School Policies, Procedures, and Contracts

Clause 1 Application, contracting party and minimum age

To apply, please complete the application form on the school website (studyatlantic.com/apply) or request an application from admissions@studyatlantic.com as early as possible. First and family name must be entered as shown in the travel documents (passport or identity card). On confirmation of the receipt of application by Atlantic Canada Language Academy (97 Kaulbach Street, P.O. Box 987, Lunenburg, N.S. B0J 2C0), the contract shall be deemed to have been agreed and the registration shall be binding. The minimum age for any course at Atlantic Canada Language Academy is 16 years (16th birthday before course start date).

The course participant shall be deemed to be an Atlantic Canada Language Academy contracting party provided he or she is 18 years old or more. In the case of course participants who at the time of application (date of application) have not yet reached the age of 18, or where despite having reached the age of 18 the participant is not deemed capable of being a contracting party according to the law of his or her country of residence, the contract must be signed by a parent or guardian, who must also give his or her exact address. This shall also apply when the age of consent is not 18 years in the country where the language course is taking place, or in which the course participant or his or her parents or guardian is resident.

The course participant shall be defined as the person who takes part, or intends to take part, in the language course that is the object of this contract. Vouchers and other promotions must be presented at the time of application. Vouchers and promotions cannot be taken into consideration once the quote is issued.

Clause 2 Information provided on registration

The course participant/contracting party herby expressly confirms that the information provided at the time of application for the language course shall correspond with the truth and accepts that he or she may be expelled forthwith from the language course at any time should said information prove to be a misrepresentation (e.g., beginners who select a start date on which no beginners’ courses are available). In such an event, the course fees shall not be refunded in any way, not even on a pro-rata basis. Potential participants who are unsure of their language level should tell the Atlantic Canada Language Academy admissions staff that they wish to take the Pre-admission proficiency test.

Clause 3 Terms and conditions of payment

On receipt of the quote, a deposit of CAD $500.00 per participant is due. The remaining course and respective accommodation fees are due six weeks before starting the course. Should the course be longer than 6 months, payments can be made in 6 month increments or payments in excess will be kept in trust.

Payment for all products shall be due immediately where the application is made less than six weeks before the start of the course. The fees shall be deemed as effectively paid only when they have been paid into the account specified by Atlantic Canada Language Academy.

Enrolments received by phone or mail: when paying by credit card, the down payment will be charged to the card no later than 10 days after dispatch of the confirmation and the remaining payment six weeks before start of the course. A  surcharge applies to credit card payments.

Clause 4 Delay in payment

Should payment not be made by the aforementioned date, the contracting party shall be deemed to be in default. In such an event, Atlantic Canada Language Academy shall not be obliged to admit the course participant to the language course. The existence of a claim on the part of ACLA shall remain unaffected by the above. Atlantic Canada Language Academy may claim damages in accordance with Clause 10.

Clause 5 Proof of payment

At the start of the course, the course participant shall provide proof of payment of the course fees and, where applicable, of the accommodation and other fees. Should the course participant be unable to present such proof, he or she shall not be admitted to classes or accommodation. In such an event, ACLA’s claims shall remain unaffected.

Clause 6 Non-refundable fees

$250.00 CAD of the main deposit of CAD $500.00 is non-refundable. All other fees are subject to our refund policy.

Clause 7 Change fee

A request for a change of intensity, course, date etc. or type of accommodation less than 14 days before or anytime after commencing the course must be requested in writing and agreed to by Atlantic Canada Language Academy. If Atlantic Canada Language Academy is able to confirm the change, you will be charged a change fee of CAD $110. You will not be charged this fee if you choose to extend your course more than 14 days before the commencement of the course. If we receive your change of booking less than 14 days before the course is due to begin or after the course has started, other costs may be incurred in addition to the booking change fee (e.g., for accommodation), which we will have to pass on to you. Any extension of a course, once the course has begun, will be treated as a new enrolment. In the case of specialized courses of more than four weeks, the specialization can also be changed during the course. However, only one change can be made every four weeks. The school must in any case agree to a change. Please see Clause 10 for calculation of deadlines.

Clause 8 Passport and visa requirements

Please familiarize yourself with the passport and visa requirements for Canada and ensure you make the necessary arrangements. These are the sole responsibility of the contracting party.

Clause 9 Obligations of the course participant

The course participant shall be responsible for choosing a language course that corresponds to his or her abilities and complying with any visa stipulations. The course participant undertakes to participate personally at the lessons and to arrive punctually. Should irregular attendance or other behavior of the participant break the law, be in conflict with entry or visa regulations, or cause a disturbance to other participants, Atlantic Canada Language Academy reserves the right to expel the participant from the course. In such an event, the course fees shall not be refunded in any way, not even on a pro-rata basis.

