Family Handbook

Islamic School of Canada Family Handbook

Introduction

Asalamu Alaykum,

Welcome to the Islamic School of Canada. This Family Handbook provides essential information and outlines terms and conditions for families enrolled at our school.

Islamic School of Canada offers a Project-Based Learning curriculum interwoven with Islamic values, promoting faith and preparing students for the modern world. Our programs include comprehensive Islamic Studies, Quran education, and academic pathways leading to high school diplomas recognized by universities globally.

Our mission is to provide quality, affordable, faith-based education that benefits students, their families, and communities worldwide. We continuously strive to enhance our educational experience, ensuring students gain essential skills for success.

For more information, please review this handbook, explore our website, or contact our support team at [email protected].

Our Mission and Vision

Mission
Prepare, Inspire, Nurture, Grow: Together
Islamic School of Canada is dedicated to fostering the knowledge, skills, and Islamic values of our students. Guided by the Quran and Prophetic traditions, we aim to inspire lifelong, self-directed learning and prepare our students for a successful future, Insha’Allah.

Vision
We aspire to create an environment grounded in academic, Islamic, social, and moral principles, developing students’ intellectual, civic, and creative capacities. Our goal is to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Our Approach

  • Educate our Ummah
  • Be Progressive
  • Involve our Families

Roles and Responsibilities

Class Teachers: Provide feedback and guidance on projects, ensuring students stay on track.

Subject Teachers: Facilitate subject-specific learning through feedback and, when needed, live sessions.

Live Teachers: Optional live sessions are available for additional support and real-time guidance.

Parent Liaison: Assists families in establishing a supportive learning environment at home and regularly follows up with families needing additional support.

Tarbiya Coach: Parents serve as Tarbiya Coaches, supporting their children’s learning at home and participating in family reflections.

Educational Psychologist: Offers support through webinars, Q&A sessions, and intervention if necessary.

Principal: Provides strategic direction, monitors student achievement, encourages parental involvement, and ensures alignment with the school’s mission.


Academic Programs

Our programs are centered around four major areas:

  1. Project-Based Learning (PBL): For students in Grade 3 and above, PBL involves solving real-world problems over extended periods, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
  2. Islamic Studies: A faith-based curriculum that strengthens Islamic values.
  3. Quran: Quranic studies are optional but highly recommended, following the hadith: “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”
  4. Traditional Pathway (K-Grade 2): Follows a structured, content-based approach for foundational learning in math and literacy.

Academic Integrity

Islamic School of Canada expects students to uphold integrity, avoiding plagiarism and dishonesty. Assignments must be the original work of each student, and consequences for academic dishonesty may include administrative action.

Promotion and Retention

Promotion is based on a student’s academic performance and engagement. Retention decisions are carefully reviewed by our administration, and we work closely with families to support struggling students.

Learning Management Systems

Seesaw: Used to document learning, allowing students to showcase their work while providing families a personalized view into their child’s progress.

AGUA: Internal platform for home-school communication and administrative tasks.

Technology Requirements

To participate fully in our programs, students need:

  • A tablet: Either an iPad with OS 13.1 or higher, or an Android tablet with Android 8.0 Oreo or higher.
  • Parental device access: A mobile or computer device for monitoring child progress.
  • Stable Internet connection: Required to access online learning.
  • Ability to download apps: Parents should be able to install school-recommended apps.
  • Browser access: Students need access to Google Chrome or Safari for our learning management system.
  • Printer: Recommended if families prefer printed assignments.

Attendance

Regular participation is essential for success in online learning. Students must log in regularly, and prolonged inactivity without valid reason may result in administrative action.

Student Code of Conduct

Students are expected to:

  • Respect others
  • Actively participate
  • Abide by the student code of conduct
  • Use respectful, appropriate language

Violations will be investigated by school administration, and disciplinary action may be taken if necessary.

Cyberbullying and Harassment Policies

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment. Students, parents, and staff are expected to promote a respectful and inclusive environment, and any incidents of bullying will be promptly addressed.

Internet Safety Guidelines

Students are advised not to share personal information online and to avoid meeting individuals they’ve only met online. School platforms are secure, and we encourage students to follow safe internet practices.


Parent (Tarbiya Coach) Responsibilities

Parents play a vital role in their child’s education, supporting their child’s Tarbiya and engaging in family reflections.

To support their child’s success, parents should:

  1. Create a conducive learning environment at home.
  2. Engage with the Tarbiya Library for resources.
  3. Attend monthly webinars and complete weekly family reflections.
  4. Actively participate in setting and reviewing weekly goals.

Acceptable Use Guidelines

Our online platforms should be used responsibly. Inappropriate behavior, such as sharing personal information or using offensive language, is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.


Withdrawal and Refund Policy

Families wishing to withdraw should contact the school via [email protected]. Re-enrollment after withdrawal is permitted at the start of the following term, pending approval by the Principal.


Privacy Policy

Islamic School of Canada respects your privacy. Personal data is securely managed, and all information collected is used only to improve our educational services. For detailed privacy information, please visit our website.


We hope this handbook serves as a helpful guide, supporting a successful and enriching educational journey for every family at Islamic School of Canada. For any questions, please contact our administration at [email protected].