GOALS OF RUNNYMEDE COLLEGIATE
1. To prepare students for a post secondary education, employment and enjoyment of life.
2. To develop fundamental life skills, knowledge and attitudes so that students will become productive and responsible citizens in our multicultural environment.
3. To provide a rich and varied educational program that meets the needs of its students.
4. To create an atmosphere of encouragement, caring, respect and courtesy that will lead to the development of self worth and co operation among students, teachers and parents.
5. To assist students to achieve their potential in cultural, emotional, intellectual, moral, physical and social development so that they may become self-directed problem-solvers.
6. To maintain traditionally high standards of achievement and expectations.

OUR SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Academic excellence and enthusiastic student involvement have been traditional at Runnymede for over 75 years. With a student population of around 700, Runnymede is an ideal size for each student to be recognized on individual merits and as an active participant in our school community. This feeling of "belonging" is strengthened by involvement in the full range of school activities available to interested students. While a sense of community is stressed, every effort is made to recognize and develop individual abilities and interests. Through a traditional emphasis on excellence in education, Runnymede Collegiate is committed to achieving the highest standards in academic endeavours and developing sound fundamental skills. To providing the most enriched education possible for all students and developing responsible members of society who will think clearly, feel deeply and act wisely. We encourage parental support in attaining these goals and invite parents and guardians to visit the school on an informal basis and to join us at our formal Parent Interviews (check calendar for dates and times).

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
Runnymede students and staff are expected to work together for the highest possible academic achievements of all students. All students have a responsibility to:- . attend all their classes regularly and punctually and remain until the end of class, since attendance is clearly identified as an essential part of all courses. . be prepared for each class as prescribed by the teacher, . have all assigned homework completed, . submit all assignments and take tests, examinations, and other assessments at the times noted by the teacher, . complete all assigned work, including work missed as a result of field trips, family holidays and illness. When extenuating circumstances prevent a student from completing all responsibilities, an alternative assessment may be provided in consultation with the teacher. It is recommended that students make these arrangements in advance. Field trips and other off campus-sponsored activities are regarded as an extension of the school program. These privileges are offered to students who conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Code of Conduct expected in school.

OPENING EXERCISES
Opening exercises will start promptly at 8:45am with the playing of “O Canada” and announcements. All students are expected to be in class and/or stop what they are doing and stand silently for the anthem.

ATTENDANCE
In recognition of the importance of regular attendance, all students at Runnymede are expected to:
1. Attend all classes and not to leave a class without the explicit permission of the teacher.
2. Submit an explanatory note, properly signed by a parent or guardian to teachers upon returning to school following any absence.

The school has a responsibility to parents, guardians and to the Toronto District School Board of Education to accurately maintain student attendance records and to know where students are at all times. Therefore, students are required to sign in or sign out through the office when entering or leaving the school during the day. Students must submit a note to the office signed by a parent or guardian if they wish to sign out during the day. If no note is provided, a parent must be contacted before permission is given for the student to leave the school.

LATE POLICY
PUNCTUALITY – Students who arrive late for class cause an unnecessary disruption to their teachers and classmates. A late student often misses important information and instructions given at the beginning of the class. Students are expected to show courtesy to others and concern for other students by being on time for all classes. Students who cannot arrive on time due to extenuating circumstances are encouraged to discuss the circumstances with the office.

LATE TO SCHOOL
A student who arrives before 9:15am is to report directly to their period 1 class where the teacher will mark them late and assign an automatic detention that afternoon. Students arriving after 9:15am must sign in at the main office where they will also be informed that they have a detention that day after school.

LATE TO CLASS
“Travel time” is allowed between classes. Late students will have each lateness recorded by their teacher and will be assigned an automatic detention that day after school. Students who are late to a class for a valid reason should present a note from another teacher. Chronic lateness will be referred to the Vice-Principal.

