NOTE: In the event of discrepancy between any of the policies listed on this site and those published by the NB Provincial Government, those of the NB Provincial Government shall prevail.

School District 8 Policies Manual - 1100 Series

1101: GOALS/PRIORITY OBJECTIVES

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1102: EVALUATION OF STUDENT POLICIES AND SERVICES

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1103: ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

1103.1: Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1103.1(i): High School Credit Courses Outside Regular Program

1. POLICY:

School District 8, in the name of the Province of New Brunswick, may award high school credit for courses approved by the Minister of Education that are completed successfully through correspondence course, night school, summer school, independent study, or challenge for credit.

2. ELIGIBILITY:

Where eligibility criteria is met, approval to enroll in the course may be granted by the principal alone or in conjunction with the supervising teacher and guidance counselor. The following additional eligibility requirements must be met:

2.1 Correspondence Courses or Night School Courses:

Any resident under the age of twenty may register for a New Brunswick correspondence course or night school course.

2.2 Summer School Courses:

A student will have taken a course for a full term before receiving the approval of the principal.

3. GRADUATION CREDITS:

Successful completion of any course acquired through correspondence, night school, or summer school will be recognized by School District 8 for a high school graduation diploma.

4. INDEPENDENT STUDY AND CHALLENGE FOR CREDIT:

School District 8 will grant credit for successful completion of courses acquired through independent study or challenge for credit in accordance with guidelines set out by the Department of Education.

Back to top

1103.2: Promotion, Retention, Acceleration

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1103.3: Report Cards

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1104: ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS

1104.1: Placement and Transfer of Students

1. STUDENT PLACEMENT [GENERAL]:

Unless otherwise authorized, students will attend the school designated by the Superintendent to serve the geographic location in which the student resides [Education Act, Section 11]

2. STUDENT PLACEMENT [K - 8]:

2.1 During school breaks, student registration will be completed at the District Office and will be regarded as tentative until such time as a definite confirmation of placement is issued by the Director of Education, or designate.

2.2 During the school year, students will be registered and placed at the appropriate grade level at the school that serves the geographic drawing area where they reside, as determined by the Superintendent, provided that space is available.

2.3 If space is not available at the desired grade level at the designated school that serves the area where the student resides, then the Director of Education, or designate, will determine an alternate placement. Upon written request, names of subsequently transferred students will be added to a first come - first served waiting list for return to the designated school.

3. STUDENT PLACEMENT [9 - 12]:

3.1 Normally, students will register for high school in the spring of their Grade 8 year through processes that are facilitated by school administrators.

3.2 Students who are not accommodated by the above process may register directly at the designated high school in District 6 or District 8. District 6 or District 8 office will confirm placement by acceptance of a transfer application, if the school is outside the regular attendance zone.

3.3 The school will provide students with a schedule of courses for the first semester within four school days of the first day of school for students.


4. MATURE STUDENT/POST GRADUATE PLACEMENTS:

Requests by mature students, or post graduates, for school placement may be taken at any time but they will be considered only after all other students have been placed.


5. STUDENT TRANSFERS [STUDENT/PARENT INITIATED]:

5.1 If a student wishes to attend a school other than the designated school for the area in which the student resides, then a written request (form) should be made to the school principal, or designate, who shall insure that:
i. there is space available; and
ii. the transfer does not result in an unreasonable imbalance in class size; and
iii. there is a clear, valid, educational reason for the transfer; and
iv. the parent/guardian is willing to assume responsibility for transportation; and
v. should numbers subsequently dictate that a student must be transferred from the school of choice, it is understood that the first student to be transferred will be the student within the school whose residence is in the drawing area for another school.

5.2 A copy of approved transfer requests will be kept on file at the receiving school and the District Office.

6. STUDENT TRANSFERS [SUPERINTENDENCY INITIATED]:

6.1 Whenever it becomes necessary for the Superintendent to transfer a student, or students, to another school, eligibility for transfer will be based on the following considerations:
i. Was the student in the school during the last school year?
ii. In the case of Grades K-8 students only, does the student have siblings in the present school?
iii. What is the geographic proximity of the student's residence to the present and proposed school?
iv. What additional transportation arrangements will be required as a result of the proposed transfer?

6.2 The following procedures will be followed, if such transfers become necessary:
i. The principal will provide written notice to parents that transfers are necessary, and ask for volunteers.

ii. If there are an insufficient number of volunteers, then the Director of Education, or designate, will choose students to be transferred who were not in the school during the previous school year [last one in - first one out principle]. If more students meet this criterion than are required to transfer, and an insufficient number of students voluntarily transfer, then those names will be placed in a draw.

iii. If the required number of students to be transferred is not met through volunteers or the last one in, first one out principle, then a further draw will be held to determine which of the remaining eligible students will be transferred.

iv. This process and, subsequent draws if required, will be conducted in an expeditious manner. Parents have the option of attending the draw at the prescribed time and will be kept abreast of the status of the draw.

6.3 Sections 6.1(i.,iii) and 6.2(ii) do not apply to the placement of students in Early French Immersion (EFI) classes. All kindergarten students have equal access to Grade 1 Early French Immersion as determined by the EFI registration procedures.

7. APPEALS:

7.1 A student, or the parent(s)/guardian(s) of that student, may appeal the placement of that student.

7.2 Appeals may be made up to a period of thirty (30) days from effective knowledge by the student, or the parent(s)/guardian(s), of the placement of that student.

