Student Handbook Table of Contents

Principal’s Welcome        3

School and Student Information        4

Schedules        4

Staff List        6

Personal Information        6

Medical and Health Management        8

Transportation        9

Student Attendance and Lates        11

Lunch, Cafeteria, and Breaks        16

Inclement Weather Days        16

Dress Code        16

Excursions        17

Visitors        17

Cameras        18

Fees for Student Activities        18

Emergency Procedures        18

Lockers and Personal Valuables        19

Technology Use        19

Cell Phones and Personal Technological Devices        20

Internet Access and Personal Devices        21

Academic Programming (student in Grade 9 of September 2024)        22

Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements        22

Selecting Courses        24

Course Change Requests        24

Expanded Programs        25

Spares        27

Fifth Year Students Who Have Already Graduated        27

Assessment and Evaluation        28

Parent/Guardian Engagement        30

Curriculum        30

Course of Study Documents        31

Report Cards        31

Academic Integrity        31

Honour Awards        32

Full Disclosure        32

Co- and Extra-Curricular Programming and School Activities        33

NorWOSSA (Athletics Program)        33

Assemblies        34

Student Council        35

Dances and Other School Events        35

Student Services        36

Guidance        36

Special Education        36

Four Directions Program        36

Mental Health and Well-Being Supports        37

Health Services        37

Smoking/Vaping and the Use of Tobacco, Nicotine or Cannabis Products        38

Student Conduct and Behaviour        40

Expected Behaviour        40

Unacceptable Behaviour        40

Consequences for Violations        42

Reporting and Investigating Violations        43

Support and Resources        43

Review and Revisions        43

Communication        44

KPDSB Policies and Procedures        44

Principal’s Welcome

The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with an understanding of how we support a safe, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming school focused on student learning and well-being. We are fully committed to providing a safe and positive learning environment for our students, delivering high quality education with innovative teaching approaches, effective technology-enabled learning, and supports to help ensure your success as you move through your high school years.

Please take the time to review the content of this handbook so you are familiar with the procedures and expectations we have of our students. With your support in achieving these expectations, we are confident this school year will be productive and successful for all.

In the following pages, we will share with you information about the school, our programming, principles for responsible citizenship, and expectations for respecting the environment and our school community.

We work hard to build relationships in our school and with our school families. These relationships foster educational and social growth for our students. I encourage you to stay connected with us through our school website, social media channels, email, or phone.

Sincerely,

Taryn Vachon

School and Student Information

Schedules 

School Year Calendar

View the KPDSB school year calendar HERE.

School Bell Pattern

The regular class schedule for all grades is as follows:

Late Start Days

On the following days, regular classes will not start until 10:10 am. Before this time, teachers will be engaged in Professional Learning Communities.

On Late Start Days, the following bell schedule will run:

Buses will run on their regular schedules and students who do take the bus to school will be provided with supervised locations to complete outstanding school work or participate in activities such as open gym. Students who are not bussed to school do not need to attend until their period one class starts at 10:10 am.

Examination of Learning Days

The KPDSB 2024/2025 school year calendar outlines ‘Examination of Learning Days’. All students will attend the Examination of Learning Day that is attached to their class. If teachers are scheduling exams, they must take place according to the schedule below; no in-class exams are to be scheduled outside of the times below. If there is no exam in the course, this 150 minute (double) period is for end tasks or other course learning and work. If students are not writing an exam, they may have a break at the normal time (10:05-10:15AM). Teachers will take attendance and schools will follow up for non-attendance per normal practice.

If a Student does not have a scheduled class in a period, they will be marked as “G Day - No Exam Scheduled” on that day. On June 25, students can be marked as “G Day - No Exam Scheduled”.

Staff List

The staff list can be found here.

Personal Information

Ontario Student Record

The Ontario Student Record (OSR) is the record of a student’s educational progress in Ontario. Each student, and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a student, who is not an adult, have access to all the information contained in the OSR. Any requests for access are to be directed to the school administration.

Privacy and Information Management

Personal Information is defined as recorded information about an identifiable individual.  Some examples of personal information are: student work, photographs, video, information on student registration forms, Ontario Student Record (OSR) contents, student writing folders and journals.

Please be assured that information about student educational needs and progress will be treated with the utmost care and confidentiality.

Some personal information may be disclosed when it is consistent with the purpose of educating students in accordance with the Education Act. Some school-related activities and events for which disclosure may be permitted include:

• students’ work may be displayed in the school or school/Board newsletters or websites;
• photographs of students or a storyline may be included in Board publications, the school or Board website or used in school/community displays;school yearbooks;
• videotaping of classroom activities, school plays, concerts and special events;
• winners of awards and honours may have their achievements published;        
• information is shared with the Northwestern Health Unit including your child’s birthdate, address, home phone number, and parents’ business numbers;        
• information is shared with the Northwestern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (NorWOSSA) for sports competition, some academic competitions (such as the University of Waterloo math contest) and the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) for provincial tests; and
• In the event of an accident causing injury or damage, personal information will be disclosed to the insurer or the Board.

An annual ‘Consent to Release Personal Information’ form must be signed by a parent/guardian in order to provide the consent for sharing information via media.

For more information, see KPDSB Policy 318 and Procedure 318 on Privacy and Information Management.

Change of Student and Caregiver Contact and Personal Information

If a student changes address or telephone numbers during the school year, the student or caregiver must report the change to the office. Information listed for students must remain correct and current.  This is important in case of an accident or emergency and is the responsibility of each student/family. Student contact information is considered confidential and is not given out to non-school personnel.

18 Year Old Students - Privacy

For 18 year old students, we cannot share information with their parents unless they give us signed permission to release information. Admin assistants will have all 18 year old students sign a form that indicates their consent.

Voluntary and Confidential Self-Identification for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students

The learning aspirations and potentials of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students students can be realized through a responsive, transparent and accountable policy that focuses on improved programs and services and builds on strong partnerships with Indigenous parents and their communities. Student achievement data needs to be collected and aggregated related to the performance of Indigenous students. This is to determine whether programs currently delivered offer similar opportunities for success as for other students. Continued data collection and analysis will provide information for future decision-making surrounding student success.

