ADMISSIONS POLICY
Rationale
The School exists to assist Christian parents in the fulfillment of
their Biblical mandate to "train up children in the way they should go."
Policy
1. For students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight, at least
one parent or guardian must be a born again Christian and in full
agreement with the Statement of Faith and Parents’ Code. Believing
parents must give indication that they are actively practicing their
Christian confession in the home through such means as family devotions,
prayer, and Bible study. Students who wish to enroll in grades nine
through twelve and who have unbelieving parents may be admitted on the
basis of their own Christian testimony. Such applications will be
evaluated by the Board on a case by case basis. Distance education
schools are exempt.
2. If a custodial parent is an unbeliever, he or she must be supportive
of the philosophy and standards of the school as outlined in all but the
first four points of the Parents' Code and be willing for his or her
children to be taught Biblical principles in accordance with the
Statement of Faith.
3. It should be determined, if possible, that the church attended by the
applicant is in agreement with the School's Statement of Faith. The
pastor, or other qualified representative of the church, will be asked
to submit a Pastor’s Report for confirmation that the family is in
active fellowship.
4. The parents or guardians shall be interviewed by at least two members
of the Admissions Committee prior to their enrollment in the school.
Each interviewing team will have at least one person who has conducted
interviews previously.
5. The Principal and/or senior teacher will interview all students
enrolling in junior or senior high for the first time.
6. The Admissions Committee will admit any family which meets the
qualifications required by the School unless the school is unable to
provide an appropriate program for a student. The School does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, or national origin.
7. Priority in the admission of individual children will be given to
families whose children are currently enrolled and to the children of
staff members employed by the School.
8. Prior to re-enrollment each family will be required to re-confirm
their commitment to the Statement of Faith and Parents’ Code and their
on-going, active involvement in their church.
9. Prior to re-enrollment each student in grades 10-12 must indicate
their acceptance of the Students’ Pledge.
BENEFITS AND
PENSION POLICY
Rationale
It is not uncommon for employees to focus their attention on the
financial needs of the moment and neglect the need for an adequate
savings plan which could provide for retirement or exceptional health
related expenses. This is particularly true in a setting where the
salary alone allows little financial flexibility. Therefore, in order to
more adequately provide security for Teachers and Staff, and to remove
possible sources of stress which might reduce their effectiveness in the
school, the Board will provide health and retirement benefits to its
employees.
Policy
1. The Board will offer access to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan
to all employees. As a minimum the Board will match employee
contributions to full time teachers according to the following schedule:
a) Beginning in the 2nd year of service, up to 1% of the employee's
salary.
b) Beginning in the 3rd year of service, up to 2%,
c) Beginning in the 4th year of service, up to 3%.
2. The Board will provide a Health Benefits plan for employees working
at least 65% time. The plan shall include at least coverage for the
following:
a) Basic Dental Care
b) Long Term Disability
c) Life Insurance
d) Basic Optometry Care
e) Prescription Drugs
f) Short Term Disability
BIBLICAL INTEGRATION POLICY
Rationale
The integration of Biblical principles into the teaching of every
subject is the most distinctive feature of Christian education.
Christian teachers, Christian students and Christian parents may all be
found in public schools as well as Christian schools. However, only in
the Christian school can Christianity be openly proclaimed and discussed
and every subject taught from a Biblical perspective. The Christian
school is unique because it alone integrates the truths found in natural
revelation (God's World) and special revelation (God's Word).
Biblical integration can occur at several levels. First, it should be
evident in the policies and procedures which guide the operation of the
school. All policies and procedures should be drafted with an awareness
of the related Biblical principles. Second, Biblical principles need to
be integrated into the thinking and lifestyles of all school personnel.
Board, administrators and teachers need to understand and be committed
to sound Christian doctrine. Third, all subject matter (knowledge,
skills, attitudes, behavior) needs to reflect those Biblical principles
which relate to it.
It is unfortunate but indisputable that while Biblical integration often
occurs at the first two levels, it too often is neglected at the third
level. At the level which most directly impacts the students and is most
critical for the development of a Christian world view in them,
Christian schools are falling short. This is true for several reasons.
First, teachers are seldom if ever trained in how to integrate the Bible
with their subject matter. They simply do not know how the two relate.
Second, there are few materials available to help teachers do the work
of integration. Third, there is so much work to be done in the
preparation of courses and marking of papers that integration is easily
left to the last and thus often neglected entirely. Fourth, integrating
Scripture with one's teaching is hard, intellectually demanding work
which not everyone is equipped to do. It requires a thorough knowledge
of both the Scriptures and one's subject matter. Not every teacher
possesses both.
This problem is acute in Canada because many schools make use of the
same texts which are used in the public schools. While it is true that a
Christian teacher can use these humanistic texts to advantage, pointing
out the biases and anti Christian viewpoints, it is also true that this
often is not done. Certainly it is not done as often as it should be.
Dependence on the teacher to ensure that this will happen is highly
problematic. Teachers vary in their ability to do the job of
integration. They vary in their understanding of the task and commitment
to see it happen on a regular basis in their classroom. Moreover,
teacher turnover will ensure that Biblical integration is forever being
relearned by new teachers entering the Christian school setting. If
Biblical integration is not taking place on a consistent basis from
class to class, teacher to teacher, and year to year, then students will
not be developing a thoroughly integrated Christian world view capable
of guiding them as adults in a secular world.
Policy
1. A Koinonia Christian School will employ textbooks from Christian
publishers wherever possible to ensure that at least a minimal amount of
Biblical integration occurs on a consistent basis.
2. All teachers are to make use of the Biblical integration provided by
Christian texts and expand upon them where appropriate.
3. A Bible class will be offered as a required core subject and all
students will attend a weekly chapel.
BOARD MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES
Rationale
The wise direction and efficient management of the school are dependent
upon the commitment, gifting, and integrity of each individual Board
member and their ability to work effectively as a team. The Board,
through its corporate planning, must develop policies and coordinate the
school's physical, financial, and personnel resources in order to
fulfill the mission of the school. In order to provide for the selection
of qualified Board members, and in order to provide for effective
operation of the Board as a whole, the following policies have been
established.
