GENERAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

SCHOOL DAY
	8:50	Entrance
	9:00	Classes Begin
	12:00	Kindergarten Lunch
	12:28	Levels 1 to 6 Lunch
	1:30	Classes Resume
	3:27	Dismissal

TELEPHONE NUMBERS
SCHOOL	514-381-0411
FAX	514-381-0443
DAYCARE	514-381-1199
EMSB	514-483-7200

 

SUPERVISION BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL
The school playground is not supervised before 8:40 a.m. or after 3:27 p.m. For the safety of your child/ren, please ensure they are not at school during the unsupervised times.

 

ATTENDANCE

Regular and punctual attendance contributes greatly to a student’s success at school. Appointments with doctors and dentists should be arranged before or after school hours or on pedagogical days to avoid missing classes. If your child is to be absent, we request that you phone the school to give the following information: • Child’s Name • Teacher’s Name • Reason and Length of Absence Please call (514-381-0411) and leave a message on our school’s answering machine any time before 8:00 am. to report your child’s absence. If we have not received a call about your child's absence, we will contact you to ensure your child's safety. Please ensure the office has current work, home, and emergency contact phone numbers. Furthermore, in order to facilitate matters, all requests for homework should be done before 9:00 a.m.

 

LATES
	Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students and is an important part of the student’s educational experience. Late arrivals disrupt the class and cause loss of instruction time. Students are expected to be in the yard at 8:45 a.m. in order to enter with their class and be ready to start the day, at 8:5 0 a.m. All students who arrive late must report to the office to receive a late slip.

 

EARLY DISMISSAL

Parents are to advise the school ahead of time in writing if their child must leave early for any reason. We cannot release students early without a written signed note from the parents. Students being dismissed before the regular dismissal are to meet their parents at the front door.

 

CHANGES TO STUDENT'S DISMISSAL

If your child normally takes the school bus and you wish to make other arrangements for him/her, please send a note to your child's teacher. Without a written note from you, we are obliged to have your child take the school bus. Please note that the school cannot permit a student to take a bus other than the one he/she is assigned for the school year.

 

SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY

In order for the school to be safe and secure, everyone’s co-operation is essential. 1. All visitors including parents must always enter and exit the school by the front door and must always report to the office. If you are dropping off an item for your child or leaving a message, the secretary will be pleased to help you and will make sure your child receives the information. 2. Parents are NOT permitted to accompany their children to class or go to class to pick up their children. 3. At lunchtime and at dismissal, all parents are to wait for their children outside the school yard fence. 4. Children are not permitted to leave the school premises without prior written permission, signed by the parent. 5. Children should not be in the schoolyard prior to 8:40 a.m. It is very important to adhere to these rules to provide a safe environment for our students.

VOLUNTEERS / VISITORS

In order to provide a secure environment, all volunteers and visitors are required to report to the office upon arrival. In addition, we ask that you wear a volunteeer/visitor badge while you are in the building.

 

CAR TRANSPORTATION
	Drivers must observe the following: 1. Stop when the lights on a school bus are flashing. 2. Do not stop or park in the reserved bus zone on J.J. Gagnier. 3. Do not block the reserved bus zone on J.J. Gagnier. 4. Do not double park. 5. Do not have your child get off in the middle of the street. 6. Do not have your child cross between cars or in the back of the school bus. 7. Park your car and walk your child to the entrance of the school yard. OUR CHILDREN’S SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.

 

RECESS
	Recess serves a special purpose in the school routine and students should normally participate fully in outside activities during this time. If a child cannot go outside for fresh air and exercise at lunch or recess because of a heavy cough or cold, then they are too contagious with the cold germ to be sitting in the classroom with other children, and should remain at home. If there is a special medical condition, which makes it necessary for your child to stay inside for a period of time, a doctor’s certificate is required.

