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IMPROVING TIME MANAGEMENT

Keeping track of day-to-day activities, classes, appointments, homework, quizzes and free time is essential to an effective time-management plan.

PURPOSE OF TIME MANAGEMENT

To control the use of time without stress
To prevent being pressured by lack of time
To enhance free time.

TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING TIME MANAGEMENT

Make a list of things you have or want to do. Set priorities for the tasks on the list using the ABC priority list:

A list � things that must be done
B list � things that should be done
C list � things that can be done at any time.
Set short-term and long-term goals.

Keep a log to check how much time you spend on certain tasks.

Notice how and when you waste time during the day and decide how to avoid these habits.

Make a daily schedule showing what you will be working on throughout the day. Be realistic; don�t take on more than you can handle.

Allow time for breaks because they will help you think more clearly and creatively when you get back to studying.

Evaluate your schedule occasionally and make adjustments for your needs.

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TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING STUDY SKILLS

TAKING NOTES

Good notes are essential whether you are a student in an elementary school, secondary school, college or university. Developing skills in taking notes will prove useful to you in your studies. Notes provide you with a record of work that has been covered. They assist you in completing homework, projects and essays. Notes are a major study aid for tests and examinations.

Organize your notes around points or outlines the teacher writes on the blackboard. Keep any handouts that your teacher provides.

Keep your notes for each subject separate and in a safe place.

Make certain your notes are readable and accurate. Dating and numbering pages will assist you when reviewing for tests and may also indicate if any note is missing.

When making notes from texts and library books, use chapter headings and summaries to help you organize your points. Record material in your own words as much as possible so that your notes will be meaningful to you later.

Organize and review your notes the same day you write them rather than waiting for several days. Use titles, underlining, colour coding, boxes, highlighting and marginal notes to emphasize important points.

Review your notes on a regular basis.

Look at the way you take notes and decide if you can improve your methods. Speak to your classroom teacher, teacher advisor or resource teacher if you require assistance.

MAKING A STUDY SCHEDULE

A study schedule is a calendar, chart or table that sets out specific tasks to be completed at specific times by specific dates.

Plan to use a regular and realistic amount of time each school night for home study.

Apportion time each evening to do the following:

Daily homework assignments;

Special class assignments such as projects and essays;

Review for tests and examinations.

Make certain you allow sufficient time to review each subject at least once a week.

Record the times and dates of all class assignments, tests and examinations. USE THIS AGENDA FOR THAT PURPOSE. When absent, arrange for a reliable friend to keep this information for you and collect any handouts and work assigned.

Understand fully what is involved in completing assignments before you leave the classroom.

BEFORE BEGINNING TO STUDY

Select an uncluttered area with good lighting, comfortable seating and as few distractions as possible. If this is not possible at home, try the library.

Have all books, notebooks and writing materials available.

Establish a regular time to study and resist the temptation to do something else.

Keep a dictionary handy.

Make a daily list of assignments and due dates.

Keep all handouts in a notebook. Date each page and use the handouts like a textbook.

Set a work limit with short breaks.

Organize the various study tasks in the order you prefer.

Remember that study includes both review of class notes and completion of assignments.

HOMEWORK

Students at the Intermediate and Senior levels are expected to be developing work habits that will remain with them for life.

Homework has a purpose:

Although homework covers a wide range of tasks and activities from drills to research assignments and problem solving, it serves many purposes. Homework:

Reinforces skills and concepts taught during class time;

Provides extra practice in areas where a student is weak;

Helps students to develop self-discipline and self-motivation;

Allows students to gain experience in research techniques;

Provides an opportunity for students to develop study habits, including organization of time and materials;

Gives parents/guardians an informal report of a student�s progress.

PARENTS CAN HELP

Make sure there is a quiet, regular place to work. Help the students organize time for assignments by limiting time for homework and prioritizing the assignments according to difficulty and due date. Provide an "audience" for oral reading and skills needing drill. Be a resource by providing helpful hints about where and how to locate information. Be a proof-reader. Provide the occasional word of encouragement. Run interference for visitors, phone calls and other interruptions. Contact teachers if you have questions concerning homework assignments.

