Policies

In order to achieve academic success students are expected to:

• attend school regularly and be punctual for all classes
• not leave the school in between classes

To ensure a safe environment students must:

• respect the authority of all staff (administrators, teachers, office staff, school based safety monitors, caretakers, cafeteria employees)
• carry a current student card and provide their name in full upon request to any staff member 
• lockers will not be used this year due to safety protocols and the pandemic
• treat personal and school property with respect
• dress in accordance with the TDSB dress policy
• follow the TDSB policy on use of personal electronics 
• follow the New COVID -19 policies and procedures set out by Toronto Public Health and the TDSB

Behaviour that will not be tolerated:

• harassment and intimidation of any kind
• abusive language or gestures
• threatening or performing acts of violence, bullying, fighting
• possession of weapons or replica weapons on school property
• possession/use of tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol or illicit drugs on school property
• vandalism, willful destruction of school property
• gambling on school property
• possession/use of laser pointers on school property
• aiding/inciting harmful behaviour
• opposition to authority

Consequences for failure to comply with the Code of Conduct:

• informal interview and counselling of students
• before or after school detentions and lunch detentions
• guidance counsellor, social worker, psychologist involvement 
• formal interview with an administrator; parents/guardians may be invited to participate in the process
• behaviour/performance contract
• restitution-financial or other restitution may be expected to compensate for damages to school or private property
• withdrawal of privileges, including co-curricular and extra-curricular
• suspension
• expulsion

TDSB Code of Online Conduct:

TDSB Student Dress Policy P042

6.1 Shared Rights and Responsibilities for Student Dress 

Students

 (a) The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). Student Dress Policy P042 Page 4 of 11 

(b) Students have the right to express themselves, feel comfortable in what they wear and the freedom to make dress choices (e.g., clothing, hairstyle, makeup, jewelry, fashion, style, etc.). 

(c) Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of others, support a positive, safe and shared environment and to comply with the Student Dress Policy P042. 

Staff

 (a) Staff are responsible for ensuring that student dress does not interfere with student and staff health or safety requirements and/or promote offensive, harassing, hostile or intimidating environments. 

(b) Staff have the additional responsibility to balance student health, well-being and safety and foster positive school climates while affirming and respecting student choices and freedom of expression. 

6.2 Student Dress Code

(a) Students may attend school and school-related functions in dress of their choice that conforms to following system standards. 

(b) Student dress must: 

∙ Be worn in such a way that all bottom layers cover groin and buttocks and top layers cover nipples, both with opaque material.

• Tops may expose shoulders, abdomen, midriff, neck lines and cleavage. 
• Bottoms may expose legs, thighs and hips.
• Undergarments may not be substituted as outwear and, if worn, should be worn beneath a layer of outer wear. 
• Straps and waistbands may be exposed however. 
• Any headwear that does not obscure the face may be worn. Face Masks and PPE are permitted.

 ∙ Conform with established health and safety requirements for the intended activity (e.g., health and physical education classes, science and chemistry classes, sporting events, technical education, drama/dance classes, etc.) 

∙ The wearing of jackets is permitted inside the classroom given that it doesn’t pose a safety risk. Teachers (particularly to those in science labs, shops, HPE, dance, drama, etc.) are to use their professional judgement when determining if the wearing of a jacket poses a risk. For the 2021-2022 school year, students may have coats and jackets in class.  This is because due to the pandemic, lockers will not be available.

