2016–17 Middle School Parent Handbook

Our Mission: Our school seeks the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion. We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness, providing outstanding preparation for higher learning and for life.

Our Vision: To learn, to lead, to serve; discovering the promise in our selves and the world.

St. Michaels University School Middle School 3400 Richmond Road Victoria BC V8P 4P5 Phone: 250.592.3549 Fax: 250.592.3942 Website: www.smus.ca

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Table of Contents

Middle School Staff List .......................................................................................... 3 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5 School Values .......................................................................................................... 5 Behaviour and Discipline ......................................................................................... 5 Peer Conflict, Mean Behaviour and/or Bullying ....................................................... 5 School Year Start-Up ............................................................................................... 6 School Schedule ...................................................................................................... 6 Teacher Advisor Group (TAG) ................................................................................ 6 Lines of Communication.......................................................................................... 6 Communication Between Home/School ................................................................... 7 Completing Work When Away ................................................................................ 7 Lockers .................................................................................................................... 8 Homework and Student Agenda............................................................................... 8 Arriving and Leaving Campus ................................................................................. 8 Middle School Subjects ........................................................................................... 9 Grade 8 English Language Learner Program (ELL) ............................................... 10 Computer Lab and Library Open After School ....................................................... 10 Reports .................................................................................................................. 10 Dress Code ............................................................................................................ 11 Sports Clothing ...................................................................................................... 12 Snacks and Lunches ............................................................................................... 12 Co-Curricular Athletic Program at the Middle School ............................................ 12 Clubs/Activities ..................................................................................................... 13 Year-End Calendar & Events ................................................................................. 14 Outdoor Education ................................................................................................. 14 Parents’ Auxiliary .................................................................................................. 14 Cell Phones............................................................................................................ 14 Lost and Found ...................................................................................................... 15 Bicycles ................................................................................................................. 15 Assemblies and Chapel .......................................................................................... 15 Music .................................................................................................................... 15 Charges to Student Accounts ................................................................................. 15 House System ........................................................................................................ 16 Student Council Dances ......................................................................................... 16 Service Days .......................................................................................................... 16 Middle School Floor Plan ...................................................................................... 17 Campus Map/Pick-Up & Drop-Off Area ................................................................ 17 Middle School Supply List (2016-17) .................................................................... 19

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Middle School Staff List Middle School Teachers To contact a teacher by email, use the userid given below followed by @smus.ca [eg. xavier.abrioux@smus.ca] Xavier Abrioux (xavier.abrioux) Duncan Frater (duncan.frater) Director Choir Catherine Cade (catherine.cade) Julie Harris (julie.harris) Mathematics/HCE/Information Technology Program Specialist/Math/Science Amanda Chen (amanda.chen) Dariol Haydock (dariol.haydock) Mandarin/Humanities Assistant Director/HCE Sarah Craig (sarah.craig) Tom Hollingworth (tom.hollingworth) Librarian/ELL French Mike Danskin (mike.danskin) Zyoji Jackson (zyoji.jackson) Humanities/Socials/PE Mathematics/Science/Outdoor Education Richard DeMerchant (richard.demerchant) Bruce Kuklinski (bruce.kuklinski) Mathematics/Science Physical Ed/Health & Career Ed. Jim de Goede (jim.degoede) Denise Lamarche (denise.lamarche) Humanities/Socials/Communication Skills Director of Academics Ian Farish (ian.farish) Tanya Lee (tanya.lee) Band/Health & Career Ed. Humanities/Communication Skills George Floyd (george.floyd) Lucia MacKenzie (lucia.mackenzie) Information Technology/Science Mathematics/Information Technology Jerome Foenander (jerome.foenander) Riley McQueen (riley.mcqueen) Humanities/English/PE Learning Resource/Communication Skills Math/Science/Grade 8 Boarding Advisor

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Nancy Mollenhauer (nancy.mollenhauer) Lindy Van Alstine (lindy.vanalstine) Physical Ed/Health & Career Ed Science/PE Bob Newman (robert.newman) Crystal Vaughan (crystal.vaughan) ELL/Health & Career Education/PE Counsellor Valerie Pike (valerie.pike) Jennifer Ward (jennifer.ward) French Learning Resource Jane Rees (jane.rees) Leanne Wilkins (leanne.wilkins) Humanities/Information Technology Art Ryoko Sano (ryoko.sano) Jim Williams (jim.williams) Japanese Science/Mathematics Mary Smith (mary.smith) Shawn Zhang (shawn.zhang) Strings Mandarin Susan Vachon (susan.vachon) Learning Resource/English/Math/Science Middle School Support Staff Tara Toller (tara.toller) Assistant to the Director Jolanta Lisiewicz (jolanta.lisiewicz) Library Technician

