Students must attend school regularly and be punctual. Parents should not allow their children to miss school for appointments, vacation or social events. Teachers will not provide homework in advance or recuperation if school is missed for these reasons. Parents will have to ensure that the work that is missed is done.  Medical and dental appointments should be scheduled on pedagogical days or after school.

End of Cycle students (grades 4 & 6) should not miss any school days during the exam period throughout the months of May and June.

When a student is absent from school, a parent must contact the school before 8:30 a.m. to give the reason for the absence.  While it is important for students to be in school, sick children are not prepared to focus on teaching and learning. If a child is running a fever or has been sick early in the morning, he/she should not attend school. If parents have determined that their child is well enough to attend school, then the student will be sent outdoors for recess or at lunch time since the school is not equipped to supervise sick children indoors.  Children with minor ills and colds could benefit from being outdoors in the fresh air.  Students who become ill at school will be sent home.  Parents will be notified to pick-up their child. Should there be a medical reason for a child to remain indoors, we require parents to provide us with a doctor’s note. Provisions for supervision will be made for these rare occasions. 

If homework is requested, this should be done at the time the parent makes the call regarding the absence.  When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up what was missed in class.  Please do not call after 2:00 pm. requesting for homework for your child.

A student who is late must report to the office before going to class in order to pick up his/her late slip. If the student is frequently late and the teacher has begun his/her lesson or tests, the student will not be given extra time to complete the task.  It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that all students arrive on time.  It is imperative that all students be in school by 8:52 am.

Late arrivals/early departures are disruptive to the teaching and learning that goes on in the classroom. If a student is to be dismissed earlier than the regular dismissal time, parents must provide the teacher with a written note indicating the time that the student is to be dismissed. Students must be picked up at the main office.

Parents making changes to their child’s regular dismissal schedule are urged to do so with a written note in the agenda to the teacher (e.g. child going to daycare, not taking the bus).  In rare occasions, should parents call in these changes by telephone, they must do so before 2 p.m. The office is an extremely busy area, especially at the end of the school day.  We ask for your cooperation to avoid any mistakes.

Parents are required to provide immunization records for their child at the time of registration for diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, measles, German measles and mumps.  Parents who choose not to have their children immunized must provide the school with a written statement of this fact.

Should a child become ill with any of the diseases mentioned above or with any non-preventative diseases such as scarlet fever, chicken pox, impetigo or pediculosis (head lice), parents must inform the school. Equally, the school will bring any suspected cases to the parents’ attention.  It is the parent’s responsibility to seek appropriate medical attention or take the necessary action to rid the child of the disease.

The school is not authorized to administer any medication to students. If a child brings medication to school that he/she must take, parents will be required to sign an authorization form found at the office.  The medication must be in the original container with the prescription label. 

• Students are to arrive at school no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the entry time in the morning (at 8:42 am) and afternoon (at 12:29 pm) since teachers are not on supervision duty prior to these times.
• They should enter the school yard through the junior yard only (Côme Street).

At the beginning of the school year, parents whose children are entitled to bus transportation, will receive information regarding the bus stops and schedule from the school board.  If parents think that their child has been overlooked, we ask that they please contact the school office to confirm their transport eligibility. Once the children board the bus at dismissal, parent/family members cannot take them off the bus. The person wishing to remove the child from the bus must report to the office to confirm his/her identity.

Students are not permitted to use the school telephone unless there is an emergency.  Likewise, parents are asked to refrain from calling to speak to their children unless it is an emergency.

A list of school supplies is sent home at the end of June of each year.  This list will also be posted on the  Dante School website.  Parents may purchase school supplies wherever they wish.  Teachers may from time to time require a specific copybook or exercise book and may purchase the item for the students.  If this is the case, parents would not be charged for this specific item.

Valuable objects including jewelry, iPods, iPads, digital cameras, cell phones, e-readers and electronic games should not be brought to school.  The school does not accept responsibility for personal belongings that may be lost or stolen.

