Sikh Academy Parent/Family Handbooksikhacademy.ca/uploads/Main.WhatsNew/saparenthandbook2018.pdf · Sikh Academy has a closed campus policy, which means students must remain on the

SA Parent/Families Handbook 2018-2019

Sikh Academy 1 | P a g e

Sikh Academy Parent/Family Handbook

Welcome

We are excited to have another great year, where our students, staff, and school community work together to

build educational opportunities within the school, and outside the school walls. All students at Sikh Academy are

encouraged to come to school each day to have fun and learn together.

We are an independent school and teach students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Our goal is to provide an affordable school that offers great teaching, an exciting and nurturing atmosphere, and a place where we all strive to produce exceptional citizens of the future.

Our goal is to build a positive and caring child centered learning environment where staff, parents, and the community will work together and empower students to learn and gain confidence to meet the challenges in life. If this is an atmosphere you are looking for your child, we look forward to meeting you.

The Sikh Academy Administration Team

Our Vision

Imagine. Innovate. Inspire.

Our Mission

Sikh Academy will strive to build a positive and caring child centered learning environment where staff, parents, and the community will work together and empower students to learn and gain confidence to meet the challenges in life. At Sikh Academy we will strive for excellence in education and foster your child’s academic success by creating a safe and caring environment. We will ensure that your child also learns the Sikh way of life and imbibes moral and spiritual values. With parents involvement in their child’s learning experience; we will work hard to make them responsible citizens who can make ethical decisions, and develop good social skills. We take pride in the education of your child.



2018-2019 Calendar

September 4 School Starts (half day) September 7 Welcome Back Celebrations September 24 Professional Development Day (School Closed) September 25 Religious Assembly (Parkash Divas Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji/Shri Guru Angad Dev Ji) September 27 Terry Fox School Run Day September 27 First People’s Learning Presentations (Fleetwood) September 28 First People’s Learning Presentations (Newton) September 28 Every Child Matters – Reconciliation in Canada (Orange Shirt Day) October 2 Performance Assembly (Green Thumb Theatre) October 8 Thanksgiving Day (School Closed) October 17 Interim Self-Assessment on Core Competencies Report Cards (Term 1) October 18 Student Picture Day (Newton/Fleetwood) October 19 Professional Development Day (School Closed) October 24 Religious Assembly (Parkash Divas Shri Guru Ram Das Sahib Ji) October 31 Halloween Assembly November 7 Religious Assembly (Bandi Chorh Divas/Diwali) November 8 Remembrance Day Assembly November 9 Professional Development Day (School Closed) November 12 Remembrance Day (School Closed) November 19 Student Individual Picture Re-Take Day November 22 Akhand Paath Sahib for Parkash Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji (Nov 22, 23, 24) November 30 Term 1 Assessment Cut-Off December 10 Report Cards (Term 1) December 11 Parent-Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal) December 21 Winter Assembly December 21 Last Day before Winter Break Dec 24 - Jan 4 Winter Break (School Closed) January 7 School Re-opens January 18 Performance Assembly (Tiny Islands) January 22 Religious Assembly (Parkash Divas Shri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji) January 31 Class Picture Day (Newton) February 1-28 Black History Month February 1 Class Picture Day/Grad Picture Day (Fleetwood) February 1, 4-7 Student Workshops - International Folk Dancing (Newton) February 5 Chinese New Year February 14 Religious Assembly (Dedicated to Bhagats in Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) February 18 Family Day (School Closed) February 19-22 Student Workshops - International Folk Dancing (Fleetwood) February 22 Term 2 Assessment Cut-Off February 25 Professional Development Day (School Closed)



March 6 Report Cards (Term 2) March 7 Parent-Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal) March 14 Religious Assembly (Holla Mohalla and Sikh New Year) March 15 Last Day before Spring Break Mar 18-29 Spring Break (School Closed) April 1 School Re-opens April 8 Professional Development Day (School Closed) April 10 Education Fair April 15 Religious Assembly (Vaisakhi/Khalsa Sajna Divas) April 19 Good Friday (School Closed) April 22 Easter Monday (School Closed) April Vaisakhi April 26 Kindergarten and Grade 7 Grad Pictures (Newton) April 30 Tuition Deposit for 2019-20 Enrollment Due May 3 Professional Development Day (School Closed) May 8 Interim Self-Assessment on Core Competencies Reports Cards (Term 3) May 20 Victoria Day (School Closed) May 23 Religious Assembly (Prakash Divas Shri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji) May 27 Professional Development Day (School Closed) June 15 Religious Assembly (Parkash Divas Shri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji) June 15 Term 3 Assessment Cut-Off June 27 Report Cards (Term 3) June 27 Last Day for Students (Early Dismissal) June 28 Administrative Day (School Closed)

