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TanenbaumCHAT
2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 / 5 7 7 1
TanenbaumCHAT Kimel Family Education Centre9600 Bathurst Street, Vaughan, ON L6A 3Z8Tel.: 905.787.8772 | Fax: 905.787.8773Email: [email protected]
TanenbaumCHAT Wallenberg Campus200 Wilmington Avenue, Toronto, ON M3H 5J8Tel.: 416.636.5984 | Fax: 416.636.7717Email: [email protected]
School
Our ‘Statement of Philosophy and Purpose’ | Essential Information for Students | Additional Information for Parents
www.tanenbaumchat.org
MISSION STATEMENT
The Anne and Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto – “TanenbaumCHAT” – is committed to making the best possible Jewish High School education available and accessible to the Greater Toronto Jewish Community. TanenbaumCHAT aims to offer the best and most inspired teaching by outstanding faculty, and to characterize the school by its care for each individual student. TanenbaumCHAT educates its students to be committed Jews and concerned, active citizens.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
TanenbaumCHAT, is a co-educational Jewish Community high school, welcoming students and families of diverse Jewish traditions and beliefs from all streams within the Jewish community, joining together in common learning. Admission to the school is open to all students who meet its entrance requirements.
TanenbaumCHAT strives for excellence in both its Jewish and General Studies programmes.
The totality of Jewish experience – religious teachings, history, sense of peoplehood, literature and culture, national aspirations, musical and artistic creativity – is actively embraced in the school’s programme, which includes:
the transmission and appreciation of Jewish religious and cultural traditions; an understanding of Halachah; the encouragement of students to observe mitzvot; the teaching of moral and ethical values of Judaism as an integral part of the student’s life; a commitment to the use and understanding of the Hebrew language; the study of classical and modern Jewish texts in their original language; acommitmenttoZionismandidentificationwiththeStateofIsrael; involvement in Jewish communal life and encouragement of a sense of responsibility for Jews everywhere; development of a universal sense of social concern and social conscience through voluntarism.
TanenbaumCHAT identifies with and supports the Greater Toronto Jewish community, in its diverse religious and ideological commitments. It seeks to provide the framework within which all students may explore, extend and intensify their involvement with Judaism and Jewish life, in an open, tolerant and pluralistic atmosphere in which they can feel comfortable.
The TanenbaumCHAT educational programme, in the classroom and outside of it, meets the highest standards of the Ministry of Education and Training of Ontario, preparing and encouraging TanenbaumCHAT students to continue the pursuit of knowledge throughout their lives.
Beyond formal classroom instruction, students are encouraged to participate and develop leadership skills in a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities. The Student Council coordinates student activities within the school and acts as a liaison to the Administration, Faculty and Board of Directors.
A Board of Directors that is broadly representative of the TanenbaumCHAT parent body and of the Jewish community governs TanenbaumCHAT. Parents are encouraged to support the school by participation in its many lay committees and by working with the school Administration and Faculty in furthering the goals of the school. Education is a partnership between school and family, and families are expected to support and reinforce the TanenbaumCHAT ethos and values.
TanenbaumCHAT fosters an atmosphere of inquiry and intellectual stimulation and during the crucial teenage years provides a setting for emotional growth in a safe, nurturing environment. These combine to enable the students to formulate and articulate the integration of their Jewish values into the democratic traditions of Canada and the western world.
Adopted by the Board of Directors, May 2004
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 SCHOOL SECURITY AND SAFETY ........................................... 2 1.1 Our best protection - a sense of vigilance ................... 2 1.2 Video Monitoring ........................................................... 2 1.3 Visitors ........................................................................... 32 SAFETY AND BEHAVIOUR CODE ............................................. 3 2.1 Expectations .................................................................. 3 2.2 How you should behave ................................................ 3 2.3 Behaviour to be avoided .............................................. 4 2.4 Use of the school name or authority ............................ 4 2.5 Raising funds / collecting money ................................. 4 2.6 Sexual Harassment and bullying ................................. 4 2.7 What to do “if” ............................................................... 5 2.8 Computers, cellphones, e-mail, digital images, messaging and Internet ................................................ 5 2.9 Consequences of misbehaviour ................................... 7 2.10 Process of suspension and expulsion ......................... 7 2.11 Offences which may result in expulsion ...................... 8 2.12 Offences which may lead to suspension ..................... 8 2.13 Disciplinary Infractions in Grade 12 ............................ 83 DRESS CODE AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE ....................... 9 3.1 Expectations .................................................................. 9 3.2 Examples of inappropriate dress ................................. 9 3.3 Piercings ........................................................................ 9 3.4 Hair ................................................................................. 94 ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE ............................................... 10 4.1 Students ...................................................................... 10 4.2 Arriving at school late or after absence ..................... 10 4.3 ‘Signing out’ ................................................................. 11 4.4 Parents ......................................................................... 11 4.5 Consequences ............................................................. 11 4.6 Absence for tests and exams ..................................... 11 4.7 Make-up tests .............................................................. 12 4.8 Absence for exams ...................................................... 13 4.9 Late Assignments ........................................................ 13 4.10 Teacher Absence ......................................................... 13 4.11 School Closing - Snow Days ........................................ 135 SCHOOL TRIPS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMMES .................... 14 5.1 Expectations ................................................................ 14 5.2 Assistance ................................................................... 14 5.3 Permission forms ........................................................ 14
6 ILLNESS, ACCIDENT OR INJURY ........................................... 14 6.1 Emergencies ................................................................ 14 6.2 Ongoing Medical Conditions ....................................... 15 6.3 MedicAlert bracelets ................................................... 15 6.4 Administration of Medication ..................................... 157 PERSONAL PROPERTY AND LOCKERS ................................ 15 7.1 Personal Property ........................................................ 15 7.2 Lockers ........................................................................ 158 FOOD...................................................................................... 16 8.1 Kashrut Policy .............................................................. 16 8.2 Allergy Awareness ....................................................... 16 8.3 Food in the Classrooms .............................................. 169 MESSAGES. ........................................................................... 17 9.1 Messages for students ............................................... 1710 STUDENT AND PARENT PARKING ........................................ 17 10.1 Student Parking ........................................................... 17 10.2 Student Parking Permits ............................................ 17 10.3 Parent Parking ............................................................. 1811 USE OF PRIVATE AUTOS FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES .............................................................. 18 11.1 Procedure for use of private vehicles ........................ 1812 ACADEMIC PROGRESS, COURSES AND CREDITS ............... 19 12.1 Spares .......................................................................... 1913 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMME .................................. 1914 ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, MARKS, EXAMS , REPORT CARDS AND TRANSCRIPTS .................................... 20 14.1 Late assignments ........................................................ 20 14.2 Test, Exam and Final Performance Schedules .......... 20 14.3 Reporting to Parents ................................................... 20 14.4 Marks ........................................................................... 21 14.5 Exam Return Day ......................................................... 22 14.6 Transcripts and courses taken outside TanenbaumCHAT ....................................................... 2215 AWARDS, PRIZES AND SCHOLARSHIPS .............................. 22 15.1 Academic Awards ........................................................ 22 15.2 Graduation Awards ...................................................... 2216 SCHOOL LIBRARY .................................................................. 2317 PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING ............................................... 24 17.1 Expectations and consequences ............................... 24 17.2 Definitionofplagiarism ............................................... 24 17.3 Cheating ....................................................................... 2418 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND YOUR STUDIES ...................................................................... 24
Part 1: Essential Information for Students
19 CONTACTING THE SCHOOL ................................................... 32
20 BEING A TANENBAUMCHAT PARENT ................................... 32
20.1 How you can help ........................................................ 32
20.2 Yourfirstresponsibility ............................................... 32
20.3 Your reward ................................................................. 32
21 THE TANENBAUMCHAT ETHOS ............................................ 33
22 SCHOOL RECORDS, REGISTRATION AND RE-REGISTRATION ................................................................. 34
22.1 Student’s Address ....................................................... 34
22.2 Registration and Re-Registration ............................... 34
23 ALLOCATION TO CAMPUS ..................................................... 35
24 STARTING THE SCHOOL YEAR .............................................. 35
24.1 The ‘August mailing’ .................................................... 35
24.2 ‘Student/Family Information Update’ sheet .............. 35
24.3 ‘Book Sale’ week and Orientation .............................. 36
24.4 Admittance to class ..................................................... 36
24.5 Absence at the start of the year ................................. 36
24.6 Timetable and class changes at the beginning of the school year ........................... 36
24.7 Additional costs and charges ..................................... 36
24.8 Assistance with purchase of school books ............... 37
25 SCHOOL GOVERNANCE ........................................................ 37
25.1 The Board of Directors ................................................ 37
25.2 School Finances .......................................................... 37
25.3DevelopmentOffice ..................................................... 37
25.4 Determining the Tuition Fee ....................................... 38
25.5 How your tuition dollar is spent ................................. 38
25.6 Tuition Assistance ....................................................... 38
26 SCHOOL ORGANIZATION ....................................................... 38
26.1 The School Administration and senior staff .............. 38
26.2 Guidance ..................................................................... 40
26.3 Extra Help .................................................................... 40
26.4 Remediation ................................................................ 40
27 TUTORING OUTSIDE SCHOOL ............................................... 40
27.1 Extra help provided by TanenbaumCHAT ................. 40
27.2 Outside tutoring ........................................................... 40
28 HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................................ 41
28.1 Student health ............................................................. 41
28.2 Environmental health and safety ............................... 41
29 SECURITY, SAFETY AND BEHAVIOUR ................................... 41
29.1 Security and safety ...................................................... 41
29.2 Student Behaviour Code ............................................. 41
29.3 Evenings, weekends, drugs, parties, alcohol and similar issues .......................................... 42
29.4 Legal responsibility ..................................................... 43
29.5 Grad Banquet / Prom ................................................. 43
30 INSURANCE PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL ............................44
30.1 Travel in private vehicles for school activities ...........44
31 ATTENDANCE, ABSENCE and CALENDAR ............................44
31.1 Attendance and absence - basics for parents...........44
31.2 The school day ............................................................. 45
31.3 Timetables and course changes ................................ 45
32 HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION ....................................... 45
32.1 On-going contact ......................................................... 46
32.2 Progress reports .......................................................... 46
32.3 Report Cards ............................................................... 46
32.4 Curriculum night .......................................................... 46
32.5 Parent-teacher interviews ........................................... 46
32.6 TanenbaumCHAT Parents’ Association ..................... 47
33 TanenbaumCHAT ALUMNI .................................................... 47
34 The Development Department ............................................ 47
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION ........................................................ 25
WALLENBERG CAMPUS .............................................................. 26
KIMEL FAMILY EDUCATION CENTRE .......................................... 29
Part 3: Additional Information for Parents
TABLE OF CONTENTSPart 2: Staff List 2010-2011 / 5771
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1 SCHOOL SECURITY AND SAFETY
1.1 Our best protection – a sense of vigilance
TanenbaumCHAT 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.
Ø ANY breach of Safety and Security rules will be considered a serious disciplinary offence.
Everyone using the school – students, staff, parents and visitors – must maintain a sense of vigilance regarding security and safety. The eyes and ears of our school community are our best protection.
Ø 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.
Ø All visitors should be wearing a ‘Visitor Tag’. All school staff wear visible identity cards.
Ø Students may not allow unauthorised persons – including former TanenbaumCHAT students - to visit them in school, or give them access to the school.
Ø ‘Swipe cards’ are ONLY for the personal use of the student to whom they are issued. They may not under any circumstances be lent to anyone else, or used in any unauthorised manner. Loss must be reported to the school office immediately..
Ø 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.
Ø Similar rules apply to ‘lockdowns’ or any other emergency situations. All students must obey staff instructions, and act responsibly.
Ø Any illness, accident or injury must be immediately reported to the School Office or to the nearest member of staff.
Ø 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.