All these can help the student. But parents should also remember that too much help can prevent a student from developing healthy independent study habits.

STUDYING FOR TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS

Know the scope of the test or examination. Find out exactly what material you are responsible for covering.

Find out what kinds of questions will be asked. Know how to answer each type of question, including essay-style, multiple-choice, matching and short response.

Listen carefully for hints the teacher may offer about the content of questions and sections that may be emphasized.

Develop possible questions. Questions at the end of a chapter in textbooks may be of assistance to you. For essay-style questions, write out organized outlines of possible answers.

Have your textbook and notebook in front of you. Divide your task into short segments. Read the section in the textbook and then your notes on the same section. If there is an important point in the textbook that is not in your notebook, include it in your notes.

Make summaries and point form outlines, especially when you are covering a lot of material. Do not just read and re-read.

Make review sheets or cards for important points, definitions and names.

Use memory aids, including the following, to help you learn notebook material:

Visual aids, such as colour coding, underlining, highlighting, boxing, jotting key words in margins;

Numbering points to be memorized;

Grouping, word associations and idea associations;

Reading aloud key words. Express these in your own words. If possible, use a tape recorder.

Using your marginal notes as a prompt, cover the content to be learned and recite or write out the key words and ideas.

Redo parts of previously assigned homework or classroom questions to see if you can still do them.

Reread previously marked assignments, taking particular note of the teacher�s comments.

Test yourself after studying and reward yourself if you were successful in remembering.

Identify your trouble spots and spend extra time on those areas.

Request, as early as possible, assistance from the teacher on any difficulties you encounter.

The staff of P.C.H.S. invites each and every one of you to participate in excellence to the fullest of your ability. Your future will be determined by the effort you put forth in the 4 or 5 years you spend with us. Please take advantage of every opportunity available to you to grow as a mature young adult. Take part in those activities that interest you, and become part of our large supportive family. We are here because you are a student in Port Colborne High School.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

Goals and Objectives:

We believe that attendance and punctuality are strongly correlated with overall achievement in each course as well as the development of attitudes which will ensure future success in college, university and the workplace. The goals of our Attendance Policy are:

To encourage students to develop to their fullest potential by promoting and increasing student success and achievement
To encourage students to achieve that potential during their first attempt at courses since the "Full Disclosure" requirement will now list all attempts at a course, including withdrawals, on the Ontario Student Transcript
To encourage students to be responsible, dependable, contributing citizens and members of society
To promote a safe, secure, stimulating learning environment for all students
To continue to reward excellent attendance
To communicate a consistent message to all members of our community regarding the importance of attendance
To communicate the individual responsibilities of all stakeholders and gain their support
To maintain a high level of attendance
The following duties and responsibilities regarding attendance, behaviour and achievement are outlined in the Education Act (the Law) of Ontario.
Student

It is the duty of the student to:

Be diligent in attempting to master such studies as are part of the program in which the student is enrolled, [Education Act: Regulation 298 s.23(1a)]
Exercise self-discipline [Education Act: Regulation 298 s.23(1b)]
Accept such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm and judicious parent [Education Act: Regulation 298 s.23(1c)]
Attend all classes punctually and regularly, [Education Act: Regulation 298 s.23(1d)]
Be courteous to fellow students and obedient and courteous to teachers; [Education Act: Regulation 298 s.23(1e)]
Where the student is an adult, give the reason for absence orally or in writing as the principal requires, with proper documentation, when returning to school after an absence [Education Act: Regulation 298 s.23(2)]
Be responsible for his/her conduct to the principal/vice principal of the school that the student attends [Education Act: Regulation 298 s.23(4)]
Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

It is the duty of the parent/guardian, where the pupil is under the age of majority, to:

Cause a child to attend school as required by the Education Act [Education Act: Part II - School Attendance s.21(5)]
Give the reason for absence orally or in writing as the principal requires, with proper documentation, when a student returns to school after an absence. [Education Act: Regulation 298 s.23(2)]

The Principal/Vice Principal:

Shall register students and record attendance. [Education Act: s. 265(c)]
May fail a student in a credit course where the student is unwilling to attend regularly and where due process, as outlined, has been followed. [OSIS: s. 7.3; OSS: s. 6.4]
Shall clearly communicate to all students and their parents/guardians the expectations of participation, achievement and attendance as related to the objectives of each course [OSIS: s.7.3; OSS: s. 6.4]
Shall inform both the student and his/her parents/guardians at the outset of each course of the extent to which participation and attendance will be components of the evaluation process. [OSIS: s.7.3 OSS: s. 6.4;]
Shall ensure that the school�s policy on attendance is communicated to all concerned [OSIS: s.7.3; OSS: s. 6.4]
Shall meet with the student and his/her parents where, in the principal�s judgement, irregular attendance is jeopardizing the successful completion of the course [OSIS: s.7.3; OSS: s. 6.4]
Shall identify for both the student and his/her parents/guardians the potential consequences of irregular attendance and the alternatives that could be considered to promote a change in behaviour that would contribute to a successful program of learning [OSIS: s.7.3; OSS: s. 6.4]
Daily Attendance Procedures

In an effort to work co-operatively with students and their parents/guardians, to keep parents/guardians/students informed, and in order to prevent attendance difficulties, it is essential that everyone adhere to the following daily procedures:

Students �

Students are required to attend all classes on time. Students should be in class by 8:25 a.m. every morning. All absences will be treated as �UNAUTHORIZED� until the student fulfils his/her responsibility to have the absence excused.

The Education Act states the following acceptable reasons for absenteeism and lateness, with proper documentation:

Personal illness
Religious observance
Approved school events such as extra-curricular activities and class excursions (It is the student�s responsibility to arrange with teachers in advance and to complete work missed. Marks will not be deducted for these absences.)
Other unavoidable cause (as approved by the Principal/Vice-Principal and, whenever possible, arranged with teachers in advance) [Education Act: Part II � School Attendance s.21 (2)]

PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended that students and/or their parents/guardians make appointments with doctors, dentists, driving schools, etc. outside of school hours. It is recognized that it may be necessary, in certain situations, to make specialist appointments during school hours. These appointments should be excused by the Principal/Vice Principal (proper documentation is required) and arranged with teachers, in advance.

Students whose parents have not informed the school of a valid reason for their absence:

Must report to the Attendance Office before 8:40 a.m. on the morning of their return.
Will not be admitted to class if their absence is �unknown�.
If under 18, must provide a dated note signed by a parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence/late.
If over 18, will be required to provide documentation of a valid reason (eg. medical certificate) in order to be able to make up any evaluation missed while absent/late. �UNKNOWN� and �NOTE DUE� absences become �TRUANT� on the second day if a note is not received.

In all cases, it is the responsibility of the student to make up any work missed during an absence/late. Makeup evaluations will only be permitted for absences with acceptable reasons as defined by the Education Act (see appropriate previous section). Proper documentation is required.

Parents/Guardians/Students 18 and Over �

Call the Attendance Office (835-9258) if the student will be absent that day and state the reason for the absence. It would be extremely helpful for the call to be made between 8:00 and 8:45 a.m. although there is an answering machine to take the message at other times.

If you are unable to call and there has been no contact made with the school, please send a note explaining the reason for the absence/late when the student returns to school. If the school has not received proper notification as to the reason for an absence, the absence will be recorded as �UNKNOWN�. The student will not be admitted to classes until s/he has signed in at the ATTENDANCE OFFICE, and obtained an admit slip. All UNKNOWN absences will be treated as �UNAUTHORIZED� until students/parents/guardians fulfil their responsibility to have the absence excused and any necessary documentation is received.

It is the student�s responsibility to provide teachers with the proper admit slip to show that they have cleared the Attendance office and the absence has been authorized before any makeup evaluation is given. No makeup evaluation will be permitted unless the reason for the absence is acceptable as defined in the Education Act (see list of acceptable reasons above) and necessary documentation has been received.

Attendance Secretary shall �

Attempt to contact the parent every time a student is absent from school and will notify the student�s teachers when an acceptable explanation is received from the parent/guardian (see Final Daily Attendance printout).

