Participation in the Valedictory Ceremony

A student will be eligible to take part in Valedictory Ceremonies when, as of the end of term 3 of the year of graduation, the student has the potential to meet minimum Ministry Graduation requirements. As these ceremonies are extracurricular, all school fees must be paid to participate. “Potential” is interpreted as acceptable attendance, participation and achievement in the minimum number of required courses for graduation.

A distance education or alternate education course may only be used as part of the qualifying courses if they are two thirds or more completed by the end of term 3 the year of graduation. For further information contact the counseling office.

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STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council at École Duchess Park Secondary is the sponsoring body of many extracurricular activities undertaken by and for École Duchess Park students. The Student Council welcomes suggestions from all students to improve the quality of school life.

The purpose of Student Council is:

1. 
   to provide an opportunity for students to participate in the administration and direction of student affairs
   
2. 
   to foster student participation in clubs and/or other activities
   
3. 
   to have a part in the organization and administration of the student finances of the school
   

Club activities enable students to excel in other areas of interest. Examples may include: Weight Training, Drama, Debating, Charity Crew, Me to We, Art Club, etc. Several areas depend on student involvement; Grad executive, Charity Group, Yearbook, and Dance Committee. Students are encouraged to work with sponsor teachers to start new clubs. This is just one more program area where students and staff combine to create interesting and successful opportunities for students.

A student who has overall average of 86% or better, no mark lower than a “C+” and a minimum of three courses is eligible for Principal’s List. Students are to have satisfactory work habits or better.

A student who achieves 73% or better, no mark lower than a “C+” and a minimum of three courses is eligible for the Honor Roll. Students are to have satisfactory work habits or better.

.

Awards

École Duchess Park Secondary students are recognized in several ways. Students who achieve Principal’s List and Honor Roll standing are publicized each term in the school newsletter. Recognition will also be given to all students at the end of each term. Students, who have maintained these categories for the first three terms during the year, will be recognized at the year-end grade assemblies.

The following major awards are presented at the year-end awards night:

• 
  Principal’s Cup
  
• 
  Rotary Citizenship Award
  
• 
  Lion’s Academic Leadership Award
  
• 
  Top Academic Students – grade 8-12
  
• 
  Athletic Awards – Top Male and Female – Junior and Senior
  
• 
  Top student in Each Discipline: Math, Science, English, Socials, etc.
  

The Passport to Education program acknowledges the accomplishments of British Columbia secondary school students in grades 11 through 12. This program also provides incentives for secondary students to pursue further education through post-secondary programs and job training programs. This program is being phased out. The Grade 12 passport stamp will be last issued in 2016.

Within 5 years of graduation students can redeem their Passport scholarship stamps at a university, college, or approved job training program.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND LOANS

Students in their graduating year who are planning to continue study at the post-secondary level should become familiar with scholarship and bursary awards. There are many different awards available to graduating students. Some of these include: district awards, in-school awards, post-secondary awards and provincial government awards. A comprehensive list of awards is available from the Counseling Centre.

Students wishing to continue their studies beyond Grade 12 may obtain assistance by applying for interest-deferred government loans.

EXTERNAL COURSE CREDITS

Credit may be granted for completed external courses listed below when documentation is presented to a school counselor providing proof of completion of the course. Your counselor can provide details as to what is required for each course. This is only a partial list:

• 
  External Music Courses – BC Conservatory of Music and Trinity College: London-Music
  
• 
  External Dance Courses – BATD:Jazz, ISTD:Cecchetti, ISTD:Tap, ISTD:Modern Theater Dance, Royal Academy of Dancing
  
• 
  External Drama, Speech, and Effective Communications – Trinity College, London
  
• 
  External Post Secondary Courses
  
• 
  External Language credits
  
• 
  External Youth Development Programs
  
• 
  External Industrial and Occupation Courses – Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, ICBC Driver Education, Canadian Private Pilot’s Licence
  

• 
  will be suspended for five days
  
• 
  will be referred or reported to the Student Conduct Review Committee
  
• 
  may be removed from École Duchess Park Secondary
  

or in possession of DRUGS and/or ALCOHOL.

