Welcome to Archbishop M.C. O'Neill High School!

Archbishop M. C. O'Neill High School opened in the fall of 1966 with an enrolment of 250 students and a staff of 26. Presently, our enrolment is approximately 700 students with an instructional staff of 40. An addition in 1976, as well as the addition of 4 portable classrooms in 1990, has expanded the present facility to cover over 100,000 square feet. In addition to the traditional educational programs, O'Neill offers a French Immersion Program, and an Advanced Placement Program. The school takes its name from Archbishop M. C. O'Neill who was a positive force in bringing about Catholic secondary education in the Archdiocese of Regina.

Through a partnership of the staff, students, parents, church and community, Archbishop M. C. O'Neill High School will foster an atmosphere of academic excellence which promotes the development of Christian values, recognizes the many facets of human development and prepares young people to cope with the challenges of change.

School CrestThe O'Neill Coat of Arms was officially adopted on November 16, 1973 and was based on submissions from both students and staff. Brian Gibson suggested the upper left panel while Theresa Hochban conceived the upper right panel. Sherry Auser of the Class of '74 was commissioned to draw the school crest and thus it came into being and has since represented the hopes, aspirations and motto of future generations of O'Neill students.

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Foreword
The registration of students at Archbishop M. C. O'Neill High School is deemed a recognition on their part and on the part of their parents or guardians of compliance with all the rules and regulations of the school and the School Division. It is expected that all students of the school community behave in a manner congruent with the gospel values appropriate to a Catholic community. Students are challenged to live, grow, and internalize morals and values taught to us by Jesus Christ. It is expected that students accept responsibility for their actions and for the consequences arising from their actions.
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Duties of Students
The School Act requires that students who exercise the right of access to a school shall:
• attend regularly and punctually;
• provide themselves with the supplies and materials not furnished by the school and which are considered necessary to their studies;
• observe standards approved by the Board with respect to tidiness of person, general deportment, obedience, courtesy and the respect of others;
• be diligent in their studies;
• conform to the rules of the school and submit to such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm and judicious parent;
• be accountable to the teachers for their conduct on school premises during school hours and while engaged in authorized school activities conducted in out-of-school hours; and
• be accountable to the Principal for their general deportment, at any time that they are under the supervision of the school and members of the teaching staff, including the time spent in travelling between the school and their place of residence.
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Attendance Policy
The Education Act states that it is the responsibility of every student to attend regularly and punctually.
Absences
In the event that a student must be absent from one or more classes, the parent/guardian is to provide verification of the absence(s) by:
telephoning the school at 791-7240 (preferably by 8:15 a.m.) the morning of the absence(s);
faxing the school at 949-0814; or
calling 791-7240 after hours and leaving a message on the answering machine.
Note – Students absent from scheduled tests/exams who have their absence verified will have the opportunity to reschedule the test/exam.
Lates
Students are expected to be in their desks ready to receive instruction prior to the ringing of the bell to begin class.
Late students report directly to class. If no note or phone call provides verification, the late will be recorded as unexcused.
Early Leaves
Students who wish to be excused from the school during the day must obtain an Early Leave Dismissal Slip from the office prior to the class in question and present it to the appropriate teacher.
A student who is ill must report to the office in order for parents to be contacted before the student is allowed to go home.

Attendance Reports
Regular attendance reports will be distributed with the Student Progress Reports.

Regina Roman Catholic School Division Secondary Attendance Practices

Beliefs:

· We believe that parents and guardians care about their children and desire for them the most effective education possible.

· We believe that parents and guardians are the primary teachers of their children, and that their values and beliefs play a significant role in their children’s development.

· We believe that a student who attends regularly benefits academically from direct instruction as well as from the interaction with his or her peers and teacher, especially in the social and emotional aspects of his or her development.

· We believe that the interactive learning experiences lost due to an absence can never be replicated.

· We believe that regular attendance and full participation in school activities helps to develop students into responsible, conscientious adults.

· We believe that for every action, there is a consequence; negative actions result in negative consequences, and positive actions result in positive consequences.

· We believe that every child has a story, whether positive or negative, and if we are able to learn that story, then we are better able to help the child succeed.

