TEMPLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
PARENTS' HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM # TOPIC
1.0 FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS
2.0 PURPOSE
3.0 A ADMINISTRATION, TEACHERS AND STAFF
4.0 STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
5.0 PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE
6.0 CHURCH ATTENDANCE
7.0 CURRICULUM
8.0 SCHOOL HOURS AND CLOSINGS
9.0 ABSENCE
10.0 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
11.0 DRESS CODE FOR T.C.A.
12.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS
APPENDIX “A” - PUBLISHERS AND MATERIALS BEING USED
APPENDIX “B” - MATTHEW 18 PRINCIPLE (Click on Link)
TEMPLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
PARENTS' HANDBOOK
Updated 2007
1.0 FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS
1.1 There is one supreme, infinite, personal God. He is the God of creation and the God of revelation (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 1:1).
1.2 Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, the mediator between God and man (John 14:6). He came to earth in human form, lived as man, was crucified, died, was buried, and rose bodily from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
1.3 The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He indwells the believer, enabling that person to live a holy life. The Holy Spirit is the teacher and director of our daily lives (I Cor. 3:16; 6:19; 2 Peter 1:21).
1.4 The Bible is the authoritative, authentic, complete Word of God. It is the complete revelation of God concerning all matters of faith, truth, and practice (2 Tim. 3:16).
1.5 Man was created in God's image as man and woman, with distinctive identities and roles (Gen 1:26,27). All men are born in sin. Man is accountable to God for his actions in relationship to God's absolute standards. Thus man's greatest need is reconciliation with God through rebirth, the gift of God's grace through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Marriage is a picture of Christ's relationship with the church (Gen 2:24; Eph 5:28-33) and is thus sanctified. Man's purpose is to worship God (John 4:23,24).
1.6 The education of children rests primarily with the family (as the God-ordained chief health, education and welfare institution of society) and then, by extension, to the Christian school. Thus, the two work in concert to achieve the goals that God has set out in Scripture. These goals are primarily moral and spiritual (Deut. 4:9; 6:7; Psalm 78:6-8; I Sam. 3:13).
1.7 The foundation upon which knowledge is built is one of faith and virtue as taught by the authoritative Word of God. This knowledge must not be merely separated into academic subjects, but studied as it is integrated with the Word of God. It must illustrate Scripture and lend itself to practical application in the children's lives (Psalm 119:9).
1.8 Children must be taught that the wisdom of God is the desired goal for their lives. This wisdom comes from gaining knowledge of God's holiness, responding to situations from the perspective of God's principles as set out in Scripture, seeing levels of conflicts and discerning underlying causes (Prov. 3:13; 23:23; Col 2:2,3).
1.9 In John 14:6, Jesus states that HE is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE. With this in mind, all subjects must be taught as a part of the total truth of God. The unity of natural and special revelation must be brought forward. The truth in science, history, mathematics, art, literature and music belong just as much to God as truth in religion. God is the author of truth and therefore any truth that is genuine can be traced back to God and His Word. By extension, since God's Word is truth, biblical truth embraces all truths, and nothing is true outside the scope of Biblical truth.
2.0 PURPOSE
2.1 Temple Christian Academy is dedicated to training each student in the establishment of sound habits and attitudes, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and socially. Temple Christian Academy recognizes the cooperative responsibility of the home, the church, and the Academy in building young Christian lives.
2.2 Training is more than teaching. Children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and how we rear them before our Lord is an awesome responsibility.
2.3 The purpose of Temple Christian Academy is to see each student progress toward the goal of maturity in Christ, being equipped for every good work (Col 1:28,29; 2 Tim 3:16,17). This is a process, as students are conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:28,29). We seek to maintain a balance between character development and academic excellence.
3.0 ADMINISTRATION, TEACHERS AND STAFF
3.1 Temple Christian Academy is a ministry of Temple Baptist Church, administered by the Board of Elders of Temple Baptist Church, through the T.C.A. Committee which is appointed by the Elders. The T.C.A. Committee consists of the Christian Education Pastor of Temple Baptist Church; a Chairman appointed by the Elders Board; a Vice-Chairman; the Principal of T.C.A.; and such members at large as the Board of Elders appoints. Sub-committees are formed, as necessary, from among the Committee and other resource people, reporting to the T.C.A. Committee. The T.C.A. Committee brings any necessary recommendations to the Elders for their consideration.