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Introduction On behalf of the staff at the Middle School, we welcome students and parents to the 2016-17 school year. We also extend a special welcome to all students who are either new to SMUS or who are transitioning from the Junior School. We are committed to working with you and your child(ren) to make this a successful school year. For those of you who may not know us, feel free to drop by the school so that we can meet one another just prior to the new school year or as the year gets underway. Another opportunity for us to meet will be at our Parent Orientation evening on Wednesday September 14 at 6:30PM. Parents of boarders are encouraged to contact our teachers and residential staff by email or phone the School at any time of the year. Together, as staff and parents working together, we can form a partnership that will operate in the best interests of your son/daughter. Both this Middle School Handbook as well as the 2016-17 Parents’ Handbook and Calendar contain important information that will assist you in becoming familiar (or re-acquainted) with our procedures, expectations, and also help you plan for the year! Mr. Xavier Abrioux, Director of Middle School Mrs. Dariol Haydock, Assistant Director of Middle School

School Values As outlined in the K-12 Parent Handbook and Calendar, we set high standards for staff and students and we expect everyone to contribute positively to the school. The school pillars of honesty, service, respect and courage guide our expectations for student behaviour. We are focused at SMUS on helping students to restore themselves when a mistake is made. Teaching through the pillars is at the heart of all discipline discussions.

Behaviour and Discipline The school is more interested in helping to change thoughtless or irresponsible behaviour than in punishing by suspension or expulsion. However, in cases where warnings go unheeded, or where there is a serious breach of school rules, students may be suspended or expelled.

Peer Conflict, Mean Behaviour and/or Bullying The school has a comprehensive policy, “Supporting the Social and Emotional Development of our Students” which details our response to situations of peer conflict, mean behaviour and bullying. This policy can be found in the publications sections on the website. While conflict is considered a normal part of peer interaction and a student’s academic discourse, SMUS views conflict that includes mean behaviour and/or bullying as unacceptable and will respond accordingly.

We use language that includes peer conflict, mean behaviour and bullying to educate our students on the topic of social conflict as well as to help guide us towards an appropriate response. As all situations are unique, the school has a variety of different responses that are used to help resolve the conflict. These responses seek to rebuild relationships first, and if the situation warrants, a more punitive approach may be taken.

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School Year Start-Up The year begins on Wednesday September 7. Number one school uniform should be worn that day. All Grade 6 students attend from 8:00AM–3:00PM and new students in Grades 7 and 8 attend from 10:00AM-3:00PM. The morning ends with a complimentary lunch. Returning students in Grades 7 and 8 attend school from 1:00PM-3:00PM. This first day includes time for all Grade 6 students with the WEB Program and time for all new students in Grades 7 and 8 with our Student Ambassadors to help with the transition to our Middle School. In the afternoon, all students spend time in Teacher Advisor Groups. The regular schedule begins Thursday September 8 at 8:00AM. Please note: students in Grade 7 will have an outdoor education day on September 8 and students in Grade 6 will one on September 9. More information about these outdoor education days will be emailed in early September.

School Schedule Teacher Advisor Group 8:00 – 8:10 Period 1 8:10 – 8:58 Period 2 9:00 – 9:50 Recess 9:50 – 10:10 Period 3 10:10 – 10:58 Period 4 11:00 – 11:50 Lunch 11:50 – 12:40 Period 5 12:40 – 1:28 Period 6 1:30 – 2:20 Period 7 2:25 – 3:10 Every Tuesday is #1 Uniform Day and the day begins by gathering as a Middle School community in the chapel. Most of the time, assemblies are held on Friday mornings but they are sometimes held on other days of the week depending on the school calendar. VIVAT periods are in Period 1 every Day 5 and Day 10 on the school day cycle. This is a time for whole school gatherings, Teacher Advisor Groups, silent reading, extra music rehearsals, presentations, etc. How we spend this time varies from week to week.

