Parent Handbook - Loyola Jesuit College

WHAT WE WANT TO IMPART TO OUR STUDENTSCharacter• Ethical standards and moral courage• Respect and empathy for all fellow human beings• Self-reliance, discipline and healthy ambition• Desire to be competent “men and women for others”Intellect• Intellectual curiosity:the ability to think critically, creatively and independently• Ability to communicate effectively• Sensitivity to and appreciation of the broad range of intellectual fields• Desire to pursue higher educationPersonal Attributes and Attitudes• Reverence for God and a sense of the sacred• Sense of purpose; desire to develop personal potential• Leadership, cooperation, responsibility, accountability• Loyalty to family, friends and school and homeland• Sensitivity to the differences and needs of others• Good manners• Good sportsmanship in all forms of competition• Respect for the natural world• Respect for school and home community• Understanding of the democratic systemLJC Handbook for Parents 4

LOYOLA JESUIT COLLEGE HONOUR CODEI will not lie cheat or stealI will respect my ownPhysical and spiritual integrityThat of each person in the collegeAnd that of the college itselfSo help me God.LJC Handbook for Parents 5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGELoyola Jesuit College takes its namefrom Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556), a soldierand son of the minor Basque nobility ofnorthwestern Spain. His life, mainly givenover to military glory and romantic reveriesuntil 1521, was utterly changed in the wake ofa battle injury he sustained that year. Afterreading a life of Christ and lives of the saints,Ignatius began to reflect on where his life wasgoing and what God wanted him to make ofhimself. In his early thirties, in the wake ofprofound spiritual experiences, he began hissecondary education along with young boys,to prepare himself for a life of service of Godand others.Rev. Fr. Peter Schineller, SJHe eventually completed his university education at the University of Pariswhere he had gathered around himself an international group of like-minded,idealistic young men with whom he began what they called “the Companions ofJesus.” From the Latin translation of this phrase derives the name of the Society ofJesus, the religious order descended from Ignatius and his companions. From theirbeginnings they proved a formidable intellectual and spiritual force in 16th-centuryEurope and beyond. Francis Xavier was the most famous of those originalcompanions, the first missionary to bring the Gospel message to Island Asia andJapan.Although Ignatius and his companions did not originally set out to beteachers, they early realised that the challenges of 16th-century Europe and thenew worlds then opening up in that age of exploration could best be met with thetools of humanistic education. Jesuits since the 16th century have given much oftheir time and energy to the work of inculcating in young people a liberal educationnot unlike that Ignatius and his companions obtained in 16th-century Paris. InLoyola Jesuit College we are striving to help our students, like Ignatius himself, toreflect on their experiences and find how God is calling them to lives of service. Manyschools can prepare their students to be competent in various intellectual fields. Wehope at Loyola Jesuit College to do more than that. We must have the cooperationboth of the students, their teachers and their parents and guardians to achieve thisgoal: to impart to these young people some of the selflessness and dedication tohigh ideals that characterised the life of Ignatius Loyola. We urge all concerned tojoin us in this venture, this project aimed at a better future not only for our studentsas individuals but also for the future of Nigeria, the future of Africa and the future ofour world.Rev. Fr. Peter Schineller, SJPresidentLJC Handbook for Parents 6

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGEOur hope and vision for the childrenentrusted to our care at LJC are that theybecome well-rounded persons who areintellectually competent, open to growth,religious, loving and committed to doingjustice. The crucial question is whatprogrammes do we have in place or, betterstill, how do we work at LJC to make thisdescription of our future graduates a reality?What formation do we provide for ourstudents to guarantee that these boys andgirls will reflect these characteristics aftersix years of schooling at LJC?To attain our goal we employ an educationalRev. Fr. Marc J. Roselli, SJ process of formation that calls for excellence- a striving to excel, to achieve one'spotential - that encompasses theintellectual, the academic and more. We strive to provide the best possibleprogrammes of studies and activities. We create an academic environment that isrigorous and energizing. We challenge our students to stretch beyond themselves inthe classroom and in their activities. We set goals that are high and real. We monitorprogress in the many facets of the student's programme to see that he/she isworking to the best of his/her ability. We motivate the student to be his/her best, todevelop his/her potential and to grow in self-knowledge and awareness.We offer an excellent education within a context of Catholic Christian values. Weseek to deepen the faith of each student through our religious services, religiouseducation classes, retreats and most of all by our example of apostolic dedication.Through our service projects, accompanied by reflection, we seek to awakenconsciences and stimulate a desire to offer oneself for the service of others (to placeoneself in someone else's shoes). Through our guidance and counselling unit, andworking in collaboration with the parents of our students, we offer advice on how tochoose the best career in accordance with God's plan.We invite our students to enter into the spirit of an education in the Ignatian/Jesuittradition that will serve them as a foundation throughout their lives. Our liturgies,reconciliation services, homilies, school retreat days, the Christian serviceprogramme, the social gatherings and our excellent academic, athletic and cocurricularofferings are all provided for the nourishment and growth of our students.This is our way of forming them to become persons of competence, conscience andcompassionate commitment. This is our hope and vision for the students entrustedto our care today and tomorrow.Rev. Fr. Marc J. Roselli, SJPrincipalLJC Handbook for Parents 7

ADMINISTRATION OF LOYOLA JESUIT COLLEGELoyola Jesuit College is recognized and approved by the Archbishop of the CatholicArchdiocese of Abuja, and the FCT Department of Education. The Archdiocese andthe College endorse the five main objectives of the New National Policy on Educationas the basis for Catholic education in the Archdiocese.The Board of Trustees is chaired by the Provincial Superior Northwest Africa ofthe Society of Jesus. The Board of Governors is the Special Committee of theBoard of Trustees.The Board of Governors is chaired by the President of Loyola Jesuit College, andis responsible for formulating school policies according to the Jesuit vision andphilosophy as enunciated in the Mission Statement. The everyday interpretationand administration of this is delegated to the Principal through the President ofthe College.The President is the Chief Executive Officer of College. He is responsible forensuring that Loyola Jesuit College is run in accordance with the spirit anddirectives of the Board of Governors and the Society of Jesus. The Principal is theChief Academic Officer of the school. He, assisted by the Vice Principal, isresponsible for the everyday running of the school. The Principal works in closeconjunction with the President, who, with the Board of Governors and theSociety of Jesus, is ultimately responsible for school policy.LJC Handbook for Parents 8

LOYOLA JESUIT COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENTService of God and OthersLoyola Jesuit College is a Catholic and Jesuit coeducational boarding schoolserving the needs of the Catholic community of Nigeria and open to members of all otherreligious traditions in the country. The College recognizes that all people may share thevalues and goals of Jesuit education and welcomes them into its community.Ignatian World-ViewOur vision is rooted in the world-view of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of theJesuits (the Society of Jesus), a Catholic religious order of Fathers and Brothers. Catholiceducation is integral, quality human education valid for all who appreciate its intrinsicvalue of concern for firm moral foundations, academic excellence and sincere respectfor all that is good and true in others, and through its mission schools, has had a longand illustrious history in Nigeria.Community of Shared VisionThe Loyola Jesuit College staff is a community of shared vision, trained andworking together with this common purpose. Open to students and staff of all religions,all economic levels and all tribal and regional origins, the College encourages the modelof a unified family, and strives to develop individual talents and gifts within that family,with deep respect for the traditional values of Nigeria.One of the specific contributions of Jesuit educators is that they are oriented tocertain values. Jesuits and their colleagues at Loyola Jesuit College pledge themselvesto the faith development of their students. Development of religious principles andmoral values is central to the curriculum, not just in religion courses, retreats andreligious services. Our religious education is not for the sake of proselytising non-Catholic students but to help develop in all of our students lasting moral principles. Eachstudent will be urged to live his/her faith more fully, and all will be encouraged tounderstand Catholicism as exemplified in the actions of a vibrant faith community,though no student will be obligated to attend any religious service.LJC Handbook for Parents 9

