School Policies

SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The following information will assist students and parents in becoming acquainted with some of the school's policies and procedures. Understanding them will make the school experience rewarding and positive. On the other hand, any violation of school policies or procedures will be dealt with in a manner consistent with the Code of Conduct.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Moonshot International School is a school that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning environment. All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put the safety of others and self at risk. The Ontario Code of Conduct sets clear provincial standards of behaviour. It specifies the mandatory consequences for students' actions that do not comply with these standards. All members of the Moonshot International School community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially persons in positions of authority. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student: comes to school prepared; is punctual and ready to learn; shows respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority; refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others; follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own action.

REPORTING INCIDENTS CONTRARY TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT

What types of incidents must be reported?

The same types of behaviours that must be considered for suspension or expulsion must be reported.

Student behaviours that can lead to suspension include:

• uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person;
• possessing alcohol or illegal drugs;
• being under the influence of alcohol;
• swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority;
• committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil's school or to property located on the premises of the pupil's school;
• bullying;
• other activities identified in the school policy.

Student behaviours that can lead to expulsion include:

• possessing a weapon;
• using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person;
• committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner;
• committing sexual assault;
• trafficking in weapons or in illegal drugs;
• committing robbery;
• giving alcohol to a minor;
• other activities identified in school policy.

These behaviours can lead to suspension or expulsion and must be reported when they occur at school, at school-related activities on, or off school property.

 

Who has to report an incident?

All school employees are required to report in writing to their principal any incident that must be considered for suspension or expulsion. School employees include:

• vice principals;
• teachers and educational assistants;
• all non-teaching staff, such as those involved in social work, child and youth work, psychology and other related disciplines;
• administrative and custodial staff.

Responding to Incidents

All staff who work directly with students must respond to incidents that will have a negative impact on the school climate. This includes principals and vice principals, teachers, educational assistants and other non-teaching staff, such as those involved in social work, child and youth work, psychology and other related disciplines.

How will staff respond?

Responding may include:

• identifying the behavior;
• asking the students to stop the inappropriate behavior;
• explaining why it is inappropriate or disrespectful;
• asking the students to change their behaviour in the future.

What behaviours are not allowed?

We will make clear what behaviours are unacceptable and create an environment in our schools where students feel welcome.

Examples of inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour include racist, sexual, sexist or homophobic comments, slurs and jokes or graffiti, as well as those activities and behaviours outlined above that can lead to suspension or expulsion.

Must staff always respond?

Staff must respond to all incidents, unless doing so would cause immediate physical harm to

themselves, a student or any other person. In these cases staff is expected to report the incident to the principal as soon as it is safe to do so.

Accidents

School accidents must be reported to the office as soon as possible. These include any accidents occurring on school property or during school-sponsored events at other sites. An accident report must be fully completed and duly submitted to the administration.

Late Assignments

Students should be aware of the need for proper planning and scheduling of commitments and schoolwork. Students are strongly encouraged to be organized in planning and completing their assignments so that they will be submitted to teachers by the assigned due date. Due dates will be set by teachers to allow students to complete their assignments in a timely fashion. Teachers will establish a two-day window of opportunity for students to complete and submit an assignment. If students do not submit work by the due date, a maximum of 10% (5% per day) will be deducted from the assignment value. A closure date (the day immediately after the window of opportunity) will be established at which point assignments will not be accepted and the teacher may give a mark of ZERO. Assignments are to be submitted to teachers only.

Missed Assignments/Unit Tests/Quizzes

Students are expected to complete all work and submit all assignments. If students have an excused absence when an assignment is due or a test/quiz is to be written, they will be given the opportunity to submit the assignment or take the test/quiz on their return to class unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher. If students are absent without cause, teachers may provide an alternative assignment/test/quiz or assign a mark of ZERO if students have not demonstrated the expectations required. If a student consistently misses assignments/tests/quizzes a parent meeting may be required.

