The Anne & Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto

האקדמיה העברית ע"ש טננבאום

 

Mission Statement

Message from the Director of Education

Student Handbook Contents

The Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto - "CHAT" - is committed to making the best possible Jewish High School education available and accessible to the Greater Toronto Jewish Community. CHAT aims to offer the best and most inspired teaching by outstanding faculty, and to characterize the school by its care for each individual student. CHAT educates its students to be committed Jews and concerned, active citizens.

Welcome to the New School Year!

The first part of the School Handbook book sets out the standards of behaviour required of all students and the procedures and expectations that are followed in the day to day operation of the school. Both students and parents must read it carefully. From time to time, parents will find a 'Parent commentary' - indicated by the symbol **** emphasizing parental responsibilities in ensuring the running of the school. The second part of the book - 'Additional Information for Parents' - details useful information about the governance and administration of the school of more direct interest to our parent body.

Registration at CHAT signifies that students and parents accept and agree to abide by the standards of behaviour and rules set out in this Handbook.

Our lives seem to be getting more complicated, necessitating greater detail in describing the standards of CHAT. In the words of our Safety and Behaviour Code, "Students at CHAT are expected to ... act safely, sensibly, responsibly, courteously and with honesty and integrity at all times." Most of the rest is commentary! Looking forward to a great year - successful, healthy and above all peaceful -

Paul Shaviv

Paul Shaviv, M.A., M.Phil.
Director of Education
July 2004
Tammuz, 5764

1. SECURITY AND SAFETY
2. SAFETY AND BEHAVIOUR CODE
1. Expectations
2. Sexual harassment
3. Computers, e-mail and internet
4. Consequences of misbehaviour
3. DRESS CODE AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE
1. Expectations
2. Examples of inappropriate dress
3. Piercings
4. Hair
4. ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE
1. Attendance and punctuality
2. Absence from school
3. Returning to school
4. Unauthorised absence from class
5. Punctuality and lates
6. Signing out during the school day
7. Attendance sheets/('Admit forms')
8. Absence for tests and exams
9. Teacher absence
10. School closing - snow days
5. SCHOOL TRIPS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
1. Expectations
2. Assistance
3. Permission forms
6. ILLNESS, ACCIDENT OR INJURY
1. Emergencies
2. Ongoing medical conditions
3. MedicAlert bracelets
4. Administration of medication
7. PERSONAL PROPERTY AND LOCKERS
1. Personal property
2. Lockers
8. FOOD
9. TELEPHONES, MESSAGES, CELLPHONES, PAGERS, ETC.
1. Messages for students
2. Telephones and cell phones
10. VISITORS
1. Unauthorized visitors
2. Guests of students
11. STUDENT AND PARENT PARKING
1. Student parking
2. Student parking permits - TC
3. Parent parking
12. ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND CREDITS
13. COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMME
14. ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, EXAMS AND REPORT CARDS
1. Late assignments
2. Test, exam and final performance schedules
3. Report cards
15. AWARDS, PRIZES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
1. Academic awards
2. Graduation awards
16. SCHOOL LIBRARY
17. PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING
1. Expectations and consequences
2. Definition of plagiarism
3. Cheating
18. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND YOUR STUDIES
    

1.1 Our best protection - a sense of vigilance

CHAT is committed to providing its students and staff with a safe and secure environment. The school maintains contact with appropriate police, fire department, and Jewish community agencies on all matters relating to safety and security.

Everyone using the school - students, staff, parents and others - is asked to maintain a sense of vigilance regarding security and safety. The eyes and ears of our school community are our best protection.

• Any suspicious individuals, objects or incidents in the school or near the school must be immediately reported to the School Office or the nearest member of staff. All visitors should be wearing a 'Visitor Tag.' Students may not allow unauthorised persons - including former CHAT students - to visit them in school.
• Evacuation instructions are posted in every classroom. If an alarm sounds, the building should be evacuated, and all procedures and instructions followed. Students - including students on 'spares' -must go to their assembly points immediately, and may not leave until given permission to do so. No student may leave the school grounds or their designated assembly point under any circumstances.
• Any illness, accident or injury must be immediately reported to the School Office or to the nearest member of staff.
• Parents wanting to take photos or videos of the school for any reason (other than school events and ceremonies) are asked to check first with the school office.
• ANY breach of Safety and Security rules will be considered a serious disciplinary offense.

1.2 Video Monitoring

Video cameras monitor activity at key exit and entrance points at both campuses, and monitor activity outside the buildings. These cameras operate 24 hours per day. The system is monitored on screens in the Administration and operations offices, and the images are digitally recorded. We believe that this will act as a deterrent to unauthorized intruders, and will also enable us, if necessary, to retroactively review movement in and out of the building. Recorded information will not be accessible to unauthorized persons, and will only be viewed by employees of the school or law enforcement personnel when necessary in pursuit of the safety and security of our students, staff and premises, or as otherwise required or necessary by law. CHAT will maintain control of and responsibility for the monitoring system at all times. We believe that these safeguards balance the privacy interests of students and staff with the need for safety and security.

