Elementary (Grade K-5)

The following statements should be the hallmark of every Mount Saint Agnes Academy student:

Respect authority and help to create an environment of law abiding citizens with their peers.
Treat all adults in our school with equal respect and follow their instructions.
Create a school environment that respects the uniqueness, individuality and differences of all people, regardless of their race, sex, religion, physical appearance, academic or athletic ability.
Obey the rules contained in our handbook in both spirit and to the letter.
Respect and protect the property of others.
Be drug-free and be sure others work toward the same goal.
Dedicate ourselves to assisting the less fortunate in our community.
Contribute to the success of Mount Saint Agnes Academy through the support of fund-raising efforts.
Strive always for a close relationship with God and allow God’s presence to be easily observable in all our endeavors.
Do our part to provide a class room atmosphere that is conducive to learning for our fellow students, which allows them to work to the highest level of their ability, and allows the teacher to teach without disruption or distraction.

Student Handbook

This handbook consists of guidelines that provide a framework for the school’s day-to-day operation. The Administration reserves the right to vary these policies so specific problems are treated on an individual basis. The policies are subject to amendment or discontinuation as the need arises. The school will attempt to keep parents informed of all the changes as soon as it is practical. However, some changes must be made to meet unforeseen circumstances.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of Mount Saint Agnes Academy is to provide quality education in a caring, Christian environment. Belief in Christ and fidelity to the Roman Catholic Church form the foundation upon which all academic learning and social interaction take place. To this end we make a strong commitment to recognize each child as an individual and to help him/her to develop according to his/her own potential in order to become a responsible member of the community.

HISTORY

Mount Saint Agnes Academy was founded in 1890 by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (Halifax) who owned and operated the school until 1975. Since then, Mount Saint Agnes has been owned and operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, Bermuda assisted by a Board of Governors. Saint Agnes was chosen by the Sisters as the Patroness of the school at the request of the Archbishop of Halifax (Agnes was his mother’s name) and this was most appropriate since St. Agnes is the Patroness of youth. The Educational structure of Mount Saint Agnes is primarily based on the North American system. Throughout its long history Mount Saint Agnes has remained dedicated to the principles of Christian education which forms a base for the school’s philosophy.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Mount Saint Agnes leads and guides each student to the knowledge and maturity required to assume a position of Catholic Christian leadership by:

Bearing witness, through example, to the message of Jesus, teaching the doctrine of Roman Catholic Faith through providing opportunities for faith experiences, and community service, and promoting the richness, depth and goodness of Catholic moral traditions and values;
Striving to develop each student’s academic, physical, social and aesthetic skills in a happy, safe environment;
Fostering a Christian community which is sensitive to the needs, dignity and rights of others;
Fostering a standard of behavior which encourages self-discipline, a positive self-image and sound moral character;
Strengthening an appreciation of all students’ cultures and heritage and inspiring all to make a lifelong commitment to their individual learning;
Encouraging respect for bodily health and exercise, a joy in team endeavor, and confidence in physical abilities, along with a mature sense of sportsmanship.

Mount Saint Agnes Academy will continue to keep its traditions alive, and will meet the challenge to make whatever changes are necessary to ensure that it always provides a quality Catholic education. Our success in providing this will be measured not solely by tests and academic achievement but also by the happy, productive lives of our graduates using their faith and talents to contribute to their community.

SPIRITUALITY AND ADHERENCE TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Mount Saint Agnes Academy is a part of the Catholic Diocese of Bermuda and serves as a very visible part of the work of the Catholic Church in our country. All students, Catholic and non-Catholic alike must respect and show courtesy for the work of the Diocese through the ministry of the school. This respect manifests itself in many ways including but not limited to:

Full participation of all students in the prayer and the spiritual life of the school.

Respect and good behavior during school liturgies.

Respect for the Blessed Sacrament during liturgies with regards to Catholics.

Receiving Holy Communion.

Full participation in Religion classes.

Participation in service opportunities to the Church, school and community whenever possible.

Respect for all religions by teachers and fellow students and an encouragement for all students to practice their faith and religion so that all our students may grow to be spiritual adults.

SCHOOL PLEDGE

We pledge allegiance to Mount Saint Agnes Academy and fidelity to its ideals of faith, loyalty and truth. United in a noble cause, one in purpose, one in high resolve, we pledge our influence to uphold throughout the world the principles of Christian education.

SCHOOL SONG

Nil Sine Deo, to learn and then to lead the way.

For courage, loyalty and truth are fostered here the home of youth.

So lift your voice in loud acclaim, for M.S.A. God bless her name.

Chorus For M.S.A., for M.S.A. her standards to uphold we’ll fight.