∙ Respect the Board’s intent to sustain a community that is positive, antioppressive, equitable, accepting and inclusive of a diverse range of social and cultural identities;

 ∙ Not promote offensive, lewd, vulgar, or obscene images or language, including profanity, hate and pornography; Student Dress Policy P042 Page 5 of 11 

∙ Not promote, nor, could not be construed as or include content that is discriminatory (e.g., racist, anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, classist, ableist, sizist, etc.), or that reasonably could be construed as defamatory, threatening, harassing or promoting bias, prejudice or hate; 

∙ Not symbolize, suggest, display or reference: tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia, promotion or incitement of violence or any illegal conduct or criminal activities; 

∙ Not interfere with the safe operation of the school, limit or restrict the rights of others, or create a reasonably foreseeable risk of such interference or invasion of rights; (e.g., except for creed accommodations and safety requirements, no head wear may obscure the face, all other head wear may be worn);\

Contributing to a positive school environment begins in the morning. All students, including students who are late for class, are expected to stop, remain quiet and show respect for the National Anthem, Acknowledgement of Ancestral Lands/Territories and the morning announcements.  We ask that you remove any non-religious headgear during the playing of the National Anthemn.

Activity Fees will be deferred until late fall after principals have had an opportunity to meet with School Council, Student Council and Staff to discuss what can actually be planned this year. Therefore, there is no collection of Student Activity Fees at this time.

Mackenzie provides its students with incredible opportunities outside the classroom. These opportunities are supported by funds raised through the Student Activity Free. For the 2021-2022 school year at Mackenzie, we will be collecting an activity fee of $85.00. The fee breakdown includes $25.00 for a school yearbook, and $5.00 for a school agenda. The remaining amount supports: Student Council Activities, $20.00; Extra-Curricular Activities, $15.00; Guest speakers, $5.00; and School Clubs, $20.00. The Mackenzie Parent School Council supports this initiative. Student unable to pay the activity fee are asked to contact the main office.

(1) Personal electronic devices may be used during instructional class time for educational purposes, as permitted by the teacher;

(2) Personal electronic devices may be used outside of instructional class time, as long as the use of these devices is compliant with the school code of conduct.

Respect for resource materials (e.g. textbooks, library books, uniforms, A.V equipment, music equipment, computer equipment and software) is expected. Students who have lost textbooks are accountable for the cost of replacement.

It is the policy of the Toronto District School Board that all buildings, sites and facilities are designated as non-smoking areas.  Smoking cigarettes or electronic cigarettes is not permitted on school property, on school buses or during any school-sponsored activity. Students 16 years old or older can be charged by a Tobacco Enforcement Officer and given a ticket of $305 or issued a summons to appear in court.  The maximum fine for a first offence is $1000 for a second offence, $5000.  Students under age 16 and found smoking or holding lighted tobacco on school property, can be issued a summons to appear in court with their parent/legal guardian.

Students are responsible for maintaining the high standards of cleanliness we set for our cafeteria, halls and school grounds, and therefore are asked to use the litter cans and recycling receptacles provided.

Students are strongly encouraged to eat outdoors whenever possible. Lunch time activities, both formal and informal, support the health and well-being of students in the school. The School Code of Conduct applies at all times and there are basic expectations of how students shall behave during their lunch hour. These expectations serve to:

• Promote health and safety
• Endorse values of a caring school community
• Support living in an environmentally sustainable manner

• Each and every student;
• A strong public education system;
• A partnership of students, schools, family and community;
• The uniqueness and diversity of our students and our community;
• The commitment and skills of our staff;
• Equity, innovation, accountability and accessibility;
• Learning environments that are safe, nurturing, positive and respectful.

The TDSB is committed to meeting its obligation under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code by providing safe school and workplaces that respect the rights of every individual.

Every student, employee, trustee, parent and community member has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Discrimination and harassment based on legislated prohibited grounds will not be tolerated. Such behavior must be addressed not only for its cost in individual, human terms but also for its cost to our social, economic and civic future.

Students may be issued a parking permit which will allow them to park in designated areas of the school’s parking lot. To receive a permit, students must fill out a form which is signed by the student and parent/guardian. The student must have a legitimate driver’s license and valid insurance for the vehicle being parked on school property.

It is understood that in accepting a parking permit, the student and his/her parents agree that:

• The vehicle is parked at the owner’s risk and the school/board is not responsible for loss or damage to the vehicle or its contents.
• The parking permit is non-transferable and all changes of information on the application form will be made known to the office.