• 
  will be suspended for five days
  
• 
  will be referred or reported to the Student Conduct Review Committee
  
• 
  may be removed from École Duchess Park Secondary
  

• 
  will be suspended for five days
  
• 
  will be referred or reported to the Student Conduct Review Committee
  
• 
  may be removed from École Duchess Park Secondary
  

• 
  will be suspended for five days
  
• 
  will be referred or reported to the Student Conduct Review Committee
  
• 
  may be removed from École Duchess Park Secondary
  

• 
  will be suspended for five days
  
• 
  will be referred or reported to the Student Conduct Review Committee
  
• 
  may be removed from École Duchess Park Secondary
  

• 
  The assignment of a “Think paper” to think and write about the behavior and develop a plan for improvement.
  
• 
  A loss of privileges related to the behavior.
  
• 
  An assignment of an in-school suspension.
  
• 
  A placement on a behavior contract (which may include mandatory counseling, behaviour modification programs, etc.).
  
• 
  A requirement to attend Thursday School.
  
• 
  An assignment of an out-of-school suspension.
  
• 
  An alternate placement within the home school.
  
• 
  A transfer to another school.
  

1. 
   Students will attend all classes for the courses in which they are registered.
   
2. 
   Attendance and the application of this policy will be considered on a course-by-course basis.
   
3. 
   Teachers are responsible for monitoring attendance in their classes.
   
4. 
   Students who fail to attend a class, and who are unable to provide written notice from the parent/guardian that indicates awareness and approval of the absence, or students whose parent/guardian did not give the school advance notice of an absence, will be considered to be absent without excuse. Such students shall be subject to the following process of progressive discipline:
   

4.1.1. - The parent/guardian shall be informed by telephone contact by the classroom teacher or, in those cases where telephone contact cannot be made, in writing by the school. A record of all dates of contact will be kept by the teacher and the school. The student will be assigned to Thursday School to make up the time as per teacher discretion. A copy of the attendance policy shall be provided to the student and to the parent/guardian.

4.2.1 - The administration shall inform the student and the parent/ guardian that the student has been absent without excuse for a second time. The student will be assigned to two sessions of Thursday School to make up the time as per teacher discretion.

4.2.2 - The administration will meet with the student to emphasize the seriousness of continued truancy. The parent/guardian will be notified that this meeting has occurred.

4.3 Upon the third offence:

4.3.1 - The administration will suspend the student for a maximum of two days or until the parent/guardian can attend a meeting with the student and the principal or vice-principal to review school and district attendance policies.

4.3.2 - The administration will provide the student and the parent/ guardian with formal notice that any subsequent offence will result in the student being withdrawn from the course from which the absence is occurring and any adjacent courses under the provisions of Regulations 4.4.2. In those cases where the school district provides transportation to the student, the notification will inform the parent/ guardian that they or the student will be responsible for mid-day transportation.

4.4 Upon the fourth offence:

4.4.1 - The administration shall withdraw the student from the course from which the student was absent without excuse.

4.4.2 - The administration shall withdraw the student from the course or courses adjacent to the course referred to in 4.4.1, such that the student attends school for only the morning (if withdrawn from the afternoon courses) or the afternoon (if withdrawn from the morning courses).

4.4.3 - The administration shall notify the parent/guardian in writing of the courses from which the student has been withdrawn. In those cases where the district provides transportation to the

4.4.4 - Any student withdrawn under Regulation 4.4.2 is not to be on the school property during these periods without the prior permission of the principal.

4.4.5 - The parent will be informed of the above actions by telephone and in writing.

. Students who are involved in organized school events or groups such as athletic teams, band,

etc. shall not be considered absent without excuse when they are participating in these activities; however, in advance of every such absence, the student must provide notice to the course teacher(s) and written permission to participate from the parent/guardian.

