Kleinburg Christian Academy - Prospective Students

Prospective Students - General Information

The following information is taken from our Parent/Student Handbook, which is distributed to participating families at the beginning of the school year. This will give you some idea as to who we are and information pertaining to how we operate. The full document would provide greater detail in these areas, as well as others. Please note that the information is correct at the time of printing and is subject to revision as we approach a new school year. However, any changes would be in keeping with the overall tone of the existing policies.

Section I - General Information

1.1 Note to the Handbook

Handbooks convey significant information and guidelines. However, no handbook can be considered exhaustive in nature. From time to time the school may create or revise policies and this may occur at any time during the year. Policy revision would be the result of issues that arise that could not be anticipated prior to the printing of this document. Changes that occur would be reflective of policies that are already in place and would be in keeping with the generally accepted views of the Christian community. Additional policies during the year will be communicated to the students, and as necessary to parents.

1.2 Mission Statement

To nurture academic excellence, and personal growth through Christ-centered education in partnership with parents. Our mission mantra is " a Great Place to Grow..."

1.3 Purpose

Kleinburg Christian Academy's ultimate goal is the development of Christian character and self-motivated discipline borne out of a personal desire to please God. Kleinburg Christian Academy desires to assist students in developing a lifestyle that is pleasing to the Lord and encourage them to accept responsibility for their words and actions. KCA commits to direct students toward academic excellence and promises to educate students with the highest standards in both academic and spiritual education.

1.4 History

Kleinburg Christian Academy, previously know as Calvary Christian School, was founded in 1981 to meet the needs of a growing church. The founding families firmly believed that a Christian school education was God’s plan for their child(ren). Since then, CCS has become an integral ministry of Nashville Road Community Church in Kleinburg, and a symbol of excellence in education. Kleinburg Christian Academy is led by a principal, who acts as the CEO of the school. The school principal is accountable to the Senior Pastor of the church. The Senior Pastor is accountable to the Church Board.

1.5 Associations

Kleinburg Christian Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools (OACS). These organizations outline Christian principles for participating schools, encourages continued education of teachers and administration through conferences and seminars, gives guidance and advice to participating schools, and organizes tournaments and competitions for sports teams and clubs. The ACSI district head office is located near Barrie, Ontario, and the International office is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. The OACS Head office is located in Ancaster Ontario. For more details check out www.oacs.org.

1.6 Academic Standards

Kleinburg Christian Academy is officially registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education as an operating Private School, and as such does not qualify for provincial government funding in Ontario. Although private elementary schools are not required to follow the standards outlined by the Ministry of Education, the curriculum at Kleinburg Christian Academy meets and/or exceeds ministry guidelines. KCA does not offer any resource or special needs programs. KCA's uniqueness is quality Christ-centered education. Christian morals, values and principles are integrated across the curriculum.

1.7 Admission Policy

Kleinburg Christian Academy welcomes applications from all families. When considering students for enrolment for the following year, preference is granted to siblings of families already established at KCA. Secondary preference is also given to students transferring from other Christian schools belonging to ACSI or OACS. Following that, applications are administered as received. Families who wish to attend KCA must successfully complete the following stages:

1. Completion of enrolment applications
2. Interview with the principal (student and parents)
3. Signed agreement with our Statement of Faith
4. Signed agreement with our Tuition Policy
5. Admission test (grades 1-8)
6. Transfer of past report cards and standardized tests of previous school

1.8 Teachers

Qualified and certified teachers are prayerfully selected on the basis of spiritual devotion, deep understanding of student needs and academic excellence. KCA teachers bring specialized gifts and abilities, and are responsible for encouraging children to discover and develop to their maximum potential in a Christ-centered environment.

1.9 Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for the upcoming school year will be communicated to all parents at the time of re-enrolment each year (prior to March Break). Tuition fees cover all educational instruction, textbooks, workbooks, agendas, testing (in class and standardized testing), sports team participation and most clubs and activities, as well as all communication from the school.

Tuition fees do not cover before/after school childcare, school uniforms, transportation fees for trips or tournaments, consumable supplies (pens, pencils markers, rulers, etc.), musical instruments, some special clubs, day/overnight trips, contests and extra educational testing. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in the fundraising ventures that add resources to the school (Hot Lunch, QSP, SWAP).

1.10 Special Testing

Certain students may require special testing of an academic or psychological nature. When this is needed, the cost of the testing is the responsibility of the parent.

1.11 School Hours (subject to change)

Before School Supervision……..7:30 to 8:30 am. (fees apply)
Start Time…………………………8:45 am.
Chapel ............................................Jr. - Wednesday mornings at 9:00 am. (JK-grade 4)
……….………………….................Sr. - Thursday mornings at 9:00 am. (Grades 5-8)
Morning Recess…………………10:30 to 10:50 am.
Lunch………...................................12:20 to 12:40 pm.
Recess……………………………12:40 to 1:00 pm.
D.E.A.R…………………………....1:00 to 1:20 pm. (Drop Everything and Read) (JK-grade 4)
Dismissal ………………………..3:30 pm (students not picked up by 3:50 pm. are registered in the After School Program)
After School Supervision………..3:30 to 6 pm. (fees apply)
Sports Practices………………....3:30 to 4:30 pm.

1.12 Transportation

Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the parents. Class trips may require parental assistance with driving or a bus may be rented. The cost of transportation, class trips and related expenses are the responsibility of the parents.

Section II - Academic Policies

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the school curriculum. Work completed at home and its subsequent analysis and evaluation plays an important role in the learning process. Research indicates that elementary school student attitudes towards homework and parental involvement may be the most important factors in a student’s future academic success. Homework serves to demonstrate that formal learning takes commitment, effort and discipline that extend beyond each day's classroom experience. The effort and attitude placed on homework will have a significant effect on a student's academic and personal growth.

