SOURIS SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Souris School will provide a positive, safe environment where individuals can develop personal potential and life-long learning skills for adaptation in a changing world.
A co-operative effort between family, community and school is a necessity for responsible education.
Introduction
The purpose of this student handbook is to give students and parents a source of information so that they will better understand the operation of the school.
Staff
Principal - Mr. Young
Vice Principal - Mr. Wallmann
Kindergarten - Mrs. Puhach, Mrs. Farmer
Grade 1 - Mrs. Hicks, Mrs Fordyce
Grade 1/2 - Mrs. Thomson
Grade 2 - Mrs. Falloon
Grade 3 - Mrs. McGregor
Grade 3/4 - Mrs. Kempthorne
Grade 4 - Mr. Quigley
Grade 5 - Ms. O’Brien
Grade 5 - Mr. Wallmann, Mrs. Turner
E. Y. Music - Mrs. McConnell
Resource - Mrs. Butterfield
Phys. Ed. - Ms. Birch - K - 5
Mr. Penner - Grade 5
Communication, Communication, Communication! We Want Help!
Sometimes parents become aware of bullying or potential problems that are happening without the knowledge of school staff. If you feel that your child is being picked on or intimidated, we want to know. Feel free to call the teacher or call directly to your Early Year’s Vice Principal, Mr. Wallmann. We will ivnestigate and we will take the appropriate action.
In all areas, communication allows the staff and parents to work together to further the success of your children. When we work together, as a team, the students has little choice but to do well.
Teacher E-Mail
Staff can be reached by email by going on to the division webpage: www.shsd.mb.ca/ go to staff emails, and then go to Souris School and select the staff member you want to contact.
Timetable
8:45 - entry bell
8:55 - in classes, sitting down
9:00 - 9:38 - First class
9:38 - 10:15 - Second Class
10:15 - 10:30 - Recess
10:30 - 11:00 - Third Class
11:00 - 11:30 - Fourth Class
11:30 - 12:00 - Fifth Class
12:00 - 12:40 - Lunch
12:40 - 1:08 - Sixth Class
1:08 - 1:36 - Seventh Class
1:36 - 2:04 - Eighth Class
2:04 - 2:19 Recess
2:19 - 2:47 - Ninth Class
2:47 - 3:15 - Tenth Class
3:15 - Dismissal
Earliest arrival time is 8:45 a.m. Supervision begins then.
Lunch Time
Town children are encouraged to go home for lunch. Experience has shown that children who have lunch at home have a more productive afternoon.
Staying for lunch at school is a privilege . There is no charge for this service. Every child, town or country, is expected to behave appropriately or else this privilege will be revoked.
Hot Lunch Money Request K-3
Request that money for hot lunch be sent to school in a labeled envelope for each student’s daily order. Please include the exact amount of money. This would help:
- alleviate the problem of lost money.
- ensure that food orders can be taken more
quickly and accurately in the A.M.
- eliminate any unnecessary worry for your
child.
Please include the following information on the envelope each day your child orders hot lunch:
- student’s name, teacher’s name and
classroom #
- items ordered
- cost per item and total
i.e. Student’s name: Classroom #
Teacher’s name:
Hot dog $1.25
W. Milk .75
Total $2.00
Lunch is delivered to Kindergarten and Grade 1 classes. It is prepackaged for grades 2 and 3. Grades 4 and 5 order and pay for their own lunch.
Recess
Children are expected to go outside at recess and noon hours. Please ensure your children are dressed for the weather. Recess is an important break for children.
If a student is ill or injured and cannot go out for recess, a note from the parent/guardian must be supplied. Long term requests will require a medical certificate.
This being said, notes to stay in at recess do not help a sick child to have a good and productive day. If a child is ill, we would recommend that they remain at home where they can receive the proper care, and where they will not spread their illness to others. Most times, if a child is too sick to go out for recess, they are too sick to be in school.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes on a regular basis. Parents are asked to inform the school in advance if they know students will be away. Please call the school if your child is ill.