Clause 10 Withdrawal before the start of the course

The contracting party may send written notification of withdrawal before the start of the course, without any statement of reasons. If such written notification is received by Atlantic Canada Language Academy 14 days before commencement of the course, all payments already made to Atlantic Canada Language Academy in connection with the present contract shall be refunded to the contracting party, with the exception of the $250.00 of the $500.00 deposit.

If written notification is received by Atlantic Canada Language Academy less than 14 days in advance, but in any case, no later than 5:00pm (AST) on the last Thursday before the commencement of the course, the course participant shall be contractually obliged to pay the enrolment fee, accommodation placement fee (if applicable), 2 week’s tuition, and accommodation fees (if applicable) for two weeks (homestay) or four weeks (student residence). If student is found in default, applicable service charges will also apply. Reimbursements will be made within four weeks after receipt of the withdrawal.

Clause 11 No-Show or withdrawal from the language course, failure to attend individual parts thereof

Should the course participant fail to attend the language course, withdraw from the course, or not take up individual parts thereof, such as individual lessons, he or she shall not be entitled to claim and reimbursement. Attendance of 80% is required in order to receive a certificate.

Clause 12 Cancellation and/or change of accommodation after course start

Accommodation may be terminated or changed, subject to 2 weeks’ notice ending on a Saturday. Notice of termination shall be sent in writing to Atlantic Canada Language Academy exclusively. A change fee of CAD 110 will be charged. Should the course participant leave his or her accommodation before the end of the period of notice, the full price for the accommodation up to the end of the cancellation period remains payable. For student residences, the respective Terms & Conditions of the third parties providing such accommodation apply.

Clause 13 Student holiday

Long-term students might be able to request annual leave/holiday dependent on their visa conditions. Such requests must be made in writing to the admissions department with 14 days notice.

Clause 14 Complaints and liability

The course participant shall make complaints without delay to the school administration. (Any complaint concerning services provided by a third party should be addressed to the third party.) If Atlantic Canada Language Academy is not able to remedy the situation within a reasonable period and in accordance with Atlantic Canada Language Academy Conflict Resolution Policy (including the Languages Canada Dispute Resolution for Languages Canada) the course participant may take steps to remedy the situation him or herself, and Atlantic Canada Language Academy shall refund the cost, against receipts, in so far as legal and contractual liability requires. This procedure does not restrict the participant’s right to pursue other legal solutions. Any request for refund should be made by registered letter to Atlantic Canada Language Academy within four weeks of the agreed termination of the course. After this period, all types of claims under any legal title shall no longer apply and be forfeited. Atlantic Canada Language Academy shall be liable for its own performances in accordance with these General Terms and Conditions and statutory regulations but not in the case of ordinary negligence; for package deals, liability in case of claims other than for personal injury shall be limited to twice the package price. Liability is limited to the immediate damage. Atlantic Canada Language Academy shall not be liable for the loss, destruction, etc., or misuse of valuables, cameras and video cameras, etc., mobile phones, credit cards, cash, etc. Atlantic Canada Language Academy shall also not be liable for lost holiday time, experience frustration, etc. Atlantic Canada Language Academy shall not be liable in the case of poor or non-performance of services provided by a third party. For any non-contractual liability, the statutory regulations shall apply, with any liability limitations and exclusions on these General Terms and Conditions of Business having priority over statutory regulations.

Clause 15 Student conduct and damage of property

ACLA reserves the right to expel or evict student from accommodation and courses whose behaviour is deemed unsatisfactory according to our School Rules and Regulations. In the event of damage to property including school property, homestay and residence, students must pay the full cost. Any damage caused through vandalism could also result in student’s expulsion.

Clause 16 Health, disability & insurance

Students must inform ACLA of any mental or physical conditions, allergy or disability that may interfere with their, or other students, completion of the course, affect the health and well-being of others, or require special accommodation or treatment. ACLA will not be responsible in case of any misrepresentation or willful omission of information on the student’s part.

The ACLA facility is equipped for disabled access. ACLA is happy to give advice to disabled students and to assist them in choosing a program that will meet their requirements. In order to assist we must, at the time of booking, be provided with full details in writing regarding any disability and any special requirements. Medical insurance is mandatory for study at Atlantic Canada Language Academy. If you do not have medical insurance that will cover you during your course, Atlantic Canada Language Academy will invoice you for an International insurance premium and will purchase the insurance on your behalf.

Clause 17 Minimum number of participants & public holidays

Where the minimum number of six students required for each language course has not been reached, Atlantic Canada Language Academy shall inform the participant/contracting partner at least three weeks before the start of the course. Where Atlantic Canada Language Academy is unable to offer through a participant/contracting partner an alternative language course, Atlantic Canada Language Academy shall reimburse any paid fees. The contracting partner shall not be entitled to make any claims for inconvenience or for other damages. In exceptional cases, Atlantic Canada Language Academy may run courses with less than six participants. On days which are, according to the local law, closed for weather reasons or public holidays in Canada, no classes will take place. Lessons will neither be compensated.

Clause 18 Accommodation

Accommodation is subject to availability. Other accommodation options may be available upon request; please contact us for more details.