All First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and their parents have the right to voluntarily self-identify so that they may receive supportive programming and instructional practices that better serve the First Nations, Métis and Inuit learner.  KPDSB has established self-identification procedures to identify, collect and aggregate student achievement data for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. When families register at a KPDSB school, they can complete the Voluntary Self-Identification portion of the registration form. Families can also self-identify after they have registered. For more information, contact the main office, Administrator, Graduation Coach or Superintendent of Education.  

For more information, please see KPDSB Policy 315 and Procedure 315.

Medical and Health Management

Prevalent Medical Conditions

It is the policy of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (Policy 307) that our school staff are aware of prevalent medical conditions (anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes and epilepsy) in order to minimize the risks of an occurrence of a medical exacerbation/reaction, and respond accordingly to an emergency situation as laid out in the respective Plan of Care.

Plan of Care forms will be provided to students/families who identify that they have anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy. These forms must be completed and returned to the main office as soon as possible. When a student’s Plan of Care requirements change significantly, families are to complete a new Plan of Care form. If there are no changes between school years, an ‘Annual Renewal’ form is to be used to confirm that there have been no changes to the Plan of Care already on file at the school.

Should a student require medication stored and administered at school during the school day, please contact the school principal to discuss.  

Mental Health

The KPDSB website provides many resources to support student mental health. School-specific and community supports are also available. For more information, connect with Student Services and visit the KPDSB website’s Mental Health page.

Concussions

A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head, face, neck or body that can cause sudden jarring of the head.  A concussion can have a significant impact on a student’s well-being, including their ability to learn.  There is no test that can diagnose a concussion, rather schools, and parents must assume a concussion if a head impact occurs and signs/symptoms are present.    

A concussion can affect a students’ school performance in both cognitive activities and physical activities. Increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of a concussion and knowledge of how to properly manage a concussion is critical in a child or youth’s recovery. .  Medical clearance is not required for RTL, but is required for RTP.   For more information on concussions, visit the OPHEA website or the Ontario government’s Concussion Awareness Resources.

Should a student have a suspected concussion, a Return to Learn (RTL) plan is required and a Return to Play (RTP) plan may be necessary for those who play sports.  A collaborative response on the part of the student, family, school, and medical practitioner may be executed prior to the student returning to learning or physical activities. A student will not be permitted to resume physical activities without medical clearance. If a student recovering from a concussion is experiencing long term difficulties that may affect learning, staff will identify and document instructional approaches and resources to support student learning needs.

Student and families are encouraged to learn more about concussion through the Government of Ontario Concussion Awareness Resource E-Booklet:

• Ages 11-14
• Ages 15 and Up
• A Guide for Students & Athletes of All Abilities
• A Supplementary Resource to the Guide for Students & Athletes of All Abilities

For more information, please see KPDSB Policy 308 and Procedure 308 on Concussions.

Transportation

Busses are scheduled to and from all neighbouring communities for student use. Transportation is provided by the Northwestern Student Services Consortium (www.nwobus.ca) and must meet the parameters defined in their transportation policy (see link above). It is expected that students follow all bus safety rules presented in-school annually, communicated by the Bus Driver, and available on the Consortium website. Additionally, the school code of conduct governs the conduct of the student. Inappropriate behaviour may result in the suspension or cancellation of student bussing privileges.

In exceptional circumstances, students may be transported on a school bus to or from a community that is not their home community. Such requests for transportation must be made directly to the consortium a minimum of 48 hours ahead of time. The school office has no control over or involvement in this process.

The NWO Student Services Consortium office is in Dryden and can be reached by telephone to 807 223 1256 or toll free at 866 860 7770 or by email using the form at https://www.nwobus.ca/contact-us/.

The bus zone at RLDHS is located off of Young Street.  

Bus Cancellations

In case of unsafe road conditions or freezing temperatures where there are prolonged periods of extreme cold (-38°C), buses may be cancelled.  Cancellations are reported on www.nwobus.ca. You can register for email and/or text message alerts from the Consortium at https://www.nwobus.ca/register-for-bus-alerts/. The decision to cancel buses is made in conjunction with bus operators as soon as inclement weather conditions are known in the morning. See the inclement weather section for more information on academic programming when busses are cancelled.  

Bus Students with Potentially Life-Threatening Medical Conditions

The Transportation Consortium requests that parents contact the department if their child uses bus service and has any type of potentially life threatening medical condition.

Parents will be provided with a form to complete and information will remain confidential. This information will be provided to Bus Operators/Bus Drivers so if a related medical situation occurs on the bus, the driver will understand what is happening and what action to take.

Please be aware that bus drivers are not trained to administer any medication including epi-pens and inhalers. A bus driver aware of a child’s condition could assist the student by retrieving the inhaler or pen from a packsack, for example.  However, the drivers cannot be directed by the Board to administer any medication. We want students and parents to be aware that the purpose for collecting the information is to enhance the ability of a bus driver to recognize a medical emergency, and to respond appropriately (within the limits of his/her training).

In most cases, a driver would respond to the onset of a life-threatening medical situation by requesting Emergency Medical Services. Parents of students with epi-pens or inhalers must be aware that the student (or a friend or sibling on the bus) may have to administer any medication required. We suggest and strongly recommend that parents develop a contingency plan should an emergency occur on the bus requiring the use of an epi-pen or administration of any other medication.

The NWO Student Services Consortium office is in Dryden and can be reached by telephone to 807 223 1256 or toll free at 866 860 7770 or by email using the form at https://www.nwobus.ca/contact-us/.

Student Drop-Off, Parking, and Personal Transportation Storage

The student drop-off and pick-up zone is at the Young Street Entrance of RLDHS.  Please use the drop off lane and NOT the bus lane with personal vehicles.

Student vehicle parking is available at RLDHS in the Young Street parking lot; students must park along the partition along Young Street.  ATVs/snowmachines may enter through the marked ATV entrance off of Young Street.  Please note that ATVs and snowmachines may not pass through or park beyond the designated parking area.

