School policies

CIC Ontario Secondary School provides online systems and resources for use by students, staff, and teachers through online courses, resources, and training. This includes all materials accessed through any electronic devices or telecommunications network. All CIC policies, procedures, codes of behaviour, and rules apply to the use of online systems and resources provided by or on behalf of CIC.

This Code of Online Conduct protects the rights and safety of all stakeholders. CIC takes appropriate measures to ensure the security of its facilities and information. CIC reserves the right to monitor the use of online resources and learning tools by all who access the systems.

Privacy Information

How We Manage Your Personal Information:

CIC Ontario Secondary School does not automatically gather any personal information from you, such as your name, phone number, email, or address. This information is only obtained if you supply it voluntarily, usually through contacting us via email, subscribing to our newsfeeds, or registering in a secure portion of the site.

If you choose to provide us with personal information—such as in an email or by filling out a form with your personal information and submitting it through our website—we use that information to respond to your message and to help us get you the information or service you have requested. We treat emails the same way we treat letters sent to the school. We do not create individual profiles with the information you provide nor do we give it to any private organizations. CIC Ontario Secondary School does not collect information for commercial marketing. Further, we keep the information only for the length of time necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, or one year, whichever is shorter.

Any personal information you provide is managed according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and/or the Education Act. This means that, at the point of collection, you will be informed that your personal information is being collected, the purpose for which it is being collected, and that you have a right of access to the information.

What We Record Automatically:

When you access our website, our servers automatically record information that your browser routinely sends whenever you visit a website. These “server logs” may include information such as your web request, Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type, browser language, the date and time of your request, and one or more Cookies (a “Cookie” is a small file stored on your computer that contains a unique personal identification code) that may uniquely identify your browser. CIC Ontario Secondary School may use this information to monitor network traffic, for statistical purposes, or to identify unauthorized access attempts.

We Will Not Attempt to Identify You Personally:

We will not identify specific users or their browsing activities, except as required by Ontario or Canadian law or if we are compelled to produce this information for a legal proceeding. However, our website does use Cookies to speed navigation, keep track of information, and provide you with custom-tailored content. We also use Cookies to remember information you gave us so you don’t have to re-enter it each time you visit the website. Most browsers are initially set to accept Cookies. If you prefer, you can set your browser to refuse Cookies.

We Cannot Guarantee the Content of Other Sites:

Our websites may contain links to other sites. We are not responsible for the content and the privacy practices of other websites and encourage you to examine each site’s privacy policy and make your own decisions regarding the accuracy, reliability, and correctness of material and information found.

2. Unacceptable Sites and Materials

Collection/Use and Disclosure of Student Personal Information

information Notice:

The information collected during the school registration process is personal information as referred to in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and is collected pursuant to the provisions of the Education Act.

The Education Act sets out the duties and powers of the board and authorizes school boards to collect personal information for the purpose of planning and delivering educational programs and services which best meet students’ needs and for reporting to the Minister of Education as required. It also requires that the school principal maintain an Ontario Student Record (OSR) for each student attending the school. The OSR is a record of a student’s educational progress through school in Ontario and follows students when they transfer schools.

Under the MFIPPA, personal information may be used or disclosed by the school for the purpose for which it was obtained or a consistent purpose (a purpose consistent with the reason collected); to board officers or employees who need access to the information in the performance of their duties if necessary and proper in the discharge of the board’s authorized functions; to comply with legislation, a court order or subpoena, or to aid in a law enforcement investigation conducted by a law enforcement agency; and, in compelling circumstances affecting health or safety (providing notice of the disclosure is sent to the student’s home).

It is our practice to include a notice statement on forms used to collect personal information to advise you how we will use and disclose the information.

The following are routine uses and disclosures of student personal information:

• The student’s OSR will be used by school and board staff to support the classroom teacher in developing an educational program which best meets the student’s needs. Staff working with the classroom teacher or directly with the student may include individuals working in areas such as Special Education, guidance counselling, student success, etc.
• Student demographic information and Critical Medical Information will be released to the Student Success team.
• Phone numbers will be used on emergency telephone lists. Examples include: emergency contact lists.
• Student information may also be shared with medical responders or the hospital in the case of a medical emergency.
• Student information may also be shared with the Region of Waterloo Public Health Dept., Waterloo Region Family and Children Services, or as required by law.
• Information may be used to deal with matters of health and safety or discipline and is required to be disclosed in compelling circumstances or for law enforcement matters or in accordance with any other Act.
• Student work, including student names, may be displayed in the classroom or in school hallways, or may be shared with the public through science fairs, school and board newsletters, writing/colouring/poster contests, community events, fairs, and similar events/locations outside the school setting.
• Student accidents that take place during school or on school-sponsored activities will be reported to the principal. Reports include the name of the injured student(s) and details about the incident as well as the name and contact information of witnesses to the accident.
• Birthday congratulations may be announced over the PA system and/or in the classrooms.
• Surveillance equipment may be used in schools and on buses to enhance the safety of students and staff, to protect property against theft or vandalism, and to aid in the identification of intruders and of persons who endanger the health, wellbeing, or safety of school community members.

Student Photographs

Will be used for the following purposes only when consent is provided:

• Student names and/or photographs may be printed in school programs (e.g., commencement or graduation programs, school plays and musical productions, student awards, academic and athletic awards and plaques, school brochures, honour roll, and classroom assignments) and in school yearbooks.
• Students may be recorded or photographed by their classroom teacher in school or during school activities as part of their educational program.
• School activities may be reported in school newsletters and on the websites. Individual students will only be photographed and identified with appropriate consents.
• The media, such as newspapers, television, and radio, may be invited to the school for the purpose of reporting on newsworthy events or activities such as graduations, student achievements/awards, and current events. Their reports may include non-identifying photos of groups of students. Individual students would only be photographed or identified with appropriate consent. Parents/guardians/adult students must be aware that when students participate in extra-curricular or non-compulsory activities on or off school grounds, the school principal is unable to control or prevent any media exposure which may occur.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us at info@canadianecollege.ca. We are committed to ensuring the privacy and security of your personal information and will address any issues promptly. Thank you for trusting CIC Ontario Secondary School with your educational journey.

Upholding the Standards of Academic Excellence

CIC Ontario Secondary School Academic Integrity Policy is designed to align with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Growing Success Document. Read the Growing Success Document

Our goal is to ensure that all students understand and adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty, preparing them for future academic and professional success.

Definition of Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in all academic work. Engaging in any form of academic dishonesty or misconduct to obtain academic credit or advantage is a serious offence under this policy.

Examples of Academic Dishonesty:

• Plagiarism:
• Copying or paraphrasing the work of others without proper citation
• Misrepresenting someone else’s work as one’s own
• Copying another student’s work
• Translating work from one language to another without citation
• Using the same piece of work for two different courses or assignments
• Cheating:
• Viewing or using unauthorized materials during tests or exams
• Bringing unauthorized notes or electronic devices into an examination
• Giving or receiving unauthorized aid on assignments or tests
• Sharing or copying another student’s work
• Theft of tests or examination materials

Roles and Responsibilities

Teacher:

• Assemble relevant evidence and interview the student if academic dishonesty is suspected.
• If the explanation is satisfactory, the process stops.
• If the explanation is unsatisfactory or if dishonesty is denied, the teacher must communicate with the Principal or designate within 24 hours.

Principal:

• Examine the evidence and interview the student(s).
• Inform parent(s) as needed about the investigation, including the allegations, policy, and potential outcomes.

Guidelines for Deciding Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

Examinations:

• Academic dishonesty on Midterm and Final exams warrants expulsion and may result in that decision.

Other Evaluations, Assignments, or Tests:

• Grades 9, 10, and 11:
• First Offence: Receive a zero on the test or assignment, then complete an alternative assignment with a maximum value of up to 50% of the original assignment.
• Repeated Offences: Parent(s) informed, zero on the test or assignment, complete an alternative assignment with a maximum value of up to 50%, and a one-day in-school suspension.
• Grade 12/Pre-University:
• First Offence: Receive a zero on the test or assignment, complete an alternative assignment with a maximum value of up to 50%, inform parents, and write a letter demonstrating understanding and assurance against future dishonesty.
• Repeated Offences: Zero on the test or assignment with no opportunity for an alternative assignment, zero included in the final grade calculation, and potential further disciplinary action up to expulsion.

Importance of Academic Integrity

Maintaining academic integrity is essential for fostering a culture of honesty and responsibility. Students must understand the seriousness of academic dishonesty and its consequences. This policy ensures that all students have a clear understanding of the expectations and the importance of integrity in their academic journey.