**** Parents visiting the school are asked to comply with security procedures at all times, and report to the School Office on arrival.

**** Parental support for the provisions of our Safety and Behaviour Code is an integral and central part of our home-school partnership. All parents should also read carefully the section entitled 'Evenings, weekends, drugs, parties, alcohol and similar issues ... in the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS at the back of this booklet.

2.1 Expectations

Learning to act as a responsible, constructive and moral member of society is an important part of education at CHAT - perhaps more important, ultimately, than academic achievement. Students at CHAT are committed to accept the school's Safety and Behaviour Code, learning to be good citizens, positive members of our community and good neighbours. We have high expectations of our students, which we assume all students will strive to meet.

2.1.1 How you should behave

Students at CHAT are expected to:

1. act safely, sensibly, responsibly, courteously and with honesty and integrity at all times, and implement the provisions of the School Handbook;
2. strive to enhance the community spirit of our school 'family';
3. be in school promptly and attend lessons on time with the correct books and equipment;
4. be conscientious regarding school work; complete assignments on time; implement teachers' instructions; be appropriate in speech; and never disturb the learning of others;
5. respect teachers, peers and all school staff;
6. respect school property and the property of others using the school;
7. respect our neighbours and other members of the local community, and keep off their property;
8. respect road safety provisions, whether as pedestrian, driver or passenger;
9. observe the Dress Code, and dress neatly, sensibly and appropriately for school and all school occasions; and
10. seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflicts peacefully, and not get into fights.

2.1.2 Behaviour to be avoided...

On school property, within sight of the school, in the vicinity of the school, at any time during the school day or at any school-sponsored activity or trip, wherever it takes place, a CHAT student may not:

1. smoke;
2. be in possession of, consume in any quantity, be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug-related equipment;
3. possess any weapon, including but not limited to firearms, or replica firearms, or any dangerous substance or object;
4. use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;
5. cause injury to any person with an object;
6. use vulgar, profane, or other offensive language;
7. possess, or send or access on a computer, hate literature, racist material or pornography;
8. in or out of school, directly or indirectly, bully or harass another member of the school community, or their families, or encourage others to do so; or inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person or damage to their property; and/or
9. knowingly cause any other student to be exposed to danger or risk.

2.1.3 Use of the school name or authority

Without permission from Administration, a CHAT student may not issue any communication (verbal, written or electronic) purporting to come from the school, or representing the school; or issue any communication which in any way encourages students to evade or breach the provisions of this Handbook, or other instructions issued by the school from time to time.

2.1.4 Raising funds/collecting money

A student seeking to raise funds for charity or collect charges from CHAT students, staff or parents; or who uses the CHAT facilities or the name of the school directly or indirectly for similar purposes, must obtain prior permission from Administration (or, where appropriate, the Director of Student Activities/Student Council).

2.2 Sexual Harassment

Every student is entitled to their personal dignity and is entitled to participate in our school community without fear for their safety or fot the integrity of their personal space - physical or emotional. Any unwelcome, unwanted and/or uninvited comments or conduct based on sex or gender which threaten a student's dignity or personal space are an offense against CHAT's ethos.

Sexual harassment is vexatious comment or conduct based on sex by a person who knows or ought reasonably to know that such behaviour is unwelcome.

2.2.1 Definitions

Any unwelcome, unwanted and/or uninvited comments or conduct based on sex or gender which threaten a student's dignity or personal space constitutes sexual harassment, and are an offense against CHAT's ethos. Sexual harassment is vexatious comment or conduct based on sex by a person who knows or ought reasonably to know that such behaviour is unwelcome.

Sexual harassment may be unwanted, uninvited sexual attention. It may involve remarks, gestures or actions of a sexual nature that make a person feel unsafe or uncomfortable. It may create an intimidating or hostile learning environment. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:

1. unwanted sexual advances which may include leering, intentional touching and/or patting, kissing or pinching;
2. persistent requests for a date, a proposition or demands for sexual favours;
3. inappropriate sexually-oriented remarks or behaviour;
4. reprisal or threat of reprisal for the rejection of a sexual advance or request for sexual favours;
5. sexually inviting remarks about race, gender, ability or class;
6. inappropriate sexual comments about a person's body, clothing or appearance;
7. sexually suggestive remarks, innuendos or gestures;
8. sexist jokes that are offensive or embarrassing;
9. displaying of pornographic or other offensive pictures, cartoons and graffiti in the school or on clothing;
10. physical assault; and/or
11. sending of letters, including electronic mail, telephone calls or notes of a sexually harassing nature.

