Catholic French Immersion I B School

Holy Cross Académie Internationale accepts students

from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 9.

For more information, please contact the school at:

(780) 489-1981 15120 – 104 Ave NW

Edmonton, Alberta T5P 0R5 holycross.ecsd.net

email: 8203web@ecsd.net

Edmonton Catholic Schools’ Vision

Our students will learn together, work together and pray together in answering a call to a faith-filled life of service.

Holy Cross Académie Internationale:

Mission

Building together a community of globally minded learners… Inspired by faith.

Motto

Many Voices, One World Unité en Diversité

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Welcome!

Holy Cross Académie Internationale offers a unique learning environment as a Catholic French Immersion and International Baccalaureate (IB) school. As partners with you and your child, we establish an environment conducive to your child’s learning.

Our holistic approach values Catholic education, which provides students with the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents. An added emphasis on the eight characters of Catholic education – community, tradition, sacramentality, justice, hospitality, rationality, humanness and spirituality – calls students to service and action.

Students in the IB program develop as internationally-minded, independent thinkers who are committed to success. In keeping with the IB Learner Profile, our students strive to be inquiring, thoughtful learners who are open-minded, principled and caring.

Holy Cross Académie Internationale offers the Primary and Middle Years International Baccalaureate programs while following the Alberta Education curriculum. With the exception of Religion and English Language Arts, all subjects are taught in French. English Language Arts instruction begins in grade two.

Our goal is to create an inclusive school through student-centered teaching and learning. We support the District’s inclusive education statement: “all resident students and their parents/caregivers are welcomed into our schools. The Learning Team is committed to collaborating, identifying, applying and monitoring practices enabling all students to reach their potential, spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and academically within the Programs of Study alongside their peers.” Individual student learning needs are a primary focus.

Each school year provides new experiences and great challenges. We look forward to working with you, and trust that this year will be a rewarding educational experience for your child.

Bienvenue! The Staff of Holy Cross Académie Internationale

Our foundational principles are:

To ensure the quality of teaching addresses the individual needs of students in language acquisition in a French Immersion setting To foster the development of globally minded citizens who think critically, contribute to community and engage in learning with an inquiring mind To foster authentic learning by addressing physical,

the cognitive, spiritual, social and emotional

development of all students

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100 Voices Program

100 Voices is a Pre-Kindergarten program which offers:

Certified teacher Learning through play Gentle introduction to French

language learning Integration of the fine arts Rich oral language opportunities Family parent nights Multi-disciplinary team Language interpreters as needed

This program prepares children for literacy and numeracy through inquiry and play- based learning. Pre-Kindergarten children are provided with opportunities to ask open- ended questions shaped by the IB curriculum. Readiness is taken into account as children engage in authentic learning experiences giving them a solid foundation for the years ahead.

Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me. I love them.’ Luke 20:36

APPLE Schools Program

The Alberta Project Promoting active Living and healthy Eating (APPLE Schools) empowers school communities to make the healthy choice the easy choice. The program purpose is to:

Improve healthy living habits Increase knowledge about healthy

living Create environments for improved

learning and health

This is fostered through daily physical activity, exposure to healthy snacks and family fun nights.

School Athletics

Our school is represented by junior and senior level teams in a variety of sports such as basketball, volleyball and soccer. Holy Cross Crusaders have won many championships over the years. We are proud of our tradition of excellence, integrity and fair play.

Le Réseau d’interAction (Learning Commons)

Le Réseau is a space where all students can access information, learning tools and resources. It is a flexible, responsive, safe, supportive and positive space for independent learners.

Makerspaces and Technology

We provide students with an educational environment that will engage and empower them as 21st century learners. Holy Cross has 2 Makerspace areas with hi-tech, low-tech and no-tech learning tools. Our robotics equipment includes Arduino, micro:bit, Raspberry Pi, and Adafruit. We also have 3D printers, a CNC miller, and laser cutter. Students are able to use Chromebooks and iPads on our wireless network when appropriate. All classes in Grades 4 to 9 have 1:1 Chromebooks.

