are expected to be clean and in a good state of repair. Shoes are to be polished and tied. Please ensure all buttons are sewn on blazers. Replacement buttons are available at the School Store.

HOODIES Students can wear KCS hoodies or KCS sweatshirts in class. Non-KCS sweatshirts are not to be worn in the school.

COSMETICS Coloured lipstick and eye shadow are not permitted.

NAIL POLISH Nail polish is permitted; however, students are encouraged to ensure the nail polish is kept neat and tidy. Nails are to be kept modest in length and artificial nails or tips are not permitted.

CRESTING Students are required to wear official Kingsway College School crested clothing, which is designated in the uniform list.

HAIR Students are expected to keep their hair clean and neat at all times. Hair should not hang in a child’s face. Excessive styles and unnatural hair colours are not permitted. Accessories modest in style and colour can be worn in student’s hair.

JEWELLERY Small "stud-like" earrings are permitted, hanging earrings are not. Necklaces may be worn under the uniform. The wearing of one or two rings is permitted. One bracelet is also permitted. Excessive jewellery is not permitted.

BELTS Students are expected to wear a belt and keep their pants and shorts at waist level. Kilts should hang no more than five cm above the knee.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

DRESS DOWN DAYS When a Dress Down Day is designated, casual attire may be worn. Students, however, still need to dress appropriately for school. Slogans on T-shirts cannot be demeaning to any individual or group or suggestive of actions inappropriate to school age children. Tank tops, belly shirts, ripped clothes, short skirts or short shorts are not appropriate attire.

KCS UNIFORM The KCS Uniform can be purchased at The School Store. The School Store is staffed by Parent Network volunteers. You may also purchase items online through the KCS store at www.kcs.on.ca.

THE KCS WINTER UNIFORM INCLUDES:

BOYS GIRLS Navy blazer, gr. 1 to 8 (1) Navy blazer, gr. 1 to 8 (1) V-neck sweater, JK/SK (1) V-neck sweater, JK/SK (1) Grey pants (3) Tunic, JK to gr. 3 (2) Black belt, gr. 1 to 8 Kilt, gr. 4 to 8 (2) White button-down shirt (5) Grey pants (2 - optional) Tie, gr. 1 to 8 (2) Black belt (if wearing pants), gr. 1 to 8 Blue polo shirt, JK to gr.3 (2) White button-down shirt (3-4) Grey socks (5) Tie, gr. 1 to 8 (2) Gym shorts, gr. 4 to 8 (1) Blue polo shirt, JK to gr. 3 (2) Gym t-shirt, gr. 4 to 8 (1) Navy socks/leotards (4) Sweat pants (1) Gym shorts, gr. 4 to 8 (1) House t-shirt (1) Gym t-shirt, gr. 4 to 8 (1) Black shoes (lace-up or loafer; Velcro for JK to gr. 3; Sweat pants (1) no boots or sneakers) House t-shirt (1) Outdoor shoes and boots (Velcro for JK to gr. 3) Black shoes (lace-up or loafer; Velcro for JK to gr. 3; Hoodie (optional) no boots or sneakers) Wind suit (optional) Outdoor shoes and boots (Velcro for JK to gr. 3) Hoodie (optional) Wind suit (optional)

Please note: Heels exceeding one inch are not allowed, and boots are not allowed to be worn in class. The recommended quantities of items to be purchased are indicated in brackets. These quantities are not requirements but only recommendations based on experience. An optional fall/spring uniform may be worn commencing the second day of school until October 9 and again beginning April 23 until Closing. Optional uniform items may be purchased through the school store.

THE KCS FALL/SPRING UNIFORM INCLUDES:

BOYS (JK - 8) GIRLS (JK - 8) Crested white/blue golf shirt Crested white/blue golf shirt Blue shorts or grey long pants Blue skort (JK to gr. 3), blue skirt (gr. 4 to 8), kilt, Black belt, gr. 1 to 8 or grey long pants (optional) Blue socks Black shoes Black belt (with pants), gr. 1 to 8 Blue socks Black shoes

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

LABELS All uniform items look alike. Unless they are labeled with permanent marker or sewn-in labels, they are very difficult to identify when they are misplaced. Clothing labels may be purchased online through the Parent Network fundraising partnership with Mabel’s Labels (https://mabelslabels.com/support-a-fundraiser/ and select Kingsway College School from the list)

MISSING UNIFORM Where a specific item has either gone missing or been damaged, students will have one week to replace or fix the item. Parents and guardians are asked to communicate with the homeform teacher in regard to these occurrences.

THE ATHLETIC UNIFORM Students in grades 4 to 8 are expected to wear the KCS gym uniform for physical education classes. This includes KCS gym shorts and T-shirt or the KCS track suit with white sport socks and running shoes. The regular KCS physical education uniform is also to be worn when attending practices. In the case of tournaments and games, students must have the appropriate uniform (e.g., soccer uniform, team shirt) or they will not be allowed to accompany their team to the event. Where possible, KCS athletic outerwear should also be worn to tournaments and games, along with appropriate cold or wet weather attire.

STUDENT BILLING Every student enrolled at KCS is assigned a student billing account. Miscellaneous costs such as uniform purchases, KCS special events, the milk program, special lunches, and other incidentals not included in tuition are charged to the student’s account. Statements are emailed monthly detailing the past month’s charges. Payments may be made online or by cheque. Interest at 2% per month will be added to accounts that exceed 30 days past due. THE SCHOOL DAY Supervision is provided at no charge for all students, if needed, beginning at 7:45 a.m. Parents and guardians are asked not to drop children off before 7:45 a.m. unless they have a supervised club at 7:30 a.m. The Before School Program for PK to grade 2 students is held in the PK classrooms. Students in grades 3 to 8 who arrive between 7:45 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. are to proceed to the Library for supervised quiet study unless they are participating in another supervised activity. All students are to be in class by 8:30 a.m. so that classes can commence at 8:35 a.m.

HOURS PK 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

JK/SK 8:35 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Grades 1 to 8 8:35 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Attendance 8:35 a.m.

Clubs and teams take place before school, during lunch recess, and after school. Parents and guardians are advised to note the start and end times of their child’s clubs and/or teams.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

LATE ENTRY Punctuality is important at KCS. Students are expected to be at school properly dressed by 8:25 a.m. Students are considered late for school if they arrive in their classroom after 8:35 a.m.

Students must sign-in at the front desk if arriving after 8:35 a.m. This allows us to monitor all students and have accurate attendance records for report cards and in case of a school emergency.

Parents and guardians are asked to make punctuality a priority at home. Homeform teachers keep accurate records of late arrivals, including the reasons given. After three late arrivals in a term, teachers will phone home and encourage parents and guardians to work with the school to ensure that the student arrives on time. After six late arrivals in a term, the Director of Student Life will contact the parents or guardians to determine appropriate plans to assist the student in learning to be punctual.

