Absences

Students need to be in school every day. Regular attendance is essential to the learning process. In addition, students who are absent from school are deprived of a variety of educational experiences shared with their peers. Promotion may be at risk for students who are absent more than thirty (30) days in any school year. Students on Cultural Leave or on suspension from school will not be considered absent.

Parent or Guardian is to notify the school. If it is necessary for a child to be absent from school, the parent or guardian is to notify the school by telephone or note. If a child is absent and the school has not received notification and cannot verify the reason for the absence, the school will attempt to contact the parent.

Out of concern for the well being of the child, if the school is unable to contact the parent or guardian or otherwise verify the reason for the absence, the school will advise the Home School Liaison who will determine appropriate follow-up action which may include advising the Police.

After School

Any after school sponsored activities require the permission of the Principal. For any activities that fall outside the scope of normal school programs and activities including physical education, parental permission will also be required. All school sponsored after school activities require that a teacher or designated adult supervisor be with the students at all times during that activity.

Allergies

All students with allergies must be identified to all school staff. Because some students may have severe allergic reactions to specific foods or other products including for example those containing peanuts or peanut products, or chocolate or chocolate products, there are restrictions on the type of snacks that children or staff may bring into the school. No products containing chocolate, peanut, peanut oil or other nuts are allowed in the schools. Any other identified products to which one or more students is allergic, will be banned as long as that student or students are enrolled in the school.

Announcements

Announcement over the PA system will normally not be made during class time.
Announcements may be made prior to the beginning of classes or immediately prior to dismissal.

When community activities, including funerals, are scheduled during school hours, announcements should be scheduled at times not to interrupt such activities.

Early Departure

If it is necessary for a student to leave school early, the parent will notify the teacher in person, by note, or by telephone. In the event that a person other than the parent will be picking the student up this must be communicated to the teacher by the parent.

Enrolment

Children may attend school if they are five years or older December 31 of the current school year. Under the Indian Act, children are required to attend school from six years old to sixteen years old.

Change of Guardianship Address or Phone

The school must be notified of any change of guardianship, address or phone number as soon as possible. Accurate records are necessary to be able to notify parents or guardians in case of an emergency.

Classroom Visitation

Visitors and volunteers are always welcome. All visitors must have permission to be in the school during the school day. Teachers may approve the visit of parents however the Principal is to be notified. All visitors to the school must first report to the school office.
The teachers time with students is guarded throughout the day. Teachers welcome the opportunity to discuss student progress, however this should be done during a scheduled conference, not during a classroom visit. Parents may request a scheduled conference at any time by notifying the childs teacher or the school office. No pre-schoolers may attend a classroom visitation with the parent.

Cultural Leave

Students whose parents take them out of school for cultural or traditional pursuits will be marked “excused” if the leave does not exceed ten days. At the parent or guardian’s request, teachers will prepare school work that can be completed while on cultural or traditional pursuits for the period of time that the student will be away from school.

Compulsory Attendance

Students are required by Section 116 of the Indian Act to attend school from ages six (6) to sixteen (16). Innu students of this age must be in school.

Daily Schedule

The following daily schedule will be followed during regular instructional days:

8:45am School Ground Supervision Begins
9:00am Morning Classes Begin
10:30am Recess
10:45am Morning Classes Resume
12:00pm Lunch
12:45pm School Ground Supervision Begins
1:00pm Afternoon Classes Begin
3:30pm End of Classes

The Principal will use discretion in allowing outdoor recess whenever possible. Teachers will ensure that children who are allowed to go outdoors for recess are appropriately attired. When climatic conditions are such that outdoors recess is not possible, indoor recess will be held.

Discipline

All students have the right to learn in a safe, warm, nurturing climate. A school climate that is conducive to learning and free of disruptive behaviour is provided for each student. A well behaved student body is required if meaningful, effective instruction is to take place in the classroom. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner at all times, and are required to conform to school and class policies and rules.

The purpose of discipline is to improve the student’s behaviour. It is not intended to show a lack of respect or to harm, embarrass or degrade the student. Disciplinary action should be administered in an appropriate setting.