7.3 The first level of appeal will be the school principal, then to the District Appeals Committee.

7.4 The final level of appeal is the Superintendent.

Reference Forms: Interdistrict Transfer Form/Intradistrict Transfer Form Guidelines for Admission to the International Baccalaureate Program at Saint John High School, District 8

Interdistrict Transfer (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1105: STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

1105.1: Attendance

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1105.2: Exclusion and Exemption from Attendance

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1106: STUDENT ACCIDENTS

1106.1: Accidents

Student Accidents (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
School Accident Report Form (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1107: STUDENT ACTIVITIES

1107.1: Canoe Trips

Parental Consent Form for Canoe Trips (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1107.2: Extra Curricular Activities

1. ROLE OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

School sponsored extracurricular activities and programs, including interscholastic sports and musicals, for those students who participate are an extension of their educational program. Students will be given the opportunity to learn the skills, knowledge and attitudes that contribute to their own personal development, respect for others, self-confidence and the value of healthy competition through participation in extracurricular activities.

2. STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR:

Participation of students and adults in extracurricular activities will be governed by acceptable standards of behaviour that are conducive to an environment free of abuse and that support the learning goals established for District 8 students.

3. DUTIES OF PRINCIPALS:

Principals shall:

i. have in place the necessary screening practices for non-employees of School District 8 who are involved in extracurricular activities at the school;
ii. monitor the activities of students, teaches, coaches, officials and volunteers who participate in extracurricular programs and take the appropriate action to ensure that a high standard of behaviour is evident; and for interscholastic sports
iii. inform parents that participation of students on school teams is conditional upon the completion of a Interscholastic Sports Consent Form, and
iv. advise coaches and supervisors of sports teams that a copy of the team schedule, a list of players, and the Interscholastic Sports Consent Forms for each team must be registered at the school before the playing season

Reference Department of Education's Guiding Principles for the Organization and Conduct of Co and Extra Curricular Activities Form entitled School Districts 6 & 8 Interscholastic Sports Consent Form
N.B.I.A.A. document

Guiding Principals for the Organization and Conduct of Co- and Extra - Curricular Activities (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1107.3: Public Performances or Presentations for Schools

1. GENERAL:

It is incumbent upon school administrators to ensure that live or audiovisual performances targeted to a student audience that occurs during school hours meet acceptable community standards and are relevant to the curriculum and school education plan.

2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SCREENING THE PROPOSED PRESENTATION:

2.1 The primary responsibility for the appropriateness of curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities rests with the school principal.

2.1 The school principal shall ensure that every effort is made to preview the materials to ensure that they are age appropriate and are suitable according to community standards.

3. TEST FOR CURRICULUM RELEVANCY:

Any individual, or group, that wants to provide students with the opportunity to view or listen to performances or presentations in the school setting must provide the principal with information as to the educational benefits of the material, or its relevancy to the curriculum outcomes or school education plan.

4. PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED:

4.1 The principal may request from the individual(s) that are proposing the performance or presentation any information they may require to make an informed, objective opinion of the educational value of the proposal. This includes information respecting previous screening, background, history or content of the proposed performance or presentation.

4.2 The principal may consult with the Director of Education, a District Education Officer, or the School Parent Advisory Committee in order to make the final decision with respect to the appropriateness of the proposed presentation. Such consultation is encouraged in the interests of having more than one opinion being considered prior to the final decision being made.

4.3 If at the time of the performance or presentation it becomes apparent that there is unacceptable material that was not anticipated as a result of the preview process, the principal, or designate, may authorize the teacher supervisor(s) and students to leave or terminate the performance.

5. PARENTAL CONSENT:

5.1 The principal shall require signed consent forms from parent(s)/guardian(s) prior to students attending school activities, performances and presentations that are not offered on school property.

5.2 The principal shall be the contact person for parents who, before or after signing the consent form, have questions regarding the nature of the activity, performance or presentation.

6. COMPLAINT PROCESS:

Any person who wishes to make a complaint regarding the appropriateness of performances or presentations for students may do so by contacting, verbally or in writing, the appropriate District Office officials.

7. NON-CURRICULUM RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Educational staff must have due regard to the effective education of all students in their care and adhere to acceptable community standards, both during instruction or during school hours, whether or not the activities are relevant to the current curriculum.

8. HYPNOTISM:

Schools cannot sponsor any performance or presentation that involves hypnotism.

Back to top

1107.4: School Trips

School District 8 recognize that learning experiences related to the curriculum that are conducted outside the classroom can provide significant educational value to the student. To this end, included in this policy are provisions to ensure the quality of such school trips and the safety of the students involved.

1. CATEGORIES OF SCHOOL TRIPS:

The following categories of school trips fall under the guidelines of this policy:

i. physical education related activities and field trips related to the Grades K-12 curriculum;
ii. trips involving interscholastic sports regulated by an external governing body, such as a league;
iii. co-curricular and extracurricular day and overnight trips; and
out of province trips involving Grades K-12 students.

2. REQUEST TO TAKE SCHOOL TRIPS:

i. Within the Superintendency:

a. The Director of Education, or designate, must approve a school trip request, if there is a high degree of risk involved in the activity, or if the trip involves staying overnight.

Ii Outside the Superintendency:

a. The Superintendent must approve a school trip request if it involves traveling outside the Superintendency.

Iii Outside the Province:

a. Out-of-province travel within Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario or Maine requires the approval of the Director and Superintendent.

b. All other out-of-province travel (outside of Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario and Maine) and out-of-country travel requires the approval of the Superintendent, Assistant Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister.

3. SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS:

3.1 All school trips shall have a teacher, or school administrator, in charge - even in those cases where certain expertise is sought from outside the school staff.

