September 2002

September 2003

Dear Parents & Students:

On behalf of Waterloo School, I would like to welcome you to the 2003-2004 school year.

We at Waterloo School are fortunate to have parents who are interested in education and who have supported the school in a number of positive ways. A solid home and school partnership is encouraged so that our students can be provided with the best educational experiences possible.

The success of the school depends upon the support, cooperation and understanding of all students, parents and staff. Open communication, respect for one another and acceptance of our differences are key factors in ensuring the successful operation of the school.

This handbook is designed to provide you with some general information regarding the basic operation of the school, our policies, procedures and expectations. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the school at 245-7612.

Once again, welcome to the new school year. May it be a rewarding, exciting and fulfilling year for all of us.

Yours Sincerely,

Tony Saremba

Principal

TABLE OF CONTENTS Calendar 2003-2004

Page 2003

Province-Wide School Calendar.......... 1 September 3 School opens

Staff of Waterloo School......................... 3 September 12 Terry Fox Run

Office/School Hours............................... 3 September 22 School-Based Professional Day

School Bus Schedules........................... 5 October 13 Thanksgiving Day

School Bus Rules.................................. 5 October 14 School Photos

.............................................................. October 24 PSA Professional Day

School Map........................................... 7 November 11 Remembrance Day Holiday

Emergency Dismissal/School Closure..... 9 November 28 First Term Report Issued

Attendance........................................... 9 December 19 Last day of classes before

Early Detection System......................... 9 Christmas Vacation

Detentions........................................... 11 2004

Lunch Hours Expectations.................... 11 January 5 Schools re-open

Medicine At School.............................. 11 February 23 District-Based Professional Day

Educational Philosophy........................ 13 February 24 Implementation Planning Day

School Philosophy............................... 13 March 10 Second Term Reports Issued

Educational Goals................................ 13 March 12 Last day of classes before

Personal/Social Area ……………………15. Spring Vacation

Policies: March 22 Schools re-open

-Parent/Student Appeals.................... 17 April 9 Good Friday

-Multicultural Education..................... 17 April 12 Easter Monday

-Cross-Cultural, Ethnic & Race Relations 17 May 3 School-based Professional Day

-Code of Conduct.............................. 19 May 17 Victoria Day

-School Discipline............................. 19 June 28 Last Day of classes before

-General School Rules....................... 21 Summer Vacation

-Serious Offenses............................. 21 June 29 School-Based Professional Day

Lost and Found.................................... 22 June 30 School Administrative Day

Fire/Earthquake Drills........................... 22 Schools close

School Trips/Student Transportation...... 22

School Property................................... 22

Placement Policy................................. 23

Appeal Procedures............................... 23

Student Support Services..................... 24

Homework/Parent Advisory Council....... 25 Keep this calendar handy. Update throughout

Important Phone Numbers/Notes ……..26. the year as further events are published in newsletters.

2003 - 2004 Staff

Division 1 Mr. T. Saremba/Mr. D. Grey Grade 5/6/7

Division 2 Mr. B. Baker Grade 2/3/4

Division 3 Mrs. T. Battie Grade K/1/2

Mrs. C. Angelucci Library

Mrs. J. Saunders Music

Mr. D. Mullins Counsellor

Mr. B. Kent Psychologist

Mrs. C. Angelucci Learning Assistance

Mrs. B. Ziemanski Speech Pathologist

Mrs. S. Binng Secretary

Mrs. K. Yon Education Assistant

Mrs. S. Binng Supervision Aide

Mr. T. Saremba Principal

School Hours

8:50 a.m. School Starts

10:30 a.m. Recess ( 15 minutes)

12:00 p.m. Noon Break

12:30 p.m. Afternoon Session Begins

12:30 - 12:45 p.m. Lunch

2:20 p.m. School Dismissal

Kindergarten 8:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Office Hours Secretary 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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Bus Schedule for the 2003-2004 School Year

South Wellington/Cassidy to

Waterloo Elementary School &

Cedar Community Secondary School

Old Victoria Rd/MacKenzie 7:52 am

Cassidy Inn Rest Stop 8:06

Loftus Rd. Turnaround 8:13

Spruston Rd. & Frost Rd. 8:17

13140 Thomas 8:24

Takala Rd. & Thomas 8:25

Takala Rd. & Cameron 8:27

WATERLOO ELEMENTARY 8:33 a.m.