CIC Ontario Secondary School's Attendance Policy emphasizes the importance of regular attendance as it is directly related to student success. We believe that students must attend class consistently to be well prepared for university and beyond. Our policy aligns with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s requirements to ensure every student meets the necessary standards for academic achievement.

Attendance in online courses is just as crucial as in traditional classroom settings. Active participation is defined by regular engagement in course activities, including tests, assignments, discussion forums, and projects. Students who fail to maintain active participation will be subject to our attendance policy procedures to ensure they meet the 110-hour requirement for credit courses.

Attendance Requirements

• Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes. Internet-based courses are no different from traditional classroom courses in this regard.
• Active Participation: Attendance in online courses is defined as active participation in the course as described in the individual course syllabus and Ontario Ministry of Education Course Expectations.

Methods of Recording Participation

Internet-based courses will, at a minimum, have weekly assignments to record student participation, which can be documented by any or all of the following methods:

• Completion of tests
• Completion/submission of ISU Projects or portfolio
• Submission/completion of assignments
• Participation in Discussion Forums
• Completion of writing assignments with set time and date

Handling Absences

• Missed Classes: When a student misses a class, they will be expected to make up the time missed.
• Teacher Consultation: Teachers and the student will consult about how to make up the time and how to assess the skills and knowledge that would have been missed by the student.

Credit Requirements

The Ministry of Education mandates that an academic credit includes 110 hours of classroom instruction. Students who miss eight or more classes in a course of study may not be able to attain a credit in the course. The Administrative Team will review the circumstances related to the student and the reasons for absence.

Exceeding the Absence Limit:

f a student's absences exceed the limit of eight classes in a course, the following actions will be taken:

• Administrative Review: The Administrative Team will review the student's attendance record and the reasons for the excessive absences.
• Student and Parent Meeting: A meeting will be scheduled with the student, their parents, and relevant school staff to discuss the situation and potential solutions.
• Make-Up Plan: A plan will be developed to help the student make up missed time and assignments, if feasible.
• Credit Impact: If it is determined that the student cannot meet the 110-hour requirement, they may not receive credit for the course.

Importance of Attendance

Maintaining regular attendance is crucial for academic success and preparation for future educational endeavors. Consistent participation ensures students stay engaged with the curriculum and develop the necessary skills for their academic and professional journeys. Understanding the impact of absences highlights the importance of commitment and responsibility in achieving educational goals.

At CIC Ontario Secondary School, meeting deadlines is essential for preparing students for university and life. Students must submit assignments promptly on specified dates. If an extension is needed due to commitments or circumstances, students must negotiate with their subject teacher.

eachers will support students by arranging modified assignments or due date extensions in collaboration with the principal. Unnegotiated late or missed assignments will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to submit assignments promptly on the dates specified by teachers. It is the student’s responsibility to complete tasks on time. If a student requires an extension due to school-related commitments, illness, or other circumstances, the student must negotiate the extension with his or her subject teacher. Subject teachers will support and assist students by working in collaboration with the principal or designate and arrange for modified assignments and/or due date extensions. In instances where a student has not negotiated an extension and an assignment deadline is missed, homework is incomplete or a class test is missed, the consequence will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Teacher Responsibilities

Teachers inform students that they are responsible for their behavior in the classroom and the school and for providing evidence of their achievement of the overall expectations of the curriculum. Teachers specify the requirements for the completion of coursework, including the timeframe for completion and the form of the work required. Submitting assignments late is a learning skills issue and is best dealt with as such. Teachers should continue to help students understand the benefits of managing their time well and explicitly teach the skills that will enable students to effectively meet the expectations of the learning skills: responsibility, organization, and independent work.

Handling Absences

• Missed Classes: When a student misses a class, they will be expected to make up the time missed.
• Teacher Consultation: Teachers and the student will consult about how to make up the time and how to assess the skills and knowledge that would have been missed by the student.

Encouraging Timely Submission

The following is a list of suggested strategies that teachers in their professional judgment may use to help prevent and/or address late and missed assignments. They include:

• Helping students develop better time-management skills
• Collaborating with other staff to prepare a part or full-year calendar of major assignment dates for every class
• Planning for major assignments to be completed in stages, so that students are less likely to be faced with an all-or-nothing situation at the last minute
• Maintaining ongoing communication with students and/or parents about due dates and late assignments, and scheduling conferences with parents if the problem persists
• Referring to student’s IEP for suggested accommodations/modifications
• Providing alternative forms of assignments
• Encouraging the use of assistive technology

