Handbook

GAA is a private parochial school, therefore, it is religiously oriented and has regulations that direct behaviour and conduct.

Parents/Guardians seeking admission for their children into the school thereby place themselves on record as being in harmony with the policies of the school and pledge themselves to assist in every way possible to uphold the school, teachers, and the education program.

Each student enrolled is expected to practice and uphold the established standards of conduct. Any student who disregards the basic principles of the school is subject to disciplinary action or dismissal.

GAA admits students of any race, colour, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities available to students in the school. GAA does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies or programs. GAA is operated primarily as a service to the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Other students who desire to flourish in this environment, to develop a Christian character, and who can support the philosophy and policies established by this school are welcome. GAA is NOT equipped to meet the needs of students with serious behavioural or academic challenges.

ADMISSIONS

Admission for new students is based on the following:

• Completion of registration form
• Receipt of all documents
• Processing of application by the Admissions and Review Committee (if necessary)
• Student and parent(s)/guardian(s)/sponsor(s) agreeing to abide by the principles and ideals of GAA
• Placement evaluation and assessment
• Financial arrangements approved by the school treasurer
• Parental attendance at an orientation session

All new students are accepted on probationary basis and will have their academic performance and/or behaviour reviewed at the end of each term at which time they will be given regular status. If not, they will be asked to withdraw. In addition, acceptance is based on the approval of the student’s OSR (Ontario Student Record) file. The school has the right to request withdrawal at any time.

RE-REGISTRATION

Re-registration will be held during the months of March – May for those students who are enrolled. Parents are urged to register early in order to guarantee their child’s grade placement.

RE-ACCEPTANCE

Re-acceptance will be granted in any of the following categories:

• regular standing
• academic probation
• behavioural probation

Re-acceptance is based on the following :

• receipt of the signed re-registration form indicating intention to return and payment of space retention deposit
• review and approval of the student’s general attitude, and academic and behaviour performance
• financial clearance by the treasurer

The performance and/or behaviour of students who have been placed on probation will be reviewed at the end of each term. Students who fail to comply with school rules and maintain academic standards may be asked to withdraw and may not be considered for re-acceptance for the following term.

In addition, the school reserves the right to refuse admittance at any time.

1. PURPOSE

Grandview Adventist Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful and disciplined learning environment for students and staff, where students have opportunities to engage in quality learning experiences and acquire values supportive of their lifelong well-being.

This Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students is designed to facilitate high standards of behaviour so that the learning and teaching in our school can be effective and students can participate positively within our school community.

2. LEARNING AND BEHAVIOUR STATEMENT

All areas of Grandview Adventist Academy are learning and teaching environments.  We consider behaviour management to be an opportunity for valuable social learning as well as a means of maximizing the success of academic education programs.

Our school has identified the following school rules to teach and promote our high standards of responsible behaviour:

• Be safe
• Be responsible
• Be respectful.

3. PROCESSES FOR FACILITATING STANDARDS OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR AND RESPONDING TO UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR

The first step in facilitating standards of positive behaviour is communicating those standards to all students. At Grandview Adventist Academy we emphasise the importance of directly teaching students the behaviours we want them to demonstrate at school.  Communicating behavioural expectations is a form of universal behaviour support – a strategy directed towards all students designed to prevent problem behaviour and provide a framework for responding to unacceptable behaviour.

These expectations are communicated to students via a number of strategies, including:

• Behaviour lessons conducted by classroom teachers;
• Reinforcement of learning from behaviour lessons on School
  Assemblies and during active supervision by staff during classroom and non-classroom activities.

Reinforcing expected school behaviour

At Grandview Adventist Academy, communication of our key messages about behaviour is backed up through reinforcement, which provides students with feedback for engaging in expected school behaviour. All staff members are to give consistent and appropriate acknowledgement and rewards.

Re-directing low-level and infrequent problem behaviour

When a student exhibits low-level and infrequent problem behaviour, the first response of school staff members is to remind the student of expected school behaviour, then ask them to change their behaviour so that it aligns with our school’s expectations.