Teacher Advisor Group (TAG) Each student is assigned to a multi-grade Teacher Advisor Group. Grouping students in this way is consistent with good middle years practice and provides students with the consistency and structure that enhances their learning. The Teacher Advisor plays a critical role in your child’s life at the school. He/she is responsible for the overall well-being of each student in his/her TAG. The Teacher Advisor connects with his/her group daily, is responsible for taking student attendance in the morning, and writes a TAG comment for each report.

Lines of Communication Parents/guardians sometimes ask what the proper protocol is in bringing issues to our attention. In addition to the information in the School-Wide 2016-17 Parents’ Handbook & Calendar, we hope the following will be useful:

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If there is a question or concern related to a specific subject, please make contact with the teacher concerned. In our experience, these kinds of issues can generally be resolved at this level. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, or if issues in that area continue, feel free to contact the Director or Assistant Director. If the issue is of a particularly delicate or sensitive nature, contact the Director or Assistant Director directly. If there is a general concern about your child that is important to bring to our attention, please contact your child’s Teacher Advisor. That person is responsible for the overall care of your child, sees him/her daily, and will communicate with all of his/her teachers as necessary. Notify the Middle School office if your child will be absent. If you know your child will be away for extended absences such as a family vacation, please provide the office and your child’s Teacher Advisor with as much notice as possible. Vacations and long weekends are generous and we request that students only miss additional school time if it’s absolutely necessary given the time needed for our teachers to deliver the academic program. Instructional time is precious and is used to its maximum.

Communication Between Home/School Middle School students are at that stage where we guide them to assume more responsibility and we expect that they will be reliable couriers of information. We try to balance sending information directly to parents with also having students assume some responsibility in this area. Currently, here are the primary ways communication occurs between home and school: • The school web site is the best way to read about events at school. Check out the on-line

calendar accessible from the home page (www.smus.ca). Use the filter ‘Middle School’ to see about all our activities, field trips, athletic schedule, etc.

• The SMUS Review on the school website provides summaries of many school events • A mailbox in the front hallway across from the Middle School office has extra copies of

various notices that have been distributed to students. • Coaches give students a schedule of games and practices. A schedule is also posted each

week on the school website, outside the P.E. office, on the student notice board, and a copy is left with Ms. Davis in the office

• Parents are also encouraged to contact their child’s Teacher Advisor, coach, and/or subject teachers for information or clarification.

Completing Work When Away When there is a planned absence due to family holiday or commitment to a sports team, parents often request that we provide work to do for the student to do while absent. This is usually a very difficult request for teachers to address in a meaningful way because most curriculum requires instruction and process time. While we will do our best to support a request in advance of the absence, please understand that teachers cannot usually provide individual take-away packages of work that will replace missed time at school.

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Student initiative and support at home are important to continued success after returning from an extended absence. If you are requesting work, please notify us as much in advance as possible. Students are also expected to collect missed notes from trusted classmates and will need to see teachers about missed assignments. Likewise, students are responsible for initiating contact with teachers when they miss school due to illness or appointments. Due dates can be negotiated depending on the length of the absence, but work must still be completed.

Lockers Each student is loaned a book locker and a Physical Education locker for the year. We strongly recommend students use the combination locks available at the Middle School. Combinations must be registered with teacher advisors and lockers may be opened by a member of staff in case of need or emergency. Students are responsible for taking care of their lockers.

Homework and Student Agenda Assignments and study are an integral part of the academic program at SMUS. Students should devote 30 to 60 minutes per school night for this purpose. To assist students in organizing study time and materials, each student is given a SMUS Middle School agenda. Daily tasks assigned by subject teachers are entered after each class. The agenda can also be used as a means of communication between school staff and parents. It contains useful information for students about the Middle School. If used properly, the agenda can be an invaluable asset for the student. After-school sessions are generally available for students who may require assistance in completing assignments or for students who wish to get started on their homework. In September, your child will receive a homework schedule. Two or three specific subjects are linked to each day of the ten day cycle. As a rule, your child should have homework in those specific subjects only on that particular day.