3.2 Appropriate supervisors may include responsible adults who are approved by the principal.

3.3 The following supervisor to student ratios are considered to be appropriate:

3.4 Every effort will be made to have both male and female supervisors in the case of a co-educational group.

4 DEPORTMENT OF STUDENTS:

4.1 All approved curricular/extracurricular trips are considered to be an extension of the regular school program. Therefore, the expectation of student behaviour is equivalent to the expected behaviour in regular school programs.

4.2 The consequences of inappropriate behaviour on the part of students should be clearly outlined to students and parents by appropriate staff prior to an activity taking place.

4.3 Students on school bus trips are subject to the provisions of the school district's policy of deportment of students on school buses.

5 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES:

5.1 Principals are to ensure that each of the following conditions have been met:

• A medical information form must be completed for all school trips. A form signed by a parent/guardian must be available for each teacher involved.
• Completion of Form A entitled Request for Approval Out-of-Classroom Activity Inside the Superintendency.
• Completion of Form B entitled Request for Approval to Travel Out-of-Superintendency, if applicable.
• Completion of Request for Approval Out-of-Classroom Event Within the Superintendency.
• Completion of form entitled Authorization to Transport Students Participating in School Events Volunteer Drivers, if applicable.
• With the exception of student exchange trips, no student will miss more than three consecutive instructional days as a result of participating in any trip sponsored by the school district.
• A list of student participants, detailed itinerary and contact points must be left at the school office.
• An Accident Report Form must be completed as soon as possible for all accidents. The principal, or designate, must be informed immediately in the event of a serious injury or the potential for a serious injury. The principal, or delegate, will then relay such information as soon as possible to the Superintendent.

6. ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES FOR OUT-OF-PROVINCE TRIPS:

i. Approval to commence planning for any trip should be requested and must reach the Superintendent at least thirty days prior to the trip.

Ii Additional medical insurance must be obtained by the parent/guardian for trips outside Canada.

Iii At least one supervisor must have current first-aid certification i.e. St. John Ambulance or Red Cross.

Iv A list of student participants, their addresses, telephone numbers, and any relevant medical information including Medicare numbers, detailed itinerary and contact points must be left at the school and a copy filed at the District Office. The supervisor on the trip also should have a copy of this information.

7. USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES [ALL SCHOOL TRIPS]:

Whenever a volunteer driver is transporting one or more students in a private vehicle on a school trip, the principal will obtain the signature of that volunteer on a form entitled Authorization to Transport Students Participating in School Events. This form will indicate that:

• the volunteer holds a valid driver's license appropriate to the operation of the vehicle;

• there is insurance on the vehicle in accordance with the laws of the Province of New Brunswick;

• there is at least one million dollars public liability insurance on the vehicle;

• parents/guardians of students traveling in the volunteer's vehicle have given their permission for such transportation; and

• the vehicle has a valid New Brunswick inspection sticker.

8. REQUISITIONS FOR BUSES:

8.1 Requisitions for the use of school buses should be forwarded to the Transportation Department at least three weeks prior to the trip.

8.2 Do not request bus transportation prior to securing District Office approval for the trip, if such approval is required.

8.3 To expedite the process, a request for transportation may accompany the trip approval form that is sent to the District Office so that it can be given to the Transportation Manager immediately after approval is given.

Reference
Form: Request for Approval to Travel In and Out-of-Province [January 2000]
Form: Authorization to Transport Students Participating in School Events - Volunteer Drivers
Form: Medical Information

Out of Province Travel Request Form (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1107.5: School Trips or Instruction Involving Watercraft

POLICY:

Trips involving watercraft are intended to extend the academic world of the classroom to the natural world, thus providing an opportunity for students to become familiar with their environment and through practical experience learn how to be custodians of the wilderness.

PROCEDURES:

1. A form entitled School Trip Involving Watercraft must be completed, signed by the principal, and submitted to the Superintendent for approval prior to the trip. A copy of the form will be returned to the principal signifying that the trip has been approved.

2. Students in Grades 4 - 6 may only participate in dry land or pool training sessions.

3. A maximum of twenty (20) students may be involved in any one group.

4. In addition to the regular student/teacher ratios, at least one adult supervisor must be present who has current lifeguard qualifications (Royal Lifesaving Bronze Medallion or Award of Merit), and small watercraft certification. In the case of canoes, the trip leader must also have a minimum of Level 2 Canoe Certification (N.B. Canoeing Association) or equivalent certification rating.

5. At least one of the adult supervisors on each trip must hold a current St. John Ambulance First Aid Certificate, or equivalent.

6. At least one of the adult supervisors on each trip must be familiar with camp craft skills, including map and compass reading skills.

7. At least one of the adult supervisors on each trip must have traveled the chosen route under similar water conditions before students take the trip.

8. There must be adequate numbers of male and female adult supervisors on each trip to meet the needs of students.

9. Department of Transportation regulation Personal Flotation Devices must be worn at all times in or on the water.

10. All participating students must pass a pre-test in a pool, prior to going on the trip, based on the following minimum standards:

i. travel fifty (50) meters in water over his/her head, fully clothed, with a Personal Flotation Device, and lift his/her own body weight out of the water; and
ii. successful completion of a test in artificial respiration techniques.

11. School canoe trips are to be conducted on rivers having Grade 1 or Grade 2 International River Classification standards. Only Grade 1 rivers are to be chosen as a route for the first school watercraft trip taken by students. Only qualified students may traverse fast water and/or rapids of Grade 2 rivers.

