It is important to establish a consistent daily homework routine. While students in the primary grades need more parental involvement, junior division students should learn how to work on their own. In primary grades, 15-30 minutes is a reasonable homework period; 30-40 minutes for Junior grades is appropriate. A general guideline for homework is approximately 10 minutes per grade level, however this can fluctuate depending on the assigned work.
Primary Division (SK - Gr.3)
For homework in the Primary Division, children:
- may be expected to complete work not completed in class
- may bring home English and French reading books so that they may read to their parents/guardians
- may review weekly spelling lists or étude de mots/dictée
- students should not average more than 20 minutes of "on-task" homework each day (guideline only)
Junior and Intermediate Divisions (Gr.4 - 8)
For students in the Junior division, homework may take the form of:
- completion of work assigned in class or missed due to absences
- supplementary practice and/or further study
- reading of a book (French and/or English) and work on book reports
- research projects
- reinforcing difficult concepts
- preparation for tests
- as a guideline, students in Grades 4 should not average more than 40 minutes of "on-task" homework each day; students in Grades 5 and 6 should not average more than 60 minutes of "on-task" homework each day; students in Grades 7 and 8 can be expected to have on average, no more than 90 minutes of “on-task” homework each day.
If you feel that your child is taking an unreasonable length of time to complete homework, contact the teacher. Occasionally, a special assignment or project may entail more than 30 minutes.All homework should be such that the child understands clearly what is expected. The child should be able to do the work with a minimal amount of help from parents.
Parents may assist their child with this responsibility by:
- Establishing where and when homework should be done.
- Checking periodically to see that your child is making good use of this homework time and is not distracted by other activities.
- There should be consistency as to time of day. A suggested time would be after supper, 4 nights a week (Monday to Thursday), or whatever is suitable for your family’s schedule.
- Develop independence in your child – facilitate but don’t do the homework!
- Provide a quiet place - not on the bed with music or near the television.
- Be aware, be a monitor - ask to see the homework. Be more involved at the younger levels - less so when the child is older.
- Use the student agenda - it should be brought to school every day and checked by teacher/parent. Write comments as necessary in the agenda.
- Communicate with the child - ask what work needs to be done. Encourage your child to communicate with the teacher.
Code of Behaviour
”Preparing lifelong learners and caring, contributing citizens.”
At Featherston, we value and respect the ideas, beliefs, abilities and cultures of all our community members. The Code of Behaviour describes how we demonstrate that respect for our community, our selves, and our learning. Our school will be a welcoming and safe environment for everyone learning and working in it. Featherston students are:
Responsible:
- We come to school every day.
- We are in class on time.
- We come to school with all the supplies and materials we need.
- We complete work on time and to the best of our abilities.
- We are responsible for any work we miss.
- We have a positive attitude.
- We ask for help if we need it.
- We keep our parents informed about what is happening at school.
Respectful:
- We use respectful language at all times with everybody.
- We demonstrate appropriate dress for school.
- We comply with requests from staff.
- We care for school property and our own belongings.
- We respect the rights of others to have a safe, quiet environment to learn, work and play.
- We communicate honestly, politely and openly with everyone.
- We represent Featherston in the community and at school-authorized events.
Our students enjoy a wide range of special events and privileges including; class and school wide recognition, sports teams, intra mural sports, extracurricular music programs, certificates, dances, honorable mentions, prizes and awards.
If students are unable to comply with the rules of the school, we will work with them, as well as with their parents and teachers, to help them make more appropriate choices. All students will be treated fairly. Unacceptable behaviours will be linked with clear, fair, consistent consequences.
A range of consequences may be applied including;
- a verbal reminder
- practice of correct behaviour
- an apology to the persons affected
- a discussion with the teacher
- a call or note to parents
- a problem-solving page
- conflict mediation
- a referral to the principal or vice-principal
- removal from the classroom
- community service around the school
- removal of privileges
- suspension from school according to OCDSB
In keeping with OCDSB Safe Schools policy there is zero tolerance for weapons, drugs or alcohol, vandalism, threats of serious bodily harm or swearing at a teacher or person in a position of authority.
Physical, verbal, written or psychological abuse, discrimination and degradation are unacceptable.
All students have the right to express themselves in school through their choice of clothing, hair styles, jewelry, and accessories. While a student’s style is their choice, we want to keep school a place where everyone can feel comfortable. To learn about the OCDSB's Student Dress Code, please visit ocdsb.ca/dresscode.
The Safe Schools Policy can be viewed at www.ocdsb.ca