"EDUCATING FOR NOW AND FOR ETERNITY"

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Newsletters and Calendars
Reporting
Complaints/Concerns
Policy for Dealing with Major Complaints

Newsletters and Calendars

If you would like something put in the newsletter please email to ccsnewslettersubmissions@gmail.com by Wednesday at 2:30pm.

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Reporting

In order to facilitate communication about your child's progress, the following report schedule is followed:

As it is easier to handle a concern before it becomes a problem, parents and teachers are expected to contact one another over any behaviour, academic or policy concerns. There is nothing to be gained by complaining to other parents about a decision or action by a staff member before you have actually talked with the staff member who was involved. We are bound by the Words of Jesus to act differently, "If you have a problem with your brother or sister, go to that person first. If the matter isn't settled take someone with you to go see the brother or sister who has hurt you."

Report cards will consist of the Performance Standards checklists as set out by the CISVA as well as minimal anecdotal comments. In addition, Grades Four to Seven will contain Ministry designated letter grades as follows:

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Complaints/Concerns

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Policy for Dealing with Major Complaints - C.I.S.V.A. School Policy Manual

1. The issue must first be dealt with by those directly involved, usually the classroom teacher and a parent. It is essential that meaningful communication is established right from the beginning. Both parties must clearly identify the issue being discussed. There must be open discussion and an honest attempt to settle the issue at this level. It is important to recognize that the resolution of an issue usually involves some compromises. Both parties should be aware of this and must be open to compromise, at the same time understanding that policies must be followed. Both parties should document meetings and outcomes.




2. If the issue cannot be resolved using the strategies above, the matter must be brought to the principal of the school. The Principal will:

   1. clarify the issue of disagreement. This will involve hearing both sides, reviewing relevant documentation, and meeting with any witnesses to determine the exact nature of the problem. All side issues that arise from the initial problem must be identified and removed from future discussions. It is the responsibility of the principal to document all matters pertaining to the issue and its resolution. It is also recommended that both parties keep documentation to present to the principal or investigative committees.
   2. determine what policy/policies of the school or CISVA can be applied to resolve the issue.
   3. apply the above policies so that a judgment may be made to resolve the issue.
   4. The principal should seek advice concerning any precedents and/or other issues of a similar nature that have been successfully resolved. Advisers might include the pastor, chairperson and a representative from the Superintendent's Office, etc.
   5. provide a resolution to the issue.
   6. The principal having made a judgment to resolve the issue, both parties must be promptly notified of the resolution in writing. In this written notification the parties must be informed of the available appeal procedures.

3. If the principal's resolution is not accepted, the matter may be appealed to the Parish Education Committee. The appeal must be submitted in writing no more than seven days after the principal's decision has been received.

   Upon receiving the complaint the education committee will form a subcommittee, which must always include the pastor. The subcommittee will study the documentation and then call a meeting to hear presentations from the complainant and the principal. Both parties will be in attendance and be given the opportunity to respond.

   After this, the subcommittee shall, in camera, present its recommendation to the education committee. The education committee will then provide a resolution to the issue. If the resolution requires disciplinary action, the education committee must consult with the superintendent before implementing the recommended action.

   The education committee shall notify the parents and the principal of its decision within seven days of the meeting. The decision shall be communicated in written form.

   (When the complaint is about the principal the process should start at step 1. However, if there is no resolution at the end of this step, the process skips step 2, but the subcommittee will incorporate a, b, and c of step 2 into step 3.)
    

4. The Board of Directors may consider an appeal of the education committee's decision for reasons that the Board considers valid and appropriate. The Board of Directors reserves the right to resolve the issue through investigation or through the formation of an appeal committee. The appellant must prepare a written submission to the Board detailing the reasons. This submission must be delivered to the Superintendent's Office no later than fourteen days after the education committee's decision.

   The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final. Refusal of the education committee or employee to accept the decision of the Board of Directors may result in removal from office or termination of employment. If parents refuse to accept the decision of the Board of Directors and persist in pursuing the issues, disciplinary action may result in the removal of the child(ren) from the school.
    

5. Requests for extensions of the timelines mentioned in this policy, will, for valid reasons, ordinarily be approved.

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