Administration

School information including philosophy, policies, staff, Education & Parent Committees, admissions & enrolment, and history.

Philosophy

St. Pius X Elementary School is first and foremost, a Catholic school. The rationale for the School's existence lies primarily in its ability to form and inform its students in the Catholic way of knowing Christ, loving Christ and living Christ, thereby encouraging each and every child to live a life based on empathy and understanding of others.

Parents, teachers and priests share the responsibility of providing the opportunities and atmosphere in which each child is encouraged to attain their full potential spiritually, academically and physically.

Primary Program

The primary portion of the elementary school program, which is Kindergarten and grades one to four, fosters the continuing growth of a student's knowledge and understanding of himself or herself and his or her world. The program recognizes that each student's acquisition and use of language facilitates, thinking and learning is different and accommodates the broad spectrum of learning rates and styles, knowledge, experiences and interests. Instructional models, strategies, resources, and facilities support this diversity. Instruction integrates content and process, concepts and attitudes and reflects the understanding that children learn through active involvement and play. Assessment and evaluation are integral components of the teaching-learning process and facilitate instructional decision-making. Evidence of learning is gathered through a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies. Teachers and parents, who are valued partners in children's education, cooperate to create the climate of safety, success and mutual respect necessary for lifelong learning.

Intermediate Program

"The intermediate program, honours the integrity of the learner by nurturing a disposition toward lifelong learning. Teaching that attends to the developmental needs of each young person enables learners to understand themselves and their world and to develop their capacities to think critically, communicate effectively, care deeply, and act wisely."

The focus of the intermediate portion of the elementary school program, which is grades five to seven, is on students who are active participants in their learning experiences. The varied and individual needs of students determine which instructional methods are used. This feature of the intermediate portion of the elementary school program enables students to continue developing their individual potentials, ready to meet the future as educated citizens and productive members of society.

Objectives

The aim of Catholic education is not merely an attainment of knowledge but the acquisition of values and discovery of truth. A Catholic school aims at the communication of human culture and the total formation of the individual.

"Its task is fundamentally a synthesis of culture and faith, and a synthesis of faith and life: the first is reached by integrating all the different aspects of human knowledge through the subjects taught, in the light of the Gospel; the second in the growth of the virtues characteristic of the Christian."

Educational

The educational objectives of St. Pius X Elementary School are set out below. In considering and implementing these objectives it is necessary to think of the School as having the primary role and the home a supporting role.

1.	To provide a comprehensive education that includes:
(i)	cognitive - basic knowledge skills needed to comprehend and express ideas through words, numbers and other symbols, i.e. reading, listening, writing, speaking, mathematical operations and concepts;
(ii)	affective - emotional and behavioural skills, which, in the framework of the Catholic school strives to develop responsible, inner-directed students, capable of choosing freely in accordance with their conscience, which is formed according to the norms of the Gospel as proclaimed by the Church;
(iii)	social - children work together in groups in classrooms, teams, extra-curricular activities and participation in Mass;
(iv)	cultural - through music, films, second language, social studies program, field trips;
(v)	aesthetic - seeing beauty in fellow students and their efforts as well as in God's creations, developing values through art, music, religion, social studies and science program, visual and non-verbal media; and
(vi)	physical - organized periods, gym classes, free time, recess, lunch break and extra-curricular team efforts.
2.	To develop basic learning skills as well as value skills needed to lead a Christian life, through the process of inquiry, analysis, synthesis and evaluation with which to pursue further education.
3.	To provide, encouragement and motivation by:
(i)	developing in students the interests, skills and abilities that foster creative expression, critical thinking and effective use of time;
(ii)	providing opportunities for students to participate in a wide variety of curricular and extra curricular activities, to gain experience, and, at the same time, to assess their own capabilities, strengths and interests;
(iii)	helping students communicate effectively using a variety of media, and to develop an awareness of the media's effects on the individual;
(iv)	helping students understand the community and its history, ethnic groupings, cultural values and physical setting;
(v)	strengthening the ability of students to learn independently, to deal effectively with change and to apply skillfully a variety of rational processes to identify, consider and implement problem solving techniques;
(vi)	providing a wide variety of learning opportunities in flexible time arrangements, so that students may experience success while learning at their own rates; and
(vii)	encouraging recognition of the unique needs of exceptional children and confidently setting realistic goals for them.

Personal Growth & Development

In considering and implementing personal growth and development objectives, it is necessary to think of the home as having the primary role and the School a supporting role. The personal growth and development objectives are set out below.

