TDMcGee School Handbook 2022-2023

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This year, we continue with our spiritual theme: “Gratitude, Rooted in Joy, Fills us with Hope”. In our second year exploring this theme, we will focus on JOY. Joy resides in our heart and overflows with love. This Joy of knowing that God resides in the depth of our hearts not only brings forth gratitude but also inspires us to love God and to love our neighbour in response to our encounter with Christ.&nbsp; We look forward to continuing to work with you during this school year! Sincerely, Ms. Hutchinson Principal

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* Reusable water bottle (labeled with your child's name) * Indoor shoes (labeled with your child's name) * Headphones for Chromebooks/Tablets (labeled) * The following suggested items can be supplied by the school, but you may wish to create a personal pencil case for your child: - pencils - pencil sharpener - pencil crayons - markers - glue sticks - scissors - dry erase markers - ruler

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Students will have opportunities for a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack. We encourage healthy eating at all times. Please be sure that your children can open all containers independently. We encourage a "litterless lunch" as much as possible.

Allergies We have a number of students and staff with life-threatening allergies. As such, we ask that foods containing (or that may contain) any type of nut or tree nut are NOT sent to school. We realize that this may be inconvenient.&nbsp;However, this allergy (even the touch or smell, let alone the ingestion of one of these items) can be life threatening. In addition, we ask that children who might have had any of these items at breakfast at home wash their hands well before boarding their bus, as children with these allergies could be riding the bus. Your cooperation is appreciated. If your child requires an Epi-pen, they must wear it at all times, in a pouch.&nbsp;A second epipen is required at the office. Please be sure that the "Plan of Care" has been completed if your child has any allergies or other medical concerns. Please contact the office with any questions.

Please do not stop or park in the laneway in front of the school on LaVerendrye Drive between 8:50 - 9:15 and between 3:15 - 3:45. During these times, this laneway is reserved for our Special Transportation vehicles, for parents of students in our Developmental Education Program, and for anyone requiring accessible parking. If you are dropping your children off before school we are pleased to offer three alternative options: 1. Park in the back parking lot (near the soccer field). 2. Park on any side streets off of LaVerendrye Drive and <a href="http://www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Thomas-DArcy-McGee-CS-Walk-A-Block.pdf">"Walk a Block"</a> 3. Once the buses have departed, you may drop your child off in the bus laneway (IF they are able to exit the vehicle independently).

Welcome to Thomas D’Arcy McGee Catholic School.&nbsp;As Catholic educators, our mission is to build a truly Christian school community through our example and our commitment to the Gospel values. Our school promotes self-confidence, self-esteem, school spirit, recognition and respect for individual differences, and freedom for all to develop to their full potential through their own efforts and with the help of God. The school atmosphere is one of respect, responsibility, courtesy, and pride that fosters academic excellence, and emotional and spiritual growth. We foster a strong sense of community and promote service for the common good. The Ottawa Catholic School Board Strategic Commitments of Be Well, Be Community and Be Innovative help guide our school decisions and the learning opportunities provided to students.

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Principal: Ms. Hutchinson Resource Teacher: Mrs. Figura Office Administrators: Ms. Andrea Ms. Annie

Mrs. Angevaare Mme Steed Ms. Tonia Ms. Shannon

Mr. Dino Mme Hampton Ms. Jess Ms. Lachambre Ms. Prusakowski Ms. Renaud

Ms. Burchill Mme Chittilappilly Mme Hampton Ms. Shannon Mrs. Morin

Ms. Braganza Mrs. Clarmo Ms. Craig Ms. Kassandra Mrs. Maitland Ms. Mubarak

Ms. Redmond Mr. Ross Ms. Taylor Mrs. VanLoon Ms. Zito

Custodians: Mr. Ben Mr. Ryan Library Technician: Mrs. Kim

The Transportation Department normally requires at least 3-5 days notice in order to respond to changes to student pick-up and/or drop-off locations.&nbsp;For safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate a schedule of varying pick-up and drop-off locations for reasons such as play dates, emergency childcare, etc.&nbsp;School bus drivers are NOT permitted to alter bus routes without the prior knowledge and approval of the Board’s Transportation Department.&nbsp;This is important for maintaining a database of bus stops and student pick-up and drop-off locations. For more information, visit: <a href="http://www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/">ottawaschoolbus.ca</a>