LATES – DETENTION POLICY
Students who are late for any classes will serve an automatic detention on that day in the Supervised Late Room from 3:10 to 3:40. Students shall report to study hall to serve their detention by 3:10. If a student is late for their detention or if they fail to attend the detention, their name will be reported to the office, their parent/guardian will be contacted and the student will be withdrawn from classes the following day. Students shall report to their detention with homework or appropriate reading material to complete in a quiet manner. No walkmans, music players, electronic media or cell phones will be permitted. Students must be in full and complete uniform.

STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Student Services Department consists of 1.8 Guidance counsellors and 1.5 Learning Resource teachers. They offer assistance to students in making educational and career decisions and in coping with concerns of a personal or social nature. The department functions in the following areas:

Counselling
The counsellors throughout the year carry on individual academic counselling. Students can request an interview at any time and are encouraged to do so immediately if a problem or difficulty arises. Parent interviews are available and can be arranged by phoning the Student Services Office at 416-394-3210 ext. 20040.

Special Services
Social Workers, Psychologists and special services are available to students through the Board of Education. See your counsellor for assistance.

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
Students must successfully earn a minimum of 30 full course credits to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
COMPULSORY CREDITS (18 compulsory credits)

• 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
• 1 French-as-a-second language
• 3 mathematics (a least 1 in Grade 11 or 12)
• 2 science
• 1 Canadian history
• 1 Canadian geography
• 1 arts
• 1 health and physical education
• .5 civics
• .5 career education
• 1 of English OR third language OR social sciences and the humanities OR Canadian and world studies
• 1 of health and physical education OR arts OR business studies
• 1 of science (Grade 11 or 12) OR technological education (Grades 9-12)
  plus 12 optional credits from available courses

THE STREAMED CURRICULIUM
Grades 9 and 10 courses will be offered in three streams, which will emphasize different approaches to learning and demonstration of subject mastery. Grade 11 and 12 courses are offered in four streams: Workplace, College, University/College and University.

ACADEMIC COURSES – Grades 9 and 10
Academic level courses will teach essential concepts of a subject and explore related material. Knowledge and skills in the subject will be developed through both theory and abstract thinking as a basis for future learning.

APPLIED COURSES – Grades 9 and 10
Applied courses cover the essential concepts of a subject. Knowledge and skills will be developed through both theory and practical applications; however, the focus will be on practical applications. In applied courses familiar, real-life situations will be used to illustrate ideas and opportunities will be given for hands-on applications of concepts. Students who wish to change course streams may be required to complete a non-credit transition course of up to 30 hours to assure all concepts have been mastered. This will be determined through teacher recommendation and at the Principal's discretion.

LOCALLY DEVELOPED COURSES
Locally developed compulsory courses are available to assist students who have significant gaps in knowledge, conceptual understanding and Skills in the compulsory subject areas of English, Mathematics and Science.

OPEN COURSES – Grades 9 – 11 and a few Grade 12
Open courses include curriculum expectations suitable for all students and are designed to provide students with a broad educational base.

CHOICE OF APPLIED AND ACADEMIC COURSES IN GRADE 9 AND 10
The following courses are offered in both the academic and applied streams in Grade 9 and Grade 10.

• Canadian Geography and History
• Core French (Grade 10 Immersion / Extended Academic Only)
• International languages – French and Spanish
• English
• Mathematics
• Science

THE TEACHER ADVISOR PROGRAM
Each Grade 9 to 12 student at Runnymede will have his/her first period teacher semester 1 and 2 as their teacher/advisor. The teacher/advisor will be a partner with the student, parents and counsellors in helping to plan for a successful academic career at Runnymede.

ANNUAL EDUCATION PLAN
All Grade 9, 10 and 11 students must complete an annual education plan which will be discussed with the teacher/advisor and reviewed by the teacher/advisor, the student and parent(s) twice a year.

THE TIMETABLE
Each day consists of four periods and one lunch period. All courses are semestered courses. A “Where Am I” page which indicates our daily schedules is part of this package. Please also refer to the School Year Calendar at the end of this booklet.