12. Lake canoeing and kayaking is restricted to within twenty (20) meters of the shoreline, unless by doing so the students are put at greater risk.

13. A written emergency plan, approved by the principal, is required for each trip. In addition to the emergency plan, the principal, the trip leader and the District Office must have the following information:

i. a list of student participants with their home telephone numbers,
ii. a parental consent form,
iii. a detailed itinerary, and
iv. relevant medical information including Medicare numbers.

Reference
Form: School Trip Involving Watercraft Consent Form
Form: Parental Consent Form for School Canoe Trips

School Trips Involving Watercraft Request Form (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1107.6: Ski Trips

1. SCHOOL DOWNHILL SKI-TRIPS (Co-curricular):

CO-curricular activities are those organized by teaching staff to help achieve one or more curriculum objectives which use, or extend into, instructional time.

Downhill ski trips will be a possible CO-curricular activity for students in Grades 6 to 8 only. This grade level has been isolated since there are fewer safety concerns than there would be for younger students in K through Grade 5, and the impact on instructional time is less significant than would be the case for high school students. The following conditions do apply:

• As with any CO-curricular activity, ski trips must have an education orientation, complete with a lesson plan. Ski trips will not be permitted during school hours for the sole purpose of recreational amusement.
• Each student will be permitted to participate in only one school day of skiing per school year for a maximum of three days over the course of his or her Grades 6 - 8 school experience.
• No student will be permitted to participate without a signed parental consent and liability waiver form.
• Schools must be informed as to the numbers of fully qualified ski instructors available, any limits on the number of students, safety precautions, and the cost per pupil prior to authorization being given for such trips.
• · No student will be excluded from full participation in a skiing activity because of inability to pay associated costs.
• Adequate arrangements should be made to provide suitable clothing for participating students

2. SCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING:

Cross-country skiing is permitted at the appropriate level since it is part of the activities in the Lifetime Fitness and Recreation component of the high school curriculum.

Back to top

1108: STUDENT ADMISSION/WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

1108.1: Exchange Students

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1108.2: Foreign Students

Policy Statement 114 (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/114A.pdf

Application to Attend Public School - Province of NB (PDF)

Back to top

1108.3: Placement and Transfer of Students

1. STUDENT PLACEMENT [GENERAL]:

Unless otherwise authorized, students will attend the school designated by the Superintendent to serve the geographic location in which the student resides [Education Act, Section 11]

2. STUDENT PLACEMENT [K - 8]:

2.1 During school breaks, student registration will be completed at the District Office and will be regarded as tentative until such time as a definite confirmation of placement is issued by the Director of Education, or designate.

2.2 During the school year, students will be registered and placed at the appropriate grade level at the school that serves the geographic drawing area where they reside, as determined by the Superintendent, provided that space is available.

2.3 If space is not available at the desired grade level at the designated school that serves the area where the student resides, then the Director of Education, or designate, will determine an alternate placement. Upon written request, names of subsequently transferred students will be added to a first come - first served waiting list for return to the designated school.

3. STUDENT PLACEMENT [9 - 12]:

3.1 Normally, students will register for high school in the spring of their Grade 8 year through processes that are facilitated by school administrators. This process is outlined in the High School Registration Handbook.

3.2 Students who are not accommodated by the above process may register directly at the designated high school in District 8. District 8 office will confirm placement by acceptance of a transfer application, if the school is outside the regular attendance zone.

3.3 The school will provide students with a schedule of courses for the first semester within four school days of the first day of school for students.


4. MATURE STUDENT/POST GRADUATE PLACEMENTS:

Requests by mature students, or post graduates, for school placement may be taken at any time but they will be considered only after all other students have been placed.


5. STUDENT TRANSFERS [STUDENT/PARENT INITIATED]:

5.1 If a student wishes to attend a school other than the designated school for the area in which the student resides, then a written request (form) should be made to the school principal, or designate, who shall insure that:
i. there is space available; and
ii. the transfer does not result in an unreasonable imbalance in class size; and
iii. there is a clear, valid, educational reason for the transfer; and
iv. the parent/guardian is willing to assume responsibility for transportation; and
v. should numbers subsequently dictate that a student must be transferred from the school of choice, it is understood that the first student to be transferred will be the student within the school whose residence is in the drawing area for another school.

5.2 A copy of approved transfer requests will be kept on file at the receiving school and the District Office.

6. STUDENT TRANSFERS [SUPERINTENDENCY INITIATED]:

6.1 Whenever it becomes necessary for the Superintendent to transfer a student, or students, to another school, eligibility for transfer will be based on the following considerations:
i. Was the student in the school during the last school year?
ii. In the case of Grades K-8 students only, does the student have siblings in the present school?
iii. What is the geographic proximity of the student's residence to the present and proposed school?
iv. What additional transportation arrangements will be required as a result of the proposed transfer?

6.2 The following procedures will be followed, if such transfers become necessary:
i. The principal will provide written notice to parents that transfers are necessary, and ask for volunteers.

Ii If there are an insufficient number of volunteers, then the Director of Education, or designate, will choose students to be transferred who were not in the school during the previous school year [last one in - first one out principle]. If more students meet this criterion than are required to transfer, and an insufficient number of students voluntarily transfer, then those names will be placed in a draw.

Iii If the required number of students to be transferred is not met through volunteers or the last one in, first one out principle, then a further draw will be held to determine which of the remaining eligible students will be transferred.

Iv This process and, subsequent draws if required, will be conducted in an expeditious manner. Parents have the option of attending the draw at the prescribed time and will be kept abreast of the status of the draw.

