|
 WELCOME
The
purpose of this handbook is to provide information about the
philosophy and major practices and regulations that guide the
daily operation of Monsignor A.J. Hetherington School. We hope
that many of the questions asked by parents about the school
will be answered by this handbook. Should you have any questions
or require further clarification, please contact the school in
person or by phone (280-1444).
Providing
a quality, Catholic education for our students is accomplished
through continuous cooperation between home, school and parish
within a framework of mutual respect and participation. The school
staff looks forward to your continued interest, support and involvement
in the education of your child.
Monsignor Hetherington
School Staff
St. Thomas
More Parish located
at 15 Templebow Road N.E., serves the pastoral needs of Monsignor
A.J. Hetherington School Community. Mass times are :
Saturday:
5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Reconciliation: Saturday - 4:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Pastor: Rev. Bill Corcoran
Please call 285-3773 for additional information.
BOUNDARIES
Monsignor A.J. Hetherington Elementary School serves Catholic
students from the communities of Martindale (outside the walk
limit to John Paul II School), Taradale and Coral Springs. The
school houses a Kindergarten program and Grades One through Six.
The feeder schools are John XXIII Junior High and Bishop McNally
High School.
The
school is located on the corner of Coral Springs Boulevard and
68th Street N.E.
VISION
STATEMENT
Monsignor A.J. Hetherington School is a Catholic academic learning
environment in which the gospel values aspired to by parents
for their children are supported and nurtured through our instruction
and daily interaction.
We
believe that each child is a unique gift of God.
We
will strive to foster each child's self-worth by developing the
spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social well-being
of each child in an atmosphere of respect, cooperation and loving
concern.
PATRON
Arthur Joseph Hetherington was born in London, England on August
9, 1879. He was ordained on July 22, 1906 in Westminster Cathedral,
which at that time was partially completed. Father Hetherington
was appointed Master of Ceremonies on his ordination and it was
his task to provide for the completion of the interior, to supervise
the consecration ceremonies in 1910 and to arrange and establish
the regular Cathedral ceremonies.
In
the first seven years of his priesthood he became an authority
on liturgy and his written works have served the clergy since.
He was a contributor to the Encyclopedia Britannica and to the
Catholic Encyclopedia.
Because
of poor health, Father Hetherington considered going to Africa.
Bishop McNally's visit to Westminster resulted in a change of
plans. Father Hetherington was persuaded to come to Calgary for
the climate and to help form and establish the Calgary Diocese.
He was transferred to Calgary on June 30, 1913 and for many years
was the only English priest in the diocese.
Monsignor
Hetherington's work of nearly fifty years in Calgary included
Vicar General - advisor and deputy to the Bishop and pastor of
Sacred Heart Parish for forty-eight years. He played a major
role in the formation of parishes, the erection of church buildings,
the financial diocesan administration, the introduction of religious
communities and the provision of priests.
Monsignor
Hetherington's life provides a powerful example of integrity,
loyalty, service, wisdom, piety, good judgment, and recognizing
and answering God's call.
Core
Program
INTEGRATED
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
& FAMILY LIFE
All
students at Monsignor Hetherington School are expected to participate
in the total Religious Education Program. Besides the 180 minutes
of formal teaching per six-day cycle, liturgies and paraliturgies
are held throughout the year. Monsignor Hetherington School is
a part of the St. Thomas More Parish Community where children
celebrate friendship with Jesus in the sacrament of Eucharist
and live as a Christian within the Church community through the
sacraments of Reconciliation and Confirmation.
The
Family Life program teaches Catholic traditions of the dignity
of family life, respect for the body, our relationships with
others, and the teachings of Christ concerning a successful life.
LANGUAGE
ARTS
The Language Arts program at Monsignor Hetherington School emphasizes
the interrelatedness of the process of communication. The Language
Arts program strives to:
- develop
language facility
- foster
enjoyment of literature
- encourage
independent critical thinking
- foster
risk-taking
- celebrate
student work
Instruction
is given for a minimum of 460 minutes per six-day cycle with
much additional time being devoted to language learning through
its integration with other subject areas.
MATHEMATICS
Monsignor Hetherington School offers instruction in Mathematics
for approximately 275 minutes in a six-day cycle. The curriculum
focuses on the role of mathematics and its application to real-life
problems. A problem-solving / manipulative approach is employed
teaching numeration, Operations, Properties, Measurement, Geometry
and Data Management. Calculators and computers are used as tools
in this process.