Clause 19 Changes to prices, dates, or programs

Any changes to the program or services during the language course due to unforeseeable or unpreventable reasons are permissible, provided the overall content of the program remains unchanged. Atlantic Canada Language Academy retains the absolute right to assign or re-assign participants to classes in accordance with their language skills or to implement any other measure required for the correct operation of the school. ACLA furthermore reserves the right to change details of its facilities and locations where circumstances are beyond the company’s control necessitates such changes.

Clause 20 Data protection

We record your personal data in our school database in order to book your accommodation (i.e., homestay, residence, etc.), your course, other school services, and to comply with statutory regulations. In certain cases, we are obligated to submit your information to authorities (i.e., immigration authorities, Canadian government, etc.). Your information is stored by Atlantic Canada Language Academy. If we have your permission, Atlantic Canada Language Academy uses your data to provide you with information about ACLA product news. Please inform us if you do not wish to receive this service.

Clause 21 Consumer protection

By reading the General Terms & Conditions of Atlantic Canada Language Academy, the contracting partner shall retain the right to instigate further legal steps, subject to these being available under the law applying to the place of residence of the contracting partner or at the location of the school. This right shall not be limited by compensation offered by Atlantic Canada Language Academy or a partner company of Atlantic Canada Language Academy in connection with a dispute.

Clause 22 Contracting parties/guarantee

The contract is concluded between the contracting party as defined in Clause 1 and Atlantic Canada Language Academy.

Clause 23 Applicable law, jurisdiction

Canadian provincial and federal law shall be applicable exclusively to the present contract. The above General Terms & Conditions shall in no way restrict the general applicable rights of the contracting partner.

Information/Queries
For further information, or if you have any queries, please contact Atlantic Canada Language Academy by telephone at 1-902-634-6111 or at admin@studyatlantic.com.

Atlantic Canada Language Academy is nationally accredited by Languages Canada and provincially designated by the Province of Nova Scotia – Department of Labour and Advanced Education. Because of this, ACLA policies follow strict guidelines set forth by these two governing bodies.

In addition to these required policies, ACLA has its own set of rules and regulations that all students must abide by throughout the duration of their course.

  1. Atlantic Canada Language Academy reserves the right to suspend or expel any students for non-academic misconduct which includes, but is not limited to:
  • Breaking a Canadian law;
  • Behaviour that is generally considered to threaten or cause harm or injury to
  • another person;
  • Behavior that is generally considered to threaten or cause damage to the school’s
  • property or the property of others;
  • Conduct that disrupts the educational activities, services, or events provided by the
  • school for students or members of the community;
  • Discrimination or harassment of others;
  • Behaviour or conduct that is otherwise unlawful.

Failure to act appropriately may result in a student receiving an Official Warning. If a student receives 3 Official Warnings, he/she may be expelled from the school at the discretion of the Director(s).

  1. Students are expected to speak English as much as possible, especially when in the presence of those who cannot speak the student’s native language.

During class, all speaking, reading, and writing must done in English (unless otherwise indicated by the class teacher). Paperback English-English dictionaries may be used in class. Electronic dictionaries may only be used under the teacher’s discretion and supervision.

Students who exhibit disrespectful behavior and who must be continuously asked to speak English will receive verbal or written warnings at the discretion of the school staff/Director(s). These warnings may result in the student receiving an official warning and could possibly lead to expulsion from the school.

  1. Students of Atlantic Canada Language Academy must conduct themselves accordingly whenever:
  • They are at the school, its residence, meal hall, on a excursion/trip;
  • When wearing any school clothing;
  • When people (parents, Lunenburg residents, etc.) recognize them as a Atlantic Canada Language Academy student.
  1. If a student becomes ill or injured throughout their course at ACLA, the following applies:
  • Students must tell their host parent/counselor what is wrong;
  • If possible, the student should attend classes;
  • If the student is a minor and does not feel well enough to go to class:
  • They must stay at their homestay, in their room at the residence, or in an assigned room at the school for supervision reasons;
  • They may not attend any social activities that day;
  • The Director may take the student to the doctor at their discretion.
  1. Students are only permitted to smoke in designated smoking areas. Smoking in a non-designated area will be met with serious consequences that may lead to the student’s dismissal from the school.
  2. All students must provide proof of insurance upon arrival in Canada. If a student does not have medical insurance, they shall inform a Atlantic Canada Language Academy staff member immediately so the school can arrange insurance for the student.
  3. Students must acknowledge that Atlantic Canada Language Academy may take photographs or video of any class or activity that they may be involved in. Students will not be offered compensation of any kind – financial or otherwise, if the images or video are used for marketing purposes. Any result of the photographs or video may be used in the production of Atlantic Canada Language Academy marketing material and shall become the exclusive property of the school. The photographs or video may be used in any manner and through any medium as Atlantic Canada Language Academy may choose.

* If you are not comfortable with your photos being used, please inform the school staff during orientation.

