Privacy Policy

St. Francis of Assisi School (“the School”) is committed to protecting the personal information of our students, parents, staff, and community members. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of British Columbia.

1. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information only as necessary to fulfill our educational mission and school-related activities. The types of personal information we collect include:

• Student records (name, age, gender, medical information, academic history, and emergency contact information).
• Parent/guardian contact information (name, address, phone number, email, and relationship to the student).
• Financial information related to tuition payments and school fees.
• Employee and volunteer records as required by school policies and legal obligations.
• Other information necessary to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.

2. Use of Personal Information

Personal information is collected and used for the following purposes:

• Providing educational programs and student support services.
• Communicating with parents/guardians regarding school activities, student progress, and emergencies.
• Maintaining student records and complying with legal reporting requirements.
• Managing tuition payments, fundraising, and other financial transactions.
• Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff.
• Complying with applicable laws and regulations.

We will not use personal information for purposes other than those for which it was collected unless we have obtained your consent or as required by law.

3. Disclosure of Personal Information

The School does not disclose personal information to third parties except in the following cases:

• To teachers, staff, and administrators as necessary for student education and well-being.
• To government agencies or legal authorities when required by law.
• To medical professionals in case of a health emergency.
• To third-party service providers who assist in school operations (e.g., payment processing, IT support), under strict confidentiality agreements.
• With parental/guardian consent for school-related purposes such as media releases, yearbooks, or alumni programs.

4. Protection and Storage of Personal Information

The School ensures that personal information is stored securely and protected against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Security measures include:

• Secure physical storage for paper records.
• Password-protected digital databases with restricted access.
• Confidentiality agreements for staff handling personal information.
• Regular review and updates to security practices.

5. Access and Correction of Personal Information

Parents, guardians, and individuals have the right to request access to and correction of their personal information. To do so, please contact the Privacy Manager (School Principal) in writing. We will respond to such requests in accordance with PIPA regulations.

6. Complaints and Concerns

If you have concerns about how your personal information is collected, stored, or used, you may:

1. Contact the Privacy Manager (School Principal) verbally or in writing.
2. Review a copy of this Privacy Policy, available in the school office.
3. If unsatisfied, escalate your concern to the Privacy Commissioner at the CISVA Superintendent’s Office.

7. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or school operations. Any updates will be posted on the School’s website and communicated to parents and staff as necessary.

For further information or questions, please contact:

St. Francis of Assisi School
Ms. Deborah Welsh, Principal

office@sfaschool.ca
School: 604-253-7311