Principal: Mr. Kevin Derdall
Vice-Principal: Mr. Darin McKay
Division Web Site: www.spiritsd.ca
Mission Statement:
Instill the value of knowledge and the dignity of effort.
2021-2022 Time Table
| TIME | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 |
| 8:50 to 9:35 | ||||||
| 9:35 to 10:10 | ||||||
| R | E | C | E | S | S | |
| 10:30 to 11:05 | ||||||
| 11:05 to 11:35 | ||||||
| N | O | O | N | |||
| 12:15 to 12:35 | Reading Time | Reading Time | Reading Time | Reading Time | Reading Time | Reading Time |
| 12:35 to 1:10 | ||||||
| 1:10 to 1:45 | ||||||
| R | E | C | E | S | S | |
| 2:00 to 2:35 | ||||||
| 2:35 to 3:09 |
At Vanscoy School we have an excellent, dedicated staff committed to providing the best possible education for all students. We believe that by having high academic and behavioral expectations and by making every child feel they are an important part of our school community, all students will experience success.
At Vanscoy School, we believe that a well-rounded educational experience includes academic, social, emotional and physical growth. We therefore encourage all students to become involved in the many co-curricular and extra-curricular activities offered.
Communication between the home and school is a key component of student success. We utilize student agenda books, Fresh Grade, newsletters, memos, phone calls, emails, and parent-teacher conferences. Regular use of the student agenda book will facilitate communication between staff and parents, help parents better understand the operation of our school, and encourage students to develop responsibility.
Please feel free to contact the school at (306) 668-2056 if you have any questions or concerns.
VANSCOY SCHOOL STAFF 2021-2022
Teachers
Ms. Shannon McLeod (K, Outdoor Ed.)
Mrs. Lois Smith (1)
Mrs. Sheila Cole (Gr 2 Math)
Mrs. Erika Krip (2/3)
Mrs. Kathy Spence (3/4)
Mrs. Tayler Halyk (5/6)
Ms. Julie Verge (Gr 6, 7, 8 ELA) (SERT)
Mrs. Sandra Chovin (Gr 8 Social, Grade 6/7 Health)
Mr. Darin McKay (Gr 6 Math, 6/7 Art, 6/7 P.E.) (VP)
Mr. Kevin Derdall (Gr 7 & 8, Gr 8 P.E.) (Principal)
Mrs. Christa Shepherd Hills (Counsellor)
Educational Associates
Mrs. Kerie Jackson
Mrs. Trish Van Damme
Mrs. Rebecca Janzen
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Tenay Diggins
Caretaker
Mr. Morgan Tabin
SCHOOL HOURS
School hours are from 8:50 to 11:35 am and 12:15 to 3:19 pm each day. Students will not be dismissed earlier than regular dismissal times unless parents have been notified or have requested early dismissal with a note or a telephone call. Parents of bus students must also notify the bus driver if their son or daughter will not be on the bus.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Entry and Exit of Vanscoy School
Grade 1 students enter and exit the school using the back entry door
Grades 2-8 will enter the school using the mudroom entry door
Kindergarten students use the main doors
All school doors except the Main Entry door will remain locked throughout the day. If a student is to be absent or picked-up within school hours a signed note needs to be sent to the teacher, hopefully a few days in advance. Only registered contact names will be allowed access to your child(ren). Students will be signing-in/out at the main desk if he/she enters or leaves during school hours.
All visitors, including parents, entering the school during school hours will be signing in/out at the main desk. They are to remain in the reception area. If they need to see their child, he/she will be asked to come to them. If they are dropping off something for their child, it should be left with the Administrative Assistant at the front desk.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
A school newsletter will be published on a regular basis. Classroom teachers may also send newsletters home from time to time with information necessary for their individual classes.
SCHOOL COUNSELLOR
Ms. Christa Shepherd Hills is available to meet with students about personal, family and school issues. An appointment can be made by contacting the school secretary at (306)668-2056. Ms. Shepherd Hills is in Vanscoy School one day every six day cycle.
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
If students or parents have concerns or questions about an issue at school or on the bus, please follow this communication process:
1. The classroom teacher or bus driver is to be the first person to hear and address any concerns from a student or parent.
2. If the issue cannot be resolved with the teacher or bus driver, the Principal is to be contacted.
3. If the matter remains unresolved, the parent may request a meeting with the Superintendent.
4. If further discussion is required, the parent may ask to meet with the Director of Education.
5. Finally, the parent may request the issue to be heard by the Board of Education.
CLUBS, TEAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Vanscoy School offers a variety of noon and after school clubs and activities for our older students. Some examples might include We Day Club, International Club, Leadership Group as well as extra-curricular teams in cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and track & field.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found items can be found in the front foyer/office area.