 

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR AFTER THE BELL RINGS

CYCLES 1, 2 and 3 (In the Morning) 1. Students stop playing and line up by cycles. 2. They take their distance from the person in front of them. (arm’s length) 3. They stand calmly and wait for the teacher’s signal to go in. 4. Cycle 1 (grades 1-2) comes in first by two’s. Cycle 2 (grades 3-4) comes in second by two’s. Cycle 3 (grades 5-6) comes in third by two’s. 5. They walk up the stairs quietly. 6. At the lockers, they calmly get ready to start class. CYCLES 1, 2 and 3 (After Recess and After Lunch) 1. Students stop playing and line up by class. 2. They take their distance from the person in front of them. (arm’s length) 3. They stand calmly and wait for the teacher’s signal to go in. 4. Classes enter the building according to the Order of Entry procedure. 5. They walk up the stairs quietly. 6. At the lockers, they calmly get ready to start class.

 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION SHELTER

If evacuation of the building is necessary for safety reasons, the students will be taken to Atelier School, next door, the Our Lady of Pompei Church basement or the Presbytery basement. Once at the evacuation center, parents will be contacted.

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER

Change of address, home phone number, work number, or other information should be reported immediately.

 

LUNCH PROGRAM
All students are welcome to participate in the Lunch Program; however, according to the policies of the school board, it must be self-financing. That is, all expenses incurred must be covered through the fees paid by parents. The fees are set in consultation with the School's Governing Board and are communicated to parents. Children who are registered in the Lunch Program will eat lunch in the classrooms. Every classroom is supervised by a lunch monitor who remains with the students while they eat and then supervises them in the schoolyard for the rest of the lunch hour.

 

LUNCH RULES

Our aim is to provide students with a pleasant and safe environment during lunchtime. In order to accomplish this, every child is expected to follow these rules. 1. Students who are registered in the school’s lunch program are not permitted to go home at lunchtime unless they bring a signed note from one of their parents. This note must be given to the student's teacher upon arrival in the morning as this information must be relayed to the child’s lunch supervisor. 2. Students must show respect, good manners, and obey their lunch monitors at all times. This includes listening to and following the instructions of the lunch monitors at all times. 3. Children are to remain seated at their desks for the duration of the lunch period; they must clean up their desks, and place all garbage in the garbage bins. 4. Children must speak in a moderate tone of voice and remain quiet when signaled by his/her monitor. 5. Throwing food or other objects in the classroom is not permitted. Similarly, yelling and running around the rooms or the hallways is not permitted. 6. Students should bring a nutritious lunch – no junk food. Please include straws, spoons, etc. Glass containers and soft drinks are forbidden. 7. Students may not leave the classroom without permission. If they have a lunchtime activity, they must notify the monitor. 8. In the schoolyard, students are expected to play and have fun without interfering in the play of others. Since the students play outside for half of the lunch period, it is important that they dress appropriately for the weather. Snow pants and boots are mandatory all winter and until the school yard is dry. No Pupil will be permitted to remain indoors unless there is a valid medical reason for which the parents have provided a doctor's note. If it is raining or very cold outside, the students will remain indoors with their lunch monitors. Any child who does not adhere to these rules is subject to disciplinary measures. This could include suspension or being expelled from lunch services.

 

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM

Beginning in mid-September, hot lunches are available by our food supplier. If any modification/adjustment is required, the parent must inform the food supplier. Meals that are not eaten are not stored at school.

