STM Expectations for Students

St. Thomas More is a Catholic Secondary School promoting the development of Christian ideals and behaviour as well as scholastic excellence. Every student has the right to learn in the most conducive environment and to be treated with respect and courtesy by fellow students and teachers. They also have the responsibility to contribute to this atmosphere by demonstrating the values appropriate for a Catholic Community.

Social growth is an important aspect of secondary school education; it includes the adoption of appropriate behaviour as determined by societal expectations and moral values. Students need to learn that every action carries a consequence, either positive or negative. Through the fair and consistent application of consequences, it is hoped that all will develop a healthy respect for the laws of society and for the rights of others.

It is our hope that from this respect will evolve a sense of responsibility, self worth and self discipline that will assist in future decision-making. If all students and staff at St. Thomas More are faithful to this code, then we can rest assured that the traditional respect accorded to this institution will continue.

It is our mandate to encourage all to live as Christians and to influence others to do the same. Of this we will be proud.

Respect | Valuables | Class Time | Behaviour | Access | Final Items

1. Respect For Staff: Co-operation with, and respect for, all staff is necessary so that all members of the community may benefit from the duties and responsibilities of administration, teachers, support staff, secretaries, custodians and cafeteria supervisors.
2. Respect For Others: In order to receive respect from others, one must respect the rights of all members of our community.

3. Respect For Property: The building, grounds and materials belong to each one of us to be used to benefit everyone. It is our responsibility to protect and care for this learning environment. By not littering or vandalizing our campus we are doing a great deal to uphold a safe, secure environment and an inviting, aesthetically pleasing climate.

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4. Locks and Lockers: You will normally be assigned a locker on the first day of school. Many students will have to share a locker. It is your responsibility to keep your locker clean and free from writing and damage. Replacement charges will be levied where students purposefully or carelessly damage lockers. Failure to properly maintain your locker may result in loss of locker privileges. Posting of any words or graphics inconsistent with the spirit or out Catholic School Code of Behaviour is prohibited.
You are not permitted to move to another locker or to exchange or share lockers without permission from the Vice-Principal. Request may be made to have a lock cut off a locker which is not assigned to the student, and if a lock is cut off a $5.00 penalty fee will be levied.
Assigned lockers must be secured with an approved combination lock. Failure to meet this requirement may lead to your lock being removed at your expense. (Locks may be purchased through the attendance office at a cost of $8.00 each.)
Every year personal belongings are lost by students who fail to lock their lockers or who allow others to know their combination. Protect your belongings by making certain that you are not careless. Keep your combination private. The school is not responsible for lost, missing or stolen belongings.
During class time, locker visits must be kept to a minimum. In June failure to clean out your locker by the designated deadline (last day of exams) will result in a $5.00 charge for removal and storage of contents.
Due warning: Students and parents are hereby notified that school Principals have the authority to search personal property and lockers. This right to search is established to assist Principals in providing "for the safety and welfare of all students and staff" under the Education Act.
5. Valuables: You can take precautions to see that you do not lose your valuables and personal items. Try to follow these suggestions: i) Buy only a good quality lock and keep your combination private. ii) Do not bring large sums of money or valuable personal items to school. iii) Do not leave wallets, watches, rings or jewellery in physical education change rooms. iv) Do not carry outerwear to classes within the school. If you must wear it to a portable, leave it in your locker immediately upon return to the main building. v) Lock your bicycles to the bicycle racks, fences or lamp posts on school property.

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6. Punctuality: Our concern and commitment to others requires us to be on time for classes, assignments, meetings, practices and games in order to uphold our common courtesy to those involved.

7. Absenteeism: Being present in class on a regular basis is the prime factor leading to success.

8. Preparation For And Participation In Class: Active participation of each student in class should improve the possibility for intellectual, social, physical and spiritual development. Each student begins to show his/her co-operation by bringing the necessary assignments, equipment (books, paper, pens, etc.) and school uniform to classes. All of this will contribute to the promotion of an active learning experience.

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9. Public Address Announcements: The public address system is used to communicate with teachers and students. Announcements are made before the start of first period each day. It is important that students stop what they are doing during these announcements so that they may hear the messages clearly. Announcements are posted outside the Main Office for those who wish to check later in the day. This is an expectationfor any student not present in Period One.

10. Emergency Drills: Each room has a posted fire exit route. When the alarm sounds, move quickly and quietly to the indicated exit. DO NOT RUN. Once outside, students are to remain in class groupings with their teacher. Move well away from the building and keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles. Help maintain the excellent safety record of S.T.M. by following all safety precautions wherever you are.

11. Uniforms: The school uniform of St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School consists of a common attire worn by the students which builds the sense of spirit and belonging to the school community for everyone. In addition the school uniform is a good way to encourage respect, responsibility and safety in our school.

12. Smoking: As per government legislation, smoking is totally prohibited in the school building and on the school grounds.