The student also understands and agrees to:

1. Display the sticker on the windshield at all times at school
2. Park correctly in the areas of the school parking lot designated
3. Report any damage done by, or to your vehicle to the office.
4. Drive safely and carefully on school property and adjacent streets
5. Not exceed a speed limit of 10 km/h while on school property.
6. Not use the vehicle as a place to congregate, to eat, study or socialize.

Any infraction of the above rules may invalidate the permit and result in the withdrawal of parking privileges, school discipline or police charges.

Repeated studies of student performance and attendance have demonstrated that student attendance is directly related to his or her achievement.

The school’s attendance policy is created in accordance with The Education Act.

Absence from, or late admission to, any class during the school day will be considered truant unless absence is due to a school-authorized activity, a call or a note from a parent/guardian has been received.

If a student will be absent from school, the parent/guardian is to call 395-3330 (press 1) before 8:30 a.m. each day to report the absence. Upon the first day of return to school a note must be taken to the attendance office.

Students arriving after 8:45 a.m. are to report directly to their period 1 class where they will be marked late by their teacher. Students who arrive after 9:00 a.m. must report to the attendance office for an admit slip. Students arriving late for periods 2, 3, and 4 will report directly to class and will be marked late.

All students leaving school before the end of the day must sign out in the attendance office with a note. If a student is leaving a class to sign out, s/he must show the classroom teacher a note. This note must be presented in the office before the student signs out.

If a student is absent from school for religious reasons, it is the student’s responsibility to inform his/her teachers and to arrange for access to the material taught in class that day. There will be no one-time-only activities (i.e. major tests) on designated religious holy days as this would exclude students from participation.

Responsibilities:

School:

• Phone home through Synrevoice if a student is absent from a class.
• Student’s cumulative lates and absences will be on all six report cards sent home.

Teacher:

• Phone home if the student is absent for five or more classes.

Student:

• Arrive in a punctual manner to all classes.
• Arrange with her or his teacher for any work missed.

Parent/guardian:

• Ensure their children are punctual and present to all classes.
• Call in each day for absences (416) 395-3330 (press 1) and to send a note following the absence.
• Provide a note for absences and prior to early dismissal.

Progressive consequences for truant behavior and habitual lateness:

• 1 – 4 absences/lates – Teacher conference with student/parent
• 5 – 6 absences/lates – Teacher call to home/referral to attendance counselor
• 7- 10 absences/lates – Meeting with attendance counselor
• 10 – 15 absences/lates – Meeting with administrator with possible detentions, withdrawal from extra-curricular activities, suspension, Provincial Court intervention

Any extended absence is harmful to the academic progress of students. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the work missed as designated by an administrator and teachers during the extended absence. Furthermore, students are to hand in any preassigned evaluations that are due during the extended absence.

Students must fill out an extended absence form 10 days prior to the extended absence greater than 4 days. Please consult your Vice-Principal.

All students must complete the TDSB’s policies and procedures forms. Parental signatures are required on all forms.

• Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources
• Walking Excursion – Immediate Community
• Medical Information for Excursions
• Severe Weather Conditions: Permission to Leave School
• Student Media Consent Release Form
• Anaphylaxis
• Code of On-line Conduct
• Board Code of Conduct
• Diabetes Management
• Asthma Management
• TDSB Digital Learning Tool Consent Form
• Physical Education Information & Intramural Information/Permission

Failure to submit the following forms may result in you not participating in school wide activities, excursions and intramural/team sports and may lead to suspension:

Please note:

• Student Data Verification Forms will be distributed to students at the end of September to be returned by mid-October.

1. Follow instructions from staff and remain calm.
2. Do not use any cell phones or personal electronic devices.
3. Fire Drills are held regularly. When the alarm sounds, all students must move quietly and quickly to the exit noted on the classroom bulletin board or wall near the door. Students must move away from the building and clear the exits so that the school may be vacated quickly. Students will return to class when notified by staff to do so.
4. Lock down
   • Enter the nearest classroom and move away from the door or any glass/windows
   • Remain quiet
   • Do not open the door for anyone once it has been locked and closed
   • Be patient and do not leave the room for any reason until an administrator has lifted the lock down.

