Handbook

Table of Contents

ACCREDITATION (Back to Top)

Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School is recognized and certified as a Group 1 Independent School with the Province of British Columbia and is affiliated with the Federation of Independent Schools Associations of British Columbia. DLS is also a member of the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools as part of the National Council for Private School Accreditation.

HISTORY (Back to Top)

Seventh-day Adventist Education in Metro Vancouver began in 1926 and has taken place in four different locations including our present site in Burnaby since 1965. There have been several major additions and renovations over the years resulting in the facility that exists today. Through the years, many of the students of the school have moved on to higher learning and found places to serve God and others around the world. The Deer Lake School Board is happy for the heritage passed on and is pledged to continue an educational program, which prepares young people for service to God and to man.

MISSION STATEMENT (Back to Top)

Excellence Service Family Belief

Deer Lake School is a Seventh-day Adventist School that provides a Christian environment for the balanced development of the spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical abilities of students and their families who are committed to excellence in their school experience.

PHILOSOPHY (Back to Top)

Deer Lake School is a family of learners who believe that quality education addresses the potential of the whole person in the balanced development of the spiritual, academic, social, and physical aspects of life. We want our students to be well-rounded individuals who can think for themselves, but think of others first. The religious and moral training, which is given to all students, is from a Christian perspective, based on the teachings of the Bible as they are understood by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The safety and well-being of children in Adventist schools is of paramount consideration. Children deserve to be protected from abuse, neglect, bullying, harm or threat of harm. Therefore, Deer Lake School will ensure that children attending this school will experience a learning environment that enables every child to feel safe, accepted and respected.

COMMITMENTS (Back to Top)

As a Deer Lake School Student I am committed to:

Excellence

Strong academic foundations
Intellectual curiosity
Critical thinking
Self-motivated, life-long learning skills
Being prepared, respectful, cooperative and on task
Healthy living habits
A willingness to hold myself accountable

Service

Thinking, choosing, and acting as responsible citizens in my community
The appreciation for the value and dignity of labour
The utilization of talents
Thinking of others first

Family

The appreciation of the worth of all people
Acknowledging the importance of family
Being a role model for others
Social growth being consistent with Biblical standards
Developing relationships that strengthen the family atmosphere
Being involved

Belief

Developing Christian Character
A growing relationship with Jesus
The appreciation of God's word
Ethical Christian decision making
The importance of prayer
My ability to make a difference

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Back to Top)

Any student who genuinely desires a Christian education and is in harmony with the philosophy of Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School is eligible for admission.
Kindergarten and Grade One students are required to be five and six years old respectively on or before December 31st.
Proof of English proficiency may be required. This may be through a (an):
1. Interview with the administration and/or admissions committee
2. Readiness Assessment and/or English Proficiency Test
Students entering Deer Lake School for the first time will have their records assessed by administration and/or the admissions committee in order to place them where they will be successful. Students may be tested for grade placement.
Unless both schools are compatible in their grading periods, secondary students are discouraged from transferring during the school year.

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

CANADIAN CITIZENS AND LANDED IMMIGRANTS

Any student registering for the first time must bring:

A completed application form with the non-refundable application fee to the school office;
Originals of birth certificate, or passport (if not born in Canada) and/or immigrant document(s) of student;
Originals of latest report card (last grade completed and any subsequent reports);
Originals of immunization records, B.C. Medical Care Card;
Originals providing proof of Legal Residency of parents (Citizen card or Landed Immigrant status paper).
Letter of recommendation from previous school.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Any interested international students may apply for admission. The following procedural criteria must be met:

Submit an application form along with the non-refundable application fee to the school office and copies (faxed copies not acceptable) of the following documents:
- Birth Certificate OR identification page of passport
- Immunization records
- Most recent report card/transcripts for last grade completed and any subsequent reports
- Letter of recommendation from previous school
- Current medical reports
All copies of documents must be verified as a true copy by a notary public. All documents not in English must be translated into English by an official translation organization and verified by a notary public.
A letter of acceptance to assist in obtaining a Student Visa will be given by the school when payment of fees in full are received for the academic period for which application has been made.

