Programs

It's Not Where We Have Been...It's Where We Are Going!

Welcome to Blessed Sacrament Outreach School!

On behalf of all staff, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our program. This handbook is designed to give you an introductory look into what our Outreach program has to offer. Let us know if you have questions.

 

Overview of the Program

Blessed Sacrament Outreach School provides a flexible approach to educational programming that operates under the jurisdiction of East Central Alberta Catholic Schools. We serve those students of high school age who require differentiation within their individualized educational schedules.

 

Mission Statement

Provide learning in a faith-based nurturing environment in order that students may become responsible, respectful and accepting individuals.

 

Purpose of the Program

Blessed Sacrament Outreach School is a fully accredited high school that can help students successfully continue their spiritual and educational journey.

We believe that with the support and encouragement of parents and teachers, and the commitment of the student, success will be achieved.

Our school is for high school students who

...are independent motivated learners.

...are not presently attending school and want to return to their studies.

...are at risk of leaving school.

...are recommended by the administrator of another school.

...need more courses to receive their diploma.

...need to upgrade their marks to quality for post-secondary entry or need a flexible timetable to accommodate their work schedule.

 

Registration Information

New students must complete a registration package and intake interview prior to program acceptance. Once the registration package is finalized,  students will meet with their teacher to discuss specific needs and goals. During this meeting, a personalized education plan will be developed. The personalized education plan will:

  • Establish your goals
  • Clarify the expectations and commitment required in the program
  • Select the courses you need
  • Develop an attendance schedule

Any student between the ages of 15-19 years is eligible for registration at Blessed Sacrament Outreach. Eligibility does not guarantee acceptance. Students must have a personal interview with Blessed Sacrament Outreach Staff to determine the suitability of programming for the student's educational needs. Staff may also require time to gather additional information.

All students are expected to complete courses in a timely manner. Full-time students should finish at least 15 credits per semester. Students may be required to complete non-core course work prior to starting core work.

Students are required to follow their attendance contracts and hand in assignments as per goals scheduled. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the Outreach School.

Student Fees

  • Full-Time Student:  Attending school from 9:00-3:00 each day
  • Part-Time Student:  Attending less than full-time  
  • All students are charged $150.00 Text Rental Deposit for the year.  This fee is refundable when textbooks materials have been returned and courses are completed.   
  • $20 Nutrition Fee to support our Breakfast For Learning program

Staff

Scott MacDonald

Principal

[email protected]

Carrie Poissant

Teacher

[email protected]

Sandra Pochylko

Teacher

[email protected]

Sheryl Tipler

Secretary

[email protected]

 

Website

Visit our website to discover the most up-to-date information about staff lists, contact information, a calendar of events, as well as diploma exam information.

 

Hours of Instruction

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Lunch 11:50 a.m. to 12:31 p.m. You are welcome to bring your lunch and stay with us! We also stay open until 6pm on Thursday.

 

Please check the calendar for school dates and closures.

Breakfast for Learning is available each morning to every student.

 

Counseling

Counseling is available for high school programs, courses, post-secondary education, and careers. Referrals can be made for personal counseling. Students are encouraged to have open communications with the staff. Helpful links are available on our website.

 

Computer Use

Computers are available for student use. Students are to obtain permission to use the computers prior to access by obtaining a User ID and password. Computers have Internet access for educational use only. Software programs installed on instructors' computers allow teachers full access to student's screens.

 

EXPECTATIONS/CODE OF CONDUCT

In order to be successful at Blessed Sacrament Outreach School, students must commit a reasonable amount of academic progress and appropriate behavior. With the student, parent(s)/guardian(s) and teacher working as a team with open, continuing communication, there is an opportunity to meet all goals. A serious commitment to the student's educational program means everyone makes a positive contribution.

The conduct of our students in accordance with Section 12 of the School Act of the Province of Alberta, states:

A student shall conduct himself or herself so as to reasonably comply with the following Code of Conduct:

  • Be diligent in pursuing the student's studies;
  • Attend school regularly and punctually;
  • Cooperate fully with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and other services;
  • Comply with the rules of the school;
  • Account to the student's teachers for the student's conduct;
  • Respect the rights of others.