SCIENCE
Elementary
Science affords students the opportunity to extend their curiosity
and to learn about the natural world through a series of learning
experiences. Emphasis in the program is on using and understanding
process skills;
- Observing
carefully;
- Collecting
pertinent data;
- Making
logical inferences;
- Drawing
conclusions.
Grade
specific content provides the basis for the understanding of
scientific concepts. Science instruction is offered for approximately
200 minutes in a six-day cycle.
SOCIAL
STUDIES
This subject area teaches students to explore, and where possible,
resolve social issues of public and personal concern. Students
play an active role in the decision-making process by examining
an issue, gathering information, making a choice and taking a
feasible action. Students become aware of our country's history,
geography, government and economy with an emphasis on communication,
participation, inquiry skills, values and attitudes. Social Studies
can be integrated with other subject areas and is offered for
approximately 180 minutes in a six-day cycle.
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION & HEALTH
These
programs aim to develop the whole child through the medium of
carefully selected physical activities and the development of
sound health habits and attitudes based on scientific facts about
the body, its function and its care. This contributes to the
physical, mental, social and emotional well being of each individual
child. Approximately 180 minutes in a six-day cycle is allocated
to these areas.
For
health, personal hygiene and safety reasons, it is important
that the students be appropriately attired for physical education
classes. T-shirts, shorts or jogging pants allow for freedom
of movement and runners provide traction on gymnasium surfaces.
COMPLEMENTARY
SUBJECTS
Students
at Monsignor Hetherington also receive a weekly instruction in:
FINE
ARTS
Fine Arts consist of Music, Art and Drama. Students will come
to appreciate, understand, create and criticize with discrimination
products of the mind, voice, hand and body.
FRENCH
French
is taught in grades four, five and six. Students will acquire
basic communication skills in French by developing both the receptive
and productive aspects of the language. Development of cultural
sensitivity is emphasized.
COMPUTER
EDUCATION
Computers
are integrated into the curriculum as a teaching/learning tool.
Students are afforded the opportunity to become computer literate
enough to function in our information-based society.
School
Services
ELEMENTARY
CORRECTIVE LEARNING
Students
found to be significantly below grade level in Language Arts
and /or Mathematics will receive additional support from the
Elementary Corrective Learning Teacher on a pullout basis.
INTRAMURAL
PROGRAMS
Students
in Grades four, five and six are encouraged to participate in
intramural games. These games have been carefully selected to
allow for maximum student participation and enjoyment of physical
activity as well as for developing positive self-concept, leadership
and respect for others who participate.
CLUBS
Teachers
invite students to join various clubs throughout the year. The
purpose is to provide students with opportunities to explore
areas of interest and extend or enhance their skills. Such clubs
are run during breaks.
HEALTH
A
Public Health Nurse is available on a consultative basis. If,
for any reason, you wish to refer your child to the nurse, please
send a note to your child's teacher and a call will be made.
If
your child should contact any communicable disease, please notify
the school immediately.
Nurses
will carry out the immunization program as required, but they
will no longer be spending a scheduled half-day in the schools.
GUIDANCE
CONSULTANT
A
Student Services Consultant will be available to the school on
a need basis. Duties include:
- assessment
of students experiencing extreme difficulty in the academic program
or to determine causes of behavioral and emotional problems;
- advising
teachers and parents of possible solutions to the difficulties;
and
- providing
resource support.
SPEECH
Speech
therapy is provided to students through the Public Health Department.
Assessment and remediation of speech problems is provided, as
required, with home support.
LIBRARY
All
students have regularly scheduled visits to the school library
so that they can borrow books each week. Students are expected
to handle books with care. If a book is lost or damaged, parents
are asked to reimburse the school.
MILK
SALES
Milk is sold in the lunchroom each day. Students may purchase
tickets or pay as they go.
SCHOOL
PATROLS
School
Safety Patrol members are fifth and sixth grade students who
are selected on the basis of: knowledge and training, leadership,
dependability, courtesy and cooperative attitude.
School
patrols are on duty at the crosswalk on Coral Springs Boulevard,
before school, during noon break and after school. In addition,
Mother Goose Patrols will escort E.C.S. children at 11:15 a.m.
if required. Students who must cross Coral Springs Boulevard
at the above times must use the school patrols and give them
their full co-operation at all times.
PROMOTION
Evaluation
of student progress is a continuous process. Promotion is based
primarily upon a student' satisfactory achievement and will always
be in the best educational interests of the child as determined
by continuous communication with the parent(s). Parents will
be made aware of a student experiencing extreme difficulty as
early in the school year as possible. In cases where retention
or alternative placement appears to be of greatest benefit to
the student, factors like skills development, chronological age,
social and physical maturity and emotional well-being will be
considered.