5. Students are responsible for all course work and assignments missed during any absence from class.

Where prior notice has been given to a course teacher that a student will be absent from class, or where the student is absent as a result of illness, injury or family emergency, the teacher will provide a brief outline of course work to assist the student in his/her studies during this absence. In the case of a student being absent without excuse, the course teacher may provide a brief outline of course work but is not obligated to do so. Work and tests must be caught up within a reasonable time frame, so not to hamper the progress of other students. Teachers must be notified of extended planned absences in advance. Alternate methods of completing the course may need to be explored.

LATE POLICY

While occasional lateness may occur for good reasons, repeated lateness will not be tolerated,

1. All incidents of lateness must be explained and teachers may require a note from a student’s parent/guardian or from a teacher who has detained you in a previous class.

2. Students who arrive late to school must:

1. 
   go to the office if they have an excused note.
   
2. 
   go directly to class if they do not have an excused note.
   

permission slip.

4. Students who are repeatedly late to class may be assigned to Thursday School, or serve a detention.

ÉCOLE DUCHESS PARK SECONDARY STUDENT/ATHLETE ACADEMIC PROBATION POLICY

Academic probation refers to a trial period in which a student is given time to improve their grades or unproductive work habits. A student athlete failing (50% or less) one or more subjects will be placed on academic probation. A student athlete placed on academic probation who has not shown signs of improvement within the first 2 weeks (i.e.; work habits and assignments) will be suspended from all extracurricular sport activities until he/she has met the eligibility requirements.

Special provisions will be made for students who are already working to the best of their ability and/or are placed on individualized educational programs. Furthermore, students on academic probation will not be permitted to represent the school on sports or athletic teams. Rather, it is expected they will use the time to complete assignments and home study.

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Within the athletic community, a review committee composed of the coach and/or team sponsor, the athletic director and a member of the administration team will be responsible for reviewing each athletic case.

The committee will review the student athlete’s overall academic performance and will take into account lates, absences and the teacher’s work habit remarks on classroom behaviour. When an athlete is placed on academic probation it will remain in effect for one school season of play to the next season of play in that sport. At the beginning of the school year, the athletic director will review the student athlete’s past and present academic record. Should this record be acceptable, the athlete will be granted permission to resume activities.

As part of the educational process student athletes and parents can expect:

1. 
   The athletic director will notify the athlete that they are in danger of being placed on academic probation. A letter will be sent home to parents/ guardians informing parents that the student is falling behind in his/her work and is being or has been placed on academic probation. Teachers, athletic directors, and coaches will all be notified.
   
2. 
   A student athlete placed on academic probation and who has not shown signs of improvement (i.e.; work habits and assignments) within the first 2 weeks of notification will be suspended from all extracurricular sport activities until he/she has met the eligibility requirements.
   
3. 
   The administration and athletic director maintain the right to extend the suspension from the activity or to declare the student athlete ineligible to participate depending on the severity of the situation and the number of previous suspensions.
   

School District 57 treats drug and alcohol use by its students very seriously. Below is the procedure that outlines the impact of drug and alcohol use on a student’s right to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletic teams.

District practice includes the following consequences for drug or alcohol use:

• 
  Immediate five day suspension, with the possible removal from school
  
• 
  Report to Student Conduct Review Committee - School District 57
  
• 
  Removal from team
  
• 
  Suspension from extracurricular activities for one year, including:
  

• 
  School events, such as dances
  
• 
  Athletic teams
  
• 
  Athletic awards
  
• 
  Extracurricular trips/excursions
  

A student who uses drugs or alcohol while under the school’s or school district’s jurisdiction will be suspended for a year from all extracurricular activities unless a plan of restitution is accepted by the school. An approved plan that is successfully completed by a student could result in the consequence being reduced, but at the least, a student will be suspended from participation in extracurricular activities for at least four consecutive school months.

By law (Tobacco Control Act), smoking, using tobacco or holding lighted tobacco in or on the school property is prohibited. This includes smoking in the parked car in school parking lots.