Record the absence as �UNKNOWN� or �NOTE DUE� if unable to contact a parent

Attempt to contact parents at night for any students who remain �UNKNOWN� or �NOTE DUE� using �SYNERVOICE� , our automated callback system. If parents receive one of these calls, it is because a student is recorded absent in the system. Please call and leave a message on the answering machine stating the reason for the student�s absence. If the student thinks that this call is an error, it is the student�s responsibility to visit the Attendance Office the following day to have an error correction slip completed before the error can be corrected.

Teachers shall �

Keep accurate records of attendance for each class and notify the Attendance Office of students who are absent/late at the beginning of each period.

Not admit any student to class who was absent the previous day(s) and is recorded as �UNKNOWN� or �NOTE DUE� on the Final Daily Attendance printout. These students are required to properly sign in at the Attendance Office and receive an admit slip. Students shall not be permitted to make up any missed evaluation until an acceptable reason for the absence has been received and documented by the ATTENDANCE OFFICE.

Counsel students on the importance of attendance in all classes and administer appropriate consequences for lateness and unacceptable absence, including the deduction of marks. (See mark requirements listed below.)

Contact home when a student is truant from class and/or when attendance or lateness becomes a concern.

Report continued attendance concerns to the student�s Teacher Advisor followed by Student Services, before referral to the In-School team and finally, the Vice-Principal.

All departments will have Evaluation Policies that include missed tests and evaluations, late assignments and a statement of marks allotted for Attendance and Punctuality. These policies will be communicated to students at the beginning of each course.

10% of the Term Mark will be allotted for Attendance and Punctuality in all courses in Grades 10-12. Up to an additional 10% of the Term Mark may be allotted for Employability/Citizenship skills, attitudes and behaviour, particularly in Grade 10 courses, and Basic or General level courses.

5%-10% of the Term Mark will be allotted for Attendance and Punctuality in all OAC courses.

Signing Out -

There are few, if any reasons to leave the school during the day. If students are to be excused from school at any time during the day, they must report to the ATTENDANCE OFFICE to sign out. A note or phone call from parent/guardian is required for all students under 18 years of age. An acceptable reason, with proper documentation, is required for students who are 18 and over.

Attendance Concerns -

Students developing a poor attendance record will risk :

A variety of consequences such as: detentions, extra assignments, in-school suspensions, suspensions [Education Act: Part II � School Attendance s.23(1)]
Loss of various rewards including: marks, attendance prizes and certificates, and the privilege of participating in extracurricular and co-curricular activities such as school teams, clubs, Students� Council, and a variety of other school activities, field trips, etc.
Referral to the school Adjustment counsellor and/or the Board�s Attendance Counsellor [Education Act: Part II � School Attendance s.26, s.28]
Placement on an attendance contract with the office
Legal action (A parent/guardian of a child who neglects or refuses to cause the child to attend school is, unless the child is legally excused from attendance, guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of up to $200 [Education Act: Part II � School Attendance s.30(1)]
Removal from his/her program for the remainder of the semester.
Number of Absenses Actions/Consequences
3 - 5 Student counselled by teacher, parents notified by teacher, loss of Attendance/ Punctuality marks, additional consequences as assigned by teacher
(Students who do not fulfil consequences as assigned will be treated as having an additional truancy.)
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5 - 6 Referred to Teacher Advisor - Attendance letter mailed to parent/guardian (copy to Vice Principal)
7 - 9 absenses
or 3 or more truants Counselled by Teacher Advisor, referral to Student Services, referral to In-school Team for counselling and follow-up with student and parent/guardian
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10 absenses
or continued truancy Referral to Vice Principal for placement on an Attendance contract and follow-up with parent/guardian�
10 or more absenses; achievement failing Meeting required with parent/guardian
Decision to be made regarding continuation in program Failure to improve attendance/ punctuality and achievement will result in having the student removed from his/her program for the remainder of the semester or referred to the Attendance Counsellor for legal follow-up.
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LATE POLICY

Punctuality will be encouraged by the classroom teacher and the school administration in a four-step process, aimed at emphasizing the importance of being on time and being accountable and responsible for one's presence in the classroom. Arriving late to class disrupts both the teacher and other students, displaying a lack of respect for others.