2.2.2 What to do 'if' ...

A student who feels that they are the subject of such conduct, or a student who observes such conduct taking place and believes that it needs the attention of the school, should refer the matter in confidence and without delay to a teacher, guidance counsellor or administrator; or ask a trusted adult to contact the school on his/her behalf.

2.3 Computers, e-mail and internet

2.3.1 Expectations

Rapid changes in technology mean that these standards may be changed or added to as circumstances demand. Any action or use of electronic data, media, hardware or software that may reasonably be regarded as inappropriate, including but not limited to the actions specified below, and that affects the school, its students, staff or anyone connected with the school will be regarded as a disciplinary offense, leading in serious cases to suspension or expulsion.

CHAT students using school computers must be familiar with the 'Computer Users Code' or equivalent, as posted by the School Library, the Computer Department, or other Departments of the school, and of the general rules regarding computer use detailed in this Handbook. Use of any school computer will signify acceptance of the relevant rules.

2.3.2 Digital use of the school identity

Without the permission and supervision of a teacher, a CHAT student may not create a web-page, link, email, listserv, bulletin-board, title or other digital/electronic file or content using the school name in any form, the school logo or a representation thereof, or any other identifying device suggesting that that the site, link or communication belongs to, represents, or is connected to the school in any way.

2.3.3 Right to privacy

Respecting the property of others includes intellectual property, and the right of every individual to privacy and dignity in the electronic as well as in the more tangible and visible realms.

Students may not publicise or make accessible on the internet, or in any electronic media, names, photographs, e-mail addresses or e-mail links, of other students or staff without the permission of each individual.

2.3.4 Originating offensive material

It will be regarded as harassment for a student to send or compose e-mails or other digital material to anyone connected with the school that purports to come from another individual, or which is anonymous or pseudonymous.

CHAT students may not publish offensive material on the internet or in any electronic form about the school, or about individuals in any way connected with the school.

2.3.5 Accessing offensive material

Paragraph 2.1.2 (g) of this Handbook also provides that a student may not "possess, or send or access on a [school] computer, hate literature, racist material or pornography".

2.4 Consequences of misbehaviour

The Administration, at its discretion, will impose consequences on students who contravene the Safety and Behaviour Code or other school rules, who act in any way that breaches school standards. These may involve parental interviews, withdrawal or limitations of school privileges, assignments, detention, suspension, expulsion from CHAT or other reasonable sanctions. Students may be put on report or probation. The school may require students to seek professional counselling.

The school may impose similar measures, including reassignment of campus, to students whose presence is deemed detrimental to the physical or emotional well-being of other students or staff.

2.4.1 Process of suspension and expulsion

In the administration of suspensions and expulsions, CHAT will follow the guidelines laid down in "Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion from School - A Voluntary Code of Practice for schools affiliated with the Toronto Board of Jewish Education", published by the Association of Administrators and Principals of Jewish Schools in Greater Toronto. Copies of these procedures are available from the School Office.

2.4.1.1 Offenses which may result in expulsion

In addition to an immediate suspension, a student may be expelled from CHAT for serious or repeated breaches of the Safety and Behaviour Code, or other school rules. A student may be expelled from CHAT for behaviour including, but not limited to, the following:

1. being in possession of, or being under the influence of, alcohol;
2. possession of, or being under the influence of, or trafficking in illegal drugs;
3. possessing any weapon, including but not limited to firearms or replica firearms, or any dangerous substance;
4. robbery;
5. stealing, or being party to theft;
6. use of a weapon to cause bodily harm, or to threaten serious harm;
7. physical assault causing bodily harm requiring professional medical treatment;
8. sexual assault;
9. providing alcohol to a minor;
10. possessing, sending or accessing on a computer, hate literature, racist material or pornography;
11. in or out of school, directly or indirectly, bullying or harassing another member of the school community, or their families, or encouraging others to do so;
12. seriously contravening the provisions of this Handbook;
13. wilfully directly or indirectly causing a false security alarm; and/or
14. knowingly cause any other student to be exposed to danger or risk.

2.4.1.2 Offenses which may lead to suspension

A student may be suspended from CHAT for significant or repeated misbehaviour including, but not limited to, any of the following:

1. uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm;
2. acts of vandalism causing damage to school property, or property located on school premises;
3. swearing at a teacher or other person in authority;
4. persistent unauthorized absence from class;
5. plagiarism or cheating;
6. unacceptable classroom behaviour; and/or
7. deliberate defiance of a teacher's instructions.

CHAT Administration reserves the right to determine appropriate student dress and appearance.

