Student success is fundamental in our partnership to live our school motto Pride in Faith, Self and Learning. Our approach of collaboration, Differentiated Instruction, evidence-based instruction, and community partnerships will help ensure success for all students.

The staff and students at St. Mark School also use Restorative Practices to build a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community. We have four community agreements among us:

- Attentive listening
- Appreciation/no put downs
- The right to pass
- Mutual Respect

Restorative approaches to conflict and incidents allow students to focus on working with each other to build and restore relationships. This is an approach of our progressive discipline policy with the intent to build a positive school climate.

For your references the following policies are available for you:
~ Code of Student Conduct and Discipline
~ Policy Against Bullying Behaviour

Our school will continue to be involved in the Canadian MedicAlert foundation’s No Child Without program. We are one of approximately 400 schools across Canada participating in this program. Students in our school who are between the ages of 4 and13 are able to participate in this program. The program offers MedicAlert membership at no cost. Parents who have a child with a medical condition or allergy or have a child who is required to take medication on a regular basis, should consider participating in this program. MedicAlert identification can alert school staff, friends, coaches and others about your child’s medical condition in an emergency. For further information, visit www.nochildwithout.ca. To enrol or if your child is already participating in the program and there have been changes in their medical condition or medications, contact MedicAlert at 1-877-282-5378 (Mon – Sat 9:00 – 5:00) to update your child’s file.

The mandate for the Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Services (HWSTS) Consortium includes the provision of safe, effective and efficient transportation services for students.
In the event that you require assistance from the Consortium staff during the school start up phase, all you need to do is call the contact centre at 90.523.2318 or 1.800.691.6402 and provide them with the details pertaining to your inquiry. All telephone calls to the Board office will be re-directed through the contact centre during the start up phase. IF THE NATURE OF YOUR CALL IS AN EMERGENCY SAFETY ISSUE, PLEASE NOTIFY THE TELEPHONE OPERATOR OF THAT IMMEDIATELY.

Parents are asked to ensure that their child is at their designated bus stop10 minutes before the pick-up time. Please stress with your child the importance of proper behaviour while riding the bus. Riding the bus is a privilege. Bus patrollers and bus drivers will report to the school any unacceptable behaviour and if not rectified, students will lose their bus privileges. Where a student expresses to the parent/guardian that they are having difficulties while riding the bus, please contact the school speak with Ms. Kocel to discuss the matter.

EMPTY SEAT STATUS REQUESTS:
Parents are reminded that students who are not designated as bus students must reapply for Empty Seat Request on a yearly basis. The processing of requests will begin in October. The transportation department will notify you and your family via St. Mark School, once an empty seat has been assigned. Visit and click services to find access to the courtesy/empty seat request form. Information about our Board policies on Transportation services can also be accessed at
www.hamiltonschoolbus.ca

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure prompt arrival and regular attendance of their child(ren) at school. Starting the day on time helps students start the day prepared and ready to learn. Parental assistance in this area is much appreciated.

1. LATENESS: Students are expected to be at school for morning and afternoon sessions at least five minutes before the entry bell so that they can begin their lessons promptly. A student is late if they arrive at school after his/her class has entered the school. Late students are asked to report to the office pick up a late slip, which will then be given to the homeroom teacher. Frequent lateness will result in consequences including making up time missed during recess.

2. ABSENCES: Parents are required to call 905.560.0032 to report a child’s absence. Voicemail is available to leave messages 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

3. APPOINTMENTS: Students leaving school, outside regular dismissal times must provide a note written in the agenda to their teacher and be picked up by a parent, guardian or designate at the office.

All parents, guardians and older siblings are to report to the school office, sign the visitors’ book and receive a visitor's sticker upon arrival.

Visitors/parents or guardians, will not be permitted to your child’s class once instructional time has begun. If you wish to speak to your child, your child’s teacher, drop off an item, or pick up your child, this will be arranged through the office.

Students who arrive late to school are required to sign in at the office with Miss Traina, receive an admit slip to class. Students will then proceed to their class on their own. If students require assistance, we will be able to help your child to class.

All visitors to the school that are staying in the building are required to wear a visitor’s sticker that will be provided by the school secretary after the person has signed in. If you are delivering lunches, etc., please leave them at the office.

St. Mark is a place where all children feel safe and have a sense of belonging. To ensure the safety and well-being of all children, please note below important information from Anaphylaxis Canada:

• Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death;
• Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen (a substance capable of causing an allergic reaction)
• Very small amounts of certain foods can cause severe reactions when eaten. This may happen if a person at risk touches an allergenic substance and then subsequently touches the mouth. Even a very small amount ‘hidden’ in a food or transferred to a serving utensil has the potential to cause a severe allergic reaction. Direct ingestion of an allergy-causing food poses the greatest risk for people with food allergies.

Cooperation from parent and guardians in adhering to the guidelines below is most appreciated:

• There are students at this school who are allergic to the following foods and items: Peanuts, Tree nuts, Egg, Sesame, Fish, and Shell Fish
• Parents will be advised of allergens specific to a classroom; please avoid bringing these allergens into the designated classroom.
• Reinforce hand washing practices: wash hands before and after eating.
• Remind children not to share or trade food, food utensils, or food containers.
• Please do NOT bring any home-made food products into the school; with permission, non-food items are permitted for various celebrations and special events and activities.

Thank you for your help in keeping all our children safe.

Please note, that if your child is not feeling well at school it is importatnt that they speak to their teacher about their illness. If a call home is needed, this shall be made from the office only. Using cell phones or PEDs to call or text home is not permitted.

If you are aware of your child’s absence in advance, due to illness or an appointment, please call the school between 4:00 p.m. and 8:55 a.m. to report your child’s absence.