Policy
1. Board members must be parents or grandparents whose children or
grandchildren are currently enrolled in the school, or alumni parents
whose children have graduated from the school, and who are members in
good standing of the Society which governs the school.
2. Board members are selected on the basis of a majority of votes cast
by secret ballot in an election by voting members.
3. Board members will be elected to serve for a three year term, and may
be reelected to an indefinite number of additional terms.
4. Nominees, for the Board of Directors, including former or current
Board members, will be screened by the existing Board and approved by
that Board before being placed on the ballot. Nominees must exhibit
godly Christian character and must be prepared to give the time and
leadership required of all board members.
5. Board members are expected to attend all Board meetings. If, due to
circumstances beyond his/her control a member is unable to attend a
meeting, he/she will inform the chairman prior to the meeting as to the
reason. Failure to attend three meetings in a row, or failure to attend
at least two thirds of the meetings in one year will be grounds for
removal.
6. The Principal is an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board and
all committees. He/she is responsible for the development of procedures
which will implement Board policy, overseeing the day to day operation
of the school program, and providing for the supervision, and
development of faculty, staff, students, facilities, and public
relations.
CURRICULUM POLICY
Rationale
Curriculum refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes which are to
be developed in children at specific grade levels and the materials
which are to be used to do it. Koinonia Christian Schools, as accredited
independent schools in the Province of Alberta, are obligated to follow
the Alberta Program of Studies. Most of the scope and sequence for
instruction has therefore been determined by the province. The school,
however, is not obligated to use any of the provincially recommended
texts or methodologies, and has liberty to change the sequence of
instruction to accommodate things like split grade classrooms.
Furthermore, to the extent that the Program of Studies presents values
which are in conflict with those taught in Scripture (e.g. humanism), or
presents concepts which are inappropriate for the recommended grade
level (e.g. sex education), the school has the freedom and
responsibility to adapt the curriculum to best meet the needs of its
students. The adaptation of the curriculum may involve teaching the
concepts from a different perspective, or at a different age level, or
with a different methodology, or by not teaching the material at all.
Policy
1. The curriculum for Koinonia Christian Schools will be the Alberta
Education Program of Studies as adapted by the Administration and Staff.
2. The curriculum will be adapted by the Administration and Staff where
necessary to address references to Humanism, Evolution, Materialism,
Feminism, Pantheism, New Age, Witchcraft and other anti Christian
philosophies in the Alberta Program of Studies.
3. The curriculum will be taught by Christian teachers using materials
which are written from a Christian perspective wherever possible.
4. The curriculum will be presented through a variety of methodologies
in accordance with sound educational practice.
5. The Administration will ensure that the curriculum is reviewed and
revised on a regular basis as needed.
DISCIPLINE POLICY (Students)
Rationale
The Scriptures command parents to train up children in the way they
should go and raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Fundamental to this task is the elimination of negative character traits
(lying, stealing, anger, selfishness, laziness, hatred, etc.) and the
development of positive character traits (honesty, self control,
lovingkindness, generosity, diligence, etc.) Because children are born
with a sin nature, they inherit a tendency to sin and will do so if left
to themselves. Parents have the responsibility to discipline their
children using Biblical methods of reward and punishment to encourage
positive qualities and discourage negative ones.
A child's sin nature will often manifest itself at school just as in the
home, resulting in behavior which is disruptive to the educational
process for both the offender and others. Parents, by enrolling their
children in the School, delegate some of the responsibility for training
their children to School representatives. Along with this responsibility
comes the authority to take appropriate disciplinary measures which will
further the character training begun at home and maintain a positive
educational setting.
Romans 13:1-5 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing
authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has
established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against
what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on
themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for
those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in
authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is
God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he
does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of
wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary
to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment
but also because of conscience.”
Policy
1. Parents are responsible to understand and support the goals and
procedures of the Discipline Policy publicly and privately. They are
expected to teach their children the importance of obedience to all
legitimate authority. They are responsible to discuss any concerns
regarding a specific disciplinary measure with the staff member
involved.
2. Students are responsible to understand, support, and obey all school
rules and graciously submit to correction when it is given.
3. School personnel are responsible to understand, support, and follow
the goals and procedures of the Discipline Policy. They are responsible
to enforce all school rules without partiality. They are responsible to
take appropriate disciplinary action when rules are broken, taking into
account the nature of the offense, the student's age and understanding,
and the student's past behavior. They are responsible to keep accurate
records of serious or repeated offenses.
DISCIPLINE, SUSPENSION OR DISMISSAL POLICY
(Staff)
Rationale
For the safety and protection of students and the ministry of the
school, it may become necessary to remove an employee from his or her
position temporarily or permanently. While attention to proper hiring
and evaluation procedures should make this unlikely, it is important to
be prepared for such an eventuality in advance.
Policy
1. The Principal is responsible to cultivate and maintain acceptable
standards of employee behavior through encouragement, counseling, and
when necessary discipline.
2. After two verbal warnings regarding professional misconduct, a letter
of reprimand will be given to the employee and placed in his or her
file. The Board will be informed. Further consideration of the issue
which gave rise to the letter will be given at the time of the contract
renewal.
3. The Principal may suspend with pay an employee from performance of
his or her duties until an investigation can be carried out if he has
reason to believe that
a) The Employee has violated the Moral Conduct Policy or,
b) The Employee has been guilty of gross misconduct or neglect of duties
or,
c) The Employee has refused or neglected to obey a lawful order or,
d) The Employee’s presence in the school is detrimental to the well
being of the School.
4. The Principal shall immediately report the suspension to the Chairman
of the School Board who will call a special Board meeting to review the
suspension.
5. The Board, or a committee consisting of the Chairman and at least two
other members, will carefully investigate the suspension. They shall
recommend either continuing the suspension and proceeding to dismissal,
or they shall recommend ending the suspension and granting the Employee
permission to return to duties. The Board may also set stipulations for
a return to duty and/or require changes to the Employee’s
responsibilities, or a transfer to a different position.
6. The Board may terminate a contract of employment with an employee by
giving 30 days notice in accordance with the School Act.
7. Professional staff members may terminate their contract of employment
with the Board after giving the Board 30 days notice in writing of their
intention.
DIVORCE AND SEPARATION POLICY
Rationale
The Bible teaches that God’s ideal is that divorce should never happen.