Assisting Students

• Asking the student to clarify the reason for not completing the assignment
• Referring the student to the Student Success team or teacher
• Taking into consideration legitimate reasons for missed deadlines
• Setting up a student contract
• Using counseling or peer tutoring to try to deal positively with problems
• Holding teacher-student conferences
• Providing alternative assignments or tests/exams where, in the teacher’s professional judgment, it is reasonable and appropriate to do so
• Deducting marks for late assignments, up to and including the full value of the assignment

Additional Support

• Reviewing the need for extra support for English language learners
• Reviewing whether students require special education services
• Requiring the student to work with a school team to complete the assignment
• For First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students, involving Aboriginal counselors and members of the extended family
• Understanding and considering the cultures, histories, and contexts of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students and parents and their previous experiences with the school system

Importance of Timely Submission

Maintaining timely submission of assignments is crucial for academic success and future preparedness. It helps students develop essential time management and organizational skills, which are vital for success in higher education and professional life. Adhering to deadlines fosters a sense of responsibility and discipline, ensuring that students can manage their workload effectively. Understanding the importance of meeting deadlines prepares students to meet the expectations and challenges of post-secondary education and beyond.

CIC Ontario Secondary School provides online systems and resources for use by students, staff, and teachers through online courses, resources, and training. This includes all materials accessed through any electronic devices or telecommunications network. All CIC policies, procedures, codes of behaviour, and rules apply to the use of online systems and resources provided by or on behalf of CIC.

This Code of Online Conduct protects the rights and safety of all stakeholders. CIC takes appropriate measures to ensure the security of its facilities and information. CIC reserves the right to monitor the use of online resources and learning tools by all who access the systems.

1. Individual Safety Rules

• Personal Information: Never reveal personal identity information (name, address, phone number, age, physical description, or school) to strangers online. Do not reveal such information in public online forums.
• Other’s Information: Do not reveal personal information about others without their permission.
• Passwords: Never reveal your access password or that of anyone else.
• Images: Do not send pictures of yourself or others over an electronic network without prior permission.
• Suspicious Messages: Report immediately to a teacher any message or request that bothers you or suggests personal contact.
• Field Trips: Never publish specific dates, times, and locations of field trips to unauthorized individuals or public forums.

2. Unacceptable Sites and Materials

• Controversial Content: Do not intentionally access material considered inappropriate or offensive. Report accidental access immediately.
• Discrimination and Harassment: Online systems must not be used to access sites containing discriminatory or harassing material.
• Prohibited Content: Do not access, upload, download, store, display, distribute, or publish information that:
• Advocates illegal acts or facilitates unlawful activity
• Threatens or intimidates others
• Uses inappropriate or abusive language or conduct
• Contains inappropriate religious or political messages
• Violates the rights of others
• Is racially, culturally, or religiously offensive
• Encourages use of controlled substances or illegal acts
• Is defamatory, abusive, obscene, or sexually explicit
• Contains personal information or images without consent
• Constitutes sexual harassment or inappropriate romantic overtones
• Solicits on behalf of a business or commercial organization without authorization
• Supports bulk mail, junk mail, or “spamming”
• Propagates chain letters
• Attempts to hide or misrepresent the identity of the sender

3. CIC Use Guidelines

• Usage Limits: Keep online use reasonable in terms of time and volume of information transferred.
• Reporting Harm: Report any harm to the system or information immediately.

4. Prohibited Uses and Activities

• Unauthorized Software: Do not copy, download, install, or run viruses or inappropriate materials.
• Damage: Do not cause damage to computer equipment or files.
• Account Misuse: Do not use another person’s account or cause a user to lose access.
• Unauthorized Access: Do not tamper with hardware, software, or network configurations.
• Information Misuse: Do not compromise others by unauthorized copying or use of information.
• Security Breaches: Do not attempt to breach security measures or hack the system.

5. Consequences for Violating CIC Online Policy

Inappropriate use of online access could result in disciplinary action, including legal action, expulsion, and/or police involvement.

6. Online Publishing

• Information Regulation: Ensure information published online meets CIC policies and guidelines.
• Quality Control: Links to outside sites must meet content quality standards.
• Contact Information: Clearly identify the publisher of any information collection.
• Accuracy: Ensure information is current and accurate.
• Personal Information: Do not publish personal information without permission.
• Field Trip Safety: Do not publish specific details of field trips.
• Copyright: Ensure all published work is original or cleared for copyright.
• Advertising: Subject to approval by the supervisory officer.
• Property: All web pages on the CIC site are property of CIC.