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IB Programme

Mission Statement

International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB works with schools, governments and

international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people and their differences can also be right.

Informed by these values, an IB education:

Centers on learners Develops effective approaches to

teaching and learning Works within global contexts Explores significant content

Action cycle

IB prepares a community of learners to engage with global challenges through inquiry, action and reflection.

Inquiry In this approach, prior knowledge and experience establish the basis for new learning, and the students’ own curiosity provides the most effective provocation for learning that is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant.

Action Action involves learning by doing, which enhances learning about self and others. Action in IB programmes may involve service learning, advocacy and educating self and others.

Reflection Reflection offers students opportunities to analyse one’s own thinking and effort—as well as the products and performances that grow from them.

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Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. IB learners strive to be:

inquirers We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

knowledgeable We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

thinkers We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

communicators We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

principled We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere.

We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

open-minded We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

ca ri n g We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

risk takers We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

balanced We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives –intellectual, physical, and emotional – to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The PYP is offered from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5. The six subject areas identified within the PYP are: language, social studies, arts, mathematics, science, personal, social and physical education. The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB Primary Years Programme are the six transdisplinary themes:

Who we are Where we are in time and place How we express ourselves How the world works How we organize ourselves Sharing the planet

Grade 5 Exhibition

The Exhibition is an important part of the PYP for all students. In the final year of the programme, students undertake a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them in identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real- life issues or problems. As the culminating experience of the PYP, the Exhibition offers students an exciting opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning.

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Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Holy Cross offers the MYP program starting in Grade 6 and continuing onto Grade 9. Students who enter Holy Cross in Grade 7 are also admitted into the program. The MYP consists of eight subject groups: language acquisition, language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences; mathematics, arts, physical and health education and design.

MYP teachers organize the curriculum with appropriate attention to:

• Teaching and learning in context • Conceptual understanding • Approaches to Learning • Service as action • Language and identity

Grade 9 Community Project

MYP projects provide students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned in the MYP. The community project encourages students to explore their right and responsibility to implement service as action in the community. Students may complete the community project individually or in small groups.

www.ibo.org

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School Operations

School Hours Grades 1-9 8:20 am – 3:00 pm Thursday dismissal at 12:00 pm

100 Voices Afternoon Program: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Classes run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Kindergarten Morning Program: 8:20 am – 11:20 am Afternoon Program: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Classes run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday.

Students should not arrive before 8:10 am as there is no supervision prior to this time. After school, students should not stay any later than 3:20 pm unless required to stay for specific activities. After that time, there is no supervision and we cannot be held responsible for their safety.

Program Costs For the 2019 – 2020 school year students will have access, at no cost, to basic resources, materials and in-school fieldtrips as provided by the Government of Alberta. We will collect funds on a strictly cost recovery basis for student agendas, and for educational activities such as: extra-curricular teams/clubs, out of school fieldtrips, CTF courses, and complementary art/music courses.

Field Trips Throughout the school year, individual teachers plan field trips. These field trips enhance and enrich the curriculum by extending it to real-life situations and

experiences beyond the classroom. Letters regarding the type of field trip, duration and cost will be sent home for each excursion. The Field Trip Policy and regulations are mandated by the Edmonton Catholic School District. Children cannot participate without the proper completion and return of the parent permission form. Your prompt reply and payment of any fee is appreciated.

Transportation ETS and Yellow bus passes must be purchased online before the 10th of the month. Bus passes will be issued through the school’s main office once payment is received. Please logon onto https://powerschool.ecsd.net/public/ to purchase your child’s bus pass. Edmonton Catholic Schools subsidizes the cost of the pass.

Only those students with a valid bus pass and a designated stop are allowed on the bus. Students are not permitted to use the bus to go with friends or relatives. For further information, please check Edmonton Catholic Schools’ Guide to Using Yellow Bus Services.

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Parent Information

Communication to Parents Our monthly newsletter, Le Lien, along with weekly updates, are our prime modes of communication. Le Lien is posted on our website at www.holycross.ecsd.net. Grade specific classroom related information is communicated by the classroom teacher.

