Student Handbook

Passion, Belonging, Success

At WGM we are passionate people, existing in a culture of belonging, while striving for success. Here is how that is lived out.

 

Passion
We believe that passionate people make W.G. Murdoch a place where students and staff want to come to learn every day. Passion is on display all around the school, from teachers taking risks in their classrooms to engage students, to our students going the extra mile both inside and outside the classroom. As Simon Sinek says, "Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion". Being people that passionately approach our day to day work at WGM is what we’re all about.

Belonging
In order to learn, students and staff must feel a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a teacher noticing a student isn't themselves one day, to our terrific student support team working more intentionally with kids, we want our students to feel that WGM is a place they belong. Our school intentionally does large school events run by our students to ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging at WGM.

Success
We desire to see all of our students achieve success. We also are aware success looks different for each student. Working collaboratively with students, parents, and staff, we aim to personalize learning for each student to ensure their needs are being met. As a moderatly sized school community, we get to know our kids and what they need. Whether it is working with our students in off campus education, giving them more time in our active learning support environment, or helping them access online courses that we do not offer in class, learning at WGM is personalized and engaging. In the end, our students’ success is paramount to what we do at WGM.

Regular and punctual attendance is important for the success of students. We urge parents to ensure that their child is only absent when necessary, and that they develop habits of punctuality.  Minimum attendance requirements are set by Alberta Education. It is important that parents make a phone call when their child is absent. All absences must be excused by a phone call or email from parents/guardians. Students are expected to arrive to class prepared and on time. If a student is arriving to class late, they must report to the office in order to have their attendance adjusted.  If a student arrives more than 30 minutes late, this will be considered an absence. Phone calls can be made anytime to report an absence at 946-5665.  An automated phone system will call daily to inform parents if students are absent without it being excused. Parents can check PowerSchool via the app or site to see their students attendance. Notifications can be set up on your account to inform you immediately of any changes in your students attendance.

Overall attendance is reviewed regularly at the school and several supports are provided to families struggling with attendance. In cases where attendance becomes a chronic concern, the school provides documentation to families to ensure they are aware of their students absences. Students who are absent for over 10% of their classes based on course load will receive a letter reminding them of the importance of consistent attendance with reference to supports offered by the school to improve attendance. At 20% of yearly absences, a second letter will be issued and families will be required to have a collaborative meeting in order to create an attendance plan to get students back on track. You can read more about the importance of attendance in school on the RVS website.

We also understand your desire to take an extended leave with your child. Though teachers will do their best to support your student before and after the leave, there is no requirement for teachers to enable them to ‘work ahead’ or be sent with a specific package of work to complete while away. Most teachers have online work available through Google Classroom or other methods of connecting to work while students are away, but it is up to your student and family to ensure they are following their classes as best they can. As always, our teachers will work to support the student once they return to reconnect with the course content.

At W.G. Murdoch we;

• Engage in productive work
  
• Follow our passions in learning
  
• Support belonging for everyone
  
• Strive for success
  
• Are respectful

Engaging in productive work
We actively learn at W.G. Murdoch, using a growth mindset and ensuring we have what we need to learn effectively. We use our time appropriately and limit distractions for our tasks, communicating our needs to make the most of our learning opportunities.

Following our passions in learning
At W.G. Murdoch, we experiment and take risks to discover more about ourselves and what drives us. We support others and remain open-minded, learning from our mistakes as we involve ourselves in learning.

Everyone belongs here
Our culture at W.G. Murdoch is one of kindness, connection, and inclusion. We take active steps to support belonging, including learning about others, broadening our perspectives through empathy and ensuring we show pride in our school by keeping it clean.

Strive for success
We know at W.G. Murdoch success doesn’t just happen, it is the result of hard work and persistence. To get there, we set goals and strive for personal bests while showing accountability for our efforts, learning from our mistakes, and looking toward the next challenge.

Behave in a respectful manner
All W.G. Murdoch community members deserve respect and are expected to act respectfully toward others in our community. We understand the language we use, the clothing we wear and our personal choices impact others and we make choices that are respectful.

All students at W.G. Murdoch are expected to act in accordance with the Rocky View Schools Student Code of Conduct as stated in Administrative Procedure 350 – Student Code of Conduct.

Restorative practices is a social science that studies how to build social capital and achieve social discipline through participatory learning and decision making. The use of restorative practices helps to: reduce crime, violence and bullying and improve human behavior. You can learn more about restorative practices on the Alberta Government website and on the International Institute for Restorative Practices website.

