O.C.V.I. School Procedures

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY & PLAGIARISM

Expectations

· Students are expected to appropriately acknowledge ideas/words borrowed from others. Plagiarism is considered a very serious offence.

Reasons & Consequences

· Students are expected to follow the accepted protocol.

· Students must conduct themselves in an accepted, ethical manner.

· O’Neill is attempting to be proactive in eliminating plagiarism and maintaining the academic integrity at the school.

· Plagiarized assignments may receive a mark of zero. (See course syllabus.)

· Cheating (including the intent to cheat) on tests, exams, or other assignments is determined by the teacher, in consultation with administration, and will result in a mark of zero.

· This could lead to Parent notification and possible suspension.

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is the taking of someone else’s information, ideas, or opinions and presenting them as if they are your own. Remember: Paraphrasing also requires referencing.

How do I prevent plagiarism? Follow good research techniques:

1. Take point form notes.

2. Reference all information within your assignment by using parenthetical documentation.

3. Include a separate page of work cited or reference list.

To avoid plagiarism, it is important that you properly reference the information you use. It is recommended that you keep copies of your rough drafts and works in progress. When you are researching, be sure to write down all vital referencing information so that you will be prepared when it is time to submit your assignment. Depending on the course, you will be expected to follow either the MLA or APA referencing guidelines. If you are unsure of the format required, check with your teacher.

PLAGIARISM PROTOCOL

O’Neill C.V.I. has an established Plagiarism Protocol. Each department, at the beginning of the course, will inform students of the nature of plagiarism, strategies for avoiding it, and possible consequences. See course syllabus for more information.

O’Neill C.V.I. teachers may use an electronic plagiarism prevention service to check for originality and proper citation of sources.

ATTENDANCE

Regular class attendance 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. Absenteeism is a major cause of failure at school. Regular and punctual attendance in all classes is required for academic success and for the sake of the learning environment in the classes. High subject attendance absences may be a result of participation in activities which take a student out of school (school-related activities) or may be an indication of truancy. Students are not penalized for missing classes due to school approved activities; they are expected to consult with their teachers in advance and complete work missed.

ABSENCES AND LATES

At our school, our greatest priorities are to ensure that all of our students are safe when at school and that they arrive safely each and every day.

All absences should be reported through SCHOOLMESSENGER®. This offers parents/guardians the ability to report student absences to their child's school via phone, internet or mobile app as well as receive notifications for both attendance and non-attendance related purposes.

Parent(s)/guardians may choose to report their child’s absence in advance, or before bell time for the current day in one of two ways:

1. Toll Free Number: 1-844-350-2646

2. Website: attendance.ddsb.ca

Online registration is not necessary for those parent(s)/guardians who only wish to use the toll free number to call in absences. Both phone and online options will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

EXTENDED ABSENCES

If you are planning on being away form school for a lengthy absence, you must complete the EXTENDED ABSENCE form, consult with all teachers and meet with their Vice-Principal 2 weeks prior to leaving.

SIGNING IN AND OUT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

All students must report to the office if leaving school during the school day. Unless a student is directed otherwise, a note or call from a parent is required to explain the reason for "signing out" during the day. A student who has taken ill or has been injured must report to the office. The receptionist will contact the parent(s)/guardians to make arrangements for signing out. Once a student is signed out he/she must leave the school immediately.

SCHOOL EVENTS & ATTENDANCE

Students are responsible for informing their teachers (sign-up sheet) of an extended absence due to an extra-curricular activity, or an extended school trip. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all work is completed.

Students with poor attendance, behaviour and poor academic performance may be denied the privilege of participating in school events, and other school related activities.

All the expectations for in-school behaviour apply during these events.

LATE FOR SCHOOL POLICY

Late arrival interrupts the teaching and learning process in the classroom. If students are late they must report directly to the office for a late slip. If a student continues to arrive late for class without permission, then there will be a progression of interventions to change this behaviour.

• Only those students with a parental/guardian note or phone call indicating a valid reason for the lateness will have an excused late. All other lates will be unexcused.