Cheating

Tests, quizzes and formal examinations are to be taken without any assistance from peers or other sources. If you are caught cheating on a test or an examination, you will be given ZERO. No other chance will be permitted for a make-up and the incident will be referred to the vice principal.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s words or ideas as one’s own. It can take the form of:

• submitting an assignment that was completed by another and claiming it as one’s own;
• incorporating large segments of someone else’s work and only using connecting sentences without reference to the source;
• copying sections from the Internet without referencing the source;
• direct copying of another person’s re-write of an assignment as in the case of a parent/guardian, tutor or ghostwriter.
  
  

If students have knowingly produced a plagiarized assignment, teachers will not evaluate the work and may assign a grade of ZERO and/or may assign a substitute assignment.

Avoiding Plagiarism

• Become familiar with our school’s policy on plagiarism.
• Document all sources that are used.
• Use a variety of reliable, current, (within the last year, if possible) and quality references.

Sources

• Learn how to cite sources.
• Learn how to summarize & take careful notes.
• Always prepare and submit outlines and drafts.
• Keep all rough notes, copies of online sources.
• Give credit for all quotes (use quotation marks), ideas, and arguments.
• Use embedded notes, footnotes, works cited where appropriate (Avoid ‘borrowing’ sentence structures and plugging in synonyms).
• Write summaries and paraphrases from memory (with the book closed).
• Be prepared to answer questions about your research.

Attendance

Regular attendance is a key component of the learning process and of the evaluation of student achievement. Parents are legally responsible for the attendance and punctuality of their children until the age of 18. Loss of class time is detrimental to the successful completion of a course. Excessive absenteeism (excused or unexcused) will not be tolerated as it comprises the integrity of the course as well as the academic results. Excessive absenteeism may result in the student not receiving credit for the course. Students must make up time on an hour-for-hour basis. Make-up times will be arranged at the discretion of the principal, based upon the individual needs and resources of the school. The principal/designee will notify the parent of the school’s concern and remind the parent of the school’s attendance policy.

Absences

Parents must report their child’s absence by 8:30 a.m. on a daily basis by calling our attendance line at 905-789-8789. If leaving a message, clearly state the student’s name, grade, and reason for absence.

Upon return from a full-day absence, students are also required to bring a note to their first period teacher explaining the reason for absence duly signed by a parent / guardian. The school is required to keep these parental notes on file. In turn, the homeroom teacher (first -period teacher) will provide an “Admit to Class” slip. The teacher, school secretary, or the administration may contact parent(s) / guardian(s) to verify the absence.

Students absent for illness, field trips, athletic contest, or other school activity, will not be penalized for missing an academic assessment or evaluation. Students are expected to take the initiative in finding out from the teacher of any class missed what work was done or assigned. Students will be required to promptly complete any missed work at the teacher’s convenience. Students must inform their teachers 3 days prior to the field trip if they will be absent from class. Students who miss class because of a field trip, athletic contest, etc. will be marked absent by the teacher for that class or classes. All absences are counted when reporting the total days absent for the semester.

Skipping Class / Truancy

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and school activities (such as assemblies). Failure to do so will be considered skipping. Students who are absent from school must not be found on school property.

Consequences for Skipping Class Teacher Will:

1 - 3 skips:

- teacher/student conference;
-assign consequence;
- parental interview (phone call or in person).

*Note that persistent skipping will result in suspensions.

Early Leave(Signing Out)

Medical or personal business appointments should not be made during school time. If a student must leave early, please note the following:

1. Students must have signed permission (i.e.: note) from a parent or guardian.
2. This note must be submitted to the Office by 8:30 a.m. Any notes submitted after that time, will be presented to an administrator for further processing.
3. Students must keep the sign-out slip provided to present to their teacher the following day. The office cannot provide a reprint of this slip therefore do not lose it.
4. Students will not be signed out over the phone, nor can we accept any telephone messages requesting sign-outs.
5. In order for a student to sign-out without a note, an approved adult (eg., those persons listed as any emergency contact only) must come in to the school to sign the student out.

