Policies and Procedures

 

SCHOOL CLOSURES:

The best way to get the most accurate and reliable information is to consult the homepage of the board’s website  www.swlauriersb.qc.ca, our Facebook page www.facebook.com/swlsb or to call the Administrative Centre line at 450-621-5600 or 1-866-621-5600.

 

 

GENERAL EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR

Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner toward their peers, their surroundings and all adults working in the building.  This includes (and is not limited to) the use of vulgar language, aggressive body language and dangerous behavior. Major and minor offences can and will result in a referral to the school administration.  Consequences may include a parental conference, detentions, student suspension or expulsion. 

CELL PHONE POLICY - USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES AT SCHOOL

We strongly encourage all students to be good digital citizens.

Using your cell phone on school premises is permitted based on adherence to the following conditions:

“Phone” refers to personal cell phones and any connected accessories, including but not limited to: wireless headphones, connected smart watches, smart glasses, etc.

  • Phones in school must be turned off
  • It is strongly suggested that phones remain in your locker
  • If a phone is on your person, it needs to be out of sight
  • Phones can only be turned on upon entering Block C and outside during recess and lunch
  • Filming and/or taking pictures of others is not allowed without their permission
  • Phones need to be turned off at the end of recess and lunch before entering school or leaving block C
  • In exceptional circumstances, you may be given permission to use your phone outside the designated times and areas by a person in authority (staff member, teacher or administrator)

Students who fail to adhere to the policy will be subject to the following:

  • First and second offence: the parent will be advised, the phone will be confiscated and the student will need to pick it up from the office at the end of the day
  • Third offence: the phone will be confiscated and a parent will need to pick it up at school
  • Escalated measures will be taken for repeat offenders

Laval Junior Academy is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal belongings.

ATTENDANCE, LATE ARRIVALS & SIGN-INS

Students are expected to arrive at school on time.  In the event of a late arrival, students must sign in with the reception secretary at the general office. Authorized late arrivals will be registered as "SIGN-INS".  (Parents or guardian must call or provide a note to the school). Unauthorized late arrivals will be entered into the student's file.  Consequences / detentions may be issued by administration.

 

ABSENTEEISM

Parents must notify the school if their child is absent. When a student has been absent from school for any reason, notification can be done with the presentation of a dated note signed by a parent or guardian, by telephone (450-680-3044 & Press #1) or by email at rhuss@swlauriersb.qc.ca. Excessive absences for no valid reason may jeopardize a student being allowed to complete a school year or have undesirable academic consequences.

 

SIGNING OUT OF SCHOOL

In the event of an illness, a personal family matter or an appointment, all students must sign out of school with the reception secretary at the general office.  A note from the parent/guardian, a phone call or an email is essential before any “sign out” will be authorized.

 

MID-TERM AND FINAL EXAM PRESENCE

Students must be present for all examinations. Only the following reasons for absence will be accepted:

  • Sickness (medical certificate required).
  • Court appearance (subpoena, probation).
  • Participation in a school sponsored event.
  • Pre-authorized absence by the administration in collaboration with the parents.

 

VACATIONS

Parents who foresee a vacation during the year should utilize the weeks of vacation outlined in the school calendar. If you must go away during school days, it is required that you inform the general office about your child's extended absence. Please take special note of the EXAM PERIODS outlined in the school calendar. Students will still be responsible for school work and new materials covered during their absence.

 

MEDICATION

No medication of any kind (including aspirin) may be given to students by school personnel without written authorization from a physician and parent. In special circumstances, it is advisable to contact the nurse to explain exactly what is required.

 

VALUABLES

Students are advised not to bring large sums of money or expensive items to school.  Students are responsible for the safekeeping of their own valuables. 

The school cannot be held responsible for valuables or money that is lost or stolen.

 

HALL PASS  

In order to assist the school in providing a safe environment, students out of class are required to have a hall pass given by their teacher. Students out of class without the proper authorization will be returned to class.

 

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips will be organized from time to time as a way of supplementing or complementing the curriculum for students in good behavioral standing.

Field trips are usually self-financed and each participating student is asked to pay his/her share. For any authorized trip and activity sponsored by the school, a permission slip must be signed by the parent/guardian.  All pertinent information, price, details of departure/arrival times, etc. is provided by the sponsoring teacher.