If students are not following the above, the following steps will be used to assist in improvement:

  1. Meeting with student and Principal to agree on a plan for improvement
  2. Contact home to ask for parent/guardian input and support in solving the problem
  3. Meeting with parent/guardian, student and principal to set up a performance "Contract"
  4. Removal from the Program.

Attendance

We believe that regular attendance is required for students to be successful in the Outreach program. An attendance plan and contract will be developed by the student, parent, and principal at the registration interview.

Students are expected to attend as per Attendance Contract.

Students' parents must phone, text or email the school if their son or daughter is going to be late or absent for that day.

A student must notify the teacher when they are leaving the school during their assigned school hours.

Students, parents, and teacher will develop an attendance plan that is suitable for each individual student. If the student is not at school during said contract time, a phone call will be made, or a text will be sent, home each time. Changes in attendance contract plan will be followed-up with a phone call to parent.

Students who are not progressing in their courses and are absent without contacting the school may be withdrawn from their courses. Parents are encouraged to update contact numbers and email regularly.

 

Free Services for Outreach Students

Transportation will be supplied from November to March (depending on weather) to those in need.

Busing is available. Please let the office know and arrangements will be made.

Wainwright Public Library memberships will be paid for by our school for the school year. (September-June) Late fees or lost books will be the student's responsibility or amount owing to the library will be deducted from the textbook rental fee.

Town of Wainwright Communiplex passes will be signed out to our Physical Education students only free of charge. Monthly log sheets must be handed in at the end of each month to be eligible for the passes.

 

Guidelines

Students have access to the program for up to 1196 hours/year and must attend on a regular basis as per their determined schedule.

A full-time student should complete 15 credits per semester. Assignments must be completed and handed in on a regular basis.

A completed application form is required for all students applying to the Blessed Sacrament Outreach.

Students may enter an ADLC course at any time (with teacher approval), but withdrawal from a course along with subsequent withdrawal from the school may take place if a student is not half done by 60 days from registration date.

The key rule is respect for the school, staff and each other.

 

Cell Phone Use

Cell phones need to be turned off during school time since they disrupt other students and staff. Failure to do so will result in a student having to check it in with a staff member each day until the end of the day. Students are allowed to use the school phone and must keep the call brief. I Pods may be used with headphones. Cell phones and other technology student's may possess must be surrendered to teachers prior to writing tests and exams.

 

Dress Code

Students are allowed to dress in the manner that they choose as long as it is appropriate. Students are not allowed to wear clothing that has offensive logos or printing on them. No mid-riff showing for anyone, please.

 

Drugs/Alcohol

Drugs or alcohol are not to be found in or on students while they are at school or on field trips. Students disregarding this policy are subject to suspension and/or expulsion. If students are suspended for any of the above reasons, attending AADAC is required as well as a parent meeting in order to resume attending the outreach school.

 

Smoking:

Students are not allowed to smoke in the school nor within 5 meters of school exits.

 

Parking

 Students can park in the parking lot on the far side near the back-alley.

 

Language

Students must refrain from using inappropriate language.

 

Bullying

 Under no conditions is bullying acceptable at Blessed Sacrament Outreach School. This includes verbal, emotional, and physical bullying. Students involved in any type of bullying will be suspended and/or expelled and required to take bullying awareness workshops or counseling sessions prior to resuming attendance.

 

Course Information and Supports

It is the student's' responsibility to attend regularly and to adhere to the due dates. Students who start falling behind should contact their teacher as soon as possible. Several support services are available to assist students in completing their courses. If students do not turn in work, attend or contact their teacher, they or their parents will receive a phone call from the school staff to discuss the reasons for the lack of progress. If a student is unable to be contacted by phone, a letter will be sent. Repeated lack of progress will result in the student being withdrawn from the course. Students wishing to be reactivated will need to meet with staff and received permission prior to being reactivated and resuming their coursework. Acceptable standards of academic behavior, such as arriving with necessary working materials (binder, paper, pens, pencils, calculators, etc.), being able to work independently without disturbing others, and continued self-motivation through the setting and accomplishments of daily short term goals are necessary to be successful in all school subjects.

As soon as an assignment is completed, it is to be handed in to the teacher so it can be marked. If little or no progress is being made the teacher will be in contact with the student and/or parent and a solution to the problem will be worked out. Continuous lack of progress can lead to withdrawal or re-working of the student's personal education plan.

