School Handbook

​​​School Day, Reporting Periods & Fees

As Nelson McIntyre is transitioning in its programming, we have a few different time tables at work. 

Grade 11 & 12 Schedule: 

Grade 11s and 12s have a Monday - Friday schedule.  Their class schedule depends on the courses they are taking.  In this way, every day of the week is different, including Wednesdays.

On Early Dismissal Days the following schedule occurs for Grades 9-12:

Classes end at 2:30 on earlier dismissal days.  There are no changes to the rest of the schedule with the exception of

GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS for Grade 11s and 12s

Times vary for Grade Level Meetings each semester. 

On Midweek Network Days (Every Wednesday), the following schedule occurs for Grades 10-12:

1. Student Progress Reports are issued twice during each semester/year long courses: 
   Semester 1    November (mid-term)--Grade 11/12
   Semester 1    February (final) --Grade 11/12; mid-term--grade 9/10
2. Semester 2    April (mid-term) (Grade 11/12)
       Semester 2    June (final)
3. Student Academic Progress meetings will be scheduled following each mid-term Student Progress Report.
4. Parents should feel free to contact the school at any time to discuss their son's or daughter's progress.

Fees

All students must pay the following fees prior to the beginning of the school year. Fees can only be refunded prior to September 30.

1. Student Fees - $80 (all LRSD high schools); $105 for graduating students which covers the cost of their graduation cap and gown.
   

Additional fees may be required for some courses, (e.g. Art Fees,  Industrial Arts, Music, Band Fees). 

Students who require a course change must see a Student Services teacher to arrange for an appointment. Changes that are a result of an actual timetable conflict or because of passed or failed courses from Summer School will be considered. Changes will only be made if there is sufficient room in the requested course. 

Courses 

1. All students must take a minimum of two academic courses per semester at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate in order to qualify for full-time status. The exception to this rule Gr. 12 students who have earned 30 or more credits and are in their last semester or Mature Students.
2. All students must take the compulsory English, Math and Physical Education courses.
3. All courses taken outside of Nelson McIntyre Collegiate must have prior approval from the school administration in order to be considered for credit and graduation from Nelson McIntyre Collegiate.
4. With special permission from administration, a student may take a maximum of 10 credits in one full year (excluding language credits).
5. Students will not be allowed to repeat a course previously passed except with special permission from the school administration.
6. In case of low course enrolment, classes/courses may be changed/cancelled.
7. Students will not be permitted to withdraw from classes after the voluntary withdraw dates.

Attendance

At Nelson McIntyre Collegiate we believe:

• regular attendance encourages development of personal skills and is vitally important to the overall success of our students
• an attendance policy helps to encourage attendance in school and increase student success
• to be considered a student at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, students must be in good standing in at least two courses per semester. Under exceptional circumstances students may have this condition waved with administrative approval.

The Department of Education and Training requires that schools provide 110 hours of instruction for each full course. In our effort to continue to promote and enhance student attendance at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate our Attendance Policy is reviewed annually and revised accordingly. Revision is based on consultation with students, parents and teachers.

Absences

1. An absence will be considered unreported if the parents have not contacted the school.
2. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that missed work is completed upon return to class from any absence. 
   
3. Students who become ill during the day are to report to the General Office prior to leaving the building. The school will make every effort to notify a parent/guardian of students under 16 years of age.
4. Students who choose to leave class without their teacher’s permission will be marked absent.
   
5. When parents know their student will not be attending school, parents should contact the school office.
6. Excessive absences may result in course withdrawal.

Lates

Students are expected to be punctual for their classes. Lateness disrupts the teacher and is an interruption to the learning process. The bells indicate that class has begun. Students should be in class and prepared to work when the bell sounds. The first twenty minutes of class are usually used to develop new concepts and receive direction from the teacher. Therefore, students who arrive more than twenty minutes late may marked as absent from class.

Student Dress

Students are expected to dress in good taste and be well groomed. In general, choice of clothing must reflect awareness of school as “workplace” in a manner appropriately similar to that required of adults. Students may be asked to change or cover up when wearing clothing that is deemed too revealing, contains offensive language or pictures, or features advertisements or symbols for alcohol or illegal drugs. Parents are requested to ensure that they assist their son/daughter in exercising good judgment in selecting appropriate wear for classes. Clothing should be modest and in good taste and should not include, for example, such inappropriate attire as short shorts, short skirts, muscle tops, half shirts and tank tops. Coats, jackets and outdoor vests (outdoor wear) should not be worn in class. Hats, headbands, toques, or bandanas may not be worn in the school at any time.

School Equipment & Textbooks

Proper care and prompt return of textbooks and school equipment are the student's responsibility. If a book is damaged or lost, replacement cost will be assessed by the office.