 

SCHOOL DRESS CODE

Our school strives to instill in our students a sense of belonging and identity. A dress code is also conductive to good behaviour and fosters a positive educational experience that promote success. In view of this, we ask for parents' full cooperation in ensuring students adhere to the Our Lady of Pompei dress code. WHITE TOPS: Shirts, blouses, sweaters, or polo sweaters (the garments should not have any stripes or designs except the Pompei School crest). NAVY BLUE BOTTOMS: Pants, jumper, or skirts. • Jean pants and cargo pants are not permitted. •Jogging pants, nylon track pants, tights and/or spandex shorts or pants are not permitted. • T-shirt with pictures, slogans and messages are not permitted. • Tank tops, halter tops, camisoles and clothing that reveal midriff are not permitted. • Army fatigues or denim jeans, jackets are not permittted. • In the warm months, shorts and skirts must be to the knee or longer. Short shorts and mini-skirts are not permitted. • Rolled-up pants/ripped -fringes are not permitted. • High heels, platform shoes, running shoes with wheels, strapless and flip-flop sandals are not permitted. • Expensive, jewellery/costume jewellery should not be worn. • Children should not wear make-up or nail polish to school. • In the winter months, pupils are required to wear boots. They must have shoes to change into. Boots are not permitted in the classroom. • In the winter months, students may wear navy blue sweaters or cardigans with no logos except the school's crest. • Boots, shoes, clothing, lunch boxes and school bags should be properly identified with the pupil's name. When you are purchasing clothing or accessories for your children please buy clothing appropriate for school respecting the school colours. During the year, there may be occassions when students do not need to wear their school colours, e.g. red on St. Valentine's Day, green on St. Patricks Day, dress-down days. Nonetheless, on these days, students must still observe the other elements of the dress code and dress appropriately for their school environment.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students are expected to participate. A note from parents is required to temporarily exclude a student from regular Physical Education classes. Exclusion for an extended period requires a medical certificate. Please ensure that your child wears navy blue shorts and a white T-shirt (or with the school logo) and running shoes on his/her gym day. Students must change into their school clothes at the end of their gym class. Jewelry including necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches, and earrings cannot be worn on days when Physical Education is scheduled.

 

DAYCARE
	The school provides a daycare service daily before school starts at 7:00 a.m. and after school from 3:27 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For regular users of the service, Daycare is also available on pedagogical days. For more information on our Daycare Program, please call 514-381-1199.

 

HOMEWORK
	Homework is an important extension of the learning that takes place in school. It provides practice which reinforces classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study, research, supplemental reading, writing and project work. The amount of homework will vary according to cycle. Homework is assigned daily from Monday through Friday and students are expected to complete assignments on time. Normally, homework will not be assigned during the Christmas holidays, March break and Easter holidays. Homework will be written on the board and is to be copied in the agenda book. Please make sure you check and sign your child's agenda daily.

 

LIBRARY BOOKS
Students will be permitted to borrow one or two books per week. No new books may be borrowed until the books have been returned. Parents’ cooperation is essential in ensuring that the borrowed books are properly cared for and returned. It is understood that students must pay for lost books.

 

LOST & FOUND
	Each year, many sweaters, mitts, boots, running shoes, etc., are lost by the students, and although we have our Lost and Found box, many of these articles are never claimed. We urge parents to label the inside of their child’s clothing. Lost clothing not claimed by the end of the year will be given to a charitable organization.

 

EXCURSIONS AND FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are a positive educational experience. Detailed planning and preparation occurs prior to each field trip. Parent volunteers assist with field trips and teachers try to include as many parent volunteers as possible throughout the school year. Please note: the Principal and/or teachers may exclude students not achieving an acceptable level of conduct or behaviour prior to the field trip. Parents would be notified of this decision.

 

VALUABLE OBJECTS

Students are to bring to school only items that are needed for instruction. Valuable objects including Game Boys, CD players, iPods, MP3 players, cell phones and other electronic devices should not be brought to school. The school does not accept responsibility for personal belongings which may be lost, traded or stolen.

 

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Student Accident Insurance is made available to parents at the beginning of the school year. It provides additional coverage that is not normally covered by Medicare. We encourage you to consider this opportunity. Payment must be made directly to the company as indicated on the insurance form.

 

CLSC SERVICES

The CLSC Ahuntsic provides our school with the services of a Nurse each week. Her role is to provide preventative care to our students. In addition to the school nurse, the CLSC also provides the services of a Social Worker and Dental Hygienists.