At W.G. Murdoch, restorative practices include the use of proactive strategies such as discussion circles, affective statements, and feedback discussions, as well as restorative circles and formal conferences when things go wrong. For our school community members, this involves talking through situations and reconnecting when concerns happen, teachers connecting with their classes and getting to know students better as they share in class and repairing harm together in order to move forward in positive ways together.

Often when situations happen in the school there is greater impact than simply the direct students/staff who are immediately involved. Restorative practices support us by giving consistent processes in which we can openly discuss conflict with the intent of repairing the harm and making commitments to each other that we follow through with. Once restorative work is completed, frequent check-ins support in ensuring commitments are met. While restorative practices can lead to less discipline and consequences for various conflicts, there are times when formal discipline leading up to suspension may still happen.

W.G. Murdoch’s first approach to discipline is to foster self-discipline in regard to school expectations. Students are taught and encouraged to accept the responsibilities associated with individual rights and privileges. Should students make choices not in keeping with the Education Act, RVS procedures or W. G. Murdoch School expectations, administration will support students in improving their choices/behaviour using a progressive discipline approach. This approach is contextual and allows for flexibility based on the circumstances of a given situation, with increasing consequences should behaviours continue. If you have questions about our approach to discipline at W.G. Murdoch, please reach out to school administration. Parents will be notified of school-based consequences involving their child(ren) directly.

ETHICAL USE OF DIGITAL DEVICES

At the beginning of each school year, families must complete the annual Schoolengage form to gain network access for the school year. The school also makes available loaned devices for students who do not provide their own device for learning. (Information on BYOD Program is below)

Students must comply with the following expectations while using school owned devices and network resources:

Students will not;

• Damage computers, computer components, computer systems or the network through physical means or through the use of software.
• Install or uninstall any programs, add-ins, plug-ins, or updates without express permission of the school technologist or teacher.
• Bypass any Rocky View Schools Internet Security Measures.
• Intentionally waste limited resources such as the school’s internet connection by downloading personal files or streaming video unrelated to course work.
• View, share, send, or post any violent or obscene messages, pictures, videos or web sites.
• Download any illegal or offensive material.
• Use someone else’s password or trespass in another person’s folders, work or files.
• Violate copyright laws.

The computers at W.G. Murdoch School are maintained by network administrators, therefore THERE IS NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY ON A SCHOOL COMPUTER. Files and communications of students are reviewed periodically to maintain system integrity and to ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Personal devices in use at school can be subject to a search of contents by school administration.

"Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) Program

W.G. Murdoch School continues to have computers on hand for student use, but by having their own device students will become very familiar and comfortable with it. As well, by having their own device, the student will have 24/7 access to it and they will be in complete control of the content on their device.  Alberta Education states that, “A personally owned device is just that – personal. The student who owns it typically invests time, thought and energy in customizing the device, in setting it up to optimize communication, productivity and learning. As a result, the student is typically quite proficient with the device and will use it anytime, anywhere to learn. Such devices, in the hands of every student, afford seamless learning opportunities that bridge the formal learning in schools, with the informal, outside of classrooms and schools.”

For the BYOD program, students will need to have an internet capable PC, Chromebook or Mac with at least a screen and keyboard.  We recommend a durable computer with a small form factor (smaller screen size) as they are less expensive, resilient, and fully capable of doing everything that the students will need for their academics.  Smartphones, iPods, and mp3 players are not acceptable as a “BYOD” device. It is imperative that students bring their device to school fully charged and ready to use each day.

For those students that do not have access to an internet-ready PC, Chromebook or Mac device, the school will lend a computer to them at no charge to the student.  The student will need to pick up the computer first thing in the morning and then return it at the end of the day and they will not be allowed to take them home.  All computers will be checked by staff at the end of each school day and any damage is charged to the student.  Students who require a loaner device can print off the loaner agreement here or pick up a copy from the office.

All Rocky View students have their own personal Microsoft Office 365 account and they can install the software on 5 different PC, Mac and mobile devices. Students can also access their Office 365 accounts through any internet browser, so office products do not need to be purchased when shopping for a student computer. If you have questions regarding products, please contact our school tech.