Each student will be assigned one locker by his/her first semester home form teacher. Students are not allowed to change or switch lockers. If they do so, their locks may be cut. These lockers are the property of the school and are on loan to students. School staff have the right to search lockers, given reasonable cause. Students must not share lockers or use an unassigned locker. Change Room lockers have been installed to prevent theft. Use them! Do NOT leave valuables on benches in the change rooms!

In the TDSB, there is an expectation of fair, consistent and transparent assessment, evaluation and reporting strategies, designed to provide students with multiple, positive opportunities to demonstrate their learning skills and work habits and their understanding of the curriculum expectations.

For virtual assessments and evaluations, students are expected to turn their cameras and microphones on for the duration of the assessment.

Cheating is usually defined as the act of practicing deceit or breaking the rules. In the context of assessment and evaluation, cheating would be defined as the deviation from the behaviour expected in an evaluation situation. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Copying another student’s homework;
• Using another student’s work on a test or any other evaluation;
• Bringing unauthorized notes or notations into an evaluation;
• Asking for or giving someone an answer during an evaluation;
• Unauthorized use of electronic media to obtain answers during an evaluation; and
• Presenting assignments that have been completed by someone else as one’s own.

Plagiarism is defined as the use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another without attribution, in order to represent them as one’s own original work. (Growing Success 2010 p.151) It can take many forms, including the following:

• Submitting an essay/assignment written by someone else, e.g., buying an essay online, downloading an essay from a website, having someone else complete one’s assignment, or copying or using work including homework done by another student;
• Piecing together material from one or several sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Quoting or paraphrasing material without citing the source of that material, including, but not limited to books, magazines, journals, websites, newspapers, television programs, radio programs, movies, videos, photographs, and drawings in print or electronic form;
• Copying and pasting from the internet or other electronic sites without citing the source; and
• Omitting quotation marks for direct quotations even if the sources have been cited.

Consequences of Cheating and Plagiarism

• A mark of zero may be awarded for the assignment in question, as there has been no evidence that the student has demonstrated research skills required to demonstrate achievement of the course/curriculum expectations;
• Or in the professional judgment of the teacher/principal, he/she may provide an opportunity at another time for the student to demonstrate evidence of proper research skills;
• And depending on the nature of the offence and in discussion with the principal/vice-principal, the student’s other teachers may be alerted; and
• Repeated pattern of academic dishonesty may result in an escalating severity of consequences

Appeal

All students who face the consequences of plagiarism or cheating have the right to appeal the teacher’s decision to the principal/ vice-principal.

Students are responsible for completing and submitting work for evaluation on time. They are responsible for being aware of each due date and the ultimate deadline which is the last opportunity to submit an assignment for evaluation.

Sufficient time and notice will be given for tests and for students to complete assignments. There are a number of strategies to be used to help prevent and/or address late and missed assignments which may be employed by the teacher as outlined in Growing Success page 43. When a number of strategies have been tried, marks may be deducted up to and including the full value of the assignment.

If a student is aware that they will miss a scheduled test/presentation they must advise the teacher ahead of time and an alternate arrangement will be made between the student and teacher. On the day of the absence alternate arrangements will be made provided there is parental notification to the office and the teacher that the test/presentation will be missed. Professional judgment will be used by the teacher in determining the evaluation of missed tests and presentations.

Students who observe recognized holy days will be accommodated if test and assignment due dates land on the day of or the day after one of these holy days. Students must present a parental note to their teachers prior to the holy day. Instructions for Examinations Please check your schedule carefully: Please check for any conflicts and report them to a Vice-Principal immediately.

Please check your schedule carefully: Please check for any conflicts and report them to a Vice-Principal immediately.