In fact in Malachi 2:16 we read that God hates divorce, yet we find
examples in the Old Testament about how to deal with divorce. Jesus
responds to this fact by stating that God never intended for divorce to
occur but allowed for it because of the hardened hearts of people
(Matthew 19:8). His teaching continues in verse nine where marital
unfaithfulness is given as a possible reason for divorce. Paul also
speaks to divorce when he allows for a non-believing partner to leave a
marriage (I Corinthians 7). However, these allowances for divorce are
clearly seen as outside of God’s original purpose in marriage.
We also know that our God is a forgiving and redeeming God and chooses
to not only use people who have been divorced but also uses the insights
gained from the experience for His glory. Therefore, serious
consideration may be given to applications from divorced persons.
However, because of the high calling given to teachers and the stricter
judgment they are under due to their position, more than the usual care
will be taken in evaluating these applications (James 3:1).
The Bible does not speak to the issue of separation specifically, but
separation by its nature is evidence of a marriage presently in trouble.
Individuals currently in the midst of a marital separation would
therefore not be suitable role models for students in a Christian
school.
Policy
1. Koinonia Christian Schools will duly process divorced, single, or
remarried applicants upon careful inquiry into the merits of each
individual case.
2. Any divorced or remarried applicant must provide clear evidence of
repentance, healing, and growth since the divorce and supply references
as requested.
3. Applicants must demonstrate a godly, stable, and consistent
relationship in the Lord and must be without reproach in social
relationships with the opposite sex for a minimum of five years.
4. When there are children from the former or current marriage, the
applicant must demonstrate that Biblical responsibility and love is
being demonstrated to his or her children.
5. Separated applicants will not be considered as the home must be
unified and strong.
6. Acceptance to the school staff will not ensure that all positions are
open. The Board will make a separate determination regarding any
limitations which may be placed upon the applicant’s employment.
7. In the event that a current Staff member becomes involved in the
process of separation or divorce, their continued employment will be
subject to review by the Board.
8. If the conduct of a Staff member contravenes Biblical principles
regarding divorce, their employment will be terminated.
GOALS OF EDUCATION
All Koinonia Schools are expected to abide by the laws of Alberta and
the requirements of Alberta Education to operate as accredited private
schools.
Theological Foundation
The educational philosophy of KCES is based upon a God-centered view of
man and truth as presented in the Bible. The essential truths of this
view are detailed in the Statement of Faith.
Since God created and sustains all things through His Son, Jesus Christ,
the universe and all life are dynamically related to God and have the
purpose of glorifying Him. This is pointedly true of man who was made in
God's image, different in kind from all other creatures, with the unique
capacity to know and respond to God personally and voluntarily.
Because man is a sinner by nature and choice, he cannot, in this
condition, know or honor God in his life. He can do this only by being
born again to do God's will. This should be the ultimate purpose of his
life. The goal of education should therefore be to enable men to know
God, encourage them to love Him, and equip them to serve Him.
The authority for such an education comes both from God's command that
children be taught to love God and place Him first in their lives, and
from the fact that Parents are responsible for the total education and
training of their children. At the Parents' request, the Christian
Schools, along with their Church, become partners in giving this
education. From this philosophy come our mission and goals. The
Scripture verses which follow each goal are ones which illustrate or
imply or support the stated goal.
Spiritual & Moral
1. To teach the Bible as God's inspired Word and to develop attitudes of
love and respect towards it.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is God- breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Deut. 6:1 and 2 - These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your
God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are
crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their
children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by
keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you
may enjoy long life.
2. To teach the basic doctrines of the Bible.
Joshua 1:7and 8 - Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all
the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or
to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this
Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so
that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be
prosperous and successful.
Matt. 28:20 - and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
2 Tim. 3:16 and 17- All scripture is God- breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that
the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
3. To lead each Student to a personal relationship with Christ as Savior
and Lord.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life.
Romans 10:9 and 10 - That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is
Lord, “and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you
will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
4. To develop a desire to know and obey the will of God as revealed in
the Scriptures.
Romans 12: 1 and 2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers in view of God’s
mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to
God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to
the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His
good, pleasing and perfect will.
Ephesians 5: 15 to 17 - Be very careful, then, how you live- not as
unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the
days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the
Lord’s will is.
1 Thess. 4:1 to 3 - Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in
order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge
you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what
instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God’s
will that you should be sanctified…
5. To equip the Student to carry out the will of God daily
Luke 10:27 - He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your
mind’; and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
1 Thessalonians 3:13 - May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be
blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord
Jesus comes with all His holy ones.
Matt. 6:48 - He is like the man building a house, who dug down deep and
laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck the
house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all, "If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
6. To impart an understanding of each Christian's place in the church
and its worldwide task of evangelism and discipleship and to stimulate
the Student's involvement in this task.
Matt 28:18 to 20 - Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything
I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age.”
2 Tim 2:2 - And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many
witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach
others.
7. To develop the "mind of Christ" towards godliness and sin, and to
teach the student how to live an overcoming life through exercising of
self restraint and consideration of others.
Gen 39:9 - No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has
withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then
could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"
Rom 15:1 to 3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the
weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor
for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself
but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen
on me."
1 Cor 10:12 and 13 - So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful
that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common
to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what
you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out
so that you can stand up under it.
Phil 4:13 - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
8. To encourage the development of self discipline and responsibility in
the Student based on respect for and submission to God and God ordained
authority.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 and 10 - In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we
command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and
does not live according to the teaching you received from us….For even
when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work,
he shall not eat."
Rom 13:1 to 3 - Everyone must submit himself to the governing
authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has
established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against
what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on
themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for
those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in
authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
9. To help the Student develop for himself/herself a Christian world
view by personally integrating life and studies with the Bible.
Rom 12:1, 2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God –
this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good
pleasing and perfect will.
Gen 1:27 to 29 - So God created man in His own image, in the image of
God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them
and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth
and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air
and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said,
"I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and
every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
Academic
1. To promote high academic standards within the potential of the
individual as uniquely created by God and to help each Student realize
his/her full academic potential.
Phil. 4:13 - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
2 Tim. 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a
workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the
word of truth.
2. To help each Student gain a thorough comprehension and command of the
fundamental processes used in communicating with others, such as
reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing.
