BCS Student Handbook

BCS Logo

The BCS logo is circular and symmetrical, representing a unifying wholeness and balance.

The letters BCS within the circle represents a circle of, or community of believers working together within the educational sphere, the centre of which is the letter "C" stating that we are Christ centered in our direction and scope of learning.

The letter "C" within the logo is upheld and balanced at only one point, the cross of Christ. The cross is also the only connection between the sphere and the enveloping base. The bent cross-beam of the crucifix conveys a supportive blessing and environment for our educational activities. The cross has a piercing contact with the centre of the educational sphere. However, the cross also has a noticeable footing, a firm foundation for all to rest upon. One may also perceive an abstract figure of Jesus Christ, with arms outstretched.

The logo in its entirety reflects an unfolding young plant. The letters BCS are viewed as the flower of the plant, preparing to bloom and produce seed. These same letters may also be perceived as a seed receiving nurture and support from the cross, as it is rooted in the Word.

We also see an image of hands within the base. We believe these hands are the protective, caring, guiding hands of God. These hands also uphold BCS through the cross.

The hands also reflect an offering of our educational activity to God, they also reflect our praise to Him, and in return a sense of nurture from God to BCS, its workers and students. We believe our task from the Lord is to provide sound, Bible based, Christian education and as stewards we are challenged to this end.

Fundamental to the interaction between the hands and the school is the channel of the cross. It is solely upon, and through His Word that our educational activities stand.

The enveloping base of the logo depicts the flame, the fire of the Holy Spirit and its spherical design inherently states that we are united and one in spirit.

The sphere of all education does not rest in our hands, but in the hands of our God and Saviour, upheld through the application of His Word.

Dear Student,

Brantford Christian School is the Lord’s school. It is also your parent’s school and your school. It was built by families who believe in Christian Education.
It is the hope and prayer of all who believe in BCS that you will make Christian Education a life long process.

At BCS we want you to grow physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and intellectually. This will involve the learning of many skills. They are language skills, numeracy skills, skills in music, art, physical movement, social skills, and introspective skills. At BCS you will be in a caring environment, developing the qualities of self esteem, creative thinking, a love for learning, respect for self, for others and for God’s creation. You will learn to work
co-operatively and individually. You will learn about God, His world, and how to love and serve Him, others and yourself.

You will, eventually, have the opportunity to serve on Student Council or Sports Council. These councils will help you to develop leadership skills and will give you much experience in working with others in a team effort.

Ask your parents to read this booklet with you so that you will have a safer, happier, more successful time at your school.

Your Principal,

Walt Hartholt

BCS HANDBOOK

As Students, you can expect to:

learn in a good atmosphere without disruption
receive help with your studies
have protection from physical or verbal abuse from fellow classmates
make responsible decisions in your academic and social development
be respected by staff and fellow students

It is your responsibility to:

love God and love your neighbour as yourself
obey all school routines and staff
complete all classroom work and assignments promptly
care for books, supplies and school property
be polite and courteous to all school staff
refrain from using foul and abusive language
refrain from conduct disruptive to the class
come to school suitably and appropriately dressed
behave properly while travelling by bus or in car pools
build up and encourage rather than destroy and put down.

Your parents can expect:

a classroom atmosphere that allows good teaching and learning to take place.
to be informed of your attendance, learning or behaviour problems.
to be informed about school detentions or suspension
to receive regular reports on your social and academic progress

It is the responsibility of your parents to:

support this Behaviour Code
see that you attend school regularly, punctually and be appropriately dressed.
understand that the teachers act as your parents during the school day
co-operate with the school by attending interviews and other activities
plan a time and place, with supervision, for you to do your homework
discuss with you and your teacher your school progress.

Your teachers will:

expect you to behave properly
expect to be respected by students and parents
exclude a student from a class or an extra-curricular activity for recurring misbehaviour, after consultation with the principal
call for a parent/teacher conference when a student continually violates this code.

It is your teacher’s responsibility to:

provide the best possible education through a good classroom climate, which allows for learning to take place.
be available to talk with staff, parents and students, especially about class work and behaviour
enforce the rules of the school courteously, consistently and fairly
deal with behaviour problems quickly, firmly and impartially
help with discipline outside the classroom, in the halls, the washroom and at recess time
teach respect for community property and good citizenship.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Q Why do I have to take my outside shoes off when I come into the school?

A To keep the dirt out of the halls and the classrooms

Q What is the dress code?

A Clothes worn to school should be:

tasteful and neat in appearance

suitable for school activities and season

free of offensive slogans

Clothes required for gym in Grades 5-8 are:

royal blue shorts and white or blue T-shirts (these should be stored in a gym bag)

gym shoes

Q Why is loud talking not allowed in the hall?