** Kindergarten Graduation, Grade 7 Graduation, Sports Day, Year-End Assembly will be in June ** ELEMENTARY (K-7) DAILY SCHEDULE: 8:20am to 3:20pm. 355 instructional minutes per day. Kindergarten gradual entry during the first week of September. KG hours of Academic Instruction = 1027.08 hours (+177.08 hours) Grade 1-7 hours of Academic Instruction = 1051.08 hours (+201.08 hours) Religion Department Academic Instruction per Grade = 223.75 hours Minimum number of hours of instruction that must be offered as per School Act and Calendar Regulation: 850 hours of instruction for students in kindergarten. 850 hours of instruction for students in grades 1 to 7.

Hours of Instruction

8:10 – first bus arrives and school supervision duty begins.

8:20-8:25 – students are in classes to begin their day.

8:25 – first period begins

9:45-10:00 – Recess

12:00-12:40 – Lunch

3:20-3:25 – dismissal, and the end of the last period.



The daily schedule may be altered in accordance with the requirements of the school, such as early dismissals, as

outlined in policy 5.4 – Student Early Departures and Dismissal Policy.

Gurdwara Sahib Morning Assembly takes place at 9:05-9:40AM at Newton

Gurdwara Sahib Morning Assembly takes place at 8:35-9:05AM for Intermediate students & 9:05-9:40AM

for Primary students.

Student Code of Conduct

At Sikh Academy, we believe that all children have the right to learn in a safe, caring and orderly environment. Our

expectations are that students will maintain a positive attitude that is cooperative, courteous and respectful.

Students at Sikh Academy have a responsibility to respect the rights and dignity of others and to become actively

involved in their own academic learning and social growth.

Sikh Academy approaches education with the view of providing students a global perspective, and, as such, Sikh

Academy prides itself on being an active member of the community. As such, it is expected that students and

parents remain active citizens in school activities and community initiatives.

Guiding Principles

As a student of Sikh Academy you are expected to practice respect in all forms. This includes:

demonstrating good manners and treating others with kindness

acting according to the principles of virtue, excellence and grace

using good common sense

acting, at all times, in a manner which will do credit to the good name and reputation of Sikh Academy.

By following these guiding principles, you will excel as a student and an individual in society. Should students not

abide by the guiding principles and the following Code of Conduct, Sikh Academy reserves the right to follow the

guidelines outlined in Sikh Academy’s Discipline Policy.

It is expected that all students:

Be Respectful to Yourself – caring about your learning and yourself, including safety. Some examples include:

always do your best

make good choices

be on time and ready to work

do your homework and use your planner on a regular basis

Be Respectful to Others – considerate of others’ personal feelings and properties. Some examples include:

be polite and wait your turn

treat others with respect

use good listening skills

be honest and tell the truth



Be Respectful to Property – caring about your school and your environment. Some examples include:

clean up after yourself

take good care of materials

ask before borrowing

Be Safe – learn and follow school and classroom rules. Some examples include:

walk calmly – no running in hallways

stay in designated areas

report dangerous situations to staff

Sikh Academy’s Code of Conduct is designed to provide guidelines for appropriate student behavior while under

the jurisdiction of the school or at any school sponsored function.

Inappropriate Behaviour

Sikh Academy will enact measures within the Discipline Policy in cases of inappropriate behaviour. Inappropriate

behaviour can consist of, but is not limited to:

rudeness, swearing

fighting (or play fighting)

lack of respect for others, teasing

throwing objects (rocks, sticks, snowballs, etc.)

defiant behavior, insolence

running in the halls

unauthorized leaving of school grounds

littering

Consequences

Consequences will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, in accordance with the Discipline Policy, and

respecting individual rights, responsibilities, age and maturity. Consequences, as outlined in the Discipline Policy,

are designed to be restorative rather than punitive in nature.