Languages Canada’s Dispute Resolution Policy is designed to judiciously evaluate and reconcile a complaint related to a member’s possible violation of the Code of Ethics. Non-compliance with or disregard for Languages Canada’s Code of Ethics can result in punitive action as per this Dispute Resolution Policy. Penalties include, but are not limited to, expulsion from the association and the imposition of financial penalties for re-application to the association. As a condition of membership in Languages Canada, members agree to always abide by and defer to the Code of Ethics, be bound by this Dispute Resolution Policy, and agree to publicize this Dispute Resolution Policy to their students and agents as a recourse for managing serious disputes that are considered irreconcilable.

Process:

Languages Canada will appoint an Ombudsman who will be responsible for managing the Dispute Resolution Policy. The Ombudsmen will be either a de facto Associate or Honourary Member of the Board, and not be a Full Member of Languages Canada. In the event of a formal dispute, the Languages Canada Ombudsman will strike a dispute resolution panel (“DRP”) that is constituted from three (3) members of the Languages Canada Board and the Languages Canada Ombudsman (1). At least one (1) of the three (3) Languages Canada representatives will be a member of the Executive Committee.  Efforts will be made by the Ombudsman, when appointing the DRP members, that they be as far removed as possible from the claimant(s) and program(s) in question. Subject to the timelines set out herein, the DRP will determine how and when it will conduct its duties under this policy. It will be entitled to conduct meetings and interviews using telephone or video conferencing. Within seven (7) days of receiving a complaint against a member by fax, e-mail, or letter, the Languages Canada office will advise the Complainant that formal complaints should only be submitted as a last possible recourse if no settlement can be made. If the Complainant still wishes to proceed, a formal written signed complaint on the Complainant’s letterhead, if applicable, is required. The Languages Canada office will acknowledge receipt of the complaint to the Complainant within seven (7) days of receiving the formal written complaint. The DRP will review the written complaint and determine whether the complaint has merit (see Guidelines for Issues). The DRP will also determine in the case of all Complaints whether further investigation is necessary to determine the legitimacy of the Complaint. Complaints that lack merit and are determined by the DRP as to have been made maliciously or frivolously will be considered a serious breach of the Code of Ethics, and dealt with accordingly. If the determination of the DRP is that the complaint has merit, the DRP will deliver to the Complainee a copy of the formal complaint within 30 days of receiving the formal written complaint. The Complainee will have ten (10) days after receipt of the complaint to respond in writing to the DRP regarding the complaint. The Dispute Resolution Panel will convene to discuss the complaint as well as the response, and will deliberate and reach a conclusion with respect to the Complaint. After receiving the response in point 9, the DRP shall issue a formal written response within thirty (30) days to the Complainant and the Complainee, outlining its findings or any concerns the DRP wishes the parties to address. The Complainant and the Complainee shall have ten (10) days from their receipt of the DRP statement to make a final response. The DRP, on receiving any final submissions from the Complainant and the Complainee, shall convene to make a final decision. The final decision will be submitted to the Languages Canada Executive, the Complainant and the Complainee within thirty (30) days of receipt of the final submissions from the parties.

Appropriate Issues for Dispute Resolution:

The DRP will review complaints to determine if the complaints are covered under the existing Languages Canada Code of Ethics and/or fall within the limits of its jurisdiction. It will refer the parties to more appropriate channels for dispute resolution should it deem this course of action to be more appropriate. Complaints received may fall under the following categories:

  • student re: program
  • agent re: program
  • program re: program
  • public re: program

Complaints which will be accepted for investigation by the DRP include:

  • Violations of Languages Canada Code of Ethics

Possible Actions under Dispute Resolution Policy

    Depending on the severity of the situation, and on whether or not this is a repeat offender, decisions may include taking specific actions, third party mediation, membership termination, suspension, and imposing fines.

Administrative and Legal:

Any conclusions from a DRP are binding on the parties, and may include punitive action that includes expulsion from Languages Canada and a financial penalty to re-apply. No member or Complainant shall have any recourse against Languages Canada or any of its members or employees in the event of dissatisfaction with this process. This process is not intended to usurp the jurisdiction of the courts or any other administrative tribunal. It is intended to assist the Complainant and Complainee to resolve differences and to enable Languages Canada to deal with violations of its rules and procedures effectively, for the benefit of the organization. All internal deliberations of the DRP regarding a complaint are confidential and will not be subject to subpoena or other distribution to any other parties. Languages Canada will not be responsible for any costs associated with any legal action or mediation which the Complainant and Complainee may engage in. Recommendations: A series of hypothetical guidelines should be sent to membership to gather consensus on judgments. Formal selection of a Languages Canada Ombudsman will be announced and ratified at each Languages Canada AGM. There is a need to assure that adequate liability insurance covers anyone participating in a DRP.

Atlantic Canada Language Academy does not tolerate any kind of abuse. Atlantic Canada Language Academy has a zero tolerance of abuse (verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual) committed by an employee, contract teacher, volunteer, student, or third party.