3.1 Expectations

Students are expected to dress respectably, neatly and modestly, in a way that is appropriate to a school, and consistent with the ethos of CHAT. Expectations regarding dress and personal appearance apply at all times, including exams, on school trips and at all school-related activities, on or off school premises, unless specific instructions to the contrary are issued. A student who is inappropriately dressed will be asked to change into acceptable clothing or go home to change. In the later case, parents will be notified.

Boys must wear a kippah (or other appropriate and approved head-covering) at all times during school, and at all school events, and must wear full-length (waist to shoes) pants. Boys and girls must have shoulders, midriffs and knees covered.

3.2 Examples of inappropriate dress

Among items considered inappropriate are:

1. shorts, cut-offs, 'tank tops', sleeveless tops, and halter-tops;
2. clothing with inappropriate graphics;
3. mini-skirts;
4. dirty or torn clothing;
5. rolled up pant legs;
6. bandannas and visors.

3.3 Piercings

Body piercing and tattoos are not acceptable in Jewish tradition and are inappropriate for CHAT students. With the exception of discreet ear piercing and small nostril studs, visible piercings - including eyebrow piercings - are not allowed in school, and students will be suspended from school until they are removed.

Body piercings also constitute a safety hazard. Students with more than minimal ear-piercings, or unexposed bodily piercings, may be excluded from participating in sports or physical education.

3.4 Hair

Hair must be clean, neat, and of subdued colour.

****DRESS CODE is an area of changing concern related to fashion. The school will be reasonable, but when we say 'No!' we do so for good reason.... and expect parental support.

Students must keep their Attendance Sheet with them at all times, and must show it on request to any member of staff. It should be kept in the pocket provided at the back of the Student Agenda. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the Attendance Sheet is correct and properly updated.

4.1 Attendance and punctuality

The CHAT academic course demands regular attendance at school. Students must attend classes punctually and regularly, and must be prepared for all classes and scheduled school activities.

Under Ontario law, a parent has an obligation to cause a student between the ages of six and sixteen to attend school. Provided they are properly submitted to the Attendance Office reasonably in advance, the school will give sympathetic consideration to requests for permission for a student to be absent for legitimate reasons.

Unless a student has a valid medical excuse or unless the school's prior permission has been obtained, all students are required to attend school every day and be present for all scheduled classes, assemblies and activities. A student on a 'spare' must attend assemblies and/or special Grade or School activities. An unsatisfactory attendance record may cause a student's status in the school to come under review. All absences that are not satisfactorily accounted for will be treated as 'skips', and the appropriate disciplinary consequences will apply.

**** CHAT REGARDS IT AS A PARENT'S FIRST DUTY TO THE SCHOOL TO ENSURE THEIR SON/DAUGHTER'S ATTENDANCE. Classroom time is a precious and limited resource. We have an absolute expectation that parents will take every step to ensure that students are in school at every scheduled time - including special programmes.

4.2 Absence from school

Whatever the reason for absence, students are responsible for making up the work for all classes missed.

If a student is absent from school or will be arriving late, parents are required to contact the Attendance Office (TC - 416-636-5984, extensions 244 or 297) or the Student Services Office (RH - 905-787-8772 x 305) before 9:00 AM.

4.3 Returning to school

Immediately on a student's return to school, parents must give written and signed reasons for the absence to the Attendance Office (TC)/Student Services Office (RH), and the student is required to obtain an "Attendance Sheet" (see below). A detailed, signed parental note is also required to explain lates or requests for absence. The school routinely contacts parents/guardians of any student absent from school, and/or to confirm parental notes. If the reason given is medical, the school may ask for further medical documentation. The school reserves the right to request further information from physicians where information supplied does not appear to justify absence from school.

4.4 Unauthorised absence from class

If a student misses more than five classes because of unexplained or unexcused absence, parents will be contacted and further action taken. Repeated unauthorised absence may result in removal from a course and/or failure to achieve minimum attendance necessary for the course credit.

At the school's discretion, allowances may be made for students on school teams, or for certified medical, family or personal circumstances. In these circumstances, parents and/or students should seek early help from the Guidance Counsellors.

4.5 Punctuality and lates

The school day begins with the 8:25 AM bell. All students must be in their first class, properly prepared and equipped, by 8:30 AM. A student going to a locker after 8:30 AM will be marked late for class. Students are expected to be in each subsequent class within three minutes of the bell, and exactly on time for lessons following lunch and recesses.

A student who accumulates any four lates in one term will be sent to the Attendance Office to receive a warning. Upon a fifth lateness, the student may be suspended. Parents will be notified, and further measures taken. Habitual lateness will be considered a serious offense.

4.6 Signing out during the school day

If there is a legitimate reason for a student to 'sign-out' during the school day, parents must provide the student with a detailed, signed and dated note, and must inform the Attendance Office of the reasons for such a request. Except in emergencies, the school will not accept telephone calls from parents in place of a written note. The student must show the note to the teacher before leaving the classroom, sign out at the Attendance Office (TC) or the Student Services Office (RH), and sign in immediately on his or her return to school.