Men and Women for OthersThe ultimate aim of Jesuit secondary education is that full growth of the personwhich leads to action: action that is suffused with the spirit and presence of Jesus Christ,the Man for others. One definition of the goal of Catholic and Jesuit education today isthe "formation of men and women for others, people of competence, conscience andcompassionate commitment." Students at Loyola Jesuit College are invited to respondto this call to be men and women for others.Personal CarePersonal care and concern is the hallmark of Jesuit education. For such arelationship of authenticity and truth to flourish between teacher and student, mutualtrust and respect that grows out of a continuing experience of the other as a genuinecompanion in learning is required. It means, too, being keenly conscious of andsensitive to the institutional environment of the school, being alert as teachers andadministrators to the complex and often subtle network of norms, expectations,behaviours and relationships that create an atmosphere for learning.Praise, reverence and service should mark the relationship that exists not onlybetween teachers and students but also among all members of the school community.Ideally, Loyola Jesuit College should be a place where people are believed in, honouredand cared for; where the natural talents and creative abilities of persons are recognizedand celebrated; where individual contributions and accomplishments are appreciated;where everyone is treated fairly and justly; where sacrifice on behalf of theeconomically poor, the socially deprived, and the educationally disadvantaged arecommonplace; where each person finds the challenge, encouragement and supporthe/she needs to reach the fullest individual potential for excellence; where members ofthe community help one another and work together with enthusiasm and generosity,attempting to represent concretely in word and action the ideal of the school: SERVICEOF GOD AND OTHERS.LJC Handbook for Parents 10

LOYOLA JESUIT COLLEGE AIMS & OBJECTIVESOur aims and objectives are derived from our motto "Service of God and Others"• To enable youth to develop their individual talents to the full as well as tobecome well-rounded persons.• To implement in a faithful and dedicated way the Nigerian National Policy onEducation (NPE).• To train youth to become leaders on the national and international level, byattending to moral integrity, a commitment to justice and becoming"men and women for others," growth in responsible use of freedomand applying ethical approaches to institutions.• To provide an opportunity for qualified young people of all classes andbackgrounds to develop into a united community.Additionally, all our programmes bear hallmarks that characterise Jesuit Education.Thus:• We aim at integral development of both individual studentsand of the world at large.• We aim at growth in uniqueness of every person• We strive to foster growth in goodness• We promote growth in spiritual life• We aim at commitment to a life of service• We help to establish a human family united in faith and love• We insist on the pursuit of excellence• We work in partnership with every sector of the educational community• We insist on ongoing evaluation and adaptationLJC Handbook for Parents 11

KEY OFFICERS OF THE SCHOOL.Rev. Fr. Peter Schineller, SJRev. Fr. Marc Roselli, SJSr. Chika Eze, SHCJRev. Fr. Ugo Nweke, SJMr. Andrew OrjiMr. A. I. SaniMr David IriowenSr. Lena Nwaenyi, SHCJMrs. Rose IdibiaMrs. Theresa EtimMr. John Kisto NkwochaMr. Turaki AdekaMr. Anthony AnyoguPresidentPrincipalVice Principal (Academics)ChaplainDormitory Director/Prefect of DisciplineDirector of Computer OperationsExaminations OfficerSenior NurseMatronKitchen ManagerMaintenance Director (Acting)Chief of SecurityEngineerADMISSIONAdmission to Loyola Jesuit College is through an examination, which takes placeabout four months before the beginning of the school year. Places are offered strictly onmerit. Prospective candidates into JSS 1 are required to purchase and complete anapplication form before they are qualified to take the exam. The College expects allcandidates to be at least 11 years old by the January following their admission into theschool. All students are admitted into JSS 1 only. The College does not accept studentswishing to transfer from another school into a higher class. All students are expected toboard at the College. Parents are advised to make sure that all students who hope to enter aboarding school know how to wash their own clothes, sweep and dust their own room, andkeep the elementary rules of personal hygiene. Students should normally have stopped bedwetting,but in exceptional cases where this is still a problem, they should be able to washtheir own sheets and blanket.A Word About AgeThe College does not allow children to enter Class One before their tenth birthday. Ifthey do they will be tempted to enter university before their sixteenth birthday. We feel thatthe best time to come to secondary school is at the threshold of adolescence, especiallywhen it involves leaving home to enter a school boarding house. The College is simply notgeared to caring for the needs of very young children who are still emotionally dependent onthe close support of their mothers. Our optimum age at entry would be 11 or near it, and wecertainly prefer that. However gifted a child may be, he or she should have completed a fullprimary school education before coming to Loyola Jesuit College. The structure of theeducational system in the country reflects this and if children are rushed through the earlystages, part of the purpose of the 6-3-3-4 system is being subverted.Education at Loyola Jesuit College aims to encourage leadership qualities in allstudents and to encourage responsible decision-making and independence of thought. Wefeel that we are not going to get very far with either of these aims if children leave schoolwhen they are barely 16. The best way of developing leaders in a boarding school is throughthe prefect system, and, indeed, as the school gets larger we need mature prefects for theefficient running of the boarding houses. This means that we need senior students who areyoung men and women.LJC Handbook for Parents 12

COLLEGE FACILITIES• 2 Classroom blocks with 24 rooms and 8 staff rooms.Each classroom has a work space for 30 students.• 1 Science and Vocation Centre with five well-equipped laboratories,an Art Studio and a Technology Workshop(each laboratory is equipped with a 22 inch TV set and a VCR).• A comfortable Library with over 2,000 volumes.• A functional administration building equippedwith modern office equipment.• A Computer Centre equipped with 33 multimedia networkedIBM-compatible personal computers Four of these are specialenhanced with appropriate accessibility hardware/softwarefor the blind.).• 1 Lecture Hall equipped with modern audio-visual facilities.• A Multi-purpose hall/Chapel seating 1000 people.• A spacious dining hall and kitchen with modern catering facilities.• A well equipped Clinic with a 20-bed capacity.• 3 dormitory blocks for boys and 1 large girls’ dormitorywith spacious rooms, including common rooms, box rooms andlive-in quarters for teachers. Each hostel has adjoining utilityblocks including toilets, laundry facilities and hot showers..• Table tennis facilities.• A Standard football/athletic field and a practice pitch.• 3 basketball Courts, 1 handball field, 1 volleyball pitch.• 16 well-furnished staff bungalows.• 1 Jesuit residence and a Sisters' convent.• A well equipped auto mechanic workshopLJC Handbook for Parents 13

