Useful School Information
Aboriginal Self-Identification
PROMOTING SUCCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS OF ABORIGINAL ANCESTRY

In support of the Ministry of Education’s directive, the York Region District School Board is providing an opportunity for students to self-identify their Aboriginal ancestry so that expanded supports can be provided to First Nation, Métis and Inuit children. The process is voluntary and the information gathered will be kept confidential.

The self-identification process will help the Board collect data to determine if students of Aboriginal ancestry, especially those who experience gaps in their education, are receiving the appropriate level of support to achieve their full potential.

Students who are already attending a public school in York Region can register by completing an Aboriginal Self-Identification Form which can be obtained from their school. New students can record their Aboriginal status when they register on their Student Registration Form.
For further information, please contact any of the following individuals at:
(905) 727-3141 (Aurora/King)

(905) 895-7216 (Newmarket/East Gwillimbury)

(905) 722-3201 (Georgina)

(416) 969-8131 (Toronto/Markham/Richmond Hill/Vaughan/Whitchurch-Stouffville)
 
Chris McAdam, Sharon List or John Malloy, Superintendents of Education

José Fernandes, Administrator, Community and Cultural Services Unit
Barry McKillop, Aboriginal Education Liaison Officer

Or:

Elizabeth Bigwin, Aboriginal Education Office, Ministry of Education, Liz.bigwin@ontario.ca
 
Accidents and Insurance
All injuries at school must be reported to the person supervising the class or activity and to the Main Office.
 
Student Accident Insurance may be purchased at a moderate cost at the beginning of each year. Any student who has a claim under the student accident insurance must report the accident to the Main Office as soon as possible. Students are not covered for sports related accidents/injuries unless their parents have purchased the Student Accident Insurance. This includes all team sports and intramural sports.
 
Athletic Letter
Senior Letter “W” 200
Junior Letter “W” 100
A minimum of 20 points must be earned through service.
The number of points awarded will be at the discretion of the coach. Points are awarded as listed below:
 
Service Points
Student Coach 8
Referee, timekeeper, scorer, etc. 5
Team Manager 5
Captain of School Team 3
Member of W.A.C. 5
An Award of Merit is usually presented each year to the male and female students who have made an excellent contribution to the physical education program.
 
Assemblies
Assemblies are held periodically to present topics of interest or concern to the student body. All designated students are expected to attend. Prior to the assembly, leave your belongings in your locker or in your locked classroom. No food, drinks, listening or entertainment devices are permitted. You are expected to arrive punctually, quickly take a seat in the assigned row and wait for the introduction by the speaker. During the assembly, listen carefully and respectfully. You are not permitted to leave the assembly except under extenuating circumstances. Students are not permitted in the halls during the assembly. Students who misbehave will be escorted to the office by staff. Once the presenter has been formally thanked, wait to hear the instructions about returning to class.
 
Awards
Celebrating student success is an important aspect of school life. Awards have been developed in our school programs and will be presented throughout the year: at Awards Assemblies, banquets, and at our Annual Graduation. There are several awards for which students may qualify. These include: general proficiency and academic awards, various regional and competition awards, and character awards. Full-time students who attain an annual average of 80% or higher will receive an Honour Roll Certificate. Further information about awards and scholarships is available at the Guidance Department.
 
Bullying Prevention
Bullying hurts. It makes people miserable. It can change lives forever. The bullying problem can only be solved if young people and adults act together. We can make a difference. Don’t leave it up to others. What to do… If you are being bullied, or if you are worried about someone else who is being bullied, the most important thing to remember is to talk to someone you trust. What not to do… Don’t hide what is happening from the adults or peers you trust. There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you are in trouble. And Remember…
 
  • Nobody has the right to harm other people by harassing or defaming them in cyberspace, hitting or beating them, calling them names or doing anything which is intended to be hurtful.
  • Bullying is wrong whatever the age of the person who is doing the bullying. If a student or adult is bullying you (or someone else) or trying to make you do something you think is wrong, you must talk to somebody you trust about this at once.
  • You can help other people who are being bullied. You can encourage them to talk to an adult, or you can offer to talk to an adult on their behalf. You might be able to let bullies know that you do not like what they are doing and that you are determined to see them stop.
  • You can also help by taking part in the school’s anti-bullying and bullying prevention activities.
 
Cafeteria
Students may use the cafeteria at non-instructional times only (before school, at lunch-time or while on a spare). All food and beverages should be consumed in the cafeteria. Please refrain from sitting on tables. Put chairs in after use. Dispose of garbage appropriately. In warm weather you may eat outside the building. Everyone is expected to work together to maintain a clean, healthy environment. Do not litter anywhere on school property. Students who litter will be required to clean up the school grounds and may face suspension.
 
Co-Curricular Activities
We are very proud of the participation of students and staff in the extensive array of co-curricular activities available at Williams.  You are encouraged to join the groups that interest you most and thus broaden your high school experience.  Check the clubs or teams that are listed on the Student Announcement board for more information. 