1. If you miss an exam, you will receive a mark of “0”.
2. Students who miss an exam, due to illness, will receive a mark of “0” unless the student writes an alternative exam, on an alternative date. This will be determined by administration.
3. If you are sick and unable to write an examination:
   • Phone the school (416) 395-3330 (press 1)
   • Obtain a Missed Evaluation Procedures Form from the Main Office.
   • Complete all necessary documentation.
   • Give the above form(s) to a Vice-Principal within two school days.
4. Academic dishonesty, normally called “cheating”, occurs when there is an attempt to gain or provide an advantage from the work of someone else. Those involved in academic dishonesty – including helping someone cheat – can expect serious academic consequences. All students involved in cheating will receive a mark of “0” for the full work in which cheating occurred, no matter what their role. This policy will apply regardless of when cheating is discovered, whether before, during or after the evaluation opportunity occurs.
5. Plan to arrive at the school at least 15 minutes before the examination begins. No extra time will be given to students who arrive late. For students who are granted time and a half, extra time will still be calculated from the scheduled exam start time. Students who are more than 30 minutes late for an exam must sign in at the main office before going to the examination room.

To participate in any co-curricular activity that requires a major commitment to out-of- class time or missed classes, a student must comply with the following conditions:

• A participant can play on up to two sports teams per season.
• Participants must demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality in all classes and meet all course requirements (assignments, projects, essays, tests, presentations, etc.).
• Participants must not have any unexplained absences or lates.
• Participants must maintain a 60% or greater overall average and be passing 3 of 4 classes or 2 of 3 classes. The determination of a student’s academic eligibility will be based on the following marks:
  • Fall sports – the previous year-end report card
  • Winter sports – the November report card
  • Spring sports – the February report card
• Participants must be in compliance with Mackenzie’s Code of Conduct.
• Participants will comply with the TDSSAA Athletic Code of Conduct.
• Participants will act as role-models and good citizens of the school.

1. Student-Athletes must be present in all possible classes the day of an athletic activity. If a Student-Athlete is absent from a class for an unjustified reason, or due to illness, they are ineligible to play on that day.
2. Student-Athletes have the responsibility to remind their teachers 48- hours prior to any assessment or evaluation if they will be absent due to a pre-season, league or tournament game.
3. In exceptional circumstances such as play-off games, OFSSA or rescheduled league games, a Student-Athlete may not know 48-hours prior that they will be absent due to athletic activities. In this situation, a Student-Athlete is expected to inform their teachers they will be absent as soon as they find out about the athletic event. It is the Student-Athlete’s responsibility to ensure arrangements for missed assessment and evaluation are made prior to their absence.
4. Student-Athletes are expected to be ready to fulfill the requirements of the assessment/evaluation prior to the athletic activity. In the event of 17 exceptional circumstances, when the Student-Athlete may not be able to fulfill the requirements of the assessment/evaluation prior to an athletic activity, they are expected to be ready to complete the assessment/evaluation the day they return to class.
5. If a student does not adhere to the above-mentioned regulations, they may not be dismissed for athletic activities.
6. Provided a Student-Athlete has been deemed academically eligible according to pre-existing policies and has given their teachers the above- mentioned notice, they have the right to attend all pre-season, league and tournament games for any team they are members of. It is expected that coaches will monitor student attendance. Teachers are expected to report concerns (student absenteeism and academic progress) about student athletes/co-curricular participants in a timely manner to the administration and the coach.If a student does not meet the above criteria, the coach in consultation with the ACL of athletics and the administration, can choose to put a student on an athletic/co-curricular contract. The athletes playing privileges can be revoked at any time if the contract is not being honoured.Administration may remove a student from any athletic/co-curricular activity after consultation with subject teachers/ coach/staff and parents.If a student quits a co-curricular team, they may be suspended from participation in Mackenzie co-curricular athletics for up to 12 months. Suspension length will be determined in consultation with the coach, the ACL of Athletics and the administration.

Regular Season and Exhibition Games:

• Only students from the “host” or “home” school are permitted to attend.
• A current student Activity Card with PHOTO IDENTIFICATION is mandatory for entry as a spectator into the competition venue. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Parents/guardians and third party adults (scouts, press, other coaches) must obtain a visitor’s pass from the main office.

