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Louise Dean School

120 23 Street NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 2P1 t | 403-777-7630 f | 403-777-7639 | louisedean@cbe.ab.ca

Catholic Family Service t | 403-777-7635 f | 403-283-8899

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Calgary Board of Education Catholic Family Service Alberta Health Services

Louise Dean School works with partners to ensure that pregnant or parenting teens receive comprehensive supports.

Education Counseling

Strengthening Hope Benefit Lifestyle

Childcare Health care

The school is a safe and caring environment. Student voice is encouraged and valued.

Our Vision

Louise Dean School will be recognized as a centre of excellence for pregnant and parenting teens. Our graduates will be proud of their achievements and confident in their abilities to contribute to the larger community.

Our Mission

Louise Dean School will collaborate with partner agencies to assist pregnant and parenting teens complete their high school education and become responsible contributing citizens.

Staff is:

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dedicated to meeting the needs of our students through a personalized educational program.

committed to excellence in teaching and learning

entrusted to build a safe and caring environment

committed to our collaborative partnerships with Catholic Family Service, Alberta Health Services and community agencies and donors

Our Motto Learning for life through a network of caring.

The motto of ‘Learning for life through a network of caring’ beautifully describes the

philosophy of the Centre. We believe that whether you are a student or staff at the Centre,

you are a learner, all of your life.

Learning really takes off when you have a network of care around you to help you take on

new challenges and risks. The Centre seeks to provide that network of care.

Our Beliefs

The personalization of learning will support our student’s success.

All students can be successful in their learning.

Learner diversity should be valued and supported.

A safe and caring learning environment is essential. We will model kindness and respect.

Rich learning opportunities must guide our instruction and assessment practices.

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Celebrating the History of Louise Dean School

On March 4th, 1969 Louise Dean School opened in the basement

of the Unitarian Church on 16th Ave. Six part-time teachers hired

through Continuing Education, a social worker from Alberta Social

Services and the Victorian Order of Nurses assisted ten pregnant

teenagers. This small group of visionaries paved the way for the

wrap around services that Louise Dean Centre offers today. This

original model of using a collaborative team of education, health

and social service professionals has been maintained throughout

the history of the Centre; however the program has evolved to

meet student needs. This collaborative program was the first of its

kind in Canada and it has been a model for others who are

working to support pregnant and parenting teens.

The school has moved several times through its history. When the number of students grew, the

school moved to the small Holy Angels School behind Western Canada High School. The

original school name was the Adult Day Centre. In 1972, Catholic Family Service assumed the

counselling role and they continue in this role until today. In 1970, the Calgary Health Authority

replaced the Victorian Order of Nurses. It was not until 1977 that full time teachers were hired for

the school.

In 1979, increasing student numbers resulted in a second campus being opened in a separate

wing of Ernest Manning High School. At this time a nursery was added to the program, so that

girls could get the childcare support that they needed to continue in school. This segregated

program continued until 1987 when cutbacks resulted in the young mothers' program being

integrated into Ernest Manning High School. Eventually the childcare program was also

eliminated.

Although cutbacks made attendance a challenge, student numbers continued to grow and the

Calgary Board of Education supported looking for a new site that was on one campus. In 1991,

the school moved to the current site which had been the Kensington Elementary School. This was

a very exciting time as the new school allowed for on-site childcare, a gymnasium, student

lounge, cosmetology lab, sewing and a food program, along with academics. Staff also had

offices and meeting rooms instead of closets to work out of.

Since 1991, the programs that the school has offered have changed to support new needs. The

model of having students only stay at Louise Dean School for a maximum of three semesters

before they returned to their home school was abandoned around 2002, as research showed that

students were not completing high school. Now, students are encouraged to stay at the school

until they graduate.

In 1982, the school was officially named for Mrs. Louise Dean. She was a very lively and gracious

woman who attended special events at the school. While she was known for storytelling and her

sharp wit, her greatest gift was her compassion for and interest in young women. She was very

proud to have this special school named after her.

