Middle School Accommodations and Exemptions

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAM

ACCOMMODATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS

CORE FRENCH

HSC believes in providing a positive language learning experience for all students and that lifelong language learning is a valuable transferable skill. In the Middle School, the academic program includes French for Grades 5 - 8 students. The Middle School French program promotes a love of language, culture and communication while focusing on the development of listening comprehension, oral communication, reading comprehension, and written expression skills across all levels.

At HSC, the learning experience may be accommodated to ensure an inclusive learning community for all students. Program modifications are beyond the scope of the academic experience available at HSC.

French Accommodations may be made for the following circumstances:

» Grades 5 and 6 students with limited/no French language learning experience will be placed in the regular French program which is designed to meet students where they are in knowledge, experience, and skill.

» Grades 7 and 8 students with limited/no French language learning will be accommodated with introductory French support in their regular French class placement. The French teacher will contact each family prior to the start of the school year to provide a Summer Learning Resource Package and discuss how each student will be supported as an Introductory French Language Learner.

» The Groupe Vitesse Accelerated French program begins in Grade 8. Students and families may indicate their interest in an accelerated French curriculum and based on student and family interest, commitment, and teacher assessment, a determination regarding best placement in the Core French program will be confirmed. Students whose knowledge, skills, and interest align with the accelerated curriculum may be placed in the Groupe Vitesse program.

French Exemptions may be made for the following circumstances:

» Upon recommendation by a clinical psychologist and noted in a psychoeducational assessment conducted in the past three years;

» Upon diagnosis of a Specific Language Disorder. If a diagnosis is made, a Program Placement meeting will take place. You can review HSC’s in-house process here.

Health and Physical Literacy is central to a holistic, student-centred education. Health Literacy focuses on the development of lifelong skills, attitudes, and behaviours that empower students to take charge of their health. Combined with Physical Literacy learning, students acquire the competence and confidence to value and participate consistently in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments.

Accommodations to the HPE curriculum may be made for the following circumstances:

» Medical documentation indicates a student is unable to participate in the program or unable to access the facilities necessary to participate fully in the Active Participation and Movement Competence strands of the curriculum. Medical documentation should indicate the specific duration an accommodation may be needed.

» An alternative program (may include virtual) will be provided to enable active participation in physical fitness and sport activities.

» Upon recommendation by a clinical psychologist and noted in a psychoeducational assessment conducted in the past three years. Accommodations to a students HPE learning experience will be documented in the students Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

Exemptions from the HPE program may be made on a individual basis for the following circumstances:

» Exemptions are limited to instruction related to the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations found in strand D of The Ontario Curriculum: Health and Physical Education, Grades 1-8, 2019. Students will not be exempted from instruction related to any other expectations in this curriculum or related to expectations in other curriculum subjects.

» References to human development and sexual health made by teachers, staff, or students outside the intentional teaching of content related to the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations are not included in this Policy.

» There will be no academic penalty for an exemption and there will be no assessment, evaluation, or reporting of exempted students’ achievement of Human Development and Sexual Health expectations in their particular grade. Exempted students’ grade in health and physical education will be determined on the basis of the overall expectations of the health literacy curriculum, without consideration of the specific expectations under Human Development and Sexual Health.

For more information about how to request an exemption from the Grades 5 - 8 Human Development and Sexual Health expectations of the Health and Physical Education curriculum please click here.

RELIGIOUS AND FAITH BASED ACCOMMODATIONS

The School recognizes and values the religious diversity within its community and is committed to providing a safe, respectful and equitable environment for all, free from all forms of discriminatory or harassing behaviours based on religion.

Freedom of religion is an individual right and a collective responsibility. The School commits to work with the community it serves to foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes acceptance and protects religious freedom for all individuals. While the School and its staff will take all reasonable steps to ensure freedom of religion and religious practices consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”), it is expected that students and their families will help the School to understand their religious needs and will work with the School to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

You can find more information about HSC Guidelines for Religious Accommodation here. Please read the accommodation guidelines carefully. If you are requesting a religious accommodation or exemption please email your request directly to your child’s teacher.