The consequences for inappropriate behaviour may vary from classroom to classroom, but it typically has the

following consequences:

review of expectations and a timeout

review of expectations, written assignment and/or loss of privileges

informing parents

meeting with the parents

short-term (in-school or at home) suspension up to 5 days

long-term suspension (over 5 days) or referral to external program

consultation with police, fire department or additional external resource

expulsion



Safe & Caring School Environments

Sikh Academy believes in maintaining a safe and caring school environment, and maintains that a safe and caring

Sikh Academy environment is free from acts of:

bullying, cyber bullying, harassment and marginalization

threat and intimidation

violence in any form

abuse in any form

discrimination in any form include, race, colour, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, ancestry or

national origin

retribution against a person who has reported incidents

misuse of technology

do not tolerate the presence of

o theft and vandalism

o intoxicating or banned substances

o weapons or replica (toy) weapons and explosives

o intruders or trespassers – All visitors to the school must first report to the office

Forms of unacceptable behaviour and consequences cited above are only some examples and are not an all-

inclusive list.

Student Gurdwara Code of Conduct

While in the Gurdwara, students are expected to:

Cover your head.

Remove your shoes.

Wash your hands.

Enter quietly into the Darbar Hall.

Bow in front of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Sit on the floor.

Don’t talk. Sing hymns along stage students.

Stand up during Ardaas.

For students who are performing while in the Gurdwara, it is expected these students:

who perform Kirtan or Sewa, do not wear socks during that time.

who perform Chaur Sewa must have had a shower in the morning (at home before coming to school).

who perform Chaur Sewa , must have their hair tied back and covered.

who perform Kirtan or Sewa must have their nails trimmed and no nail polish on their nails.

who perform Kirtan are not allowed to wear any kind of jewelry.



School Protocols

In relation to Sikh Academy’s daily operations, it is understood that:

Students shall not arrive on campus before 8:10 am, unless arrangements have been made prior with a

supervising teacher.

Students who are late in the morning must report to the office for a late slip.

Sikh Academy has a closed campus policy, which means students must remain on the school grounds form

the time they arrive until dismissal.

o Visitors who come to Sikh Academy must check in at the office upon arrival.

All lunches and snacks must be vegetarian (no meat, fish or eggs); may include dairy.

Students will report to a supervising teacher about any situation, which they consider dangerous to

themselves or others.

Sikh Academy has a zero tolerance stance on bullying and violence.

Students traveling in our school buses must abide by bus rules, and be ready as per the bus pick-up and

drop-off schedule.

Gum chewing is not permitted on the buses or on school property.

Personal electronics are not allowed on school property, unless authorized by the teacher for educational

purposes.

Arrival and Dismissal

Establishing routines for your child are very important. It is expected that students follow and understand

their daily schedule.

School begins at 8:20am. Please do not send your child to school before 8:10am as there will be no

supervision at that time. As students arrive at school they are requested to wait outside their class until

the teacher opens the door.

Upon dismissal, parents may wait for their students at the front of the school. Students in primary grades

will be brought out by their teachers, while intermediate students will be dismissed from their

classrooms.

Parents wishing to speak to their child’s teacher may head to the classroom and discuss any concerns

once all students have been dismissed.

Student Extended Absences Policy

All students are expected to be in their classrooms, and ready to start the day by 8:20AM. As per the BC School Act,

it is expected that all students attend school daily and fully participate in a pre-defined amount of academic hours

to move on to the next grade level.

Sikh Academy discourages parents from removing their children from school for an extended period of time, as it

greatly diminishes the child’s ability to be successful in the academic year. Research suggests that extended

absences impact children both academically and socially.

Parents, who must remove their children from the school for an extended absence, need to complete an extended

absence form, which can be attained from the school office, for their child. Academic teachers, religious teachers

and the administration must approve the extended absence.



Students, who take an extended absence, must make arrangements to complete ALL missed assignments, projects,

or homework. It is understood that students are responsible for making up all missed work due to absenteeism.

Teachers will accommodate this expectation with adjusted deadlines; however, it is expected that all assigned

work during an absence is completed upon the return of the student to the classroom. Students must return to

school with all work completed, or the teacher reserves the right to give the student a zero or non-complete on

those missed assignments.

Parents and students must understand that students who participate in extended absences, and/or do not

complete the assigned work have not met the requirements of the grade level and the school. As such, the school

reserves the right to not recommend the student for the next grade level, and/or assign an incomplete mark on

respective report cards.

Students Leaving School before Regular Dismissal

All students who leave the school before the end of the school day must be signed out at the office by their parent/guardian or designate before they can leave. Similarly, they must sign in at the office when they return to school later in the day before returning to their classrooms. We ask parents not to go directly to the classroom without checking in at the office first

Student Accidents/Illness Emergencies and accidents do occur in spite of careful supervision of activities. School personnel handle routine cuts and scrapes. However, there is no nurse at the school and schools are not equipped to look after ill or injured students beyond basic first aid. If your child becomes ill at school or if an injury is more severe and will require parent supervision or treatment beyond the school’s capabilities, the parent or guardian will be contacted. If no one is available to come for the child, we will use our judgement on whether to call for emergency aid

Healthy Meals at School At Sikh Academy, we are promoting healthy eating. If your child comes to school with unhealthy food, it will be

sent back home. Please do not send unhealthy snacks/lunches, juice, pop, chips, candy, etc. to school.