The school cannot be held responsible for valuables or money that is lost or stolen during field trips.

 

ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Eligibility for students to participate in extra-curricular activities and outings:

  • Students must be in good behavioral standing. 
  • Any student who has been suspended or has met the administration for disciplinary purposes may not be eligible for the next scheduled school activity (school dances, school field trips). The administration reserves the right to refuse any student to participate in school activities.
  • Unless prior agreement has been made with the school administration, any student who has not paid his school fees will not be eligible to participate in any school activity.  On payment of any debt the student regains good standing status.

 

FOOD

Consumption of food is permitted in certain areas of the school but NOT in:

  • Library
  • Auditorium
  • Washrooms/locker rooms
  • Hallways & staircases

 

LOCKERS

Since students work in many rooms, books, physical education gear and personal belongings are kept in their lockers. These lockers are for the protection of the students’ possessions. The following rules should be remembered:

  • Lockers are school property and may be checked for cleanliness, unauthorized personal property and other contraband.
  • A combination lock will be loaned to students (2 students per locker). The school is not responsible for items lost, damaged or stolen. 
  • Locker and lock combinations will be registered at the Student Services office, together with the name of the students who are sharing the locker.
  • Your locker combination must not be given to any other student.
  • Do not open another student’s locker.
  • You must keep your assigned locker. Lockers may not be switched nor traded.
  • If the school lock is lost, stolen or damaged, the students will be responsible for the replacement cost.
  • Careful planning of trips to lockers will help save time and prevent tardiness - students are to assure they have all the necessary materials for each class.
  • Students must bring a personal lock for gym lockers.
  • Before leaving a locker, check to see that it is tightly closed and locked.
  • If you cannot open your locker, go the student services office. If your physical education locker will not open, see your physical education teacher.
  • Lockers are a privilege that may be taken away in the event of misuse.
  • School bags, bags, jackets, boots etc. must be left in the locker.  They are not to be brought to class.

 

** The administration reserves the right to verify any student’s locker, bags or personal items in order to gather information or confiscate illegal items or substances when they believe there is sufficient cause.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORM

All students are required to participate in Physical Education classes unless excused for medical reasons.  Each exemption must be supported by a letter from a physician.

  • All students must wear a school-issued t-shirt and shorts or track pants with appropriate running shoes. 
  • Please note a School Physical Education Uniform is given to all Secondary 1 students at the beginning of the school year and charged in school fees. 
  • Secondary 2 students may use last year’s uniform or have the possibility to purchase a new uniform at a reasonable price.
  • On dress-down days, students are required to wear their gym uniform during their Phys. Ed. period.
  • Gym uniforms are not permitted in other classes.
  • The consequences for not following the above dress code will be determined by the administration.

 

BIKES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS & ROLLERBLADES

  • Bikes and scooters brought to school are the responsibility of the students.
  • Bikes and scooters are not allowed inside the building.
  • Bikes and scooters may be locked to the designated area at the front of the buildings.
  • Skateboards and segways are not to be used on school property.
  • Rollerblades and/or roller shoes are not permitted.

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND PREPAREDNESS 

 

Fire Drill

A fire drill is a practiced procedure.Here are the main rules:

  • Students must evacuate the building under the direction of the staff as quickly and quietly as possible.
  • Each classroom has a posted ''exit direction'' sign.
  • The first students arriving at an exit door will remain and keep the door open.
  • Students must stay with their class and observe the ''no talking'' rule in force during the evacuation of the building.
  • Once outside, students are to move away from the building and remain in class groups as attendance will be taken and reported.

 

Emergency Closure

In the event of an emergency closure, such as a power failure, all students are to remain in the classroom/teaching area in which they are located.  Students in totally blacked out areas will be directed by their teachers to the nearest suitable area. Parents will be notified and urged to make the necessary arrangements to deal with such emergencies.

 

Lock Down

  • In the event of a lock-down, all students will remain in their classroom and out of sight lines. 
  • This is a practiced procedure.
  • Every classroom is equipped with a set of instructions as well as necessary materials for all emergency procedures.
  • Fire drills and lock downs will be practiced during the school year.