If you want to start a new club or team, find a staff member (willing to act as an advisor) to assist you.

At co-curricular events (sports events, dances, plays, field trips, and academic competitions) it is expected that students will behave appropriately.  There will be no name-calling, swearing, signs or behaviour meant to degrade other individuals or groups.  Offensive and abusive language is not appropriate and will not be tolerated.
 
Consent to Contact Parents
Students who are 18 years of age or older, and, who want staff members to communicate academic achievement, attendance or behaviour profile with parents/guardians, should complete the “Consent to Contact Parents” form (in this Agenda Book) and submit it to the Main Office.
 
Cyberspace Etiquette & Safety
Students are encouraged to exercise careful thought and discretion when interacting or posting messages/images on the internet. The school name cannot be used in labels or titles for internet posts without the explicit permission of the school administration.
 
Daily Announcements
Announcements are an important way of communicating information about daily school life to all staff and students. If you wish to make an announcement, first get a form from the Main Office, print neatly, and have a staff member sign it. Announcements must be submitted on the form, and by 8:00 a.m., in order to be read. Announcements will be read a maximum of three consecutive times. Announcements are posted on the bulletin board located beside the library.
 
Emergency Procedures
Code Red: You are to clear all halls and move to the nearest classroom, library or cafeteria.  You must move away from all windows and doors. Do not respond to the fire alarm unless directed by the office. Students who are outside the building may not enter the school during the Code Red.  An announcement from the office will indicate when the Code Red has ended.
 
Fire Alarm: At the sound of the alarm all staff and students must evacuate the building.  Students are expected to follow the teachers’ instructions and use the fire exit indicated on the emergency information sheet in each room.  When outside the building, everyone must stand well away from the building and the fire routes.  No one is to re-enter the building until the all clear signal is sounded.  In the event of a major emergency, students will be accommodated at Aurora High School.

Parked vehicles are off limits during emergency situations.
 
Field Trips
School field trips are all trips organized by staff members to promote student learning. They may be academic, athletic, technical or artistic.

Students must submit a completed permission form for each field trip that they take.  It is the student’s responsibility to complete work missed in other classes as a result of participating in the trip. Each student should notify all of his/her teachers at least two days in advance of a trip.

Students on field trips are subject to the same expectations that apply at school.  Because teacher-supervisors are responsible for the safety and welfare of students, their instructions must be followed at all times. While on a field trip, it is expected that students’ behaviour will reflect favourably on the school. Any infraction of school policy will have the same consequences as would apply in a classroom or on YRDSB property.

Whenever a bus is arranged for a field trip, all students must go on the bus and return on the bus.  While riding on the bus, students are expected to act in a manner which allows the driver to give full attention to the driving of the bus and safety of the passengers.

NOTE:  In most instances, students will share the costs for the field trip.  Students forfeiting the privilege of attending the field trip due to misbehaviour, illness or family emergency will sacrifice their monies paid.  This is necessary since costs remain fixed once a commitment has been made.
 
Food in Classrooms
Only water will be allowed in classrooms. Food and drinks other than water, will be allowed only with explicit permission from the teacher. Food or drink is also prohibited in the library and computer labs.
 
Fundraising Activities
Students wishing to raise funds for clubs, activities or special causes must obtain approval from their teacher-advisor, the Students’ Council and a school administrator. They will then book fundraising dates with the administrator in charge of the school calendar, and notify staff who are affected by the fundraising initiative. Personal pan-handling is forbidden on school property.
 
Gambling
Gambling is prohibited on or adjacent to school property.
 
Graduation Photos
You are considered a graduate the year you achieve 30 required credits (including the 16 compulsory credits). Your name will appear in the Graduation Program and your photo will be on the grad composite that year only, even if you return to take more credits. You must get your picture taken that year, usually in January, but you do not have to buy a package. You may have your picture taken if your return after graduation, but it will not appear on the composite.
 
Hallways
In order to keep the main entrance to the school inviting to our visitors, students are to refrain from blocking doorways and access to the building and to the Main Office. Students should not loiter in hallways or stairwells. There should be no loud or distracting behaviour, especially during instructional periods. Horse-playing/games involving physical activity are disallowed in the hallways.
 
Health Matters
Students should have a basic awareness of their health history. Parents are required to inform the school (in writing) of any special health concerns of their child(ren) – particularly for emergency situations. The school must also be provided with the name and current phone number of an emergency contact for each student.
The health of all our members matters. School rules (e.g. “no food in classrooms”) have been designed, in part, to protect individuals from exposure to allergens such as nut products. While every effort is made to ensure that community members are not exposed to allergens, it is up to each individual at risk to monitor his or her situation and to take precautions to avoid triggers. We show consideration for others in our use of foods, colognes, perfumes, etcetera.
Members of our school community have life threatening allergies to nut products.  Nut or nut products should not be brought to school.
Thank you for taking the necessary steps to ensure that our school is safe for all.
 
