junior school family handbook 2013/14

JUNIOR SCHOOLFAMILY HANDBOOK

2013/14

2 RSGC Family Handbook

Please keep this book handy throughout the year and refer to it for any general information about Junior School policies. For the most up-to-date information regarding RSGC events, please regularly visit My Georgian Com-munity..

After School Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Athletic Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Board of Governors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Bullying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Captains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Chapel Routines and Expectations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Junior School Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Office Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Telephone Inquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Parent Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Junior School Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Notification of Pupil Absence or Lateness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Safe Arrival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Messages to Boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Boys’ Use of Telephone & Cell Phones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The Friday File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Winter Storms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Communication for Quickest Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Email Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Community Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Components of the Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Record of Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Recognition of Execellance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Disciplinary Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Major Infractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Minor Infractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Junior School Family Handbook2013-2014

RSGC Family Handbook 3

Dragon’s Lair Shoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Extra Curricular Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18General Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Georgian Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Georgian Parents’ Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Holidays and Weekends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Homework Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Extra Help Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25House System, House Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Specific Expectations of Appropriate Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Specific Expectations for Laptop Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Junior School Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Junior School Timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Junior School Uniform Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Number One Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Warm Weather Uniform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Physical Education Uniform & Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 General Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Outdoor Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21RSGC History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4RSGC Mission Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4RSGC Motto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4RSGC Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Specific Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Attendance and Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Classroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lockers and Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33


RSGC Mission StatementRoyal St. George’s College is an independent university preparatory school which provides a stimulating and supportive environment, grounded in Christian values and dedicated to instilling in boys the knowledge, skill and adaptability to live a balanced, purposeful and happy life.

Objectives• To maintain high academic standards and develop the lifelong pursuit of

knowledge• To offer a warm and supportive environment that builds self-esteem and

confidence• To provide spiritual and mental foundations for a useful and fulfilling life• To develop the power of independent reasoning and the discipline of hard work• To develop responsibility, accountability and a code of manners and conduct• To provide opportunities for comprehensive training in choral and instrumental

music• To maintain small class sizes to foster effective communication between teachers

and students in a friendly environment• To encourage involvement in athletics and the arts• To encourage social responsibility and provide opportunities for leadership

The School Motto: Scientia PietateThe school motto, “through knowledge and duty,” is a guideline itself: Strive to in-crease your knowledge, using it reasonably and ethically. Recognize the important duty that you have as a citizen of the world to use that knowledge to further the betterment of humanity. Our founding headmaster, Dr. J.L. Wright, also proffered the motto, “Manners Maketh Men”.

RSGC HistoryThe idea of a school for boys with the name “St. George’s College” was fostered by Mr. John Bradley and certain other Anglican laymen who had associations with the Toronto Diocesan Choir School. The success of the Choir School, a summer session for choir boys, indicated the need for a permanent school. A committee was formed and plans developed to establish a full-time day school with a strong emphasis on music. A Private Act incorporating St. George’s College was passed March 29, 1961, by the Ontario Legislature. The school admitted its first 72 pupils in 1964. In 1989, Queen Elizabeth II granted the College the right to affix the title “Royal” to its name. The College became a member of the Choir Schools Association in 1992. In 1995, RSGC twinned with Thomasschule in Leipzig.


The Georgian CodeIn the Spring of 1999, a group of Junior School students identified three principles that they felt should guide the behaviour and decisions of all members of our com-munity, if we are to be an effective learning environment. Based on these principles, they came up with a code.

The Georgian CodeWe at Royal St. George’s College believe that

the foundation of our community is based upon three basic principles:

Respect:That all members of this community show a

sincere respect toward one another.

Responsibility:That all members of this community take

responsibility for their actions and behave in a responsible manner.

Voice:That all members of this community have a

voice that is heard.


Board of Governors 2013-2014 (new governors to be elected in September 2013) The Right Reverend Colin Johnson, Lord Bishop of Toronto, Official Visitor

Officers of the Corporation• Ms. Ruth Woods, Chair• Mr. Tye Farrow, Past Chair• Mr. Paul Clark ’85, Vice-Chair• Mr. Stephen Beatty ’86, Headmaster• Ms. Jane Nyman, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary• Ms. Cathy Bateman, Treasurer

Board Members• Mr. Michael Barker• Mr. Guy Burry ’77• Ms. Dorothy Byers• Mr. Anthony Caldwell• Mr. Bruce Chapple ’87• Mr. James Crossland• Ms. Kimberly Cudney• Mr. Peter Furnish• Mr. Sandy Gibson• Ms. Shelly Haber• Ms. Wanda Ho• Ms. Molly Johnson• Mr. Robert Keilty ’81• Mr. Bruce MacLaren• Ms. Caroline Newall• Rev. Jesse Parker ’01


The Georgian Parents’ Guild Mission and PurposeThe Georgian Parents’ Guild is a volunteer association dedicated to supporting the academic, social, physical and spiritual environment of the students and the College, in partnership with the Headmaster and the College community.

The Guild contributes to the College by providing parental volunteer support, hosting social functions and sponsoring friend and fundraising activities. Proceeds from the Guild’s fund raising endeavours are gifted to the College.