Inclement Weather
Southwest Horizon School Division recognizes the need to ensure the safety of staff and students alike. Therefore, when inclement weather is a threat to the safety of staff and/or students, schools will be closed. At other times, schools will remain open (other than during other specific situations described in the School Closure Policy).
When weather conditions are less than ideal but do not warrant the closure of a school, specific procedures will assist staff and students unable to be present at school to avoid negative consequences.
Policy CBA Procedural Guidelines - Inclement Weather
Inclement Weather
The principal of a school will close the school:
1. When the wind chill factor as determined by Environment Canada and announced on CKX, CJRB or CKLQ radio station at 6:30 – 7 a.m. exceeds “feels like -46°C” or colder.
2. If travel on the majority of roads within the school catchment area is extremely dangerous and/or impossible due to heavy snowfall, heavy fog, blowing snow, or ice.
3. If roads within the catchment area are closed by the R.C.M.P.
Following the decision to close the school, the principal will advise the Superintendent and/or the Secretary-Treasurer of the decision.
In determining if one or more of the above conditions requires the closure of the school in his/her charge, the principal may consult with the local designated head bus driver. For this purpose, by September 30 of each year, the bus drivers shall appoint a head driver for each community.
If a school is closed due to inclement weather:
1. Buses shall not run. Bus drivers shall not lose pay.
2. No students will be allowed to attend school. No students shall be marked absent.
3. With the exception of school custodial staff, staff is not expected to be at school and no pay shall be deducted from staff that does not arrive at school.
4. Custodial staff will be required to arrive at each school on a daily basis as is required for boiler maintenance and other preventative maintenance. Alternative plans may be made if custodial staff is unable to reach the school because of inclement weather.
Non-school facilities:
During periods of inclement weather in the communities in which they are located, non-school based facilities such as the Division Office(s) and Bus Garage(s) may be closed at the discretion of the Superintendent or Secretary-Treasurer. Staff shall not lose pay.
If weather conditions are less than ideal but not severe enough to warrant the closure of a school or non-school based facility:
1. All staff are expected to be at work.
2. A reduction of pay will be made for staff who miss work.
3. Staff who have personal days available may use them to avoid losing pay.
4. Individual bus drivers may elect to not drive their route if they feel that conditions are hazardous. They shall not lose pay.
If a bus driver elects to not drive his/her route, the bus driver shall:
1. contact all of the parents on his/her route to inform them of the decision.
2. Notify the school of his/her decision to not drive the route.
The school division assumes no responsibility for the safety of students travelling to or from school of their own choice to attend school.
Schools must have an emergency billet plan designed to accommodate students who are unable to be transported home at the end of the school day. If inclement weather develops during the school day students will be billeted and bus service will be cancelled for that particular day. The decision will be made before 2:00 p.m. Otherwise bus service will continue that afternoon.
The announcements of school closure will be made by principals on appropriate radio stations and a message will be placed on the school website.
School Closure
The Board of Trustees of Southwest Horizon School Division is concerned about the safety of students and staff.
Therefore, if the safety of students and staff is at risk, the Board of Trustees authorizes the closure of schools in specific circumstances detailed in the procedures attached to this policy.
Any school closures shall be reported to the Board of Trustees and to the Manitoba provincial government as is required by the Public Schools Act.
Policy CBB Procedural Guidelines - School Closure
School Closure
A school may be closed if:
•Inclement weather makes travel to and from school hazardous for staff and students (see Inclement Weather policy).
• Mechanical problems, such as a lack of water, electricity or heat create health or safety problems. The Secretary-Treasurer has the authority to close the school under these conditions.
•Health issues are present that may threaten the safety and wellbeing of staff and students. The Superintendent and/or Secretary-Treasurer has the authority to close the school under these conditions. The school may also be closed under these conditions by appropriate legal authorities such as the Medical Officer.
•The threat of physical violence (such as bomb threats, threats of physical violence using weapons, etc.) threatens the safety of students and staff. The Superintendent and/or Secretary-Treasurer has the authority to close the school under these conditions.
For specific procedures dealing with school closure due to inclement weather, refer to the Inclement Weather policy.
