There is one main rule in the Portuguese class

It is Respect

Respect for self

Respect for others

Respect for the classroom environment

A student who respects him/herself will show pride in work well done, present neat work done with care, finish assignments on time, participate in class, and use appropriate behaviour.

A student who respects others, will be able to listen attentively, follow directions, avoid interrupting, use appropriate tone of voice when speaking, be polite and mind his/her manners.

A student who respects the classroom environment, will be careful with materials used, keep his/her workspace clean and tidy, help by cleaning up before leaving the class.

This is all I need you to remember regarding classroom rules: Respect.

A small word that  covers all things that help the class to run smoothly, and avoid problems.

In addition to our classroom rules, the  Toronto District School Board also has a guideline with rules that are to be followed at all times.

If you don't remember them, or need to read them again, click on the blue pencil.

Not following classroom rules, shows not only poor manners but it also disturbs the class and prevents students from learning .

For that reason, it needs to be dealt with firmly.

I follow the rule of "3 warnings"  and if I don't see a change I will apply consequences immediately.

The consequences follow school procedures and can be in the form of an explanation and analysing of the behaviour by the student, a written warning with the copy sent to the office, detention at recess, lunch or after school with the program facilitator or in the office, phone call to parents, etc.

These measures are not pleasant but will be taken if necessary .

Questions parents might have about classroom rules or consequences applied:

* Q: My child works at a slower rate, what happens if work is not completed during the time given?

A: Time allotted to specific work is just a general rule, allowances are made for students that work at a difference pace, or are  struggling with a subject. There are no excuses, however when the student is just failing to do his work for other reasons ( spending class time talking to other students, not paying attention, refusal to do work)

* Q: My child has enough homework, why homework from Portuguese class?

A: There is no homework from Portuguese class as a rule( unless requested by student or parents, or the student is working on a project for the class). However, if a student failed to complete work in class and choose not to use any free time to complete it during the school day, then I might request that the work is finished at home.

As a parent I'm sure you understand that a whole class should not be waiting to advance to another theme or work because one student or one group are not completing assignments on time for reasons other than difficulty with work or slower pace working. I always give students a chance to come back to the classroom at recess, lunchtime or at the end of the day in order to complete their work.

* Q: I don't agree with this program. I don't really care if my child completes work in Portuguese or not, and I have told him/her so.

A: Well, you're entitled to your opinion. I am entitled to teach my class. I prefer not to discuss matters like general culture to answer your question.

I can not make your child work, that much is correct. He/she will still have to be graded, and his/her marks are part of his/her report card.

How do we compromise?

Well, once a child refuses his work for those reasons, and I talk to you personally to make sure that it is correct, a note will be made and sent to the office so it's documented. Then he/she will be given English work.

It can be a book in English, that the student will have to read or make a report on. It can be an exercise in English, or any work from his/her English class.

One way or another your child needs to be working in class. The Portuguese class is not the place for talking with friends, disrupt  or be rude. It is not recess, it's a class.

Do understand that if a child is not working , tends to be distracted and distract others, thus not allowing them to learn and do their work. That will not be allowed.

You're listening to a traditional music from the Province of "Tras-os-Montes" in the Norht of Portugal.