2013-2014 Georgian Parent Volunteer Opportunities Holiday Cheese Sale November 2013Saucer Debating November 2, 2013Mistletoe Market November 25, 2013Used Textbook Sale June 9, 2014

School ActivitiesThe Guild provides parental volunteer support to the faculty and students in numerous ways. Volunteers assist with the Community Service Programs, the Chapel, the Library, the Welcoming Committee and the Band and Choir. The Guild communicates with parents primarily through the Grade Parent Convenor, and the RSGC Guild pages on the school website.

MembershipAll parents are members of the Guild and an annual membership fee is included in the student activity fee. Parents are encouraged to become involved with the Guild’s special events, regular activities and the Executive. To contact the Guild with any questions or ideas, please contact the Guild President Gail Graham at [email protected].

2013-2014 Georgian Parents’ Guild High FivePresident: Gail Graham 1st Vice President: Stacey Russett 2nd Vice President: Lynne WoollcombeTreasurer: Madhu SikandPast President: Carolyn Cullen


The Dragon’s Lair Shoppe 2013-2014The Dragon’s Lair Shoppe is Royal St. George’s College on-site school store. It is stocked with everything to meet your son’s needs. The store carries a competitively priced selection of school items including blazers, grey flannel pants, belts, dress shirts and socks, and all school-crested clothing. The Dragon’s Lair also offers selected school supplies, reeds for woodwind instruments and small gifts. All net proceeds resulting from the Dragon’s Lair sales are put towards improvements at RSGC.

The Dragon’s Lair hours are as follows:

Starting Tuesday, August 6 until Thursday, August 29, 2013: Open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Open Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Open Tuesday, September 3 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Holiday Closings: Monday, August 5, 2013 for Civic Holiday Friday, August 30, 2013 for Labour Day Weekend

Remainder of the 2013-2014 school year: Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 2:50 pm

Your ongoing support and patronage are greatly appreciated!


Junior School Faculty (2013-2014)

Junior School Phone 416.516.5200

Administration VoicemailMr. Stephen Beatty Headmaster 223Ms. Catherine Kirkland Head of Junior School 283Mr. Paul O’Leary Assistant Headmaster, Head of Senior School 269 Mr. Tom Stevens Director of Admissions 227Ms. Jane Nyman Chief Financial Officer 230Mr. Mark Ackley Director of Athletics 236Ms. Jennifer Bonetta Coordinator of Student Life & Leadership, Junior School, Grade 7 & 8 French 359Mr. Dave Fitzpatrick Dean of Students, Senior School 240Mr. Charles Fowler Director of Information Technology 268Fr. John Hodgins Chaplain 235Mr. Douglas Jamieson Director of Choral Music, Grade 5-8 Music 276Ms. Maria Jordan Executive Director of Advancement 298Ms. Anna Magor Curriculum Coach, Junior School 332Ms. Laurie Mandarino Communications Manager 242

Form TeachersMs. Margaret Nozuka Grade 3 Core subjects 308Mr. Drew Blanchette Grade 4 Core subjects 314Ms. Nadya Habib Grade 4 Core subjects (returns from maternity leave Jan ’14) 305Mr. Jay Kearsey Grade 5 Core subjects 367Mr. Brian Robinson Grade 6 Core subjects 365Mr. Wayne Bibby (7B) Grade 7 Math and Science 360Mr. John Mazurek (7M) Grade 7 English and Social Studies 334Mr. Glen Algarvio (8A) Grade 8 Math and Science 353Ms. Stefanie Turner (8T) Grade 8 English and Social Studies 312

Other TeachersMr. Simon Cain Computer Technology 268Ms. Michelle Carter Library & Technology Support 282Mr. John Evans Physical Education 248Ms. Kelley Fitzpatrick Resource Grade 7 & 8 324Mr. Tim Hutton Library & Technology Support 267Ms. Andrea Kaye Counselor 251Mr. Gary Martin Grade 6-8 Instrumental Music 273Ms. Mardi Michels Grade 3-6 French 370Mr. David Miller Physical Education; Judo instructor 361Mr. Aaron Payne Computer Technology 268Mr. Torin Rumball Computer Technology 268Mr. Peter Sarellas Grade 3-8 Physical Education 266Ms. Janet Stephenson Resource Grade 3 to 6 281Mr. Adrian Thornbury Grade 3-8 Physical Education 339Mrs. Emilie Toguri Grade 3-8 Art 364Ms. Emma Totten Community Service Coordinator 270Mr. Tom Wade West Grade 3-8 Music 274

AdministrationMs. Jacquie Baby Junior School Administrator 278


CaptainsThe Captains in the Junior School are voted in by their peers each year to represent the Junior School student body. Although they act as role models for Junior School students, Captains have several other functions:

• Responsible for making announcements at assemblies• Required to attend and assist in the planning of House activities• Encourage participation in various events throughout the year

The Captains for 2013-2014

Matthew FurnishAlex Hepner

Jamie Stephenson-SmithNicholas Tepsich

Michael TuerMichael Vassos


Junior School Timetable The ScheduleThe day-to-day schedule operates on a four day cycle. Students are given a copy of their class timetable in September. On occasion, a full-day special event will be designated as a day 0, so that classes are not missed on any given day of the cycle.