In the event of snowstorms or other unforeseen circumstances, school closure information can be heard on most radio stations, posted on the EMSB website, or on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.  The school board will issue a mass notification message either through email or phone call.

In certain emergency situations students may have to be evacuated to one of our safe shelters:

• École Lambert Closse 6105 rue La Dauversière, St-Léonard, QC
• Complexe Le Baron 6020 rue Jean Talon, St-Léonard, QC

In the unlikely event that this should happen, parents/guardians would receive a message from our mass notification system.

The school must be informed of any change of address, home telephone or cell phone number as soon as it occurs during the year.

• All students are expected to treat each other with respect. Politeness, civil language, and consideration for the other’s point of view are expected.  Swearing, rude behavior, pushing, shoving, yelling, fighting, taxing, bullying, and cyber bullying are not permitted or tolerated.
• All school staff, which includes teachers, lunch supervisors, caretakers, office staff, and non-teaching personnel are acting with the full authority of the parent. Students must   respect members of staff and follow their instructions at all times.  Insubordination can lead to disciplinary action.

Students who receive an incident report must bring it home, have a parent sign it and return it to school the following day.  The reflection must be completed neatly by the student.  In Kindergarten and grade one, the parent may write the answers given by the child.  Removal of privileges and/or recess detentions could be issued accordingly.  The purpose of these reports is to inform the parent of the child’s action and allow the student to reflect on the issue.

All personal objects (school bag, clothing, lunch box, running shoes, supplies, etc.) must be identified with the child’s name and grade. Parents are encouraged to verify the lost and found area (Daycare entrance) for lost items.  At the end of the school year, all items will be donated.

All students must have a school bag to transport their books and personal belongings.  Students must also have a bag in which to carry their gym clothes.

Students must follow the rules set by each of their teachers which will be discussed at the beginning of the year. The following consequences may be given to students who violate class rules. This list is not exhaustive.

• Discussion, warning, note in the agenda, incident report.
• Written assignment (reflection) related to the action,
• Detention during recess
• Conference with parents/Suspension (as warranted).

• Snowball or ice throwing is forbidden.
• Students may play in their designated area of the yard. 
• At no time should students disturb classes in the neighboring school. 
• Students should play in a courteous and respectful manner. Students should speak to each other politely.
• Students must be seen by their supervisors at all times. They are not allowed to play in the small area surrounding the south west exit door (door #2). The assigned area for each level will be communicated to the children by their teachers.
• Only school balls and toys provided by the school are allowed in the school yard. Tennis balls, footballs, baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls and plastic Frisbees (other than the school material) are not permitted and may be confiscated by the supervisor. These items will be returned to the student at the end of the day.
• For safety reasons, soccer and football are not allowed to be played in the yard unless supervised by an adult. 
• Once the bell has rung, all students must stop playing immediately, and take their places in line in silence.
• Caps are to be removed upon entry.
• Injuries and incidents must be immediately reported to the teachers/supervisors so that assistance may be given quickly.

• All school rules and regulations are in effect during activities, whether in school or outside of school.
• Fieldtrips are pedagogical outings that are planned to complement the program that is being followed by the students in their subject areas. Field trips are not electives but rather a compulsory component of the curriculum.  All students must participate in these outings.  It is recommended that children bring disposable cameras and not cell phones in order to take pictures.
• A parent volunteer may be selected to help in the supervision and well-being of the students on a field trip. If a parent is selected then it is understood that a younger sibling should not be brought on the fieldtrip.

All parents entering the school must report to the office.  Volunteer parents must sign in at the office and receive a “Visitor’s Badge”.  Volunteers must not go to their child’s class to speak to the teacher while they are volunteering in the school.  Since 2013, all parents wishing to volunteer must undergo a police verification.  Please see the school secretary for more information.

• Students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6 must abide to the following Dress Code:

• Solid navy blue slacks, trousers, jumper or skirts (no tights to be worn as pants).