Student responsibilities for achieving a positive learning environment at school or during school related activities include:

a. Attending all classes regularly and on time.
b. Being prepared for each class with appropriate materials and assignments.
c. Being appropriately dressed and groomed.
d. Showing courtesy and respect toward others.
e. Behaving in a responsible manner according to their abilities
f. Avoiding violations of the Code of Student Conduct and always exercising selfdiscipline.
g. Obeying all school rules, including safety rules.

Positive reinforcement will be the first strategy to maintain discipline. Students are responsible for their own behaviour and academic success. It is the duty of the teaching staff to help students become more responsible for their own behaviour. Students are expected to show proper respect for the faculty and staff, visitors, and fellow students at all times. The school is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that students understand behaviour expectations as he/she progresses upward through various grades. Inappropriate student behavior will be addressed and may result in some form of discipline.

Specific discipline by infraction is not outlined in Board policy. However, a progressive type of punishment shall be utilized and documented. Disciplinary measures may include:

a. counseling;
b. verbal reprimands;
c. incident reports;
d. detention (recess or after school);
e. loss of privileges;
f. parent conferences;
g. in-school suspensions;
h. out-of-school suspensions;
i. and, in rare cases, expulsion.

Consequences administered will be determined by the severity of the infraction, frequency of office referrals, and/or other circumstances determined by the principal. Incident reports will not be placed on the child’s Student Record.

In-school suspension requires the approval of the principal. Out of school suspension must be approved by the Community Education Director. Expulsions required the approval of the Innu School Board. Parents will be consulted when discipline issues with their child persist over time or where a serious incident has occurred. Parents will be encouraged to supervise their own child when an in-school suspension has been assigned.

In cases where a student’s misconduct results in the damage and/or destruction of school property, school or library textbooks, or property of other people, the misbehaving student will be disciplined and may be required to pay for repair and/or replacement of the item. In the case of school property, the cost of repairs and/or replacement will be determined by the principal.

Discrimination

Innu values promote respect for all and prohibit discrimination by reason of age, grade, race, religion, gender, physical appearance or disability. There will be zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind by staff, students, parents or visitors to the schools.

Dress Code

Student dress and grooming should be neat and in good taste so that each student shares in a positive, healthy environment. This dress code applies on Innu school buses and field trips.

1. Makeup, if any, must be modest and suitable for school.
2. Caps, hats or coats are not worn inside the building by either girls or boys.
3. Students shall wear adequate modest clothing of such style and design as shall be
consistent with Innu community standards. No tank tops, short shorts or bare midriff are
permitted.
4. Students shall maintain clothing and person in a hygienic condition. Hair and skin must
be kept clean.
5. Students are not allowed to wear outdoor footwear in the school and are expected to
have suitable indoor footwear (shoes, moccasins or slippers) for use in the school.
6. Decoration, symbols, mottoes, or designs imprinted or attached to the body or clothing,
which are offensive to good taste or the maintenance of good decorum, shall not be
worn to school or to school functions.

Emergency School Closings

A decision to close school due to inclement weather or physical plant problems including hydro, water, fuel, will be made by the Community Education Directors in consultation with the Principal. The school will attempt to contact parents and the community prior to the children being released from school.

In the event of closure due to a death in the community, the school will be closed the day of the funeral only.

Fire Evacuation Closings

Fire alarm will sound to signal the evacuation of the building. Teachers will take the classroom register and will assume responsibility for students’ conduct during the evacuation. Students are expected to be quiet and remain in an orderly group. They will walk in single file in the halls. All school personnel will exit the building immediately by way of designated exits to designated locations.

The first child in each class to reach the door is responsible for holding the door open to permit the easy exit of his/her group. Where double doors exist, both should be kept open. In case of blocked exits, use the nearest available exit. Doors and windows are to be closed. Lights are to be turned off.

After leaving the building, classes will move away and check that all students are accounted for. Because children will be exiting the building immediately they will not be permitted to change to outdoor footwear. This emphasizes the need for children to have and wear proper indoor footwear, not just socks.

There will be three planned fire drills per year. The first will be with full notification to staff and students including day and specific time. The second will be with notification of the day only. And the third will be without notification.