Arriving and Leaving Campus The regular hours of operation for the Middle School are 8:00AM to 3:10PM. Day students may be on campus outside these hours only if they are on a supervised activity (practice, rehearsal, extra-help session, etc). This restriction does not apply to boarding students. Students arriving later than 8:00AM are required to sign in at the office before going to class. Parents are requested to notify the office before 8:00AM if their child is absent. If a student needs to leave campus during the day, please notify the office (either written or verbal permission is fine). When this occurs, students must sign out from the office and, if they return before the end of the morning or afternoon, they must sign back in.

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Middle School Subjects SMUS operates on a ten day cycle timetable. Student timetables will show this ten day cycle (day 1, 2, etc.) with a different sequence of subjects for each of the ten days. There are seven periods each day which means that each ten day cycle has seventy periods. The K-12 Parent Handbook/Calendar has monthly calendars that indicate the day of the cycle for each school day. This information is also available on the on-line calendar. Grade 6 # of Periods/Cycle Humanities 16 Mathematics 8 Physical Education 7 French 7 Science 7 Music (Band or Strings) 5 Mandarin 5 Art 4 Information Technology 1 X Block* (Exploratory & Vivat periods) 5 Choir 3 Health & Career Education 2 Grade 7 & 8 # of Periods/Cycle Humanities (gr.7); English & Social Studies (gr.8) 16 Mathematics 8 Science 7 Physical Education 7 French 7 Music (Band or Strings) 5 Japanese (gr. 8) or Computer Science (gr. 7) or 5 Mandarin (gr. 7/8) or Communication Skills (gr. 7/8) Art 3 Information Technology 1 X Block* (Exploratory & Vivat periods) 5 Choir 2 Honour Band/Orchestra or Tutorial 2 Health & Career Education 2 *X Block includes time for exploratory courses (mini units covering a variety of curricular and other topics), special rehearsals, curriculum extensions, assemblies, and holding grade and/or school-wide events.

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Grade 8 English Language Learner Program (ELL) In our Grade 8 ELL program, students take ELL English, ELL Communication Skills, ELL Social Studies, and ELL Science. Grade 8 ELL students do not take French. Instead, those students have additional time for ELL English classes. ELL students are integrated with the non-ELL students for all their other subjects, thereby ensuring that they spent half their time receiving ELL instruction and the other half with non-ELL students. Grade 8 ELL # of Periods/Cycle ELL English 15 ELL Communication Skills 5 ELL Social Studies 8 ELL Science 7 Mathematics 8 Physical Education 7 Music (Band or Strings) 5 Art 3 X Block* (Exploratory & Vivat periods) 5 (See note on previous page) Information Technology 1 Health & Career Education 2 Choir 2 Honour Band/Orchestra or Tutorial 2

Computer Lab and Library Open After School The Middle School computer lab and library are usually open after school until 4:00PM, Monday to Thursday. Students are welcome to use these facilities to complete homework, conduct research etc.

Reports An interim report is sent out in October with subject teacher and teacher advisor comments, but no marks. This report is intended to provide parents with information about their child’s start to the school year. Due to the amount of instructional time, Choir, Art, Information Technology and HCE only appear on the end of term reports. Detailed end of term reports are sent in December, just prior to March break, and at the end of June. These reports also contain letter grades except in the case of Choir, Information Technology, and HCE, where ‘Requirements Met/Not Met’ is assigned in lieu of a letter grade. A variety of assessment methods are used in determining letter grades on the end of term reports: assignments, projects, presentations, quizzes, tests, etc. The particular assessment method can vary from subject to subject.

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Dress Code Ensuring that students adhere to the dress code is a shared responsibility among parents, students and staff. Parents are responsible for ensuring that students have the correct clothing and that they leave home in the morning properly dressed, students are responsible for wearing the correct items throughout the day, and staff are responsible for monitoring the dress code in a consistent yet appropriate manner. We expect students to be self-respecting and proud of their school. This pride should be reflected in their general appearance. To ensure consistency, please purchase tops (shirts, blouses, blazer) and grey pants from the Campus Shop in addition to the School tie and kilt. Number One Middle School students wear number 1 dress on Tuesdays, on school outings, and for special occasions: • SMUS white crested dress shirt or blouse • SMUS navy blazer with school crest • School tie • Plain, black shoes (black non-marking soles), 2” heel maximum, with black laces.