Students who are 'signed out' must leave the school premises.

**** We do not expect parents to request permission for students to leave school during scheduled school times except in exceptional circumstances. Parents are asked to arrange any non-essential appointments outside school hours or during school holidays.

4.7 Attendance sheets/('Admit forms')

Students returning after an absence, coming to school late, or returning after being out during the day, are required to have their "Attendance Sheet" ('Admit Form') completed in the Attendance Office (TC) or Student Services Office (RH) before returning to class. Failure to do so will be considered as skipping class. Attendance Sheets for absences must be updated and notes validated between 8:00-8:25 AM or during lunch, and not during class time. The Attendance Sheet must be carried with the student at all times.

4.8 Absence for tests and exams

4.8.1 Absence for tests

Test Days are clearly indicated in the Student Agenda. Routine medical and other appointments should not be scheduled for test times. The only acceptable excuse for missing a previously announced test is a medical condition that prevents the student from taking the test, or a family emergency.

The following procedures apply:

1. If a student is ill on the day of a test or exam, or has another urgent reason for absence, a parent should immediately call the Attendance Office (TC) or the Student Services Office (RH) in the normal way, specifying that the student has a test. Normal documentation for absence is required.
2. A student may not be absent for part of the day, and arrive in school to take a test, or, alternatively, leave school as soon as a test is finished. Under those circumstances, the school reserves the right not to allow the test to be taken, or to disallow the result.
3. If a student has an unavoidable medical appointment that conflicts with a test, the teacher must be notified well in advance - normally at least 48 hours, and in any event as soon as possible after the appointment is made. A valid note from the parent and an appointment confirmation from a physician must be presented to the Attendance Office (TC) or Student Services Office (RH) immediately on return to school. The school reserves the right to request further medical documentation from physicians where information supplied does not appear to justify absence from school.
4. Immediately on return to school, it is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teacher and ask for a make-up test. Students must be prepared to write a make-up test at any time after they return to school, which will normally be written after school hours, under supervised conditions. A student who does not write the make-up test at the appointed time will not normally get another opportunity to do so, and may be awarded a zero mark. A make-up test cannot be written later than eight school days after the original test.
5. Make-up tests are given at the school's discretion, and are subject to stated Departmental policy. Parents are asked to appreciate that setting a make-up test involves considerable extra work by teachers. The facility to take a make-up test will not be given if the school feels that this privilege is being abused by the student, or if, after reasonable investigation, the School Administration feels that the reasons given do not justify absence from school, and/or are not in accordance with the provisions of this Handbook.
6. Appropriate arrangements will be made for students who are normally allowed special conditions during tests and exams.
7. The school reserves the right to limit the number of make-up tests permitted to any student in any given year.
8. No make-up tests will be provided for students absent because of family vacations or other unacceptable reasons.
9. By arrangement with the school Administration, allowances and special arrangements will be considered for students absent because they are representing the school at sporting or other events providing teachers are given reasonable advance notice.

4.8.2 Absence for exams

Annual written examinations form an integral part of a student's final mark.

Students must write their examinations (normally in June) in the place, at the time and on the date scheduled by the school. Exam periods are clearly marked well in advance on the school calendar, and parents must ensure that their children are present at school for exams. Holidays or other social absences from town must not under any circumstances be scheduled where they conflict with examinations.

The regulations provide that alternative examinations may be arranged, or exemptions granted, where a student is absent because of illness (see below), a court appearance, an immigration hearing or bereavement. To be considered as a candidate for an alternative examination or evaluation, or for an exemption, a student must present timely and satisfactory documentation to the Attendance and Discipline Office (TC) or the Student Services Office (RH) The school reserves the right to determine the alternative evaluation procedure, including granting an exemption, when an examination has been missed for a legitimate reason.

Students who miss an examination for unacceptable or unsatisfactorily documented reasons will receive a mark of zero for the examination.

Where an exemption is granted, the teacher will grant the student an estimated exam mark reflective of the student's term mark and the class's overall performance on the examination.

A credit may only be granted if all Ministry requirements have been fulfilled.

4.8.3 Exemption for reason of illness

To be considered for a medical exemption from an exam, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that a medical note, as defined below, is submitted to the Attendance and Discipline Office not later than 4:00PM of the day following the scheduled written date for the exam.

An acceptable medical note must incorporate all of the following elements:

• be written on the Doctor's office letterhead
• be dated and signed by a medical practitioner certified by the O.M.A.
• confirm explicitly that the Doctor has personally examined the student and deemed the student unable to write the examination on the specified, scheduled date
• state the specific medical reason that prevents, or has prevented, the student from writing the examination.