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During the past 46 years, approximately 4000 young women have been educated, nurtured and

guided through this innovative program. Some young women walked through the doors and

immediately felt ‘at home’. Other young women started their schooling several times before

finding their success. Regardless of our students’ paths, we hope that they have positive

memories of their time at the Centre. Our goal was always to help build more positive futures for

themselves and their children.

How can students be successful at Louise Dean School?

Set graduation as your high school goal…and recognize that with hard work this goal

will be reached

Set personal goals based on clear expectations and strong action plans…work with counselors, resource, the career practitioner and guidance

Attend regularly and keep in touch if you are going to be away

Ask for help from teachers when work is challenging

Use your class time for work so that you don’t have a lot of homework

Demonstrate respect and kindness for peers, staff and the learning environment

Value the student diversity at the school

Attain optimal health through pregnancy and while parenting…work with our nurse and doctors

Work with Catholic Family Service and community agencies to support personal and lifestyle challenges.

Use the Centre resources, so that you can focus on your studies and your parenting. Problems really do have solutions. Meet with your teacher advisor every day and provide updates.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ABOUT SERVCES AT THE SCHOOL

REGISTRATION

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Registration at Louise Dean School is open to all students who are pregnant or

parenting. As a Calgary Board of Education school, that follows the Alberta School Act,

students must be 19 years of age or under on the first of September.

Registering at school simply requires phoning 403-777-7630.

You can also in walk in and set an appointment. You can be

referred by another school or agency or you can simply come

in by yourself. We will ask to see some identification to

confirm your identity. When you register at the school, you

will automatically be assigned a social worker, as the school

has a formal partnership with Catholic Family Service. This

agency will provide counseling support, childcare, funding information and any other

lifestyle issue that you have.

You can register at any time during the school year and intake can happen very quickly.

Course schedules are flexible to ensure that continuous intake is supported.

If you have been out of school and will not be able to finish all of your high school at

Louise Dean School, you can still register at the school and get your upgrading started.

You can continue at the school as long as you are only 20 on September 1st. When you

leave, we will assist you in making plans to continue towards your high school diploma or

to enter post-secondary.

Registration at the school does not ensure that you will receive a placement in the

childcare that is provided onsite. If space is not available, social workers can assist you

in finding alternate care.

WHAT CLASSES DOES LOUISE DEAN SCHOOL OFFER? The school offers a full range of classes that lead to a 100 credit high school diploma or

an 80 credit Knowledge and Employability Certificate. For options and Career and

Technology Studies (CTS), the school offers Learning Strategies, Foods, Fashion,

Cosmetology, Art, Physical Education, Business Information and Technology, Design and

Communication Studies and Work Experience.

The school also has specialized credit courses that support pregnancy or parenting.

These are CTS classes that are clustered and called Life Skills, Prenatal and Parenting.

The school uses course recovery when possible. Rather than redo an entire course,

course recovery tries to have a student only redo the portions of a course that were not

successfully completed.

HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR MY MATERNITY LEAVE?

The school arranges for a leave from school and together, we set a return time. During

your maternity leave, social workers from Catholic Family Service and our Alberta Health

nurse are available to support you.

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Generally students only takes five or six weeks off from school; however all student plans

are set individually.

CAN I BE PAID FOR ATTENDING LOUISE DEAN SCHOOL?

Many students who attend Louise Dean School are funded; however funding is not

automatic! Students earn their government support money by being dedicate to learning

and attending.

There are several forms of funding available to ensure that pregnant or parenting teens

continue with their education. The main funding source is the Strengthening Hope

Bursary which provides for all basic expenses including your parent portion fee or

childcare. In order to qualify for this monthly payment, you must show the school that you

are committed to attending full time and have an attendance record of around 85%.

Students must also be doing their school work and making progress in all of their classes.

Students must be 16 or over to receive the Strengthening Hope Bursary.

ARE YOU AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT?

When a student turns 18, parents do not have access to school records or teachers

without the consent of the student. Students are asked to sign a CBE form that states

whether or not their parents can continue to have contact with the school. Family contact

and conversations are always encouraged.

