Academic Policies

• Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

  • Academic honesty is an expectation of all students at Ursuline College Chatham. The concept of honesty includes citing and referencing any sources used in written work, not participating in any form of cheating or improper conduct with respect to tests and exams, and refraining from falsifying any reports or experimental findings. Dishonesty will result in serious disciplinary measures.

• Community Service Hours

  • The Ontario Ministry of Education requires that all secondary students complete 40 hours of mandatory, documented community volunteer work in order to receive a diploma. Students may visit the Guidance Office to receive direction on volunteer opportunities, or to obtain a "Completion of Community Involvement Activities" form to record volunteer efforts.

• Study Periods

  • All study periods are a privilege granted for the benefit of a student's academic success. It is expected that study time will be treated as such. Timetabled study periods will be approved by the Principal and/or Vice-Principal who reserve the right to withhold the privilege when such action is judged necessary.  Grade 12's may select one study period per semester. Study periods should be spent in the library or cafeteria where supervision is provided. A full-time student is registered for and completes three (3) credits per semester

Specific School Rules

• Absenteeism

  • It is expected that all students will attend classes. If any class is missed, a valid reason must be provided to the office before the absence date. The following are valid reasons for being absent:

  • Illness, family emergency, or accident verified by parent or legal guardian, for an absence of two days or less

  • Illness or accident, verified by a doctor's certificate or note, for an absence of three days or more

  • Participation in a school sponsored, extra-curricular activity or field trip

  • Court appearance or legal counseling as verified by a note from a legal professional or court subpoena.

  • Upon returning from an absence, it is the student's obligation to provide the office with the explanation and respective verification for the absence.  Forged notes, altering school attendance and impersonation (identifying oneself as someone else...etc, by note or by telephone) are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate suspension. In the case of illness, parents/guardians are encouraged to call the school at 519-351-2987 Ext 4003 and leave a message on the answering machine before 8:00 a.m. indicating that the student will be absent and the reason for the absence.  All absence calls are appreciated whether before 8:00 a.m. or after. Students with unscheduled periods or "spares" are to be in the library, cafeteria, or off the school property.

• Please visit Student Life Web Page for specific Absenteeism Policies.

Learning Skills

A student’s academic ability is directly linked to how they approach their learning skills. These skills are valuable in any work environment and are reported separately on the report card so as to highlight their seriousness and to allow teachers to evaluate students strictly on their performance in attaining course expectations.

The Learning Skills categories and a checklist of related behaviors which promotes the culture of responsibility follows:

• Works Independently

  • accomplish tasks independently

  • accept responsibility for completing tasks on time and with care

  • use time effectively

  • carefully follow instructions

• Teamwork

  • work willingly and cooperatively with others in a variety of roles

  • listen attentively to and show respect for the ideas opinions of others

  • respond and be sensitive to the needs and welfare of others

  • recognize the contributions of group members with words of encouragement

  • help to motivate others take responsibility for a share of the work

• Organization

  • arrive to class on time ready (pen, paper, textbook, etc.) to take part in the lesson

  • manage and use time effectively Work Habits and Homework

  • put forth a consistent effort in class by regularly completing homework and assignments on time and with care

  • use equipment and materials properly and safely

  • begin work promptly and use time effectively

  • be responsible for any work missed during an .Absence from class and complete it on your own time.

• Initiative

  • display self-motivation and self direction

  • seek assistance when needed

  • seek new opportunities for learning

  • demonstrate interest and curiosity about objects, events, and resources.

• Gymnasium and Fitness Facilities

  • UCC boasts many excellent facilities to support athletic, fitness and sporting interests of students. The gymnasium, dance studio, workout room, and athletic fields are regularly used by many students, teams and authorized visitors. Students are not to be in the main gymnasium, dance studio or workout areas without direct supervision by a teacher who has responsibility for the activity. No food or beverages (except bottled water) is permitted in these areas at any time. As well, to keep the floors and fields in good repair, we ask that PROPER GYM shoes be worn in all athletic areas AT ALL TIMES.

• Lockers

  • Each new student is assigned a locker for their entire school career by the Main Office. You must remain in the assigned locker unless you have permission from the Main Office to move. Students SHOULD NOT SHARE lockers.

  • All lockers must be equipped with "Dudley" locks which are assigned by the Main Office.

  • Students are responsible for reporting any damage to their locker immediately to their Vice Principal.

  • Protect your property by putting your name on all of your books and belongings and by keeping it in your locker. Do not give out your lock combination to others. The school will not be held responsible for any loss or theft of property; the school's insurance policy does not cover theft from lockers. It is recommended that students refrain from bringing valuable items to school to prevent the disappointment of loss.

