St. Antony’s Educational Institutions

Student & Parent Handbook

Introduction

At St. Antony’s Academy, education is a shared partnership among students, parents/guardians, and the Academy. This Handbook outlines expectations, policies, and support systems designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and enriching learning environment. It should be read in full at the start of each academic year and referenced as needed.

  • Scope: Applies to all students enrolled at St. Antony’s Academy and their parents/guardians, on campus, online, and during all school-sponsored activities.
  • Policy Governance: The Academy may update this Handbook to reflect evolving best practices, legal requirements, and community needs. The most current version is maintained on stantonysacademy.org.
  • Queries: For clarification, contact the Administration Office via the Academy portal or during working hours.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

    • Mission: To inspire lifelong learning, character, and service through rigorous academics, holistic development, and a culture of respect and inclusion.
    • Vision: To be a community where every learner is known, challenged, and supported to achieve excellence and purpose.
    • Core Values:
      • Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and kindness.
      • Responsibility: Take ownership of actions and learning.
      • Collaboration: Work together for collective success.
      • Excellence: Strive for the highest standards in all endeavors.
      • Integrity: Act honestly and ethically at all times.

Code of Conduct

Students are expected to:

  • Demonstrate respect and integrity toward peers, staff, and the broader community.
  • Uphold a safe and inclusive environment; bullying, harassment, discrimination, violence, or intimidation are strictly prohibited.
  • Follow classroom, laboratory, library, and campus rules.
  • Practice academic honesty; plagiarism, cheating, collusion, and misrepresentation are violations.
  • Use school property, technology, and resources responsibly.
  • Comply with lawful instructions from faculty and staff.

Violations may result in disciplinary action consistent with the Academy’s Progressive Discipline framework.

Responsibilities of Students

  • Attend all classes punctually and prepared to learn.
  • Complete assignments, projects, and assessments on time.
  • Maintain school property and facilities with care.
  • Model the Academy’s values on and off campus, including online.
  • Follow safety protocols and report hazards or concerns promptly.

Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians

  • Ensure regular, punctual attendance and support timely completion of schoolwork.
  • Monitor student progress and communicate with teachers through designated channels.
  • Encourage respectful behavior and adherence to Academy rules.
  • Keep student records current (contact, medical information, emergency contacts).
  • Partner with the Academy in supporting student wellbeing and conduct.

Admissions & Enrollment

  • Eligibility: Admission is based on published criteria including age/grade readiness, prior academic record, and, where applicable, entrance assessments or interviews.
  • Documentation: Parents/guardians must submit accurate and complete documents. The Academy may verify information and decline or revoke applications with discrepancies.
  • Placement: Grade placement and course selections are determined by academic readiness, available space, and school policies.
  • Re-enrollment: Annual re-enrollment is required by published deadlines.
  • Withdrawal/Transfer: Submit a written request; clearance of dues and return of school property are required for release of records.

Fees, Billing, and Financial Assistance

  • Fee Schedule: Published annually (tuition, lab fees, activities, transportation, exam fees, etc.).
  • Payments: Due by scheduled dates; late fees may apply. Non-payment may impact access to services, assessments, or re-enrollment.
  • Refunds: Governed by the Academy’s refund policy (refer to the current fee circular). Registration and certain fees may be non-refundable.
  • Financial Aid/Scholarships: Need- and/or merit-based support may be available. Applications must be complete and truthful; awards are discretionary and subject to review.

Academic Policies

Curriculum and Instruction

  • The Academy offers a balanced curriculum aligned with national/regional standards and the Academy’s mission, including core subjects, electives, arts, physical education, and co-curricular learning.

Homework and Coursework

  • Purpose: Reinforce learning, develop study habits, and extend inquiry.
  • Expectations: Students must meet deadlines; parents are encouraged to support routines without doing the work on behalf of the student.

Assessment and Grading

  • Methods: Exams, quizzes, projects, presentations, lab work, and continuous evaluation.
  • Transparency: Rubrics or criteria shared in advance where applicable.
  • Make-Up Work: Permitted for excused absences; timelines will be set by teachers.
  • Grade Reviews: Initiated by the student/parent with the teacher within a defined window. Formal appeals follow the Academic Appeals process.