Student parking is a privilege. Students who park vehicles, ATVs or snow machines in areas where parking of those is prohibited or in a manner which blocks the passage of busses or other vehicles or who drive in an unacceptable manner will lose the privilege of parking on the grounds.

Helmets should be stored in student lockers, or on the helmet rack located outside the main office.

Bicycles and scooters should be locked and stored at the bicycle rack outside the Vice-Principal’s window at the main entrance.

Skateboards should be stored in student lockers.

Student Attendance and Lates

Attendance Matters: Every Student, Every Day

At RLDHS, we believe that regular attendance is fundamental to a student's academic achievement and overall well-being. We emphasize the importance of punctuality and consistent attendance to foster a positive learning environment and student success.

Every day counts! Attending school regularly not only allows students to fully engage in classroom learning and activities but also establishes essential habits for future success. Consistent attendance promotes academic progress, social development, and prepares students for responsibilities.

The safety of our students is our top priority. Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure their child's timely arrival at school each day. In case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances, please notify the school office as soon as possible.

Truancy, or unexcused absences, can have serious consequences on a student's academic performance and future opportunities. We closely monitor attendance records to identify and address patterns of absenteeism promptly. Our goal is to work collaboratively with families to overcome any barriers to attendance and ensure students remain on track for success.

We understand that some students may face challenges that impact their ability to attend school regularly. Our dedicated staff is here to provide support and resources to help overcome obstacles to attendance. Whether it's through academic assistance, counseling services, or connecting families with community resources, we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential.

Together, with a shared commitment to attendance and academic excellence, we can empower our students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Thank you for your partnership in making attendance a priority at RLDHS.

Attendance plays a crucial role in students’ educational journey. Being present in class allows students to engage in discussions, collaborate with peers and interact with teachers, all of which are essential for learning. Timeliness and consistent attendance greatly contribute to academic success. If your child is facing challenges attending school regularly, we encourage you to reach out to the teacher(s), counsellors, Indigenous Graduation Coach, or school administrator for support. Our staff is dedicated to helping students overcome barriers to attendance, and we offer various strategies and interventions to assist them.

These interventions may include setting goals, creating improvement plans, holding meetings, providing counseling, contacting parents/guardians, organizing case conferences, implementing alternative learning spaces, offering tutoring and academic support, providing alternative assignments, adjusting timetables, referring students to counsellors, and more. We understand that each situation is unique, and our responses will be tailored to the specific circumstances.

It's important to note that if a student misses more than 30 minutes of a class, they will be marked as absent. Regular attendance is fundamental to your child's educational progress, and we are committed to working together to ensure their success.

Student Attendance and Lates

Attendance is a vital and necessary part of the student learning process. A student’s presence is necessary for contributions to in-class discussions, group work, and for teacher to student and student-to-student interaction. Punctuality and regular attendance are important contributors to success. If your child is having difficulty getting to school everyday, please contact the teacher, school administrator or 4 Direction Grad Coach. Staff will employ a range of strategies and interventions in their efforts to support students. Such interventions include (but are not limited to) goal setting and improvement plans, meetings, counselling, parent/guardian contact, case conferences, tutoring and academic support, alternate assignments, timetable alterations, student counsellor referrals and so on.  Each case is unique and staff responses will vary based on circumstances.

Attendance records are maintained for each and every class. If a student is not at school and has not reported an absence, our staff will attempt to reach them and their contacts to confirm their whereabouts. At the end of the school day, a call to parents/guardians is made automatically from the office when students are absent.

Student absence from class must be explained by either a dated note from the student’s parent or guardian, a phone call to the main office 727-2092 ext. 1144 or an email to lakeisha.martone@kpdsb.ca.

Unexplained Absences from Class

Truancy is an unexplained and/or unconfirmed absence from class/school.

Red Lake District High School will use the following process for student truancy.

• 3 days in any one class - The teacher will contact home.  
  

• 5 days in any one class - The teacher will refer the student to the office.  An email will be sent home.
  
• 7 days in any one class - A meeting will be held with school administration, the student, parents, support staff and the teacher. Planning for further support and program adjustments may occur.

• When a student experiences prolonged absences, greater than 10 consecutive days, the school will follow the Ontario Student Register (Appendix D) to contact parents/guardians and report contact.

Lateness to Class

Students are required to be in their morning class by the time the bell rings. Any student who is not in class by this time is considered late to class and will be recorded as such by their teacher. Students who are late to school because of an appointment should present a note to the office from a parent/guardian. Punctuality is a necessity to ensure no important information/instruction is missed and to not disrupt the lesson or the learning of other students.

A student who arrives late should go directly to class.  

To support a student who is habitually late, teachers will exercise progressive and supportive measures which may include conversations with the student, parent/guardian, providing alternative connection to support staff, referring the student to the Student Success team or Administration.  

Classes are 75 minutes in length.  If a student is 30 minutes or more late and/or leaves the class for a duration of 30 minutes or more they will be marked absent.

Leaving School During the Day

If for any reason, you must leave the school during the day, as in an appointment, you must sign out at the office with an appropriate note signed by a parent/guardian or a phone call home excusing you.  If you return the same day, please sign back in at the office.  

Extended Absences

Students going on an extended vacation, sports events or for personal reasons, must provide a dated note from the student’s parent or guardian, a phone call to the main office 807-727-2092 or an email to RLDHS-Office@kpdsb.ca.

Lunch, Cafeteria, and Breaks

Both a lunch break and short break between periods is provided for students. For information on these times, see the School Bell Pattern. Students are provided with a space in the school to eat their lunch.

Students are permitted to leave the school grounds at lunch and break periods provided they are not late for their next class.

RLDHS Cafe is currently looking for a vendor.  Please pack a lunch.  Microwaves are available.

Inclement Weather Days

When there is inclement weather and busses cannot run, schools will still be open for students who wish to attend and can safely do so.  Teachers may post messages in their Google Classroom, and will be available to work with students either face to face or virtually.

Students are to check their Google Classrooms for information regarding the plan for their classes on inclement weather days. 

Dress Code

We celebrate students’ individuality and respect their ability to express themselves.  Our expectation is that students dress appropriately for a learning environment and suitable for school and school related activities or events.  