If a student is under the age of 18 and does not have contact with her family, the student

can also declare that she is independent. This process involves a discussion with

administration, proof of living independently and a letter and conversation with your

parent that informs them of this decision.

If your circumstances change, it is very important that you let a member of the school

team know so that our access to information forms are correct.

STUDENT SUPPORTS AT LOUISE DEAN CENTRE

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EVERY STUDENT HAS A TEACHER ADVISOR AND SOCIAL WORKER When you register, you will be assigned a Teacher Advisor and Social Worker. The

teacher and social worker meet every week to review your progress in school and to

address any concerns that you may have regarding health or lifestyle.

This is your support team, so it is important that you are sharing concerns. The team’s

absolutely confidential and they work with you to ensure that you receive the support that

you need.

STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE

TEACHER ADVISOR - CHECK IN DAILY!

Let your TA know if you are having problems in school,

with peers, at home, with childcare… if we don’t know about

the problem, then we can’t provide support

Please meet with your teacher advisor to set a time

that you will check in daily

CFS SOCIAL WORKER SUPPORT

Your Social Worker will:

Meet with you on a regular basis to address or prevent personal problems

Make contact with your family and your partner, if appropriate

Offer support groups which will assist in your pregnancy/parenting

Assist with financial planning

Assist with couples parenting

Assist you in accessing community supports

CFS: DR. CLARA CHRISTIE LEARNING CENTRE (childcare)

Students must apply for a place for their child in the Centre’s childcare and placements

are limited. Registration at the school does not guarantee you a spot.

This is a subsidized Childcare Centre. Costs are assessed on a monthly basis and with

day care subsidy approval these childcare costs can be reduced. The monthly Parent

Portion Fee is currently $400 which is covered by the Learner Bursary. With your

government subsidy and Learner Bursary subsidy, childcare can be at no cost to the

student. If you are not on Bursary, then the parent portion fee is paid directly by the

student.

2017/18 Louise Dean School Timetable

The school has a ‘tumbling schedule’ which means that your morning and

afternoon class times alternate. The numbers on this chart tell you which

class to head to. You can pick up a copy of your timetable from the office.

Classes are 85 minutes in length from Monday to Thursday and 75

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minutes on Friday. Remember to call the school if you will be absent.

If you need to leave class, please get a ‘Pink Slip’ from your teacher. Unless there is an

emergency, Pink slips are not given at the beginning or end of class or during core

instruction. If you have to leave the school before normal dismissal time, please sign out

in the office.

Teacher Advisor Time: Every week your Teacher Advisor and your social worker meet

to review your progress or concerns. It is very important that you check in with your

teacher advisor daily, so that you can share success, concerns or areas of support.

Please set a time that is convenient for both you and your advisor to meet.

Take advantage of the school’s great lunch program, but remember to sign up in the

office by 9:30!

Monday to Thursday: School finishes at 3:30 School finishes at 2:00 on Friday. If you are more than 20 minutes late for class, you may be marked absent. Class absences are used to measure Strengthening Hope success.

Is graduation your goal?

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Kindness and Respect

CBE CODE OF CONDUCT

The Calgary Board of Education is committed to

providing students and staff with a welcoming,

caring, respectful and safe learning environment

that respects diversity and fosters a sense of

belonging.

The CBE has created a system-wide Student Code of Conduct (Administrative

Regulation 6005) with input from students, parents and CBE employees.

This new code of conduct applies to all CBE schools, and beginning in the 2016/17

school year, individual schools will no longer have their own codes of conduct. All CBE

students are expected to abide by the new system regulation, which will be posted to

our Administrative Regulation page http://www.cbe.ab.ca/about-us/policies-and-

regulations/Pages/Administrative-Regulations.aspx.

Students may be held responsible and accountable to the Calgary Board of

Education for their behaviors and conduct:

while they are on school-sponsored or related activities

any school board property

during lunch or between period, both on and off school board property

while traveling to and from school

beyond the hour of school operation, if the behavior or conduct negatively

affects the welfare of individual students, climate or efficiency of the school

Some examples of unacceptable behavior are:

disruptive behavior or disobedience

verbal or physical threats

conduct which endangers the emotional or physical well-being of others

harassment of staff or swearing

theft

inappropriate use of technology including social media

Unacceptable student behavior will result in disciplinary action. The CBE has a

Progressive Discipline Policy and action taken will be dependent on the behavior.