Extended Illness

In the event that a student is absent for 3 days or more, parents are asked to contact their son/daughter’s vice principal directly to discuss arrangements for missed homework and assignments. The vice principal will then contact all subject teachers and the guidance counsellor, requesting any and all missed work. Teachers will submit the work directly to the vice principal. The vice principal may also refer the student to the guidance counsellor if required. A medical note is required for all extend absences.

Lates

Students are expected to arrive on time for school and for each class throughout the day. Arriving late is not only detrimental to a student’s success; it is also highly disruptive to the entire class.

Students, who arrive late to school after 8:45 a.m., are still expected to report to their homeroom class. If students are more than 15 minutes late, they will be directed to the office. Students must present a parental note, explaining the reason for lateness. Students, who are more than 15 minutes late during periods 2-4, will also be sent to the office.

Consequences for Lates

Teacher will:

• conference with the student;
• assign consequences (i.e. detention);
• speak to parents (document action and its effectiveness);
• when lates become a chronic issue, the appropriate vice principal; will be informed via conduct report detailing previous action taken, and parental response.

Family / student vacations

These are strongly discouraged during the school year. If family vacations are planned during the school year, students must pick up an “Extended Vacation Leave” form from the office at least 2 weeks prior to the vacation. Students will be responsible for all assignments, assessment, and evaluations missed during a vacation. No vacations are to be booked during the examination time. Students who miss a formal examination (including in-class examinations) due to family / personal vacations will receive a “zero” grade for the examination (see Examinations).

Bullying Prevention

Our school values learning environments that are safe, nurturing, trusting, positive and respectful—consistent with our Canadian values. The school believes that all bullying (physical, emotional, verbal, and electronic) is a particularly insidious form of violence and that all students and educators have the right to a school environment free from bullying, harassment, threats and violence. Bullying is “... a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour that is directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/ or harm, to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.” —Policy Program Memorandum No. 144, released by the Ministry of Education on October 4, 2007.

It is the policy of this school that bullying in any form is unacceptable and that staff shall implement bullying prevention and intervention strategies, which foster a positive learning and teaching environment for all students and staff. In recognition of the seriousness of bullying, it has been added to the list of infractions for which suspension may be considered.

Cyber bullying

Neither the school’s network nor the broader Internet (whether accessed on campus or off campus, either during or after- school hours) may be used for the purpose of harassment. All forms of harassment in cyberspace, often called cyber bullying, are unacceptable.

Cyber bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or Web site postings (including blogs). Often the author (sender or poster) of the inappropriate material is disguised (logged on) as someone else.

Students who feel that they have been the victims of such misuse of technology should not erase the offending material from the system. They should print a copy of the material and immediately report the incident to a teacher or administrator. All reports of harassment in cyberspace will be investigated fully. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, the loss of computer privileges, detention, suspension, separation, or expulsion from school.

Cell Phone & Personal Electronics Devices (PEDs)

Personal Electronic Devices,
It is the policy of this school that all personal electronic devices (PEDs) carried by students shall be kept out-of-sight, turned off and not used during instructional time or in classroom/hallway areas. Refusal to keep PED off and out of sight will lead to device being confiscated by staff and stored in main office. Persistent refusal will lead to further disciplinary consequences (i.e. detentions, parental interviews, etc.).
Prohibited uses of PEDs that may result in disciplinary action include but are not limited to, use of a PED that results in:

• Academic integrity being compromised (use during exams, tests, etc.);
• Disruption to the instructional day or teaching-learning environment (use in classrooms, hallways, etc.);
• Violation of a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy;
• Compromising personal and/or school safety (use to bully or harass, in lockdowns, etc.);
• Facilitating the commission of a crime (use to break laws);
• Any situation deemed by the principal where the use ought to have been realized would compromise school security, safety, individual privacy or academic integrity.
• Posting of a person(s) image(s) on the Internet or in hard copy, without the prior consent of the individual depicted and that of the principal.

