About F J Rutland

Code of Conduct

We, at the District School Board of Niagara believe every child has:

the right to learn
the right to be safe
the right to be respected

Rationale

To this end, a school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. Every student has the right to an education without disruption and a corresponding responsibility not to deny this right to any other student. With this right also comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself. All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and are expected to use non-violent means to resolve conflicts.

The School Code of Conduct sets clear standards for behaviour in order to promote a positive educational atmosphere for all. To this end, the learning environment must be free from abuse, bullying, discrimination, intimidation, hateful words and deeds, and physical violence in any form. The standards of behaviour in the Code of Conduct apply not only to students, but also to all individuals involved in the publicly funded system – parents/guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members, whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.

The information in this booklet outlines roles and responsibilities, standards of behaviour and consequences for unacceptable behaviour. Also, included are the mandatory consequences outlined in the Ontario Schools: Code of Conduct legislated by the provincial government.

Roles, Responsibilities and Rights

"All participants involved in the publically funded school system - students, parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members - are included in the Code of Conduct whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events and activities."

Ministry of Education for the Province of Ontario
Code of Conduct, P.

Principals, under the direction of their school board, take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide leadership by:

demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning
holding everyone, under their authority, accountable for their behaviour;
communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.

In order to fulfil these responsibilities, the Principal has the right to:

expect reasonable behaviour in the classroom, throughout the school, and in all educational settings (e.g., on the bus, trips, etc.);
receive support from staff, students, parents, and community members in the performance of their duties;
exclude from class or the school a student who is disruptive or endangering the safety of self or others;
expect cooperation from all staff, students and parents in helping students carry out their responsibilities during school functions;
expect staff to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to develop and maintain academic excellence and safe learning and teaching environments.

Teachers and school staff, under the leadership of their principals, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, staff uphold these high standards when they:

help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth, based on individual differences;
communicate regularly and meaningfully with administration and parents;
inform students of and maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students by being fair, firm and friendly with students;
plan, implement and evaluate an effective instructional program in their classroom and school;
demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents;
prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.

In order to fulfil these responsibilities, the teachers and school staff have the right to:

expect reasonable behaviour in the classroom, throughout the school, and in all other educational settings (e.g., on the bus, trips, etc.);
receive support from the Principal/Vice Principal and parents in the performance of their duties;
exclude from class a student who is disruptive or endangering the safety of self and others;
expect co-operation from all students in carrying out the student responsibilities during school functions.

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 behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:

respects the right of others to work in an environment that promotes learning and teaching; ‘ demonstrates honesty and integrity;
respects differences in people, their ideas and opinions;
treats others with dignity and respect at all times, especially when there is disagreement;
respects and treats others fairly, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability;
respects the rights of others;
shows proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;
takes appropriate measures to help those in need;
respects persons who are in a position of authority

In order to fulfil these responsibilities, students have the right to:

equal learning opportunities;
an appropriate and challenging program;
freedom from physical and verbal harassment;
a positive school atmosphere;
assistance from teachers.

Parents play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support efforts of the school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfil this responsibility when they:

show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress, ensuring that work is completed on time;
provide assistance and an appropriate time and place for doing homework;
communicate regularly with the school;
help their child to be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;
ensure that their child attends school regularly and punctually;
promptly report to the school their child’s absence, late arrival or other concerns;
become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules;
encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;
assist school staff in developing positive attitudes to learning and dealing with disciplinary issues;
encourage their children to participate in activities sponsored by the school.

In order to fulfil these responsibilities, parents have the right to:

know that students are provided with a meaningful educational program that follows the Ontario curriculum guideline;
expect that classes will be conducted in an orderly manner;
expect teachers to act as “kind, but firm judicious parents”;
receive regular communications (newsletters, notes in agendas, phone calls, etc) from the school;
confer with the school regarding any concerns for their child

Police and community members are essential partners in making our schools and communities safer. Community members fulfil this responsibility by:

supporting and respecting the rules of their local schools
communicating ideas and concerns with school personnel;
providing support and resources when appropriate

Standards of Behaviour

“A school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.”
Ministry of Education for the Province of Ontario
Code of Conduct, p. 1

A. Respect, Civility and Responsible Citizenship

All school members must:

show respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority, addressing people in a polite and courteous manner;
show respect for themselves and others by avoiding inappropriate public displays of affection;
show respect for themselves and others by using acceptable language, avoiding racist, profane or obscene comments;
show respect for the property of others and of the school;
refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;
follow the established rules and take responsibility for their own actions.

In addition, all students must:

ensure that student agendas are signed on a daily basis.
come to school prepared, having all the necessary supplies as well as all homework, assignments and student agendas completed;
come to school on time, being accountable for work or assignments missed due to absences or lateness;
come to school ready to learn with a positive attitude, participate in activities, be industrious in all assignments and strive for excellence;

B. Physical Safety

Physical Aggression

All students must:

not inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm to another person;
avoid rough play (play fighting), bullying, fighting, physically and verbally abusive behaviour;
refrain from throwing any projectiles, for example, peagravel, snowballs, sticks on or in the proximity of the school grounds;
seek staff assistance, when necessary, to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Weapons

All students must:

not be in possession of any weapon including, but not limited to, firearms or explosive materials including, but not limited to, firecrackers;
not use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;
not cause injury to any person with an object.

Alcohol, Cigarettes and Drugs

All students must not:

be in possession of, or under the influence of, or provide others with, alcohol, cigarettes or illegal drugs; (mandatory suspension)
be in possession of matches or lighters (suspension at principal’s discretion)

C. Destruction of Property

All students must not:

deface, damage or destroy any equipment or other property

School Routines

“A pupil shall . . .

attend classes punctually and regularly;
be courteous to fellow pupils and obedient and courteous to teachers; • be clean in person and habits;
take such examinations as are required;
show respect for school property.”

Ontario Regulation 298 s.23

Attendance and Punctuality

All school members must:

arrive at school punctually and attend regularly.

Arrival and Departure

All students must:

walk bicycles to and from the street when arriving on or leaving school property (Niagara Regional Police recommend that students be 8 years of age or older to ride a bike to school unaccompanied)
upon arrival, go directly to the assigned area, while waiting for the bell to ring;
use the entrance designated for their classroom;
leave the building promptly at noon-hour and after school by the designated entrance or report promptly to the activity permitted by the co-instructional program;
move quickly and quietly to all classes in the time allotted.

Lunchroom Routines

All lunchroom students must:

sit quietly and eat their lunch in a mannerly fashion;
ensure that food is eaten only in assigned areas and at appropriate times;
clear eating area and deposit garbage into the garbage or recycle container, as appropriate;
remain on school property during lunch unless picked up by parents or permission to leave has been requested in writing (with date and signature) by parent and/or guardian and granted by the school office;
consume food or drink brought from home or purchased at the school “store” in the lunch area before going outside for outdoor play;
food and drink other than water will remain in the school at recess
sports/plastic water bottles may be on the student desks during the school day
when students are required to remain in the classroom due to inclement weather, they are expected to participate in desk activities; computers will not be accessed at this time unless the classroom teacher is supervising an activity in the classroom
parents will be notified of any severe allergy in the school and will be asked to be aware of the product ingredients in food, and to refrain whenever possible from sending that particular product (i.e. peanut/nut products; milk products)

Classroom Expectations

All students must:

be accountable for participation in learning and assessment activities.
keep gym bags, purses and backpacks in their lockers;
not have gum on school property or in the school;
not use on school property radios, MP3's, cameras, cell phones*, hard balls, hockey sticks, baseball bats and rackets to school, except when permitted as part of a school program;
behave in a manner that is conducive to the learning, safety and respect of self and others; Note: Parents are responsible for the decision to bring any equipment to school. The school is not responsible for the damage to or theft of any personal property.
* We recognize that some parents equip their child with a cell phone for emergency use. These cell phones must remain turned off in backpacks, and kept in lockers. They are to be used off school property (i.e. on the way home).

Dress Code

We believe that the dress for all persons participating in the school community should contribute to safe, academic setting and contribute to an overall positive image of our school.

To create a consistent approach to school dress and to enhance an educational environment and tone conducive to the achievement of excellence, the following rules concerning student dress have been adopted and applied to both male and female attire. This dress code will have a minimum impact or influence on most students since the vast majority of students presently dress in a fashion that complies with these rules. The stated rules serve to answer questions and support decisions made by the principal, teachers, students and parents about appropriate school dress.

Hats or head-coverings (bandanas, head bands, kerchiefs, wave caps, hoods, visors, etc.) are to be removed before entering the school or participating in indoor field trips and/or indoor activities. Head dresses or head coverings worn for religious or medical purposes are exempt.
Metal spike studded collars, wrist bands, belts, etc. and “hardware” chains (used as wallet chains or jewelry) are not to be present in the school, or on school sponsored field trips.
Halter-tops, tube tops, muscle shirts (excluding school athletic team uniforms that are worn in game and/or practice situations), see-through or mesh tops are not to be worn at school. All straps on tops (i.e. tank tops) must be three fingers wide.
Blouses, shirts or tops that reveal bare backs, midriffs or undergarments (i.e. bra straps) or that have spaghetti straps or revealing necklines are not to be worn at school, in hallways, during class activities or on field trips.
Shorts and skirts are to be of a length that is appropriate to a school environment and activity, and that do not reveal undergarments in the normal range of movement.
Low riding pants, shorts or skirts are to be worn above the hip points and in such a fashion that undergarments are not revealed. The legs of the pants should rest on the top of the shoes and are not of a length that allows students to walk on them.
All clothes are to be clean and in good repair.
Footwear appropriate to the subject area or activity must be worn at all times (i.e. running shoes for phys ed).
Clothing which advertises or promotes alcoholic beverages, drugs, violence or racism or that displays obscene, distasteful or hurtful messages are not to be worn in school or in any of its activities or field trips.
No “gang” associated clothing, symbol or paraphernalia is to be worn or displayed in the school, in school activities, on field trips or on school property.
Students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. All outdoor use coats and jackets are to be placed in student lockers until the student leaves the school.

The final decision as to the appropriateness of dress will be decided by the principal/vice principal or designate. If issues of attire continue, parents will be contacted. The dress code will be reviewed annually by the staff and the School Advisory Council.

Responses to Behaviour

“The District School Board of Niagara believes that the primary aim of discipline is for all students to acquire positive skills and attitudes associated with responsible conduct.”

District School Board of Niagara
Administrative Procedures, AP3-11

Responses to inappropriate behaviour will be determined by the nature and frequency of the behaviour. Responses may take two forms:

Positive practices that reinforce appropriate behaviours
Corrective practices that may require interventions

Positive Practices include:

program modification
program accommodation
positive feedback for desired behaviours
interview between teacher, parent and student
involvement of resource personnel (ie. youth counsellor, resource teacher, in-school team, Board/community agencies)
formal interview between student, parents, teacher, principal, vice principal
incentives/rewards to recognize behavioural improvements or successes

Consequences include:

withdrawal of privileges
classroom detention
exclusion from optional activities
restitution of damages
in-school withdrawals (alternate classroom placements; removal from playground)
suspension from school for offenses ranging from 1 to 20 days
expulsion for extremely serious offenses (under Board authority)

Consequences will not necessarily be imposed in sequential order but will depend greatly on the severity of the behaviour. Communication with parents will be an integral part of the process for any repetitive or major offence as determined by staff or administration of the school.