Morden Rd. & Schoolhouse Rd. 8:41

Cedar Rd. & Fielding 8:46

Cedar Rd. & Frew 8:47

Cedar Rd. & Clifford 8:48

CEDAR COMMUNITY SECONDARY 8:52 a.m.

Return on Bus #8

WATERLOO ELEMENTARY 2:30 p.m.

CEDAR COMMUNITY SECONDARY

Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs. 3:40 p.m.

Friday 2:20 p.m.

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Bus Rules

The Board of School Trustees of School District 68

(Nanaimo-Ladysmith) Rules for students riding school buses:

1. Students must realize that the driver is in full charge at all times.

2. Students must be on time; the bus will not wait for those who

are late. Students should be at the bus stop five minutes early.

3. Students must not throw waste or other rubbish on the floor of

the bus or out of the bus windows.

4. Students must not at any time extend arm(s) or head out of

bus windows.

5. Students may be assigned a seat in which they must be seated

at all times.

6. Any damage to the bus or equipment must be reported at once

to the driver.

7. Students must produce the issued bus pass if requested by

the driver.

8. Students must not have anything in their possession that may

cause injury to another student.

9. Books or personal belongings normlly shall not be placed

in the aisles.

10. Ice skates, if carried on board, must have blade guards in

place at all times.

11. No student will be allowed to sit in the driver's seat or on the

engine hood at any time.

12. Students are to remain seated while bus is in motion.

13. All students will load and unload bus in an orderly manner.

14. Students must stay in bus loading zone while waiting for bus.

15. No smoking or eating is permitted on the bus.

16. At stops, students getting of must not cross the highway

until the bus has left and is clear.

Withdrawal of Bus Privileges:-- When a pupil repeatedly misbehaves, or performs acts considered injurious to self, property or others, his/her transportation privileges may be suspended until such time as satisfactory conduct is pledged.

Staffroom Gym Library & Computers--Rm. 105

L/A Room Medical Room

Mrs. Carefoot

Principal's Office

Mr. Baker

Gr. 6/7

Rm. 102

Mrs. L.. Kilvert/Mrs. T. Battie

Room 101

K/1

Mrs. L..Kilvert/Mrs. T. Battie

Room 104

Gr. 1

Room 103

Multipurpose

Room

Mr. Ingalls

Gr. 1/2/3

Room 65

Ms. James

Gr. 4/5

Room 19

Storage

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Emergency Dismissal/School Closures

Unforeseen circumstances or conditions may result in a school closure. What do parents need to do?

1. Be Informed. The local radio stations will start broadcasting

bulletins at 6:45 a.m. if circumstances force a school closure.

These will be updated again at 11 a.m.

2. Prepare your child. If schools are closed during the school

day due to some emergency situation, your child needs to

know what to do. The school, in all likelihood, will not be

able to contact parents re instructions about the children.

If your child's first option is to go home, be sure to instruct

them on what to do and whom to contact in case they are

home alone for some time. Your child needs to have at least

two options as to where he/she is to go after an emergency

release - person/house number 1 and person/house number 2.

Enlist the support and help of older siblings or a neighbour's

children to assist your younger child and be responsible for

his/her safe arrival at one of the option houses.

Keep these things in mind:

· You may not be able to get home very quickly or easily.

· Communication by telephone may be difficult.

· Buses, including school buses, may not be able to run their usual route or schedule. If buses are unable to drop off your child(ren) at their usual stop, if possible, students will be returned to the school to await parent pickup.

Attendance

Attendance at school is important for two reasons:

1. Pupils miss concepts taught and assignments when away.

2. Perhaps more important in the long-run is - if absence with

parent permission is due to any other reason except illness, it

places a lesser value on school education in the eyes of the

child.