How should you conduct yourself at school?

The CBE Code of Conduct is supported when you:

attend school regularly and punctually…make it to class on time

respect classroom rules and the learning of other students – your chatting

disrupts the learning of others

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respect other student’s personal property

wear clothing appropriate for a school or workplace; no short shorts, low cut

tops or bare bellies

obtain a pink skip from the appropriate adult if you are out of class for any

reason – a pink slip is required to go to the Learning Centre, meet with a

counselor or walk the halls for a short break. These slips cannot be obtained

in the first or last 15 minutes of class or during key instructional times

use your phone during class time only when you have permission

use social media for sharing good news not rumors and nasty comments

contact the school if you are going to be absent or late – call 403 777 7630

FEE PAYMENT…WE HAVE SOLUTIONS No student is refused access to any class based on an ability to pay fees. A student who

is on Strengthening Hope Bursary will have their fees paid by this program.

If you are unable to pay your fees, please ensure that you complete the Fee Waiver form

with the principal. No student is refused full access to classes due to payment

challenges.

CELLPHONES, CAMERAS AND OTHER DIGITAL DEVICES

Cellphones are not to be out, used for texting or calling during class time without teacher

permission. This reduces your ability to concentrate on your learning and it disrupts the

learning of others.

Cellular phones should be used on student’s own time in private locations so that calls do

not become public. Teachers will have the right to remove a phone from a student’s who

does not comply with these expectations. The phone will be returned to the student at the

end of the school day. If you need to make or receive an important call, please let your

teacher know.

Students must be conscious of the ethical use of cameras and

ensure that photo taking is consensual. Students cannot post

pictures on internet based sites, such as Facebook, without the

written consent of the other student(s).

CBE regulations do not allow the use of cellphones or cameras in

washrooms or change rooms.

Acceptable Use of Technology

The Calgary Board of Education requires all students using computer resources to

complete an Accepted Use Policy form for Internet access. This form will be given to you

in your registration package. This policy does not allow students to simply use the

computer as if they were at home. There are restrictions as to the sites that you can go

on, as well as the language that you are allowed to use. This policy does allow you to

sign up for an email account.

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Students are not allowed to access social networking programs such as Facebook that

are not related to their learning environment. Inappropriate use of technology will result

in loss of student access and privileges connected to the Network. The CBE network

administrators monitor all computers linked to the CBE networks and

at any time with cause can revoke privileges. This means that you can

lose access to your computer account if the basic CBE rules are not

followed.

If students damage a computer or other equipment due to carelessness or on purpose,

they are responsible for related repair or replacement costs.

Students are allowed to bring their own computers or electronic learning devices to class

and log on to the school network with the permission of the school. Personal technology

must be used to support learning.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL DON’T MIX WITH BEING PREGNANT OR

PARENTING!

It is illegal to be in possession of, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

on school property. This is an extremely important CBE Regulation (6001). Violating this

rule will result in a suspension and Calgary Police Service involvement.

SMOKING POLICY In accordance with Calgary Board of Education policy for all school buildings, Louise

Dean Centre is a smoke free environment. If you smoke in the neighborhood, you are

responsible to keep the area clean and to respect private property.Non-smoking is

particularly important during pregnancy as medical research shows both direct and

second hand smoke can be harmful to the developing baby.

Students who choose to smoke must smoke in the designated area.

Students must assume responsibility for cleaning the area.

Smoking is restricted to before school and at lunch time in the designated area.

E-cigarettes follow the same policy guidelines as tobacco.

STUDENT DRESS

Students are expected to support standards of dress and

grooming which reflect the school's purpose as a place of

learning and a place of work. Please do not confuse

school clothing with club clothing.

The following guidelines should be observed:

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Safety and Health - Shoes must be worn at all times and safety equipment must be

worn, as required in certain classes.

