DundanaPublic School
Name: ______2010-2011
Student Handbook
Respect, Creativity, Excellence, Citizenship
23 Dundana Ave.
Dundas, ON L9H 4E5
Phone: (905) 628-2622
Fax: (905) 628-2699
School Council Email:
School Website:
Ms. K. Short
PRINCIPAL
Mrs. O. Max
SECRETARY
Mr. J. Laverty
Superintendent
Mrs. J. Brennan
Trustee
From the Principal’s Desk
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I trust that you and your family have had a safe and enjoyable summer. As we begin an exciting new school year it is important that we keep the lines of communication open between home and school. This Student Handbook will provide you with much information about Dundana. Monthly school newsletters will be forthcoming along with detailed information from your child’s teacher on a regular basis.
At DundanaSchool we pride ourselves in our sense of community and our commitment to student learning and achievement. With your support as parents, I truly believe that we can achieve any goal(s) we set and I look forward to working together with our staff and with our students to make this a great school year!
Please review the following pages with your children (as appropriate) to ensure a common understanding of some of our rules, routines and expectations.You are also strongly encouraged to be a regular visitor to the HWDSB website for regularly updated information regarding board policies and news, and to the Dundana website for monthly school updates and news information from the Dundana School Council Parent Pages.
I look forward to a positive and rewarding school year for your children.
Sincerely,
K. Short
Principal
Our Vision
A future in which students reach their maximum potential in a safe, supportive school that strives for excellence.
Our Mission
Engaging students, parents and teachers in the learning process, to prepare our students for the challenges ahead in an ever changing world.
“Imagine What We Could Build Together”
Attendance and Safe Arrival
Regular attendance and punctuality are very important habits and routines for students. The direct correlation between regular school attendance, positive work habits and enhanced student performance is well documented. Consistent with the Safe Arrival Check Policy of the HWDSB, it is a parent responsibility to inform the school when a child is going to be late or absent. Call and leave a message at any time at: (905) 628-2622 with details outlining the date(s) and reason for your child’s absence.
If you do not call or report an absence, the school will contact you to verify your child’s absence and safety as outlined in the Safe Arrival Policy. Students who arrive late in the morning or in the afternoon must report to the office first to receive an authorized Late Slip. Parents must inform the office of the reason for the student’s late arrival.
**Physical Education/Daily Physical Activity (DPA) Attire
Running shoes and comfortable clothing are essential for physical education and Daily Physical Activity. If students are to be excused from physical education classes due to illness or injury, they must bring a note from a parent or guardian.
Bicycles at School: Students are invited to ride their bicycles to school. There are
bicycle racks beside the school near the main parking lot. The school cannot be responsible for bicycles brought to school. All bicycles should be locked to ensure safety. Those bringing their bicycles do so at their own risk. Students are required to walk their bicycle while on school property. Helmets are mandatory. Students riding irresponsibly will be refused permission to bring them to school.
Skateboards, roller blades and ‘heelies’ are not allowed at Dundana.
Routines for Students’ Safety: Please ensure that your child knows his or her regular schedule. Send a note with your child for any changes that are not the normal routine. These notes will be forwarded to the office with the daily attendance. It is essential, for their safety, that the children clearly understand their expected routines. This will save last minute confusion at the end of the school day.
If your child routinely leaves the school early at the end of the school day for regular appointments or lessons, one note explaining this to the teacher will be sufficient.
For parents that drive or walk their children to school, please ensure that they enter the playground at one of the three playground entrances: (1) west end beside garden, (2) east end beside parking lot, (3) south end off of rail trail.
All students have a designated exit point from the school. This will be communicated with specific class information at the start of the school year. All parents/guardians that meet their children at dismissal time should be on the playground not inside the school. Any student that may require assistance at dismissal is directed to see the staff on duty. A reminder that all visitors to Dundana are expected to sign in and out at the office. Please help ensure the safety and security of the students and the school by adhering to this request.