Student dress must meet the following standards:

• Comply with health and safety requirements for the intended activity including appropriate footwear (physical education, science, sporting events, technical education etc.);

• Does not promote content that can be reasonably interpreted to be discriminatory (eg. racist, anti-Indigenous, anti-Black, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, classist, ableist, etc.), defamatory, threatening, lewd, vulgar, obscene, promoting hate, profanity, pornography or any other content that disrupts the learning environment;  
• Does not refer to cannabis, alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia, promotion or incitement of violence, any illegal conduct or criminal activities; and

Students in violation of the dress code will be provided the option to be dressed more to code during the school day:

• Students will be asked to put on their alternative clothing, if already available at school;
• Students will be provided with temporary school clothing, if available;
• Turning offensive clothing inside out;
• Removal of inappropriate items;
• If necessary, students’ parents/guardians may be called to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear.

Students who refuse to comply and/or repeatedly violate the dress code, may be subject to progressive discipline according to KPDSB Policy 329 and Procedure 329, Progressive Discipline and Promoting a Positive School Climate.

Please be aware of scent sensitivities and refrain from wearing strong odours to RLDHS.

Excursions

All students wishing to go on school excursions within walking distance of the school shall submit a signed Short Excursion Form. Excursions requiring transportation will require an additional signed consent form at the time of the trip.

Behaviour must be in accordance with Board Policy and the Code of Conduct. Students are not to consume alcoholic beverages or use any type of non-prescriptive or illegal drugs at any time during the trip. Smoking or any tobacco or nicotine product (including e-cigarettes or vapes) is not allowed on any short excursion. Students must adhere to curfew times and other rules for the excursion. Serious infractions may result in a student being sent home at the parents’ expense.

On some occasions students may travel out-of-province for an excursion. Parents/Guardians should check with their insurance agency for short-term additional medical coverage.

Visitors

During the school day, the school and the school grounds are off limits to all except RLDHS students, their parents/guardians, KP staff and employees, or persons having business with the staff of the school. All visitors must report to the main office, sign in and establish visitor status.  Persons found in the school or on the school grounds who are not official visitors may be subject to a charge of trespassing.

Cameras

The exterior and interior of our school are monitored by video surveillance cameras which operate 24 hours a day.  All students must be aware that they are on camera at all times.  These cameras assist administration in keeping our school safe.  

Fees for Student Activities

There is no annual student fee for RLDHS students. For some activities, such as sports and specific trips, there may be fees required.

Keewatin Patricia District School Board’s move to becoming a cashless organization is in response to the Ministry of Education’s directive that requires an unqualified audit opinion on our year-end financial statements. Like many school boards we derive revenue from school fundraising activities and student fees which in the past we have collected in payment methods that included cash. The completeness of cash is not susceptible to satisfactory audit verification and therefore BDO our external auditors must hold a qualification on our audit each year. Removing the cash payment option removes this qualification and allows us to receive an unqualified audit opinion and meet the Ministry of Education’s requirement. We understand that not being able to accept cash creates challenges for some families and we will continue to work with these individual situations and come up with solutions together. We have adopted new point of sale devices at each school that accept all forms of electronic payments to provide more options for families. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this change.

RLDHS encourages families to pay fees electronically. The “School Cash Online” program provides a convenient fee payment option that will save time and reduce paper.  The website to register is: https://kpdsb.schoolcashonline.com. Contact the main office for more information about School Cash Online.

If a family has financial hardship that would prevent a student from paying fees, students and parents/guardians are encouraged to speak with their teacher, coach, graduation coach, or school administration. Every effort will be made to support the student and circumstance. This information will be managed in a discrete manner.  

Emergency Procedures

There will be three fire drills in the spring and three in the fall. In addition, there will be two lockdown drills in the school year and one emergency evacuation drill every two year.

Immediately upon hearing the fire alarm, all persons in the school building shall leave the building as quickly as possible, by the nearest safe exit. Refer to the sign in each classroom unless notified otherwise. Classes shall assemble with their teachers at a safe distance away from the school building, not blocking roadways or entrance/exits.

The Principal, Vice-Principal, or designate shall make a decision to recall all persons back to the building in the case of a fire evacuation practice or a false alarm or shall notify all persons to proceed to the Red Lake Legion. If the school is being evacuated, attendance will be taken at this point, parents informed of the evacuation, and all bussed students will be returned to their home communities as soon as possible.

Lockers and Personal Valuables

Student lockers will be issued at the start of the school year. Staff will install a lock on each locker prior to the start of the school year and students will be provided with the combination. Students are responsible for keeping their lockers clean.

Students must keep their lockers locked. This is for students’ own safety and security. Locks found unlocked will be locked or replaced with another lock.   The school provides locks to all students.  If you replace your school issued lock with a personal lock, please know that it may be cut open (i.e. destroyed) if necessary by school administration.

Students are advised NOT to bring valuable equipment, jewellery, cash or other valuable items to school. The school is not responsible for articles stolen from your locker nor does the Board have insurance to cover stolen items.  

Students are to come to class prepared. Jackets and back packs need to be stored in lockers and not brought to class.  No locker visits will be allowed during class time.

Technology Use

All students are provided with a Chromebook (browser-based computer) and charger. All students and parents/guardians must complete a ‘KPDSB Digital Technology Student User Agreement’.  Non-compliance with the User Agreement may lead to students working without their school-issued device for a period of time.

The use of technology, computers, devices, network resources and the internet is a privilege.  Students are accountable for their behaviour both on and off school property. Where a student uses the internet or electronic device or technology to threaten, harass or demean another member or members of the school community, and where this action interferes with the feeling of safety or ability to function in the school, the student shall be subject to Board Policies and Procedures.

The internet can be a potential dangerous place and students must be aware of the following:

• Do not share passwords
• Do not divulge personal information
• Do not agree to personal encounters with anyone you meet online
• If you access information that is inappropriate, report it to a teacher/supervisor
• Understand that electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private
• Do not engage in social media or chat discussions online while in class without permission from your classroom teacher/supervisor

Additional resources, such as textbooks, will be signed out and collected as needed.