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS
Prairie Spirit School Division has regulations in place for the safety of your children. These regulations state that any volunteer involved with students needs to have a Criminal Record Check completed. These checks do not need to be repeated every year providing that you have also signed Policy #501 which states that you must notify us of any changes that occur to your record. All information regarding Criminal Record Checks will be kept confidential. For further details, please contact the school office.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Our school division requires all parents/volunteer drivers who are transporting students other than their own to and from school events to have completed their Criminal Record Checks, Form 501, and to fill out a Volunteer Automobile Driver Authorization form. The information required for the Drivers Authorization can be obtained from your driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance policy. Upon request we will send a form home with your child or you may come into the school to fill one out. Forms need to be filled in annually and when information changes.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students are expected to participate in regular Physical Education classes unless they are excused by a note from their parents or doctor. All students are expected to dress in appropriate clothes for Physical Education classes and wear running shoes with non-marking soles (no board shoes for safety reasons as they do not provide proper ankle or arch support).
FOOTWEAR
Each student is required to have a pair of non-marking gym shoes that he or she can leave at school. These will be used for Phys. Ed. (please no board shoes) and for wearing inside the school. Students will be required to remove their outside shoes at the mud room and wear their inside shoes. This will keep our school clean, ensure the safety of our students around the school, and have them prepared should the school need to be evacuated.
DRESS CODE
At Vanscoy School the following guidelines for dress are expected:
All Grades:
-No hats, toques or hoods up in the classrooms
-Nothing containing inappropriate language, alcohol or drugs
Grades 6 – 8:
-No short shorts / short skirts, halter tops, spaghetti straps (two finger rule) or half shirts.
The school has the right to determine what is appropriate and what is not. Students who are wearing inappropriate attire will be asked to change.
STUDENTS ABSENT OR LATE
Parents are requested to telephone the school or send a note if a child is going to be late or absent. If the school is not notified a call home may be made to verify the student’s location. If a student is not going to where they normally go after school, please inform the school by way of note or phone call. We are concerned about student safety; therefore, your cooperation with this request is greatly appreciated.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND CELL PHONES
Unauthorized use of electronic devices, including cell phones, is not permitted during the school day (8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.). If brought to school these devices must be kept in the student’s locker. Exceptions may be made on an individual or class basis.
SKATEBOARDS, ROLLERBLADES AND SCOOTERS
Skateboards, rollerblades and scooters are not permitted at school as they are a danger to other students. Children often cannot stop easily on the skateboards, rollerblades or scooters and the chances of an accident are very real.
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
- A list of materials and supplies required will be sent home in June. Please label all of your child’s belongings, including footwear.
- All students are provided with storage lockers in the hallway close to their classrooms. Lockers are to be used for holding school supplies and outdoor clothing. Students in Grades 5-8 can supply their own locks and are encouraged to keep their combination/keys in a safe place to avoid a school administrator from having to forcibly remove the lock.
- Students in Grades K – 8 will receive an agenda book as part of the Special Event and Activity Fee. This book will not only foster communication between home and school but also more importantly help the students build organizational skills. Research shows that students who are organized are more successful.
- Each child is responsible for the good care and return of all books and equipment issued by Vanscoy School. If materials are damaged, the student will be expected to pay for the damaged materials. We recognize that accidents happen, but if pupils do damage, destroy or lose school board property, parents are financially responsible.
- Your child may be asked to bring additional supplies if required.
VANSCOY SCHOOL POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR INCENTIVES
We at Vanscoy School have a very positive school environment and we will endeavor to maintain it. Programs that have been used to develop this caring and respectful culture have included: work-like-a-dog, skills for success, classroom auctions, and numerous other classroom and school initiatives.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
At Vanscoy School, we offer a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. To support the academic success of our pupils, we may use this time to work with students who fall behind in their work to help them catch up on overdue work. This is a perfect time where we can provide additional individual support.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
Our school will continue to build capacity for our parents to engage in their child’s learning by utilizing several communication tools throughout the year such as:
- Phone calls
- Emails
- Edsby
- Swift-K
- Google Classroom
- Online Portfolios
- Virtual or in-person meetings
BUSSING
Buses will not run in the morning if the combined temperature/windchill factors result in a reading of -40° or below at 6:00am. If your child rides a bus and the bus is not running, you will be contacted by the bus driver. Information on cancellations will also be posted on the Transportation page of the Division website after 6:00am. If morning routes are cancelled due to weather, buses are expected to operate their afternoon routes provided that the temperature at 12:00 noon are warner than -40° or road conditions improve. If buses run in the morning, but are not able to run in the afternoon, you will be contacted by the bus driver and the school to arrange pick up of your child(ren).
VANSCOY SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY
As a school we are not immune to some of the negative pressures of society, and we would like to be proactive regarding any behavior which may occur. Some behaviors have implications that affect the nature of our entire school community. It is our duty to teach rights and responsibilities and to encourage positive behavior while dealing with negative behavior. This is necessary so that harm does not come to the individual and/or those who share space with that individual. Positive behavior is rewarded through classroom rewards as mentioned previously.