 

 

CAFETERIA

The cafeteria will be open in the morning before class, at recess time and during lunch.

Meal Cards are available for the lunchtime period.  They offer a reduced cost per meal and ensure a well-balanced lunch.  Moreover, with a meal card, students do not have to carry money.   A complete yearly menu is available and distributed in the student information package during the first week of school.  For more information, please contact the Cafeteria Services at (450) 680-3044 ext: 8865.

Students are responsible to pick up after themselves.  Littering and rude behavior in the cafeteria will not be tolerated.

 

Energy drinks:

The term ‘energy drink’ is commonly used to refer to packaged beverages containing naturally occurring and/or added caffeine, added sugar and other sweeteners, herbal stimulants such as guarana, and flavoured ingredients.  Although other types of beverages have similar features, ‘energy drinks’ are regulated by Health Canada as caffeinated energy drinks (CED) and are distinct from other products sold in Canada such as caffeinated soft drinks, ‘energy shots”, and sports drinks.  These particular beverages are not recommended to be consumed by children and, therefore, are banned at Laval Junior Academy.  Students are not permitted to drink these types of beverages on school property.

 

 

LOST AND FOUND

Any article of value or clothing found in the school should be given to the student supervisor. Articles left over three months will be given to a worthy cause on behalf of the student body.

Found textbooks should be returned to the library.                                                  

 

STUDENT COUNCIL

Student Council organizes activities and school dances and runs the Games Room.  Student Council is comprised of ten active, outgoing and motivated students from both Sec. 1 and Sec. 2.  An interview process will be held at the end of September to recruit the members for the entire school year.  To be on and to remain on Student Council, a student must be in good standing (academics and behaviour).

 

SUPERVISION                                 

Supervision of students begins at 8:10 a.m.  Therefore, students are asked not to be in school prior to 8:10 a.m.  At lunchtime, students must stay within the areas of adult supervision.

During school hours, NO STUDENTS ARE PERMITTED TO LEAVE the SCHOOL GROUNDS (including lunchtime).

 

BREAKFAST CLUB:

Laval Junior Academy Breakfast Club is sponsored by Breakfast Club of Canada and is run by a team of teacher volunteers.

For only 50 cents a day, your child can enjoy a healthy breakfast with his/her friends. 

Meals consist of a different prepared meal each day (eggs & toast, pancakes, French Toast, cereal, croissants,

bagels with cream cheese, grilled cheese, English muffins with cheese) accompanied by fresh fruit, juice, milk and yogurt.

Registration forms are distributed in September.

For any inquiries, please contact Ms. Heidi hklinger@swlauriersb.qc.ca

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

BUS:

Students are transported to school by Laval Transit buses.

Parents must purchase a monthly STL student pass (OPUS card). A percentage of the cost of the pass will be reimbursed by the school board in January. 

To contact Laval Transit:

(450) 688-6520 or www.stl.laval.qc.ca

Bus rules:

  • Students are required to have their student pass.
  • Students are expected to behave properly and respect their peers and surroundings. Should undesirable behavior occur, students and parents will be advised. 
  • Serious infractions will lead to suspension of transportation privileges.

 

DROP-OFFS AND PICK-UPS (CAR):

Students must use side Block C entrance at all times.

For the SAFETY of our students, please use the SOUTH SIDE OF BLOCK C (opposite side of buses) for pick-ups or drop- offs. The bus zone must always remain clear of any vehicles in order to ensure the safety of the students. ANY vehicles that are double-parked around the building will be ticketed by the Laval Police.

All visitors must use the front entrance (on Daniel Johnson blvd.) to enter the building and must identify themselves clearly at the administration office. Teachers and staff will question all juvenile and adult strangers. Former students should make arrangements through the main office to visit teachers after school hours.  This measure is for the safety of all students and staff. 

 

Bullying

Bullying runs contrary to the values of the Laval Junior Academy community. All constituents believe that every student has a right to attend school without being demeaned or physically abused. Parents, students and staff will do their utmost to protect and ensure the dignity of students. We also understand that the only effective deterrent to bullying is education aimed at the bully, the bullied and the bystander. The bully must also accept responsibility for his/her actions with the full understanding that such contempt for the dignity of others carries swift consequences.

