2020-2021 Parent Handbook

Strathroy Community Christian School

Parent Handbook

7880 Walkers Drive

Strathroy ON N7G 3H4

www.sccs.ca

principal@sccs.ca

www.Facebook.com/StrathroyCommunityChristianSchool

Introduction................................................................................... 4

History ........................................................................................... 5

Foundational Statements............................................................... 6

Affiliations ..................................................................................... 9

Educational Program ................................................................... 10

Philosophy of Christian Education ..................................................................................................................... 10

Program of Instruction ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Graduate Profile ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

Special Education ................................................................................................................................................... 13

Promotion and Retention ..................................................................................................................................... 14

Library and Media Resources ............................................................................................................................... 15

Chapels .................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Tuition Information ..................................................................... 16

Tuition Policy .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

Tuition Schedule ..................................................................................................................................................... 16

Tuition Assistance .................................................................................................................................................. 16

Delinquent Tuition ................................................................................................................................................. 16

Fundraising.............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Charitable Tax Receipts ......................................................................................................................................... 19

Transportation ............................................................................. 20

Transportation Services ........................................................................................................................................ 20

School Bus Discipline ............................................................................................................................................ 20

Bus Routes .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Inclement Weather ................................................................................................................................................. 21

Communication ........................................................................... 22

The Connection ..................................................................................................................................................... 22

The Community Connection ............................................................................................................................... 22

Reporting Student Progress .................................................................................................................................. 22

Conflict Resolution Procedure for Parents ........................................................................................................ 23

OACS Conflict Resolution Appendix ................................................................................................................. 24

General School Information ........................................................ 26

School Calendar ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

Instructional Day ................................................................................................................................................... 26

Kindergarten Schedule .......................................................................................................................................... 26

Student Code of Conduct .................................................................................................................................... 26

Discipline Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 27

Dress Code .............................................................................................................................................................. 28

Homework Guidelines .......................................................................................................................................... 28

Telephone Use ........................................................................................................................................................ 30

Early Dismissal ....................................................................................................................................................... 30

Student Absenteeism ............................................................................................................................................. 31

Student Vacation Guidelines ................................................................................................................................ 31

School Supplies....................................................................................................................................................... 31

School Pictures ....................................................................................................................................................... 31

Lost and Found ...................................................................................................................................................... 31

School Trips ............................................................................................................................................................ 31

Money and Valuables at School ........................................................................................................................... 31

Inside Footwear ...................................................................................................................................................... 32

Student Health ........................................................................................................................................................ 32

Student Services & Activities ...................................................... 34

Intramurals .............................................................................................................................................................. 34

School Sports .......................................................................................................................................................... 34

Graduation Awards ................................................................................................................................................ 34

How to Get Involved ................................................................... 36

Volunteer ................................................................................................................................................................. 36

Strathroy Community Christian School Page 3

Introduction

This is an exciting place not just for students to learn and grow, but for staff who help to build strong

foundations for children. Every day, students are engaged with new and exciting activities through

Strathroy Community Christian School (SCCS), whether in the classroom, where a myriad of unique

learning opportunities are brought to life, or in our community, where our students connect and learn

independently and cooperatively.

We are passionate about ―transformative education of mind, body and spirit‖ through our dedicated

staff, well-rounded programs and extra-curricular events for students. We are also backed up by an

extremely supportive community of parents, alumni and friends who invest their time, money and

energy into the success of every child. While we are proud of all of these at SCCS, the real excitement

comes from living and walking in the way of the Lord.

We hope you feel warmly welcomed in our school community! To help you navigate the many facets of

our school, we‘ve created this handbook, outlining some areas that will help make your entry into SCCS

easier. As always, please feel free to contact myself if you have questions, comments or concerns – I

would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

It is my prayer that SCCS will continue to receive the blessings of the Lord. There will be times when we

don‘t have all the information but it should not stop us from taking the next step which God has laid out

before us.

Blessings,

Kyle Sandford

Principal

Strathroy Community Christian School

Our Mission

Providing quality, Christ-centred education

Our Vision

To provide outstanding, transformative education of mind, body and spirit

so that God will be glorified in the Strathroy community.

History

SCCS is an interdenominational Christian school striving to serve the Strathroy community for God‘s

glory! In 1952, a group of five men began meeting together to pray and plan for a Christian day school in

Strathroy. Gathering thirty-five members, this devoted group of Christians accepted the responsibility to

instruct children in the understanding that our world and everything in it belongs to God. Through the

grace of God, a two-week summer course focusing on the Bible, church history and geography was

launched while plans for the day school were prayerfully developed. In the basement of East Christian

Reformed Church, John Calvin Christian School opened its doors to a group of 57 students on September

7, 1955.

The following years brought many blessings to the school community. Enrolment has grown from the

original 57 students to as many as 272 in 1972. Increasing enrolment brought about changes in location,

initially moving the John Calvin community to a facility across the street from its first church home and

then relocating to our present facility in 1996. Through this growth, we have seen our annual school

budget rise from $7,500 in 1955 to now over $1,000,000. The 2020–2021 student body is comprised of

more than 190 children representing more than 25 churches. Students attend our school not only from

the local Strathroy-Caradoc community, but also are bussed from communities such as Ilderton, Glencoe,

Watford, Delaware and many points in between.

Many things have changed over the years! What remains unchanged is the teaching of Christ at the centre

of everything and that God has a purpose for each one of us in His world. May the grace of God and the

devotion of our community of believers continue to bring blessings to His school for many years to

come.

It is our hope that this document will be a useful guide for you in order to better understand the policies

and procedures. Our goal is always to remain faithful to Christ in our teachings and how we deal with one

another within the Christian community.


Foundational Statements

Article Three of the Constitution

The basis of this Society is the infallible word of God as found in the Old and New Testaments and

confessed in the following Reformed Educational Creed:

1. CREATION

2. FALL

A) Creation of the Universe: God created the world. Nothing exists apart from Him. In spite

of sin, this world is still the object of His love and He continues to care for and sustain the

Creation so that nothing happens by chance. Christian education takes place in the context of

this belief and therefore, seeks to give full expression to the confession of a created world.

B) Life: Since we by nature are religious beings, we must ultimately choose for God or against.

Christians recognize and acknowledge that they are called by God to direct their Heart and

their whole being to the glory of God and for His service. Only through Jesus Christ do we

recognize God as Creator.

C) Mankind: We were created by God to be His image bearer, to enjoy covenantal fellowship

with, and to rule over the world in loving and obedient service. God called us to develop the

gifts of this world to the glory of His name and for the enjoyment of mankind. Therefore, we

are given a mandate to direct all our activities towards this purpose.

A) Sin: Sin is our disobedience to God‘s law and the breaking of covenant with God. By sinning,

we estranged ourselves from God and brought a curse on ourselves and upon creation, thereby

distorting and twisting our office and task. As a result, we have become corrupt in our hearts

and blind in our understanding to the true meaning of life. In Christian education we are called

to help our children recognize the power of sin in their own lives, in their areas of study, and in

the world as they experience it.