3.2 The Principal of Temple Christian Academy is the administrative head of the Academy, with responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the school, including supervision of teaching staff, discipline, and implementation of T.C.A. policies.
3.3 All teachers and staff members of Temple Christian Academy are qualified spiritually, academically, morally, and physically for their assignments.
3.4 Our teachers are dedicated believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, devoted to the task of training each child within a Christian environment. Each teacher recognizes this service to be a central part of his or her life, and each is in complete agreement with the doctrinal position of Temple Baptist Church.
4.0 STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
4.1 Before a student qualifies for enrollment in Temple Christian Academy, it is first necessary that the parents or guardians be in agreement with the purpose, the policies and the standards of the school.
4.2 It should be understood by the parents and the students that it is a privilege for the student to attend Temple Christian Academy, not a right.
4.3 Students applying for enrollment in Temple Christian Academy must be capable and willing to maintain the spiritual, academic and social standards of the school. Parents must be willing to encourage, support and help discipline their child to meet these goals.
4.4 The student must be of good character, attitude and behaviour. Gross or continual misconduct will not be tolerated.
4.5 No student will be refused admission because of race, gender, colour, or national origin.
5.0 PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE
5.1 Parents interested in Temple Christian Academy should first complete the green Application form, and hand it in to the church office.
5.2 Parents will be requested to attend an interview about one week after the yellow Parental Statement of Commitment form is received. Following the interview, parents will be notified of the acceptance of their child.
5.3 Upon acceptance, parents will be asked to complete an Information form, supplying basic information concerning the student's educational experience and general background.
5.4 In the case of a student transferring into any grade above grade 4, it is essential that the student be interviewed to determine his/her personal attitude toward being enrolled in the Academy.
6.0 CHURCH ATTENDANCE
6.1 The Bible teaches both by instruction and by early church example that Christians should gather together on Sunday for worship, instruction in the Word and for fellowship. It would seem inconsistent to have our children instructed in God's Word during the week but disregard this instruction by not regularly attending church each Sunday. We therefore strongly encourage all parents and students to attend church weekly. Temple Baptist Church would be pleased to have any students and their families attend our services. Contact any committee member for more information.
7.0 CURRICULUM 7.1 Curriculum will be used which is Christ-centered, academically sound, and satisfies curriculum guidelines as set by the Ontario Ministry of Education (except where these guidelines are in conflict with Biblical teaching).
7.2 Textbooks and materials will be selected which are appropriate for study in a Christian environment. Appendix "A" contains an outline of material, publishers being used for various grades, and subjects. Details of course content may be obtained from the teacher or the principal.
7.3 Systematic Bible teaching will take place within the classroom plus there will be a weekly chapel period. Both are compulsory for all students.
7.4 The majority of teaching will be done in the "traditional" form with the teacher teaching the lesson and instructing the class followed by students completing the required seatwork and having it checked or corrected.
8.0 SCHOOL HOURS AND CLOSINGS
8.1 Each day of instruction begins at 8:45 A.M. Parents are requested to do their best to have the students arrive by 8:40 A.M., so that they can be ready to begin class at 8:45 A.M.
8.2 Students will not be supervised before 8:15 a.m. or after 3:45 p.m., and therefore should not arrive before 8:15 a.m. or remain past 3:45 p.m. In cases where parents transport the children and through unavoidable circumstances the ride will be delayed past 3:45 p.m., the school should be notified.
8.3 There will be a 55 minute lunch period from 12:00 noon to 12:55 p.m. Students may go home or may bring a lunch to be eaten in a designated area under supervision.
8.4 When school will be cancelled for the day an announcement will be broadcast over radio station WNFA (88.3 FM) between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. If no announcement is made, it may be assumed that classes will be held.
9.0 ABSENCE
9.1 The school would appreciate a call from a parent if a student will be absent. Otherwise, you may receive a call after 9:15 a.m. so that we each may know where the student is.