Atlantic Canada Language Academy mandates employees, contract teachers, volunteers, students, and others to report any kind of abuse and disciplinary penalties for those who commit such acts. No employee, contract teacher, volunteer, student, or third party, no matter his or her title or position, has the authority to commit or allow abuse.

Specifications for Minors

All children have the right to safety and protection. Atlantic Canada Language Academy does not tolerate child abuse and takes the issue of child protection very seriously. It is essential that Atlantic Canada Language Academy personnel recognize the problem of violence against children, the impact it has, how to prevent it, and what to do in order to protect children when violence is suspected or known. Child abuse involves any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment, or lack of care that could cause physical injury or emotional damage to a child, whether done in person or through the use of technology (including but not limited to computers, the Internet, cell phones, cameras, web cameras, and other media). All forms of child abuse, actual or attempted, are considered unacceptable.

Atlantic Canada Language Academy is dedicated to taking the necessary steps to ensure that Atlantic Canada Language Academy personnel are made fully aware of and understand the importance of ensuring child protection, and adhere to this policy and the responsibilities it establishes for them, both organizationally and job related. Child protection entails responsibilities and activities undertaken to prevent or to stop violence and abuse against children. All concerns raised under our child protection policy will be dealt with promptly and will be treated seriously and sensitively.

Abuse

Physical Abuse is an act intended to cause feelings of physical pain, injury, or other physical suffering or bodily harm.

Sexual abuse includes sexual molestation, sexual assault, sexual exploitation or sexual injury. Any incidents of sexual abuse reasonably believed to have occurred will be reportable to appropriate law enforcement agencies or regulatory agencies.

Verbal/emotional abuse is a negative defining statement told to the victim or about the victim, or by withholding any response, thereby defining the target as non-existent. This may include bullying (which often has a physical component) to gain status as superior to the person targeted and to bond with others against the target.

Prevention

  1. Recruitment processes include procedures to deter and prevent potential child abusers from entering the organization. All employees, volunteers, interns and contractors must follow the same screening as it relates to Child Protection. All employees, contractors, interns and volunteers must provide a satisfactory police background clearance to work with Atlantic Canada Language Academy.
  2. Employees working with juniors have signed a declaration that they are fit to be working with such students
  3. When working with a student one-on-one, the door to the room is to be left open.
  4. An employee cannot take junior students to a place/destination outside the usual venue of the program without prior approval of the program supervisor.
  5. An employee cannot be alone in a private setting with a junior student without the knowledge and approval of the program supervisor. Reporting Procedure.

It is mandatory for employees, contractors, interns and volunteers to report any witnessed, suspected or alleged incident of child abuse or violation of the child protection policy.

If you are aware of or suspect abuse taking place, you must immediately report it to the HR Manager. If the suspected abuse is to an adult, you should report the abuse to an ‘Adult Protective Agency’ and if it is a child who is a victim then you should report the suspected abuse to the ‘Child Welfare Agency’ by telephone or in person. Appropriate family members in care of children should be notified of alleged instances of (sexual) abuse.

The alleged instance of sexual abuse should be notified to Atlantic Canada Language Academy’s insurance agent.

  • Who must report: Every person with responsibility for the care of children is required to make a report. Generally, this covers anyone dealing with the care or supervision of children. Specifically it covers every teacher, staff, other school official, and parents/guardian.
  • What requires a report: A person is required to report when he/she has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect, or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.
  • To whom must the report be made: The alleged incident must be reported to the Human Resource Manager. When an allegation of child abuse has been made against one or more employees or volunteers, and the matter has been reported to the Human Resource Manager, an investigation must be commenced immediately.

Responding to Reports

The Director(s)(s) of the school take the lead in responding to accusations or reports of suspected maltreatment.

Before a Report of Maltreatment Is Made

If a parent or staff member voices concern to a Director(s) about a child being abused, even if the situation is not considered to be possible maltreatment, the Director(s) needs to respond quickly. The Director(s) should follow several steps, including:

  • Meet with the “reporter” to hear the concerns and to collect details about the incident. Document what is said and agreed upon during this meeting, and let the parent know what steps will be taken.
  • If appropriate, meet with the child to discuss what took place. The Director(s)(s) should be very general and low-key and should use open-ended, rather than leading, questions (e.g., “How did you hurt your arm?” rather than “Did your teacher grab your arm too hard when you wouldn’t listen?”).
  • Meet with the staff person separately to hear the account of what took place. If this is a case of inappropriate behaviour, but not abusive, the Director(s) should review the program policies. It is important to define the consequences that will occur if the teacher’s or any other staff member’s behavior does not improve during a specified period of time. The Director(s) should then observe the individual’s behavior over time, document improvements or the lack thereof, and respond accordingly.
  • If appropriate, arrange separate meetings with the staff person and the parent to review each account of the incident and to clear up any miscommunications or misunderstandings. The Director(s), the teacher/staff, and the parent should reach some agreement on how the child’s behavior will be handled in the future.
  • Make a report to Child Welfare Services if the Director(s) suspects at any time during these discussions that maltreatment has occurred.
  • If the parent or a staff member, however, alleges that any sexual abuse or serious physical abuse took place, the Director(s) must report this to Child Welfare Services and should not talk with the alleged perpetrator.