· We believe that Catholic schools exist 1) to educate the children of Catholic ratepayers, and 2) to support the Christian faith development of a child in order to support the Christian faith system in the home.

· We believe that a commitment to our Catholic philosophy by a student and his or her parent or guardian directly and positively impacts on a student’s attendance.

· We believe that we must at all times support section 150 of the Education Act which makes it clear that “ . . . every pupil shall: attend school regularly and punctually; . . .(and) be diligent in his or her studies”

· We believe that we must at all times support section 156 of the Education Act which makes it clear that “… every parent, guardian or other person having charge of a pupil who is of compulsory school age shall take all steps that are necessary to ensure regular attendance of that pupil”.

· We believe all students can and will be successful in every class if they demonstrate the following:

o Attend class regularly and punctually

o Come to school each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard

o Complete every assignment to the best of their ability and submit all work by due dates

o Study and prepare for all exams

Goals of Attendance Practices:

· The purpose of the attached practices is:

o to create a climate of high expectations for success,

o to provide every opportunity to learn and student time on task, and

o to develop quality relations between students, teachers, parents and guardians.

· Integral to these practices is:

o the desire to involve both the student and the parent or guardian in the academic, social and emotional development of the student,

o the desire to provide quality feedback to both the student and the parent or guardian regarding the attendance of the student, and

o the desire to create a fair and open process of intervention and consequences to deal with truancy and tardiness.

Secondary Attendance Practices

All secondary schools of the Regina Roman Catholic Separate School Division will be consistent in regards to student attendance, behavior, and success according to the standards provided below:

To ensure the integrity of the curriculum being taught, all students must attend a minimum of 85% of any class for which they are registered in order to receive a final grade for the class. Any student who is absent for more than 15% (15 periods – excused or unexcused – suspensions included) of any particular class will be dismissed from the class.
In order to ensure the integrity of the curriculum being taught, all students must be punctual a minimum of 85% for each of their classes in order to receive a final grade for the class. Any student who is tardy for more than 15% (15 periods – excused or unexcused) of any particular class will be dismissed from the class.)
Absences and tardiness will continue to be monitored if a student transfers to a different school within our school system within the semester. The attendance and tardiness records of that student will be sent to the new school providing the student is enrolled in the same classes as he or she was enrolled in from the school he or she is transferring from. (In special circumstances this may not apply.)
Any student failing a class in semester one, or who is dismissed from a semester one class because he or she is in violation of the attendance standards described in #1 and/or #2 above, will not have the option of repeating the class in semester two of that academic school year. The student’s options would be:

To attend Summer school,
To request registration in the class the following academic year,
To write a teacher-prepared or Departmental supplemental exam if the class is the last credit he/she needs to meet Saskatchewan Learning requirements for a grade 12 diploma.

We believe that it is our responsibility to work with each student and his/her family to ensure that the student receives the best education possible, and we understand that positive attendance habits allow us to ensure the success of the student. Therefore, in instances where attendance has been identified as a problem for a particular student, each school will attempt to improve the student’s attendance with a number of the following interventions:

Teacher, administrative, and automated phone calls to parents/guardians.
Letters sent to parents/guardians.
In-School Interventions (student conferences involving counselors and/or administration; parent conferences involving the student, counselors and/or administration; pull-out time from regularly scheduled classes to allow for assessment of potential problems that may be the underlying cause of attendance issues).
Tutorial/Resource/Fast Track/Transition Room programs that assist students in meeting academic success in classes that they have fallen behind in or which they have repeatedly failed. When students are placed into this type of program, the success they experience tends to also result in improved attendance practices by the students.
Renewable attendance contracts signed by students, parents/guardians, and school administration. Each renewal of the contract includes a meeting with the student, his/her parents, and administration with any successes being celebrated.
Reduced/adjusted timetable that better meets the needs of a particular student.
Recommendation for alternate placement (St. Luke [ENCORE, QHS] Alternative Education, Cornwall School, Home Schooling)
Counselor/administrative interventions and referrals (anger management, personal counseling, drug and alcohol assessment, drug and alcohol counseling, academic testing, etc.)
Out-of-School suspensions.

