JUNIOR SCHOOL FAMILY HANDBOOK
2016/17
Junior School Family Handbook 2016-2017 Please keep this book handy throughout the year and refer to it for any general information about Junior School policies. For the most up-to-date information, please regularly log into the RSGC portal.
Athletic Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Before & After School Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Board of Governors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bullying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Captains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Chapel Routines and Expectations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Office Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Telephone Inquiries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Parent Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Junior School Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Notification of Pupil Absence or Lateness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Messages to Boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Safe Arrival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Boys’ Use of Telephone & Cell Phones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The Friday File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Winter Storms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Communication for Quickest Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Email Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Community Service Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Components of the Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Record of Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Recognition of Execellance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Disciplinary Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Major Infractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Minor Infractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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Dragon’s Lair Shoppe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Extracurricular Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Field Trips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Georgian Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Georgian Parents’ Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Weekends and Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Homework Book./Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Extra Help Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 House System, House Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Specific Expectations of Appropriate Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Specific Expectations for Laptop Users. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Junior School Teachers and Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Junior School Timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Junior School Uniform Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Number One Dress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Warm Weather Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Physical Education Uniform & Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 General Appearance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Outdoor Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 RSGC Mission Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Our Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Strategic Plan Primary Goal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 School Motto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Georgian Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Specific Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Attendance and Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Classroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lockers and Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
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RSGC Mission Statement To challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself.
Our Values Known and Loved: Each boy is understood and valued. Manners Maketh Men: We value manners and demonstrate respect through our actions. The Power of Community: We believe in the power of collaboration, working together and building community. Action with Integrity: We are guided by moral and ethical principles and are accountable for our actions. Spirituality Matters: We celebrate our Anglican affiliation and nurture our boys’ spiritual lives. We are inclusive and supportive of our diverse and multi-faith community. Learning Never Ends: We must continue to learn, to ask important questions, explore new ideas and be responsive to changing needs.
2013-2018 Strategic Plan Primary Goal Prepare our boys to thrive and lead in a changing world.
2013-2018 Strategic Plan Foster innovation and excellence by engaging our community and partners.
The School Motto: Scientia Pietate
The school motto, “through knowledge and duty,” is a guideline itself: Strive to increase your knowledge, using it reasonably and ethically. Recognize the important duty that you have as a citizen of the world to use that knowledge to further the betterment of humanity. Our founding headmaster, Dr. J.L. Wright, also proffered the motto, “Manners Maketh Men”.
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The Georgian Code In the Spring of 1999, a group of Junior School students identified three principles that they felt should guide the behaviour and decisions of all members of our community, if we are to be an effective learning environment. Based on these principles, they came up with a code.
The Georgian Code We at Royal St. George’s College believe that the foundation of our community is based upon three basic principles:
Respect:
That all members of this community show a sincere respect toward one another.
Responsibility:
That all members of this community take responsibility for their actions and behave in a responsible manner.
Voice:
That all members of this community have a voice that is heard.
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Board of Governors 2016-2017 (new governors to be elected in September 2016) The Right Reverend Colin Johnson, Lord Bishop of Toronto, Official Visitor
Officers of the Corporation •
Mr. James Crossland, Chair
•
Mr. Paul Clark ’85, Past Chair
•
Mr. Stephen Beatty ’86, Headmaster
•
Ms. Jane Nyman, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary to Board
•
Ms. Cathy Bateman, Treasurer
Board Members • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ms. Dorothy Byers Mr. Bruce Chapple ’87 Mr. Ryan Cookson ’03 Ms. Cathy Cranston Mr. Peter Furnish Mr. Steve Geist Ms. Jennifer Keenan Ms. Adrian Lang Ms. Caroline Newall Rev. Jesse Parker ’01 Ms. Stacey Russett Mr. Colin Watson ’94
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The Georgian Parents’ Guild Mission and Purpose The Georgian Parents’ Guild is a volunteer association dedicated to supporting the academic, social, physical and spiritual environment of the students and the College, in partnership with the Headmaster and the College community. The Guild contributes to the College by providing parental volunteer support, hosting social functions and sponsoring friend and fundraising activities. Proceeds from the Guild’s fundraising endeavours are gifted to the College.
2016-2017 Georgian Parent Volunteer Opportunities Senior School Day of Community Service Mistletoe Market Winter Fulford Competition Used Textbook Sale
November 18, 2016 November 21, 2016 TBD June 12, 2017
School Activities The Guild provides parental volunteer support to the faculty and students in numerous ways. Volunteers assist with the Senior School Day of Community Service, the Chapel, the Band and Choir and act as Parent Ambassadors during the student admission process. The Guild communicates with parents primarily through the Grade Parent Convenor, and the RSGC portal.