After a Report of Maltreatment Is Made

Once a report of suspected child abuse by a teacher/staff member has been filed with Child Welfare Services or with other authorities by a parent, staff, or the Director(s), the Director(s) should respond as follows:

  • Cooperate fully with the investigation and respond quickly to the authorities’ requests for information.
  • Work with Child Welfare Services or law enforcement to decide when to talk with the staff person who has been accused of abuse or neglect. Despite feelings of loyalty to staff, it is crucial that the Director(s) remember she is not trained in how to investigate allegations, and any involvement by the Director(s) or other staff could jeopardize the investigation by Child Welfare Services or law enforcement. For instance, while the rights of the accused must be protected, if another staff member notifies the alleged perpetrator of an impending accusation, it may provide enough time to hide possible evidence or to pressure a colleague or a child to recant.
  • Advise program staff, including the accused, to cooperate fully with Child Welfare Services and to provide the requested information. All staff should be reminded about professional practices and program policies regarding confidentiality and should be instructed not to discuss the specific allegations with the media, with parents, or with others. Doing so may affect the case, for example, by creating rumors.
  • As program policy requires, place the accused staff person on administrative leave or reassign her to tasks that do not involve direct contact with children.
  • Have the accused staff member refer all questions about the allegation from non- Child Welfare Services sources (e.g., the media) to the Director(s).
  • Talk with the Child Welfare Services caseworker to find out if the agency is notifying other parents of children in the program about the case. Child Welfare Services may do so in order to determine if other children make or corroborate claims of maltreatment.
  • Handle all media requests for information and explain to the staff how the requests will be managed. This should occur in consultation with Child Welfare Services in order not to jeopardize the investigation or to break confidentiality. The report of alleged child abuse or neglect within a school is newsworthy, and the Director(s) should cite the organization’s policy about protecting the confidentiality rights of the child, the child’s family, and the accused teacher/staff member. The Director(s) also should be prepared to give information about how the safety of all the children in the program is being protected.
  • Keep Child Welfare Services authorities informed and pass on any pertinent information received from teachers, staff, parents, or other children.
  • Offer or provide counseling or support services to other staff members during the investigation.

Investigation and follow up

Atlantic Canada Language Academy takes all allegations of abuse seriously and promptly and thoroughly investigates whether abuse has taken place. Atlantic Canada Language Academy will use an outside third party to conduct an investigation. If Atlantic Canada Language Academy has a trained internal investigation team in place, the team will be used to investigate the incident. Atlantic Canada Language Academy will cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by law enforcement or other regulatory agencies. It is Atlantic Canada Language Academy objective to conduct a fair and impartial investigation.

Atlantic Canada Language Academy will make every reasonable effort to keep the matters involved in the allegation as confidential as possible while still allowing for a prompt and thorough investigation.

Upon completion of the investigation, disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the program and criminal prosecution may ensue.

The Accused Person’s Response

A childcare provider who is accused of maltreating a child should take the following steps:

  • Document immediately any pertinent information, including a description of the incident and a list of witnesses.
  • Ask others who were present to document their accounts of what happened, but take care not to pressure others to recant or to alter their accounts.
  • Write a description of the relationships with the child, the family, or the colleague making the accusation. For instance, have there been previous disagreements over practices in the past? Has the family expressed concern about the treatment the child has received?
  • Keep a copy of these statements and give one to the Director(s).
  • Prepare to meet with the representatives of the agencies involved, which may include, law enforcement, and licensing authorities. It may be necessary for the staff person to hire legal counsel.
  • Clarify his/her job status during the investigation. If the program policy is to place an accused staff member on administrative leave, the teacher/staff member should find out from the Director(s) when or under what circumstances she will be allowed to return.
  • There also are situations when a parent or staff member suspects the Director(s) of child maltreatment. In such instances, the concerned parent or staff member should contact Child Welfare Services or law enforcement.

Anti-retaliation

Atlantic Canada Language Academy prohibits retaliation made against any employee, contract teachers, volunteers, students and others who reports a good faith complaint of abuse or who participates in any related investigation. Making false accusations of abuse in bad faith can have serious consequences for those who are wrongly accused. Atlantic Canada Language Academy prohibits making false and/or malicious abuse allegations as well as deliberately providing false information during an investigation. Anyone who violates this rule is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion from the program.