Sandals or slides are not appropriate • SMUS medium gray, solid dress trousers or school tartan kilt • With trousers: grey, navy, or black dress socks. With skirt: navy knee socks/navy tights. Number Two For everyday wear, as Number One dress or… • School sweater, school sleeveless vest, school cardigan, or school fleece. Blazer is

optional • Pale blue crested SMUS dress shirt.

General Shirts must be kept tucked in at all times, except for tailored shirts with no tails. Hair must be of natural colour and always presented in a clean-cut manner. Students must be clean shaven, and makeup must be tastefully applied. Earrings must be simple (small stud or hoop is appropriate). Nail polish, if worn, must be clear. Outdoor Jackets: If required outside and while moving between buildings, a solid coloured

navy blue or black jacket or SMUS top may be worn over the sweater or blazer. Summer Uniform: A summer uniform may be allowed in early fall and late spring, the timing of which is at the discretion of the Director (and only on days when number two dress is permitted). Students may remove ties and blazers for summer dress and may wear a white SMUS crested polo shirt instead of the SMUS dress shirt. The school cannot be responsible for lost items, and recommends that all uniform items be labeled.

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Sports Clothing A high standard of dress for PE classes and extracurricular pursuits is important. Please be supportive. All these items are available at the Campus Shop with the exception of footwear. All students need the following: 2 SMUS t-shirts (short or long sleeved) 1 pair of black SMUS athletic shorts 3 pairs of white athletic socks

1 pair of non-marking running shoes and/or 1 pair of indoor (white soled) running shoes for squash SMUS ‘Storm Tech’ track suit (jacket & pants).

Snacks and Lunches Snacks should be eaten outside during morning recess and garbage must be disposed of in the containers around the school. At lunch time, students can either bring food and eat in Brown Hall (microwaves are available) or may use their student card to charge meals to their student account. Parents should determine with their child how often he/she has permission to charge lunch. The Parents’ Auxiliary organizes hot lunch (usually pizza) days on most Wednesdays during the year. Information is sent home at the beginning of each term about this hot lunch program. Students may also purchase food at the Tuck Shop located next to Brown Hall.

Co-Curricular Athletic Program at the Middle School The Middle School belongs to the Lower Island Middle School Sports Association (LIMSSA). This association was formed in 2003 to create athletic opportunities for Middle Schools in Victoria, Saanich and Sooke. With the reconfiguration of the Victoria School District from elementary to middle schools, it was crucial that an association be created specifically aimed at the grade 6 through grade 8 levels which would encourage athletic participation among those member schools. The purpose/philosophy of LIMSSA is as follows: 1. To encourage athletics among the schools within the confines of the Association and to maintain a high level of participation, sportsmanship and citizenship. 2. To legislate and to adopt uniform participation, regulations, schedules, tournaments and special events for all school sports. These shall provide for qualification of all players, teams and coaches and the rules and regulations of all activities in which the Association sponsors or approves. 3. To honour the code of desirable practices as set down by the LIMSSA Code of Ethics. We anticipate being able to offer the following sports at various times this school year: Badminton Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey

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Rowing Rugby Soccer Squash Swimming Sailing Track and Field Volleyball

When possible, coaches are given the same practice day(s) during the week but because we share facilities with the Senior School, this is not always feasible. Practice time is generally after school but for some teams it may also occur during the cross-grade Physical Education classes. Occasionally, a team may practice in the morning before school starts. A sports schedule is posted each week on the school website, outside the Physical Education office, on the student notice board, and a copy is also left in the office. We encourage both students and parents to check the schedule so they are aware of practice and game times. Likewise, coaches will hand out to each player a copy of the practice and game schedule for the season to take home. Some teams will be issued a uniform for their playing season. It is the responsibility of the player to maintain the upkeep of their uniform and return it to the coach at the end of the season. Physical Education strip will be used for practices or in the case of the rugby teams, the students may wear the school rugby jersey and black shorts. A jamboree, festival, tournament, and/or playoff usually take place at the end of the sporting season. This format can involve either a half day or whole day where schools are invited to participate. If it is a playoff, games will often occur after school over a period of several days. With our main emphasis on participation, skill building, sportsmanship, citizenship, and a qualified coaching staff, we will do our best to provide a positive athletic experience for your child(ren) at the Middle School.

