CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Rationale
The Ministry of Education requires that all schools develop a code of conduct which communicates to all members of the school community the standards of behaviour expected. Members of the school community include: students, staff, parent(s)/guardian(s) and others (ie. visitors, volunteers).
The Board recognizes that all students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe in their school community.
This school code of conduct has been developed in accordance with the guiding principles of the Safe, Caring & Restorative Schools Policy (based on Bill 212, approved June 2007), in order to create a common philosophy and understanding upon which safe learning and working environments can be maintained for all school community members.
2. Responsibilities
In order to support the right of all individuals to access a safe school community, there are a number of corresponding responsibilities for which all school members must be accountable to ensure a safe and/or positive learning environment.
2.1 Common School Community Member Responsibilities
Everyone has the responsibility to
2.1.1 contribute to making the school environment safe and conducive to learning/working, free from discrimination, physical and/or psychological abuse;
2.1.2 be a partner in the school community and to work co-operatively with each other;
2.1.3 model appropriate behaviour and to support the school code of conduct by upholding the standards of behaviour.
2.2. Additional Student Responsibilities
Each student has the additional responsibility to
2.2.1 exercise self-discipline, follow the established rules and accept responsibility for their actions based on age and individual ability;
2.2.2 come to school prepared, on time and ready to learn;
2.2.3 show respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority; and
2.2.4 refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others.
2.3 Additional Teaching Staff Responsibilities
Teaching staff have the additional responsibility to
2.3.1 help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth;
2.3.2 assess, evaluate and report student progress;
2.3.3 communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;
2.3.4 discipline fairly and consistently in a manner in keeping with the Administrative Regulation on Discipline and the school code of conduct;
2.3.5 be on time and prepared for all classes and school activities;
2.3.6 prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship; and
2.3.7 safeguard students from persons or conditions which interfere with the learning process.
2.4. Additional Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Responsibilities
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) has/have the additional responsibility to
2.4.1 attend to their child’s physical and emotional well-being;
2.4.2 show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress;
2.4.3 communicate regularly with the school;
2.4.4 help their child be neat, clean, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;
2.4.5 ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;
2.4.6 promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;
2.4.7 become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules;
2.4.8 encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour; and
2.4.9 assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues.
3. Standards of Behaviour
3.1 Respect, civility and responsible citizenship
All school members must:
3.1.1 respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws;
3.1.2 demonstrate honesty and integrity;
3.1.3 respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions;
3.1.4 treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement;
3.1.5 respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their race, religion, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic orientation, age or disability;
3.1.6 respect the rights of others;
3.1.7 show proper care and regard for school property of others;
3.1.8 take appropriate measures to help those in need;
3.1.9 use non-violent means to resolve conflict;
3.1.10 dress in a manner that is appropriate to school activities with regard to exposure, cleanliness and/or message;
3.1.11 respect persons who are in a position of authority; and
3.1.12 respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching.
3.2 Physical and Emotional (or Psychological) Safety
3.2.1 Weapons
The following will not be tolerated
3.2.1.1 possession of any weapon or replica weapon, including but not limited to firearms;
3.2.1.2 use of any object to threaten or intimidate another person; and causing injury to any person with an object.
3.2.2 Alcohol and Drugs
The following will not be tolerated
3.2.2.1 possession of, or under the influence of, or providing others with, alcohol or illegal drugs.
3.2.3 Physical Aggression
The following will not be tolerated
3.2.3.1 inflicting or encouraging others to inflict bodily harm on another person; and/or
3.2.3.2 intimidation
3.2.4 Non-Physical Aggression
The following will not be tolerated
3.2.4.1 emotional, sexual or racial actions that hurt an individual or a group of individuals;
3.2.4.2 threatening physical harm, bully or harass others; and
3.2.4.3 use of any form of discrimination.
Further, to all these standards of behaviour, it is expected that all school members will seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully.
4. School Code of Conduct Rules
4.1 Students must be allowed to learn;
4.2 Teachers must be allowed to teach;
4.3 Physical, verbal (oral or written), sexual or psychological abuse, bullying, or discrimination on the basis of race, culture, religion, gender, language, sexual orientation, or any other attribute is not permitted;
4.4 Damage to property in the school environment (including school grounds, school buses, on school excursions) is not permitted;
4.5 In line skates, roller skates/shoes and skateboards are not to be used in or on the school property;
4.6 Laser pointers are NOT allowed in classrooms and will be confiscated by teachers/administration;
4.7 PED’s, walkmans, IPODs, and MP3 Players must be turned off and kept out of sight in the classrooms. ~Usage without permision will result in confiscation.
4.8 Cellphones are not to be on or visible in the building at any time. If you need to use your cellphone you must go outside of the building at lunch or before or after school.
5. School Code of Conduct Procedures
5.1 Signage directing visitor(s) to begin their visit at the office.
5.2 Dress Code
5.2.1 Students are to dress neatly, in good taste, and in a manner which is appropriate for the school, workplace, or an out of school activity. Students are not to wear clothing or jewellery that condones or advertises drugs, intoxication, sex, racism or violence. Halter or strapless tops, bare midriffs, muscle shirts and clothing that expose undergarments or clothing considered to be too revealing are considered to be inappropriate. Inappropriate dress will be addressed by administration and the parent/guardian of the student will be notified. Students may be asked to remove, change or cover the offending article or be sent home.
Students are not to wear hats or any head covering in school except for approved religious practices or medical reasons. This practice extends to the periods both immediately before and after the school day.
Shorts, skirts & dresses are to be no shorter than the fingertips (when standing at attention.)
Students not adhering to the dress code of conduct will be referred to administration.
6. Suspensions and Expulsions
Activities leading to possible suspension
A principal shall consider whether to suspend a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil has engaged in any of the following activities while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate:
1. Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person.
2. Possessing alcohol or illegal drugs.
3. Being under the influence of alcohol.
4. Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.
5. Commiting an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the pupil’s school.
6. Bullying.
7. Any other activity that is an activity for which a principal may suspend a pupil under a policy of the board.
Factors a principal must consider.
In considering whether to suspend a pupil for engaging in an activity described in subsection (1), a principal shall take into account any mitigating or other factors prescribed by the regulations.
Suspension
If a principal decides to suspend a pupil for engaging in an activity described in subsection (1), the principal shall suspend the pupil from his or her school and from engaging in all school-related activities.
Duration of suspension
A suspension under this section shall be for no less than one school day and no more than 20 school days and, in considering how long the suspension should be, a principal shall take into account any mitigating or other factors prescribed by the regulations.
Attendance Procedures
Regular attendance is vital to learning. However, if the need arises to be absent from school, students should have a parent/guardian call the school prior to the absence. The message must indicate the date and reason for the absence. The attendance phone line is available 24 hours. Unless a call is received by 2:30 p.m. an automated phone call indicating the absence will be placed.
In the Event of an Unexplained Absence:
1. Student absent without reason:
No admittance on the next day they attempt to come to class until the student has reported to the Main Office.
2. At Main Office:
Student must see Mr. Wunderlich or Mr. Perrault to explain why they were absent.
3. If absent due to skipping:
a) One (1) skip: after-school detention is to be assigned and red slip will be sent back to class with student. Teacher is to admit with a red slip.
b) Explained absence: student will be sent back to class with a green slip.
Detention will run from 2:30 to 3:30 on Wednesday in Room 207.
c) If a student skips their assigned detention, they may receive a one-day suspension.