Our preferred way of re-directing low-level problem behaviour is to ask them to think of how they might be able to act more safely, more respectfully or more responsibly. This encourages students to reflect on their own behaviour, evaluate it against expected school behaviour, and plan how their behaviour could be modified so as to align with the expectations of our school community.

4. CONSEQUENCES FOR UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR

Grandview Adventist Academy makes systematic efforts to prevent problem student behaviour by teaching and reinforcing expected behaviours on an ongoing basis.  When unacceptable behaviour occurs, students experience predictable consequences. Our school seeks to ensure that responses to unacceptable behaviour are consistent and proportionate to the nature of the behaviour.

Minor and Major Behaviours

When responding to problem behaviour the staff member first determines if the problem behaviour is major or minor, with the following agreed understanding:

• Minor problem behaviour is handled by staff members at the time it happens
• Major problem behaviour is referred directly to the principal

Minor behaviours are those that:

• are minor breeches of the school rules
• do not seriously harm others or cause you to suspect that the student may be harmed
• do not violate the rights of others in any other serious way

Minor problem behaviours may result in the following consequences:

• a minor consequence logically connected to the problem behaviour, such as complete removal from an activity or event for a specified period of time, partial removal (time away), individual meeting with the student, restitution or detention for work completion.
• a re-direction procedure.  The staff member takes the student aside and:

1. names the behaviour that student is displaying,
2. asks student to name expected school behaviour,
3. states and explains expected school behaviour if necessary
4. gives positive verbal acknowledgement for expected school behaviour.

Major behaviours are those that:

• significantly violate the rights of others
• put others / self at risk of harm
• are denoted in the safe schools act.

Major behaviours result in an immediate referral to the principal because of their seriousness.  When major problem behaviour occurs, staff members calmly state the major problem behaviour and remind the student of expected school behaviour.

Major problem behaviours may result in the following consequences:

• Level One: Time in office, removal from classroom, alternate loss of privilege, restitution, loss of break times, warning regarding future consequence for repeated offence,

AND/OR

• Level Two: Parent contact, suspension from school
• Level Three:  Students who engage in very serious problem behaviours such as major violent physical assault, or the use or supply of weapons or drugs can expect to be recommended for exclusion from school following an immediate period of suspension.

Relating problem behaviours to expected school behaviours

When responding to problem behaviours, staff members ensure that students understand the relationship of the problem behaviour to expected school behaviour. One method that staff members might use to achieve this is to have students:

• articulate the relevant expected school behaviour
• explain how their behaviour differs from expected school behaviour,
• describe the likely consequences if the problem behaviour continues; and
• identify what they will do to change their behaviour in line with expected school behaviour.

5. ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS AND POLICY

Bullying and Abuse

Students will not engage in verbal (including swearing and profane language), mental or physical abuse or bullying of another person. Abusive behaviour and physical assault are behaviours that fall under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Drugs and Alcohol

Students will not use, possess or be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any other controlled substance on the school campus, during school field trips or athletic outings, excursions or when travelling to or from campus. Trafficking in alcohol, drugs or controlled substances is exploitative and will result in expulsion and criminal prosecution.

Firearms and Weapons

Students will not bring firearms or weapons (knives, clubs or fighting paraphernalia) to the school nor may they be in possession of these items on campus or on outings that are part of the school’s program.

Harassment in the Student Environment

Every student has the right to an environment that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices. Harassment on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of offences, family status, sex, or handicap is discriminatory.

Sexual Conduct

While affirming that sexuality is a positive gift of the human condition, a school must temper this affirmation by teaching that sexual activity can also be self-centred and exploitative, that it includes physical and psychological risks and that intimacy renders people vulnerable to manipulations, real hurt and lasting injury when carried on outside of marriage. The high value and importance that our philosophy places on each individual human being means that the school must be very clear in stating its sexual conduct policy. This stated policy is aimed at protecting all from the unwanted harassment or the inappropriate sexual conduct of others, while recognizing that every person has rights, freedoms and responsibilities in this area of human life. The policy applies equally to all: to the sexual behaviour of adult students, adult employees, adult volunteers and adult visitors as well as to the sexual behaviour of minor students and children for whom the school also has a protective or custodial responsibility.