3. REDEMPTION

A) Jesus Christ. We confess that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man. Through His sacrifice on

the cross He has overcome the power of sin. He has redeemed this world and our lives and has

reconciled us to God. Through the word and the spirit Jesus Christ redirects our understanding to

rightly know God, ourselves, and the world. As citizens of His kingdom, we are called to become

Christ-like and to let His will be the standard for our lives in this world.

B) Bible. The knowledge of God and the world has been distorted by sin. God, in His grace,

has given us the Bible to reveal to us His work of Creation and the redeeming work of Jesus

Christ. God‘s word, therefore, gives us truth by which the holy spirit enlightens our

understanding and renews our hearts. The Bible provides for Christian education the

foundational and guiding principles for the life of a school and its curriculum.

4. RELATIONSHIPS

A) Child: The child, entrusted by God to parents, needs nurture, correction and instruction.

Children of Christian parents share in the promises and demands of the covenant. Such

children should be educated in schools where God‘s word provides the basis and direction for

all learning.

B) Parents: Parents have the primary and ultimate responsibility to nurture and educate their

children, and to raise them in the fear of God. Parents voluntarily delegate a degree of

authority in educating their children to the school and its teachers. Consequently, parents must

show vital interest and concern in the programs, and the organization and direction of the

school.

C) Community: One of the primary tasks of the Christian community is the upbringing of its

young members in accordance with God‘s revelation. The establishment and promotion of

Christian education involves the whole Christian community. It is therefore the responsibility

of the community of believers to support parents in their endeavour to educate their children

in a Christian school.

D) Education: Education must equip the student for a life of service. The process and

development of education is a necessary activity by which one acquires knowledge, cultural

awareness and cultural skills. Christian education must help students discern their Goddirected

calling, to grow in faith, understanding, and maturity.

E) The Christian School: The Christian school is an institution designated by the Christian

community to implement the goals and purposes of Christian education. The Christian

school reflects the Christian community in which it operates, while at the same time giving

leadership in the area of education.

F) Teachers: Teachers have been entrusted by the parents to exercise pedagogical responsibilities.

Christian teachers are expected to convey a Christian perspective in each subject area and to

convey a distinct Christian attitude in discipline and behaviour matters. As Christian teachers they

are to show a diligence to bring their life and teaching in conformity to God‘s revealed will and to

set an example of Godliness.

G) Kingdom of God: Since this world is part of God‘s kingdom where Satan has been allowed to

wield power, our culture and all our activities are ultimately directed towards either the one or the

other. Christian education seeks to help students discern the powers at work in our culture and in

their lifestyle, and it helps them to mould, shape and direct their activities and culture to the glory

of God.

H) Vocation: Christians are called to serve in the kingdom of God. They see their vocation as a

calling to develop their God-given talents and abilities. Christian education must help lay the

groundwork for future decisions in choosing a vocation. Children must be taught that their

learning is also a service in God‘s kingdom.


I) Stewardship: The Bible calls us to be stewards of the earth. We may use the world‘s resources

providing they are seen as gifts and are used in God‘s service and in the context of loving our

neighbour. The child learns to develop a lifestyle which uses God‘s gifts prudently.

J) Instructional Program: The instructional program is based on statements of

principles regarding the concept and purposes of the school:

―The role of the Christian school (then) is to set up an educational program in which

everything that is taught or done will pass through these three screens:

(1) a scriptural philosophy of education from a reformed perspective.

(2) the approach of learning with a Christian view of the child as a child of God and

of the covenant with God.

(3) an estimate of the needs and characteristics of the contemporary society in which

children must live – in which they must serve, honour, and glorify their God.‖

Affiliations

Strathroy Community Christian School is affiliated with Edvance.

Edvance‘s mission is to foster excellence in Christian elementary and secondary schools. And they believe

that excellence in education depends on excellence in leadership. That‘s why Edvance aims to accomplish

this mission by developing the courage, competence, and character of Christian school leaders. It supports

robust visions for Christian learning and citizenship and advances the issues common to independent Christian

schools. It‘s Edvance‘s goal to know school leaders by name, to understand the unique culture of each

individual school, and to provide advice, coaching — and even just a listening ear — whenever needed.

For more information about Edvance please visit www.Edvance.ca.


Educational Program

Philosophy of Christian Education

Educational Philosophy Summary Statement

Strathroy Community Christian School is to provide an educational program that challenges students to

develop an integrated Christian world and life view. Biblical integration refers to our ability to effectively

understand and communicate God‘s truth, as written in His Word, the Bible, in every sphere of society and

learning. At SCCS, we want to teach our students the intellectual and spiritual foundations of our culture

and to train them how to think critically. Therefore, we must equip our students to understand and

appreciate the humanities and to appraise the various forms of human thought and expression from a

Christian worldview. The foundation of all truth and learning is the Word of God, and integration is not

built on indoctrination, but on a deep and comprehensive understanding of God and His Word. To think

critically about old and new ideas, students must be able to think theologically, judging all ideas by what

they understand of God and His Word. The Bible is not merely a part of our core curriculum; it is the

means by which we see truth in all its applications.

SCCS encourages students to achieve academic excellence in a nurturing environment. The key to achieving

academic excellence is the teacher, who must be a mature believer in a dynamic relationship with Christ,

and who must possess the desire and ability to educate effectively. Teachers must be academically able to

use the curriculum as a tool and skillfully integrate their Christian faith into their subjects. We believe that

such a teacher can use both Christian and secular texts as tools for learning if they provide important

information and thinking skills. All truth is God‘s truth. Christian education involves training as much as it

involves teaching, and at SCCS we minister to the mind, heart and spirit of each child. After all our vision

statement is To provide outstanding, transformative education of mind, body and spirit so that God

will be glorified in the Strathroy community. As valuable as knowledge is, God has ordained that His

truth is most meaningful and effective when it is imparted from heart to heart, and from life to life.

Furthermore, SCCS is committed to the following educational principles:

1. Christian education had its foundation in the Creator-creature relationship taught in the Scriptures. It

is understood as a process in which a child‘s personality is nurtured and his/her potential is released by

instruction in the truth of God, and human knowledge leavened by that truth.

2. The responsibility for education rests upon the parents (Deut. 6:6–9, Eph. 6:1–4). They may delegate a

part of this responsibility to an institution that is able to carry forward their God-given task.

3. The child is regarded first of all as a spiritual-physical creature, created in the image of God, capable

of learning, knowing, obeying, and enjoying the truth of God‘s Word and the laws of His creation. He

is also regarded as a social creature standing in relation to his fellow man, having moral, intellectual,

social and aesthetic needs. Since all children are created in the image of God, no child shall be denied

admission because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour or gender.

4. The curriculum of the Christian school is designed to provide excellent academic and spiritual

instruction in order to prepare children to take their place in the home, the state, and their vocations

or professions in a manner that is glorifying to God.

Philosophical Objectives of Education

Authentic Faith

SCCS‘s objectives in developing hearts impassioned to love God are to teach:

that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, is the source for all truth, and is relevant,

practical, and important for today;

that God is the Creator and sustainer of the universe and of man;

that man is sinful by nature and lost without God;

that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and the only means for our salvation;

that man can only know God and receive salvation and forgiveness by receiving God‘s gift of grace

through faith in Christ alone; and

the necessity of knowing Christ personally and trusting in Him for all things.

