CATHOLIC CODE OF CONDUCT
Student Duties
Cooperative behaviour is necessary for the maintenance of a positive learning environment in our school.
•To be the best that we can be… At St. John XXIII we are “A Family of Peace and Hope”.
We are proud of the effort our students put into their school work. Your support in encouraging your child to set personal goals for learning and to strive to reach and surpass those goals is invaluable.
•Respect, appreciation of others and Christian stewardship
An on-going goal at our school focuses on encouraging our students to show respect for each other and to engage in responsible decision-making. At St. John XXIII our goal this year is to implement a “Terrific Kid Program” where students are recognized for demonstrating the following character traits which staff have determined are essential for our “Peace and Obedience” school motto ( respect, responsibility, self-control, kindness, cooperation, politeness, patience, honesty, fairness, and friendship).
•Peace on the playground
Students who find themselves in a disagreement with another student or students in the playground are expected to use peaceful problem-solving strategies, including:
•telling the other person what the concern is in a quiet, respectful voice
•asking the person to quit doing whatever it is
•leaving the immediate presence of the other person
•asking the lunch supervisor or teacher on duty for assistance
Students are also reminded that:
•snowballs are not permitted
•wrestling, horseplay, play fighting or pushing are not allowed
•students are to finish their lunch in the school building
•snacks should be eaten quickly and appropriate garbage containers used
•Pop, juice, milk, may be purchased for lunch, and should be finished before going outside to lunch recess.
Classroom Expectations
The teachers at St. John XXIII School believe that every student wishes to be a successful learner. In order to bring about this success, each teacher develops an appropriate learning climate according to his or her subject discipline and teaching practices. The teacher’s expectations and regulations were explained to students in the first few days of class. Students are then required to follow these rules set out in each of their classes.
Serious Offenses
A school must provide a safe and comfortable environment for students to learn effectively. Consequently certain actions must be dealt with severely by the school, the Board and the law. These include:
1. Being under the influence, or in the possession of, alcohol or drugs while at school at a school function.
2. The use of physical violence or verbal threats in or around the school.
3. The causing of willful damage to school property.
4. The willful disobedience of the lawful directives issued by a teacher or other employee of the Board.
5. Smoking on school property.
Off School Property
At times our students are off school property, or away from school, taking part in out of school events . Wherever our students go they are representing our school. Inappropriate behaviour, at any time, is a reflection on our school and will be dealt with as such.
Consequences
The development of self-discipline is a very important goal and we are working to adopt methods for teaching the behaviours that are desired. These methods include:
•ways to increase and widen students’ sense of belonging in the school
•programs that strive to recognize responsible behaviour on the school grounds
•assistance for dealing with personal problems that affect participation in the life of the school
•the provisions of encouragement, direction, guidance, modelling and consistency.
The consequences of behaviour that does not demonstrate responsibility and respect for others will be logical, realistic and consistent. Each case of misbehaviour will be dealt with individually. Minor infractions will be handled on the spot in the classrooms, halls and playgrounds. More serious or repeated infractions will be recorded in an office file and depending on the seriousness of the situation and repetition, the following progressive actions may be taken:
1. Giving the student time out to think about the behaviour and to develop a plan for
improvement (Action Plan).
2. Contact parents.
3. Require loss of privileges related to the behaviour.
4. Referral to special services team at the school.
5. Placement of student on a behaviour contract.
6. Suspension.
I. RESPECT FOR SELF
1. Dress Code
In striving to achieve the personal and social values which are attached to appropriate dress, each school is committed to standards of neatness, cleanliness, modesty and good taste. Students are expected to dress in a manner and attire suitable for the occasion and appropriate to the school environment. Clothing should not detract the attention of others away from the learning process. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in disciplinary action.
