School Information (Last update: Nov 8, 2007)

Contents of this Web Site:

Welcome

Our Belief & Mission Statements

Code of Conduct Policy

    - Wildcat ABC's

    - Behaviour Plan

    - Principals Discipline Plan

General School Procedures

6 Day Cycle Timetable

Assessments

Reporting to Parents

Awards Policy

Student Activities

Playground / Intramural / Pad Schedules

Homework Guidelines

Fire Drill Procedures

Emergency Procedures: Snowstorms and Severe Cold

OUR BELIEF STATEMENT

                            West Park Students will

                    follow Instructions

                             Listen

                     incluDe each other

                             Cooperate

                      use Appropriate words 

                             Talk positive

                        be Safe 

"Education is what survives when what was learnt has been forgotten." B.F. Skinner

 

What children will learn at West Park School is how to read and write and cipher; how to score a goal and finish the final lap; when to take a breath in a song and where to paint the distant gull in a seascape; who the ancient tribes were that hunted buffalo in a vast wilderness; how to watch the rising of bread with a scientist's eye; when to accept what Mary and Johnny say and when to stand up quietly against them.

 

What will survive will be resourcefulness, tolerance, self-confidence, respect for mind and body, the spirit of cooperation, a desire to nurture, and, simply, joy.

 

West Park School offers integrated programs, a diversified staff, and a parental support group to ensure the survival of all the best things.

Code of Conduct - Policy

The purpose of this Code Of Conduct document is to reinforce our belief that we will strive to promote a healthy school culture where high levels of achievement occur within a positive school environment. At West Park School we believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, therefore, all students and staff are expected to behave in a respectful manner and comply with this code of conduct.

The goal of discipline is to strengthen the student and to teach them. It is our belief that if students understand this, they will no longer be afraid to face their mistakes. They will begin to view a problem as an opportunity for learning a better way. The 'Restitution Model' of school discipline provides a teacher with tools in order to redirect the individual. The actions of the adults in our building do not diminish the child, rather, restitution "Creates Conditions for the student, to Fix their mistakes, and to Return to the class Strengthened."

Wildcat ABC’s (Appropriate Behaviours in Classroom’s)

Always follow instructions …
Be sure to keep your hands & feet to yourself …
Carefully listen (to teachers, EAs, other staff, and each other) …

IF we all do this, then we will:
- feel safe …
- feel included (belonging)…
- have fun …
- have some freedom to choose things to do…
- feel empowered to do the best we can …


Consequences for those few students who just “don’t get it”:
•    1) contact parents
•    2) suspension to another room (ie art room)
•    3) self-reflection time 
•    4) may need to spend some time in the hall  (Mr. Sawatzky will make ‘hall’ connections)


1. Looks Like:
- smiles in the classroom
- hands and feet kept to ourselves
- we raise our hand before getting permission to speak
- we help each other, we are kind to each other
- we listen when the teacher (or student) is talking
- we are working when asked to do, and sitting at our desk when asked to..
- we are always doing our best

2. Feels Like:
- we feel included (I have friends here)
- we feel safe in our classroom
- each of us is special
- we feel respected, and we respect each other

3. Sound Like:
- we use our inside voices
- we do not interrupt
- we always use appropriate words
- we hear positive talk and encouraging words
- we hear laughing and happy sounds in our classrooms, when appropriate
- everyone uses their best manners
 

WEST PARK SCHOOL - BEHAVIOUR PLAN
   
LEVEL 1:

* bad manners
* slamming the door
* turning lights off in bathrooms
* note passing
* tattling
* poor sportsmanship, following rules in fun games
* incomplete homework
* complaining or grumbling
* exclusion

Consequences:
   
Staff will choose what they will respond to and how they will respond.
This could include: a) talking to the student, b) a restitution, or c) a specific consequence.

LEVEL 2:

These are social and learning expectations. The social contract (School Belief Statement) has been broken. All staff will enforce a consequence all of the time.

* defiance, walking away, saying "no" (Non compliance)
* Internet misuse
* aggressive behavior, fighting, pushing, hitting, kicking, biting etc., destructive rough play at lunch time
* bullying, physical or other forms of intimidation, physical threats, Verbal threat, intent to hurt or injure, shunning (student - student)
* stealing
* vandalism/graffiti
* disrespect, disrespectful language, swearing at staff (in anger), put downs and name calling (student - student) (student - staff), talking back, "you are not my teacher", not listening, ignoring staff instructions
* racism
* wearing hats in class
* chewing gum
* inappropriate noises in class
* lying to avoid consequences (student to teacher)
* tardiness, being to class on time
* running in the halls
* cheating on a test
* not wearing shoes

Consequences:

Staff will respond to these infractions, something must happen.
This could include: a) talking to the student, b) a restitution, or c) a specific consequence.