CELLPHONE POLICY

Cell phones are expected to be turned off during classes. All of our classrooms are NO CELLPHONE AREAS unless specifically directed by the teacher/staff member in the space. Grade 6-9 students must leave their phones in their lockers on silent during class time and are only allowed to check them before and after school as well during lunch/recess. If you need to contact a student during the school day please contact the office. The office staff will inform the students by calling down to the classroom or passing a message on through the teacher.  Students using cell phones inappropriately in class will be expected to give them to the respective classroom teacher if asked. If this policy is contravened, then a student’s cell phone may be confiscated and remain in the office until the end of the day. Further occurrences will result in a parent conference and the phone will be returned to the parent or guardian with the student entering the progressive discipline cycle and a recommendation to leave the cell phone at home.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

The school will take no responsibility for lost or stolen electronic equipment such as iPods, personal computers, laptops, cell phones, etc. If brought to school, these should be left in lockers at all times unless required in class. Students are discouraged from bringing digital devices, money, or other valuables into the change rooms.

STUDENT DRIVING/PARKING

The parking of student vehicles on W.G. Murdoch School property is a privilege and students are asked to comply with the guidelines in the interest of public safety and security, including operating a vehicle in an area where many and younger children are present. The student parking area at W.G. Murdoch School covers the entire East parking lot.  These parking lots are wholly owned by Rocky View Schools and as such, are subject to school policy. Students who do not follow the rules and directives may be suspended from school, lose parking privileges, and/or have the vehicle towed at owner’s expense. While vehicle search and seizure is applicable to law enforcement, students may face school consequences should items in vehicles be clearly visible that are in contravention to school procedures, including the Prohibited Substances and Items policy.

EXPECTED HALLWAY AND CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR

With various activities taking place at any given time in a multi-level school, hallways and shared spaces must be used in ways that are respectful to others. This includes moving through hallways efficiently and quietly and minimizing disruption during transitions. As lunch periods differ between the middle and high school, hallways cannot be used as locations to gather or spend considerable time over lunch. There are various designated spaces in the school for students to eat lunch, or students may leave the school and spend time outside during lunch. Students are expected to eat in designated areas only.

Students must be in their assigned spaces at all times. Movement from area to area must be directed by adults in the building. Truancy will be managed according to the attendance policy and progressive discipline cycle.

GYM STRIP

Gym strip is required for physical education classes.  Students may bring their own gym strip or purchase one from the school through SchoolCash at a reasonable cost.  We also offer other wearables that can be ordered at an additional cost through our Spirit Wear store on the homepage. The hoodies and sweats are not part of the gym strip, but they are acceptable substitutes during inclement weather.

LOCKERS

To support management of locks and lockers, each student at W.G. Murdoch is given a school-issued lock to use at their locker that they will keep for the duration of their time at W.G. Murdoch. Each year they will use this lock on their assigned locker. Should students lose their lock, they will be able to purchase a replacement on SchoolCash. Students must use a school-issued lock on their locker for safety and security purposes. Each student is assigned a locker at the beginning of the year, with the exception of Grade 12 students. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their combination number confidential. It is also the responsibility of the student to keep the locker clean and tidy and to report any damage immediately to their home room teacher. We ask that students avoid bringing valuables to school since lockers are not necessarily a secure place. It is important to note that lockers are the property of the school, and therefore, are subject to search if reasonable cause exists.  A locker search will be performed in the presence of the student whenever appropriate.

BACKPACKS

Due to limited space in most classroom spaces in the school, backpacks must be kept in lockers during class time unless an exception is approved through administration. The only exception is currently Grade 12 students as we procure more lockers for our growing population.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Individual photographs will be taken in September. Retakes are taken in October/Early November. Grad photo information is contained in the Graduation Handbook and they are typically taken in mid November.

SCHOOL DRESS

W.G. Murdoch is a learning and business environment. As such, all members of the school community are expected to meet reasonable standards of dress in keeping with the atmosphere of the school, teachers as professionals and assisting students to prepare for the world of work. The following dress code was made in consultation and collaboration with W.G. Murdoch students who had a fair and representative voice in the establishment of this policy. As such, clothing should meet the following criteria:

• Clothing should be clean and be in good repair; excessive rips or tears are inappropriate.
• Shoes must beworn at all timesin order to meet safety criteria.
• Should not expose undergarments, backs, buttocks orchests.
• Shouldnot  displaysuggestive,  inappropriate,  or offensive  language,  slogans, messages  or signs  including, but not limited to, promotion of  violence, drugs, alcohol, racism, sexism or any form of intolerance.
• Shorts, skirts, dresses, shirts, etc. should be of modest length.
• Pajama pants should only be worn on pajama-theme days.
• Hats in hallways and common areas are permitted. Hats are not permitted during assemblies or in the office. Classroom expectations with hats will be set by the classroom teacher.
• Sheer/mesh shirts are not permitted without a shirt underneath.
• Special clothing requirements are needed during gym (gym strip), lab experiments, shop, mechanics and other specialized programs.