6.3 Sections 6.1(i.,iii) and 6.2(ii) do not apply to the placement of students in Early French Immersion (EFI) classes. All kindergarten students have equal access to Grade 1 Early French Immersion as determined by the EFI registration procedures.

7. APPEALS:

7.1 A student, or the parent(s)/guardian(s) of that student, may appeal the placement of that student.

7.2 Appeals may be made up to a period of thirty (30) days from effective knowledge by the student, or the parent(s)/guardian(s), of the placement of that student.

7.3 The first level of appeal will be the school principal, then to the District Appeals Committee.

7.4 The final level of appeal is the Superintendent.

Reference Forms: Interdistrict Transfer Form/Intradistrict Transfer Form Guidelines for Admission to the International Baccalaureate Program at Saint John High School, District 8

Back to top

1108.4: Pre School Clinics/Registration

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1108.5: Transfer Forms [Immersion; Other]

French Second Language Transfer Form (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Interdistrict Transfer (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1108.6: Withdrawal from School [Drop outs]

Parent's Application for Permission to Allow their Child to Leave School Prior to the Legal Age (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1108.7: Work Permits

Parent's Application for Permission to Allow their Child to Leave School Prior to the Legal Age (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1109: STUDENT ATHLETICS

1109.1: Interscholastic Sports

Interscholastic Sports Consent Form (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1110: STUDENT CHOICE

1110.1: Christian Schools

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1110.2: Home Schooling

Home Schooling Brochure (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1110.3: Inter-District Choice

Interdistrict Transfer (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1111: STUDENT CONDUCT

1111.1: Computer Network Use & Access

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Education and School District 8 promote access to public computer networks through school computers. Our goal is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication and to provide students with life-based learning opportunities, the objective of which is to improve student outcomes. School District 8 must take reasonable precautions to restrict access to controversial materials and to provide for reasonable security measures for District users. With access to computers and people worldwide also comes the availability of material that may not be considered educational or appropriate in a school setting. The Department, District Office, school staff and other users of these resources have the responsibility to supervise and promote efficient, ethical and legal use of these resources, computer equipment and the acceptance and use of any procedures included in this policy or any school policy established herein.

DEFINITIONS:

"Access and use" means use of public computer networks emanating from district or school owned computers during and outside school or office hours.

"Controversial" refers to material that maybe under review, not having yet been judged objectionable or unobjectionable.

"Material" means messages or files containing any form of digital information, network use or site/single licensed use software or any personal information or data that can be transmitted electronically.

"School contact" means the Principal or a person designated by the Principal to supervise and monitor access and use of public computer networks within schools via school computers.

"Service" means the telecommunication infrastructure, including Internet and e-mail provided by the Department of Education as well as any other networking technology that may presently or in the future be provided through other sources for use in the public school system.

"Using" for the purposes of this policy, includes storing, accessing, obtaining or receiving information available by electronic means.

"Users" means the Department of Education, District staff, school staff, students, volunteers and any others who may use after hours services such as Community Access, clubs or labs.

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES:

1. Responsibility of Users:

a. Security:

i. Users will respect the right and property of others and will not improperly access, misappropriate, or misuse the files, data or information of others.

Ii Users may not share an account with anyone or leave the account open or unattended.

Iii Users will keep all accounts and passwords confidential and not accessible to others.

b. Monitoring:

i. Users will report immediately report system faults that compromise systems or account security to the Principal or school contact person.

Ii Users will report to the proper authority any material stored in any manner (text, images, and sound) on devices or equipment made available through the public school system with general/public/shared access that appears to be in violation of this policy.

Iii Users will respect Federal, Provincial and local laws that specify appropriate use of computers and others telecommunications equipment.

Iv Users will ascertain that computer files received are not copyrighted.

v. Users are responsible to take precautions to prevent viruses on their own equipment and school equipment.

c. Acceptable Use and Access:

i. Users will refrain from harming or attempting to harm or destroy data or information, not belonging to them on any network or stand-alone site.

Ii Users will refrain from obtaining, by any means, privileges or access to material on any system to which they are not entitled.

Iii Users will give references and credit when creating, deleting or altering electronic information with the understanding that rules regarding plagiarism for printed documents also apply to electronic resources.

Iv Users will refrain from downloading or transmitting messages and other material that is unlawful, obscene, abusive, harassing, demeaning or otherwise objectionable.

v. Users will apply efficient usage and appropriate rules of behaviour or etiquette commonly known as "netiquette", as outlined in Appendix A of this policy.

d. Enforcement:

i. The system administrator (Department of Education) will deem what is appropriate use and their decision is final.

Ii School District 8 shall uphold the Department of Education policy and any other laws governing the use of technological equipment and information contained in them and/or generated by its use.

Iii All students users, the parents or guardians of students under the age of 18, and school staff who supervise students using public computer

iv. networks shall read and sign the Access, Release and Authorization Agreement - Appendix B to this policy.

2. Responsibility of Schools:

i. Each school shall name a school contact who will be the first point of contact at the school level.

Ii Schools shall have a policy in place, and the school principal will ensure that direction, guidance and adequate supervision are provided to all school users on the appropriate use and the application of measures of this policy.

Iii Schools will outline the terms of the "Agreement" to all users, regarding terms and conditions of use, prohibited activities and consequences for breaking the agreement - Appendix B to this policy.
Iv Schools will not grant access to services until students and their parents enter into the agreement as outlined in Appendix B to this policy.

v. The school contact will be the point of contact at the school regarding questions and complaints related to Internet and e-mail use and this person will be responsible for reporting infractions to the District Office.

vi. The school (in conjunction with the District) will bear the responsibility of enforcing violations as contained in this policy and as agreed to in the signed "Agreements". This will include monitoring and removal of any material stored in any manner with general/public/shared access and that is deemed to be in violation of this policy.