TARGET BEHAVIOR
These are the behaviors which the student is expected to demonstrate:
1. Comply with staff directions and requests including completing academic tasks and other day to day requests made by staff.
2. Follow the school and classroom rules as outlined by the administration and the classroom teacher.
3. Show respect for other students, staff and their property.
4. Act in a non-aggressive manner toward others.
MAJOR INFRACTIONS
The following serious behaviors will not be tolerated at Vanscoy School, traveling to and from school, on school property, or during school-sponsored activities.
1. Violence (fighting or other acts)
2. Blatant disrespect
3. Repeated defiance
4. Repeated intimidation and bullying
5. Sexual harassment
6. Vandalism
7. Drugs- Police will become involved should there be illegal use of drugs.
8. Weapons – Any weapons brought to school (i.e. knives, guns, bullets) will be confiscated and returned only to the child’s parent or guardian.
9. Theft of school or personal items
CONSEQUENCES FOR MAJOR INFRACTIONS
Grades K – 2
These infractions will be dealt with by the administration on an individual basis. The fact that the children are young will be taken into consideration.
Grades 3 – 8
First time: In-school suspension for one day. Parents notified.
Second time: In-school suspension for one day. Parents notified.
Third time: In-school suspension for one day, plus the possible loss of an out-of-school excursion (e.g. class field trip, school trip, ski trip, inter-school sports games, etc.) Parents notified.
Fourth time: Possible out-of-school suspension for one day, in-school suspension for one or two days, plus possible loss of an out-of-school excursion (e.g. class field trip, school trip, ski trip, inter-school sports games, etc). Parents notified.
Fifth time: Possible out-of-school suspension for one day, in-school suspension for one or more days, plus loss of an out-of-school excursion (e.g. class field trip, school trip, ski trip, inter-school sports games, etc). Parents notified.
Sixth time: Three day suspension. Multi-Action Planning System (MAPS) meeting required with Parents, Superintendent, In-School Administration, and Teacher)
Please note: A student may receive an out-of-school suspension immediately if the school administration deems it necessary.
OTHER MISBEHAVIOR (MINOR INFRACTIONS)
Grades 6-8
Minor infractions not warranting an in-school suspension will be dealt with in the following fashion: Students will be given a check beside their name on a clipboard each time they choose to not follow school rules. Students who are able to go one month in grade 5 or two consecutive months in grade 6-8 without a check will have their last one removed from the clipboard. Students in grades 6-8 may also have a check removed by turning in 10 Work-Like-a-Dogs that they earned by doing well on assignments or tests or doing extra work in class or around the school. This allows us to reward positive behavior and also allows students to work off mistakes they may have made. Some examples of infractions that would warrant a check would be as follows:
-Inappropriate language/behaviour
-Not responding to a staff request
-Not going outside on time or not coming in from outside on time
-Removal from class for inappropriate behaviour
-Tackling, play fighting, pushing and shoving
-Misbehaving for a substitute teacher
-Not following general rules
5 violations – one day in-school suspension
10 violations – additional one day in-school suspension
15 violations – additional one day in-school suspension
20 violations – additional one day in-school suspension
More than 20 violations will be dealt with accordingly by the administration
All Students
There are other inappropriate behaviours which are not as serious as the ones listed before. Some examples would include classroom misbehaviour such as talking out of turn, inattention to task, and incomplete assignments. These inappropriate behaviours will be dealt with by the supervising teacher or classroom teacher. Parents may be contacted if these types of misbehaviours become frequent.
Depending on the situation, consequences (age-appropriate) such as these may follow:
– warning
– loss of recess
– loss of noon activities
– being kept inside to complete unfinished work
– being sent to the Principal
VIOLENT THREAT RISK ASSESSMENT (VTRA)
Prairie Spirit School Division recognizes that students and employees have a right to a safe environment. Violent incidents to report include: the attempted or actual exercise of physical force against a person and any threatening statement or behaviour that gives anyone reason to believe that physical force will be used against them.
What is the Main Purpose of a Threat Assessment?
- To ensure the safety of students, staff, parents, and others.
- To ensure a full understanding of the context of the threat.
- To begin to understand the factors that contribute to the threat maker’s behaviour.
- To view the student as in need of intervention rather than to be disciplined.
- To be proactive in developing an intervention plan that addresses the emotional and physical safety of the threat maker. It may include disciplinary action but will include appropriate supports to aid the student in developing and using positive strategies.
- To promote the emotional and physical safety of all.
- To ensure all school and agency partners are working together with a common understanding and protocol.
It isn’t always possible for supervisors to observe all misbehaviours which may occur. However, those students who are found to be misbehaving will face appropriate consequences.
At Vanscoy School our ultimate goals are to have all our students become great school and community citizens and to encourage an atmosphere where learning, dignity and responsibility are intrinsically valued.
Download a copy of the student handbook (from the front of the agenda book) here!