1.2 Video Monitoring
At both campuses, video monitoring cameras monitor activity outside and at some locations inside the buildings. Cameras operate 24 hours per day. The system is monitored on screens in the Administration and Operations offices, and the images are digitally recorded. This is a deterrent to unauthorized intruders, and enables us to retroactively review movement in and out of the building. Recorded information is not 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. TanenbaumCHAT 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.
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1.3 VISITORS
1.3.1 Unauthorised visitors
Students may not host or accompany unauthorized visitors, or give them entry to the school. 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, and police will be called if their presence gives any cause for suspicion.
1.3.2 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.
2 SAFETY AND BEHAVIOUR CODE
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 in the third part of this booklet.
While existing school protocols for all issues relating to our Safety and Behaviour Code remain in place for the time being, the school is mindful of the provisions of Bill 212, and will conduct itself accordingly.
2.1 Expectations
The most important part of education at TanenbaumCHAT is learning to act as a responsible, constructive and moral member of society and of the Jewish community. Students at TanenbaumCHAT 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.
Students (and parents) must be sensitive to the inclusive Jewish nature of TanenbaumCHAT. As a community High School, mutual respect to the range of Jewish beliefs and practices within our community is central to our Jewish philosophy. Tolerance and mutual respect are non-negotiable parts of the school ethos. Whatever your Jewish beliefs, at TanenbaumCHAT we like to regard all other streams and denominations as our partners, and not our opponents.
2.2 How you should behave ….
Students at TanenbaumCHAT are expected to:a) act safely, sensibly, responsibly, courteously and with honesty and integrity at all times, and implement
the provisions of the School Handbook;b) strive to enhance the community spirit of our school ‘family’; respect the Jewish ethos and sensitivities
of our school community, and behave with tolerance to staff and students;
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c) be in school promptly and attend lessons on time with the correct books and equipment;d) be conscientious regarding school work; complete assignments on time; implement teachers’
instructions; be appropriate in speech; and never disturb the learning of others;e) respect teachers, peers and all school staff;f) respect school property and the property of others using the school; g) respect our neighbours and other members of the local community, keep off their property; and behave
appropriately in the vicinity of the school.h) respect road safety provisions, whether as pedestrian, driver or passenger;i) observe the Dress Code, and dress neatly, sensibly and appropriately for school and all school occasions;
andj) seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflicts peacefully, and not get into fights.
2.3 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 TanenbaumCHAT student may not:
a) smoke;b) be in possession of, consume in any quantity, be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol,
illegal drugs, or drug-related equipment;c) possess any weapon, including but not limited to firearms, or replica firearms, or any dangerous
substance or object;d) use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;e) cause injury to any person with an object;f) use vulgar, profane, or other offensive language; g) engage in any form of gambling, including card-playing, whether for money or not;h) possess, or send or access on a computer, hate literature, racist material or pornography;i) 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
j) knowingly cause any other student to be exposed to danger or risk.
2.4 Use of the school name or authority
Without permission from Administration, a TanenbaumCHAT 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.
2.5 Raising funds / collecting money
A student seeking to raise funds for charity or collect charges from TanenbaumCHAT students, staff or parents; or who uses the TanenbaumCHAT facilities or name directly or indirectly for such purposes, must obtain prior permission from Administration (or, where appropriate, the Director of Student Activities / Student Council).
2.6 Sexual Harassment and bullying
Every student is entitled to his/her personal dignity and is entitled to participate in our school community without fear for his/her safety or for the integrity of his/her personal space – physically or emotionally. Any unwelcome, unwanted and/or uninvited comments or conduct based on sex or gender which threaten a student’s dignity or personal space constitute sexual harassment, and are an offence against TanenbaumCHAT’s ethos.
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2.6.1 Definitions
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:
a) unwanted sexual advances which may include leering, intentional touching and/or patting, kissing or pinching;
b) persistent requests for a date, a proposition or demands for sexual favours;c) inappropriate sexually-oriented remarks or behaviour;d) reprisal or threat of reprisal for the rejection of a sexual advance or request for sexual favours;e) sexually inviting remarks about race, gender, ability or class;f) inappropriate sexual comments about a person’s body, clothing or appearance;g) sexually suggestive remarks, innuendos or gestures;h) sexist jokes that are offensive or embarrassing;i) displaying of pornographic or other offensive pictures, cartoons and graffiti in the school or on
clothing;j) physical assault; and/ork) sending of communications in any media, including but not limited to letters, electronic mail, other
digital media, telephone calls or notes of a sexually harassing nature.
2.7 What to do “if” ……..
A student who feels that they are the subject of harassment or bullying of any description, 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.
TanenbaumCHAT is developing a Sexual Harassment Policy and Guidelines, which will further determine the process available for the protection of students and staff.
The school will deal swiftly with any reported bullying or harassment, including giving effective help, advice and support to any student who has been bullied or harassed.
2.8 Computers, cell-phones, e-mail, digital images, messaging and Internet
2.8.1 Expectations
Rapid changes in technology mean that communications in every form (messages, sound, images) are easy and instant. While convenient, they also create opportunities for easy and instant problems. The technology is changing the whole time, and the following guidelines and rules may be changed or added to as circumstances demand. Use of technology and media (old and new) in the context of the school ‘family’ must be within the following limits:
In the use of media, a TanenbaumCHAT student is expected to:a) respect the intellectual property, privacy and dignity of everyone connected with the school;b) keep all communications respectful and appropriate;
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c) communicate in their own name only, and not pseudonymously or anonymously;d) not use any school computer or network to access inappropriate material, and conform to the published
‘Computer Users Code’;
A TanenbaumCHAT student may not:
e) without the permission of Administration, use the school logo or name in any medium that suggests that the communication belongs to, originates from, represents the school, or implies school approval or consent to any event, programme, document or proposal. The school may take legal steps to protect the use of its name or logo.
f) publish or link to names, images, email addresses, actual addresses or any personal information relating to other students, staff or anyone connected with the school without the permission of each individual;
g) publish or link to personal comment or information, offensive or otherwise, about the school or about individuals in any way connected with the school. Blogs, ‘chat-rooms’, ‘Facebook’ sites and other websites may be read by the school, and, where the school has reasonable grounds to do so, it may require a student to give the school access to password-protected domains or sites. ‘Cyber bullying’ will be regarded by the school as bullying in every respect.
h) take, record, publish, store, transmit, or circulate any images, recordings (digital or otherwise) or other material that in any way infringe on the privacy or dignity of any other student or member of staff.
2.8.2 Use of audio and/or image recording devices
The audio or digital imaging, recording or transmission capabilities of digital equipment is constantly changing and developing.
For this reason cell phones, iPOds, Blackberries, PDAs, cameras or similar equipment may not be used in or near school changing rooms, washrooms, exercise rooms, gyms, or any other location or situation where students or staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Students may not make any recordings – visual or audio – in class without the knowledge and permission of the teacher.
Laptops and other devices must always be used appropriately in class and in the school environment.
No digital device of any description is allowed into an examination room – they must be left outside, in a secure, locked location (e.g. in a student locker). Possession of such a device in an exam room may jeopardise the exam mark. For routine classroom tests, phones etc. must be switched off and be securely out of sight – and preferably should not be in the room at all. The use of calculators must follow instructions.In addition to the applicable provisions of this School Handbook, students are warned that there may be entirely separate legal consequences for inappropriate recording or transmission of digital images or other information.
Use of digital or other media to harass others connected with the school, including but not limited to any of the actions described above will be regarded as a very serious breach of discipline.
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2.8.3 Cell phones and public telephones
• Cell phones and similar devices may not be used in any way that interferes with lessons or other school activity.
Cell phones must be switched off and out of sight during class and other school events (assemblies etc). If they are used in a lesson – in any function, including text messaging – they may be confiscated. Do not use your cellphone as a substitute calculator, clock, notebook etc.
Similarly, a student out of class during a lesson who is using a cell phone (or similar device) may expect disciplinary consequences.
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.
2.8.4 Use of school computers – ‘Usage Agreeement’
Students may be required to sign a ‘Usage Agreement’ before being allowed to use any school computer, including Library Computers.
2.9 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 (including participation in school activities), assignments, detention, suspension, expulsion from TanenbaumCHAT 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.
In all cases, the school will responsibly carry out investigations, and will be mindful of the right of every student to fair process.
2.10 Process of suspension and expulsion
In the administration of suspensions and expulsions, TanenbaumCHAT will in general 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. The school will also be mindful of the provisions of Bill 212 in the implementation of Suspension and Expulsion process.
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2.11 Offences with may result in expulsion
In addition to an immediate suspension, a student may be expelled from TanenbaumCHAT for serious or repeated breaches of the Safety and Behaviour Code, or other school rules. A student may be expelled from TanenbaumCHAT for behaviour including, but not limited to, the following:
a) being in possession of, or being under the influence of, alcohol;b) possession of, or being under the influence of, or trafficking in illegal drugs; or being in possession of
drug-related equipment;c) possessing any weapon, including but not limited to firearms or replica firearms, or any dangerous
object or substance;d) robbery;e) stealing, or being party to theft;f) use of a weapon to cause bodily harm, or to threaten serious harm;g) physical assault causing bodily harm requiring professional medical treatment;h) sexual assault;i) providing alcohol to a minor;j) possessing, sending or accessing on a computer, hate literature, racist material or pornography;k) 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; or inflicting or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person, or damage to their property;
l) seriously contravening the provisions of this Handbook; m) wilfully directly or indirectly causing a false security alarm; and/orn) knowingly cause any other student to be exposed to danger or risk.
2.12 Offences which may lead to suspension
A student may be suspended from TanenbaumCHAT for significant or repeated misbehaviour including, but not limited to, any of the following:
a) uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm;b) acts of vandalism causing damage to school property, or property located on school premises;c) swearing at a teacher or other person in authority;d) persistent unauthorized absence from class; e) plagiarism or cheating;f) unacceptable classroom behaviour; and/org) deliberate defiance of a teacher’s instructions.
2.13 Disciplinary infractions in Grade 12
As students graduate from TanenbaumCHAT, we expect their final year to be dignified and appropriate, and look forward to joining them in the celebrations and ceremonies. Students who are in significant breach of the provisions of the School Handbook at any time during Grade 12 may incur any disciplinary consequence. These may include consequences relevant and appropriate to students in their final year, including but not limited to being banned from participation in the ‘Graduation Trip’, the Banquet, and other end-of-year events, including the Graduation Ceremony itself. In such cases, expenses incurred by the school on behalf of students will be non-refundable. Students who are in breach of the School Handbook in Grade 12 may also, at the school’s complete discretion, be deemed ineligible for Graduation Prizes, Scholarships and Awards, whether directly related to the offence or not. Actions that threaten the safety or security of any individual or building, acts of vandalism, and actions affecting the good name of the school will be regarded particularly seriously. The school may also place records of the infraction in the student’s permanent file, and in extreme cases may withdraw recommendations and references made by the school in connection with University/College entrance, scholarships or other awards. In cases where actions contravene the law, the police may be informed.
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3 DRESS CODE AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE
TanenbaumCHAT Administration reserves the right to determine appropriate student dress and appearance. We expect parental support in application of the dress code.
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 TanenbaumCHAT. 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 may be excluded from class (or other activities), and will be asked to change into acceptable clothing or go home to change. In the latter 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. Baseball caps must be worn with the brim to the front. Students may not wear dress of a nature or in a style that appears gang-related.
Boys and girls must have shoulders, midriffs and knees covered.
3.2 Examples of inappropriate dress
Among items considered inappropriate are:a) shorts, cut-offs, “tank tops”, sleeveless tops, and halter-tops;b) clothing with inappropriate graphics; ‘camouflage’ designc) mini-skirts; low necklines;d) tights, leotards etc. worn without a covering skirt or dress;e) dirty or torn clothing; f) rolled up pant legs; and/org) bandannas, toques and visors.
3.3 Piercings
Body piercing and tattoos are not acceptable in Jewish tradition and are inappropriate for TanenbaumCHAT students.