Reference
Appendix A: Netiquette Guidelines
Appendix B: Access, Release and Authorization Agreement
Department of Education Policy 311 Information and Communication Technologies Use and Guidelines for Information and Communication Technologies Use in the Public School System [September, 1998]

POLICY STATEMENT 311 (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) NOTE: Currently under review

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/311A.pdf

Reference:http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/f/311f.pdf

Back to top

1111.2: Positive Learning Environment

Policy Statement 703 (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/703A.pdf

Back to top

1112: STUDENT DISCIPLINE

1112.1: Appeal Procedures

Appeal Process Booklet (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1112.2: Suspension of Students

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1113: STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES AND REQUIREMENTS

1113.1: Administering Medications to Students

Care Forms (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Policy Statement 704 (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Health Support Services in Public Schools To the parents/guardian (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/704A.pdf

Back to top

1113.2: AIDS Virus

Policy 707 (formally 125)- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference:http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/707A.pdf

Back to top

1113.3: Allergies

Allergies (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1113.4: Fluoride Mouth Rinse Program

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1113.5: Immunization

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1113.6: Lice

1. GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION OF AN OUTBREAK OF HEAD LICE:

1.1 At the beginning of each school year, the principal, or designate, shall provide to parents/guardians information about head lice and the need for them to conduct periodically a thorough check of their child's head to determine if they have lice or nits.

1.2 The principal, or designate, may conduct parent information sessions or distribute literature on the identification and treatment of head lice. Public Health officials may be contacted for assistance in this regard.

1.3 The principal, or designate, shall ensure that cursory head checks are done at the school, if there is suspicion of an outbreak of head lice. However, this does not absolve parents/guardians of their responsibility to conduct a more thorough check at home.

2. PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF AN OUTBREAK OF LICE:

2.1 When it becomes evident that there is an outbreak of head lice at the school, or when a parent/guardian notifies school officials that their child(ren) has head lice, the principal, or designate, will:

i. decide whether to inform either:
· the parents/guardians of children who have been exposed to head lice at the school; or
· all parents/guardians, or some parents/guardians of children who have been exposed to head lice at the school; or
· the parents/guardians of the entire school population.

i. communicate to parents/guardians, based on the decision above, that this is not an emergency situation;

ii. ensure that all parents/guardians have written information about the identification and treatment of head lice; and

iii. exclude the student(s) who have an outbreak of lice from attending school until the condition is treated successfully.

2.2 The principal, or designate, shall permit the student(s) to return to school once they have inspected the child and are satisfied that there are no head lice or nits present.

2.3 If insufficient treatment is causing a student or their family to suffer recurrences of head lice, the principal, or designate may offer to contact Public Health officials so that a home contact may be made by a Public Health Nurse to offer advice or assistance.

Back to top

1114: STUDENT INFORMATION

1114.1: Graduates, Guidelines for Release of Personal Information

High School Programs and Graduation Requirements (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1114.2: Photographs

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1114.3: Cumulative Records, Guidelines

Cumulative Records, Guidelines (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1114.3(i): Access to Student Records

Access to Student Records (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Access to Student Records Form (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Denial of Student Records Form (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

http://www.gnb.ca/education/docs/e/accee.htm (Original Reference)

Back to top

1114.3(ii): Release of Student Records

Access to Student Records (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Access to Student Records Form (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Denial of Student Records Form (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

http://www.gnb.ca/education/docs/e/accee.htm (Original Reference)

Back to top

1115: STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING

1115.1: School Governance

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1115.2: Student Councils

No Policy available at this time

Back to top

1115.2(i): School Council Vehicles, Guidelines

School Council Vehicles, Guidelines (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1116: STUDENT INTERROGATIONS, SEARCHES, ARRESTS

1116.1: Interviewing of Students by Law Enforcement Agencies

1. PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERVENTION:

1.1 Employees will cooperate with police authorities in the prevention of criminal activity, will provide consistency in reporting illegal behaviour, and will cooperate in the apprehension of those who violate the law. However, the reporting of illegal activities should not be interpreted as an alternative to disciplinary action imposed by school authorities.

1.2 Law enforcement authorities that wish to interview students first must consult with the principal of the school concerned. Policy may interview students on school premises only in cases of necessity or urgency.

1.3 All reasonable efforts shall be made to notify the parent/guardian of any student under the age of majority that the police have requested an interview with their child. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the principal, or designate, will request that the police interview the student at his/her home in the presence of the parent/guardian. As a last resort, permission may be given to the police to conduct the interview at the school.

1.4 When it is necessary for police to interview a student at the school, the principal, vice principal, or the teacher in charge of the school should be present during the interview.

Students will not be removed from the school for police questioning. Students may be removed from the school only if they are arrested.

Back to top

1116.2: Locker Searches

1. PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERVENTION:

1.1 Employees will cooperate with police authorities in the prevention of criminal activity, will provide consistency in reporting illegal behaviour, and will cooperate in the apprehension of those who violate the law. However, the reporting of illegal activities should not be interpreted as an alternative to disciplinary action imposed by school authorities.

1.2 Law enforcement authorities that wish to interview students first must consult with the principal of the school concerned. Policy may interview students on school premises only in cases of necessity or urgency.