A Loud talking disrupts classes and it distracts the secretary from her work. The secretary is often speaking on the phone or busy with a visitor. Loud noise disturbs visitors who are talking in the hallway. If we behave in an orderly manner, we show respect for others.

Q Why shouldn’t we throw stones or snowballs?

A Someone might get hurt.

Q Why can I not climb trees?

A The trees will be damaged and children who fall out of trees get hurt.

Q Why is loud talking or horsing around in class so serious?

A This disturbs others who are trying to work or teach. "I’m not learning when I’m horsing around."

Q Is it all right to run in the hall or class?

A No. This is another safety rule. You might get hurt, or you might hurt someone else.

Q Why do I have to put my hand up in class when I want to speak?

A If several people talk at the same time, it is hard to hear anyone. When your turn comes, everyone will be able to hear what you have to say.

Q Why is it important to sit quietly on the bus?

A So the driver can concentrate on his/her driving and get you home or to school safely.

Q Why can’t I drop and leave papers, etc. on the floor or yard?

A God wants us to look after our environment. That includes the school. Garbage on the floor or yard makes our school look messy and makes more work for others.

Q Why must I obey student safety patrollers?

A They have been trained and given the responsibility of ensuring the safety of other students

Q Why should I not chew gum?

A Because gum gets on the floor, in carpets, drinking fountains, urinals, and on people’s clothing. Not one student has volunteered to pick up gum out of urinals or fountains.

Q What will happen if I don’t follow school rules?

A You will receive warnings, punishment work or detentions.

Q What conduct is expected from students?

A Student Conduct as outlined below:

Our relationship with God

We will speak of God in respectful ways
We will encourage close relationship with God in others as well as ourselves through Bible reading, prayer, sharing, etc.
Our Relationship with Those in Authority
We will be respectful in our speech and conduct.
We will be obedient to those in authority over us.
We will not condone the disrespect displayed by others to those in authority.

Our Relationship to Others

We will be respectful of others.
We will address each other properly and not resort to name calling, swearing or dirty language towards each other.
We will respect each other’s property and encourage everyone to feel included.
We will respect each other’s person and remember "no touching" unless it is wanted.
We will learn to apologize when we fail and to seek God’s strength to continue trying to live in fellowship.

Our Relationship to School Property

We will respect school property. This includes furniture, books, equipment and building.
We will report any damage done and volunteer to pay for damages if we are responsible.
We will accept responsibility for the cleanliness of the school and grounds.

Q What warrants a detention?

A The following offences:

unacceptable language
physically fighting, or any unwanted physical contact
walking around with sticks construed by other students to be a potential weapon
climbing trees
failing to serve a detention purposefully
disrupting the class or hallway repeatedly
damaging school property
showing disrespect to a teacher by talking back or willfully disobeying
leaving school property without permission
throwing objects (snowballs, sticks, stones, etc.) at someone else
deliberate, hurtful teasing
lying when confronted by evidence to the contrary
three recorded lates counted towards a detention

Yard Duty Rules:

Stay within the school yard boundaries
No eating or drinking outside
No sticks used as weapons or for building forts
No climbing of trees
No playing of tag on the primary equipment
No hard sleds or snowboards
No snowball throwing

Some other specific information that you will want to know about:

Walkmans, gameboys and pocket knives are not permissible at school.

Your parents will be phoned if you have not arrived at school and the teacher has not been notified of your absence. This is a safety measure.

Eating of snacks and lunches:

All food should be eaten inside the classroom. Therefore, you should not be eating in the halls, washrooms, gym, library or school yard.

Janitorial Duties:

Grade 7-8 students do janitorial duties to help out our custodian. Their wages go into a Student Fund account. This money helps to pay for class trips, some sports equipment and sporting events.

Entrance Doors:

The lower grades enter through the single south door.

The upper grades enter through the double north door by the parking lot.
Kindergarten and grade 4 enter through the North East door by the flagpole.

You may come into the school through the front door before the bell rings if you have a note to stay in due to illness, or if you have been asked to come in by the teachers.

The parking lot, the front lawn and Calvin Street, are not play areas. You are only allowed here if you are being picked up by car.

Telephone:

You may use the secretary's phone for emergencies only. Ask permission from your teacher first.

Recycle:

We take the mandate from God to look after our environment seriously. Please recycle all cans, glass jars, plastic bottles, waste paper, and compost.

Brantford Christian School
7 Calvin Street
Brantford, Ontario

N3S 3E4

Bus: 519-752-0433
Fax: 519-752-6088