REPORTING
There
are four reporting periods each year. All parents are asked to
attend an interview for the first reporting period, which will
be an oral report early in the term. Attendance at an interview
for the second and third reporting periods can be requested by
either a teacher or a parent. Open communication between parents
and school is encouraged throughout the year.
PROVINCIAL
EXAMINATIONS
Provincial
examinations are written in June by grades three and six students.
These exams help evaluate program effectiveness and direct decisions
regarding future changes in teaching / learning across the province.
Grade
Three: tests in Mathematics and Language Arts
Grade Six: tests in Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies
and Science
HOMEWORK
Homework is defined as any work planned, approved and evaluated
by the teacher that integrates the efforts of school and home
to extend learning. It is a continuation of learning developed
in the classroom and carried out by the student independently
or with parental support. Homework reinforces school learning,
provides practice, expands application of knowledge and skills
and develops study habits.
GUIDELINES
|
Grades
One / Two |
10-20
minutes
Completing unfinished work, supplementary work in areas of need,
practice of mathematics concepts, nightly reading, and collection
of materials |
|
Grade
Three |
15-30
minutes
Same as above, some assigned research. |
|
Grades
Four/Five/Six |
30-45
minutes
Same as above, additional assignments, research, draft or final
copy writing. |
One
of the most valuable activities a student can engage in is 10
- 15 minutes of nightly reading. This develops good language
skills and an appreciation of good literature.
Your
assistance, interest, encouragement and willingness to help,
provides great incentive to learners and support for teachers.
Completed work should be returned the next school day. The student
organizer or homework book is a tool to facilitate two-way communication
between home and school and aid with teaching homework assignments.
HOMEWORK
SUGGESTIONS
- Help
schedule a time to do homework. Show that homework is an important
priority and that you value it.
- If
possible, provide a quite corner for your child to work
- Help
set up this area so that there is good lighting and appropriate
materials to work with (pencils, a ruler, a dictionary).
- Let
your child work independently, but let him / her know that you
are available to help.
- Be
aware that there is a difference between being a resource and
consultant and hovering over a child with constant advice.
- Be
available to check work, if needed, and to check whether the
assignment has been completed.
- If
possible, help your child see how this particular assignment
relates to everyday life and life skills.
- Remember,
nothing can help your child as much as a hug, smile and a few
words of approval. Be encouraging, positive and supportive. Your
attitudes are contagious.
DETENTION
Because many of our students are transported by charter buses,
after-school detention is difficult. However, should a teacher
find it necessary to detain a student after school, a call will
be made to the parent to give notice of the change. Students
may also be required to work from 12:30 - 1:00 p.m., if a teacher
sees the need.
DISCIPLINE
THE
SCHOOL'S PRIMARY ROLE IS TO EDUCATE, NOT TO DISCIPLINE
When the behavior or actions of a student or students are detrimental
to others or the school, and when a student repeatedly refuses
to comply with defined expectations, corrective measures will
be taken. Parent involvement will be called for to support school
discipline procedures.
Inappropriate
language, willful damage of school or private property, aggressive
behavior, disrespect for self and others are unacceptable models
of behavior in a Catholic learning environment.
The
following procedures will be enacted depending frequency and
severity of occurrences.
The
responses indicated are intended to, on the one hand, allow for
children to be children, and on the other hand, address those
students who are frequent offenders:
- Time-out
in the office. Develop a plan for improvement.
- Call
home. One-half day in-school time-out. All work must be completed
and a further plan for improvement developed.
- Call
home. One day in-school time-out. All work must be completed
and a further plan for improvement developed
- Formal
suspension from school (1 - 5 days). All work must be completed
and time made up. Parent involvement in developing a plan for
change is imperative.
It
is our expectation that, with parent assistance, we can develop
self-control, a problem-solving approach and a positive learning
attitude in each student.
TRANSPORTATION
Students residing in Taradale, Martindale (outside the walk limits
of John Paul II) and outside the walk limits of Monsignor Hetherington
School in Coral Springs are eligible to ride the C.T.S. charter
bus. This service is provided free of charge.
Students
are reminded that appropriate behavior while riding chartered
busses is expected. Failure to comply will result in severe consequences.
FIRST
OFFENCE: Warning from principal and letter home to parents
SECOND
OFFENCE: Suspension from riding bus for one week.
THIRD
OFFENCE: Suspension from riding the bus for duration of the year.
Parent / student(s) must provide alternate transportation.
Both
morning and afternoon Kindergarten students will be transported
to and
from school via chartered bus.
