The CBE is desirous of promoting the development of good study habits. It believes that home study can contribute to this objective as well as to the reinforcement of learning. Two kinds of study are recognized, the completion of written or "hand-in" assignments, and the informal study of material related to the subjects under study in school. While the Board is anxious to promote the supportive role of the home in the child's education, it is anxious at the same time not to interfere with the child's pursuit of other wholesome non-school interests of educational, cultural, or recreational value. The CBE recommends no more than 20 minutes per night of homework for Grade 5 and 6 students, and 30-60 minutes for Grade 7 to 9 students.

Human sexuality is part of the Health curriculum in all middle school grades. At the beginning of the year a form will be sent home which gives parents the option to have their child opt out of the human sexuality component of the Health program. If the form is not returned, then the student will be expected to participate in these classes. Students who opt out will be given alternate Health-related instruction.

• Staff will understand the unique characteristics, needs, and development of young adolescents and have a passion for working with this population on a daily basis.
• Students will develop strong, respectful relationships with their teachers and recognize staff as advocates who know them as learners.
• Staff will be open and available for ongoing communication with our parents.
• We recognize that the teacher-parent-student "tripod" needs all three legs to work together positively to ensure student success.
• Staff recognize that our community is passionate about the school and we are open to feedback and consultative input from this group.

• Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and identity formation.
• Students will have opportunities to try on different roles and experiment in a variety of directions to begin to establish their self-identity.
• We will provide exploratory learning opportunities through our co-curricular events such as field trips, presentations, and curriculum-extending activities.
• We will provide extra-curricular clubs, teams and activities through athletics, the arts, intramural programs and school-based clubs.

• Our school will provide a safe and caring place for students to learn.
• The foundational pillars of caring for self, others, and our community, and taking responsibility for our actions will infuse our school culture.
• Students will make mistakes during adolescence and will be supported through a restorative, educational lens when struggling with challenges.

• Our school will be structured around best practices for middle level education.
• Middle school is a time of transition and our school will provide structures that are intentional in welcoming students from an elementary classroom, to preparing them to leave middle school ready for the challenges of high school.

• Professional Learning Communities will focus on the collective analysis of evidence of student learning.
• Staff will strive to continually refine their professional practice in the presence of their peers.
• Staff will engage in ongoing professional development, accessing the most relevant research to strengthen our pedagogy and guide our practice.