Updated September 2024

Goal

It is the policy of the Upper Grand District School Board to maintain a safe and inclusive learning and teaching environment through the adoption of a Code of Conduct which promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence, and sets clear standards of behavior for all members of the school community.  The goal is to create a positive school climate where all members of the school community feel safe, included and accepted.

Introduction

Our school Code of Conduct is based upon the provincial Code of Conduct and the Upper Grand District School Board Code of Conduct (Policy 213), which apply to all members of the school community; students, administrators, staff, parents and guardians, community users, visitors, volunteers, etc. while on all school and board property, school buses, at school-authorized events, and off site at school-sponsored activities.

Rights

Student rights include:

• to be treated with dignity and respect

• to be provided with activities that are success oriented and build on individual strengths

• to receive a quality education

Parent rights include:

• to be treated with dignity and respect

• to be heard and to have concerns addressed

• to communicate with the school

Staff rights include:

• to be treated with dignity and respect

• to have a safe working environment

• to expect parents and students to be involved in creating a positive school environment

Standards Of Behavior

A) Respect, Civility and Responsible Citizenship

All members of the school community will:

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

• demonstrate honesty and integrity

• respect differences in people, their ideas and their opinions

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

• respect and treat others fairly, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, color, place of origin, culture, citizenship, ancestry, origin, religion, creed, family status, marital status, socio-economic status, employment, housing, disability

• respect the rights of others

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

• take appropriate measures to help those in need

• seek school staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully

• respect all members of the school community, especially persons who are in a position of authority

• respect the needs of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching

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

• for educational purposes, as directed by an educator

• for health and medical purpose

• to support special education needsStudents in Grades 7-12Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator.

  Students in Grades 6 and below
  Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode throughout the full instructional day, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator.

B) Safety

All members of the school community will not:

• engage in bullying behaviors, including cyber bullying

Definition of bullying:

As defined in section 1 of the Education Act, bullying means aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a pupil where,

• the behaviour is intended by the pupil to have the effect of, or the pupil ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have the effect of, 

  1. causing harm, fear or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, social or academic harm, harm to the individual’s reputation or harm to the individual’s property, or 

  2. creating a negative environment at a school for another individual, and

• The behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between pupil and the individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender,  gender identity, gender expression, race, disability or the receipt of special education 

• Cyber-bullying as defined in section 1 of the Education Act, is bullying by electronic means including

  • creating a webpage or a blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person

  • impersonating another person as the author of content or messages posted on the internet; and

  • communicating material electronically to more than one individual or posting material on a website that may be accessed by one or more individuals

Student Roles and Responsibilities

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 behavior and adherence to the board and school codes of conduct.

All students will:

• come to school prepared, on time and ready to learn

• show respect for themselves, and for others, and for those in positions of authority

• refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others 

• follow the established rules and accept responsibility for their own actions

Staff Roles and Responsibilities

The Principal

Under the direction of the school board, principals take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school.  They provide this leadership by:

• demonstrating care for the school community and a commitment to student achievement and well-being in a safe, inclusive, and accepting learning environment

• holding everyone under their authority accountable for their own behaviour and actions

• empowering students to be positive leaders in their school and community

• communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of the school’s community

• ensuring that a school Code of Conduct, based on the provincial Code of Conduct and board’s Code of Conduct, is developed and communicated annually to the school community

  • Communications shall highlight the restrictions and requirements for personal mobile device use and the consequences of non-compliance.

• modeling the standards of respect, civility and responsible citizenship

• reviewing the school Code of Conduct at least once every three years, and seek input from school councils, staff, students, parents and guardians, and the school community on the review

Educators and School Staff 

Under the leadership of their principals, teachers and other school staff maintain a positive learning environment and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour.  As role models, teachers and other school staff uphold these high standards when they:

• help students work to fulfill their potential, and develop their sense of self-worth

• empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school and community

• communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents and guardians

• maintain consistent and fair standards of behaviour for all students

• demonstrate respect for one another, all students, parents, volunteers, and other members of the school community

• prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship, in particular the skill of respectful communication, both in person and online

• model the standards of respect, civility, and responsible citizenship. This includes modeling appropriate use of personal mobile devices. Educators are not to use personal mobile devices during instructional time, unless explicitly for work-related purposes.

Parents Roles and Responsibilities

Parents play an important role in the education of their children and can support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe, inclusive, accepting, and respectful learning environment for all students.  Parents fulfill their role when they:

• demonstrate respect for all members of the school community

• support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment

• are engaged in their child’s schoolwork and progress

• communicate regularly with their child’s school

• help their child be 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 provincial Code of Conduct, the board’s Code of Conduct, and the school’s Code of Conduct 

• encourage and assist their child in following the board and school codes of conduct

• assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child

Specific Expectations/rules For School

Rockwood Centennial Public School students and staff are expected to be positive, kind, caring role models and leaders.  They will show respect at all times, engage collaboratively and take responsibility for their actions.