Academic Excellence

SCCS‘ objectives in developing minds disciplined to think biblically are to:

expect and encourage a high level of performance from each student;

challenge each student to accept individual responsibility for his/her own academic progress;

teach students to work both independently and cooperatively;

develop the creative skills of each student;

develop an appreciation of the fine arts;

help the student develop effective communication skills; and

teach the student the knowledge and skills required for future academic experience and

for occupational competence.

Personal Responsibility

SCCS‘ objectives in developing hands prepared to serve are to teach the student

to manifest fairness, courtesy, kindness, truthfulness, and honesty;

to accept responsibility for his/her own actions and to discern clearly between right and wrong;

his/her responsibility to reach out to others by sharing his/her faith;

to apply biblical ethics and standards of morality to every facet of life; and

to develop a desire for wholesome physical and mental recreation.

Used with permission from Naples Christian Academy


Program of Instruction

The Program of Instruction at SCCS is unique in that it is distinctly Christ-centred. We acknowledge that

God is our ultimate authority and, through Christ we are called to bring Him honour and glory, and to

further His Kingdom in this world. To that end, SCCS provides Christ-centred education through Biblical

curriculum which:

Attempts to define the principles of a Christian world and life view in all areas of learning. This

comprehensive program will include the following areas of study - Bible, the Language Arts,

Mathematics, the Physical and Social Sciences, Physical Education, and the Fine Arts.

Shows progression from each grade and subject to the next and demonstrate the relationship

between subjects.

Recognizes the nature of a child‘s growth and the developmental aspects thereof, and provide for

individual differences.

Helps the child develop into a mature citizen of God‘s Kingdom in contemporary society.

Meets the educational requirements of the Province of Ontario.

Ensures each subject is taught through the lens of the authority of God‘s truth in the Bible. Isaiah

40:8 states, ―The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.‖

In addition to the curriculum, SCCS is committed to creating a culture where the Holy Spirit is invited to

do His transformational work through:

Daily devotional time spent with God through Bible reading, singing and prayer. Connecting with

God daily deepens our reliance on Him. Deuteronomy 17:19 encourages us in this practice: ―he is

to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God‖.

Modeling Christian standards of relationships. Jesus taught that we are to ―Love the Lord your

God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength...

Love your neighbour as yourself.‖ (Mark 12:30–31). SCCS staff model Christian conduct in their

relationship to God, colleagues, parents, and students.

Time devoted to study the Bible as a core subject. Psalm 119:105 states, ―Your word is a lamp to

my feet and a light for my path.‖

Monthly theme-based chapel for all students. ―Through Jesus, let us continually offer to God a

sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name‖ (Hebrews 13:15). Chapels include

times of singing, prayer, Bible reading, and sharing by teachers and students.

Memory work. Students in JK through grade 8 are expected to memorize scripture. Deuteronomy

11:18a states, ―Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds‖. We grow in relationship with

God by staying focused on his Word.

Providing opportunities to serve God through service to others. Students have opportunities

daily to serve others in the classroom and on the playground. 1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to

serve, stating, ―Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully

administering God‘s grace in its various forms‖. Community serving opportunities are

offered as part of the educational program at SCCS.

Graduate Profile

Strathroy Community Christian School provides students with an elementary education that

integrates Christian faith, learning and living into all aspects of life. Thus, at the end of a student‘s

elementary education:

Students will have been taught that God claims them as His own; encouraged to respond in

faith and love to God and neighbours; and challenged to develop their commitment to Jesus

Christ in reliance on the Holy Spirit and the Bible.

Students will have been exposed to the wonders, intricacies, and patterns of God‘s creation,

in both nature and society; encouraged to explore and evaluate the diversity of human

knowledge and experience in science, the arts, literature, language, social sciences, applied

technologies, and physical activity; and enabled to develop both creativity and discipline in

full utilization of their God-given gifts.

Students will have been pointed towards a life of Christian discipleship; stimulated to serve

others; and prepared to live out their Christian commitment in all areas of life, as

participants in God‘s redemptive work.

Please refer to SCCS Policy #510 for full text

Special Education

The mandate of the resource department is to help students and teachers develop strategies in order

to maintain a challenging and rewarding learning environment for every student. We place emphasis

on accountability and collaboration, which includes communication among those who support

students‘ overall growth and development: students, families, educators, service providers and

community members. We believe access to general education opportunities is the right of every

student. We are dedicated in our efforts to provide the necessary supports for all students to learn in

their communities so they have the best opportunities to display their growth.

The Bridge

Strathroy Community Christian School has developed a long-term strategy to ensure that each of its

students is given the best chance of achieving success.

In 2011, the SCCS board and school operations leaders approved and launched a proactive student

support philosophy called the Bridge. It‘s a way of thinking and it‘s also a room – together the

Bridge ensures that our 200+ students have strong foundations built on social and emotional

support.

The Bridge is spearheaded by one social worker, one full-time educational assistant and two parttime

educational assistants. They work with students, in cooperation with parents, teachers and our

school principal, to troubleshoot learning obstacles. (Such as chaotic starts to the day because of


anxiety over learning schedules.)

Bridge team members are assigned students to immediately and effectively change the dynamic of

classroom learning. Staff has the ability and authority to act quickly to meet the cultural needs of the

classroom and can follow up on student progress hourly throughout the day.

The Bridge room is an essential component to the program. It gives students a change of

environment to physically, emotionally and psychologically separate themselves from classroom

obstacles. In this setting, Bridge staff can better understand how individual students learn and can

customize learning methods to support their needs.

The room‘s creative space, which includes a couch, computers, and tables for games, opens for

students before school begins and closes shortly after school ends. Here, students of all grade levels

learn together and are offered a wide range of activities that help each of them in their own ways.

They challenge themselves with board games, problem-solve tablet activities, write tests, play with

Play-Doh, construct with Lego, complete puzzles and much more. The older students will often read

to and engage in play with younger students.

Bridge staff is very deliberate about creating unique learning opportunities for students. If they can‘t

read well, they can use audio books. If they can hear well, staff use more sounds to communicate. If

students have high anxiety about talking in front of their class, a Bridge team member records their

speech, which is played for their teacher.

Through the support of the board, staff, parents and students, the Bridge has been a successful

learning program to engage each student to celebrate their own uniqueness.

Promotion and Retention

Each grade has standard achievement level which is determined by the local school, MAP testing

and other achievement measurements. Students have a wide range of abilities and may progress at

different rates within each grade level. Adequate evaluation, including annual evaluation of student

performance, individual and school results of the MAP test, and/or other diagnostics tests, is a

prerequisite for both promotion and retention.

Retention: A failing grade in a core subject warrants consideration for having a student repeat a

grade.

When considering repetition, the teacher consults regularly with The Bridge, principal, and

parent(s)/guardian(s), with a decision guided by what will most benefit the student.

Considerations will include a possible Bridge/home study program.