For specific procedures dealing with school closure due to mechanical problems, health issues or threats of physical violence, refer to the divisional or school emergency response plan.
Home/School Communication
Newsletters are sent home on most Fridays with the youngest family member in school . These cover upcoming events, inservices, etc. Teachers may also send home special notices. We have an "Open House" in early September. You are encouraged to come to parent/teacher conferences, concerts and special events. Feel free to call the school if you have any questions or comments.
Curriculum
The staff uses curriculum materials and teaching methods that have been approved by Manitoba Education. Our objective is to provide a variety of learning opportunities.
Special needs of individual students are accommodated within the school day.
Student Evaluation
Parent - teacher conferences are scheduled in November and March. A written report card is provided by the student's teacher before the conference.
Parents are encouraged to talk with a staff member at the school when they have questions or concerns about their child's progress. Please call the school for an appointment.
Behavioral Expectations For Students
1. Basic good manners, common courtesy and
respect for others: students, staff and
parents.
2. Respect for private and public property.
3. Proper behavior at all times. Any forms of physical and verbal abuse, or fighting, cheating, swearing and talking back will not be tolerated.
4. Use of normal common sense.
When in doubt - DON'T.
Stop Cards
Student Behavior is monitored through a system called "Stop" Cards. Students with 0 stop cards at the end of each month receive a small prize. Students who get stop cards for inappropriate school behavior can work them off by exhibiting good behavior during the month. Students who accumulate a lot of stop cards in a month have parents called and the consequences become greater in accordance with the number of stop cards. Most students go through every month getting few or no stop cards.
Bikes and Skateboards
Bicycles are brought to school at the student's own risk. Locks are strongly suggested. As soon as the student arrives at school, the bike must be parked in the stands until it is ridden home. Skateboards, roller boards and heelies are not allowed at Souris School.
Toys
Toys at school are discouraged. Students cannot watch their toy(s) and attend to school work. Toys from home get lost or damaged and require repair. Therefore, we ask you to keep toys at home. If you are sending toys for the sand box be sure that their loss will not be a tragedy. Collectable cards are strictly prohibited.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
An active Parent Advisory Council has been organized in Souris School. The PAC is a communication link between school, home and community. It advises school administration on policy and programming. The PAC also supports school activities by providing volunteers when requested. This year a $1.00 fee has been added to school supply lists to help PAC to continue to provide services for students and parents.
Resource Staff
Our early years resource teacher provides assistance to teachers for students who need special programming. After testing, the classroom teacher and the resource teacher develop a program to meet the needs of the student. Follow-up meetings of the school team monitor the child's progress.
Clinical Services
Our school has access to the services of a Speech Language Pathologist, School Psychologist, Social Worker. Addictions Foundation of Manitoba Worker and Mental Health Worker. These clinicians are shared with several other schools. If you wish to contact any of these clinicians, call the school office at 483-2161. Social Worker is at Child & Family Services in Brandon on Mondays and at Souris School on Tuesdays and Fridays. The School Psychologist has a varied schedule and the Mental Health Worker is usually in Souris School one day a week, which is still be be determined.
Mrs. Darlene McLeod
Guidance Counsellor, K-12
Ms. Beth Harley
School Psychologist
483-2161
Ms. Carla Gibson - Social Worker
Child & Family Services
726-6030
Ms. Stephanie Hutchings-Murphy
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Worker
483-6224
Counsellor for Addictions Foundation Manitoba 483-6236
(Souris School)
Tips on How Parents Can Help
- send your children to school with a positive
attitude. Tell your child school is important.
- ensure your child has sufficient rest and
proper nutrition.
- contact the classroom teacher at school if you have any concerns.
- encourage your child to share school day
experiences with you. Try to focus on
the positive.
- read to and with your child throughout the early years, kindergarten to grade 5.
It really works! The benefits are unlimited.
- show interest in what your child brings home from school.
- encourage self discipline and organization
at home.
- encourage your child to take an active role in his or her own learning.