Membership All parents are members of the Guild and an annual membership fee is included in the student activity fee. Parents are encouraged to become involved with the Guild’s special events, regular activities and the Executive. To contact the Guild with any questions or ideas, please contact the Guild President, Jasmin von Teichman at jasminteichman@yahoo.ca.
2016-2017 Georgian Parents’ Guild Executive President: 1st Vice President: 2nd Vice President: Treasurer: Past President:
Jasmin von Teichman Clare Samworth Glenna Talbot Anne Hancock Lynne Woollcombe
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The Dragon’s Lair Shoppe The Dragon’s Lair Shoppe is Royal St. George’s College on-site school store. It is stocked with everything to meet your son’s needs. The store carries a competitively priced selection of school items including blazers, grey flannel pants, belts, dress shirts and socks, and all school-crested clothing. The Dragon’s Lair also offers selected school supplies, reeds for woodwind instruments and small gifts. All net proceeds resulting from the Dragon’s Lair sales are put towards improvements at RSGC. Dragon’s Lair Shoppe hours vary weekly. Please visit the RSGC website for more information.
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Junior School Teachers and Staff Junior School Phone 416.516.5200 Mr. Glen Algarvio Ms. Jacquie Baby Mr. Stephen Beatty Mr. Wayne Bibby Mr. Drew Blanchette Ms. Jennifer Bonetta Mr. Justin Briginshaw Mr. Simon Cain Ms. Michelle Carter Mr. Stephen Dame Fr. David Donkin Mr. John Evans Ms. Kelley Fitzpatrick Mr. Charles Fowler Ms. Nadya Habib Ms. Kate Hubbs Mr. Tim Hutton Mr. Douglas Jamieson Ms. Emily Johnson Ms. Maria Jordan Ms. Andrea Kaye Mr. Jay Kearsey Ms. Catherine Kirkland Ms. Anna Magor Ms. Lauren Mandarino Mr. Gary Martin Ms. Alessandra Matera Ms. Mardi Michels Mr. David Miller Ms. Margaret Nozuka Ms. Jane Nyman Mr. Paul O’Leary Mr. Aaron Payne Mr. Brian Robinson Mr. Torin Rumball Mr. Peter Sarellas Ms. Kaitlyn Saunders Ms. Janet Stephenson
Grade 8 STEM (8A) Junior School Administrator Headmaster Grade 7 STEM Teacher Dean of Middle School Activities Junior School, Grade 7 & 8 French Grade 7 French, Grade 8 Passion Project (7B) Information Technology Library & Technology Support Grade 7 Humanities (7D) Chaplain Physical Education Grades 7 & 8 Learning Strategist (7F) Director of Information Technology Grade 4 Core Subjects Grades 7 & 8 STEM (7H) Library & Technology Support Director of Choral Music, Grades 5-8 Music Instrumental and Choral Music Executive Director of Advancement Counselor Grades 5 & 6 Language Arts & Social Studies Head of Junior School Director of Teaching & Learning Communications Manager Grades 6-8 Instrumental Music Grades 7 & 8 Humanities (8M) Grades 3-6 French Physical Education; Judo Instructor Grade 3 Core Subjects Chief Financial Officer Assistant Headmaster, Head of Senior School Information Technology Grades 5 & 6 Math and Science Information Technology Grades 3-8 Physical Education After Care Coordinator Grades 3-6 Learning Strategist
353 278 223 360 314 359 324 268 282 334 235 248 324 268 305 315 267 276 330 298 251 367 283 332 242 273 331 370 361 308 230 269 268 365 268 266 333 281
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Mr. Tom Stevens Mr. Adrian Thornbury Mrs. Emilie Toguri Ms. Emma Totten Ms. Stefanie Turner Mr. Steven Turner Mr. Tom Wade West
Director of Admissions Grades 3-8 Physical Education Grades 3-8 Art Community Service Coordinator Grade 8 Humanities (8T) Director of Athletics Instrumental Music
227 339 364 270 312 236 274
Captains The Captains in the Junior School are voted in by their peers each year to represent the Junior School student body. Although they act as role models for Junior School students, Captains have several other functions: • Responsible for making announcements at assemblies • Required to attend and assist in the planning of House activities • Encourage participation in various events throughout the year
The Captains for 2016-2017 Paolo Bizzarri Felix Brink Jacob Buchan Hunter Durand Joey Lisser Jacob Lloyd Sebastian Moseres Ryan Turnbull
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Junior School Timetable The Schedule The day-to-day schedule operates on a four day cycle. Students are given a copy of their class timetable in September. On occasion, a full-day special event will be designated as a day 0, so that classes are not missed on any given day of the cycle.
Grades 3 to 6 Sample Schedule 7:50 - 8:10
Homeform
8:15 - 8:30 *
Assembly or Chapel
8:30 - 9:25
Period 1
9:25 - 9:40
Recess
9:45 - 10:45
Period 2
10:50 - 11:30 (or 12:00)
Period 3 (for P.E.)