Where consideration has been given (through the use of some or all of the above intervention processes) and the school feels that it has exhausted its options in helping a student with his/her attendance struggles, the school administration will look at adhering to the above attendance practices in regards to students who go beyond being absent 15% of their classes or who are unsuccessful in passing a class in semester one of any academic year.

Appeal Process

In the event that an extenuating personal circumstance occurs that results in a student accumulating more than 15 absences (excused or unexcused) such as a hospital stay, a death in the family, a serious illness, or other circumstances out of the student’s control, then parents/guardians must complete the following appeal application form to initiate a formal review of their student’s situation.

Student Evaluation and Reporting Procedures
The philosophy of Archbishop M. C. O`Neill is based on the ideal that school offers all students the opportunity for success. Evaluation and assessment for each class will be done on an ongoing and continuous basis. This evaluation process will include progress reports issued by all teachers and monthly updated spread sheets that will be posted in each classroom so that students can record their marks in their agenda books. Dates for progress reports and spreadsheet postings will be outlined to students at the beginning of each semester.
We believe that if a student attends school on a regular basis, with a positive attitude and work ethic, completes all of his/her assignments to the best of his/her ability, and studies for tests/exams, then he/she will be successful in any subject/course.

Code of Conduct
God has created each one of us as unique and special human beings. In return, God challenges us to always live our lives by the Three R’s: RESPECT for self, RESPECT for others, and take RESPONSIBILITY for all of our actions and words. Such a commitment is essential in creating a safe and orderly environment in which both staff and students can function in an atmosphere free from harassment or any other behaviours which threaten the well-being of the school community. Any objectionable conduct intended to victimize another because of race, creed, colour, sex, or any other personal quality will not be tolerated. It is the ultimate objective of our school to encourage all members of our community to exemplify the teachings of Christ.
Students will behave and speak to the school staff and fellow students with respect, courtesy, and honesty. Students and staff have a right to a caring school environment free of violence, prejudice, harassment, and other forms of abuse. Negative behaviours such as vulgar, profane, or obscene language or gestures, harassment, bullying, discrimination, fighting, theft, and vandalism will not be tolerated. Students shall cooperate with and are accountable to staff of the School Division for their conduct on school premises during school hours and during any school function or activity sponsored or approved by the school and/or School Board. Rules apply to all students going to, attending and returning from school and/or approved activities.
All students who attend a Catholic school are expected to attend and to participate to the best of their ability in all liturgical events celebrated by the school community.
Students are to adhere to the standard of behaviour expected and appropriate in a classroom setting.

Mandatory Agenda Use
As part of their student fee package, all students at Archbishop M. C. O’Neill High School purchase a school agenda which they are required to carry with them to all classes. The purpose of the agenda is to assist students in the development of organizational, record-keeping and time-management skills as an important tool for both present and future success. As part of O’Neill’s continuing commitment to provide a safe and orderly environment, the agendas are also used as passports when students are in the hallways during class time.

Student Dress
In regard to student dress, the Regina Catholic School Division states that:
"Individual schools shall establish codes for pupil dress that support a safe and orderly environment,…and
Principals shall ensure that pupil dress codes are monitored and have the authority to set out clear expectations for pupil compliance and the consequences of non-compliance (including returning home in order to change to suitable clothing before being re-admitted to class).”
The following guidelines should help determine the appropriateness of your dress:
clothing should be clean and well kept (without tears, rips or holes) and should be within reasonable Christian standards of respectability;
clothing should not be sexually explicit or revealing;
clothing should not have words or graphics that are racist, sexist, profane, or demeaning to another person or group;
clothing should not have words or images that advocate violence;
clothing must be of sufficient length and/or cut to ensure that undergarments are not exposed at any time;
outdoor clothing including caps, hats, and other headgear must not be worn in classrooms and all associated teaching areas (library, gymnasiums, office) and should be removed upon arrival at school. Further, all caps, hats, and other headgear must be removed upon entering the school and may not be worn anywhere in the building.

Respect for Property
Students shall treat school property and the possessions of any individual with respect, care, and consideration. Damage to school property or the private property of members of the school community either through neglect or willful damage will not be tolerated, and in certain cases students may be required to pay the costs of damaged property.