Sexual Conduct Policy

Any act of sexual intimacy in the buildings, on the grounds of Grandview Adventist Academy (or on outings that are part of the school’s program) will be regarded as a breach of the school’s sexual conduct policy. Any exploitation of trust, friendship, authority or power between members of the school community during the school year or holiday periods and in any place on or off the campus through sexual activity, or touching for sexual purposes, or the suggestion, proposal or depiction of any such activity will be regarded as a breach of the school’s sexual conduct policy.

Smoking

Tobacco use (smoking or chewing) is not permitted anywhere on the campus or on the roadways or the properties adjacent to the school. It is an offence under Ontario law to smoke in school buildings or on school grounds. Similarly, the purchase of cigarettes in Ontario is illegal for persons under 19 years of age. Students may not carry tobacco and related articles into the school building or around campus. Students found smoking, or in the company of smokers, within this area are subject to suspension.

Damage and Vandalism

Any student found responsible for incidents of damage, abuse or theft of school property or the property of others will be subject to payment of the cost of repairs and/or restitution. If the damage is determined to be willful, the matter will be referred to the Principal for disciplinary action.

Searches

The school reserves the right to perform searches of study areas and lockers at random without notice. Police assistance may be used from time to time.

RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

If a parent/guardian needs to address an issue, the following procedure must be followed:

• First, make an appointment to meet with the teacher.
• If the issue is still not resolved, speak to the Principal.
• If there is no resolution, an appeal may be made to the School Board Chairperson.
• Finally, an appeal may be made to the school board as a whole. This appeal must be made in writing. You may choose to appear before the board but a written request outlining your reasoning must be submitted in advance.

In each case, interviews must be requested at least one day in advance.

GAA follows both the North American and Seventh-day Adventist Curriculum Guidelines and the Ontario Provincial Curriculum. GAA is a member of the Ontario Association of Independent Schools.

Junior/Senior Kindergarten

Junior/Senior Kindergarten is an extension of the Christian home, providing opportunities for children to strengthen habits such as reverence, respect, obedience, self-control, responsibility and skills in motor development.

The aim is towards development and competence in letter and number recognition, writing, and sequencing.

Elementary 1-8

GAA provides full-time instruction in the following areas:

• Christian Growth: Bible & Outreach
• Core: Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, History & Geography (Gr. 7 & 8), English, and French (Gr. 4-8)
• Fine Arts: Art, Crafts, Drama, and Music
• Physical Education: Individual and team activities and sports
• Life Skills: Computer Science and Family Studies

It is the desire of the GAA Board and the constituent churches to keep student costs as low as possible and yet operate the educational program on a secure financial base. The school is subsidized by the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Churches and by individual churches of the local constituency. Tuition fees account for only a part of the expenses incurred in the daily operation of the school.

Tuition Fees

Please refer to the tuition page for current tuition and registration fees.

Discounts

Discounts are available. Please see the tuition page for available discounts.

Methods of Payment

Payment is due on the first of each month. For the convenience of the school and the parents, we ask that payment be made at the beginning of the school year in the form of post-dates cheques made payable to Grandview Adventist Academy. A NSF charge will be charged on all NSF cheques.

Credit and debit cards may also be used to pay tuition. If you wish to have your tuition automatically charged each month on your credit card, please fill out the form in the office. You must be present if paying by debit.

Advance Payment Discounts

A person who pays the full yearly school fees before the first day of classes will receive a 10% discount.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available and application must be made through the school. If you wish to apply, please fill out the financial aid application and return it to the school.

In order to receive financial aid, the monthly account must be paid on time each month. Financial aid may be forfeited for any month that the account payment does not arrive by the end of the month.