Only in the event of inability to attend school due to immigration difficulty, or illness, the tuition will be refunded.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE

Students wishing to withdraw will need to fill out a withdrawal form and an exit survey, which are available at the school office. Loaned items belonging to the school will need to be returned and the account paid before report cards or transcripts can be issued.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Back to Top)

REGISTRATION FEES

Registration fees are in place for all students, and are due at the time of registration. The registration fee is non-refundable. The registration fee includes the provision of computers, yearbook, student portraits, student association, and partial field trip expenses. Some class trips and special programs may be extra.

PAYMENT OF TUITION FEES

Arrangements for tuition payments are made at the school office at the time of the registration. Tuitions are paid every first day of the month for local students by pre-authorized debit/VISA/MasterCard. For International Students, tuition is due at the time of the registration by cash/certified cheque/bank draft. Please keep your bank statements as your receipt. A complete Fee Payment Policy is outlined here.

TUITION

Family Discount
The third student from an individual family unit is charged half of the applicable tuition rate. Additional immediate family members will not be charged tuition or other fees. (Not applicable to International Students)

Tuition Information
Tuition information is available at the school office.

Church Membership
Please ensure that your family name is shown on your Seventh-day Adventist Church membership list in good and regular standing in order to qualify for the appropriate tuition rate.

TEXTBOOK CHARGES

Textbooks are on a loan basis and students are responsible for returning them in good condition. Parents will be required to pay for undue damage or loss.

LATE REGISTRATION AND WITHDRAWAL

A student registering before the 15th of any month will pay tuition charges for the entire month. A student withdrawing any time after the 10th of any month will pay tuition charges for the entire month.

STUDENT AID

Seventh-day Adventist parents who need assistance to meet their financial obligation to Deer Lake School are directed to their local church. Requesting such assistance is the responsibility of the parents and should be made to the pastor or church board of your local church. Parents should be advised that this process may take some time, and therefore, they should begin this process as soon as possible. Parents should not feel reluctant to make such a request since each Seventh-day Adventist church is dedicated to Christian education and is committed to providing for the needs of its members as far as possible within the local church's worthy student criteria. All parents requesting student aid are expected to volunteer at the school through various school-related Parent Advisory Council activities.

TUITION-TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT

Deer Lake School, in conjunction with the Seventh-day Adventist Church (BC Conference), issues tax receipts for part of the tuition as charitable donations. The charitable donations receipt covers the religious portion of the tuition, and it is calculated by deducting the secular portion from the total tuition paid. A receipt will be issued annually.

DONATIONS

Tax-deductible receipts are issued to school supporters who give unrestricted gifts of $25 or more.

GENERAL INFORMATION (Back to Top)

ABUSE PROTOCOL

The policies and protocols as set out in the BC Handbook for Action on Child Abuse and Neglect, Responding to Child Welfare Concerns, as well as Supporting our Students; A Guide for Independent School Personnel Responding to Child Abuse are followed by Deer Lake School.

Child abuse is a serious problem. It is morally and legally wrong. Its impact can last a lifetime and even extend to future generations. Everyone who has reason to believe that a child has been or is likely to be physically harmed, sexually abused or sexually exploited by anyone, or needs protection in the circumstances described in section 13 (1)(d) to (k) of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, is legally responsible under section 14 of that Act, to report the incident or situation promptly to a child protection social worker. In British Columbia a child is anyone under the age of 19.

Afterschool Care Policy

The After-School Supervision program is to ensure a safe environment for our students while waiting for parents to pick them up after school. The nominal fee charged for this service is required to recover salary costs for the After-School Supervisors as well as the snack that is given to the children each day.

The school policy recognizes that the responsibility to make adequate provisions for the care of the children after-school lies with the parents. If arrangements have not been made for picking up the children within half an hour after school finishes and the children remain at the school, they must be supervised. The safety of all students is the focus of the program.