ATTENDENCE
AND TARDINESS
Regular attendance is mandatory for all students unless prevented
by illness or
reasons excused by the school. Each and every absence must be
reported by
the parents or guardian either by note or phone call. Unexcused
absences will be
referred to the system's attendance officer.
Please
make every attempt to HAVE YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL ON TIME.
IF
FOR ANY REASON HE/SHE IS GOING TO BE LATE OR ABSENT, PLEASE
CALL US AT 280-1444 SO THAT WE ARE AWARE OF THE
CIRCUMSTANCES. Be aware that this is a parental responsibility.
Students
arriving late should enter through the front doors to report
in.
PROCEDURES
BEFORE SCHOOL, RECESS,
AND NOON BREAK
No students will be allowed in the hallways or classrooms before
school begins. They will have access to the mudrooms and washrooms
only.
All
children are to go outdoors at recess and during the noon break
unless inclement weather prevents such. Inclement weather is
when outside conditions are extremely cold, extremely windy,
or when there is a heavy rainfall. A decision will be made by
administration or a designate prior to recess/noon break. If
students are to be kept in, all students will remain indoors,
and be supervised by teams. If weather conditions become inclement
while children are outside, the supervising adults have the authority
to immediately bring children into the school. We expect, however,
that children will be dressed appropriately for the weather in
all seasons.
At
other times, no students will be encouraged to stay indoors at
recess or noon break since we feel that children who are well
enough to be at school should be well enough to go outdoors.
In extreme cases following an extended illness, a parent or guardian
may send a note and arrangements will be made to accommodate
such children.
On
particular occasions students may be asked to stay in to complete
an assignment, do research or act as monitors. These children
will be supervised by the teacher concerned.
USER
FEE LUNCHROOM SYSTEM
A supervised lunchroom is provided at Monsignor Hetherington
School on a user pay basis for students who stay for lunch. Very
reasonable rates are available for regular attendees.
FEE
SCHEDULE: $10.00 / family / month
$ 6.00 / child / month
If
paying annually, the fee would be $95.00 / family or $55.00 /
child
Make
cheques payable to Monsignor Hetherington School. The money collected
will be used to pay the salaries of lunchroom aides (approximately
$3500.00 / year for each aid hired). At the end of the year you
will receive a summary of your payments.
There
will be Food Days sponsored by all School Council regularly throughout
the year. All children are invited to stay and share with
us on these days.
All
students who stay for lunch are expected to behave appropriately
and to remain on the school grounds. They will not be allowed
to leave without a written request from a parent. This is for
your child's safety.
DRESS
CODE
Students
are expected to dress in accordance with good grooming practice.
Short-shorts, skimpy tops, or shirts with pictures or phrases
of questionable taste are not acceptable. Health regulations
mandate the wearing of proper foot ware in school at all times.
All students are asked to have a pair of inside shoes and a pair
of outside shoes. This contributes greatly to the cleanliness
of our school. No caps or hats are to worn inside the school.
All
clothing should be clearly marked with your child's name in permanent
felt pen. This will assist in any search for lost articles.
EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
If
your child becomes acutely ill or is seriously hurt at school,
staff will make every effort to contact you at home or at work.
Should these efforts fail, we will attempt to contact the "emergency
contact" numbers you give us. Failing this, we will evaluate
the situation as serious enough, we will call 911 and have your
child transported to the Peter Lougheed Hospital. In the interim,
your child will be attended in the school health room.
NOTE:
Ambulance costs will be borne by parents in cases where an ambulance
need be engaged.
ADMINISTRATION
OF MEDICATION
Administration of medication to students can only be facilitated
under the authority of the attending doctor and parents and with
the appropriate documentation in place. Forms are available at
the office and circumstances should be discussed with school
administration.
SCHOOL
PARKING LOT
In the interest of your child's safety, the school parking lot
is OUT OF BOUNDS to all students at all times. Parents dropping
off or picking up students must do so in the designated zones
on Coral Springs Boulevard or in the school drive through. The
Parent Parking Patrol will be on duty during high volume times.
Please send students to the school through the playground.
FIRE
DRILLS
A
fire drill is held each month to prepare your child for such
an emergency, should it occur. Teachers make students aware of
proper procedures which are then practiced throughout the year.
By so doing, evacuation of the school becomes an orderly, panic-free
exercise.
TELEPHONE
The
school telephones are for school business purposes only. Student
use is allowed for EMERGENCIES. We expect students to develop
independence and responsibility for their needs. They will not
be allowed to call home to create a problem or dilemma for their
parents. Please make every effort to finalize arrangements with
your children before they come to school.
