PARENT

HANDBOOK

2015-2016

18 Orde Street Junior School

Toronto, Ontario M5T 1N7

Tel (416) 393 - 1900

Fax (416) 393 - 0864

Orde@tdsb.on.ca http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/ordestreet/Home.aspx

ORDE STREET SCHOOL

Vision

Empowering and Enabling ALL students

and propelling them forward to Infinite Achievement.

Mission

We will ensure our students achieve their full potential by:

having their individual needs met

having embedded supports and resources

ensuring students meet the curricula expectations with enhanced

technological access and inclusive education

Character Attributes

Respect

Responsibility

Empathy

Kindness and Caring

Teamwork

Fairness

Honesty

Co-operation

Integrity

Perseverance

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome to Orde Street School Communication School Hours

Acronyms ................................................. 5

Arts Education.......................................... 5

Attendance Verification/Safe Arrival/Late Arrival/Early Pick-up ................................. 5

Awards Assemblies .................................. 5

Clothing.................................................... 6

Code of Conduct/Expectations ................. 6

Communication with Parents/Guardians .. 7

Curriculum Night ...................................... 7

Custody.................................................... 7

Daily Physical Activity (DPA) .................... 8

Dress Code .............................................. 8

Duty to Report Abuse/Neglect .................. 8

Electronic Devices Code .......................... 8

E-Mail Addresses for Parents/Guardians . 8

Emergency Information ............................ 8

Extended Absences ................................. 9

Field Trips ................................................ 9

Fire Drills .................................................. 9

Health and Physical Education ................. 9

Illness ...................................................... 9

Identification, Placement, Review Committee..9

Individual Education Plan (IEP) ................ 9

Interpreters…………………………………10

Latex Safe Environment ......................... 10

Library Technology Resource Centre ….10

Lunch Program…………………………….10

Medication, Administration of…………….10

Newsletters………………………………….10

On-Line Code of Conduct…………………10

Parental/Guardian Concerns .................. 11

Peanut-Safe Environment ....................... 11

Pediculosis (Head Lice) .......................... 11

Photographs ........................................... 11

Professional Support Services (PSS) ..... 11

Programs ................................................ 12

Religious Accommodation ...................... 13

Reporting to Parents/Guardians ............. 13

Scent Awareness .................................... 13

Scholarships ........................................... 14

School Council ....................................... 14

School Support Team ............................. 14

Severe Weather/Emergency School Closure ................................................... 14

Special Education Resource Teacher.......………………………………14

Transportation ........................................ 15

Visiting the School .................................. 15

Volunteering ........................................... 15

Orde’s Beliefs……………………………….16

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Welcome to Orde Street School Orde Street School (OSS) is an educational facility located in the heart of Toronto. Orde Street School provides educational programs for ALL students meeting academic, social, emotional, physical, communication, and all special needs. OSS is a school in the center of the city within: Trustees Malik`s Ward 10, Trinity–Spadina (Trustee: Ausma Malik) and Superintendent Papathanasakis WO9 (Superintendent: Louie Papathanasakis)

West Region 9 (36 schools) Staff and parents/guardians are partners in education and we encourage you to become as involved as possible. We hope you will find this general information helpful for everyday life at OSS. The information is organized alphabetically for easy reference.

Communication School Office………………………………………………………(416) 393-1900 (Open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) Fax Number………………………………………………………..(416) 393-0864 Safe Arrival/Attendance Verification Program………………....(416) 393-1900 (Answering machine before and after office hours) Email Address:…………………………………………………..mailto:Orde@tdsb.on.ca Website: ……………………………………..http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/ordestreet Grade Range (Program Area Review Committee examining the potential of 7 & 8 change- Sept. 2016) JK to 6 School Pamphlet………http://www.tdsb.on.ca/FindYour/Schools.aspx?schno=5258 School Hours Morning classes begin for 1 – 6

and Kindergarten

8:40 am

9:00 am

Lunch 11:50 am – 12:20 pm

Daily Physical Activity 12:20 pm – 12:50 pm

Afternoon classes begin 12:50 pm

Dismissal for Kindergarten

and 1 - 6

3:15 pm

3:40 pm

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Acronyms for Orde Street School