Line Of Communication
Go to the right person with your concern or complaint. Talking to the wrong person can often create confusion and/or frustration. Please ignore gossip and exaggerations. Go directly to the source. Most concerns start at the student/teacher level and escalate or end there. If you have a concern with a teacher, please phone or write a short note to the teacher. Often this will help sort things out. If a teacher has a concern they will do the same.
Fees For K - 2
The school purchases pencils, erasers, rulers, scissors and other classroom materials such as workbooks etc. at a bulk rate. These items would generally cost more if parents purchased them individually. Thus, material fees assessed at the beginning of the year are intended to provide consistency and continuity. We appreciate your support with this.
Field Trips
Teachers plan field trips for the class during the school year. If you do not want you child to attend, he/she will be placed within the school for the day in order to help your child have a meaningful day. We strongly encourage parents to involve their children in educational outings. The child benefits educationally and socially during these times. Parents are responsible for miscellaneous costs to cover these excursions.
Nuts, Eggs, Fish,:
Due to students in our school having severe allergies or anaphalaxic reactions to some foods we ask that you not bring the following products inside our school:
1) any fish or shell fish products
2) any nut products or products containing nuts
3) any primary egg products. This means foods such as egg sandwiches, boiled eggs or meringue. This does not include products such as bread, donuts or cookies which may contain some egg, although we encourage you to try to use egg alternatives.
Hand and face washing and tooth brushing “after” breakfast are probably the norm at your house. We would like to encourage you to be extra stringent on enforcing this good health rule, as not doing so could have a negative reaction to some of our allergic students.
Scent Free
We also ask students, staff and visitors to refrain from wearing scented products to school. This request includes deodorants, hair products and perfumes. There are an increasing number of students and staff who become quite ill if exposed to such scents.
Book Buddies
You may hear your child speak of his/her book buddy. This refers to partnering of older and younger grades of students to celebrate reading and to facilitate greater reading skills and appreciation for books.
Lunch Buddies
Lunch buddies refers to a program where grade 5 students eat lunch with kindergarten students. The grade 5 students help the kindergarten students with tasks such as opening a pudding can or peeling an orange. They are under the supervision of the hallway adult supervisor.
Microwave Use
Microwave heating of K - 3 students food is provided by PAC members during the cold months. This service is available due to volunteers arranged by your PAC. This service is not available outside this time.
Grade 4 and 5 students heat their own food in their rooms. Time and safety concerns limit students to only heating their own lunches.
Pop, Juice and Milk
We encourage proper nutrition at school. However, we also recognize the need for treats. Therefore, we ask all parents to encourage their children to drink milk or juice as opposed to pop. On special days we offer pop as a treat, but encourage milk or juice as the beverage of choice the rest of the time.
Harassment,Not Just Fun and Games
This policy is designed to prevent and deal with student to student, or student to staff, or staff to student harassment in Souris School.
Our Belief
All people are deserving of respect and tolerance.
Harassment: Includes incidents of abusive or unwelcome conduct, comment or behavior, towards another person or group based on any of the following:
1. ancestry, color/race
2. religion
3. age
4. gender
5. income level
6. family status/marital status
7. source of income
8. physical/mental disability
9. body type
10. attire
11. interests or opinions
12. social group, lack of social group or
friends chosen
13. sexual orientation
14. physical assault such as punching, kicking,
slapping, use of weapons
15. verbal abuse such as name calling, insults, jokes and mockery
16. practical jokes that cause awkwardness
and embarrassment
17. non verbal expression of anger and
resentment
18. vandalism against property
19. intimidation or threats against person or
property
20. rumor mongering at the expense of another
persons dignity
21. unnecessary, or unwelcome physical contact
such as touching, grabbing, patting,
pinching, squeezing, pushing
22. sexual advances or propositions
23. leering, other sexual gestures
24. sexist/racist jokes
25. sexually offensive or obscene material
26. sexual assault
*as is defined under the Manitoba Human Rights Code Groups
Groups affected by harassment may include any person or persons, male or female, student, staff or volunteer.