Field Trips

Field trips are planned throughout the school year. These field trips must be an integral part of the academic curriculum of the school and a certified teacher must be present for all school sponsored field trips. Field trip permission slips must be completed for all students attending out of community activities. These activities are wonderful opportunities for parents or guardians to spend time with their children, so other arrangements should be made for preschool aged siblings.

For Kindergarten-Grade 2 only day trips are allowed. Chaperones must be present for all field trips such that the total student-adult ratio is no more than 4:1.

It is recommended that parents of students with medical conditions which may require emergency intervention, volunteer to chaperone for field trips involving their children. First aid kits must be taken on all field trips.

Grievance Procedure

The Board recognizes that harmonious relations can be maintained and improved through effective communications. The interest of all parties will best be served by sincere efforts of all concerned to promote understanding and cooperation. The Board, therefore, has adopted the following grievance procedure as a means of examining and resolving possible problems of parents and students, which cannot otherwise be solved.

1. A grievance is a complaint by a parent or a high school student. It may not include matters involving the Board’s authority to establish educational policy or to determine rules and regulations for the conduct and management of the schools.
2. The grievance shall be initiated orally at level one. This is to be done within a reasonable length of time following the occurrence of the act or condition which is the basis for the complaint. For parents, the first point of contact is the Principal. In the event the complaint is about the Principal then the first level of contact is the Community Education Director.
3. If the parent or high school student does not consider the matter resolved following the intervention of the Principal, the parent or high school student may refer the matter to the Community Education Director.
4. If the parent or high school student does not consider the matter resolved following the intervention of the Community Education Director, the parent or high school student may refer the matter to the Board. Referrals to Board must be made in writing setting out the nature of the grievance and the resolution being sought. Parents may obtain the assistance of the Principal or Community Education Director in writing up the grievance.
5. The Board will consider grievances at their next regularly scheduled meeting. They may request reports from the Principal and the Community Education Director with respect to decisions made at level one and level two. Parents or students may be offered the opportunity of addressing the Board.
6. The Board’s decision with respect to a grievance referred to it is final.

Guidance & Counselling

The elementary guidance program is designed as developmental for Kindergarten – Grade 5 and where appropriate will be delivered by the classroom teachers. All children in the process of growing up face normal developmental problems. How they are able to deal with these daily experiences influences their future living, goals, choices, and plans.

It is the goal of the Innu education system to make required counseling services available to all students through a variety of service delivery options. Desired services include those of guidance counselors, school psychologists, special education personnel, school social workers, and school nurse and dental services.

The purpose of these services is to address classroom performance and behaviour, child growth and development, a positive school climate, study groups for parents and guardians, identification of exceptional children, interpretation of test results, psychological reports and other relevant data and communication between home and school.

In the event that a teacher identifies a student who should be referred to counseling services, the following steps will be followed:

1. A decision on referral will be made in consultation with the parent.
2. In the event that the parent refuses to consent to the referral, the Community Education Director will be contacted to assist in the case.
3. If the identified problems are behavioural and disruptive to the classroom, and should the parent refuse the child’s referral for counselling, the discipline procedure may be invoked.

Homework

Some home study is a necessary part of each students educational program. Each student may be expected to spend some time on homework in addition to scheduled class instruction to achieve satisfactory work. Homework reinforces skills taught in the classroom, increases the students success on achievement tests, and provides an opportunity for parent involvement and responsibility. Homework is mandatory for Grades 2-12 and is optional for Kindergarten and Grade 1. The Community Education Director and Principal will establish specific homework guidelines on an annual basis.

Attendance at Other Schools

Unless there are physical or educational needs that cannot be met in the Innu Schools on reserve, the Board will not be responsible for tuition charges and other related costs for a student to attend a school off-reserve.

Instructional Materials & Supplies

Textbooks, basic instructional materials and supplies are furnished free of charge to all Innu elementary and secondary students. Replacement of lost items, including text or library books, will be the responsibility of the students.

Instructional Program

The instructional program will be based on the learning objectives as set out in the Newfoundland & Labrador elementary and secondary school curriculum as adapted to meet the needs of the students and Innu community. A goal of the instructional program is to prepare and equip Innu students with the skills and abilities they will require to be successful at the high school level and post-secondary levels. To this end, a focus on English language arts, mathematics, social studies and science will be maintained throughout all grades. Immersion programming in Innu-aimun is a goal of the Innu education system and will be implemented
when qualified Innu teaching staff and Innu curricula materials are available.

