St. Dorothy Catholic School (elementary--Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)

155 John Garland Boulevard, Etobicoke, Ontario M9V 1N7

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History & Tradition

St. Dorothy Catholic School opened its doors for the first time in September, 1969, with a student population of 244. The school was established to serve the ever-increasing population in the Albion Road/Martingrove Road area of Rexdale, and to relieve the overpopulated neighbouring schools--St. Benedict and St. Andrew. The school is one of seven schools being served by St. Andrew's Parish, including two secondary schools. The school continued to grow and serve the Catholic population in the area, and in 1982, with the support of the Parent Teacher Association, an addition was added to provide for the needs of more than 900 students.

In September 1993, a new school, Holy Child Catholic School, was established to serve students living on the west side of Highway 27, and for a time operated out of St. Dorothy's School building. As a result, St. Dorothy's school enrollment had declined to 465 students, all of whom live east of Highway 27. Holy Child moved to its new facility during the 1995-96 school year.

The History of St. Dorothy 

St. Dorothy lived in Caesarea in ancient Palestine during the the fourth century. 

When the Governor Sapricius came to Caesarea, he tried to persuade Dorothy to praise and adore false gods by offering to marry her, but Dorothy refused and replied that Christ was the only one she loved. As a result he tortured her. 

Two women who had lost their faith, tried everything they could, to lead her to sin and away from Christ, but instead, Dorothy led them back to Christ! Dorothy endured more torture and was sentenced to be executed. 

It was in the middle of winter when Dorothy was being led to her death and a lawyer named Theophilus, hired to make false accusations against Christians, called Dorothy names and made fun of her. He dared her to send him apples or roses from the garden of heaven where she was going.  

Dorothy agreed to do so and while praying before her execution, an angel appeared and handed Theophilus a basket containing three roses and three apples. 

Theophilus was converted; he said yes to Jesus and began to follow Him and in the end, he too, gave up his life for his faith. 

We ask St. Dorothy to pray for us that we may have the strength to follow Jesus with the same love and courage as she did.

Every morning during our opening exercises we pray the prayer that Jesus taught us as well as our prayer to St. Dorothy.

Blessed St. Dorothy

We come to you today to ask for your guidance in our times of struggle.

Bless us with the courage that helped you stay true to the Lord.

Help us to forgive those who trespass against us so that we may follow the way of Jesus.

Amen

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

VISION STATEMENT:

To nurture and empower Catholic leaders, one student at a time

MISSION STATEMENT:

Together Everyone Achieves More

The school staff welcomes parents and students to a new academic year. We hope that the 2009—2010 year at St. Dorothy will be a rich and rewarding experience in terms of spiritual, social, emotional, academic and physical development.

We, the staff of the Toronto Catholic District School Board, believe the work of the Catholic educators should engender a feeling of self worth, self-discipline and respect for both the student and educator. Our intent is to provide a community where Catholic values are respected both in theory and in practice. We feel that the total environment of school will be one in which students and staff will experience living in a genuine Christian Community where respect, love, faith and equality are practiced.

We are a “CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP” school. As stated in our Vision and Mission statements, as a TEAM we will work to nurture and empower the Catholic leader in all of our students.  Your child will be immersed in a culture where the teaching of Catholicity and specific leadership principles are ubiquitous occurring every single day in our daily curriculum.   Furthermore, we will provide the opportunity for our parents to learn these same teachings and principles so the good work that is being done here at the school can be reinforced at home.  Thus, we can truly work as a TEAM to ensure that your child receives the best possible education so that we can nurture and guide them towards achieving their full potential as students at St. Dorothy. 

SCHOOL CODE:

We recognize that parents are the first and foremost models of Christian discipline for children.  We will ask that parents remain in close contact with us and play a vital part in supporting our code of behavior.

These guidelines of student conduct are meant to help students develop self-discipline. We expect these guidelines to lead to a greater understanding of responsibility, trust, respect and decision making. We have set very high yet realistic expectations for our students and feel that with a joint effort among parents, students and staff, we can learn and grow.