1.3 All reasonable efforts shall be made to notify the parent/guardian of any student under the age of majority that the police have requested an interview with their child. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the principal, or designate, will request that the police interview the student at his/her home in the presence of the parent/guardian. As a last resort, permission may be given to the police to conduct the interview at the school.

1.4 When it is necessary for police to interview a student at the school, the principal, vice principal, or the teacher in charge of the school should be present during the interview.

Students will not be removed from the school for police questioning. Students may be removed from the school only if they are arrested.

Back to top

1117: STUDENT WELFARE/SAFETY

1117.1: Crosswalks

Crosswalks (Policy 509) (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/509A.pdf

Back to top

1117.2: Fundraising and Canvassing

1. GENERAL:

School District 8 recognize that fundraising and canvassing activities might be necessary to provide assistance in the operation of certain programs and activities that offer educational benefits to students.

2. FUNDRAISING OR CANVASSING BY NON-SCHOOL GROUPS:

Any agency, group, or individual wishing to involved students in their fundraising or canvassing activities must submit a proposal to the school principal for approval. The proposal must indicate what tangible benefit would accrue to the students or to the school district as a result of the fundraising activity.

3. FUNDRAISING OR CANVASSING BY STAFF OR STUDENTS:

3.1 The principal must authorize all fundraising projects organized by staff or students of the school.

3.2 Before authorizing any revenue-generating activity within the school, the principal shall ensure that the purpose of the fundraising or canvassing activity:

i. is consistent with the school education plan and goals for school improvement; and
ii. will provide a tangible educational benefit to the students in the school.

3.3 The purpose of the fundraising or canvassing activity must be explained clearly to staff, students, parents and the community involved before the commencement of the activity.

3.4 If any of the above requirements in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 are not satisfied, the Superintendent may disqualify the activity as a fundraising event for that school.

4. SUPERVISION AND CONSENT:

During fundraising and canvassing activities, the school principal shall ensure that:

i. the safety of children receives prime consideration;
ii. the written consent of a parent/guardian is on file for each K-3 student who participates in a fundraising activity;
iii. K-3 students will not be involved in door-to-door canvassing;
iv. proper supervision of students is in place; and
v. appropriate record keeping and accountability with respect to money raised is ensured.

Policy Statement 708 (Formally Policy 312) (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/708A.pdf

Back to top

1117.3: Laser Light Devices

Laser Light Devices Guidelines (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

1117.5: Positive Learning Environment

Policy Statement 703 (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/703A.pdf

Back to top

1117.6: Public Solicitation [Fundraising]

Policy Statement 708 (Formally Policy 312) (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/708A.pdf

Back to top

1117.7: Pupil Protection

Policy Statement 701 (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Complaint Summary form (Information current as of August 2002) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Reference: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/701A.pdf

Back to top

1117.8: Student Harassment

1. PREAMBLE:

This policy addresses the prevention and handling of incidents of student to student harassment within school environments. School District 8 believe that every pupil has the right to be taught and to learn without being disrupted or harassed by others and has the corresponding responsibility not to deny this right to other pupils. Harassment of any kind is considered a serious offense subject to disciplinary action.

School District 8 are committed to:
i. informing, educating and making all students, staff and volunteers aware of this policy;
ii. actively discouraging any form of harassment in the schools of the Superintendency and/or school related activities; and
iii. taking any corrective action necessary to respond to any form of harassment between or among students.

2. DEFINITIONS:

"Complainant" refers to a student who alleges that he/she is being harassed or who brings forth information regarding the harassment of another student or students.

"Respondent" refers to the student(s) against whom the complaint has been made.

"Harassment" includes personal, physical and sexual harassment, which are defined further in this policy. Harassment can result in a poisoned learning environment, affecting a student's ability to learn. A reasonable assessment of the impact this behaviour would have is the primary concern, not the intent of the student exhibiting the behaviour.

"Poisoned learning environment" is characterized by an activity or behaviour, not necessarily directed at anyone in particular that creates a hostile or offensive learning environment. It can interfere with a person's sense of safety, ability to venture safely in all parts of the facility, performance, or normal participation in social activities.


Examples of a poisoned learning environment include but are not limited to: graffiti, sexual, racial or religious insults or jokes, abusive treatment of a student and the display of pornographic or other offensive material.

"Personal Harassment" means any behaviour by a person that is directed at and offensive to another person, which was known, or ought to have been known to be inappropriate or unwelcome. It includes objectionable conduct, comments or displays made, on either a one-time or continuous basis, that demeans, belittles, causes personal humiliation or embarrassment. Harassment can also be an expression of power, authority or control by one student of another student. Without limiting the above, personal harassment includes harassment within the meaning of the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, i.e. harassment on the basis of the following prohibited grounds of discrimination, race, color, religion, national origin, mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation or sex.

"Sexual Harassment" means any uninvited conduct, comment, gesture or physical contact of a sexual nature that might reasonably cause a student to feel fearful, uncomfortable, offended or humiliated. Examples of behaviour that can constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

• unwanted and unnecessary physical contact like touching, grabbing or patting;
• suggestive remarks or innuendoes about sex;
• inappropriate or unwelcome remarks, jokes, or other gestures of a sexual nature causing embarrassment or humiliation;
• inappropriate or unwelcome focus/comments on another student's physical attributes, mannerisms, or characteristics;
• leering or suggestive or insulting sounds;
• unwanted questions or comments about one's private life;
• display or distribution of offensive material such as pictures, cartoons and graffiti in schools or other school district property; and
• sexual assault (a criminal offense)

Sexual harassment is not:

• appropriate conduct that both parties find acceptable such as an occasional compliment, friendly banter or teasing; or
• appropriate physical contact between older students who may be involved in a dating relationship.