Should a student arrive at school with attire that does not meet expectations for school dress, they will be discretely asked to change. Should they not have appropriate clothes to change into, administration will work with them to resolve the concern.

Should a student not meet dress code expectations on multiple occasions, they may enter the progressive discipline cycle.

It is recommended that students have a hoodie or other clothing in their locker to prevent having to go home to change and to assist with unanticipated weather, spills, etc.

SPARE PERIODS AND STUDY BLOCK

Students with spare periods in their schedule (generally grades 11 &12) have the option of leaving school grounds or (if there are no classes being taught) staying in the Trojan Hall during the spare period. Expectations for student behaviour on spare periods are the same as if in a classroom setting, meaning respectful behaviour, adequate levels of discussion and positive impact in the school are required. Should students not behave in an appropriate manner, they will be asked to leave the school during their spare period.

 

PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES POLICY

The use or possession of prohibited substances is banned from W.G. Murdoch school and property, including the parking lot.

Expectations:

1. Cigarettes, Vapes, e-cigarettes, marijuana and alcohol including packages, and other related materials such as matches, lighters, cigarette papers, and so on, are not to be in the school building, or on school property. If brought into view within the school or on school property, they are subject to confiscation without return, and students will enter the progressive discipline cycle. This includes students who are 18 years of age.

1. Field Trips, Physical Education classes held away from the school, school buses, ski trips, extra-curricular trips, events and so on, are all considered to be an extension of the school program and are therefore subject to all expectations listed above.

1. For the purposes of this policy, the school property includes all areas up to and including:  the sidewalk to the south of the building, the tree line on the east side of Saskatchewan Street (including all of Crossfield Elementary School property), the fence line on Whitfield Avenue, and all grassed areas to the east of the school.  “Near the school property” will include any areas visible from the school or school property.

1. Students should be aware that use of prohibited substances in any public place may place them in violation of the law, which may result in consequences in excess of what the school administration delivers.

Weapons (guns, knives, box cutters, fireworks, fire starters and the like) and items that may cause harm to others, including replicas, are not permitted on school grounds. Exceptions for presentations or special events MUST be authorized by school administration before any items are brought into the school.

Violations of the Prohibited Substance Policy and Items will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis using the progressive discipline cycle. For such violations, suspensions generally occur.

VANDALISM

Students are encouraged to take pride in, and care for, their school.  Every effort will be made to discourage vandalism, however, when vandalism can be attributed to specific individuals, recovery of costs and/or support in rectifying the damage will be pursued.

 

Students are informed as to the quickest and safest routes from the school. Practice drills are carried out throughout the year for various emergency situations.  Exit maps are available in each classroom and gathering spaces in the school. W.G. Murdoch incorporates Hour Zero practices in its emergency planning.

In order to be placed on the W.G. Murdoch High School graduation list, you must be a student in good standing and meet the conditions listed:

• Students are responsible to check the accuracy of their high school record of courses, marks and credits.  Any questions regarding their high school record should be discussed with the counselor.

• Students must ensure that they are registered in the necessary credits and courses to fulfill high school diploma requirements.  Grade 12 students are expected to register in a minimum of 15 credits each semester.

• Students must be on track for successful completion of all courses of the first reporting period of the second semester required for graduation.  This mark must be maintained for the remainder of the semester.  Students not meeting this condition will meet with the Principal to determine eligibility for participation in the graduation program.

• All grad fees must be paid in full by the May deadline of the graduating year in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. Arrangements for fee payments can be made with the school and should be in place early in the school year. Please contact our office for assistance

• The School Act states that students must attend school regularly and punctually. Attendance records will be reviewed by school administration on a monthly basis or as needed. If attendance is not satisfactory, participation in the graduation ceremony and banquet could be at risk.  Parents will be informed of attendance concerns as they emerge in accordance with the school attendance policy.

Updated inclement weather information can be found on our home page here.

Parents can check the RVS and W.G. Murdoch website for updates as well bus information can be found on the Rocky View School Division web page.

Instructional school fees are levied, depending upon the grade level and course, pursuant to Rocky View Schools Policy.  Additional fees may be levied for specific circumstances not covered by instructional fees, including yearbooks, field trips, student union, locks, etc. The School and Transportation Fees Schedule is posted here.

COURSE ACCELERATION POLICY

• Students wishing to accelerate a course must have a minimum mark of 80 in the prerequisite course in order to be considered for acceleration.  For example, students must have achieved a mark of 80% in Science 10 before they would be eligible to take Chemistry 20 in semester two of their grade 10 year.

• Students wishing to accelerate a course must meet with the Principal and include an educational rationale that must be signed by the parent/guardian and the teacher of the prerequisite course.