4.9 Teacher absence

One student must advise the School Office if no teacher has arrived within ten minutes of the beginning of a class. Students must remain in the class until a substitute teacher or an administrator arrives.

4.10 School closing - snow days

If school is to be closed, announcements are made in the early morning on CFRB (1010 AM), CHUM FM (104.5 FM) and CBC (99.1FM). Recorded announcements are also put on the school telephone system, although due to the volume of calls, it may be difficult to get through.

5.1 Expectations

School trips and special activities are compulsory (unless stated otherwise), and are normal school days for purposes of attendance. No charges made are refundable in case of absence except in satisfactorily documented medical circumstances. Students on programmes out of school are representing the school and the Jewish community. The school has the highest expectations of their conduct. Students leaving in the early morning or returning late at night from Shabbatonim or other school programmes are asked to be mindful of our neighbours, and take special care to be quiet.

5.2 Assistance

Students who cannot afford to participate in any school trip or other programme (or any school activity) may confidentially request assistance from Administration or a guidance counsellor. No student at CHAT will be prevented from participation in any school event for financial reasons.

5.3 Permission forms

'Permission Forms' must be signed by parents and returned to school at the requested time - for legal reasons, and as a simple means of ensuring that parents know that on a particular day their son/daughter will be on a school trip or programme out of school. If the permission form and/or payment is not returned on time, the student will not be permitted to attend the school trip or program, and will be required to report to school for a set program of assignments.

**** School trips and special programmes are part of the CHAT experience. Every student is expected to attend.

6.1 Emergencies

Any illness, accident or injury must be immediately reported to the School Office or to the nearest member of staff. The school will take appropriate actions, and parents will be contacted.

If a student feels unwell during the day, and cannot attend class, he or she should obtain his/her teacher's permission and then go to the Attendance Office (TC) or Student Services Office (RH).

6.2 Ongoing medical conditions

For the protection and care of students, the school must be advised of all ongoing medical conditions. Any new conditions, or significant changes in existing conditions, or significant changes in medication, should be reported in writing to the school - either to Guidance or Administration. The school may require independent medical assessment or documentation. If Epi-Pens are required, an extra supply should be left in the Attendance Office (TC) or the Student Services Office (RH) for emergency use.

6.3 MedicAlert bracelets

For students with ongoing medical conditions or allergies, or who are taking ongoing medication, the school strongly recommends obtaining a 'MedicAlert' bracelet. Leaflets are available from the School Office. Further details from MedicAlert (www.medicalert.ca / 1-800-668-1507).

**** It is essential that parents ensure that the school has full written details of students' medical conditions. Guidance Counsellors will always be prepared to help with special requirements and arrangements. We strongly recommend MedicAlert bracelets for students with ongoing medical issues.

6.4 Administration of medication

Administration, faculty or office staff can only administer medication, including Tylenol, with written authorization from a parent or guardian.

The school is not responsible for students' possessions.

Students are cautioned to take good care of belongings - not leaving bags or clothing unsupervised, or lockers unlocked or unattended. During Phys. Ed., valuables must be given to the staff member in charge for safe keeping, and never left in a change room. A student's personal possessions - including textbooks, calculators, cellphones, etc. - should be clearly marked with his/her name.

7.1 Personal property

Students should not bring unnecessary cash or valuables to school - including valuable clothing. Valuables may be left in the School Office, although the school cannot accept any responsibility for students' possessions.

**** Parents should ensure that their personal insurance covers students' personal possessions against loss or damage, and that students do not bring unnecessary cash or valuable items to school.

7.2 Lockers

Students do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to their lockers or property inside their lockers. Lockers remain the property of CHAT. The school reserves the right to inspect and search lockers. Where practical, the school will make every effort to ensure that the student is present during locker searches. Students must use combination locks purchased from the school, and should not under any circumstances disclose the combination to other students. Lockers are allocated for the individual use of students and may not be shared with other students, except with the permission of the school. The school maintains a list of all locker combinations. The school will forcibly remove locks if required.

Every student is responsible for his/her own allocated locker. Locker doors must be kept clean. No decals, stickers, writing or other material are to be placed on the outside of the lockers.

The interior of lockers may be decorated with discretion. Items that promote alcohol, drugs, violence, personal or group hate, racism or sexism, or that are otherwise offensive, are not allowed. Requests for locker repairs should be made through the office. Damage of a locker resulting from misuse will be charged to the student.

Do not leave money or other valuables in lockers for long periods.

All food that is brought into the school building at any time must be kosher. Food provided for school events and trips must be purchased from a source approved by the school Administration.

Wherever they are, students are expected to clear their own refuse, and leave a tidy and clean environment. Recycle wherever possible.

**** Parents sending food to school, or kindly providing hospitality for school events or school guests are asked to comply with the school kashrut standard.