I urge parents to consider carefully if you plan to take

your child out of school for reasons other than those stated in

the Provincial School Regulations, which are:

1. Pupil illness

2. Contagious disease in the home

3. Danger to pupil's health due to exposure

Early Detection System

Early Detection was initiated for the safety and protection of your child(ren).

The purpose of the program is to detect as soon as possible the whereabouts of each student not in class.

For the system to operate successfully, parents are requested to:

1. Phone the school in the morning between 8 and 8:45 a.m.

and in the afternoon between 12:30 and 1 p.m. if your child

is late or absent from school for any reason, or

2. Send a note with another child in the family, or

3. Give advance notification, preferably written, of dental/

medical appointments, or any changes from the usual routine

( i.e. - staying/going home for lunch, early music lesson, etc.)

Most parents already inform the school and this is much appreciated.

The school will attempt to phone the home of each absentee in cases where

no information has been received to confirm a student's absence.

Detentions

· A detention is simply being detained by a teacher. It can be to complete unfinished work, re-do work poorly done, or on occasion, as a disciplinary consequence for a poor behavior.

· Teachers may detain a student for up to one-half hour.

· A child may phone home to advise parent if he/she is being detained.

Detentions are usually served after school. As many of our students travel by bus, parents will be informed that their child will be detained. If alternate transportation cannot be made, other options may be considered.

Lunch Hour Expectations

Pupils eating lunch at school must obey the classroom lunch expectations and cannot leave the school grounds during the noon hour without permission from their teacher and written parental permission.

Pupils will:

a) play outside from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. (unless it is a Rain Day).

Supervision will be provided by noon hour supervisors

b) At 12:30 p.m., students will return to the classroom to eat lunch.

Teachers will read to the students for 15 minutes.

Lunch ends at 12:45 p.m.

The consequences for failure to meet these expectations can result in the student losing his/her lunch hour privileges. In such an eventuality the student will be required to go home for lunch.

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Medicine at School

Please do not send medicine to school unless it is absolutely essential.

Drugs can be dangerous. Please do not allow pupils to carry and leave drugs at school. Anything of this type should be given by the parent to the teacher. Arrangements can be made for teachers to administer drugs to pupils, but it involves parents signing a form, the agreement of the teacher and the teacher receiving training appropriate to the required duties. If your child requires special medical consideration of any kind, please advise the school on the pupil information form.

Breakfast Program

Waterloo has a Breakfast Program that is open for all students.

Please contact the school office for information regarding costs, menus, time, etc.

Educational Philosophy

The prime responsibility of School District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) shall be to provide learning experiences, in cooperation with the family and the community, to help children develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for fulfillment as individuals and as contributing, responsible members of society.

School Philosophy

The time spent in school should be a significant part of a child's life. It should be enjoyable and productive in itself; not merely a preparation period. These are critical years which will leave impressions that will affect the attitude a child develops towards education and life itself.

One of the primary responsibilities of the school and community is to provide a healthy, caring environment that will promote the total growth of each child.

Educational Goals:

The chief areas in which skills and attitudes must be developed are:

· Intellectual · Personal · Social

Intellectual Aims:

The school's responsibility in the intellectual area is to help each student to become a purposeful, inquiring and competent learner.

Desired Aims:

Students shall have the opportunity:

· to acquire the basic skills and knowledge necessary to seek and assess information.

· to present ideas.

· to listen to and to interact with others.

· to use judgment and imagination in perceiving and resolving problems.

· to appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

· to appreciate human achievements, failures, goals and capabilities.

· to gain exposure to, and experience in Fine Arts.

The Process:

There will be:

· respect for the uniqueness of each student.

· provision of alternative learning experiences suited to each student's readiness to learn and the way he/she learn best.

· continuous evaluation of progress toward the desired learning outcomes.

Personal Area

The school is concerned with the personal growth and development of a maturing student. Each student is encouraged to acquire good physical and mental health. Learning experiences should be designed to build confidence and self-worth in the learner.