With the exception of discreet ear piercing and small nostril studs, visible piercings – including eyebrow piercings and lip 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.
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4 ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE
Students and parents are advised that the legal age of compulsory school attendance in the Province of Ontario is 18 years of age.
For ALL student Attendance and Absence issues:
TCW Attendance Office - 416-636-5984 x 244 / x 297 TCK Attendance Office - 905-787-8772 x 2355 / x 2350
• The school reserves the right to request further medical documentation from physicians where information supplied does not adequately justify absence from school.
• Parents will routinely be informed of a student’s absence from school, and may be contacted for verification of parental notes.
• The school is not responsible for students who of their own volition leave the school premises during the school day.
• In an emergency, the school will normally accept a student’s assurance that they have obtained parental consent to leave school (e.g. by cell phone); however, permission to leave remains at the discretion of the teacher in charge at the time.
4.1 Students
It is your responsibility to:a) attend classes punctually and regularly, and be present and prepared for all classes, assemblies
and scheduled school activities. Students on spares must attend all assemblies and other special events.
b) students who are deliberately absent from school without satisfactory reason during school time may be refused make-up tests, teacher help and other accommodations. A student who encourages other students to be absent from school will face serious disciplinary consequences.
c) be in every lesson on time. The school day begins with the 8:25 AM bell, and you must be in the first class by 8:30 AM; in all subsequent classes within three minutes of the bell; and exactly on time for lessons following lunch and breaks.
d) TCW Keep your Attendance Sheet with you at all times, correctly and properly updated, and show it on request to any member of staff. It should be kept in the pocket provided at the back of the Student Agenda.
e) contact the Attendance Office before 9:00 AM if you are going to be absent or late.f) provide a valid, documented medical or other reason if you have been absent or late. g) request the school’s prior permission well in advance if you know that you will have to miss school for
a medical or other serious reason; and/orh) make up the work for all classes missed, whatever the reason for absence
4.2 If you are absent or late for school, on arriving at school you must:
a) report immediately to the Attendance Office, with a signed, detailed, dated parental note and other necessary documentation. For entry to first class, you must report to Attendance between 08:00AM and 08:25AM; follow the instructions at each Campus for other times.
b) TCW Ensure that your Attendance sheet is filled out.c) after checking in at the Attendance Office go straight to your class, d) TCW Show the Attendance sheet to your teacher.
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4.3 ‘Signing out’:
We do not expect parents to request permission for students to leave school during scheduled school times except in exceptional circumstances.
a) if there is a legitimate reason for a student to ‘sign-out’ during the school day, parents must provide a detailed, signed and dated note, including a clear reason for the request.
b) except in emergencies, the school will not accept telephone calls from parents in place of a written note.
c) the student must show the note to the teacher before leaving the classroom, sign out at the Attendance Office, and sign in immediately on his or her return to school.
d) students who are ‘signed out’ must leave the school premises.
4.4 PARENTS:
4.4.1 It is your responsibility to:
a) ensure that your child attends school. TanenbaumCHAT regards that as your first duty as a parent. Under Ontario law, up to the age of 18 the parent is responsible for a student’s attendance at school.
b) submit requests well in advance for permission for a student to be absent. For longer, or repeated, absences for medical, family or personal reasons early help should be sought from the Guidance Counsellors.
c) provide proper documentation for absences and lates to the school, including medical documentation - this applies to all students, regardless of Grade.
d) ensure that the school has updated information to enable us to contact you – including up to date email addresses, cell phone and work telephone numbers.
e) only request permission for your child to be absent when absolutely necessary. Arrange any non-essential appointments outside school hours or during school holidays.
4.5 CONSEQUENCES:
a) all absences that are not satisfactorily accounted for will be treated as ‘skips’, and the appropriate disciplinary consequences will apply. Allowances will be made for students absent on school-sponsored activities, including sports teams.
b) an unsatisfactory attendance record may be a reason for the school to decline a student’s re-registration for the following year.
c) repeated unauthorised absences may result in discipline including but not limited to suspension, removal from a course and/or may constitute failure to achieve minimum attendance necessary for the course credit.
d) repeated lateness will lead to disciplinary action.
4.6 ABSENCE FOR TESTS AND EXAMS:
Test Days and Exam periods are clearly communicated to students. If a student cannot take a test or exam a parent should immediately call the Attendance Office and Teacher(s), giving details. Documentation may be required – see details below. The provisions below are subject to change at the discretion of the Administration.
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4.6.1 Tests - absencesa) The only legitimate reasons for missing a test are:
1. a medical condition that prevents the student from taking the test,2. a family emergency,3. a student representing the school at sporting or other events provided the Teacher is given
reasonable advance notice, or 4. other reasons approved in advance at the discretion of the Teacher and/or as approved by
Administration. A parental communication explaining the reason and acknowledging awareness that a test was missed
is required for section 1 and 2 above. This needs to be communicated to the Attendance Office and the Teacher.
b) if a test is missed for a legitimate reason, at the Teacher’s and/or Administration’s discretion: 1. a make-up test may be allowed, or 2. an alternative evaluation given, or 3. a mark may be determined for the missed test based on the student’s most recent and consistent
achievement. c) All other reasons for missing tests not mentioned in section a) above are not legitimate reasons for
missing tests. Family vacations or routine medical appointments are not legitimate reasons for missing tests. If an appointment date cannot be changed, or if the student has another, unavoidable, serious commitment the school must be informed well in advance (normally at least 48 hours).
d) If a test or a make-up test is missed for some reason other than mentioned in section a) above, at the Teacher’s and/or Administration discretion, a variety of consequences may be implemented, including but not limited to: 1. a deduction of up to 10% from the subsequently written make-up test mark may be applied, or2. a “zero” “0” mark may be assigned.
4.7 Make-up tests
a) make-up tests are primarily given for legitimately missed tests. All make-up tests are given at the discretion of the Teacher and/or Administration.
b) make-up tests will not be given if it is determined that the student is abusing this privilege, or if, after reasonable investigation, the administration feels that the reasons given do not justify absence from school.
• The school reserves the right to limit the number of make-up tests permitted to any student in any given year.
c) immediately on return to school, if the student did not inform the attendance office in advance of the absence and the missed test, they must do so, and must also discuss the matter with their Teacher.
• Students must be prepared to write a make-up test at any time after they return to school, and may not claim further delay.
d) a make-up test should be written within ten (10) school days of the original test.e) make-up tests 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 a “zero” “0” mark may be granted.
f) appropriate arrangements will be made for students who are normally allowed accommodations during tests and exams.
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4.8 ABSENCE FOR EXAMS
1. Annual written examinations form an integral part of a student’s final mark. Ministry regulations apply.
2. The dates of the exam period are published at the beginning of each year on the Annual School Calendar. Detailed exam schedules are published well in advance of the exam period.
a) students must write their examinations (normally in June) in the place, at the time and on the date scheduled by the school.
b) holidays or other social absences must not under any circumstances be scheduled where they conflict with examinations.
c) the Provincial regulations provide that alternative examinations may be arranged, where a student is absent because of illness (see below), a court appearance, an immigration hearing or bereavement.
d) to be considered as a candidate for an alternative examination or evaluation, a student must present timely and satisfactory documentation to the Attendance Office. No requests may be entertained in the absence of this documentation. Documentation for a medical accommodation is detailed below.
e) the school reserves the right to determine the alternative evaluation procedure, when an examination has been missed for a legitimate reason.
f) a credit may only be granted if all Ministry requirements have been fulfilled.g) ‘Final Summative Tasks’ shall be treated as exams, and similar provisions regarding attendance
and absence may apply. Postponed or delayed ‘Final Summative Tasks’ may be treated as make-up tests.
h) students who miss an examination for unacceptable or unsatisfactorily documented reasons will not earn any credit for the summative portion of their final mark, effectively receiving a “zero” “0” mark for the examination.
4.9 Late Assignments
If a student does not submit an assignment by the announced due date, the Teacher may assign “makeup time” to complete it, or determine other resolutions, including deducting late marks (on a graduated scale, up to a maximum of 10%). Only due to extenuating circumstances will the due date be extended.
If the Teacher and/or Administrator determine not to extend the due date, or if the ultimate deadline passed (a point in which a Teacher feels they cannot mark the assignment, i.e. it has been returned back to students or it is significantly past the due date) a grade of “zero” “0” shall be registered for the assignment.
Should the assignment be submitted subsequently, the Teacher and/or Administration may choose to accept it for evaluation, under special circumstances. No assignments will be accepted after the last day of classes.
4.10 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.
4.11 School Closing – Snow Days
If school is to be closed, announcements are made in the early morning on local radio stations (normally starting with CFRB 1010AM). The school will also try and use other means of communication within the resources available, including EDLINE. Recorded announcements are also put on the school telephone system, although due to the volume of calls, it may be difficult to get through.
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5 SCHOOL TRIPS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
School trips and special programmes are part of the TanenbaumCHAT experience. Every student is expected to attend.
5.1 Expectations
School trips and special activities are compulsory (unless stated otherwise), and are normal school days for purposes of attendance. Shabbatonim are compulsory in G9, but optional in other grades. 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.
On all school trips and events, there must be full compliance with kashrut, dress code and Shabbat policies.
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. Within the limits of resources available, no student at TanenbaumCHAT 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.
6 ILLNESS, ACCIDENT OR INJURY
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. In all emergencies, students are expected to immediately and without question obey instructions issued by staff.
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.
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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, students must carry their own at all times, and an extra supply should be left in the Attendance Office TCW / and Main Office TCK.
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. Further details from MedicAlert ( www.medicalert.ca / 1-800-668-1507).
6.4 Administration of Medication
Administration, faculty or office staff can only administer medication, including Tylenol, with written authorization from a parent or guardian.
7 PERSONAL PROPERTY AND LOCKERS
7.1 Personal Property
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.
Electronic devices – e.g. cell phones, computers, iPods, and similar devices – are particularly susceptible to loss. Students must take appropriate steps to look after them, and NEVER leave them in an unattended bag or other insecure location, under any circumstances.
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 TanenbaumCHAT. 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, or change locks with another student. 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, and students will be responsible for any damage caused if the lock has been changed.
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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.
8 FOOD
8.1 Kashrut policy
As a community policy, ensuring that every member of the school community may participate without discomfort in any school activity, TanenbaumCHAT observes kashrut at all school events and occasions, inside or outside school.
All food that is brought into the school building at any time or brought to school events or activities must be kosher.
While representing the school in any capacity, individually or as a group, or while participating in a school trip or event, students must observe kashrut.
To ensure all guests are comfortable and to avoid embarrassment, when TanenbaumCHAT students are invited to privately-hosted events, especially where the invitations are general, kosher food should be provided, and the ‘kashrut status’ of the event should be clearly indicated to guests.
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.
8.2 Allergy awareness
In common with other high schools, the school cannot guarantee a nut-free environment, nor an environment free of other allergy-inducing substances. However, all students are asked strongly to be “Nut-aware”, and not bring food containing nuts to school; to be aware of and be sensitive to the allergic conditions of others, and act appropriately and responsibly. Students with allergies who need to carry Epi-pens should make sure that they carry them at all times. Parents and students must advise the school of allergic conditions via the ‘Student / Family Information Update’ form issued prior to the start of each school year. If advisable, a separate notification should be sent to the Campus Administration.
8.3 Food in classrooms
No food or drink other than water may be consumed during class.
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9 MESSAGES
9.1 Messages for students
We cannot guarantee to pass messages to students, except in emergencies, and with the agreement of an Administrator.
10 STUDENT AND PARENT PARKING
Most of our students are careful and responsible drivers. 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.
10.1 Student Parking
All cars are brought to school entirely at the owner’s risk. At both campuses only G12 students are eligible for Parking Permits.
TCW The School cannot provide parking for all students who wish to drive to School. Student parking is strictly on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. Students must park in the adjacent Beth Jacob Synagogue parking lot (rented by TanenbaumCHAT for this purpose), but only in the area marked and only if displaying a Student Parking Permit.