  • Students are asked to empty their lockers at the end of each school year.  A $5.00 charge is levied to any student 

• Parking

  • Limited parking is available for UCC students and visitors in the UCC lot next to the Poplar Street parking lot. Numbered parking spaces are reserved for staff. The school reserves the right to tow improperly-parked vehicles, at the owner's expense.  The school will assume no responsibility for damage to or loss of vehicles. Students are expected to drive their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. Any student who does not act accordingly will lose his/her parking privileges at school. Plenty of bicycle parking is available in the courtyard behind the Library, near doors 18 and 19.

• Safety and Security - Emergency Response Codes

  • Please Refer to Student Life Web Page

• Fire Alarms

  • UCC is fully equipped with fire detection and extinguishing equipment.   We take every precaution to reduce fire hazards, however it is important to be prepared in the event of a fire emergency.  Drills are held during the year to ensure fire escape readiness.   Students, staff, volunteers and visitors must evacuate the school in an orderly fashion any time that a fire alarm is sounded and wait at a designated location with their teacher until the "All Clear" announcement or other instructions are provided.  Students should familiarize themselves with the exit instructions that are posted in each teaching area.

• Injuries

  • Students, volunteers, visitors must report any injury that occurs on school property to the teacher in charge or the Main office immediately.   An "Incident Report Form" is to be completed online (or, if no access to internet is available, by written report) by the teacher or office staff and submitted to the St. Clair Catholic District School Board's insurer, the Ontario School Boards' Insurance Exchange (OSBIE).   

  • In order to prevent incidents, we do not allow students to use roller blades, skates or skateboards on campus; students found using these items will have this property confiscated.  Students are asked to dismount and walk their bikes on campus. 

  • We ask that everyone work to prevent incidents, accidents and injuries at UCC.

• Visitors

  • In order to ensure the safety and security of our students, all visitors must report to the Main Office.  Student access during the day will be restricted to parents and authorized individuals only.   Authorized visitors are asked to bring photo identification.

• Video Surveillance

  • UCC is equipped by a video surveillance system to provide protection for the well-being and security of individuals, and as a deterrent to vandalism, criminal acts or other illegal activities.  

  • All information obtained by video surveillance is confidential and will only be transmitted to police authorities when criminal or other illegal acts are suspected.  All video recorded material will be destroyed within 30 days of being recorded unless they are used as part of an investigation..

Course Load Policy / Timetable Changes

• Course Load Policy

  • Students up to and including Grade 11 are expected to take a full course load. Students who have a study period are required to use the period in a constructive manner. Students who remain in the school for their study period must work in the library or cafeteria.  Unsupervised leisure activities (card playing, gym use) are not constructive uses of time; these activities will not be encouraged.

• Timetable Changes

  • Should a timetable change become necessary, a student should see their Guidance counselor as soon as possible. Students are required to follow the existing timetable until all steps have been followed and the timetable change approved.

  • Dropping a course will be the last step in the remediation process and will not normally be approved after the dates for course drops.>Courses not dropped five days after the first reporting period will appear on a student's transcript.

• Police Protocol

  • Police Services have the responsibility to:

  • Enforce the Criminal Code of Canada, the Police Services Act and Regulations, the Young Offenders Act, and other federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations

  • Assist victims of crime

  • Assist in the development of young people's understanding of good citizenship

  • Promote and foster a reduction of crime, both against and committed by young people

  • Divert young people away from crime and antisocial behaviour, and

  • Work in partnership with the school to support positive development.

• Missed School Days

  • Students will attend school or scheduled school days and take holidays according to the school year calendar. In the event that parents choose to take their child out of school at times other than school holidays, the responsibility lies with the parent to provide opportunities for learning.  Teachers cannot provide detailed daily homework assignments that replicate the missed school program. However, when students are away from school due to a prolonged illness or injury, arrangements will be made with the parents to provide support

Discipline

• Background

  • General discipline within the school is the responsibility of all staff, students and administration. While classroom discipline is the duty of the classroom teacher, there may be occasions when matters are of such a nature that the administration will be required to act. Consequences of unacceptable student conduct include detentions, suspensions, expulsions or other sanctions, as determined by school administration.

• Alcohol and Drug Use

  • Illicit drugs and alcohol hurt students developmentally, socially and physically. Possession or use of illicit drugs or alcohol on campus is considered to be a serious offence punishable by law and also by suspension or expulsion. The Chatham-Kent Police Canine Unit in partnership with administration will make routine searches of school property, grounds, lockers and classrooms, as part of our "Safe School Policy".

