St. Finbar's Handbook

An Accredited School

Saint Finbar Catholic School is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA). WCEA accredits Catholic elementary and secondary schools in nine western states (26 (arch) dioceses) and the US Territory of Guam. WCEA co-accredits and is in partnership with three Regional agencies (WASC, NAAS, NCA CASI) and two private agencies (CAIS and HAIS). WCEA began in 1957 in San Francisco and has a long and successful history of assisting school improvement through the accreditation process.

2010-2011 Handbook Addendum

2010-2011 Handbook Addendum

"Zero Tolerance Policy"

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will not knowingly assign or retain a priest, deacon, religious, lay person or volunteer to serve in its parishes, schools, pastoral ministries, or any other assignment when such an individual is determined to have previously engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor.

Under the “Zero Tolerance Policy” of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, any person guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 18:

May not have any paid or volunteer assignment in any "ministry" in the Archdiocese, and
May not volunteer in any "non-ministerial" activity or event where he or she has any possibility of more than incidental contact or supervisory or disciplinary power over minors.

Any parent or guardian who is a registered sex offender must contact the principal to discuss the requirements in order to assure compliance with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Zero Tolerance Policy.

As members of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles community, we want to assure that we are in compliance with both Megan's Law and our "Zero Tolerance Policy."

Safe Environment Training for Children and Youth

Each school and religious education program must establish an ongoing safe environment training program for the children at its site.

Last Updated (Thursday, 02 September 2010 14:54)

Active supporting St. Finbar Parent Parishioners

Families registered at St. Finbar Parish Church who meet the following criteria are considered Active Parishioners:

Students are baptized in the Roman Catholic Rite.
Parents and students attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses at St. Finbar Church.
Family meets stewardship criteria –
1. A $20.00 or more per week ($1, 040.00 per year) donation via the St. Finbar eContribution Program. Ask the office for an application.
2. Sharing of time and talent in a church ministry.

Contributions are evaluated once per year to determine eligibility for the following school year. In order to receive the Active Parishioner Rate for the 2010-2011 school year, your contributions for the 2009 calendar year must be a minimum of $1, 040.00 ($340.00 for families starting in the current school year).

If you are experiencing difficulty in payment of your monthly tuition, the following policy will be in effect:

Always inform the office and FACTS in a timely fashion; this saves added penalties.
If you choose not to notify FACTS or the school office and your account is 2 months in arrears, your child will be asked to leave Saint Finbar until the situation is remedied.

Last Updated (Saturday, 09 August 2008 22:30)

Tuition

St. Finbar Parish School operates primarily on the income it receives from tuition. Therefore, it is extremely important that tuition payments arrive on time. When tuition is not received as expected, the regular operations of the school are placed in jeopardy.

All families must use Facts Tuition Management Program if choosing not to pay tuition in full. Your account will be assessed $25.00 for returned items and late payments.

Last Updated (Saturday, 09 August 2008 22:30)

Internet Policy

Students and families may not post videos, pictures or messages under a heading or title of St. Finbar. No student or parent may broadcast on the Internet and associate it with St. Finbar School, Church or Parish Community without permission. Also, students’ pictures may NOT be on the Internet without written permission from the parents. Violations of this very important safety issue will result in disciplinary action.

Last Updated (Saturday, 09 August 2008 22:30)

School Discipline

The directives in this handbook, together with the additional classroom, school and playground rules, which are not given here, are intended as a mean of insuring order, safety, and an environment in which teaching and learning can take place.

St. Finbar Parish School aims to create an atmosphere, which is enlightened by the Gospel spirit of charity, love of God and neighbor. Therefore, great emphasis is placed on respect. Students must show respect to priests, teachers, parents (their own and others), staff members, volunteers, visitors and one another.

Property, whether it belongs to the school or other students, must be treated respectfully. When a student is a constant cause of disruption in class, it may be necessary, after consultation, to transfer the student to a new learning environment.

One special aim at St. Finbar Parish School is to help each student develop self discipline and personal accountability to such a degree that Catholic Christian conduct will be his / her normal behavior. We know we share this aim in common with parents. We realize we can count on your cooperation. Each teacher has his/her own set of classroom rules along with rewards for compliance, and consequences for violations. These guidelines are distributed and explained during Back to School Evening.

Last Updated (Saturday, 09 August 2008 22:30)