Handbook
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Adventist Christian Elementary School. This is our third year of operation and we are looking forward to yet more accompishments this academic year. A. C. E. S. is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Ontario and is part of a worldwide Seventh-day Adventist educational system which includes 92 Colleges and universities, plus more than 5,000 elementary and secondary schools. Within this system A. C. E. S. conducts a programme to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and to foster a desire to share that relationship with others.
An education of this nature has a lasting impact and helps with the balanced development of the whole child. At Adventist Christian Elementary School we not only prepare your child for life here on earth we also prepare them for eternity.
An education of this nature has a lasting impact and helps with the balanced development of the whole child. At Adventist Christian Elementary School we not only prepare your child for life here on earth we also prepare them for eternity.
Objectives
Spiritual
Students will:
Mental
Students will:
Social
Students will:
Physical
Students will:
Students will:
- Exhibit knowledge of the Bible and be able to apply its teachings to daily living.
- Develop an understanding of the use of prayer as a means of direct communication with God.
- Manifest an acceptance of Christian principles as evidenced by their interaction with other people.
Mental
Students will:
- Demonstrate an awareness of themselves as a person of worth, with a recognition of individual gifts, strengths and weaknesses
- Demonstrate the ability to read, write, listen, and speak with clarity and confidence.
- Be able to think creatively and apply knowledge to the solution of everyday problems.
- Demonstrate the ability to think independently and to make personal decisions.
Social
Students will:
- Develop an understanding that all people are children of God regardless of race, creed, or religious affiliation as manifested through their relationships with others.
- Develop an understanding of social values such as courtesy, consideration of others, cooperative group interactions, self-control and respect for authority.
- Develop skills that will enable them to participate and take leadership roles in church and community programs.
- Be able to participate in social activities that uphold Christian values and manifest the respect for the dignity of manhood and womanhood.
Physical
Students will:
- Demonstrate an awareness that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and will foster the practice of healthful principles of living.
- Exhibit an understanding of the close relationship between spiritual, mental, and physical development.
- Participate in a physical education and recreational program that will develop good physical and mental health.
Admission
A. C. E. S. is a private school; it is religiously oriented and has regulations that direct conduct. Students are expected to support these regulations while in school or participating in school-related activities. As such any student who desires to flourish in this environment, to develop a Christian character, and who can support the philosophy and policies established by the school is welcome.
Parents seeking admission for their children in the school thereby signify that they are in agreement with the standards and policies of the school. Parents/Guardians pledge themselves to assist in every way possible to uphold the school, staff and the education programme.
A child must be six (6) years of age by December 31 of the current school year to be accepted in first grade. Students entering school for the first time must have proof of age and status in Canada.
New students will be admitted upon completion of registration forms, a signed statement of Agreement, verification of status in Canada i.e. Birth certificate or citizenship papers, photocopy of health care card and immunization records.
Currently enrolled students must reregister each year. It is a school board policy that no student be enrolled unless his previous account is paid in full or prior arrangements is made with the school board. Secondly, behavioural/scholastic approval is given by the teacher.
A. C. E. S. believes that all children will benefit from the programme. The school, however, may not be able to adequately serve children with special learning and/or social needs at this time.
Parents seeking admission for their children in the school thereby signify that they are in agreement with the standards and policies of the school. Parents/Guardians pledge themselves to assist in every way possible to uphold the school, staff and the education programme.
A child must be six (6) years of age by December 31 of the current school year to be accepted in first grade. Students entering school for the first time must have proof of age and status in Canada.
New students will be admitted upon completion of registration forms, a signed statement of Agreement, verification of status in Canada i.e. Birth certificate or citizenship papers, photocopy of health care card and immunization records.
Currently enrolled students must reregister each year. It is a school board policy that no student be enrolled unless his previous account is paid in full or prior arrangements is made with the school board. Secondly, behavioural/scholastic approval is given by the teacher.
A. C. E. S. believes that all children will benefit from the programme. The school, however, may not be able to adequately serve children with special learning and/or social needs at this time.
Financial Overview
Adventist Christian Elementary School has four major sources of income: the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church operating subsidy, constituent church subsidies, tuition, and fund-raising projects.
There are two different categories of tuition fees: constituent and other.
“Constituent” refers to those who are members of the North London and London Seventh-day Adventist churches. “Other” refers to those who are members of the public.