11:30 - 12:15
LUNCH
12:00 - 12:30
LUNCH
12:35 - 1:15
Period 4
1:20 - 2:00
Period 5
2:05 - 2:45
Period 6
2:45
Dismissal
Grades 7 and 8 Sample Schedule 7:50 - 8:10
Homeform
8:15 - 8:30 *
Assembly or Chapel
8:30 - 9:30
Period 1
9:30 - 10:30
Period 2
10:30 - 11:30 (or 12:00)
Break/Period 3 (for P.E.)
11:30 - 12:15
LUNCH
12:00 - 12:30
LUNCH
12:30 - 1:30
Period 4
1:30 - 2:30
Period 5
2:30 - 3:00
Homeform/Study Hall
3:00
Dismissal
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* 8:15 - 8:30 is an important time Monday is an Assembly day • Meet in your Homeform and be seated by 8:00 am • Arrive to Chapel with your class on time
Tuesday is a Chapel day • Meet in your Homeform and be seated by 8:00 am • Arrive to Chapel with your class on time
Thursday is Assembly and Evensong day • Meet in your Homeform and be seated by 8:00 am • Arrive to Ketchum Hall with your class on time • All RSGC students gather each Thursday in the Chapel at 2:40 pm for Evensong • Boys are dismissed at 3:15 pm on Thursdays
Wednesday and Friday are Extended Homeform days • Grades 3 to 6 meet with their homeform teacher in class and work on portfolios and organizational skills • Grade 7 and 8 students meet with their homeform teacher to work on portfolios and organizational skills
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Chapel Routines and Expectations All boys must attend Chapel services. They are not required to actively participate, but they are expected to be respectful of those who do participate in the service. Here are some important things you should know about our Chapel service: • All staff and students must attend Chapel (blazers required!) • Chapel is a special and sacred time for many; therefore, we encourage exemplary behaviour • Boys should enter the Chapel as a class and be seated quietly
Thursday (Evensong) 2:40-3:10 pm • Staff and students are expected to be seated and quiet by 2:40 pm • Evensong is attended by the entire school. This service is more formal in nature
The Evensong service should be considered a regular part of the school day. Boys are expected to attend. We appreciate and expect parental support in not signing boys out at this time. Boys are dismissed at 3:15 pm on Thursdays.
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Our House System Each student and staff member is assigned to one of four Houses. The Houses represent the four major Cathedrals in England: CANTERBURY (red), WESTMINSTER (white), WINCHESTER (yellow) and YORK (blue). RSGC has a long tradition of awarding house points to students who make extracurricular contributions to the school. Activities that are awarded house points receive no other compensation or recognition (i.e. community service hours or monetary payment cannot be received if house points are awarded).
Individual House Points Individual house points are awarded on the following basis for participation in school events: 1) Club 5 (per club per term) 2) Choir 5 (per term) 3) Jr. Stage Band 5 (per term) 4) Athletic Team 15 (per team per term) 5) School Play 15 (per play) 6) Grade 8 Captain 20 (per year) These numbers are designed so that students are receiving similar numbers of points for similar hours of extracurricular involvement. Students will receive full house points for involvement in extracurricular activities only if they are truly devoted members of that team or club. Students who do not attend regularly will not receive the full number of points and may receive no points. This is at the discretion of the faculty member overseeing the club, team or extracurricular event. Individual house points will be submitted at the end of each reporting period so they can be included on the report card.
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Group/Team House Points Each house will start each academic year with zero points. Group/team house points are awarded during House competitions during assemblies and on spirit days (i.e. Terry Fox Run). Additional house points can be achieved through food drives and other activities that take place during the year. Individual house points earned by students will be added to the total overall house points for the term.
House Awards The winning house will be announced at closing ceremony the last week of school.
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Athletic Program School teams generally require a commitment of three days per week after school. All boys may try out for competitive teams. If selected to represent the school, boys must meet all practice and game scheduling requirements (including some Thursday and Saturday games). Your cooperation in this regard is essential. Weekly practice and game schedules are published in the Friday File and in the calendar on the portal. Please note that boys on a school team will miss a number of academic classes for games or practices. Boys are responsible for finding out what work they have missed and completing that work. (ages as of December 31, 2016 for all teams)
Fall Term School Team Program:
- Under 10 Soccer (club) - Under 12 Soccer - Under 13 Soccer (National Tournament team only) - Under 14 Soccer - Under 14 Volleyball - Junior Cross-Country - Judo (open to all ages)
Winter Term School Team Program:
- Under 12 Basketball - Under 14 Basketball - Under 14 Hockey - Junior Alpine Skiing - Judo (open to all ages)
Spring Term School Team Program:
- Under 12 Softball - Under 14 Softball - Junior Track & Field - Under 14 Badminton - Under 14 Rugby - Judo (open to all ages)
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Before & After School Program Before School Supervision Before school supervision begins at 7:30 am. All students (Grades 3 through 8) who arrive to school prior to 7:50 am should go directly to the turf (in nice weather) or Ketchum Hall where they will be supervised by a staff member. Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 am unless there have been prior arrangements made with individual teachers.