LEVEL 3

Bottom Line Behaviours: These are threats to school safety and student learning. This must be enforced every time by everyone. The administration is involved and takes complete responsibility for the process.

* weapons: guns, knives, etc. or other objects used as weapons (bats, stones etc.)
- intent to conceal or use a weapon (if students inadvertently brings a knife to school and turns it over to a teacher this is OK)
* Using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs at school is unacceptable.
* Gang involvment will not be tolerated at our school.
* harassment (continued behavior after the person being harassed has said "stop" and the offender has been "taught" the definition and consequences of harassment.)

Disciplinary response: The Administration will communicate with the parent/guardian. The student will be suspended from school for a minimum of one day. The incident will be reported to the CEO's Office and may also be reported to the Police. In addition, the administration may:

1) recommend the student participates in a counselling program; and/or
2) consider an alternative learning placement for the students with the approval of the CEO, and/or
3) recommend the student be expelled from school.

* Individualized Behaviour Plans may be developed for specific students. (these plans may require flexible/alternate expectations and consequences)
 

PRINCIPAL'S DISCIPLINE PLAN

The goal of discipline is to strengthen the student and to teach them. It is my belief that if students understand this, they will no longer be afraid to face their mistakes. They will begin to view a problem as an opportunity for learning a better way. The 'Restitution Model' of school discipline provides a teacher with tools in order to redirect the individual. The Principal's actions do not diminish the child, rather, restitution "Creates Conditions for the student, to Fix their mistakes, and to Return to the class Strengthened."

1.  Consequences for students who are sent to the Office for outstanding or improved behavior or school work.
    (Any of the following.)
    a) Student name is placed in the Principal's "MUG" File
    b) Verbal Praise
    c) Certificate
    d) Special Privilege ? Phone Call Home ?
    e) Treat ?

2.  Consequences for students who choose to break classroom, hall, or playground rules.
    The Restitution Model as described above will be implemented. (note the sample worksheet that may be used as a guide for dealing with misbehaviours)
    a) Other possible consequences.
        - an explanation of consequences for subsequent referrals  Possibly a phone call or letter to the parents, a detention and/or a special assignment.
    b) Subsequent Referrals
        - detention or possibly an in-school suspension.  Phone call or letter to parents, an update of the students page in the discipline file, a special assignment, or any other consequences deemed necessary or suitable for the situation.
    c) Exceptions - should the above consequences be ineffective because of frequency of referral, or the attitude of the student, then the Principal's Plan will be made tougher for the individual student.

3.  When a student is referred to the Principal for severe misbehavior, the student will be dealt with on an individual basis.  Severe misbehavior is categorized as:
    a) Disrespectful - abusive and/or profane language to staff members or other students and refusal to obey reasonable directives from any staff member.
    b) Dangerous - intended or actual physical injury to a student.  This could include intimidation, throwing objects, threatening or striking with objects, and fighting.
    c) Illegal - behavior contrary to School/Division policy or the law.

5.  When a student is sent to the Office, the Teacher should either accompany the student and explain the situation, or write a note to this effect.
 

West Park School doors open at 8:30 a.m. each day. We ask that students arrive at school after this. Students will not be allowed inside before that time unless a special arrangement has been made, or a teacher accepts supervisory responsibilities. Our school day officially begins at 9:00 a.m. with a general assembly on the first day of the week.. Students and staff are expected to be punctual in their attendance.
Opening exercises (on days when general assemblies are not held) will consist of:

1) at 8:50 am – students will assemble in the gym and a staff member will read a short Bible passage or devotional and then lead the students in the Lord's Prayer, (for students whose parents have opted their children in for these religious exercises). Students will then be dismissed to their classrooms.

2) at 9:00 am, the Principal will greet the students (on the intercom system) make some general announcements, followed by the playing of "O Canada.”

The recess breaks will be at 10:35-10:55, 12:00-12:20(lunch period), 12:20-12:55, and 2:05-2:25. Each grade level will have staff officiated intramural activities once or twice a cycle. When students are not involved in intramural games they will be expected to go outdoors during recess breaks. The pad and playground equipment will be scheduled by grade level to avoid congestion in these areas during breaks. There will be at least two staff members on recess supervisory duty at all times. Students should proceed to their homerooms immediately after each recess break in order to prepare for class.