As years roll by, until we die, we’ll stand on guard

for the Blue and White.

As years roll by, until we die, we’ll stand on guard for the

Blue and White.

Humanities and sciences and sports and class activities

are blended here at M.S.A. to guide our steps to sure success

So let your voice ring clear and true, be loyal to the

White and Blue.

As Juniors come and Seniors go, the torch is passed

and kept aglow. Ideals run high, school spirit strong.

Past grads return to join our song make the joyful

chorus swell to praise the school we love so well.

ST. AGNES - Courageous Teenager (Patron Saint of MSA)

Long ago there was a beautiful thirteen-year-old girl named Agnes, who was put on trial for being a Christian. At the trial, the judge described the comfortable life she would have if she gave up her faith and married. Agnes said no. The judge threatened her with torture. Agnes still said no. So the judge had her taken to the altar of the goddess Minerva to offer a gift. Agnes made the Sign of the Cross instead. The judge condemned her to death. It was said that she went to her death more cheerfully than others go to their wedding. Agnes knew she would be going straight to God.

How we honor St. Agnes

This saint is one of the best-known early martyrs. Her memory is kept alive in the First Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass. The Roman Emperor Constantine built a church in her honor over her tomb. She is the patron saint of young girls.

Prayer

St. Agnes, you refused to give up your faith; help us to be proud of our faith, to love it, to be strong in it, and to give witness to it daily.

Staff and Faculty

Principal	Mrs. Sue Moench	smoench@msa.bm
Assitant Principal	Mrs. Margaret DiGiacomo	mdigiacomo@msa.bm
Curriculum Support	Mrs. Sheryl Hawkins	shawkins@msa.bm
Director of Development	Miss Lisa Anne Bardgett	lbardgett@msa.bm
Guidance Counselor	Mrs. Bonnie Exell	bexell@msa.bm
Librarian	Miss Lesley Wharton	lwharton@msa.bm
Adminstrative Assistants	Mrs. Theresa Fletcher	tfletcher@msa.bm
	Mrs. Nelia Pimentel	npimentel@msa.bm
Business Manager	Mrs. Gloria Araujo	garaujo@msa.bm
Bursar	Mrs. Jackie Rodill	jrodill@msa.bm
Maintenance	Mr. Bruce Pimentel	bpimentel@msa.bm
Cleaning	ACE Cleaning Company

ELEMENTARY
Kindergarten A	Miss Eileen Murray	emurray@msa.bm
Kindergarten B	Mrs. Marina Resendes	mresendes@msa.bm
Grade 1	Mrs. Karen Camara	kcamara@msa.bm
Grade 2	Mrs. Valerie Martins	vmartins@msa.bm
Grade 3	Mrs. Kelly Rodday	krodday@msa.bm
Grade 4	Mrs. Mary Martin	mmartin@msa.bm
Grade 5	Mrs. Lisa Rhind	lrhind@msa.bm
Learning Support	Mrs. Dina Allen	dallen@msa.bm
	Mrs. Erna Taylor	etaylor@msa.bm
Music K-5	Mrs. Alan MacPhee	amacphee@msa.bm
Physical Education K-5	Mr. Brian Purvey	bpurvey@msa.bm

School Communication

EDLINE

Mount Saint Agnes Academy provides for students, parents and teachers a link on the world wide web to facilitate communication between home and school.

MSA COMINGS AND GOINGS

Each Monday, during the school year a letter will be prepared detailing upcoming events and discussing pertinent issues. It will be available on the web, EdLine, and emailed every Monday. Parents/Guardians may request a printed copy by contacting the school office.

General School Guidelines

MSA COMINGS AND GOINGS

All students must attend school daily unless excused by their parents or guardians, or by the school. Any student absent from school must have an acceptable explanation. On the day, of the absence the parent or guardian must telephone the school by 8:45 to advise of the student’s absence. All students, Grades K-5, must check into the office before going to homeroom or class if they are late. Grades K – 5 parents may call the office no later than 8:45 a.m. requesting homework. Homework can be picked up at the office after school.

If there is a special/unavoidable circumstance for which a child misses school, the teachers will do everything that they can to work with the child and family in keeping abreast of school work. Students missing school for vacations should note that the teacher is under no obligation to provide work in advance for the student.

EVALUATION

Students in the lower grades are evaluated in many ways, all of which must be age and developmentally appropriate. Students in Kindergarten are assessed throughout the year and will receive a progress report plus two report cards. Students in Grades 1- 5 will be issued report cards three times a year. Please consult the school calendar for the dates that these report cards will be distributed.

In addition to the regularly scheduled Parent/Teacher meetings, parents may request a conference with a teacher at any time during the school year.