Grades 3 to 6 - After Care Students who are not picked up by 3:05 pm will be required to attend the After Care Program. The program is available until 6:00 pm on most school days. Here, boys can do homework and participate in activities like sports or quiet games. Our After Care Coordinator, Kaitlyn Saunders, can be reached at 647-926-4435.
Grades 7 and 8 - Study Hall There is a study hall available, supervised by a staff member, to give boys a quiet place to work or study while waiting to be picked up. This opportunity will be available until 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday and is available on a volunteer basis. Those attending should respect the fact that boys are there to work quietly. The room in which this will take place will be announced at the beginning of each term.
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Extracurricular Activities There are a large number of after-school activities available in the Junior School. In addition to the 15 different team sports available after school, we also offer a variety of after school clubs.
Clubs Clubs are offered after school from 3:00-4:00 pm and may include debating, drama, the play, chess, stage band, jazz band, art, technology, running, cooking, tennis, indoor/outdoor games and digital imaging. Other clubs are available, as well, depending on the expertise and interests of the students and faculty. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for clubs at the beginning of each term.
Field Trips Travel to and from other schools, venues and events is a common and enjoyable part of the educational experience at RSGC. In most cases, these field trips will require Number One Dress. Students are also reminded that they are subject to the same expectations of decorum as at school.
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Outdoor Education All of our Outdoor Education programs in the Junior School are run by ALIVE OUTDOORS.
Grades 3 and 4 (Mini-yo-we) The Grade 3 and 4 outdoor experience will take place in the winter. Separate programs run for both grades, but they come together for meals, games and social time. This is many of the boys’ first experience on an overnight trip with their class, so the trip is meant to be a gentle introduction to RSGC’s Outdoor Education program. The boys’ days will be filled with outdoor activities and hands-on ecology. An information package and packing list will go home in the weeks preceding your son’s trip. Wednesday, January 18 to Friday, January 20, 2017
Grades 5 and 6 Canoeing (Pinecrest) The Grade 5 and 6 students will participate in canoeing. Working and travelling together will provide the boys with opportunities for personal growth, development of leadership and teamwork skills, as well as exposure to hands-on ecology that isn’t possible in a classroom. One of the many goals of this experience is for students to embrace their capabilities when placed in a new environment and to support one another while being immersed in the outdoors. Tuesday, September 27 to Friday, September 30, 2016
Grade 7 (Onondaga) Since Grade 7 is an entry point for some students into RSGC, an emphasis on community is essential. On this trip, students are introduced to various outdoor activities. Our focus is not necessarily skill-based, but rather getting the boys to work together and interact with their new peer group. For some boys, this is their first experience away from home and we work hard at creating a supportive and caring environment. Tuesday, September 13 to Friday, September 16, 2016
Grade 8 (Quebec City) The Grade 8 boys will cap off their Junior School experience with an exciting trip to Quebec City. They will experience French culture, stories of the history of our great country and times to remember with their classmates. Tuesday, May 30, to Friday, June 2, 2017
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Community Service Program Purpose • To promote community values by helping students understand how they can make a difference and a positive contribution within their community • To increase student awareness of community needs • To discover the role students can play in making their community a better place in which to live and work • To develop within students a positive self-image and a greater sense of identity within their community
Components of the Program Grade 7 and 8 students will complete a minimum of 10 hours of Community Service each year, through individual or small group activities (i.e. sorting donations at a local food bank). Students wishing to become House Captains in Grade 8 must have completed a minimum of 10 hours of Community Service prior to the application process at the end of their Grade 7 year. We are aware that it is difficult for Grade 7 and 8 students to find volunteer placements. As a result, students are permitted to have a maximum of 10 hours of service from school-related activities; for example, students may volunteer to help with Parent-Teacher Interviews. At the same time, we feel it is important for students to reach beyond the walls of RSGC. For additional opportunities, please visit the Jr. Community Service Conference on the RSGC website. It is important to note that students who do not achieve a minimum of 20 hours of Community Service by the end of Grade 8 will not receive their Georgian Diploma.
Record of Participation Students are required to complete and submit an online Community Service Record Form in order to have their hours of service recorded on their report card. Students can access these online forms through the RSGC website.