Food and Drink Sales
Medication and Medical Emergency Information
In accordance with HWDSB policy, it is a parent responsibility to inform the school Principal in writing of any medical concern a student may have. Consistent with the Board policy, parents are required to have all necessary medical forms and documentation completed by the family doctor and returned to the Principal before any medication will be administered at the school. “Administration of Medication” authorization forms may be obtained at the school office.
Consistent with HWDSB policy, the school may be required, with parental input, to develop a medical plan to address specific medical concerns. Such medical concerns may include epilepsy, asthma requiring the use of puffers at school, EpiPen use, and allergies that could require emergency medical attention, etc.
Consent to The Release of Personal Information Forms/Internet User Forms
Throughout the school year students and staff may become engaged in a number of projects that require photos, including school photographs. Consistent with HWDSB policy, parents are required to complete the appropriate “Consent to the Release of Personal Information” form giving the school permission to have their daughter/son’s picture taken.
At times the Ontario Curriculum requires students to access information on the internet. Accordingly, parents are required to complete an “Internet User” form giving the school permission to have their daughter/son access information over the Internet. In all cases, students will receive instruction from their teacher while in the computer lab and students are not to access any site that has not been pre-approved by the teacher for instructional purposes.
Custody/Access to Information
In custody issues, to ensure the privacy and safety of students, parents are encouraged to provide the principal with copies of custody access agreements that can be placed in the Ontario Student Record.
Lost And Found
All unclaimed articles are brought to the Lost and Found box in the centre hall. Parents are invited to check the Lost and Found box whenever they are in the school. Periodically, the found items are spread out for students to check. About three times a year all unclaimed articles of long standing are given to a local charity. Labelling articles your child is wearing to school is very helpful.
In the event of Inclement Weather/Emergency
Should weather conditions warrant the cancellation of transportation or closure of schools, public announcements will begin at approximately 6:30 a.m. over the local radio stations. These broadcasts should be considered your primary source of information. Parents may also contact the HWDSB School Cancellation Hotline at (905) 521-2535. Parents are asked to make plans with their child in case of early dismissal. Students must know where they are to go ie. home, neighbour’s house, relative’s house, etc. Further information will be sent home regarding inclement weather as we prepare for the winter months. Wentworth Lodge on South Street is our emergency shelter and will be used to house students and staff in times of emergency.
School Day
DundanaSchool operates on the Balanced school day schedule. Students will have two forty minute Nutrition Breaks. Each break will consist of twenty minutes for nutrition and twenty minutes for outdoor/indoor activity. Students are encouraged to use the second Nutrition Break as the time to “go home for lunch” if that is the parental wish.
If a child regularly remains at school during second Nutrition Break, written permission is necessary if they change plans. A note is needed each time there is a change in schedule. Please send the note to the teacher.
DundanaSchool is a nut safe school. Please check ingredient lists on all packages for peanut/nut products or for the phrase “May contain traces of peanuts/nuts”and refrain from sending any of these products to school.We have many students who may experience a life threatening allergic reaction should they come in contact with nut products.
Use of Personal Electronic Devices in SchoolsThe HWDSB has approved the Personal Electronic Devices Policy and Policy Directives, which acknowledges the importance of technology in our schools, and also outlines expectations for staff and students regarding the use of PEDS. The full policy is available at
The HWDSB does not accept responsibility for lost or stolen personal items.
School Council
DundanaSchool is very fortunate to have a very active and supportive group of parents and guardians who work hard to make Dundana a great place to be. The School Council is an elected advisory group which deals with matters of policy at the school, board and ministry level. Watch for more information to arrive home this Fall.
Dundana Bell Times
Playground Opens 8:40 a.m.
Entry 8:55 a.m.
Dismissal 3:15 p.m.
Bell Times for French Immersion-
Senior Kindergarten
Morning Class: 8:55 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.
Afternoon Class: 12:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Please see additional calendars for Kindergarten A/B schedule and Rotary Day 1-5 schedule.