• White tops such as shirts, polo and blouses. 

• Burgundy cardigan, burgundy fleece school cardigan, vest only or navy blue, white and burgundy cardigan (solid color – no prints). No other sweaters or cardigans can be worn in school.

• Any type of closed, comfortable shoes (no fluorescent colors and no lights) may be worn.

• Leggings under the skirts must either be white or blue. No multi-colored leggings will be permitted. 

• Students must have a pair of running shoes for Phys. Ed. Only. They cannot wear their everyday shoes for their Physical Education class. 

• Students must be neatly and appropriately dressed and groomed at all times. Only CONSERVATIVE hair styles and haircuts are permitted at school. 

• Only during the warm months, students may wear navy blue knee-length bermudas. As the weather becomes warmer, students are permitted to wear sandals, with a back strap and straps that hold the toes.

• Students may not wear construction boots, booties, rain wear, running shoes that are fluorescent or with lights. Children may not wear sleeveless tops, tank tops.  Shirts, sweaters, or jackets with a logo, advertising, team name, picture or drawings are not permitted in class.

• Shorts, jogging pants, tights, spandex shorts or pants, mini-skirts, caps, bandanas, army fatigues, denim jeans and jackets, vests or skirts of any color are also not permitted to be worn in school.

• During the winter months, children must wear appropriate outdoor clothing as the children will go outdoors on a daily basis unless of extreme cold weather.

• Burgundy jogging pants can only be worn for Physical Education.

• Burgundy shorts or burgundy jogging pants bearing the school logo.
• Navy blue T-shirt bearing the school logo.
• Running shoes (Non-marking soles).

• In order to develop good habits and ensure their well-being, students must change into the gym outfit and running shoes for physical education. For the same reason, students are expected to change back into their school uniform after their physical education class. 

• Jewelry including necklaces rings, bracelets, earrings and watches, cannot be worn on days when physical education is scheduled. 

• Older students may use a deodorant, but no spray perfume.
• Chewing gum is never permitted.
• Hair must be tied back (if long).
• Ed shoes are not to worn outside.

• Street shoes are not permitted on any Physical Education teaching surfaces.

• If your child must be exempted from Phys. Ed. classes, please be advised that a medical note will be needed.

All books issued by the school are property of the school. Students must not scribble, draw or deface a book.  Damaged or lost books must be paid in full.  All books must be covered in clear plastic.

• The STUDENT AGENDA BOOK is compulsory. Parents are asked to verify that their child’s homework is done.  Please sign daily.  Also verify communications form the teacher.  Students must not scribble, draw or deface the Agenda Book.

• Do not remove the previous pages from the agenda.
• DANGEROUS OBJECTS are not to be brought to school. These will be confiscated.
• Sliding down handrails from the second floor is forbidden.
• NAIL POLISH, PRESS ON NAILS and MAKE-UP are not permitted.
• CHEWING GUM is forbidden and should not be brought to school. 

• Girls must not wear large hoop earrings for school.
• All long hair must be tied. 

• Social Networking – Elementary age children should not be on social networks such as Facebook and Instagram. The required age is 13 years old. Please make sure these regulations are followed. 

• No toys should be brought from home for play during the recess or lunch periods unless specifically requested by the teacher.
• Once students are dismissed at the end of the day, they may not return to their classes to get any materials. Children who are picked up at the end of the day (3:35 pm) must not play in the school yard or other school grounds.
• Body Tattoos, Body Piercing and Body Paint are forbidden. Also, students are not permitted to write on their hands or on other body parts.

Hair color dyes and extreme haircuts that are deemed inappropriate by the administration will not be permitted and will be subject to disciplinary measures.  Only conservative hair styles and haircuts are permitted at school (as stipulated in 2.10.1).

• SKATEBOARDS, BASEBALL BATS, PET COMPUTERS, S, iPods, , CELL PHONES, LASER POINTERS, SCOOTERS, E-READERS, TOYS, CARDS (i.e., Hockey, Baseball), and OTHER ELECTRONIC GAMES OR GADGETS and CELLULAR PHONES WILL BE CONFISCATED.