Bring your own laptop initiative

Starting in the 2017-2018 school year, students in Grades 9 and 10 will be required to bring their own laptop to school.  Each year, thereafter, an additional grade will be added so that all grades are bringing laptops by 2019-2020.  Please check the link below for puchasing suggestions and details:

https://www.lrsd.net/schools/nmc/news/pages/byod.aspx

Unassigned Time

Students may have unassigned time or flex time in their schedules. Students may spend their unassigned time doing homework in the Library,  Cafeteria or, when available, the Academic Centre but are not to congregate in hallways, stairwells or the foyer.

Lunch Time

In order to keep Nelson McIntyre an attractive institution, all students are requested to eat their lunch in the cafeteria, and to dispose of garbage in the refuse containers located around the building.

Personal Belongings & Lockers

The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Do not leave valuables in the school. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES OR MONEY IN LOCKERS. The school will provide locks whose combinations are registered at the office.  Students should not be sharing combinations and lockers.  Students are not to place personal locks on the lockers. Lockers remain the property of Nelson McIntyre Collegiate. School administration reserves the right to full access to a student’s locker at any time.

Leaving School

Before leaving the school during scheduled class time, a student must sign out at the office. A student who becomes ill at school should notify the classroom teacher and the administration.

Visitors

ALL visitors must report to the office to request permission to sign in when they first arrive in the building. Students should arrange to have friends meet them off school property. 

Parking

Students are not permitted to use school parking lots. Parking is available on the streets adjacent to the school. Students should be aware of city bylaws regarding the side streets.

Property Damage

Any student who damages school property or the personal property of others by misconduct or intent will be required to pay for repair or replacement of such damaged property. Disciplinary action may result from acts of property damage or vandalism.

Students Transferring to Another School

As soon as a student knows he/she will attend another school, he/she should inform the office. Before leaving, the student must obtain a checklist from the office to be signed by each of his/her teachers and the librarian, stating that all school property has been returned and debts owing have been paid. When the form is completed, it must be returned to the office; any refundable fees may then be collected.

Awards

Nelson McIntyre Collegiate offers a number of school awards, including academic achievement awards. Graduating students must apply for awards. Both midterm marks and final marks are taken into consideration when determining recipients of awards. Community service also has become increasingly important for awards. Entrance scholarships and awards from provincial universities are also offered each year. Contact the Student Services office for information.

Student Services

NMC offers many Student Services including counseling to assist students with:

• course selection and/or requirements
• post-secondary information
• personal and career counseling
• for counseling: see the Student Services teacher in the Student Services area, leave a written message, or arrange an appointment.
• in changing your schedule: contact the Student Services teacher or administration.
• with personal problems: contact the Student Services teacher or a teacher with whom you feel comfortable, or any other staff member you know.
• in case of sickness or injury: seek the help of your teacher.
• in case of misunderstanding: with a teacher, first, ask for a time to talk together privately, and try to work it out. If you still need help, talk to the administration or a Student Services teacher. 
• with a broken lock or locker : report it to the office.
• with theft: report it to the office.
• police assistance: contact the police directly or talk to the Student Services teacher or the administration.

Academic Centre

See the Student Services teachers to receive information about:

• Academic support (academic assessment)
• Peer tutoring • Leadership training

Clubs & Activities

​Programs & Registration

Nelson McIntyre Collegiate offers a full range of academic courses as well as additional programming (see below). Students should consult the guidance department for assistance in course selection.

Additional Programs

Co-Operative Education Program

This program is designed to meet the educational needs of students who are unable to cope in the regular programs and who require a highly individualized education programs. It will provide students with "community functioning skills" and prepare them for independent living.

Program Requirements

The minimum requirement for high school graduation is 30 credits:
1.0 credit = successful completion of 110 hours of instruction.
0.5 credit = successful completion of 55 hours of instruction.

Academic Integrity

We believe that all Nelson McIntyre students can behave with the highest academic integrity. Any dishonesty in our academic transactions violates this trust. There will be academic consequences imposed in support of maintaining academic integrity. Students are free to appeal allegations of plagiarism or cheating to the teacher, who will arrange a meeting with the administration.

Exams & Tests

Exams and tests will be written on the scheduled days. Should an exceptional circumstance arise, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher, preferably in advance, to discuss the situation.
There will be final in-school exams in all core and other academic subjects at all grade levels. 

Post-secondary Information

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that he/she takes the courses required for entrance into post-secondary institutions. For specific information about these programs the student should make an appointment with Student Services or check the materials available in the guidance room. All post secondary institutions have counselors and will supply calendars upon request. Students are encouraged to contact these institutions personally for information. Students are also encouraged to apply early for the Post Secondary Institution of their choice, and ensure the prerequisite courses are taken.

Go Card Photo IDs

These cards are provided through the school photographer. Students must have their picture taken on school photograph day to receive a card.  This photo will allow students to receive reduced transit rates and will be used in the yearbook.