Parents should be kept up-to-date concerning their child‘s progress and should be informed

of possible retention by the time the second term report card is issued.

If possible, the student will not be retained more than once during their elementary

education.

Promotion: In situations in which students are promoted on a trial basis, the student‘s

performance must be evaluated at the end of September to determine if the student should

remain in the promoted grade or be moved back to the previous grade. Experience has shown

that few struggling students benefit from promotion on a trial basis.

Acceleration: On occasion a student may be accelerated by one grade level. The following will

be considered before a decision concerning a student‘s acceleration is made:

whether the student can be appropriately challenged in his/her current grade by

providing enrichment alongside the existing curriculum;

the student‘s social maturity and ability to assimilate into a new peer group; appropriate

testing indicating the student‘s ability to handle the work at the accelerated level.

consultation and agreement between the classroom teacher, resource teacher, administrator,

parent(s)/guardian(s), and the student

(Please refer to SCCS policy #440 for full text)

Library and Media Resources

SCCS has been blessed with an extensive library for the enjoyment of all students. Students

access library resources as part of the weekly schedule and are asked to return borrowed items

within the scheduled time frame. The Christian library exists as an integral part of the

educational program at SCCS and is an extension of the classroom:

To provide resources for an inquiry-centred education, thus enriching the

student‘s understanding of God‘s creation and all of life.

To provide a collection of works using a combination of discernment and

balance, as well as cultural context, to foster the appreciation and

understanding of literature as a God-given human activity.

To provide the means and methods by which students can become life-long independent

learners prepared to live in a world where the Christian is surrounded by the influences

of the secular media.

(Please refer to SCCS Policy #138 for full text)

Technology in classroom settings

The school is equipped with a full computer lab for student use which is integrated into regular

learning. Most classrooms are also outfitted with Promethean boards to enhance curriculum

delivery, compliment individual learning strategies, and provide exposure to the utilization of

technology.

Chapels

Devotional chapels are generally held on the first Wednesday morning of each month. They include

singing and a short devotional time with school-related announcements. The aim will be to make

them worshipful, rather than entertaining. Parents and friends are invited to join us in praise and

prayer. Please refer to the school calendar and The Connection for dates.


Tuition Policy

Tuition Information

The Society of SCCS is committed to providing affordable Christian education to all parents or

guardians wishing to have their children educated at SCCS.

Please contact the school office for this year‘s tuition schedule.

Tuition Schedule

Families enrolling their children at Strathroy Community Christian School must submit a

completed Tuition Payment Plan indicating the schedule by which they intend to pay the

associated tuition cost. Annual submission of a Pledge Form is a requirement of enrolment at

SCCS.

For returning families, this process occurs in the spring. Payment plans are distributed by

June 1 each year and are due June 15. Families who have not returned their Payment Plans

by June 15 will receive an e-mail as a reminder.

For new families, this occurs at the time of registration.

A deposit of $500 (to be applied to total tuition paid for the year) is required from each

returning family by July 31, and upon enrolment for new families, to guarantee their child(ren)‘s

space(s) in SCCS classrooms.

SCCS does accommodate special payment arrangements for tuition payments from ‗split‘ or

blended families.

Tuition Assistance

Bursary Forms are available from the school website, bookkeeper, and administrative assistant.

Applications for tuition assistance can be made at any time, however, those received before June 30

for the following school year will receive preference for monies that are available for disbursement.

See Policy 224 for further information on the Bursary Fund.

(Please refer to SCCS Policy #221A for full text)

Delinquent Tuition

All outstanding tuition from the previous school year must be paid in full before a student may

begin each school year. In the event that outstanding tuition remains, a payment plan must be

approved by the Tuition Review Committee before a student may begin the school year at SCCS.

(Please refer to SCCS Policy #221A for full text)

Fundraising

A number of fundraising initiatives occur during the school year to keep tuition affordable and

provide financial assistance for student activities.

Second Chance Community Store

The Second Chance Community Store is your favourite destination for gently used home, garden

and construction products! It‘s located just down the street from the school, at 24661 Adelaide

Road, Strathroy.

Donate your goods, then shop in our ever-changing retail store, packed with something for

everyone! Your support helps to divert waste from our fragile environment and supports the

operations of Strathroy Community Christian School. (More than $1,000 for your family every

year!)

Store Hours

Monday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Closed

Pickup and delivery are available.

If you would like to volunteer or have questions/comments regarding the store please contact

them at 519-246-6000 or storemanager@sccs.ca

For much more information, including lists of what you can and can‘t donate, please visit our

website at www.SecondChanceCommunityStore.ca.

FundScrip Gift Card Program

Fundscrip is a year-round fundraising program for parents to reduce the cost of their tuition while

raising funds for SCCS.

SCCS buys gift cards/certificates in bulk at a discounted rate and sells them at face value to

Fundscrip participants. Every participating family is given an account in which their purchases are

recorded and 50% of the profit goes into this account to be used toward their tuition. SCCS

keeps the remaining 50% which goes directly into the school‘s budget. The gift cards/certificates

are used by the Fundscript participants just like cash at the participating retailers - without having

cost them anything extra.

It‘s not just available for parents. Anyone can raise money! Parents, grandparents, friends, school

society members, donors and school supporters are all invited to participate.


How to Participate

REGISTER

First go to www.fundscrip.com. Click on the ‗Support Your Group‘ button. Use the SCCS

registration code: F4YP6A. Follow the instructions and you will be registered in a couple of

minutes.

For those raising money for a student, enter their name in the Last Name field after your last

name, separated by a hyphen. For example: ―Smith - Jackson and Sophia‖

ORDER

Step 1. If you wish to pay via EFT (direct debit from your bank account), please complete the

EFT application and fax/email it to FundScrip with a void cheque. SCCS has a fax machine to use

if you wish to use it. Paying via EFT ensures there are no additional charges for SCCS.

Step 2. Upon EFT approval (which may take a couple of days) log back in and select gift cards

from 230+ retailers.

Step 3. Pay. Your EFT-paid orders are due on the first Monday of every month at 9:00 a.m. If you

wish to use online bill payment, your payment must be submitted five days prior to this. (If you

use your credit card, there is a 1.99% charge to SCCS on every card you order.)

Step 4. Pick up your cards at SCCS, beginning on the first Thursday of the month.

PAPER METHOD

Using the paper form? You don‘t need to register. Simply complete the form in the Fundscrip

package – more are available at the school office and online at www.sccs.ca. Paper orders are due

the last Wednesday of the month with payment and the order will be ready for pickup the

Thursday after the 1st Monday of the month.

Payment can be made by cheque or cash in the school office. Cheques must be made payable to

Strathroy Community Christian School.

Goods & Services Auction and Dinner

Strathroy Community Christian School‘s largest fundraising event is held at the Caradoc

Community Centre in Mt. Brydges. The silent auction starts at 4:00 p.m. and the free dinner starts

at 5:30 p.m. with the fantastic live auction to follow. Last year, with the support of the school‘s

community, more than $45,000 was raised!