Academic Honesty

  • Prohibited: Plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, fabrication/falsification, collusion, and misusing AI or digital tools to misrepresent original work.
  • Process: Incidents are investigated; consequences may include grade penalties, re-submission requirements, disciplinary actions, and notation per policy.

Promotion and Retention

  • Criteria: Satisfactory academic performance, minimum attendance, and completion of core requirements. Where needed, support plans or summer coursework may be assigned.
  • Special Circumstances: The Academy may recommend retention or conditional promotion with parent consultation.

 

Academic Support and Enrichment

    • Supports may include office hours, tutoring, learning support, enrichment clubs, and extended learning opportunities.

Attendance & Punctuality

  • Regular attendance is mandatory. Parents must notify the Administration of absences by the start of the school day via the portal or designated channels.
  • Minimum Attendance: Students must meet the minimum attendance requirement as per regulations (ordinarily not less than 85%) to receive credit/promotion.
  • Excused Absences: Illness, bereavement, religious observance, sanctioned activities, or other reasons approved by the Administration.
  • Unexcused Absences/Tardiness: May affect participation grades, assessments, and eligibility for activities; repeated issues trigger interventions and parent meetings.
  • Early Dismissal: Requires prior written request and sign-out by an authorized adult.
  • Extended Leave: Must be requested in advance; academic arrangements will be determined by the school.

Dress Code / Uniform

  • Students must wear the prescribed uniform on school days and official events unless otherwise specified.
  • Uniforms should be neat, clean, and worn as intended (including footwear and ID badges where applicable).
  • Jewelry, accessories, and grooming must be modest and safe for school activities.
  • PE/Activity attire: Follow department guidelines for safety and hygiene.
  • Religious and cultural attire accommodations are supported upon request.

Technology & Digital Citizenship

Acceptable Use

  • School devices, networks, software, and internet access must be used for educational purposes, following staff guidance and all applicable laws.
  • Prohibited: Bypassing security, unauthorized access, downloading illicit content, cyberbullying, harassment, and misuse of others’ data or work.
  • Personal Devices: Use is permitted only as outlined by classroom and school policy. Devices may be restricted, collected, or stored during instructional time.

Mobile Phones & Wearables

  • Must be silenced and stored during class unless explicitly approved by a teacher for learning purposes. Misuse may result in confiscation per policy.

AI & Digital Tools

  • Students may use AI tools for research or drafting only when permitted and must credit sources and disclose AI assistance per assignment guidelines. Submitting AI-generated work as one’s own is academic misconduct.

Online Safety & Privacy

  • Do not share personal information online. Report suspicious or harmful behavior immediately. The Academy may monitor network activity to ensure safety and compliance.

Safety, Wellbeing & Child Protection

Safeguarding

  • The Academy is committed to safeguarding children and complies with mandatory reporting obligations. Concerns about student safety will be addressed promptly and confidentially to the extent possible.

Health Services

  • Medical Information: Parents must provide up-to-date medical details, allergies, and emergency contacts.
  • Illness at School: Students who are unwell will be evaluated and, if needed, sent home. Keep students home if they have fever, contagious illness, or vomiting in the past 24 hours.
  • Medication: Prescription medication requires a doctor’s note and parental consent; all medications must be stored and administered through the infirmary per policy.
  • Immunizations: Must comply with local health regulations; documentation may be required.

Mental Health & Counseling

  • Counseling services are available to support student wellbeing. Parents and students may request referrals via the Administration or counseling office.

Emergency Preparedness

  • The Academy maintains emergency protocols (evacuation, lockdown, fire/earthquake drills, medical emergencies). Students must follow staff directions at all times.

Campus Operations & Services

Arrival and Dismissal

  • Follow published schedules, traffic circulation, and designated pick-up/drop-off zones. Students should not be on campus outside supervised hours unless enrolled in approved programs.

Transportation

  • Bus Conduct: Seatbelts where provided, remain seated, follow the driver’s instructions, maintain respectful behavior. Repeated violations may result in loss of bus privileges.

Visitors

  • All visitors must sign in, present identification, and wear visitor badges. Unapproved visitors are not permitted on campus.