THE SCHOOL CURRICULUMLoyola Jesuit College runs the Junior Secondary and Senior SecondaryProgrammes as specified in the National Policy on Education. It offers a wide varietyof academic subjects taught by a dedicated and professional staff. The studentbegins with a broad spectrum of subjects, which becomes more focused as he/sheprogresses. In the first three years, the College emphasizes the basic skills in thefollowing subjects:Number of 40-minute periods per classSubject JSS 1 JSS 2 JSS 3English Language 5 5 5Mathematics 5 5 5Integrated Science 4 3 3Introductory Technology 3 2 2Physics Technology 0 2 2Social Studies 3 3 3Agricultural Science 3 3 3Hausa 2 2 2French 3 3 3Christian Religious Studies 3 3 3Fine Art 3 3 3Physical/Health Education 3 3 3Home Economics 3 3 3Computer Studies 2 2 1Guidance 1 1 1Library 1 1 1Handwriting Skills 1 1 1All students in year 4 (SS 1) must do at least eleven subjects in addition to ComputerStudies and Guidance, until the third term in year 5 (SS 2). Those who do FurtherMathematics do twelve subjects. The subjects offered by this College and thepossible option groups are as follows:Compulsory Subjects1. English Language 6. Christian Religious Studies*2. Hausa 7. French3. General Mathematics 8. Literature/Geography4. Biology 9. Agric. Science/Tech. Drawing/Home Mngt.5. Economics.Options10. Physics or Government 11. Chemistry or Fine Art or History* Muslim students are not required to take Christian Religious Studies.LJC Handbook for Parents 14

General Mathematics and English Language each have five 40-minuteperiods a week. French, Hausa, Christian Religious Studies and Economics havethree 40-minute periods each. All other subjects have four 40-minute periods perweek. Students doing General Mathematics with Further Mathematics have five 40-minute periods for the double subject.Students who only reach a very low standard in General Mathematics andIntegrated Science in the Mock and JSC exams are not allowed to do Physics orFurther Mathematics in year 4. This is because they will not have an adequatefoundation on which to build. Those who insist on doing these subjects despite theirpoor grades may be given the opportunity to repeat year 3 and try to reach therequired standard if they believe their standard was due to lack of effort.Assessment of Student WorkThe College strictly adheres to the Continuous Assessment method inevaluating students' academic proficiency. This is based on class work, both writtenand oral, practical projects, regular three-weekly tests, homework, and a terminalexamination.A student's terminal grade is made up from two components:.1. Continuous assessment scores averaged over 602. The terminal examination score averaged over 40.ExaminationsThe school year is divided into threeterms. At the end of each term,students write an examination in alltheir subjects. A comprehensive reportconsisting of a student’s cumulativecontinuous assessment, includingdetailed comments by class teachersand house teachers, is sent to everyparent.During the course of each term, aparent may receive an interimassessment report on their ward as theneed arises. This report usually doesnot require any formal examination or test. Assessment reports are available withthe class teachers on any of the designated visiting days.The passing grade for any test or examination in Loyola Jesuit College is 50%, andthe lowest acceptable grade is 65%. Students who do not meet this minimumstandard are placed on Academic Probation until they do so. (See notes on AcademicProbation later in this Handbook.) A student placed on Academic Probationconsecutively for three terms in a session may be required to repeat the year orwithdraw completely from the College.LJC Handbook for Parents 15

EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMMEThe College aims to help every individual student to develop his or herabilities, talents and personality to the fullest possible extent. As a step in thisdirection, the school enjoins all students to take part actively in itsextracurricular programme. Every student is expected to join at least two clubseach term..All together there are 20 different clubs in the school. A student isexpected to have membership in one of the club groups. Club members meetevery other Saturday for about 2 hours..As much as possible, students are given an opportunity to choose theirown clubs. Selection of clubs begins with a club fair, during which students speakto different club patrons or matrons and try to make up their minds. They arethen made to complete a selection pro forma on which they indicate theirpreferences..A list of activities presently on offer, and the teachers-in-charge, isavailable on request. We include here the activities on offer for 2006-2007 as anexample. This will change from year to year.1 ARTS2 CHESS3 CURRENT AFFAIRS4 DRAMA5 GEOGRAPHY AND HABITAT6 HEALTH CARE7 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY8. JETS AND BRAINCRACKERS9 LANGUAGES (FRENCH, HAUSA, IGBO, YORUBA)10 LIBRARY AND LITERARY11 MAINTENANCE AND YOUNG ARCHITECT12 MUSIC13 PHILATELIA14 PHOTOGRAPHY15 SPEECH AND DEBATE16 STAR GAZERS17 THE CHEF AND HOME MAKERS18 UNESCO19 YOUNG FARMERS20 YOUTH AGAINST AIDSLJC Handbook for Parents 16

CLASS STRUCTUREStudents in each year are divided into four class sections labelled A though D.A class teacher is attached to each section and remains with it for at least oneacademic session. There are two opportunities for class teachers to meet formallywith their students on a weekly basis..1. Daily, during registration.2. Weekly, Guidance lessons.Class teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of all the students in theirclass and try as much as possible to get a true portrait of each student to enablethem to make useful reports to the Principal and their parents. They constantlymonitor the behaviour and work of each student and try to see that their classesobey the rules and regimen of the college.ACADEMIC STRUCTURESubject teachers are divided into faculties, each run by a head of faculty. The headsof faculties organise regular faculty meetings and also meet with the Principal as agroup and on an individual basis.HOUSE STRUCTUREThere are four houses in Loyola Jesuit College, namely Connelly, Loyola,Regis and Xavier. They are named respectively after the foundress of the Sisters ofthe Holy Child Jesus, Cornelia Connelly, and three Jesuit saints: Ignatius Loyola,John Francis Regis and Francis Xavier. Each student in the school belongs to ahouse. The House functions as both a pastoral and sporting platform. Thehousemaster and housemistress, assisted by the house teachers and the houseprefects, run each house jointly. A Dormitory Director and a Matron live with theboys and girls respectively. Their duties are designed to complement those of thehousemasters and housemistresses.The house system is a means of engendering spirit of cooperation among thestudents by organising and encouraging competition between the houses on a basisother than age or ability. The house system is structurally unique in that it isorganised vertically rather than horizontally. The system provides students of moregeneral ability with an opportunity to make a contribution to school life and beacknowledged for doing so.Each student is allocated to one of the four houses – ideally the same Houseas his/her previous sibling – but otherwise on a “fair random basis,” so that thenumbers and abilities in each of the Houses are ostensibly the same.LJC Handbook for Parents 17

PREFECTORIAL SYSTEMThe Prefects are invested with the formal authority of the school to assist inthe day to day running of the school from an administrative and disciplinary point ofview. They are students whose leadership qualities and general contribution to thelife of the school highlight them as role models and indicate that they have sufficientloyalty, discretion, initiative and flexibility to serve the school in this special capacity.The primary role of the prefects is to lead by example, to experience (andtherefore share) some of the responsibility for administering school life, and toparticipate in decision-making processes. They also are expected to represent theviews of the students to the school authorities, in all situations where this isimportant. If an analogy is sought, it is the role of responsible elder brothers andsisters that is enjoined upon them.They are expected to guide, to encourage, to praise the others, and wherenecessary, to criticise and help to eradicate unacceptable conduct or inadequatepersonal presentation. While they have full authority in the school, they areexpected to communicate with, and seek the advice of teachers and administratorsfrom time to time.LJC Handbook for Parents 18

CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOLParents are to ensure that their wards bring only the following items to school atthe beginning of the school year. When a student reports to the school, a teacher will beavailable to receive and check their luggage. Any item that is not indicated on this list willbe confiscated and returned to the parents immediately..• Shoe Polish and brush• Biros, pencils ruler (30 cm) and Math set: compasses, set square and protractor, scissors• Bible – Revised Standard Version (Christian students) - optional• Rosary beads (Catholic students) - optional• Weekday Missal (Catholic students)• The Psalter of the Divine office (pocket companion) – (Catholic students)• 1 drinking cup• 2 white bed sheets (8 feet by 4 feet: it is important that they fit)• 1 covering cloth/ 1 bedspread• 1 light blanket• 2 white pillow cases (with flap for tucking in)• 6 coat hangers• 2 towels• Letter writing materials• 1 electric iron with 3-pin plug• Washing powder for laundry and bar soap• 1 dozen clothing pegs• Toiletries (scent and aerosols or sprays not allowed)• 1 bucket (plastic only)• 1 padlock (for dormitory locker)• Boys uniform belt (black 3 cm wide)• 2 sets of school uniforms (provided by the school)• 2 sets of strong brown leather sandals (only sandals can be worn to school)• 1 pair of canvas shoes for games (not to be worn to school)• 3 pairs of white socks• 1 pair of bathroom slippers• 2 sets of occasional wear (1 of which must be traditional dress)• 1 pair of football boots• 1 pair of simple brown leather shoes (for socials & Sundays)• 4 sets of underwear (boys singlets must be white with a V- or U-neck)• 4 handkerchiefs• 1 white t-shirt and 1 pair of navy blue shorts for P.E (provided by the school)• 1 strong raincoat with strong loop (for hanging on a peg)• 1 sweater or cardigan to be bought from the school• 2 pairs of pyjamas or 2 nightdressesLJC Handbook for Parents 19

THE COLLEGE DRESS CODEThe dress code uniform underscores the dignity and seriousness of purpose with whichwe regard our education. Students are expected arrive in school each term wearing an approvedschool uniform. All students must come to class each day in clean and neat school uniform.The Approved School Uniform includes:• White shirt/Blouse on navy blue trousers/skirt• Navy blue cardigan/sweater• House Wear / Sunday Wear• Sportswear: White T-Shirt and Navy blue shorts(both marked with the College logo)• Foot wear: Brown leather sandals with white stockings,canvas shoes, football bootsNo boots or hats or other casual gear should be worn in the general vicinity of the classrooms.Extra social wear outfits, boots, sneakers, shoes with logo or brand names, slippers, face caps,hats, coloured T-shirts and jewellery are forbidden and will be confiscated without warnings.ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTCassette and CD players, torch lights or reading lamps, organisers, Game boys and otherelectronic toys are absolutely forbidden and must not be brought to school. All SSS studentsneed a scientific (non-programmable) calculator. They must be clearly marked with the owner’sfull name. Please note that any electronic equipment brought back that is forbidden or used inthe wrong place or at the wrong time is liable to be seized. Such items are not usually returned totheir owners..EYE GLASSESAll students are expected to have their eye sight tested before entering the College.Parents should ensure that if their ward needs eye glasses, they either have unbreakable lensesor two pairs. Breakable lenses are dangerous and should be replaced by unbreakable ones assoon as possible. Tinted or photo-chromatic lenses are not allowed. Strong frames are stronglyrecommended..HAIRAll students are expected to maintain a short hair cut. The school day is very full and we havefound that the girls have no time to plait hair..HEALTH MATTERSAll new students require a medical form completed by a College-designated medicaldoctor. All students must be immunised against tetanus, Yellow Fever and Typhoid and acertificate attached to their medical form confirming that this has been done. Students shouldhave their eyes tested before they stay in the College and visit a dentist regularly. All medicinemust be handed over to the School Nurse on resumption, together with a letter from the familydoctor stating clearly what the medicine is, and what it has been prescribed for, and what thedosage is. It is an offence for students to keep medicine of any sort in the hostel.Students who have been treated by a Doctor within three weeks before their return toschool must bring a letter from the Doctor who treated them to the School Nurse. The lettermust state clearly the nature of the diagnosis and the treatment given. This will ensure thatstudents receive prompt treatment if they fall ill again. The House masters/mistresses and Nurseadequately represent the parents in caring for students when they are sick. The Nurse may bereached through the Principal. Parents are asked to avoid asking friends to visit students outsidevisiting times to find out how they are. All enquiries regarding students' health should be madethrough the Principal. Please note that students cannot receive or make telephone calls.LJC Handbook for Parents 20

STUDENTS' CODE OF CONDUCT.Loyola Jesuit College aims to help every individual student to develop his or her abilities,talents and personality to the fullest possible extent, and hopes always to respond to the needsof the individual. But individual development would be incomplete and distorted if it led to selfcentrednessand selfishness. An important part of the education of the individual is learning tolive as a member of a community, realising that the way students lead their lives affects not onlythemselves but the community as a whole..Any act of rudeness or disobedience to a teacher or prefect, any act of dishonesty orunkindness to a fellow student, any act of wilful disregard of school rules, or any failure to doone's absolute best in study, games, house duties or any other activity diminishes theexcellence which the College is striving to achieve and maintain..No community can live and work smoothly and efficiently without rules, Studentsshould realise that there is a good reason behind every single one of the College Rules andRegulations. Special regulations are displayed in the Library, the Clinic, the Dining Hall, theComputer Room and the Dormitories. Students should read these from time to time to refreshtheir memory, but if they try to follow these guidelines they will not go far wrong.General Guidelines for Students.• Behave sensibly, with care for others.• Think of other people and behave in such a way that you do not cause theminconvenience, embarrassment, discomfort or danger. Take active stepsto stop any unkindness or tendency towards bullying, verbal or physical..• Do not do anything that you would not like your parents to hear about..• Make sure that your personal appearance (clothes, hair, shoes) is neat and that youmove about the school in a disciplined manner.• Obey all instructions from teachers and prefects promptly and cheerfully. Do not showresentment even if, for some reason, you feel it. Obey first, complain or explain later.• Behave courteously to your teachers, to visitors and to your fellow students.• Students should never use abusive language, slang, or vernacular with those who don'tunderstand it.• If trouble comes, tell the truth. Telling the truth may help to lessen trouble; lying willcertainly make it worse.• Remember that every member of the College shares in the responsibility for lookingafter the buildings, furniture and equipment that have been provided for our use, andalso each shares in the responsibility for the welfare of other members. It is thereforeyour absolute duty to check or report any acts of anti-social behaviour. Such actsinclude damaging school property, stealing or misusing the property of fellow students.Such acts damage the whole community, and if you witness them, you must acts in theinterest of the community, rather than attempt to protect the culprit.• Students must stay on the compound at all times unless accompanied by a staffmember on an authorised trip.• The Jesuit Residence, the Sisters Convent, the staff bungalows and the staffquarters are out of bounds to students.LJC Handbook for Parents 21