The guidelines that follow apply on school property, on the bus and at all school sponsored activities.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE 

The Education Act states that students must attend school regularly and be punctual.  In order to track a pupil’s attendance at school, parents and/or guardians are requested to contact the school either by telephone or by note if the student will be absent. Only the initial call is necessary in the case of a stated prolonged absence.  Please call the school office at 416-393-5341. If a child has not arrived at school and a phone call has not been received, the secretary will attempt to contact parents by telephone.

PUNCTUALITY 

All students are expected to be punctual and to adhere to school hours. Upon entry, students should be seated quickly and prepare for morning announcements. Attendance is taken daily.  Late students should report to the office. Persistent tardiness may result in a discussion, consultation or other consequence, which may involve parents, school board attendance counselor and/or other appropriate personnel.

LUNCH 

Students staying for lunch will eat lunch in their designated areas.  Students are expected to clean up their own garbage.  Students are expected to remain on school property, and are under the direct supervision of school personnel.  Students are not to leave the schoolyard during lunch hour without permission from the office.

MEDICATION 

For safety reasons, no child should bring any form of medication to school without prior approval from the office. If medication is determined necessary, there is a form that must be filled out by your doctor to indicate that this must be taken during the school hours.  The container must be clearly labeled with names (child, parent, and doctor), phone numbers and directions. Please contact the school to address individual student needs in this regard.

EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSAL 

Every effort should be made to schedule appointments outside of school hours.  Students who are required to leave at some point during the school day must bring a note from home verifying the appointment. In event of illness or injury, every effort will be made to contact parents.

It is extremely important that parents provide us with accurate phone numbers for home and work and notify us of any changes, enabling us to make contact in emergency situations.

DRESS CODE 

Students are expected to wear the school uniform. The following guidelines should be observed.

·         Headgear is not to be worn inside the school.

·         Jewelry, bandanas, hair styles, inappropriate body piercing, body art, tattoos or    clothing that do not reflect the school’s Belief Statements and Gospel Values are discouraged.

·         For physical education, teachers may request students to wear a T-shirt, shorts and running shoes.

·         Make-up is not permitted to be worn in school or on school excursions.

·         T-Shirts and shirts are to be tucked into the students’ pants which are to be worn around the waist. 

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

All students are encouraged to participate in all school activities. Participating in sports and cultural activities outside of the classroom promotes the development of social, intellectual and physical skills as well as citizenship skills. The general rules regarding respect for authority, property and peers apply in all of these activities.

It is our aim to foster a healthy respect and appreciation for physical development and well-being, as well as to promote those activities which encourage these attitudes.

PARENT AND FAMILY LITERACY CENTRE

Our Parenting and Family Literacy Centre welcomes parents, caregivers and children from newborn to six years of age into our school.  The centre offers a variety of fun learning activities for children and engages parents in their children’s learning.  This is a free service and will enable you to connect to other parents in the community.

      St. Dorothy Child Care Centre is operated by Learning Enrichment Foundation, which is a non- profit, community based, charitable organization. The centre offers full day preschool, Kindergarten and before and after school-age programs for children 2.5 to 12 years.  The hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and include nutritious morning and afternoon snacks and hot catered lunch.  The centre provides a happy, relaxed and stimulating environment, which fosters a child’s self- confidence, self- respect, self- discipline and a feeling of security.  For more information or questions, please contact us at (416) 745-9892.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS, TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS 

We are very fortunate to live in an area, which has an interesting history and varied locations of interest in our immediate surroundings. Teachers are encouraged to make use of the world beyond the classroom as to stimulate and reinforce learning.

These programs and excursions usually involve some cost to the students. On occasion there is a cost for transportation and admission. We do our utmost to keep these costs to a minimum. We ask for your co-operation and support for all of these ventures, as they have a significant value in the overall education of your children.