General speaking, It is our policy to assign homework from Monday to Thursday only. Homework is not usually assigned for week-ends or holidays. Normally, project deadlines or tests will not be issued on Mondays. Week-ends and holidays should be times of rest for all, parent and child.

Homework is the completion of daily work not completed in class. It includes the review of studied materials in preparation for upcoming tests and preparation for independent study units.

Objectives:

1. Encourage academic excellence and personal commitment to learning
2. Encourage responsibility, self direction and discipline outside the classroom
3. Supplement, reinforce and support material covered in class
4. Time management skills
5. Ensure parents are acquainted and involved in student activities

Teachers will report to parents and the principal if the student is not meeting homework requirements .

Section III - Standards and Expectations

3.1 Operating Conduct

Biblical Principles for Conflict Resolution

It is our desire as a total school community to put into practice the biblical principles for conflict resolution. The following steps will help in the process:

Contact the individual(s) directly with the problem (i.e. teacher, administrative assistant, parent etc.) and arrange an appointment to discuss the concern.
Discuss your concerns in a calm and rational manner. Attempt to resolve.
If a resolution cannot be determined at the initial meeting, request a second meeting and request the principal to be present. The principal will ensure that a reasonable resolve is found or make decisions on next steps .

3.2 Expectation/Responsibility

Each person involved in the school, whether it is a student, parent or teacher, has a certain role to play in the education of the student. The following expectations and responsibilities are given to ensure a clear understanding of what each group should expect from the school and each one’s responsibilities to ensure success.

To ensure a smooth transition into our education programs we have outlined the following expectations for the school:

Develop spiritual growth through Bible-based, Christ-centered curriculum
Assist parents in the development of their children for the future
Create a learning environment that is wholesome, supportive, enthusiastic and enjoyable
Teach socially acceptable, co-operative behaviour in the areas of manners, respect for property, rights and privileges of others.

To create a positive learning environment for all our students, we have established the following for each person in the school:

Student Expectations

The student can expect from the school:

To have Christian teachers who will understand, care for, and encourage them.
To have a Christian environment in which he may find a safe and secure place to work.
To have proper language used by all associated with the school.
To be offered a place where mutual respect is evident amongst the students and staff.

Student Responsibilities

To respect all people and the possessions of others.
To conduct yourself in a Christ-like manner.
To present work in a neat and orderly manner.
Always to be found in the proper uniform and to be tidy in appearance.
To see that desks and student areas are neat and tidy.
To be prepared for each class, including completed homework, provision of gym clothes, and having the proper books and writing material.
To be punctual, regular and well rested.
To display a positive attitude, desiring to learn and discover.
To be obedient and desiring to develop productive action and language.
To Cooperate – willing to be taught and actively engaged in learning.
To be diligent in all of their studies and work assignments.

Parent Expectations

The parent can expect from the school:

The best possible Christian learning environment.
Fair and consistent enforcement of the rules of the school.
Notification when your child is having difficulty academically or behaviourally.
Provision of time for remedial help. Remedial help is considered to be for those students who are having difficulty with a specific concept. This is different from tutorial help, which a student may require due to an overall difficulty in a particular subject.

Parent Responsibilities

To communicate Christian values in all aspects of the school life.
To promote and be an example to your child of a positive attitude toward the school.
To teach respect for the rights and property of others.
To teach your child a courteous manner to both peers and the authority.
To ensure that there is proper supervision of the child's responsibilities to the school.
To comply with the various policies of the school.
To work with the staff in the area of academic or behavioural difficulties.
To follow the Matthew 18 principle in dealing with any conflicts.
To respect final decisions made by the principal/school leadership.

Teacher Expectations

The teacher can expect from the school:

To have students who are prepared for the school day including the completion of homework and the provision of proper equipment (gym clothes, books, writing material).
To have students behave in the appropriate manner including manners and respect.
To have students who are self-disciplined (i.e. appropriate for the age level).
To have the positive support and co-operation of students, parents, and staff.
To have the support and leadership of the administration.

Teacher Responsibilities

To develop and present quality programs which meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education and reflect a biblical worldview.
To manage their classrooms effectively.
To assist students who are experiencing difficulties, as well as stimulating those who are high achievers.
To be sensitive to the needs of students in all areas of the child's life.
To know and enforce the rules in a consistent and fair manner.
To be a role model of Christ-likeness at all times to students, parents, and colleagues.
To follow the Matthew 18 principle when dealing with conflicts.
To be a positive example to the students.
To communicate information on student progress and behaviour to students, parents, and administration.

Section IV - Discipline

Respect for God and His Word, respect for authority, respect for others and respect for oneself are essential for Biblical discipline. (1 Peter 2:17). Discipline at Kleinburg Chrisitan Academy is intended to be primarily redemptive rather than punitive. This means that the school will try to help a student overcome a problem that has resulted in the need for discipline.

5.1 Circumstances Requiring Correction

When the learning process is about to be or is disrupted.
When, if not corrected, a potentially harmful situation could develop for an individual or for the others.
When actions or words would detract from a student's Christian witness.
When school rules or policies are not adhered to.
When conduct out of school violates our lifestyle requirements.

Students Responsibility to Authority

All students at Kleinburg Christian Academy must learn and adhere to the basic principle of obedience as taught in the Word of God. It is our desire to see each individual exhibit obedience in order that they may be used of God in His plan.

Scriptural Basis
"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." Colossians 3:20

"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." Hebrews 13: 17

Discipline should never intentionally demean, belittle or embarrass a child. Rather, it should be restorative; firm but loving. Most of the discipline occurs in the classroom by the classroom teacher. When a teacher requires support or the infraction is of a more serious nature, the situation is referred to the principal.