Liability

CIC makes no warranties regarding its online services, resources, equipment, or facilities. CIC is not responsible for the operability and safety of any program or file posted on its systems.

Fostering a Culture of Respect and Dignity

CIC Ontario Secondary School recognizes that to achieve its vision, the environment it provides must be one which demonstrates respect, dignity, equity, and safety for all members of the Canadian Independent College community.

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of the Mutual Respect Policy is to maintain a working and learning environment free from acts of harassment. This policy is a clear statement of the school’s commitment and determination to act promptly against any incident of harassment and to create an environment where harassment will not be tolerated.

The objectives of the Policy are to:

• Demonstrate and promote the commitment of CIC Ontario Secondary School to protect the dignity and rights of its students, volunteers, and employees.
• Alert and educate students, volunteers, employees, and all members of the CIC community that harassment is prohibited under the laws of the Province of Ontario.
• Take immediate action and provide confidential, impartial, and effective procedures to resolve complaints in ways that respect the rights of all parties.
• Provide appropriate remedies to complainants in recognition of the impact of harassment.
• Identify various roles and responsibilities for the maintenance of a harassment-free environment.
• Provide appropriate responses and consequences where harassment has occurred.

Discrimination

Discrimination refers to unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, or disability as set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code. Discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional, has the effect of preventing or limiting access to opportunities, benefits, or advantages that are available to other members of society.

Harassment

Harassment is a form of discrimination and is against the law. Harassment is defined in the Human Rights Code as “engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.”

Harassment may be physical (e.g., pushing or other unwelcome contact), verbal (e.g., threats or insults), written, or visual (e.g., graffiti or display of offensive and hurtful materials) and may include use of the Internet. Harassment does not necessarily need to target a specific individual. A single act or expression can constitute harassment, for example, if it is a serious violation.

Types of behaviour which constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:

• Jokes or hostile comments relating to physical characteristics, ancestry, or age.
• Physical or verbal teasing.
• Display or passing around of sexist, racist, or derogatory pictures, materials, or graffiti.
• Intimidation, offensive remarks, belittling, and threatening behaviour.
• Leering (suggestive staring), obscene, and/or offensive gestures.
• Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life or sexual preferences.
• Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger safety, or negatively affect others.
• Hazing.
• Derogatory nicknames.
• Physical or sexual unwelcome contact.

Bullying

Bullying means aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a pupil where:

(a) the behaviour is intended by a pupil to have the effect of, or the pupil ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have the effect of:

• Causing harm, fear, or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, social, or academic harm, harm to the individual’s reputation, or harm to the individual’s property, or
• Creating a negative environment at a school for another individual.

(b) the behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the pupil and the individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability, or the receipt of special education.

This behaviour includes the use of any physical, verbal, electronic, written, or other means. Cyberbullying includes:

• Creating a web page or a blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person.
• Impersonating another person as the author of content or messages posted on the internet.
• Communicating material electronically to more than one individual or posting material on a website that may be accessed by one or more individuals.

CIC Ontario Secondary School recognizes that bullying:

• Adversely affects students’ ability to learn.
• Adversely affects healthy relationships and the school climate.
• Adversely affects a school’s ability to educate its students.
• Will not be accepted on school property, at school-related activities, on school buses, or in any other circumstances (e.g., online) where engaging in bullying will have a negative impact on the school climate.

What Can You Do?

If you are a victim, know someone who is a victim, or see behaviour which you feel may be discrimination, harassment, or bullying:

• If it is safe to do so, tell the person to stop.
• Write down what happened; include names, how often it has happened, time, date, location, any witnesses, who else you have told, and if you know of anyone else who may have experienced similar conduct.
• If you are a student, talk with a staff member at CIC to determine the appropriate next step.

If you are unsure if what you witnessed and/or experienced is considered discrimination, harassment, or bullying or if you are not comfortable telling the person to stop, talk with a staff member at Canadian Independent College. All reports are taken very seriously and will be handled in a timely and respectful way for everyone involved.

Canadian Independent College is committed to ensuring a respectful, dignified, and safe environment for all.

Importance of Respect

At CIC Ontario Secondary School, we are committed to maintaining a learning environment that upholds respect, dignity, and equity for all. We encourage everyone to report any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or bullying promptly. Together, we can create a safe and supportive community where every individual feels valued and respected.