Pro-rated Fees/Refunds

Students with regular admission who enter late or who are absent due to illness but make up work, will receive full credit and will be charged full tuition. Students who transfer from another school will be charged from the day of enrolment, while those who withdraw prior to May 1, will be charged up to the last attendance date. No rebates will be granted for truancy or vacations.

Textbook Charges

The cost of renting required textbooks and of providing certain workbooks is included in the registration fee. A student will be charged the cost price of any textbooks not returned to the school. A portion of the cost price may be charged in cases where abnormal wear or carelessness in the handling of books is evident.

OPENING EXERCISES

Students are expected to stand respectfully while remaining silent and/or singing during the playing of the national anthem and opening prayer. Parents and visitors must observe the same.

RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY

In general, the staff expects students to obey instructions immediately while projecting a positive attitude towards authority. Communicating in a manner that could in any way be construed as disrespectful is forbidden and will not be tolerated.

CONTRIBUTION TO CLASSROOM LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Students using the hallways while classes are in session are forbidden to knock on the doors of classes to accomplish tasks that should be taken care of before or after class.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Electronic devices on campus (including but not necessarily limited to music technology, game boys, laser pointers, etc.) should not be visible or used in the school building at any time. Cell phones and/or communicative devices should not be used in the school building or in the classrooms. They are only to be used on the bus. Failure to comply with this rule will result in confiscation of the item regardless of its ownership.

PLAYING CARDS

Playing cards or any other related game cards are not allowed on the school premises and will be confiscated.

ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES

Children should not be sent to school if there are definite signs of ill health in the morning.

Students will not be allowed to stay in for recess if they are at school. If a child becomes ill or gets injured during class time, the parent(s)/guardian(s)/sponsor(s) will be notified immediately. Minor bumps and scrapes will be treated at school.

Children who have chicken pox, head lice, ringworm or any communicable disease must be kept at home until a doctor’s note is obtained. This note must accompany the child on the first day back to school. In the case of head lice/ringworm, students must be kept home 24 hours after medication is applied. An accessible number must be listed should it be necessary that contact be made during an emergency. If the child needs emergency medical attention and a parent cannot be reached, he/she will be taken to a hospital. The signed Consent to Treatment Form will be accepted as your consent.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Parent(s)/guardian(s) wishing to have a birthday celebration for their child/ren must first seek permission from the classroom teacher.

HOT LUNCH

Students may order Hot Lunch on Friday. The menu will be published with the Notes and News and all monies must be paid by Wednesday.

CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

A list of needed classroom supplies will be sent home the first week of school.

FOOD POLICY

GAA operates a no junk food policy. We are strongly encouraging our parents to send more nutritious meals and to eliminate junk food/excessive sugar (cookies, chocolate, candy, chips) from your children’s diet especially during school hours. In addition, send box juices and/or water as opposed to cola drinks/pop. Due to the increasing occurrence of peanut allergy among our student population, students are not allowed to bring peanuts and nut products to school.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Please read the Notes and News to keep abreast of our plans, activities and changes in dates. This newsletter is sent home Monday each week and is placed in your child’s agenda.

MEDICATION FOR STUDENTS

The school will not provide or administer medication unless special written permission is granted both by the physician and the parent. Students with severe allergies and asthma must have an EPIPEN in the classroom. It is also recommended that an EPIPEN be kept in a pouch on the student at all times.

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The purpose of the Home and School Association is to build the image of the school. Hot lunch and fundraising are some of the tasks of the Home and School. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in this association.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

All parents are invited to attend the Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled in November, February and May. If parent(s)/guardian(s) wish to contact a teacher outside of these times, it is preferred that this communication is done via the Agenda, the teacher’s voice mail box or at the close of the school day. It is strongly recommended that parents attend the first Parent-Teacher Conference.

SCHOOL CLOSURE

In the event of school closure, listen to CHML 900 and CHCH TV. You may also phone the school at 905-679-4492 for a detailed message. School closures will also be posted on the website, www.grandviewschool.ca.

SCHOOL HOURS

Students will be admitted into the school at 8:55 am Monday to Friday. If you need to drop off your child earlier, please call the office to make arrangements.