SCHOOL DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
Specifically, with regards to clothing:
1. It should be neat, clean and without tears and/or holes;
2. Children should be appropriately attired for the seasonal weather conditions;
3. Patches, symbols or sayings on clothing shall not be offensive to anyone who might
read it;
4. Shorts shall be walking length and hemmed;
5. Halter tops, mesh shirts, muscle shirts, spandex bicycle wear, cut-off shirts, midriff
tops, spaghetti straps and bandannas are inappropriate attire for school;
6. Sunglasses and hats are inappropriate in the school building and classroom;
7. Students are required to have a dry pair of shoes at the school to be worn
in the classroom at all times.
2. Drugs and Alcohol
The possession, sale or use of alcohol or illicit drugs on school property or at school events are forbidden and/or unlawful under the Criminal Code and the Policy and/or Regulations of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.
3. Proper Language
Students are expected to use language that is appropriate to their dignity as Catholics and the dignity of others. Coarse, profane or vulgar language or taking God's name in vain is unacceptable. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in disciplinary action.
4. Smoking
The Board recognizes the benefits to all persons of a smoke-free environment. Therefore, smoking is banned within school buildings, in school vehicles and on all Board property. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in disciplinary action.
II. RESPECT FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS
SAFE ENVIRONMENT
1. All parents, visitors and/or volunteers shall report and sign in at the office upon entry in the school. You will receive an identification badge to be worn while in the school. Unless worn you are considered a stranger to the staff and students and therefore will be asked to report to the office.
2. Supervision in the school yard is provided 15 minutes before the school day begins and 15 minutes after the school day is completed as well as during the recesses and lunch hour. To avoid confusion amongst the students, only designated/identified supervisors shall be in the school yard during these times.
3. At peak arrival and dismissal times, parents are not to use the school driveway to drop off or pick up their children. Parents are asked to park their cars on adjacent streets (watch for City of Mississauga Traffic Signs) or to use the Kiss and Ride Program. Students are to cross the street under the supervision of the crossing guard. When they arrive at school, students are to walk along the sidewalks to the back of the school where adult supervision is scheduled and provided.
4. Kindergarten parents are asked to leave their child in the supervised fenced area. Do not block the walkway for the students who are disembarking from the buses and who must use the sidewalk to walk to the back of the school.
PALS Recess Program
Students will involve themselves in activities which will promote:
-physical fitness;
-positive attitudes towards sports/games;
-leadership qualities;
-examplesof good personal behaviours.
Students are to participate in activities which:
-involve clear rules;
-use appropriate equipment that will guarantee safety;
-will not be injurious and/or harmful to others
Students are required to request a PASS from a yard supervisor to enter the school for any reason before school and during the recess times.
III. RESPECT FOR STAFF
Students are expected to comply with the rules of the school and with the expectations of all staff in the classrooms, hallways, the school grounds, and while on transportation or school sponsored activities. Behaviour which is inappropriate or disrespectful will result in disciplinary action.
Abuse/Assault of Staff Members
Abuse/Assault is any expression of (verbal, physical and/or sexual) contact/conduct that impinges upon the human rights of another person. For example, this includes racial, religious or ethic slurs, threats, name-calling, insults, ethic jokes teasing, physical abuse, harassment or violence.
A student who verbally, physically and/or sexually abuses/assaults any staff member shall be suspended and further disciplinary action may be taken. This may include transfer to another school.
IV. RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS
Students must respect the person and rights of all members of the school community without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship or creed. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in disciplinary action.
1. Fighting and/or Physical Assault
Students are expected to resolve disagreements in an appropriate manner which ensures the dignity and safety of others. Students engaged in fighting may be suspended from school.
2. Harassment
Harassment is defined as any unwelcome comment or conduct that intimidates, demeans or offends an individual. Students must not harass others, physically, or verbally, by telephone or in person. The Board has made explicit statements on particular types of harassment, namely: sexual harassment, race and ethnic relations, and assault. Breaches of this element of the Catholic Code of Conduct will be treated most seriously and may result in the involvement of outside agencies, suspension and/or expulsion.