Tuition fees cover tuition only. Fees are due on the first day of each month. Cheques and money orders should be made payable to Adventist Christian Elementary School. Post-dated cheques are to be issued at the beginning of the school year. A 3% discount is available for those paying the yearly tuition by September 30 of the current school year. If an account becomes more than 60 days overdue, the student(s) may be asked to withdraw from school. The Board reserves the right to place an interest charge on accounts over 30 days. No student will be re-admitted until his previous account is paid, or prior financial arrangements have been made with the school treasurer. Tuition rates are set each year by the School Board. Current rates are available from the school office.
Initial Payment: The fees for September are payable at the time of registration.
Refund: If a student is withdrawn from A. C. E. S. during the school year payments stop at time of withdrawal, given that the withdrawal is at the end of the month. If a student is withdrawn before the end of the month, tuition fees for that month will not be refunded, tuition fees are not pro-rated for any month.
There are two different categories of tuition fees: constituent and other.
“Constituent” refers to those who are members of the North London and London Seventh-day Adventist churches. “Other” refers to those who are members of the public.
Tuition fees cover tuition only. Fees are due on the first day of each month. Cheques and money orders should be made payable to Adventist Christian Elementary School. Post-dated cheques are to be issued at the beginning of the school year. A 3% discount is available for those paying the yearly tuition by September 30 of the current school year. If an account becomes more than 60 days overdue, the student(s) may be asked to withdraw from school. The Board reserves the right to place an interest charge on accounts over 30 days. No student will be re-admitted until his previous account is paid, or prior financial arrangements have been made with the school treasurer. Tuition rates are set each year by the School Board. Current rates are available from the school office.
Initial Payment: The fees for September are payable at the time of registration.
Refund: If a student is withdrawn from A. C. E. S. during the school year payments stop at time of withdrawal, given that the withdrawal is at the end of the month. If a student is withdrawn before the end of the month, tuition fees for that month will not be refunded, tuition fees are not pro-rated for any month.
Health and nutritional information
Parents need to be aware of their child’s health and decide when it is necessary to keep him/her at home.
Please inform the school of contagious illnesses such as pink eye, chicken pox, or cases of head lice so that other parents can be alerted to watch for symptoms. A medical certificate is required before a child can be readmitted to class.
When children return to school after being sick, please make certain that they are dressed appropriately for existing weather conditions. Children who are able to attend school will be expected to play outside during recess.
Please inform the school of contagious illnesses such as pink eye, chicken pox, or cases of head lice so that other parents can be alerted to watch for symptoms. A medical certificate is required before a child can be readmitted to class.
When children return to school after being sick, please make certain that they are dressed appropriately for existing weather conditions. Children who are able to attend school will be expected to play outside during recess.
Administration of medication
Teachers are not permitted to give any internal medication. If your child is prescribed medication for a health problem, the school requests that, if possible, it be given at home. However, if it is necessary for the child to receive medication at school, the child may be assisted by the teacher if the school receives:
- A written statement from the parent/guardian of the student indicating the desire that the teacher assist the student. The letter must also state the time schedule, the amount and method by which such medication is to be taken, and
- Such medication must be delivered to the school in its original, identified container.
Lunch and snacks
We here at A. C. E. S. asks that lunches/snacks do not include any “unclean meat” as stated in Leviticus, Chapter 11 of the Bible. This includes ham, pork, bacon, pepperoni and shellfish of any kind.
Preventative strategies for the potential of food allergies shall include the following:
Preventative strategies for the potential of food allergies shall include the following:
- Children should not trade or share food.
- Children with food allergies should eat lunches and snacks that have been prepared at home
- NUTS in any form, including nut oil, are NOT to be included in foods brought in for special occasions and food contents should be labelled.
Attendance
School is in session from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Friday. Ontario education laws require regular school attendance. Teachers record daily attendance including absence, tardiness and early dismissal in school registers which are legal documents required by the Province of Ontario and the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventist.
Regular and punctual attendance is essential to good scholarship. Absences due to illness of the student, death in the family, severe weather conditions, medical/dental appointment, and emergency-related problem will be excused.
A. C. E. S. has a safe arrival plan to ensure safety of our students. Parents/Guardian should notify the school by 9:00 a.m. if their child/children are going to be absent. Also, a written note signed by the parent/guardian, giving the dates and the reason for the absence must be presented to the teacher in charge. This note must accompany the child on the day he/she returns to class.