 

SICK STUDENTS
While it is important for students to be in school, sick children cannot focus on teaching and learning. If your child is not well in the morning he/she should not attend school. If parents have determined that their child is well enough to come to school, then the studentt will be sent outdoors for recess and at lunch time since the school is not equipped to supervise sick children indoors. Should there be a medical reason for a child to remain indoors, we require parents to provide us with their doctor's note.

 

MEDICATION
	Administering medication to children is the responsibility of the parents. However, the school will help if: • Every effort has been made to have the child medicated at home. • The medication is prescribed by a doctor. Non-prescribed medication will not be administered. • The container/bottle has the prescription label, with the doctor’s name indicated on it. • A dated, signed note from the parent/guardian absolving the school of all responsibility. • The child is willing to take the medication.

 

PEDICULOSIS -- HEADLICE
Parents are urged to periodically check children for head lice. This will help isolate cases before a serious problem develops. If head lice are discovered, you will be called to come and pick up your child. In addition, the other students in the class will be checked and an information sheet will be sent home to the parents. Treatment must be completed before students will be readmitted to school..

 

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

If your child is ill, you must advise the school of the child’s absence. If your child has a contagious disease, he/she must remain at home until he/she is able to participate in school activities. In the case of certain infectious diseases, the child should not return to school until the symptoms have disappeared or until appropriate medical treatment has been sought.

 

ANAPHYLAXIS
Some of our children suffer from severe allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis*) to nuts and peanuts. In order to provide these students with the safest possible environment and to avoid any unnecessary risk, we ask that you ensure your children’s recess snacks and lunches do not contain nuts/peanuts or products containing nuts/peanuts in them. Peanut butter, nut products, and food cooked in oil containing peanut oil should be avoided. Other foods, such as muffins, nutella, granola bars, and cereal, can also contain nuts and peanuts. We ask you to please read the labels carefully before putting these foods in your child’s lunch box. Furthermore, the school will make every effort not to provide any nut/peanut products as a snack or treat at daycare or at any school event. Parents are reminded to warn their children with severe allergies NOT TO SHARE FOOD with other children. To help us avoid a potential fatal reaction, we would urge all parents to please comply strictly with this request.

 

SCHOOL BUS SERVICE
	Transportation arrangements will be made by the English Montreal School Board. All pupils who live within the program boundary of Our Lady of Pompei School and who are entitled to transportation will receive, by mail, a bus pass by the School Board in August. They will also be advised as to times and locations of bus stops. The eligibility criterion for school bussing is as follows: • Kindergarten students who live more than .6 km from the school are eligible. • Grade 1 - 6 students who live more than 1.4 km from the school are eligible.

 

BEHAVIOUR ON THE SCHOOL BUS

The bus driver is responsible for the safety and security of all passengers. During the bus route, the driver is in charge and the students must respect transportation rules and regulations. They must take reponsibilityfor their actions. Bus drivers will report misbehaviour to the principal. In addition, the school bus is not to be used for student's to go to a friend's house. Parents must make their own transportation arrangements for their childto go to another student's house for any reason. For the safety of all students who ride the bus, students are expected to obey the following rules: • Always be at the bus stop 10 minutes early. • Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop, then board the bus in a single file, in an orderly fashion. • Find your assigned seat quickly without pushing other students. Keep the aisle clear. • Remain seated, talk quietly. Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or leave trash on the bus. • Always listen to the driver's instructions. • Never pur your head or arms out of the window. • Glass or sharp objects are not allowed on the bus. • When getting off, wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before leaving your seat. • Walk a safe distance from the bus so that the bus driver can see you and know that you are out of danger.

