Code of Conduct and Bullying

CODE OF CONDUCT

The School Code of Conduct comprises principles, standards of behavior, identification of disruptive behaviours and consequences of non-compliance. Its purpose is to set the context for a safe and productive learning environment, by outlining expected behavior in safe and caring schools. It also provides a framework for the development and implementation of provincial, board and school level discipline policies in reference to guideline regulations under the Education Act, and safe schools initiatives.

The basic underlying premise of the Code of Conduct is RESPECT whereby all are required to exhibit behaviour that shows respect for the rights, property and safety of themselves and others.

Standards of Behaviour

School members will:

• • show respect for the rights, property, and safety of themselves and others,

  • respect and appreciate diversity of all school members regardless of their race, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality orientation, age, and ability,

  • express themselves with socially acceptable language and gestures,

  • exhibit behavior that avoids all forms of intimidation, harassment, racism and discrimination,

  • dress in accordance with school dress standards,

  • treat school property and the property of others with a reasonable standard of care,

  • respect the responsibility of all school members in exercising their duties,

  • promote positive behavior through the avoidance of all types of violent acts,

  • refrain from the possession of any form of a weapon on school property,

  • refrain from the possession of and being under the influence of all forms of intoxicants on school property; and

  • as appropriate, attend classes, activities, and events and be prepared and punctual,

  • use all technology for educational purposes and refrain from use for bullying/ intimidation purposes.

Disruptive Behavior

Behavior that is not serious enough to significantly interrupt the learning climate of the school, endanger the well-being of others, or damage school property is classified as disruptive. Examples of disruptive behavior may include:

• • chronic minor offences

  • smoking

  • profanity

  • disrespect or insubordination

  • failure to obey instructions

  • forging notes or excuses

  • non-attendance or poor attendance in school or specific classes

  • loitering in school areas when asked not to

  • petty stealing

  • fighting (shoving, pushing, or scuffling)

  • bullying

  • other acts of misconduct that are disruptive or that may create a potential safety hazard

Severely Disruptive Behavior

Behavior that is serious enough to significantly disrupt the learning climate of the school, endanger the well-being of others, or damage school property is classified as severely disruptive. Examples of severely disruptive behavior include:

• vandalism

• disruptions to school operations

• verbal abuse

• racial and/or discriminatory misconduct

• sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, or physical abuse

• physical violence

• use or possession of weapons

• illegal activity

Disruptive Behaviour – All students are expected to behave in an appropriate manner while on school property. The classroom teacher often deals with minor student misbehavior, however when a teacher is confronted by repeated or extreme misbehavior, it will be dealt with by the administration or guidance. All discipline issues will be documented.

Attendance – Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and parents will notify the school if your child will be absent.

Arrival at School – Students are expected to be in all classes at the required times. Students who are late at the beginning of the morning or afternoon must obtain a late slip before entering class. Students who are late between classes do not need a late slip and the classroom teacher will enter the late into the computer. Excessive late will result in detention, loss of privileges or suspension.

Gum Chewing – MCHS has a policy where gum is permitted. Students are permitted as long as it does not become disruptive, or misused.

Smoking – Smoking is forbidden on all school property and will be strictly enforced.

White Out – In order to facilitate school maintenance and protect personal property, white out is not to be used by students while on the premises.

School Bus – All students are expected to behave in a responsible and safe manner while on a school bus or risk losing bus privileges.

Fighting/Intimidation – Students are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect. Fighting, bullying, and other forms of intimidation and harassment are strictly forbidden in all circumstances.

Text Books – Students are responsible for the care and safe keeping of textbooks given to them by the school and may be responsible for restitution if the expected level of care has not been shown.

Clothing – Students are expected to dress according to accepted standards of neatness and modesty and are prohibited from wearing clothing with suggestive/offensive clothing or clothing with double meaning. Administration reserves the right in determining what is, and is not appropriate. Plese refer to our Dress Code Policy for further information.

Allergies – Many students and staff have allergies to foods and scents which can have harmful effects on their health. Students are to use scent free products (deodorants, shampoo, hair spray, etc.) and cologne/perfume is strictly prohibited. As a result, students may be sent home to wash or change clothing. If scented products are deliberately sprayed in school, a suspension will occur.

Many students have peanut and egg allergies. Students must refrain from bringing these products to school. Students who ignore the health and rights of others may receive detention and/or suspension.

Hats and Jackets – Students are required to remove hats and jackets before they enter the classroom and place them in an assigned locker. They are not permitted to take them into class.

Lockers – Students can go to their lockers during homeroom, recess, lunch, afterschool NOT during or between classes. There is no locker fee, but there is a $7.00 replacement fee for a lost lock. All students will be assigned a locker and lock and MUST use it.

Prohibited Area: Students are not permitted in the back parking lot at any time.

Electronic Devices – Cameras, cell phones, MP3 players and voice recorders are strictly prohibited from use within the school at all times unless school personnel give explicit permission. (More on Electronic Devices)

BULLYING

To report a case of bullying/cyberbullying please click here

Bullying means behavior, typically repeated, that is intended to cause or should be known to cause fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, reputation or property, and can be direct or indirect, and includes assisting or encouraging the behaviour in any way. This can include cyberbullying which is a means of bullying electronically that occurs through the use of technology, including computers or other electronic devices, social networks, text messaging, instant messaging, websites or e-mail. All reports of bullying will be investigated and evidence of such will warrant severe consequences.

While initial bullying may take place outside of the school environment, it may still be dealt with by administration if a student is fearful for their safety while at school, or on their way to or from school. Bullying will not be tolerated.

Bullying should be reported directly to administration or other school staff. Students can also anonymously inform administration by emailing school administration at mhs@gnspes.ca