Special programs which are not part of the Newfoundland & Labrador curriculum, including religious courses or observances, require the approval of the Board prior to implementation.

Internet

Innu have access to the Internet in their classroom and in the media center. The purpose of school Internet connectivity is to support research and education. The user is responsible for all actions and activities involving the Internet. Teachers and students will also discuss the acceptable use of the Internet before actual use by students.

The school has implemented software designed to provide protection from students accessing offensive sites, however it is acknowledged that students from time to time may inadvertently come upon such sites. Students will also be advised the schools have tracking software which will record all student Internet access and correspondence. Teachers and students will discuss this issue and teachers will closely monitor Internet access.

Students who purposely utilize the Internet to access offensive sites, including non-educational chat rooms, will be subject to the discipline procedure and may be denied in-school access to the Internet. The Principal will ensure that there is appropriate signage in the Computer Room and other locations advising students of the rules for computer use and Internet access including prohibitions on games and chat rooms.

Lateness

Students will be considered late if they arrive at school after the 9:00 a.m. bell in the morning or after the 1:00 p.m. bell in the afternoon. There will be no grace period. Parents will be contacted if students are late more than five times per term and a plan to ensure the student will arrive on time will be put in place.

Lost and Found

Clothing and personal belongings that are brought to school should be labeled with the child’s name. Found articles are housed in schools lost and found box. Unlabeled or unclaimed property will be disposed of at the end of the school year. Parents are encouraged to look over found articles during school visits including parent-teacher conferences.

Medication

Arrangements should be made by the parents for students who must take a prescribed medicine during the school day. Teachers are not allowed to administer any medicine to a child unless it is an emergency situation.

For students for whom emergency medication must be kept on-hand in the school, including, for example, asthma puffers or allergic reaction needles, parents will need to authorize in writing the teaching staff to administer such medication in the event of an emergency. It is the responsibility of the child’s parents and the Band Nurse or CHR, to jointly ensure that the teachers are informed how to administer such medication and that teachers have written set of instructions for reference purposes.

It is the responsibility of parents, to notify the school of any changes to a child’s medical condition or emergency treatment procedures.

Nutrition

It is a goal of the Innu education system to promote healthy nutrition among students and their families including access to country foods. Foods served in the schools will comply with Health Canada nutrition guidelines and as available, will include traditional foods. No soft drinks, chips, chocolate bars, candy or other “junk food” will be sold or provided by the school.

Parent Teacher Interviews

The educational success of each child is a joint venture between the school and the home, and it is important that communication lines are kept open. If parents desire to contact the teacher, they may call or send a note with the child. Parent-Teacher interviews may be initiated by the parent, teacher, or school administration and held at mutually agreeable times.

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in November and March for elementary school, concurrent with the distribution of report cards, and November and January for high school. Teachers are expected to keep summary notes of all parent-teacher interviews.

Personal Items

Students may not bring cell phones, toys, electronic games, CD players or other valuables to school. Such items if they are brought will not be the responsibility of the school.

Physical Education

Physical education is a component of our instruction program. If there is a particular reason why a child should not participate in activities, parents should send a note in advance to the child’s teacher.

Physical Restraint

In the event of physical disabilities that prevent a child participating in physical education for an extended period, that child will be expected to accompany the class to the gymnasium and become involved as appropriate. No child will fail physical education by virtue of authorized nonparticipation. Students may not be dismissed from school at the arena. Teachers are responsible for accompanying students back to school for dismissal should their gymnasium period time end at lunch or afternoon dismissal times.

Physical restraint will be administered only when needed to protect a student or other students and staff from imminent, serious physical harm. Physical restraint will be administered in the least intrusive manner possible and should be used to prevent or minimize harm to the student. Staff will undergo training in the use of physical restraint and appropriate de-escalation methods.

Physical restraint may be used only when:
(a) Non-physical interventions would be ineffective or have proven ineffective; or,
(b) The students behaviour poses a threat of imminent, serious, physical harm to self and/or others.
Physical restraint will be limited to the use of reasonable force as is necessary to protect a student or other students and staff members from assault or imminent serious physical harm.