ABSENCES Parents or guardians are asked to please email or call the Front Office at [email protected] or 416-234-5073 ext. 212 by 8:30 a.m. to report a student's absence or late arrival. In the case of a planned absence or late entry, please send a note or email the homeform teacher prior to the absence or late arrival. If the school has not received notification of a child's absence, a call will be made to the home/workplace of the parents or guardians to confirm the absence and document the reason.

STUDENT ILLNESS AND INJURY A student who becomes ill or injured will be cared for at school until a parent or guardian can take them home. No student will leave the school unattended. In the case of a suspected serious injury or illness, the school will make arrangements to transport the student to a nearby hospital or call an ambulance, as appropriate. The parent or guardian will be contacted immediately and will be informed to which hospital the child will be taken. STUDENT APPOINTMENTS AND ABSENCES Academic success correlates highly with attendance and participation in class. Students are expected to attend all classes and school activities. Parents and guardians are asked to avoid scheduling appointments during the school day when possible. For safety reasons, a student who leaves the school early for any reason must be signed out by a parent or guardian.

Students are expected to assume responsibility for obtaining work missed due to absence by checking with classmates and teachers, and subsequently completing the work. If a student misses any sort of evaluation due to absence they must meet with the teacher at the earliest possible time to reschedule the evaluation.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND EXTENDED VACATION School must be a top priority for all our students. KCS has a policy with regard to extended family vacations during the school year and students being absent from the school on a regular basis for out-of-school activities. It is important that parents or guardians speak to the Assistant Head, Academics when planning these types of activities in order to discuss their impact on an individual student’s academic program. School holidays are generous, and we strongly encourage families to arrange vacations during these periods. We are pleased to work with families regarding student absences in order to make appropriate decisions on an individual basis.

Teachers are not expected to prepare lessons in advance of any such vacation or absence. Contact with the teacher should be initiated by the family prior to and upon a student's return to arrange for any missed work. Our teachers will do their best to help a child catch up, though it must be recognized that the loss of a full week or a day a week over a term can never be fully compensated. A student's progress and experience in the class will most likely be adversely affected. 13

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

END-OF-DAY PICK-UP AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Please make arrangements in the morning with your child regarding after-school plans. Students should be told to never leave with anyone other than a parent or guardian unless they, their homeform teacher, or office staff have notified them in advance of such an arrangement. Unless a student is involved in an extra-curricular activity, arrangements should be made to pick up students between 3:35 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. Students will not be permitted to use the school phone at the day's end to make arrangements for play dates.

3:25 p.m. JK/SK students are picked up by parents or guardians at their designated areas. 3:35 p.m. JK/SK students who have not been picked up are escorted by a teacher to the JK to gr. 2 After School Program in the JK classrooms. Grade 1 and 2 students are picked up by parents or guardians at their classrooms.

Grade 3 to 8 students are dismissed and proceed to the Upper and Lower Parking Lot areas to either be picked up or walk home.

Grade 3 to 8 students who are attending the After School Program meet the supervisor in the Library, who then escorts them to a designated location in the school (e.g., Art Room, Science Lab, Multi-Purpose Room) where activities based on our Four Doors to Learning Program will take place.

Grade 4 to 8 students who choose to go to Study Hall to work on homework will proceed to the designated classroom. Study Hall is open on Monday to Thursday from 3:35 to 4:20 p.m. 3:35 – 3:50 p.m. Teachers on duty in the Upper and Lower Parking Lot areas ensure that students are supervised on the Plaza and in the parking lots, and that parents and guardians do not block the loading zone. They also ensure that students who are walking or biking home have permission to do so as indicated on the Permission to Walk Home form provided to teachers on duty. 3:45 – 3:50 p.m. Grade 1 to 2 students who are not picked up by 3:45 p.m. will be escorted by a teacher to the JK to grade 2 After School Program in the JK classrooms. Grade 3 students who are not picked up by 3:50 p.m. will be sent by the teachers on duty to the grade 3 - 8 After School Program. The location of the After School Program is posted in the Front Lobby each day.

Grade 4 to 8 students who are not picked up by 3:50 p.m. can go to Study Hall to do homework or join the After School Program.

4:20 p.m. Clubs and Study Hall are concluded. Students join the After School Program if they are not picked up by 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. All remaining JK to grade 8 students move to the Library until 6:00 p.m.

On Early Dismissal Days, children are released at 12:20 p.m. Please note that Kidssentials does not provide hot lunch to students on Early Dismissal Days. The After School Program is available until 6:00 p.m. on these days. 14

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FEES There is no charge for attending the After School Program if students are picked up by 4:30 p.m. Please note, students who are awaiting pick up after attending a club will be asked to go to the After School Program at 4:25 p.m. If a child is picked up between 4:30 and 5:15 p.m., a $10 fee is charged. If a student is picked up between 5:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., a $20 fee is charged. Care is not available beyond 6:00 p.m. All After School Program charges are billed through your Student Billing Account.

ENRICHMENT AT KCS The core curriculum of all our classes comes from the Ontario Ministry of Education. It includes relevant content and skill development. While the core curriculum is very thorough, at KCS we are committed to offering more.

At KCS, enrichment is defined as learning opportunities that are exceptional in their depth, breadth, novelty and acceleration. By depth, we mean challenging learners to venture further into the area under study. By breadth, we mean asking students to make connections across subjects and to the real world. By novelty, we mean gaining a personal understanding of the area under study or constructing meaning in a uniquely engaging individualized manner. This also includes field trips and regular visits from authors and experts. By acceleration, we mean increasing the pace of learning, introducing more advanced content, developing skills to a higher level, and providing more sophisticated resources. Much of the time, enrichment comes in the form of our integrated learning activities. By generating learning that combines the point of view, skills, and content in different subjects, students get a rich view of what they are studying and naturally take their research further and deeper. Integrated studies take place at all grade levels at KCS. Some examples of enrichment at KCS include: • Annual math contests • High Resolves global education program • Accelerated French program • Service learning • Accelerated technology program • Project-based learning • Outdoor education • Guest speakers and field trips • Artist in Residence program • Robotics and coding • Electives for students in grades 6 to 8 In addition to the benefit of offering added challenge, KCS teachers strive to gradually accelerate the Ministry curriculum to help our graduates make a smooth transition to high school. Because they have already started learning grade 9 and 10 content and skills in subjects such as math, language, French, science and technology, KCS students are able to adjust to high school with greater ease.

SERVICE LEARNING Service learning is the formal connection of curriculum and community service. This is a significant way in which we enrich the KCS program. All students engage in service learning activities that require them to apply the skills and knowledge they are developing as students towards making a positive difference in the world.

