Catholic Independent Schools of Nelson Diocese (CISND) whose overall role is to govern the schools of the diocese (Kelowna, Westbank, Penticton, Cranbrook, Nelson, Trail) through policy development and fiscal planning. The President of CISND is administrator Bishop Eugene Cooney.

B. Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Mrs Beverly Pulyk, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the CISND and whose role is to implement the policies of CISND and oversee the educational operation of all schools.

C. Ministry of Education, through the Independent School Branch, who ensures standards are maintained in educational programs, staff qualifications and facilities.

The Federation of Independent Schools Association (FISA) is a liaison group between the government and the various independent school groups, of which the Catholic schools are a member. The role of FISA is to lobby government and other groups to promote and support independent schools.

A copy of the Diocesan and Council policy handbooks are available for parent use.

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SCHOOL FUNDING

The Ministry of Education recognizes St. Joseph School as a Group I Independent School. This means we are able to have the maximum funding available to an independent school, 50% of the per pupil operating costs of the local school district. Other funds are obtained via student tuition fees, parish subsidies, diocesan subsidies, fundraising activities and donations. One of the greatest contributions to our school is the “gift of service” by our staff in that they have chosen to teach at St. Joseph School for a lower salary than in the public school district. We thank them for their dedication and commitment to Catholic education.

FUNDRAISING:

There are 3 levels of fundraising which take place in the school.

· Class - student to student mini fundraisers such as popsicle sales, raffles, etc.

· PSG - parent level fundraising at the school community level which includes such activities as Entertainment Books, craft fair, family dances, etc.

· Council – council level events which involve the Kelowna community at large. Such fundraisers include raffles, charity auctions, etc.

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PARENT RIGHTS

We believe each parent of a child attending St. Joseph School can be expected to:

· be recognized as the first educators of their own children.

· participate in the spiritual, social, emotional, physical and academic growth of their children.

· elect the school council members (if an election is held) through participation in parishes supporting the school.

· be given the opportunity to participate in parent-teacher-student interviews.

· expect excellence in religious and academic education.

· be properly informed by the school regarding the progress of their children in the school.

· to have their views on any aspect of the curriculum and school activities listened to by school personnel.

· to have the school and the school council reinforce the Catholic moral and religious guidance and discipline given in the home.

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SCHOOL PROGRAMS

A. Academic

St. Joseph School follows the curriculum mandated by the Ministry of Education. All subjects are allocated time according to Ministry standards.

B. Religion

The whole purpose of St. Joseph School is to reinforce the faith of the students attending the school. This can only be done through the cooperation of the home, school and parish. We strongly encourage parents to help us guide the students in the growth of their faith by being active in the parish.

The Faith First and Fully Alive programs are used in the school. We do, where possible and appropriate, use supplementary materials to emphasize or strengthen certain ideas or themes.

We are fortunate to have rich human resources such as lay ministers and parish priests contributing their time, energy and religious guidance in striving to provide the best possible Catholic education for our students.

C. Music

Music has a high priority and a positive well-earned reputation in our school. Music forms an integral part of our Eucharistic celebrations. Students are instructed in concert band at grade 6 and 7.

D. Co-Curricular Programs

Throughout the year, we are able to take advantage of community programs such as: swimming, skating, the museum, and the art gallery. While there is a nominal fee charged to students for these co-curricular programs, no student is denied access to a program due to lack of finances.

E. Student Support Services

Four educational services are offered at our school under the direction of the support services coordinator. These services are designed to support students who have special educational needs. As required, students receive assessment and direct instruction while teachers and parents are provided with opportunities for consultation.

1. Learning Assistance

Our learning assistance program is a service designed to assist students with mild to moderate difficulties in learning. The focus is on providing remediation, learning strategies and compensatory skills.

2. Enrichment

The enrichment program is a service available to all children in need of a challenge beyond the regular BC Ministry of Education school program. At the primary level, enrichment takes place in the classroom. At the intermediate level, enrichment is provided in class and/or through pull out in a small group.

