School Course Calendar & Administrative Policies

A. School Overview & Philosophy

1.1 & 1.3 School Goal and Philosophy

The vision of TLC Collegiate is to empower all learners through technology to achieve scholastic success. We strive to assist students in reaching their highest academic potential at a pace and schedule tailored to their individual learning styles. We recognize that secondary education completion is critical for personal and career growth. Our school is committed to collaborating with students, parents, and community partners to enable every student to fulfill the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

1.2 Our Commitment

Every student possesses distinct interests, goals, and strengths. Under Ontario educational guidelines (including Bill 52, Learning to Age 18), students are supported in remaining engaged in learning until graduation or age 18. TLC Collegiate fulfills this commitment by providing an accessible, high-quality, and flexible online learning environment where every student can learn effectively.

1.4 School Organization & Continuous Intake

TLC Collegiate operates on a continuous entry and exit model. Students can register and begin coursework at any time during the calendar year, completing their requirements within a 12-month period from their date of enrollment. Because learning is continuous, there are no fixed school-wide term dates. Midterm and Final Provincial Report Cards are issued individually to the student, their home day school (if applicable), and requested post-secondary application hubs (such as OUAC or OCAS) upon completion of 50% and 100% of the course requirements respectively.

1.5 Rights & Responsibilities

1.6 Academic Integrity (Cheating & Plagiarism)

Academic honesty is essential for genuine learning. TLC Collegiate maintains a zero-tolerance policy for academic dishonesty, which includes plagiarism, submitting work generated by unauthorized third parties or AI tools without attribution, copying another student's work, or cheating on supervised assessments. Instances of plagiarism result in formal review, mandatory resubmission for learning purposes without credit, or mark penalties up to and including a zero grade depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.

B. Diploma and Certificate Requirements (OSSD)

2.1 Requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma

To qualify for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), a student must earn a minimum of 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 optional for students who entered prior to 2024, or 17 compulsory and 13 optional for students entering Grade 9 in 2024–25 onwards), complete 40 hours of community involvement, and pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement.

2.2 Literacy Requirement & Community Hours

• Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT): Students must successfully pass the Provincial Literacy Test administered by EQAO or complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4O) to fulfill this requirement.
• Community Involvement: Students must complete 40 hours of unpaid community involvement activities. Guidelines align with the Ministry Community Involvement policy. Documentation must be submitted to administration for verification and entry into the student record.

C. Curriculum & Instructional Structure

3.1 Course Coding System

Courses follow the standardized Ministry of Education 5-character coding system outlined in Ontario Secondary Schools Grades 9 to 12 (e.g., ENG4U):

• First 3 Letters: Indicate the subject discipline (e.g., ENG = English, MHF = Mathematics, SPH = Physics).
• 4th Character: Indicates the grade level (1 = Grade 9, 2 = Grade 10, 3 = Grade 11, 4 = Grade 12).
• 5th Character: Indicates the course stream or destination (U = University, M = University/College, C = College, E = Workplace, O = Open, D = Academic, P = Applied).

3.2 Prerequisites and Course Substitutions

Prerequisites are mandated by the Ministry of Education to ensure students possess the necessary foundational knowledge for advanced coursework. Proof of prerequisite completion must be submitted during registration. In circumstances where a student requests a prerequisite waiver or course substitution, the Principal reviews academic records, prior experience, and learning goals before granting approval in accordance with Ministry guidelines.

D. Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting

4.1 Assessment Philosophy (Growing Success Framework)

Assessment and evaluation at TLC Collegiate are conducted in strict alignment with the Ontario Ministry of Education policy document Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools. Assessment is divided into three distinct types:

• Assessment FOR Learning: Diagnostic and formative feedback used by teachers to tailor instruction and by students to adjust learning habits.
• Assessment AS Learning: Formative opportunities for students to reflect on their learning, self-assess, and set goals.
• Assessment OF Learning: Summative evaluations used to determine final grades and measure achievement against curriculum expectations.

4.2 Grading Schemes and Mark Calculation Breakdown

In accordance with Ministry guidelines, final grades at TLC Collegiate are calculated using grade-specific weighting categories:

E. Attendance, Absence Recording, and Parent Communication

5.1 Definition of Online Attendance

Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms, attendance in TLC Collegiate’s asynchronous online environment is defined by measurable learning engagement rather than passive seated time. A student is officially marked present based on a combination of three tracked parameters:

• System Log-ins: A minimum requirement of 3 to 5 independent access sessions per week recorded within the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS).
• Time Spent on Learning Activities: Active time accumulated within course modules, instructional videos, interactive readings, and discussion forums (target: 110 hours per 1.0 credit course).
• Student Learning Logs & Task Progression: Systematic submission of formative exercises, self-check quizzes, draft work, and scheduled course assignments.

5.2 Recording Absences and Engagement Tracking

Student attendance and participation logs are automatically generated by the Moodle LMS and reviewed weekly by course instructors and administration. An Absence / Inactivity Marker is recorded on a student’s record when:

• No system log-in activity is recorded for 7 consecutive calendar days.
• No learning log entries or course activities are completed within a 10-day window without prior administrative notice.
• A scheduled assignment deadline passes without submission or instructor contact.

