Sauder Academy School Policy

Table of Contents

Introduction
Compliance with Ontario Ministry of Education Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Requirements
Registration, Course Enrollment, and Prerequisites
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Community Involvement
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
Anti-Bullying Policy
Computer, Software Usage, and Intellectual Property Policy
Ontario Student Record (OSR)
Ontario Student Transcript (OST)
Exam Invigilation
Cheating
Refund and Course Change Policy
Legal Compliance
Enforcement and Discipline
Policy Review and Adjustment

1. Introduction

Sauder Academy, an esteemed Ontario secondary school, is distinguished by its official inspection and authorization to award Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits and diplomas. Sauder Academy is a recognized institution under the Ontario Ministry of Education (BSID: 881786), adhering to the highest standards of educational integrity and excellence.

Our mission is to cultivate a learning environment that is not only safe and inclusive but also conducive to fostering intellectual growth and personal development. At Sauder Academy, we are dedicated to upholding the principles of respect and inclusion across all aspects of our educational delivery. This policy manual delineates the rigorous standards and comprehensive procedures we employ to ensure full compliance with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s requirements, alongside our unwavering commitment to combatting bullying and promoting a supportive educational atmosphere for all students and staff.

2. Compliance with Ontario Ministry of Education Requirements

2.1. Curriculum

At Sauder Academy, we proudly adhere to the Ontario curriculum, a comprehensive educational framework designed to provide students with a well-rounded and rigorous academic experience. This curriculum, developed by the Ontario Ministry of Education, sets forth clear expectations for student learning and achievement in various subjects across all grade levels.

The Ontario curriculum is structured to foster the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of students by emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and the development of essential skills. It also supports the preparation of our students for the complexities of the modern world, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve personal success and contribute positively to society.

At Sauder Academy, our commitment to this curriculum ensures that our instructional strategies, materials, and assessments are aligned with provincial standards. This alignment guarantees that our students not only meet but often exceed the requirements needed to attain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and prepare effectively for post-secondary education, career training, or direct entry into the workforce. Through rigorous and engaging academic challenges, we strive to create an environment that nurtures the potential of every student, fostering a lifelong passion for learning.

2.2. Teacher Qualifications

All instructors at Sauder Academy meet rigorous standards to ensure they are well-prepared to deliver high-quality education. Our teachers are selected based on their expertise in their subject areas and their ability to provide supportive and effective learning environments for our students.

2.3. Assessment & Evaluation

Sauder Academy’s assessment and evaluation strategies are fully compliant with the Ontario Ministry of Education standards, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive measurement of student performance in our online courses. Our assessments are designed to evaluate student achievement in four key categories:

Knowledge and Understanding: Assesses the subject-specific content acquired in each grade or course, including the student’s knowledge of facts and concepts, and their understanding of the meaning and significance of this information.
Thinking: Evaluates students on their use of critical and creative thinking skills and processes, including analysis, synthesis, evaluation, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Communication: Focuses on how students convey meaning and express themselves through various forms, including clarity, accuracy, and organization of both written and oral communication, as well as the use of digital and visual media.
Application: Involves the use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts, demonstrating the ability to apply learning to real-world situations, case studies, or hypothetical scenarios.

At the beginning of each course, students will receive course outlines that include detailed assessment and evaluation information, outlining the percentage breakdown for both the coursework and the final exam.

3. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Requirements

To obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must meet the following requirements:

Total Credits: 30 high school credits
- Compulsory Credits: 18 credits
- Optional Credits: 12 credits
Online Learning Credits: At least 2 of the total credits must be earned through online learning courses, unless an opt-out is completed.
Literacy Requirement: Successful completion of either the EQAO Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC).
Community Involvement: Completion of 40 hours of community involvement activities.

Compulsory Credits Breakdown

Students must earn the following 18 compulsory credits to obtain the OSSD:

English: 4 credits (1 credit per grade)
Mathematics: 3 credits (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
Science: 2 credits
Canadian History: 1 credit (Grade 10)
Canadian Geography: 1 credit (Grade 9)
Arts: 1 credit
Health and Physical Education: 1 credit
French as a Second Language: 1 credit
Career Studies: 0.5 credit
Civics and Citizenship: 0.5 credit
Group 1, 2, and 3: 3 credits (1 credit in each group)

Group 1, 2, and 3 Compulsory Credits

Of the 18 compulsory credits, students must earn one credit from each of the following groups:

Group 1: Additional credit in one of the following:
- English (including OSSLC), French as a Second Language, Native languages, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies, Classical Studies and International Languages, Social Sciences and the Humanities, Canadian and World Studies, Guidance and Career Education, Cooperative Education, American Sign Language as a Second Language, Langue des signes québecoise langue seconde.
Group 2: Additional credit in one of the following:
- Health and Physical Education, Arts, Business Studies, French as a Second Language, Cooperative Education, American Sign Language as a Second Language, Langue des signes québecoise langue seconde.
Group 3: Additional credit in one of the following:
- Science (Grade 11 or 12), Technological Education, French as a Second Language, Computer Studies, Cooperative Education, American Sign Language as a Second Language, Langue des signes québecoise langue seconde.

