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F.G. Leary Fine Arts Elementary Handbook 

2008/2009
  1. Registration Procedure
  2. Hours of Operation
  3. Dress Code
  4. Fine Arts Program
  5. Parent Involvement is Encouraged
  6. Head Lice Checks
  7. Effective Behaviour Systems
  8. P.A.W.S.
  9. School Support
  10. The Lions Den
  11. Homework
  12. Attendance
  13. Communication
  14. Routines
  15. Instructional Time
  16. Parking Lot
  17. Supplies
  18. Programs
  19. Nut Aware
  20. Some Quotes to Consider
  21. School Goal Statement: 
  22. Rational:

Registration Procedure

1. Catchment area students
2. Siblings of currently registered students
3. Out of catchment students

Attendance is granted if there is space available in the requested grade. Kindergarten applications will be taken now for catchment students and for students who have a sibling currently in attendance. Applications for the next school year begins in January.    

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Hours of Operation

 8:20           warning bell  
 8:30           class begins
10:15          recess
12:00          lunch
12:40          warning bell
12:45          afternoon class begins
 2:15           dismissal 

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Dress Code

We are a place of learning, and in that environment, it is important that the students present themselves accordingly. We want our children to be aware of what their fashions say about themselves and to dress in a way that demonstrates self-respect. Below are some guidelines to keep in mind when thinking about what is appropriate in our learning environment.

- Clothing should be appropriate for children in a school setting.
- We do not want to see undergarments of any kind.
- The midriff area is to be covered at all times.
- Tops need to adequately cover.
- Shorts and skirts should be a respectable length and style.
- Clothing is to have no reference to alcohol, drugs, sex, inappropriate comments or bad language.

Students who are dressed inappropriately will be asked to change, cover up, or be provided with clothing. Our goal is not to embarrass anyone. We would handle this with care.  

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Fine Arts Program

Students in grade 1 to 6 receive 90 minutes of music instruction per week. Kindergarten students receive 45 minutes per week.

Primary students receive instruction in one of the other fine arts strands each term so that they can experience the different arts programs. Intermediate students receive direct instruction in dance, visual arts and drama in 9 week blocks. They receive a letter grade and performance standards in all 4 strands for each term.

Specialist teachers are responsible for following the Ministry of Education learning outcomes and instruction in these areas.

All teachers integrate the fine arts learning outcomes, where appropriate, in core subject areas.

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Parent Involvement is Encouraged

The following are some of the ways that parents can help support their child and their school.

Hot lunch programs / food programs

P.A.C. executive

Phone fan outs

Safety Committee

Parking lot crossing guards

Reading with children

Library help

Fundraising

Head lice check (Bug Babes)

School Planning Council  

The Parent Advisory Committee holds regular meetings the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings are open to all parents of students attending Leary. Minutes are posted on the P.A.C. board. 

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Head Lice Checks

The Bug Babes are a group of trained parent volunteers who look after lice checks. These are conducted regularly in the classroom. Parents of students who have head lice are contacted directly by the P.A.C. Rep and letters go home with all students in the classroom. Assistance is available for parents who need information on how to treat their child. Please contact the school if you require help.

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Effective Behaviour Systems

At Leary we have developed a Code of Conduct and are committed to teaching students how to be -

            Caring

            Cooperative

            Respectful

            Responsible

The MATRIX of behaviour expectations is posted throughout the school and in classrooms. We celebrate PAWSITIVE behaviour every second Friday at our Fantastic Friday assemblies at 8:45. Parents are always welcome at our assemblies and celebrations.

Students will receive a Student A.I.D.E form if they have had a minor or a major referral. A - assistance, I - intervention, D - discipline, and E - education. This helps our staff find the correct way of handling a situation and helping the student with support that they may need in and out of the classroom. The form can be viewed at the ofice or you can ask your child's classroom teacher for one.  

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P.A.W.S.

At Leary we teach our students to take responsibility for solving their own problems and not becoming a victim.  They are taught to use P.A.W.S. This stands for Please stop, ask again, walk away or ignore and seek help. It is very important that students talk to their teacher or another staff member if they are having a problem that hasn’t stopped and they need an adult to help.

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School Support

Our counselor is in the school once a week to attend School Based Team meetings. Students are recommended for counseling services through the S.B.T. meetings. The School Based Team includes the teacher, the parent, Learning Assistance teacher, Counselor and the Principal. For more information please contact the school.  

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The Lions Den

Students are referred by their teacher or the Principal to work in the Lions Den. This room is monitored by a teaching assistant at lunchtime. It is a quiet place for students who need to complete homework, receive extra help or who need a time out from the playground. Attendance is monitored and parents are contacted if students are sent to the Lions Den on a regular basis.