RULES FOR STUDENTSClassrooma) Things students must do:i) Arrive for Registration by 7.15 amii) Get out their books and materials for the first 2 lesson periodsand after breakfast, for Period 3.iii) Make sure that the desks are properly arranged and that the classroom is tidybefore the start of every lesson.iv) Line up quietly outside the classroom before every lesson.v) Raise their hands when they want to ask or answer a question.vi) Sit up properly at their desks.vii) Participate fully and cooperatively during lessons.viii) Do and submit their assignments promptly.ix) Catch up on any work they have missed through absence.b) Things students should not do:i) Go to the Clinic during Registration.ii) Talk during a lesson without the teacher's permission.iii) Leave their desk or move around the classroom unless told to do so by the teacher.iv) Shout out answers.v) Lean on the walls, sprawl over their desks, or put their feet on their desks.vi) Write on the chalkboard without the teacher's permission.vii) Make any mark on furniture or walls.viii) Bring comics, magazines, etc., to lessons.Dining Hall Rulesi) All students are expected to be present at every meal and eat something, however small.ii) The two people on the right hand side of the leader shall serve and the plates should be passedright around the table to the last person and so on until everyone is served.iii) At the end of the meal, the bell will be rung twice. The first bell will signal that plates should bestacked and the second that students should stand in silence for grace. No plate should bestacked before the first belliv) Passing of food from one plate to another is not allowed, nor is trading in food.v) Nobody should start to eat until everyone is served at the table.vi) Moderate portions should be served. Second helpings are allowed but everything on the plateshould be eaten.vii) No more than the normal portion should be given as first helping. Only second helpings areallowed and no more.viii) Elbows should be kept off the table while eating.ix) The mouth should be shut while chewing. There should be no talking with food in the mouth.x) Students must be completely silent before the grace. After the final grace, students must leaveby houses in an orderly manner.xi) No one should attempt to go to another table to look for food when leaving the Hall.xii) No students may leave his/her table after the first grace. The student at the end of the tableraising his/her hand should draw the attention of the stewards to the need for water or anyother item. All students must remain seated at their table between the two graces.LJC Handbook for Parents 22

House Rulesi) The dormitories should be kept scrupulously clean at all times, and beds should be well keptwith sheets spread over them. Sleeping directly on the college mattress is strictly forbidden.ii) After Nightcap students must be in their own house and may not go to another house for anypurpose.iii) Students must change into their nightwear as soon as they return from Nightcap and mustnot sleep in any item of day time wear.iv) A warning bell will be rung 5 minutes before Lights Out. This is the signal for the end of finalvisits to the toilet and the beginning of personal prayers.v) No electrical apparatus maybe used except with special permission. Individual radios andother electronic equipment are not allowed. Board games and other recreational equipmentmust be kept in the box room except at weekends. Occasional wear may only be brought outof the box room for approved occasions.vi) No student is allowed to remain in the hostels during classes, study periods or at any othertime when the entire student body is engaged outside the hostels.vii) No student, except a prefect, is allowed to punish another student. All serious cases ofinsolence, disobedience, etc., must be passed through the House Captain to the House Tutoror Senior Teacher on Duty.viii) Students may not wash their clothes except after lunch before they return to class for period8. Clothes pegs must be used when hanging them out to dry.ix) All possessions must be kept inside the locker except when actually being used by the owner.All lockers must be kept locked whenever the user is not present.Study Hall Rulesi) All students should be seated in their classroom for study hall within 5 minutes of leaving thedining hall and should have the following materials out on their tables; pen, pencil, ruler,eraser and all books for the scheduled study hall subject.ii) No student may talk to another student, move around, leave the classroom or go to the toilet.iii) When study hall ends at 9.00 p.m. students should put their books away and put their chairsup, and, when their class prefects dismiss them, go directly to the dining hall for Nightcap.Library Rulesi) SILENCE must be observed in the library at all times.ii) One book may be borrowed for a week after it has been checked out with the librarian.iii) Readers will be made to pay a fine for books returned late.iv) Readers will be made to pay for lost or damaged books. Borrowers are responsible forreturning a book in good condition.v) Only a notebook or jotter and a pencil may be brought into the library for note making.vi) Raincoats and bags must be left in the Library porch.vii) Students who take library books to lessons or leave them around the school compound willforfeit the right to borrow for two weeks.viii) Each student is responsible for the book he/she borrows and must not lend it out to anotherstudent.ix) Students may not sit at the Librarian’s table.LJC Handbook for Parents 23

Computer Centre Rulesi) Students are not permitted into the computer room except with the permission andpresence of a teacher.ii) Any hardware or software problem must be reported immediately to the ComputerDirector or the I.T. Assistant.iii) No student is allowed to take away from the computer room any piece of hardware,software or reference manual belonging to the school.iv) Students are not allowed to bring their personal disks or CD-ROMs into the computerroom without the permission of the Computer Director. They are also not allowedto take away any disk or CD-ROM from the room.v) All disks used for data storage should be clearly labelled and kept in the disk bank.vi) No request for use of the Centre facilities may be granted to any external body,institution or individual.vii) Students must not remove or exchange printer ribbons or cartridges. All approvedjobs should be printed on the network printer.viii) To reduce keyboard failure, students should endeavour to press the keys gentlywhile using the computer. In this connection, no computer game may be played onany of the workstations.ix) Under no circumstances should food, drink or any foreign substance be brought intothe computer room.Clinic Procedure and Rulesi) CONSULTING HOURS are:Morning: 7.00 a.m. 7. 15 a.m. / Afternoon: 1.30 - 2.30 p.m.Students may not visit the Clinic at any other times except in an emergency when theyshould get written permission from a duty teacher.ii) First Aid equipment is provided in the hostels and students in Year 4 who have beentrained by the Doctor/Nurse to assist may use it in emergencies.iii) All students must report to the Consulting Room when they feel sick. They may notgo to the ward until they have been attended to and officially admitted.iv) All students on admission MUST rest on their beds in the wards. Patients who feelwell enough and do not want to lie on their beds must be in the day room, exceptduring siesta.v) Patients on admission may go to the Library during school hours to borrow a book toread. They must take permission from the Nurse before going to the library and mustreturn within ten minutes.vi) All students on admission in the clinic will observe siesta until 4.00 p.m. They mayread but must lie on their beds quietly. They should go and lie down immediatelyafter they have had lunch. A Duty Teacher will be available during this time to ensurethat the siesta is strictly observed.vii) The Clinic wards are OUT OF BOUNDS to all students except for those who havebeen admitted.viii) Students are not allowed to go to the Clinic in the evenings to collect/deliver clothes,food and plates of the patients. It is the responsibility of the nurses on duty toensure that these needs are attended to by the clinic attendants.LJC Handbook for Parents 24

SANCTIONS FOR INFRACTION OF SCHOOL RULESConductIt is important to note, at the beginning, that there are levels of infractions that demand differentlevels of punishment including single detention, multiple detentions, parent conferences,suspensions and expulsions.Behavioural DetentionStudents at Loyola College are expected to abide by the rules of the school during school hours andat all extracurricular activities sponsored by the school. If a student is unable to abide by the rules,he/she will serve a behavioural detention. Behavioural detention is held every weekday afternoonafter lunch for those involved. If a student is placed on detention, he/she will report to the DormitoryDirector. The most common reasons a student is placed on behavioural detention are disturbing inclass or not putting on the proper uniform or too many latenesses. The students can easily avoidthese infractions.DEMERIT SYSTEM: The following is an explanation of the demerit system.1. A discipline record is maintained under the care of the Prefect of discipline and the Principal.When a teacher feels the misbehaviour of a student warrants it, he/she places the studenton detention. The type of misbehaviour will be entered against the student's name withthe date and the teacher's signature. The student will be given, in consultation with thePrincipal, an assigned work to be done after school, e.g. washing dishes or floors, garbagecollection, sweeping, washing 'abandoned' clothes or writing lines. Double entries will bemade for failure to show up for detentions.2. When a student has received SIX entries in the discipline record within a school year, thestudent receives a demerit.3. A demerit requires that a meeting be held with the student, his/her parents and the Principal.The President will be notified in writing.4. A second demerit within the same school year requires that a meeting be held with thestudent, his/her parents, the Principal and the President. The student may not representthe school in volunteer or honour service such as sports and prefecting. The student willbe placed on one day in-school suspension.5. A third demerit within the same school year requires that a meeting be held with the student,his/her parents, the Principal and the President. A three-day suspension will be given andany further misbehaviour during the year will be cause for expulsion.ADDITIONAL COMMENTS(A)(B)(C)At the beginning of each school year, the accumulation entries on the discipline recordwill start afresh. Demerits and detentions continue to accumulate from one term to thenext during the school year.Detention will be given for misbehaviour at each teacher's discretion.A minimum of one detention will be the consequence for each of the following actions ortypes of misbehaviour:1. Lying or deliberately trying to mislead.2. Cheating or copying (First offenders will receive a zero on the work in question. More thantwo episodes could lead to a student being asked to withdraw from Loyola Jesuit College).3. Stealing or borrowing without permissionLJC Handbook for Parents 25