A student is late if he/she enters the classroom after the bell sounds. Each teacher will have a four step process of dealing with lates:

First Late - teacher will warn the student in some manner eg. speak to the student, privately discuss the importance of being on time, require the student to complete a form explaining the late, etc.
Second Late - teacher will assign a consequence related to the late eg. assign a detention to make up the time missed, complete a pre-prepared package about lateness, write an essay about the importance of being on time, etc.
Third Late - teacher will assign a greater consequence eg. a longer assignment related to being on time, a longer detention to make up time missed, assign duties such as clearing blackboards or assisting with bulletin board displays etc. The teacher will deduct marks from Attendance and Punctuality component of the student�s Term Mark.
Fourth Late or before - teacher will contact home to inform home that lates have become a problem and that consequences by the teacher have not resulted in improvement. Parents are informed that the student will be referred to the Office if further lates occur.
Students will be referred to the Office if:

a student ignores or does not complete consequences assigned by the teacher
5 or more lates occur in one course or more than 2 in one week, or if teacher-assigned consequences do not result in improvement
a student is chronically late (all interventions have been documented)
Once referred to the Office, the following consequences will be possible:

longer detention or assignment
parental involvement
in-school or out-of-school suspension (neglect of duty) of 1-3 days
denial of credit

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SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE ROOM

Port Colborne High School has established a Resource Room in an effort to help all students experience a higher level of success. Room 312 is available at noon hour and from 3:05 - 4:05 p.m. everyday. The Resource Room is available for the following students:

students who wish a quiet place to do their homework or seek extra help
students who are assigned to the Resource Room because they have assignments, projects or independent study work overdue
students who have missed tests or need extra time on tests and require a supervised area
exceptional/identified or at-risk students who miss class for unacceptable reasons or are chronically late for class and are required to make up time at school
students who require some special assistance to improve the opportunity for success
students requiring supervised suspensions within the school
Students may volunteer to attend the Resource area, or they may be assigned to the room by a resource staff or a school Administrator. It is an objective of Port Colborne High School to provide the opportunity for every student to experience success. The Resource Room is another way in which we hope to improve the success rate in the school.

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COURSE CHANGES

Students must make an appointment with the Guidance Department to change a course from their timetable during the first two weeks of a semester. Students are to continue attending a course until the change is official and will be considered as skipping until the student completes the "pink sheet" process. Parent/Guardian approval is required for course changes. Students who "drop" a course on their own without completing the proper process or who stop attending a course risk being removed from their entire program. Students and their parents/guardians are also reminded that Full Disclosure is now mandatory for all Grades 11, 12 and OAC credits. All attempts at courses including withdrawals, upgrades and failures will now be listed on the Ontario Student Transcript.

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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Every student who becomes a Port High Blue Bear will be provided with a variety of opportunities for an excellent education. In return, all students have the responsibility of contributing to a positive, creative and safe learning environment. This is easy to achieve if the "4R's" are kept in mind:

Respect for Self - treat yourself with dignity by showing self respect through use of appropriate language, good hygiene and proper dress. (see our Dress Code)
Respect for Peers - treat other students courteously - verbal and/or physical harassment will not be tolerated.
Respect for Authority - treat teachers and all support staff with courtesy and consideration. They are all here to help you!
Respect for Property - treat the school building, its supplies and equipment, and its surroundings as valuable to you. School pride and student reputation suffers when property vandalism occurs.
As well, good attendance and punctuality provide a solid foundation for school success.

Failure to live up to these expectations will result in a range of consequences.

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FULL-TIME STUDENTS

As of September 1993, a full-time student is one who has a minimum of 3 assigned classes in each semester. It is expected that all students will be assigned the required number of classes to be considered a full-time student by the Ministry of Education.

Students having difficulty with ANY class MUST make an appointment with Guidance to discuss their individual situation. Dropping a subject will be a last resort, and guidance will assist in planning other approaches to increase success.

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GRADUATION

In order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, you must successfully complete 30 secondary school credits, of which 16 are compulsory. Twenty-two credits must be completed after grade nine. Beginning with the 1999/2000 class of Grade 9�s, there are 18 compulsory courses. Your choice of credits is critical to your successful preparation for Post Secondary Education and employment opportunities. The Guidance Department is an extremely important resource for every student so that you may plan out your educational development.