After the Investigation Is Completed

Once the investigation has been completed by the authorities, the results may indicate that maltreatment occurred, may clear the accused staff member/teacher, or may be inconclusive. If the Child Welfare Services investigation clearly indicates that maltreatment occurred, the program’s response must be to terminate the teacher/staff member’s employment. If the results are inconclusive, the program will have to make a judgment based on the children’s well-being, the concerns of parents and staff, and the program’s liability if allegations are made in the future. If the staff member is cleared of any wrongdoing, the program will need to support the individual upon returning to work with the children and families.

APPENDIX 1
Languages Canada Dispute Resolution Policy

Procedures for Dispute Resolution

Languages Canada’s Dispute Resolution Policy is designed to judiciously evaluate and reconcile a complaint related to a member’s possible violation of the Code of Ethics. Non-compliance with or disregard for Languages Canada’s Code of Ethics can result in punitive action as per this Dispute Resolution Policy. Penalties include, but are not limited to, expulsion from the association and the imposition of financial penalties for re-application to the association.

As a condition of membership in Languages Canada, members agree to always abide by and defer to the Code of Ethics, be bound by this Dispute Resolution Policy, and agree to publicize this Dispute Resolution Policy to their students and agents as a recourse for managing serious disputes that are considered irreconcilable.

Process:

  1. Languages Canada will appoint an Ombudsman who will be responsible for managing the Dispute Resolution The Ombudsmen will be either a de facto Associate or Honourary Member of the Board, and not be a Full Member of Languages Canada.
  2. In the event of a formal dispute, the Languages Canada Ombudsman will strike a dispute resolution panel (“DRP”) that is constituted from three (3) members of the Languages Canada Board and the Languages Canada Ombudsman (1). At least one (1) of the three (3) Languages Canada representatives will be a member of the Executive Efforts will be made by the Ombudsman, when appointing the DRP members, that they be as far removed as possible from the claimant(s) and program(s) in question.
  3. Subject to the timelines set out herein, the DRP will determine how and when it will conduct its duties under this It will be entitled to conduct meetings and interviews using telephone or video conferencing.
  4. Within seven (7) days of receiving a complaint against a member by fax, e-mail, or letter, the Languages Canada office will advise the Complainant that formal complaints should only be submitted as a last possible recourse if no settlement can be If the Complainant still wishes to proceed, a formal written signed complaint on the Complainant’s letterhead, if applicable, is required.
  5. The Languages Canada office will acknowledge receipt of the complaint to the Complainant within seven (7) days of receiving the formal written
  6. The DRP will review the written complaint and determine whether the complaint has merit (see Guidelines for Issues). The DRP will also determine in the case of all Complaints whether further investigation is necessary to determine the legitimacy of the Complaint.
  7. Complaints that lack merit and are determined by the DRP as to have been made maliciously or frivolously will be considered a serious breach of the Code of Ethics, and dealt with accordingly.
  8. If the determination of the DRP is that the complaint has merit, the DRP will deliver to the Complainee a copy of the formal complaint within 30 days of receiving the formal written complaint.
  9. The Complainee will have ten (10) days after receipt of the complaint to respond in writing to the DRP regarding the complaint.
  10. The Dispute Resolution Panel will convene to discuss the complaint as well as the response, and will deliberate and reach a conclusion with respect to the After receiving the response in point 9, the DRP shall issue a formal written response within thirty (30) days to the Complainant and the Complainee, outlining its findings or any concerns the DRP wishes the parties to address.
  11. The Complainant and the Complainee shall have ten (10) days from their receipt of the DRP statement to make a final response.
  12. The DRP, on receiving any final submissions from the Complainant and the Complainee, shall convene to make a final The final decision will be submitted to the Languages Canada Executive, the Complainant and the Complainee within thirty (30) days of receipt of the final submissions from the parties.

Appropriate Issues for Dispute Resolution

  1. The DRP will review complaints to determine if the complaints are covered under the existed Languages Canada Code of Ethics and/or fall within the limits of jurisdiction. It will refer the parties to more appropriate channels for dispute resolution should it deem this course of action to be more appropriate.
  2. Complaints received may fall under the following categories:
    – student re: program
    – agent re: program
    – program re: program
    – public re: program
  3. Complaints which will be accepted for investigation by the DRP include:
    – Violations of Languages Canada Code of Ethics

Program Completion Requirements

  • The duration of a student’s study depends on their initial placement level and what their goal level is.
  • Students advance at their own pace based on computer and in class testing.
  • Speaking is assessed every month using the ACLA RADIO assessment tool.
  • Every Friday, students are given a test based on the week’s work.
  • Students complete a formal monthly test.
  • Students must attend 80% of their course and arrive on time to receive their course certificate.
  • If a student is more than 10 minutes late for class, they must wait until break time to join class. They will be marked absent for any classes held before the break.
  • Students must inform their teacher if they know in advance that they will miss a class.
  • If a student is ill, they must call or e-mail the school to inform the staff of their illness as soon as possible. If a student is absent for more than 5 days, they must give reception a doctor’s note.

Current Tuition Fees, Accommodation Fees, Supplementary Fees and Minor Fees (U18) as per the fees page.  