4. Defacing school property5. Fighting or any form of bullying.6. Swearing or the use of obscene gestures.7. Being disrespectful to another student or a teacher.8. Disobeying a teacher's instruction or doing other work during class.9. Disturbing the desk of another student.10. Dress code violations11. Lateness to class or meals, etc.(D) The teacher will determine the consequences for each of the following actions:i. Talking without permission or otherwise disturbing the class.ii. Tipping chairsiii. Chewing gum in classiv. Eating during classv. Failure to bring textbooks and/or exercise books to class.(E) Teachers who feel the misbehaviour is quite serious, such as outright lying, cheating,deliberate deception, smuggling of food into the hostel or classroom, or any action that underminesthe Christian witness of the school may, in consultation with the Principal, give a full demerit for thataction. The teacher involved will be present at the meeting outlined in point (3) above. Any criminalbehaviour or any form of sexual harassment will be cause for immediate expulsion.Academic DetentionStudents at Loyola Jesuit College are expected to work faithfully in each subject and completeall academic assignments in a timely and adequate fashion. If a student is unable to meet theseacademic expectations, he/she will continue to serve academic detention until all assignments arecompleted. Academic detention is held every afternoon after lunch for those who do not meet theseacademic expectations. If a student is placed on academic detention, he/she will report to the VicePrincipal until the academic expectations are met. The most common reason a student is placed onacademic detention is failure to complete subject assignments. The students can easily avoid thisinfraction.Policy on TheftLoyola Jesuit College attempts to provide a religious and ethical atmosphere in which thewhole person is capable of developing to his/her highest potential. This atmosphere is reflected inpersonal attitudes, responsible action and human relations among students and staff. Basic to thisatmosphere is a sense of trust and mutual concern. Anyone who infringes upon the human rights ofanother harms himself/herself as well as others. Theft is an infringement upon the human rights ofanother and will not be tolerated. If a student is found guilty of theft, a conference with her/hisparents and the Principal will be arranged. Depending on the seriousness of the theft, this offencemay be cause for suspension or the student may be asked to withdraw from the school. A studentwho is strongly suspected of theft in a situation where absolute proof is impossible will be allowed toanswer to those suspicions. The student’s parents will be notified.Policy on CheatingOne of the goals of Loyola Jesuit College is the intellectual development of its students. Allthose involved - student, parents, school - contribute a great deal of effort towards achieving thisgoal. A major obstacle to this goal is cheating. By cheating, the individual denies himself/herselfknowledge, self-respect and disciplined development. To help ensure against cheating, it is importantthat faculty and students first limit the opportunities for cheating and that administrators enforcesanctions for violators.LJC Handbook for Parents 26

SuspensionThe following are some offences which, while not considered immediate grounds for expulsion,are nevertheless considered serious obstacles to the educational goals of the school andtherefore require sanctions. An individual incident may lead to suspension; repeated offencesor a single occurrence in certain circumstances could lead to expulsion.• Truancy• Unauthorised absence from class• Continued wilful disobedience• Extreme insubordination• Minor theft• Persistent violation of dress regulation• Persistent cheating• Bullying othersProcedure for Suspension1. A parent will be called and notified about the suspension.2. Two suspension forms will be issued to the student. These forms will include the student'spromise of better behaviour at the school. One copy is to be signed by the student and by theparent and returned to the Principal; the other copy kept by the family.3. In most cases the student will serve an in-school suspension, which involves loss ofprivileges such as games, clubs and sports activities, but mandates that the student attend allclasses, study halls and meals. An out-of-school suspension may also be imposed.Expulsion PolicyLoyola Jesuit College intends to carry out its educational programmes in an atmosphereof harmony and well-being among its staff and students. If a student engages in a form ofbehaviour that seriously threatens the well-being and educational goals of the school, such astudent will be liable for his/her immediate expulsion from the school. The following are someoffences which, if committed by a student while under the jurisdiction of the school, either atschool or at a school-related activity, are possible reasons for such expulsion.1. Assault or battery, or any threat of force or violence towards any school personnel or studentor their property2. Major theft3. Immoral conduct4. Habitual truancy5. Wilful destruction of school propertyProcedure for Expulsion1. The Principal will call for a conference with the parents or guardians of the student. Parentswill be reminded of the school rules to which they agreed when they enrolled their ward, andthe matter will be thoroughly discussed and a decision made concerning expulsion.2. If the student is expelled or allowed to withdraw, and if it is possible and reasonable toprovide the student with a referral to another school, a detailed letter of explanation will bemade available to such a school.LJC Handbook for Parents 27

Academic HonestyAcademic honesty is one of the highest values of Loyola Jesuit College. Students are expectedto do their own work and take responsibility for their work at all times. Cheating of any kindoffends the values upon which Loyola Jesuit College was founded and which it holds dear.Plagiarism or other academic dishonesty will result in failure for the assignment. In the case ofcheating on an exam, failure in the subject may result, as may suspension or expulsion from theCollege.COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATIONCounting the Staff, Students and Parents, the number of people who need to be informedabout school matters approximates 1500. Communications are a major task.For students, sources of information will be:i) This Handbookii) Class Teachers and House Teachersiii) Assembliesiv) Notice Boardsv) School CalendarsFor parents, here are some guidelines of whom to consult in various situations:SituationUnanticipated absence from schoolAdmission/Withdrawal of studentsMedical problems.Concern about Academic performanceConcern about a disciplinary matterQuery about school policyQueries about internal orexternal examinationsFinancial ProblemsComputer-related mattersEmotional/psychological problemsWhom to see or write toThe Principal.The Principal.The Senior Nurse through the Principal.The Class teacher or subject teacherthrough the Principal.Prefect of Discipline/ Housemasteror Mistress through the Principal.The President with copy to the PrincipalThe Vice Principal (Academics.)with copy to the Principal.The President with copy to the Principal.Director of Computer Operationsthrough the PrincipalSchool Counsellor or School Chaplainthough the PrincipalParents are urgently requested to inform the school immediately if changes of addressor telephone numbers occur, or if there are changes in the family situation. In case ofemergency, parents should phone the Principal at 09-5236240 Ext 103 or email atprincipal@loyolajesuit.org.LJC Handbook for Parents 28

SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL FUNCTIONSA wide range of activities is offered in an effort to give our students as broad an education aspossible. As always it is those students and parents who give most of themselves that stand tobenefit more from the system.ParentsLoyola Jesuit College believes that parental involvement in the school is essential to the school’seducational efforts. Therefore, the College requires that all parents or legal guardians becomeinvolved in school life. This includes (a) monitoring academic work of their children, (b) attendingparent-teacher conferences held at the school on visiting days, (c) volunteering regularly insome capacity in the service of Loyola Jesuit College, such as the days of entrance examinations,(d) paying school fees in a timely fashion, (e) active participation in and payment of dues to localLoyola Jesuit College Parents’ organisations throughout Nigeria. Parents and guardians alsohave an important role to play in ensuring that their wards get involved in school activities. Thoseparents who take an interest have a great impact on their ward’s development.Parents Associations are especially active in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. Depending uponnumbers and interest, groups have been active in Kaduna, Jos and Benin City. Parents ofincoming students should link with one of the active groups if possible.SPECIAL PROGRAMMES IN THE SCHOOL.1. Christian Service ProgrammeIn keeping with the College motto of 'Service of God and Others', volunteers from thestudent body teach village children of primary school age English, Arithmetic and Handwritingfor 2 hours on Saturdays. Twice a week, a school nurse takes a small group of student volunteersinto the village to assist with some primary health care.SERVICE PROJECT: A compulsory three-week service project is to be undertaken by allstudents during the summer vacation following Senior Secondary School 2 (Class 5). This serviceactivity will be done in the home town of the student in an appropriate service site, e.g., oldpeople's homes, orphanages, homes for the physically disabled, soup kitchens, homes formentally retarded persons. The service project could be residential or non-residential and shouldbe reinforced with oral or written reflection. In The Characteristics of Jesuit Education, adescription of the educational norms for the world-wide network of schools like Loyola JesuitCollege, it is stated that “the Jesuit school provides students with opportunities for contact withthe poor and for service to them, both in the school and in outside service projects, to enablethese students to learn to love all as brothers and sisters in the human community, and also inorder to come to a better understanding of the causes of poverty."2. Computer Studies ProgrammeComputer Studies is an integral part of the school’s academic programme. Thiscomponent provides a means of engaging our students in problem-solving activities in a varietyof contexts and providing them with practical experience in areas where computers are used.There is a comprehensive syllabus that is intended to capture and heighten interest, and offer astimulating and systematic study of computers and their uses. The syllabus is designed also toprovide a suitable basis for further study of computers and the opportunity to develop theattitudes necessary for responding to the challenges of a technological environment.LJC Handbook for Parents 29

The Computer Laboratory is equipped with 33 multimedia, networked IBM-compatiblecomputers. Two of these computers have been enhanced with appropriate software andhardware to accommodate the special needs of our blind students. All our students attend 80minutes of formal computer lessons each week. In these lessons, students are guided througha series of self-paced exercises that have been specially designed to enable them learn to usecommon computer applications. These exercises are graded and highly structured to cater for awide range of knowledge and abilities. Apart from the formal lessons, students are alsoexposed to specially designed computer-aided learning software in Science, Mathematics,French, Social Studies and English language in order to enrich their knowledge in thesesubjects.3. Academic ProbationAcademic probation is a programme geared towards getting our weak students to work at anacceptable pace, through a close supervision of their studies, monitoring of their study habitsand teaching them study skills. A student is placed on academic probation when he or shescores below our least acceptable grade of 65% in any of our continuous assessment tests orexams. The student on academic probation does not take part in the following extra-curricularactivities: clubs, choir, altar servers, athletic teams, weekend videos, and visiting with a friend’sfamily on visiting days. The student on academic probation will spend those extra-curricularactivities period in study hall under close supervision that ensures progress in those subjectsand areas where the student has difficulties or performs poorly.Class teachers also closely supervise their students on academic probation. Every twoweeks these teachers are to give the principal a brief report on the academic progress of thestudents. Subject teachers may also be asked to write a report on a student on academicprobation. The student will remain on academic probation until the next academic assessment,after the grades for that assessment are published. The student will go off academic probationwhen there is an adequate improvement in grades, serious improvement in studies is displayed,and an increase in earnest academic purpose is noted.Loyola Jesuit College does not want students to be on academic probation, andtherefore calls on other students to assist those on academic probation to come off probation assoon as possible. Academic improvement is our goal for all students, and we pray that thisnegative motivation will help those on probation.4. Ignatian Pedagogical ParadigmThe Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm comprises three main elements: experience, reflection andaction. For such a learning process to be successful, it must include a pre-learning element, thatof context, and a post-learning element, that of evaluation.Context:This is concerned with all the factors that help or hinder the learning process.From the administrators’ and teachers' points of view this means:i) Personal knowledge of and care for the student by the teacher.ii) A conducive environment for learning and growth in commitment to values.From the students' points of view, it is related to:Readiness to learn and readiness to grow.LJC Handbook for Parents 30

Experience:Ignatian pedagogy aims to ensure that the student will have a full learning experience of mind,heart and hand. In the handbook entitled Ignatian Pedagogy: A Practical Approach, issued by theInternational Centre for Jesuit Education in Rome in 1993, experience as an key element ineducation was described as follows: "In Jesuit schools, the learning experience is expected tomove beyond rote knowledge to the development of the more complex learning skills ofunderstanding, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. . . .We use the term experience todescribe any activity in which in addition to a cognitive grasp of the matter being considered, somesensation of an affective nature is registered by the student. . . .In his pedagogy, Ignatiushighlights the affective/evaluative stage of the learning process because he is conscious that inaddition to letting one ‘sense and taste,’ i.e., deepen one's experience, affective feelings aremotivational forces that move one's understanding to action and commitment.”Reflection:This is the KEY to the Ignatian pedagogical paradigm. Reflection is the process whereby thestudent makes the learning experience his/her own, gets to the meaning of the learningexperience for self and for others. Ignatian Pedagogy describes it at some length:"We use the term reflection to mean a thoughtful reconsideration of some subject matter,experience, idea, purpose or spontaneous reaction, in order to grasp its significance more fully.Thus, reflection is the process by which meaning surfaces in human experience . . .At this level ofreflection, the memory, the understanding, the imagination and the feelings are used to capturethe meaning and essential value of what is being studied, to discover its relationship with otheraspects of knowledge and human activity, and to appreciate its implications in the ongoing searchfor truth and freedom. . . If learning were to stop at experience, it would not be Ignatian. For itwould lack the component of reflection wherein students are impelled to consider the humanmeaning and significance of what they study and to integrate that meaning as responsiblelearners who grow as persons of competence, conscience and compassion.”Action:Action is not mere activity. It is rather the student's attitudes, priorities, commitments, habits,values, ideals, internal human growth flowing out into actions for others. Ignatian Pedagogydefines the term, making specific reference to the ideal so typical of Ignatius Loyola, seeking notjust to serve God but to excel in such service, to do something even more (in Latin, magis) thanwhat is required:"The term ‘Action’ refers to internal human growth based upon experience that has been reflectedupon as well as its manifestation externally. It involves two steps: i) Interiorised Choices; ii)Choices Externally Manifested . . . Ignatius does not seek just any action or commitment. Rather,while respecting human freedom, he strives to encourage decision and commitment for themagis, the better service of God and our sisters and brothers."LJC Handbook for Parents 31