9.1 Messages for students

We cannot guarantee to pass messages to students, except in emergencies, and with the agreement of an Administrator.

9.2 Telephones and cell phones

Public telephones in the school building may not be used during lesson times. School telephones are not available for personal use, except of course in emergencies.

Cell phones, pagers and beepers must be turned off during lessons and school events. Cell phones and beepers that go off during class will be confiscated.

10.1 Unauthorized visitors

Students may not host or accompany unauthorized visitors. The presence of unknown and/or unauthorised visitors on school premises must be immediately reported to the School Office or to a member of staff. Casual visitors - whether students or not - will be asked to leave the school premises, and police will be called if their presence gives any cause for suspicion.

10.2 Guests of students

Students wishing to host personal guests in school must ask permission well in advance from the Campus Principal. Such permission is entirely discretionary, and will not be given during exams, the period leading up to exams, or other inconvenient times in the school calendar.

11.1 Student parking

The School cannot provide parking for all students who wish to drive to School. All cars are brought to school entirely at the owner's risk.

We regret that there are no student car parking facilities at CHAT RH - the car park is reserved for staff and visitors. At CHAT TC, the south car park is reserved for staff and visitors. Grade 12 students may park in the adjacent Beth Jacob Synagogue car park (rented by CHAT for this purpose), but only in the area marked and only if displaying a Student Parking Permit. Student parking is strictly on a 'first-come, first-served' basis.

Students at either Campus who contravene the parking regulations may be ticketed and/or towed, without notice. Cars being driven in a dangerous manner in the vicinity of the school - whoever the driver - will be reported to the police.

Students at both Campuses are warned that they may be ticketed or towed if they park illegally in the surrounding streets, or in nearby car parks belonging to other private owners.

**** Parents should be very aware of safety issues around students and cars. Take time to speak to your son/ daughter about safe driving - both around school and at all times.

11.2 Student parking permits - TC

Students must register all their cars on the form provided, and will be issued with a Student Parking Permit, valid for one school year. Instructions for registration will be issued at the beginning of the year. The Board has set the charge for a Student Parking Permit at $25. This fee covers the cost of the sticker, the cost of administering the scheme, and helps defray the cost to CHAT of renting the student car park. Only one sticker will be issued, and students using more than one car should find a method of clearly displaying the sticker on the dash of the car they bring to school. Student cars may be ticketed or towed without warning if they are parked:

• in the staff parking area
• without a clearly visible permit
• with a permit that does not match the vehicle(s) registered
• in an unauthorized area of the Beth Jacob car park at TC. The school cannot accept any responsibility in such cases.

A Student Parking Permit will be revoked if:

• the assigned Student Parking Permit is used for any car other than those registered;
• a sticker is being used for a vehicle belonging to another person
• the student is seen driving dangerously in or around the school; or
• a car is parked dangerously or is persistently parked in the wrong place. Cars that are parked on the school's parking lot may not be used for "lounging" or socializing at any time during the school day.

11.3 Parent parking

Parents parking for drop-off and pick-up should use the south car park at TC, and the designated areas at RH. Please do not park on adjacent streets or other places where you are blocking access to driveways, or blocking access to commercial premises. TC parents are particularly asked not to restrict or block access to the shops in Bathurst Manor shopping plaza.

**** CHAT asks our parents to help us to be good neighbours. Please park responsibly and safely in the vicinity of the school.

SEE THE 'CHAT COURSE CALENDAR' 2004-5 FOR FULL DESCRIPTIONS AND DETAILS OF CREDITS, CURRICULUM, COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS.

CHAT is proud that in the coming year our students will contribute over 26,000 hours of volunteer service to the Greater Toronto Community.

Part of every student's CHAT programme, assigned to his or her Jewish Studies credits, is their Community Service requirement. Every student must do a minimum of eighteen hours of volunteer Community Service each year.

The CHAT programme incorporates the Ministry requirement, needed for the award of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

A student cannot complete the prerequisites for the next Grade without completing their Community Service requirement. Persistent failure to do Community Service will be treated as a disciplinary offense. Grade 12 students who have not completed Community Service requirements cannot receive a CHAT Graduation Diploma, and may place receipt of their OSSD in jeopardy.

Full details of the 'Community Service programme' are in the leaflet sent in the August mailing. Further copies are always available from the Community Service Office in School (both Campuses).

**** PARENTS can be very helpful in ensuring that their children do not fall behind in their Community Service hours. Encourage your child to complete their Community Service requirements early in the year. A good target is to complete half the requirement by the end of the first Semester. Staff 'PD' days, of which there are several during the year, and on which there is no school for students, are a good opportunity to do Community Service.