Tuition Payment Plan

  • A $500 CAD down-payment is due upon application to Atlantic Canada Language Academy.
  • All fees are due no less than 6 weeks before the course start date.
  • If a student’s application is submitted less than 6 weeks before the course start date, all fees are due immediately upon receipt of the invoice.
  • If a student plans to study for less than 6 months, the invoice is to be paid in full.

If a student plans to study for more than 6 months, they can pay in two installments, where the 2nd payment is due 4 weeks prior to the start of the 25h week. If they choose to pay for their full invoice, the remainder of the funds are kept in trust.

Obligations of the course participant

The course participant shall be responsible for choosing a language course that corresponds to his or her abilities and complying with any visa stipulations. The course participant undertakes to participate personally at the lessons and to arrive punctually. Should irregular attendance or other behavior of the participant break the law, be in conflict with entry or visa regulations, or cause a disturbance to other participants, Atlantic Canada Language Academy reserves the right to expel the participant from the course. In such an event, the course fees shall not be refunded in any way, not even on a pro-rata basis.

Withdrawal before the start of the course

The contracting party may send written notification of withdrawal before the start of the course, without any statement of reasons to the Admissions Office admissions@studyatlantic.com. If such written notification is received by Atlantic Canada Language Academy 14 days before commencement of the course, all payments already made to Atlantic Canada Language Academy in connection with the present contract shall be refunded to the contracting party within six weeks after receipt of withdrawal, with the exception of the Course Reservation Fee.

If written notification is received by the Atlantic Canada Language Academy Admissions Office at admissions@studyatlantic.com less than 14 days in advance, but in any case no later than 5:00pm (AST) on the last Thursday before the commencement of the coursethe Course Reservation Fee, 2 week’s tuition, medical insurance premium (if applicable), and accommodation fees (if applicable) for two weeks (homestay) or four weeks (student residence) are non-refundable. Any reimbursements, if applicable, will be made within six weeks after receipt of the withdrawal.

No-Show or withdrawal from the language course, failure to attend individual parts thereof

Should the course participant fail to attend the language course, withdraw from the course, or not take up individual parts thereof, such as individual lessons, he or she shall not be entitled to claim and reimbursement.

Cancellation and/or change of accommodation after course start

Accommodation may be terminated or changed, subject to 2 weeks’ notice ending on a Saturday. Notice of termination shall be sent in writing to Atlantic Canada Language Academy exclusively. A change fee of $100 CAD will be charged. Should the course participant leave his or her accommodation before the end of the period of notice, the full price for the accommodation up to the end of the cancellation period remains payable. For student residences, the respective General Terms & Conditions of the third parties providing such accommodation apply.

Student Activity Release and Indemnity – please read carefully

This is my application to participate in any or all activities provided by Atlantic Canada Language Academy, hereinafter referred to as the “School”, as described in the School’s brochures/website, or as may be offered from time to time, by the School, its employees or representatives (“School Activities”).

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency which is acknowledged, the undersigned student (or legal guardian on behalf of the student if under age 18), hereby agrees as follows:

  1. That many of the School Activities require a certain degree of skill and physical fitness and that participating in such activities exposes me to certain risks of accident or injury.
  2. That by signing below I waive any and all claims that I have or may have in the future against the School, its employees, and representatives.
  3. I hereby release the School, its employees, and representatives from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense, personal injury or death, that I may suffer, or that my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, families or representatives may suffer as a result of:
    1. any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized act or omission on the part of the School or its employees;
    2. any wrongful or negligent act, breach of contract, or breach of any statutory or other duty care to the extent that the law permits such a release;
    3. any cause, condition or event whatsoever beyond the direct control of the School.
  4. This Waiver shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, families or representatives in the event of my death or incapacity.
  5. This Waiver shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia.

I have read and fully understand this Waiver and I am aware that by signing I am waiving certain legal rights which I or my family, next of kin, executors, administrators, families or representatives may have against the School or its employees or representatives.

Discrimination & Harassment

Discrimination and harassment are strictly prohibited at Atlantic Canada Language Academy and constitute punishable offenses under this policy.

Atlantic Canada Language Academy is committed to safeguarding its students and employees against all forms of discrimination during lessons, additional study, organized activities and whilst based in our accommodation.

Discrimination and harassment are serious human rights issues.

Prohibited grounds of discrimination include:

  • Age
  • Ancestry
  • Citizenship
  • Colour
  • Creed
  • Ethnic Origin
  • Family Status
  • Handicap
  • Marital Status
  • Place of origin
  • Race
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Receipt of public assistance
  • Record of offenses (provincial offenses or pardoned federal offenses)

Discrimination is defined as making “a distinction, whether intentional or not, based on a characteristic, or perceived characteristic, such as those listed above, that disadvantages an individual or imposes burdens or obligations.”

Atlantic Canada Language Academy abides by the Human Rights Act and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. If you witness or suspect discrimination, please report it to us in confidence.

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