Computer Use
Students will use computer resources in a responsible, ethical, moral, and legal manner in accordance with the mission statements and values of Catholic Schools.
Students will consider all connections to remote locations on the Internet as "Electronic Field Trips". The rules that apply to student conduct on regular field trips apply to electronic field trips.
Misuse of the computer resources of the school including the Internet, may result in loss of access to these resources (see the Internet Acceptable Use Policy on pages 23-25).

Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Students are expected to attend school and school functions free from alcohol or drugs. Possession and/or sale of such substances are prohibited. Parents will be notified immediately and will be requested to pick up their son or daughter if he/she is believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or any school-sanctioned function. The parents and student will meet with the school administration prior to the student returning to classes. In addition to any other penalties, the privilege to attend school-sanctioned functions may be suspended for one year from that date.

Harassment
Harassment on the basis of any personal attribute such as race, culture, gender, disability, physical size or weight, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated.
Harassing behaviors or actions that abuse or humiliate individuals, interfere with their performance or create an intimidating or hostile environment are prohibited. Unwanted comments, verbal and/or written abuse, unwelcome gestures, actions that invade privacy or personal property, spreading unfounded rumours or spreading misinformation will not be tolerated. Students have a responsibility to keep the school environment free from harassment.Smoking
Students may smoke only in the designated area located in the northwest corner of the student parking lot. Students caught smoking in any non-designated area on the property including the front of O'Neill and St. Peter's School, will face logical consequences.Violence
Disagreements are to be settled in a fair, non-violent manner without the use of threats. Behavior that results in a serious physical assault of a member of the school community will, in accordance with Board policy, effect any or all of the following: (a) suspension from attendance at school-approved functions for a period of up to one year; (b) suspension from school attendance for a period of up to one year; (c) transfer to another school; or, (d) expulsion for a period greater than one year.

Weapons
Students can expect a safe environment free from any weapon or dangerous object. The carrying, use of, or threat of use of a weapon is prohibited and will result in serious consequences. A weapon is anything used for, or intended for use as an instrument for inflicting bodily harm, or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person.

Posters
An Administrator must initial all posters put up in the school.
Visitors
School buildings and property are not open to the public except for specific events. Parents, guardians, and other guests are welcome to visit schools. For the safety of all, visitors are required to report at the main office.

Hallways
Hallways are to be free of students while classes are in session. Students who have permission to be in a hallway during a class period must carry their agenda with them as authorization. Students who have unassigned time may spend this time in the Resource Centre or outside the school but not in the Commons Area or hallways. Students are not allowed to congregate in the Commons Area during class time except for the ten minutes prior to the commencement of a class.

Gymnasiums
Students participating in physical education activities must wear appropriate gym attire including gym shorts or sweats, white-soled shoes reserved for the gym and a T-shirt.
Unsupervised activities or unauthorized use of equipment is not permitted, nor is food or drink allowed in either gym, or gym change rooms.
School Dances
School dances are open to students of Archbishop M. C. O'Neill and their invited guests. The sponsor and guest must arrive at the dance together. Elementary school students cannot be put on the guest list. A student who signs in a guest is responsible for the behavior of the guest. All O’Neill students and guests are expected to conform to school policies and regulations. If there is any problem with a guest, both the student sponsor and the guest will be asked to leave the dance. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. No one will be admitted after 8:30 p.m. unless previously registered on the late list. Students who leave the dance will not be permitted to re-enter.

Chaplaincy
The Chaplain serves as a resource person for the faith-life of the school and is available to give personal guidance and direction in matters concerning faith and morality. Chaplaincy includes working personally with students as well as coordinating morning prayers, Eucharistic celebrations, liturgies, student retreats and community service. The Chaplain’s office is located on the second floor.

Liturgical Events
Liturgical events play an integral part in the mission of Catholic schools, which is to assist students in "the integration of faith and life on a personal and social level". The purposes for liturgical events are:
to allow students and staff to "step back" and reflect on the spiritual dimension of their lives;
to help students integrate what they have learned in their Christian Ethics courses into daily life; and,
to provide students and staff with a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and nourishment.Liturgical Events include the following:
Retreats - tied to the Christian Ethics curriculum at each grade level.
Liturgies of the Word - tied to the liturgical seasons of the church year and to major events in the school year.
School Mass - will occur once each semester to enable the school community to come together in celebration of the Eucharist.