1.	To guide students in attaining the self-discipline and self-direction necessary to discover and develop their abilities, interests and aspirations. To accomplish this, the growth and development of students as individuals will be nurtured by enabling them to experience a wide variety of activities and situations within safe, healthful, supportive and challenging environments. These activities and situations will arise through extra curricular activities such as sports, drama, choir, public speaking, photo club, Mass, visits by performers, school field trips and social projects.
2.	To emphasize, the importance of lifelong health, physical fitness, and participation in sports and other leisure time activities and to provide students with the basic essentials for healthful living. This will be accomplished by causing students to focus on sports, physical educations, fitness for everyone (not just students), the RCMP program, science (health) program and better eating habits.
3.	To foster, in students, an interest and willingness to gain experience in leadership and community involvement by providing service to others. To accomplish this emphasis will be placed on creating baskets for the poor at Christmas, monitors, lent boxes, community service projects, Holy Childhood, food bank, Run-A-Thon and Mass readings.
4.	To create opportunities, for students to acquire the skills and develop the methods necessary in making effective personal decisions. These skills will be developed through classroom discussions and activities where students are encouraged to express their views, religious education, a program of moral development, institution of a playground committee, each student's circle of friends and classroom meetings.
5.	To help students to develop a realistic but positive assessment of themselves and of their abilities through extra-curricular activities, participation in teams, projects in class and constructive but honest criticism. Students will be encouraged to set goals for themselves, and reasons as to why goals were or were not met will be discussed with students.
6.	Guide the growth and development of students toward maturity and independence, so that they may become resourceful, self-reliant, self-disciplined, and adaptive human beings. This will be accomplished through participation in extra-curricular activities, an emphasis on good sportsmanship, working individually and in groups, variations in classroom work and through exposure to different teachers.
7.	To provide assistance and opportunities for students to gradually acquire the maturity, confidence, and responsible independence of thought and action sufficient to sustain them and to help them meet challenges in a changing and complex world. This will be accomplished through classroom discussions, encouraging students to see a use for their skills, providing relevant and up to date material (news articles, technological advancements, political awareness) and the social studies program.
8.	To help students, identify any problems they may have, and ensure that each student knows how and where to find help. Sources of help will include parents, teachers and the Parish priest.

Social Skills

In considering and implementing social skills objectives, it is necessary to think of the home as having the primary role and the School a supporting role. The social skills objectives are set out below.

1.	Education must prepare students for life in our society. Students should therefore be encouraged to gain insight into the functioning of society as well as the student's role within it. Through the School community (pastors, teachers, parents, students), students will be provided with a means to interact with, and function in, our society. Additional programs, which will be offered, will include the RCMP program, visits by the V.S.O., health professionals and the fire department and the social studies curriculum.
2.	Education should encourage individuals, to develop an appreciation of the ethics of their society and the conduct prescribed by such ethics. The development of morals is fostered through the religious education program. A sense of morality will be developed in students by providing consequences for actions and attitudes, which are not appropriate to the ethics prescribed by our society. Examples include: offending others (school and society centred consequences) and offending God (Christian centred consequences).
3.	Education must assist individuals to-develop self-respect, respect for others, and respect for the law. This will be fostered through the religious education program, the RCMP program, references to the School nurse and individual counseling.
4.	Education must assist individuals to gain an understanding of themselves as well as of persons belonging to social and cultural groups different from their own. This will be accomplished through the social studies curriculum, religious education program and individual counseling. Other possibilities include holding an International Day where students from various countries could display different aspects of their cultural heritage and arranging for field trips into the many cultural centres of our city in order to expose students to cultures different from their own.

Overall, education should assist individuals in developing the skills and abilities that will enable them to take advantage of those opportunities that are open to them for a satisfying and productive life.

History Of St Pius X

For many years, it was a priority of St. Pius X Parish to open an elementary school to offer Catholic education on the eastern side of the North Shore.

St. Pius X finally achieved this objective in September 1996, when St. Pius X Elementary School opened its doors to kindergarten and grade one in two temporary structures. Monsignor Pedro Lopez-Gallo, the current Pastor of St. Pius X Parish, was the driving force behind opening the School, and instrumental in its coming into being.

The existing permanent structure was completed in September 1997, in time for the commencement of the School's second year. The School has grown steadily since then, and as its students have grown older the activities offered have increased.

