Fr. Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School
Student Behaviour and Discipline
In light of its Mission Statement, the Board is committed to uphold the Catholic Code of Conduct in each school. The need to provide a safe, caring and effective learning environment for all students and staff is a basic Christian value that constitutes the essence of a Catholic education.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board provides a “Catholic Code of Conduct” which governs all its schools. This code confirms to the law and the expectations of our Catholic school board. You will find a separate section attached to the student agenda which outlines the expectations outlined in the “Catholic Code of Conduct”, Bullying Prevention, and Progressive Discipline.
In all cases of discipline, a degree of latitude has been provided in order to allow school administrators to ascertain that an incident has occurred, to determine the nature of the incident, and to exercise a number of interventions and consequences.
The following are the basic interventions and consequences which may be initiated by teachers and/or administrators. This list is not all inclusive nor does it imply that each consequence must be exercised before moving to subsequent consequences. Any specific behaviour may lead the school authorities to offer any alternatives or to invoke any consequence or combination of consequences.
Consequences of Inappropriate Action(s)
§ Informal interview with the student
§ Formal interview with the student
§ Parental involvement: phone call, correspondence, interview
§ Involvement of school Special Services support team
§ Police involvement
§ Removal of the student from the classroom to an alternate setting within the school, with supervision
§ Withholding a course credit because of non-attendance
§ Removal of privileges to attend school related functions or extra-curricular/co-curricular programs
§ Utilization of a behavioural or attendance contract
§ Requiring the student to make restitution where appropriate
§ Temporary withdrawal
§ Involvement of, or referral to, outside agencies (e.g. Children’ Aid officer, law enforcement officer)
§ Suspension as set out in the Education Act and Board Policy (see attachment on Progressive Discipline)
§ Expulsion under the Education Act and Board Policy, Regulation and Procedure (see attachment on Progressive Discipline)
Lockers
Lockers are school property with students having temporary use only. It is expected that lockers be kept neat and clean and that materials displayed will respect the Catholic values. Students must not vandalize lockers.
The administration reserves the right to open students’ lockers at any time with or without the students' permission. Every student is expected to have and use a locker. Each student should make every attempt to ensure combination secrecy. Valuable items and electronic equipment should remain at home. Only Dudley combination locks will be allowed on school lockers. Other locks will be removed. A limited number of locks will be on sale at the school tuck shop or General Office. Materials and books for consecutive classes should be obtained at the same time. This would avoid locker visits and ensure that students arrive to the next class on time. Students must only go to their locker during the first or the last 5 minutes of any given period.
Multiculturalism and Race Relations
In keeping with the policies of the Dufferin-Peel CDSB, it is the goal of the staff and students of Fr. Michael Goetz S. S. to create an environment which respects the differences in other people, customs and cultures. Racial or hate motivated incidents will not be tolerated at Father Michael Goetz S. S. Students and staff are invited to create a community that fosters understanding and openness, within a Christian framework.
Laser Pointers
Laser pointers are not permitted in school. The laser light can damage the eyes of anyone who looks directly into the beam. Students who violate this rule, will be consequenced, parental contact will be made and the laser pointer will be confiscated.
PEDS (Personal Electronic Devices)
As per General Administrative Procedure 541 of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, etc.) in the school building during the school day. Students in violation of this rule will be consequenced. PEDS may be confiscated for later pick up. PEDS should be kept at home or safely stored in locked lockers. PEDS must be kept out of changeroom areas. They should not be kept in backpacks. PEDS can be stolen and the school administration will not spend time searching for PEDS lost/stolen in the school.
Parking
Only grade 12 students may apply for parking privileges. Students must have a school-issued permit in order to park in the student parking lot. Limited parking is available and permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Illegal parking will result in either receiving a ticket or having the vehicle towed. The issuance of a parking permit does not guarantee a parking spot only that the school has granted the student the privilege of parking in the student parking lot. The school cannot be responsible for any damage which may be done to a student’s car while parked on school property. Once parked, students must leave their vehicles and the student parking lot immediately. Students must not park in staff parking areas. During winter with high amounts of snow, parking on property becomes problematic.
