Secondary reminders: Registration, Attendance, Lateness, Homework, After School Academic Support

Here are a few important reminders that I thought I'd share with Secondary parents and students as we move into our  third week back at school 

Registration-Attendance-Lateness 

We encourage statements to be dropped off at approximately 07.00 because registration begins at 7:05 in your child’s Tutor Group. Attendance is taken and other announcements are made. Students have an opportunity to discuss with their Tutor any issues which may be concerning them. Tutor Group ends at 07.10 and students go to Period 1 which starts at 07.15. Students not in the Tutor group will be marked “absent”. 

 

Any student arriving at school at or after 07.10 will not make it to the Tutor group in time for registration, so he/she should go directly to the Secondary office to sign-in. The Tutor’s “absent” will be changed to “late” on ManageBac by Linda, the Secondary PA. This way, we know which students are in the school. If the students go to the first period without going to the Secondary office, the “absent” marked by their Tutor will remain on the morning attendance sheet. This causes unnecessary confusion as to who is at school,and who is not. 

 We understand that it is often not the students' fault for being late so we are as flexible as possible. That said, when a student is late to registration three times in a single week, or once in each of three consecutive weeks, we believe this signals a pattern which needs to be addressed with the student and his/her family. Being late to class not only disrupts the student’s education but that of his/her peers. Positive thoughts (getting up) beget positive actions (getting to school on time) which begat positive habits (punctuality) which begets a positive character (responsibility for one's own education). Regardless of academic results we want all our students to have a positive character. We believe getting to school on time supports this chain of events. 

 Being late is initially a level one consequence which carries a verbal warning and if repeated the student may receive a break time detention. In all cases, we will contact the parents to try to find out what the root of the problem is so we can address that rather than mete out a disciplinary action which does not change behaviour. 

Homework 

The rationale for giving or not giving homework is vast and varied. Wherever we sit on the spectrum of pro-vs-anti homework, the fact is that at ISL, homework is a part of the educational programme. That said, when issuing homework, teachers are asked to take the abilities of individual students into account. The amount of homework should not be excessive. If there is a problem in this area please contact the teacher/Coordinator concerned. The guidelines for the amount of homework are as follows: 

Year 7: an average of 30-60 minutes/night 

Year 8: an average of 60 minutes/night 

Year 9: an average of 60 - 90 minutes/night 

Year 10: an average of 90 minutes/night 

Year 11: an average of 90-120 minutes/night 

Year 12: an average of 120 minutes/night 

Year 13: an average of 120 minutes/night 

Please keep in mind that these are guidelines. “Average” refers to over a week. Some nights there may be more homework, other nights there may be less. Students must also develop their judgment as to what homework is a priority. Middle School teachers and students also follow a Homework Timetable. 

Generally, when homework is not completed the subject teacher is responsible for following the matter up with the student. There are always justifiable reasons why homework might not get done and we encourage students to explain to their teachers why it may not have been done. Frequent and repeated issues on non-completion will include contacting a parent. 

 After School Academic Support 

As you know, everyday after school we have teachers willing to spend their time to help our students clear up their doubts, ask questions or just give them a place to do their homework. It is not necessary for a student to see only their subject teacher. They are welcome to visit any Secondary teacher, most of whom will be able to guide your child with their difficulties. I am often surprised how few students and parents take advantage of this offer from our teachers. Please find attached the updated after school academic school support. As always, I appreciate parents and students' feedback on all school issues.