HOMEWORK

The mark of a successful student is one who does homework on a nightly basis. Students will bring a variety of homework tasks home for completion. Many of these are review and reinforcement activities while others are classroom tasks requiring completion. Parents play an integral part in trying to set up a time and quiet place for their children to study and to assist them when needed. The classroom teacher will give guidance on how much homework is needed at each grade level.

One of the most important components to “homework” is reading nightly. This can be done as independent reading for the older children or as shared reading with parent and child. Please take time to talk to your child about what they are reading. These are valuable conversations for both you and your child.

Student Code of Behavior

Good conduct on the part of all students helps to create a safe and fair environment for students, staff, teachers and visitors. In addition, we believe that learning, experiencing and accepting consequences for inappropriate behavior is essential for the social, moral and spiritual development of all students. Various incentives are given by each class teacher to encourage all students to work together to help the class foster a safe and happy environment which is conducive to learning. All classes have an outline of the school rules posted in their classroom for all to see. This code of behavior is an attempt to list the major rules. However, other acts not listed could be disciplined if the act is disruptive to the educational process.

LISTEN AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

Follow directions the first time given.
Do not speak when others are speaking.
Respond politely when spoken to.
Do not distract others from listening.
Do not leave unassigned areas unless you have permission.
Be in complete uniform at all times.
Do not bring or use any electronic devices.

KEEP HANDS AND FEET TO YOURSELF

No fighting or play fighting.
No striking of others of any kind.

RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND PROPERTY

Do not hurt others’ feelings.

No teasing.

No swearing.

Do not destroy property.

Do not threaten or bully others.

Do not chew gum.

Do not litter.

WORK HARD

Be prepared for class; have all appropriate materials.
Work quietly in class.
Allow others to work quietly.
Finish all assignments and homework.
Do your best work.

BE HONEST

Do not take things that belong to others.
Do not copy others’ work or cheat.
Tell the truth.
Accept responsibility for your actions.
Be prepared to do something to make up for your mistakes.
Tell both sides of the story, not just your own.

PLAYGROUND RULES

At all times, students are to show respect to parents on duty. In cases of blatant disrespect, parents are to tell a teacher or Administration so that the problem can be rectified.
Lunch is to be eaten in the lunchroom only – not in the courtyard or the field.
Students should pick up their trash and leave their tables clean before going out to play.
Students are to stay out of the lunchroom once the teacher or parents on duty have sent them out to play.
There is to be no soccer or kicking of the balls in the courtyard at any time.
Running in the lunchroom is dangerous and not allowed.
Students must not play between the planters and the wall along Washington Street as this is the bike parking area.
Students are to ask permission from a parent on duty to leave the courtyard if they are sick or hurt.
Students need to stay off of the steps leading up to St. Joseph’s Courtyard, Kindergarten, Senior Lunchroom, and all steps leading to the gym.
Students are allowed to play soccer on the field only if there are enough parents to supervise the field and the courtyard.
Students should not be running in and out of the bathrooms.
Yellow lines in the courtyard are to remind students that these areas are off limits.
Students are not allowed on the walls or the garage ramp near the high school lunchroom.

CONSEQUENCES

Rule Reminder

If a rule is broken the teacher fills out a Rule Reminder form which is an exact checklist of the rules posted in the classroom. A Rule Reminder is just as its name implies; a reminder for students to follow the rules. The teacher will check off both a box next to the specific rule which was broken, and a box to indicate the consequence which was given to the student. These forms must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned the following day.

The consequences are as follows:

1st Rule Reminder in a term:               Verbal warning

2nd-4th Rule Reminder in a term:        Miss playtime/detention (per reminder)

5th Rule Reminder in a term:               Parent conference

In cases of severe misbehavior a Red Infraction Slip will be given. These may be given for the following:

Blatant disrespect of an adult
Bullying
Cell phone use
Cheating
Defiance/refusing to comply with a teacher’s request
Destructive behavior/vandalism
Endangering the safety of others
Swearing
Fighting
Stealing
Violent behavior

1st Red Infraction Slip within a term:     Parent Signature

2nd Red Infraction Slip within a term:    Parent Conference

3rd Red Infraction Slip within a term:     Probation

SUSPENSION

It is the belief of the Mount Saint Agnes Academy Administration that all suspensions of students in Grades K - 5 will be served in school. A student on suspension may not attend or participate in any school sponsored activity or athletic event. Because we want to encourage a student on suspension to keep up with his or her academic work, the student may make up work missed during the suspension.

The School Uniform

Students are expected to be in uniform each day. Students must be neat, clean, well groomed and modest at all times—during and after school hours—while on campus and at all school-related functions. It is important that students keep in mind they serve as ambassadors for Mount Saint Agnes Academy.