Students are required to be prompt and regular in attendance at all classes and assemblies. Absences and tardiness disrupt the continuity of instruction; they remove the benefit of regular classroom instruction; and they cannot fully be substituted with out-of-class material. The process of education requires continuity of instruction, active classroom participation and out-of-class study in order to reap maximum educational benefits.
Excessive absences or tardiness will result in disciplinary action by the principal and possible suspension from A. C. E. S.
All students must remain on school premises during school hours. Students will not be excused without written parental consent.
Regular and punctual attendance is essential to good scholarship. Absences due to illness of the student, death in the family, severe weather conditions, medical/dental appointment, and emergency-related problem will be excused.
A. C. E. S. has a safe arrival plan to ensure safety of our students. Parents/Guardian should notify the school by 9:00 a.m. if their child/children are going to be absent. Also, a written note signed by the parent/guardian, giving the dates and the reason for the absence must be presented to the teacher in charge. This note must accompany the child on the day he/she returns to class.
Students are required to be prompt and regular in attendance at all classes and assemblies. Absences and tardiness disrupt the continuity of instruction; they remove the benefit of regular classroom instruction; and they cannot fully be substituted with out-of-class material. The process of education requires continuity of instruction, active classroom participation and out-of-class study in order to reap maximum educational benefits.
Excessive absences or tardiness will result in disciplinary action by the principal and possible suspension from A. C. E. S.
All students must remain on school premises during school hours. Students will not be excused without written parental consent.
Communication
Parents who wish to speak to the staff should call after 3:30 p.m. unless it is an emergency. If you wish to consult with a teacher, please make an appointment to do so.
Students will be given permission to use the phone only in urgent situations. Parents are asked to communicate their plans to their child/children prior to school.
In the event of a school closing due to snowstorms or an emergency, school staff will contact you by phone. Each parent/guardian should make sure that the school has up-to-date home, work and/or cell phone numbers. DO NOT call the school. The school will contact you in an emergency.
Students will be given permission to use the phone only in urgent situations. Parents are asked to communicate their plans to their child/children prior to school.
In the event of a school closing due to snowstorms or an emergency, school staff will contact you by phone. Each parent/guardian should make sure that the school has up-to-date home, work and/or cell phone numbers. DO NOT call the school. The school will contact you in an emergency.
Curriculum and Instruction
Adventist Christian Elementary School offers a standard curriculum integrated with a Biblical viewpoint. It recognizes and adopts within the framework of its philosophies the curriculum guidelines provided by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.
The school provides instruction covering the following areas:
The school provides instruction covering the following areas:
- Christian Growth: Bible
- The Basics: Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, French and Language Arts.
- Physical Education
- Life Skills: Computer Science, Family Studies, and Arts & Crafts, Drama.
Homework
Generally, no homework is given to students below Grade 3, except to complete work which should have been finished in class. The child may however, have spelling words to practise or reading. A homework programme for grades 3 to 6 may include, but not limited to:
- completion of work not finished in class
- completion of short term and long term assignments such as special projects, reports, compositions, etc
- review of work taken that day
- study for tests
- individualized reading
student progress report
The school year is divided into three terms approximately thirteen weeks each. At the end of each grading period, a report card will be issued to the parent/guardian at parent/teacher conferences held at the end of the 1st and 2nd terms. In addition to the term reports, students who are not performing satisfactorily will be counselled by their teacher at mid-term.
Conferences with the principal
At times it is necessary for parents to meet with the principal. This may be done at the principal’s request or at the request of the parent. To arrange a conference please call the school to schedule an appointment. If it is possible, state the topic for discussion in order to help the principal prepare for the conference.
Student Conduct and discipline
Each student enrolled at A. C. E. S. is a representative of the school and is expected to conduct him/herself in a way that is consistent with standards set forth by the school. Each student is expected to be orderly in conduct whilst in and out of the classroom, on the playground and also on outings. Parents will be informed of any serious misconduct and behavioural records will be kept on file.