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Appropriateness for the specific activities - Special dress may be required in physical

education, laboratory or CTS programs

Appropriateness for the school setting - Clothing must not display inappropriate or

offensive language, slogans or messages.

Modesty - Brief, beach-style, bar style or revealing clothing is inappropriate. Tops

must cover the waist and shorts and mini-skirts must come below your fingertips.

Students whose dress is inappropriate will be expected to change or cover their clothing

before returning to class.

HARRASSMENT

Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal protection

and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular without discrimination

based on ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability. This

statement from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a part of the CBE and

Louise Dean School policy.

Please treat other people with kindness and respect and always think of how you would

like to be treated.

SCHOOL SAFETY

One of our objectives at Louise Dean School is to maintain a safe

caring and secure school for all community members. Students

are expected to treat all people in the school with respect and

dignity.

To support this safe environment:

please ensure that the office and the admin team are fully informed of any restraining

orders or unwanted guests

ensure that all of your guests know that they must sign-in at the office

all doors are locked during school hours

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY OR HONESTY

Academic integrity means that you are honest in your classroom learning and in

completing your homework.

Teachers are here to support your learning and we want to ensure that you treat your

classmates and teachers with respect. Cheating on assignments will result in disciplinary

action including a loss of marks for the assignment/test.

Students must not:

Submit the work of others as their own, i.e. plagiarism

Cheat or help others cheat by exchanging tests or assignments

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Use calculators inappropriately

Tamper with teacher grades or records

The consequences for academic misconduct may include a zero on an assignment or

removal from the class.

THE ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING PROCESS

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be issued electronically on Home Logic four times per year at the end of

each Term. The school does not issue paper report cards however the students may

print them at any time. A paper report card is put in the cum file at the end of each year,

along with an attendance record. Students are encouraged to go on Home Logic to

check their marks throughout the Term. Parents also have access to this site to check

progress.

Report card final grades are on Home Logic at the end of each ten week term which falls

in:

November

February

April

June

Following Report Cards, the school organizes a Learning

Celebration in recognition of the great work that students have

done. Students are recognized in areas such as Achievement,

School Attendance, First and Second Class Honors, for being an

‘Unsung Hero’ (quiet positive leadership), and Learning Centre

Attendance.

Students will be asked to complete a Progress Report each month.

This form records attendance and progress in all of your classes,

including TA. This form is required for all students who are receiving financial assistance

from the Learner Bursary. It is your responsibility to meet with all of your teachers and get

their signatures to show that you are making good progress in your courses. If

attendance and academic progress is not good, the Learner Bursary Specialist will issue

a warning and if progress continues to be poor, funding will be cut.

Attendance is central to academic progress, so try to make it to school every day.

Remember, it is better to be late than to not show up at all.

EXAMS

There are final exams for most cores and for some CTS or complementary classes.

Students must write exams during the scheduled times unless they have medical reasons

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or set an alternate schedule with the teacher. All exam schedules are posted well in

advance to assist you with planning your study time effectively.

If you are absent for an exam, students are expected to rewrite within one week. In

collaboration with the teacher and admin, exceptions can be made for illness or life style

challenges.

ATTENDANCE…WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM ABSENT?

For safety and security purposes and to support collaborative work with CFS and

AHS, it is very important that the Centre knows where students are at all times.

Students cannot leave the building while their child is in the Learning Centre

(childcare centre).

If you are unable to attend school, please:

Contact Student Support Advisor at 403-777-7630 extension 2224 before 9:30 a.m. to

let us know the reason for your absence. A text works very well.

Have documentation ready - a note from your parents, guardians, or doctor’s card will

be required upon you return to school. A copy must be given to the Student Support

Advisor or Admin.

This documentation is required by Strengthening Hope to explain absences.

Please remember, attendance is taken for every class and

reported on Report Cards.

CHECKING OUT OF THE SCHOOL DURING

THE DAY/LEAVING EARLY

Please remember to sign out at the office if you leave the

school early for an appointment or if you are not well. This

procedure is important for safety regulations and/or to get direct any messages to you.

