CODE OF CONDUCT
We believe and know:
Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure at school.
Every student has the right to learn and enjoy his/her educational experience.
Diversity will be respected and valued.
Character development is critical to good citizenship.
Positive relationships are key to a positive learning environment.
1. Rationale
The Ministry of Education requires that all schools develop a code of conduct which communicates to all the members of the school community the standards of behaviour expected from them. Members of the school community include: students, staff, parent(s)/guardian(s) and others such as 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 Schools Policy 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 uphold the right of all school members 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; and
2.1.3 model appropriate behaviour and to support the school code of conduct by upholding the standards of behaviour.
2.2. 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 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. 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
3.2.1.3 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; and
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 Cell phones, walkmans and pagers must be turned off in the classrooms.~ Usage without permision will result in confiscation.
5. School Code of Conduct Procedures
5.1 Signage directing visitor(s) to begin their visit at the office.
5.2 Dress Code
We believe and know:
How you dress is a reflection of yourself and your individuality; however it is important that the way you dress does not disrespect yourself, others or the value of the school and society in general.
i. 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.
ii. A significant number of school staff wish to have a no hat rule in place at Clarington Central. The main issues are decorum and student safety. (easier to identify an intruder) nevertheless, student focus groups expressed a strong desire to wear hats. As a result, we will start our year honouring students desire to wear a hat. This will be reviewed early in the school year through a three part agreement, including teachers, student and parents.
iii. Shorts, skirts and dresses are to be no higher than the fingertips (with arms at rest standing at attention.
iv. Students not adhering to the dress code of conduct will be referred to administration.
6. Strategies to Promote Acceptable Behaviour
6.1 Prevention Strategies
6.1.1 establish positive school climate,
6.1.2 maintain effective classroom management,
6.1.3 use of encouragement, reinforcement, and rewarding,
6.1.4 promote social skills development,
6.1.5 provide anger management programs,
6.1.6 utilize peer counselling and conflict resolution, and
6.1.7 use of home-school communication.
6.2 Supportive Intervention Strategies
6.2.1 use of teachable moment,
6.2.2 use of verbal redirection, reminders and reinforcement,
6.2.3 use of active listening,
6.2.4 use of choices,
6.2.5 use of problem solving techniques,
6.2.6 use of behavioural contracts,
6.2.7 involving outside agencies,
6.2.8 use of interviews/discussion, and
6.2.9 use of school/Board/community resources.
7. Consequences for Unacceptable Behaviour
Consequences shall be appropriate to the individual, related to the circumstances and/or actions and progressive where appropriate.
7.1 Consequences will be most successful in changing behaviour when combined with the Supportive Intervention Strategies.
7.1.1 warnings,
7.1.2 time-outs,
7.1.3 time-owed
7.1.4 restricted privileges
7.1.5 restitution, i.e. financial, community service,
7.1.6 suspension, and
7.1.7 expulsion.
8. Expectations of Staff
If staff contravene the school code of conduct, consequences will follow the Board's personnel policies, and professional standards. For others unable to follow the school code of conduct, the principal, in consultation with the supervising superintendent, may exclude the individual through Section 265(m) of the Education Act.
9. Mandatory Suspensions and Expulsions
The following are grounds for Mandatory suspension: (Suspension is from the school and lasts 1 - 20 days)
a) Swearing at a teacher.
b) Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person.
c) Possessing Alcohol or illegal drugs.
d) Being under the influence of alcohol.
e) Committing 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 student’s school.
f) Engaging in another activity that, under a policy of the board, is one for which a suspension is mandatory.
The following are grounds for a mandatory Expulsion. Expulsions are either full (unlimited time from all provincially funded schools in Ontario - specific requirements for re-entry) or limited (up to one year from the school.)
a) Possessing a weapon (including a firearm)
b) Using a weapon to cause bodily harm to another person.
c) Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner.
d) Committing Sexual Assault.
e) Trafficking in weapons or in illegal drugs.
f) Committing Robbery.
g) Giving Alcohol to a minor.
h) Engaging in another activity that, under a policy of the Board, is one for which expulsion is mandatory.
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