AR Ability Review IST In-School Team Meeting

AEL Activate Early Learning IPRC Identification Placement Review Committee

ADL Activities of Daily Living IST In School Support Team

ALC Alternate Level of Care LPC Learning Profile Continuum

ADP Assistive Devices Program MISA Managing Information- Student Achievement

BIRT Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team OnSIS Ontario Student Information System

CI Collaborative Inquiry OSS Orde Street School

CCAC Community Care Access Centre PT Physiotherapist

CCC Complex Continuing Care PLC Professional Learning Community

CG Combined Grads SST School Support Team

DPA Daily Physical Activity SERT Special Education Resource Teacher

ECE Early Childhood Educator SSLI Student Success Leadership Initiative

EIE Equity Inclusive Education SSS Student Support Services

IEP Individual Education Plan TDSB Toronto District School Board

Arts Education All the students at Orde enjoy weekly experiences in visual arts, music and drama. Classroom themes are integrated into the Arts programming whenever possible. Attendance/Safe Arrival/Late Arrival/Early Pick-up If your child will be absent or late for school, you must call the school office (416-393-1900) as early as possible or leave a voice message. If the student is not in class when attendance is taken and if no message has been left or absence note sent in, the automated system will make every effort to call you at home or at work to find out why your child is absent. Please be sure that all contact information including emergency contacts is up-to-date. Parents/guardians are to notify the school by a note to the teacher or a phone call to the school office ahead of time if a student needs to leave early for an appointment. If a parent/guardian comes to the lunchroom to pick up their child, they must inform school staff that they are taking their child out of the school. Students may not leave the school unless accompanied by an adult. Parents/guardians must also inform the school of the name of the adult picking up the child and supply a code word. If the school staff does not know that adult, the adult may be requested to show photo identification and supply the code word. Please plan all vacations during school holiday as not in interfere with the delivery of curriculum. If an emergency extended absence from school is required please fill out the office form. Awards Assemblies Celebrating ongoing accomplishments is an opportunity to acknowledge the many successes of our students and establish a positive atmosphere that encourages character development. During the school year, monthly school-wide assemblies are held the last Friday of every month (except June when it is held on the second Friday) to recognize our students.

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Using the Character Traits awards are presented to students that best exemplify the character trait of the month. September………………………………………………………………………………….RESPECT October ……………………………………………………………………………….RESPONSIBILTY November………………………………………………………………………………….EMPATHY December…………………………………………………………………….…KINDNESS & CARING January…………………………………………………………………………….………TEAMWORK February…………………………………………………………………………………….FAIRNESS March……………………………………………………………………………………….HONESTY April…………………………………………………………………………………….CO-OPERATION May………………………………………………………………………………………..INTEGRITY June……………………………………………………………………………………PERSEVERANCE Clothing To allow kindergarten students to develop as much independence as possible in dressing, parents/guardians are encouraged to provide clothing that is easy to remove and put on, e.g. pants with elastic waists, shoes with Velcro fasteners, two-piece snowsuits, sweaters or coats with zippers, mittens instead of gloves. Please remember that children are at school to learn and have fun and clothing may get messy! An extra set of clothing and shoes kept at school is recommended for students in kindergarten. Code of Conduct/Expectations The standards of behaviour outlined in the Orde Street School Code of Conduct shall apply to all members of the school community, including students, parents/guardians, teachers and other school staff, volunteers and visitors:

on school property;

while travelling on a school bus;

in-school sports activities;

in off-site school-sponsored activities; or

in circumstances where engaging in an activity will have an impact on the school climate. Orde Street School is a safe and nurturing community. Together we ensure that all members of our school community are treated with respect and dignity. We maintain an environment in which conflict and differences are addressed. These expectations for staff, students and parents/guardians serve as a reminder to all school community members of the responsibilities required to maintain our positive school environment. Expectations for Students, Parents/Guardians and Staff

Respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws

Be treated with respect and to treat others with respect

Be in a safe physical environment

Participate in, support and provide an appropriate program for each student

Follow Toronto District School Board policies PR585 Board Code of Conduct

Follow Orde Street School routines and policies

Be supported in a school that is sensitive to different needs

Maintain regular and meaningful communication Roles and Responsibilities of Staff