Spring Dinner

Everyone is invited to our annual Spring Dinner. Join us for a fun-filled evening including dinner

and entertainment. By donation only.

Spring Drive

Month of May

Our annual Spring Drive for Christian Education kicks off the first week in May and runs

throughout the month. A brochure and letter will be given to those connected to the school, as

well as select church mailboxes. Please prayerfully consider donating to the Drive, as it supports

everything God makes possible at SCCS.

Golf Tournament

First Saturday in June

Our annual golf tournament is an exhilarating fundraiser that is held at Widder Station Golf &

Country Club on the first Saturday in June. The fun starts with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. Each

golfer will enjoy 18 holes of golf with a shared cart; coffee and muffins; exciting gifts; and a

chicken and roast beef dinner!

All families are encouraged to participate as we work together for the financial benefit of all!

Charitable Tax Receipts

Part of tuition is tax-deductible. The federal government has a formula for assessing part of the

tuition as a ‗fee for service‘ per child, and allows the SCCS Society, as a charitable organization, to

issue a charitable tax receipt for the remainder per CRA memo IC 75-23. The ‗fee for service‘ varies

from year to year and is approximately $1,800 per full-time student.


Transportation

Transportation Services

SCCS is pleased to offer professional transportation services for the benefit of our school

families. Students are bussed from several communities within Middlesex County including

Ilderton, Glencoe, Watford, Delaware and many points in between.

SCCS strives to provide students with a safe and positive bussing experience. To this end, a clear

understanding of priorities and procedures and strict rules of enforcement is necessary. The two

major priorities are:

Safety: This is always the number one priority at SCCS Transportation. Any actions on

the part of riders that threaten the safety of riders will be dealt with swiftly and firmly.

Good Behaviour: This is also a very high priority. All riders using SCCS transportation

expect and deserve a completely safe journey as well as an entirely pleasant and positive one.

In order to insure that this happens, we are prepared to deal swiftly and firmly with riders

who show disrespect for fellow riders or people outside the bus.

School Bus Discipline

The bus driver has full authority over his/her riders. If there is improper behaviour, discipline

begins with a warning. If that warning is heeded, no further actions are required. If there is

noncompliance with the rules or the driver‘s instructions, the rider will be moved to a seat near the

front for a short or longer term. If there continue to be concerns, the school principal will be called

in.

Our bus monitor system, which employs the use of fellow students reporting poor conduct to the

drivers and principal, is a means for SCCS to maintain safety on the bus. SCCS reserves the right to

take whatever action necessary to find a positive solution, including assigning a rider a designated

seat near the front of the bus, a one- to three-day suspension of riding privileges or, in the case of

ongoing concerns or serious infractions, an indefinite suspension of riding privileges.

Please refer to policy #640 - SCCS Bus Policy & Procedure Manual for detailed information.

Bus Routes

We operate five buses to transport all of our students who live within our bussing zone. Please ask

about current bus route information.

Just a few quick notes about bussing this year:

Later in September, your children will be receiving training on what to do in case of

emergency on the bus, much like the regular fire drills that the school does. This will be led

by our bus coordinator.

If you have any concerns through the year concerning transportation, please contact the Bus

Coordinators or the principal through the school office.

Our phone chain has been replaced with a texting/website method. Please see below for

details.

Inclement Weather

Inclement weather may lead to the delay or cancellation of our buses. Having the busses cancelled

for the day does not necessarily mean the school will be closed. It will be the Principal's decision to

have the school open and running as normal or with a modified schedule with the teachers

reporting to work accordingly. Announcements about bus delays or cancellations or school closures

are posted on our website at www.sccs.ca and on Facebook and by text message. The transportation

expectation then is that parents will arrange to have their child attend school that day through

personal transportation or they will opt for their child to stay home.

More specifically:

In the event of bus cancellations due to FOG, buses will be cancelled in the morning but

will operate in the afternoon as scheduled unless otherwise posted (effective September

2018).

In the event of bus cancellations due to any other kind of inclement weather, bus

cancellations are in effect for the entire day.

In cases when buses are delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather, school will normally

remain open at its usual hours but with a modified program, except in extreme weather.

In cases of extreme weather, the principal may decide to close the school. Decisions to

close school will be announced on www.sccs.ca, Facebook, and text message.

In the event that an inclement weather event occurs or is expected to occur during school

hours, the decision to run buses or close school early will typically be made by noon at the

latest.

In cases of early dismissal, parents will be notified by announcements on www.sccs.ca,

Facebook, and text message so that they can make bus drop off arrangements for their

children.


Communication

The Connection

The Connection is a weekly electronic publication provided via email each Wednesday to all SCCS

families and SCCS Society members. The Connection is the link between the Board, administrator,

staff, membership, students, and the home providing a wealth of information on activities and

events happening at SCCS. It provides specific information about the classroom work each teacher

has covered throughout the week to keep parents/guardians informed of homework, assignments,

and other student responsibilities. If you would prefer a paper copy of The Connection, please notify

the administrative assistant at the school office.

The Community Connection

The Community Connection is a quarterly newsletter which showcases the talents of the students as

well as providing communication from committees serving the school and the membership. The

newsletter is a distributed to all parents, members and school supporters.

Reporting Student Progress

Report Card Distribution:

November (last week) – First-Term Reports

March (Before March Break) – Second-Term Reports

June (Last day of School) – Third-Term Reports

The evaluation presented on the report card is based on the broadest sample possible of the

student‘s achievements, such as the result from teacher made tests, quizzes, observations and

samples of student work.

The report card is one of the means of communicating the results of evaluation and it is

extremely important for parents to review the report card with their child.

The report card presents two forms of marks. The letter grade represents the student‘s academic

achievement in a subject while the check mark system represents a student‘s effort, attitude, and

aptitude for a given element within the subject. For further detail about the report card refer to

the parent‘s guides to the report cards. The parents may keep the report card, but must sign the

envelope and send it back to school.

We believe that children make the best progress when home and school work together. We

encourage you to share your comments and observations with your child‘s teacher. We seek your

active and prayerful support in our work here at SCCS.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

December (All Parents) – First Week

March (By Request) – End of the Month

Parents sign up for interview times through an online booking system. Parent-teacher interviews

are great times for both the teacher and the parent to learn more about each child and to celebrate

achievements and to make plans for improved learning. Any time you have concerns, however,

please contact the teacher involved.

Test Envelopes

Teachers will also regularly send student work home for parents to look over so that they are

aware of what is being learned in class and as a more regular update on student progress.

Conflict Resolution Procedure for Parents

...the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy

and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 (NIV)

One of the benefits of being part of a school community which is committed to Christ are the

shared core values between parents and school about the high moral standards and teaching

methods used in the education of students. Although we strive to live following the example of

Jesus Christ, conflict may arise between people within the school community (i.e. student and

teacher, teacher and parent). As a unified body under God, our shared values should provide the

basis for conflict resolution in the SCCS community. We are urged to respect authority

relationships (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Romans 13:1, 7, and Ephesians 6:7–8) and called to respect

each other out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 4).

In order to resolve conflict in a Christ-like manner, the following steps are to be used to ensure

actions by those in conflict are Biblically sound.