• Attendance

  • The Education Act states that "A pupil may be excused by the Principal from attendance at school temporarily at any time at the written request of a parent." Note, that the wording clearly implies that the parent may "request" but the approval is granted or not granted by the Principal.  This approval is usually granted, but we do require a letter to the Principal in advance for all absences other than illness. Please submit these requests to the attendance office. The Attendance Policy and procedures are under review and are subject to change at any time during the school year. Please refer to Specific School Rules for additional information.

• Electronic Communication Devices

  • Students are not permitted to bring pagers, beepers, recording devices, camera cellular telephones and video cameras to school without permission from school administration. Cellular telephones are not allowed to be used in the school during class time throughout the instructional day. Walkman type radio/music players, and MP3's& are not to be worn in class.

• Smoking

  • Ursuline College Chatham is a smoke free facility. Students who choose to smoke are encouraged to quit or refrain from smoking during the school day. St. Clair Catholic District School Board policy indicates that there is to be no smoking on school board property or in its facilities. Smoking on school grounds is an infraction of Section 9(21) of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act of 2006. Persons smoking on school property or hiding lighted tobacco in a prohibited place are subject to an offence notice of $300 effective May 31, 2006. Anyone choosing to engage in smoking must leave the school property. All students and those who smoke, are NOT allowed to loiter in front of Ursuline College on Grand Avenue for their own personal safety.

• Violence and Harassment

  • Violence impedes the educational process and impairs the health and welfare of students and staff. To provide a safe environment and consistent with the "Safe Schools Act", physical violence, damage to property, possession of and/or threats to use weapons will be treated as serious offences with disciplinary actions such as suspension, police intervention and/or expulsion. Several types of violent incidents will be reported to the police, followed-up with a report and noted in the Ontario Student Record, including:

  • damage to school property located on school premises

• Attendance Procedures

  • When a student has been absent, the student shall discuss with their teacher such matters as reasons for absences, missed work and requirements to make up the missed work, etc.

  • All absences from school are to be explained by phone contact with the attendance office anytime prior to or on the day of the student's absence or by a note from a parent/guardian on the day of the student's return.

  • All unexplained absences will be considered as truant, with detention/suspension as consequence.

  • If a student needs to leave the school for any reason between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. a note must be presented to the attendance office prior to leaving. Students who are scheduled for class and leave school without permission will be regarded as truant. Students are encouraged to make appointments outside of school hours.

• Truancy Policy

  • Each class missed is considered a truancy. The following are the progressive consequences for truancy.

  •  2 truancies - Detention

  • 1 - 4 truancies - Detention and a call home from administration

  • After 5 truancies: One day suspension

  • After 6 truancies: One day suspension and parent/VP meeting before readmission. Possible referral to social worker.

  • Persistent truancies: Removal of school privileges and/or loss of credit due to insufficient evidence of achievement.   Over 16 years old - potential withdrawal from UCC. Under 16 years old - consideration for alternative learning program.

• Late Policy

  • If a student arrives late to class (after the bell has rung), the following are the progressive consequences:

  • First and second late: Warning from teacher

  • Third late - Student/Teacher interview, phone call from classroom teacher home

  • Fourth late - detention assigned by Administration

  • Fifth late - Administration makes a phone call to parent and a detention is assigned

  • Greater than 6 late - Detention and possible suspension - VP interview.

• Leaving School Property

  • It is expected that students make appointments after school hours. In the event that this is unavoidable students MUST sign out at the attendance office before leaving the school and provide a note.

  • If a student becomes ill during the school day they must sign out at the attendance office before leaving school. A sick room is available for students not able to go home.

  • Failure to sign out at the attendance office will result in a lunch hour detention

Information for Parents

• Transportation

  • According to the St. Clair Catholic District School Board's student transportation policy, secondary students are eligible to ride the bus unless they life farther than 1.6 kilometers from school.  (For secondary students, the eligibility distance is 3.2 kilometers.) Students who live closer than the minimum distance requirement may be granted courtesy seats by the principal in consultation with the school bus operator and subject to a number of conditions set out in the Board's Student Transportation Policy 9.2

• Fog Days

  • When dangerous fog conditions exist, morning busses will be cancelled. However, students will be bussed home after school.  The decision whether to cancel morning busses will be made by the bus operators. Parents should listen to their local radio station, or check the transportation web site at http:\\www.schoolbusinfo.com.