Students are encouraged to bring a binder with paper and writing utensils to class. In addition, there will be other supplies required in specific classes. Examples of these may include scientific calculators, protractors, highlighters, etc. Teachers will make students aware of these requirements on the first day of class. If obtaining these supplies is an obstacle, students and parents/guardians are encouraged to speak with their teacher(s) or school administration.

Cell Phones and Personal Technological Devices

The respectful, non-disruptive use of communication devices (such as, but not limited to cell phones, bluetooth headphones, and smart watches) will be permitted before and after school, and during the lunch hour and breaks.  Communication devices will not be permitted in classrooms or washrooms during class time.

• Students are to come to class prepared.  No locker visits will be allowed during class time.

• Unauthorized photographing or video recording will not be allowed anywhere on school premises.

• The school and its employees are not responsible for the loss or damage to any student’s phone or electronic device.
  
• If students need to place an emergency phone call during the day, they should request a pass to the main office. In the event of an immediate emergency, parent/guardians should call the school’s office.

If a student refuses to comply with cellphone/communication device procedures, an administrator will be notified and consequences will follow the Student Code of Conduct.  Parents/guardians will be notified and involved in this process to help the student regulate their behaviour.

Internet Access and Personal Devices

Access to social media platforms and chat applications will be restricted on all student devices during school hours. This measure aims to minimize distractions and ensure that students are focused on their educational activities.

Wi-Fi access will be disabled for all student-owned devices. This is to ensure that all digital activities are monitored and appropriate for the school environment. We understand that some students use their personal devices for schoolwork. If your child needs to use their own device for educational purposes, you can obtain an application form from the school office. This form must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school for review. Approved devices will be given restricted Wi-Fi access to ensure compliance with our educational objectives.

“Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence,

is the key to unlocking potential.”  Sir Winston Churchill

Academic Programming (student in Grade 9 of September 2024)

Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements

The following information is also available on the Ministry of Education website at this link.

To earn a high school diploma in Ontario, students must:

• Earn 17 compulsory credits

4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
1 credit in a second language
3 credits in Mathematics (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
2 credits in Science
1 credit in Canadian History
1 credit in Canadian Geography
½ credit in Civics and ½ credit in Career Studies
1 credit in Physical & Health Education Studies
1 credit in STEM* related course
1 credit in art
1 credit in Grade 9 or 10 technology

STEM* credit is:

• Business studies
• Computer studies
• Cooperative education
• Math
• Science
• Technology
  

• Earn 13 optional credits

In addition to the 18 compulsory credits, students have to earn 12 optional credits in courses available in the school.

• Pass the literacy requirement

All students must meet the secondary school literacy graduation requirement to earn their high school diploma. For most students, this means passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

Students who do not successfully complete the OSSLT have other opportunities to meet the literacy graduation requirement. Students can contact their guidance counsellor or school principal to find out about these options.

• Earn at least two online learning credits

Beginning with every student who entered Grade 9 in the 2020/2021 school year, students are required to earn two online learning (eLearning) credits to graduate from secondary school. This graduation requirement is intended to support students in developing familiarity and comfort with learning and working in a fully online environment, as well as developing digital literacy and other important transferable skills that they will need for success after secondary school, including in post-secondary education and the workplace.

Parents who wish to opt-out or exempt their child from the online graduation requirement must complete the KPDSB eLearning Student Opt-Out Form. Exemption from the online learning graduation requirements may be requested by:

• the parent or guardian of the secondary student
• students who are 18 years of age or older
• students who are 16 or 17 years of age and have withdrawn from parental control

Students will only be permitted to opt-out in the final semester on their graduating year.  An Opt-Out form will be sent home.  

The catalogue for online courses is here: https://ontario.prismsis.com/oelc

Students can only register for an online course through the Guidance Department.  Please note not all courses are available to KPDSB students.

• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities

This graduation requirement is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility. Through obtaining their hours, they can actively participate in supporting and strengthening their communities. It also provides the opportunity for students to learn more about themselves and possible career opportunities.

Students can start accumulating hours in the summer (on July 1st) before entering Grade 9.

Students use the online program Hour Republic for recording and submitting their Community Involvement Hours. To access, students can go to https://hourrepublic.com/auth/login and sign in with their Google (k12) account. If this is the first time accessing the program, click on the 'Not Registered? Get started today' link. This will direct to the Google Registration page where Google will autofill a number of fields. Once the remaining fields are completed, and the ‘Register’ button is selected, the account will be created.

Students who are looking for community involvement opportunities should make sure they know which activities qualify for the community involvement requirement. The school website outlines a list of eligible activities.

Students under 18 years old should consult with their parents to plan and select their community involvement activities, according to ministry guidelines. Students should also speak to their guidance counsellor about other ways their school could allow them to earn community involvement hours this year.

Selecting Courses

Students will select and submit their course choices for the upcoming year using the program myBlueprint in the first half of semester two. School Guidance Counsellors are available to consult with students so that they can meet their intended pathway requirements. Once students have selected their courses, an email will be sent to parents for approval. If parents do not have access to email, a paper copy of the selected courses will be sent home.

Course Calendars are available on the school website. Student selections directly affect which courses can be offered in the next school year and the number of class sections that can be offered.

Course Change Requests

If students want to make a change to their timetable within the first two weeks of the semester, they are to request an appointment to meet with the Guidance Counsellor. Where desired changes are possible and make academic sense, a new timetable will be issued as soon as possible. Parent approval or input in decisions will be required.  Students are to attend the class indicated on their most recently issued timetable until formal changes are made.

Expanded Programs

Specialist High Skills Major

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is one of the innovative programs in the Ministry of Education’s Student Success Strategy. The SHSM is a Ministry approved Specialized Program that consists of a defined combination of courses and experiences that relate to a specific economic sector that students participate in during their Grade 11 and 12 years.

A SHSM allows students to focus on knowledge and skills that are of particular importance in certain economic sectors, and to obtain certifications recognized in those sectors, as they work towards meeting the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students who graduate with a SHSM designation on their diploma are prepared for success in a particular sector and in the postsecondary destination of their choice, whether it is apprenticeship training, a college or university program, or the workplace.

