Student Handbook
VAN BIEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK
Our purpose at Van Bien is to maximize learning for all in a safe, inclusive environment
SUPERVISION
Morning supervision begins at 8:15. We do not have staff outside to help students prior to this time.
After school supervision ends at 2:35 p.m. All students should head home, check in with an adult and if they wish to return to the school, please do so after 3:00 pm.
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
The Prince George Downtown Rotary, our Parent Advisory Council, and the provincial Feeding Futures program provide a breakfast program served in class daily.
SAFE START: CALL 250-563-1062
To ensure student safety, we phone the homes of students who are absent. If your child is going to be late or absent, please call the school at 250-563-1062. We have an answering machine so you can call any time.
STUDENT ARRIVAL / PICK UP DURING SCHOOL HOURS
If a student arrives late, they need to check in at the office. If a student is being picked up during school hours, parents must visit or call the office to sign out the child.
VISITORS
All visitors are asked to report to the office upon arriving at the school. Please drop off lunches or items for students at the office so that classes are not interrupted.
RECEIVING OUR PARENT NEWSLETTER
All newsletters will be sent home electronically. Please be sure we have your current email address on file.
LUNCH PROGRAM
The lunch program is available for all students in the school. Please contact the office if you wish to be included.
ALLERGIES
Many children have allergies at school. Please ensure lunches are nut free and if you are sending treats for the class it is good to contact the teacher to see if there are any other allergies you should be aware of. We are also a scent-free building.
INDOOR SHOES FOR CLASSROOM AND GYM USE
Everyone must remove outside footwear when entering the school during the wet or snowy seasons. Students need indoor shoes that are suitable for the gym.
VAN BIEN DRESS CODE
Refrain from wearing clothes that have slogans or images on them that promote the use of alcohol or drugs, or are violent, sexual, or racist in nature.
WHEN CHILDREN ARE ILL
If your child is sick please keep them at home. Our practice is to call parents to ask that the child be picked up or obtain parental permission to go home. Please keep work and emergency phone numbers current at the office.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is an important part of Van Bien School. It enriches school life in many ways: providing special activities and opportunities for students, fund raising, assisting with school activities, and advising on school policies. The PAC meets once each month, and getting involved is an excellent way for you to meet other parents and support the school. Watch the newsletter for dates and times of PAC meetings.
Electronic Device Protocol
Student electronic devices are not allowed to be used during the school day in Elementary Schools. Students whose parents require their child/ren to carry a device to school do so at their own risk. The school is not responsible for loss, damage or theft.
VAN BIEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
Our purpose at Van Bien is to maximize learning for all in a safe, inclusive environment.
All members of the school community are expected to show appropriate behaviour while at school, going to and from school, at any school function, and in any other circumstance where behaviour impacts the school environment.
Students should:
- Support a safe, caring & orderly place to learn.
- Engage in purposeful learning activities as directed.
- Maintain an attitude that is cooperative, courteous, and respectful to themselves, others & the school.
CONSEQUENCES
Consequences are tied to the severity and frequency of misconducts, respectful of individual rights & responsibilities, mindful of developmental age, maturity & special needs. When possible and appropriate, consequences will be restorative and meaningful. The failure of a student to conduct himself or herself appropriately is a teachable moment. In most cases, incidents can be resolved by the student and staff involved. The resolution often includes a consequence/corrective action.
Consequences for misbehavior may include, but are not limited to:
- The assignment of a think paper
- Incidents that are ongoing or more serious nature result in an Office Referral
- Home is informed
- Collaborative problem solving with parents/guardians
- A loss of privileges
- Making restitution where applicable
- Placement on a behaviour plan, a safety plan or contract
- Short-term (in-school or home) suspension up to 5 days
- Long-term suspension (over 5 days)
- Partial day attendance
- A report and/or referral to the district Student Conduct Review Committee