9.2 Once a student arrives at school, he/she is in the school's care and will not be allowed to leave before dismissal time without permission from the teacher. Should it become necessary for a student to be sent home due to illness or some other reason, the school will contact the home to be sure that a parent or other adult is home before the student is permitted to leave or is taken home.
9.3 Parents should try to schedule all medical appointments outside of school hours. However, if it is necessary for a child to be taken from school before dismissal, a request must be made in writing to the school office. No student will have permission to leave unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
9.4 Parents are encouraged not to take their children out of school for extended periods of time to go on holidays. Experience has shown that this practice can set the student back substantially in his academic progress. Should any parents decide to take their children out of school for holidays, they would be expected to keep up with the curriculum as the teacher is not obligated to spend extra hours to "catch the child up" to present levels of instruction.
10.0 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
10.1 Conduct guidelines have been established to help build Christian character and to help develop a healthy learning atmosphere. Misbehaviour left unchecked disrupts the learning process for others and it diminishes respect for the teacher, for the Academy and for the material being taught.
10.2 In setting some necessary rules, we are trying to communicate the principle that freedom is dependent on each of us accepting some responsibility. We want to teach a healthy respect for the authority of the teacher, a respect which is fostered by a mutual love.
10.0 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE Cont’d
10.3 We also want to reinforce some Biblical principles through rules, rewards, and discipline.
10.3.1 By establishing rules we recognize that our sin nature makes rules necessary (Romans 3:23, Jeremiah 17:9).
10.3.2 By teachers recognizing good behaviour, we reinforce the truth that God rewards obedience in His children.
10.3.3 By lovingly disciplining students, the teacher reinforces the principle that love results in discipline when needed (Heb. 12:6-7). It further teaches that there are consequences to our actions.
10.4 One of the most important Biblical truths that will be taught is that obedience to God comes out of a love for God. We will be encouraging students to love God and receive Christ as Lord and Saviour. Students who truly love the Lord Jesus are obedient to him (John 14:21), and their conduct is seldom a problem.
10.5 We believe that parents have the primary responsibility for discipline of the child and the school will not spend a disproportionate amount of time dealing with discipline problems. Corporal punishment will be administered by the student's parents if required. Good communication in both directions is essential.
10.6 Necessary rules of good conduct:
10.6.1 There is to be no running or excessive noise in the hallways.
10.6.2 Food and beverages will be consumed only in designated areas.
10.6.3 Permission must be obtained from the office or the teacher for all phone calls.
10.6.4 There is to be NO gum chewing at any time.
10.6.5 Students are expected to demonstrate Christian standards of morality and attitudes of honesty, courtesy, and kindness at all times.
10.6.6 Students must not leave the school grounds without their teacher's permission except when dismissed.
10.6.7 Students must at all times demonstrate respect for their teachers and other school personnel in both action and word. Responses are to be courteous. (Teachers will also address students with respect).
10.6.8 Students will leave the building immediately when dismissed unless the weather is inclement. In such cases, students may wait for their rides just inside the Academy entrance.
10.7 Discipline problems:
It is very important and in the best interest of the student and the school that discipline problems be dealt with immediately and in a Christ-honouring manner.
We recommend the following procedure:
10.7.1 Teachers will advise the parents as soon as they are aware of a situation which they believe warrants attention.
10.0 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE Cont’d
10.7.2 Parents should seek to discuss problems that they are aware of with the staff member closest to the problem (preferably after school hours).
10.7.3 If the parent and the staff member closest to the problem are not able to resolve it, they should request a conference with the principal.
10.7.4 Problems which cannot be resolved after a conference with the principal should result in the parents requesting, in writing, a conference with the Temple Christian Academy Committee.
10.7.5 When students are referred to the Principal’s office for discipline action several things occur. First, when two or more students are involved in conflict that could not be resolved at the classroom level, the Principal will ask each student to write (or dictate) his/her perspective of the problem. Students will be counseled in the Biblical process of responsibility and conflict resolution. The two perspectives will be compared and discussed. Each student will need to take responsibility for his/her part in the conflict. Once responsibility is assumed, consequences will be given. Each child who appears in the Principal’s office for disciplinary purposes will be asked to call a parent from the office to make an explanation of the problem or write a note home explaining what has happened and what role he/she has played in the conflict. The note must be signed by the parent and returned to the Principal the following day.
