About

Welcome - Bienvenue to

École James S. McCormick School

École James S. McCormick School is a Pre-Kindergarten to Grade Three English and French Immersion School in the City of Lacombe. We have a highly dedicated and exceptional staff providing a powerful foundation of learning to our students. The school staff has a commitment to providing an enriched opportunity for all students through innovative and researched based teaching. Parents play a very active role in our school through our School Council and by volunteering.

Drop in to the office to meet our staff. Tour our hallways and notice the fabulous student art work that adorns our school. We would love to have you visit us. Come and see what we're all about!

Our Mission Statement: "Inspiring To Achieve and Believe!" 

SCHOOL DRILLS AND PROTOCOLS

REUNITING WITH YOUR CHILDREN

KEEPING INFORMED DURING AN EMERGENCY

WHEN AN EMERGENCY OCCURS

Schools are considered to be one of the safest places in our communities. However, in reality an emergency can strike anywhere at any time.

During any emergency, our first priority is the safety of our students and staff. In order to provide an effective response to any school crisis the Division has developed an Emergency Response Plan. This works in conjunction with other local emergency plans since a school emergency could require the involvement of numerous agencies. The plans created for individual schools, along with the Division Plan, are reviewed annually and after an emergency occurs.

There is an on-site emergency response team at each school, along with an Division-based Emergency Response Team, which provides support and aid to schools at time of an emergency. All staff is regularly trained on emergency protocols and drills are practiced at each school.

Although standardized protocols and procedures provide the basis for our response, the way in which we respond to an emergency is greatly influenced by the specifics of an incident. We are driven foremost by our concern of ensuring student and staff safety.

Our Division collaborates closely with local emergency personnel to ensure plans are coordinated with appropriate agencies. The Division’s plans do not replace the authority of law enforcement, fire or emergency medical services. All staff members work in full co-operation with these agencies.

For security reasons, certain components of our emergency response plans are not publicly available. However, this guide outlines the key elements of the Plan and answers questions parents frequently ask regarding emergency preparedness. I hope you find this guide helpful and informative.

We appreciate your support and assistance in our continued safety efforts.

Guidelines

Background

The Division acknowledges that from time to time casual support staff are required to fill short term absences for school support staff. These individuals offer important professional service that support consistency and service for both students and staff. Ensuring welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environments for students must be the primary consideration in the selection and use of casual support staff to assist with school programming, in accordance with board policy, administrative and school procedures.

The Principal, in his or her sole discretion, which shall not be subject to appeal, may choose not to make use of any person as a casual support staff if the Principal considers it advisable.

Definitions

Casual School-Based Support Staff: An hourly employee who fulfills a specific, short term support to a classroom, school, student, or system-wide program. A casual school-based support staff may be in direct contact with students, and may or may not be under the direct supervision of school staff. Casual School-Based Support Staff are under the ultimate responsibility and supervision of the Principal at the school level.

Procedures

1) The applicant should apply with resume, complete with references, in person to the school office. A vaild (within 6 months) Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Intervention Check must also be included for all new casual support staff applicants.

2) An applicant screening process will take place. This could potentially include reference checks and/or an interview with the school administration.

3) Upon acceptance, an orientation will take place with school administration. Applicable paperwork will be completed and the applicant will receive a handbook of required information to familiarize themselves with prior to working in the school. A casual support staff guideline waiver must be signed annually by all casual support staff members. 

4) The casual support staff member will be added to the school's support staff substitute list and contacted as required by the school staff. This list is updated annually and the casual support staff member should update the school office yearly if they wish to remain on the list.

5) Upon the first day of substitute work, the casual support staff member will be asked to complete the applicable payroll information as necessary. Payroll forms are to be completed annually.