Code of Conduct

Statement of Purpose:
A safe, caring, and orderly school environment is essential to successful teaching, learning, and understanding. In fostering a positive climate that supports learning, appropriate standards and expectations to guide behaviour are identified in our Code of Conduct. There is a need for a balance between individual and collective rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. These expectations consider the importance for individuals to be active participants in a safe and caring school community. As such, there is a focus on personal development, social interactions, and community responsibility.

Respect for Human Rights:
In fostering a community of respect, inclusion, fairness, and equity, we expect persons to not discriminate based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or cognitive ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age. The Human Rights Code [RSBC 1996] Chapter 210 will be respected.

Rights and Responsibilities:
Underlying the Code of Conduct are rights and responsibilities that include the following:

• You have the right to learn. You have the responsibility to actively participate and be a responsible learner
• You have the right to be respected. You have the responsibility to respect others.
• You have the right to be safe. You have the responsibility to behave safely and protect the safety of others.
• You have the right to privacy and security of personal space. You have the responsibility to respect the property and privacy of others.
• You have the right to use school district equipment and property in accordance with school rules and with care and respect.

General Expectations:
It is expected the entire school community will work together to create a healthy, safe, and positive climate. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to:

• Encourage socially responsible behaviour resulting in a positive reputation for students and the school community.
• Foster a safe and welcoming learning environment for all members of the school community.
• Communicate behaviour expectations to the school community.

Rising Expectations:
Expectations for student conduct for younger students differ from those for older students. It is expected that, as students move through successive grades, become older and more mature, they will be more socially responsible and practice greater self-discipline. As such, older students may face increased consequences for inappropriate behaviour.

It must be understood that the behaviours our students undertake within the community, both in and out of regular school hours, may impact our educational environment. Once these behaviours enter our school and negatively influence education and our school climate, students become subject to questioning and recommendation for behavioural change. We are a school and community wrapped in one.

Each student at Westview Secondary School is subject to the Code of Conduct while on the school premises, in going to and returning from school, at any school-related function at any location, while representing the school, and in any circumstances/activity that will have an impact on the school environment.

Responses to Code of Conduct Violations:
Many factors are considered when responding to a violation of this Code of Conduct:

• Responses to unacceptable conduct will be judicious, thoughtful, consistent, and fair.
• The focus of any intervention will be preventative and restorative in nature, rather than merely punitive.
• Wherever possible, students will be encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful interventions through discussion and mediation.
• Decisions will be made with respect to the individual, while considering age, maturity, and past conduct.
• Special considerations may apply to students with special needs who are unable to comply with expectations due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioural nature.
• Every effort will be made to support students. However, if there are ongoing conduct issues after having implemented interventions, progressive discipline may include, but is not limited to suspension, change of program, change of school, or involvement of the police when behaviour includes a criminal code violation.
• When the whole school community needs to be reassured that a serious situation is being addressed, school officials may inform: the parents/guardians of all students involved, parents/guardians of all students at Westview, school district officials, the police, and other agencies.
• Reasonable steps will be taken by the school and the Board to prevent retaliation against the person who reported the Code of Conduct issue.
• From School District 42 Safe, Caring and Healthy Schools Policy 9410: “For purposes of enforcing school rules, Principals and Vice-Principals may conduct searches of students, lockers, and any other property found on school premises in accordance with the procedures set out in relevant district regulations.”

 Academic Integrity
Students must not plagiarize work. Plagiarism involves presenting ideas, words, or work created by others or by technological assistance (e.g., Artificial Intelligence) as if they are one’s own without referencing the original source. Students are expected to complete their own work.

Responses to Plagiarism, include:

• May be required to complete assessments and learning activities under strict invigilated conditions until the level of trust is regained.
• May result in other consequences as determined by Administration in consultation with teacher (e.g., redo assessment or assignment).

Appearance and Attire
The school district is committed to providing students with learning environments that are safe, responsive, and inclusive. The district recognizes that decisions about attire reflect individual expression of identity, socio-cultural norms, and that they are personal.

• Students may attend school and school related functions in dress of their choice provided that their choices:
• Conform with established health and safety requirements for the intended activity.
• Do not represent or promote weapons, gang culture, alcohol, or drugs.
• Use respectful language.
• Do not depict or promote violence, racism, sexism, or discrimination: and are not intimidating to others.

If a student’s attire of choice is called to question, the student should be advised personally and discreetly and given an opportunity to meeting school district guidelines:

School District 42 Safe, Caring and Healthy School Policy 9410 sec 3(g)

Each school should adopt a dress code that attempts to balance individual liberty, social convention, functionality, and school community values.

Attendance
Acceptable Conduct:

• Attending regularly in your assigned class under direct supervision of a teacher.
• Arriving on time for class.
• Informing the school of illness or reasons for absences.
• Signing out at the office if leaving before the end of the school day.
• Responses to attendance concerns may include student-teacher conversations involvement of parent/guardian/caregiver, referral to Counselling and Administration.

Harassment, Bullying, Intimidation and Physical Altercation
All members of the school community, including students and staff, must be treated with respect through a display of appropriate behaviour and speech. Students are expected to learn how to resolve issues non-violently and seek adult support to help mediate differences.

Students who watch (bystanders), film, encourage, promote, or participate in fighting are subject to consequences. It is expected that students who are aware of possible fights will report (anonymously, if necessary) the potential conflict/assault.

Harassment, Bullying, Intimidation is defined by the Ministry of Education and Childcare as “any unwelcome or unwanted act or comment that is hurtful, degrading, humiliating, or offensive to another person. Of particular concern is when the harassing behaviour persists after the aggressor has been asked to stop.” Please refer to the SD 42 Safe and Caring Schools Policy for further information.

Discriminatory behaviours (e.g., inappropriate jokes, innuendoes, insults, exclusion, or putdowns) based on the following, but not limited to, include: a person’s body, appearance, capacity, race, ability, religion, attire, age, economic status, ethnicity or national origin, real and/or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, etc., will not be tolerated. Please refer to the Human Rights Code on Discrimination sec 7.

Consequences may involve mediation, restitution, suspension, and RCMP involvement. Spectators and bystanders may also face consequences including suspension.

Weapons, Fireworks and Explosives
Any student engaging in promoting, possessing or distributing weapons, fireworks or other explosives will face disciplinary action, which may include suspension and the involvement of the Fire Department and RCMP. Please refer to School District 42 Policy 9420.

Illegal Substances
Students under the influence or in possession of illegal substances at school or at school events will be subject to disciplinary action and may include referral to a counsellor/assessment program, referral to district supports, and RCMP involvement.

Students who want support or have concerns regarding drug or alcohol use should see the Counsellors and/or a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Worker.

Electronic Devices and Technology
At Westview Secondary students are not permitted to use personal digital devices during instructional time. There may be situations when the school permits a student to use a personal digital device for inclusion and accessibility. Examples of those are digital literacy, communication, medical and health needs and as defined by an individual education plan.

Facilities and Equipment
Conduct expectations:

• To care for the school and property including resources, lockers, furniture, and school equipment.
• Students, staff, and guests are expected to keep the school facilities and grounds clean and tidy.
• Lockers are school equipment and are loaned to students.
• Students and staff are expected to know and abide by Health and Safety rules in each learning space.
• Students and staff are responsible for borrowed equipment and resources and must return them in similar condition as when issued. If a resource is lost or damaged, the student may be charged the replacement cost.
• Everyone should exemplify safe, careful, and courteous behaviour when operating motorized and non-motorized modes of transport on and around school property.

Intruders and Trespassers
Intruders and trespassers may warrant immediate RCMP intervention. Those who do not comply and pose a threat to the school will be served with a Section 177 letter as per the School Act. Any student(s) involved in inviting or organizing such guests may also face consequences.