This does two things: first, it allows the parent to have first contact while the problem is still fresh in the mind of the child: Second, it allows the parent and child to be in appropriate accountability roles for home follow-up.
Once the telephone calls are made or a note home has been written, the student is counseled about how to return to class and relationships are restored. Scripture references will be made throughout the process so that students may se the practicality of instruction from the Bible.
10.8 Suspension and Probation:
A student can be put on probation or suspended from T.C.A. upon the recommendation of the Temple Christian Academy Committee.
10.8.1 Probation is defined as a period of time during which a student is given an opportunity in consultation with a parent and a staff member to correct an attitude or behavioral problem. If improvement to a satisfactory level is not achieved during the probationary period, the student will be suspended or expelled.
10.8.2 The period of probation will normally be four weeks from date of notice. Suspension may or may not be involved. But if it is, there will be an automatic probationary period which follows.
10.8.3 If probation is broken, the student will be suspended, dismissed, or asked to withdraw.
10.8.4 Probation and/or suspension will be incurred from persistence in profanity, lying, fighting, cheating, defacing of the property of others, disrespect, stealing, hatred, rebellion, pranks or foolish jesting, temper tantrums or similar activities.
10.8.5 Suspension will be incurred for using or encouraging others in any of the following: use of alcohol, illicit drug use or possession, immoral conduct, pornography, vulgarity, smoking or similar activities.
10.8.6 Suspensions normally will last one to three school days.
10.8.7 When either probation or suspension is necessary, the Principal will arrange a meeting involving the teacher of the student, the parents or guardian and himself. A mutually accepted proposal for improvement to satisfactory levels must be adopted at this time or expulsion will result.
10.9 Expulsion
10.9.1 The decision to expel a student will be made by the Temple Christian Academy Committee in conjunction with the Elders Board after examining the record of the student's conduct and the results of efforts to deal with the situation.
10.9.2 A student will be expelled if the attitude of the parents is irreconcilable with the ministry of the school or if the student's conduct, or lack of effort, make it inadvisable for him to remain.
11.0 DRESS CODE FOR T.C.A.
11.1 Introduction
At Temple Christian Academy, we work together to prepare our students for success, now and in the future. All students are expected to use good taste and discretion in their choice of clothing. Neatness and modesty are in order at all times. We want our girls to be feminine, and our boys to be masculine. The clothing that we wear should reflect an attitude of respect, for our Lord, for those in authority, for our school, and for this time of learning. We consider school to be a place of business, where the "business" is learning. Because of this, all are expected to dress accordingly. Denim jeans and T-shirts are acceptable provided they follow the below guidelines. Some guidelines for appropriate dress include but are not necessarily limited to:
11.2 For all students
11.2.1 We will not allow the wearing of occult items, or any clothing that contains offensive or questionable wording or pictures.
11.2.2 Articles of clothing are not to promote positive messages about drugs, alcohol, violence or discrimination.
11.2.3 Clothing with holes, tears or inappropriate patches will not be allowed.
11.2.4 Midriff baring tops, halter tops, tube tops, spaghetti strap tops or see-through material are not acceptable for a school or school environment.
11.2.5 Full length shirts and tops are required.
11.2.6 Pants should not be worn much lower than the waist and no writing must be across the buttocks as not to draw any inappropriate attention.
11.2.7 Undergarments must not be in sight.
11.2.8 Skirts, shorts, dresses and skorts must be mid-thigh, which is considered an appropriate length. (Test: when standing, finger tips should not touch skin on thigh.)
11.2.9 Hats must not be worn, by either boys or girls, inside the school.
11.2.10 For reasons of safety, jewelry may be required to be removed for physical education classes and other special activities.