Special Conditions for Compulsory Credits

A maximum of 3 credits in ESL/ELD may count towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a Grade 12 compulsory English course.
The Grade 9 Expressions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Cultures course may satisfy the compulsory credit requirement in the Arts.
A maximum of 2 credits in French as a Second Language can count as compulsory credits, one from Group 1 and one from either Group 2 or Group 3.
A maximum of 2 credits in Cooperative Education can count as compulsory credits, selected from any of the above three groups.
The Langue des signes québecoise langue seconde course is available only in French-language schools.

Optional Credits

In addition to the compulsory credits, 12 optional credits are required, selected based on individual interests and goals.

Upcoming Changes

Starting September 2024, one compulsory credit in Technological Education (Grade 9 or 10) will be added to the diploma requirements. This changes the breakdown to 19 compulsory credits and 11 optional credits. This requirement applies to students entering Grade 9 in September 2024 and does not affect students starting Grade 10, 11, or 12 in September 2024.

4. Registration, Course Enrollment, and Prerequisites

Registration: Registration and course start dates all year round provides flexibility for students to enroll at Sauder Academy whenever it suits their schedule. This approach is particularly beneficial for accommodating diverse learning paths and life circumstances, allowing students to manage their education in a way that best fits their personal and academic needs.
Course Enrollment: Students are allowed to enroll in courses based on the prerequisites they have completed and their academic standing.
Prerequisites: Each course has specific prerequisites listed in the course catalog. Students must meet these requirements to enroll.

5. Community Involvement

As part of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements, Sauder Academy students are required to complete 40 hours of community involvement. This initiative aims to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and the role they can play and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities.

Eligibility and Scope

Global Participation: Community involvement hours can be completed not only in Canada but anywhere in the world, providing students with the flexibility to engage in community service during travels or while living abroad.
Approved Activities: Students can engage in community service across three categories:
- Not-for-profit: Voluntary activities for any not-for-profit organization or foundation. Activities should not displace a paid worker and should contribute positively to the community.
- For-profit: Voluntary activities that are charitable-based for any business or organization. Activities must not displace a paid worker, nor should they enhance a product or service being sold which is designed to make it more attractive and/or a better experience for clients, as this would not align with the spirit of community service.
- Other: Any community support that does not clearly fall into the first two categories but is believed by the student to meet the spirit and expectations of community involvement. Students must submit a brief written summary for such activities, explaining how they comply with the spirit of community involvement.

Approval Process

Activities falling into the second and third categories require prior approval from a designated school official. Students should provide detailed information about the activity, including the nature of the work and its relevance to community service, to ensure it aligns with the educational goals of the OSSD.

Documentation and Verification

Students must document all community involvement activities, providing dates, hours, and a brief description of the service performed. Verification from the supervising organization or individual must be provided, which includes contact information for confirmation by Sauder Academy.
Community service hours should be submitted to the student services office for approval and recording in the student’s Ontario Student Record (OSR).

This policy section ensures that all students and parents are aware of the requirements and processes related to community involvement, supporting the development of responsible citizens who are actively engaged in their communities.

6. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

PLAR allows students to earn academic credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge through a formal assessment process.

7. Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

The OSSLT assesses Grade 9 literacy skills as a graduation requirement, ensuring students meet the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9.

8. Anti-Bullying Policy

Sauder Academy recognizes the importance of a safe educational environment free from bullying. We define bullying as any aggressive and typically repeated behavior intended to hurt, humiliate, or isolate another individual physically, verbally, or through digital means.

8.1 Types of Bullying Prohibited

Physical Bullying: Harmful actions against another person’s body.
Verbal Bullying: Insulting, teasing, intimidating, or threatening someone through spoken words.
Social Bullying: Damaging someone’s reputation or relationships.
Cyberbullying: Bullying conducted via digital platforms such as email, chat rooms, social media, and other digital channels.

8.2 Reporting and Response Procedures

Reporting: Students, staff, or parents may report bullying incidents confidentially to any school staff member or through our designated online reporting system.
Investigation: All reported incidents will be promptly and thoroughly investigated by designated staff members.
Intervention: Appropriate measures, which may include mediation, counseling, or disciplinary actions, will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Protection: Measures will be taken to protect the victim and prevent future incidents.

9. Computer, Software Usage, and Intellectual Property Policy

9.1 Computer and Software Usage Sauder Academy provides access to computers and software resources for educational purposes. These resources are to be used responsibly and ethically by all students and staff.

Responsible Use: Users must comply with all applicable laws, licensing agreements, and institutional policies when using school-provided technology resources.
Security: Users are expected to maintain the security of their accounts and devices. This includes using strong passwords, not sharing account information, and reporting any suspected security breaches to the administration.
Prohibited Activities: The use of school technology to conduct illegal activities, to access or distribute inappropriate materials, or to engage in conduct that is harmful to others or to the institution is strictly prohibited.