Giving your child healthy food every day is one of the very best things you can do to support them at school. Healthy snacks and lunches give your child the energy they need to be successful. What does a healthy snack look like? Fruits:-Sliced apples, oranges, pears, grapes, strawberries, bananas, berries or cut up melon. Vegetables:-Carrot sticks, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers or small pieces of broccoli. A small amount of salad dressing makes a great dip. Children do not need sugary fruit snacks, fruit roll-ups, fruit in syrup or juice at school. The sugar content is similar to candy. They also get fiber from eating the whole fruit! What does a healthy lunch look like? Try to have 3 of the 4 food groups in their lunch (fruits/ vegetables, grains, dairy and protein). Sample lunches:



1. Roti, lentil or vegetable curry, yogurt, carrot sticks, an apple, and water.

2. Cheese sandwich with salad on whole grain bread, orange slices, cucumber slices and water.

3. Pasta with tomato sauce and vegetables, pieces of cheese, grapes, celery sticks, and water.

4. “Veggie burger” (a whole wheat burger bun filled with cucumber slices, cheese, lettuce, tomato and tomato sauce), an apple, a banana, carrot sticks and water.

Anaphylaxis/Life Threatening Allergies – Nut-Free Zone We have a small number of students with life-‐threatening allergies in some classrooms. To help reduce the possibility of contact with allergens such as nuts and peanuts, we ask all families to avoid sending peanuts, peanut butter, nuts or nut products in your children’s snacks, lunches or party food. Please read packaged food labels carefully for the presence of nuts or peanuts. And most importantly, encourage your children to wash their hands before and after eating and to not share/trade food with others

Student Safety/Supervision

The students of Sikh Academy are responsible to the school while at school as well as on the way to and from school and are expected to follow the school’s Code of Conduct during this time. Outside supervision is provided by teachers during recess and lunch. We ask that students arrive shortly before the first period begins at 8:20 a.m. and leave as soon as possible after dismissal at 3:20. The school does not provide supervision for students who arrive before 8:10 a.m. or stay beyond dismissal time unless they are participating in teacher-sponsored extra -curricular activities. On “outside” days all students are expected to remain outside at recess and lunch unless they have a note from home. There will not be supervision available inside the school unless it is declared an inside day due to extreme weather. Students should be dressed to stay warm and dry outside. On “inside” days students are to remain in their own classrooms, engaged in quiet activities

Communication

Sikh Academy will communicate with parents through monthly newsletters, which are emailed to parents and posted on the school website. At times, Sikh Academy may also email parents important pieces of information throughout the year. We encourage parents to regularly visit the school website for up to date information.

Teachers will communicate with parents through email, notes on planners, classroom websites, phone calls and/or classroom newsletters. We encourage parents/families to check their child’s planner daily.

Homework

As a general rule, all students should be engaged in daily home reading as part of their homework. The amount of

time for reading will vary for grade level, and be anywhere between 10-30 minutes.

At times, teachers may be required to send homework to finish off tasks/learning activities that were not done in

class. This homework will be directly related to what is happening in the classroom. Students in intermediate

grades will typically get homework daily ranging from 30-60 minutes in connection with assignments and projects

they are completing during class. These times are approximate, and could vary depending on the tasks the student

completes in class, and self-management of work.

Homework is always designed to further the skills they are working to develop in the classroom.



Parental/Family Involvement

We invite all parents to be active partners in their children’s education. In addition to the more formal activities of PAC and, other examples of parental involvement can include:

Attending parent/teacher conferences

Attending school events such as concerts, assemblies, information sessions and games

Using the student planner daily to communicate with the classroom teacher

Volunteering in the classroom

Driving on field trips

Helping in the library

Helping with athletic activities as volunteer coaches

Field Trips/Field Studies

Teachers extend and enrich the educational experience of students by going out into the community and inviting resource people into the school. Parents are asked to contribute funds to help defray the costs of field trips and other special activities. Parents can also help by driving, supervising a small group, ensuring that their child is dressed appropriately for the weather or simply by completing and returning permission forms promptly. Parents helping with field trips are asked to leave the younger siblings at home. Field trips are intended to support and enhance the prescribed curriculum and are planned by the teacher with input from students. While on field trips, students are expected to abide by the school’s Code of Conduct. Students may not be allowed to participate in field trips if they have repeatedly demonstrated non-‐compliance with the school’s Code of Conduct. As well, students may be required to complete preparatory classroom work prior to the field trip. The non-completion of such work may preclude the student’s participation in the planned event. Please note that if the permission slip is not returned, your child will not be able to go with the group.