Step 1: The victim will tell the person who is harassing them to “stop” and identify the offensive incident. If the behavior continues, the victim must proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Persons who are victims of harassment should report the incident(s) to someone they trust (i.e., parent, friend, peer support, social workers, counsellor, school psychologist). It is the responsibility of the person being trusted to encourage the victim to report to the appropriate authority as soon as possible. The appropriate authority is defined as the person occupying the next position to the complainant in the Southwest Horizon School staff line.
That line being, the staff at hand, the Vice-Principal, the Principal, the Superintendent of schools, the school board, and finally The Minister of Education.
Step 3: If the reporting party does not feel satisfied with the result of a verbal report to the staff member at hand, then a written report should be given to the next person in the staff line. Parents will be asked to become involved if they aren’t already.
Step 4: If the allegations of Harassment are directed toward a staff member of the school (ie, a teacher, or other member of staff), then a written report must be made to the next position in the Southwest Horizon School staff line.
Investigation of Harassment
When harassment occurs the consequences of harassment must be accepted by everyone involved.
All written report of harassment must be investigated by the Principal of the school, and consequences must occur.
*All sexual harassment must proceed directly to step 2.
*Sexual abuse is handled by previously established protocol.
Bullying
Souris School is a safe secure environment for our students. In order to address bullying, we ask all students and parent to review the harassment policy. Often students say they were ‘just kidding’ when caught bothering others. We will be taking allegations of bullying seriously. Students will receive progressive consequences with respect to bullying behaviors. Failure to change aggressive behaviors may result in suspension and referral to the Superintendent.
Victims are required to do two things:
1. Tell the offender to stop the behavior.
2. Tell an adult immediately. This should be a teacher or other school staff.
We offer this information, as part of a process to address bullying. In addition to this process we have a BUG card system, conflict managers, teacher’s as counsellors, peer support, extra supervision, counselling and a discipline referral system.
We offer this information in order to give all parents advanced notice on our stand with respect to bullying.
SAFE SCHOOLS
Further to our policies and procedures on harassment and bullying, we strive to build a positive school environment. We have a positive awards program called Being Ultra Good and we are in the process of ‘Building Moral Intelligence’ as prescribed by author Michelle Borba.
In addition to programs, we keep all doors, except the main office door at school locked. We ask all visitors to report to the main office. Parents support this and we do this in the interest of safety for all children. All outside doors are locked just after 9:00 a.m. The main office doors are open all day. The doors are fire safety doors so they can always be opened in a second by the “push” bar on the inside but are locked from the outside.
Supervision
There is always adult supervision of the students at recess and during the lunch hour.
Where Are You?
If you are going to be away, please leave your child’s teacher the name and phone number of a contact in case of illness or injury.
Lice
Due to the fact that lice continue to show up in all schools, on an almost yearly basis, we educate about the facts on lice. Most students now realize that there should be no more stigma attached to getting lice than to getting a cold. The PAC do lice screening at school when we hear of cases. If you would prefer that we not check your child’s hair, please send your classroom teacher a note.
SSPAC - Souris School Parent Advisory Council “PAC Facts”
Mission Statement:
A community organization dedicated to the education and well being of children.
- To encourage parents to take part in meaningful activities and decision making regarding their children's education
- To strengthen the role of families in education
- To serve as the forum for the voice of parents/guardians of children attending Souris School
Getting the Work Done:
Executive Committee: President, Vice-President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Room Reps for Early, Middle, and Senior Years, Special Needs, and Allergies in Children Representative.
What is the role of the Room Representative?
Each Classroom from Kindergarten to Senior 4 is to have a Room Rep. Their role may include:
a) attend PAC Meetings
b) be a contact person for parents and
teachers
c) be familiar with school policies
d) provide the PAC with feedback on parent
concerns, opinions and suggestions
e) seek parents' views on school policies
and current issues at the request of the
PAC
f) be knowledgeable about school
procedures for channeling parent
concerns or complaints, and provide
information and support to parents at
their request
g) treat parent concerns with
confidentiality
Coordinators:
A number of coordinators are appointed for key roles. It is the coordinators'
responsibility to recruit help if needed for specific tasks with the support of the PAC Executive.