Grades 3 to 6 Sample Schedule

Grades 7 and 8 Sample Schedule

7:50 - 8:10 Homeform

8:15 - 8:30 * Assembly or Chapel

8:30 - 9:25 Period 1

9:25 - 9:40 Recess

9:45 - 10:45 Period 2

10:50 - 11:30 (or 12:00) Period 3 (for P.E.)

11:30 - 12:15 LUNCH

12:00 - 12:30 LUNCH

12:35 - 1:15 Period 4

1:20 - 2:00 Period 5

2:05 - 2:45 Period 6

2:45 - Homeform

7:50 - 8:10 Homeform

8:15 - 8:30 * Assembly or Chapel

8:30 - 9:40 Period 1

9:40 - 10:45 Period 2

10:50 - 11:30 (or 12:00) Period 3 (for P.E.)

11:30 - 12:15 LUNCH

12:00 - 12:30 LUNCH

12:35 - 1:15 Period 4

1:20 - 2:05 Period 5

2:05 - 2:45 Period 6

2:45 - Homeform


* 8:15 - 8:30 is an important time

Monday is an Assembly day• Meet in your Homeform and be seated by 8:00 am• Arrive to Chapel with your class on time • Form teachers sit with their classes

Tuesday and Wednesday are Chapel days• Meet in your Homeform and be seated by 8:00 am • Arrive to Chapel with your class on time • Form teachers sit with their class

Thursday is Assembly and Evensong day• Meet in your Homeform and be seated by 8:00am• Arrive to Ketchum Hall with your class on time• All RSGC students gather each Thursday in the Chapel at 2:40 pm for

Evensong• Boys are dismissed at 3:15 pm on Thursdays

Friday is Extended Homeform day• Grades 3 to 6 meet with their Form teacher in class and discuss important topics

in character education• Grade 7 and 8 students meet with their homeform teacher to discuss current

issues and organize their physical environment


Chapel Routines and ExpectationsAll boys must attend Chapel services. They are not required to actively participate, but they are expected to be respectful of those who do participate in the service.

Here are some important things you should know about our Chapel service:

• All staff and students must attend Chapel (blazers required!)• Chapel is a special and sacred time for many; therefore, we encourage exemplary

behaviour• Boys should enter the Chapel as a class and be seated quietly• Special responsive prayers are printed on the back cover of the Hymn book

Thursday (Evensong) 2:40-3:10 pm• Staff and students are expected to be seated and quiet by 2:45 pm• Evensong is attended by the entire school. This service is more formal in nature

The Evensong service should be considered a regular part of the school day.

Boys are expected to attend. We appreciate and expect parental

support in not signing boys out at this time. Boys are dismissed at 3:15 pm

on Thursdays.


Our House SystemEach student and staff member is assigned to one of four Houses. The Houses represent the four major Cathedrals in England: CANTERBURY (red), WESTMINSTER (white), WINCHESTER (yellow) and YORK (blue).

RSGC has a long tradition of awarding house points to students who make extracurricular contributions to the school. Activities that are awarded house points receive no other compensation or recognition (i.e. community service hours or monetary payment cannot be received if house points are awarded).

Individual House PointsIndividual house points are awarded on the following basis for participation in school events:

1) Club 5 (per club per term)2) Choir 5 (per term)3) Jr. Stage Band 5 (per term)4) Athletic Team 15 (per team per term)5) Championship Athletic Team 5 (per team)6) School Play 15 (per play)7) Gr. 8 Captain 20 (per year)

These numbers are designed so that students are receiving similar numbers of points for similar hours of extracurricular involvement.

Individual house points are also awarded to students for participation in spirit days and other special events designated by the Head of the Junior School. The number of individual house points awarded for special “spirit” events is determined by the level of participation required. The Head of the Junior School will determine the number of house points awarded for a spirit event.

Students will receive full house points for involvement in extracurricular activities only if they are truly devoted members of that team or club. Students who do not attend regularly will not receive the full number of points and may receive no points. This is at the discretion of the faculty member overseeing the club, team or extracurricular event. Individual house points will be submitted at the end of each reporting period so they can be included on the report card.


Group/Team House PointsEach house will start each academic year with zero points.

Group/team house points are awarded during House competitions on spirit days (i.e. dodgeball tournament) for the winning house.

• 1st Place House 20• 2nd Place House 15• 3rd Place House 10• 4th Place House 5

Individual house points earned by students will be added to the total overall house points for the term.

House AwardsThe winning house will be announced at closing ceremony the last week of school.

The major House events include:

• Fall Term Terry Fox Run at High Park• Winter Term Spirit Week• Spring Term Spirit Day New Boys’ Welcome


Athletic Programme

School TeamsSchool teams generally require a commitment of three days per week after school. All boys may try out for competitive teams. If selected to represent the school, boys must meet all practice and game scheduling requirements (including some Thursday and Saturday games). Your cooperation in this regard is essential. Weekly practice and game schedules are published in the Friday File.

Please note that boys on a school team will miss a number of academic classes for games or practices. Boys are responsible for finding out what work they have missed and completing that work.