13. Cafeteria: Please be considerate of others in the cafeteria. The cafeteria supervisors and your fellow students will appreciate your co-operation in: i) depositing all lunch litter in waste containers. Use the recycle bins where appropriate; ii) leaving the table and floor around you in a clean condition for others; iii)not consuming food or drinks outside of the cafeteria except for classrooms supervised by a teacher for meetings or club activities; iv) not loitering in the entrance doorways of the cafeteria; v) not bringing coats or bags into the servery area; vi) wearing only uniform garments while in the cafeteria.

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14. Busing: This is a service provided to ensure safe transportation to and from school. Behaviour that jeopardizes this safety will result in the temporary or permanent removal of bus privileges, as will behaviours forbidden through the board's transportation policy.

15. School Functions and Trips: When you attend any school activity, even when away from the school building, you are expected to demonstrate responsible behaviour. These activities include dances, athletic events, concerts, trips, and any other activity sponsored by the school. All school regulations apply to these functions and some, such as trips, have special regulations attached.

16. Visitors/Trespassers: During the school day, the school grounds and buildings are out of bounds to all except registered students of S.T.M. and their parents or guardians, Board employees, or persons having business with the administration or staff. Any other persons must apply directly to the office for permission to be on the school site. Failure to report to the office for approval, and being on the property without approval, may result in a charge of trespassing being laid by the Hamilton Wentworth Regional Police. Please do not invite friends to visit you at school during the day. Students and staff who notice people who do not belong on the property should immediately notify the main office. All of us share in the responsibility of keeping S.T.M. safe.

17. Student Parking: Student parking is limited to those areas so designated in the South parking lot. Vehicles blocking fire routes or in other non-approved areas are liable to be ticketed or towed away at the owner's expense.

Vehicles are for transportation to and from school. Do not loiter in or around your vehicle. Immediately enter the building or exit the parking lot.

Student parking is on a first come, first served basis, and all vehicles are left at the owner's risk.

Students are expected to drive on school property in a safe and responsible manner.

Cars parked on school property are subject to search by the school administration.

18. Drop off and pick up of Students: In order to:

improve the safety of pedestrians

provide quick access for emergency vehicles

avoid vehicle accidents

facilitate transportation for handicapped students

minimize time consuming traffic congestion

avoid violating a city by-law and being issued a costly ticket by enforcement officers

Please avoid stopping or parking in the NO-STOPPING ZONES which are clearly marked with city by-law signs.
The following are alternative areas for dropping off and/or picking up students:

Drop off or pick up students on Upper Paradise, near the bus shelter, so they can use the walkways to get to the front door.

Consider using the south parking lot.

If you must drop a student off very close to a door, remember that there are 5 entry doors on the north side of the school, and 3 on the south side that may be used.

Use the laneways of the 3 parking sections in the north lot for drop-off and pick-up, rather than the illegal curb-side parking.

In short, where a sign indicates "NO STOPPING", please obey it.

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19. Radios and Tape Recorders: Personal "walkman" type radios are permitted at certain times and at certain locations. They are permissible before school, at lunch, and after school. They may not be used in classrooms, in the office, or in the library without teacher approval. Other radios are not permitted.

20. Cellular Phones, Pagers: If cellular phones and pagers must be brought to school, they must remain truned off as they can be a serious distraction to the learning process.Students who neglect to adhere to this common courtesy may have their cellular phone or pager confiscated for the remainder of the day or face a more severe penalty.

21. Unauthorized cameras of any type, whether stand-alone or as part of a communication device, are not permitted at school.

22. Textbooks: Students are expected to care for all school-owned textbooks. At no time should you write in them. You must return at the end of the semester the same text you were issued in the same condition, or you will be charged a replacement fee. Student who fail to turn in a textbook at the end of the semester will have their report cards with held until the book is returned or a payment strategy is agreed upon with a Vice Principal.

23. Student Photos: From time to time, student photographs are taken for a number of reasons - yearbook, media reports, competitions, student activities, bulletin boards recognition, etc. Likewise, names may be publicized for the purpose of recognition for accomplishments. If you do not wish your picture or name to be used or distributed in any publication, please inform the Principal / Vice-Principal by September 30th . Otherwise, we will assume your authorization.

24. Community Relations: Our school community is very proud of its good reputation within the greater community of Hamilton. In order to maintain this high standard, students are reminded to always behave in a manner that is appropriate and respectful when outside of the school. This is especially important when visiting our neighbouring businesses during the school day, and when disposing of litter en route.

25. Hallways: Our hallways are the travel routes through the school. By working collaboratively, congestion can be minimized. At no time are ball bouncing, yelling, horse play and loitering around lockers permitted. Except for the ten minute period before or after class, classroom halls are out-of-bounds without staff authorization.

26. Gambling: Gambling of any sort (cards, dice, etc.) is not permitted on school property and students are reminded that such action is prohibited by law. It is a major social issue that often leads to serious personal consequences.
Students caught gambling at school will face suspension and possible police involvement.

27. Identification: Students are required to provide identification (School Picture ID) at any out-of-school event (eg. games, dances). Any student who fails to identify himself when so requested by a staff member will be subject to severe consequences.

28. Skateboards: Because of the hazards presented by skateboards, in school hallways, or paved areas outside this school, skateboards may not be brought to school.

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