Student Threat Assessment – Fair Notice

What behaviours initiate a student threat assessment?

A student threat assessment will be initiated when behaviours include, but are not limited to, serious violence with

intent to harm or kill, verbal/written threats to harm/kill others, Internet/social media threats to harm/kill others,

possession of weapons (including replicas), bomb threats and fire setting.

Duty to report

To keep school communities safe and caring, staff, parents, students and community members must report all

threat related behaviours.

What is a threat?

A threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against someone or something. Threats may be

verbal, written, drawn, posted on the Internet or made by gesture. Threats must be taken seriously, investigated

and responded to.



What is a Threat Assessment Team?

Each school has a Threat Assessment Team, which is multi-disciplinary. The team may include the principal, vice-

principal, school counselors, police, and teachers.

What is the purpose of a student threat assessment?

The purposes of a student threat assessment are:

To ensure the safety of students, staff, parents, and others.

To ensure a full understanding of the context of the threat.

To understand factors contributing to the threat makers’ behaviour.

To be proactive in developing an intervention plan that addresses the emotional and physical safety of the

threat maker.

To promote the emotional and physical safety of all.

What happens in a student threat assessment?

All threat making behaviour by a student shall be reported to the Principal, who will activate the protocol for the

initial response. Once the team has been activated, interviews may be held with the student(s), the threat maker,

parents and staff to determine the level of risk and develop an appropriate response to the incident. Intervention

plans will be developed and shared with parents, staff and students as required.

Can I refuse to participate in a threat assessment process?

It is important for all parties to engage in the process. However, if for some reason there is a reluctance to

participate in the process by the threat maker or parent/guardian, the threat assessment process will continue in

order to promote a safe and caring learning environment.

Sikh Academy School Policies

All Sikh Academy School Policies, which are relevant to families, are posted on our school website, under

Academy Policies. We encourage families to review these policies. Updated policies will show an update

icon next to the policy, and update date on the policy itself.

Sikh Academy Policies

1.0 - Vision and Mission

2.0 - Personal Information Privacy Policy

2.1 - Student Records Policy

2.2 - Student Reporting Policy

3.0 - Student Code of Conduct Policy

3.1 - Discipline Policy

3.2 - Procedural Fairness Policy

3.3 - Anti-Bullying Policy

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3.3.1 - School Based Bullying Incident Checklist

3.4 - Special Education Policy

3.4.1 - Special Education Policy - Ministry Designations

3.4.2 - Learning Assistance Policy

3.5 - Student Gurdwara Code of Conduct Policy

3.6 - Anti-Discrimination Policy

3.7 - Healthy Lunch and Healthy Lifestyle Policy

4.0 - Student Safety Policy

4.0.1 - Student Safety - First Aid Policy

4.1 - Child Abuse Prevention Policy

4.2 - Suspected Child Abuse Policy

4.3 - Responsibilities and Procedures for Reporting Child Abuse Policy

4.4 - School Safety Alert System [Internal Only]

4.5 - School Daily Schedule

4.7 - School Emergency Evacuation Protocol (Newton)

4.8 - School Emergency Evacuation Protocol (Fleetwood)

4.9 - Violence, Threat and Risk Assessment Protocol

5.0 - School Closures Policy

5.1 - Late Arrival Policy

5.2 - School Uniform Policy

5.3 - Student Absences and Illness Policy

5.4 - Student Early Departures and Dismissal Policy

5.5 - Student Extended Absences Policy

5.6 - School Visitor and Volunteer Policy

5.7 - School Presentations-Guest Speakers Policy

5.8 - Appropriate Music-Dance Policy

5.9 - Student Pick Up Policy

6.0 - No Smoking and Vapour Products Policy

6.5 - School Water Quality Testing Policy

6.5.1 - School Water Quality Update (updated)

6.6 - Learning Resources Policy (Selection and Challenge)

6.7 - School iPad/Technology/Resource Use Policy

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Documents

Sikh Academy Parent/Family Handbooksikhacademy.ca/uploads/Main.WhatsNew/saparenthandbook2018.pdf · Sikh Academy has a closed campus policy, which means students must remain on the