(Ages as of September 1, 2013 for all teams)

Fall TermSchool Team Programme: - Under 12 Soccer - Under 13 Soccer (National Tournament team only) - Under 14 Soccer - Under 14 Volleyball - Junior Cross-Country - Judo (open to all ages)

Winter Term School Team Programme:

- Under 12 Basketball - Under 14 Basketball - Under 14 Hockey - Junior Alpine Skiing - Judo (open to all ages)

Spring TermSchool Team Programme:

- Under 12 Softball - Under 14 Softball - Junior Track & Field - Under 14 Badminton - Under 14 Rugby - Judo (open to all ages)


After School ProgrammeRegular daily supervision is from 7:30 am to 3:05 pm.

Before School SupervisionBefore school supervision begins at 7:30 am in Ketchum Hall. All students (Grades 3 through 8) who arrive to school prior to 7:50 am should go directly to Ketchum Hall where they will be supervised by a staff member.

Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 am unless there have been prior arrangements made with individual teachers.

Grades 3 to 6 - After CareStudents who are not picked up by 3:05 pm will be required to attend the After Care Programme. The programme is available until 6:00 pm on most school days. Here, boys can do homework and participate in activities like sports or quiet games. Our After Care Coordinator can be reached at 647-926-4435.

Grades 7 and 8 - Study HallThere is a study hall available, supervised by a staff member, to give boys a quiet place to work or study while waiting to be picked up. This opportunity will be available until at least 4:00 pm Monday through Wednesday and is available on a volunteer basis. Those attending should respect the fact that boys are there to work quietly. The room in which this will take place will be announced at the beginning of each term.


Extra-Curricular ActivitiesThere are a large number of after-school activities available in the Junior School. In addition to the 15 different team sports available after school, we also offer a variety of after school clubs.

ClubsClubs are offered after school from 3:00-4:00 pm and may include debating, drama, the play, chess, stage band, jazz band, art, technology, running, cooking, tennis, indoor/outdoor games and digital imaging. Other clubs are available, as well, depending on the expertise and interests of the students and faculty. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for clubs at the beginning of each term.

Field TripsTravel to and from other schools, venues and events is a common and enjoyable part of the educational experience at RSGC. In most cases, these field trips will require Number One Dress. Students are also reminded that they are subject to the same expectations of decorum as at school. Failure to behave appropriately on any field trip may result in a loss of future travelling privileges.


Outdoor EducationAll of our Outdoor Education programmes in the Junior School will be run by ALIVE OUTDOORS.

Grade 3 and 4 (Mini-yo-we)The Grade 3 and 4 outdoor experience will take place in the winter this year. There will be separate programmes run for both grades, but they will come together for meals, games and social time. This is many of the boys’ first experience on an overnight trip with their class, so the trip is meant to be a gentle introduction to the Outdoor Education programme at RSGC. The boys’ days will be filled with outdoor activities and hands-on ecology An information package (as well as a packing list) will go home in the weeks preceding your son’s trip.Wednesday, January 15 to Friday, January 17, 2014

Grade 5 and 6 Canoeing (Pinecrest)The Grade 5 and 6 students will be participating in canoeing. Working and travelling together will provide the boys with opportunities for personal growth, development of leadership and teamwork skills, as well as exposure to hands-on ecology that isn’t possible in a classroom. One of the many goals of this experience is for students to embrace their capabilities when placed in a new environment and to support one another while being immersed in the outdoors.

Tuesday, September 17 to Friday, September 20, 2013

Grade 7 (Onondaga)Since Grade 7 is an entry point for some students into RSGC, an emphasis on com-munity is essential. On this trip, students are introduced to various outdoor activities. Our focus is not necessarily skill-based, but rather getting the boys to work together and interact with their new peer group. For some boys, this is their first experience away from home and we work hard at creating a supportive and caring environment.

Monday, September 9 to Thursday, September 12, 2013

Grade 8 (Quebec City)The Grade 8 boys will be capping off their Junior School experience with an exciting trip to Quebec City. They will experience French culture, stories of the history of our great country and times to remember with their classmates.

Wednesday, May 28 to Saturday, May 31, 2014


Community Service Programme

Purpose• To promote community values by helping students understand how they can

make a difference and a positive contribution within their community• To increase student awareness of community needs• To discover the role students can play in making their community a better place

in which to live and work• To develop within students a positive self-image and a greater sense of identity

within their community

Components of the ProgrammeGrade 7 and 8 students will complete a minimum of 10 hours of Community Service each year, through individual or small group activities (i.e. sorting dona-tions at a local food bank).

Students wishing to become House Captains in Grade 8 must have completed a minimum of 10 hours of Community Service prior to the application process at the end of their Grade 7 year.

We are aware that it is difficult for Grade 7 and 8 students to find volunteer placements. As a result, students are permitted to have a maximum of 10 hours of service from school-related activities; for example, students may volunteer to help with Parent-Teacher Interviews. At the same time, we feel it is important for students to reach beyond the walls of RSGC. Keep your eye on the Friday File for more opportunities. It is important to note that students who do not achieve a minimum of 20 hours of Community Service by the end of Grade 8 will not receive their Georgian Diploma.