Entering

• Before school and during recesses, students will stay outside unless using the washroom with permission

• Students should try to use the washroom at break times to avoid leaving class during instructional time

• Enter school in a quiet and orderly fashion and go directly to class

• Hang coats up and put boots together against the wall

Halls

• Walk quietly and safely in single file, keeping hands and feet to themselves

• Use washroom/water fountain before going outside at recess/lunch or with permission

• Be proud of RCPS and keep it clean by using garbage cans, compost and recycle boxes

Class Time

• Arrive to class prepared to learn and on time

• Co-operate and participate fully with classmates and in all class and school activities

• Treat people, materials and school equipment with respect and courtesy

Classroom Etiquette

• Follow all classroom expectations and instructions

• Asking permission to leave the classroom is a requirement

Yard

• Follow rules of safety and play fairly and cooperatively

• Take responsibility for actions

• Exhibit respect for themselves and others

• Obey staff and supervisors

• No body contact, rough play, or play fighting

• Snowballs, hard balls, golf balls,  skateboards, scooters, hockey sticks  are prohibited on school property

• Use appropriate equipment in the designated play areas

• No food or drink is allowed outside

• Use appropriate language

• Report emergencies to supervisors immediately

• Respect nature and the environment

Assemblies

• Proceed quietly to your class seating area in an orderly fashion

• Listen attentively, upright and participate appropriately

• Use polite applause

Clothing

• Shoes must be worn at all times

Technology

• Be aware of the Acceptable Use Policy

• Report inappropriate messages 

• Respect the privacy of others

• Accept responsibility for the security of their username and password

• Use the Internet responsibly

• Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, etc.) are to be out of sight at all times (including in the hallway/recess) unless a teacher has given permission for their use, during a specific class on a particular day.  Appropriate uses included:  research tool, planner, calculator, music during work periods

• Devices may not be shared

• Texting during the school day is not permitted at any time.

• Earphones must not be worn outside of the classroom, and may only be worn in the classroom with the teacher’s permission

Break and Lunch

• Students are to remain in their classroom at all times

• If you wish to leave the room to get a drink or use the washroom, you must wait until the teacher on duty circulates to your class, at which point you may leave once given permission

• The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher does.  Please wait in your classroom, behind your desk with your chair pushed in to be dismissed

• During indoor recess, all students must remain in their classroom

• Students are to use the main floor washrooms and drinking fountain during outdoor recess 

• You are expected to be outside 5 minutes after the dismissal bell, unless you have a pre-approved appointment with a teacher

Bus Time

• Students will line up quietly in single file and follow the supervisor’s instructions while walking to the bus

• Riding the bus is a priviledge and everyone’s safety is our prime concern

• Students must remain in their seats, speaking quietly while on the bus

• Students will exit the bus in an orderly fashion, while being respectful and obeying drivers and trip supervisors

Appropriate Dress

Appropriate dress shall be free of images, logos or language that portray ethnic prejudice, racism, sexism, vulgarity, gang-related markings, obscenities, profanity, hate speech or pornography, or reference alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia, or other illegal conduct or activities.

Dress code implies a range of approved apparel and/or general dress protocols that are deemed appropriate for students regardless of their race, age, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socio-economic circumstances, or body type/size.

Please refer to the UGDSB Student Dress Code guidelines.

Police Services Roles and Responsibilities

The police play an essential role in making our schools and communities safer.  The police investigate incidents in accordance with the guidelines established in the Police/School Board Protocol.

Community Partners Roles And Responsibilities

Community-based service providers are resources that boards can use to deliver prevention or intervention programs.  Protocols and collaborative agreements are effective ways of establishing linkages between boards and community-based service providers and of formalizing the relationship between them.  These partnerships must respect all applicable collective agreements.

Implementation Of The School’s Code Of Conduct

Safe Schools Policy 503 (Student Discipline, Bullying Prevention and Intervention, Suspension and Expulsion) provides direction to the school Code of Conduct in order to support and maintain a positive school climate for all students, staff, and community. The school Code of Conduct supports the use of positive practices, including prevention and early intervention, as well as consequences for inappropriate behavior.  This includes Progressive Discipline, and suspension and expulsion where necessary. Before applying disciplinary measures, the discriminatory and disproportionate impacts of disciplinary decisions on students protected by the Human Rights Code shall be considered.

Progressive Discipline

Progressive Discipline is a whole school approach that makes use of a continuum of prevention programs, interventions, supports, and consequences to promote positive behaviors.  In developing a Progressive Discipline approach, preventative practices, corrective and supportive strategies are used to reinforce positive behaviors.  These approaches build skills for healthy relationships and promote positive behaviors.

Specific Progressive Discipline Strategies For School

The following strategies will be utilized at Rockwood Centennial Public School:

• Character Education strategies and programs

• Utilizing models based on the concepts of peer mediation and/or peer counseling

• Being sensitive to unique circumstances and mitigating which may affect student behavior

• Maintaining contact with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and involving them in a plan to improve the behavior until the behavior is acceptable

Consequences

The school will use a range of interventions, supports and consequences that include learning opportunities for reinforcing positive behavior while helping students to make good choices.