 

PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS MISBEHAVING ON THE SCHOOL BUS

• The bus driver will monitor misbehaviour by informing the student of the danger of his/her action. • The bus driver will notify the principal about a student’s behaviour problem in writing. First Offense: A letter of warning to students and parents that further incidents will result in loss of bus privileges for a period of 1 to 3 days. Second Offense: The principal will notify the parents in writing that transportation has been suspended for a period of 1 to 3 days. Third Offense: The principal will notify the parents in writing that transportation will be suspended for a period of 3 to 5 days. Fourth Offense: The principal will notify the parents in writing that transportation has been suspended temporarily for reasons of safety and security. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT BUSSING IS A PRIVILEGE. THE SAFETY OF ALL THE CHILDREN ON THE BUS IS EACH STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY. Withdrawal of school bus privileges does not relieve either student or parent of their responsibility in so far as attending school.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

A code of conduct is designed to provide a safe learning environment for all. It must recognize the rights of others to learn, to enable teachers to instruct effectively and permit everyone to feel safe. The following school rules apply to all students, at all times, regardless of wether they are in class, in the schoolyard, in the lunch program or part of daycare. Parents are asked to review these rules with their children. • There is zero tolerance for: Fighting Hitting Pushing Kicking Bullying Dangerous Behaviour Vandalism Disrespect to Authority Throwing Objects at Others Verbal Harrassment • Use conflict resolution techniques to resolve problems and control anger. • Listen to and follow instructions of staff members and any other adult working at school. • Remain silent when the bell rings and proceed to class in silence. • Be on time and report to the office when you are late. • Do not enter the building before school or during recess, unless you have permission from a teacher. • Respect the school dress code and dress appropriately for the weather. • Be polite and kind to each other and to the adults in the school. • Always remember to say please and thank you. • Do not litter. Help keep the floors of the classrooms, the hallways and the schoolyard clean. • Don’t interrupt when an adult is speaking. • Hats, hoods and caps are not to be worn inside the building. • Use proper language. NEVER use foul language. • Do not throw snowballs. Leave snow on the ground. • No rough play, fighting, pushing, tripping or throwing objects other than balls. • Gum chewing is not permitted anywhere in the school building, on school property or on the bus. • Eat your lunch quietly, clean up your mess. Use the washroom and go outside. • Library books must be returned on the due date. • Always bring your agenda book and have it signed. • Become silent immediately when in an assembly and/or a supervisor raises her/his hand. • Do not go into lockers or desks of another student or ay teacher without permission. • Any lost or damaged item belonging to the school must be repaired or replaced. • Electronic devices such as walkmans, iPods, CD players, MP3 players, cell phones, pagers, laser pointers etc. must not be brought to school. The school reserves the right to confiscate these items. Valuable objects that have been confiscated must be picked up by a parent. •Toys, collectable items, (cards, poohs, etc.) baseball bats, baseballs, tennis balls, golf balls, frisbees, skateboards, roller blades, etc. are not permitted. are not permitted. • Ipods, MP3 players and cell phones are not permitted on field trips. • Occassionally, for school events or excursions, digital cameras may be brought to school. The above behaviours are expected at all times: At school, on outings, on the bus, during lunch program, at Daycare and during after scholl or extra curricular activities. For inappropriate behaviours, the following consequences will be applied depending on the situation: Missing morning or lunch recess, loss of privileges including field trips, refelction sheet, letter to the parents, meeting with parents, in-school suspension, and home suspension. In addition, students may be asked to write a letter of apology, make restitution or pay for damages.

 

COMMUNICATION
	Messages to parents are placed in the student's agenda book. Parents are asked to check their child's agenda book daily. General school memos, such as the monthly newsletter, with important information about events taking place during the coming month, as well as messages from the child's teacher, will be found there. Parents are also urged to use the agenda book to communicate with the child's teacher. If it's on yellow paper, please keep it. During the course of the year, parents will receive a variety of information sheets from the school. Any memos sent on yellow paper indicate that they may be useful for future reference.

HAVE A GREAT YEAR!