This program provides students with authentic, industry-recognized training leading to apprenticeship, college or workplace destinations.

Students can register for a SHSM program in their Grade 10 year.

RLDHS offers a SHSM in three different sectors which have the following five requirements:

Dual Credits

Articulation Agreements between Confederation College and the regional Boards of Education have established a selection of courses for which successful completion of a high school credit will automatically result in advanced standing status at Confederation College. Advanced standing in some courses is based on 60% minimum average. For more information on the dual credits being offered at the school or centrally for this year, please contact the Guidance Counsellor.

2024/2025 Dual Credits at RLDHS include:

• TLM4T - T-joints, Welding (Instructor: Mark O’Donnell)
• TSP4T - Home Renovations (Instructor: TBD)

Cooperative Education

Students interested in pursuing Co-op will select this during course selection time.

This course consists of a learning experience connected to a community and focused on developing skills, knowledge, and habits of mind that will support students in their learning, including their education and career/life planning, at school and beyond, today and in the future.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is designed for students to jump start their career and earn high school co-op credits and allows you to explore apprenticeship and consider careers in the skilled trades.  OYAP is an enhanced Co-op experience that allows students to earn apprenticeship training that is recognized by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Spares

It is strongly recommended to avoid spares prior to your Grade 12 year.  Only students over the age of 16 can embed a spare into their timetable.  Students over the age of 16 must retain a minimum of three periods.  If exceptional circumstances warrant you dropping to ‘part-time’ status, less than 3 periods, please see the Principal or Vice-Principal to discuss.

Fifth Year Students Who Have Already Graduated

Academic Programming

• There is a 34 credit threshold for students in a fifth year.
• We encourage fifth year students who have already graduated to return to secondary school for a meaningful learning program if it will benefit the student as in the following examples:

• Upgrade courses for post-secondary acceptance (though the second attempt also counts toward the 34 credit threshold)
• Students require a continued academic program for their pathway
• If this is in the best interest of a student’s personal circumstances

• Admission for fifth year graduated students in classes, including for upgrading, can only be approved if there is room in the class; fifth year graduated students can not take the space of a student who will need that class for graduation, including co-operative education
• It is not general practice for a student in co-operative education to receive remuneration; paid co-operative education is not appropriate for fifth year graduated students as it is a program that is designed to support students to graduate (similar to how dual credits are not available for fifth year students)

Fifth Year Athletes

• Our athletics programs are provided for students because we recognize the benefits that they can provide for students as a protective factor
• Under OFSAA regulations, students have five years of eligibility from their grade 9 year; 6th year students are not eligible to play sports (NorWOSSA)
• Student athletes must meet the NorWOSSA enrolment requirements as follows:

• A schools - must be enrolled in two courses each semester

• Fifth year athletes must have good attendance
• Principals sign eligibility forms to validate the information being submitted to NorWOSSA

Assessment and Evaluation

The aim of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning and to encourage student achievement, and not just provide a mark for reporting purposes.

Assessment and evaluation practices throughout the province of Ontario are guided by a variety of Ministry of Education curriculum policies. Assessment, evaluation and reporting for students in grades 1 to 12 is based on the policies and practices described in Growing success: assessment, evaluation, and reporting in Ontario schools – first edition, covering grades 1 to 12. Growing Success aims to maintain high standards, improve student learning and benefit students, parents and teachers in elementary and secondary schools across the province.

Assessment and evaluation reflect how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a course.  Procedures for assessing student progress are sufficiently varied to meet the requirements of different individuals and groups of students, different courses, the levels of difficulty and a variety of learning environments.  Student progress is assessed on a continuous basis by all teachers in accordance with the Ministry’s Growing Success policy and expectations.  

Assessment:  the process of gathering, from a variety of sources, information that accurately reflects how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a subject or course.

Assessment for learning:  the ongoing process of gathering and interpreting evidence about student learning for the purpose of determining where students are in their learning, where they need to go next, and how best to get there.

Assessment as learning:  the process of developing and supporting students in reflecting on their own thinking and learning. This helps students become independent learners who are able to set personal goals, monitor progress and determine next steps.

Assessment of learning (also called Evaluation):  is used to determine what the student has learned and what the student can do.  Near the end of a teaching/learning cycle, teachers provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning.  They judge(evaluate) the quality of student work and assign a value (level or score) to summarize and communicate the demonstrated learning.

Evaluation:  the formal reporting and communication about student achievement based on assessment of learning. Determining a report card grade or percentage mark will involve teachers’ professional judgement, interpretation of evidence and should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement, with special consideration given to more recent evidence.

It is important that students participate in the learning, complete and submit the work that is assigned to them. Through these opportunities, students provide evidence of their learning of the overall expectations of the course. When in the teacher’s professional judgement it is appropriate to do so, a number of strategies may be used to help prevent and/or address late and missed assignments.

For Grades 7 to 12, a student’s achievement of the overall curriculum expectations will be evaluated in accordance with the achievement charts in the provincial curriculum and will be reported using percentage marks. It is expected that both mathematical calculations and professional judgement will inform the determination of percentage marks

Achievement Level and Percentage Mark Range:

Parent/Guardian Engagement

When parents are engaged, students improve, classrooms improve, schools improve and the entire community benefits.  - CODE Parent Engagement Guidebook

Parents/Guardians being involved in their child's education will result in better attendance, more confidence and the greater possibility of them graduating. 

Parent/Guardian/Teachers Meetings

Opportunities to meet staff and for in-person parent/guardian/teacher conferences will be provided in each semester. Staff members are encouraged to contact parents/guardians to discuss student progress. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to contact teachers to discuss student progress. Should parents/guardians prefer a phone or video meeting to discuss their students’ progress, they can arrange this by contacting the main office or the teacher directly.  For more information on these specific dates/times, consult the school website calendar or contact the main office.

Curriculum

The Ontario Curriculum can be found at this website.