In the spring of 1998 the School established the North Shore Catholic Schools Speech Arts Festival, which has since been held every year. The 1998-1999 school year saw the School compete in its first interschool athletic competitions. The summer of 1999 saw the installation of the School's computer lab, one of the most sophisticated on the North Shore.

St. Pius X Elementary School is still too young to have a "history" as rich as some of the other schools in the North Shore, but the parents of students at the School have proven to be an enthusiastic and dedicated group. With the dedication of the parents, the staff and the students of the School, the guidance of the Education Committee and the direction of Monsignor Lopez-Gallo there is no question that St. Pius X Elementary School is well on its way to establishing a reputation as an outstanding academic institution.

Education Committee

"Members of Education Committees at every level constitute one of the most important groupings in the educative community. In consequence of the principle of participation and co-responsibility they are to be associated in the decision-making concerning the Catholic school and in the application of the decisions that are made." (C.S. 70)

"Members of the Education Committees are called to share and adhere to the Christian vision of life that permeates the school. Living this vision they will strive to make the Gospel norms, the beatitudes, a guiding principle in their lives.

In addition to their dedication to the cause of Catholic education it is urgently important that they develop an informed understanding both of the nature of the Church and the nature and aim of the Catholic school. This informed understanding, will guide their relationships with all others who form the school community, and in the apostolate of the Church generally." (Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese ("CISVA") Policy Book 16 & 17)

A brief description of the responsibilities of the Education Committee is as follows:

(i)	to co-operate in Archdiocesan programs established by the CISVA;
(ii)	to assist the Pastor in areas of local responsibility with regard to the school;
(iii)	to see that the educational policy of the CISVA is followed in the school;
(iv)	to prepare a budget for the operation and maintenance of the school;
(v)	to keep proper books and records for the purpose of claiming government grants;
(vi)	to assist the Pastor and principal in the selection and hiring of teachers;
(vii)	to oversee the day-to-day operation of the school, including maintenance;
(viii)	to be responsible for the collection of tuition fees which will be set according to the guidelines established by the CISVA;
(ix)	to implement admission policies per CISVA guidelines;
(x)	to ensure the security of sensitive and confidential materials; and
(xi)	to assume such other duties as may be assigned or required.

The Pastor is an ex officio member of the Education Committee and all sub-committees. The balance of the Education Committee is comprised of seven members, five of which are elected by the eligible parish community and two of which are appointed by the Pastor. Education Committee members serve two year terms, and are eligible for re-election/re-appointment.

"Our schools have been built and maintained in a spirit of deep faith, sacrifice and cooperation. May these qualities never be lost”. (Most Rev. James F. Carney, D.D., May 1978)

Parent Standing Committee

The Parents Standing Committee is a committee composed of parents, invited by the Pastor, the Education Committee and the School principal, who are capable, willing and available to serve in an auxiliary capacity to the School. These parents are required to put in a great deal of time and generally go unrecognized by the majority, but without them many of the School's extra-curricular and social functions would not be possible.

The Committee is responsible for, among other things:

(i)	the scheduling of yard duty and work activity volunteers;
(ii)	the recruitment and scheduling of concessionaires for sports tournaments, as well as the purchase of supplies;
(iii)	organizing the School's social functions;
(iv)	assisting with fund raising activities;
(v)	operation of the lost and found; and
(vi)	the annual celebration of First Holy Communion, Reconciliation and Graduation.

Traditionally, students and parents of the lower grade will help to organize and support the celebration in the grade above. For example, grade one will help with First Communion for grade two and grade six will help with graduation for grade seven.

Admissions & Enrolment

For purposes of this policy, "practicing Catholics" means those individuals who are registered in the parish and attend Sunday Mass regularly and "active in a parish" means those who support the parish financially by using envelopes and participate in the work activities required of them.

Children in the following categories will be given priority for admission, in descending order:

1.	Children presently enrolled in the School if they and their families meet the expectations of the School.
2.	Siblings of children already in the School, whose families are practicing Catholics, active in St. Pius X Parish.
3.	Children whose families are practicing Catholics, active in St. Pius X Parish.
4.	Siblings of children already in the School, whose families are practicing Catholics, active in other parishes.
5.	Children whose families are practicing Catholics coming into St. Pius X Parish, who have been attending Catholic school elsewhere.
6.	Children whose families are practicing Catholics active in other parishes.
7.	Children whose families are either not practicing Catholics or not active in their parishes.
8.	Children from non-Catholic families.