Liturgical Expectations of Students
All students attend liturgical events regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof.
Students adhere to the same behavioral expectations at liturgical events as they would in the classroom.
All students participate to the best of their ability in all liturgical events.Retreat Logistics
• No fees are collected from students for retreats except in the case of grade twelves whose retreat fee is part of the Christian Ethics 30 course fee.
The grade nine retreat will be half a day in duration while all others correspond in length to a normal school day.
• In each grade students will attend a retreat during the semester in which they are taking Christian Ethics.
• In grade twelve there will be one retreat day accompanying the Christian Ethics program.
Archbishop M. C. O'Neill High School is proud of its strong tradition of offering liturgical events that are creative, and enriching. It is at these times that our school is most truly a "community of faith" celebrating God's presence in our midst and is most truly following our school motto, which is "Domini Dirige Nos" - Lord Guide Us.

Counseling and Guidance Services
Student Services operates on a "drop-in" basis. Interview slips are available, however, for those students who wish to make appointments. Counselors provide assistance with the following:
information about scholarships, application requirements and financial aid for post-secondary education. A scholarship information evening for parents and students will be offered to create awareness of available scholarships and to assist students in the application process;
individual counselling about courses, careers and personal matters;
assistance in acquiring good decision-making and problem-solving skills;
group presentations about careers and future education;
information on opportunities to travel/study abroad;
interest tests to help you understand yourself;
printed information about jobs, colleges, universities and other opportunities;
tours of colleges, universities and various places of employment;
a computer program which allows students to explore potential career areas and post secondary options - Career/Scholarship/Post Secondary Information Website: studentcounsellor.com;
records of your accumulated credits;
transcripts;
information on ‘How to Study Effectively’, ‘Time Management’, ‘Self-Esteem’ and ‘Making Responsible Choices’;
speakers concerning jobs for those wishing to enter employment straight from school;
preparing for job interviews;
finding summer and part time jobs;
resumé writing and personal portfolios;
applications to post secondary institutions and related decisions.

Grade Nine Mentorship Program
The main goal of this program is to help students succeed in their first year at O’Neill High School. Our student mentor counselor along with grade eight teachers from our associate schools, select students who they feel would benefit from this program. Students are closely monitored for their attendance, academics, and behavior. Communication with their parents/guardians and teachers is emphasized. Monthly group lunch meetings are scheduled with guest speakers and these are intended to support the grade nine students throughout the year. Transition from elementary to high school is different for everyone and this program tries to make such a transition as smooth as possible!

Aboriginal Leadership Team
One of the goals of this group is to build aboriginal leadership amongst students at O’Neill. The First Nation method of holistic teachings from the “Medicine Wheel” are applied throughout the school year in the area of traditional counseling which encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well being of the student. The student events and activities, scheduled throughout the year, involve the teaching of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. The focus of the Aboriginal Leadership Team is “Building a Circle 4 Success”. The students, parents, teachers/staff and community work together for the success of all.

Resource Centre (Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
The library program at O’Neill is designed:
to teach students research strategies so that they will become independent lifelong learners and informed decision makers;
to assist staff and students in locating materials related to classroom assignments;
to provide books and magazines for leisure enjoyment and literary appreciation; and
to provide a quiet setting where students are welcome to work on assignments and projects.
Library materials have a loan period of two weeks and may be renewed. Reference materials do not circulate and must be used in the library. Borrowers must present their photo identification student card in order to sign out materials.
Computers are available in the library for Internet access, research and word processing.
Photocopying is also available in the library at a cost of 15 cents a page.

School Nurse
The school nurse is in attendance Tuesday mornings to provide services such as health counselling, information, immunization, and communicable diseases follow-up. Students may contact the nurse in person, leave a message at the school, or call the Health Information Line at 766-7700. The Nurse’s office is located on the second floor.

Student Representative Council
The SRC is a student body whose mandate is to organize and plan student activities. SRC elections are held in May for the positions of President and Vice President. The election process allows the candidates to campaign for one week during which each is provided an opportunity to deliver an election speech before the entire student body. All remaining positions are determined by an application and interview process governed by the SRC Advisors.