In addressing inappropriate behavior by students, schools will:

• utilize appropriate and consistent action to address inappropriate behaviors within the practice of Progressive Discipline

• ensure the degree of disciplinary action is in proportion to the severity of the behavior exhibited, and that a student’s previous history and other relevant factors are taken into account

• provide students with experience using conflict resolution, anger management and communication skills 

• document incidents requiring disciplinary measures

• consider mitigating factors 

• make contact with parents and guardians of students under the age of eighteen, or students over the age of 18 or those 16 or 17 years old who have withdrawn from parental control (adult students), early in the disciplinary process and involve them in a plan to improve the student’s behavior until the behavior is acceptable; and/or

• utilize consequences such as short-term suspension, and respond as required with long-term suspension or expulsion

The application of consequences, supports and interventions are determined by the incident and the individual students involved.  Consequences, supports and interventions used include and are not limited to:

State specific expectations of consequences, supports and interventions may include: 

Problem solving discussions, conflict mediation, specific modelling of behaviors, participating in emotional regulation training (i.e., Zones of Regulation), discussions (with in-school staff, parents, or Board staff), positive reinforcement (i.e., verbal, sticker charts, etc.), recess plans, check-ins (i.e., after recess), use of safe spots or safe people, or referral to outside organizations.

Consequences at Rockwood Centennial Public School include:  verbal reminders, collaborative conversations (with staff, students, parents), peer mediation, apologies, withdrawal from privileges, detentions (reflect & reset time), time in the office, or suspension.

Examples of Consequences:

• verbal reminder

• warning

• review of expectations/rules

• written or verbal apology

• phone call home

• student contract sheet

• restitution

• in-school community service

• loss of in-school privileges

• loss of field trip privileges

• suspension from the bus

• suspension

• expulsion

Examples of Supports/Interventions:

• problem solving discussion with P/VP

• conflict mediation

• social stories

• discussion with parents (next steps, solutions)

• restorative justice with others involved

• Child and Youth Counsellor support

• positive reward system

• Attendance Counsellor support

• Student/teacher parent meeting

• case conference with school staff and/or Board consultants

• referral to outside agencies

• Suspension/Expulsion Program

Suspension And Expulsion

To maintain a safe and effective learning environment, suspensions and expulsions may be imposed not only to deter inappropriate behaviour, but also to remove individuals who pose a threat to the safety and well-being of others.  The provincial Code of Conduct specifies that for student actions that do not comply with the provincial Standards of Behavior, suspension and expulsion may be considered.  The board’s Safe Schools Policy (Policy 503) sets out the process for suspension and expulsion.  This policy specifies the student actions that may result in the principal imposing a suspension, as well as the student actions that will result in the principal imposing a suspension and considering an expulsion pending an investigation of the incident.

Mitigating Factors

The principal will consider the following mitigating factors when considering the length of a suspension:

• whether the student has the ability to control their behavior

• whether the student has the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of their behavior

• whether the student’s continuing presence in the school does or does not create an unacceptable risk to the safety of any other individual at the school

The principal will also consider the following factors:

• the student’s age, academics, discipline and personal history

• whether other Progressive Discipline has been attempted with the student, and if so, the Progressive Discipline approach(es) that has/have been attempted and any success or failure

• whether the infraction for which the student might be disciplined was related to any harassment of the student because of race, color, ethnic origin, place of origin, religion, creed, disability, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, citizenship, marital status, age, culture or harassment for any other reason

• the impact of the discipline on the student’s prospects for further education

Infractions That May Lead To A Suspension

Police may be involved, and a suspension may be imposed for one of the following infractions which has occurred on school property, during a school related activity or event, and/or in circumstances where the infraction has an impact on the school climate:

• uttering a threat, either verbal or written, to inflict serious bodily harm on another person

• possessing alcohol or illegal drugs or, unless the student is a medical cannabis user, cannabis

• being under the influence of alcohol or, unless the student is a medical cannabis user, cannabis

• swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority

• 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 pupil’s school

• bullying, including cyber bullying

• any activity that contravenes the board’s or school’s Code of Conduct

• committing physical assault on another person that does not require treatment by a medical practitioner

• habitual neglect of duty

• not having an up-to-date medical/immunization record

Infractions For Which A Principal Shall Impose A Suspension, And May Consider Recommending To The Board That A Student Be Expelled

Police may be involved, and a student will be immediately suspended, an investigation will occur and may lead to a recommendation of expulsion to the board’s Student Discipline Committee for one of the following infractions which has occurred on school property, during a school related activity or event, and/or in circumstances where the infraction has an impact on the school climate:

• possessing a weapon, including a firearm

• using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person

• committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner

• committing sexual assault

• trafficking in weapons or illegal drugs

• committing robbery

• giving alcohol or cannabis to a minor

• persistent bullying, if the pupil has previously been suspended for bullying, and the pupil’s continuing presence in the school creates an unacceptable risk to the safety of another person

• an activity that is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on race, colour, national or ethnic origin, language, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or another similar factor

Please review Policy 503 for additional information.