All students are expected to be off school property by 3:35 pm. If you are delayed in picking up your child, please call the office to make arrangements.

RECESS TIMES

10:40-11:15 am: Nutritional Break and Recess

12:50-1:25 pm: Nutritional Break and Recess

LOCKED DOOR POLICY

At GAA we have a locked door policy. Anyone wishing to enter the school must enter at the door by the office. Please ring the bell and someone will answer the door.

LOCKDOWN PROCEDURE

One method of securing the school is to implement lockdown procedures. These procedures may be called for in the following instances:

1) Modified Lockdown – The threat is outside of the school building.

2) Full Lockdown – The threat/intruder is inside the building.

Modified Lockdown

• A staff member will notify all teachers of a modified lockdown.
• If students are outside, they will immediately proceed into the building.
• Exterior doors will remain locked.
• All hallways, restrooms and other rooms that cannot be secured will be cleared of students and teachers.
• Blinds will be closed and students will be kept away from the windows.
• Bells will be disabled but classes will continue. Teachers and students will only respond to announcements by authorized individuals.
• When things have returned to normal, an authorized individual will announce the “all clear”.

Full Lockdown (these actions happen rapidly)

• Building administrator or authorized individual will signal a “full lockdown” and contact 911.
• Immediately, all students, staff and visitors will proceed to the nearest classroom or secured space. Classes that are outside of the building SHOULD NOT enter the building. Outside classes should go directly to the north side of the Gymnasium.
• All classroom doors will be locked.
• Exterior doors WILL be UNLOCKED if the situation permits to allow emergency personnel into the school.
• Blinds will be closed and students will be kept away from the windows.
• Lights will be turned off.
• Keep out of sight.
• DO NOT respond to a fire alarm.
• DO NOT respond to anyone at the door until “all clear” is announced by an authorized individual.
• When things have returned to normal, an authorized individual will announce the “all clear”.

COMPUTERS

Computers are available for student use. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and student must sign the Computer Services User Agreement and Internet Users Acceptable Use Agreement and abide by the computer rules. Failure to abide by the rules may result in the student’s account being suspended.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are expected to:

• Support the ideals taught in the school
• Encourage good health habits
• Participate in and support school activities
• Ensure their child is in proper uniform
• Encourage punctuality
• Cultivate positive relationships with teachers and administration
• Fulfill financial obligations promptly
• Actively participate in their child’s education
• Be responsible for damages to property or equipment caused by their child
• Ensure that the contractual agreement with the school is maintained

DRESS CODE POLICY

Overall Expectations

The wearing of the school uniform is a privilege and an honour. In return for this privilege, students are expected to seek modesty in their attire, reflecting the ideals and values of the school, and God. The use of jewelry, body piercing, tattoos and physical accessories are outward expressions of inner attitudes and intentions. As outward expressions of inner purposes, they have an effect on the environment in which they are used.

A condition of a student’s admission or re-admission to Grandview is his/her willingness to wear the uniform orderly, carefully, and modestly while on campus. For a repeated violation, students may be sent home and/or asked to withdraw. Students must conform to the Dress Code Expectations throughout the school day and for all school activities. Parents may not excuse their child from compliance with the Grandview Uniform Policies.

Detailed Dress-Code Expectations

All students will comply with these expectations throughout the school day, including before school, the lunch hour and at the end of the school day.

• All shirts, blouses or sweaters must be Grandview uniform wear. Only the top two buttons may be undone on buttoned garments. A pure white undergarment or T-shirt may be worn under tops.
• All undergarments must be tucked in, with no layers showing.
• Pants, shirts and shorts must be worn so that no skin is visible at the waist.
• Belts of a neutral colour (blue, black, brown) may be worn. Belt buckles are to be of a normal size, nothing too large and with questionable images or slogans.
• Pant length may not be altered to a Capri length.
• Students may wear closed toe dress shoes or closed toe running shoes of their choice. Sandals, thongs, flip flops, crocs, slippers etc., are not permitted at any time during the school day.
• Boots may be worn only outside according to weather conditions.
• No hats or hoods may be worn in the school at any time. Coats, jackets and/or hats are to be kept in your locker throughout the day.
• School uniforms will be worn for school outings including field trips.
• Tints or dyes used for hair colour must be consistent with natural colour.