3. Weapons and Dangerous Articles
A student found in the possession of a dangerous article on school property may be suspended, the parents may be notified and the dangerous article confiscated and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
When a student uses or threatens to use a non-prohibited weapon on school property, the police may be involved and the student will be suspended.
When a student is found in possession of a prohibited weapon (such as a butterfly knife, switchblade knife, martial arts weapon, etc.) or a replica on school property, the police shall be informed immediately and the student shall be suspended.
When a student uses or threatens to use a prohibited weapon or a replica, on school property, the police shall be informed immediately and the student shall be suspended.
When a student is found in possession of a gun or a replica of a gun, on school property, the police shall be informed immediately and the student shall be suspended.
For more serious incidents involving violence, sexual abuse, weapons or repeat offenders, expulsion proceedings will be put in place. When a student's conduct is so refractory that his/her presence is injurious to others in the school, the Principal and the appropriate Superintendent shall recommend to the Board that the student be expelled.
V. RESPECT FOR THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS
Students are expected to treat the school grounds, the school buildings, and everything related to the school with respect, especially items which belong to the school, other students, or staff.
1. Academic Honesty
Students must not plagiarize, cheat, copy, or knowingly and deliberately present the language, ideas, or thoughts of another individual as their own work. Consequences may include assessing a grade of zero on the assignment or test.
2. Network User Application and Agreement
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board policy supports the use of the local and wide area networks for electronic communication and the Board believes this to be an integral part of the school curriculum. Any student using the school network is required to adhere to the following rules:
The following are the “Rules of Conduct” for Electronic Networks in the Dufferin-Peel C.D.S.B. schools, including Internet access.
a. The student is responsible for his/her actions while using the computer.
b. The student will not assist others in breaking these rules or be a party to others breaking these rules.
c. The student must not intentionally seek information, browse, obtain copies, modify files, or passwords belonging to others, whether at the school or elsewhere.
d. The student will not share his/her login and password with others, nor attempt to learn or use logins and passwords which are not his/her own.
e. The school will be the arbiter of what constitutes a violation of the Rules of Conduct for the Electronic Network.
3. Lunch Facilities
Students are expected to consume food and beverages while seated at their desks in their assigned classrooms. Facilities utilized by students must be left clean and tidy.
4. Library Books and Texts
Students who lose, fail to return, or damage school equipment (i.e. library books, textbooks, musical instruments, etc.) will be required to make restitution.
5. Littering
Students are expected to help keep the buildings, grounds and neighbourhood clean and are expected to deposit all scrap, wrappers, etc. into waste baskets or recycling containers.
6. Theft
Students must not convert to their own use school equipment or materials or the personal belongings of teachers or other students. Theft will be treated as a serious offense since it violates the spirit of respect for the property of others and contravenes civil and divine law. Police may be called if deemed appropriate.
7. Vandalism/Willful Damage
Students who destroy, deface, or otherwise damage property belonging to the Board, another student, or staff member, will be required to make restitution where appropriate, may be suspended and the police may be called and charges laid if warranted.
VI. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
According to the Education Act, students of compulsory school age must attend school and parents have the obligation to ensure that they do attend. The Board sets out as the responsibility of each student "to be in attendance at all classes and scheduled activities on time with the proper materials required for full participation".
Regular attendance on the part of students is vital to the process of learning. Students who habitually miss class will suffer in the evaluation process because their participation and achievement cannot be fully assessed.
Students are responsible for bringing to class the proper materials required for full participation. This aspect of student behaviour ranges from forgetfulness or poor organization to habitual neglect of duty.
VII: SCHOOL PROCEDURES: RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY, OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY
Students, parents and teachers are encouraged to work together to come to a resolution of any difficult situation. Respect toward one another will resolve many difficult encounters.
The following procedures/consequences will take place when a student is asked to report to the Principal or Vice-Principal.