ACTIVITY FEES
All students are required to pay an activity fee of $50.00. This money is directed to support various student activities such as clubs, teams, dances, etc. The fee is due during the first week of school and entitles students to a copy of the student planner, the Magna Charta Yearbook in June and their TTC card. This fee also entitles students to borrow books from the library, participate in school activities such as athletics, music, drama, clubs, computer labs, and school dances.

CAFETERIA
Please remember you inherit the mess others leave. Very few people like their dining table or room to be a mess. Please clean up after yourself!!

COMPUTER LABS
IBM-compatible computers are available for student use at selected times during the day. A variety of computers are available in the Library. The fully networked cross-curricular lab in room 110 is used by many departments for full-classes under teacher supervision. Room 27 is a fully equipped computer class providing students supervised access Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, during the lunch period. The business area also has three rooms of computers. Room 112 is the Comm. Tech. Lab with modern computers, video and sound editing equipment.

DANCES
Dances are held throughout the year, sponsored by Rustco and RAC. Dress varies with the theme for the dance. Students may be allowed to bring one guest up to a designated maximum number. This guest must be presigned in before noon on the day of the dance by the Vice-Principal. The guest list will be kept at the door and the RCI student and guest must arrive together. The guest will be asked to present a TDSB student photo ID card that will be returned at the conclusion of the dance. The RCI student is responsible for the guest's behaviour. Guest passes will not be sold at the door. Dances usually start at 7:00 pm and end at 11:00 pm. No one will be admitted after 9:00 pm unless they obtained special permission earlier in the day from the Vice-Principal. No one leaving the dance will be readmitted. Access to lockers will not be permitted. A coat-check area near the front door will be used; coats and bags MUST be checked. Students who attend dances will be asked to participate in a search of their person and belongings by authorized personnel at the door. Girls’ purses will be included. Any student found with alcohol or drugs will not be admitted to the dance. Any student smelling of alcohol, drugs or acting as if their judgement is impaired will be refused admittance. No refund of ticket will be provided in these circumstances. If a student is found intoxicated or in possession of controlled substances inside the dance, his/her parents will be notified to come and pick up the student. The student will be suspended from school and excluded from all remaining dances. ILLNESS, INJURY OR EMERGENCY If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, he or she should report to the main office and parents will be notified by phone. For this reason, it is very important that a parent emergency number be on file at the school. In the event the parents cannot be reached, the school will take appropriate action deemed necessary to protect and assist the student in question. Please ensure that all phone numbers or address changes are recorded with the office staff so computer records are correct.

LIBRARY
The library is open on a regular basis for students to do research, select books or other materials for class assignments or leisure reading, use media equipment, computers or to study quietly.

LOCKERS
Every student must have a locker with the combination and locker number registered in the main office. On opening day, each student will be assigned a school locker for his or her use. Do not give the combination of your lock to anyone but the main office; this decreases the security of the locker. It is our recommendation that students use a special security lock, which is available from the main office for a cost of $10.00. Students should not bring large sums of money or other valuables to school and leave them in lockers. If it is necessary to bring such items, arrangements can be made to leave the valuables in the office for security. Students are expected to keep their lockers clean and neat. The locker may be opened by the school administration with due cause.

PARKING
Student parking is provided in the southeast lot (use Priscilla Street entrance) on a first come basis. The North lot is reserved for staff, guests and service personnel only.

PHONE MESSAGES
Students are reminded that only emergency phone messages will be taken for students during school hours. Two pay phones for student use are located opposite the main office.

SCHOOL PHOTOS
School photo day is Tuesday, September 22nd . Every student must have their photo taken for school records. There is no charge for this, the student activity card is generated from this photo. At the same time, parents/guardians can order photo packages. A flyer with the info from Jostens will be distributed in early September.

SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on school property.

STUDENTS SENT TO THE OFFICE
If a teacher sends a student from the classroom for unsatisfactory behaviour, the student must go directly to the Main Office. The teacher must contact the office (phone or P.A.) and indicate that the student has been sent to the office. A "Sent-Out Form" (pink) will be completed and the situation will be dealt with by the Vice-Principal.

TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are provided for all students. The number of each book distributed is recorded; in June the same book must be returned. Students who lose/damage a book must pay for the book. Report the loss of a textbook to your teacher. Since every student must turn in every textbook at the end of the year, LOST TEXTBOOKS should be replaced immediately. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THERE IS A BOOK CHECK.

VISITORS AND GUESTS
All visitors, such as guest speakers, must visit the main office with prior notice and permission. For safety and security reasons students cannot bring friends or relatives to school. No young children are permitted in classes or in the school during a regular day; please make alternate arrangements.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
At Runnymede, scholarship, leadership, citizenship and service are acknowledged through awards programs. These include Commencement, Student Recognition Assemblies in each semester and the Athletic Awards Assembly. Runnymede has a well-endowed system of scholarships and awards which provides incentive and support for all of the subject and interest areas offered to our students.

HONOUR ROLL
Students who achieve an overall average of over 80% earn a place on Runnymede's Honour Roll. The listing of the Honour students is posted outside the Main Office following the compilation of each semester’s results.

SCHOOL LETTER
Runnymede students who make an all-round contribution to extra-curricular life at the school earn points toward a Junior, Senior or Honour school letter award. Points are earned in sports, clubs, service to the school and academic excellence. Plaques are presented to the winners at the Awards Assembly in June.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Runnymede C.I. offers several ways for students to develop interpersonal and leadership skills. School clubs and groups are specifically designed to provide the participants with a vehicle for interacting with other students in a leadership role. All groups provide the opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, improve communication skills and to meet new people. The benefits of participating in any of these programs will be life long. Leadership experiences on a student's resume have proven useful in gaining acceptance to many programs in post-secondary education institutions.

RUSTCO (RUNNYMEDE STUDENT COUNCIL)
This is the student government body at Runnymede. Elected officers make up the Executive and class reps assist them in organizing, planning and financing many of the school activities. The key purpose of RUSTCO is to act as an Activities Council, which involves itself in generating school spirit and improving Runnymede as a school community. RUSTCO sponsors dances, fund drives, spirit weeks and charity work for the community.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT RUNNYMEDE
Education is a process of learning that requires exposure to many experiences. These experiences occur in and outside of the classroom. Runnymede has a very active co-curricular program where students participate in a vast array of activities. There are athletic teams for both boys and girls and clubs suiting almost every interest. Extra curricular activities at Runnymede are an important aspect of student life. You are urged to take advantage of the extra curricular programs which Runnymede offers.

1. Student participants in extra curricular activities who are in their first two years of high school must be enrolled in at least 8 courses. In the third and fourth years, student participants must be enrolled in at least 6 courses. These courses must be at Runnymede Collegiate Institute (night school, private school or summer school courses do not count).
2. Student participants must have an R.C.I. student activity card.
3. Students must be punctual and attend ALL classes regularly and display acceptable behaviour within the classroom, halls, library, auditorium, etc.
4. Students must satisfy completely the requirements of R.C.I.’s School Code of Conduct and Uniform Policy, both in school and during participation in extra curricular activities.
5. Student participants must be in attendance at school on a given day and attend ALL classes in order to practice or participate on that day

6. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES – Any student who fails to achieve an average of 60% and is not passing three quarters of their subjects, will be reviewed by the supervisor/administrator of the activity. The student’s achievement, effort, and attendance will be reviewed and one of the following actions taken:-
7. the student will not be permitted to participate in any extra curricular activities that term;
8. the student will be permitted to participate on a probationary basis. Students on probation will be required to take a sheet to class each day. Their teachers will sign the sheet indicating punctuality, attendance in class and may make comments on effort and achievement;
9. the student will be allowed to participate if effort and attendance remain satisfactory.

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Black History Group, Band, Chess Club, Debating and Public Speaking, Drama Productions, Eco Club, ESP (Empowered Student Partnerships, 30 Hour Famine, FIRST Robotics Team, Future Aces, Assistants for Grade 9 Orientation Day, Camp Robin Hood and Parent Interviews, Improv Club, Magna Charta, Media Club, Music Club, Multicultural Festival (MultiMix), Orchestra, Prom Committee, RUSTCO (Runnymede Student Council), RAC (Runnymede Athletic Council), Stage Crew and United Way Fundraising.