Casual/Thematic Dress Days

On occasion, Grandview will have a Casual dress Day and a thematic Dress Day. These special days are a privilege and not a right. To maintain their privilege, students will choose attire that reflects a desire to be respectful of self, others and God, as becoming of a Christian. The following expectations will be in place for Casual and Thematic Dress Days:

• Attire that is revealing or embarrassing to others is not permissible. Tops that are tight or form fitting are not permitted. Students are expected to exercise discretion in clothing selection.
• Necklines must be modest and not low cut.
• Pants, shirts and shorts must be worn so that no skin is visible at the waist.
• The clothing may not display logos that depict alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, or may not contain sexually explicit or suggestive images or text.
• The clothing may not display statements or groups that show disrespect for self, others or God.
• Hats are not permitted as a component of Casual Dress Day attire.
• Pants (dress, khakis, jeans, corduroys) that are neat and clean with no holes or patches are permitted. Pants cannot be torn or frayed.
• Baggy pants (pants that ride low on the hips or have a low crotch) are not permitted.
• Pajamas, flannel/sleepwear are not permitted.
• Cut-offs are not permitted.
• Yoga pants are not permitted.
• Tank tops, strapless tops, halter tops, and immodest shorts and sheer clothing is not permitted.
• Sandals, thongs, crocs, slippers etc, are not permitted at any time during the school day.

Personal Adornments

• Cosmetics (make-up): Should students decide to wear make-up or nail polish while on campus and at all school-related activities, the make-up must be skin toned and the nail polish must be clear or natural.
• Hair: The school reserves the right to refuse a student admission to class if that student’s hairstyle is regarded as unacceptable. Hair should be neat and well groomed at all times. Boys are not to have hair braided or in pony tails. Head scarves, head ties or wave caps are not to be worn on the school premises or for any school related functions. Any student seen wearing these items on campus and at all school related activities may have them permanently confiscated. Should a student dye his/her hair, the hair should be a natural colour.
• Jewelry: Visible tattoos, body piercing including lip rings, tongue piercing, eyebrow rings and studs, excessive jewelry and heavy chains are not permitted at Grandview. Permitted piercings must be of a thin post variety. The wearing of jewelry is a safety concern. Therefore we ask that students not wear hoop earrings, necklaces, rings, or bracelets. Any student seen wearing such jewelry will have it confiscated.

In addition to the items listed above, it is at the discretion of the administration to decide what personal adornment is acceptable.

Uniform Infractions

Infractions will be considered defiance and will be processed accordingly. Items contrary to the uniform policy that are confiscated before December 1 will be returned to the owner, upon request, on the day before Christmas Holidays. Items confiscated after December 1 will be returned to the owner, upon request, at the end of the school year in June.

Students with infractions will be given the following options:

• Change into clothing that complies with the dress-code policy;
• Borrow from a friend;
• Phone home to obtain proper clothing; or
• If there is no option that is satisfactory, an in-school suspension will be imposed for the remainder of the day.

For the 2nd infraction, students can expect the following actions:

• Re-reading of Uniform Expectations;
• Re-commitment to compliance of Uniform Expectations;
• A permanent record filed;
• A phone call home; and/or
• In-house suspension (completing missed work).

For the 3rd infraction, students can expect the following actions:

• Re-reading of Uniform Expectations;
• A one-day suspension from Grandview.

For repeated violation, students will be suspended and/or asked to withdraw.

Friday Casual Dress Day

Casual Dress Day (no uniform) is a privilege and not a right. To earn and maintain their privilege, students are expected to refrain from wearing clothes NOT in harmony with our standard of modesty.

Parents may not excuse students from compliance with uniform policies.

***Please label all your child(ren)’s clothing.***