Procedure 2.1.6 CODE OF CONDUCT

Approved: March 20, 2001

Revised: September 10, 2024

1.0 Introduction

All students, parents/guardians, teachers and staff members have the right to be safe, and to feel safe, included, and accepted, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to contribute to a positive school climate.

A school should be a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe, inclusive, and accepting learning and teaching environment.

A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, included, and accepted, and actively promote positive behaviours and interactions.

The promotion of strategies and initiatives such as Student Success and Character Development, along with the employment of prevention and intervention strategies to address inappropriate behaviour, fosters a positive school climate that supports student achievement and well-being.

District School Board Ontario North East’s Code of Conduct and our schools’ codes of conduct include the Provincial Standards of Behaviour Code of Conduct.

These standards of behaviour apply not only to students, but also to the entire school community, i.e. individuals involved in the school system – principals, teachers, staff, parents/guardians, volunteers, community groups – whether they are on school property, on school buses, or at school-related events or activities, or in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate.

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.

A whole school approach involving all members of the school community builds and sustains a positive school climate.

2.0 Guiding Principles and Purpose of the Code

2.1 The purposes of the code are:

- - 2.1.1 To ensure that all members of the school community are treated with respect and dignity;
  - 2.1.2 To promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community;
  - 2.1.3 To prevent bullying in schools;
  - 2.1.4 To encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict;
  - 2.1.5 To promote the safety of people in the schools;
  - 2.1.6 To discourage the use of alcohol and illegal, controlled and/or restricted substances;
  - 2.1.7 To maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.

3.0 Standards of Behaviour: Respect, Civility and Responsible Citizenship

3.1 All members of the school community will:

- 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, especially where there is disagreement;
- 3.1.5 Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability;
- 3.1.6 Respect the rights of others;
- 3.1.7 Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;
- 3.1.8 Take appropriate measures to help those in need;
- 3.1.9 Seek school staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully;
- 3.1.10 Respect all members of the school community;
- 3.1.11 Respect the needs of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching.

4.0 Use of Personal Mobile Devices During Instructional Time

4.1 To help ensure students focus on learning, all members of the school community must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under specific circumstances found below. Personal mobile devices are defined as any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cellphone, tablet, laptop or smartwatch. Using personal mobile devices during instructional time is permitted under the following circumstances:

- 4.1.1 For educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
- 4.1.2 For health and medical purposes;
- 4.1.3 To support special education needs.

For further information refer to the Student Personal Mobile Device Use Policy and Procedure 2.1.43

5.0 Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 The School Board will:

5.2 Principals will:

- 5.2.1 Take a leadership role in the daily operation of the school by demonstrating care and commitment to a safe, inclusive and accepting teaching and learning environment;
- 5.2.2 Hold those under their authority accountable for their actions and behaviour;
- 5.2.3 Empower students to be positive leaders in their school and community;
- 5.2.4 Communicate meaningfully and on a regular basis with all members of the school community;
- 5.2.5 Will ensure that the school code of conduct is based on but not limited to the minimum expectations set out in the Board’s code of conduct;
- 5.2.6 Communicate annually to the school community the school code of conduct via the board or school website or other means the principal deems appropriate;
- 5.2.7 Serve as role models.

5.3 Teachers will:

- 5.3.1 Help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth;
- 5.3.2 Empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community;
- 5.3.3 Communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;
- 5.3.4 Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
- 5.3.5 Demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the school community;
- 5.3.6 Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship;
- 5.3.7 Serve as role models.

5.4 Non-teaching Support Staff will:

- 5.4.1 Help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth;
- 5.4.2 Empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community;
- 5.4.3 Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
- 5.4.4 Demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the school community;
- 5.4.5 Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship;
- 5.4.6 Serve as role models.

5.5 Students will:

- 5.5.1 Follow the established rules and accept responsibility for their personal actions;
- 5.5.2 Demonstrate through acceptable behaviour respect for self and others, for those in authority and for responsible citizenship;
- 5.5.3 Fulfill expected academic obligations;
- 5.5.4 Come to school punctually each day, prepared and willing to learn;
- 5.5.5 Obey the rules of the school, on school buses, and at other sites during school activities;
- 5.5.6 Refrain from bringing anything to school that compromises the safety of others;
- 5.5.7 Dress appropriately in accordance with the Board’s and the school’s policies;
- 5.5.8 Use respectful language, free from profanity;
- 5.5.9 Work cooperatively with staff and other students;
- 5.5.10 Be honest in their academic work (refrain from plagiarism, cheating, etc.);
- 5.5.11 Use free time responsibly;
- 5.5.12 Refrain from any bullying, violent, or harassing behaviour;
- 5.5.13 Serve as role models.

5.6 Parents will:

- 5.6.1 Demonstrate respect for all members of the school community;
- 5.6.2 Support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment;
- 5.6.3 Show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress;
- 5.6.4 Communicate regularly with the school;
- 5.6.5 Help their child be appropriately dressed and prepared for school;
- 5.6.6 Ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;
- 5.6.7 Promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;
- 5.6.8 Show that they are familiar with the Provincial Code of Conduct, the board’s code of conduct, and school rules;
- 5.6.9 Encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;
- 5.6.10 Assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child;
- 5.6.11 Serve as role models.

6.0 Consequences for Students

6.1 In addressing inappropriate behaviour by students, schools will:

- 6.1.1 Utilize a progressive discipline approach;
- 6.1.2 Utilize Student Success and Character Development strategies and programs;
- 6.1.3 Provide students with the opportunity to learn life skills such as conflict resolution, anger management and communication skills;
- 6.1.4 Utilize models such as those based on the concepts of peer mediation, peer counselling and/or restorative practices;
- 6.1.5 Document incidents requiring disciplinary measures;
- 6.1.6 Consider mitigating factors to be sensitive to unique circumstances which may affect student behaviour;
- 6.1.7 Ensure that contact with the parents and guardians of students under the age of eighteen, or adult students (students over the age of 18 or those 16 or 17 years old who have withdrawn from parental control), is made early in the disciplinary process and involves them in a plan to improve the student’s behaviour until the behaviour is acceptable;
- 6.1.8 Utilize consequences in a progressive and appropriate manner.

See Appendix A for student expectations in relation to this code of conduct.

Appendices

References