Record of ParticipationStudents are required to complete and submit an online Community Service Record Form in order to have their hours of service recorded on their report card. Students can access these online forms through the RSGC website. In addition to the online entry, students must also print a copy of the submission form and have it signed by their supervisor during their volunteer commitment. Please return the signed form to the Community Service Coordinator for approval. Both the online submission and the written form must be present in order for the hours to be counted.


Recognition of ExcellenceDuring the Graduation and Prize Day Ceremony in Grade 8, Junior School students who achieve 50, 100 or 200 hours of Community Service will be awarded with a pin to recognize their accomplishments. On Prize Day, one member of the Grade 8 leaving class will receive the Max Denis Junior School Community Service Bursary for having made an outstanding contribution to Community Service. The $150 award is donated, in the name of the recipient, to the charity of his choice.


Communication

Office HoursThe main school office (located in See House) and the Junior School office are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.

Telephone Inquiries and General Information• The main school phone number is 416.533.9481• Junior School inquiries should be directed to 416.516.5200• Senior School Inquiries should be directed to 416.533.6724• The school’s mailing address is: 120 Howland Avenue, Toronto, M5R 3B5• The See House fax number is 416.533.0028• The Junior School fax number is 416.533.0520

Parent Phone NumbersPlease keep the office informed of any changes in home, business or cell phone numbers. From time to time, emergency situations unfortunately arise and some-times we are unable to contact parents. We do not allow a sick boy to go home without informing parents and that can sometimes take most of the day. Also, please make sure that you fill out the Personal Health Information Sheet sent home each summer and advise us of any changes.

Junior School EventsRoyal St. George’s College is a busy place! For the most up-to-date information regarding RSGC events, please regularly visit My Georgian Community or the rsgc.on.ca homepage. In addition to sending home the weekly Friday File, teachers of students in Grades 3 to 6 will email families The Week Ahead memo and teachers of students in Grades 7 and 8 will continue to use iCal.

Notification of Pupil Absence or Lateness If your son is absent from or late for school for any reason, please notify the Junior School office directly at 416.516.5200.


Attendance Verification / Safe Arrival ProgrammeIf a boy is absent and no call is received, we make every reasonable effort to contact the parents. It is obviously a great help to us to receive notification from parents that a boy will be absent. If your son has a doctor or dentist appointment that necessitates his leaving before the end of the school day (i.e. 3:00 pm), he should come with a parental note to give to the office when he signs out. Parents may also fax permission to 416.533.0520. All boys are required to sign-in when late and sign-out when leaving early.

Messages to BoysEach year, we have a number of phone messages for boys. We respectfully request that you restrict messages to emergency situations.

Boys’ Use Of Telephone and Cell PhonesBoys may use the office phone in emergency situations. We do not believe that boys should be using these phones for the purpose of asking their parents to bring items such as homework, instruments or gym attire to school. This is a matter of responsibility that the boys should learn through experience. Parental support in this area is greatly appreciated.

Many boys today carry cell phones for the purpose of safety and a form of contact during travel to and from home. No cell phone may be used inside the school buildings during class hours. Phones may be confiscated for inappropriate use. Please consider whether your son really needs a cell phone at school.

The Friday FileEach Friday, a folder will come home with your son containing the Junior School’s main source of communication, The Friday File. This school newsletter informs the school community of news and events both past and future. The folder may also contain such items as field trip permission forms, Georgian Parents’ Guild Information, etc. It is crucial that you take the time each week to read this important source of information. Your son will be responsible for returning the folder to use again each week. An e-version of the Friday File is also sent out. Let us know if you would like to opt out of the print or digital verstion.

Winter StormsIf a storm is so extreme that the teachers and other staff are unable to get to the school, we may have no choice but to close the school for the day. If this happens, please check the following resources: the school’s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts, CP24, CFRB, 680 News, the Toronto Star, the Weather Network, etc.


Communications For Quickest ActionThe following are suggestions of whom to call for specific inquiries:Junior School Telephone 416.516.5200

Type of Inquiry Voice MailAcademic/Day to Day Operations Ms. Kirkland 283Academic Subject Subject Teacher * Admissions Mr. Stevens 227After School Programme Ms Sandy Nozuka 309 or 647-926-4435Appointments with Staff Subject Teacher * Attendance Ms. Baby 278Communications Ms. Mandarino 242Community Service Ms. Totten 270Dragon’s Lair Shoppe Ms. Buchanan ** 328Financial Ms. Nyman 230Friday File Ms. Baby 278Georgian Parents’ Guild Ms. Gail Graham 247Pastoral Concerns Fr. Hodgins 235Physical Education Mr. Thornbury 339Athletic Teams Mr. Ackley 236

* please see page 11 for a full list of teachers’ extensions** please see page 10 for Dragon’s Lair Shoppe information

Email MessagesAll staff and students have e-mail accounts on the school intranet system. You can contact them by typing the following: first initial + last name @rsgc.on.ca Example: Catherine Kirkland = [email protected]

Please Note:We encourage parents to contact the subject teachers or homeform teacher first should they encounter any concerns with the day-to-day life of their son at RSGC.


