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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

School policies are designed to provide each student with the direction needed to develop self-discipline and to co-operate with others. To insure productive and harmonious interactions, a degree of conformity is necessary. At the same time, each student is encouraged to internalize the underlying values of a code of behaviour, to make responsible choices for themself, and to accept responsibility for the consequences of his/her actions. Along with the privilege of attending LDVA come the responsibilities to become actively involved in one’s own learning while respecting the rights of others.

The code of student behaviour may be summarized in three simple guidelines:

  • Always try to do your best
  • Treat others as you would have them treat you
  • Demonstrate respect for the school

SCHOOL POLICIES

The Academy recognizes the equality of each individual’s dignity and worth while ensuring that the freedom to pursue individual goals does not infringe upon the rights of others. This can only happen if students, teachers, and parents meet their respective responsibilities as partners in education.
  1. Strive toward self-discipline
  2. Treat others with courtesy and respect
  3. Work diligently and co-operatively
  4. Complete work missed due to absence
  5. Attend regularly and be punctual
  6. Facilitate the learning of others
  7. Complete homework assignments on time
  8. Leave the school upon dismissal
  9. Behave in a way that reflects and enhances the good reputation of the school
  10. Respect personal, public and private property
  11. Strive to achieve to the best of their abilities
  12. Comply with the school’s policies and code of behaviour
  1. Plan and conduct effective and safe programs for all students
  2. Evaluate students regularly and report on their progress
  3. Outline expectations and methods of evaluation at the beginning of each course.
  4. Enforce school rules and policies fairly and consistently and to employ appropriate conflict resolution techniques
  5. Refer students to the appropriate authorities or professionals where required
  6. Provide additional assistance outside of scheduled class time as needed
  7. Promote “Thinking Like Leonardo”
  8. Serve as role models for students
  9. Encourage respectful behaviour at all times
  10. Treat each student with dignity and respect
  1. Make it possible for their child to have regular and punctual attendance
  2. Co-operate with the school in developing positive attitudes toward learning
  3. Take an active interest in their child’s school life
  4. Encourage their child to behave in a respectful and appropriate manner
  5. Allow for a home climate that is conducive to doing regular homework
  6. Know and support the Academy’s code of behaviour, uniform requirements, and other school policies
  7. Promote “Thinking Like Leonardo”

To keep parents well informed and up to date Correspondence is sent home or emailed regularly. This may include letters from staff, memos from the office, LDVA Newsletter, permission forms, and correspondence from the Leonardo Academy Parents Association. An open line of communication with your child’s teacher is encouraged. Parent-Teacher interviews and workshops are scheduled throughout the year for this purpose. Three student reports will also be provided at various stages. Parents are invited to make appointments with appropriate staff in order to discuss concerns or problems that may arise.

It is important that arrival and departure times be closely adhered to as promptness in a child’s life is very important – children who do not arrive or leave on time may feel awkward and uncomfortable. Parents are asked to call the school if your child will be late or absent. Children will only be allowed to leave the school with a parent unless prior notice is given in writing. Parents are asked to please notify staff if someone else is to pick up your child. “Authorization for Student Pick-up” forms are available from the directress. Parents are encouraged to leave promptly upon arrival in the morning as the directress will be present to aid children. Parents are requested not to enter the classroom for any reason – upon arrival they may direct any relevant information to the Directress.

In keeping with Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines, attendance and participation form an integral part of a formal evaluation. In order for a student to realize his or her academic potential, regular attendance is important. The Academy does not support absences due to extended vacations and appointments which could be made outside of school hours. Missed classroom instruction is a loss of a valuable learning opportunity and is difficult to make-up. Parents are requested to telephone the Academy’s Secretary or leave a message at (416) 247-6137 before 8:30 am on each day a student is to be absent. Students are responsible to make up all work missed due to absence.