1. Try to get the whole picture. James 1:19 states, ― ...Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man‘s anger does not bring about the

righteous life that God desires.‖ As you‘re attempting to discern the facts, consider the

possibility of misperception or short-sightedness in one‘s account of an event. Avoid

assumptions, hasty conclusions, and impulsive actions. Proverbs 25:28, ―Like a city whose

walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.‖ Prayerfully consider your next

steps. ―If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, ... and it will be given to him.‖

James 1:5.

2. Speak directly to the person(s) involved. Matthew 18:15 affirms this by stating, ―If

your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If

he listens to you, you have won your brother over.‖ If the conflict originates in the

classroom, please speak with the teacher about your concern. The teacher will document

the concern and resolution.

3. The Bible speaks very clearly against gossip and speaking to inappropriate people.

The community-at-large should not be involved in your personal grievance. Ephesians

4:29 states, ―Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is

helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who

listen.‖

4. Speak with the principal about your concern. If you are dissatisfied with the

teacher‘s response to your concern, raise the subject with the principal. If possible,


please notify the teacher of your decision to do so. The principal will also consult with

the teacher and may choose to call a conference with all parties involved to facilitate a

resolution. ―All of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among

you and that you may be perfectly untied in mind and thought.‖ 1 Corinthians 1:10b.

The principal will document the concern and resolution.

We earnestly hope and pray that few issues will need to go beyond step 2, as noted above. We

believe that if we follow Christ‘s example of kindness, humility, and love, and surrender our

conflicts to God, He will lead us to a resolution.

Christ‘s life was marked by love; similarly, as Christ‘s followers, we are called to a life of love.

Ephesians 5:1-2 states, ―Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of

love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us‖.

OACS Conflict Resolution Appendix

The following information was provided by the organization formerly known as the Ontario

Alliance of Christian Schools (now Edvance).

APPENDIX 1: The Parent as Advocate

1. Principles

a. Christian schools are based on the premise that the relationship between home and school must be

a close one based on mutual trust. Christian parents have a high view of their calling as parents and

are therefore involved in all aspects of their child‘s education and schooling. This is good and

necessary.

b. A child‘s best advocate is an informed parent. There is no one who can do a better job

standing up for a child in need of special care than a concerned parent. This is also the

duty God has given to the parent.

c. Schools should help parents be good and responsible advocates for their children.

2. What is an advocate?

a. The parent is called to be an advocate for his or her children in the meaning that an

advocate is ―a person who presents a case for, or speaks on behalf of, another.‖

b. A child‘s best advocate is an informed and assertive parent.

The parent is informed about:

the authority relationships in the school;

the policies and procedures that apply; and

the facts of the case that are the matter of concern.

A parent is neither passive, nor aggressive, but assertive:

An assertive advocate explains the right outcome and actively employs the right skills

to get to the desired result.

3. Cautions

a. There can be tension when there is a concern that a parent has about the treatment of

their child. The school should recognize this and help the parents to be good and

responsible advocates in appropriate ways.

b. A parent may not tell a teacher how to teach their child. The teacher is responsible to

the principal and school board, not to an individual parent or family.

c. A parent must act in the role of a parent, not in any other role he or she may hold in the

school or society. A parent who is a board or committee member may not use these roles to

be an advocate for his or her own child.

d. Board and committee positions are trust responsibilities undertaken on behalf of the

entire school society. The reputation of the school and of Christian education should

not be held hostage to a personal preference.

All involved in Christian school societies should separate their personal

preferences as parents from the best interest of the school as a whole.

Therefore, parents should not abuse a position on the board or a committee to push

their own personal views of education for the benefit of their own children.

4. Rights and Responsibilities of the Parent as an Advocate

a. Rights. The school recognizes that a parent has the following rights as an advocate for a

child.

Parents have the right and the duty to be advocates for their child. This is their

responsibility from God to their child.

The school recognizes parents‘ right and duty to be an advocate for their child.

The school will deal with any concerns parents have about the treatment of their child.

b. Responsibilities. The school will advise parents that they have the following

responsibilities as an advocate for their child.

They must act only as a parent would. They must not use their position as a board

or committee member, or any other official position they may have in the school or

society, to advocate for their child.

They should become informed about any matters that relate to their concerns about their

child.

They must respect the teacher and principal and their authority. They must recognize that

the teacher is not responsible to the parent but to the principal and the board.

They must use only appropriate means to further the interests of their child.

They must be polite and courteous at all times.

They may use effective means to be a good advocate, including the following:

Know their child‘s rights and responsibilities.

Know who the decision-makers are.

Ask questions until they get an answer.

Keep a complete record of all communications about their child, knowing who

said what when and why.

Ensure that they know the school‘s plan for their child, including the goals,

objectives, and activities.

Be persistent in advocating for their child.


General School Information

School Calendar

The SCCS school calendar will be e-mailed to all families in early September and uploaded to

the website at the same time. Please place the important dates from this calendar in your

home.

Instructional Day

8:25 a.m. Classes begin

10:15 a.m. First nutrition break and recess

10:45 a.m. Classes

12:25 p.m. Second nutrition break and recess

1:10 p.m. Classes

3:20 p.m. Dismissal

Students are expected to bring a lunch and snacks to school which will be stored in the classroom

with the student‘s belongings. Please note that we are a peanut-sensitive school; please refrain from

sending food to school which contains or may contain peanuts. Thank you.

Kindergarten Schedule

Junior and Senior Kindergarten are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. A separate

program called ‗4, 5, Thrive‘ is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for families requiring full-day

care.

Student Code of Conduct

As a Christian School Community, our standards for personal conduct both in and out of the

classroom should strive for excellence; 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, ―Whatever you do, do it all for the

glory of God.‖ At SCCS, we expect that our students will display Christian qualities in their attitude

towards others and strive for excellence in their actions. The following school guidelines will

contribute to a pleasant and safe learning environment in which we can build each other up for

God‘s kingdom work:

Students WILL:

participate in and show reverence during all devotional activities;

show respect for all adults at school;

obey all teachers at the school or at a school function;

treat each other as fellow image bearers of God;

only handle school equipment with the teacher‘s permission;

treat school property with respect and care;

take care to walk in the hallways;

enter and exit the school without pushing or shoving;

remove their outside footwear when they enter the building;

take care to lower their voices when they are in the halls;

and MUST stay on the property of the school at all times and within the boundaries;

receive permission before the retrieving a ball outside of the boundaries;

report all injuries immediately to a staff member;

dispose of all garbage properly; and

line up promptly after hearing the bell at recess times.

Students will NOT:

take the Lord‘s name in vain;

use inappropriate language or language that hurts others;

use their hands in aggressive or mean-spirited ways; and

work contrary to the mission and vision of the school.

Discipline Policy

We believe the key to proper discipline is restoration of relationship and working toward future

discipleship. When a student‘s conduct warrants disciplinary action, it is the desire of the school

administration and staff to work toward healing and work with the student to avoid repeat offenses.

The following guidelines, taken from policy #604, Discipline, Suspensions, and Expulsions, will direct

discipline at SCCS:

The classroom teacher should handle the majority of school infractions promptly.