Rom 10: 14b - ...and how are they to believe in Him of whom they have
never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?
Deut. 17:19 - It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of
his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow
carefully all the words of this law and these decrees.
3. To teach and encourage the use of good study/work habits.
Ecc. 1:13a - I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that
is done under heaven…
Ezra 2:10 - For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of
the Law of the LORD , and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
4. To teach the Student how to do independent research, to critically
evaluate sources of information, and to reason logically from a Biblical
perspective.
Acts 17:11 - Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the
Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and
examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
I Thess 5:21 - Test everything. Hold on to the good.
Pro 18:17 - The one who states his case first seems right, until the
other comes and examines him.
Isaiah 1:17 and 18- Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the
oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the
widow. “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. Though your
sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are
red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
I Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason
for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
5. To develop an understanding of the order and design in Creation and
the laws which govern its processes and interactions.
Ecc. 1:5 to 7 - The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to
where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north;
round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow
into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come
from, there they return again.
6. To motivate the Student to view education as a lifelong process.
James 1:22 to 25 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive
yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not
do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and,
after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he
looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that
gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has
heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
7. To promote good citizenship through developing the understanding and
appreciation of our Christian and Canadian heritage of responsible
freedom, human dignity, and Biblical acceptance of authority.
Ps. 72:8 - He will rule from sea to sea and from the river to the ends
of the earth.
Rom 13:1 - Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities,
for there is no authority except that which God has established.
8. To develop an understanding of current affairs in all fields and to
relate them to God's plan for man.
Acts 12:29 to 31 - “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should
not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone – an
image made by man’s design and skill. In the past God overlooked such
ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He
has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He
has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from
the dead.”
Acts 17:26 and 27 - From one man He made every nation of men, that they
should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them
and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men
would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is
not far from each one of us.
9. To develop an understanding and appreciation for God's world, and an
awareness of man's role in his environment, and how to use and preserve
it properly.
Gen. 1:28 - God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase
in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea
and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on
the ground.”
10. To promote an appreciation of the fine arts through the development
of the student’s understanding and personal expression.
Exodus 15:20 and 21- Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a
tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines
and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly
exalted. The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.”
Ps. 150 - Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in
His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His
surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with tambourine and
dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the
clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything
that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Ex. 31:1-5 - Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel
son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him
with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds
of crafts -- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and
bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all
kinds of craftsmanship.
11. To develop an understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and
skills in their application to every day life situations and to gain
mathematical skills needed to succeed in an ever-growing technological
world. To relate curriculum to real-life situations in the community.
Luke 8:5 to 8 - “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering
the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of
the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants
withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns,
which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on
good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was
sown.” When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let
him hear.”
Pro 16:11 - A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in
the bag are his work.
Personal and Social
1. To help the Student develop his/her character and personality based
both on a proper understanding and acceptance of himself/herself as a
unique individual created in the image of God and on the fullest
possible development of his/her own capabilities.
Col 3:7 to 10 - You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once
lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these:
anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not
lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its
practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in
knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2. To teach the Student to treat everyone with love and respect since
everyone is created in God's image.
Luke 6:27 to 31- But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good
to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who
mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other
also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your
tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs
to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to
you.
3. To make the Student a contributing member of his/her society who
realizes his dependence on others and their dependence on Him.
Col 3:23 and 24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as
working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive
an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving.
1 Cor 12:7 to 11- Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is
given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the
message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the
same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of
healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another
prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking
in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation
of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He
gives them to each one, just as He determines.
4. To promote an understanding of time as a God given commodity which is
to be used for His glory.
Eph 5:15 and 16 - Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise
but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are
evil.
5. To show a Biblical view of life and work, and provide the skills
needed for developing mature personal and career relationships.
I Tim. 4:12 to16 - Don't let anyone look down on you because you are
young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love,
in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public
reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your
gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of
elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give
yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch
your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do,
you will save both yourself and your hearers.
6. To develop godly attitudes toward marriage and the family along with
the understanding and skills needed to establish a God honoring home.
I Peter 3: 6 and 7 - …like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her
master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give
way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with
your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as
heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder
your prayers.
Eph. 5:21 and 22 - Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
Eph 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church
and gave himself up for her...
Eph. 6:1 to 4 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is
right. "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment
with a promise-- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy
long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children;
instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
7. To promote physical fitness, good health habits, and wise use of the
body as the temple of God.
I Cor. 6:15a and 19 to 20 - Do you not know that your bodies are members
of Christ Himself? ... Do you not know that your body is a temple of the
Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not
your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your
body.
Rom. 6:11 to 14 - In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but
alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your
mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of
your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer
yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life;
and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but
under grace.
8. To impart Biblical attitudes toward material things, and to encourage
individual responsibility for using them for God's glory.
I John 2:15 to 17 - Do not love the world or anything in the world. If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For
everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his
eyes and the boasting of what he has and does, come not from the Father
but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who
does the will of God lives forever.
Matt. 16:26 and 27 - What good will it be for a man if he gains the
whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange
for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory
with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what
He has done.
9. To help each Student accurately assess his strengths and weaknesses
and recognize his responsibility to develop his talents fully and use
them for the benefit of others.
I Cor. 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all
for the glory of God.
Rom. 12:3 to 8 - For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of
yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith
God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members,
and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who
are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We
have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift
is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is
serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is
encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of
others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern
diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Family
1. To cooperate closely with the Parents in every phase of the Student's
development and to help the Parents to understand the school’s purpose
and program.
Deut. 4:5 to 9 - See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my
God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are
entering to take possession of it.
Deut. 6:6-9 - These commandments that I give you today are to be upon
your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit
at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you
get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your
foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your
gates.
2. To aid families in Christian growth and to help them develop
Christ-centered homes.
Eph. 5:33- However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves
himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Eph. 6:4- Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them
up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
3. To aid Parents in understanding our changing culture, its effects on
our homes and children, and how to deal with them from a Biblical
perspective.
I John 2:15 to 17- Do not love the world or anything in the world. If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For
everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his
eyes and the boasting of what he has and does, comes not from the
Father, but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the
man who does the will of God lives forever.
Prov 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he
will not turn from it.
