Special Services

St. Paul offers the following special programs:

A) An M.E.Q. approved Day Care program which includes a wide variety of pupil centered activities, such as: an after-school homework and study period, computer use three days a week, horse-back riding, apple picking and many different outings for the pupils. 
B) P.E.L.O. classes are offered as a lunch-time activity and have proven to be an extremely popular program.  Each year, this activity is dependent on the number of students registered and the budget allocated by the M.E.Q.  We have been fortunate to be able to offer this Italian Language Program two (2) days a week from Tuesday through Friday inclusive. 
C) Lunch-Time Activity Program - We offer an extensive activity program that includes such activities as custom hockey, chess, computer time use, arts and crafts, basketball, painting and sculpting.  These programs are dependent on availability of personnel as well as a minimum number of registrations.  These activities are self-financed.                 
D) Food Services – Special arrangements have been made in order to offer our pupils hot meals from a caterer. Once a week (Wednesday) students may order a special pizza lunch. The funds earned help support school activities.
E) We have a School Librarian who takes care of two (2) libraries located in each of our buildings. 
F) Resource Rooms – We have a computer lab located at St. Paul in each building as well as a mobile lab with laptops in the annex. There are various specialized resource rooms that house our French specialists, psychologist, speech therapist, behavior technician and nurse. 
G) Pupil Services – Presently, we benefit from the following pupil centered service: 

Policies

HOMEWORK POLICY

At St. Paul, homework is considered a most important tool for the reinforcement of skills and acquired knowledge the pupils have learned each day.  Homework allows them to complete projects begun in class and to progress at their own speed and ability in completing assignments designed to reinforce the material learned.  By completing their homework daily, pupils are developing the study and work habits which are needed now and in the future.  

School is an important part of our pupils’ lives and there is no better way to reinforce this concept than by parents actively monitoring and supervising the homework and signing the agenda indicating that it has been done.  By reviewing the student’s homework, the parent can ascertain whether or not it is being completed to the pupil’s potential.

In 2005-2006,  St. Paul has benefited from a homework program. Students were encouraged to take part in this service as necessary. This program takes place after school hours.

Second Step

St. Paul's behavior technician, is currently in the process on implementing a Self-Managing Program entitled SECOND STEP in grade 4 and 5. SECOND STEP teaches skills in three areas: Empathy, Impulse Control and Anger Management. It is anticipated that in 2006-2007, all staff members will have been trained in the Second Step program.

Empathy Skills

1. Listening: Children and adults can understand others better just by improving their listening skills. Listening means not criticizing what the other person is saying and not giving advice unless the person talking requests it.
2.Acknowledging others' feelings: It is important to listen to your child's feelings, even if you disagree with those feelings. Encourage your child to talk about her or his feelings and eventually s/he will learn to predict and understand the feelings of others.
3. "I feel" messages: An "I feel" message lets a person know how much her/his behavior and actions affect you.

Impulse Control

Most children could benefit by learning to slow down and think through options when faced with difficult situations or problems. Impulse control means using problem-solving skills. Using problem solving and controlling our first impulses is a big part of Second Step and it can be hard to do at first which  is why practicing at home is so important.

How to solve problems

1. What is the problem?
2. What are some solutions?
3. For each solution ask: Is it safe? How might people feel? Is it fair? Will it work?
4. Choose a solution and use it.
5. Is it working? If not, what can I do now?

Anger Management

In most families anger and conflict are a normal part of family life. The point is how anger is dealt with. Anger in itself is not bad. The anger management steps can help all of us recognize, understand, and control anger.

What to do when you are angry

1. How does my body feel?
2. Calm down:
- Take 3 deep breaths
- Count backwards slowely
- Think nice thoughts
- Talk to yourself (tell yourself to calm down)
3. Think out loud to solve the problem (use the problem-solving steps).
4. Think about it later.

Other rules of importance

The school rules apply throughout the school day.  In addition to the school rules, the following bus, lunchtime, and day care rules apply.  Remember rules are there to make life easier for all so that we may live in harmony.

Our school rules apply once the child disembarks from the bus and steps onto school property and until he/she re-embarks the bus home. This includes recess, lunch time, class time and all extra-curricular activities held on or off school property, regardless of the time of day.

