SCHOOL ROUTINES

8:27 am

Super vision begins. If the weather is poor, the bell will ring and children can proceed to their classrooms.

8:42 am

Classes begin.

10:14-10:34 am

Recess

11:53-12:13 pm

Lunchtime. Students eat in their classrooms, unless parents give the school permission to send them home for lunch.

12:14-12:48

Play period - outside recess, library, clubs, sports.

12:48 pm

Afternoon classes begin.

2:50 pm

*Dismissal*

3:05 pm

Supervision ends - Students are expected to leave our grounds quickly after school, unless they are involved in a supervised activity.

3:30

Doors locked except for Daycare door!
 
Our office is open from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily, Monday to Friday
Phone: 595-3611
 

Doncaster Drop-Off

To help us make the drop-off work, please follow these guidelines:

1. Don't park - STAY IN YOUR CAR! For parking purposes, please use the parking lot or the street frontage on Rowan.
2. Leave room for others. Move right to the eastern end of the drop-off.
3. Observe the one-way signs painted on the road.
4. Don't walk on the road surface of the drop-off; use the sidewalk instead.
5. Confer with your children in advance about your time of pickup.

At the crosswalk...

Here are 9 driving rules that make life easier for our crossing guards:

1. Observe the special speed limit. It's 30km per hour in a school zone from 8 - 5 on school days.
2. Stop behind the crosswalk on Rowan St., and wait there until Cedar Hill Road is clear before going into the intersection. Leave room for the crossing guards to do their job!
3. Don't stop in the crosswalk to turn left from Cedar Hill Road onto Rowan.
4. On Cedar Hill Road, stop well back from the crosswalk when people are crossing so crossing guards know you see them.
5. Never drive into a crosswalk when there's someone crossing -- even when there's a lane free. It's dangerous and against the law.
6. If it looks like someone might want to use the crosswalk, slow down and be prepared to stop. Relax, what's the rush? Look how happy the kids are!
7. Don't engage the crossing guards in conversation through the car window. They have enough to do already.
8. Don't talk on your cellphone while you're driving -- ever! -- but especially in a school zone. Kids can come out of nowhere.
9. Don't park within 20 feet of the corner of Cedar Hill and Rowan. It obscures the vision of pedestrians, drivers and crossing guards.

These are basic, obvious rules ... and common courtesy ... but they're broken every day at the Cedar Hill and Rowan crosswalk. Remember: crossing guards can, have, and will report driving infractions, and Saanich police are committed to prosecuting offenders.
 
If you are interested in working as a back-up crossing guard in this paying position, contact The Principal at 595-3611

Code of Conduct

As a community we are in the process of supporting good behaviour and teaching our students to be responsible citizens. (We promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect where all are equal in dignity and right. -- BC Human Rights Code.)
 
I have a right to attend school and to receive an education.
 
I have a responsibility to obey the rules set forth for the benefit of all students.
 
I have a right to learn.
 
I have a responsibility to be attentive, to complete all my assignments to the best of my ability, and to seek help when needed. I have a responsibility to act in a manner which does not interfere with another student's learning.
 
I have a right to be respected.
 
I have a responsibility to treat others with kindness, courtesy and respect. This includes all students, staff and visitors to the school.
 
I have a right to be safe.
 
I have a responsibility to behave and play without harming or threatening others. I have a responsibility to get help for another student if necessary.
 
I have a right to learn in a clean, attractive environment.
 
I have a responsibility to respect and care for school property, school equipment, and displays. I have a responsibility to pick up my own litter, and place it appropriately.
 
I have a right to privacy with my personal belongings.
 
I have a responsibility to respect the privacy and possessions of others.

Consequences

When students do not act in a responsible manner, it is the responsibililty of the adults working with them to intervene.  Occasionally, our school Police Liaison Officer may be called to assist the staff, students and parents.
 
Rising Epectations - we expect that as students move through the grades k-5 expectations will increase. As well, progressive consequences for acts, or those that become chronic and repetitive, are implemented.
 
With the age and awareness we expect:

• Increasing personal responsibility and self-descipline
• Increasing understanding of the Code of Conduct guidelines
• Increasing understanding the need for progressive consequences

Retaliation Prevention -- all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation by a person against a student who has made a complaint of a breach of our code of conduct will be taken.

 

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

CLOTHING

Students are expected to dress in clothing, which is appropriate for weather conditions, is comfortable, and is not offensive to others.

STUDENT PROPERTY

Generally speaking, students are asked to leave valuables at home. This includes distractible toys. Matches, lighters, fireworks, skateboards, rollerblades and any items, which could hurt or threaten another student, must be left at home.