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Recognition of Excellence During the Graduation and Prize Day Ceremony in Grade 8, Junior School students who achieve 50, 100 or 200 hours of Community Service will be awarded with a pin to recognize their accomplishments. On Prize Day, one member of the Grade 8 leaving class will receive the Max Denis Junior School Community Service Bursary for having made an outstanding contribution to Community Service. The $300 award is donated, in the name of the recipient, to the charity of his choice. Examples of Community Service in which boys in Grade 7 and 8 have participated: • • • • •
Right to Play Out of the Cold (Fridays after school) Daily Bread Foodbank Food/clothing drives The Good Shepherd
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Communication Office Hours The main school office (located in See House) and the Junior School office are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
Telephone Inquiries and General Information • • • • •
The main school phone number is 416.533.9481 Junior School inquiries should be directed to 416.516.5200 or jbaby@rsgc.on.ca Senior School Inquiries should be directed to 416.533.6724 The school’s mailing address is: 120 Howland Avenue, Toronto, M5R 3B5 The Junior School fax number is 416.533.0520
Parent Phone Numbers Please keep the office informed of any changes in home, business or cell phone numbers. Contact information can also be updated via the RSGC portal. From time to time, emergency situations unfortunately arise and sometimes we are unable to contact parents.
Junior School Events Royal St. George’s College is a busy place! For the most up-to-date information regarding RSGC events, please regularly visit the calendar and your class page on the RSGC portal. Also, keep your eye out for the weekly Friday File.
Notification of Pupil Absence or Lateness If your son is absent from or late for school for any reason, please notify the Junior School office directly at 416.516.5200.
Messages to Boys Each year, we have a number of phone messages for boys. We respectfully request that you restrict messages to emergency situations.
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Attendance Verification / Safe Arrival Programme If a boy is absent and no call is received, we make every reasonable effort to contact the parents. It is obviously a great help to us to receive notification from parents that a boy will be absent. If your son has a doctor or dentist appointment that necessitates his leaving before the end of the school day (i.e. 3:00 pm), he should come with a parental note to give to the office when he signs out. Parents may also email permission to jbaby@rsgc. on.ca. All boys are required to sign-in when late and sign-out when leaving early.
Boys’ Use Of Telephone and Cell Phones Boys may use the office phone in emergency situations. We do not believe that boys should be using these phones for the purpose of asking their parents to bring items such as homework, instruments or gym attire to school. This is a matter of responsibility that the boys should learn through experience. Parental support in this area is greatly appreciated. Many boys today carry cell phones for the purpose of safety and a form of contact during travel to and from home. The use of the cell phone during school hours is strictly prohibited. The boys are asked to turn off their phones when they arrive to school, and the phones should stay in the boys’ knapsacks until the end of the day. Phones may be confiscated for inappropriate use. Parents can help us by not texting or calling their sons on their cell phones during the school day. Please consider whether your son really needs a cell phone at school. Cell phones are also not permitted on Junior School outings and trips. Teachers and supervisors will have school cell phones with them at all times.
The Friday File This e-newsletter is the Junior School’s main source of communication. It informs the school community of news and events both past and future. The newsletter may also contain items such as Georgian Parents’ Guild Information, etc. It is crucial that you take the time each week to read this important source of information.
Winter Storms If a storm is so extreme that the teachers and other staff are unable to get to the school, we may have no choice but to close the school for the day. If this happens, please check the following resources: the school’s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts, CP24, CFRB, 680 News, the Toronto Star, the Weather Network, etc. RSGC Family Handbook 23
Communications For Quickest Action The following are suggestions for whom to call for specific inquiries: Junior School Telephone 416.516.5200
Type of Inquiry
Voice Mail
Academic/Day to Day Operations Ms. Kirkland 283 Academic Subject Subject Teacher * Admissions Mr. Stevens 227 After School Program Ms. Saunders 333 or 647-926-4435 Appointments with Staff Subject Teacher * Attendance / Friday File Ms. Baby 278 Communications Ms. Mandarino 242 Community Service Ms. Totten 270 Dragon’s Lair Shoppe Ms. Verzo 328 Financial Ms. Nyman 230 Georgian Parents’ Guild Jasmin von Teichman 247 Pastoral Concerns Fr. Donkin 235 Physical Education Mr. Thornbury 339 Athletic Teams Mr. Turner 236 *
please see page 9 for a full list of teachers’ extensions
Email Messages All staff and students have e-mail accounts on the school intranet system. You can contact them by typing the following: first initial + last name @rsgc.on.ca Example: Catherine Kirkland = ckirkland@rsgc.on.ca
Please Note: We encourage parents to contact the subject teachers or homeform teacher first should they encounter any concerns with the day-to-day life of their son at RSGC.