In grades 7 and 8, all students have one dedicated period of service learning each week. However, students in all grades develop their own service learning projects. Some examples of past service learning experiences have included:

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

educating the school community about Terry Fox in advance of our annual run; participating in the Toronto Zoo Cellphone drive to combat the loss of gorilla habitats; contributing to the “Out of the Cold” homelessness program in west Toronto; creating awareness campaigns on over-use of energy, water and plastic bags; finding innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of our pizza lunches; and playing “O Canada” on band instruments at a local citizenship ceremony.

LEADERSHIP AND INITIATIVE Students are actively guided in and expected to practice leadership skills at every grade. All students have numerous ways in which to play a leadership role, with the number of opportunities growing by grade. In addition to opportunities teachers offer among their classroom routines, we have a number of key programs aimed at developing leadership skills:

• The service learning program in grades 1 through 8 encourages students to seek out issues of personal interest and take action to address those issues. • The Wall of Service highlights KCS students who initiate acts of community service. Each time students perform an act of service, they write out what they did on a "brick" then read it at assembly or chapel. • Grade 7 students participate in a formal, timetabled leadership program in which they initiate and follow through on organizing at least one activity for the school community. • Reading Buddies, Learning Buddies and Wellness Buddies give students in grade 5 to 8 a leadership opportunity to mentor younger students • KCS By Design, a unique student-staff collaborative leadership program where members follow a design thinking process to identify areas for improvement and work to make KCS better. • Extra-curricular community service programs that are designed to help students conduct research, identify a problem, propose an action, mobilize others, and deliver on their plan. • Classes assume responsibility for organizing dress down days through which KCS raises money for the Get Ahead Project (GAP) schools in South Africa. • Grade 7 and 8 students apply to be House Captains and organize spirit-raising events throughout the year. • Grade 8 students are responsible for leading Friday chapels and assemblies.

STUDENT VOICE KCS strives to be an exemplary learning organization in which all members play a role in ongoing improvement. Students are formally invited to join discussions on how to improve KCS through our Student Voice program.

On one or more occasions throughout the year, all students are asked to share their ideas for how to improve different areas of the school. Each grade discusses their ideas in class and then passes them on to the Assistant Head, Academics. Students in grades 6 to 8 are also invited to discuss their ideas in a meeting with the Director of Student Life, the Citizenship Co-ordinator, the Assistant Head, Academics and interested faculty. All ideas are collected, recorded, and shared electronically with all staff and students in grades 6 to 8. The entire school learns about the general findings and actions taken at an assembly.

STUDENT GOAL SETTING IN GRADES 6 - 8 Goal setting in grades 6 through 8 is another way in which the teachers at KCS work to help students become their best in academics, the arts, athletics, and citizenship. Led by their homeform teacher, students in these grades take time at the beginning of each term to review their previous report cards, reflect on their learning, identify areas for growth, and set goals. Throughout each term homeform teachers meet with each of their students to discuss their progress and support them in their efforts to achieve their goals.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

HOMEWORK POLICY Homework is assigned to our students to establish good independent work habits and to review and reinforce skills taught in school. At the same time, homework helps to foster responsibility and communicates to our students that learning also takes place outside of the school environment.

Each student from grades 1 to 8 has regular homework. Students in grades 3 to 5 receive a planner and are guided in using it each day. Students in grades 6 to 8 are also offered a planner, though many choose to keep track of homework though the online program Edmodo, for which the students have an account.

A ROUGH GUIDE TO HOMEWORK TIMES AT KCS • Grade 1 – Daily reading and intermittent math and language • Grade 2 – Daily reading plus 25 minutes three times a week • Grade 3 – Daily reading plus 25 minutes three times a week • Grade 4 – Daily reading plus 25 minutes five times a week • Grade 5 – Up to 50 minutes five times a week • Grade 6 – Up to 1 hour five times a week • Grade 7 – 1 to 1 ½ hours five times a week • Grade 8 – 1 to 1 ½ hours five times a week

Subject teachers are conscious of the homework being assigned by other teachers to ensure that students do not have too many or too few assignments, tests and projects at the same time. Even so, we sometimes receive comments that students have either too much or too little homework. Since each of our students learns at a different pace, this is a natural occurrence. For example, at the end of a class a teacher may assign homework that they estimate will take twenty minutes. Some students might complete the assignment prior to coming home. Others will complete it in twenty minutes, while others, for a variety of reasons, may take longer. If you feel your child is not completing the required amount of homework each night, please call or email the homeform or subject teacher to determine what is occurring. Sometimes students make effective use of time at the end of class, during lunch time or study hall to complete homework, but it may be because the student has rushed to complete the homework and not taken the time to understand it. It may also be that the student requires an individualized plan for homework.

Along with their nightly assignments, students should take the time to review their notes, work on long-term projects, practice their keyboarding and musical instruments, and pick up a book and read. The benefits of reading on a student's education cannot be overstated.

HOMEWORK TIPS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS OR GUARDIANS • Grade 3 to 5 students should be writing all of their homework assignments in their planners on a daily basis. • Grade 6 to 8 students should ensure all their homework is posted on Edmodo. • Students should have a quiet place to sit and complete their homework. Ideally, it should be away from their phone, the television, social media, and other sources of interruption for the recommended period of time. • When necessary, students should be encouraged to seek help from their teachers before school the next day if they experience difficulty with an assignment. • Parents and guardians are encouraged to show interest in their child's schoolwork, but are asked to avoid doing the work for them. Our teachers can only help our students when they evaluate and assess the student’s own work. • Please also remember that all students need time just to relax, socialize, or play with their friends. As adults we all recognize the importance of "down time", and our students need this as well.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

Parents or guardians who wish to learn more about homework at KCS are encouraged to read our Homework Policy on the Academics page of our website.

EXAMS Exams are an opportunity in which our grades 6 to 8 students grow in their work and study habits. It is a valuable experience that prepares our students for high school entrance exams as well as the exams they will face in high school and beyond.

Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 write exams in January. In grade 6, students will write three exams. In grades 7 and 8, students will write four exams, which count for approximately 25% of their mid-year mark. In grade 6, exams are weighted to a similar degree, though marks are recorded as letter grades, not percentages.

A great deal of effort goes into setting students up for success in their exams, including: • Workshops in organization and exam preparation given by outside experts • Time and instruction devoted to exam preparation led by students’ homeform teachers • Creation of a study schedule to be followed by students • Time devoted to review led by each subject teacher • Detailed outlines for each exam given a month in advance to help students focus their studying • Efforts to support parents or guardians in this process starting in early December, including a letter sent with significant details, and an invitation to join our morning workshop on the topic of exams

Teachers also work closely with our Learning Strategies teachers to ensure students with an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) have exams that reflect their required accommodations and/or modifications.

