School Handbook for Families

1. Welcome Message
Welcome to Sayward Elementary School! We are excited to have you as part of our Sayward Elementary family. This handbook is designed to provide you with important information about our school's policies, procedures, and resources. We believe that by working together, we can create a nurturing and effective learning environment for our students.
2. School Mission and Vision
Mission: Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment where every child can achieve their full potential.
Vision: We envision a school where students are engaged, motivated, and prepared for the challenges of the future.
We base our mission and our vision on the Circle of Courage© and have created a West Coast version of this concept. Please see the Appendix for more information.
3. Staff Directory
Sayward ElemSchool Staff | Role | Contact Information |
| General Office | 250.282.3314 |
Christine Middleton | Principal | |
Catherine Clinton | Admin Assistant | |
Sandy Stephens | Learning Support Teacher (LST) Indigenous Support Teacher | |
Aidan Passingham | K/1 Teacher | |
Amanda Douglas | 2/3 Teacher | |
Melissa Cada | 4/5 Teacher | |
Jamie Levin | EA
|
|
Katerina Pastorkova | EA |
|
Trish Woodward | EA
|
|
Ady Cruz Jimenez | Signing EA
|
|
Audrey Ordano | Indigenous Support EA, Strong Start Facilitator
|
(On leave until December 2024) |
Linda Nepraunig | Bus Driver |
|
Brenna Robson | Custodian |
|
District Staff – Senior Leadership Team | ||
Geoff Manning | Superintendent/CEO | natalie.crawshaw@sd72.bc.ca |
Ms. Morgan Kyle | Associate Superintendent | darlana.devito@sd72.bc.ca |
Philip Cizmic | Associate Superintendent | darlana.devito@sd72.bc.ca |
Stephen Hawkins-Bogle | Director of Instruction | darlana.devito@sd72.bc.ca |
Brenna Ewing
| Director of Inclusive Education | 250.286.4400 |
Debra Martel | Director of Indigenous Education & English Language Learning | 250.830.2328 |
4. School Information:
SD72 School Calendar for 2024 - 2025
~ Bell Schedule (See supervision schedule below):
Beginning of the Day Supervision | 8:30 to 8:45 am - Breakfast cart is outside during this time |
Morning Recess | 10:15 – 10: 30 |
Lunch Recess | 11:45 – 12:15 |
Eating Time | 12:15 – 12:30 |
End of the Day Bell | 2:30 - Supervision is until bus leaves at 2:40 |
~ Attendance: Regular attendance is essential for student success. Please call the school if your child is going to be away so that the school is aware. 250.282.3314
~ Code of Conduct: All staff and students are expected to adhere to the school's code of conduct, promoting a positive and respectful environment. Please ensure you review this document with your child/ren. The full Code of Conduct is in the appendix.
Please note that SD 72 is currently working on a “Visitor/Parent/Caregiver Code of Conduct” we hope will be completed and implemented this fall. Please see Appendix #2 for the full SD72 Elementary School Code of Conduct.
Highlights from the Code of Conduct:
~ Personal Devices: Cell phones, tablets and other personal devices are not allowed to be used while on school property or on field trips. This includes before, during, or after school. If students have one, it must be kept in their backpack or the office. At times, teachers may give permission to use a device for educational purposes.
~ Bus: The Code of Conduct is always in effect while in a bus line-up and on the bus. Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right.
~ Emergency Procedures – All schools have several drills per year. Dates will be determined as the year progresses and notices will be sent home. Teachers also do pre-teaching for each drill so that students know what to expect and why we do drills.
The drills are as follows:
Fire Drills | 6 per year | 3 are full drills with alarms and practice evacuations, 3 are in class reviews |
Earthquake Drills | 2 per year | One can be combined with a fire drill |
Hold and Secure/Shelter in Place | 1 per year | Practicing for a threat outside the building (could be a person, a wild animal, etc.) |
Lock Down | 1 per year | Threat could be inside or outside the building, RCMP assist us with this drill |
~ Report Cards – Three formal reporting periods with three informal reports as follows:
Informal | End of September | Student-specific contact is expected to have been made with the family/caregivers of each student |
Informal | November 1, 2024 | Student Led Conferences |
Formal | December | Written Report Cards – Exact date is TBD |
Formal | March | Written Report Cards – Exact Date is TBD |
Informal | May 1, 2025 | Student Led Conferences |
Formal | June 25, 2025 | Written - School Year Summary Report Card |
5. School Based Team (SBT): this team is a group of professionals who are committed to attending to students' needs both academically and socially/emotionally. Referrals come from teachers and/or the school’s administrator (principal/vice principal) as well as the Learning Support Teacher)
Christine Middleton | Principal |
Sandy Stephens | LST for Sayward |
Jeremiah Lang | SD72 School Psychologist |
Kylie Noble | Inclusive Education Support Teacher |
Emma Che | School Counsellor |
Laura Louter | Speech Language Pathologist |
Shyla Johnson | Occupational Therapist |
6. Food Program: We are fortunate in BC to have the Ministry of Education and Childcare provide funding for all schools to have a food subsidy program; Feeding Futures. We attempt to stretch this funding as far as we can to provide breakfast for any student who needs/wants breakfast in the morning. The Breakfast cart is available for any student from 8:30 until 8:45.
In addition to this we have a lunch program available for students who need it. Please connect with our Feeding Futures Coordinator, Catherine Clinton, if you would like your child to participate in the lunch program. We may look at possibly have a sliding scale payment program for those who would like their children to have a school lunch for a very low cost. More information will come about this as we settle into the new school year so, please watch for notices and information in the newsletters.