Parent-student and teacher conferences are scheduled throughout the year. However, we encourage you not to wait if you feel a need to meet with your child’s teacher or the administration. Additional meetings can be scheduled as required. Together we will help all students achieve their personal academic best.

If a concern arises, it is an Edmonton Catholic Schools’ Policy that you first discuss it with the specific staff member as soon as possible. If the issue is not resolved, it should then be brought to the administration. This procedure is to be followed when dealing with any staff member.

Student Progress Reports Conferences, report cards and student portfolios are used to promote good communication between parents and teachers in the reporting of student progress. The process is based on the principle that assessment of academic performance is an ongoing process. Teachers assess student progress by using classroom participation, student oral and written work, test results, quality of assignments produced, homework completion and notebook organization.

Meet the Teacher is held every year in September. Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences occur at the end of November for all students, and a Celebration of Learning takes place at the end of March. Final report cards are available online at the end of June.

Parents can have real-time access to their child’s assignments, attendance and grading information through the District’s PowerSchool parent portal. The following website provides information on how to obtain an access code. https://powerschool.ecsd.net/public/

School Council The School Council is an organization that allows parents to be more involved in their child’s education. It provides a structured forum where parents, principal, teachers, students and community members can talk about education in their community. All parents are welcome to attend meetings.

Parent Volunteers We welcome parent volunteers in our school. Our school community is stronger through parental support. Parents may work collaboratively with their child’s teacher or assist in a variety of ways. All of our volunteers are required:

• to follow the guidelines in the “Freedom of Information Act” in regards to confidentiality.

• to register with the office and receive a visitor pass when they arrive at the school.

• to complete the Edmonton Catholic Schools’ Volunteer Registration Form on a yearly basis.

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Parish Link Holy Cross Académie Internationale works closely with many Parishes including: St. John the Evangelist, Good Shepherd, St. Joseph’s Basilica and Annunciation. Sacramental preparation is done primarily at home and through the parish.

Lunch Program Grade 1 to 4 students eat lunch in their classrooms. In addition to a teacher supervisor monitoring the classrooms, Grade 5 students provide supervision in each classroom.

Grade 6 to 9 students eat in the lunch room. A concession is open during the lunch period but it is to be used only to supplement student lunches. Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds unless they leave with a parent.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY

Absentee Check Program Attendance at school is monitored by the homeroom teachers. If your child is to be absent from school or must be dismissed early for a medical appointment, please complete both of these steps:

• Contact the office by telephone at (780) 489-1981 (a message can be left on the answering machine)

• send a note to the homeroom teacher.

An unexplained absence will result in a telephone call to the parent. Please help us to ensure the safety of your child by following this procedure and by keeping the office informed of current phone numbers.

Regional Collaborative Service Delivery (RCSD) RCSD works together with schools and community agencies to provide a range of coordinated community health and support services for school-aged children and their families. It aims to more effectively meet the learning needs of children and youth and support their well-being. Supports can include, but are not limited to: mental health supports, speech-language therapy and occupational therapy.

Medications ECSD Administrative Policy 316 requires that a doctor and at least one parent sign a form indicating the nature and dispensing of required drugs for those students taking medication at school.

School Crisis Management Plan There are a number of causes that could lead to the evacuation of the school building – a major gas leak, a fire, total loss of utility services. In the event of an evacuation, the students and staff would relocate to Brightview School. Practices of emergency procedures, including school lockdown, are scheduled during the year so students are familiar with expectations.

Visitors to the School For protection, safety and to minimize disruption to learning, all visitors are required to report to the office.

Parking Parking at the school is limited, and safety is our primary concern. We ask you to avoid parking in the area designated for buses only. Please continue to assist us by:

• Not dropping off and picking children up in the parking lot

• Encouraging your child to use the designated crosswalks

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SCHOOL POLICIES

Standard Dress Code Students are expected to maintain a reasonable and modest standard of dress. The following list should be used as a guideline:

• Clothing must not contain negative or suggestive language or symbols

• Clothing or accessories must not be a hazard to student safety nor interfere with learning

• Clothing must be an appropriate length

• No spaghetti straps or muscle shirts

Students dressed inappropriately will be asked to change. Outdoor footwear cannot be worn in the school. Students require indoor footwear for daily physical activity. We encourage that indoor footwear is left at school.