The school assumes no responsibility for the loss, recovery, repair or replacement for any PED brought onto school property. To prevent loss, confiscation or damage of PEDs, students are encouraged to leave these devices at home or in their bags.

Complaint Procedure

Moonshot International School recognizes that complaints will occur from time to time in any dynamic organization and that by taking such complaints seriously and dealing with them openly and positively the school will often gain helpful information. Parents who have concerns should not hesitate to make them known to a member of staff or to the principal.

Parents should be confident that all complaints will be received positively and will be dealt with confidentially

and as promptly as possible. They should also be confident that their complaint would not rebound adversely on their children.

Moonshot International School welcomes suggestions and comments from parents and takes seriously complaints and concerns that might be raised. Please contact us whenever you have concerns. The school is here for your child and we want to hear your views and your ideas about how we can meet their needs more fully and more effectively.

Usually, the first person to contact will be the principal. You can contact the principal by phone (905-789-8789) or by email info@moonshotinternationalschool.com or in person.

Course Selection Policy

All students in Grades 9, 10, and 11 must select 8 courses per year. Students in grade 12 may select less than 8 courses. The only course changes made will be those resulting from a change in course type or career direction. Course changes resulting from summer school will be made. No course changes will be made after the first week of each semester. A student seeking a change in the level of difficulty for a specific course will discuss the change with the subject teacher and guidance counsellor.

Examinations

• Final examinations for all students in all subjects are held at the end of each semester in January and June. Students and parents are NOT to book vacations at this time. All students must write their examinations on the scheduled examination dates. No exceptions will be made.
• Students may leave school at the conclusion of their examination(s). Extra time will not be given should the student arrive late for an examination.
• All absences for examinations due to illness require a medical certificate otherwise a mark of ZERO will be assigned. A student, who misses a formal examination, even when a doctor’s note is provided, may be required to take a make-up exam at a later date.

Extortion, Robbery, and Theft

• Any form of stealing is illegal and strictly prohibited. Students who are involved in extortion (using force, threat or intimidation to obtain money or property) theft (stealing) or robbery (stealing by using or threatening to use force or violence) of any kind will be immediately reported to the administration and police.

Field Trips and Excursions

• Field trips and excursions are valuable learning experiences and an important part of the school program. A user fee is usually assigned to subsidize the cost of student transportation. Students are responsible for all assignments and tests while they are absent from school. Students must inform their teachers 3 days prior to the field trip. Parental consent forms must accompany each and every trip or excursion. In all situations, school rules apply and safety is stressed. Only students who have demonstrated responsibility will be invited to take part on field trips.

Fire Drills and Examinations

• Designated staff and special needs students with physical disabilities (in wheelchairs) on the first floor may evacuate the building. Those on the second floor are asked to report to the safe area of any stairwell. A full colour “Emergency Codes and Responses” chart should be posted in every classroom. In the event of a school emergency, students must follow the direction of the administration.
• Staff and students must move quickly, quietly, and in an orderly fashion to the closest fire exit as indicated in each room. All windows and doors must be locked. All students are to move away from the school building and are not to return inside until advised to do so. All fire routes are to be free for access by fire trucks. The fire alarm system must only be activated to report a fire. False alarms are illegal; those who cause a false alarm will be prosecuted.

Forgery and Fraud

Forgery is using or signing a name without authority to do so. Fraud is the falsification of identification or some other documentation. All false representation by act, word, conduct that is intended to deceive, false allegations, or concealment of what should have been disclosed, is considered fraudulent. Parents / guardians are required to sign and date all notes to the school. The administration and or the school staff may contact parents / guardians to verify the authenticity or validity of a parent note. A student who is involved in forgery (signing a note or submitting a note to the school) may be subject to discipline.

Gambling

Gambling is strictly prohibited on school property. Students may play cards only for their enjoyment during the lunch period. Gambling for money or other valuables will result in discipline.