Lunch time rules

I bring everything I need with me to the lunchroom.
I dress for the weather and hang up my coat and cap before eating.
I speak in a reasonable voice.
I stay seated at my assigned seat.
I ask permission before I leave my seat.
I keep my table and floor area clean.
I place my lunch box on the shelf when I leave the lunch room.
I need a note from my parents to leave school grounds. (No pupil may go to ANY RESTAURANT unless accompanied by an adult who checked in at the office in person.)
I play in the sand area because I’m in K or Grade 1.

For safety reasons, drinks in glass bottles are forbidden. Pupils’ clothes and lunch boxes should be labeled.

Day care Rules

Notwithstanding the school rules, the parents of any child who disturbs the group to a point of preventing the other children from functioning shall be contacted by the Principal, Vice-Principal and/or the person in charge of the Day Care services. If following the discussion, the pupil’s behavior does not improve to conform to the appropriate behavior necessary for the functioning of the day care in a safe, educational and stimulating environment; the pupil will be expelled from Day Care.

Kids "R" Us

Day Care services are offered at St. Paul.  Our goal is to maintain a quality child Day Care service.  It is important to create an environment where every child feels relaxed, secure and respected.
Many activities are offered, namely; study period, arts and crafts, computer, intellectual games and physical activities.

Open from 7:00 A.M. until 6:15 P.M
The cost is as follows:
- Regular flat rate:   $7.00 per day (including lunchtime - if for 3 days or more per week and a maximum of 5 hours/day)  

School board transportation policy

The School Board Transportation Policy applies while pupils are being transported to and from school.  The following behavior warrants a bus driver’s report:

- Not obeying rules
- Not staying in assigned seat
- Spitting, eating, yelling or jumping
- Rudeness
- Roughing or fighting
- Opening windows without permission
- Throwing things inside or outside the bus
- Heads/hands out of the windwos

The bus driver submits a written report to the Principal, who, in turn, decides whether or not the pupil is to be allowed back on the bus.  It is only the School Board, through its designates, most often the Principal, who may suspend bus privileges.  After the child has received three bus tickets, a three day suspension from bus transportation occurs automatically.  Further suspensions may result in permanent restriction of bus privileges.

Dress Code

An increasing number of public schools have adopted dress codes. Dress codes generate a number of benefits, which should not be overlooked : (i) it discourages trespassers on school grounds; (ii) it eliminates competition among fashion-conscious children; (iii) it fosters a strong sense of responsibility and community; (iv) it sets a high standard for neatness and self-discipline; and (v) it encourages the pupil to focus on developing his/her own inner self in areas such as personality, behavior, academic achievement, communication and other interpersonal skills. 

As with any community, St. Paul School will only excel if it has the support of the members of its community (teachers, staff, parents and pupils) in each and every one of its endeavors. The dress code has become a part of St. Paul School; as members of the school community it is our duty to support the school and respect its rules, as well as the decision of the majority of its members.  By supporting the dress code, we demonstrate a positive behavior.

St. Paul School Dress Code

Library Books

We encourage all our pupils to use the school library.  The regular lending period is one week for cycle 1, 2 & 3.  However, a book may be renewed upon request.  The pupil will be charged the full replacement cost for a lost or damaged book. 

Absences

Report an absence before the beginning of class.  In order to facilitate this procedure, we have installed an answering machine.  Therefore, you may call 663-3212 or e-mail gfabbro@swlauriersb.qc.ca for a child from Kindergarten to grade 2 and 663-3502 or e-mail chdrolet@swlauriersb.qc.ca for a child from grade 3 to grade 6.

Parents must ensure that class work and homework is completed according to teacher’s instructions during absences. Pupils are responsible for obtaining assignments and homework. 

OFFICE HOURS ARE:  8:15 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:15
There are no provisions for the care of sick pupils at any time during the school day.  All children go out for recess. 

A sick child must present the teacher with a doctor’s note upon return to school after a 5 day absence. 

Agendas should be used to request any early dismissal (doctor or dentist appointment, etc.) and to communicate with any staff member.

Parent / Teacher Conferences

We believe in creating an excellent rapport between the parents and the teachers.  As a rule, teachers try to call or meet parents as often as required.  At least twice a year formal meetings are held; the first term parent/teacher conferences are for all parents, while the second term conferences are usually upon request of either parent or teacher. 

In September, a “Meet the Teacher Night” will be held to explain the expectations of the coming year, i.e. lessons, homework, academic programs and M.E.Q. programs.

St. Paul has instituted student led conferencing for at least one term during the school year. This is an occasion for students to explain their learning to their parents through the portfolios.