4. To encourage regular attendance and involvement in a local church.
Heb. 10:25 - Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the
habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as
you see the Day approaching.
5. To involve Parents regularly in the ministry of the school.
Deut. 6:6-9 - These commandments that I give you today are to be upon
your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit
at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you
get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your
foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your
gates.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY
Rationale
Generally, all Teachers and Staff are expected to be on the school
grounds throughout each instructional day. The activity in these hours
is directly under the jurisdiction of the Principal and absences must be
approved by the Principal.
Policy
1. Sick Leave of eight working days per year, cumulative to a maximum of
twenty five working days is available to all full time employees. Sick
Leave may also be used to care for an employee’s child or spouse who is
ill.
2. Compassionate Leave will be granted to any full time employee who
requests it due to the critical illness or death of a parent,
grandparent, brother, sister, parent of a spouse, son in law, daughter
in law, grandchild, or relative who is a member of the employee’s
household.
a) Employees will be granted leave benefits with pay for one to three
days.
b) Additional days needed may be deducted from accumulated sick leave
days.
3. Permanent part-time Employees are eligible for Sick Leave Benefits on
a pro rated basis. A permanent part-time employee will be eligible for
one to three days of Compassionate Leave, but will only be paid for the
time which would normally have been worked during the absence.
MONETARY POLICIES
Rationale
The proper and wise use of funds is critical both for the
efficient daily operation of the school and for its long term survival
and growth. Poor stewardship of funds can lead to financial pressures
which may impact on the educational program or cause a loss of trust on
the part of parents and supporters. Mishandling of funds not only will
have legal consequences but may lead to declining enrollments and
ultimately closure of the school. The Board and Principal have the joint
responsibility to establish and follow a Budget and manage all the
finances of the school in such a way as to ensure that the mission of
the school is achieved.
Budget Policy
1. Each year the Finance Committee shall develop a Preliminary
Budget for the next school year.
a) The Budget should reflect a conservative approach to revenue
estimates and a liberal approach to expenditures taking into account all
current trends including the inflation rate.
b) The Budget will allow for only such changes in enrollments as are
reasonable to predict based on current class sizes, waiting lists, and
the flow of inquiries.
c) The Budget will allow for revenue shortfalls due to unpaid tuition or
fees in an amount at least equal in percent to that of the previous
year.
2. The Board will review the Budget and make revisions as it sees fit.
The revised Preliminary Budget will then be approved in principle to be
used by the Administration for planning, hiring, and recruitment.
3. The Final Budget will be adopted at the October Board Meeting of that
budget year based upon actual enrollments at that time. It will not be
modified from that time forward.
Revenue Policy
1. The Treasurer will be responsible to ensure that all revenues are
accurately accounted for and donors receipted for gifts.
2. If necessary, money may be borrowed for
operational costs. No more than 80% may be borrowed against promised
tuition and government grants. No borrowing will be done for capital
projects unless 50% of the capital cost has been raised in advance
through pledged amounts, liquid funds, and appraised equity.
3. Only cash gifts can be receipted. If individuals wish to donate
material or labour, the school may elect to purchase them for cash at
fair market value.
4. All major fundraising activities shall be approved by the Board.
5. The Principal shall approve all minor fundraising activities.
6. Tuition fees will be graduated to allow for the greater expenses
incurred by larger families. Fees for the second and third child will be
less than those for the first. Families will not be charged tuition for
subsequent children.
7. Monthly payments are to be made beginning in July and ending in June of the following
calendar year, or by two payments made July 1, and January 1.
8. No child will be denied admission to the school due to the inability
of parents to pay tuition (subject to available resources). However, no
family is to be fully subsidized for the entire year's tuition, and some
payment should be made each month.
9. Parents applying for reduced tuition must provide evidence of their
inability to pay full fees. The amount of tuition support given will be
determined on a case by case basis.
10. Families needing tuition support must reapply for Financial Aid each
year. Approval for Financial Aid in subsequent years will be conditional
upon both need and prior participation in school events.
a) Families who fail to pay tuition for a period of three months or who
fail to make satisfactory alternative arrangements for missed payments
will have their enrollment terminated
b) Families who were removed from the school for failure to pay tuition
will not be eligible for readmission until the following school year and
then only if they have dealt with their outstanding bill.
c) Any family with unpaid accounts as of June 15 will not be readmitted
for the following school year until all outstanding fees are paid in
full or satisfactory alternative arrangements have been agreed to.
Expenditure Policy
1. The Treasurer will be responsible to see that all expenditures are
accurately accounted for and that all bills are paid within 60 days.
2. The teacher base salary will be no less than 70% of the school
division in which the school is located. Teachers will be accorded
further increases due to experience, additional training, or additional
responsibilities.
3. Teachers will be informed no later than May regarding a tentative pay
level for the upcoming year. Contracts will indicate that salary is to
be considered “tentative”. Salaries will be finalized at the September
Board meeting.
4. Unforeseen shortfalls in revenue due to lower enrollments or higher
unpaid accounts will be accommodated by reducing expenditures or by
increasing sales (not by borrowing). Expenditure reduction will be in
accordance with the following priorities:
a) Current Year Capital development
b) Field trips, travel, textbooks supplies, etc.
c) Salaries.
5. In the event that it is necessary to reduce salaries in order to
balance the budget, it will be done by reducing the base salary rather
than denying teachers increments due for experience or education. The
Board will make every effort during the year to replace lost salaries.
In subsequent years, the Board will make every attempt to restore the
base salary to the level it would have been had it not been reduced.
6. The Principal will be responsible for approving all discretionary
expenditures in accordance with the Budget.
7. All cheques will be co signed by one authorized Board member and one
authorized Administrator. No cheque will receive the first signature
unless the payee has been designated. No cheque will receive the second
signature unless the amount has been indicated.
8. No loans will be made to any individual or organization for any
purpose.
Accountability Policy
1. The Board will obtain the services of a CA to conduct a legal audit
of all school finances each year.
2. The Board, at the annual general meeting and/or upon request, will
make both the budget and previous year's audit available to the parent
body for their review.
3. The Board, upon request, will make both the budget and previous
year's audit available to all donors for their review.
4. The Board will maintain bond insurance for its Treasurer in an amount
at least equal to the minimum established in law.