These items must not be brought to school or on the school buses.  The school reserves the right to confiscate the above items without warning.

Children who have allergies must have an EPIPEN with them at all times.  The children must wear their Epipen in a safe and sturdy waist band.  The children must be informed and educated not to play with their Epipen. It must be noted on the children’s health form if a child has allergies.  These forms must be submitted on the first day of school.

Birthday invitations will not be distributed in the classroom or during daycare unless the entire class has been invited.

• Whenever announcements are made by a supervisor, they are expected to stop speaking and listen. 

• Students are to remain seated during lunch.
• Students are to raise their hand and ask permission before going to the washroom. 

• All trash is to be put in the plastic garbage bags.
• Food is not to be thrown and juice is not to be squirted at each other.
• Students are to line up and leave the classroom in an orderly fashion with their supervisors.
• There is to be no running or pushing in the hallway.
• Students’ places must be left clean; i.e. table and floor.
• All students must go outdoors after lunch, except those students with recuperation or specific activities. 

• In conjunction with the EMSB Nutrition Policy the students are not permitted to bring fast foods (such as McDonald’s, Harvey’s etc…) for lunch. Nor are parents allowed to bring such foods for their children.  Soft drinks, chocolate, candies will not be permitted.  Parents are asked to send only peanut free food.  Goodie bags are not permitted to be shared or given to classmates; e.g. for birthdays or special holidays. 

• As we are an environmental school. We undertake projects which reflect this. Every Tuesdays and Thursdays is our Waste Free Lunch.  This means that every child is encouraged, with the help of their parents, to ensure their lunch box contains no waste.
• Children who have ordered a hot meal on Waste Free Lunch day may also participate in our Waste Free Lunch day. They are to bring in their own reusable utensils and give in the utensils found in the hot meal to their supervisor.
• We encourage the children to bring healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

Students must follow the rules set by the bus driver, the bus company and the School Board.  Students who misbehave on the school bus may be given a written notice or even be suspended.  In case of suspension, a student must be transported to and from school by the parent(s) or guardian.

The following Bus Safety Rules must be followed: 

• Students must have their bus passes at all times when boarding the bus. The bus pass must be easily visible to the bus driver. 

• Line up, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop, and then board the bus.
• Do not loiter on the steps on the bus or in the aisles.
• When you’re on the bus, sit in your seat and stay there for the duration of the journey.
• While you are seated, your feet must be in front of you; never in the aisle.
• Nothing is to be thrown around the bus at any time; it’s dangerous for the children and obstructs the driver’s view.
• Arms, hands and heads stay inside the bus at all times and not out the window.
• Loud noises, shouting, swearing and actions of this nature are not allowed.
• Throwing things out of the bus windows is not allowed.
• When you get off the bus, take your time and get off in an orderly manner.
• Eating in the bus is not permitted. 

• Parents are not allowed to ask the bus driver for special favors.
• Children in Pre-School or Grade 1 must always have an adult at the bus stop to take the child.

The following consequences may be given to students who violate the Rules of Conduct and Safety:

• Discussion, reprimand and warning, incident
• Communication with parents.
• Written assignment related to the action (refection), restorative action 

• School detention (during school hours)
• Loss of recreational activities.
• Case conference with parents.
• Pay for damage, where appropriate.
• In-School suspension.
• Out of school suspension.

• RATIONALE

Homework is an essential part of the school program because: 

• It develops positive habits which are essential for lifelong learning.
• It provides practice time to reinforce skills and material learned in class.
• It can provide an opportunity for the child to satisfy a desire to learn more about a topic.
• It teaches students to work independently.
• It provides a daily opportunity for parents to encourage their children to succeed in school.
• It provides a daily opportunity for parents to follow and support their child’s progress. 