HomeworkAt Royal St. George’s College, our goal is to provide students with meaningful, relevant and purposeful homework. We encourage students to take ownership of their learning as they strive to balance their pursuit of excellence in academics, arts and athletics.

At RSGC, effective homework...• Is a prerequisite for effective participation in upcoming classes• Engages different learning styles• Reinforces the development of previously learned skills and concepts • Is challenging but conquerable• Fosters self esteem while developing self-motivation and time management • Leads to the mastery of skills or concepts• Assesses understanding • Requires frequent and effective feedback

Holidays and WeekendsIn addition to the provision of carefully designed assignments and consistent homework practices, RSGC values family time and participation in artistic and athletic co-curricular activities. In an effort to balance homework with other demands, teachers will refrain from assigning homework over weekends and holidays. In the older grades, students may choose to complete homework during the weekend in order to balance busy weekday schedules.

Homework BookEvery boy in Grades 3 to 6 has a homework book in which he writes his assign-ments each day. Any homework not done is reported to the parents as soon as possible. The boys should carry the Junior School Homework Book at all times and use it daily. Parents are encouraged to check this to see what homework has been assigned on any given day

Extra Help ClassesIt is the responsibility of each boy to seek out and attend extra help classes in any subject in which he has difficulty. Extra help time slots for individual teachers and subjects are published the first week of school; however, teachers are also flexible in finding times that work for the boy.


MusicRoyal St. George’s College was founded on the principles of a boys’ choir school. Music continues to be a fundamental part of the school today. All boys attend daily music classes.

Grades 3, 4 and 5 ProgrammeThis programme includes both voice and instrumental music. Boys will alternate each day from choral teaching to instrumental teaching.

Grades 6, 7 and 8 ProgrammeBeginning in Grade 6, students choose to audition for the choir or band. Boys who wish to do both may be in the Choir and take part in the co-curricular bands. Most students taking instrumental music use rented instruments. In addition, small group lessons in vocal or instrumental skills are offered to all boys from time to time at no extra charge. These ensembles meet primarily during lunch and after school.


Information Technology

Specific Expectations of Appropriate Use1) Students are to use computer and network resources for constructive educational goals.2) Use your own name – make sure you can stand up and be proud of every-thing you do on our network. You may only log on to school services under your own name. Logging in as anyone other than yourself will be considered a major infraction.3) Keep your passwords private – never share your email or any other account under any circumstances. Granting another person access to your account at the school is not allowed.4) Make economical use of limited resources such as disk space and printing capacity. Be prepared to live by space restrictions on school servers if they are needed.5) Do not view, send or display offensive messages or pictures. Notify a member of the school faculty immediately if, by accident, you encounter materials which violate the rules of appropriate use. 6) Outside the school, many opportunities exist for creating online com-munities, groups, chat rooms, etc. Use of the name of the school or the acronym “RSGC” is not permitted under any circumstances without the written consent of the RSGC administration.7) Students should be aware that they do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to the contents of their laptop or the data accessed by the laptop through the school network. Data accessed from the internet through the school network is logged by our firewall; that log is monitored occasionally in the course of ongoing maintenance of our connection to the internet and in response to specific concerns.8) In the course of supporting users and maintaining laptops and the network, members of the IT staff will, on occasion, find it necessary to survey the contents of a user’s computer. These searches are not routine, nor are they random. They occur as part of seeking a solution to specific problems as they arise. If, in the course of such a survey, technicians become aware of documents that are illegal, inappropriate, threatening or dangerous, the technician will inform the Head of Junior School, the Dean of Students, the Head of Senior School or the Headmaster as appropriate. They will pursue disciplinary action as necessary, including but not limited to notifying the user, parents or other parties that are directly affected as relevant.9) Be prepared to be held accountable for your actions and for the loss of privileges if these Expectations of Appropriate Use are violated.


Specific Expectations for Laptop Users

1) Use of a laptop in class is encouraged, but there will also be times when the business of the class requires that laptops not be used. The teacher of any given class has the final say regarding when laptops are to be used and when they are to be set aside.2) The laptop is like any other textbook – it must be with the student and in good working order, either at school or at home, to be useful. Leaving the laptop at home or at school is no excuse for failing to submit work.3) Students are responsible for their own data and should be backing their work up to some form of external storage – i.e. burnable CD, DVD, USB key or external hard drive – on a regular basis. The school does not keep any backups of laptop contents.

The consequences for those who fail to live up to these expectations will be determined by the Head of School.


Junior School Uniform CodePlease ensure that your son’s school clothing and equipment are clearly labeled with his name in order to avoid lost articles.

Dress items, gym clothes and school-crested clothing (new and used) are avail-able at The Dragon’s Lair Shoppe, the school clothing and supplies store. Please see page 8 for Shoppe hours of operation.

The following is the uniform for Junior School boys at RSGC. We would appreciate parental support of these regulations, particularly by assuring that your son leaves home properly dressed. Notice that such attire as charcoal gray or black pants is not allowed.

Number One DressSeptember to approximately the first week in May.