 

Evaluation

 The weighting for all course work will be 50% - 100% of the final mark depending upon the course. This will include module/unit assignments, projects, quizzes, chapter tests, and notes. The remaining percentage will be determined by the final exam. A student's mark will not include the teacher's assessment of behavior, attitude or effort. The mark on the student's report card will indicate the success the student has had in achieving the prescribed curriculum outcomes for a specific program of studies.

 

Concerns

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the teacher. If a parent/guardian disagrees with a school-based decision, the proper appeal procedure should be followed:

Teacher;

Principal/Vice-Principal;

Superintendent; and Board of Trustees

Parent Teacher Interviews and Report Cards

There are 2 formal reporting periods (January and June). Students receive course marks as they complete assignments for each course, and parents and students have 24/7 access to mark information through Power School. We also send out monthly attendance and progress reports to the parents of students under the age of 18 and to the students who are over 18. We hold parent/teacher interviews in November and in April. Parents are encouraged to stop by at any time to check on student progress. We are open most Thursday nights for parents who work during the day.

 

Materials

The course materials used at Blessed Sacrament Outreach School will be from Alberta Distance Learning, Edmonton Catholic School Board Revelation Online or on-site school modules. Students are expected to maintain textbooks they borrow in good condition and return them when the coursework is complete. The cost of lost or damaged textbooks will be charged to the student. A student may not be able to register in new courses until all textbooks from previous courses have been returned or paid. Your work is marked by the Outreach staff, and you will be given feedback on your work. Always see your subject teacher for additional questions or concerns.

 

Student Responsibilities

  • Be considerate and respectful toward others in the school including other students, staff, and guests.
  • Follow through on commitments regarding attendance, punctuality, and achievement after setting realistic goals according to your person's situation and ability.
  • Demonstrate responsibilities by contacting the teacher with you are unable to attend
  • Have respect for the school and other persons' property
  • Ask for help when needed
  • Respect that everyone has the right to an education and that no one has the right to interfere with other students' learning situations
  • Respect the staff's authority to make decisions and set direction
  • Maintain regular, meaningful contact (minimum of once per week) with your teachers
  • Attend regularly enough to make acceptable progress in your courses according to your ability and circumstances
  • Contribute positively to the school with involvement in activities
  • Take pride and responsibility in the care of the building
  • Students must ½ done their course within 60 days or may be withdrawn

Staff Responsibilities

  • Be professional, considerate, and respectful toward others in the school including students, guests, and staff
  • Treat students equally and fairly, respecting their personal situations
  • Help students to set up short and long term goals
  • Assist students with their studies and daily routines
  • Maintain communication between home, school, and students
  • Report progress, attendance, concerns, and achievements
  • Be responsible for mentoring and advising students
  • Provide assistance with the daily responsibility for maintaining a quiet and safe work environment
  • Foster an honest and positive self-image in each student
  • Provide the development of positive, useful relationships among students and others
  • Maintain a consistent contact with the student as a mentor or tutor
  • Contribute positively to the school with ideas and involvement to the non-academic areas of the school
  • Provide students with a learning environment free from physical, emotional, and social abuse.

Graduation Policy

If you are planning to graduate during this school year, you should inform the school staff at the time of registration. We will be generating a graduation list on an ongoing basis and confirming it throughout the school year. Only students who have completed all of their graduation requirements will be permitted to celebrate graduation. Traditionally the Blessed Sacrament Outreach School has a graduation celebration each year in June. Students who have attended Blessed Sacrament School in the past also have the opportunity to join in the Bless graduation ceremony.

 

DIPLOMA EXAM SCHEDULE

Parents are free to contact the school at any time to discuss progress and marks. Students are responsible for being aware of deadlines in relation to diploma course completion, and the Alberta Education diploma exam schedule. Please contact our school staff or the Alberta Education website for this schedule.

“We teach; we share; we learn; we care. We grow in Christ, believing that together we can make a difference.” Treaty Land Recognition - “We acknowledge that treaty 6 & 7 territories, on which we stand, is the ancestral land of the Indigenous peoples, and is common home to everyone in virtue of God, our Creator’s, gracious gift.” Alberta Public Catholic Education. © 2024 East Central Catholic Schools.