Students are considered late if they arrive after Opening Ceremonies begin (after 8:45 am). To insure punctuality, students are to have all books and materials before classes begin.
Planned excursions are an integral component of the school program. In order to receive maximum benefit all students are expected to participate on all school trips. Permission forms for school trips must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school on time.
Unless otherwise noted students are expected to be in proper school uniform while going to and from school, while on school property, and on school outings. Students wearing the uniform should project a general impression of neatness and good grooming. Make-up, excessive jewelry or extreme hairstyles are not appropriate. All clothing should be name taped. Details of the Academy’s official School and Gym Uniforms are described in the “Clothing Requirements” pamphlet available from the office.

Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences has high expectations of its students. Each student is expected to take responsibility for her work and to strive for excellence. This demands regular constructive attendance, conscientious completion of all work, and careful planning. 

The courses offered by the school have been developed according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education and in keeping with the Academy’s aims and objectives. Outlines of the Courses of Study are distributed to parents on “Meet the Teachers Night” in September.

All students are issued a Student Handbook containing a calendar of key dates and other information. The planner also has designated spaces for students to record daily homework and assignment due dates and to list daily priorities. Space is also available for parents and teachers to share comments. Students are taught to use the Handbook effectively and are required to carry their Handbooks to class.

Homework is an integral part of the learning experience. As students progress, homework is assigned on a more regular basis. This not only serves to reinforce or enhance class work but also helps to develop independent learning skills. Parents can help students meet this important responsibility by allowing for a home climate that is conducive to doing regular homework. Teachers are available to provide extra help on most days until 4:00 p.m. All assignments and projects must meet basic standards of legibility and presentation. Teachers are responsible for making their expectations clear and precise.
Exams for all Grade 7 and 8 students are held in January and June. Apart from evaluation, the purpose for introducing formal examinations is to prepare the students for High School.
Parents are informed about the progress of their children through formal reports, teacher interviews, telephone calls, newsletters, and parent meetings. Please consult the school calendar for scheduled dates of Reports and official Parent/Teacher Interviews. Other interviews may be requested by parents, teachers or students at any time during the year.

Throughout the year students are counseled on academic matters. Students are also encouraged to develop a healthy self-image and greater self-reliance in the process of decision-making. Students are invited to meet with individual staff members about any matter affecting their studies. Selected grades are assessed annually to monitor academic progress. Grades 7 and 8 Guidance courses that may be offered focus on the topics of the self, relationships, and goal setting. Counseling concerning high school placement is also available to parents and students upon request.

Over the years the Academy’s Board of Governors and Parents Association (LAPA) sponsor a variety of awards to recognize the achievements of students and model community members. The Governors’ Award is presented annually at the Governors’ Ball to a member of the greater community in honour of outstanding lifetime achievement. 

ASSISTANT SCHOLARSHIPS such as the William Bartolini Scholarship and subsidies from the Medici Educational Foundation are awarded to qualifying students. Applications are available from the office. In addition to Graduation Diplomas various awards may be presented to students at the Academy’s Year-End Ceremonies. These may include: Academic Letters, Italian/French Language Awards, Science/Math Awards, Sportsmanship Awards, and the LDVA Spirit Award.

Lockers are the property of the school. Students assigned a locker are required to keep it in proper condition. Money or valuables must never be left in the lockers or change rooms. Students are encouraged not to bring valuables to school.

Cost of lunch and snacks are included in the tuition. On the occasion of a child’s birthday, parents may bring a fruit or vegetable tray with teacher’s approval. Parents of children are required to provide a nutritious lunch daily. Sweets or peanut products are not allowed in the classroom.

Students are required to bring their own lunches from home. It is strongly encouraged that these lunches be nutritionally enriching and that pop and other “junk food” be avoided. Gum chewing is not allowed. All students eat their lunches in an assigned room under the supervision of a staff member. Students are required to tidy up after themselves. Due to an increasing number of students with life-threatening allergies to certain foods, food products containing nuts and other substances must not be brought to school. Please refer to the memo from the office (regarding anaphylaxis) for specifics.
Medical forms issued by the Academy are to be filled in by family physicians and returned to the school before September or upon enrollment. School staff may not administer aspirin or other over-the-counter-medication without written permission.