5. The Board will maintain fire and theft insurance in an amount
sufficient to protect the assets of the school.
6. The Board will maintain liability insurance in an amount at least
equal to the minimums established in law.
MORAL CONDUCT
POLICY
Rationale
In order to maintain the Christian character of the schools, it is
important that teachers and students uphold by precept and example
Biblical standards of moral behavior. All sin, whether hidden or
visible, is an offense against God, but not all sin has equal
consequences in a Christian community. Those which are visible and
disruptive can directly impact the life and testimony of that community
to the world and cannot be accepted. KCES opposes all behaviors which
are specifically condemned in the Bible. Furthermore, the Koinonia
Christian Education Society opposes those offenses such as sexual
harassment and child abuse which, while not mentioned by name in the
Bible, involve the clear violations of Biblical standards which this
policy addresses.
Policy
1. The following kinds of speech are unacceptable to KCES whether the
speech occurs at the schools or outside of the schools by a board
member, employee or student:
a) Vulgar or suggestive speech (Eph. 5:4)
b) Gossip or slander towards an individual or group (Pr. 26:20)
c) Intimidation (1Pet.3:14 NAS)
d) Threats of violence (Ac. 4:29)
e) Lying (Ex. 20:16)
f) Swearing (Ex. 20:7)
2. The following kinds of behavior are unacceptable to KCES whether the
behavior occurs at the schools or outside of the schools by a board
member, employee or student:
a) Stealing (Ex.20:15)
b) Drunkenness (Gal. 5:21)
c) Violence against another (1Jn. 3:11)
d) Viewing or reading pornography (Phil. 4:8)
e) Lewd or suggestive behavior (Gal. 5:19,21)
f) Fornication, Adultery, Incest (1Cor. 6:18; Ex.20:14; Lv. 20:10 21)
g) Acts of Homosexuality or Bestiality (Ro. 1:27; Ex.22:19)
h) Sorcery or Witchcraft (Ex.22:18)
i) Vandalism (Ex.22:5,6)
j) Marrying an unbeliever (II Cor. 6:14). An unbeliever shall be defined
as an individual who can not or will not adhere to the statement of
faith.
3. None of these prohibited activities shall in any way be promoted or
approved by the school through speech, written material, or example.
4. All board members, employees, and students shall conduct themselves
in such a way as to avoid the appearance of evil and possible false
accusations. For example, special care should be taken when meeting with
or transporting any student on an individual basis.
5. Board members, employees and students are responsible to report
instances of moral misconduct to those in a supervisory role. Students
should report to their homeroom teacher, another teacher, or the
Principal. Board members or Teachers should report to the Principal,
Chairman of the Board, or the Superintendent.
6. Everyone involved in reporting or investigating an incident of moral
misconduct shall speak about the matter only to those individuals who
can be a part of the solution. Thus, students should not talk to other
students, and employees should not talk to other employees. All
conversation should be directed to those individuals investigating the
matter or to an adult (e.g. parent, pastor) who can assume the role of
counselor to the injured party.
7. The schools (Principal, Chairman, Superintendent and others such as
Social Workers or Counselors as needed) shall investigate every
accusation of moral misconduct taking care to balance the rights of the
accused with the rights of the victim, and taking due care to guard the
reputation of the schools. Those investigating shall operate under the
twin assumptions that the accusation might be true and that it might not
be true. The goal is to determine the truth of the matter. Attention
should be directed to obtaining specific details regarding events,
dates, and times. A written record of the investigation shall be kept by
the investigating authority.
8. Interviews of students and staff will be conducted by one or two
individuals, at least one of whom will be the same sex as the person
being interviewed. Where there are indications that sexual misconduct
involving students has occurred, their parents will be notified
immediately except in a case where there is a possibility that the
parent himself or herself is involved. In this case, civil authorities
will be notified directly in order that they may conduct an
investigation which is beyond the jurisdiction of the schools.
9. Students found to have violated the moral standards of the schools
shall be disciplined in accordance with the Discipline Policy as it
applies to Serious Offenses.
10. Board members or employees found to have violated the moral
standards of the schools shall be disciplined in accordance with the
Discipline, Suspension, & Termination Policy.
11. Board members, employees, students, or parents whose actions appear
to constitute a violation of the law (assault, sexual harassment, sexual
or physical abuse, etc.) shall be reported to the appropriate civil
authorities.
12. Board members, employees, or students who encourage (actively or
passively) others to engage in any of these prohibited activities may be
held equally liable to discipline.
13. The Principal shall ensure that Teachers, Students, & Parents are
informed of this policy on an annual basis.
14. The Principal shall ensure that the school curriculum addresses at
each grade level the issues in this policy which are appropriate to that
grade.
PARENTAL APPEAL POLICY
Rationale
The Board is elected from and by the Parent Body and is therefore
accountable to them. It is important that the Board be kept informed of
issues that are a concern to Parents, Staff, or Students. Generally,
this should be done by the Administration in its monthly report to the
Board. However, from time to time, it may be necessary for individuals
or groups to have direct access to the Board in order to more directly
present their concerns.
Policy
1. A request for a hearing by the Board must be made to the Board
Chairman at least seven days prior to the Board meeting. This request
should be accompanied by a written brief which details the concerns to
be addressed.
2. All requests for hearings must be approved by the Principal and the
Chairman of the School Board unless the issue concerns a grievance
against either Principal or Chairman. In this case the Principal or
Chairman who is not a party to the grievance, with the agreement of the
Vice Chairman, can give permission to bring it before the Board.
3. Requests for a hearing may be turned down if it is felt that the
issue should be dealt with first by the Administration or Staff or if
the issue has already been addressed in policy.
4. At such a hearing, the Chairman of the Board (or Vice Chairman, if
the Chairman is implicated) will clarify the procedures to be followed,
the role of each party present, and the extent of the topics to be
discussed.
5. The Board shall have the right to call upon the Superintendent of
Koinonia Schools to assist with the hearing.
6. The Parent(s) shall have the right to be accompanied by their pastor
or (by agreement of the Chairman or Vice Chairman) another Christian
friend to assist them in the hearing.
7. The Board will make a final decision after the presentation has been
heard. This will take place either at that meeting or a later one. In
any case, the Chairman of the Board will immediately inform the
individual(s) of the Board's decision when that decision is made.