The After-School Program applies to all students. The Secondary students (Grade 8 and up) will not be charged, unless the supervisor remains here only for that particular secondary student(s). The regular rate will then apply.

The fee structure is available in the office.

APPEAL PROCEDURE

Deer Lake School has a written Appeal Procedure which is available in the school office.

COUNSELLING

Every staff member is a Seventh-day Adventist Christian who is committed to the well-rounded growth of the individual student and who values the opportunity to share on a personal level those areas of life that a student may find worrisome, perplexing, or frustrating. Students may freely seek counsel with any staff member.

DAMAGED PROPERTY POLICY

Student accounts will be billed for the cost of labour and materials to repair or replace school property damaged or destroyed by students and for the negligent loss or destruction of textbooks.

HEALTH SERVICES

Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School students receive regular health services from the Burnaby Public Health Unit. Students who become ill during the day will be sent home upon notification of parent(s). Dispensing medication in any form is not practiced at the school, unless a written arrangement has been made.

LOCKS & LOCKERS

Lockers are provided for all students. Students are expected to keep their lockers tidy. Spot-checks may occur without due notice. The school is not responsible for loss of valuables. Although the lockers are the property of the school, students are expected to treat them with the same care as if they were their own.

A school lock will be issued at the beginning of the school year to each student in grades 5 and up. These locks must be returned at the end of the school year or the student will be charged a $10.00 replacement fee. The lock is to be used to protect the student's belongings. Students should NOT share the combination with any other student so as to prevent any unauthorized entry into a locker.

LOST ARTICLES

Students are expected to take care of their own personal property. Articles found in inappropriate places will be placed in the ?lost and found?; to be redeemed at a rate of $1.00 per item. Sales will be held periodically to disperse of unclaimed items.

PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVACY POLICY

Deer Lake School works in accordance with the Personal Information Privacy Policy of the Seventh-day Adventist Schools in British Columbia. A copy of this policy is available from the Principal.

PICTURES

Individual student pictures, class photos and the panorama portrait are generally taken in the fall of the school year.

PLAY AREA

The play areas are shared by various groups during the school day. All students are to be aware of the designated areas in which they may play. There will be no rough play on campus.

Before school supervision is available at 8:00 in the morning in the gym or library for all students. After school supervision is available for 30 minutes after school has been dismissed. In good weather the elementary supervision area is the Adventure Playground. In bad weather, the supervision area is the Assembly room.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

24-hour student accident insurance policy is carried for protection of students, in the event of injury. Accidents must be reported immediately to the principal or to the supervising staff member. Application forms are available for the purpose of claiming reimbursement for expenditures not covered by B.C. Medical Insurance.

STUDENT ASSOCIATION

All students and faculty of Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School are general members of the Student Association. The Student Association plans activities to promote school spirit and unity. All social programming is approved by the faculty in advance of the program. Program cancellation may result if the procedure is not followed. In addition to these activities, the Student Association publishes the school yearbook.

The Student Association officers hope that you will participate in the many activities that are planned for you. Please feel free to give suggestions and ideas to the officers. You are the Student Association. The Deer Lake School Student Association has an officially adopted set of By-laws to guide its operation.

TELEPHONE

The telephone is strictly for emergency use only. Social calls are not to be made on the school telephone. The phone in the lobby is not to be used by students during school hours.

VEHICLES

Students may bring vehicles to school. The vehicles must be registered with the office and a parking pass will be given. Parking lot etiquette must be maintained. Violations of any kind may result in loss of vehicle privileges.

VISITORS

All student visitors wanting to visit classrooms during the school day are required to complete the Student Visitors Request Form and have it approved before the visit. If a visitor arrives at the school without previous approval, the staff can reserve the right to approve or not approve the visit on the spot.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer help is welcomed and appreciated. Parents and others who would like to do volunteer work at the school may do so by making arrangements with the principal. A Criminal Record Check will be required (the school will cover any cost involved). Assisting teachers in the classroom, and supervision of students on field trips are examples of how parents and other volunteers may be of help.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION (Back to Top)

The desire and purpose of Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School is to offer quality instruction and excellence in scholastic standards. Our curriculum has strength in its simplicity. The program will focus on university entrance requirements.

TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts for all previous scholastic work should be sent directly to:

Admissions
Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School
5550 Gilpin Street
Burnaby, BC
V5G 2H6

Records will be assessed by the admissions committee in order to place students where they will be successful.

CREDITS

Grade 10-12 classes receive 4 credits per course for a 120 hour course.

CLASS LOAD

Twenty-four credits (6 courses) will be considered a minimum class load per year.

Students are required to take a Religious Studies class each year they attend Deer Lake School.

DISTRIBUTED LEARNING

Courses that are not taught at Deer Lake School may be available online through West Coast Adventist School.

MINISTRY APPROVED GRADING SYSTEM

Kindergarten to Grade 3

4	Exceeding Expectations
3	Meeting Expectations
2	Approaching Expectations
1	Not Yet Meeting Expectations

Grades 4-12

Letter Grades	Percentages	Definitions
A	86-100	Excellent or Outstanding Performance in relation to learning outcomes
B	73-85	Very Good Performance in relation to learning outcomes
C+	67-72	Good Performance in relation to learning outcomes
C	60-66	Satisfactory Performance in relation to learning outcomes
C-	50-59	Minimally Acceptable Performance in relation to learning outcomes
I		No demonstration of minimally acceptable performance in relation to learning outcomes in this reporting period

Final Letter Grades

F	No demonstration of minimally acceptable performance in relation to the learning outcomes for the course
W	Student has withdrawn from a course
SG	Standing Granted. Accepted level of performance though normal requirements not completed.
TS	Transfer Standing. Standing is granted based on records from an institution other than a school.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (Grades 10-12)

REQUIRED COURSES
SUBJECT AREA	Minimum Credits
Language Arts 10 (EN 10)	4
A Language Arts 11	4
A Language Arts 12	4
Social studies 10 (SS 10)	4
Social studies 11 or BC First Nations Studies or Civic Studies 11	4
Science 10 (SC 10)	4
A Science 11 or 12	4
A Mathematics 10 (MA 10)	4
A Mathematics 11 or 12	4
Physical Education 10 (PE 10)	4
Planning 10 (PLAN 10)	4
A Fine Arts and/or Applied skills 10, 11 or 12	4
Total	48 credits
ELECTIVE COURSES
Students must earn at least 28 elective credits for Grade 10 - 12 courses	28 credits
GRADUATION TRANSITIONS
Students must earn 4 credits for Graduation Transitions	4 credits
OVERALL TOTAL	80 credits
Of the 80 credits for graduation, at least 16 must be at the Grade 12 level, including a Grade 12 Language Arts course. Others may be required or elective courses.

STUDENT RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

HONOUR ROLL

Honour Roll standing is for students who attain an average of 80% or higher with no grade lower than 60%.

PRINCIPAL'S EXCELLENCE

The Principal's Excellence Certificate is granted to students who achieve a 90% average or higher with no grade lower than 60%. Students maintaining an over-all grade of at least 90% over all four quarters of the year will be awarded the Principal's Excellence trophy.

PASSPORT TO EDUCATION AWARDS

The Passport to Education program recognizes and rewards student achievement in Grade 10 in a broad range of academic and non-academic areas according to guidelines set out by the Ministry of Education. (Note: Not available for International students)

VALEDICTORIAN

The valedictorian of the graduating class will be the student who has achieved the highest percentage average in their class.

THE GOVERNOR GENERAL'S BRONZE ACADEMIC MEDAL

The award is presented to the Grade 12 student who achieves the highest academic standing in the graduating class. The student must achieve at least an 80% average.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD

This award is given to the student(s) who present an exemplary well rounded character including academic, spiritual, social, and physical aspects. The person continues to strive to be the best he/she can become.