“In one Spirit, we are all baptized into one Body.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)

Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct complies with the School Act.

We are a caring, safe, welcoming and respectful community. We are committed to living as a people of God in the world. This is achieved through:

• an appropriate balance between individual and collective rights, freedoms and responsibilities in the school community;

• clear expectations for student behavior while at school, at a school-related activity or while engaging in an activity that may have an impact on others in the school.

We affirm that pursuant to the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, students and staff members are protected from discrimination. More specifically, discrimination refers to any conduct that serves to deny or discriminate against any person or class of persons regarding any goods, services, accommodation or facilities that are customarily available to the public, and the denial or discrimination is based on race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation. Discrimination on these grounds is strictly prohibited.

We affirm that the rights set out in the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are afforded to all students and staff members within Holy Cross Académie Internationale. We share an awareness and appreciation of the diverse racial and cultural composition of society and that the richness of life in Alberta is enhanced by sharing that diversity.

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We nurture in learners the understanding that we are part of a larger community and that our actions have an impact on others. Behavior greatly affects the quality of our environment. We are responsible for our own behavior that is modeled from the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, our school philosophy and approach to discipline is based on the spirit of Jesus’ teachings. Students and teachers at Holy Cross seek a peaceful environment where all can question, learn, experience and grow to their full potential.

Expectations

The Code of Conduct sets out behavioural expectations for students, including those behaviours that are consistently promoted and modeled by all in the school community – staff, students, and parents. These expectations are found at the school, in the parent handbook, and on our website. The Code of Conduct is reviewed with students periodically throughout the school year.

The Code of Conduct is developed by the school community and is based on input from students, parents and school staff. It is reflective of the expectations of students as addressed in legislation and district policies, is communicated in writing to all members of the school community on an annual basis and is reviewed and adapted as necessary on an annual basis by members of the school community.

Creating this environment requires the co-operation, full attention and best efforts of all members of the school community working together. Staff, Students, and Parents are expected to ensure that their conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment.

Acceptable Behaviours

At Holy Cross Académie Internationale students will:

Be Respectful

• be honest and truthful • find out about other people’s feelings • accept others’ differences • care for other people’s belongings and

public property • listen attentively when required • use polite language and behavior • wear appropriate clothing and footwear as

per school policy • cooperate with school staff

Be Leaders

• be welcoming of others • practice positive comments • be cheerful • be team players • look for ways to improve our school • be a positive ambassador for our school • resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner

Be Safe

• walk quietly in hallways • play safely in the playground (bullying, play-

fighting, snowballs are not allowed) • use equipment properly • stay on school property • stay away from parking lot • report any injuries, problems, conflicts or

dangerous behaviour to adult supervisors right away

• listen to class monitors during lunch (PYP) • stay in designated areas

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On the Bus:

• respect the bus drivers • remain seated • wait for bus to stop before moving • talk quietly • obey the rules as set by the driver

Be Organized

• attend school regularly and punctually

• monitor and complete assignments, and complete them on time

• have school materials ready • use agenda daily • be ready to learn and actively

engage in your education

Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation

When individuals are involved in conflict, they are encouraged to discuss it together as soon as possible to find a solution. When needed, they will seek the help of a mediator. The mediator explores with individuals how to adapt or respond to a situation, with consideration to age, maturity and individual circumstances. The dignity of each person will be respected by:

• identifying the inappropriate behavior

• describing its effects upon the situation

• giving the individual the opportunity to provide input into the reconciliation process

This process requires practice for individuals to become proficient in asserting their needs as well as apologizing and forgiving one

another. All cases are treated individually. Confidentiality is stressed to protect privacy.

