Expectations Regarding Behaviour, Achievement and Attendance                    

 

The KCVI Code of Student Behaviour outlines, in detail, expectations regarding responsibilities, achievement, and attendance. Students are expected to meet the requirements of all courses to the best of their ability, to respect the rights of other students and all school personnel, to respect school property and to exercise self-discipline.

 

We recognize that a student’s education is not limited to the formal deliberation inside the classroom. Alternatives such as private study and travel also provide educational experience. Nevertheless, regular class attendance, day-to-day achievement and class participation are key components of student success.

 

The Education Amendment Act

 

The Education Amendment Act (Progressive Discipline and School Safety), passed by the Provincial Legislature in June 2007, revised the previous Safe Schools Act (2000).  The Act provides a basis for the Limestone District School Board’s Procedure AP350: Safe Schools: Codes of Student Behaviour and Discipline Policy and Policy #13: Safe Schools: Appeal of a Suspension.

 

Activities Leading To Possible Suspension

 

A principal shall consider whether to suspend a student if he/she believes that the student has engaged in any of the following activities while at school, at a school-related activity, or in any other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on school climate:

 

 

 

Activities Leading to Suspension Pending Expulsion

 

A principal shall suspend a student if he or she believes that the student has engaged in any of the following activities while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate:

 

When a student is on a suspension pending expulsion, the principal must conduct an investigation to determine whether to recommend to the board that the student be expelled.

 

Definitions

 

Intruders/Trespassers on School Property

All visitors to the school are required to report to the main office. The presence of unfamiliar/suspicious persons on school property poses a personal threat to students and staff. Since the possible motives/responses of such persons are unknown, it is important that students report the location of the intruder to the first staff member available and not approach or try to communicate with intruders. Following this procedure will help ensure the safety of all members of the KCVI learning community.

 

Prohibited Items/Weapons

No student may be in possession of any item, whether “Prohibited” or “Non-Prohibited” under the criminal code, that could be classified as a weapon. A weapon is any device or instrument used to intimidate, threaten or inflict harm. Possession of a weapon(s) will result in mandatory suspension or expulsion, as well as police involvement and possible criminal charges.  

 

An Abridged Version of the KCVI Code of Behaviour

 

This Code of Conduct is in effect while on school property, during school field trips, at all school-sponsored events, or while visiting other schools of the Limestone District School Board.

 

Responsibilities of Students

 

Students shall exercise self-discipline in language, conduct and deportment to fulfil their role as responsible members of the student community within their school. Every student is responsible for his or her conduct related to all staff and members of the school community and, ultimately, is accountable to the principal of the school that the student attends:

·         on the premises;

·         during the regular school day;

·         while participating in out-of-school activities that are part of the school curricular and co-instructional programs;

·         while traveling on a school bus that is operated by or under contract with Limestone District School Board;

·         while engaging in acts off school property which transmit into the school, significantly affecting the tone or dynamics of the school or the safety of its members.

 

Program Obligation

 

The degree of success and achievement you enjoy in your courses will depend on your effort and motivation to do your best. At the beginning of each semester, you will be given a course profile handout which describes the objectives, content and evaluation for each course. You have the responsibility to become familiar with your course profile, and to come to class prepared to learn.

 

Academic Honesty

 

When one cheats, one degrades the academic integrity of the school. This will not be tolerated. The integrity of the educational community and scholarly pursuit is reliant upon the foundation of academic honesty. All students have the right to earn grades that reflect their achievement and to be assured that they and their peers will have equitable opportunities for success within a fair setting.

 

You have the responsibility to demonstrate that you are able to meet course expectations in each of your classes, and to know what constitutes plagiarism, so that you can avoid it. To demonstrate your achievement, you must approach all assessment activities with honesty and you must ensure that your actions will not compromise the academic integrity of the school.