Desired Aims:

Each student shall have the opportunity:

· to be encouraged in the process of life-long learning and personal growth.

· to achieve an understanding of the elements of his or her physical and mental well-being.

· to clarify and develop a commitment to basic values within the framework of an individual's rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen.

· to experience alternatives which assist in the preparation of leisure time in positive and satisfying ways.

· to prepare for his or her next career step.

The Process:

There will be:

· opportunities for the development of self-direction and decision-making ability.

· assistance for each student to perform well and gain satisfaction from his or her performance.

Social Area

The school has a responsibility toward each student's social growth.

Desired Aims:

Students shall have the opportunity:

· to know the basic principles of the Canadian heritage.

· to interact with people of different backgrounds.

· to learn how to participate in social, political, economic and family activities with confidence.

The Process:

There will be:

· an emphasis on the contributions made to our nation by people with a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

· community enrichment of school-based educational experiences.

· respect, courtesy, and accountability to and from each student.

School Goals 2003-2004

·          To improve students' success in solving mathematical word problems

·          To improve students' reading comprehension skills

·          To improve students' problem solving and critical thinking skills in the area of social responsibility

Expectations of Pupils, Teachers and Parents

1. Expectations of Pupils:

a. to observe all school rules and expectations.

b. to be courteous, practice common manners and to exercise a

sense of responsibility appropriate to their age.

c. to respect the rights of others and to show respect for property.

d. to be responsible - to come on time to school, properly

equipped and willing to work.

2. Expectations of Teachers:

a. to present to a group of individuals a planned basic program.

b. to realize that pupils have individual differences and to make

adjustments to the basic program so that each pupil is

challenged and can experience some success.

c. to be courteous, practice common manners and to enforce the

rules of the school and classroom consistently and with

impartiality.

d. to work with pupil and parent in the planning and carrying out

of a suitable educational program for each child.

3. Expectations of Parents:

a. to ensure that the pupil attends regularly and punctually.

It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the school each time

a child is absent or late.

b. to ensure that the child is prepared to work while at school and

is prepared to behave in an acceptable manner.

c. to be prepared to work with pupil and teacher in the planning

and carrying out of a suitable educational program for his/her

child.

d. to work with the teacher to develop in his/her child a sense of

responsibility, a sense of self-discipline and a respect for the

rights of others.

4. Expectations of Administrative Officers:

i. to administer and supervise the school including

- placing and programming of pupils in the school

- general conduct of pupils on school premises and during

extra curricular activities off the school premises.

Ii . to exercise paramount authority in matters concerning the

discipline of pupils.

Important School District 68

(Nanaimo-Ladysmith) Policies

Our school district has numerous policies that direct and safeguard a school's operation and the students who attend our schools. A complete set of policies is available at every school site for your perusal should you wish to view it.

3560 Parent/Student Appeals

In accordance with Section 11 of the School Act, a student or the parent of a student entitled to an educational program in the School District may appeal a decision of an employee of the School Board which significantly affects the education, health or safety of the student.

3804 Multicultural Education

The Board recognizes the role of the school in promoting an awareness of the multicultural nature of our community and believes that such an awareness will encourage respect for human dignity. As such, the Board is committed to providing school and classroom environments, and educational practices leading to respect for the cultural traditions of all students.

3808 Cross-Cultural, Ethnic and Race Relations

The Board recognizes the diverse background of our district students, staff and community members. In order to assure an education which will broaden and enrich life experiences of all those served by this school district, the board will work to improve understanding among cultures, promote respect for diversity and combat racism and discrimination. The Board will be sensitive to and ensure equal rights to individuals of different ethnic backgrounds and resist racial bias in any form.

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Waterloo Elementary - Code of Conduct

Philosophy

Waterloo School believes that:

· each individual is responsible for his or her own behaviour.

· it is the responsibility of the school, in partnership with the

home, to teach, model and reinforce appropriate behaviour

· all behaviour has consequences.

