Student Policy Handbook

2026–2027 | In-person and online learning

This handbook explains USCA’s expectations, student support and key secondary credit requirements. Read it with your course outlines, the School Course Calendar and USCA’s Assessment and Evaluation Policy. Current Ministry requirements govern OSSD credits.

1 Respect safety and conduct

Treat others respectfully, follow staff directions and care for property. Bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination, harassment, threats, violence, weapons and the possession or use of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs or vaping products at school or school activities are prohibited. Report concerns to a teacher or the principal; retaliation is prohibited. Follow emergency procedures and tell staff about urgent medical or safety needs.

2 Attendance and participation

Attend scheduled classes, arrive on time and complete agreed online learning activities. Report absences promptly through the school office; a parent/guardian reports for a minor, unless the student is entitled to act independently. Teachers contact students and families, as appropriate, about concerns and arrange support.

Attendance and participation count toward secondary marks as shown below. Excused absences must not lower marks. Teachers explain the Ministry criteria, maintain dated records and provide accessible ways to participate. Online logins alone do not establish participation. Request corrections or accommodations through the teacher or principal.

3 Assessment examinations and reporting

Grades	Classroom work	Final evaluations	Attendance and participation
9–10	65%	20%	15%
11–12	65%	25%	10%

Course outlines explain expectations, weights, deadlines and final evaluation formats. Most courses require written exams during designated exam periods; subject-specific Ministry rules apply. Learning skills are reported separately. A credit requires at least 50% and completion of applicable requirements. Teachers report progress at the course midpoint and completion, with any other required reports.

For illness, missed evaluations or late work, notify the teacher promptly. Staff consider circumstances, accommodations, extensions or equivalent tasks. An excused absence does not automatically result in zero. Any permitted mark consequence must follow current Ministry policy and professional judgment. Ask the teacher for an explanation of a mark; unresolved concerns go to the principal.

4 Academic integrity

Submit your own work, acknowledge sources and follow the teacher’s rules for collaboration, AI and devices. Do not cheat, impersonate others or share assessment answers. Staff investigate concerns and hear the students’ explanation before deciding. Responses consider individual circumstances and may include instruction, supervised replacement work or a permitted mark consequence; there is no automatic loss of a course credit.

5 Technology privacy and digital conduct

Use school accounts and systems for authorized learning. Keep passwords private; do not access others’ accounts, upload confidential information to AI tools, or record or share images of others without permission. Report cyberbullying, security problems and harmful content.

Under USCA’s device rules, personal phones stay silent and stored during instruction unless a teacher authorizes learning use or a medical/accessibility accommodation applies. Misuse may lead to supervised or restricted access; staff will arrange an appropriate way to continue required learning.

6 Student support and fair responses

Speak to a teacher or the principal about learning needs, language support, accessibility, bullying or well-being. Staff coordinate available support and referrals; they document and review accommodation. Share relevant needs early so participation and assessments are accessible.

When conduct concerns arise, the principal reviews the facts, hears the student and considers age, needs, circumstances, seriousness and prior interventions. Responses may include reminders, restorative steps, a support plan or proportionate restrictions. Serious incidents may require immediate safety measures and appropriate reporting. The student and parent/guardian, where applicable, receive the decision and may request a review by the principal.

7 Graduation planning for secondary students

Requirement	What students need
Credits	30 total: 18 compulsory + 12 optional for Grade 9 entry before 2024–25; 17 compulsory + 13 optional for entry in 2024–25 or later. The newer cohort includes Grade 9/10 technological education and an additional STEM group credit.
Other requirements	Provincial literacy requirement; normally 40 community involvement hours; and 2 eligible online credits for Grade 9 entry in 2020–21 or later, unless a documented opt-out or exemption applies. Online credits count toward the 30.
Financial literacy	Effective 2026–27 for Grade 9 entry in 2025–26 or later: meet the financial literacy requirement in Grade 10 Career Studies with at least 70% on the modules. Ministry exceptions apply; the principal verifies eligibility and records.

Ask guidance or the principal for an individual credit review. Document transfers, equivalencies, substitutions, and any approved exceptions. University and college admission requirements are separate from OSSD requirements.

8 Family communication and concerns

Keep contact and emergency information current, support attendance and review school communications. Raise classroom concerns with the teacher, then the principal if unresolved. Access to records and sharing information follow applicable consent and student-record rules, including adult students’ rights. The separate enrolment agreement governs fees and refunds.

9 Acknowledgement

I have read this handbook, understand the expectations, and know how to request clarification, support, or a review. Signing acknowledges receipt and does not waive student rights.

Student name _____________________  Signature _____________________  Date __________
Parent/guardian where applicable _____________________  Signature ______________  Date __________

Principal approval _____________________  Effective date __________  Review date __________

Ministry references checked October 17, 2026: Growing Success updates  |  OSSD requirements  |  Financial literacy  |  Private schools