Punishment related to student offenses should involve activity that is productive to the

school environment, such as cleaning up garbage outside.

Repeat offenses require teacher contact with the student‘s parent(s) for discussion.

Major offenses, such as fighting, disrespect of teachers, bullying, destruction of property, or

wilfully working against the mission of our Christian school, require the involvement of the

principal and the parent(s). Restoration is to be the goal, but repeated or severe offenses will

be dealt with promptly and may result in school suspensions. (An in-school suspension

involves the student spending the day in school, but removed from their regular classroom.

Assignments related to regular classroom activity are to be provided to the student by the

classroom teacher.)

When the administration and the board agree that a student‘s repeated violation of the SCCS

Student Code of Conduct will interfere with quality, Christ-centred learning of other

students, the student will be expelled from the school.

Intentional or careless behaviour, resulting in broken or damaged equipment and/or

property, will result in incurred costs being charged to the student responsible and their

parents.


Dress Code

As a Christian School community, what we wear should be reflective of our desire to be Christ-like

in all aspects of living. To ensure the connection between our hearts and outward appearance,

parental cooperation is encouraged to ensure that our students are dressed in an appropriate

manner at SCCS.

Clothing should:

1. Be appropriate for the weather and activity.

2. Be modest, in that it does not call attention to the body. This call for modesty

disallows:

shirts that are low-cut, strapless, have spaghetti straps, or tops that show the student‘s

midriff, halter tops;

shorts or skirts that are too short. Skirts must come down to just above knee and

shorts must have an inseam longer than 5";

shorts must be mid-thigh in length and skirts must be at least 2" from the knee when

sitting down;

excessively tight clothing; and

clothing which does not properly cover undergarments.

3. Be in good taste. All clothing that is worn at SCCS should avoid messages, advertisements,

suggestive slogans, objectionable logos, or promote groups that are contrary to the message

of Christ. Wearing a hat, hood or toque is not permitted in the school building (except on

designated hat days).

If a student‘s clothing is determined to be inappropriate, the student will:

Be given appropriate clothing to wear; or

Be asked to cover the offending message; or

Have parents called, requesting that appropriate clothing delivered to the school.

Homework Guidelines

Over the years, the word homework has been associated with many negative thoughts and

feelings. Students would rather play or watch television after school. Many students are busy in at

least one after-school program during the week. Parents are very busy themselves and they don‘t

always want to get after their children to finish their homework at the end of the day.

While all of the above points are valid, homework still has an important role to play in our school

community‘s life. In order for homework to be a more positive experience it should not be given

out indiscriminately. It would also be helpful if parents and teachers were guided by the following

four points which give a rationale for student homework.

Re-enforcement – It is common for a student to understand something new right after it

was taught only to have that skill or knowledge forgotten by the next day. When a teacher

sends some work home whose goal is to re-enforce what has been learned in class we have

an example of good homework. New, unlearned material should not be sent home because

this may just cause improper learning.

Habit – Habits are often seen in a negative light and this is unfortunate. The habit of

brushing our teeth before bed or reading the Bible after you wake up are great habits. In the

same way regular time at home doing homework establishes good habits in students. When

these habits are built upon early in life a student has an easier time adjusting to the amount

of homework required in later grades.

Size of the Curriculum – As more and more material has been added to the curriculum it

has become increasingly difficult to cover everything that needs to be learned by students.

The school day is simply too short. As a result, homework helps students to cover the

necessary components of the curriculum.

Positive Parent/Child Relations – Many studies have clearly proven that when a parent

knows what their child is doing at school that child will do better at school. Homework can

be a very positive action when parents become involved and informed with the learning

that is going on at school.

With the above in mind, teachers and parents are encouraged to follow these grade specific

guidelines.

Kindergarten

Time: 10–15 minutes a day.

Activities: Parents can read to their child before bed, encourage colouring, or

reviewing some of the letters that are being learned in class. There is

also a limited amount of memory work done at this grade.

Grade 1 to Grade 2

Time: 10–20 minutes a day, four days a week.(Depending on the

amount of work that is not finished in class)

Activities: There are frequent reading booklets sent home in these grades that

should be read by the child to the parent more than once. Memory

work, spelling tests, and addition and subtraction facts are also

regularly occurring items that should be reviewed and practised at

home. Students can also start to read toward their teacher determined

Accelerated Reading goals.

Grade 3 to Grade 4

Time: 15–25 minutes a day, four days a week. (Depending on the


Activities: In these grades students will have memory work and spelling tests

almost every week. Along with this students will have to study a little

bit more for unit review tests and do frequent math fact drills at

home to speed up the amount of math work that can be finished in

class. Students should also have a regular time set aside at home to


Telephone Use

read a book. In grade 4 students have the additional responsibility of

practicing the recorder.

Grade 5 to Grade 6

Time: 20–40 minutes a day, four days a week. (Depending on the


Activities: Besides the regular memory work, spelling tests, unit tests, and

reading that students should be doing at home, students in grade 5

and 6 will start to see regular amounts of math homework being

sent home in order complete all of the assignments. Projects

become a little larger at this grade level and time is given in class but

some time will likely be needed at home in order to get everything

finished.

Grade 7 and Grade 8

Time:

30–60 minutes a day, four days a week. (Depending on the


Activities: Much of what is true for grade 5 and 6 remains true but grade 7

and 8 students need to realize that the number of subjects,

teachers, and material covered increases in these grades. The work

load required does become greater and part of this is in

anticipation of the amount of homework that will be required of

the students when they enter high school. The student who gets

much of their work done at school should still expect some

homework and parents are strongly encouraged to ensure that

their child is working at some school work for the recommended

length of time.

Students are discouraged from using the school phone other than for emergency or

necessary calls. We request your co-operation in this matter.

Students may not call home to ask for forgotten skates, lunches, hockey equipment,

instruments, homework, projects, etc.

Parents who wish to discuss any matter with teachers on the phone are encouraged to get in touch

with the teacher before 8:25 a.m. or between 3:25 and 3:50 p.m.

Early Dismissal

A student who is to leave the school earlier than the regular dismissal time is required to have a

note from their parent or guardian. The school is hesitant about dismissing students by telephone

requests. Parents picking up students are asked to report to the office. The office assistant will

then contact the classroom to inform that teacher that you are here to pick up your child. This

policy has been established to ensure your child‘s safety and welfare and this will also cause less

disruption for the class.

Student Absenteeism

When a student is absent, parents/guardians are expected to contact the school by telephone or

note. All students are responsible for ―catching up‖ on work missed during their absence.

Encourage your child to contact their teacher for assignments that were missed. A home study

procedure is in progress and will be made available once completed.

Student Vacation Guidelines

Forms are available at the office. They must be filled in when taking students away from school

time for holidays for an extended period of time. Parents are encouraged to plan holidays around

the normal vacation time periods throughout the school year.

School Supplies

The school supplies all exercise books and textbooks. The parents or guardian shall provide

a few other class-specific materials – please find this year‘s list at www.SCCS.ca.