RULES OF SCHOOL BUS SAFETY AND BEHAVIOUR 

Students will be picked up and discharged at designated stops only. The safety of the student is the responsibility of the parent until pick-up and after drop-off at designated stops.

On entering the bus, students will take a seat promptly and remain seated for the duration of the route. Respectful manners and appropriate language and behavior are expected. There is no eating or drinking on the bus.  The driver’s instructions must be obeyed at all times.

A student guilty of misconduct will be reported to the principal. The principal has the authority to revoke transportation privileges when a pupil fails to adhere to the designated rules of conduct.

The bus is considered an extension of the school.  The same rules of respect and responsibility apply.

NOT TAKING THE BUS 

Parents are reminded that it is our expectation that children who qualify for transportation will make regular use of the service. Please notify the office in writing if on occasion your child will not be taking the bus home.  All children are expected to go home on the bus unless prior written notification from parents has been received. 

Too often children get confusing verbal messages about which days they are going to be picked up by parents. For safety reasons, we require a note since we cannot necessarily verify that a telephone caller is indeed legitimate. We, at school, are stressing bus safety and appropriate behavior, and we ask that you reinforce this for the well being of your children.  

STANDARD OF BEHAVIOUR 

Resolution of Conflict 

The Toronto Catholic District Schools strive to have their students realize that physical and verbal aggression is not a socially acceptable method of resolving conflicts. The schools will develop social skills in our students that will promote a secure learning environment free from physical or mental intimidation.

BULLYING

Definition of Bullying

Bullying behavior is defined as any repeated verbal, physical or psychological action or implied action intended to cause harm, fear or distress to another person.   A victim of bullying has a difficult time defending him or herself.   Bullying may be carried out directly through physical or verbal means, or indirectly through relational bullying.

All forms of bullying are unacceptable behaviors.

Responsibilities of Students, Staff, and Parents

·         Ensure the school environment is one of respect, dignity, and trust, consistent with the Gospel Values

·         Show care and concern for others

·         Refuse to bully others

·         Show responsibility by immediately reporting acts of bullying

Caring bystanders are the key to stopping bullying!

Effects of Bullying

Children may develop long term, serious problems as a result of bullying or victimization.   It is critical that appropriate support and intervention strategies be provided to help bullies, victims, and all students to build positive relationships with their peers.

Respect for Peers

Students are expected to show respect for the rights of others at all times. Physical and/or verbal harassment will not be tolerated, allowing each student the right to an education free of fear and discrimination.

Students who are being harassed are encouraged to seek assistance. Harassment will be handled by the teacher and will involve contact with the home.

RULES FOR THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

·         Be courteous and show respect for the rights of others.

·         Play in your designated areas of the school playground.

·         Refrain from rough play. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

·         Skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, bats, hard ball of any kind and dangerous materials or objects are not permitted to be used on school property.

·         Report any injuries or incidents of harassment to the teachers or person in charge on supervision duty.

·         Obtain permission before entering the school during recess breaks and lunch.

·         The throwing of snow, sticks or stones is not allowed.

·         Use of inappropriate language will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Minor infractions will be dealt with by the teachers or persons assigned to supervision duty.  Any serious or repeated infractions will be reported to the office, which may result in loss of student privileges. Parents may also have to be contacted.

We use conflict resolution strategies and negotiating skills to help students take responsibility for their own actions.  These are encouraged at school, which is a safe, supportive environment for everyone. Practicing these skills and strategies provides an awareness of options and the confidence to approach a dispute from the perspective of a Catholic student. 

RESPECT FOR PROPERTY 

The school buildings, contents, (i.e. desks, texts, library books, gym equipment, etc.) and grounds deserve the same respect as one’s personal property. If students vandalize school property or lose school materials, they will be subject to making restitution for the cost of repair or replacement.  

Students are encouraged not to bring valuables or other forms of private property to school.