Expectations

Students will:

· respect themselves, others and property

· keep themselves, others and property safe

· be under supervision at all times

· be actively involved in their own education program

Discipline Policy

For teachers and parents, discipline involves expecting, planning and

organizing for appropriate behaviours for students as well as carrying out with children the consequences for inappropriate behaviours.

Expectations for student behaviour both in and out of the classroom will be clearly communicated to students. We expect that students will cooperate and respond positively to these expectations. Errors in judgment happen and mistakes are made. It is recognized that these mistakes are a part of the learning process. Central to our school's discipline policy will be the acknowledgment of responsibility for individual actions and the acceptance of the consequences those actions may bring.

The School Act states: “Every pupil shall observe the rules of the school and shall carry out the learning activities his teachers require,” and that “The discipline in every school shall be similar to that of a kind, firm and judicious parent, but shall not include

corporal punishment."

The provision of a safe, orderly learning and living environment is a fundamental aim of our school. In order to maintain such an environment, it is necessary to establish guidelines so that each person may function in a safe and responsible manner. Most situations are covered by the same common sense and regard for others practiced at home and in the society at large. It is neither desirable, nor indeed, possible, to establish a specific written rule to cover every eventuality. Our discipline policy is predicated on common sense, safety, good manners and mutual respect which is encapsulated in four key words:

1. Courtesy - each of us has the responsibility to treat and the right to

be treated in a courteous manner.

2. Cooperation - each of us is an individual member of a larger group and is expected to cooperate with others of the group.

3. Responsibility - each of us has a responsibility to do the best we

can in school and life.

4. Respect - each of us has to respect the rights and property of others.

Student Dress Code

In Waterloo School, it is expected that students will dress in a manner that is appropriate and conducive to a positive and safe learning environment.

Appropriate dress is considered to be that which:

· is safe

· is free of any reference to alcohol, drugs, gangs, hate, obscenity, profanity, racism/discrimination, sex and/or violence

· is not disturbing or distracting to others within the school setting

General School Rules

1. Pupils will move safely and quietly in the halls. No running,

pushing or shouting.

2. Pupils are expected to remain on the school grounds at all

times unless they go home for lunch or unless they have

received a parent's written permission to leave.

3. All pupils are expected to go outside during recess and

noon times. Pupils should not be in classrooms during

recess and noon breaks without permission.

4. Pupils will not use the school phone unless there is an

emergency. Arrangements for rides home in rain storms, for

visiting with friends or for games/practices, should be made in

advance.

5. Any items (hardballs, lacrosse balls, knives, matches, etc.)

considered to be dangerous on the playground will be taken

away and may be claimed by a parent or guardian.

6. Bicycles will be locked in the bicycle racks and not be

ridden on the school grounds during the school day.

7. Roller blades and skate boards are not permitted at school.

8. Pupils will not go on the roof.

9. Pupils will enter/leave the school by the designated doors.

10. At no time may pupils play with fire protection equipment.

11. Pupils damaging school property (desks, walls, books)

will be held libel for the cost of repair.

12. Fighting, bullying, throwing objects, abusive language and

defiance of authority will result in disciplinary action.

Three-Step Disciplinary System:

Waterloo Elementary discipline policy uses the following three-step procedure for students who make inappropriate choices re: behaviour and school rules.

Step 1 Discussion between Principal/Student/Teacher

Step 2 Parent informed

Note home (referral)

School service/logical consequence

Step 3 Meeting parents/student/teacher before re-entry to

class/school

In-school suspension

Contract before entering class/school

Suspension from school.

School or class detentions should be served between 2:20 - 2:50 p.m. and

parents will be notified of same. School service is considered to be an appropriate alternative to school detentions.

SERIOUS OFFENSES

School District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith) Policy 3201

Students committing such actions as the use or possession of drugs or alcohol, setting off false fire alarms, seriously assaulting other students or other persons, while under the jurisdiction of the school, shall be suspended by the school principal for a period of five school days, and the parents or guardians immediately notified in writing of the circumstances. No student so suspended shall be re-admitted until an interview is held with the Superintendent of Schools or his designate. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to seek such an interview. In extenuating circumstances, the principal may recommend to the Superintendent a suspension of less than five days.