Evaluation:This is an evaluation of the student's growth in the acceptance of the school's aims andobjectives for the student. Once again, from Ignatian Pedagogy:“Ignatian pedagogy, however, aims at formation which includes but goes beyond academicmastery. Here we are concerned about students' well-rounded growth as persons for others.Thus periodic evaluation of the student's growth in attitudes, priorities and actions consistentwith being a person for others is essential. "5. Personal & Social EducationThis is a new and comprehensive programme designed to raise students' confidence andenable them to develop inter-personal, social and communication skills, vital in preparingstudents for adult life. Such themes as Citizenship, Conservation, Health, Careers, ConflictResolution, Economic/Industrial Awareness, Human Rights and Study Skills are covered.This programme underpins the school pastoral system and offers support for school aims,especially regarding staff and student relationships and student inter-relationships. Byhighlighting areas such as bullying, it helps to create a more open and supportive environmentfor all and provides guidance for the future.6. CITIZENSHIP AND LEADERSHIP TRAININGAll Senior Secondary School 1 students (Class 4) must undertake a compulsory two-weekIntermediate (Prefect's) course offered by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre atthe Mountain School, Shere Hills, Jos, during the summer vacation following their fourth yearat Loyola Jesuit College. This adventure-oriented course provides the opportunity for selfdevelopmentand a practical approach to students’ self-control and management. Emphasis isplaced on assuming personal responsibility and decision-making in small groups.LJC Handbook for Parents 32

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LOYOLA JESUIT COLLEGEWhy situate the school in Abuja?It is the goal of Loyola Jesuit College to bring together boys and girls from all over Nigeria,representing all walks of life. Our student body includes students from many different tribesand regions, and from many different economic levels. Abuja is the centre of the country, andas such, is not identified with a specific tribe or religion. Our hope is that students will feel freerto come and take part in this new venture since we are located in relatively neutral territory.Is Loyola Jesuit College a Catholic school?Yes, it is. Administered by the Society of Jesus, a religious order in the Roman Catholic Church,assisted by the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, the school is run on the traditional principlesthat have made Jesuit schools leaders in education for over 450 years. At the same time, wehave a great respect for the traditions of other religious communities, and no imposition ofreligious beliefs is made. One of the aims we hope to achieve is to teach our students torespect other faiths.Is Loyola Jesuit College very expensive?Yes, the fees at Loyola Jesuit College are high, but not the highest for private education inNigeria. Fees for the 2006-2007 academic years are N372,000 for tuition, room and board,with additional fees for uniforms and books. Loss of Breadwinner insurance is N9,500.Personal deposit for medical fees and other incident cost is N13,000. Parents Association duesare N6,000 and development levy for 1st year students is N100,000.To get the best in education, you need first-rate equipment, good facilities, and the bestteachers. All of this costs money and we will accept nothing but the best for our students. Atthe same time, we want to insure that our student body includes all kinds of students, andeven before construction started, we embarked on a fund-raising campaign to provide anendowment fund for scholarships for deserving students who might not otherwise be able toafford the fees. These scholarships, partial or whole, are awarded based on the provenacademic ability of the student and demonstrated financial need. One full scholarship eachyear is awarded to the boy and girl who have the highest scores in the entrance examination.Others will be awarded based on a combination of scores in the examination and need, asdecided by the Loyola Jesuit College authorities.Why Loyola Jesuit College now? Aren't there enough schools in Nigeria today?Certainly there can never be too many good schools, and today in Nigeria there seems tobe an increasing demand for top quality education, free from political and regionalconflicts and pressures. The hope of any country lies primarily in its children and theeducation they receive, and certainly one of the calls we hear during these days is forstrong, educated, ethical and committed leaders for our country for whom the idea ofservice is integral to their concept of leadership.LJC Handbook for Parents 33

Who funded the Loyola Jesuit College project?Support for this school has come from a number of different sources. The land was provided bythe Federal Government of Nigeria, under a 99-year lease agreement with the Jesuit Fathers ofNigeria. Funding for some of the classroom buildings and hostels came from a grant from theUnited States Government, a special programme designed to aid in the construction of schoolsand hospitals. The New York Province of the Society of Jesus has been the major benefactor ofthe project, both in cash contributions and in supplying Jesuit personnel. Grants continue to besolicited from private foundations around the world for various aspects of the programme.Finally, and perhaps most significantly, gifts from individuals within and outside of Nigeriademonstrate that people think this is work that is important and worthy of their help. A numberof people have made sizeable gifts to the school in order to provide memorial opportunities formembers of their families. Some have endowed perpetual scholarships, so that each yeardeserving students will receive their tuition in the name of the family member beingremembered. Other have asked to have partial scholarships designated in memory ofdeceased family members, or to honour someone still living. Many memorial opportunities stillexist at the school; for more details about memorial or commemorative opportunities, pleasecontact the President of Loyola Jesuit College.What are the details of the entrance examination?The entrance examination is held normally around the end of March. Approximately 2000 sitfor this exam in centres in Nigeria, as well as in the USA and UK. Information on theexamination, and information on application forms is given in THISDAY and/or THEGUARDIAN newspapers in January. This information is also found on the College Website(www.loyolajesuit.org). The examination, lasting about three hours, consists of three parts,English, Mathematics and General Knowledge. Those who do well on this exam are invited tocome with their parents for an interview before final acceptance is granted. Registration ofnew students takes place in July.What if my child misses the entrance exam?Is it possible to transfer into Loyola Jesuit College?Sorry. The entrance exam is given only once each year. Transfer students are not accepted intothe school under any circumstance; all students must begin in JSS 1.What should my child wear to school at the beginning of term?For many good reasons, which include security, all students are expected to travel and arrive inthe school wearing the prescribed school uniform. Your ward will be breaking the school rule ifhe or she reports to the school in his or her home clothes.Can students bring and keep their own provisions in school?No, students are not allowed to keep any provisions with them. The students are fed five timesa day in sufficient quantity. All items of food left with the students during parents’ visits areconfiscated and given to the Principal, if perishable, or collected and donated to the poor ifthey can be preserved. Parents who visit should ensure that all food items they bring to thecompound are consumed in their presence during the approved visiting hours only so that nofood is taken back to the hostels and that no litter is left lying behind afterwards. Parents whovisit at other times should not bring such food items with them as students who receive andconsume them are disobeying school rules and will be punished.LJC Handbook for Parents 34

When can I visit my child in the school?Visitors are welcome on the prescribed Sundays between 12.00 noon and 4.00 p.m. Visitorsshould report to the main school gate where the security staff on duty will receive them. Thestudents' hostels are out of bounds to visitors. The teachers on duty and class teachers arenormally available on the visiting days to deal with any problems. They should be able toreport on the progress of the students in their charge in cases where parents are concerned.When can my ward select his/her SSCE subjects?In the fourth, fifth and sixth years (SS 1 - 3), students are prepared for the NECO and/orWAEC Senior Secondary Certificate Examination which they take in the third term of theirsixth year. It is the policy of the College that students choose a wide range of subjects in theirfourth year in order to prepare them adequately for this exam and a future career. To thisend, all fourth year (SS 1) students are expected to do eleven subjects. They may then dropone or two of these subjects at the end of the fifth year (SS 2) to allow them to concentrateon their final examination subjects.LJC Handbook for Parents 35

LJC Handbook for Parents 36