TCK Students must park in the school parking lot, entering and leaving by the Ilan Ramon Boulevard gate. A parking permit must be displayed, and students must park in the designated area. Cars not displaying a permit may be ticketed or towed without warning. Further instructions may be given from time to time. There should be ample space at TCK for all students’ cars to be accommodated.
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.
10.2 Student Parking Permits
Permits are only issued to Grade 12 students. 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 charge for a Student Parking Permit may vary at the two Campuses – at TCW the fee does not guarantee a parking place, whereas at TCK it does. This fee covers the cost of the sticker, the cost of administering the scheme, and helps defray the cost to TanenbaumCHAT of renting / maintaining the student car park. Only one sticker per student 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.
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Student cars may be ticketed or towed without warning if they are parked:Ø in the staff parking areaØwithout a clearly visible permit Øwith a permit that does not match the vehicle(s) registeredØin an unauthorized area of the Beth Jacob car park at TCW.
The school cannot accept any responsibility in such cases.
A Student Parking Permit will be revoked if:Øthe assigned Student Parking Permit is used for any car other than those registered.Øa sticker is being used for a vehicle belonging to another person.Øthe student is seen driving dangerously in or around the school; orØa 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.
10.3 Parent Parking
TanenbaumCHAT asks our parents to help us to be good neighbours. Please park responsibly and safely in the vicinity of the school.
Parents parking for drop-off and pick-up should use the south car park at TCW, and the designated areas at TCK. Please do not park on adjacent streets or other places where you are blocking access to driveways, or blocking access to commercial premises. TCW parents are particularly asked not to restrict or block access to the shops in Bathurst Manor shopping plaza.
11 USE OF PRIVATE AUTOS FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Where the school provides transportation as part of a school activity (eg sports, retreats, field trips etc) all students must use it.
Students, parents and staff should be aware that the insurance responsibility for a vehicle and its passengers always rests with the driver’s insurance, regardless of the purpose or nature of the trip.
TanenbaumCHAT does not encourage the use of private vehicles for transporting students to off-site school activities.
11.1 Procedure for use of private vehicles
If it is unavoidable, and students or teachers must transport other students and/or teachers, this may only be done under the following conditions. The ‘Permission Slips’ are not waivers of responsibility for drivers or passengers; but they are designed to ensure that parents, students and teachers are aware and acknowledge that there is some risk in allowing a student or teacher to drive another student or teacher to a TanenbaumCHAT event. No exceptions may be made:
a) the teacher in charge must give permission for a private vehicle to be used.b) a parent MUST sign a separate permission form for each trip, indicating that they know of the proposed
arrangement, and giving consent for their child to be a passenger in a private vehicle driven by a student or teacher. Standard forms are available from the school office at both campuses.
c) the permission forms must be collected by the teacher.
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Within the framework of school activities:
d) a student may not transport other student(s) without the permission of the supervising teacher, and without the passenger(s) having a signed parental permission slip
e) a student may not travel as a passenger in a private vehicle without submitting a signed parental permission to the supervising teacher.
12 ACADEMIC PROGRESS, COURSES AND CREDITS
SEE THE CURRENT ‘ TanenbaumCHAT COURSE CALENDAR’ FOR FULL DESCRIPTIONS AND DETAILS OF CREDITS, CURRICULUM, COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS, and see Section 14.6 for further important information.
12.1 Spares:
Grade 11 students may schedule one ‘spare’. Administration will plan for additional gym classes for this Grade, and students wishing to drop a second course will be rescheduled with a gym class. Exceptionally, and with the approval of Campus Administration, a G11 student may be given permission to have two spares in his/her timetable.
Grade 12 students may schedule two ‘spares’. Administration will plan for additional gym classes for this Grade, and students wishing to drop a third course will be rescheduled with a gym class. Exceptionally, and with the approval of Campus Administration, a G12 student may be given permission to have three spares in his/her timetable.
Administration has sole discretion over the granting of ‘spares’. Every student must take four Jewish Studies courses.
13 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMME
ØTanenbaumCHAT is proud that in each school year our students contribute over 26,000 hours of volunteer service to the Greater Toronto Community.
Part of every student’s 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 Community Service 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 offence. Students who have not completed the previous year’s Community Service requirements may be denied participation in extra-curricular activities and other school programmes. Grade 12 students who have not completed Community Service requirements cannot receive a TanenbaumCHAT Graduation Diploma, and may place receipt of their OSSD in jeopardy.
Full details of the ‘Community Service Programme’ from the Community Service Office (TCW) and the School Office (TCK).
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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 ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, MARKS, EXAMS, REPORT CARDS, TRANSCRIPTS
• “I gave it in”. To avoid unseemly arguments – often months after the case – students are STRONGLY advised to keep dated copies of all work submitted. A student whose work has been handed in, but has not been returned with the work of the rest of the class, must advise the teacher immediately. The onus is on the student to prove the date of submission
14.1 Late assignments
If a student does not submit an assignment by the announced due date, the teacher may, due to extenuating circumstances, extend the due date.
If the due date is not extended, a grade of “0” shall be registered for the assignment. Should the assignment be submitted before the last day of class at the end of the year, the teacher may choose to accept it for evaluation, under special circumstances.
For any assignment submitted beyond the announced due date, either the original or extended date, the teacher may deduct for lateness on a graduated scale, up to a maximum of 10% of the total value of the assignment.
14.2 Test, Exam and Final Performance Schedules
ØSee Section 4.8 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. Permission from the Campus Principal is necessary to vary Test Days or ‘Assignment Due’ dates.
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. Please note that the pressures on the examination timetable may mean that in some years exams may be unavoidably scheduled for the day following Shavuot.
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 count for 30% of a course mark, depending upon the course and departmental policy.
14.3 Reporting to Parents
Assessment is continuous throughout the year. The assessment procedures used to monitor student progress may include, but are not limited to, quizzes, tests, exams, assignments, project work, seminars and class participation. Students should be advised at the beginning of the year of how their assessment is to be calculated. Please note that all marks are percentages – letter grades are no longer part of our system.
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The annual reporting cycle is intended to communicate the achievement to date of students and will proceed as follows;
Date Issued to Name of report Content/Follow-up
OctOber Grade 9 only Grade 9 Interim Preliminary indications as to whether Grade 9 students are adjusting to each of their high school courses.
NOvember All students Interim Progress How well each student is meeting Course expectations on a 1 (highest) to 4 (lowest) rating, plus important teacher comments on strengths, challenges, and necessary ‘next steps’. Followed by the first parent–teacher interviews, arranged by appointment.
December All students First Edline posting Calculated marks to date electronically posted. No comments included
February All students Midyear Traditional report card with marks and comments. Followed by second Parent-Teacher interviews.
april All students Second Edline Posting Calculated marks to date electronically posted. No comments included
JuNe All students Final Traditional report card with marks and comments.
14.4 Marks
“Marks are earned, not given”.
Students who feel that a mistake has been made in a mark or grade received for a test, exam or assignment must speak to their teacher within ten school days of receiving the mark/grade. No representations will be entertained after this time limit. If a genuine mistake in calculating a mark has been made, it will be corrected. However, appeals regarding the teacher’s assessment are at the discretion of the teacher and the Administration.
TanenbaumCHAT will not normally review marks of Graduates in order to meet minimum requirements for University/course prerequisites, or to meet minimum eligibility criteria for scholarships, prizes or awards. At the school’s complete discretion, fractional marks and averages may be rounded up to the next integer by the Campus Principal.
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14.5 Exam return day
Exam return day in the Summer is clearly designated on the school calendar issued at the beginning of the school year. It is the only opportunity to review final exams with teachers. Exams may only be shared with students or their parents – not with friends or peers. Exam review day is separate from the reporting and posting of marks, and students should be aware that it may take some time after Exam Return Day for marks to be posted online.
14.6 Transcripts and courses taken outside TanenbaumCHAT
Students and parents should note that the school is reviewing the whole question of our policy regarding ‘external’ credits. While there may be good reasons for taking credits outside the school, parents are warned to ensure that the quality of the courses taken is such that they provide students with a credible educational experience. The school reserves the right to determine whether external credits are recognized by the school as constituting sufficient prerequisites for TanenbaumCHAT courses, or whether they entitle students to drop school courses. We also may indicate on references and other appropriate school documents that courses were taken outside the school.
Students should note the following policies:• The school reserves the right to determine whether external credits are recognized by the school as constituting sufficient prerequisites for TanenbaumCHAT courses, or whether they entitle students to drop school courses.
• It is compulsory to take English and Maths at TanenbaumCHAT in Grades 9, 10 and 11. The school regards this as an integral part of our educational programme, contributing significantly to the overall training of our students and preparing them for University, in all subjects. Even if credits have been obtained elsewhere, no ‘spares’ may be taken in these subjects, and students are expected to fulfil the overall TanenbaumCHAT requirement of being ‘assiduous in their studies’.
• Every student must take four Jewish Studies courses at the school, each year. To gain a TanenbaumCHAT Diploma, a student must pass sixteen Jewish Studies courses.
15 AWARDS, PRIZES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
15.1 Academic Awards
Each year in November the school holds its annual Academic Awards Ceremonies, for TCW and TCK campuses. Parents and families are warmly invited to attend. These events recognise academic achievement in the previous year’s courses, and therefore involve Grades 10 (awards from Grade 9), Grade 11 (awards from Grade 10) and Grade 12 (awards from Grade 11). To gain an Academic Award certificate, a student must have achieved an average of at least 80% in all eleven subjects taken at TanenbaumCHAT (Grades 9 and 10), and in the top nine courses taken at TanenbaumCHAT (Grade 11).
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.
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Awards, prizes and scholarships are not only a reflection of marks or academic excellence. Award winners should reflect the values of our school community in an exemplary fashion, and be worthy of the honour and respect of their peers. 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, and must have shown that they are exemplary students in all respects. The school at its discretion may deem a G12 student who has been in breach of the provisions of the School Handbook ineligible for any award, prize or scholarship, whether the conduct in question is directly related to the award or not.
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 Summative Task 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.
15.2.1 Academic and Scholastic Awards at Graduation
Scholastic Awards are given to students whose average is 90% or higher, based on the six highest Grade 12 credits taken at TanenbaumCHAT.
Academic Awards are given to students whose average is 80% or higher for the eight best courses taken at TanenbaumCHAT in Grade 12 during the academic year.
16 SCHOOL LIBRARY
16.1 Expectations:
The school library is designed to have a quiet, friendly atmosphere where curriculum support resources and instruction on how to access these resources are provided – a place where students can research and study on their own or in small groups without disturbance, providing a supportive environment helping students to achieve success in their courses.
Students should respect their peers who are reading, researching or studying by maintaining proper library decorum and by speaking softly at all times.
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.
In order to avoid overdue fines, students are expected to return books on time or renew them if extended periods are needed. Fines for overdue books are 10¢ per day for 2 week loan books and 25¢ per day for 3 day loan books.
Any item borrowed from the library should be returned in the same condition as it was taken. If books are marked up in any way, the student will be responsible for their replacement.
Food and drinks are not permitted in the library with the exception of bottled water.
Use of the school library signifies acceptance of school rules and policies, including the ‘Acceptable Computer Use’ document. Student use of the library facility may be limited and/or forfeited if the above expectations are not adhered to.
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17 PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING
17.1 Expectations and consequences
TanenbaumCHAT 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 offence at TanenbaumCHAT. Plagiarism or cheating in any manner on an assignment test or exam will result in a zero mark (even if the student is allowed to complete the work) and may result in further discipline to the student. Facilitating another student’s plagiarism or cheating is deemed to be exactly equivalent to plagiarizing or cheating, and will attract the same consequences.
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:a) fails to acknowledge with quotation marks and appropriate attribution material copied directly from
other sources, including digital and printed sources;b) fails to acknowledge paraphrased material (someone else’s ideas even when such ideas are
rephrased);c) uses others’ work as one’s own; d) presents as original or new an idea or product derived from an existing source; ore) 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 save separate digital files of the draft stages of all computer-based work, including text and media.