MILLENIUM AWARD

This award is given to the students, who demonstrate a warm and friendly personality, appreciated and noted by others. This person makes others feel welcomed and accepted. He/she is helpful and willing to assist others. It recognizes a male or female student from each division who are known for their caring, sharing and being a friend. The plaque was donated by the Raniga family.

ATHLETIC RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE

The athletic recognition certificate is given to the individual(s) who are notably strong and skilled in physical activities. They excel in Physical Education and on Sports Day. They display sportsmanship and participation in strong, positive ways.

DRESS CODE (Back to Top)

UNIFORMS

Students are expected to adhere strictly to the dress requirements. Please check with the office regarding proper samples of uniforms.

Girls

Navy blue polo shirt with school crest (Grades K-7)
White polo shirt with school crest (Grades 8-12)
White crested dress shirt (Grades 11 & 12)
Lindsay Tartan Kilt (Gr. 5-12), at the knee OR Lindsay Tartan Tunic (K- Gr. 4), at the knee
Grey skort (Gr. K-4)(optional)
Burgundy school crested vest or sweater
Navy school crested sweater or vest (Grades 10, 11 & 12)
Navy school crested blazer
Appropriate socks, natural or black hosiery or leotards
Appropriate black dress shoes or runners with non-marking soles
Solid grey dress shorts, mid-thigh to around the knee
Solid grey dress slacks

Boys

Navy blue polo shirt with school crest (Grades K-7)
White polo shirt with school crest (Grades 8-12)
White crested dress shirt (Grades 11 & 12)
Solid gray dress pants
Solid gray dress shorts, mid-thigh to around the knee (optional warm weather attire)
Burgundy school crested sweater, fleece vest or jacket
Navy school crested sweater or vest (Grades 11 & 12)
Navy school crested blazer (Grades 11 & 12)
Appropriate black dress shoes or runners with non-marking soles
Appropriate colour socks to match shoes

Gym Strip(Grade Four to Grade Twelve)

Burgundy Falcons-crested T-shirt
Full length, school-crested gym shorted
navy blue athletic track suit (required for team sports)

All students may wear their gym strip for the half-day when they have gym class, and the students are to change into their uniform during lunchtime.

ALL CLOTHES ARE TO BE PROPERLY WORN, ADJUSTED AND TUCKED IN

GENERAL APPEARANCE

All students are expected to have their hair styled in a way that is not extreme or peculiar. Secondary female students wearing make-up are asked to avoid use of bright and outstanding colours and styles. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are not permitted.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DRESS CODE

The dress code will be in effect during school hours, to and from school, all designated school field trips and/or related activities, and at all public performances presented by the school. Students arriving at school out of proper uniform will be asked to correct the uniform before they will be allowed to enter class. This may necessitate a phone call home in order to have the correct uniform brought to school. When a student is out of uniform, he or she will face consequences dealing with this infraction. Contact the office for more details.

ATTENDANCE (Back to Top)

In addition to supporting academic excellence, good attendance and punctuality are valuable life skills that can be achieved by every student. Classes start at 8:20 am. Students are encouraged to arrive no later than 8:10 am. Students are expected to be prompt and regular in attendance at all classes, study periods and assemblies.

Please phone the office no later than 8:30 am on the day the student is absent or late for school for any reason.

There are several extended break periods during the school year. Parents are requested to plan their vacations to coincide with these holiday times. If a student will be away from the classroom please let the office know. Trips taken during the school year due to extreme circumstances will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Attendance Committee, provided official written notification is given to the school no less than 10 days prior to the beginning of the trip.

Grade 10-12 students missing more than fifteen percent (15%) of class time may forfeit their credits for the course.

Unexcused Absences will result in the student being disqualified from making up any missed work.

Excused Absences will allow the student to make up any work that is missed.

Tardiness: Nine unexcused tardies in a class will result in an automatic 10% drop in the grade at the end of the quarter.