• Junior School blazer (maroon)• Plain white dress shirt (long sleeves)• Junior School tie• Mid-grey flannels • Black belt• Plain black or dark grey socks• Black leather shoes (polishable) / no leather running shoes or boots

1) The complete school uniform, excluding blazer, including black shoes and tie, is to be worn to and from school.2) Boys will wear this uniform on a daily basis. The blazer may be removed during classes, but is required for assemblies, chapel services and special events. Boys are required to be in Number One Dress when they travel on school trips, athletic or otherwise.3) The tie must be done up at all times.4) Black dress shoes or oxfords only. No black running shoes or boots.5) Undershirts/T-shirts worn beneath the dress shirt must be plain white, with no pictures or writing on them.6) No pins, buttons or other decoration are allowed on the uniform, other than those indicating a school position or accomplishment (i.e. Junior School Captain, House Pin, Choir Pin, Community Service Pin).7) Jackets/coats: no jean jackets are allowed. Overcoats must be clean, in good repair, the proper size and without handwriting on them.8) Boys will be allowed to change from winter boots to shoes upon arrival at school during the winter months. Other footwear, such as running shoes, are not allowed as an alternative to winter boots or rubbers.

Other official items that may be worn in combination with the uniform include only those with the RSGC Shield on the upper left breast of the clothing article.


Warm Weather WearWith the exception of the first week of school in September, “warm weather wear” may be worn up until September 23, 2013 From approximately May 5, 2014 to the end of the school year,” warm weather dress” may be announced. The “warm weather wear” uniform can be worn as follows:

• RSGC Dri-fit navy school crested shirt (available only in the Dragon’s Lair, can be worn untucked)

• Black belt• Black socks• Black shoes• RSGC 100% cotton khaki pants (available only in the Dragon’s Lair), school

khakis have “RSGC” embroidered above the back pocket)

At this time students may continue to wear the Number One Dress. Long sleeve shirts require a tie.

Physical Education Uniform• Boys must wear RSGC Phys. Ed. uniforms only• Boys must be properly dressed to participate• Boys are required to have their own Judo gi’s for Phys. Ed.• Names should be placed on all pieces of gym clothing to assist in their return

if lost. If this is not done, the possibility of finding lost articles is considerably reduced.

The Boys Must Wear:• House sweater or T-shirt• RSGC shorts or sweat pants• White sweat socks• Running shoes

Additional Equipment• Hockey helmets with face guards, skates and stick are essential. Other hockey

equipment is encouraged.• Swim suit and towel


General AppearanceFrom time to time, RSGC will decide on acceptable hair styles and other items of appearance. As fads change rapidly, it is impossible to proclaim a clear policy that will cover all eventualities. We can, however, state the following restrictions on present fads:

• Pants must be worn around the waist or a level appropriately above the hips• Shirts must remain tucked in at all times• No excessive jewelry or chains that appear outside of the shirt• Hair must not cover the student’s eyes, nor may it be coloured or spiked

excessively


Specific Regulations

Attendance and Leave• When leaving school early for an appointment, students must sign out through

the Junior School Office with a note of permission from home. If they arrive other than at the normal time, they should sign-in and get an admit note.

• There is no direct supervision after 3:05 pm. Students in Grades 3 to 6 must attend the After Care Programme, unless supervised by a teacher or a caregiver.

• No boy may leave the property during school hours (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) without the permission of the school

Classroom• Should students arrive in the classroom before the teacher is there, they should

stay seated and begin working until he or she arrives; then stand in silence. Be punctual.

• Students are not to write on the whiteboards without permission• All school equipment and the personal belongings of others are private and must

be respected as such. Willful damage and theft are serious misdemeanours.• Writing on desks, chairs, walls, etc. is strictly forbidden, as is the throwing of

projectiles of any kind in class.• Students should not chew gum at any time. No food or candy is to be consumed

in the Junior School building, unless in Ketchum Hall at lunch.• Only water is permitted in the Junior School unless during lunch in Ketchum

Hall. All other forms of drinks are not permitted in any classroom, hallway or building.

Lunch Boys who choose the lunch programme are treated to a variety of hot lunches throughout the week. Lunch consists of a different entrée each day, daily salad bar (unlimited), soup of the day (unlimited) and occasionally a dessert. Boys are also given a choice of drinks including juice, water or milk. Parents can check the Friday File for the week’s menu.

Alternative entrées are available for those who, for whatever reason, cannot eat the main entrée served that day.

From time to time, a barbeque lunch will be served on days that involve a special event. Items served usually include hot dogs, sausages and hamburgers, a drink and bag of chips. Alternatives are also available on these days as well.• Food should not be eaten anywhere in the buildings, except in Ketchum Hall.

Students are to not leave any food in their locker overnight.


• At lunch time, students should bring anything that is needed to go outside for recess to Ketchum Hall.

• No one is to be in the locker room or classrooms (unless supervised by a teacher) during the lunch period.

• If students need to go to the washroom during lunch, they must use only the stairs by the Science Lab, and again, do not go into the locker rooms.

• During lunch time, students may not be in the Senior School. From time to time, the librarian may give permission to students to go to the library during lunch.