Try to let your teacher know that you will be missing class and pick up any assignment

work that you can.

MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

Please check the school calendar and your own timetable to make sure your doctor’s

appointments are at times when you miss the minimum amount of class time. Fridays

are early dismissal days providing time for students to attend personal and medical

appointments without missing classes.

Consider seeing a school doctor

A wonderful Family Practitioner is at the school every Tuesday. Please consider using

this doctor for both you and your child’s basic health care needs. She is able to make all

of the lab requisitions and referrals that community doctors do. You can sign up to see

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the doctor by checking in with CFS upstairs or you can simply do a ‘walk-in’ visit (if spots

are available).

A highly skilled psychiatrist also works out of the Centre and she is able to see patients

on a monthly basis. These appointments are always done in collaboration with your

social worker.

Do you have an Alberta Health Care Card?

These cards are free and if you don’t have one, please make sure that you let your social

worker know. You need this card to see the doctor or to go into hospital.

STUDENT FACILITIES AND SERVICES

DAILY COMMUNICATION…check the announcements on the white

board by the Student Lounge

Students make daily announcements before lunch and the monthly schedule is written on

the white board outside

the Student Lounge. Be

sure to read this every

morning when you arrive.

The calendar is posted on

the website and copies of

the calendar are in every

student registration

package. If you need a

calendar, pick one up at the office.

BREAKFAST…FREE HOT BUFFET BREAKFASTS

Breakfast is served every morning before classes between 8:15 and 9:00. If you don’t

arrive on time due to sleeping in, then you may be asked to pay for your breakfast.

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SIGNING IN FOR THE LUNCH PROGRAM?

Do this when you arrive at school or before 9:30

Can you prepay for the week or month?

Louise Dean offers a great hot lunch program from Monday to Thursday; however it is a

real challenge to know how many students will be purchasing this lunch. It is very

important that you put your name on the lunch list and pay in advance. This is done by

simply going into the Front Office. Lunch is usually $1.00 on Monday and $3.00 on other

days and free on Friday.

If you have not signed up in advance for a hot lunch, there is no guarantee that there will

be a meal waiting for you to purchase.

Prepaying for the week or month is strongly encouraged, as you will always have a great

meal waiting for you. $10 a week pays for all of your food at school! $40 will buy you

lunch for a month. Cash payment is accepted in the office.

If you are unable to pay for lunch, please speak to your Social Worker or the Front Office

about getting a free meal. No one goes hungry at school.

LOCKERS

All students will be given a locker and school lock. Students are not to bring locks from

home.

When a student goes on maternity leave, she should empty her locker and return the lock

to the office. A new locker will be issued on return to classes. Lockers are in short supply,

so we simply can’t hold one for you.

At the end of the school year, all lockers must be emptied. Any items that are left in the

locker in July will be discarded. Summer school students will be allowed to keep their

lockers through to this Term.

Lockers can be searched at any time if there is suspicion of misuse.

Students are encouraged to:

Lock up anything of value or keep any valuables in their possession.

The school does not accept any responsibility for the loss of personal property.

Lockers may be subject to search by school administration if safety or school welfare is a

concern. (Policy 6001.1)

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STUDENT ID

Student cards are available after photos are taken in

late September. These are at no cost to the student.

CBE regulations call for all students to carry photo ID so

that they can clearly identify themselves when asked.

You may also need to show your school ID to a bus

driver who suspects that you are not a student. The

school is able to provide you with emergency (quick ID)

if this happens.

For students who join during the school year, an assigned teacher will take your photo

and provide you with school ID.

STUDENT PHONE CALLS

The school has a phone in the workroom that students may use. For privacy reasons,

please ask for permission to use this phone.

The school will not accept personal calls for student; however urgent messages will

always be taken.

LIBRARY

The school has a spacious library which is well stocked with books, magazines, daily

newspapers and audio-visual materials. The library is open Monday to Thursday from

8:45 – 3:00. We also have a number of books for children which we invite students to

borrow.