The parking lot is out of bounds to students during the school day.
Respect for Self
School Dress Code/Uniform Policy
The school uniform identifies each student as a member of our school community. As an annual condition of registration at Fr. Michael Goetz S. S., students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must agree to comply with the requirements and expectations of the school dresscode/uniform policy. Please refer to the School Dress Code/Uniform Policy section for a detailed description of the uniform.
Proper Language
Students are expected to use language that is appropriate to their dignity as Catholics and the dignity of others. Coarse, profane or improper language or taking God's name in vain is unacceptable. Students who violate this rule will be consequenced.
Public Displays of Affection are not permitted on school grounds.
Drugs and Alcohol
Respect for self encourages denial of alcohol and illicit drugs. All school functions, school sponsored trips and celebrations, such as graduation, shall be free of alcohol and illicit drugs. To ensure the safety and well being of all students, school staff will report reasonable suspicion of any alcohol or drug related incident.
The possession, sale or use of alcohol or illicit drugs on school property or at school sponsored activities is forbidden and unlawful under the Criminal Code and the Policy and/or Regulations of the Dufferin‑Peel Catholic District School Board and consequences will be given.
Punctuality
Students are expected to arrive to school and to each class on time. Bringing all materials and books for consecutive classes and avoiding locker visits may assist in arriving to class on time.
Smoking
Section 9 of the Tobacco Control Act prohibits smoking in schools
in Ontario, as defined under the Education Act. The Tobacco Control ACT was passed in the spring of 1994. This law restricts the sale or supplying of tobacco products to 19 years of age. Therefore, smoking is banned in the buildings and grounds of Fr. Michael Goetz S. S.
Smoking in the school or on school grounds will result in a consequence which may include charges.
Truancy
Students are expected to attend each and every class. Any missed class is to be accounted for by parental / guardian / school approval. Unaccounted absences will be considered as being truant from class
school and consequences will be given.
Respect for the Rights & Safety of Students & Others
Students are expected to resolve disagreements in an appropriate manner which ensures the dignity and safety of others. Students who have personal concerns or is distressed should see a school counselor for assistance.
Harassment/ Verbal Abuse
Students must respect the person and rights of all members of the school community without discrimination because of race, ancestry, disability, language, sexual orientation, gender, religion, ethnic origin, citizenship.
Physical and Sexual Abuse will not be tolerated.
Respect for Authority
All persons associated with the daily operation of the school have an obligation to provide the best possible service with each student. In return, the student has the responsibility to treat each person with human dignity. For each teacher, there is the additional duty of accepting the role of a parent during the school day. In this capacity, each staff member will apply the Fr. Michael Goetz Catholic Code of Conduct in the best interest of the student and the student body.
Abuse is defined as any expression of physical or verbal abuse that impinges upon the human rights of another person. It is a serious matter for a student to either verbally or physically abuse any member of the staff or another student.
Weapons and Dangerous Articles
Students are expected to treat all members of the school community with respect. Threats with or use of a non‑prohibited weapon on school property will not be tolerated.
Threats with or use of a prohibited weapon or replica is a more severe matter and will be dealt with accordingly.
Students are not to be in possession of any dangerous article (prohibited weapon or replica) on school property.
The possession of a gun, knife or a martial arts weapon will not be tolerated. Consequences will include referral to the police.
Respect for the Property of Others
School Texts and Equipment
Students are expected to be responsible for any school texts and equipment (e.g., library books, musical instruments).
Theft/ Vandalism/Willful Damage
Students are expected to respect the materials and personal belongings of other students and staff as well as school equipment. Theft and vandalism will be treated as a serious offence since it violates the spirit of respect for the property of others and contravenes civil and divine law.
(updated June 2009)