3. ESL

Children who are learning English as a second language receive one on one or small group instruction in English, in addition to the regular Language Arts Program.

4. Specific Skill Development

For students in need of basic skills development, we offer short term direct instruction in a small group setting. This service enables students who are behind in reading, writing or math, for reasons other than a learning difficulty, to get caught up with the regular classroom program.

F. French as a Second Language

French as a second language is offered to all of our students starting in kindergarten. Through a program of activities, songs, games, reading and writing, we expect students to develop an interest and enthusiasm for French language and culture. The major focus is on oral language acquisition. According to Ministry of Education requirements, French as a second language is mandatory in grades 5-7.

G. Computers

All students will have opportunities to enrich their learning through the use of computers. The computer lab now hosts 26 networked stations. All students make use of the lab at least once a week. In addition, there are computers for students use in some classrooms. The lab computers have internet access and students and their parents must sign an internet agreement before a child is able to use this resource.

H. Extra-Curricular Activities

Throughout the year, a variety of activities are available to students including chimes, choir, athletics, community service projects, etc.

I. School Liturgies

Each month we celebrate the Eucharist as a school community. Each grade level takes a turn in preparing the celebration for us. Parents and community members are invited and most welcome to join us on these special occasions.

J. Class Priests

Each year, the parish priests of the area volunteer to associate themselves with a particular class. Through class visits and other activities we hope to establish an encouraging relationship between our students and the priests, and in doing so, deepen the students’ faith.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional Development is a critical area for our teachers as education is continually evolving. To that extent the Council allows 8 days per year for professional development in the academic and spiritual areas. When and what these days are used for is at the discretion of the individual staffs. At times, the whole staff may attend a conference, have someone come to the school to do a workshop, or use a day to do some school-based planning. In addition, staff is encouraged and supported to take advantage of individual professional development opportunities; many do throughout the year and during the summer break.

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BUSSING

Bussing is no longer provided by School District #23. Transportation of children includes:

· parents drive their own children to and from school

· car pooling

· city transit

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SCHOOL UNIFORMS

St. Joseph School students wear uniforms. The uniform policy is in effect from September through June.

The proper uniform includes:

· the uniform sweater

· a white uniform shirt ( an optional navy shirt is available at the grade 7 level only)

· uniform pants, shorts, jumper or skort

· navy socks/navy leotards

· black inside shoes

A special gym uniform is not required for gym. Students in grades K & 1 are expected to change into gym shoes. Students in grades 2 – 7 are expected to change into gym shorts or sweats, t-shirts and running shoes.

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DAILY TIME SCHEDULE

In order to accommodate our extended curriculum, we have an extended day, which means our instructional day is longer than that required by the Ministry of Education. Our daily schedule is as follows:

8:25 Staff Prayer

8:45 Assembly Bell for Morning Classes

10:20 Recess Begins

10:35 Assembly Bell/Classes Begin

12:00 Lunch Begins

12:20 Lunch Recess

12:55 Assembly Bell for Afternoon Classes

3:00 Dismissal

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PARENT GROUPS

A Parent Support Group has been initiated whereby parents are responsible for the coordination of particular school activities. We have a very active PSG. The PSG meets once a month. All parents are encouraged to be active in the work of the PSG. Input from parents is often requested on various school issues and/or topics. There is representation from this committee that serves as a parent liaison with the school council.

Each 1^st,3^rd and 5^th Monday mornings of the month parents gather at 9:00 a.m. to pray for our school community. Entitled, Parents Who Care, this opportunity is open to all parents and friends on a “come when you can” basis. See school newsletters for meeting places.

Kelowna’s popular bistro, Joey’s is open for business from the end of September to the end of May. Serving soup, sandwiches, cheese sticks, fruit, juice and other specialty items, Joey’s makes a convenient, inexpensive and nutritious lunch option for students. Joey’s is located in Doyle Hall off the gymnasium.

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“IN FAITH AND UNITY WE LOVE, LEARN AND LEAD”