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Homework At Royal St. George’s College, our goal is to provide students with meaningful, relevant and purposeful homework. We encourage students to take ownership of their learning as they strive to balance their pursuit of excellence in academics, arts and athletics.
At RSGC, effective homework... • Is a prerequisite for effective participation in upcoming classes • Engages different learning styles • Reinforces the development of previously learned skills and concepts • Is challenging but conquerable • Fosters self esteem while developing self-motivation and time management • Leads to the mastery of skills or concepts • Assesses understanding • Requires frequent and effective feedback
Weekends and Holidays In addition to the provision of carefully designed assignments and consistent homework practices, RSGC values family time and participation in artistic and athletic co-curricular activities. In an effort to balance homework with other demands, teachers will refrain from assigning homework over weekends and holidays. In the older grades, students may choose to complete homework during the weekend in order to balance busy weekday schedules.
Homework Book/Student Agendda Every boy in Grades 3 to 6 has a homework book in which he writes his assignments each day. The boys should carry the Junior School Student Agenda at all times and use it daily. Parents are encouraged to check this to see what homework has been assigned on any given day.
Extra Help Classes It is the responsibility of each boy to seek out and attend extra help classes in any subject in which he has difficulty. Teachers are very flexible in finding times that work for the boy.
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Music Royal St. George’s College was founded on the principles of a boys’ choir school. Music continues to be a fundamental part of the school today. All boys attend daily music classes.
Grades 3, 4 and 5 Program This program includes both voice and instrumental music. Boys will alternate each day from choral teaching to instrumental teaching.
Grades 6, 7 and 8 Program Beginning in Grade 6, students choose to audition for the choir or band. Boys who wish to do both may be in the Choir and take part in the co-curricular bands. Most students taking instrumental music use rented instruments. In addition, small group lessons in vocal or instrumental skills are offered to all boys from time to time at no extra charge. These ensembles meet primarily during lunch and after school.
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Information Technology Specific Expectations of Appropriate Use 1) Students are to use computer and network resources for constructive educational goals. 2) Use your own name – make sure you can stand up and be proud of everything you do on our network. You may only log on to school services under your own name. Logging in as anyone other than yourself will be considered a major infraction. 3) Keep your passwords private – never share your email or any other account under any circumstances. Granting another person access to your account at the school is not allowed. 4) Make economical use of limited resources such as disk space and printing capacity. Be prepared to live by space restrictions on school servers if they are needed. 5) Do not view, send or display offensive messages or pictures. Notify a member of the school faculty immediately if, by accident, you encounter materials which violate the rules of appropriate use. 6) Outside the school, many opportunities exist for creating online communities, groups, chat rooms, etc. Use of the name of the school or the acronym “RSGC” is not permitted under any circumstances without the written consent of the RSGC administration. 7) Students should be aware that they do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to the contents of their laptop or the data accessed by the laptop through the school network. Data accessed from the internet through the school network is logged by our firewall; that log is monitored occasionally in the course of ongoing maintenance of our connection to the internet and in response to specific concerns. 8) In the course of supporting users and maintaining laptops and the network, members of the IT staff will, on occasion, find it necessary to survey the contents of a user’s computer. These searches are not routine, nor are they random. They occur as part of seeking a solution to specific problems as they arise. If, in the course of such a survey, technicians become aware of documents that are illegal, inappropriate, threatening or dangerous, the technician will inform the Head of Junior School, the Dean of Students, the Head of Senior School or the Headmaster as appropriate. They will pursue disciplinary action as necessary, including but not limited to notifying the user, parents or other parties that are directly affected as relevant. 9) Be prepared to be held accountable for your actions and for the loss of privileges if these Expectations of Appropriate Use are violated. RSGC Family Handbook 27
Specific Expectations for Laptop Users 1) Use of a laptop in class is encouraged, but there will also be times when the business of the class requires that laptops not be used. The teacher of any given class has the final say regarding when laptops are to be used and when they are to be set aside. 2) The laptop is like any other textbook – it must be with the student and in good working order, either at school or at home, to be useful. Leaving the laptop at home or at school is no excuse for failing to submit work. 3) Students are responsible for their own data and should be backing their work up to some form of external storage – i.e. burnable CD, DVD, USB key or external hard drive – on a regular basis. The school does not keep any backups of laptop contents. The consequences for those who fail to live up to these expectations will be determined by the Head of School.
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Junior School Uniform Code Please ensure that your son’s school clothing and equipment are clearly labeled with his name in order to avoid lost articles. Dress items, gym clothes and school-crested clothing (new and used) are available at The Dragon’s Lair Shoppe, the school clothing and supplies store. The following is the uniform for Junior School boys at RSGC. We would appreciate parental support of these regulations, particularly by assuring that your son leaves home properly dressed. Notice that such attire as charcoal gray or black pants is not allowed.