Maintain a safe and secure educational environment

Model respectful and responsible behaviour

Assist students to work to their full potential and develop their self-worth

Communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents/guardians

Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students

Prepare students for the responsibilities of citizenship

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Dress appropriately in a manner consistent with Orde Street School dress code Roles and Responsibilities of Students

Come to school prepared, on time and ready to learn

Show respect for themselves, their fellow students and those in authority at school, on field trips and on school buses

Refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety or well-being of others or themselves

Respect the property of the school and of others, including personal equipment and belongings

ORDE’s CODE OF CONDUCT: At Orde let’s be safe. Let’s be fair.: o We are safe o We are caring o We are responsible

Every day, in class, in the halls, and in the school yard

We are responsible for: o Following instructions rights away o Treating others the way we want to be treated o We use our hands, feet and objects in safe and respectful ways o We walk quietly in the hallways at all times

Roles and Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians

Support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students

Show an active interest in your child’s school work and progress

Communicate regularly with the school

Help your child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school

Ensure your child attends school regularly, on time and is prepared for dismissal, and bussing if applicable

Report to the school promptly your child’s absence or late arrival Communication with Parents/Guardians During the school year, parents/guardians are kept informed through school and classroom notes, letters and newsletters. Parents/guardians may communicate by telephoning and leaving a message for your child’s teacher so they can give you a call before or after school, or by writing in the communication book if the child is a primary student or in the agenda for a junior student. In case of emergencies, parents/guardians should call the school office at 416-393-1900. Please approach your child’s teacher with any concerns. If a concern is ongoing, the Principal may become involved. If you speak another language in addition to English and would be willing to be a contact for parents/guardians who speak only that language, please contact the office administrator. Curriculum Night Curriculum Night is held early in the first term. It is an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet their child’s teacher(s) and to learn about the classroom program for the year. The link to the Ontario Curriculum is http://www.edu.gov.on.ca Custody Please provide the school with copies of your legal documents, e.g. custody agreements, if you have a concern for your child’s safety.

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Daily Physical Activity (DPA) Each day, the Primary students will participate in Daily Physical Activities (DPA) to support their physical development, overall health and wellness, and enhance their learning opportunities. DPA may include active games, outdoor play and recreational activities. Activities are adapted, as appropriate, to ensure active participation of students. DPA is fun and healthy for the students. Dress Code Students, staff, visitors and adults are expected to dress in an appropriate manner. The following will not be permitted:

Clothing with offensive or suggestive slogans, symbols or words (i.e., any clothing that displays sexual behaviour or discrimination toward gender, race, creed, ethnicity or religion)

Clothing which promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco or gang affiliation

Skimpy clothing which shows bared back, exposed cleavage, bared/exposed torso

Short shorts or low riding pants

Hats/caps (some exceptions apply for aesthetic/medical reasons)

Offensive or dangerous jewellery

Footwear that is unsafe, e.g., flip flops

Perfume Duty to Report Abuse or Neglect The Child and Family Services Act require reasonable suspicions of abuse or neglect of children to be reported to a Children’s Aid Society. The responsibility to report lies with the person (employee, volunteer, and parent/guardian) who receives the disclosure or who suspects abuse or neglect. Electronic Devices Code Personal cell phones, pagers or music listening devices can be used only under the direction and permission of the classroom teacher. Some devices may be part of a student’s program, e.g., iPads devices. Parents/guardians are asked to refrain from using cell phones while in the school. E-Mail Address for Parents/Guardians Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) came into effect on July 1, 2014. Under the legislation, anyone (including teachers and principals) who sends an electronic message that encourages participation in a commercial activity must do the following: 1. Obtain the consent of the recipient 2. Provide identification information about the sender 3. Provide an unsubscribe option so recipients can remove themselves from the list www.fightspam.gc.ca (These addresses will not be shared with any other organizations.) If you would like to be part of Orde Street’ School’s email distribution list please be sure to complete a permission form from our office. Emergency Information An emergency information form is sent home with your child in September. Parents/guardians must return it as soon as possible. It is important that the school has up-to-date information for each student, including a current address, telephone number and email address (if possible), as well as a daytime telephone number we can call in an emergency. In addition, if you are away and your child is placed in someone else’s care, please provide the classroom teacher and/or the office with a written note indicating the person to call in case of an emergency. Please contact the school office at (416) 393-1900 should any changes occur during the year. We need to have up-to-date contact information in case of an emergency.