PLAYGROUND

On the Doncaster Playground students will:

• treat others with kindness, respect and courtesy
• attempt to solve any disputes in a respectful manner, and involve a Big Buddy or adult supervisor when necessary
• respect all school equipment and the school building
• walk bicycles when on the school grounds from 8:00 to 4:00 on school days
• play well away from bicycle storage areas and school parking lots
• place litter in garbage cans
• never climb fences or trees
• never bring objects which could be harmful
• never throw objects, other than appropriate play equipment, and then only to a student who is prepared to
• catch
• stay on the school grounds unless there is written adult permission to leave
• enter the school promptly, quietly, and safely
• use the doors nearest their classrooms to enter and exit
• only enter school during recess and lunch to use the washroom or get a drink

HALLWAYS

Inside our school building students will:

• treat others with kindness, respect and courtesy
• remove hats upon entry
• assist the custodial staff by helping keep floors and walls clean
• enjoy and respect educational displays
• walk (not run) quietly so that other students can listen and learn

WASHROOMS

When using the washrooms students will:

• leave the cubicle doors unlocked when finished
• place paper towels in receptacles
• leave the washroom clean
• not loiter in the washroom

CLASSROOM AREAS

During instruction time students will:

• follow the class's code of conduct

During the lunch period students will:

• treat others with kindness, respect and courtesy
• eat quietly in designated seats
• obey monitors and supervising adults
• clean their area after eating
• wait quietly, until time to be dismissed
• clean desktops and deposit garbage in a receptacle before leaving
• dismiss when directed to do so and go outside or to an organized activity

MUSIC ROOM

Rules of conduct stress quiet, cooperative behaviour.

COMPUTER LAB

When in the computer lab, students will:

• use equipment other than computers and printers only with direct supervision
• treat the equipment with respect, i.e. there is to be no tampering with or misuse of the hardware or software
• not use any disks from home on the school computers
• stay out of the cupboards and filing cabinets
• help maintain the lab by hanging up headsets, quitting all programs, removing personal belongings, and pushing in chairs

LIBRARY

While using the library students will:

• understand that the library is a quiet area.
• use computers properly.
• wait patiently in line.
• tuck in chairs, dispose of any garbage.
• handle books carefully and return books on time.
• recognize that the library is a place for staff and students to work.
• students will work on school related activities.

GYM

When in the gym students will:

• use good sportsmanship
• be in the gym and stage area ONLY when there is adult supervision
• never have food or drink in the gym
• wear clean running shoes

RAINY DAY PROCEDURES (RECESS AND NOON HOUR)

On rainy days while inside students will:

• treat others with kindness, respect and courtesy
• stay in their own classroom unless going to an organized activity or the washroom
• participate in quiet and safe classroom activities (reading, playing board games, drawing)
• behave according to the class's code of conduct.

CONSEQUENCES

When students do not act in a responsible manner, it is the responsibility of the adults working with them to intervene. Occasionally, our school Police Liaison Officer may be called to assist the staff, students and parents. COMPUTER LAB AND LIBRARY Violation of these rules will result in the student being denied access for a period of time. LUNCHROOM Repeated misbehaviour will result in the student's removal for a period of time. This may necessitate eating in another classroom, or, if the behaviour persists, eating at home or wherever other arrangements permit. MUSIC ROOM Repeated misbehaviour will result in the student's removal for a period of time. CLASSROOM Repeated misbehaviour may necessitate the student's removal to a quiet area for a period of time. ON THE PLAYGROUND AND AROUND THE SCHOOL Supervisors will talk with students and, if necessary, inform the classroom teacher verbally or by filling out a behaviour slip. This slip will document the type of behaviour, which is causing concern. Several of these slips, or a serious misbehaviour, will result in the student filling out a behaviour contract which will be sent home to be signed by the parents and subsequently by the principal. Conferencing with parents will follow if the behaviour continues, and the student will be on a weekly contract with the principal or vice principal, who will monitor the behaviour closely.

FIELD TRIPS

Each field trip will have expectations, which are set out by the classroom teacher, and are based upon concerns around safety and maximum learning/enjoyment by all students. A student may not be included in a trip if there is a safety concern as a result of demonstrated non-compliance, or if it is felt by the staff that the student has not demonstrated the necessary preliminary effort to support inclusion. STUDENT SUSPENSION Generally speaking, student suspensions occur only after all preventative activities have taken place in the school. It is recognized, however, that there are times when the behaviour of a student is such that a suspension will occur even though there has been no previous offense or preventative counselling measures taken. Such behaviour could include an act of physical violence, theft, or defiance. Bullying includes violent and/or emotionally negative behaviours such as teasing, threats, and name-calling. [Note: Our school district supports a ZERO TOLERANCE policy regarding violence.] Suspension can be from one to five days in length.