Number One Dress September to approximately the first week in May. • • • • • • •
Junior School blazer (maroon) Plain white dress shirt (long sleeves) Junior School tie Mid-grey flannels Black belt Plain black or dark grey socks Black leather shoes (polishable) / no leather running shoes or boots
1) The complete school uniform, excluding blazer, including black shoes and tie, is to be worn to and from school. 2) Boys will wear this uniform on a daily basis. The blazer may be removed during classes, but is required for assemblies, chapel services and special events. Boys are required to be in Number One Dress when they travel on school trips, athletic or otherwise. 3) The tie must be done up at all times. 4) Black dress shoes or oxfords only. No black running shoes. 5) Undershirts/T-shirts worn beneath the dress shirt must be plain white, with no pictures or writing on them. 6) No pins, buttons or other decoration are allowed on the uniform, other than those indicating a school position or accomplishment (i.e. Junior School Captain, House Pin, Choir Pin, Community Service Pin). 7) Boys will be allowed to change from winter boots to shoes upon arrival at school during the winter months. Other footwear, such as running shoes, are not allowed as an alternative to winter boots. Other official items that may be worn in combination with the uniform include only those with the RSGC Shield on the upper left breast of the clothing article.
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Warm Weather Wear With the exception of the first week of school in September, “warm weather wear” may be worn until Monday, September 26, 2016. From approximately May 1, 2017 to the end of the school year, “warm weather dress” may be announced. The “warm weather wear” uniform can be worn as follows: • • • • •
RSGC Dri-fit navy school crested shirt (available only in the Dragon’s Lair, can be worn untucked) Black belt Black socks Black shoes RSGC 100% cotton khaki pants (available only in the Dragon’s Lair), school khakis have “RSGC” embroidered above the back pocket)
At this time, students may continue to wear the Number One Dress. Long sleeve shirts require a tie.
Physical Education Uniform • Boys must wear RSGC Phys. Ed. uniforms only • Boys must be properly dressed to participate • Boys are required to have their own Judo gi’s for Phys. Ed. • Names should be placed on all pieces of gym clothing to assist in their return if lost. If this is not done, the possibility of finding lost articles is considerably reduced.
The Boys Must Wear • House sweater or T-shirt • RSGC shorts or sweat pants • White sweat socks • Running shoes
Additional Equipment • Hockey helmets with face guards, skates and stick are essential. Other hockey equipment is encouraged. • Swim suit and towel
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General Appearance From time to time, RSGC will decide on acceptable hair styles and other items of appearance. As fads change rapidly, it is impossible to proclaim a clear policy that will cover all eventualities. We can, however, state the following restrictions on present fads: • Pants must be worn around the waist or a level appropriately above the hips • Shirts must remain tucked in at all times • No excessive jewelry or chains should appear outside of the shirt • Hair must not cover the student’s eyes, nor may it be coloured or spiked excessively
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Specific Regulations Attendance and Leave • When leaving school early for an appointment, students must sign out through the Junior School Office with a note of permission from home. If they arrive other than at the normal time, they should sign-in and get an admit note. • There is no direct supervision after 3:05 pm. Students in Grades 3 to 6 must attend the After Care Program, unless supervised by a teacher or a caregiver. • No boy may leave the property during school hours (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) without the permission of the school
Classroom • Students are not to write on the whiteboards without permission • All school equipment and the personal belongings of others are private and must be respected as such. Willful damage and theft are serious misdemeanours. • Writing on desks, chairs, walls, etc. is strictly forbidden, as is the throwing of projectiles of any kind in class. • Students should not chew gum at any time. No food or candy is to be consumed in the Junior School building, unless in Ketchum Hall at lunch. • Only water is permitted in the Junior School unless during lunch in Ketchum Hall. All other forms of drinks are not permitted in any classroom, hallway or building.
Lunch Boys who choose the lunch program are treated to a variety of hot lunches throughout the week. Lunch consists of a different entrée each day, daily salad bar (unlimited), soup of the day (unlimited) and occasionally a dessert. Boys are also given a choice of water or milk. Parents can check the Friday File for the week’s menu. The menu is also posted on Facebook daily. Alternative entrées are available for those who, for whatever reason, cannot eat the main entrée served that day. From time to time, a barbeque lunch will be served on days that involve a special event. Alternatives are also available on these days as well. • Food should not be eaten anywhere in the buildings, except in Ketchum Hall. Students are to not leave any food in their locker overnight. • At lunch time, students should bring anything that is needed to go outside for recess to Ketchum Hall. • No one is to be in the locker room or classrooms (unless supervised by a teacher) during the lunch period. 32 RSGC Family Handbook
• If students need to go to the washroom during lunch, they must use only the stairs by the Science Lab, and again, do not go into the locker rooms. • During lunch time, students should not be in the Senior School. From time to time, the librarian may give permission to students to go to the library during lunch.