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Extended Absences Please use the same holiday schedule as the schools as outlined on the School Year Calendar. Parents/guardians should not take students on extended breaks/holidays during instructional days. Teachers will not provide work for students at such times. Students absent from school for extended periods for reasons other than illness and religious or school holidays may risk their continued success in our educational programs. If there is an unforeseen situation where an extended absence is necessary please complete the form in the office. Field Trips Toronto and its surrounding area provide our students with a wonderful variety of experiences to enhance their learning outside the classroom since trips are linked to the curriculum. Parent/ guardian volunteers are an essential part of this program for the safety of our students. Parents/guardians will receive notice in advance of all trips with a description of the trip and a permission slip requiring a parent/guardian signature. It is expected that all students will participate in field trips. No student will be excluded from any field trip for financial reasons. Students may be excluded from trips if their participation compromises their safety or the safety of others. Please complete the walking permission form at the beginning of the year granting general permission for local walking trip such as the Lillian H. Smith : Toronto Public Library.

Fire Drills Fire drills are practiced at Orde throughout the school year. When the fire drill sounds or ‘Code Red’ announcement is made on the P.A. system, classrooms are cleared and all students and staff are evacuated. Attendance is verified and students wait quietly for an All Clear. Health and Physical Education Orde School is committed to supporting a healthy school environment. Physical activity is essential for the proper growth and development of children and youth. Providing students with opportunities to be physically active can have a positive impact on their physical, mental, and social well being. In particular, physical activity is likely to have an impact on students’ achievement, readiness to learn, behaviour, and self-esteem. Positive experiences with physical activity at a young age also help lay the foundation for healthy, productive lives. All of our students benefit from the Health and Physical Education program on a weekly basis. Please see the Ontario Ministry of Education - new Physical Health Curriculum @ edu.gov.on Illness Children who are sick with symptoms including fever, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting should stay home. The Ontario Ministry of Health states that your child can return to school 24 hours after the fever has ended and he/she is feeling well enough to resume normal activities. It is important that when your child returns to school he/she is able to participate in the full school program that includes outdoor play. Children with other symptoms such as pink eye or eye discharge which can be contagious should also be kept at home. Parents/guardians will be contacted if the child becomes ill at school and may need to be picked up and taken home. Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) It is a process that sets out to identify and place a student who is exceptional. The committee is composed of at least three people, consisting of principals, consultants, coordinators, TDSB psychologists and parents/guardians. Individual Education Plan (IEP) An IEP is a working document describing the strengths and needs of an individual student, the Special Education program and services applicable to that student’s needs, the method of

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delivery of the program and services, and the student’s progress in meeting measurable, achievable goals over time. Parents/guardians are invited to contribute to the development of their child’s IEP. Please www.tdsb.on.ca for more information. Interpreters Through Toronto District School Board (TDSB) we have access to interpreters in different languages. These interpreters can be available for interviews and meetings. Please contact your child's teacher and we will provide you with whatever assistance we have available to us. Orde Street School will translate school communication for parents/guardians as requested. Latex Safe Environment To ensure our students and staff are safe from latex products within the school, the school takes all possible precautions to minimize the risk of latex exposure to staff and students diagnosed with latex allergy. Staff and students are asked not to bring any items containing latex to school. Library Technology Resource Centre The Orde Library Technology Resource Centre is a focal point of the school for books, media and technology. Classes go to the Library Technology Resource Centre for scheduled weekly visits. During each visit students have the opportunity to choose a book to sign out and to take home to share with their families. Classroom teachers also sign out books to use in the classroom. During library time students join in songs and poems (using assistive technology as needed), listen to stories and participate in activities on the computers. Students are expected to be responsible for the books they borrow. If a book is lost or damaged families will be asked to contribute towards the replacement cost of the book. Lunch Program Students eat in a supervised lunch program in the gymnasium and kindergarten students eat in their classrooms at 11:50 a.m. All students need to have their lunch bags labeled and containers initialed or labeled. At 12:20 p.m., students go out to the playground. In addition, students have a daily snack time in their classrooms delivered by parent volunteers in the morning. Litterless lunches and snacks teach our students to care about the environment and realize that they can make a difference. Medication, Administration of If a child needs to have medication administered during the school day, a form must be completed and signed by a doctor. These forms are available from your child’s teacher or from the main office or visit the TDSB website. Medications must be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacy and list the child’s name, the doctor’s name, the name of the medication and the amount and frequency of administration. An EpiPen, if required, should be carried by the student in a pouch or case. More information about Anaphylaxis at TDSB web. Newsletters School-wide newsletters are published with contributions from all classrooms in our school. School communication will be sent or distributed electronically to all families Specific information from the school administration will be communicated to parents/guardians as necessary throughout the school year. Individual classroom teachers may publish class newsletters that provide an overview of classroom themes, activities and dates to remember. See our website for newsletters and all information, at http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/ordestreet/.