D U N D A N A S T A F F
2010 – 2011
Mrs. B. Mendel-Kindergarten
Mrs. F. Dransutavicius-Kindergarten
Ms. D. Hils-Kindergarten
Mme J. Beckett-Simpson-Kindergarten – FI
Mme M. Ruiu-Grade One - FI
Miss.C. Charters-Grade One
Mme D. Boudreau-Grade One – FI
Mme A. Godley-Grade Two – FI
Mlle E. Patterson-Grade Two - FI
Mrs. B. Dufour-Grade Two
Mlle M. Price -Grade Three - FI
Ms. J. Jacobs-Grade Three
Mlle J. Harper-Grade Three/Four - FI
Mr. S. Bader-Grade Four/Five
Mrs. B. Rivers-Grade Four
Ms. C. New-Grade Five
Mrs. J. Jessop-Core English
MmeS. Kolmar -French/Physical Education
Mrs. D. Stevens-Librarian
Mrs. H. Shanlin-Learning Resource Teacher
Miss K. DiSante -Arts Teacher
Ms. K. Thomas-Educational Assistant
Mr. C. Rutherford-Head Caretaker
Ms. B. Shea-Assistant Caretaker
Mr. T. Anderson-Assistant Caretaker
Mrs. O. Max-Secretary
Ms. K. Short- Principal
Code of Conduct/ Discipline Policy
The Code of Conduct establishes standards of behaviour that are consistent with the Provincial Code of Conduct and apply to all members of the school community. The Code of Conduct promotes respect within the learning and teaching environment, and sets clear Board and school standards of behaviour.
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board believes that all individuals present on Board or school property, on school buses, or at school-related events or activities, should be treated with dignity and respect.
The Code of Conduct promotes a positive school climate which is a contributing factor to a safe and orderly environment. It also supports the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s commitment to Character Education.
DEFINITIONS
Bullying: Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent, and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual
or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another
person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived
power imbalance.
School Climate:School climate may be defined as the sum total of all of the personal relationships within a school. These relationships must be founded in mutual acceptance, inclusion, respect, responsibility, and civility,
and must be modeled by all.
Progressive Discipline: Progressive Discipline is a whole-school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports, and consequences to address inappropriate student behaviour and builds upon strategies that promote
both positive student behaviours and positive school climate. The approach to student discipline must include
learning opportunities for students in order to reinforce positive behaviours and help students make good choices.
Dundana Code of Conduct
1.) Show respect for self, others, our school and the community.
2.) Keep your hands and feet to yourself to ensure safety.
3.) Walk quietly in the hallways.
4.) Remain in bounds while outside.
5) Stay off fences and goal posts.
Student Responsibilities:
come to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn;
show respect for yourself andothers;
model the character attributes of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board;
follow the established school and classroom rules and take responsibility for your own actions
Parent Responsibilities:
show an active interest in your child’s school work and progress;
help your child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;
ensure that your child attends school regularly and on time;
promptly report to the school their child’ absence or late arrival;
become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules;
encourage and supportyour child in following the rules of behaviour; and
cooperate with school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving your child.
Staff Responsibilities:
provide a rich learning environment to support all students in working to their full potential;
communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;
maintain and reinforce consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
demonstrate respect for self and others;
model the character attributes of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour at Dundana
DundanaSchool utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports and consequences in accordance with HWDSB
Safe Schools Policy No. 11.02. School-Wide and In-Class Preventions and Strategies include award systems, Character Education stickers, Character Champ recognition, assemblies, celebrations of success and parental participation. In-School Interventions and Strategies include Problem Solving Model Reflection activities (Think
Sheets/Un Papier pour Penser), conference with student(s) and/or parents, contract, temporary break, alternative
Learning environment, loss of privileges, in-school community service, HWDSB Student Support Services, referral
to community or medical agency/program. Board Intervention Programs and Services are also available. Certain serious misbehaviours may mean a student is suspended or expelled. In situations where the behaviour is illegal,
police will be contacted. If a student is suspended from school, parents will be notified in writing with an explanation
of the right to appeal. All suspensions from school are reported to the Board of Education. This course of action is
in accordance with part XIII of the Education Act, an act to amend the Education Act 2007, related regulations and Board Policies. More information is available on the HWDSB web site at
DundanaSchool is a smoke-free facility.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in the school and on school property.