Throughout the whole process, students are encouraged to not worry excessively about exams. If a child is expressing feelings of stress, we ask that parents and guardians also share this message with their child. If students follow their study schedule and study tips, they can expect to be successful. In all cases, including disappointing exam results, there are valuable learning experiences to be had, as we often learn more from setbacks than successes.

More details on exams are shared with grade 6 to 8 students and their parents or guardians in late November.

DEVELOPING SELF-DISCIPLINE AT KCS KCS is committed to helping students develop a strong sense of self-discipline. We recognize that all people make mistakes. When we do, it is important to be honest, learn from our mistakes, make things right, and commit to not repeating them.

In most cases, classroom teachers will provide the necessary guidance when students need help with positive self- discipline. In the case of ongoing difficulties, students may be required to miss recess, come in early, or stay after school, once or multiple times if necessary. These periods are referred to as “Overtime” and reflect the fact that extra learning time is needed. At these times, they will receive extra instruction focused on addressing the behaviour of concern. This instruction will include reflection and development of an action plan in order to make things right and also to avoid making the same mistake again. A pattern of incomplete homework, uncooperative or disrespectful behaviour, or regular uniform infractions would be likely reasons for a student to require extra learning time.

For students in grades 6 to 8, parents or guardians will be notified by their child via email if homework is incomplete. In most cases, students can expect to stay after school to complete missing work. If there is a pattern of homework being forgotten, a meeting may be called between the student, parents or guardians, and teacher to develop an action plan.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019 BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES Specific rules are discussed with all students and communicated to parents or guardians throughout the year. If a student’s behaviour becomes a concern, the Director of Student Life, in consultation with the teachers involved and parents, will take appropriate actions in accordance with the KCS Progressive Discipline Policy for Students to ensure the child learns from the experience. Progressive Discipline ensures that when inappropriate behaviour occurs, disciplinary measures are applied within a framework that shifts the focus from one that is solely punitive to one that is both corrective and supportive. A full copy of this policy is available upon request. As a general rule, the consequences for problematic behaviour will be consistent with the nature and degree of the problem as well as the developmental age and stage of the child(ren) involved. Each case will be treated individually, as no two actions or events are exactly alike, nor are the needs of the people involved. A fair consequence and learning experience does not necessarily mean the same treatment for each offense. KCS will make every attempt to respond in a fashion that is appropriate, constructive, and corrective.

The Head of School will become involved when major disciplinary action is required. In these cases, there may be consultation with staff, parents or guardians, other students, or legal counsel as deemed necessary. In all cases, procedural fairness will be ensured.

As a result of academic or behavioural issues, the school reserves the right to suspend or demit a student where the continued attendance of that student would not be in the best interest of that student or the school. In such a circumstance, the school will make every reasonable effort to assist the family in securing a suitable alternative. Parents or guardians are responsible for the full year's tuition when a situation of this nature occurs.

CONFLICTS AND BULLYING It is normal that children will experience some conflict with other children. There are many reasons why these conflicts occur, but most are rooted in misunderstandings that arise from immature social and communication skills. Knowing that children will struggle from time to time with others, we take many steps to help students develop so these conflicts are minimized. Our efforts to promote healthy relationships include ongoing community-building, development of strong citizenship and leadership skills, proactively teaching students to appreciate, respect, and empathise with others, and teaching students how to manage conflicts when they arise. The school also actively works to increase alternative, pro- social behaviour and decrease the incidence of teasing or otherwise upsetting behaviour in an ongoing fashion. When conflicts require teacher intervention, we are committed to investigating all incidents with a high degree of care.

Unlike the conflicts described above, bullying is not normal childhood behaviour and is unacceptable at KCS. Bullying is defined as aggressive and typically repeated behaviour where the behaviour is intended to have the effect of, or it should be known that the behaviour will be likely to have the effect of, causing harm, fear, or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, social or academic harm, harm to the individual’s reputation, or harm to the individual’s property. This behaviour creates a negative environment at school for another individual. It occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the student and the individual based on factors such as, but not limited to, size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability, or the receipt of special education. The behaviour can include the use of any physical, verbal, electronic, written or other means.

Cyberbullying, also known as digital bullying or internet bullying, is bullying that takes place using any electronic means. Such cyberbullying can occur in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, emails, instant messaging, chat rooms, text messages, online voting booths, and websites. Additionally, it can also include impersonating or assuming the identity of another individual when creating web content or a blog, sending electronic material, and/or posting material that may be accessed by one or more individuals.

All issues of suspected bullying will be dealt with according to the KCS Bullying Prevention and Intervention policy. A copy of this policy is available upon request. 19

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

KCS ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY Academic honesty means completing work to the best of one’s ability in the manner expected by the teacher. KCS teachers are committed to helping all students succeed. They will teach students the skills necessary for this success and will provide extra support to any student who needs it. Cheating and plagiarism are examples of academic dishonesty and are unacceptable at KCS.

Specifically, the following are examples of cheating and plagiarism: • Copying assignments from someone else and turning them in as original work • Copying during a test, either from someone else’s paper or from another inadmissible source (cheat notes, websites, cell phones, email, etc.) • Using the published work of others and not properly referencing it (plagiarism) • Using websites that help in inadmissible ways, such as translator sites for French assignments • Allowing others to copy your work • Sharing answers after a test without permission from the teacher (it should be assumed that the test may be used with more than one class, or that absent students may write the test the next day)

In the case of cheating or plagiarism, teachers and the Assistant Head, Academics will work with any offending students to ensure they learn from their actions. As part of that effort, students can expect the following consequences:

Minimum consequences upon the first offense: • A mark of zero for the assignment or test • In the case of a significant assignment or test receiving a zero (worth more than 10% of the term mark), extra marks can be earned with a new assignment or test that is greater in scope than the original • Parents or guardians notified • An afternoon in Overtime where the student will complete a reflection on cheating/plagiarism Possible additional consequences for repeat offenses: • Ongoing Overtime to ensure the student is keeping up with his/her work • Removal from extra-curricular activities to ensure the student has enough time to complete homework and prepare for tests • A learning skill mark of “AS” or “AE” for persistence on the term’s report card for related subjects • A parent or guardian conference with the Assistant Head, Academics and/or the Head of School • In-school suspension

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY – GRADES 3 TO 8 Educational technologies at Kingsway College School are integrated into the curriculum. We use many different technologies to promote innovation, creativity, communication, and collaboration among teachers and students. The successful operation of these technologies relies upon students following the guidelines below.