Instances when restraint is not to be used:
(a) Physical restraint is not to be used as a means of punishment.
(b) Physical restraint is not to be used as a response to destruction of property, school disruption, refusal of the student to comply with school rules or staff directive, or verbal threats that do not constitute a threat of imminent serious physical harm.
(c) Physical restraint should not be used as an intervention, if the student has known health or physical problems which would knowingly exacerbate their condition.

Only staff members that have received proper training in physical restraint procedures shall administer it to students. To the greatest degree possible, another adult who does not participate in the restraint should witness administration of a restraint. However, nothing in this policy shall preclude a teacher or other school official from using reasonable force to protect students, other persons, or themselves from assault or imminent, serious physical harm.

The Principal shall verbally inform the Community Education Director, the students parents or guardians of the restraint as soon as possible following the use of restraint. Incidents involving the use of restraint shall also be reported to the Innu School Board.

Promotion & Retention

Promotion, retention, or assignment of a child is determined on an individual basis. Retention is only recommended if it will be beneficial to the student. Primary factors in determining placement are grade level performance, scholastic progress and attendance. However, other factors such as age, ability, and maturity will be considered.

Innu Education system may use the Newfoundland & Labrador Criteria Reference Testing in Grades 3, 6 & 9 as an indicator of individual progress and of the progress of the Innu education system.

The principal, teacher and parent will work together to determine the best placement for the child. A parent interview will be scheduled to discuss the decision to retain a child if deemed necessary. Ideally, this will be decided by consensus among the principal, teacher and parent. In the event that consensus cannot be achieved, the Community Director of Education will make the decision after providing the opportunity for the principal, teacher and parents to each provide their input.

Reporting to Police

The following guidelines will be followed with respect to reporting to the police student incidents:
Category A – Major Incidents which must be Reported to Police:

• Possession of a firearm in school
• Use of any item as a weapon to cause bodily harm
• Physical assault causing bodily harm that requires medical attention
• Threats of serious physical injury
• Sexual harassment, stalking or assault
• Any hate motivated violence (e.g. assaults based on racism, sexism or sexual orientation)
• Gang or group assault
• Criminal harassment
• Robbery
• Extortion
• Vandalism or arson with significant damage
• Providing alcohol to minors
• Trafficking in drugs or weapons
• Possession of illegal drugs or alcohol

Category B – Major Incidents which may be Reported to Police at the Discretion of the Principal:

• Physical assault that does not require medical attention
• Bullying/intimidation
• Verbal/Emotional Abuse
• Harassment
• Displaying inappropriate literature, symbols, mottoes
• Being under the influence of alcohol

Report Cards

The purpose of progress reports and report cards is to communicate clearly with parents the child’s academic progress. Report cards for students in Grades Kindergarten to Grade 8 will be issued once per term in November, March and the end of the school year in June. Report cards for students in High School will be issued once per semester in January and June. A mid-term report may be issued in November.

Formal school records for each student will be maintained. Parents/legal guardians may review a students school record in the school by making such request to the child’s teacher.

Riding in School Bus or Van

Safe transportation is considered an integral part of the total educational program. Riding in the Band van or in a school bus is a privilege contingent upon proper and courteous conduct. Students who ride the Band van, a school bus or with parent volunteers on a field trip, are expected to stay in their seats while the vehicle is in motion, speak in low voices, refrain from throwing objects, keep hands and feet to themselves, cooperate with the driver, and act in a respectful manner. Students may be subject to disciplinary procedures when safety rules are violated.

Student Council

Annually, each Innu school will elect a Student Council composed of one representative from each grade from Grade 7-12 and a president, Utshimass and a vice-president, Pitu-utshimass. Grade representatives will be elected by vote of students from their Grade. All students from Grades 7 -12 will vote for the President and Vice-President.

School Playground Use

Use of the school playground after school hours is not encouraged. The school playground rules will apply to avoid injury. However, in the event that children do use the school playground equipment after school hours, the Innu Education Board cannot accept any responsibility in the event of injuries.

Vandalism will not be tolerated. Anyone willfully destroying school property will be reported to the Band Office and will be responsible for the damage. The Principal shall be responsible to ensure appropriate signage is posted in the School Playground with respect to use and liability for equipment usage.