Clubs/Activities Typically, a variety of clubs and activities are offered throughout the year. In past years, some of the activities that we have offered include: Art Club, Speech Club, Computer Club, Chess Club, Booklovers Club, Jazz Band, House Council, and Student Council. New clubs/activities are usually offered each year depending on student interest and what staff can offer. Information about these clubs and activities is usually posted on the bulletin board across from the main office and/or around the school. The Activities & Leadership Guide lists much of this information and can be found on our web site under ‘Publications’.

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Year-End Calendar & Events In the last part of the school year, students experience a variety of events that are an integral part of the ending to the year and provide students with valuable activities that are an important component of the Middle School experience. Students are expected to participate in the outdoor education trips, our year-end assembly, a sports activity afternoon, and our Closing Ceremony at SMUS the evening of June 15. Please do not make any travel arrangements that would prevent your child from taking part in these activities. A year-end calendar is distributed to parents with all the details and information to help make the end of year successful and hopefully hassle-free!

Outdoor Education Grade 6 students take part in a one day trip on September 9 and a two and a half days/two night trip from June 11-13 at a local camp. Grade 7 students take part in a one day trip on September 8 and a four days/three night trip from June 10-13 at a local camp. Grade 8 students select from a menu of outdoor trips and go away for five days/four nights from June 9-13. Occasionally, other activities are offered during the school day, after school, and on weekends.

Parents’ Auxiliary The SMUS Parents’ Auxiliary invites all parents to become a participant in its mission of “supporting excellence in education.” As a parent-run, non-profit organization, the Auxiliary is dedicated to enhancing educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities for the students of the school. Auxiliary organized social events and fundraising activities raise financial support to benefit students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Proceeds from Piece of Home Gift packages and Cake service are distributed annually to Boarding. In addition, the majority of funds raised during the school year, including proceeds from the pizza program, are distributed via formal allocations process to support a wide range of initiatives and enhancements in areas such as academics, arts and culture, athletics, boarding, clubs, extracurricular activities, outdoor education, school community, and technology. The Auxiliary also provides services such as Used Uniform Sales, on-line Newsletters, and an on-line copy of the Student Directory. Parents’ Auxiliary has both a Middle School Liaison and ‘Grade Reps’. The people in these positions are usually confirmed in the fall. More information about Parents’ Auxiliary, including their newsletters, can be found on our web site.

Cell Phones Students who bring their own cell phone to school may only use them during class with teacher permission. They can be used outside at morning recess/lunch but only in the hallways/foyer after classes are over for the day.

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Lost and Found Please ensure that all possessions are clearly labeled to reduce the items of clothing and other belongings that are lost annually. Proper use of lockers and instrument storage facilities will also decrease the probability of items going missing.

Bicycles Bikes must be locked in the racks provided immediately upon arrival at school. They are not to be ridden around the campus but are for transportation to and from school only. As required by law, all cyclists must wear a helmet.

Assemblies and Chapel These events allow us to meet regularly as a Middle School community for various purposes. Middle School Chapel is held every Tuesday at 8:10AM under the direction of Keven Fletcher, our school chaplain. No. 1 dress is required that day. Assemblies are also held most weeks and allow us to celebrate student accomplishments, hear presentations by students and guests, listen to students perform, etc.

Music There will be a charge of approximately $35.00 to cover the purchase of music, method books, and a folder with the student’s name and instrument engraved on it. This initial charge is reduced to approximately $15.00 in subsequent years when folder purchase is not required. Band students who do not own an instrument should rent or purchase one from a music store in September. In some cases the school can provide an instrument as we have a few select instruments to lend out. Information about instrument rental and purchase will be made available in September.

Charges to Student Accounts Students may charge items to their student accounts, such as purchases from the Campus Shop and tuck shop punch cards. Student cards are scanned for day students who eat in Brown Hall and meal charges are posted on the monthly student bill. Students are not allowed to use their student card to charge meals for other people. If a student needs a replacement student card, there is a charge of $5.00. Please notify the Middle School office if you would prefer that your child does not charge any Tuck Shop punch cards to their account. Occasionally, we require that students have certain consumable items such as Math exercise books, Science and Mandarin workbooks, etc. which are billed to student accounts. As a general rule of thumb, the cost of school activities, including most sports and field trips, are included as part of student fees. If there is a fee involved, parents are notified as part of the activity or trip information sent home. Some sports and activities, such as rowing and any overnight trips, will have some type of ‘user fee’ to help offset some of the costs. Middle School education out-trips in June are generally excluded from additional fees. Some of the grade 8 out-trips will have a user fee due to transportation and other costs associated with that activity.