STUDENT USE OF SCHOOL BUILDING, PLAYGROUND AND EQUIPMENT:
1) Front Lawn: Students should always walk on the sidewalk to and from school in order to preserve the appearance of the grass area in the front of the school.
2) Bicycles: Bicycles are vehicles used to come to school. They are to be parked in, or near, the racks provided at the north and south ends of the school yard, well away from the sidewalks. Students must stay away from the bike parking lots during the school day.
3) Lunch: Whenever possible students living in town should eat their lunches at home. Students staying in school will remain in their home classrooms from 12:00-12:20 p.m. in order to eat and clean up their lunches. Students are to stay seated, and participate in appropriate topics of discussion.
4) Office Area: Students must have permission to enter the office area.
5) Washrooms: Washrooms are not suitable for conferences or play areas. Students should not loiter in these areas.
6) Hallways: For safety reasons students are to walk at all times in the hallway of the school.
7) Telephone: The school telephone should be used by students only in special instances, such as in the case of an emergency. In all situations permission must be obtained by the homeroom teacher. Social arrangements must be made outside school time.
8) Audio-Visual Equipment: Students must have permission from a staff member to use radios, TVs, computers, etc.
- Walkmans, Discmans, MP3’s, iPods or other personal listening devices, as well as cell phones, walkie talkies and cameras - are not allowed in school (or on the school yard) unless with special permission from a teacher.
9) White-Out: is used only with teacher permission.
10) Textbooks and Library Books: Each student will be given the required texts for curriculum subjects, as well as library borrowing privileges. It is the student's responsibility to take care of these books and ensure they are in good condition when returned. Students will be required to replace lost or damaged texts or library books.
11) Buttered Popcorn is not to be used in school microwaves.

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS:

1) All students are expected to show courtesy and respect towards each other and staff and are expected to comply with the BLSD Code of Conduct.. Absolutely no foul language, back talk, or disrespectful behaviour will be tolerated.
2) Students not involved in gym, library, or other organized activities are expected to go outside during recess breaks. Permission to stay indoors may be granted by the teacher. Exceptions will be made in extreme weather conditions.
3) Students must remain on the schoolyard during the school day. Students must have a note from their parents granting permission to leave during the lunch hour. Permission must also be obtained from the home-room teacher.
4)  Students are to proceed to their homerooms immediately after each recess break in order to prepare for class. (Storm recesses: students can stay in class - same grade level classes only)
5) Students must obtain permission from the teacher to leave the classroom.
6) Students should not leave their desks to sharpen pencils, get paper, etc., when the teacher is presenting a lesson to the entire class unless permission has been obtained.
7) West Park is a "gum free" school (outdoors as well as indoors). Food and drinks are also not permitted in the gym and computer lab.
8) Trading cards: trading of cards should be done outside, away from all entrance areas. Staff are not responsible for trades that are made between students, or lost cards. Teachers will confiscate and/ or ban cards if trading creates problems.
9) Toys, Lego, handheld computer games, etc.:  students are encouraged to leave valuable toys at home.

 STUDENT DRESS CODE:

1) The students are expected to dress in a neat, clean, modest and safe manner at all times. T-shirts with inappropriate messages are unacceptable. Undergarments must be covered at all times. Students (and parents) should also note that beach wear, tops with midriff showing, or other clothing in poor taste will result in students being asked to cover it up, or possibly go home to change. We trust that parents will use reasonable discretion in the manner that their children are dressed when sent to school.
2) Students must wear some type of footwear at all times. In order to keep our school clean and tidy, everyone must have a second pair of gym shoes for indoor use only.
3) Students are expected to put their shoes on their chairs or desks at the end of the day or when going out for recess breaks.
4) All hats, jackets, and backpacks should be hung up in the classroom closet.
5) Students are expected to remove their hats and caps when entering the classroom. They are not to be worn in assembly or class.
6) West Park is a perfume / scent free school.

PARENT EXPECTATIONS:
1) Complete information on accident and school insurance will be given to all students early in September. Participation is encouraged but voluntary. All school accidents will be reported to the teacher and administration as soon as possible.
2) It is the parent's responsibility to make sure that their child has the necessary supplies required as indicated on the Supply List sent home with the June report card.
3) Parents are requested to call the school, or send a note, if their child will be absent for the day. If a child is not in school, and is not accounted for by a note or phone call, the school secretary will call home or a parent at work to inquire.
4) Parents must provide written permission in order for their child to obtain medication  from the teacher or secretary. (this includes prescriptive or over the counter medication)
** Staff will record the child's name, date, and  medication provided.
5) West Park is a perfume / scent free school.
 