School Calendar

Each Innu school will develop its annual school calendar taking into account local traditional activities while ensuring a minimum number of 190 teaching days.

School Safety & Security

For the security and safety of students and staff, security monitoring systems may be placed in classrooms and school common areas. Bus and hall monitors may be appointed at the discretion of the Board.

Sickness at School

In the event a child becomes ill at school, parents will be called to take care of them. In the event that the parent cannot be reached, the school will call the emergency number(s) listed on the pupil’s enrollment information. Parents are responsible to make sure that this information is kept current, and that it is always possible for the school to reach someone who can act on behalf of the child. If no one is available, the Public Health Nurse will be called to the school to attend to the child and the Community Director of Education will be advised of the situation.

Student Arrival & Departure

Students who are part of the breakfast program may enter the school from 8:00 a.m. The school building will open for all other students at 8:30 a.m. School grounds supervision will commence at 8:30 a.m. each school day morning. Morning dismissal will begin at 12:00 p.m. Noon hour playground supervision will commence at 12:45 p.m. Afternoon classes begin at 1:00pm.
Afternoon dismissal will be at 3:15 P.M.

Student Exchanges

Student exchanges may be part of the Innu school program. Students in Grades 6-12 may participate in student exchanges subject to signed parental permission. The approval of the Principal and the Community Director of Education is required in advance for any planned student exchanges. The Board must approve in advance any student exchange programs. The rules outlined for Field Trips apply for exchanges involving Innu students as guests in another community.

Smoking

No smoking is allowed in school buildings or in the immediate vicinity of the schools.

Student Injury

Teachers are not certified to treat serious injury or illness. Teachers are permitted only to treat minor cuts and scrapes using basic first aid medicine. If a child becomes seriously ill or is injured, the parent will be notified. Information from the emergency information cards will be used if parents are unavailable.

If the parent or the emergency alternate cannot be contacted, the school nurse or Public Health Nurse will be contacted and requested to come to the school to treat the child if immediate attention is required.

Teaching Staff

Teachers, teacher-aides and tutor escorts are expected to be on duty from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each school day with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Telephones

Children are permitted to use the school telephones only in an emergency situation. The classroom teacher must grant permission if the student is to use the telephone. No cell phones or pagers will be allowed in the school.

Parents who wish to leave a message for their child should leave the message with the school secretary who will deliver the message to the student at the earliest appropriate opportunity.

Bullying

To keep Innu Schools a safe learning environment, all threats of violence toward another individual will be taken seriously. The offender will be subject to disciplinary action. Teachers and students are urged to notify the principal of any threats of violence.

The Principal will take immediate steps to investigate and determine the factual circumstances of the threat and then determine the appropriate action to take. Such action may include disciplining the student as appropriate under school rules, contacting the Band Administration, parents of the students involved, appropriate law enforcement or other officials.

Volunteers

An active group of parents, grandparents and community volunteers can be of tremendous assistance to students and teachers with various activities. Children will learn more when parents and grandparents are actively involved in the educational process. The children who are more successful in their school work are the children who receive extra help at home.

Parents and grandparents can become involved by visiting the school and their child’s classroom and by attending community education meetings. Parents and grandparents can assist by becoming involved with activities to benefit the school including:

• playground supervision,
• breakfast program,
• fund raising,
• office administration,
• one on one reading with a child,
• in class presentations on an area of interest

Children are very sensitive about how their parents feel about school, teachers and education. Parents and grandparents should be careful to act positively towards school and education, and to make favorable comments in the presence of children.

If situations do arise where you have a concern about something that has happened at school, or where you disagree with a teacher or principal, it is best to discuss these matters directly with the people involved.

Volunteers are asked to make arrangements for preschool children during the time spent in Innu classrooms. Preschool children may cause distraction in the classroom causing students loss of instructional time.

Withdrawal Procedures

Preferably, parents or guardians should notify the teacher at least a week before the student is to be withdrawn from school. All textbooks and library books must be returned. Students are encouraged to retain their notebooks for future reference and in the event that they return to an Innu Elementary School.

Student Records will be forwarded to the new school upon receipt of the authorized transfer request from the students new school. Parents are not permitted by provincial regulations to take direct possession of School Records.