ST. DOROTHY LOCAL SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT 

The St. Dorothy Local School Code of Conduct was developed in collaboration with the community of St. Dorothy Catholic School which is rooted in the philosophy of progressive discipline.  Discipline can be defined as supporting students to make the right decisions.  It refers to instruction, correction, self-control and orderly conduct. Consistent and logical consequences, rather than punitive measures are important in order for students to learn that they can control their own behaviour by making appropriate choices. 

The interventions and consequences applied to instances of inappropriate behaviour must be made after consideration of a student’s history, age, level of remorse and any other mitigating factors that apply.  In a progressive discipline approach, consequences are designed to support the prosocial development and future behaviour of the person responsible for the action.  

Consequences must have a positive effect on the student’s journey through reconciliation, either formally or informally with the school community and those affected by the person’s behaviour.  Interventions, therefore, should be selected in direct response to individual skill development needs. The responsibility for a safe school and the education of appropriate social behaviour that is founded on Gospel values is everyone’s duty.  

Minor/Major/Suspendable Incidents 

The St. Dorothy Safe School Committee has identified “inappropriate incidents” in the following categories: 

·        Minor

·        Major

·        Suspendable 

Although these lists are not exhaustive, they provide a sampling of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviours that are sometimes exhibited by students: 

Minor

·        Hands on (e.g. pushing)

·        Spreading rumors

·        Teasing

·        Being disruptive in class

·        Not completing homework

·        Rough Play

·        Any other inappropriate incident(s) other than the ones deemed to be “Major/Suspendable” by School Administration, the TCDSB and the Ministry of Education. 

Major

·        Malicious/intentional hands on (e.g. fighting)

·        Swearing/Inappropriate language  (Verbal/gesture)

·        Habitual defiance/non-compliance

·        Bullying

·        Weapons

·        Vandalism

·        Any other inappropriate incident(s) deemed to be “Major” ” by School Administration, the TCDSB and the Ministry of Education. 

Suspendable

·        All behaviours that are classified as being “major”

·        Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person

·        Possession or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs

·        Swearing at a teacher or another person in a position of authority

·        Bullying

·        Committing an act of vandalism that causes damage to school property

·        Any other incident deemed to be suspendable by School Administration, the TCDSB and the Ministry of Education. 

The St. Dorothy Safe Schools Committee has developed a progressive discipline continuum which outlines the steps/interventions that will be followed when a student exhibits an “inappropriate behaviour.  (Appendix A) 

Suspensions 

The school administration will suspend a student if it is believed that they have engaged in any of the following activities below: 

• Possessing a weapon or a firearm
• Using a weapon to threaten bodily harm
• Committing a physical assault on another person requiring medical attention
• Committing sexual assault
• Trafficking illegal drugs/weapons
• Giving alcohol to a minor

It must be noted that these behaviours may lead to expulsion of the student from either the school or the TCDSB.  More information on suspensions and expulsions can be located in the TCDSB policy documents. 

Mitigating Factors

·        Mitigating factors shall be considered with every incident. 
 

Conducting an Investigation 

If the school administration team needs to conduct an investigation to determine the appropriate consequence for a student(s) inappropriate behaviour(s) then he/she may invoke section 265 1 (m) of the Education Act which states: 

“subject to an appeal to the board, to refuse to admit to the school or classroom a person whose presence in the school or classroom would in the principal’s judgment be detrimental to the physical or mental well-being of the pupils.”

If inappropriate behaviour by the student(s) is such that the Toronto Police needs to be informed and the Police initiate an investigation, the principal will follow the TCDSB Police Protocol as stated in the “Safe Schools” section of the TCDSB Policy Manual 

Review and Amendments

Once a year the St. Dorothy Safe Schools Committed will review and amend if necessary the school’s code of conduct.  This meeting will be called by the principal during the month of October. 

APPENDIX A
ST. DOROTHY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE CONTINUUM

School News

School Learning Improvement Plan -- 2009-2010

Safe School Plan -- 2009-2010

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: