School Code of Conduct

WILLIAM C. WINEGARD PUBLIC SCHOOL

CODE OF CONDUCT

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 behaviour 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, comfortable and accepted. 

General

Our School Code of Positive Student Behaviour is based upon the Ontario Code of Conduct and the Upper Grand District School Board Code of Conduct (Policy # 213) which applies 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, or in other circumstances that could have a negative impact on the school climate. 

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 Behaviour

A) Respect, Civility and Responsible Citizenship

All members of the school community must:

  • respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws;
  • demonstrate honesty and integrity;
  • respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions; 
  • treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially where there is disagreement;
  • respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their race ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or 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;
  • 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 authority; and
  • seek school staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully.

B) Safety

All members of the school community must not:

  • engage in bullying behaviours

Definition of bullying:

  • 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; (intimidation)
  1. c) Bullying by electronic means (commonly known as cyber-bullying), including:
  2. a) creating a webpage or a blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person;
  3. b) impersonating another person as the author of content or messages posted on the internet; and
  4. c) communicating material electronically to more than one individual or posting material on a website that may be accessed by one or more individuals.”
  • commit sexual assault;
  • traffic in weapons or illegal drugs;
  • be in possession of any weapon including, but not limited to, firearms;
  • use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;
  • cause injury to any person with an object;
  • be in possession of, or under the influence of, or provide others with, alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs;
  • inflict, or encourage others to inflict, bodily harm on another person;
  • engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or violence;
  • commit robbery;
  • commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property or property located on the premises of a school; or
  • engage in any form of electronic communication directed to an individual or group of people that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress, and/or harm to other persons; feelings, self esteem, or reputation, or that has a negative impact on the school climate.

Student Responsibilities

All students will:

  • be treated with respect and dignity by all school and board staff;
  • accept responsibility for their personal actions;
  • demonstrate respect for self, and others, and for those in authority;
  • fulfil expected academic obligations;
  • come to school punctually each day, prepared and willing to learn;
  • obey the rules of the school, on school buses, and at other sites during school activities,
  • dress appropriately in accordance with the Board’s and the School’s policies regarding appropriate dress;
  • use respectful language, free from profanity;
  • work cooperatively with staff and other students;
  • be honest in their academic work (refrain from plagiarism, cheating, etc.);
  • use free time responsibly; and
  • refrain from bringing anything to school that compromises the safety of others

Staff Responsibilities

The Principal will:

  • take a leadership role in the daily operation of the school by demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment;
  • hold those under their authority accountable for their actions and behaviour;
  • empower students to be positive leaders in their school and community, and
  • communicate meaningfully and on a regular basis with all members of the school’s community.
  • ensure that a School Code of Conduct, based on the Ontario Code of Conduct and the Board’s Code of Conduct is developed and communicated annually to the school community; and
  • review the school Code of Conduct at least once every three years, and seek input from School Council, staff, students, parents and guardians.

Teachers and school staff will:

  • maintain order in the school;
  • serve as role models;
  • maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
  • help students work to fulfill their potential, develop self-worth, and prepare them for the full responsibilities of citizenship;
  • communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents/guardians;
  • demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and members of the school community; and
  • empower students to be positive leaders in their school and community.

Parental Responsibilities

Parents play an important role in the education of their children and can fulfill this responsibility by:

  • demonstrating respect for all students, staff, volunteers and members of the school community;
  • supporting the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment;
  • showing an active interest in their child’s school work and progress;
  • communicating regularly with their child’s school;
  • assisting staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child;
  • helping their child be neat, dress appropriately, be well rested and prepared and ready to learn;
  • ensuring that their child attends school regularly and on time;
  • promptly reporting their child’s absence or late arrival;
  • showing that they are familiar with the Ontario Code of Conduct, the Board’s Code of Conduct, and the School’s Code of Conduct and rules of behaviour; and
  • helping and encouraging their child in following the Board’s Code of Conduct and the School’s Code of Conduct and the rules of behaviour.

Specific Expectations and Rules for School

William C. Winegard 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
  • 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 our school 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, hard rubber 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) 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.
  • All phone calls must be from the school office and at no time will a personal device be used 
  • 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
  • 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 privilege 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

Please refer to the UGDSB Student Dress Code guidelines.

Appropriate dress is defined as student attire that is free of symbols of hate, gang membership, or images that portray violence, death, abuse, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, racial discrimination, obscene words, political or sexual statements.

The Board believes that the Police are partners with schools and school boards in maintaining safe schools and communities.  Through the guidelines established in the Police/School Board Protocol Agreement, Police support schools by encouraging, enabling and maintaining positive relationships with school administrators, staff, students, parents and members of the school community.

The Board believes that community agencies and members of the school community are resources that can help boards deliver prevention and intervention programs. Current and new partnerships, protocols and outreach are encouraged and supported by the Board to formalize and enhance relationships to maintain safe communities.

Schools focus on prevention and early intervention as the key to maintaining a positive school environment in which pupils can learn. The Board supports the use of positive practices and progressive discipline as a whole school approach to foster the building of healthy relationships and encourage appropriate behaviours, as well as the application of consequences for inappropriate behaviour. 

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 Resposibilities

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 Schools 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 behaviour.  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 range of early and later interventions, supports, and consequences that are developmentally appropriate, and include opportunities for students to learn from mistakes and that focus on improving behaviour. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Student Success and Character Development strategies and programs;
  • providing students with the opportunity to learn life skills such as conflict resolution, anger management and communication skills;
  • utilizing models based on the concepts of peer mediation and/or peer counselling; 
  • documenting incidents requiring disciplinary measures, and applying the mitigating factors;
  • being sensitive to unique circumstances which may affect student behaviour;
  • ensuring that contact with the parent(s)/guardian(s) of students, under the age of eighteen, is made early in the disciplinary process;
  • maintaining contact with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and involving them in a plan to improve the behaviour until the behaviour is acceptable.

As incidents arise, it is recognized that each situation is unique.  Incidents are managed in a consistent manner to ensure that fairness is integral to the process, and that this fairness is perceived by all participants.  Within this process, consideration for consequences will be given for:

  • student age
  • frequency of incidents
  • nature and severity of incidents
  • student exceptionalities
  • extenuating circumstances
  • impact on the school climate

Consequences

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

In addressing inappropriate behaviour by students, schools will:

  • utilize a progressive discipline approach;
  • utilize Student Success or Character Development strategies and programs;
  • provide students with the opportunity to learn life skills such as conflict resolution, anger management and communication skills;
  • utilize models such as  those based on the concepts of peer mediation and/or peer counselling;
  • document incidents requiring disciplinary measures, and apply the mitigating factors to be sensitive to unique circumstances which may affect student behaviour;
  • ensure that contact with the 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), is made early in the disciplinary process and involves them in a plan to improve the student’s behaviour until the behaviour is acceptable; and/or
  • utilize consequences such as short-term suspension as a useful tool, and respond as required with long-term suspension or expulsion.

The following are examples of consequences and supports / interventions, in no particular order. The application of consequences, supports and interventions are determined by the incident and the individual students involved.

Examples of Consequences:

  • verbal reminder
  • warning
  • review of expectations / rules
  • written or verbal apology
  • incident sheet
  • yard:  5 minutes on the wall
  • yard:  walk with the teacher
  • letter written to parent
  • phone call home
  • student contract sheet
  • restitution
  • in-school community service
  • recess detentions
  • class time detentions
  • loss of in-school privileges
  • loss of field trip privileges
  • suspension from the bus
  • suspension
  • expulsion
Examples of Supports / Interventions:

  • discussion with P / VP
  • reflective paragraph / essay
  • problem solving
  • conflict mediation
  • social stories
  • discussion with parents (next steps, solutions)
  • conference with others involved
  • restorative justice
  • 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

It is understood that discipline serves not only to correct inappropriate behaviour, but also as a deterrent. 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 Behaviour, suspension and expulsion may be considered.  The Board’s Student Discipline 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 a suspension:

  • the pupil does not have the ability to control his or her behaviour;
  • the pupil does not have the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of his or her behaviour;
  • the pupil’s continuing presence in the school does not create an unacceptable risk to the safety of any other person.

The Principal will also consider the following factors if they mitigate (moderate) the seriousness of the incident or the behaviour of the student involved:

  • the pupil’s history and age, whether progressive discipline has been used, if a behaviour has been motivated by harassment or discrimination, the impact on the ongoing education of the student, the student’s Individual Education Plan.  

Note: In some cases, even though the offence calls for a mandatory suspension pending an investigation, the consideration of the mitigating circumstances may cause a principal not to suspend. 

Infractions that May Lead to 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 Susepnsion 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.