17.3 Cheating
Cheating is deemed to be the use of any unfair or dishonest means to gain advantage (or allow another student to gain advantage) in any school programme, assignment, quiz, test or exam. A presumption of cheating or intent to cheat may be made without further process when a student is found with notes, other unauthorised information, or means of communication in an exam or test environment. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that ALL notes– including notes held in electronic or digital form – and communication devices are left OUTSIDE an exam or test room, and that they have nothing in their possession that may compromise the integrity of the examination or test.
18 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND YOUR STUDIES
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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CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
Paul Shaviv, M.A., M.Phil.Director of Education
Samuel Kapustin, M.A., M.Ed. Director of Jewish Studies
Rhona Birenbaum, B.A., M.B.A.Executive Director / CFO
Frances Bigman, B.A., CFREDirector of Development
CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF
Irit Astrug Jewish Studies Secretary Laurie Blake Development Officer Frances Blatt Bookkeeper Angela Buslovich Financial Officer Jill Garazi Admissions Coordinator - TCK Pierina Gialanella Assistant Bookkeeper Lea Hollander Business & Tuition Coordinator Harriet Israel Secretary to the Director of Education Cindy Kipper, B.Sc. Business & Tuition Assistant Shauna Kipper, B.A. Development Administrator Rebecca Kornblum, M.A. Maternity Leave Sari Morein, B.A. Development Officer Carly Reed, B.A. Admissions Coordinator - TCW Rosemary Tile, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. Recruitment Coordinator Maya Yshaia, B.A. Ivrit Secretary
PART 2: STAFF LIST 2010-2011 / 5771
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WALLENBERG CAMPUS
ADMINISTRATION Helen Fox, B.A. PrincipalJory Vernon, B.A. (Hons.), M.Ed. Vice Principal, General StudiesRabbi Eli Mandel, B.Ed. Vice Principal, Jewish Studies ATTENDANCE & DISCIPLINE Simon B. Wolle, B.A., LL.B. Co-DirectorHeather Weinstock, B.A., B.Ed. Co-Director GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Margaret Klompas, B.A.,T.H.E.D.,L.T.S.D. Head of Guidance / Grade 12Alexandra Aber, M.A., Ed.M. Grade 9Jeremy Cohen, M.S.W., R.S.W. Grade 10Robert Fishbaum, B.Ed., B.P.H.E. Grade 9Sandra Miller, B.A. Grade 11 STUDENT ACTIVITIES Zachary Isakow Co-DirectorJoshua Sable, B.F.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. Co-DirectorTamara Rebick, B.A. (Hons.), M.Ed. Maternity Leave OFFICE STAFF Rhona Ash Campus Principal’s SecretaryTamara Dribbin School Secretary, ReceptionistJackie Duffy Attendance & Discipline SecretaryRochelle Goldberg, B.A., M.B.A. Operations CoordinatorLilia Gutman On Calls / Tuition SecretaryTheresa Kudryk Guidance SecretaryRosalie Marcu Campus Vice Principals’ SecretaryBeverley Schneider Attendance & Discipline Secretary TEACHERS & SUBJECTS *Dept. Head, **Asst. Dept. HeadEmily Antflick, M.A., B.Ed. English, Geography, CareersMarilyn Arkin, B.A.(Hons.) Remediation, Geography, Civics, CareersRabbi David Aronson, Ph.D. Jewish History *, Jewish ThoughtYonah Atari, B.A., M.Ed. Leave of AbsenceSteven Baker, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. Careers, Mathematics, Business StudiesSara Black, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. Maternity LeaveTobi Bongard, B.A. (Hons), B.Ed. (Hons.) Special Education / Remediation **, EnglishMerav Brautbar IvritCheryl Cash, B.A., B.Ed. French *Rabbi Rafael Cashman, B.A. Rabbinics *Glenn K.L. Chu, M.Ed., LL.B., M. Teach. LawRabbi Lori Cohen, B.Ed., M.A. Tanakh, Jewish HistoryNatan Cohen, B.A., M.B.A. Rabbinics, TanakhRavit Cohen, B.A. Ivrit, Tanakh
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Robyn Cooke, B.A. (Hons)., B.Ed. Music**, GeographyRabbi Mordechai Enakar Rabbinics, Tanakh *Neil Epstein, B.Sc., M. Eng., B.Ed. MathematicsEsther Erez, B.A. FrenchVivianne Eylon, B.A., B.Ed. Ivrit, RemediationVince Fabrizi, B.A., B.Ed. Health & Physical Education, Science, ChemistryLori Fahidi, B.A., B.Ed. Drama, MediaRabbi Eliot Feldman, M.A., M.S. TanakhEsther Friedman, B.Mus. TanakhRabbi Yisroel Goldstein Tanakh, RabbinicsAlex Gropper, B.Ed., M.A. HistoryIrit Haba, B.A. IvritSharon Harding, B.Sc. (Hons.), B.Ed. Computers*, MediaPnina Harlap, M.A. Ivrit *Ilana Heimlich, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. Geography ** HistoryBarry Hennick, M.Sc. Science, BiologyJordan Hoffman, B. Comm., M.B.A. Business Studies **, Accounting, EconomicsEli Honig, Ph.D. ScienceZachary Isakow RabbinicsPatty Johnson, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. Health & Physical Education *Samuel Kapustin, M.A., M.Ed. Jewish HistoryRabbi Jay Kelman, B.A., C.A. Jewish Thought, Rabbinics, TalmudJudit Kenyeres, M.A., M.Ed. Special Education / Remediation *Leila Kimel-Roiter, M.A. Jewish HistoryBradley Kitchen, B.Sc., B.Ed. Science, ChemistryChaim Klein, B.A. Jewish Thought, Jewish History,TanakhMichael Kohl, B.F.A.(Hons), B.Ed. Visual Art **Elena Kvache, M.L.S., Ph.D. LibrarianTali Lalkin, B.A., M.Ed. IvritNanette Laser, B.Sc., H.D.E. Mathematics, ComputersEfraim Lauferman, B.Eng., B.Ed. MathematicsJenny Lewis, B.Ed., M.A. Maternity LeaveKathy Li, B.A., B.Ed. English, FrenchRabbi Rafi Lipner, B.A., M.Ed. Leave of AbsenceBeni Machtinger, B.A. Rabbinics, Tanakh Helen Mahler, B.A. MathematicsElliott Malamet, M.A., Ph.D. Jewish Thought, Rabbinics Matanya Mali, B.Ed. (Hons), M.A. Rabbinics, TanakhRabbi Eli Mandel, B.Ed. TalmudAyelet Marciano, B.A. Tanakh, Jewish HistoryYoel Marciano, B.Ed., M.A., Ph.D. Rabbinics, Talmud, Jewish HistoryShirley Markman, B.A.,M.L.S. Librarian *Lauren Mason, B.A., B. Ed Art, Civics, HistoryTamar Mayer-Mechaly, B.Ed. Mathematics *Heidi Meirovitz, B.A. (Hons), B.Ed. EnglishBradley Mittelman, B.Sc.,B.Ed.(Hons.) Drama *, Special Education, RemediationElise Morin, B.A.H., M.A., B.Ed. French, Spanish
WALLENBERG CAMPUS
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Andrew Morton, B.A.(Hons.), M.Ed. English, SAPRabbi Itai Moryossef, B.Ed., M.A. Talmud *, Rabbinics, TanakhShulamit Moryossef, B.A. JS Special Education/Remediation*,Ivrit,TanakhJodi Nathanson, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. EnglishZachary Paul, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. English, GeographyMali Peari, B.Ed., M.A. IvritAnthony Pignatelli, B.Sc.(Hons) MathematicsRabbi Dan Rand, M.A. RabbinicsMatthew Reingold, B.A. (Hons.), M.Ed. Jewish History, TanachPerach Roifman, B.A., M.Ed. Leave of AbsenceMark Rottmann, B.Sc., B.Ed. Science, Physics, ComputersMordechai Sabeti, B.Sc., B.Ed. Mathematics **Jordan Sable, B.Ed., M.A. Social Sciences and Humanities *, HistoryJoshua Sable, B.F.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. DramaMary Schneider, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. EnglishSarah Scutaru, B.A. ESL**, RemediationGerald Shindo, B.Ed., B.P.H.E. (Hons.) Health & Physical Education **Pesia Signer, B.A. Jewish History, RemediationMichelle Silverberg, B.A.(Hons), B.Ed. Maternity LeaveTed Snider, B.Ed., M.A. English, CivicsJudith Sone, B.A.(Hons), M.Ed. Ivrit, TanakhPaula Sousa, B.Sc., B.Ed. Science, Chemistry *Lainie Sugar, B.A. (Hons.), B.Ed. Health & Physical Education, ScienceRabbi Jeffrey Turtel, B.Sc. (Hons), M.S. Rabbinics, TalmudRachel Urowitz, B.A.(Hons.), M.Stud. Jewish HistoryAnna Urowitz-Freudenstein, Ph.D. Jewish History, Jewish Thought *Melissa Vickar, B.A. (Hons), B. Ed. MathematicsLori Vininsky, B.Sc., B.Ed. Science, Biology *Nina Wener, B.A., M.Ed. English *, HumanitiesMegan Woodall, B.Sc, B.Com(Hons),B.Ed. Science, Biology *Natan Zeligson, M.A. Jewish History, TanakhAubrey Zimmerman, B.A., B.Ed. Athletics Director, History, Health & Physical Edcation TECHNICAL SUPPORT Galina Chovitch, M.D. Science TechnicianShirley Bar Menachem, B.A. Maternity LeaveVince Berani Computer SupportAvi Pekker Computer Support SUPPORT Mandy Ginzberg, B.A. RemediationIlana Grabel, B.A. Remediation
WALLENBERG CAMPUS
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KIMEL FAMILY EDUCATION CENTRE
ADMINISTRATIONJonathan Levy, Ph.D. PrincipalRenee Cohen, B.A. (Hons), M.Ed. Vice Principal, General StudiesRabbi Moshe Yeres, M.A., Ph.D. Vice Principal, Jewish StudiesLinda Newstead, B.A., B.Ed. Operations Manager ATTENDANCE & DISCIPLINE Graeme Mawson, B.Sc.(Hons.), B.Ed. Co-DirectorRan Salamon, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. Co-Director GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Richard Stoll, B.A (Hons.), B.Ed. Head of Guidance, Students RU-ZZMordechai Chemel, B.A. (Hons), M.S.W. Students GO-KAAndrea Mansfield, B.A., M.Ed. Students KE-ROStacia Wolle, B.Soc.Sc., B.Ed. Students A-GN STUDENT ACTIVITIES Jamie Cohen, B.A., B.Ed. Co-Director Keren Romm, M.A. Co-Director OFFICE STAFF Esther Barak On Call / Jewish Studies SecretaryRachelle Block, B.A. Guidance SecretaryLinda Costa Library SecretaryMarsha Domb School Secretary, ReceptionistFern Glass Campus Principal’s SecretaryMara Mannsbach Operations SecretaryZoe Shuman Attendance & Discipline SecretaryEfrat Sova Attendance & Discipline Secretary TEACHERS & SUBJECTS * Dept. Head, ** Asst. Dept. HeadYael Amar, M.A. Ivrit*Rabbi Ira Berman, B.A. Assistant LibrarianSharon Bimbat, B.Sc.(Hons.), B.Ed. Mathematics**Jimmy Bitton, B.Ed., M.A. Leave of AbsenceWarren Brown, B.A.(Hons), B.Ed. Comm Tech, History, Media StudiesJaclyn Cepler, B.Mus, M.A., B.Ed. History, MusicAdam Chaim, B.Ed. Health & Physical Education, Athletic DirectorLisa Citron, B.A., B.Ed. English*, Dramatic ArtsChuck Cohen, B.Sc., B.Ed. Science*, Chemistry, Physics, RemediationItamar Cohen, B.A., LL.B. Rabbinics, TanakhJamie Cohen, B.A., B.Ed. EnglishEthel Cooper, B.F.A (Hons.), B.Ed. Visual Art**, Dramatic ArtsBrett Copeland, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. English, Careers, Civics, RemediationMatthew Craig, M.Sc., B.Ed. Physics, ScienceRichard Dlin, B.Math (Hons.), B.Ed. Mathematics*
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Melissa Dubin, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. English, Visual ArtLydia Elbaz, B.A., B.Ed. FrenchRabbi Daniel Eliav, M.Ed. Rabbinics, TalmudSara Eliav, B.Ed. TanakhMenachem Feuer, M.A., Ph.D. Jewish History, Jewish ThoughtJessica Fortier, B.Sc., M.Teach Health & Physical Education, ScienceJoanna Fox-Wasserman, M.S., M.Ed. MathematicsAviva Geris, B.A.S.(Hons.),C.H.R.M., B.Ed. BusinessSuzanne Gluchy, B.Ed. Geography, RemediationBatia Gorelik, B.Ed. JS Remediation*, IvritRabbi Aaron Greenberg, M.A. Jewish ThoughtAvi Grossman, M.A. Talmud*, RabbinicsNoga Grossman, M.A. Jewish History, TanakhMahra Hart, B.A., M.Ed. Jewish History*Aviva Hermannoff, B.A.(Hons.), M.Ed. Ivrit, Jewish HistoryLynne Howard, B.A., M.Ed., J.D. Social Science*, Family, LawSandy Kadoch, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. English, RemediationChayyim Kaduri, Ph.D. Comm Tech, Interdisciplinary StudiesLisa Kahnert, B.A., B.Ed. Remediation**Ari Kaufman, B.A. Rabbinics, TalmudNaomi Kfir, B.A. IvritGilat Khorsandi, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. MathematicsGalina Kolesnikova, B.Ed., M.Sc., Ph.D. MathematicsAaron Komlos, B.A., B.Ed., J.D. Business/Comm Tech*, History, PoliticsJeff Krupski, B.A.(Hons), B.Ed. Health & Physical Education, ScienceSharon Kurzfeld, B.Ed. Maternity LeaveDeborah Lambert, B.A., M.L.S. Librarian*Malka Lebi, B.Sc.(Hons.), B.Ed. Maternity LeaveMark Leibtog, B.A. (Hons.), M.Sc.Ed. MathematicsDahlia Lewin, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. Jewish HistoryRabbi Efrem Lifschitz, B.A., M.S. Rabbinics*, TanakhStuart Lithwick, M.Sc., B.Ed. Biology, ScienceNicholas Maes, B.Ed.,M.A.,Ph.D. History**Nira Malis, B.Sc., B.Ed. MathematicsLeorah Marcu, B.A (Hons.), B.Ed. Comm Tech, English, Social ScienceChagit Mikanovsky, B.A. Jewish HistoryWendy Morein, B.Ed. FrenchJudi Morris, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. Careers, EnglishMara Reich, B.Ed., M.A. French**, Dramatic Arts, SpanishIlanit Reshef-Citrin, M.A., B.Ed., IvritBryce Ridge, B.A. (Hons.), M.S.T. Accounting, Geography, HistoryRabbi Eliezer Robbins, B.A.(Hons.) Rabbinics, TalmudKeren Romm, M.A. TanakhRabbi Michael Rootman, M.A. Rabbinics, TanakhJanice Rose, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. Music**, ESLMiriam Sela, B.A., B.Ed. Ivrit