3.2.2     AMOUNT AND FREQUENCY OF HOMEWORK

Regular homework makes it much easier for parents to play their role in their child’s learning process.  Homework may be assigned on every school night. Normally, there will be no written assignments or assignments on new material given on weekends.

Homework may be assigned for the next class or to be completed over a period of days or weeks e.g. reports or projects. Teachers may, on occasion, choose not to assign homework for a school night.

• CONSEQUENCES OF NOT DOING HOMEWORK 

Teachers will be the first to deal with any homework not done.  If it continues, the parents will be notified.  If the problem persists, other measures may be implemented. 

If there are special circumstances involved outside the student’s control, the teacher will make the necessary adjustments.  This should not happen frequently or the child will not benefit from the rationale involved in assigning homework.

Parents should notify the teachers if there is special reason for their child’s incomplete homework assignments.

• ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH PERSON INVOLED 

The Teacher’s Responsibility:

• To state the homework policy and make sure that students understand it.

• To assign homework based on Dante School's homework policy.
• To establish and ensure the students understand the expectations with regard to completing the assignments
• Teachers are to give adequate time for students to record assignments and ensure students put the necessary material in their schoolbags. 

• To check on assignments done and give help when needed.
• To inform parents when a student is not doing or completing homework and collectively find a solution.

The Parent’s responsibility:

• To provide a suitable place for the child to do homework.
• To establish a schedule which sets a routine for the time when the child does the homework.
• To provide the necessary materials (e.g. pens, pencils, erasers) so that there is no time wasted.
• To encourage the child and help to start the process.
• To support but not teach during the process.
• To read and check to see that the assignment is complete and done according to class guidelines.
• To sign the “Student Agenda Book” on a daily basis only after all homework has been completed and verified. 

• To give praise when the child has made a good effort.
• To contact the teacher through notes, phone calls, or by requesting a meeting when problems arise. 

The Student’s responsibility: 

• To bring home the assignment when it is on a weekly schedule or to copy the assignment when it is given daily.

• To take home all materials necessary to do the assignments. 

• To follow the guidelines established in the classroom concerning neatness.

• To make an effort to do the assignment independently.

• To make corrections when the homework is corrected in class.

Parents are asked to drop off and pick up their children on the sidewalk on Côme Street if they are driving to school. Parents are not to park in the area reserved for buses or enter the staff parking lots.  The safety of children is always a priority at Dante School.  Parents must cooperate by respecting the following rules:

• Never park in the staff parking lots on Belleval. Teachers must be able to park and be in school on time to supervise the children.  Also, never block the entrance to our parking lots.  Children should not be walking through the parking lot as it is dangerous.
• Parents/relatives who accompany their children to school on foot or by car, must escort them to the school yard entrance on Côme Street.
• Drivers are reminded that it is forbidden to pass a school bus when its lights are flashing. According to the Quebec Safety Code Chapter C-24.2, section 311 stipulates that failure to obey the flashing lights or stop sign of a school bus will result in 9 demerit points plus a significant fine. 

• Do not allow your children to cross a street between parked cars or buses. Teach your children to cross at street corners.
• All students must be in the school yard waiting for the bell to ring and not remain with their parents on the school grounds. 

• Students must not be in the school yard prior to 8:42 am. There is no adult supervision prior to this time.  Students should not be dropped off at the office before 8:52 am. 

• Adults must stay out of the schoolyard. It is only for children and staff. 

• Parents entering the school are to use only the main front door entrance and must always report to the office (Door #1).
• Parents are not to accompany their children to class or go to class to pick up their children. The Office will be pleased to help you. 

• Parents must be on time when picking up their children. Children whose parents are late may be sent to Daycare, in which case the regular fee will apply (9.00$). 

• Parents who pick up children at school should wait on the sidewalk and not block the school doors, walkways or entryways. It could be dangerous for the children and adults trying to leave. 

• Parents are not permitted to double park on the street when dropping off or picking up their children.
• Parents are asked to leave the school premises once the second bell rings at 3:45 pm.