SCHOOL SPORTS
ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOOL SPORTS

1. Student athletes in their first two years must be enrolled in at least 4 courses per semester. These courses must be at RCI Night School, private school or summer school does not count.
2. Student athletes must pay their Activity Fee of $50.00.
3. Student athletes must pay a one time per year athletic fee of $30.00.
4. Students must attend all classes regularly and display acceptable classroom behaviour.
5. Students must satisfy completely the requirements of R.C.I.'s school code of conduct, both in school and during participation in inter-school activities.
6. Student athletes must be in attendance at school on a given day and attend all classes in order to be able to practise or play on that day.
7. Athletes may play only 1 major sport per season. Students who wish to play on more than 1 team in a season must receive permission from the Assistant Curriculum Leader of Physical and Health Education.
8. Students who transfer to RCI from another secondary school are ineligible to play inter-school sports until their eligibility status is appealed. Transfer students are to consult with the Assistant Curriculum Leader for Physical Education in September to see how they can become eligible to play or as soon as then enrol at school.

9. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR SPORTS TEAMS - During the first week of try-outs, the coach of each team will review the last set of marks for each student trying out. Any student who fails to achieve an average of 60% and is not passing three quarters of their subjects, will be reviewed by the Assistant Curriculum Leader for Physical Education. The student's achievement, effort and attendance will be reviewed and one of the following actions taken:
10. The student will not be permitted to participate in any inter-school sports activity that term;
11. The student will be permitted to participate on a probationary basis. Students on probation will be required to take a sheet to each class each day. The teachers will sign the sheet indicating attendance in class and may make comments on effort and achievement;
12. The student will be allowed to participate if effort and attendance remain satisfactory.

ATHLETICS
Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball, Cross Country, Softball, Golf, Skiing, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Weight Room and Wrestling.

1. Skirts will not be hemmed shorter than 5 cm above the top of the knee.
2. Plain black tights or black knee-high socks must be worn with skirts. When knee high socks are worn, black bike shorts must also be worn.
3. All pants and skirts must be worn at the waist.
4. Clothing is to be neatly hemmed or cuffed and not rolled to distort the intended length. Pants will not be tucked into socks or shoes.
5. All oxford shirts must be tucked into skirts/pants.
6. All outer tops must display the Runnymede Collegiate school logo crest.
7. Only white and black T-Shirts and Turtlenecks are to be worn under sweaters. Gray or red or any other coloured undergarments are prohibited.
8. White collared shirts must be worn under vests.
9. Only black dress pants are to be worn.
10. If a tie is worn, it must be an official school tie and tied appropriately
11. During warmer weather, students may choose to wear black knee-length walking shorts manufactured by R.J. McCarthy Ltd.

When Uniform is to be worn

1. Students must be in complete uniform while on school property.
2. Students must arrive and leave the school wearing the complete uniform.
3. Changing in hallways and washrooms is not permitted.
4. Students must wear complete uniforms to out-of-school functions, including field trips and athletic events.

Headgear

1. Students will not wear any type of headgear while inside the school building.
2. No ear-bands, headbands, hoods, bandanas, towels, hats or caps will be allowed.
3. Students will not wear any article of clothing that covers any part of the face. These articles include dark glasses, scarves, hoods and bandanas.
4. Bandanas will not be worn anywhere on the body.
5. Religious headgear which is black or white in colour may be worn. Female students may wear a black or white plastic accessory to keep hair back. All other headgear is prohibited.

Jackets and Coats

1. Jackets and coats will not be worn during instructional hours.
2. Jackets and coats will not be allowed in any room.
3. Jackets and coats must be placed in lockers prior to the beginning of the school day.
4. Jackets and coats will be worn only when arriving to and leaving Runnymede.

Exceptions

1. Students wearing long black skirts for religious reasons may provide these skirts themselves.
2. Students may be exempt from the headgear rule for religious reasons (check with administration).