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On-Line Code of Conduct Orde School is committed to providing students with access to the Internet through the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) computer network. The Internet is a rich source of information and opportunities to enhance student learning. However, increased access to the Internet raises issues that must be addressed and understood. Orde Street School has addressed these issues through an On-Line Code of Conduct which applies to students, staff and all other users of electronic resources accessed through the facilities of Orde Street School including the Internet. This On-Line Code of Conduct includes sections covering Personal Safety Rules, Unacceptable Sites and Materials, Use Guidelines, Prohibited Uses and Activities, On-Line Publishing and Liability. It is available on the TDSB website – http://www.tdsb.on.ca or upon request from the Principal. Parental/Guardian Concerns Throughout the school year, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher if they have any concerns. If the problem remains unresolved, the Principal will then become involved. Peanut Safe Environment Our environment is a NUT and PEANUT SAFE environment. Lunches and snacks are not to include nut or peanut products. Pediculosis (Head Lice) Pediculosis is a nuisance rather than a health hazard. Parents/guardians are notified by letter if their child has lice and the child will be sent home to be treated. If you find lice on your child, please contact the office so we can send a note home to other parents/guardians in the class asking them to double check their own children. Parents/guardians must take the responsibility very seriously as untreated lice multiply and can spread to other children and adults in the classroom and at home. For more information please see http://www.tdsb.on.ca. Photographs Every year, a professional photographer comes to Orde to take pictures of our students. Parents/guardians have an opportunity to purchase photo packages from the photographer. The school celebrates special events and organizes special field trips and enrichment activities for students. During these events, pictures or videos of children may be taken for school year book or to be displayed in the school. A general permission form for school use of photographs is sent home to parents/guardians in September. As well, during the school year there are special events where the media is present and wishes to take pictures. The school may also wish to use your child’s photograph on the Orde School website. In these cases, a specific permission form is sent home to parents/guardians.

Professional Support Services (PSS)

Child and Youth, Occupational and Physiotherapy, Psychological, Social Work and Attendance, and Speech and Language Services are assessed through the school support team meetings, please see TDSB’s website at Professional Support Services Section. Please meet with your child’s classroom teacher to request an in-school support team (IST) meeting if you have a learning concern that may need access to the professional services. These meetings happen once a month. They are scheduled and coordinated by our Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT). At these meetings our schools resource team meets to discuss your child’s strengths and challenges and how as a school we can meet your child’s needs. Our next level of support is initiated through the IST and is referred to as School Support Team (SST) meeting, which are also scheduled once a month through our SERT. Through these meetings we have access to each of the professionals of each of the services.