 

Anti-Bullying and Anti-Violence Plan (ABAV)

Our goal is to prevent and stop all forms of bullying and violence targeting a student, a teacher or any other school staff member.  We want to provide a healthy and secure learning environment that allows every student to develop their full potential, free from any form of bullying or violence.

As a student, should you be the witness or the victim of an act of bullying or violence, know that you should always seek help and support from a staff member or an adult whom you trust. 

 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Student Rights:

Students are entitled to:

  • A meaningful eduction
  • A challenging and positive learning environment
  • Freedom from physical and verbal harassment.
  • Be disciplined in a respectful and humane way.
  • A safe and healthy environment.

 

Student Responsibilities:

Students must:

  • Respect students and adults in the building.
  • Respect the rights of others.
  • Respect school property.
  • Know and follow the school rules.
  • Be courteous, punctual, and cooperative.
  • Not disrupt the educational progress of others.
  • Be responsible for making up missed work.
  • Strive for their personal best.
  • Use the agenda to organize their work and study.
  • Not share their locker combination or passwords.

 

Classroom Behaviour:

Students are expected to:

  • Be respectful.
  • Be on time.
  • Be prepared with books and materials.
  • Do the work expected of them.
  • Follow the rules specified by the teacher.
  • Have their agenda in class.

 

Misbeaviour Consequences

  • Teacher measures
  • Parent conferences
  • Administrative detentions
  • Suspensions
  • Expulsion

 

Responsibilities of parent/guardian:

  • Becoming involved in and supportive of their child’s learning progress.
  • Remaining informed of school policies, procedures and expectations.
  • Monitoring evaluation results, praising good performance, and encouraging extra effort when necessary.
  • Assisting their child in realistic goals and expectations.
  • Providing the school with information and perspectives that may aid in the child’s progress.
  • Contacting the school and participating in parent-teacher meetings and student-led conferences.  
  • Reading communications sent by the school (administration, staff) via e-mail.
 
CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING THE RULES

Major and minor offences can and will result in a referral to the school administration.  Consequences may include a parental conference, detentions, student suspension or expulsion.  Parents will be notified of after-school detentions and / or student removal.

 

DETENTIONS

A detention may be assigned to students during lunch hour or after school by the administration, or an individual teacher.  Parents will be notified the day before the after school detention takes place. After school detentions will be daily from 3:00pm until 4:00pm  Any student who misses his/her detention will receive further consequences.

 

REMOVAL OF A STUDENT FROM SCHOOL

In general, students have a normal desire to be successful, well-liked and to conduct themselves in a proper manner.  There are exceptions when a student is so disruptive that it affects educational opportunities of fellow students. When all efforts fail to reach such a student, a student may be removed from school.

Removal in itself may not solve the problem, but it does give time for reflection and planning for a new approach to the problem. The following is the procedure for handling a student removal from school.

An administrator may remove pupils for various infractions and misdemeanours for periods of one to five days. For each removal, parents will be notified. The administrator may require the parent or guardian to return with the pupil before re-admittance after a removal. Furthermore, the student may lose the privilege of participating in scheduled activities until further notice.

 

BEHAVIOUR THAT IS CAUSE FOR REMOVAL FROM SCHOOL

  • Disruption of school activities and/or willful defiance of school authorities.
  • Causing or attempting to cause damage to property or stealing.
  • Fighting or threatening to cause physical injury to another person.
  • Possession of weapons, knives, explosives or other dangerous objects at school or at any school activity: Police will be contacted.  The confiscated items will be given to the police.  The names of the individual students involved will also be given to the police.
  • Possession of, use of, sale of, or being under the influence of any controlled substance (drugs or alcohol).
  • Possession or use of tobacco and vaping products on school premises.
  • Committing an obscene act or engaging in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
  • Physical, mental or sexual harassment.
  • Leaving school premises without permission.
  • Swearing at a teacher, staff member or administrator.
  • Chronic misbehaviour or disruption.

 

DRUGS

Any student, who possesses, furnishes, uses, transports, or sells controlled substances at any school-connected function, will be immediately suspended and notification to the police department will be made.

The administration reserves the right to verify any student’s locker, bags or personal items in order to gather information or confiscate illegal items or substances when they believe there is sufficient cause.