11.2.11 Shoes shall be worn. For safety reasons the following are not acceptable: Thong sandals, cleated shoes, backless shoes
11.3 For physical education class and sports activities
11.3.1 T-shirts and shorts or sweat suits are acceptable. Non-marking running shoes are required for in door use.
11.0 DRESS CODE FOR T.C.A. Cont’d
11.4 CONCERNS REGARDING THE DRESS CODE
11.4.1 We reserve the right to determine whether the student's dress and appearance is acceptable. We have intentionally allowed some room for interpretation in the above guidelines. If you as a parent have a question or concern about these guidelines or possible violations, please contact the TCA Committee Chairman privately.
11.4.2 It is up to the main teacher in the classroom to make decisions regarding compliance with the dress code, and to bring concerns to the attention of the parent(s) of the student involved, with assistance from the principal if required.
11.4.3 It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their own children follow the dress code. Parents only are to confront their own children regarding their clothing and appearance.
11.4.4 It should be understood that if a student continues to violate the dress code (three-strike rule) after the parents have been contacted; the TCA Committee may take necessary action to correct the situation.
12.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS
12.1 Facilities
12.1.1 Temple Christian Academy is located in the facilities of Temple Baptist Church, 1410 Quinn Drive, Sarnia.
12.1.2 Parents are welcome to visit the Academy either before or after enrollment. When visiting a class for any reason, we would appreciate it if you would report to the principal first rather than going directly to the classroom. Homework, books, lunches, etc., may be left in the office to be received by the students at the next recess.
12.1.3 The telephones are business phones and may be used by students only in the case of an emergency, and with the permission of a teacher or principal.
12.1.4 The church expects T.C.A. to take good care of the facilities that have been provided.
12.2 Cleanliness
12.2.1 Students are responsible for keeping their desks, lockers, etc. clean and orderly. Paper and trash must not be dropped or thrown on the floor or the church grounds. Each room is to be carefully cleaned and tidied up at the end of each day of classes. We expect all students to take pride in the appearance of our Academy.
12.3 Proper care
12.3.1 Care must be taken to use all equipment properly. This includes textbooks, gym equipment, desks, chairs, tables, etc. For example, a student must never:
- write on or in textbooks that are not his or her own.
- mark table or desk tops.
- misuse gym equipment.
- sit on tables or desk tops.
- mark any wall, floor, door, window, etc.
- misuse washroom facilities.
12.4 Personal property
12.4.1 It is extremely important that students properly label or in some manner identify those articles used at school that are their personal property. Lost articles will be disposed of if not reclaimed within an appropriate time. Items of value should not be brought to the Academy. We will not accept responsibility for these items if they become lost or stolen.
12.5 Withdrawals and dismissals
12.5.1 If a student is withdrawn from school by the parents, the amount of tuition refunded will be dependent upon the reason for withdrawal and the number of school days left in the year. Notice of intention to withdraw a child should be submitted in writing to the principal.
12.5.1 Report cards or transcripts will not be issued if the student's account has not been paid.
12.5.1 Any student who cannot remain in harmony with the rules and policies of the school may be dismissed from the school. In such cases the amount of tuition refunded, if any, will be determined by the TCA Committee.
Appendix "A"
PUBLISHERS AND MATERIALS BEING USED
TEMPLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
SARNIA, ONTARIO
BOB JONES UNIVERSITY PRESS
Curriculum from Bob Jones University press is used in
• Grade 3 – Bible, Reading
• Grade 4 – Bible, Reading
• Grade 7 – Bible, Science
• Grade 8 – Bible, Science
ABEKA
Curriculum from A Beka is used in
• Senior Kindergarten - Number Skills, Letters & Sounds, Printing , Science
• Grade 1 – All subjects
• Grade 2 – All subjects
• Grade 3 – All subjects except Bible, Reading, Social Studies
• Grade 4 – All subjects except Bible, Reading, Social Studiest
• Grade 5, 6 - Spelling, Science, Math
• Grade 7,8 – Math, Literature, Spelling, Science
GAGE/NELSON PUBLISHING
• Grade 7, 8 – Grammar & Heritage Studies
• Grade 5, 8 - Language Power Workbook
CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL
• Grade 5,6 - Literature
INDEPENDENT STUDIES
• Grade 1 & 2 – Ontario Curriculum for Science and Social Studies
INSTITUTE OF BASIC LIFE PRINCIPLES
Curriculum from Institute of Basic Life Principles is used for character development and weekly chapels.
