SEPTEMBER 2017 - FIRST DAY, FIRST WEEK
Below is a rough outline of the first week at Banting. Much of the first week is introductory where we go over Banting expectations, goals and the year ahead. This is the first year where English and French teams are mixed (classes are blended English/French in explorations also), so we will be doing a lot of icebreakers and introduction activities connected to the CORE competencies. Day 1, Tuesday, September 05, students will only be at school for 35-40 minutes.
Students will not be placed in classes until we are certain of our enrolment, which will probably be Friday of the first week; Friday, September 08. The first few days, students will work in their team communities until classes are finalized. If we do not need to reorganize the school (grow a class or lose a class based on numbers of students), our tentative plan will be to start exploration classes Monday September 12.
We will not be issuing lockers until classes are assigned and you can look forward to a plethora of important notices coming home regarding emergency contacts, driving forms, school fees …etc. – to name a few. Your assistance in returning these promptly is very much appreciated. There is no cafeteria service so students will need to pack a lunch starting Wednesday September 06 –the first full day of school. We want to start off building good habits, so please note that school begins at 8:35 and students will want to be a few minutes early at the least. More information will be forthcoming via newsletter and E-mail. I highly recommend you frequently visit our website for information (such as supply lists), and any calendar updates. There will be a welcome back pancake breakfast for all teams on specific days during week #2. As we are under construction, traffic is challenging – I am including a map and some instructions (alternates to driving is highly recommended). All the Best!
Bill
Bill Trask, Principal École Intermédiaire - Banting Middle School
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5th
The first day of school is simply an opportunity to welcome students to the school, to take attendance, to register new students and to see which students have moved over the summer and to pass on information about day 2 and the rest of the week. If your son or daughter will not be in this day, please contact the school. You do not need to bring anything!
Attendance is staggered by grade level and each group of students is dismissed after 30 - 45 minutes.
9:00 – Grade 6 students arrive for attendance in the gym.
9:00 – Any new students arrive for registration in Room 125.
10:00 – Grade 7 students arrive for attendance in the gym.
10:30 – Grade 8 students arrive for attendance in the gym.
TEACHERS WILL TELL STUDENTS WHERE TO MEET WEDNESDAY MORNING
WEDNESDAY SEPT. 6th 8:35 – 3:00 - all students attend. Please bring a lunch & a pen or pencil.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7th
8:35 – 3:00 - all students attend
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8th
8:35 – 3:00 – all students attend
Lates
At Banting Middle School we believe it is very important that students arrive at school on time, ready to work. Being on time prepares students for work and other activities outside of school: a life skill necessary to succeed after graduation. Late arrivals have the dual effect of hindering a student's academic progress, as well as disrupting the teacher and the class as a whole, missing important information and calendar items as well as missing daily announcements. If a student arrives late to school, he/she must sign in at the office. A student who is late twice a month will be excused. The third time late in a month, the student will be expected to complete a reflection sheet designed to help the student come up with a plan to arrive at school on time, and to inform parents. On the third, and any subsequent late arrivals to school in a month, the student will owe back the time to the office. Students should arrive at the school by 8:38am to allow them time to go to their locker before the first bell.
PEDS (Personal Electronic Devices – cell phones, iPods, iPads, MP3's, computers, electronic games)
PED's at Banting, we understand are a part of everyday life, but it is important that they do not disrupt the learning environment. PED's will be permitted throughout the school (inside and outside) before and after school, but must be in lockers during school hours. PED's should not be out between 8:35 – 2:55. This means no PED's out at nutrition break or lunch break. Classroom teachers may permit PED's in the classroom during classroom time or during breaks, under their supervision. This is the decision of each individual teacher and this must be respected. This means some classrooms or some areas may not permit PED's during certain times or at all.
PEDs should be used respectfully and responsibly. The content on a PED must be appropriate and any staff member can request to see or hear a PED at any time. For safety purposes, the volume level of the PED must be at a level that the individual using it can hear others around him/her in case of an emergency. PED's that are not connected to earphones or ear buds must be at a volume level that is quiet and does not disrupt others. PICTURES OR RECORDINGS ARE NEVER TO BE TAKEN AT SCHOOL. THIS MEANS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ALSO. There are exceptions to this rule on a case by case basis for example, students may be asked to do some video work or take pictures for a class or school project. This will be approved and supervised by a staff member. PED's are NEVER to be present in washrooms or change rooms for ANY reason. Using a PED at Banting is a privilege. If it is abused, you may lose the privilege to have a PED at Banting. If PED use compromises the privacy or safety of a person at Banting, consequences can range from confiscation of the PED to suspension - or both. THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SECURITY OF PED's AT ANY TIME.
Cameras
Cameras of any type are not to be used at school without teacher supervision. Any use of cameras for photos or video will be for educational purposes only. This is a large privacy/confidentiality issue.