The Educational Program

The program in which your child is involved is mandated by the Ministry of Education. It is affected by the government of the day and includes social and emotional components.
 
Research has shown that parent involvement at home is the most important single factor in student success at school. For example good basic nutrition, regular meals and plenty of sleep will give a student the basis for a good day. Additional essentials:

• making sure the child is up on time and arrives at school on time
• providing a good breakfast and lunch
• providing warm clothing for cold days
• keeping you child home when sick
• providing tissues for a runny nose
• making sure school things are gathered up in the morning or better yet, the night before

Educational support includes some of the following:

• reading together at home
• setting aside homework time and space
• checking the agenda for homework/notes from the teacher
• helping with pacing for project work (when due? materials needed?)
• discussing issues with the child (report cards, rules, successes, problems)
• returning necessary notices promptly

Parent / Teacher Conferences

In September, December and March, classes are dismissed early for parent/teacher conferences which may be requested by either the teacher or the parent
 
Before you go:
 
Talk to your child to find out if there are things to be discussed with the teacher.
 
Make a list of the things you want to talk about - for example:

• what the teacher expects from your child
• how your child's work is being evaluated
• school activities you can participate in that will help your child
• how much time should be spent on homework each night
• how often report cards are sent home
• how your child is getting along with other students

When you are there, ask the teacher:

• what you can do at home to help your child
• for positive comments about your child

After you go:

• talk to your child about the meeting and pass on positive comments made by the teacher (if your child is not part of a three-way conference)
• feel free to call the teacher if you think it's necessary

Parents - Get Involved!

At Doncaster Elementary, students, staff and parents work toward mutually respectful relationships. It is recognized that the involvement of all parties is necessary for the student's achievement of maximum potential.
 
Particularly in the primary grades, parents are invited to be involved in classroom activities. The degree of involvement will vary from teacher to teacher, and will tend to decrease as the students become older.
 
Parents are welcome and needed in a variety of ways in the school. The Students' Council involved in this policy made it clear that students of all ages enjoy seeing parents working at Doncaster. Parents may be working outside their own child's classroom. For example, your own personal or cultural expertise may enrich students' experiences in other classes.
 
The following should be taken into consideration:

1. Due to union regulations, parents or other volunteers should not be doing the work a paid employee would do (i.e. photocopying for the classrooms, marking student work).
2. Work areas need to be respected. The staffroom is a place for respite and work for the staff. However, spaces will gladly be made available for parents involved in the many activities which help our school.

Get involved by :

• creating a positive learning environment at home
• attending the school's Parents Advisory Council (PAC) meetings;
• offering to volunteer at school in the classroom, driving for field trips, or any of the other areas that are mentioned in the monthly newsletters.
• attending local school board meetings to learn more about how the school system is governed (contact your local school board member for more information)

Student Class Placement

By the end of April, schools have some idea of the numbers of students and staff for the following September. Tentative class configurations are organized based upon contractual class-size limits and the number of staff assigned to the school. Parents are invited to submit a written request based upon educational needs. These should be submitted to the classroom teacher or to the principal before the end of May, when the staff begins to organize for the following year. These requests will be given serious consideration. However, the professionals who work with the students at the school will make the final decision based upon educational and social concerns. A great deal of time is spent on this task.
 
Occasionally additional or fewer students in September may result in staff being added or removed. This necessitates the rearrangement of classes, and could happen, though rarely, well into September. Parental support will ease a student's concerns during this stressful time.

Problem Solving Protocols

Good communication between the parent and the teacher is an important key to any child's success in school. Talking to the adults who work with your child not only helps to provide you with a full picture, but also models the first step in positive problem solving. Generally speaking, these are the steps to follow when you have a concern:

1. Arrange a time to meet with the teacher.
2. Discuss the problem thoroughly and arrange a time to reconnect if the problem is a serious one.
3. Ask for the principal's involvement if more help is needed.
4. The counsellor's involvement may include referrals to other sources if solving the problem is outside the realm of the school.

For additional resources, call the BC PAC Advocacy Project, toll-free at 1-888-351-9834 or check out their website at http://www.bccpac.bc.ca/advocacyproject.aspx

Eye Exams

Has your child had a professional eye exam this year? Did you know that one out of every four children has an undetected vision problem that may impede learning? Every child should have an eye exam once a year!
 
Many vision problems can only be discovered by a professional eye exam. Children are entitled (under BC Medical) to one free eye exam per year. You do not need a referral from your doctor or anyone else. Make that appointment today!