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES * Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes BEFORE scheduled arrival time. * Review bus safety procedures with your child. * Students in Kindergarten MUST be met at the bus by a parent/guardian STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE BUS * Students must be seated at all times. * Respectful and courteous behaviour towards the bus driver and each other is expected. * Use of profane, racist or discriminatory language is not permitted * Eating food and drinking beverages is not allowed on the bus. * Quiet talking will ensure that the bus driver will not be distracted and ensure a safe trip. CONSEQUENCES * The driver shall provide a verbal warning to any student who misbehaves on the bus. * If misbehaviour is repeated the driver shall notify the principal in writing.&nbsp;Parents will be notified. * Continued or severe misbehaviour could result in the loss of riding privileges.

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All members of the school community must NOT:&nbsp;

* engage in bullying behaviours; including cyberbullying * commit sexual assault; * traffic weapons or illegal drugs;&nbsp;&nbsp; * give alcohol or cannabis to a minor;&nbsp;&nbsp; * commit robbery;&nbsp;&nbsp; * be in possession of any weapon, including firearms;&nbsp;&nbsp; use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;&nbsp;&nbsp; * cause injury to any person with an object;&nbsp;&nbsp; * be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol, cannabis (unless the individual has been authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes) and illegal drugs;&nbsp;&nbsp; * inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person;&nbsp;&nbsp; * engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias; and&nbsp; * commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the school; * swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority; * engage in online activity or social media activity that compromises school climate or the security and safety of the Board, students and staff;&nbsp;&nbsp; * engage in activity that interferes with teacher/student use of Board Internet resources; * engage in behaviour that is injurious to the school climate.

Under the leadership of their principals, teachers and other school staff members maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, teachers and school staff uphold these high standards when they:&nbsp; &nbsp; * help students work to their full potential and develop their sense of self-worth;&nbsp;&nbsp; * empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community;&nbsp;&nbsp; * communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;&nbsp;&nbsp; * maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;&nbsp;&nbsp; * demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the school community; and&nbsp; * prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.&nbsp;

Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others, and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when students:&nbsp; * come to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn;&nbsp;&nbsp; * shows respect for themselves, for others, and for those in authority;&nbsp;&nbsp; * refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;&nbsp; * follow the established rules and take responsibility for their own actions.&nbsp;

Principal: Kim Hutchinson Office Administrator: Andrea Mailhot

Superintendent: Nicola Benton School Trustee: Joanne McEwan

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Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic School 635 LaVerendrye Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1J 7C2 Email: thomasdarcy.mcgee@ocsb.ca Phone: 613-749-2251 School Hours: 9:15 am - 3:45 pm Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools A Shared Responsibility

The OCSB code of conduct sets clear standards of behaviour that apply to our students as well as all individuals involved in our school community (parents/guardians, teachers and other staff members, volunteers, visitors, and third-party group members).&nbsp; These standards apply whether they are on school/board property, in a virtual learning environment, on school buses, at school-related events or activities, or in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate.&nbsp;

All members of the school community must:&nbsp;

* respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws;&nbsp;&nbsp; * demonstrate honesty and integrity;&nbsp;&nbsp; * respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions;&nbsp;&nbsp; * treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement;&nbsp;&nbsp; * respect and treat others fairly, regardless of age, marital status, family status, ethnic origin, place of origin, colour, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, ancestry or disability. * respect the rights of others * show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;&nbsp;&nbsp; * take appropriate measures to help those in need;&nbsp;&nbsp; seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully;&nbsp;&nbsp; * respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority;&nbsp;&nbsp; * respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching; including by ensuring that personal mobile devices are only used during instructional time &nbsp;a) for educational purposes, as directed by an educator; &nbsp;b) for health and medical purposes; &nbsp;c) to support special education needs