Evaluation of students' progress for each term will be obtained using a combination of several of the following criteria: creativity and problem solving, performance on tests, recall of facts, projects, assignments, neatness and organization, cooperation, participation, attentiveness and attitude.
Grades and comments will be used to report pupil progress.  Tests and assignments may be sent home upon completion to be signed by parents.

 

 

A written report of your child's progress will be sent home mid-November, mid-March, and at the end of June.
Student involved Conferences with teachers will be arranged for November and March, and whenever a teacher or parent feels it is necessary.
It is expected there will be close communication on an ongoing basis between the teacher and parents.  Please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher if you have any concerns.

 

 

  AWARDS POLICY 

At the closing ceremonies at the end of June, each student will receive a certificate summarizing his/her particular achievements. Good grades and  artistic and musical talents may be included in those achievements, but teachers are also encouraged to recognize accomplishments relating to personal qualities, participation in special events, projects, etc.
Gr. 6 students will receive a graduation diploma as well, along with a certificate as described above.

1. Personal Quality Recognition may include: trustworthiness, fairness, respect, caring, responsibility, citizenship, truthfulness, humour, effort, perserverance, service, friendship, leadership, cooperation and possibly other criteria.

2. Academic Recognition may be given to all students having an overall average of 85% or better throughout the year in any subject area.

3. General Academic Proficiency will be for students with a "85% or better" average in all CORE and second language subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts and German or French. When a student receives a G.A.P. Award, a "85% or better" grade in other subjects may also be recognized on the Award certificate.

We want to recognize THE BEST IN EACH STUDENT. The Award system is designed to motivate  students and to improve the spirit  of learning and co-operation in the school. We see this as an opportunity to be more inclusive in celebrating our children and their successes.

  STUDENT ACTIVITIES

During the school year extra-curricular sports and clubs will be offered by the West Park staff for the participation and enjoyment of our students.  All pupils are encouraged to take an active part in these activities:

The West Park School intramural program offers every student an opportunity to be a part of a team, and to play against other school teams made up of players from his or her own grade level.  Intramural competition may take place in the following sports:

Soccer, Team Handball, Floor Hockey, Kanga Ball, Pilo Polo, Cross-Fire (Gr. 4), Basketball (Gr. 5/6) Volleyball (Gr. 5/6), and Softball.
    Plus some other activities:        JUGGLING CLUB        SPEED STACKS
    ICE PAD (skating & hockey)    TRACK & FIELD DAY    RUNNING CLUB

 

WINTER ACTIVITIES PROGRAM:

We hope to be able to provide tennis ball hockey and skating at our school again this year. As per Board Policy, all skaters will be required to wear an approved helmet for all skating or hockey activities.

OTHER SPECIAL ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS include: MILK/CANTEEN PROGRAM, BOOK FAIR, DRAMA, FALL PARTY, VALENTINE'S PARTY, HOT DOG & SOUP DAYS, SPRINGFEST (Student Conference), CHOIRS, HANDBELL CHOIR, GUITAR GROUP, STUDENT COUNCIL (Grade representatives & elected President), SCIENCE OLYMPICS, AWARDS PROGRAM, FIELD TRIPS. FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES: Student Council, Home & School & A.D.A.M.H. CLEANATHON

 

  Pad/Playground & Intramural Schedule

Intramurals                    Playground Schedule

(am & pm recess)                am recess    noon    pm recess

Day 1     Gr 5                        6                4                5

Day 2     Gr 6                        4                5                6

Day 3     Gr 4                        5                6                4

Day 4     Gr 5                        6                4                5

Day 5     Gr 6                        4                5                6

Day 6     Gr 4                        5                6                4

                Pad Schedule (Winter Hockey)
 

                               am recess    noon    pm recess

Day 1                            4                5                6

Day 2                            5                6                4

Day 3                            6                4                5

Day 4                            4                5                6

Day 5                            5                6                4

Day 6                            6                4                5

        HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

Homework serves an important purpose in your child's school life. It is a means of reviewing and reinforcing the lessons taught in school. Homework is also a way to help our child to develop work and study habits that will assist him or her throughout the years spent in school.

You can help your child develop some routines that will be of assistance in successfully completing homework assignments. The following suggestions are offered for this purpose.

1. Ask your child if he or she has homework that day. Be aware that homework may be assigned on any given day. By asking your child about homework, you are helping him or her to remember that there is an assignment to be completed.