Bullying

Bullying is defined as “repeated and hostile or demeaning behaviour by an individual in the school community where the behaviour is intended to cause harm, fear or distress to one or more other individuals in the school community, including psychological harm or harm to an individual’s reputation.”

At Holy Cross Académie Internationale students will:

• refrain from, report and refuse to tolerate bullying or bullying behavior, that happens at the school, during the school day, or by electronic means;

• inform an adult you trust in a timely manner of incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation or other safety concerns in the school

Students may report bullying by:

• telling a parent or guardian • telling an adult at the school • calling the Kids’ Help Line:

(1-800-668-6868) Unacceptable behaviour Students will be held accountable for conduct that occurs within the school building, during the school day, or by electronic means. Examples of unacceptable behaviors may include:

• behaviors that interfere with the learning of others

• behaviors that interfere with the school environment or that create unsafe conditions

• acts of bullying, harassment or intimidation • physical violence • retribution against any person in the

school who has intervened to prevent or report bullying or any other incident or

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safety concern • illegal activities such as:

- possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances

- possession or use of weapons - theft or damage to property

Consequences for unacceptable behaviour take into account age, maturity and individual circumstances. Any special needs that the student has – whether they are physical, behavioural, communicational, mental health, trauma, etc. – are considered. Holy Cross Académie Internationale avoids a ‘one size fits all’ approach as this is inconsistent with Section 12 of the School Act. Consequences may include:

• mentoring • restorative processes • regular check-ins with teachers or

counsellors • counselling (e.g. STAY Advisor) • parent conferences • student reflection • behavioral contracts

• review of privileges • bus suspensions • in and out of school suspensions • recommendations for expulsion

A severe breach of conduct will result in a suspension in accordance with Section 24 of the School Act.

A continuum of supports may be provided to students who are impacted by inappropriate behaviour as well as for students who engage in inappropriate behaviour. These may include:

• YMCA Alternative Suspension Program • wrap-around services including

Multidisciplinary Team (behavioral therapists, etc.), Inclusive Support Team (Family School Liaison Worker, etc.), Regional Collaborative Service Delivery (Mental Health Therapists, etc.).

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Holy Cross Académie Internationale A statement of 21st Century Learning in Edmonton Catholic Schools

Preparing our students for a world not yet realized

In keeping with our Foundation Statement, the students and staff of Edmonton Catholic Schools commit to 21st century learning. In support of hopeful Christ-centered living, in a society transformed by globalization, technological innovation, and human ingenuity, 21st century learning complements our commitment as a Catholic community of learners, leaders, and educators. Edmonton Catholic Schools fosters faith-based learning that deeply engages all students and staff in 21st century learning opportunities.

ESSENTIAL AGREEMENTS FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY Holy Cross Académie Internationale believes in providing students with an educational environment that will engage and empower them as 21st century learners. Students in Grades 4 to 9 have access to Chromebooks, iPads, and desktop computers. To this end, students in the PYP and the MYP are permitted to use our wireless network under the following conditions:

Teachers will review digital citizenship with students. Teachers have the right to determine how, when and to what extent student-owned devices may be

used in their classrooms. Teachers and administrators have the right to “search” the device if they have reason to believe that the

device has been used inappropriately. Students are accountable for their behavior and activity while using our wireless network. The use of the wireless network is for class time and under teacher direction and supervision only. It is

for educational use only, not for social use. No texting, gaming or social networking of any kind. Use of digital cameras or iPads for still or video photography is permitted under teacher supervision

only. No school pictures or videos of any kind may be shared or posted on any social media or personal sites.

Student devices (laptops and tablets) will follow the same rules as school-owned devices. Students are responsible for the security and safety of their own devices. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. The school will not provide technical support for student-owned devices. Students should not allow other students to use their personal devices. Cellphone use during school hours, including breaks, lunch and recess times, is not permitted. The use of cellphone cameras is strictly prohibited, including on district-sponsored transportation. Failure to follow the procedures for using student-owned devices or the network could result in a loss of privilege, confiscation of the device, or other sanctions, depending on the circumstances.