STUDENT
RECORDS
Student
files are updated on an ongoing basis. Please notify the school
immediately, if you have a change of address, home or work phone
numbers, or a change in your child's emergency contact, or the
contact's phone number.
STUDENT
SAFETY
With
the exception of the front doors, all outside doors will be kept
locked for most of the school day. The boot room entrances will
be opened at 8:30 a.m., at recess, and during the noon break.
If your child arrives late he/she must enter through the front
doors and pass by the office to report in.
While
we recognize that these door closures might cause some inconvenience,
we feel that the security benefits for your child are well worth
it.
BICYCLES
If
your child brings a bicycle to school, it must be placed in a
bike rack and locked. No bikes are to be ridden on the school
grounds. Bikes must be walked from the street to the bike rack.
COMMUNICATION
A
school newsletter is sent home at the end of the first week in
September, and then on the Friday in the middle of each month.
Parents are encouraged to send back the comment sheet as a means
of two-way communication. We like to have your input and need
to know that you have read these newsletters carefully.
There will be a newsletter draw each month from the returned
feedback sheets.
CLASS
PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS
The
making of class lists is a collaborative effort. Much care and
thought are given to the placement of students into classes.
Each student is individually considered before placement. Teachers
and administrators are particularly careful when selecting students
for split-grade classes. We look closely at a student's work
habits, ability to focus attention, group relationships, interpersonal
skills and overall achievement. Parent requests for placement
in a particular class are not encouraged.
SCHOOL
COUNCIL
Monsignor
Hetherington has an active School Council. Members of this council
include teachers, parents and administration. All interested
parents are invited to participate. The role of the council is
to: provide support for the goals set for the school, represent
parents in matters pertaining to the education of their children
, assist in the recognition and solution of matters of concern
to the school community, and to encourage parent education program.
PARENT
VOLUNTEERS
Active
and visible parental involvement in the school lives of your
children is an important component of the educational process
at Monsignor Hetherington School. The quality and variety of
the school program is enhanced by the many talents and gifts
of our school volunteers.
Volunteers
can assist in the following areas
- Field
trips
- Working
in classrooms
- Assisting
individual children or small groups
- Social
events
- Telephoning
- Fund
raising events
- Hotdog
days
- Publishing
House
All
volunteers are expected to attend an orientation in September.
WHAT'S
A PARENT TO DO?
Can
parents have a positive effect on academic achievement? Yes -
the home is an educating institution too!
HOLD
DAILY POSITIVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SCHOOL WITH YOUR CHILD
If
we look for problems and imperfections, we will find them and
encourage and expand them by drawing attention to them. Remember,
we find what we look
for - LOOK FOR IMPROVEMENT , NOT IMPERFECTION!
Try these questions:
- What
did you learn today that might be useful for the rest of your
life?
- What
did you do today that made you feel proud?
- Did
you go out of your way to help someone today?
- What
were some of the challenges that you faced today, and how did
they make you a better person?
- Why
was today an exciting day?
SET
AND CLAIRIFY EXPECTATIONS
Too
often, youngsters understand only after they failed to meet them.
Treat your child as if you know that they are an interested and
response student.
MODEL
Learning
and self-improvement should be fun. Enjoy it together. Model
the behavior and values that you would like to see your child
acquire.
ASK
YOUR CHILD TO TEACH YOU SOMETHING HE/SHE HAS LEARNED
Successful
Parent
TEACHER
INTERVIEWS
Formal
Parent/Teacher Interviews are held after every reporting period.
Here are some helpful suggestions to help make both formal and
informal interviews more meaningful to your child's success:
PREPARE
FOR MEETINGS
Check
with your child to see if there is anything he or she would like
you to discuss with the teacher. Jot down your own questions.
ASK
QUESTIONS
If
you have any concerns, mention them. Interviews provide the opportunity
to share information and clarify facts about a school situation
that you may only know secondhand.
LET
THE TEACHER KNOW YOU NEED HELP
Research
has demonstrated that parental involvement is a key to quality
education. If there's a problem, discuss strategies you can try
at home and at school to address it. Set up a follow-up meeting
or phone call. If there are no
problems, why not ask the teacher to suggest activities for improvement
or enrichment?
INVOLVE
YOUR CHILD
Be
sure to discuss the meeting with her or him. Stress the positive
points the teacher made and discuss the teacher's suggestions
for improvement.
FOLLOW
THROUGH WITH THE AGREED
UPON PLAN
Feel
free to call the school if you want to check up on your child's
progress or if you would like to set up additional meetings with
the teachers. |
