This code of behaviour sets out the standards which all members of the school community will abide by in order to creative a positive climate in the school.  Respect, responsibility, civility, and academic excellence are promoted so that all members of the school community will feel safe, comfortable, and accepted.  The purpose of this code of behaviour is:

 

• to ensure that all members of the school community, especially people in positions of authority, are treated with respect and dignity.

• to promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community

• to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility

• to encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict

• to promote the safety of people in school

• to discourage the use of alcohol and drugs

 

Students are to be treated with respect and dignity.  In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour.  Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:  comes to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn; shows respect for himself or herself, for others and for those in authority;  refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others; and follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own actions.

 

Students are to comply with the behaviour expectations 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.

 

Respect

• respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions

• respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority

• treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is a disagreement

• respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability

• respect the rights of others

• respect self and others                

 

      All members of the school community have the right to:

• be treated with respect and dignity

• an environment where conflict and differences can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility

• have a right to the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict

• a learning environment free from the influences of drugs and alcohol

• an environment conducive to learning

 

Civility and Responsible Citizenship

• seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully

• take appropriate measures to help those in need

• demonstrate honesty and integrity

• participate appropriately in the civic life of the school community

• not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority

• respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws

• show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others

 

Responsible citizenship involves:

• appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community.  Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.

• taking care of our school buildings, furniture and supplies

• understanding that the costs associated with vandalism and theft are an additional financial burden to students, their parents /guardians and other taxpayers

 

Academic Excellence

Each student is expected to maintain good work habits by:

• completing all homework, assignments, and projects as directed by the required deadline

• making up missed work

• coming to class prepared and ready to participate (with the necessary books, pens,  calculators, gym wear etc. as appropriate)

• participating constructively in class

 

 

• students who are engaged in the learning process are more successful

• good work habits learned and practised in school will be valuable throughout life

• each student is expected to maintain regular attendance

• be punctual

• notify the school in case of absences and late arrivals                    

• good attendance helps you achieve goals and benefit from all school activities and services

• arriving late interrupts the learning of others

• academic honesty:  You are expected to submit work which represents your own efforts and acknowledges the source of information used in completing your work.     

• students have the right and responsibility to be assessed and evaluated on their own work

 

Safety

All members of the school community must not:

• engage in bullying behaviours

• commit sexual assault

• traffic weapons or illegal drugs

• give alcohol to a minor

• commit robbery

• be in possession of any weapon, including firearms

• use any object to threaten or intimidate another person

• cause injury to any person with an object

• be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol or illegal drugs

• inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person

• engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias

• commit an act of vandalism that causes damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the school. All members of the school community have the right to be safe and to feel safe in their school community.

 

Progressive Discipline and Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviour

Progressive discipline is a whole school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, support and consequences that include opportunities for reinforcing positive behaviour while helping students make good choices.  The focus is on a corrective and supportive approach. 

 

Mitigating and other factors will be taken into consideration prior to assigning a consequence.

 

When inappropriate behaviour occurs, a range of interventions, supports, and consequences that are developmentally appropriate, that include opportunities for students to learn from their mistakes, and to focus on improving behaviour, will be considered/used. The frequency, severity and type of behaviour will also be taken into consideration.

 

Range of possible consequences include (but are not limited to):  reminder, warning, discussion, time out, detention, remedial assignment, formal interview with administrator, teacher and student, parent involvement, making restitution (including full payment for damage/vandalism) changing inappropriate clothing, implementation of behaviour management /safety plan, suspension, expulsion, and referral to police.

 

 

In some circumstances, short-term suspension may be a useful tool.  In the case of a serious incident, long-term suspension or expulsion may be the consequence

 

Summary

To assist students in their efforts to learn successfully and to become respectful, responsible, courteous members of society, it is recognized that the school personnel and parents have a large responsibility.

 

Parents or Guardians have a responsibility:

• to be supportive,

• to provide a safe, positive atmosphere, for growing and for learning,

• to provide consequences which are consistent and fair,

• to communicate regularly with the school,

• to be positive role models,

• to support the career aspirations of their children,

• to support the academic goals of the school, and this Code of Behaviour,

• to support the teachers in developing the academic and social skills of their children.

                               

School personnel all have a responsibility:        

• to be supportive and encouraging,

• to provide a safe, positive atmosphere for growing and learning,

• to provide consequences which are consistent and fair,

• to communicate regularly with parents and the community,

• to provide the best possible curriculum to meet the needs of all students,

• to respect the dignity of each student,

• to be positive role models.