Lockers and Rooms• Each boy will be assigned to his own locker. For all grades, the lockers are the

property of the school lent to the student for use during the school year and the school reserves the right to enter them at any time, with or without the pupil’s permission.

• Grade 7 and 8 students may go to their lockers only before and after school, before and after lunch, and at recess (or other times with a teacher’s permission). Students should be going to their locker only to get books or change clothes for games. They are not to loiter in the locker room.

Safety• Students are strictly forbidden to throw snowballs at any time.• In-line roller skates and skateboards are not to be used on campus at any time.

If students wish to use these as their mode of transportation to and from school, they must wear proper protective equipment and store them appropriately during school hours

Miscellaneous• The following should not be brought to the school: liquid paper; laser pointers;

weapons of any sort or size; matches or lighters.• Instruments should be locked up in lockers or in the music room. They are not to

be left lying around, particularly in the classrooms, locker rooms or hallways. All students should have their name and address on their instrument.

• Students are not allowed on the stage in Ketchum Hall without permission.• Students are not to be in the gymnasium except under the direct supervision of a teacher.• The purchasing or selling of alcohol or drugs is a major offence that can lead to

expulsion whether the transaction takes place on school property or not.

Any action that brings dishonour to the College or that is unbecoming an RSGC student is unacceptable.


BullyingBullying happens when one person or a group of people tries to deliberately upset another person by repeatedly saying or doing disrespectful or hurtful things. Bullying can happen on a physical (pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, tripping) or emotional level (isolating, ridiculing, teasing, name calling, making fun because someone is short, thin, small, fat, wears glasses, etc.).

The person who is being bullied believes he is powerless to stop this from hap-pening whatever he does and usually feels humiliated by the behaviour. Bullying behaviour makes students feel scared, sad, angry and “small”.

Those individuals who are bullied may be perceived to be weaker physically, psychologically or socially. Any person who, for whatever reason, does not “fit in” may at some time be subject to bullying behaviour. Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is that the physical or psychological intimidation occurs repeatedly over time by the same or different individuals.

If you are a target of bullying behaviour, the single biggest favour you can do for yourself is to come forward to a teacher or the Head of the Junior School. You have every right to stand up for yourself by informing an adult. Those who think you are “telling” are wrong and want you to be afraid. When you are afraid, you do not tell, when you do not tell, they have the power. Stand up for yourself and take the power back by speaking to a teacher!

Bullying is a major infraction and will not be tolerated at Royal St. George’s College! The following are punishable offences:

• Physical Aggression: Any physical act by a pupil, the intention of which is to hurt or harm another individual. Provocation may be a mitigating consideration.

• Emotional Aggression and General Aggravation: Any statement or action by a pupil, the intention of which is to torment or cause distress to another individual.

• Incendiary Comments: Any statement by a pupil that encourages others to engage in fighting.


Disciplinary Actions

Major InfractionsA major infraction will be dealt with by the Head of the Junior School. The consequences of such an infraction may range from a conference to expulsion. Such infractions include:

• Bullying• Abuse of special privileges• Cheating on tests, assignments or exams• Drug or alcohol use/abuse• Fighting or physical abuse• Habitual repetition of minor offences• Poor attendance or persistent lateness• Theft• Vandalism

For Major Infractions• Loss of Privileges: A student will have normal privileges withdrawn for a

specified time period (i.e. attendance at special events, recess, computer privileges, athletic team participation).

• In-School Suspension: A student is required to be at school; however, he may not attend classes. Tests missed during this time may be awarded a mark of zero. Assignments due during this period may be handed in late (with the corresponding mark penalty) when the student is permitted to return to classes.

• Out-of-School Suspension: A student will be required to remain at home under the supervision of the parents/guardians for a specified period of time. The same academic consequences as in-school suspension apply.

• Expulsion: A student will be withdrawn from the College.


Minor InfractionsA minor infraction is any not included on the list of major infractions. These infractions will be dealt with by the teacher concerned. Consequences range from a discussion to a loss of privilege. As a general rule, the severity of the consequences will be consistent with the nature and degree of the offence, but each case will be treated individually. No two actions or misdemeanours are exactly alike nor are the needs of the people involved. A fair consequence does not necessarily mean the same treatment for each offence.

For Minor InfractionsTeachers may impose a consequence on a student. Failure to comply with the consequence will result in a meeting with the Head of the Junior School. These consequences may include loss of privilege, lunch duty, topical essay, yard duty or cleaning duty.

Royal St. George’s College120 Howland Ave.Toronto, ON Canada M5R 3B5

Junior School Telephone: 416.516.5200Junior School Fax: 416.533.0520See House Telephone: 416.533.9481See House Fax: 416.533.0028rsgc.on.ca

VisionWe are dedicated to developing life-long Georgians.

Mission StatementRoyal St. George’s College is an independent university preparatory school which provides a stimulating and supportive environment, grounded in Christian values and dedicated to instilling in boys the knowledge, skill and adaptability to live a balanced, purposeful and happy life.

manners maketh men

junior school family handbook 2013/14

Documents

junior school faculty

junior school events

school programme

junior school timetable

junior school policies

junior school uniform

rsgc motto

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