Consequences
The vast majority of students in Dufferin-Peel are well disciplined, responsible, and self-directed. However, as with any large group of people, there are a few students who refuse to abide by the guidelines established for the benefit of all.
The Catholic Code of Conduct, which emphasizes the nurturing of a sense of self-worth and self-discipline for all students must contain a clear outline of realistic and effective consequences for failure to meet the expectations set out in it.
The Catholic Code of Conduct reflects the principles of natural justice and defined process. The Principal of the school who is responsible for ensuring that the Catholic Code of Conduct is implemented, must have sufficient latitude to meet the individual needs of students and exercise judgment within the context of specific circumstances. However, in those areas involving serious misconduct which are a breach of Board Policy or Regulations, and/or against the law, and for which the Board (Principal) has seen fit to recommend a suspension for a minimum number of days, the Principal must regard these as mandatory and not merely discretionary.
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.
The following are the basic interventions and consequences which may be initiated by teachers and/or administrators:
a) Informal interview with the student
b) Formal interview with the student
c) Parental involvement: phone call, correspondence, interview
d) Utilization of behavioural, attendance or performance contracts
e) Involvement of school support personnel
f) Referral to school Special Services team
g) Attendance conference
h) Detention of student
i) Removal of the student from the classroom to an alternate setting within the school with supervision
j) Removal of privileges to attend school related functions or extra-curricular/co-curricular programs
k) Requiring the student to make restitution where appropriate
l) Involvement of, or referral to, outside agencies (e.g. Childrens' Aid Officer, law enforcement officer)
m) Temporary withdrawal
n) Suspension as set out in the Education Act and Board Policy, Regulation and Procedure
o) Expulsion under the Education Act and Board Policy, Regulation and Procedure
The following consequences are not taken lightly and are recognized as appropriate to serious offenses since denying a pupil access to school is a very serious matter. However, school Principals must balance this concern with their responsibility to provide a safe and effective learning environment for all. Exclusion will be considered when other options to modify behaviour have been unsuccessful, or where the seriousness of the situation warrants it. The school reserves the right to send students home immediately; either while at school or on a school-sponsored activity or trip at no cost to the school. Parents will be notified before any student is sent home.
Temporary Withdrawal
Under some circumstances, it may be appropriate for the Principal and parent/guardian to agree to a time out of school for the student. Such a temporary withdrawal will point out the seriousness of the situation while providing a cooling off time and avoid a suspension. During this period further professional support may be sought. This temporary withdrawal may be for a period of up to four days on the condition that the parent/guardian agrees in writing to such action and wishes to become directly involved in resolving the problem. Failure of the parent/guardian to agree to a temporary withdrawal will result in suspension of the pupil.
Suspension
Suspension is the removal of a pupil from the school for a specified period of time. Suspensions are governed by the Education Act, in accordance with Code of Conduct, Board Policy and Regulation 6.82 and General Administrative Procedure 102.00.
Suspensions under Board Policy and Regulations are presently (2001-2002) under review. Until directed otherwise by the Board, suspensions will carry the following understanding:
i) Students will not be provided with work to carry on during time missed while under suspension.
ii) Students will be fully responsible for material presented while the student was under suspension.
iii) The period of suspension may include examination days and the school will not be responsible if the timing of the suspension jeopardizes the awarding of a credit.
iv) Any student under 18 years of age becomes the direct responsibility of his/her parent(s) during the period of suspension.
v) Students under suspension will not be permitted on school property and shall not attend any school-sponsored events without written authorization from the Principal.
Expulsion
Expulsion is the removal of a student from all schools in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and/or schools in the Province of Ontario. Expulsions are governed by the Education Act, in accordance with Board Policy and Regulation and General Administrative Procedures.
Expulsion of a student is both an extremely serious matter and an infrequent occurrence. A student may be expelled on the grounds that his/her conduct is so refractory that his/her presence is injurious to other students.