Facilities, Lockers, and Property

  • Students are responsible for the care of textbooks, equipment, lockers, and classrooms. Damage or loss may incur repair/replacement costs.
  • The school may conduct checks of lockers or school property in accordance with safety and policy needs.

Lost & Found

  • Items found should be turned in to the designated location. Unclaimed items may be donated at the end of each term.

Extracurriculars, Trips & Events

  • Eligibility for clubs, sports, and leadership roles may require minimum academic standing and conduct.
  • Field Trips: Require parent consent; students represent the Academy and must follow all rules. Trip costs, if any, will be communicated in advance.
  • Competitions & Performances: Participation is a privilege; attendance and behavior standards apply.

Communication & Parent Partnership

  • Official Channels: Email, SMS, the Academy portal, and website announcements. Parents are advised to check updates regularly.
  • Response Time: Staff strive to respond to communications within 2 working days. Urgent matters should be directed to the Administration Office.
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: Scheduled periodically; appointments outside these windows may be arranged as needed.
  • Feedback, Concerns, and Complaints:
      1. Speak with the relevant teacher or staff member.
      2. If unresolved, escalate to the Head of Department/Coordinator.
      3. Further escalation to the Principal/Administration.
      4. Formal grievance/appeal procedures are available through the Administration.
  • Media & Photo Consent: The Academy may use images/videos of students in school publications and online platforms with prior consent. Parents may opt out via the portal.

Community Standards & Discipline

Prohibited Conduct (non-exhaustive)

  • Bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, or hate speech.
  • Violence, threats, possession of weapons or dangerous objects.
  • Vandalism, theft, or misuse of property.
  • Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes/vapes, or illegal substances.
  • Inappropriate online behavior, cyberbullying, and the sharing of explicit or harmful content.
  • Repeated defiance of reasonable instructions by school staff.

 

Progressive Discipline & Restorative Practices

  • The Academy prioritizes education, accountability, and restoration. Consequences may include:
      • Verbal warning and coaching
      • Reflection tasks or restorative conversations
      • Parent meetings and behavior contracts
      • Loss of privileges or extracurricular eligibility
      • Community service and restitution
      • Detention or in-school suspension
      • Suspension and, in severe cases, expulsion
  • Due Process: Students will have an opportunity to share their account. Parents will be informed of significant incidents and outcomes.
  • Searches & Confiscation: When safety or policy violations are suspected, the school may inspect lockers, bags, or items in accordance with law and policy; prohibited items may be confiscated.

Data Protection & Student Records

  • Data Privacy: Personal data is collected for educational purposes and managed in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
  • Access to Records: Parents/guardians (and eligible students) may request access to educational records following verification procedures.
  • Data Sharing: Limited to educational necessity, legal obligations, and authorized service providers under confidentiality agreements.
  • Consent: Separate consent may be required for specific activities (e.g., media use, third-party platforms).

Inclusion, Equity, and Non-Discrimination

  • Antony’s Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, language, sex, gender, disability, or any protected status in its programs or activities.
  • The Academy supports reasonable accommodations for students with documented needs. Parents should inform the Administration to initiate support planning.

Environmental Health, Nutrition & Sustainability

  • Cafeteria: Promotes healthy, hygienic food options; allergy information should be communicated to the school.
  • Waste Reduction & Sustainability: Students are encouraged to reduce waste, conserve resources, and participate in campus sustainability initiatives.

Weather, Emergencies & Unforeseen Closures

  • The Academy will communicate closures or shifts to remote learning via official channels. Attendance and assignment expectations will be shared accordingly.

Use of AI, Social Media, and Public Representation

  • Students must represent the Academy responsibly on social media and in public forums. Posting content that harms the school’s reputation or targets individuals is prohibited.
  • AI tools must be used ethically and transparently, in line with academic honesty and teacher guidelines.

Acknowledgement

  • By enrolling at St. Antony’s Academy, students and parents/guardians acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Handbook and any subsequent updates published on www.stantonysacademy.org.

Final Notes

  • This Handbook is a living document and should be reviewed with students at home.
  • Certain procedures (fee refund rules, grading scales, calendar dates) may be published as separate circulars each year and are deemed part of this Handbook by reference.
  • In case of conflict between this Handbook and prevailing laws/regulations, the latter will govern.
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