Course of Study Documents

RLDHS will provide students with access to a course of study document for each course that is offered through out school website. This document outlines pertinent course information including the curriculum that will be covered, how the students will be assessed, the assessment breakdown, resources to be used, and expectations of the teacher. This content will be reviewed at the beginning of the course.  

Report Cards

In a semester, students will receive the following:

1. an interim progress report approximately 3-4 weeks into the semester
2. a midterm report at the halfway point through the learning period
3. a final report at the end of the semester

For both the midterm and final report, the report card lists the courses completed, the mark for each course as a percentage, credits completed, as well as other student achievement indicators such as learning skills and work habits, teacher comments, and a tally of any missed classes and number of times late to class.  In addition the course median is indicated for each course the student is studying.

Midterm and final report cards will be emailed home. Interim reports will be distributed to students.

Academic Integrity

Teachers will outline and teach students how to maintain academic integrity.

Students are responsible for:

• Submitting their own original work for each assignment and ensuring the work’s content and integrity.
• Assuming that work needs to be completed individually unless the teacher states otherwise.
• Citing properly any resources that they consult in the process of completing an assignment.
• Contacting the teacher when uncertain about how to maintain academic integrity with an assignment.
• Not borrowing, lending or sharing the content of any assignment (including electronically).
• Not re-submitting the same work for a different assignment.

Honour Awards

The Keewatin Patricia District School Board “Honour Award” is presented to the students with 80% or higher average earned as follows:
Grade 9        average of best eight subjects
Grade 10        average of best eight subjects
Grade 11        average of best seven subjects
Grade 12        average of best six subjects
In every case the subjects must be taken and achieved in the year the honour award is granted. For the purpose of these calculations, a school year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

The Ministry of Education grants the Ontario Scholar Award on the recommendation of the Principal, to a student who earns an average of 80% or higher on six Grade 12 (year 4) courses.

Full Disclosure

The transcript will indicate all Grade 11 and 12 courses failed or repeated as well as those courses “dropped” later than 5 instructional days following the release of the mid-term report card.

Co- and Extra-Curricular Programming and School Activities

NorWOSSA (Athletics Program)

All information for our RAMS Athletic Program can be found on our website, including schedules, forms and athlete policies.   RLDHS values sport in the lives of our students, however, recognizes that somethimes students need extra support to balance academic and athletic responsibilities. The *UPDATED* Academic Policy for Student Athletes is as follows:

Students who participate on school team(s) are required to pay a NorWOSSA fee. All fees must be paid prior to the first away road trip. NorWOSSA and registration fees must be paid prior to participating in the first game. These fees are not refundable. For information on paying sports fees, see the Collection of Funds section of this handbook.

Students in Grade 9 - 12, are required to be full-time students in order to participate in our Athletics program; this means a minimum of three credits per semester.  Students in Grade 12+ can be part-time students, with a minimum of two credits per semester, in order to participate.

Sports Fee Schedule

Sports fees are as follows but are subject to change:

If a family has financial hardship that would prevent a student from paying sports fees or travelling with the team, students and parents are encouraged to speak with their coach, graduation coach, or school administration. Every effort will be made to support the student and circumstance. This information will be managed in a discrete manner.  

Out-of-town trips most often have a cost associated with them so it is important for each player to share information distributed to the team with the adults in their household.

Trip itineraries are provided prior to each trip. See the athletic director, coach, or main office for more information.

Assemblies

School Assemblies are regular formal gatherings of all students in a school for a special program or presentation. Assemblies are opportunities for students to receive important messaging, build interest in co- and extra-curricular activities and develop a positive school culture.

Students are expected to be respectful and sit quietly, listen attentively, and participate appropriately during assemblies.

Student Council

A Student Council is a group of student leaders working together with an adult advisor to provide a means for student expression and assistance in school affairs and activities. Through collaboration, they can impact  their school community, which impacts their community, which impacts our region, which impacts our country, which changes the world.

Watch out Morning Announcements page for information related to School Council and other clubs.

Dances and Other School Events

Expectations of students at dances and other events outside of the school day are the same as at events during the school day. It is expected that students follow school rules and the Code of Conduct.

Some general guidance around these events include:

• arrive during the first hour of the event unless other arrangements have been made with the main office prior to this time
• once students have entered they should not leave and come back in
• leave coats, jackets and shoes in the supervised rooms (if applicable)

Students may invite guests to dances providing they receive approval of such guests from the main office prior to 3:10PM, the day of the dance. Elementary students are not permitted at high school dances.

The supervising staff will deal with students found misbehaving. In the case of a major offence (such as fighting or suspected drug or alcohol use) the supervising staff shall put into action the appropriate procedures. These may involve calling the police and/or sending the student home by taxi at the parent/guardians’ expense.

Student Services

Guidance

Guidance Counsellors in Student Services will meet with students to discuss the following:

• Course Selection and Program Planning
• Review of Graduation Requirements
• School Timetables
• Course PreRequisites
• Individual Pathway Planning and Goal Setting
• Post Secondary Pathway (Apprenticeship, College, University, World of Work)

A Guidance Counsellor can support students with:

• Assistance in educational planning at both secondary and post-secondary levels;
• Assistance in making course changes;
• Information about expanded programs such as Co-operative Education, Specialist High Skills Major, and Dual Credits;
• Information about careers and the education and training required;
• Special events, such as Career Days, University Information programs;
• Resource Information in the form of: University and College calendars, Vocational Training pamphlets, Ontario Student Awards Program (OSAP);
• Academic Counselling;
• Job and Volunteer Opportunities; and,
• Personal Issues

Guidance at RLDHS is located in Room 215.  

Special Education

Students with special needs may have accommodated or modified programs to meet those needs. Such programs will be established for individual students with consultation between the Special Education Resource Teacher(s), administration, teaching staff, the student, and caregivers.

Special Education at RLDHS is located in Room 126, through the hallway near the cafeteria.

Four Directions Program

Four Directions is a provincial initiative with the goal of breaking down barriers in order to improve graduation rates for Indigenous students.  Graduation Coaches and Navigators work to improve retention and graduation rates by building a sense of community; promoting school engagement; advocating for students; developing leadership skills; fostering parent engagement; transitioning students; and linking students to community resources

Four Directions at RLDHS is located in the main foyer.