Harassment-Sexual, Racial, Ethno Cultural

Harassment of any form involves the intent to incite bias or hatred against a person or group of people. It is not only not tolerated in the school, it is illegal and may considered criminal if the victim(s) feels tormented, troubled, or continually or chronically plagued.

Making a frivolous / vexatious harassment complaint, one that is false, unreasonable, or malicious is also a serious matter and may also result in discipline.

Any form of sexual assault, touching of a sexual nature without the consent of the person touched or in instances where consent is impaired, negated, or irrelevant may be suspended with recommendation for expulsion and the police may be notified.

Homework

Academic success is directly related to serious planning and home study, especially if it is regular and systematic. This includes completion of reading and written assignments, on-going development of projects, papers, essays, review of notes, and preparation for tests and examinations. Time spent on homework will vary for each student and according to the quantity and quality of the work. Recommended average homework time should range from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours in duration daily.

Honour Roll (Grades 9-11)

A cumulative Honour Roll will be published at the end of the school year for students who achieve an average of 80% or higher. This average is based on 8 courses taken during day school for students in Grades 9, 10 & 11.

Ontario Scholars(Grade 12)

Students obtaining a minimum of 80% (480 marks) on their best 6 Grade 12 credits are recognized as Ontario Scholars. These students will receive an Ontario Scholar certificate at the Graduation Ceremony.

Human Dignity and Interracial Harmony

All members of the school community, no matter what gender, race, colour, or ethnic origin, will have equal rights, privileges, programs, and activities. All students have the right to study, learn, and participate without experiencing intimidation, verbal abuse, or any kind of discrimination. All violations of this policy must be reported to the administration and may be subject to discipline.

Internet

School Internet use must be limited to research objectives determined by the teacher. It is expected that students working on the Internet will make responsible choices with regard to accessing web sites. Students must abide by the Internet Code of Conduct or lose this privilege.

Refund Policy (For High School Credit Courses Only)

• If the student cancels his/her course prior to the first day of class, they will receive a full refund of all tuition charges.
• Except for course upgrades, if the student changes course after the course begins they will be charged a $100 course fee.
• If the student cancels a course after the start date of the classes, the FULL tuition fee will not be refundable.
• If the school cancels or discontinues a course, the school will make a full refund of all tuition you have paid for that course.

Student Employment

A student who has part-time jobs must realize that his / her job should not be allowed to interfere with academic studies and responsibilities towards school. Educational research indicates that after 15 – 20 hours of work per week a student’s academic standing drops dramatically.

Student Health Concerns
Parents must inform the school of any health concerns, conditions, and allergies that may affect a student of our school so that we may include them on the computer database of medical alerts. Students and parents should note that the school staff couldn’t administer any medication including aspirins and cough medicines. If a student must take medication during the school day, parents must inform the school in writing and the medication must be taken in the office.

Student Messages and Telephone Access

Students and parents should not be placing telephone calls or texting messages to each other during class time. Parents / guardians needing to communicate an emergency message to a student must contact the office. Do not place telephone calls directly to students during class times. All emergency calls to parents / guardians must be placed in the office with the approval of an administrator.

Students of Legal Age

While the school recognizes that students who reach the age of 18 are adults, it also recognizes its obligation to keep all educational partners (parents, students, staff) informed about school-related matters. It is policy for the school to conduct the same communication with parents of students 18 years and older, as with parents of younger students. Where the student wishes to withdraw from this policy, a letter available in the office must be given to the school administration, who will keep such letters on file. A phone call will then be made to the parents to explain this policy.

Textbooks and Other School Resources

Students are responsible for all textbooks or other school resources on loan to them. Assigned textbooks are loaned to students for each course. Students will be charged for any loss or damage. It is the student’s responsibility to return textbooks at the end of each semester. If a student does not return a textbook at the end of one semester, he/she will not be issued any textbooks for the following semester until the cost of the lost

Transfers /Withdrawals

Students transferring from our school, or withdrawing / retiring from school must contact the office.