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Programs Two Year Kindergarten Program Orde Street School offers a full day kindergarten setting for students in Junior Kindergarten to Senior Kindergarten. The full day program is based on The Ontario Curriculum for Kindergarten. Our inquiry approach is holistic, child-centred and based on the students’ individual strengths and needs. Our classes allow for an academic focus on the acquisition of early literacy and numeracy skills to create the foundation for early learning. Library, music, visual arts, drama, physical education and Mandarin enrich the weekly school timetable. Our staff consists of certified early childhood educators and teachers registered with Ontario College of Teachers. Primary Education Program (PEP) The Primary Program is an interdisciplinary program for children with a range of learning abilities. The program includes Mandarin instruction. The interdisciplinary program’s approach encourages teachers to collaborate to design more effective means of teaching by associating the subjects and activities of a school subject in the curriculum with other subjects. Special Education teachers work closely with classroom teachers to be part of the collaborative as they inquire to always refine the learning program of our primary students. Our creative and inclusive learning environments include organization to maximize collaborative communication and to ensure students gain the greatest benefit from the teaching and learning process in their class. This learning environment maximizes intellectual, physical, and social skills development. Each child is encouraged to develop a sense of independence and personal responsibility. Junior Education Program (JEP) The Junior Program is taught by teachers qualified in at least one general education subject as defined by the Ontario College of Teachers. This unique learning includes Mandarin as part of the program and it also includes partnering with our English as a second language, visual art, music, drama, librarian, health and physical education, and the special education teachers. The goals of this program are to promote and to meet the expectations of the Ontario Curricula, and to develop confidence, self-esteem and self-advocacy in children and to address bullying stereotyping and discriminatory behaviour in others and to prepare students for successful integration into the intermediate grades. This program endorses an understanding of equity, fair play and diversity. In this program, students learn to be leaders, problem solvers, mediators and responsible citizens. Special Education Resource Program (SERP) Orde Street School provides educational programs for students who require support, assistance and programming to meet individual needs through a qualified Special Education teacher and qualified support staff. The resource program complements the classroom by providing support, resources, and access to expert professional TDSB staff. Access to the Special Education Resource Program is initiated by the classroom teacher. Home School Program(HSP) For those students that have been to the Identification and Placement Review Process. The Home School Program provides students with educational support for at least 50% of the school day. For the remainder of the day, students return to their regular classes where their programs are accommodated or modified. Our Special Education teacher works in collaboration with the regular classroom teacher to ensure student needs are met. Learn more: HSP Brochure

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Mandarin Program International language Instructors teaches our students Mandarin. Each class receives 30 minutes of instruction a day. For more information please see Beyond the Classroom @ tdsb. Mental Health Strategy: Please see TDSB’s Mental Health Strategy under Elementary School, supporting you @ TDSB. Nutrition and Healthy Eating Program Orde Street School provides a Student Nutrition Program (SNP) through the generous support and partnership of the Toronto Foundation for Student Success at http://tfss.ca. Eating breakfast impacts students’ ability to learn and focus in the classroom. With a healthy snack we sure that our students can recharge and get through the day. See TDSB nutrition programs. Newcomer Services Providing effective and high quality settlement services to empower our clients to become independent in Canada, our newcomer services are available at Orde Street School. Please visit ww.tdsb.on.ca for more information. See Settlement Services.

Character Development Program Orde Street School is about helping students learn and practice positive character attributes. When we build good character, we build strong communities. In the school community, character development is woven into programs and practices so it becomes a way of life. We teach our students about the value of character – respecting themselves and each other, making positive contributions to their school and community, and thinking critically and creatively. We celebrate monthly attribute success at our monthly awards assemblies. See TDSB. Learning Buddies Learning Buddies provides an opportunity for students in the older grades to share learning such as reading with younger students. It also gives students a chance to share and improve their educational skills. It fosters social relations among students of different ages and abilities and instils a sense of responsibility and good citizenship. School-wide activities may include concerts, assemblies, awards ceremonies and special days Religious Accommodation Orde School will take all reasonable steps to provide accommodation to individual members of a religious group to facilitate their religious beliefs and practices. The person requesting accommodation should advise the school leadership team at the beginning of the school year. Parents/guardians must provide written notice specifying students’ accommodation needs relating to religious observances, including holy days on which the students will be absent.

Reporting to Parents/Guardians Teachers report to parents/guardians on a student’s achievement of the expectations in the Ministry of Education’s Ontario Curriculum once per term. See the curricula and Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting at www.edu.gov.on.ca. Junior Kindergarten: Observation/Conference –Nov, Summary –Feb, Report – June Senior Kindergarten: Progress Report – Nov, Observation/Conference – Feb. – Report – June Gr. 1 – 6; Progress Report/Conference – Nov., Report/Opt. Conference – Feb., Report - June See: Supporting you Child’s Learning through Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting at Ontario Ministry of Education website www.edu.gov.on.ca