KIMEL FAMILY EDUCATION CENTRE
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Judith Shapero, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. Jewish Thought*, Jewish HistoryGalit Shemer, B.A. IvritBrenda Silverberg, B.Sc.(Hons.), B.Ed. Science*, ChemistryJudy Snowbell-Diamond, B.A., M.Sc.Ed. Tanakh*Suzanne Socken, B.Ed., M.A. Dramatic Arts**, EnglishTelly Sondak, B.A., B.Ed. IvritZev Steinfeld, B.A., B.Ed. Rabbinics, TanakhSteve Weinberg, B.E.S.(Hons.), B.Ed. Health & Physical Education*,
Civics, Geography, World IssuesEmily White, B.Sc., M.Teach Biology, Remediation, ScienceJennifer Yarndley, B.A., B.P.H.E., M.Sc. Health & Physical Education, ScienceRabbi Moshe Yeres, M.A., Ph.D. TalmudShira Zeliger Jewish History, Tanakh TECHNICAL SUPPORT Sergey Timonin Science TechnicianBrian Wasserman Computer Support
KIMEL FAMILY EDUCATION CENTRE
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PART 3: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 19 CONTACTING THE SCHOOL:
TanenbaumCHAT TanenbaumCHAT– Wallenberg Campus - Kimel Centre200 Wilmington Avenue 9600 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON Vaughan, ONM3H 5J8 L6A 3Z8T: 416–636–5984 T: 905-787-8772Fax: 416-636-7717 Fax: [email protected] [email protected]
20 BEING A TANENBAUMCHAT PARENT
20.1 How you can help
As a parent, welcome to this new school year. TanenbaumCHAT is one of the leading High Schools in the Toronto area, and one of the world’s leading Jewish schools. Our school is committed to giving every student the best education we possibly can, in both Jewish and General Studies. To achieve our goals, we count on your cooperation as our partners, in several vital areas. They include:
Ø sharing and supporting the overall philosophy and aims of the school, and being an ambassador for TanenbaumCHAT in the wider community.
Ø supporting the Faculty and Administration in the enforcement of school rules.Ø giving our Faculty feedback regarding your child’s progress as you perceive it, and ensuring that the
school is fully informed about any factors – medical, social, family or otherwise - that may affect your child’s school life.
Ø ensuring that the school office always has updated records of the names, address, email, and telephone numbers of students and parents, at home and, where applicable, at work.
Ø wherever possible, supporting our Development Office projects in raising additional funds to help the school.
20.2 Your first responsibility ….
The school regards the first duty of a parent as ensuring their child’s attendance at school on every school day, except if there is a valid medical reason for absence or if the student has prior permission from the school to be absent.
20.3 Your reward …..
Having a child at TanenbaumCHAT should be a tremendous experience for you as a parent. We hope that – together with your child - you will also have many opportunities to gain from the TanenbaumCHAT experience, and that you, too, will form a rewarding attachment to our school.
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A SPECIAL NOTE TO NEW PARENTS:Congratulations – your child has started at TanenbaumCHAT!
To help your child, ease your nerves, and calm your anxieties, the following should be helpful:
Ø TanenbaumCHAT treats its students as adults, and therefore expects them to behave as adults. Please allow them to grow, and become High School students, responsible and accountable for their actions.
Ø For a student to succeed, their commitment to their TanenbaumCHAT programme must be top priority.
Ø Adolescence can be an emotional roller-coaster time for students. Sometimes, they can be blissfully unaware of the impact of their actions and words on others – including, normally in a front-and-center role, their parents. Coming to High School generally coincides with the full onset of adolescence, and separating ‘cause and effect’ between these two major changes can sometimes be perplexing. As a parent - if things get complicated or threaten to get out of hand - allow the school to help. Understanding teenagers is our business.
Ø Over his/her High School years, your son/daughter should grow into an independent, individual, thinking young man/woman. They may develop ideas and habits that will delight you; they may develop ideas and habits that infuriate you. At such times, first think of your own teen years. Then remember that you love your children, and try and respect them and their choices.
Ø You have a right to expect a certain standard of education and care from TanenbaumCHAT. However, please respect the school and our Faculty in all of your dealings with the school. Like you, your child’s welfare is our main concern.
21 THE TANENBAUMCHAT ETHOS
Our Jewish programme is the raison d’etre of the school.
We aim to graduate informed, educated, and, hopefully, inspired young Jewish men and women. Within the limits of teenage world-view, we take the spiritual search very seriously; and we hope that we are planting seeds for lifelong Jewish engagement. We do this in a distinctively pluralistic mode, in accordance with our mandate as the Community High School. We welcome questioning and critical dialogue, and try and encourage intellectual curiosity in every discipline. We place a high value on Ivrit, and on a commitment to Israel.
TanenbaumCHAT is a university preparation school, placing the highest importance on our students’ academic programmes. Unless a student, supported by his or her parents, takes his/her studies seriously and conscientiously, they may not succeed at TanenbaumCHAT. Yet our school values extend way beyond and above the academic.
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But none of the above can really be achieved unless our school community places honest, ethical and ‘mentschlich’ behaviour – consideration for others, decency, a willingness to share and to be part of a larger group – at the very foundation of our educational mission. And that is what we try to do.
22 SCHOOL RECORDS, REGISTRATION AND RE-REGISTRATION
22.1 Student’s Address
Please ensure that the School Office has updated records of the names, address, email, and contact telephone numbers of students and parents.
A student’s registered address must be that of his/her permanent family domicile. The school reserves the right to request documentary evidence to confirm the address of the permanent family domicile. Where a change of address involves a change of school campus, the parent must fill out the appropriate form which may be obtained from the School Office. All changes of branch are at the School’s discretion, must be approved by the Director of Education, and may only be implemented at times that will cause least problems to the student’s academic programme.
22.2 Registration and Re-Registration
22.2.1 New students
TanenbaumCHAT offers places to eligible students for whom it can provide a course of study, subject to constraints of space. Registration of new students and applications to re-register existing students must be made before the closing dates. Acceptance of late applications is entirely at the school’s discretion, and subject to a Late Application / Late Registration Fee.
Admission to TanenbaumCHAT is subject to the guidelines laid down in our recruitment literature. No new applicant is accepted at TanenbaumCHAT until an “Offer of a Place at TanenbaumCHAT” has been issued. The school may withdraw or modify an “Offer of a Place at TanenbaumCHAT” if incomplete or inaccurate information has been submitted at the time of registration, or if there is a material change of circumstances affecting the student at any time up to the beginning of the school year. An “Offer of a Place at TanenbaumCHAT” may be conditional on additional documentation or other information being provided, or on a student’s end-of-year performance in Grade 8. Students may be accepted on probation, subject to satisfactory academic and/or disciplinary performance. Admission to higher grades is at the school’s discretion, and applicants are assessed individually.
22.2.2 Existing Students
Existing students must re-register each year, and the school reserves the right, at its discretion, to decline re-registrations. Re-registering students must meet the pre-requisites for his/her intended courses, and must have a satisfactory attendance and disciplinary record. Re-registration may be conditional, and students may be re-registered ‘on probation’, subject to satisfactory academic and/or disciplinary performance.
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22.2.3 Re-Registration For Graduates
At their discretion, Administration may allow students to re-do courses after they have completed Grade 12. Applications are considered on an individual basis, and must be approved by the Director of Education. Tuition Fees are on a ‘per course’ basis. In such cases, all relevant provisions of the Handbook are in force. Students in this category are considered as having already Graduated; they do not participate in Graduation exercises, and are not eligible for any prizes, awards or scholarships.
23 ALLOCATION TO CAMPUS
TanenbaumCHAT is one school, providing access to Jewish High School education to the Greater Toronto Jewish Community at two parallel locations – our Wallenberg Campus (‘TCW’) on Wilmington Avenue in Toronto, serves the central and southern community (south of Steeles Avenue), and the Kimel Family Education Centre on the Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughan (‘TCK’) serves the northern community (north of Steeles Avenue).
TanenbaumCHAT cannot guarantee students or parents that a student will be educated at the campus of his/her choice. TanenbaumCHAT reserves the right to assign students to either campus, or to provide courses or activities at either campus of the school, according to the needs of the school. Offers of places at TanenbaumCHAT will indicate the campus at which the offer is tenable, but the School reserves the right to modify that offer if there are significant changes in the circumstances of the applicant, or of the school, at any time up to the beginning of the school year, or even subsequently. The Director of Education must approve exceptions and changes.