Lost and Found

The Lost and Found Box is located near the office.

Items are kept there a few months.

Before taking items to a charity organization,

students are given the opportunity to review the

contents of the box.

Please put name labels on all items left at school

and all items taken on and off at school

(e.g. shoes, gym strip, boots, coats).

Fire/Earthquake Drill

Fire Drill

All schools conduct fire drills several times throughout the year. Any continuous ringing of the fire bell must be treated as a real emergency. Pupils evacuate the school in an orderly fashion and gather at a designated place at a safe distance from the building.

The deliberate activation of a false alarm is a very serious offense and will result in a five-day suspension.

Earthquake Drill

Earthquake drills are conducted on a regular basis. Students stay indoors (usually under desks) and evacuate when safe to do so.

In the event of an earthquake, when shaking stops, the school is evacuated in an orderly fashion. Teachers and students move to a predetermined open space away from buildings and overhead

powerlines.

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Rules for School Trips -- An Education Ministry circular, 67 (84.09.28) presents the following important information. This will be of interest to those who plan to drive pupils to school or to a school-organized activity.

School-Authorized Extra-Curricular Transportation

(including volunteer vehicles)

· The extra-curricular activity should be approved by the principal involved and in accordance with the School Board policy directives.

· A supervisor should be named.

· The supervisor should ensure that vehicles used are in the good repair, have seat belts for all passengers, the drivers have passenger lists, routes and schedules are known, the pupils involved have full details of the activity, and that parental approvals have been received.

· The supervisor should ensure that each vehicle used carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance. The Ministry Insurance Program provided Liability coverage of $49 million in excess of $1 million.

· The supervisor should ensure that all safety requirements are met.

· Vehicles may not be rented by the school for trips unless the vehicle has a valid school bus permit issued by the Motor Vehicle Department.

· Drivers will complete a form and file with the school office.

Care of School Property - Pupils are issued with several textbooks, supplies, equipment, etc., throughout the school year. It is the pupil's responsibility to take care of any item that is on loan to him/her.

A school has only limited resources for replacement of materials. Any pupil who carelessly loses, deliberately defaces, or destroys school property will be asked to replace the same or be fined a portion of the replacement cost. Every pupil is encouraged to cover textbooks and to carry books home in a suitable bag (i.e. plastic).

Placement Policy

It is recognized that class composition and class size arrangements for the teacher, the student and the school system are important factors in the creation of the most effective learning environment possible.

It is further recognized that each class will be heterogeneous in composition.

Placements will be based on the social/emotional and academic need of the individual student within the context of the total school setting. This setting includes such factors as child strengths, teacher strengths, varied interests, resources, need for role models, and previous placements.

Criteria for Placement whenever possible:

1. Homogeneous groupings within a heterogeneous class

2. Teacher personality/teaching style

3. Student learning style.

4. Language Arts/Math levels

5. Student behavior:

a. allowance for serious special needs request

b. positive role models

c. personality conflicts - teacher and students

d. gender ratio balance

6. Split class/previous placement, class size - contractual

Appeal Procedures

At times parents may have concerns regarding decisions in the area of placement, promotion and behaviour. Most often any problems can be solved at an early stage through consultation. Parents are encouraged to use the following steps to address these concerns.

1. Discuss concerns with your child.

2. Discuss concerns with the classroom teacher.

3. If a successful conclusion cannot be reached, the counselor,

learning assistance teacher or other specialist can be consulted.

4. The situation can be reviewed by parents and principal

(with or without the use of other school personnel).

5. Parents can discuss the problem with the Assistant

Superintendent, School Operations, Assistant Superintendent,

Education, or the District Principal, Student Support Services.

Curriculum Organization

Teachers use a variety of guides and programs of studies to plan the curriculum your child receives. The materials outline the requirements at each level and also provide optional or supplemental materials.