GENERAL GUIDELINES 1. At all times, the three KCS rules apply: Respect, Manners, and Try Your Best. 2. Each year, students will create a new network password, which is not to be shared. Impersonating another user is unacceptable. Students will use their true identity at all times to access only their files on the KCS network or online. 3. Only KCS related student data is to be stored on KCS technologies. Files will not be downloaded unless permission is provided from the IT Department.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

4. All print jobs must be confirmed by a teacher. 5. Caution must be exercised when carrying, setting down, storing, or moving any KCS mobile technology (i.e. iPad, laptop, etc.). These shall remain on school property unless authorized by the IT Department. 6. All audio, visual, or video images taken using KCS mobile technology shall be for educational purposes related to the KCS learning program only. 7. Personal mobile devices are only allowed with permission from a teacher, for a specific educational purpose as related to the KCS learning program when on school property or at a school related event. 8. Personal devices must be kept in the students’ locker throughout the school day unless they have direct permission from a teacher to use it for learning purposes. Students who do not comply with this rule will have their phone taken by a staff member and the student can pick it up at the end of the day. Further consequences might follow should this become a pattern with any individual student. 9. Students shall acknowledge that KCS technologies, including the website, all hardware, software, and electronic data are the sole property of KCS, and that they should not tamper or intend to tamper with any of these items (i.e. creating, modifying, or transmitting software which has the effect of damaging KCS computer systems). Desktop and network settings are not to be altered. 10. Students should be aware that they do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their use of KCS technology.

INTERNET AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION (EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA, BLOGS, EDMODO, ETC…) 1. Teacher’s permission is required for the use of the Internet and electronic communication. This communication shall be for educational purposes only, and directly relate to the learning program at KCS. 2. KCS email is accessible both at school and at home. Do not open suspicious email, attachments, or hyperlinks. 3. The KCS Student Code of Conduct must be followed when writing online. It is acceptable to disagree with someone else’s opinion; however, it must be done in a respectful way. At all times, appropriate spelling and grammar shall be utilized. 4. If students run across inappropriate material that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should tell the teacher right away. They should not respond to any messages that are threatening or intimidating. 5. “Think before you post”. The internet and social media apps are public places where users leave a digital footprint. Students should not post anything online that they do not want their friends, parents or guardians, teachers, grandparents, or coaches to see. 6. Copyright laws shall be respected when posting any material online. Cite sources and obtain permission where required. 7. Personal information such as home addresses, telephone numbers, or birth dates should not be shared online. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of personal information regarding other members of the KCS community. 8. Ensure that privacy settings are appropriate and set limits as to what other users can/cannot do. 9. Cyberbullying of any form will not be tolerated. Students should alert the teacher if other students are being threatened, intimidated, or bullied online. Impulsive, inappropriate, or heated online comments should be avoided. 10. Internet traffic is logged and monitored by teachers and the KCS IT department.

KCS reserves the right to monitor and/or inspect data associated with any KCS technology at any time to ensure the safety and security of all users. Any violation of this AUP will result in the loss of the privilege to use KCS technology for a period of time deemed to be appropriate. Additional disciplinary action, as outlined in the Developing Self- Discipline section of the KCS Family Handbook, may also be imposed.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

ASSEMBLIES An SK to grade 8 Assembly is held every second Friday beginning at 8:40 a.m. The purpose of the assembly is to promote school values and communicate events and activities to all students. We also celebrate achievements and provide opportunities for performances and presentations. Special assemblies may take place at other times throughout the year. Guests are always welcome to join us.

CHAPEL Chapel Services are a part of life of KCS, and are designed to reinforce messages such as being compassionate, making a difference, and treating others like you would like to be treated. For students in grades 1 to 8, services are held in St. George's on-the-hill Church. In order to provide smaller, more homogeneous groups and even more effective and engaging chapel time, students in grades 1 to 4 attend Chapel each Tuesday, and students in grades 5 - 8 attend Chapel each Wednesday. Every second Friday, all students in grades 1 to 8 attend a chapel service together. For students in PK, JK, and SK, a chapel program is delivered in the classroom, sometimes in the Chapel or other designated space, as deemed most appropriate for the age of students and purpose of the lesson. SCHOOL PRAYER Gracious and loving God Source of life and creator of all things, Bless Kingsway College School. Bless those who teach and those who learn. Grant that all lessons, given and received, Be surrounded by wisdom and grounded in love. As we learn to lead teach us also to serve, And to recognize your Holy Image: in ourselves, in each other, and in all creation. Amen.

RECESS Recess is viewed as an important part of the school day and all students are expected to participate outdoors. Students in grades 1 to 8 spend from 10:20 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:40 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. in the playground in all but the most inclement weather. Rain coats, boots, hats, mitts, warm jackets, and snow pants are needed for cold or drizzling weather. These should all be labeled to ensure the return of such items when they are misplaced.

PK – SK students have daily dedicated outdoor play time as part of their schedule. PK students typically go outside every morning, while JK and SK students usually go outside twice a day. From 12:20 p.m. to 12:40 p.m., JK and SK students will stay in their classrooms to eat lunch. From 12:40 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. they will have outdoor play time, rest time, a quiet activity, or clubs.

As a general rule, any child who is too ill to go outside for recess should be considered too ill to attend school. Only under unusual circumstances will a student be permitted to remain indoors. A substantial and healthy snack should be provided to eat at recess.

LUNCH KCS students eat lunch at school as it is considered to be an integral part of the school day activities. On most days, the students eat lunch in their classrooms from 12:20 p.m. to 12:40 p.m. under faculty supervision. Occasionally, students eat in Canada Hall or outside in good weather. KCS is unable to effectively recycle all of the garbage in a student’s lunch. Students are encouraged to ‘boomerang’ their lunch by bringing their lunch garbage home at night so it can be sorted into the appropriate recycling containers. This practice aligns with our efforts to integrate environmental stewardship into our daily routines and to encourage our students to be aware of these issues.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

WASTE-FREE LUNCH TIPS • Include nut-free items that can be purchased in large quantities and sent in reusable containers instead of non- reusable single serving packages • Include items that come in their own natural wrappings, such as bananas, oranges, and hard-boiled eggs • Pack water in a refillable bottle instead of using a prepackaged drink - It's healthier and easier to wipe clean • To avoid food waste, cut fruits and vegetables into pieces so that your child can eat some at lunch time and save the rest for a later snack • Use reusable plastic containers, cloth napkins, and utensils • Label all containers and water bottles to ensure they make it home • Avoid throwaway bags, plastic wrap, foil, polystyrene, single-use cans and packages, and paper napkins • Pack lunches in lunch boxes, small packs, or cloth bags • Prepare extra food at dinner time, and use leftovers for lunches • Minimize the morning rush by packing lunches the night before and storing them in the fridge overnight

Parents or guardians are asked to avoid bringing fast food to the school. Milk may be purchased if desired. Order forms will be available at the beginning of the school year. The school also has an arrangement with Kidssentials who provide an external lunch option four times per week from Monday to Thursday. JK to grade 8 parents or guardians have the option of signing up for this lunch program directly with them. In order for students to have the maximum amount of time to eat their lunch each day, please remember that students should not bring food that needs to be warmed up. Students who would like to have hot food at lunch should bring their food in a thermos or order from Kidssentials. Please note that Kidssentials does not provide hot lunch on Early Dismissal Days.