7. Clothing and Wheels:
Clothing – Every year there is an immense amount of lost and found clothing items left at the school. Often the staff pick up an average of 5 to 10 items per recess break per day! Sometimes we can find the owners but often we don’t have time to do this. Please talk to your children about being responsible for their belongings while outside. Our teachers do their best to remind students to bring in their sweaters, jackets, etc. but an extra reminder from you would be appreciated. We hope to install some outside hooks this year to help with this issue.
Wheels – If your child rides something to school – a bike, scooter, skateboard, etc. – please ensure they have a helmet as well. We also recommend other protective gear such as elbow and knee pads, particularly for those who ride scooters and skateboards. Please let us know if you need assistance in obtaining a helmet.
8. Appendices
1. West Coast Circle of Courage©
At Sayward Elementary School, we value safety, belonging, education, and physical and social/emotional health. To further create a culture in which all students can open their minds and hearts to being a part of our school as well as develop the skills to learn and engage in school activities and events, we will be implementing the Circle of Courage© as our school philosophy.
While this is originally from American Culture, it is relevant to children from anywhere. The Circle of Courage is based on traditional values from cultures who, like us, cherish children and treat them with respect. Current research in education and youth development shows that these practices align with what children need to do well and feel confident.
As part of my educational journey, I created a journal for students to use as they explore the different areas of the circle. I have adapted this journal to suit the needs of our students. The Circle of Courage provides the philosophical foundation for Sayward School’s approach to working with children, families, and the community.
From the creators of the Circle of Courage:
The Circle of Courage is a model of positive youth development that integrates the wisdom of indigenous Native American philosophies of child-rearing with research in resilience science and positive youth development. It is based on the principle that children have four universal growth needs: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity and that when these needs are met, children can flourish. Recognizing that the Circle of Courage “transcend[s] cultural boundaries” and that “all children have the same growth needs” the Circle of Courage is an offering for all youth across cultures and contexts.1 When children have supportive environments where they can build strengths, their life pathways can change.2
1. Belonging: The universal longing for human bonds is nurtured relationships of trust so that the child can say, “I am loved.”
2. Mastery: The child’s inborn thirst for learning is nurtured; learning to cope with the world, the child can say, “I can succeed.”
3. Independence: The child’s free will is nurtured by increased responsibility so that the child can say, “I am in charge of my life.”
4. 4. Generosity: The child’s character is nurtured by concern for others so that the child can say, “I have a purpose for my life.” 3
2. SD72 Code of Conduct for Elementary Students
72 Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct for Primary
Being Kind and Respectful: We treat others the way we want to be treated. We use nice words and share with other students. We listen when others are talking and take turns speaking. We use kind, caring, helpful words that make others feel good. We do things that make others feel good about themselves and cared for
Keeping Safe: We stay away from things that could hurt us or our friends’ other students. We walk calmly inside the school and on the playground. We keep our hands and feet to ourselves.
Following Directions: We listen carefully to our school adults and respect their directions.
Telling a Grown-Up: If someone is being mean to us, our friends, or other students, we tell a teacher or another grown-up we trust. We don't keep it a secret.
Learning and Trying Our Best: We pay attention in class and try our best on our schoolwork. We ask for help if we need it and don't give up when things are hard.
Using Computers and Technology Safely: We use computers and tablets for learning and follow the rules. We don't click on things we're not supposed to or use them to be mean.
Being Honest and Fair: We tell the truth and don't cheat or take things that don't belong to us. We play games and share with others in a fair way.
Being a Good Friend: We include everyone in our games and activities. We say nice things and don't tease or bully others. We help others when they need it.
Taking Care of Our School: We keep our school clean and don't damage things on purpose. We put our trash in the bin and take care of our belongings.
Respecting Differences: We celebrate how everyone is unique and special. We don't make fun of others because they look or act differently. We treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Bus Safety: We will follow the safety expectations while on the bus so that everyone stays safe. This includes going to and from school and while on field trips.
These guidelines help young students understand how to behave at school, interact with others, and contribute to a positive and safe learning environment.
Code of Conduct for Students (Grades 4-5)
1. Be Kind and Respectful
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Use kind words and actions.
Respect everyone, including school adults, classmates, and visitors.
2. Keep Our School Safe
Follow safety rules and listen to school adults.
Report any unsafe situations or problems to a school adult.
3. Follow Instructions
Listen carefully to school adults and follow their directions.
Follow the classroom expectations
4. Speak Up Against Bullying
Tell an adult if you see someone being bullied or if you're being bullied.
Be a friend to those who need support.
5. Focus on Learning
Do your best to attend every day.
Pay attention in class and try your best. Ask for help when needed and don’t give up.
Create a learning environment for others to do their best learning.
6. Use Technology Responsibly
Only use school computers and devices for learning purposes.
Treat technology with care and follow the rules for internet safety.
7. Be Honest and Fair
Always tell the truth, even when it's hard.
Play games and sports fairly, without cheating or being mean.
8. Be a Good Community Member
Include everyone and be kind to your classmates.
Help others when they need it and stand up for what's right.
Become a positive leader in the school by volunteering, helping other students, and taking a lead to help create a positive school community.
9. Take Care of Our School
Keep our school clean and tidy.
Respect school property (includes supplies and equipment) and report any damage or problems.
Use materials appropriately so we do not create waste.
10. Bus Safety
Be safe while on the bus at all times, whether it is getting to and from school or on a field trip.
Respect the adults on the bus and driving the bus.
Model safe behaviour for other students.
11. Respect Differences
Celebrate everyone's differences and treat everyone with kindness.
Don't judge others based on how others look, talk, or act.
Remember: Following the Code of Conduct helps us create a happy and welcoming school community where everyone can feel safe and valued. Let's work together to make Sayward Elementary a great place to learn and grow.