School Pictures

Class pictures usually are taken in early September. There is no obligation on parents to purchase

any pictures, but each child will receive a class picture at no charge. Graduation pictures will be

taken in May.

Lost and Found

Lost and found articles will be placed in a bin in the hallway. We have found that many students

leave clothes at school when they change for phys. ed. or when the weather gets warmer during

the day. Please check with your child to make sure they are bringing their extra clothing home with

them. Any unclaimed articles at the end of each term will be donated.

School Trips

Parents will be notified well ahead of scheduled class trips about the time, location, and cost of the

trip. Busses will be used for all classes with students under the age of eight and any trips where it is

impractical to have volunteer drivers.

Chaperones are usually required but there is usually a limit to the number of chaperones needed

per trip. The teacher in charge will determine who will be coming on a first contact first come

basis or by way of a draw. It should be noted that chaperones are not to take any other children

with them on the class trip.

Money and Valuables at School

Students are discouraged from bringing money to school unless it is needed for specific purposes

such as school trips, fund-raising sales, or book clubs. With the recent change in our culture to more

people owning personal electronics like smartphones it is important to remember the school‘s


policies regarding the use of these devices. The school is also not responsible for lost, stolen or

damaged personal electronics.

Inside Footwear

All students are required to have an extra pair of shoes for indoor wear. Students are not allowed to

wear outside shoes inside the school. We request your co-operation in providing your child with

indoor shoes with non-scuffing soles that can also be used for physical education.

Student Health

Each year a health concerns list is compiled to make the staff aware of any students in the school

with any type of physical or medical limitations. This information is vital. It allows the teachers to

accommodate students within the classroom setting and makes us aware of any health problems a

student may have. If your child has any health concerns, please contact the office in September or at

any time during the year when a new concern arises so that we can update our records and share this

information with the appropriate staff.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit provides hearing, dental, and vision screening during the school

year some of the primary grades, along with a comprehensive immunization program for all

students in Middlesex County of which the school nurse has varying degrees of involvement.

A. Immunizations

The Immunization status program gives parents the opportunity to update their

child‘s immunization status by receiving the required immunization shots if you

so desire.

B. Head Lice

All of our students are checked for head lice during the year by a group of parent

volunteers. Any student who is found to have head lice will need to be picked up from

school and begin the process of delousing. A hand out will be provided.

C. Illness

Parents are encouraged to keep their children at home when they appear to be ill. When

students become ill at school, parents will be contacted. Emergency numbers will be

used if parents cannot be reached.

D. Medication

For safety reasons, students should not leave any medication in their desks or back pack. All

medication should be left with the secretary in the front office. All prescribed medication

must be delivered to the front office by a parent. The school is not permitted to administer

medication without proper notification from parents.

E. Injuries

Students should report all recess injuries to the teachers on duty or the office so that

proper first aid can be administered, insurance claims can be validated, and future

accidents can be prevented. General policy requires staff to notify the office for the

proper paperwork to be followed. Parents will be contacted if the injury is deemed serious

enough.

F. Student Information Sheet

By September of each year, or earlier, parents will receive a Student Information Form.

Please read it over and fill in the required information. We require an emergency phone

number in case of an emergency. It will also give your child permission to participate in

extra-curricular activities, field trips, and intramural sports. You will be notified throughout

the year when special events take place, but will not be required to send in signed forms

for each separate event.


Student Services & Activities

Intramurals

Student participation is encouraged in Intramural sports activities at SCCS. Presently we offer:

floor hockey

soccer

volleyball

mini-sticks

School Sports

Students participate in a number of sports with Thames Valley District School Board and the

Woodstock District Christian School Association. Please refer to the school website, www.sccs.ca

for information about the scheduling of these events and student eligibility. Throughout the year,

students can participate in the following sports activities:

Badminton

Basketball

Cross Country

Hockey

Soccer

Track and Field

Volleyball

Activities

Students have many different activities to choose to participate in. Please refer to the school

website, www.sccs.ca, for more information about the following activities:

Battle of the Books

Chamber Choir

Grandparents‘ & Grandfriends‘ Day

EduDeo Fun Fair

Musicals

Ready, Set, School!

Terry Fox

Touch-a-Truck

Graduation Awards

At the end of Grade 8 there are a number of awards handed out to the students of our graduating

class. Some of the awards are handed out at the graduation dinner and some will be handed out at

the evening graduation ceremony. They are as follows:

Honour Student – Presented to the student that achieves the highest academic

average in all subjects over the whole year.

Bible Award – Presented to the student with a high average and interest in this subject.

English Award – Presented to the student with a high average and interest in this

subject.

History Award – Presented to the male and female student with a high average and

interest in this subject.

General Proficiency Award – Presented to the male and female student with the highest

overall average.

Citizenship Award – Presented to the male and female student who use their gifts to lead

positively and create a more positive school.

Athletic Award – Presented to the male and female student athletic ability and

positive team leadership skills.

Most Improved Students Award – Presented to the student who has improved the most

over the school year. Improvement may involve student attitude, grades, or a

combination of the two.

French Award - Presented to the student with a high average and interest in this subject.

Geography Award – Presented to the student with a high average and interest in this

subject.

Science Award – Presented to the student with a high average and interest in this subject.

Perseverance Award – Presented to a hard-working student, one who uses their God-given

ability to their best.

Music Award – Presented to the student with a high average and interest in this subject.

Art Award – Presented to the student with a high average and interest in this subject.

Math Award – Presented to the student with a high average and interest in this subject.

Christian Service Award – This award is given to the SCCS graduate who best exemplifies

characteristics of service, diligence, honesty, integrity, skill and hard work.

Discipleship Award – This award is given to the SCCS graduate who best exemplifies an

appreciation for people, willingness to stand up for their faith, sensitivity to the oppressed

and a strong desire to see justice.


How to Get Involved

Volunteer

The strength of our school community is because of committed parents and supporters who value

quality Christ-centred education in Strathroy. Volunteers are always welcome to help school

operations in a number of areas, such as reading to a younger student, organize library books, and

assist in The Bridge resource centre. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at SCCS, please

call the school office at 519-245-1934.

The Second Chance Community Store

This local enterprise is owned and operated by Strathroy Community Christian School. Run

primarily by volunteers, all profit goes into the school to help keep tuition down. Did you know that

parents save approximately $1,000 per year because of this endeavour?

Please prayerfully consider volunteering for a few hours at the store. It‘s a fun, active way to meet

new people and support our school.

Learn more at www.SecondChanceCommunityStore.ca and ‗like‘ it at

www.Facebook.com/SecondChanceCommunityStore

Community & Fundraising Events

The following is a list of activities which may need your skills. Many require your help for certain

times of the year, not year round. It doesn‘t take much to leave an impression in the hearts and

minds of our students!

Community Events

Ready, Set, School!

Grandfriends‘ and Grandparents‘ Day

Touch A Truck

Fundraising Events:

Goods & Services Auction and Dinner

Spring Dinner

Spring Drive

Golf Tournament

Learn more about these opportunities at www.sccs.ca.

2020-2021 Parent Handbook

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