Absences: Three unexcused absences will result in an automatic 10% drop in the grade at the end of the quarter.

CITIZENSHIP (Back to Top)

It is expected that students of Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School will exhibit qualities of respect, responsibility, and loyalty. Respect for property, privacy, and time of others is required, as well as to those in positions of authority. Loyalty to the school and fellow students, as well as to parents and to God is expected. Students who are happy, productive citizens of the school community are prized by their fellow students and staff alike. They enjoy a positive and pleasant experience. A student's citizenship standing is determined largely by the following criteria: attitude towards the religious ideals of the school, attendance and participation in religious services, observance of social regulation, general conduct, dress and personal grooming, faithfulness in meeting appointments, honesty, and recreational standards.

SOCIAL LIFE

Developing general social skills like respecting each other, considering the needs of others, being faithful and trustworthy, working together, and developing true friendships are some of the principles that are very important in the growing and learning years at Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School.

SPEECH

Students are encouraged to develop their verbal skills to a high degree so that they can speak clearly, expressively and creatively. It is particularly important for Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist School to uphold high Christian values. Therefore, students are to refrain from language which is vulgar, immoral or profane and to consider carefully the impact of the words they speak. Good humor is an important and positive ingredient in life, and is encouraged.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Deer Lake School students are expected to practice academic honesty. Plagiarism and cheating are unacceptable.

Plagiarism is presenting someone else's material as your own. Work is plagiarized if any part of it is taken from another source without proper reference. Such sources include, but are not limited to, Internet web sites, encyclopedias, textbooks, magazines, and other students' papers.

Cheating includes: copying homework, looking on another's text or quiz, letting another student look on a test or quiz, using other secretive methods of giving answers on a test or quiz, taking information from another source that is not properly attributed, working with others on an assignment that was meant to be done by individuals.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

At school and during school related activities, wherever and whenever they may take place, the following directives shall be observed:

Use or possession of magazines, books or collectors cards which do not uphold Christian values should not be at school.
Music, whether performed or listened to, which does not uphold Christian values should be avoided.
Radios, disc players, iPods, MP3 players and pocket-electronic games should not be brought to school.
Cellular phones, pagers and walkie talkies can not be used during school hours.
Gum chewing is not permitted at school.

DISCIPLINE

One who engages in any of the following practices places himself/herself before the Discipline Committee and may jeopardize his/her status as a student:

Undermining the religious ideals of DLS.
Disrupting either the learning experience or campus environment.
Using profane language, possessing or displaying obscene literature or pictures, or indulging in lewd or suggestive conduct.
Drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages, using tobacco, narcotics, marijuana, or hallucinogenic drugs in any form, having them in one's possession, or distributing them to others.
Stealing or possessing stolen goods; cheating in any form; willful deception or dishonesty.
Inappropriate behaviour with members of the opposite sex during school hours, school activities and field trips.
Entering or leaving any classroom (building) by any means other than the entrance designated for regular use at the time.
Deliberate misuse of fire or other emergency equipment.
Habitual failure to conform to school policies, stipulations, and/or any disciplinary actions.
Entering any room, desk or locker without permission, which may be understood to mean dishonest intentions.
Unauthorized duplication of keys; possession or use of unauthorized keys; unauthorized entry into restricted areas;
Tampering with school lights and wiring; defacing or destroying of school property.
Leaving the school property during regular school hours without permission.
Habitual tardiness and non-attendance without permission and/or an acceptable excuse.
Any attempt to violate another student?s rights, through the use of physical or verbal harassment.
Possession or the use of firearms or weapons on campus.
Not handing in assignments and/or not coming to required extra help sessions.

A student who is considered for serious disciplinary actions has the privilege of appearing in person with their parents, before the appropriate disciplinary body. Although there may have been no specific violation of any regulation, a student whose progress or conduct is unsatisfactory, or whose attitude is obviously out of harmony with the expectations of the school, or whose influence is found to be detrimental, may be dismissed or suspended for any length of time, at anytime.