CATHOLIC CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

The Catholic Code of Conduct is the guiding principal for developing clear behaviour expectations for our school community members.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff at our school will strive to create a Catholic learning community in which students will be able to develop their spiritual, intellectual, physical and social potential.

We trust that the guidelines in this document will become the model for developing self-discipline and a standard of behaviour that our community can support. It is our goal to help each student develop the decision-making and problem solving skills required to fully participate as Christians in society.

OMIC:

•comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn;

•shows respect for themselves, 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.

PARENTS play an important role in the education of their

children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:

•show an active interest in their child’s schoolwork and progress;

•communicate regularly with the school;

•help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;

•ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;

•promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;

•become familiar with the Catholic Code of Conduct and school rules;

•encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;

•assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues and;

•monitor regular use of the agenda and promptly return all items requiring signature.

DANGEROUS ARTICLES AND ACTIVITES

Dangerous articles are not permitted at school. Examples include: replicas of guns, knives and other sharp objects, lighters/matches, baseball bats, hockey sticks, and toxic

substances. Any item intended for use as a weapon or posing a potential threat to safety is prohibited. Dangerous activities such as snowball throwing, stone throwing or rough play are not permitted. The police shall be contacted when a student is found with a dangerous article.

SMOKING, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

The possession, sale or use of alcohol or illicit drugs, including tobacco products on school property or at any school events are forbidden and unlawful under the Criminal Code and the Regulations of the School Board.

FIGHTING, BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

Students are encouraged to resolve disagreements in an appropriate manner. Harassment and bullying are defined as the repetition of any unwelcome comment or conduct that intimidates, demeans, offends or takes advantage of someone. Bullying is a form of violence. Fighting, aggression or any type of violence will not be tolerated.

INTERVENTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

Some students may refuse to abide by the rules established for the benefit of all. A specific behaviour may lead to one or more of the following consequences being used to help students to change and improve their behaviour. In all cases, the partnership and support of parents/guardians are vital in promoting long-term improvement.

CONSEQUENCES WHICH MAY BE INITIATED ARE:

•interviews with the student (informal and formal);

•parental involvement;

•involvement of school support team;

•peer –counseling;

•detention of student;

•removal of the student from the classroom to an alternate setting within the school, with supervision;

•referral to the school Special Services team;

•utilization of a performance contract;

•requiring the student to make restitution;

•involvement of, or referral to, outside agencies;

•temporary withdrawal;

•suspension;

•expulsion

SUSPENSION

Suspension is the removal of a pupil, by the Principal, from the school, for a specified period of time. Suspensions are governed by the Education Act.

Suspensions carry with them the following understandings:

•Students may not be provided with work during this period but will be responsible for material presented.

•Students will be the direct responsibility of the parent(s) during the suspension period.

•The child is not allowed on school property for the duration of the suspension.

1. Students are to stay within the school boundaries and away from the parking lot and the front of the school. Students should also stay back from neighbour’s fences.

2. No throwing of stones, snowballs, or ice is allowed. Frisbees, hard balls, such as Indian rubber, and baseballs are not permitted. Hockey sticks are not allowed in the yard.

3. Students are to obtain a washroom pass from the supervisor on duty in order to enter the school from the yard.

4. Students should wear suitable clothing for weather

conditions, as they are expected to take part in outdoor recess on most days.

5. Snacks and drinks are not allowed in the yard. Teachers will provide time for snacks and drinks in classrooms.

TECHNOLOGY

Computer hardware and networking equipment has an increasingly important role in our schools. All computer usage is to be directed towards sanctioned activities. Use of computers for other purposes, any deliberate misuse, vandalism, damage, tampering or unauthorized access or configuration shall result in disciplinary action. Plagiarism through electronic means will not be tolerated and shall result in disciplinary action and/or academic penalty. Using computer technology to communicate inappropriate, demeaning, harassing or threatening messages shall be subject to disciplinary action.