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STUDY PERIODS

Grade 12/OAC students may have a study period during the school day if they are not behind in their credit accumulation. It is expected that every student on a study period will spend that time in the Library or the Cafeteria (assuming the student is staying in the school building). No student is to be wandering the halls during class time.

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VISITORS

All visitors to the school must check in at the main office. Any student who wishes to have a visitor for the day must seek prior permission from teachers, Principal or Vice Principal, the guests' parent(s)/guardian(s) and the guest�s home school. A form is available in the main office.

Three days advance notice is required to complete proper documentation and approvals.

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LOCKERS

Every student will be assigned a locker near his or her Advisory Group classroom during registration. Please treat your locker in an acceptable manner. Remember other students should expect to inherit a locker in good condition. Both the locker number and the lock combination must be on file in the Main Office, and students are responsible for the locker recorded as being assigned to them. Students are reminded that lockers remain the property of the School/School Board and are available for students, on loan, for their use during the school year.

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TELEPHONES

Students are expected to use the two pay phones found off the Main Entrance across from the Main Office. Telephones in the office are not available for student use. Telephones should only be used outside class time.

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PARKING

Port Colborne High School has a shortage of parking spaces. As we continue our community involvement, parking becomes an even greater problem. Students may apply for permission to park in the student parking area off Steele Street. Please apply in the Main Office for a permit to display in your vehicle window. Students may not park in areas designated for Staff, Administration, school bus loading, and NO PARKING.

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DRESS CODE

All students shall adhere to reasonable standards of taste in dress and grooming. This expectation is carried forward in the world of work. The following are drawn to the attention of students:

Headgear is not allowed in the school (E.g. hats, bandanas, hoods, etc.)
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Students are required to wear clean clothing appropriate for a secondary school. Inappropriate dress includes ripped jeans/clothing, cut-offs, tank tops, beach type halter tops, spaghetti strap tops, any top exposed in the midriff/cleavage, T-shirts bearing racial, anti-religious, sexual and/or messages promoting drugs/alcohol. Dangerous accessories such as large link chains or metal bracelets are not permitted.
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Gym uniform is required in physical education.
Safety glasses must be worn in classes where machinery is in operation and in science laboratories when chemical experiments are conducted. It may be required to fasten long hair out of the way in certain classes especially science and technology areas.
Shoes are required at all times and appropriate shoes may be required in the technology area. (No open toe shoes)

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ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones and pagers must be turned off and out of sight while in the school.

Electronic messaging devices are not allowed in classrooms.

Walkmans, Discmans, and MP3 players with private earphones are allowed, however, use is restricted to a student�s personal time (before or after classes and at lunch). Security of these items is the student�s responsibility. Larger units with speakers are not allowed in school.

Laser pointers may not be brought to school.

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HATS

All students, male and female, are to remove all headgear (hats, toques, bandanas, kerchiefs, etc.) prior to entering the building. NO HEADGEAR is to be worn inside the school building.

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OUT OF BOUNDS AREAS

During Classes

No students are to be in the hallways or at their lockers.
Students on spares are to be in the cafeteria or library.
During Lunch

Students are not to be in the second and third floor hallways between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria and is not permitted in hallways or classrooms.

At all times, loitering in the Day Care areas, both inside and outside the school, is not permitted. Students outside should also not obstruct the movement of cars and school buses.

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BICYCLES

Bicycles are to be parked along the fence in the student parking lot.

Bicycles are not to be brought into the school. Skateboards, roller blades etc. are not to be used inside the building

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POSTERS

Students are not permitted to post notices or posters in the school without the permission of the Principal or Vice-Principal. Posters must be applied with masking tape to glazed surfaces or windows on the sides of doorways only.

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SCHOOL DANCES

School dances are open to all Port High students who have paid the student activity fee. Doors open at 7:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM. Any student leaving the dance will not be allowed to return. No coats are allowed in the dance; they are to be checked at the coatroom. Guests are to be signed in with Students� Council or the Vice-Principal. Students, who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will not be permitted to enter the dance. Students, who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, at the dance will be suspended. Parents/Guardians of these students will be called as well as the Police if necessary. Students must be in attendance during the school day to be permitted to attend a dance.