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Homework

There is an expectation that all students practice skills that they have learned in school. This should also include reading, being read to and completing assignments. Set aside a time and place every night for homework. Keep in contact with your child’s teacher through the student planner or by phone. Develop good homework strategies and skills that will last throughout your child’s education.

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Attendance

Students are expected to attend on a regular basis. If they are sick they should stay at home to recover. Homework can always be requested. Please phone the office as soon as you know that your child won’t be in attendance.

Students are also expected to be on time every day. They are considered late after 8:40.

Everyday there are new things to learn, exciting experiences to be had and the feeling of being part of a community. Poor attendance can cause gaps in learning, promote poor learning habits and low self esteem. The lessons that your child learns and the habits that they develop in elementary school will help them in middle and high school, and in their future jobs. That’s why we care so much about students who are consistently late or absent from class.

If you need assistance in getting your child to school on a regular basis and/or on time please contact us, we can help.

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Communication

If you have questions about student progress, curriculum, behavior and expectations always contact the teacher first. Notes can be written in the Student Planner and messages can be left at the office at any time for your child’s teacher. Classrooms will only be interrupted for emergencies. If you have any questions about the arts programs please contact the teacher who is responsible for teaching that subject.  

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Routines

Students line up every morning in their class lines and are escorted into the building by Grade 6  leaders. Students who are late must check in at the office for a late slip. Students are discouraged from entering through the front doors.

Parents are asked to contact the school if their child will be late or absent. Please leave a message on our answering machine at any time. 604-792-1281.  

The office phone is to be used by students in the case of an emergency. After school plans should be arranged by parents before school. Students must have a phone pass from their teacher to use the phone. Messages from parents will be given to students before the end of the school day. Class will be interrupted only if there is an emergency. 

Volunteers need to sign in at the office and pick up a visitors badge before proceeding to the classrooms.  

If you are coming into the school to pick your child up please stop at the office to identify yourself.  

We ask parents to wait until 2:15 to go to the classrooms to pick up children. The end of the day can be a busy time for teachers and students. They need to maintain focus, complete tasks and get students organized for homework. Please wait at the front door, the north exit or in front of the library. Encourage your child to take responsibility to get organized by themselves and have a meeting place. Please leave by the North Exit  and check out the Week at a Glance, school news and The P.A.C. information board.

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Instructional Time

Instructional time is important to us. There are no interruptions or phone calls to the classroom during this time. We ask parents to avoid making appointments or visiting the classroom during the day.  

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Parking Lot

The parking lot is an area of concern for us at Leary. The PAC safety committee has been working at improving traffic patterns and helping to educate parents and students about safety in the parking lot. You can help keep all students safe by following the rules. The parking lot at the end of the street is the best place to park if you are planning to wait for your child or come into the school. You can use the drop off lane in front of the school but please do not leave your vehicle parked there at any time of the day. Drive very slowly and watch for children. You will see parent volunteers in the parking lot helping drivers with the traffic rules. Please help them keep our students safe.  

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Supplies

There is a generic supply list available at the office and on our webpage located on the parent page. Each classroom teacher will have their own list of supplies specific to their class. It is important for students to have all their supplies at school every day to be successful and to be able to complete their work. If you need help with this please contact us.

Planners are purchased at the beginning of the school year. Replacements may not be available if a planner is lost. Planners are important for communication and organization.

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Programs

Volunteer Choir (fall)            Yearbook Committee        Peer Leadership 

Soccer    Volleyball    Basketball    Track and Field    Cross Country   

Intramurals (red, blue and green teams)     Theater Club     Arts Club

Ballet Club    Musical Productions    Spelling B Club        Homework club 

Student Council

We are always interested in hearing about any suggestions parents and or students may have in regards to the programs offered at Leary and are always looking for volunteers. Please contact the office if you're interested or have suggestions.

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Nut Aware

We encourage everyone to think about the foods that they bring to school. There a number of students who have a life threatening reaction to nuts. There are other students who have a variety of allergic reactions to food and animals. Students are asked to wash hands, face and desk tops carefully.

 Please try to save peanut butter sandwiches and peanut treats to enjoy at home.

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Some Quotes to Consider

“ Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children” 

It is only by introducing children to good literature, drama, music and visual art that we open children's minds to human possibilities…we enable them to see visions and dream dreams.

Walt Disney

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School Goal Statement: 

To achieve excellence in numeracy, literacy, and social responsibility through direct instruction and integration of the Fine Arts.

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Rational:

This goal reflects the direction of the Chilliwack School District in improving student achievement. It is the belief of the staff and school planning council that integrating the arts focus of the school with the curriculum will make a difference in the overall achievement of our students.

If you have any questions please call us. We look forward to sharing an exciting artistic and educational experience with all. 

Phone 604-792-1281/ Fax 604-792-3168 

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