Learning will take place outside as much as possible, including Physical Education classes. Students should come to school expecting to participate in Physical Education each day, both inside and outside. Appropriate clothing at school is required at all times and students should be prepared to learn outside, regardless of weather. This would include having items such as: sweaters and jackets for colder weather; appropriate footwear for outside when cold/wet; hats and mitts in colder weather; rain gear on rainy days.

* Clothing (including masks, hats, etc) cannot contain slogans depicting violence, discrimination, profanity, or vulgar messages * We kindly request that clothing respect the dignity of a person's body and should not be too revealing. (e.g. Underclothing (bras, underwear) should not be visible)

Electronic Devices, Toys and Sports Equipment

Students should not be bringing personal toys to school. It is too enticing to others and toys cannot be shared between students. The school is not responsible for lost, missing, or damaged items.

Students may bring a personal device such as a Chromebook or a tablet to school. These devices are only to be used to support their school work. The school is not responsible for any lost, damaged or missing items. Personal cell phones may be brought to school for SAFETY purposes only (e.g. when a student is walking to and from school) and must remain in the student's backpack OR with the classroom teacher. They may not be used during the school day. Technology must be used responsibly at all times. Students are only permitted to record, photograph or video any other staff or students for the purpose of school work, and ONLY with their permission.

During outdoor recess, students may wish to bring a personal piece of sports equipment, such as a soccer ball or basketball. Proper hand hygiene is encouraged when sharing outdoor equipment during recess. The school is not responsible for lost, missing or damaged items.

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<a href="bookcreator://page/FQIXnqpGQ6qcggxXWyIsjw">School Staff</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/uMPzOp1tRSOsZgyzAwCE4Q">Arrival and Dismissal</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/soIT_xV9QlCVIR4tq3C3GQ">Attendance</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/GfGMsx8ITaqFyiyqmAqByw">Bussing</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/az-bo-adQym5_5H5BFE3dQ">Electronic Devices, Toys and Sports Equipment</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/aMONFENQRU2mOW8RXkHfTQ">Dress Code</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/6ZoZuuKSQxKZ_OiWF-RsQA">Lunches and snacks</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/6w9Iqp5gQYuTR2-69ZfZ0Q">Parking</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/3Diei010Rb2XdB4fdvidrQ">School Supplies</a>

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Please be sure to use the <a href="https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/">School Screening Tool </a>when necessary to determine if your child should attend school.

Masks are currently optional for all students in Kindergarten - Grade 6. Masks should be worn for 10 days after an illness.

Important key messages to review with your child:

Stay at home when you are sick, even when symptoms are mild. Staying home helps prevent spreading your illness to others.

Use the <a href="https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/">School Screening Tool</a> to determine when you can return to school. Practice ‘no touch’ greetings with your friends and teachers at school. Let’s share a wave and not our germs. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm, not your hands! Throw the tissue away, and wash your hands right away. If you don’t feel well, tell someone. Avoid touching your face. We can easily spread germs from our hands to our mask or face. Bring your own water bottle from home to stay hydrated throughout the day. When not wearing a mask, physical distancing is especially important to keep you and the friends around you healthy.

Does your child have a cold, the flu, or ANY symptoms related to COVID-19?

If your child is ill, you must keep your child home from school and notify the school. Your child should remain at home while they still have symptoms. The <a href="https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/">School Screening Tool</a> will help determine when your child should stay home and when they may be able to return to school. Masks should be worn upon returning to school after an illness. Please visit <a href="https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/covid-19-and-schools.aspx">Ottawa Public Health: Supporting Schools</a> for current information on self-isolation guidelines and details on when your child can return to school after an illness.