• Students will be granted permission to accelerate only if there is space in the course in which they wish to accelerate.

• Those grade 12 students who have accelerated courses will still be expected to enroll in 30 credits in their grade 12 year.

COURSE LOAD

Alberta Education states that in order to be eligible to receive an Alberta High School Diploma, a student must earn 100 credits.  WGM School expects students in grades 10 and 11 to carry a course load that will earn them a minimum of 40 credits in each of these years and 30 credits in grade 12.  Students in grades 10 and 11 will not generally be eligible for spares in the regular timetable.  Students who choose to enroll in a summer school program should not do this with the expectation that they will be eligible for a spare during the school year.

HIGH SCHOOL EXAM EXEMPTION GUIDELINES

• Exemptions apply to all high school students in all courses, except those involving a grade 12 Diploma, or grade 9 Achievement exam.

• Students who exempt from Science 10 must write at least one 20 level Science final examination in the next school year.

• Students must achieve a minimum of 85% to be exempted.

• All exemptions from previous school terms will be considered in determining exemptions for this year.

• Students may have their exemption revoked after submitting an application if their mark falls below 85%.

COURSE OUTLINES

Course outlines will be provided to students in all courses and posted on our website.  Please contact the subject teacher if any questions arise that are not addressed through the outline.

BLENDED LEARNING (WeConnect)

A school the size of WGM can at times be limited in the number of course offerings due to a smaller enrollment.  The school offers a blended learning program as a means of addressing these needs. The purpose of the blended learning program is to provide students with access to programs not offered at the school. If a high school course is offered in WGM’s timetable, students are expected to be enrolled in it. Students are encouraged to take diploma courses through the school if at all possible. All blended learning courses must be approved by the Guidance Counselor, the Principal, or the Assistant Principal.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities which help the individual develop social skills, and make the school experience more fulfilling.  Extra-curricular activities involving competition with other schools, occur mainly after school and on weekends. Students will be charged a participation fee for most extra-curricular activities. Students may discuss payment alternatives with administration.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, a student must be in good standing which includes:

Course grades of 50% or higher, satisfactory attendance, no outstanding assignments or courses, no previous suspensions (especially drugs, alcohol or weapon related offences).  Any of the above may deem the student ineligible to participate in any or all extra-curricular activities.

IF A STUDENT HAS AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE ON THE DAY OF AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY, THEY WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR THAT ACTIVITY.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (BAND)

Instrumental Music is available in Grades 6-12 at W.G. Murdoch. A variety of performance based programs including Concert Band, Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble, at the various levels are offered.

OFF CAMPUS EDUCATION

Off campus education is designed to provide high school students with on-the-job training or experience at various business sites within the community. A student may earn credits while working on the farm through the Green Certificate program, at a trade through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) or on a job site through the Work Experience Program.

ROCKY VIEW SPORT COMMITTEE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS

Students, parents/guardians, and coaches are required to sign a Code of Conduct form outlining expectations and responsibilities prior to involvement in RVS activities.

CRITERIA FOR SPORTS MVP AWARDS

This award is given to the player on a team who is most important to the team’s overall success. They showed positive leadership and sportsmanship at all times. They should contribute to positive team cohesion and be coachable. The player should be one of the most skilled on the team.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

We take pride in our student leadership program where students earn credits while also learning valuable skills in leadership and coordinating and managing events designed to enhance school culture.

VALEDICTORIAN

At W.G. Murdoch, we use the Governer General’s Award criteria for the selection of the Grade 12 Valedictorian. This selection is based on academic standing as of April 1 of the graduating year using the following criteria:

• The academic average used to calculate the standing includes all Grade 11 and 12 courses as listed on the student’s official transcript of grades issued by Alberta Education.

• The average of completed courses and standing in current courses as of April 1 will be used for the final calculation of Valedictorian grades. Diploma exams for Semester 2 will not be used as they will be unavailable at the time of selection.

• Equitable access for the entire student population is important to the selection process, so all grades will be used in the calculation regardless of the stream or subjects chosen. All students are eligible for consideration for Valedictorian upon meeting graduation requirements.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The School Council is comprised of parents, community members, administrators, at least one teacher and our local trustee.  School Council executive members usually are elected from the community.

FRIENDS OF W.G. MURDOCH

This society works to support our students through community fundraising and events.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Parents and community members are invited to share their expertise and interests by becoming volunteers in a variety of ways. Please note all volunteering requires a current criminal record check including vulnerable sector check and a signed privacy form. Further information is available in the school office.