8. The decision of the Board shall be considered final unless the
Superintendent determines that Third Party Arbitration is warranted. In
this case, the Board and Parent(s) may each nominate one person to sit
on an Arbitration Panel. The two Panel members will agree on a third
person to sit on the Panel. All members of the Panel must wholeheartedly
subscribe to the School’s Statement of Faith.
9. The Arbitration Panel shall determine the extent and process of their
hearing, and their decision shall be considered final and binding on all
parties.
PARENTS'
COMMITMENT POLICY
Rationale
The school exists as a support to Christian homes in fulfilling their
mandate to raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The
strength and effectiveness of the school will be largely determined by
the dedication and spiritual maturity of the parents whose children are
enrolled. It is therefore essential that a certain level of commitment
be given by each parent before enrolling their children.
Policy
At least one custodial parent or guardian must agree with all of the
points which follow. A custodial parent or guardian who cannot support
all the points must at least agree with and be supportive of points five
through fourteen.
1. I have received the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and am
actively involved in a church which accepts the Bible as the Word of
God.
2. I acknowledge that the Bible places primary responsibility on
parents, especially fathers, for the education of their children, and am
requesting this school to assist me in this God given responsibility. (Dt.
6:4-9, Pr. 22:6, Eph. 6:4)
3. I have read and fully accept the Statement of Faith as my own.
4. I will pray earnestly for the school, its’ families, board, teachers,
and administrators.
I AGREE TO THE ABOVE 4 POINTS: ___________________________ (signed by at
least one of the parents)
5. I will actively support the ministry of the school when I am able by
assisting with various activities as needed.
6. I will support the moral standards of the school and uphold them
outside of the school as well as in the school (see moral conduct
policy).
7. I authorize the school to employ such discipline as it deems wise and
expedient for the training of my child(ren).
8. I will immediately seek to resolve misunderstandings privately with
the person(s) (i.e. faculty, staff, Board members, other parents)
involved in accordance with the principles of Matthew 18:15-17.
9. I accept that the school reserves the right to dismiss any child who
fails to comply with the established regulations and discipline; or
whose financial obligations remain unpaid; or who refuses to co-operate
with the academic process. I understand that in the case of an expulsion
of my child(ren) no other board (public or independent) is obligated to
accept my child(ren) mid-year and that in such cases the school’s only
obligation for the remainder of the year will be to provide support for
a Home based program (e.g. Home School, Distance Ed. Virtual).
10. I understand that faithful attendance at Parent-Teacher Interviews
and Parent-Teacher Fellowship meetings are vital to building a strong
school. I will make every effort to attend both.
11. I hereby pledge to pay my financial obligations to the school.
12. I understand that tuition does not cover the full costs of educating
my child(ren) and I commit to being involved in fundraising activities
as needed.
I AGREE TO POINTS 5 – 12 _________________________________(signed by
custodial parent)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Rationale
In order to maintain a high quality educational program it is necessary
to not only recruit highly qualified personnel, but to provide for their
ongoing training and development. Continued training is beneficial not
only for classroom teachers, but also Teacher Aides, Board Members and
the Principal. A thorough in-service program should address the needs
for spiritual, academic and professional growth.
Policy
1. Each year the Board will pay for the full costs of attendance at the
annual ACSI Teachers' Convention (travel, accommodation, meals, &
conference fees). Attendance of all full-time instructional staff is
required, attendance of part-time instructional staff is encouraged, and
regular salary will be paid.
2. Each year the Board will pay for the full costs of attendance at the
annual ACSI Board Administrators' Convention. Attendance of the
Principal is required and regular salary will be paid. Attendance by
Board members is encouraged.
3. Each year the Board will fund school membership in the Association of
Christian Schools International and the Association of Independent
Schools and Colleges of Alberta
4. Each year the Board will set aside funds for individual professional
development.
STAFFING POLICY
Rationale
The most critical component of any school is its teaching staff.
Teachers are responsible to provide not only an excellent academic
program but also model a Christian lifestyle through their speech and
behavior. Their influence on the lives of students in the school is
second only to that of their parents. The provision of the highest
quality personnel is therefore paramount in order to accomplish the
mission of the school.
Policy
1. The Board and Superintendent will be mutually responsible to search
for and process all appropriate candidates for the position of
Principal. The successful candidate must meet all the requirements of a
teacher, but also have a minimum of two years teaching experience and
hold a permanent teaching certificate. The hiring of a principal
requires approval by the School Board and KCES Superintendent. Any
exceptions to the foregoing require the approval of the KCES Board.
2. The Principal will evaluate the staffing needs for the upcoming year
after consideration of the numbers of returning staff and any changes in
enrollment and make a recommendation to the Board.
3. The Board, after considering the recommendations of the Principal,
will determine what positions will need to be filled.
4. The Principal is responsible for searching out and processing all
appropriate candidates. The Principal will endeavor to find candidates
with Bible College training.
5. The Principal will evaluate all applications and arrange to
personally interview the most qualified candidates. He/she will also
obtain one personal reference by phone or in person before recommending
a teacher to the Board for an interview.
6. The School Board in consultation with the Principal will make all
decisions regarding the selection of teachers. The Board (or committee
of the Board) will personally interview all teacher candidates.
7. The Board will make inquiry with the appropriate authorities about
any prior criminal record within one month of signing a contract.
Teachers will be informed that their contract will be terminated should
the background check indicate that they have misled the Board.
8. In order to be appointed to and remaining on the faculty a candidate
must:
a) Be a born again Christian who wholeheartedly and without reservation
endorses the Statement of Faith and actively involved in an evangelical
church.
b) Agree with and support the philosophy and objectives of the School.
c) Hold or be eligible for a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate.
d) Be committed to integrating Biblical truth into every aspect of the
life of the School.
e) Be committed to personal growth and development spiritually and
academically.
f) Be committed to the principles of Koinonia which includes mutual
respect, encouragement, trust, and faithfulness.
g) Be committed to supporting the God ordained authorities which exist
in the school: Board and Principal.
h) Be committed to following the principles of Matt.18.
i) Be committed to excelling in self discipline, leadership and overall
maturity.
