General School Policies

In order to meet the needs of our students as completely as possible, we encourage open communication between home and school.

At school, we endeavor to meet this need through reporting procedures, through formal parent/teacher interviews and through individual teacher communication. It is of equal importance that parents or guardians keep teachers informed of any developments that might influence the student’s performance at school.

Appointments

Any parent/guardian who would like to schedule a meeting with administration or staff is asked to please call in advance for an appointment.

Students who wish to make an appointment with the Administration must see the secretary at recess time or after school.

Change of Address and Phone Number

Please notify the main office if there is a change of address or phone number – home, work or cell.

Absence

When a student is absent, a parent or guardian is required to call the school between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and give the name of the student as well as the reason for the absence.

When a student returns to school after an absence, he/she must bring a note written by a parent or guardian. The note must contain the following information:

  • The date of the writing of the note.
  • The name and the homeroom of the student.
  • The date of the absence.
  • The signature of the parent or guardian.

Students must bring this note to the secretary before 8:30 a.m.

Please Note:

We always encourage you to call in if your child will be late. However, only valid reasons will be considered. In keeping with the belief that even the most responsible individual is late from time to time, each student is given three chances per year when lates in the morning (before 9:00am) will NOT result in detention.

Late Arrivals

Timeliness is a life skill which is a value we are trying to instill in our student population.

Students are expected to be in school for 8:30 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:40 will be considered late and will be given a detention, which will be served after school that day.

NOTE: Students must report to the main office when they come in late.

The school reserves the right to send any student who arrives after 9:00 a.m. without a valid reason home.

Early Dismissals

If a student must leave early during the school day, he/she is required to bring a note requesting an early dismissal. This note must have the following information:

  • Date.
  • Name and homeroom of the student.
  • Reason for request.
  • Time of the dismissal
  • Signature of a parent or guardian, including the telephone number where the parent or guardian can be contacted.

This note must be brought to the secretary before 8:30 a.m. Early dismissal notes must be picked up at the main office before leaving the school.

For the security of every child, the office will call you, should your child fall sick during school hours and wish to go home.

No student is to leave the school unless the administration has given approval.

Textbooks

All textbooks are the property of the English Montreal School Board and are provided to the student on a loan at no charge. Charges will be levied in cases of loss or damage beyond normal wear and tear.

The school will not absorb the cost for lost or damaged textbooks. This cost is the responsibility of the student.

School Fees

A school fee is charged to partially cover a number of expenses not subsidized by the Ministère de L’Éducation, de l’Enseignment Superior (MEES).

Basic School Fee

$ 180.00 per student

School fees include the following:

  • Student Agendas
  • Workbooks and supplementary class materials
  • Interscholastic Sports Teams (GMAA fees)
  • Student Council Activities
  • Awards Ceremonies
  • School Yearbook
  • Photocopying

NOT INCLUDED IN THE STUDENT FEE BUT MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS:

  • Mandatory JFK shorts for Physical Education (regular sports shorts $15, bermuda sports shorts $20
  • Mandatory JFK t-shirt for Physical Education ($10)

**choice of t-shirts & shorts restricted by availability of supplies

  • Mandatory school lock (8$)

Transportation allocation from the School Board can be withheld if there is any money owed to the school by the parent/legal guardian.

The safety and well being of all our students is of the utmost importance to us. Student(s) will not be sent home from school without parent/guardian notification.

Code of Behavior

Students are expected to address all school personnel politely and to show proper respect when dealing with any member of the school staff or with his/her fellow students.

Individual development, individual responsibility, and respect for all is at the root of our program. Our code of behavior reflects this commitment.

We expect all members of our school community – students, teachers and parents or guardians – to set an example, which will result in John F. Kennedy being a zone of zero-tolerance, for violence, racism, illegal substances and harassment.

Dress Code and Appearance

Cleanliness, good grooming and appropriate dress are absolutely essential for the primary objective of being in school, which is learning. John F Kennedy High School has a simple Dress Code, which consists of the following:

SCHOOL DRESS CODE:

  • SOLID WHITE, LOOSE FITTING POLO TOP WITH COLLAR OR WHITE SHIRT (NO LOGOS) FOR BOTH BOYS

AND GIRLS

  • SOLID BLACK, LOOSE FITTING PANTS (BOYS AND GIRLS) OR SOLID BLACK SKIRTS (GIRLS – 1″ ABOVE THE

KNEE OR LOWER)

  • BLACK JEANS
  • JFK SCHOOL HOODIES
  • PLAIN WHITE HOODIES
  • SENSIBLE FOOTWEAR SHOULD BE WORN IN THE SCHOOL

THE DRESS CODE IS TO BE ADHERED TO BOTH TO AND FROM SCHOOL, AS WELL AS ON ALL SCHOOL OUTINGS AND FUNCTIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED.

MOREOVER, THE FOLLOWING ATTIRE IS ALSO NOT PERMITTED:

  • NO TIGHTS.​ (Which included ‘dressy’ tights with zippers and pockets)
  • NO JOGGERS
  • Clothing that is frayed, patched, worn or torn.
  • Headwear (unless of a religious nature) is not to be worn at any time in the building. Baseball caps, hats, tuques, hoods or bandannas worn indoors will be confiscated and forwarded to the Administration.
  • Chains and jewelry that carry emblems or symbols that could be found offensive to any individual or group will not be permitted. NO excessive jewellery is permitted.
  • Jackets and scarves are not permitted in the classrooms and should only be worn when entering and exiting the building.
  • The Dress Code is to ensure good taste and appropriate attire conducive to an academic environment.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION DRESS CODE:

  • MANDATORY JFK PHYS. ED. SHORTS
  • MANDATORY JFK PHYS. ED. T-SHIRT
  • PLAIN BLACK TRACK PANTS, PLAIN BLACK JOGGING PANTS, OR PLAIN BLACK YOGA PANTS (NO OTHER COLORS ALLOWED, WITH NOTHING MORE THAN WHITE STRIPES DOWN THE SIDE OF THE PANTS).

Discussion regarding inappropriate dress and personal appearance takes place individually with the administration. The administration reserves full rights to deem what is considered appropriate and inappropriate interpretations of the dress code. Dress code regulations will be strictly enforced. Non-compliance is considered insubordination and will result in serious consequences. (i.e.) Detentions, being sent home to change or suspension.

Accidents and Insurance

Parents are encouraged to subscribe to personal accident insurance in case their child gets hurt while participating in physical education and sports or in any other circumstances. The school will not assume fees incurred for ambulance services, medical/dental/ocular services and any other services related to an injury. Parents are encouraged to conduct their personal insurance company or any other insurer to get advice an information about accident insurance for their child.