The SRC offers students the opportunity to purchase an Activity Card that provides considerable savings at SRC sponsored activities such as dances, football games, noon hour concerts, basketball games, barbeques, SRC activity nights, as well as discounts from various local merchants. The card provides savings that go well beyond your original cost of $25.00 for the card.

Canteen
The canteen is open at lunch and a variety of foods are also available from vending machines located in the same area. Students are not allowed to take food or drink to class.
Students who choose to eat lunch at the school are required to eat in one of the designated areas and are reminded to use the facility in such a manner as to show respect for others.

Parking
Student parking is located on the north side of the school and is designated parking only. Vehicles that are parked in school or church parking lots without permission may be ticketed and/or towed.

Lockers and Padlocks
Each student is entitled to a locker. To protect personal belongings and to prevent damage, all lockers must be secured with a lock issued by the school. School lockers are the property of the school and may be subject to inspection by the principal or a designate. New students purchase a lock as part of school registration fees. Other students needing a lock, or requiring additional locks, may purchase locks from the office.

Subject Selection and Course Requirements
The primary responsibility for ensuring that graduation requirements are met lies with the student. In an attempt to assist students and parents in the subject selection process, special informational sessions will be held prior to course registration. Student Services also provides individual counseling to assist students in making wise choices for the future. Students are urged to take advantage of these programs and to consult with their parent/guardian(s) when course registration occurs in the spring. It is imperative that students return their signed course registration sheets by the due date to ensure that their requests can best be honored.

Course Registration
The courses students choose in the spring are the courses they will take in the fall. No schedule changes will be entertained other than for the following reasons:
failure of prerequisite course
summer school credit in course

Timetable Concerns
Registration in a course involves a commitment by the student to carry that course through to completion. Requests to alter classes are discouraged and will not be entertained at all beyond the deadline date for withdrawing from classes (this date will be provided to students at the beginning of each semester). Official student transcripts will include all subjects in which a student remains officially registered after the deadline date for withdrawing from classes has passed.

Awards Foreword
The awards program at Archbishop M. C. O'Neill High School recognizes students who have achieved excellence in academic and extra-curricular pursuits as well as students whose school spirit has exemplified humanitarian and Christian attitudes.

Academic Awards
A Curricular Awards Night held in the fall recognizes academic excellence from Grades 9 to 12. Students are granted honor roll certificates if they have attained an overall average of 80% or higher. Students receive certificates commensurate with their grade point average:
89.5% or higher receives gold recognition
84.5 – 89.4% receives silver recognition
79.5 – 84.4% receives bronze recognition
In addition, various subject area and special awards are presented at each grade level.
Some grade XII Awards will be presented at the Graduation Exercises held in the spring.

Extra-Curricular Awards
Students receive a certificate of participation for each extra-curricular activity in which they participate.
An Extra-Curricular Awards Night held in the spring recognizes students for participation in extra-curricular programs during the year.
Special recognition is given to Grade 12 students who have collected 8 participation certificates or more over the course of their high school years.

The computers at O’Neill High School are intended for student use; however, they are not the personal property of students. The following guidelines have been established for computer use:
• Students are not allowed to download or attempt to download programs of any nature, including but not restricted to music, chat and messaging programs, and various other items such as screen savers, games and files;
• Students are not allowed to rearrange or change the computer desktop;
• Students are not allowed to access or attempt to access locked or restricted sites or to bypass school proxies (firewall).
• Students are not allowed to access school or private company files when unauthorized or to alter system configurations so that software is disabled or used inappropriately.
• The web and its information should be used as one source of information for projects and essays. However, appropriate credit to the site(s) you have used must be given.
• At no time should passwords be shared with other individuals.
Furthermore, as members of a Catholic educational institution, students are not allowed to access sites that would violate our Christian values and principles.
Downloads on a school computer are permitted only if 1) you have the permission of your classroom teacher and the STR, and 2) the teacher is present in the classroom. No downloads of any nature are allowed on the Resource Centre computers.
As in all situations, we appreciate your cooperation. If you choose not to follow these guidelines, School Administration will enforce appropriate consequences.
Internet accessibility as provided by Archbishop M. C. O’Neill High School is intended for the acquisition of legitimate educational material. While using the Internet facilities provided by the school, students must have the following agreement completed and visible.