Mental Health and Well-Being Supports

Student Counsellor (vacant)

• Personal counselling for problems a student may encounter either in or out of the school
• Referrals to social agencies if/when necessary

The school counsellor at RLDHS is located in Room 212.

Mental Health and Addictions Nurse (MHAN) (vacant)

• Provides safe, confidential space for students to ask questions and discuss mental health
• Identifies and addresses mental health/addictions concerns, provides early intervention
• Assists students with navigating the healthcare system
• Makes referrals for external community services or psychiatric services when necessary

The MHAN at RLDHS can be accessed through School Administration or the Student Counsellor.

Health Services

The Northwestern Health Unit provides a variety of services. These include but are not limited to:

1. Provision of information and support to teachers, students and their parents upon request on a variety of health and wellness topics e.g. quitting smoking, substance misuse, healthy eating, physical activity.
2. Immunizing when students are due for vaccination boosters.
3. Health promotion activities and events.
4. Sexual Health - available to answer questions and provide students with individualized health information on birth control methods, how to keep oneself safe from sexually transmitted infections, nutrition, healthy relationships, or any other health questions they may have. In addition, they will help students access affordable birth control, sexually transmitted infection testing, free condoms, or other health services.

Smoking/Vaping and the Use of Tobacco, Nicotine or Cannabis Products

The health and safety of the RLDHS community is of the utmost importance to us. According to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (2017), smoking/vaping (including cannabis), and chewing tobacco/nicotine are not permitted within 20 metres of school property.  

While cannabis is no longer classed as an illegal substance, possession is still illegal for students under the age of 19. The Ontario government prohibits cannabis consumption at schools and places where students gather. Smoking or vaping cannabis will not be permitted for any member of the school community at school, on school grounds, and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds. For more information about recreational cannabis use in schools, see this Ministry Resource.

The KPDSB Code of Conduct will apply for smoking and/or vaping and/or the use of tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis. Consequences will be determined by school administration, in consultation with the school Superintendent, and may include school suspension as well as additional consequences from the Tobacco Enforcement Officer and/or the OPP through the Smoke Free Ontario Act (including a minimum fine of $305 for a first offence, and up to $5000 for subsequent offences).

Students vaping on RLDHS property will need to complete an online course on vaping on the effects and dangers of vaping before they are allowed to return to class. This educational approach to preventing vaping will be the first step in the progressive discipline sequence.

Providing tobacco, nicotine or vapour to any under aged student could also result in fines by the NWO Health Unit and will be considered a violation of the School Code of Conduct.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and RLDHS will work with students and staff on an individual basis who are prescribed cannabis for medical reasons. See the table below for our Progressive Enforcement Process.

The traditional burning of substances that form a part of Indigenous culture and heritage are exempt from the school’s smoke-free policy.

Resources are available at the Northwestern Health Unit to help support students to quit using tobacco or cannabis products. Contact www.nwhu.on.ca or call 1-800-830-5978.

Student Conduct and Behaviour

This document outlines the expectations for behaviour at RLDHS to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment conducive to learning and personal growth for all members of our school community.

In all instances, the Provincial Code of Conduct and KPDSB Code of Conduct (Policy 322), govern our expectations and consequences of misbehaviour.

Expected Behaviour

All members of the school community must:

• Comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws
• Follow all Ministry of Education, school board, and school policies
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity
• Treat one another with dignity and respect, both in person and online
• Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability
• Respect the rights of others k
• Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others
• Help those in need
• Seek assistance from school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflicts peacefully
• Represent the school positively and exhibit sportsmanship and teamwork during extracurricular activities
• Refrain from using abusive language or swearing at another person
• Respect the need for a conducive learning and teaching environment
• Not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under specific circumstances (for educational purposes, health and medical purposes, or to support special education needs)

Unacceptable Behaviour

All members of the school community must not:

• Engage in bullying behaviours, including cyberbullying
• Commit sexual assault or sexual harassment
• Traffic in weapons or illegal drugs
• Commit robbery or theft
• Be in possession of any weapon, including firearms
• Threaten or intimidate another person
• Use profane or improper language
• Be in possession of alcohol, cannabis (except by a medical cannabis user), illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia
• Use, or be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, nicotine, electronic cigarettes, illegal drugs, or related products
• Provide others with alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, nicotine, electronic cigarettes, or cannabis
• Inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person
• Engage in hate propaganda or behaviour motivated by hate or bias
• Commit acts of vandalism that cause damage to school property or the property of others
• Record, take, or share non-consensual recordings or photos of members of the school community

Consequences for Violations

From KPDSB Procedure 329 Progressive Discipline and Promoting a Positive School Climate

KPDSB Policy 329 Progressive Discipline and Promoting a Positive School Climate

Reporting and Investigating Violations

Students and staff are encouraged to report violations to a designated authority (e.g., teacher, counselor, principal). Bullying can be reported through the KPDSB Online Bullying Portal.

Investigations of reported incidents will be prompt and confidential and will involve relevant parties (e.g., students, parents, witnesses). All findings and actions will be documented.  

Support and Resources

Counselling Services - Available for students in need of emotional or psychological support. Contact School Administration or Michelle Kowalchuk for more information.

Addictions Services - Available for students in need of support with addictions. Contact School Administration or Michelle Kowalchuk to support arranging of counselling for more information.

Educational Programs - Workshops on topics like bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and digital citizenship.

Caregiver Involvement - Regular two-way communication with parents/guardians about student behaviour and school policies.

Review and Revisions

This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually by school administration to ensure its effectiveness, relevance, and alignment with KPDSB and Ministry codes of conduct. It is important that this review also includes the involvement of students, staff, caregivers, and community members. Revisions will be made as necessary to address emerging issues and incorporate best practices.

Communication

This Code of Conduct is available on the school website. It is also reviewed each year with students and staff and shared with caregivers via School Messenger email annually. The link is also embedded in school newsletters, and may on other communications.

KPDSB Policies and Procedures

All board policies and procedures can be found on the Board Website at KPDSB Policy and Procedure Main Index.