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SMOKING
SMOKE FREE SCHOOLS-IT'S THE LAW!

Consistent with the Tobacco Control Act, the policy of our school is to prohibit smoking anywhere in the school or on school property, by anyone, at any time. The policy applies to students, staff and anyone using school property. The policy also applies to field trips and anyone using the school bus system. Smoking cessation programs will be available in the school through our Public Health Nurse.

Smoking is discouraged at all times during the school day. Travel time between classes does not permit time to smoke and still be punctual for class.

Smoking or even holding a lit cigarette anywhere on school property is against the law. For persons 16 years of age and over, there is a minimum fine of $305. Persons under the age of 16 must attend court with a parent or guardian. Selling, supplying or sharing cigarettes with anyone under 19 can result in a minimum fine of $365.

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FIRE DRILLS & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Make yourself aware of the primary and alternate exits from each instructional area.

At the time of an alarm, EVERYONE is requested to exercise the following procedures:

ALL staff and students must leave the building.
Students are to go directly to the correct exit from the school and proceed as quickly as possible to the exit.
All windows and doors are to be closed and the lights shut off.
Students and staff are to move away from the exits and proceed to the field at the back of the school.
In the case of a medical emergency:

Have someone stay with the injured person. DO NOT attempt to move the individual unless they are at risk of further injury.
Have someone report the incident to the office immediately.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT

All students in physical education classes, lab courses, and technical shops are required to wear the clothing and safety equipment designated by the teacher.

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RESOURCE SERVICES

P.C.H.S. continues to offer the services of qualified Special Education Resource Teachers. If at any time, students need help with any aspect of their studies or are seeking enrichment opportunities they are welcome to seek out support through our Resource Team located in Room 311,312 or 313 or the offices in 313A or 201A from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.

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LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTRE

Port Colborne High School boasts an excellent Library Resource Centre with a fully qualified Teacher-Librarian on duty during two periods of the day. Access to the Internet is also available. As our world evolves, the concept of independent learning becomes more and more critical for individual success. Students must learn how to learn through independent access of the vast quantities of information available to all as we enter the 21st century. Use the Resource Centre in a constructive, positive manner that will allow everyone to benefit during the time they spend in the library. The Resource Centre is normally open during Period 2, Period 3 and Lunch.

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HEALTH SERVICES

Confidential counselling sessions with the school nurse or the birth control nurse are available by appointment through the Guidance office. Services include all aspects of physical and emotional concerns such as stress, drug and smoking problems, physical wellness and birth control. In the case of an emergency or any injury, notify the Main Office immediately.

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GUIDANCE SERVICES

Our sincere hope in Guidance is that each and every student will have very productive happy years in school and that each student will develop the best, most appropriate plans for what ever will follow high school.

The Guidance Services staff can offer:

Individual counselling about current and future courses
Individual counselling about career plans
Individual counselling and group presentations on educational opportunities (i.e. college, universities, private schools and apprenticeships)
Counselling on a variety of personal matters
Referrals to people and agencies who can help with concerns and problems
Information on financial assistance, scholarships, bursaries
Presentations on careers and arranged visits to other schools, places of employment
Easy access and referral to our on-site Career Information Centre.
Appointments should be made before class, after class or at break. Teachers will not allow you to leave class without a yellow slip. Of course, allowances are always made for crisis situations and emergencies.

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PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP

If you are having difficulty or simply want someone with whom you can talk, the following people are here to listen and assist: Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher Advisors, Teachers, School Nurse, Other Students, Guidance Counsellors, Special Education Resource Teachers, Coaches, Adjustment Counsellor, Secretarial Staff, Custodians, Cafeteria Staff.

You'll be surprised how much people are willing to help and how much they care.

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CAFETERIA SERVICES

The cafeteria is open each day from 8:00 am to 2:00 PM Hot and cold lunches are available. A microwave is available for students to warm lunches. The cafeteria is closed during examination days.