The following behaviours are considered to be major infractions:
Any student who disregards the basic principles of the school is subject to disciplinary action, these may include, but are not limited to: loss of privileges, detention, writing an evaluative essay related to the misconduct, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
Please also note the following:
The following behaviours are considered to be major infractions:
- Assault i.e., hitting, kicking, punching, biting, fighting, slapping
- Vandalism or theft of school, church and/or personal property
- Persistent opposition to authority
- Disrespectful abusive language or gestures
- Sexual Harassment in any form
- Disruption of instruction
- Recklessly or wilfully endangering oneself or others
- Use or possession of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and other controlled substances
- Possession of fireworks, guns, knives, laser pointers, all forms of weaponry capable of bodily harm, playing cards, radios, electronic devices and obscene (sexual or violent) literature or objects
- Violation of Internet usage
- Leaving school grounds for any reason without the permission of the teacher/principal
Any student who disregards the basic principles of the school is subject to disciplinary action, these may include, but are not limited to: loss of privileges, detention, writing an evaluative essay related to the misconduct, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
Please also note the following:
- Damage or loss to school property and school books is unacceptable
- Books selected for book reports or independent reading at school must be quality literature that strengthens Christian values and ethics
- Rollerblading and skateboarding are not permitted on school premises at any time
- Gum chewing is not allowed on school property due to the potential damage to carpets, school fixtures and furniture
Grievance procedure for students and/or parents
Adventist Christian Elementary School seeks to maintain a spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and harmony. When communication disintegrates and misunderstandings surface, follow the procedure below to resolve conflicts; based on the wise counsel found in Matthew 18.
Follow these steps in sequence:
Follow these steps in sequence:
- Speak to the person most directly involved to identify the problem and ascertain the facts; whether it is a student, teacher, or administrator and first try to resolve the issue with them. At no time should adults confront students who are not their own children.
- If not resolved, the parent will put the issue in writing (one page maximum) and submit it to the principal along with a request for a conference with the teacher and the principal.
- Following the conference the principal shall respond in writing to the teacher and the parent about what was decided at the meeting.
- If not resolved, the parent will ask the principal to schedule another conference, which shall include the principal, teacher, parent, and the A. C. E. S. grievance mediator. The principal shall follow up in writing to all parties.
- If not resolved, parent contacts the board chair, in writing, who will seek resolution through the appropriate subcommittee of the board.
- If the school and the family are unable to reach a satisfactory resolution, the family may choose to seek an alternative educational option (e.g., home schooling or another school).
Tips for a good meeting with a teacher
- Make an appointment to meet with the teacher outside of regular school hours. The teacher has a responsibility to be teaching or supervising students, and it is in your best interest to have the teacher’s full attention: as well and there will be fewer restrictions on the amount of time the teacher will be able to meet with you.
- If you are angry or upset about the issue, wait until you have calmed down. “Striking while the iron is hot” may make you feel better at the time to get it off your chest, but could also cause more damage and make the situation worse.
- Come with a positive attitude to help make our school a better place by working with the teacher.
- Try to treat the other person the way you would like to be treated under similar circumstances. Don’t accuse.
- Be reasonable in your approach and expectations.
- Try to see the other person’s point of view. Listen to them and try to understand. Taking time to walk in the other person’s shoes can give us a new perspective on the issue, and present new solutions.
- Avoid the use of over generalizations like “always” or “never,” since they are seldom true.
Dress Code
The school has standards that it believes to be appropriate wearing apparel for students who attend Adventist Christian Elementary School and reserves the right to maintain the standards it has outlined in its dress code.
- Students are required to wear the school uniform.
- Boys: Khaki pants and navy blue polo shirt, blue/black socks and black shoes.
- Girls: Khaki pants/skirt and navy blue polo shirt, blue/black socks and black shoes. Hair accessories include black, navy (blue), brown, and white.
- Appearance should be modest, clean and neat. Students should be well-groomed at all times, avoiding extremes in hairstyles
- No improper, obscene, nor lewd wording or advertisement will be allowed on any clothing (Beer/Alcohol/Tobacco Ads, etc)
- Make-up, including nail polish should be a natural colour and not distracting
- Jewellery, such as bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces is not permitted. Bracelets or necklaces that are worn because of medical condition (Medic-Alert) are the only exception
- During swimming outings proper one-piece swimming attire is required
- Students will be required to wear white tops and black bottoms for specific programmes
Donations
As a school operated by a non-profit organization, donations are always welcomed and have proven to be a helpful resource for the school. Tax-deductible receipts are issued to school supporters who give unrestricted gifts of $25 or more. We express our most sincere appreciation towards the generous patrons who have engaged continuously in this selfless endeavour for the cause of sustaining the Adventist Christian Elementary School.