All students require written permission if they are to be taken out for lunch and must be signed out at 12:20 p.m. and signed back in by their parents or guardians at Reception no later than 1:10 p.m.

AN ALLERGY-SAFE SCHOOL Some children at KCS have life threatening allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, shellfish, and latex. Therefore, KCS strives to be an allergy-safe school. We ask that you assist us in protecting our students by not sending anything to school that contains these products. Please be sure to read all product ingredient labels carefully.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT AT KCS KCS has a wide variety of activities which are offered throughout the school year. The proposed schedule of extra- curricular activities is distributed at the beginning of each term. Extracurricular activities are organized and supervised by teachers and generally take place from 7:50 a.m. to 8:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m. to 1:10 p.m., or from 3:40 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. On occasion, academic or behavioural issues for a student may result in them missing a team or club activity.

ATHLETE SELECTION At KCS, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic arenas, including physical education class, clubs, intramurals, and teams. We also compete in the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA) and the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Athletic Association (CISAA), and need to ensure that we enter competitive and sportsmanlike teams in these leagues. To this end, it is sometimes necessary to select specific students for a team.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

When making selections, we take the following criteria into consideration: 1. Students earn their positions through performance at practices in terms of attendance, effort, attitude, sportsmanship, listening to the coach, and punctuality, in addition to skill. 2. Consideration is given to a student's level of performance with regard to school rules as they affect academic achievement and effort, citizenship, and behaviour.

Wherever possible, club offerings will be made to match our team offerings, thereby allowing students who may not be selected for a team to continue to work on their knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to that specific sport. Additionally, most athletic team sports are offered in physical education classes, allowing for further development.

THE KCS HOUSE SYSTEM Each student at KCS is a member of one of four houses: Prichard, Scott, Hannaford, and Luxton. House colours are yellow for Prichard, blue for Scott, red for Hannaford and green for Luxton. Students are assigned to a house when they begin at KCS, with siblings being placed in the same house. The house system provides each student with a sense of belonging to a smaller group within the school community.

Individual students earn house points for participating in clubs and teams and for their effort and citizenship in the classroom. The number of points a student earns will depend on their conduct in class and their level of involvement in extracurricular activities. House points are posted on each student’s MyKCS profile three times a year and are recorded on the final spring term report card. Three times a year students are recognized when they reach a significant house point milestone. A house pin is earned when a student accumulates 50 house points. A house tie is earned when a student accumulates 100 house points. The Father Brian Award is earned when a student accumulates 190 house points.

Each student's house points contribute to their house's total points. The House Cup is presented each year to the house which has accumulated the greatest number of points over the course of the school year.

MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC PRODUCTIONS Each year KCS mounts a major stage production. We are keen to afford students the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes in this area. For each production, every effort is made to develop a 'company' where all members are equally important. However, it is necessary to select specific students for specific roles.

When making selections, we take the following criteria into consideration: 1. Students earn their roles through performance at auditions in terms of attendance, effort, attitude, and punctuality, as well their appropriateness for a particular role. 2. Consideration is given to a student's level of performance with regard to school rules as they affect academic achievement and effort, citizenship, and behaviour. 3. The ability of the student to commit to the rehearsal schedule. Students are expected to provide written notice in advance for absences that are truly unavoidable. 4. Preference for major roles may be given to students who are in intermediate grades, provided they fulfil the other criteria.

CLOSING CEREMONIES Our Closing Ceremonies celebrate the successes of the school and the achievements of all of our students. They occur annually on the final day of school. This year's Closing Ceremonies will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2019. The Early Learning and Primary ceremonies will be held in the morning at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. respectively. The Junior/Intermediate ceremony will be held in the evening beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS AT KCS Throughout the school year, our faculty does its best to recognize students for their accomplishments, successes, or improvements in a variety of ways: • A hand-written note on an assignment, test, or in the homework planner • An email or phone call home to a parent or guardian • Recognition at an assembly, chapel, or in class • Talking to parents or guardians in the hallways or at drop off/pick up • Primary Awards or Junior Merit Awards • A public speaking award or math medal • Comments during student-led interviews • A one-on-one conversation with the student and a teacher • A team banner for winning a league or tournament • Ribbons for performing at a high level during an individual sport • Bricks on our Wall of Service Additionally, during our Closing Ceremonies in June, awards are given to recognize students whose effort and achievement has been outstanding. We celebrate the contribution of a student as their leadership can often be an inspiration to others.

The following are awards that are presented at our Closing Ceremonies:

• The Adele Imrie Award is presented to two KCS students in grades 4-7 who have demonstrated co-operation, leadership, dedication, and full participation in all Four Doors of the KCS learning program.

• The Athlete of the Year is awarded annually to two graduating students who have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, athletic ability, and a positive attitude.

• The Board of Governors’ Award is given to the top academic student of the school year in grade 8.

• Father Brian House Awards are presented to students who have participated actively and consistently in school life for a number of years and have demonstrated this by earning 190 house points.

• The Founders’ Cup is awarded to a graduating student who has exemplified the founding spirit of commitment, dedication, and love for KCS through an extraordinary involvement in all aspects of school life.

• The Headmaster’s Award is awarded each year to a graduating student who has demonstrated what a KCS student represents. They have had success in academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities, and have shown strength through cooperation, participation, a positive attitude, and civility.

• The Helston-Langley Leadership Award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a positive attitude throughout the year.

• The House Cup is presented to the KCS house that has received the highest number of House points per student over the school year.

• House Medals are awarded each year to the student from each House who has accumulated the greatest number of house points during the school year.

• The Music Award is presented annually to two graduating students who, through effort and achievement, have displayed a love of and a talent in music, both in class and in extra-curricular activities throughout their life at the school.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

• The Parent Network Language Arts Award is presented each year to two graduating students who have excelled in Language Arts while demonstrating a positive attitude in all aspects of the Language Arts program.

• The Progress Cup is awarded to two graduating students who have made the most progress in a combination of academics, arts, athletics, and citizenship.

• The Spirit of Oochigeas Award is presented to two KCS students whose inner courage and independence to lead by example have proven that "a brave spirit makes all things possible."

• Valedictorians are two KCS students who were nominated by their peers and teachers to represent the graduating class at Closing Ceremonies.

• The Visual Arts Award is presented annually to two graduating student who display passion for the Visual Arts. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional effort and ability in their artistic endeavours in and out of the classroom.