In keeping with these principles, students at Mount Saint Agnes Academy are required to abide by the uniform guideline. Uniform items may be purchased through the school’s Uniform Shop.

HATS: All students in Grades K-5 must wear hats during recess and lunch. Students who do not have hats must sit inside the Junior Lunch Room during recess and lunch. Hats are available from the uniform shop.

NAVY POLAR FLEECE: The navy polar fleece jacket may be worn to and from school. It is outer wear. The fleece may only be worn over a sweater or vest on very cold days. The fleece must not be worn to Mass or assemblies.

BOYS

SHIRTS:

White polo shirts with school crest (short or long sleeve).

SWEATERS:

Choice of navy sleeveless vest, v-neck pullover or v-neck cardigan all with school crest.
No other type of jacket/coat is permitted – only raincoats on rainy days.

TROUSERS/SHORTS:

Grey Bermuda shorts (English Sport's Shop)
Grey trousers (English Sport's Shop)

SHOES AND SOCKS:

Brown or black of polished leather - only docksiders, loafers or tie (buckle/Velcro) permitted.
No athletic or suede shoes permitted, no two-tone or bowling style shoes permitted
Grey knee socks with the shorts or Grey, black, or white socks with long pants. Sports socks are not permitted.

The following applies to all boys:

1. Boys are permitted to wear a watch, medical alert bracelet or chain, or silver or gold chain with one Christian medal on it.

2. Hair should not be longer than the top of the collar.

3. Only natural hair color is permitted.

4. No extreme hairstyles such as mohawks, faux hawks, tracks or tails are permitted.

GIRLS

SKIRTS/JUMPERS/SHORTS:

Year round - choice of plaid kilt, drop waist plaid jumper, or plaid shorts
Winter - long navy blue pants. (English Sport’s Shop)

SHIRTS:

White polo shirt with crest embroidered (long or short sleeve).

SWEATERS:

Choice of navy sleeveless vest, v-neck pullover or v-neck cardigan with school crest.
No other type of jacket/coat permitted – only raincoats on rainy days.

SHOES AND SOCKS:

Brown or Black polished leather - docksiders, loafers or tie (buckle/Velcro) are permitted
No athletic or suede shoes permitted - shoe height no taller than 2 inches
Summer - white knee or ankle socks
Winter - navy knee socks, or tights
No sports socks are permitted

The following applies to all girls:

1. Only stud earrings may be worn (one in each ear). No other body piercing jewelry is allowed.

2. Girls are permitted to wear a watch, medical alert bracelet or chain, or silver or gold chain with one Christian medal on it.

3. No nail polish, lipstick or make-up of any kind is permitted

4. Only natural hair color is permitted, highlighting or other extreme colors are not permitted

NON-UNIFORM DRESS GUIDELINES:

From time to time, the administration may permit students a Non-Uniform Day when students are excused from the usual uniform guidelines. On such days, students will be expected to follow these guidelines:

Jeans, shorts, sweatshirts, flannel shirts, T-shirts, sweaters, and athletic shoes are permitted. T-shirts must not have any advertisements or cartoons that are tasteless or offensive in nature.
No “wheelie” shoes allowed.

Boys:

Baggy/sagging pants are not permitted.

Girls:

Midriff-revealing blouses, tight-fitting, low-cut blouses, spaghetti-strap tops, tank tops, halter tops, bare shoulders, and mini skirts are not permitted.

Shorts must reach mid-thigh. They may be no shorter than where your fingertips touch your legs with your arms at rest by your side.

Summer Uniform: September to November mid-term; Easter to June.

Winter Uniform: After the November mid-term break to Easter.

Support the School

To help keep the “Spirit of MSA” alive we encourage the participation of all alumni, parents, teachers, and students in several different ways through their involvement of school associations.

Home and School Association

Every year, dedicated volunteers devote countless hours to help the initiatives of the school. Becoming involved is a great way to get to know the school, meet other families, get to know the teachers, and contribute to the well-being of our students. There is a role for everyone to play, regardless of talent or time constraints.

Bazaar Committee

The Bazaar, an annual tradition of the school, raises over $100,000 every year to assist in the operations of the school. This event is by far our leading fundraiser and requires the participation of all parents to be successful.

Alumni Association

Be a part of the MSA Spirit! Membership in the Mount Saint Agnes Academy Alumni Association is all about spirit —spirit in MSA and spirit in being connected to some of the greatest people in Bermuda. As we look to reconnect with our many former students, please become an active member in the Alumni Association. It is an easy way to give back to MSA and a way to reconnect with fellow alumni as well as current students of the school. Join other alumni who are working to make a difference.