* Arrival and Dismissal * Lunches and snacks * Attendance * Parking * Busses * School Supplies * Dress Code * Electronics devices, Toys and Sports Equipment

Parents/Guardians play an important role in the education of their children, and can support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfill their role when they:&nbsp;&nbsp; * are engaged in their child’s school work and progress;&nbsp;&nbsp; communicate regularly with the school;&nbsp;&nbsp; * help their child be appropriately dressed, and prepared for school;&nbsp;&nbsp; * ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;&nbsp;&nbsp; * promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;&nbsp;&nbsp; * supervise their child's use of electronics, the internet, and social media tools; * show that they are familiar with the <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/document/education-ontario-policy-and-program-direction/policyprogram-memorandum-128">provincial Code of Conduct</a>, the <a href="https://www.ocsb.ca/our-board/policies/safe-schools/">Ottawa Catholic School Board Code of Conduct</a>, and school rules;&nbsp;&nbsp; * encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour and the school’s code of conduct; and&nbsp; assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child.

Children who are not feeling well before school are need to stay home.&nbsp; A sick child is unable to put forward his/her best effort.&nbsp; Please review the section on Covid-19 procedures. All children are expected to participate in outdoor recess.&nbsp; In this part of the school day a great deal of social development takes place. In the case of long-term injuries or illnesses, alternate arrangements can be made upon request of your child’s physician.&nbsp;

Parents are requested to call the school at 613-749-2251 or send an email to thomasdarcy.mcgee@ocsb.ca before 9:00 a.m. if your child will be absent or late. There is an answering machine available to take messages. When an absence is noted by the teacher and no reason for the absence has been received, parents will be contacted to ensure that your child is safe.

Arriving Late or Leaving Early Promptness is an important life skill and provides students with a positive start to the school day. Students should arrive by 9:15 am, ready to enter the school with their classmates. Students arriving late to school are to report to the office. *NEW* Parents will need to sign their children in or out using a QR code digital form. This will be posted at the main entrance. Excessive lates will be reflected in a phone call to the parent/guardian and a letter sent home. Should you need to pick up your child early, please call the school or send email. We will have your child wait in the front foyer. Parents are not permitted to enter the building at this time and must wait outside the front door.

PLEASE NOTE For the safety and privacy of all students, parents are not permitted on the playground between 9:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Please wait in your car or in the "waiting zone" immediately in front of the parking lot. Please maintain physical distance from other families while waiting.

Students should arrive at school between 9:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Upon arrival, they should proceed to the playground. Kindergarten students should enter the Kindergarten yard. Supervision of students begins at 9:00 a.m. Students should not arrive on school property prior to 9 a.m. Any students who arrive after classes have entered the building will have to sign in at the main office. (See section on Attendance).

Dismissal procedures will begin between 3:40-3:45. Students who are walkers or who are being picked up will wait in assigned line up areas. We ask all parents to wait in the parking lot or on the grassy area near the parking lot. Students taking the bus will line up in the bus loading area. Students taking the bus will have assigned seating. Students in childcare will be taken directly to childcare.

<a href="https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/information-for-those-who-test-positive-for-covid-19-and-high-risk-contacts.aspx">Symptoms of illness</a>

* Fever and/or chills (a temperature of 37.8 degrees or higher); * Cough * Shortness of breath (unable to breathe deeply or feeling unable to catch one’s breath); * Decrease or loss of taste and smell * Sore throat * Runny or stuffy/congested nose * Muscle aches/joint pain * Headache * Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (not related to other known causes or conditions); * Extreme tiredness

What if my child becomes ill while at school?

During the school day, if your child becomes ill with any of the symptoms listed, parents/ guardians will be contacted and asked to bring their child home. The <a href="https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/">Covid Screening Tool</a> can be helpful in determining when your child is able to return to school.

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