• The 89 Award, named in honour of our founding year, is given to the student who graduates with the most House points.

• The Academics Award is presented to two students in each grade from grades 4-7 who have shown outstanding achievement and/or effort in academics and demonstration of the KCS Habits.

• The Arts Award is presented to two students in each grade from grades 4-7 who have shown outstanding achievement and/or effort in any of the areas of visual arts, music, and dramatic arts. These students have an excellent attitude, work collaboratively and demonstrate a commitment to extra-curricular arts activities.

• The Athletics Award is presented to two students in each grade from grades 4-7 who have made outstanding contributions to the school community in the area of athletics. The recipients display strong athletic skills and demonstrate qualities such as leadership, sportsmanship, commitment and a positive attitude.

• The Citizenship Award is presented to two students in each grade from grades 4-7 who have made outstanding contributions to the school community in the areas of environmental stewardship, service learning, character education, and/or diversity awareness. The recipient demonstrates a positive attitude and many of the Habits of Mind, Body, and Action.

THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS KCS is a non-profit corporation that operates with a volunteer Board of Governors. The Head of School reports directly to the Board which is, in turn, accountable to the membership of the corporation. The membership consists of current and alumni parents. The annual general meeting is held in November and all parents or guardians are encouraged to attend. The role of the KCS board is as follows: • To ensure the continuing "health" of the school • To establish major policies and objectives • To set long-term direction and objectives • To support and evaluate the Head of School • To approve the yearly operating budget

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

KCS PARENT NETWORK Each KCS parent is a member of the Parent Network. Parents are encouraged to support the efforts of and become actively involved with the Parent Network. The executive committee of the Parent Network is charged with overseeing its activities, initiatives and operations.

The focus of the Parent Network is to support and advance the KCS culture while building community, both internally, among students, teachers, staff and KCS families, and externally, among prospective families and the community at large. The Parent Network operates not as an independent body, but as a group guided by the administration. The KCS Parent Network also ensures that each of its sub-committees work in a manner that aligns with this mandate and with the strategic direction of the school.

The KCS Parent Network meets its goals by identifying and executing community building events and activities; managing a volunteer development program that includes identification, recruiting, training, and succession of volunteer roles; and discretionary fundraising to support events and initiatives that advance its purpose.

If you are interested in getting involved, please visit the Parent Network resource board on MyKCS, speak to your Class Parent, or email the Co-Chairs at [email protected]

PARENT NETWORK EXECUTIVE The Parent Network Executive consists of two Co-Chairs and seven Executive Members; each with a number of sub- portfolios. Each role has been created to advance the PN mandate of building community and culture at KCS. Visit the Parent Network resource board on MyKCS for a detailed organization chart.

CLASS PARENTS/VOLUNTEERS At KCS, each homeform teacher is assigned one or two Class Parents. The selected Class Parents will be required to undergo training at the beginning of the year with a second meeting being held in January to review the second half of the year. Class Parents liaise between the teacher and the parents of their respective class, help coordinate parent volunteers for field trips and classroom activities, and organize Christmas and year-end gifts for the homeform teacher. It is also the responsibility of the Class Parents to ensure that all parents in a class receive relevant communications in a timely manner and that all parents are provided an equal opportunity to volunteer for events.

If you are interested in becoming a Class Parent, visit the Parent Network resource board on MyKCS for more information. An online registration form will be sent to all parents to indicate interest in being a class parent. If more than the required two parents in any given class graciously offers their time, names will be drawn. Should your name not be drawn to serve as a class parent, there are many other ways that you can volunteer and provide support.

IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION BICYCLES Children who ride bicycles to school should ensure they are properly locked in the bicycle racks outside the main entrance and in the lower parking lot. Bicycle helmets must be worn at all times.

BIRTHDAYS To deal with the sensitivity of birthday parties, parents or guardians are asked to either invite the entire class or distribute birthday invitations outside of school. When using evites or ECHOage invitations, we remind parents or guardians to be aware of the attached advertisements and/or automatic graphics that the website may include, as these may be inappropriate or insensitive in nature for school-aged children.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

CELL PHONES Cell phones are not to be used during the school day unless clearly approved by a teacher and used for learning purposes. If it is necessary for a student to bring a cell phone to school, the cell phone must be kept in the student's locker. If a student is found using a cell phone during the school day without permission, including at recess, lunch, or the After School Program, it will be taken away by the teacher and given to the Director of Student Life. The student will have to arrange a mutually agreeable time to collect their cell phone.

It is important to remember that any phone calls home during the school day need to be made from the Front Office. This ensures that the office staff are aware of the call and can relay a message if a parent or guardian is required to return the call. Parents or guardians should not expect to reach their child during the school day via the child’s cell phone, as cellphones are required to be kept in the student’s locker during school hours. Please be advised that if a parent or guardian phones or emails the classroom teacher with a message for their child throughout the school day, the teachers may not have an opportunity to check their voicemail or read their email in time to pass the message along to the child. It is advisable to contact the Front Office as well as the classroom teacher to ensure that the message reaches your child.

CONTACT INFORMATION It is crucial, for safety reasons, that we have up-to-date information in our database for all KCS students and their families. Parents or guardians must ensure that their profile and their child’s profile information is complete on the KCS website. Please log in to MyKCS (www.kcs.on.ca) and review your address, phone numbers, child(ren)’s emergency contact information and medical information.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDs) Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) are portable electronic handheld equipment that can be used for the purpose of communication, entertainment, data management, word processing, wireless Internet access, image capture/recording, sound recording, and information transmitting and/or receiving. These include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, iPods, iPads, tablets, handheld entertainment systems, spy gadgets, walkie-talkies, and any current or emerging handheld technologies or portable IT systems. Students are strongly encouraged to leave all PEDs at home in case they are lost or stolen. KCS is not responsible for the theft, loss, or damage to PEDs brought to school by a student. If a student chooses to bring such a device or similar valuable item to school, it must be kept in their locker from the time they arrive at school until they leave for the day. This includes recesses, lunch, and the After School Program. Occasions where such electronic devices may be allowed include overnight trips and athletic events such as track and field, where students may be waiting for long periods of time. Students are expected to follow the instructions of the supervising teachers regarding use of these devices on those occasions.

LOST AND FOUND Parents, guardians and students are encouraged to regularly check the Lost and Found for any misplaced items. Unclaimed items are donated to charitable organizations. It is imperative that all uniform items, shoes, outerwear, water bottles, lunch boxes, and school books, are labelled with the student's full name to avoid loss.

LOCKERS Locker doors are held shut with carabiners to ensure the doors remain closed. Students are responsible for keeping their lockers clean and tidy. Occasional spot checks of the lockers will occur.