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CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION

Co-operative Education courses provide opportunities for closer association of students with working adults who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Through their placement at the employer's worksite, students utilize the variety of equipment and expertise that exists in the community. The result is that the community becomes a laboratory in which students can explore and learn about the world of work. Co-operative Education provides students with an alternative method of earning credits. Students who are interested in the Co-op program, should see the Guidance staff or the Co-operative Education Co-ordinator.

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STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Each month, staff of PCHS takes the opportunity to recognize student excellence and commitment in the following areas:

Good or improved daily academic performance
Strong work ethic
A positive attitude and respect for others
Leadership qualities
Responsible participation in activities in or representing PCHS
Good attendance
Each month, staff nominates and votes for a student in each grade who displays these characteristics in his/her day to day efforts. A student may only be selected once during a school year. Students are awarded a certificate and a letter of reference from the Principal. As well, their pictures are displayed in a cabinet in our front entrance. A letter of their son�s/daughter�s significant achievement informs parents. At the end of the school year, all winners are rewarded with a luncheon.

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SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

The School Advisory Council is a group consisting of representatives from Staff, Parents, Students' Council, and the Community. We meet eight times throughout the school year to discuss various issues, (eg. discipline code, government cutbacks, etc.) It is our goal to increase parent involvement and communication, provide advice to the school on current issues and to help improve school spirit, thereby enhancing the High School experience for everyone involved.

MISSION STATEMENT:

"As Stakeholders in Port Colborne High School and in the community, we, The School Advisory Council, are committed to providing collaborative input relating to the school's policies, programs, services, and procedures to ensure that school operation can be adapted to serve the needs of our learning community.

In an atmosphere of partnership, we aspire to create an opportunity for each student to grow intellectually, emotionally and physically into mature and responsible adults."

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POLICY FOR PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR
AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

In order to be eligible to participate in the variety of activities available at Port Colborne High School students are expected to:

Attend on a regular basis
Be on time for class
Come to all classes properly prepared (i.e. notebook, textbook and all other required equipment)
Follow the general rules of behaviour and good citizenship as outlined by the classroom teacher (i.e. respect for self and others, responsible and caring behaviour)
Display respect for the facilities of P.C.H.S.
Be in good standing in all of their courses
There are three areas of disciplinary action: immediate, intermediate and extended.

IMMEDIATE DISCIPLINE

All athletes and students involved in school sanctioned groups are subject to the daily discipline policies of teachers and/or the school, regardless of the activity (ie. practices, games, meetings, competitions, performances, trips, etc.). Detention, suspension and/or other disciplinary action may prevent a student from participating in an activity on any given day.

INTERMEDIATE DISCIPLINE
If a teacher is concerned about a decline in student performance, behaviour, attendance or punctuality, and the student is involved in extracurricular or co-curricular activities, the teacher will complete a performance rating sheet for the student. The concerned teacher will also distribute the rating sheet to his/her colleagues that are also teaching the student. If a student scores a rating of less than 20 out of 30 by two or more teachers, he or she will be removed from that activity until reinstatement. Reinstatement is to be pursued by the student, who must pass the performance rating, receiving a minimum rating of 20 by all teachers.

EXTENDED DISCIPLINE
A student representing Port Colborne High School through membership in a club or team may have his/her eligibility questioned because of an inability to adhere to any of these rules. The Eligibility Committee will determine whether the student will be removed from a team or club. This Committee will be composed of the Principal/Vice-Principal, Head of Guidance/student�s Teacher Advisor, the teacher making the referral, and a representative for the Extracurricular organization in the school (e.g. coach, staff advisor). The student participant and any of his/her teachers may also attend this meeting. The Eligibility Committee will then make a decision regarding any suggested changes in the student's status.

INTRAMURALS
The school gyms are open each day at noon for free play, i.e. pick-up volleyball, basketball, badminton, etc. unless organized sporting leagues occupy them. Touch Football, Co-Ed Beach Volleyball, Winter Ball Hockey, Badminton, Indoor Soccer, 3 on 3 Spring Basketball, Blind Volleyball, 1 on 1 Basketball and 2 pitch softball are some of the events. Check with the Physical Education department for the dates of these events.