BABYTALES

Check the whiteboard or school calendar for the Baby Tales schedule. Twice a month,

Moms and babies get together in the school library for a lunch hour devoted to singing,

simple play and book sharing. What a great way to spend time with your child and get

them interested in books!

STUDENT LEAD LEARNING CELEBRATIONS

At the end of each Term, the Centre recognizes student success. Our Learning

Celebrations honor student’s broad based achievement in all classes. We also celebrate

the success of students who achieve 1st and 2

nd Class Honors and Excellent Attendance.

CFS also salutes an ‘Unsung Hero’…a quiet leader and student role model.

Students lead these Celebrations of Learning, so please consider being a MC.

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR/RECREATION

Fun activities are available for students during the lunch hour and after school. Make time

to work out in the gym during your lunch break or pop into the library, art room or

computer room. Join our Family Fun Nights, Youth Fair Gains or Peer Support groups

after regular school hours.

WE Day…Louise Dean students proudly attend this annual event and commit

to creating positive change in the world.

Join Student Leadership!

STUDENT PHOTOS/GRAD PHOTOS

School photographs will be taken twice a year and students are welcome to purchase

these packages if desired. These photos are used in the yearbook.

Grad photos are generally taken in late spring. Graduates are invited to have these

photos taken with their child as a wonderful memory of their achievements.

STUDENT PARKING

If you drive, please park your car on the side streets close to the school while paying

attention to signs and city parking regulations. The staff parking lot is only for staff that

has paid for a spot. Students who park in the restricted

loading zone in front of the school will be ticketed and

possibly towed.

STUDENT BUS PASSES

The school is not able to sell bus passes and there is no

rebate on passes purchased by students.

Emergency bus tickets are available from Catholic Family

Service.

OTHER

FACTS

THAT YOU

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SHOULD KNOW

LEARNER BENEFIT

Students who are receiving Strengthening Hope Benefit support are required to complete

a school Progress Report in each subject every month. Funds may be automatically

deposited into your bank account two banking days before the end of the month.

Absolutely no funds will be issued in advance so students will need to budget

accordingly.

If student attendance has been poor or progress is not being made in

classes, money can be withheld. It is very important for

students to remember that this funding is not just handed out

when you register. It is designed to support students

completing their high school studies and it is only available if

you work in class and attend consistently.

Students who do not meet the minimum requirements of

attendance and progress for the Bursary during the month will

meet with the Bursary Specialist and school administration.

Failure to meet the requirements in the following month can

result in a loss of funding.

SCHOLARSHIPS

All graduating and transitioning students must complete the school’s scholarship

application in early spring. Annually, thousands of dollars are awarded to students to

support their post-secondary education. If you are planning on taking a gap year, you

may be eligible for some scholarships in the subsequent year.

It is extremely important that you complete these forms as awards cannot be given

without your documentation in place.

GRADUATION

Graduation is a wonderful school wide celebration that occurs after the final diploma

exams are written.

Only those students who have completed the Alberta Education High School Diploma

requirements will be eligible to ‘walk-the-stage’. This means that all assignments must be

handed in and all diploma exams have been written before grad. Please ensure that you

are checking your graduation requirements with your Teacher Advisor and the Assistant

Principal.

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All graduates are required to attend grad meetings and all students are invited to

participate in planning this event.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Each year LDS offers summer school for approximately five weeks. The course selection

changes dependent on student needs. Students are generally expected to take two

classes at this time.

The school also partners with the Youth Employment Centre to offer a very unique

program called Discovering Your Opportunities (DYO). This is a paid community work

experience program that also allows a student to earn six high school credits. Interested

students are interviewed and must be accepted into the program. Work site placements

close to the school are found for students.

The Learning Center remains open in the summer to ensure that all students who need

childcare are supported.

POLICE SERVICES

A Constable from the School Resource Officers Unit is available to students for

consultation and advice on legal matters.

VISITORS

Students are reminded that all Calgary Board of Education schools are closed campuses.

All visitors to the school must sign in and out at the main office and obtain permission and

a visitor tag to wear while in the building. Visitors to the Infant Learning Centre are by

appointment only.

Have a great year!

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