9. All teachers shall work on an annual term contract basis. Each
teacher may apply for the position they held previously or for any other
position on the teaching staff that may be open at the time.
10. The Principal will maintain a file for each teacher which will
contain:
a) A clear statement of their conversion to Christ
b) A clear statement of their philosophy of education.
c) Resume.
d) Status for salary grid.
e) Letters of reference.
f) Classroom Visit Reports.
g) T.D.1 Form.
h) Teacher contract.
i) Record of Board hiring interview.
j) Academic records
k) Criminal background check
l) Record of all evaluations and disciplinary proceedings
m) Copy of teaching certificate
STATEMENT OF FAITH
1. We believe the Bible is inspired by God, and is the only infallible,
authoritative Word of God (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21)
2. We believe there is only one God, who exists eternally in three equal
persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- and who created the heavens
and the earth and all that is in them by the power of His spoken word.
(Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3; John 10:30)
3. We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33); His virgin birth
(Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35); His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15;
Hebrews 7:26); His miracles (John 2:11); His substitutionary death (I
Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9); His physical resurrection
(John 11:25; I Corinthians 15:4); His ascension to the right hand of the
Father (Mark 16:19); and His personal return in power and glory to judge
the living and the dead (Acts 1:11; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation
22:12).
4. We believe that man was created by God in His own image (Genesis
1:27), but was spiritually separated from God because of sin (Romans
3:23), and is incapable of being reconciled to God apart from the work
of Christ on the cross (Romans 5:6).
5. We believe in the absolute necessity of rebirth by the Holy Spirit
for salvation; and that people are justified on the single ground of
faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God’s grace and
through faith alone are we saved (John 3:16-19; John 5:24; Romans 3:23;
Romans 5:8-9; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5)
6. We believe in the physical resurrection of both the saved and the
lost; those who are saved will rise to eternal life, and those that are
lost to eternal punishment. (John 5:28-29; Mathew 25:46).
7. We believe that the Church is the body of born-again believers in
fellowship with Christ and with fellow believers. (Romans 8:9; I
Corinthians 12:12-13)
8. We believe in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells
believers enabling them to live a Godly life (Romans 8:13-14; I
Corinthians 3:16; I Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians
5:18).
Koinonia Schools recognize that there are other doctrines held by
various Christian believers which they believe to be consistent with,
and in addition to, the above, but these shall not be promoted by
Koinonia Schools.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER POLICY
Rationale
Although substitute teachers are employed only intermittently, it is
important that they support and faithfully implement the philosophy and
policies of the school while they are employed. In order to do this
adequately, they must meet essentially the same requirements as regular
full time teachers.
Policy
1. A substitute teacher must meet the following qualifications:
a) Be a born again Christian who wholeheartedly and without reservation
endorses the school’s Statement of Faith
b) Agree with and support the philosophy and objectives of the School.
c) Hold a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate.
TEACHER
EVALUATION POLICY
Rationale
In order to ensure that students continue to receive the best possible
education, it is necessary that teachers receive on going counsel and
direction regarding the most effective means of instructing their
pupils. The primary goal of supervision, therefore, is to help teachers
improve in their work so that they become increasingly effective. The
secondary goal of teacher supervision is to ensure that teachers are
functioning in a role for which they are gifted.
Policy
1. Teachers are responsible to develop an annual Professional Growth
Plan based on an annual self evaluation and input from the Principal.
2. The Principal, or his designate, shall conduct periodic informal
classroom observations of all teachers and share these observations in
conference with the teacher. Where such observations involve a conflict
of interest, the Principal must delegate this responsibility to another
Faculty member.
3. Formal written evaluations shall be conducted of all teachers in
their first and second year of teaching at the school no later than
January 31st and at least every third year thereafter no later than
April 30th. These evaluations shall encompass all aspects of the
Teacher’s Job Description. They shall be based upon at least four full
class periods spread over a minimum of two days. The Principal may
include parent and student viewpoints regarding teachers as part of the
overall evaluation process.
4. The Principal may employ the services of a senior Teacher, the KCES
Superintendent, outside consultant, or video recorder to assist in the
observation of classroom instruction. Video tapes will remain the
property of the school and a copy will be made available to the teacher.
5. The instruments to be employed in classroom observation will be made
available to teachers in advance and will bear a clear relationship to
the Teacher Job Description.
6. A written record of the observations and conference shall be signed
(indicating awareness, not necessarily agreement) by both the Teacher
and Principal and kept in the Teacher's file. The record should clearly
indicate areas of strength or weakness and specify any corrective action
to be taken. The Teacher shall be given opportunity to record any
disagreements with the Principal's observations.
7. Assuming the position still exists, the Board will renew the
contracts of all Teachers who have demonstrated satisfactory
performance. Teachers may conclude that their work is satisfactory
unless properly notified to the contrary by the Principal.
8. The Principal shall inform a Teacher whose work is unacceptable that
failure to improve may result in the non renewal of the Teacher's
contract. In all such cases a written record of the warning shall be
signed by the Principal and Teacher and kept in the Teacher's file.
9. Access to personnel files shall be limited to the Principal, Teacher
concerned, and Superintendent. The Board as a whole may have access to a
file only after passing a motion to that effect.
10. Teachers may appeal their evaluation by the Principal to the School
Board in accordance with the Grievance Policy.
TRAVEL EXPENSE POLICY
Rationale
From time to time Staff members are required to travel out of town for
field trips, sports events, or special meetings. They should not have to
pay out of their own pockets for travel expenses which are directly
related to the work of the school.
Policy
1. Staff will be reimbursed for mileage while traveling on either school
or school related activities. Reimbursement will be paid at no
less than the rate of 80% of the maximum automobile allowance rate
established by Canada Revenue Agency. This rate will be confirmed
by KCES as of January 31 of each year for use beginning the following
school year.
2. Staff will be reimbursed for reasonable costs of accommodations which
are directly related to the above mentioned activities.
3. Staff will be reimbursed for the reasonable costs of meals
purchased while attending such activities.
4. Staff who have children in the school fill a dual role of teacher and
parent. Should they volunteer to drive for an event in which one of
their own children participate, they will be viewed as parents and
compensated as any other parent would be. If, however, they are required
to drive as part of their job assignment, they will be compensated as
a staff member.