"School Environment" refers to:

i. any place or activity where the school is responsible for a pupil, including, but not limited to physical classrooms, hallways, shops, washrooms, cafeterias, gyms, auditoriums, school-sponsored sports activities, or social gatherings; and
ii. any situation occurring outside of the school setting that is a continuation of a conflict originating from the school or school-sponsored activity.

3. POLICY STATEMENT:

3.1 Harassment is a form of discrimination that creates a poisoned learning environment, is unwelcome, unwanted and affects a student's ability to learn.

3.2 Harassment will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will be taken by the school district to prevent or stop any harassment within the school environment whether or not a complaint is filed. Failing to take appropriate action could result in persons in positions of authority being disciplined.

4. OBLIGATION TO REPORT:

4.1 The responsibility for responding to harassment falls on any adult who observes, or is made aware of, acts of harassment. Supervisory personnel, including school principals, have the duty to take appropriate action as set out in this policy, when made aware of incidents of harassment.

4.2 Students who witness harassment or are subjected to acts of harassment, are encouraged to report all incidents of harassment, according to procedures set out in this policy.

5. DEALING WITH HARASSMENT: PREVENTION:

5.1 The Superintendent, or designate, shall be responsible for:
i. the development of procedures to deal with the prevention, reporting and handling of incidents of student to student harassment, and
ii. informing all administrative personnel that any form of harassment is not acceptable under any circumstances and will not be tolerated.

5.2 District and school administrators shall inform staff within their departments of this policy and the procedures described herein.

.5.3 Principals, or their designates, shall inform school staff, students, parents and volunteers of this policy and the procedures described herein.

6. HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS: GENERAL:

6.1 A complaint of harassment may be made by the student, by the student's parent or guardian, or by any responsible person in whom the student confides.

6.2 Any adult in the school system may receive a complaint of harassment. The adult who receives the complaint is obliged to act upon it, either by reporting it to the appropriate supervisor or helping the student seek a resolution through the informal or formal process.

6.3 An incident involving a child under the age of sixteen that results in a suspicion of child abuse shall be reported in accordance with the New Brunswick Child Victims of Abuse Protocols.

6.4 A complainant may request the assistance of another appropriate person such as his or her teacher, supervisor, department head, vice principal, or principal in the resolution of a harassment complaint.

6.5 Each school shall designate two staff members, male and female, who have appropriate skills to respond to informal complaints of harassment.

6.6 Staff and students are obliged to maintain confidentiality and to cooperate with all those responsible for the investigation of a complaint.

7. HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS - INFORMAL PROCESS:

7.1 The problem of harassment may be brought to an end by simply letting the offending student know that the behaviour is unwelcome and must stop. This may be done verbally, preferably with a witness present, or by presenting a request in writing to the offending student, with a witness present, and keeping a copy of the request. This request may simply be a note or short letter to the offending person.

7.2 If the informal process does not resolve the problem, the complainant may decide to use the formal process.

8. HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS - FORMAL PROCESS:

8.1 A formal complaint must be written and signed by the complainant student or the student's parent/guardian. It should give an accurate account of the incident(s) including times, place, and parties involved. The principal will investigate the complaint at the school/building level and attempt to resolve the situation.

8.2 The student against whom a complaint has been filed shall be informed without undue delay of the complaint, presented with a written statement of allegations and given an opportunity to respond.

8.3 The Director of Education, or designate, is accountable for ensuring that complaints of harassment are handled in a competent and expeditious manner.

8.4 Where it is determined that a student has committed an act that constitutes harassment, the Director of Education, or designate, shall take remedial or disciplinary action immediately.

9. CONSEQUENCES:

9.1 Where it is found that a violation of the policy has occurred, the school district may initiate disciplinary action including, but not restricted to the following:

• verbal warning
• written warning included in the student's file
• suspension of student(s) for a specified period of time
• transfer to another location
• police involvement
• involvement of Family and Community Services
• in the case of a student, referral for psychological assessment

9.2 No person shall be subject to retaliation as a result of laying a complaint or having assisted with an investigation. Any interference or attempt at coercion by, against, or on behalf of the complainant or respondent shall be considered grounds for immediate disciplinary action.

9.3 A false complaint under this policy, that involves malicious intent, shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

10. RIGHT TO APPEAL:

Any respondent student who has been subject to disciplinary action resulting in suspension shall be informed of the right of appeal the decision in accordance with provincial regulations.

11. OTHER OPTIONS:

11.1 Incidents of student harassment involving an adult or adults in the school system will be handled as per the Policy for the Protection of Pupils from Misconduct by Adults (Policy 701), or the Workplace Harassment Policy AD-2913.

11.2 All students or their parents/guardians in School District 8 have the right to file a complaint under the policy but they also have the option of lodging a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, or with police or R.C.M.P. under the Criminal Code.

11.3 Normally complaints should be filed with the N.B. Human Rights Commission within one year from the time the harassment occurred. The Commission conducts investigations. For more information, the N.B. Human Rights Commission may be reached by telephone at (506) 453-2301.

11.4 Sexual and other forms of assault are covered under the Criminal Code, and in these instances, the police can be asked to lay criminal charges. All cases of assault are serious criminal offenses and should be reported to the police or RCMP without delay.

Stopping Harassment on Our Schools (PDF) (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Back to top

Please contact the webmaster with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have with the on-line policy manual.