Example: Microwave Coordinator- Communications Coordinator-
Ad hoc Committees:
Commitment is very specific and of a short duration - Teacher/Staff AppreciationWeek
Ad hoc committees have included:
a) Parent Awareness Communication and Education (PACE) - Revised Student Handbooks, developed PAC Newsletters, promoted importance of early Kindergarten registration.
Policy - Consulted parents and drafted policies. Re: Dress Code and Nutrition
PAC Meeting Schedule:
The first PAC meeting for the 2008-2009 school year will be held on September 15th (time and room will be put in first newsletter). It will decided at this first meeting which day further monthly meetings will be held. The Annual General Meeting is held once a year and everyone is welcome to attend any regular or Annual General Meeting. Childcare is available at no cost.
PAC Meeting Agreements:
Definition: Agreements are guidelines developed and agreed upon by a group to regulate or monitor itself and ensure that business is conducted within the time frame available and according to the values and objectives of the group within our PAC Constitution.
Examples:
- Requests for agenda items or speakers will be made to the President or Secretary 2 weeks prior to the PAC Meeting in order to be placed on the agenda.
- Meetings will start and end on time.
- Everyone will have a chance to hear and be heard.
- Statements will be respectful of others.
- If presenting a problem, also suggest a possible solution.
Get Informed/Be Involved Sessions:
Periodically Guest Speakers are invited to present topics of interest.
SSPAC is not a lobby group, nor is it a forum for discussion of individual school personnel, students, parents or community members. It is a forum for the voice of parents. Sharing these thoughts has often assisted in creating better understanding and/or minor changes to create a more positive educational environment.
SSPAC REPRESENTATIVES needed for the 2008-2009 are as follows:
POSTION NAME
K1- Mrs. Puhach
K2- Mrs. Farmer
1- Mrs. Hicks
1/2 - Mrs. Thomson
2 - Mrs. Falloon
3- Mrs. McGregor
3/4 - Miss Hannah
4 - Mr. Quigley
5 - Ms. O’Brien
5- Mrs. Turner/ Mr. Wallmann
6- Mrs. Kreusch
7- Mr. Elder
7- Ms Keyes
8- Mrs. Rolfe
8- Mrs. Amos
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12 SSPAC EXECUTIVE MEMBERS 2008/2009
POSITION Name
President Jaycee Thexton
Past President Darcie Sabeski
Treasurer Heather Remillard
Secretary Scribe - Belinda West
Typing - Amy Heath
Communications/PR Becky Switzer
Special Needs Rep/ Gill Robertson
Allergy Rep
Before and After School Program
Hours are:
7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Snack if provided for after school.
In-service Program available on non-school days.
Government Subsidy Available.
1 session $5.85 a.m. or p.m.
2 sessions $8.00 a.m. and p.m.
Inservice Days $18.80 (full day)
For more information call Tara Mills @
The Day Care.
Phone 483-0249
HELPFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
You can reach the following Souris staff by dialing directly:
Bob Young, Principal - 483-6230
Glenn Wallmann, EY Vice Principal -
483-6231
Leanne Rolfe, MY Vice Principal - 483-6233
Computer Technician - 483-6232
Rhonda Dickenson, Special Services -
483-6234
Carol McInnes - Speech/Lang. - 483-6235
AFM - 483-6236
IITV - 483-6237
To reach the school secretaries call 483-2161 and dial 0 immediately.
DIVISION SCHOOLS
Pierson School 483-6292 or 1-866-422-5112
Melita School 483-6293 or 1-866-422-5113
Melita School Board Office 483-6294 or
1-866-422-5114
Hartney School 483-6295 or 1-866-422-5115
Deloraine Collegiate 483-6296 or 1-866-422-5116
Waskada School 483-6297 or 1-866-422-5117
Wawanesa School 483-6298 or1-866-422-5118
Souris School 483-2161
Souris Division Office 483-5533 or 1-866-447-3416
Souris Bus Garage 483-3158
Melita Bus Garage 522-3426
We Want To Communicate!
If you have any concerns or questions about our school, please feel free to call your Early Year’s Vice-Principal - Mr. Glenn Wallmann.
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