• Bus Cancellations and School Closings due to Winter Storms

  • Safety of students is the primary consideration when the decision is made to cancel buses because of drifting snow or icy roads. On occasions when dangerous travel results in school buildings being closed, students must not attend.  However, when buses are cancelled but schools remain open, it is expected that parents will determine whether it is safe to send their children to school. It is also understood that, should they decide to bring their children to school, it is the responsibility of the parents to deliver them and pick them up at the end of the day at the scheduled dismissal time.

  • Students who arrive at school on days when the buses have been cancelled will be met by teachers who are prepared to provide instruction. If a majority of the class is present, the teacher will proceed with the planned program. However, on low attendance days, activities will be rescheduled and students will be given an opportunity to review material, practice previously learned skills or participate in other meaningful educational activities.

• Attendance

  • Regular attendance and punctuality are important to ensure quality of education for the student. It is also an excellent life skill that should be developed at a young age. The attendance office must be notified whenever a student is to be absent.

• Appointments During School

  • In cases of dental or medical appointments during school hours, a note should be brought to the attendance office indicating the time the student will be leaving and whether or not the student will be returning to school.

• Illness While at School

  • If your child becomes ill, the attendance office will call you at home. If there is no one at home we will attempt to call you at work. If we are unsuccessful, and it is necessary, we will then telephone the emergency contact person whom you have designated.  A sick student will not be permitted to go home without your permission. We recommend that a parent/guardian pick up the student at the school.

• Volunteers

  • The St.Clair Catholic District School Board believes that school volunteers are an important resource in supporting educational programs, and is committed to promoting and supporting the involvement of volunteers within our school. The Board also recognizes the need to ensure the safety and well being of all students. All volunteers who have regular contact with students must complete a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Background Check before commencing their duties. Anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer should speak to the school operations manager.

• Medication

  • The use of prescription medication is discouraged at school. However, the Board recognizes that on occasion there may be the need for students to receive medication during the school day in order to enable education of the student to continue.   In order for prescribed medication to be administered, parents/guardians must provide the necessary authorizations and school administrators must follow the guidelines as outlined in the Board's Policy 3.5 Health Support.

  • If injection medication is required, arrangements for the injections must be made by the parent or guardian. School personnel can assume no responsibility for injections (i.e. juvenile diabetes requiring mid-day insulin). Board personnel will not administer non-prescription drugs.

• Acceptable Use of Computers

  • The St. Clair Catholic District School Board recognizes the important role of computer technology in helping students to learn and communicate effectively. In keeping with its mission, the Board requires that all computers be used in a morally responsible and legal manner. Students and parents must be aware that some internet sites may contain material which is inappropriate, offensive, illegal or inaccurate.

  • It is a privilege for students to access a school computer network and to receive an internet or email account. The person to whom the account is issued is responsible at all times for its use. All user accounts must be accessed solely to support the educational objectives of the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. Each year, all students in Grade 4 and beyond will be expected to sign a form expressing their commitment to follow the school's Policy 6.2 Acceptable Use of Computers, Networks and Internet for Students.

• Consent Form for Use of Student's Names, Photographs or Work

  • From time to time, the school and the Board receive requests from members of the media for permission to cover news stories about our school or our students. Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, we are not permitted to allow the names of students, their photographs or their work to appear in these stories, without the written permission of parents/guardians.  These same rules extend to all publications produced by the Board and our schools, including the school newsletter, the yearbook, the Board's system-wide newsletter and the Board and school websites.

  • The Board as developed a consent form, which asks parents/guardians of students under 16 years old to either grant permission for the release of this type of information, or withhold consent.  The form remains in effect through the student's entire career with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, unless it is revoked in writing.

• Parental Access to Ontario Student Records

  • Schools are charged with the legal responsibility for maintaining and holding Ontario Student Records (OSR). These documents must not leave the school office. Parents may have access to these records, however they are requested to speak with the principal  to arrange a time when they can review the document together.

• Custody

  • In cases where custody is an issue, the parent will provide a copy of the court's custodial order to be placed in the student's OSR folder. If at any time, the information contained in the custodial order is changed, the parent will provide a copy of the new order.

• Sacramental and Religious Instruction

  • Religion is integrated within all aspects of the educational experience and that is one of the reasons we can say that Catholic schools are "schools with a difference". Parents, priests and teachers prepare the students to receive Sacraments. All students must take part in religious instruction, celebrations and retreats, and will not be excused from participation. We also encourage students to attend Sunday Mass regularly with their parents, as the Mass is the very center of our worship.

• Diploma Requirements

  • Click here for Details (Page 6 in Course Calendar)