9.2 Intellectual Property Sauder Academy fosters an environment of creativity and innovation. The school respects and protects the intellectual property rights of all individuals.

Ownership: Students and staff retain copyright of their original works created as part of their educational or professional duties at the academy, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
Usage: Students and staff are granted the right to use the intellectual property of others only in accordance with copyright law and school policy. This includes properly citing the works of others in any school-related publications or projects.
Protection: The school provides guidance on how to protect and manage intellectual property rights and assists in resolving any disputes that may arise concerning these rights.

9.3 Software Licensing and Compliance Sauder Academy requires that all software used for educational and operational purposes be properly licensed.

Compliance: All software installed on school computers must be properly licensed, and the use of unlicensed or pirated software is strictly prohibited.
Management: The IT department is responsible for the acquisition, management, and verification of software licenses to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Audits: Regular audits will be conducted to ensure that all software used within the school complies with licensing agreements and copyright laws.

9.4 Enforcement Violation of any part of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension of computer access, disciplinary action consistent with other school policies, and legal action if applicable.

10. Ontario Student Record (OSR)

The Ontario Student Record (OSR) is a confidential file that contains all the necessary educational and personal information for students. Sauder Academy ensures the management and maintenance of OSRs according to the guidelines set by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Content: The OSR includes information such as report cards, documentation of any special education services received, results of assessments or evaluations, and other pertinent personal records.
Accessibility: Access to the OSR is restricted to the student, their parents (if the student is a minor), and authorized school personnel. Students and their parents have the right to access the OSR and request copies of any documents contained within it.
Privacy and Security: Sauder Academy commits to protecting the privacy and security of the information contained within each student’s OSR. The records are stored in a secure location and are only accessible by authorized personnel.
Retention and Disposal: The OSR is retained for 55 years after the student has ceased to be registered at the school. Upon expiry of this period, the OSR is destroyed in a way that protects the privacy of the individual.

11. Ontario Student Transcript (OST)

The Ontario Student Transcript (OST) is an official document that records a student’s academic achievement at the secondary school level in Ontario. Sauder Academy adheres to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s requirements regarding the issuance and maintenance of student transcripts.

Content: The OST includes a list of all courses taken by the student in Grades 9 through 12, along with the marks earned and the credit value of each course.
Issuance: Every student who is enrolled in an Ontario secondary school and has earned at least one secondary school credit will have an OST. The transcript is updated annually and upon a student’s withdrawal or graduation.
Access and Copies: Students and their parents (if the student is a minor) may request a copy of the OST at any time. Sauder Academy may charge a fee for OST.
Retention: The OST is maintained indefinitely as part of the student’s permanent record.

12. Exam Invigilation

Proctor Eligibility A proctor must be a professional adult selected by the student, who holds a position of responsibility and trust within the community. Suitable examples of proctors include day school teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, librarians, medical professionals, lawyers, accountants, embassy, or at designated exam centers (e.g. British Council or Hong Kong Examination Authority). It is crucial that the chosen proctor is not related to the student to maintain impartiality and objectivity.

Proctor Responsibilities The proctor is responsible for supervising the student for the entire duration of the exam. This supervision must be conducted in strict adherence to the guidelines and procedures outlined by Sauder Academy and the course instructor. The proctor must ensure that the examination environment is conducive to honest and focused efforts from the student.

Technical Requirements The proctor must have access to a professional email address to facilitate formal communications with Sauder Academy. Additionally, the proctor should have access to a printer and scanner to manage any necessary documents before, during, and after the examination.

Examination Environment The exam can be scheduled at a time, place, and location that best suits the student’s needs, provided that it remains a secure and controlled environment conducive to a high standard of academic integrity. This flexibility helps accommodate the varying schedules and geographical locations of our students, ensuring that each student can perform to the best of their ability under optimal conditions.

This policy reflects Sauder Academy’s commitment to delivering a rigorous and equitable assessment process, tailored to the needs of our diverse student body while maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity.

13. Plagiarism and Cheating

Definition: Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of unauthorized materials, collaboration and falsifying data and the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT or similar technologies to generate work then submitted as your own. We have tools and methods to detect AI-generated work to ensure academic integrity.
Consequences: Plagiarism will result in disciplinary actions, which may include failing the assignment, failing the course, academic probation, or expulsion, depending on the severity and frequency of the offenses.

14. Refund and Course Change Policy

Courses are non-refundable, however students may request a transfer to another course within 7 days of initial registration.

15. Legal Compliance

All steps of action under this policy will comply with the laws governed by the Province of Ontario and the Ontario Education Act. This includes all procedures related to curriculum, teacher qualifications, student assessment, and disciplinary actions.

16. Enforcement and Discipline

Sauder Academy will enforce this policy consistently and fairly. Disciplinary actions for those found engaging in bullying may include, but are not limited to, suspension, expulsion, or referral to external authorities, depending on the severity of the behavior.

17. Policy Review and Adjustment

This policy is subject to annual reviews to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Adjustments will be made as necessary to address new challenges and to enhance the learning environment.