5.3 Non-Attendance Interventions & Parent Contact Procedures

When non-attendance or inactivity is identified, TLC Collegiate follows a structured intervention protocol:

1. Stage 1 (7 Days Inactive): The course instructor issues an automated and direct email check-in to the student to offer academic support and review their learning schedule.
2. Stage 2 (14 Days Inactive): Administrative staff contact the student and their parent/guardian via email and phone to establish a formal re-engagement plan and issue an updated completion timeline.
3. Stage 3 (21 Days Inactive): A formal Notice of Inactivity is sent to parents/guardians. A mandatory virtual conference with the Principal is required to avoid course status being updated to "Withdrawn - Incomplete".

5.4 Informing Parents of Timelines and Assignment Schedules

To keep parents/guardians informed of student progress and completion expectations:

• Parent Portal Access: Parents/guardians are provided observer credentials to view real-time log-in histories, assignment submission status, and instructor feedback.
• Pacing Charts: Upon registration, every student receives a customized course completion schedule outlining specific target dates for each activity and unit evaluation.
• Progress Notifications: Automated weekly digest reports detailing completed modules, upcoming timelines, and overdue assignments are emailed directly to parents/guardians.

F. Academic Integrity & Proctored Final Examination Process

6.1 Credit Integrity and Mandatory Final Examinations

To ensure total credit integrity and maintain compliance with Ministry requirements, all 1.0 credit courses at TLC Collegiate conclude with a mandatory proctored final evaluation (worth 20% of the total grade for Grades 9–10, and 25% for Grades 11–12). The final examination validates that the student who completed the term work is the same individual earning the credit.

6.2 Final Examination Proctoring Options

Students must complete their final examination using one of two approved proctoring models:

• Option A (Integrated Virtual Proctoring): Completed online via our secure proctoring software using automated identity verification, full-screen lockouts, and continuous webcam/microphone recording analyzed for academic integrity.
• Option B (Approved Third-Party Proctor): Completed in-person or virtually under the direct supervision of an approved professional proctor (e.g., a certified Ontario teacher, librarian, military officer, or university testing center coordinator). Proctors must be pre-approved by the Principal at least 10 business days prior to the exam date.

6.3 Student Verification & Exam Administration Rules

During the final examination, strict administration controls are enforced:

• Identity Verification: Students must display valid government-issued photo ID or student ID to the camera/proctor prior to unlocking the exam paper.
• Environment Check: A 360-degree room scan must confirm a private, quiet space free of unauthorized study aids, unauthorized dual monitors, or mobile devices.
• Authentication Cross-Reference: Examination handwriting and problem-solving methodologies are cross-referenced against term work submissions to confirm authenticity.

G. Acceptable Use Policy & Digital Citizenship

7.1 School Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

TLC Collegiate is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive online environment. Access to our Moodle Learning Management System, communication channels, and virtual tools is a privilege conditional upon compliance with the Ontario Provincial Code of Conduct.

7.2 Rules of User Conduct

All students, parents, and staff using TLC Collegiate digital infrastructure must adhere to the following standards:

• Respectful Communication: Language used in discussion forums, emails, and live sessions must remain civil, constructive, and professional. Cyberbullying, hate speech, harassment, and discriminatory language will result in immediate suspension.
• System & Account Security: Users are strictly prohibited from sharing login credentials, attempting to access another user's account, or uploading malicious code to the LMS.
• Copyright & Intellectual Property: All course materials, videos, graphics, and assignments hosted on the platform are the exclusive intellectual property of TLC Collegiate and may not be copied, distributed, or recorded without authorization.
• Authorized Artificial Intelligence Use: The use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the course instructor as part of a specific learning task. All AI-assisted work must be fully cited.

H. Student Records, Policy Access, and Inspections

8.1 Ontario Student Record (OSR) & Transcripts

The Ontario Student Transcript (OST) is an official record of all secondary credits earned, managed under the Ontario Student Transcript Manual. For Grade 11 and 12 courses, all course attempts (successful and unsuccessful) and repeat course attempts are recorded on the OST in accordance with Full Disclosure guidelines. TLC Collegiate manages OSR folders for registered full-time students and transmits course completion data to home schools for part-time students.

8.2 Accommodations & Individual Education Plans (IEP)

We are committed to providing accessible learning for all students in accordance with the Ministry's Special Education Policy. Accommodations specified in a student’s existing Individual Education Plan (IEP)—such as extra time on assessments, alternative presentation formats, or assistive technology—are integrated into the online environment upon receipt of documentation.

8.3 Inspection of School Records and Policy Access

In accordance with Ministry of Education directives for private schools operating under the Education Act, copies of current curriculum policy documents, course outlines, and full administrative procedures are maintained electronically. Students, parents, and Ministry inspectors may request detailed course syllabi or review administrative records by contacting the main administrative office.