14.1 Late assignments

All assignments have a 'Time management / organisation skills' component built into the marking rubric, and must be submitted on time. The value of this component will be determined by the individual department and applied by all teachers. Normally, this value will not be larger than 10%. Assignments handed in after the published due date cannot earn the 'Time management' component.

After fourteen days past the due date, or after the assignment has been handed back to the class, marked by the teacher - whichever is sooner - a late assignment will not be accepted for evaluation.

All major assignments are due on test days.

14.2 Test, exam and final performance schedules

• See Section 5.8 for procedure to be followed if a student is absent for a test or exam.

Test schedules are published each year. Specific periods are assigned for testing each day of the week. A student cannot be required to write more than two tests on any one day (refer to Guidance in case of difficulty). Tests will not be set for the day immediately after a Yom Tov (Jewish festival), and reasonable sensitivity will always be shown to the timing of tests and assignments in relation to the Jewish calendar.

No tests may be given, nor may major assignments fall due, less than one week prior to exams.

Exams will be given at the end of the school year, normally in June. An exam schedule and, where applicable, Final Performance schedules will be posted well in advance. Exams may count for twenty to forty percent (increasingly a standard 30%) of a course mark, depending upon the course and departmental policy.

14.3 Report cards

Three Report Cards are issued each year - in the second week of November (interim Report), at the beginning of February, and in the first week of July.

The report Card marking system is as follows:

90-100 - Outstanding	-	(A+)
80-89 - Excellent	-	(A)
70-79 - Good/Very good	-	(B)
60-69 - Satisfactory	-	(C)
50-59 - Weak	-	(D)
0-49 - Fail	-	(F)

15.1 Academic awards

Each year in November the school holds its annual Academic Awards Ceremonies, for TC and RH campuses. Parents and families are warmly invited to attend. These evenings recognise academic achievement in the previous year's courses, and therefore involve Grade 10 (awards from Grade 9), Grade 11 (awards from Grade 10) and Grade 12 (awards from Grade 11). Academic Award ("Honour Roll") in Grades 9 & 10 are given to students who achieve an average of at least 80% in all eleven subjects, and in Grade 11 to students who achieve an average of at least 80% in nine subjects.

15.2 Graduation awards

At the annual Graduation Ceremonies, there are several different categories of Awards, Prizes and Scholarships. A list of special awards is normally circulated to grade 12 students well in advance of Graduation. The number and amount of Awards and Scholarships may vary from year to year, depending on criteria of endowed or donated gifts, fund yields and other circumstances.

To be eligible for any Award, Prize or Scholarship (including Academic or Scholastic awards), a student must have been "conscientious in their studies" in all subjects. A student who may have achieved a pass mark on a course, but has not fulfilled all course requirements (eg failed to submit an assigned Final Product, or failed to write an exam) is considered not to have been "conscientious in their studies". Such a student cannot receive an Academic, Scholastic or other award or prize at Graduation, irrespective of whether the course in question is part of the computation relevant to that award.

**** Parents or friends of the School wishing to donate prizes are invited to contact the Development office. Within policy guidelines set down by the school, a range of opportunities are available.

Library books and equipment lent to students must be returned, and all fines paid before the start of exams. Books not returned by the 'last return date' at the end of the school year will be deemed to be lost, and parents will be invoiced for the cost of replacement, plus an administrative charge. Use of the school library signifies acceptance of its rules and policies, including the computer users' code.

17.1 Expectations and consequences

CHAT expects every student's work - at all levels and at all times - to be his/her original work, or part of an approved group project. Plagiarism is a serious offense at CHAT. Plagiarism or cheating in any manner on an assignment test or exam, will result in a zero mark and may result in further discipline to the student.

17.2 Definition of plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when a student submits the thoughts, writings, inventions, work etc. of another as his or her own.

A student is guilty of plagiarism when he or she:

1. fails to acknowledge with quotation marks and appropriate attribution material copied directly from other sources, including digital and printed sources;
2. fails to acknowledge paraphrased material (someone else's ideas even when such ideas are rephrased);
3. uses others' work as one's own;
4. presents as original or new an idea or product derived from an existing source; or
5. uses unattributed, downloaded material or 'cuts and pastes' from the Internet or from another student's e-file.

Students suspected of plagiarizing will be required to demonstrate that the work is their own by providing examples of the research and the appropriate draft copies. Students are STRONGLY advised to keep draft copies on disk of word-processed assignments.

17.3 Cheating

Cheating is deemed to be the use of any unfair or dishonest means to gain advantage in any school programme, assignment, quiz, test or exam.

Participation in extra-curricular activities, including sports, is conditional on maintaining a record of good behaviour and a passing grade in every subject.

If a student's mark in any subject drops below passing or if he/she is the subject of a disciplinary report, the student may be required to drop some or all extra-curricular activity until he/she demonstrates improvement. A student should not participate in more than one major team or activity per season.

 

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