24 STARTING THE SCHOOL YEAR
24.1 The ‘August mailing’
By the end of the third week of August, every student and his/her parent(s) registered for the next school year (and who are in good standing with the Tuition Office) receives a comprehensive “School Opening” package of essential information for the coming year.
It is extremely important that both students and parents carefully read and note the information in the ‘August mailing’. Please make time to do so!
24.2 ‘Student/Family Information Update’ sheet
A sheet headed “Student/Family Information Update” is included with the August mailing. This records the essential information held by the school for each student – including family information and address, email, emergency contacts, and medical information.
Parents must carefully check the information recorded. The form must be returned to school at the beginning of the school year (normally at the Book Sale), with any corrections or changes clearly marked. In particular, it is essential that the school have full medical information regarding every student.
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24.3 ‘Book Sale’ week and Orientation
All students must be available in the week before school starts to attend the Book Sale and (for new students) the Orientation.
24.4 Admittance to class
Students cannot be admitted to class on the first day of the school year unless parents are in satisfactory financial standing with the tuition office.
24.5 Absence at the start of the year
A student who is absent from school for the first three days of the school year without prior consent from the school is deemed to have withdrawn his/her registration, and his/her timetable may be cancelled. A full month’s tuition fees will be charged. A student absent from school for the first two days or more of the school year may only be admitted to school after an interview and parental interview with an Administrator.
24.6 Timetable and class changes at the beginning of the school year
The school reserves the right to reassign classes and make timetable adjustments in the first few weeks of the school year (or thereafter) in accordance with the operating needs of the school.
24.7 Additional costs and charges
During the course of the school year, especially at the beginning, parents should anticipate a number of additional expenses.
Textbooks for both General Studies and Jewish Studies need to be purchased. A General Studies booklist is circulated before the Summer vacation, and the books may be purchased at any educational bookstore. Parents Associations at both campuses arrange a used book sale each year in June. Books for Jewish Studies are sold at the school book sale in the week before school opens, according to the timetables and arrangements notified in the August mailing. For administrative convenience, several compulsory items are charged to all students with their Jewish Studies books – these include (but are not necessarily limited to) a Student Agenda / Student Activities Card charges / locker padlock and a photocopying charge of $50. [This charge contributes to the cost of photocopied classroom material.] Every student will also be charged for and provided with a School Yearbook.
Charges for compulsory school trips and other approved school charges linked to various courses and activities are notified to parents and students as they occur. The school tries to keep these to a minimum. It is difficult to give estimates, as these charges may vary enormously according to Grade, course and students’ choices regarding extra-curricular activity, but overall (including books) they may amount to several hundred dollars in the course of a year.
Textbooks, calculators and the like can be extremely expensive items. Students must mark them clearly with their names, and must take care of all personal possessions.
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24.8 Assistance with purchase of school books
Within available resources, no student at TanenbaumCHAT is prevented from participation in any school activity because of inability to pay. Students who have difficulty in purchasing textbooks or other essential school equipment or supplies, or who have difficulty in paying charges for activities or trips should refer in complete confidence to his/her Campus Principal or to a Guidance Counsellor.
25 SCHOOL GOVERNANCE
25.1 The Board of Directors
The PreSidenT of TanenbaumChaT iS CurrenTly mS. Judy engel, and The Chair of The board iS mS. CeCile Zaifman. The annual general meeTing of The SChool TakeS PlaCe in deCember.
TanenbaumCHAT is governed by a Board of Directors, most of whom are appointed from our current or past parent body. Each year the Board invites nominations from parents for vacancies on the Board and its sub-committees. Faculty, Students and Alumni are all also represented on the Board, as are a number of Life Members.
The Board normally meets ten times each year. An Executive Committee is drawn from the Board membership. Sub-committees of the Board include Budget and Finance, Education, Development, Personnel, Communications, Tuition, Health and Safety, and other committees struck for specific purposes.
The Board issues an Annual Report to parents and friends of the School.
25.2 School Finances
TanenbaumCHAT’s policy is to be fiscally responsible and prudent, while maintaining the very high standard of educational programme of our school. Apart from our internal budget review process (see following), we are subject to audit and review by UJA Federation, and of course by independent auditors.
In the school year 2010-11 TanenbaumCHAT’s budget will be over $24,000,000. Our Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by the Treasurer, oversee all financial affairs of the school. Most of our operating income (94%) derives from tuition fees. Each year we receive a substantial grant from UJA Federation, covering the fees of students who receive tuition assistance, and helping with the cost of various specific educational and special needs.
25.3 Development Office
• See Section 34
Our Development Office raises funds for building, capital needs, and special programmes.
TanenbaumCHAT’s current Capital Appeal aims at securing the long-term future of the school, and laying the foundations for ongoing endowment funding.
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25.4 Determining the Tuition Fee
Each year the Budget and Finance Committee, together with School Administration, draws up the Budget for the coming year. This process usually begins in February. The budget is exhaustively reviewed by the Committee and then independently by the Executive Committee. On the basis of these forecasts, the Budget is then presented to the Board of Directors and the Tuition Fee for the coming year is recommended to the Board. The Board has to approve the Fee, normally at its March or April meeting. The Budget also has to meet the oversight approval of the Centre for Jewish Education of UJA Federation.
25.5 How your tuition dollar is spent (see our ‘Annual Report’ for exact figures):
Salaries and wages - 80%Rent and plant operation - 8%Educational programming and general operations - 12%
25.6 Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is granted according to the guidelines laid down by the Centre for Jewish Education of UJA Federation for all Jewish Schools in the Greater Toronto area. The process is completely confidential, and entirely separate from the academic Administration of the school. We believe that no student should ever be prevented from attending the school because of financial reasons.
26 SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
26.1 The School Administration and senior staff
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION direCTor of eduCaTion Paul Shaviv, m.a., m.Phil. TanenbaumCHAT’s senior professional,
responsible to the Board for all aspects of the operation of the School.
Director of Jewish Studies Samuel Kapustin, M.A., M.Ed. Responsible for the administration of the Jewish Studies Programme of the School.
Chief Financial Officer Rhona Birenbaum, B.A., M.B.A. Responsible for Financial and plant / Executive Director operations.
Director of Development Frances Bigman, B.A., CFRE Responsible for Fundraising and Development.
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TanenbaumCHAT - Wallenberg Campus Principal Helen Fox, B.A. Responsible for the day-to-day
operation of the Wallenberg Campus.
Vice-Principal, Jory Vernon, B.A. (Hons.), M.Ed. Responsible for the General Studies General Studies Programme.
Vice-Principal, Rabbi Eli Mandel, B.Ed. Responsible for the Jewish Studies Jewish Studies Programme.
Co-Directors of Attendance Simon B. Wolle, B.A., LL.B.. Responsible for student compliance and Discipline Heather Weinstock, B.A., B.Ed. with School rules and attendance.
Head of Guidance Margaret Klompas, B.A., Responsible for the Guidance T.H.E.D., L.T.S.D. Programme.
Operations Coordinator Rochelle Goldberg, B.A., Responsible for operations and plant. M.B.A.
TanenbaumCHAT – Kimel Family Education Centre Principal Jonathan Levy, Ph.D. Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Kimel Centre.
Vice-Principal, Renee Cohen, B.A. (Hons.), Responsible for the General Studies General Studies M. Ed. Programme.
Vice-Principal, Rabbi Moshe Yeres, M.A., Ph.D. Responsible for the Jewish Studies Jewish Studies Programme.
Co-Directors of Attendance Graeme Mawson, B.Sc.(Hons.), Responsible for student compliance and Discipline B.Ed. with School rules and attendance. Ran Salamon, B.A. (Hons.) B.Ed.
Head of Guidance Richard Stoll, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed. Responsible for the Guidance Programme.
Operations Manager Linda Newstead, B.A., B.Ed. Responsible for operations and plant.
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26.2 Guidance
The Guidance Department offers a full range of Academic and personal guidance and counselling. TanenbaumCHAT has a very large Guidance Department, indicative of our investment in individual students, and our awareness of the complexity of life at TanenbaumCHAT. Guidance counsellors also give University, College and career advice, and advise on post-school study programmes in Israel. A full account of the services available from Guidance may be found in the Course Calendar.
Guidance Counsellors are available and accessible to students and parents. In many cases, it is the appropriate ‘first address’ for parents who feel that their son/daughter is having difficulties at school; and it is certainly the first address for parents to advise the school of family, emotional or medical issues of which the school should be aware. Guidance can be instrumental in discreetly arranging special considerations and arrangements in school for students under stress.
The school works with Jewish Family and Child Services (‘J F & C S’), with Jewish Vocational Services (‘JVS’), and with other statutory and community agencies where necessary.
26.3 Extra help
A feature of TanenbaumCHAT is the regularly scheduled ‘extra help period’, during fourth lesson every Wednesday. This is an opportunity for teachers to offer extra help to groups or individuals. A teacher may require a student to attend. In addition, our faculty are frequently available during lunchtimes to help students with particular problems.
We are also very proud of our ‘peer tutoring’ scheme, where students offer each other help, usually during lunch recess. Details from the Guidance Counsellors.
26.4 Remediation
The Remediation Department offers students support in all subjects. Referral is through a teacher, Administration or Guidance. Where necessary, our Remediation department also arranges special accommodations and conditions during tests and examinations for individual students. For ongoing Remediation support, the school requires an up to date Psychoeducational assessment.
27 TUTORING OUTSIDE SCHOOL
27.1 Extra help provided by TanenbaumCHAT
Reasonable extra help is offered by all TanenbaumCHAT teachers at no extra charge, and before embarking on expensive outside tutoring parents should check that their children are taking advantage of this facility.
27.2 Outside tutoring
Arrangements between parents and tutors (and other organizations offering formal courses) are entirely private, and outside the control or responsibility of the school.
Private tutoring may not take place during the school day, nor, except with the exceptional written permission of Administration, on school premises at any time. Students may not be privately tutored by any of their current teachers.
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28 HEALTH AND SAFETY
28.1 Student health
It is extremely important that parents share with the school information regarding their children’s health. A confidential note or call to School Administration or to a Guidance Counsellor is all that is needed. If necessary, the school will make appropriate arrangements for the student to accommodate health issues. If students are to be absent from school for medical reasons for any length of time, please contact a Guidance Counsellor at the earliest opportunity.
Every parent is asked to supply medical information on entry to the school. The annual ‘Student/Family Information Update’ asks parents to confirm medical information held by the school, and in some cases parents may be asked for further clarification.
Students taking Health & Physical Education need certification from a doctor that they are fit to do the course.
We very strongly recommend that students with any ongoing medical condition should wear a MedicAlert bracelet, (obtainable via www.medicalert.ca) which enables essential information to be available quickly to medical personnel in any emergency.
28.2 Environmental health and safety
The school monitors the environmental health and safety of the building through the joint Health and Safety Committee of the Board and the staff. As a school, we are also subject to periodic inspections by the statutory authorities, including the City of Toronto, the City of Vaughan and the Fire Service. Parental concerns or comments should be directed to the School CFO/ Executive Director, Ms. Rhona Birenbaum.
29 SECURITY, SAFETY AND BEHAVIOUR
29.1 Security and safety
The safety and security of the school is our first priority.
Safety and security routines are outlined at the beginning of the Handbook. In addition to the video monitoring system referred to, the school has recently installed a number of other safety and security measures at both campuses. We continue to consult and liaise with appropriate agencies.
29.2 Student Behaviour Code
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 are set out in the first part of this booklet.
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29.3 Evenings, weekends, drugs, parties, alcohol and similar issues
Parents have to be aware of the prevalence of substance abuse among teenagers – certainly including our own Jewish Community. Every year, the school runs a number of programmes, both teacher-led and peer-led, to educate our students about substance abuse. We are extremely conscientious about this, but are also aware that school based programmes can have only limited impact. Teenagers can agree with what is said to them in a classroom on a Tuesday morning, but may act very differently in the excitement of a party on a Saturday night, in an informal setting under strong peer pressure.