 

Probable Consequences - Academic Dishonesty

If you commit academic dishonesty, you forfeit the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to meet course expectations which could negatively affect your mark and may even result in a failing grade. Furthermore, your actions will be regarded as a discipline infraction resulting in an interview with a Vice-Principal, notification to your parent or guardian if you are under 18 years of age, a remedial package and possible suspension.

 

Meeting Classroom Deadlines

 

Deadlines allow teachers and students to manage time in their courses throughout the semester. They also help students to be assured that everyone has fair and equitable opportunities for achievement within a class.

 

You have the responsibility to meet classroom deadlines. If a legitimate cause prevents you from meeting a deadline, you are responsible for alerting your teacher of your concern prior to the stated deadline and for requesting an extension.

 

Probable Consequences - Missing Classroom Deadlines

If through neglect you miss a deadline, your teacher may elect not to accept your assignment. Your teacher may require you to meet the relevant course expectations through another context or to record that you have not met the course expectations. In either case, the consequence may affect your evaluation negatively and may even result in a failing grade.

 

 

Attendance - 544-9051

 

The provincial law of Ontario requires that “a pupil shall attend class punctually and regularly” and is excused from attendance ... “if he or she is unable to attend by reason of sickness or other unavoidable cause.” Regular attendance offers you the opportunity to achieve your credits. It is expected that parents will notify the school in advance of any planned absence (doctor’s appointment, family vacation, etc.) and that students take on the responsibility for assignments and tests missed during their absence. Students may be excused for extended vacations upon written request to the Principal, but this practice is not encouraged. If there is a serious illness, where it is possible, work will be sent home.

 

You have the responsibility:

·         To attend school every day and attend all classes throughout the day.

·         To have your parent notify the school by phone or in writing of your absence providing a reason for that absence. (Students who are 18 or older may write their own notes.)

·         To report to the attendance office if you wish to leave the school during the school day.

·         To have your parent contact the Principal in writing at least one month prior to an upcoming planned absence and fill out the assignment sheet from the main office.

·         To arrive at class on time.

 

Probable Consequences - Attendance Problems

Each day telephone calls are made to the homes of students with an unexplained absence. If truancy is discovered, you will be reported to the Vice Principal. Subject teachers regularly communicate with the school’s Administration and with parents about student absenteeism. In most cases diminished progress and lower marks are the natural consequences of absence from classes. If you skip classes, your parents will be notified. If the truancy continues, a number of things could happen: you may be given detentions; your parents may be invited in for an interview with you, the Vice Principal and/or your teachers; a referral may be made to the Student Services Department; you may be placed on an attendance contract; you may be removed from the course; the Board’s attendance counsellor may be asked to visit your home; or, as a last resort, you may be suspended from school.

 

Dress and Personal Appearance

Your appearance reflects your respect for yourself and for others. Wearing inappropriate clothing demonstrates insensitivity and a lack of respect for others. As well, such behaviour interferes with our ability to provide educational opportunities for all students in a positive, respectful and non-threatening environment.

 

You have the responsibility to dress in clothes which are appropriate to the school setting, i.e. clothing that reflects respect for the public nature of the school environment. Your clothing should be such that it does not demean others, is not vulgar or suggestive in nature, and does not cause undue distraction for teachers or students.

 

Probable Consequences - Dress or Personal Appearance Problems

If your clothing is considered by a teacher or the administration to be inappropriate to the school setting or offensive to others, you may be asked to change into something else and not to wear the offending article of clothing to school in the future. Non-compliance could result in suspension.

 

 

 

Respect for the School Environment

 

Staff and students have the right to feel safe in a healthy environment which is neat, clean, safe, litter-free, smoke-free and free from theft.

 

You have the responsibility to:

·         keep your school premises clean and free from litter;

·         use the recycle bins and waste receptacles provided under our recycling program;

·         take proper care of your textbooks, locker and equipment which are the property of the Board;

·         refrain from engaging in any type of theft or vandalism;

·         refrain from using any tobacco products on school property;

·         refrain from using skateboards and roller blades in the school; and

·         follow guidelines established for computer use.