2. Become interested in your child's homework. Ask him or her to show the homework to you and to explain what the work completed was about. Sharing your chld's work with him or her reinforces the importance of homework and helps the child to understand that you are interested in his or her progress. Looking at your chld's homework also keeps you informed about the progress of the child and the way in which your child is able to complete the work assigned.

3. Remember that homework is your child's work - not yours. You should not do the work for the child; rather, you should be concerned with whether or not your chld did the work. If your child has trouble with a homework assignment and cannot complete it, write a note telling the teacher about the problem. It is the teacher's responsibility to make the homework assignment clearly understood by each student.

4. Help your child set a regular homework time each day and remain with that commitment. Free your child of other responsibities at that time.

5. Provide your child with a quiet place to work and study where he or she is not disturbed by younger children or pets.

Homework will help your youngster grow and develop.

 

 

Each teacher will point out the fire exit procedures to his/her students. The fire exit sign will be posted by the door in every room. It is important to become familiar with these signs.

Obey the following rules:

• At the sound of the alarm, leave the classroom by the exit route keeping in single file and please avoid talking.
• Orderliness in leaving the building is more important than speed.
• Once outside the building, remember to stay with your class, so that a count can be taken.
• When the count has been taken, the teacher in charge will send a "runner" to a designated location to inform the Principal of the student count.
• The skill with which staff and students clear the building during practice drills may save lives in an emergency situation.

Emergency Procedures for Snowstorms/Fog/Severe Cold:

    - if a snowstorm occurs while students are already at the school there will not be any early closing.  Classes will continue as usual as the students would be safe at school. If the blizzard continues into the afternoon so that buses will not be running, we will adopt the following procedure:
    a) all students will be kept in school until 3:45 p.m., unless a parent arrives to pick up his/her child. (this additional time in school will allow most parents an opportunity to get to school.)
    We ask that all parents, when arriving at school, please report to the office, so that teachers can account for all students as they leave the building.
    b) if we receive telephone instructions from a parent, then students will be allowed to leave, as per instructions, with a billet parent, or with a ride prior to 3:45 p.m.
    c) after 3:45 p.m., if the weather permits, we will send any town students who have not been picked up home on foot and their billet students with them.  We will instruct the billet students to then call home when they arrive at their billet location.  If the weather conditions are too severe, students will be kept at school, where supervision, shelter and food will be provided, until they are picked up.
    As you can well imagine, it is impossible to call everyone on short notice.  We like to keep our phone lines open for in-coming calls, so that emergency situations can be dealt with.

    NOTE SCHOOL BOARD POLICY

    1. Under conditions of snowstorm, severe fog or any other extreme weather conditions that could affect the safety of the students, the school buses will be called off.
    2. The superintendent and/or  Supervisor of Transportation will call all Principals of the decision not to run buses.
    3. When buses are called off, the Schools in our Division are closed. 
    4. The Supervisor of Transportation will call off School Buses by 7:15 a.m. via Radio CFAM and inform all the drivers.
    5. All schools are encouraged to implement an emergency accommodation plan for transported students in case buses are called off and students will not be picked up at their school.
    6. It will be the parent's responsibility to dress the students according to the weather conditions while being transported on a bus.

 

 

 

Teachers recognize that education is a continuing, life-long process. Professional activity days help them to be better teachers. A commitment to continuing education for teachers is a commitment to a better education for students. Teachers' responsibilities include a wide spectrum of duties in and beyond the classroom. In addition to preparing lessons, marking papers and actual teaching, they must find time to absorb new ideas and materials. The Manitoba Department of Education also recognizes that teachers need time away from regular school hours to meet this commitment. For this reason, the provincial government has allotted up to 10 days in a school year for parent-teacher meetings, administration, evaluation and professional development. School divisions approve the use of these days in order that each division may satisfy its own needs. Teacher inservice days are similar in concept to those offered by other businesses and community organizations whose employees attend short courses and conventions during working days.

         ********************************************************   

I dreamed I stood in a studio And watched two sculptors there, The clay they used was a young child's mind, And they fashioned it with care. One was a teacher; the tools she used were books, music and art. One, a parent who worked with a guiding hand And a gentle, loving heart. Day after day the teacher toiled With touch that was deft and sure, While the parent labored by her side And polished and smoothed it o'er. And when at last their task was done, They were proud of what they had wrought; For the things they had molded into the child Could neither be sold or bought. And each agreed he would have failed If he had worked alone, For behind the teacher stood the school, And behind the parent, the home.

PLEASE CHECK MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS FOR A CURRENT CALENDAR OF EVENTS!