• We are increasingly concerned and aware of an apparently rising wave of alcohol consumption and abuse – especially among lower Grades (9 and 10). In some cases, parents have served alcohol to their children and their friends – for example, in ‘pre-parties’ before school dances and other school events – knowing that students are under-age, and knowing that they are then getting into cars to go to the event. Our concern – and experience - with early-teen alcohol abuse has led us to limit the Grad dance to Grade 12 students only.
The school’s attitude to drugs and alcohol is clear – both are absolutely forbidden on school premises, in the vicinity of the school, or at school events. We take the strongest measures against students who transgress these rules, including involving the police. Under Canadian law, schools have extensive powers of search of lockers and possessions, which we exercise without warning.
However, the school cannot be responsible for what happens out of school hours, away from the school, or in private homes. That is a parental responsibility.
29.3.1 Parties – as hosts and as guests
There are a few simple guidelines that parents should observe:
a) never – under any circumstances - allow your sons or daughters to have an unsupervised party. The adult supervision should be present in or near the “action”, and not absent in some other part of the house. Make clear to your children the standards of behaviour that you expect.
b) if ‘uninvited guests’ turn up – call the police immediately.c) take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of guests leaving the party.d) if your children are invited to a party or event at someone else’s house – including pre-Prom parties,
and Grad events, but also at any time during the year - call the host parents beforehand and satisfy yourself about the supervision and safety. Ask if adults will be present, and ask whether alcohol will be served. If you are not satisfied with the answers – don’t allow your child to attend. (You may be unpopular with your child, but you will have a better sense of their safety, and you also will have sent a message to the community.)
e) if you are going out-of-town, do not leave teenagers at home by themselves. Another fully responsible adult must be in the house. If your children are staying elsewhere while you are out-of-town, and they have access to your house, make it clear to them that they cannot and must not invite others into the house in your absence.
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29.3.2 Things to look out for
Be concerned regarding changes in your son’s / daughter’s behaviour, moods and school performance that go beyond the normal “roller-coaster” of adolescence.
The following questions may also point to other warning signs:
Øis your son / daughter spending more and more time out of the house at odd times?Øis your son / daughter receiving phone calls from unidentified callers?Ødo their clothes show any signs or odours associated with alcohol or drugs or smoking — or signs of
any attempt to hide those odours?Øare they always avoiding you when they return from an evening out?Øhave you discovered any unexplained, possibly substance-associated objects in their room or around
the house (including the garage)?Ødo they seem to need (or, alternatively, possess) more money than previously?
Should parents wish to have further discussions with the school on substance abuse issues, please contact our Guidance Department.
A useful resource for parents is the Toronto-based ‘Parent Action on Drugs’ website, now covering parent and teen concerns around drugs, alcohol and tobacco, at:
http://www.parentactionondrugs.org
29.4 LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
If a party takes place at a private home, and a person attending leaves with their faculties impaired through, for example, drugs or alcohol, and is then involved in an accident, the owner of the premises (including a private house) may be held responsible at law (“social host liability”). There may be a duty to prevent such a person leaving the premises. We strongly advise parents to be aware of this potential liability.
29.5 GRAD BANQUET / PROM
The Grad Banquet and dance following (held at the end of the school year) is only open to Grade 12 students and their approved guests.
The only year-end events under school supervision are the Grad Banquet/Dance, at the announced times and venues for each campus. The school has neither control, supervision nor responsibility for events before the Banquet, at private houses or elsewhere, nor for further events and celebrations after the “official” Banquet and Dance is finished, nor for any events involving other grades.
The use of the school name, or logo, by organisers of unauthorised events is strictly forbidden, and the school will take legal action if necessary to safeguard the use of its name. Promotion, distribution and/or sale of tickets for such events directly or indirectly through the school is prohibited.
The school NEVER organises, supervises, endorses or approves of external ‘events’, especially at downtown venues, for other grades. Parents should show appropriate common sense and parental responsibility, and if in doubt, should check with the school.
Parents hosting ‘pre-Banquet’ parties are strongly advised and requested by the school not to serve any alcoholic drinks. (See the preceding section – ‘Legal Responsibility’). Students who arrive at the Grad Banquet under the influence of alcohol or other substances will be refused admittance, and their parent will be called.
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Every parent must inform themselves of their son’s / daughter’s plans for that evening, and satisfy themselves that he/she is doing nothing that will endanger his/her personal safety, or the safety of others, and that he/she will be acting in a responsible manner.
30 INSURANCE PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL
TanenbaumCHAT students are covered by a student accident insurance policy during the school day, supplementing provincial and private health insurance. This covers injuries sustained while participating in school activities. The benefits associated with the blanket plan include coverage while students are travelling to and from school, and while they are participating in supervised school trips and sporting events. Parents wanting more extensive coverage, either year-round or 24 hours a day on school days, may wish to purchase additional insurance. Applications for the Voluntary Plan are available in the school office.
Benefits are payable as long as the student is treated by a physician or dentist within 30 days of the injury. Benefits payable for dental are the excess of expenses payable or insured under any other dental plan or policy. If the student is entitled to reimbursement benefits from any other insurer or plan, the benefits payable under this policy shall be coordinated so that the total benefits from all insurers or plans shall not exceed the actual loss incurred.
30.1 Travel in private vehicles for school activities
• Students, parents and staff should be aware that whatever the circumstances, the insurance responsibility for a vehicle and its passengers rests with the driver’s insurance.
The school discourages the use of student and staff autos to transport students. The conditions under which this is permitted , with parental permission, are outlined in the first part of this Handbook, Section 11, which all parents should read.
Parents who do not want their sons/daughters to drive other students (or who do want them to accept rides from other students) under any circumstances must instruct them accordingly.
31 ATTENDANCE, ABSENCE AND CALENDAR
The school rules regarding Attendance and Absence are set out in the first part of this booklet. Ensuring attendance is the first and most basic duty of a TanenbaumCHAT parent. Academic studies are a priority at TanenbaumCHAT.
31.1 Attendance and absence – basics for parents
We would remind parents of the following:
ØA parent cannot, on their own judgment, give a student permission to miss school.
Encouraging your child to leave school because they ‘feel like it’ is disrespectful and unfair to our teaching faculty and to the school, and ultimately damaging to the students’ education. In such cases our Faculty are under no obligation to provide remediation or to make up assignments or missed work. The school reserves the right to ask for documentation regarding absences. In case of emergency, parents should contact the Attendance Office or the Administration.
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ØWe do not expect parents to ‘cover’ for students who skip.ØAll school activities and programmes which take place during the school day are part of the education
TanenbaumCHAT provides, and we expect students to be present for them. We do not expect parents to call school at their child’s request to try and enable a student to skip a school activity.
ØParents are asked to try and schedule non-urgent appointments for times that do not conflict with lessons or school programmes.
ØThe school will not generally accept telephone requests for students to ‘sign out’, except in emergencies.
ØWhatever the reason for absence, it is a student’s responsibility to make up work for all classes missed.
31.2 The school day
We have four ‘regular’ daily timetables:
BEGINS … ENDS …Normal 8:25AM 4:30PMFriday (Summer) 8:25AM 3:30PMShort Friday (Winter) 8:25AM 2:30PMShort Day 8:25AM 3:06PMLunchtime Dismissal 8:25AM 12:40PM
Students must be at school by 8:25AM, and in class at 8:30AM.
31.3 Timetables and course changes
Student timetables are distributed to all students with their August mailing, with the exception of students who still have outstanding Community Service hours from the previous year, or where Parents are not in good standing with the Tuition Office. Students having legitimate reasons to request a change of course may do so on the designated day of their grade Book Sale, the week before school opens. Changing a student’s allocated course is entirely at the school’s discretion. We regard learning to be adaptable and flexible as an integral part of high school experience. Parents are asked to exercise their own judgement, and not to encourage their children to make capricious requests for changes.
32 HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Comprehensive information about TanenbaumCHAT may be found at the main school website www. tanenbaumchat.org
The school ‘intranet’ – EDLINE – is accessible from www.tanenbaumchat.org
General news about the school is communicated via our Alumni and Parent magazine – the ‘ CHATter’.
All school faculty have email addresses – the standard formula is:
[first initial][last name]@tanenbaumchat.org - For example, Mr. George Washington’s email would be: [email protected].
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Please note the following exceptions:
Jamie Cohen [email protected] Cohen [email protected] Sable [email protected] Wolle [email protected]
32.1 On-going contact
TanenbaumCHAT sees parent-teacher contact as an important part of our educational process and philosophy. Teachers may call parents at any time that they have concerns (or compliments!), and parents may contact teachers by leaving a message at the school office. Both are important, and both should be helpful and constructive.
In addition, Guidance staff are always available to speak to parents, and further enquiries may be directed to Administration.
32.2 Progress reports
Teachers will frequently mail TanenbaumCHAT progress reports, indicating individual student progress – either a ‘Complimentary Report to Parents’ or a ‘Special Report to Parents’, indicating concern. These are important documents, which are also monitored by the school and copies are kept in each student’s school record. We encourage parents to discuss these ongoing reports with their children, and, if appropriate, with the originating teacher.
32.3 Report Cards
See Section 14.3
32.4 Curriculum night
Each year we hold a ‘Curriculum Night’ at the beginning of the school year. This is designed to familiarize parents with their son/daughter’s course of study, their teachers, and – in a rudimentary way – with their timetable. Over the course of an evening parents follow a typical day’s classes, according to individually-issued timetables. At each ‘class’ the teacher briefly explains the course and the curriculum to be followed. Curriculum night is lot of fun, and, more importantly, is very informative for parents. Please note that Curriculum night is not an occasion where teachers can address individual concerns.
32.5 Parent-teacher interviews
Parent-teacher interview opportunities are given twice a year, normally in the late Fall and Spring. They are timed to be convenient to parents who work, and are an opportunity for parents to meet with each of their son’s/daughter’s teachers for two-way discussion and feedback regarding progress and, if necessary, concerns. It is a valuable opportunity for brief, but important consultation. Parents should make every effort to attend. If possible, they should come prepared, and discuss beforehand with their son/daughter any issues that are likely to come up.
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Appropriate and timely communications on an ongoing basis between teachers and parents – in both directions – should ensure that parent-teacher interviews do not contain surprises for either party, but constitute stages in a step-by-step deepening of understanding.
32.6 TanenbaumCHAT Parents’ Association
The Parents’ Association serves as an advisory group to the Administration, and also publishes the Parents’ Association newsletter from time to time. There are separate groups for each campus. Parents who would like to volunteer to help with PA activities are invited to contact the school Development Office.
33 TANENBAUMCHAT ALUMNI
The TanenbaumCHAT Alumni Association is very anxious to keep an up to date register/mailing list of all of our graduates, and is always happy to hear of ‘Naches News’ for publication in the “CHATter” – our magazine. Please contact Sari Morein’05 at our Alumni Affairs desk – 416-636-5984 x 315, or [email protected]. The Alumni Association may be contacted through the Development Office at 416-636-5984 x 315.
34 THE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Our Development Office is instrumental in enabling us to realize our dreams and ambitions for TanenbaumCHAT.
Naming and endowment opportunities exist at both of our Campuses.
Our Development Office and Campaign Committee will be happy to hear from any parents who are willing to help.
• For information about giving opportunities please call Frances Bigman, our Director of Development, at 416-636-5984 x 230.
TanenbaumCHAT
2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 / 5 7 7 1
TanenbaumCHAT Kimel Family Education Centre9600 Bathurst Street, Vaughan, ON L6A 3Z8Tel.: 905.787.8772 | Fax: 905.787.8773Email: [email protected]
TanenbaumCHAT Wallenberg Campus200 Wilmington Avenue, Toronto, ON M3H 5J8Tel.: 416.636.5984 | Fax: 416.636.7717Email: [email protected]
School
Our ‘Statement of Philosophy and Purpose’ | Essential Information for Students | Additional Information for Parents
www.tanenbaumchat.org