Lockers and Rooms • Each boy will be assigned to his own locker. For all grades, the lockers are the property of the school lent to the student for use during the school year and the school reserves the right to enter them at any time, with or without the pupil’s permission. • All combination locks for the lockers must be purchased at the Dragon’s Lair. • In the morning, boys may play outside on the field/wait in Ketchum Hall (weather dependent) until the 7:50 am bell. • Grade 7 and 8 students may go to their lockers only before and after school, before and after lunch, and at recess (or other times with a teacher’s permission). Students should be going to their locker only to get books or change clothes for games. They are not to loiter in the locker room.
Safety • Students are strictly forbidden to throw snowballs at any time. • In-line roller skates and skateboards are not to be used on campus at any time. If students wish to use these as their mode of transportation to and from school, they must wear proper protective equipment and store them appropriately during school hours
Miscellaneous • The following should not be brought to the school: liquid paper; laser pointers; weapons of any sort or size; matches or lighters. • Instruments should be locked up in lockers or in the music room. They are not to be left lying around, particularly in the classrooms, locker rooms or hallways. All students should have their name and address on their instrument. • Students are not to be in the gymnasium except under the direct supervision of a teacher. • The purchasing or selling of alcohol or drugs is a major offence that can lead to expulsion whether or not the transaction takes place on school property. Any action that brings dishonour to the College or that is unbecoming an RSGC student is unacceptable.
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Bullying Bullying happens when one person or a group of people tries to deliberately upset another person by repeatedly saying or doing disrespectful or hurtful things. Bullying can happen on a physical (pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, tripping) or emotional level (isolating, ridiculing, teasing, name calling, making fun because someone is short, thin, small, fat, wears glasses, etc.). The person who is being bullied believes he is powerless to stop this from happening whatever he does and usually feels humiliated by the behaviour. Bullying behaviour makes students feel scared, sad, angry and “small”. Those individuals who are bullied may be perceived to be weaker physically, psychologically or socially. Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is that the physical or psychological intimidation occurs repeatedly over time by the same or different individuals. If you are a target of bullying behaviour, the single biggest favour you can do for yourself is to come forward to a teacher or the Head of the Junior School. You have every right to stand up for yourself by informing an adult. Those who think you are “telling” are wrong and want you to be afraid. When you are afraid, you do not tell, when you do not tell, they have the power. Stand up for yourself and take the power back by speaking to a teacher! Bullying is a major infraction and will not be tolerated at Royal St. George’s College! The following are punishable offences: • Physical Aggression: Any physical act by a pupil, the intention of which is to hurt or harm another individual. Provocation may be a mitigating consideration. • Emotional Aggression and General Aggravation: Any statement or action by a pupil, the intention of which is to torment or cause distress to another individual. • Incendiary Comments: Any statement by a pupil that encourages others to engage in fighting.
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Disciplinary Actions Major Infractions A major infraction will be dealt with by the Head of the Junior School. The consequences of such an infraction may range from a conference to expulsion. Such infractions include: • Bullying • Abuse of special privileges • Cheating on tests, assignments or exams • Drug or alcohol use/abuse • Fighting or physical abuse • Habitual repetition of minor offences • Poor attendance or persistent lateness • Theft • Vandalism
For Major Infractions • Loss of Privileges: A student will have normal privileges withdrawn for a specified time period (i.e. attendance at special events, recess, computer privileges, athletic team participation). • In-School Suspension: A student is required to be at school; however, he may not attend classes. • Out-of-School Suspension: A student will be required to remain at home under the supervision of the parents/guardians for a specified period of time. • Expulsion: A student will be withdrawn from the College.
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Minor Infractions A minor infraction is any not included on the list of major infractions. These infractions will be dealt with by the teacher concerned. Consequences range from a discussion to a loss of privilege. As a general rule, the severity of the consequences will be consistent with the nature and degree of the offence, but each case will be treated individually. No two actions or misdemeanours are exactly alike nor are the needs of the people involved. A fair consequence does not necessarily mean the same treatment for each offence.
For Minor Infractions Teachers may impose a consequence on a student. Failure to comply with the consequence will result in a meeting with the Head of the Junior School. These consequences may include loss of privilege, lunch duty or cleaning duty.
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manners maketh men
Our Mission To challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself.
Royal St. George’s College 120 Howland Ave. Toronto, ON Canada M5R 3B5
Junior School Telephone: 416.516.5200 Junior School Fax: 416.533.0520 See House Telephone: 416.533.9481 contactus@rsgc.on.ca rsgc.on.ca