It is important to note that not all the material in these programs or texts is compulsory. The teachers must use their professional judgment to select the materials and programs that would meet the needs of students.

Copies of the program of studies are available at the school.

Learning Assistance Program

Learning Assistance is a school-based service designed to assist schools in providing a range of services which will assist teachers in meeting the needs of students within their classrooms.

The student's program is designed by the classroom teacher and the Learning Assistance teacher. The major emphasis is on the remediation of basic skills; these being those skills necessary to meet the demands of the curriculum content in the regular classroom.

School Counsellor

The counsellor visits the school on a regular schedule to help evaluate learning and behavioural problems. Parents may ask to have their child referred to the counsellor.

Library Services

Waterloo Elementary School has the services of a teacher/librarian for one day a week.

Music Program

Student Support Services

The district provides a wide range of Student Support services on referral from the classroom teacher and/or on request by parents.

Most district Student Support Service program referrals are made on the form provided by the Office of Student Support Services.

Special Programs include:

· Elementary Counselling

· Enrichment/Gifted Education, K-12

· Hearing Impaired/Itinerant Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

· Learning Assistance

· Psychological Services

· Speech and Language Therapy Program

· Visually Impaired/Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Homework

Parental responsibility is to provide a place and supervise a time when homework is done. If helping is a positive experience for parents and your child, please help.

Purpose of Homework - Homework is a task assigned to the student to do on his/her own time, after school hours, as an extension of his/her classroom work.

Homework can range from routine spelling and math drills to visits to local industries. Its form depends, to a large extent, on the purpose for which it was assigned. Some of the purposes of homework are:

· to reinforce lessons taught during class time

· to give students extra drill in an area where they may need practice

· to teach students to budget their time

· to help students develop self-reliance and good study habits

· to enable parents to see their child's progress

· to give experience in research techniques

· to strengthen the ties between home and school, particularly when parents can help with assignments in some way

Parents can help

There are many ways parents can help with homework, including:

· providing a quiet, regular place to work;

· helping the student organize his or her time for assignments

· being the audience for reading practice and spelling and math drills

The support and interest of parents will have a large influence on

students' attitude toward homework. If you have questions about the assignments your child is bringing home, don't hesitate to talk to his or her teachers.

Parent Advisory Council

The Waterloo Parent Advisory Council has been an active parent group for many years. The council assists in the decision-making policies of the school by meeting with the principal and members of staff to exchange information and discuss changes which can directly affect our children and our school.

Examples of topics discussed are:

- School Board policies

- curriculum changes

- future and past school events

-new computer programs

-school rules

-safety programs

-fund raising

-parent education

Fund raising has a high priority with the Council. Many items such as playground equipment, audio-visual equipment and computer equipment have been donated by the P.A.C. Fund raising events in the past included: hot lunches, fun fairs, raffles, craft sales, and popcorn sales.

While all parents should be strongly encouraged to be involved in their own ;child's progress, there are also many other ways in which they can contribute. The Waterloo Parent Advisory Council is aware that parents have different levels of interest and we encourage parent involvement by providing many opportunities. Being an interested, participating parent can, in turn, create a positive liaison between you, your child, and your school.

· providing information and knowledge for projects. -25-

School Planning Councils

The purpose of School Planning Councils is to formally acknowledge the importance of parental involvement in improving student achievement.

The School Planning Council is an advisory body. The major responsibility of School Planning Councils is to consult with the school community in developing, monitoring, and reviewing school plans for improving student achievement.

It is important that the School Planning Council be proactive in reaching out to all members of the school community. The school community consists of all parents, students, administrators, teachers and support staff. School plans should reflect the characteristics, values, and needs of the school community.

The Mandate

The School Planning Council must meet requirements outlined in the School Act:

"By a date specified by the board, a School Planning Council must prepare and submit to the board a plan for the school in respect of improving student achievement and other matters contained in the board's accountability contract relating to the school." 8.3(2)

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Important Phone Numbers

Waterloo Elementary 245-7612 (Phone)

245-4411 (Fax)

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