PARENT MEETINGS, PRESENTATIONS AND CLASS SHOWCASES Many parent meetings, presentations, and class showcases are held throughout the year. Notice will be given well in advance of each event so that parents or guardians have the opportunity to attend.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

REPORT CARDS Progress reports are written and sent home in November, and represent an initial assessment of how well each student is progressing toward the mid-year curriculum expectations. The mid-year reports are sent home in February or early March and are based on assessment of each student’s work and application of learning skills in the first half of the school year. The final report cards are sent home after school finishes in June. These reports assess each student's performance in the latter half of the year.

SCHOOL CLOSURES KCS will attempt to remain open during all but the most severe weather. If the decision is made to close the school for the safety of students, faculty, and staff, a message will be posted on the school website, social media accounts, and as the main message on the school phone line.

STUDENT TELEPHONE CALLS AND MESSAGES Students are to use the Front Office telephone only in emergency situations. It is not available to arrange delivery of items forgotten at home or for after-school plans. If a student needs to make a phone call of an urgent nature, they should come to the Front Office. Telephones in classrooms are for teacher use only.

TRAFFIC SAFETY SCHOOL CROSSING School crossing lines and signage are located on Wimbleton Road between the school and the park. The purpose of a school crossing is to inform vehicles that students may be crossing during the school day. The school crossing does not give pedestrians the right of way. Teachers supervise all students crossing Wimbleton Road during the school day and will wait for traffic to pass before allowing students to cross.

ALL-WAY STOP The all-way stop at the corner of St. George's Road and Wimbleton Road is for the safety of all. Be sure to obey these traffic signs when entering or exiting the parking area.

PARKING LOT • For the safety of the children, please drive slowly and with great care at all times. • Do not park or leave vehicles in handicapped spots, designated parking spots, along the fence on the north side of the lot, or in any other non-parking spots either in the parking lot or surrounding neighbourhood. • Never leave your vehicle unattended in the drop-off zone. If emergency vehicles need to come to KCS or the Church, this is where they need to park. Cars left parked in this zone risk being towed. • Leave room for others to circulate when you are in a queue to pick up your child. • For those who live near the school and when weather permits, consider walking or biking to school. • If you can, avoid the parking lot during high traffic times (8:20 to 8:40 a.m. or 3:30 to 3:45 p.m.) and/or carpool with other families. • Do not leave your car idling at any time. VISITORS For the safety of our children we ask all visitors to sign in and sign out at Reception. Visitors wear stickers identifying them as such. Faculty and staff will introduce themselves to anyone not wearing a sticker whom they do not recognize as a parent or guardian. They will ask why they are in the school, and escort them to sign in and receive a visitor’s sticker.

Kingsway College School is in full compliance with AODA regulations. For the full policy, please go to our website www.kcs.on.ca.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2018-19 First day of school Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Classes End Classes Resume Thanksgiving Friday, October 5, 2018* Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Midterm break Thursday, November 8, 2018* Tuesday, November 13, 2018 Christmas break Thursday, December 20, 2018 Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Midterm break Thursday, February 14, 2019* Tuesday, February 19, 2019 March break Friday, March 8, 2019* Monday, March 25, 2019 Easter break Thursday, April 18, 2019* Tuesday, April 23, 2019 Victoria Day Friday, May 17, 2019* Tuesday, May 21, 2019 Last day of school Thursday, June 13, 2019*

*indicates Early Release Day – dismissal 12:20pm

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PRE-KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES ONLY The Pre-Kindergarten Program (PK) at KCS is a morning program for children 2.5 to 4 years old, running from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a Before School Program that begins at 7:45 a.m. if needed.

Your child will participate in 30 minutes of outdoor exploration time. This includes the winter months so it is important that you provide appropriate clothing for your child, including winter boots, snow pants, coat, mittens, and hat. Please also provide your child’s teachers with a change of clothing in the event of spills or accidents.

KCS provides a healthy, nut-free snack and drink for your child. Menus are posted outside the PK classrooms.

ENRICHMENT CLASSES

French class occurs weekly, offering an early introduction to the French language through stories, finger plays, songs, games, and activities. Students learn simple conversational phrases in French, along with some basic vocabulary.

Music class occurs weekly, providing a unique and fun introduction to the basics of music. Students gain an awareness of rhythm and pitch, as well as the ability to listen and differentiate between contrasting sounds and timbres. Creative movement, rhythm instruments, finger plays, songs, and games are all incorporated into the program.

HEALTH CARE

Emergency forms and any other relevant information about your child must be submitted, complete, and up to date, prior to admission. It is important that in the event of an emergency we are able to contact you as soon as possible.

Toronto Public Health requires that we have a complete and up-to-date medical form on file for each child before attending our school. For additional forms, please contact the Registrar.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS & ALLERGIES

In Ontario, all children are required by law to be immunized against Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German measles), Pertussis (whooping cough) and HIB (Hemophilus influenza type B) unless a legal exemption applies.

Parents or guardians of a child registering in a licensed childcare program must provide one of the following:

• An up-to-date record of their child’s immunization, OR a completed medical exemption form, which clearly states the medical reasons why their child cannot be immunized, completed by a qualified medical practitioner OR a letter provided in writing objecting to the immunization on the grounds that the immunization conflicts with a parent or guardian’s religious beliefs or conscience. This letter must be submitted to KCS.

Parents or guardians are to advise KCS if their child develops an allergy and requires medication. Parents or guardians of children who suffer from anaphylactic reactions are responsible for informing KCS, providing emergency medication, and explaining its use in the event of exposure to an allergen. The necessary medical forms are available in the Front Office.

Kingsway College School Family Handbook 2018-2019

ILLNESS AND ABSENTEEISM Please inform KCS if your child will be absent for any reason (i.e. medical appointments, vacation, illness, etc.). If your child is ill, please inform the school about their symptoms. For the sake of your child and all the children in their class, please keep sick children at home. Your child will be more comfortable and better able to recover.

If a child is unwell in PK, a teacher will:

• Take the child’s temperature. • Separate the child from others if there is a temperature of 101 degrees or above, signs of diarrhea, or vomiting. • Contact a parent or guardian to pick up their child. • Document all symptoms. • Where it is not possible for the parent or guardian of the child to take the child home or where it appears that the child requires immediate medical attention, KCS will call emergency services to take the child to hospital to be examined by a legally qualified medical practitioner or nurse registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

PERIODS OF EXCLUSION After a child is sick, there is a period of time following where the child may still be contagious and needs to remain at home. The following times apply:

High Temperature: 24 hours without a temperature Vomiting: 24 hours after last bout, and no fever present Diarrhea: 24 hours after last bout, and no fever present Pediculosis (head lice): Until a child has been treated and is nit free. **The Lice Squad checks all students annually.

FIELD TRIPS The PK students do not have activities off school premises.