Lasers
Laser pointers and electronic gaming devices are prohibited at our school.
 
Lockers
Lockers are loaned to store school books and personal belongings.  Students are expected to keep lockers clean, and free of graffiti. Students must not share lockers.  Only combination locks must be used. Unlocked lockers will be bolted. Both locker number and combination must be recorded by the office for each student.  Locker problems are to be reported to the Attendance office.

School lockers are the property of the YRDSB and it is the Board’s right to have lockers opened and searched at any time by the school administration.
 
Lost and found
Articles which have been found are to be brought to Room 101. You may check for lost articles there.
 
Opening Exercises
Students are expected to stand quietly during the playing of the National Anthem and the moment of silent reflection. Students are expected to listen attentively to announcements and should not be moving around the classroom or halls during the daily Opening Exercises.
 
Parent/Teacher Interview (or Parents’) Night
The partnership between home and school helps to ensure that each student will do his or her best. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the school at any time regarding information on your progress. A more formal opportunity for parents to meet with teachers is arranged following the distribution of Interim Reports. Parents and teachers will seek to keep open lines of communication on student behaviour , learning and achievement.
 
Parking
There are very few parking spaces for student use. These spaces are located at the back of the school facing the playing fields. They are available on a first-come first-served basis. To be eligible to use the lot, students must have a valid student card, a driver’s license and insurance. Students must register for a parking space and display the parking permit. Vehicles and contents are left at the student’s own risk.

Parking is not allowed in the Emergency Vehicles/Bus Route.

Students who fail to comply with the parking regulations will:
 
 
The use of vehicles is for transportation to and from school only. Students are reminded to drive with caution and refrain from loitering in or around vehicles during school hours. School operations should not be disturbed by loud music or other distractions in the parking lot.
 
Personal Privacy
It is an invasion of privacy for unauthorized individuals to capture, manipulate, produce, publish, or display pictures or stories of a person or group, without permission of the featured person(s). Serious consequences will follow such infringement.
 
Personal Property
Do not bring large amounts of money or valuable personal property to school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Never leave money or valuables in your locker or in the change room.
 
Personal Sports Equipment
Personal equipment for sports (such as balls, skateboards, and rollerblades) is permitted provided it is used in such a way that does not interfere with the learning or safety of others, or the appearance and maintenance of the buildings/grounds.
 
Report Cards
Report cards are to be shared with parent(s)/guardian(s). They will be issued twice per semester:
 
 
School Council
The Williams’ School Council meets six times per year; meetings begin at 7:15 p.m. To confirm the dates, please see the calendar in this Agenda Book, or visit the school’s website. All members of the school community are welcome to attend.
 
School Photos
School photos are taken in September for all students, whether or not you purchase a photo package. Student-photos are used for the yearbook and student cards. Dates for sitting are shared via announcements and posters. A retake day is usually held in October.
 
School Materials
Materials on loan to students are the property of The YRDSB. Students are responsible for the return of their texts in good condition to their subject teacher at the end of each course. An assessment for damaged or lost books will be made by the subject teacher. Payment is made at the school office before exams or before the issuance of final report cards.
 
Smoking and Related Activities
To protect the health of staff and students and to comply with the Tobacco Control Act, YRDSB properties are smoke-free. Chewing, smoking or holding lit tobacco is, therefore, prohibited on board property and in board operated buildings. Violation may result in suspension from school and/or fines.
 
Summer School
New courses for credit and reinforcement courses are available at summer school in most academic subjects. Contact the Guidance Department for further information.
 
Surveillance
Surveillance cameras are positioned in many areas of the school to enhance supervision and security both in and out of the building. The use of surveillance cameras does not over-ride initiating or following coded emergency responses. The school administration may review images of students in a investigation to verify whether there has been a breach of the school’s code of conduct.
 
Timetable Changes
You must attend all classes as scheduled. Changes to your timetable are made through a guidance counsellor and approved by the parent/guardian/adult student. You must follow the old timetable until the new one is issued as attendance will be taken and carries over to your new course selection. Students in grades 9-11 are expected to maintain a full program of four courses per semester. “Spares” are a privilege. Permission of a parent/guardian and approval of a school administrator will be required for a “spare” for students in extenuating circumstances with fewer than 24 credits.
 
Trespassers
School property is for the exclusive use of registered students and Board personnel during the day. Unauthorized visitors are subject to charges under the Trespass to Property Act.
 
Visitors
Persons on school property and not registered at Williams are considered visitors and must report to the Main Office. Only visitors conducting school-related business are welcome. Please report to the main office before proceeding. Students are asked to not bring friends or siblings to the school to spend the day. Such requests cannot be accommodated.
 
Withdrawal From School
Students who leave school for any reason during the school year must complete the appropriate forms, available in Guidance and the Attendance Office, and ensure that all textbooks and school materials are returned.
 
Yearbook
You may purchase your yearbook during registration in August or listen to announcements in early September for dates and times of yearbook sales.