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Scent Awareness Perfume, aftershave and other scented products are considered respiratory irritants and/or triggers for other health issues such as migraines. Orde staff, students and visitors should not be wearing products that have a scent. Strongly scented items are not permitted. Scholarships Information about the following scholarship is available on the school’s website, http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/ordestreet/Home.aspx. Our new Orde Street School Scholarship has been sponsored by parent Patti Cross and it is called FREDERICK W. CROSS SCHOLARSHIP. It celebrates the success of a student in the Home School Program, who best demonstrates all the Character Traits. School Council School councils are an excellent way for parents, guardians, and the community to get involved in their child`s education. Our school has an elected school council that is an important forum for involving all members of the school community in issues that affect the education of students. The school council is made up of an elected committee of parents, staff and other representatives, appointed community members, the principal, and a general membership which includes all parents of children attending the school. The school council advises the principal on a variety of issues and activities relating to student achievement, curriculum goals and priorities, school budget priorities, school safety, renovation plans, after school activities, and criteria for selection of new principals. For more information about school councils, click here. Or visit the the TDSB website and look under ‘How to Get Involved’ . School Support Team (SST) This team is comprised of the Principal, Special Education Resource Teacher, Speech and Language Pathologist, Psychologist, Classroom Teacher, parents/guardians and other personnel who support the children in our school. We meet monthly to discuss the academic and social/emotional concerns of our students. The school psycho-educational assessor sits on the SST and also provides consultation and assessment services for individual students. Please see TDSB’s Special Education Page. Parent can also access the Guide to Special Education at TDSB. Severe Weather/ Emergency School Closure The decision to close schools is made by the Director of Education. Listen to the Radio or Television for School Closures and Cancellation of Transportation Services Before the Opening of Schools: AM NEWSTALK 1010, 680 News, AM 640, FM CBC 99.1, CHFI 98.1, VIRGIN 99.9, CHUM 104.5, KISS 92.5, THE EDGE 102.1, Q107, Z 103.5 FLOW 93.5, BOOM 97.3, TV CP24, GLOBAL TV, CTV, CITY-TV

Please be prepared to pick up your child or make arrangements for your child, if required, should school close early or if transportation schedules are changed.

Parents/guardians will be notified and suitable arrangements for the child’s safety will be made. More information on the parents tab of our Website- http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/ordestreet/

Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) The primary role of the Special Education Teacher is to facilitate students’ needs, supports, accommodations and modifications as well as liaise with TDSB professionals and community agencies to plan and make recommendations regarding appropriate educational programming for our students. Our SERT also teaches the Home School Program. See TDSB web for Info.

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Transportation All transportation applications are reviewed individually. These are the factors we consider for eligibility such as Distance: Students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 may be eligible for school bus transportation if they live 1.6 km or more away from their home school. Visiting the School Parents/guardians who wish to speak to their child's teacher or visit the school are requested to contact their child’s teacher through the communication book or by phone outside of classroom hours to make an appointment. Upon entering the building, parents/guardians and visitors are requested to report to the office. Volunteering Through volunteering, we create an environment of co-operation among teachers, parents/ guardians and other volunteers to enrich the education of our students. There are many ways parents/guardians can volunteer their time:

Assist students in the classroom who require extra help and attention with reading, language and math

Help with music or arts programs/projects

Assist in the library to locate materials and read stories to individual students

Accompany classes on field trips

Provide assistance to teachers in preparing learning materials, activities and bulletin boards

Help with special lunches, if provided (e.g., pizza lunch) Volunteers are expected to:

Be supportive, non-judgemental, adaptable, positive, and caring

Work closely together with the teacher to gain a greater understanding of duties within the classroom

Be aware of the importance of confidentiality

Be aware of the importance of their position as a role model

Supervise individuals or small groups only in the presence of the classroom teacher

To volunteer a must complete a Police Reference Check, which will include a Vulnerable Sector Screening and be declared “CLEARED” for you to volunteer in the school. Please visit Orde’s office and ask the office administrator for the screening application. j

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At Orde Street School, we believe that:

All students can succeed.

Each student has his or her own unique patterns of learning.

Successful instructional practices are founded on evidence-based research

tempered by experience.

Universal design and differentiated instruction are effective and interconnected

means of meeting the learning or productivity needs of any group of students.

Classroom teachers are the key educators for a student’s literacy and numeracy

development.

Classroom teachers need the support of the larger community to create a learning

environment that supports all students.

Fairness is not sameness.

From Ontario Ministry of Education - Learning for All, K – 12