 

Probable Consequences - School Environment

If you litter, you will be directed to pick up the litter. If you lose or damage equipment, you will be expected to pay to replace the equipment. Serious vandalism or theft will result in police involvement and/or suspension. If you violate computer guidelines, you could lose access to the computers and you could be suspended. First time offences for smoking will automatically result in a one-day suspension and could result in a fine from the Tobacco Enforcement Officer. Repeated offences will result in longer suspensions.

 

Respect for Self and Others

 

All staff and students have the right to learn and work in a friendly, supportive environment where they are trusted with responsibility and treated with respect.

 

You have the responsibility to:

·         respect the opinions, ideas and work of others;

·         express yourself to all staff and students in a polite and considerate manner;

·         exercise self-discipline at all times with respect to language and conduct.

 

Pagers and cellular phones must be turned off during classes and assemblies. The use of recording devices such as cameras, video/DVD recorders, etc., is not permitted at school or at a school event unless permission has been granted by the appropriate staff member (e.g. Yeardisk videographer or a pre-approved class project).

 

Probable Consequences - Respect for Self and others

If you choose to practice behaviour which disrupts the learning environment, you will be counselled by your teacher to make other choices. Continued infractions will lead to a meeting with the Administration and may result, where appropriate, in further counselling, and/or suspension.

 

The Right to Be Safe

 

You, along with other students and staff, have a right to a safe learning environment. We value differences in our midst and treat each other with dignity and respect. Any conduct which threatens our safe learning environment and the mental, emotional or physical well being of our staff and students will not be tolerated in the KCVI learning community.

 

Probable Consequences - Safe Environment

Individual cases involving this type of behaviour will be dealt with under the guidelines of The Education Amendment Act (Progressive Discipline and School Safety). The use of force or threatened use of force is an assault and is a criminal offence. Intimidation for the purpose of compelling or preventing someone from doing something that they are entitled to do is also an offence under the criminal code. Disciplinary actions include suspension pending expulsion and police involvement.

 

Alcohol and Drug Policy

 

The Limestone District School Board has in effect a “zero tolerance” policy regarding the possession or apparent consumption of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs. Offences against the policy will result in an automatic five day suspension for the first offence, ten day suspension for the second offence and counselling as required. In addition to this, the police may be involved and charges may be laid. Readmission of the suspended student to the school will be considered during an interview involving the school Administration, the student and the parent or guardian of the student. A suspension is in effect 24 hours a day at any Limestone District School Board school activity, field trip, sport activity, student conference, or any other Board-sponsored event.

 

Network and Internet

 

Acceptable Use:

 

The Board of Education provides network resources to support research and education by its students and staff. Therefore, use of the network must be consistent with educational objectives of the Limestone District School Board and limited to uses related to administration, education and research. Use of remote computing sites and network services providers must comply with rules appropriate for those sites and networks.

 

Prohibited Use:

 

Prohibited use includes, but is not limited to:

·         uses which violate any federal or provincial legislation, including but not limited to copyright laws.

·         uses of a defamatory, malicious, inappropriate, abusive, obscene, profane or sexually explicit nature.

·         uses which constitute harassment on the basis of race, sex or ability.

·         uses which threaten or intimidate others.

·         uses which violate or infringe upon the rights of any other person.

·         uses which unduly interfere with the work of other users or computer systems, or seriously disrupt the network or system.

·         uses related to political lobbying or commercial activities such as the unsolicited distribution of advertising material and sale of products and services.

·         uses which violate the published acceptable use guidelines of network service providers or remote computing sites.

·         uses which encourage the use of controlled substances or the use of the system for the purpose of inciting to crime.

·         vandalism, including but not limited to, the creating or passing of computer viruses, which is a federal offence and could be prosecuted.

·         any alteration of the software set-up on any equipment unless with the permission of the System Administrator.

 

All use must be in accordance with the following policies and procedures: the Criminal Code of Canada, the Ontario Education Act, Limestone District School Board Policies, and any additional use prohibited in the relevant school’s Code of Behaviour.