Playoff Games:

• Only students from the competing schools are permitted to attend with supervision from their school.
• A current Student Activity Card with PHOTO IDENTIFICATION is mandatory for entry.
• Parents/guardians and third party adults (scouts, press, other coaches) must obtain a visitor’s pass from the main office.

Spectator Code of Conduct

• Spectators are an important aspect of school athletic events. The attendance of students, parents, guardians, and members of the community serves to compliment the experience of all those involved in sporting competitions.
• It is expected that spectators will:
  • cheer in a positive manner
  • respect the decisions of the officials
  • respect the athletic facilities and property
  • respect the authority of Toronto District School Board staff members who are supervising games
  • be courteous and respectful to fellow spectators
  • not interfere with the game in any manner
  • refrain from the use of profanity, taunting, threatening actions or violence
  • behave in accordance with all Toronto District School Board policies and Codes of Conduct
  • leave the venue promptly and in an orderly fashion upon completion of the game.

Spectators who are unable to meet the above expectations will be asked to leave and may be subject to further discipline according to their school’s Code of Conduct.

Every student is required to carry a full course load of four subjects each semester. Students who have an authorized spare may be asked to show to a staff member a copy of their timetable. Senior students on an authorized spare will be allowed to study in the library, cafetorium, or in front of their own locker only.

Forty hours of community service is a secondary school diploma requirement. You will not graduate without it. All students must choose TDSB approved volunteer activities and must keep track of their volunteer hours. Volunteer passports are available in the guidance office. Students who have completed their approved forty hours must submit their signed and dated documents (eg. Community Involvement Passport or a letter stating time and place of the activity) to the guidance office. Students are responsible for keeping duplicate copies of these documents.

ONTARIO UNIVERSITIES: IMPORTANT DATES 

Please check for important information and updates at:

www.ouac.on.ca

ONTARIO COLLEGES: IMPORTANT DATES 

Please check for important information and updates at:

www.ocas.on.ca

Business & Technology Alumni Award 

Character Education Graduation Award

College Excellence Award

Computer Programming Excellence Award

Governor General’s Academic Medal

Helene Green Award of Distinction

Jim McQueen Excellence in Education Award

Liberal Arts Alumni Award

Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award

MaCS School Leadership Award

Mackenzie Community Building Award

Mackenzie Innovation Award

Mae Waese Award

Math and Science Alumni Award

Ontario Co-operative Education Association Certificate

Principal’s Medal for Student Leadership

School Medal

School Council Award

School Service Award

Social Justice/Equity Award

Social Science Alumni Award

Student Council President Award

Valedictorian Award

W.K. McGillis Memorial Award

The education and career/life planning program policy for Ontario schools is based on three core beliefs, namely, that; all students can be successful; success comes in many forms; there are many pathways to success.

TO GET STARTED:

1. Visit myBlueprint
2. Create Account* or Login *REQUIRES OEN AND DATE OF BIRTH
3. Review the requirements for your grade, and click on your progress meter to view this year’s requirements.

The library provides you with space and resources to help you learn and complete your school work.

If you are in the library with your class, please respect the needs of others for a quiet, reflective space. If you are in the library while on a spare, please respect the needs of the class and understand that the teacher present may need to provide direction to students during this time.

The Library is equipped with digital resources.

There are three ways to connect to these resources:

1. http://aw.tdsb.on.ca Sign in with student/employee number and network password — – locate my home tab (top navigation bar) — – Virtual Library (left navigation bar)
2. http://www.tdsb.on.ca — – locate find your school (top navigation bar) — – school name — – Virtual Library link (left navigation bar)
3. Enter http://www2.tdsb.on.ca/libraries/catDNN.asp?schoolNo=3444 or search on the Internet for “William Lyon Mackenzie TDSB Virtual Library”
4. User Names and Passwords: Some resources need user names and passwords when outside of TDSB