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House System Each student and staff member at Middle School joins one of our four houses: Bolton, Barnacle, Winslow, or Wenman. The house system is a great way to build school spirit, for students and staff to get to know each other, and to just have fun. Some of the activities throughout the year include sports days, ‘Brain Bowl’, student talent show, and other house competitions.

Student Council Dances Every year, Student Council anticipates planning activities which will be similar to previous years. Much time and effort by a number of students and staff go into organizing these events, such as dances. Dances are held either in Brown Hall or the single gym. Students can be dropped off and picked up in front of School House (for dances held in Brown Hall) or in the parking lot between the gym and the Middle School (for dances held in the single gym). The dances typically run from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, although the times you feel are appropriate for your child may vary from this. Please arrange for your child to be picked up immediately after the dance so that supervisors are not waiting too long. Juic, water, and snacks are available to be purchased. Ticket and concession profits are used to support our foster children in Malawi. Tickets for the dance must be purchased in advance of the event. They are sold in the foyer in the Middle School during the lunch breaks in the week leading up to the dance. Tickets can be purchased either by cash or by charging to the student’s account, and must be purchased by the individual him/herself. If a student is sick from school on the day of the dance, we assume they are too sick to attend the dance, and their purchase price will be refunded. The above expectations are intended to provide for a safe and enjoyable environment for all our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact either Mr. Williams or Ms. Van Alstine (Student Council Advisors).

Service Days Throughout the year (approximately once per month), Student Council organizes ‘service days’. On those days, in exchange for a small donation, students may dress in casual (non uniform) clothing in support of a local charity or other worthy cause, as decided by Student Council.

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Middle School Floor Plan

Prep Room

ELL 205

Strings Room

Reception Office

Asst.

Director’s Office

Director’s

Office

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Campus Map/Pick-Up & Drop-Off Area

Pick-Up & Drop-Off At Peak Times: Traffic gets very congested at peak drop-off and pick-up times on a campus with Middle and Senior School students! For Middle School parents, please consider arriving from Knight Avenue and following the route behind the Athletic Complex as outlined in the above diagram rather than using the main entrance off McRae Avenue. Thank you.

Middle School

Drop Off Zone

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Middle School Supply List (2016-17) All students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 require the following general supplies to start the year. Once students have met with their individual teachers, additional items may be required. 3 blue or black and 3 red ball point pens 4 packages of ruled paper 1 - 15 cm. ruler 10 pencils HB 2 erasers 1 scientific calculator (not graphing) 7 binders (5 one inch/2 two inch for Science & French) – Grade 8 7 binders (4 one inch/3 two inch for Science, Humanities & French) – Grades 6/7 8 packages of divider pages 1 package of graph paper 1 math set (compass, protractor, etc.) 2 duo tangs 1 pencil sharpener 1 pair good quality 8” scissors* 1 set (24 or more) Prismacolour pencil crayons* 1 set of felt pens (various colours)* 2 UHU 21g. glue stick clear (not coloured)* * Also used as part of Art Supply List Art Supply List (required for all students)

• sketching pencil set with a range from at least 6B to 2H • 30 cm or 12” metal ruler with cork backing • White soft rubber erasers (2 minimum) • Extra-fine Sharpie permanent ink felt tip pen (3 minimum) • Fine Sharpie permanent ink felt tip pen (3 minimum)

Other Supplies Occasionally, the school requires that students have certain items. Supplies such as a Math exercise book are billed to student accounts. A school agenda is provided at no cost to students. If an agenda needs to be replaced, the cost is billed to the student’s account. Locks Students have a book and a PE locker. We strongly recommend students use the combination locks available at the Middle School office for both lockers. These locks are charged to student accounts and can be reused from year to year. Many locks which are purchased elsewhere are not durable and inevitably need to be cut or they have keys which go missing. Some locks purchased elsewhere are heavy duty with hardened steel which are hard to cut off if they malfunction and don’t open. The combination lock available through the school is the best option. Please label items clearly with first and last name. Supplies may be re-used from year to year and some will need to be replenished, as necessary, during the year.