Prior to acceptance for admission, the Pastor with the School principal and, when practical, a member of the Education Committee will meet with each new family. From the interview and information available to them the Pastor, the principal and the member of the Education Committee will decide if the School can meet the needs of the student and if the family and student can meet the requirements of the School. If a decision is made to accept the student, the family will read and sign the Family Statement of Commitment prior to acceptance.

Class sizes will be limited to the following:
Kindergarten: Maximum 15 in each of two classes
Grades 1 - 7: 30 in each class

Students With Special Needs

St. Pius X Elementary School is committed to the inclusion of special needs students in the regular classroom whenever possible. The School and classroom will provide an environment which will enable all students to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes which will optimize their growth and sense of self-worth as members of God's community and as individuals.

Support services for special needs students will be directed towards maximizing both success and independence in the classroom and the School, and School organization will be directed toward supporting the provision of resources for special needs students, their parents and all staff responsible for providing programs and services.

Organizational resources will include suitable accommodation and access for special needs students, appropriate instructional materials, effective assessment and instructional services and accurate and current information for professional resources to facilitate the work of all teachers. The organizational structure will also accommodate joint service delivery in areas such as health needs through inter-agency and interdisciplinary teamwork.

"Christ is the foundation of the whole educational enterprise in a Catholic School. His Revelation gives new meaning to life and helps man to direct his thought, action, and will according to the Gospel, making the beatitudes his norm of life....." (The Catholic School - It's Character and Mission, Most Rev. J.F. Carney).

In keeping with Archbishop Carney's thoughts, St. Pius X Elementary School will, to the best of its ability, provide educational opportunities to all students regardless of their abilities within the following parameters:

(i)	The student will meet the basic eligibility requirements of the School as regards parish boundaries, parish participation, etc.;
(ii)	The class size into which the student would be placed, the availability of support personnel necessary to maintain the student within the classroom, the financial resources available for the support of the student within the School and the necessary resources to ensure accessibility;
(iii)	Each student's needs will, be individually assessed. Parents may be required to arrange for and make available to the school psycho-educational assessment and/or other assessments as the need arises;
(iv)	A decision on the most suitable placement will be made jointly by the principal, Pastor and parents of the student; and
(v)	In some circumstances, admission may require the drawing up of a school contract.

When considering a student with special needs for placement at St. Pius X Elementary School, the best interests of the student will take precedence.

Withdrawal Of Students

In the event that a student must be withdrawn from St. Pius X Elementary School during the course of a school year, the following will apply:

(i) WRITTEN notice must be given at least 30 days prior to the withdrawal; or

(ii) in lieu of 30 days' notice, one month's tuition fee will be charged.

In the event that a student who has been duly registered at St. Pius X Elementary School must withdraw before commencement of the September term, the above will be applicable and the registration fee will not be refundable.

Complaint Process

In a Catholic school parents, students, teachers and support staff form an integral part of the Christian school community. The administration, teachers and parents must work closely together in the formation of their children according to the Gospel. To this end, parents are expected to be familiar with, accept and support the philosophy and policies of the school. Parents indicate this by signing the Family Statement of Commitment as teachers do when they sign their contracts.

From time to time issues may arise where the concerned parties differ in their perspectives. In these cases concerned parties are expected to work toward a resolution of the issue in a Christian manner respecting each other's point of view. All parties involved must maintain confidentiality with respect to all information surrounding the particular issue.

To facilitate an amicable resolution to issues of conflict, the concerned parties will abide by the following guidelines:

1.	The issue must be dealt with first by the persons directly involved. Generally, the following people will be involved with respect to the following matters, and should be initially contacted: Academics: In matters related directly to academic instruction or results the teacher involved should be contacted directly and arrangements made to discuss the problem, outside of school hours. Discipline: In the area of discipline the teacher involved with the disciplinary action should be contacted to discuss the concerns, outside of school hours. Non-teaching personnel: In matters relating to non-teaching personnel the staff member should be contacted directly to discuss the problem. Confidential Matters: Should you experience a problem of a confidential nature please contact the principal, the chairperson of the Education Committee, or the Pastor. Payment of Fees: Should the payment of School fees become a difficulty please contact the Pastor, the principal or the chairperson of the Education Committee. It can be difficult to approach anyone to discuss financial problems but please remember that NO STUDENT WILL BE DEPRIVED OF A CATHOLIC EDUCATION BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY. School Policy: Should any area of School policy be unclear please send a letter to the chairperson of the Education Committee c/o the School. It is essential that meaningful communication is established right from the beginning. Both parties must clearly identify the issue being discussed. There must be open discussion and an honest attempt to settle the issue at this level. It is important to recognize that the resolution of an issue usually involves some compromises. Both parties should be aware of this and must be open to compromise, at the same time understanding that polices must be followed.
2.	If the issue cannot be resolved by the persons directly involved, the matter must be brought to the attention of the principal. The principal will then follow the steps set out below: (a) Clarify the issue of disagreement. This will involve hearing both sides, reviewing relevant documentation, and meeting with any witnesses to determine the exact nature of the problem. All side issues that arise from the initial problem will be identified and removed from future discussions. It is the responsibility of the principal to document all matters pertaining to the issue and its resolution. It is also recommended that both parties keep documentation to present to the principal or investigative committees. (b) Determine what policies of the School or CISVA can be applied to resolve the issue. (c) Apply the appropriate policies so that a decision may be made to resolve the issue. The principal should seek advice concerning any precedents and/or other issues of a similar nature that have been successfully resolved. Advisers might include the Pastor, chairperson of the Education Committee or a representative from the Superintendent's Office. (d) Provide a resolution to the issue. Once the principal has made a decision to resolve the issue, both parties must be promptly notified of the decision in writing. The notification must also inform the parties of the available appeal procedures.
3.	If the principal's resolution is not accepted, the matter may be appealed to the Education Committee. The appeal must be submitted in writing no more than seven days after the principal's decision has been received. Upon receipt of the complaint the Education Committee will form a subcommittee, which will include the Pastor, to consider the appeal. The subcommittee will study available documentation and then hold a hearing to hear submissions from the complainant(s) and the principal. All parties and the principal will be in attendance and be given the opportunity to respond. The subcommittee will then consider the matter and, in camera, present its recommendations to the Education Committee. The Education Committee will then provide a resolution to the issue. If the decision requires disciplinary action, the Education Committee must consult with the Superintendent before implementing the recommended action. The Education Committee will notify all parties and the principal, in writing, of its decision within seven days of the hearing. NOTE: If the complaint is about the principal the process should start at step 1. If there is no resolution at the end of this stop the process will skip step 2 and proceed directly to step 3, however, the subcommittee will incorporate (a), (b) and (c) of step 2 into step 3.
4.	The CISVA Board of Directors may consider an appeal of the Education Committee's decision for reasons which the Board considers valid and appropriate. The Board reserves the right to resolve the issue through investigation or through the formation of an appeal committee. The appellant must prepare a written submission to the Board detailing the reasons for the appeal and deliver it to the Superintendent's Office no later than 14 days after receipt of the Education Committee's decision. The decision of the Board will be final. Refusal of the Education Committee or employee to accept the decision of the Board may result in removal from office or termination of employment. If parents refuse to accept the decision of the Board and persist in pursuing the issues, disciplinary action may result in the removal of the child(ren) from the school.
5.	Requests for extensions of the above timelines will, for valid reasons, ordinarily be approved.

Suspensions & Expulsions

In the normal operation of the School, instances may arise in which a student commits a serious infraction of School or CISVA policy. This may lead to the student being suspended or expelled from the School. When dealing with such matters, the School is required to act for the protection of all members of the School community.

An expulsion is usually preceded by a suspension, during which the student is denied the privilege of attending School and all School-related activities. Suspension from School is considered to be a serious penalty for behaviour, which if continued, would ultimately result in an expulsion.

The principal is required to investigate fully every serious infraction to the best of his or her ability and is required to maintain documentation that accurately records the incident and the investigation. This documentation will be used to support the School's decision to suspend and/or expel.

A suspension is decided upon by the principal or vice-principal only after thorough investigation. The length of the suspension will fit the severity of the infraction. No student will be suspended for a period exceeding one school day without prior consultation between the principal or vice-principal and the Pastor or chairperson of the Education Committee. A written notification of suspension will be given to the student's parents or guardians, and will contain the School's expectations of the student if readmission to the School is granted.

If the principal has determined that the incident is serious enough to warrant expulsion, the principal must immediately consult the Pastor and chairperson of the Education Committee. During this consultation period, the student will be suspended. After consultation, the principal will make his or her decision about the expulsion and inform the student's parents or guardians, either in person or by telephone.

Written notification will be given to the student's parents or guardians within twenty-four hours of the expulsion, and appropriate arrangements must be made for the student to immediately leave the school.

Parents may appeal a suspension or expulsion decision by following the procedures set out under "Appeal Procedures".

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