“School Property” means property that is

1. 
   owned or leased by, operated under the authority of, a board, and
   
2. 
   used for the purposes of delivering educational programs or other learning programs, and
   
3. 
   includes real property and improvements, and personal property
   

Students who disregard the above are subject to the following disciplinary action:

1. 
   First offence:
   

1.2 Letter to parent/guardian, and

1.3 Parent/guardian meets with school administration prior to re-entry

2. 
   Second offence:
   

2.2 Letter to parent/guardian, and

2.3 Report submitted to the Student Conduct Review Committee 3. Third offence:

3.1 5 day suspension

3.2 Letter to parent/guardian, and

3.3 Referral to Student Conduct Review Committee

In the event that the infraction is deemed more serious (eg. Smoking inside the building), step 3 may be implemented.

STUDENT PARKING

Students may use the student parking lot, located north of the building, after they have been issued a parking sticker and have registered their vehicle with the administration. Others who use the student parking lot without authorization may have their vehicles towed away at their expense. Cars that block other cars from leaving the lot may be towed at the driver’s expense. Students who abuse safe driving rules will have their use of the lot suspended. Students may not be loitering in the student parking lot during class time. This is a measure to prevent vandalism to cars, etc. Students may use the staff and visitor parking lot after 4:00 p.m. on school days, on holidays or weekends. The staff and visitor parking lot is reserved for teachers, Temporary Teachers on Call and guests from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., when school is in session, or on non-instructional days. If the student parking lot is full, there is plenty of street parking on the right side of 6^th Avenue and Renwick Crescent and students may also park in the last row of the staff and visitor parking lot; using any other parking stall may result in the vehicle being towed away at the driver’s expense.

A student found guilty of pulling a fire alarm, without just cause, will be dealt with under the District Code of Student Conduct. At minimum a student will be suspended for 5 days, will be referred to the RCMP and will be referred to the Fire Protection officer. Students may be removed from École Duchess Park Secondary.

This policy shall apply to electronic communications devices including but not limited to cell phones, cameras, pagers and text messaging devices. It shall not include computers used for educational purposes in schools.

The issue of the use of such devices in schools has continued to escalate as a concern. Schools have a responsibility to provide a learning environment as free of disruptions as possible. Schools also have a responsibility to protect the privacy of students and staff while at school or while engaged in school activities. Finally, schools have the responsibility to conduct assessment in a fair and honest manner free from plagiarism and other forms of cheating. Therefore, the following regulations are in place regarding the use of such devices:

1. 
   During class time, electronic communications devices are to be turned off (this includes ringers, vibrators and other methods of signaling incoming calls).
   
2. 
   Such devices may be used before and after school and during the lunch hour.
   
3. 
   Students may use these devices in the halls and outside of school buildings.
   
4. 
   No device capable of taking a photograph shall be allowed in washrooms or change rooms. Photographs should only be taken in public places and with the consent of the subject.
   
5. 
   The use of any such device to record or transmit any materials that are used for student assessment such as tests, quizzes, assignments or reports is forbidden.
   

1. Classroom Disruptions

1. 
   In addition to the normal and escalating consequences for classroom disruptions as applied by the classroom teacher, the device will be confiscated by the classroom teacher and given to an administrator. The device will be returned to the student or a parent/guardian after a discussion with the student.
   
2. 
   Should there be further incidents of classroom disruption, escalating consequences will be applied which might include the student’s loss of the privilege of having such a device at school for a period of time to be determined by the school’s administration.
   

1. 
   A suspension may result and the loss of the privilege of having such a device at school for a period of time to be determined by the school’s administration.
   
2. 
   Depending on the severity of the offence it may also result in a referral to the Student Conduct Review Committee and/or the RCMP.
   

a. The normal consequences for breaching academic honesty regulations will be applied. In addition, the student will lose the privilege of having such a device at school for a period of time to be determined by the school’s administration.