  • 5 lates- VP meeting and phone call or email home

  • 10 lates- letter home

  • 15 lates- VP meeting and Detention

  • 20 lates- in-school suspension

BICYCLES

Bicycles must be locked and stored in the designated area on the north side of the school (outside of the art rooms).

All cyclists should wear approved helmets. Students are expected to walk their bicycle on and off property and should not be riding through the parking lot.

BUSES

Expectations

· Students are expected to behave in a responsible and mature fashion which exhibits a respect for safe bus riding practices. Students must obey the directions of bus drivers at all times.

Reasons & Consequences

· O.C.V.I. students and staff support preventative safety measures.

· Safety of all those on the bus is a prime concern. If a driver’s attention is diverted from the road, a serious accident can occur.

· Persistent, unsafe behaviour may result in suspension of bus privileges to and from school. Parents will be notified.

CAFETERIA USE

Cafeteria supervisors and students appreciate your cooperation in:

• when finished eating exiting the cafeteria

• depositing all lunch litter in waste containers and recycle bins; leaving table and floor around you in a clean condition;

• not consuming food or drinks outside of designated eating areas except for classrooms supervised by a teacher for meetings or club activities;

The OCVI cafeteria will be opening on September 26th, 2022 for full service.

COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL HARMONY

Expectations

· O’Neill C.V.I. will not tolerate behaviour by students, staff, parents, or community members which insults, degrades, or stereotypes any race, gender sexuality, sexual orientation, physical condition, ethnic group, or religion. Staff and students must report any such behaviour to administration immediately

Reasons & Consequences

· Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

· A student has the right to make a formal complaint if he/she has been harassed. Speak to your teacher, Administrator and/or Student Services.

BULLYING PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

Bullying is a typical form of repeated, persistent, and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.

Bullying Prevention and Intervention is part of Durham District School Board (DDSB) Safe Schools initiative. Bullying is a serious issue that can affect individuals, families and the community at large. If students who are bullied, who bully others, or who witness bullying receive support, they can learn effective strategies for interacting positively with others.

Students, parents, guardians, friends and witnesses can report incidents. You can report an incident that takes place on or off school property. Reports can be made to any staff member at O’Neill C.V.I. or anonymously through the Report Bullying Now link located on DDSB and O’Neill C.V.I. websites.

For more information on Bullying Prevention and Intervention please use: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/family-and-community-support/bullying-prevention-and-intervention.aspx

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Conflicts in a school setting disrupt the school and community. To deal with a situation proactively before conflict occurs:

· Students must contact a teacher, counsellor, or administrator immediately. Students who are experiencing difficulty are expected to bring their concerns to the attention of staff so issues can be resolved before they escalate.

· Students encouraging conflict will face school consequences. Any refusal to clear the area immediately will result in consequences.

· Students involved in disruptive conflicts (such as verbal abuse, harassment, threats, profanity) will be referred to the office.

· Students who have a disagreement with a teacher are expected to deal with the situation in an appropriate time, place, and manner.

· Students who are asked to leave the classroom by the teacher must report to the office immediately.

· Students who are directed to the office by any staff member must do so without question.

· Students must provide their full name when requested by a staff member.

· Penalties for misconduct range from a warning to detentions to suspensions or expulsion.

· No matter what the provocation, any physical conflict will result in consequences for those involved. Play-fighting is unacceptable at school. Students should expect police involvement for any violent incident in a school.

GOOD NEIGHBOUR POLICY

Expectations

· Students will not congregate at the Mary St. and Adelaide St. stores, on the sidewalks, or near the stores.

· Students will not gather at or sit on curbs or neighbourhood lawns in the O’Neill area.

· Please note, Lakeridge Health is currently NOT available for student use.

Reasons & Consequences

· The good reputation of the school is the responsibility of all staff and students.

· The staff and students of O.C.V.I. are expected to ensure that our neighbours are treated with consideration and respect.

· Violation of the “good neighbour” policy may result in suspension and police involvement.

CRIME STOPPERS

A student who wishes to anonymously report information about crime in the school may call the Crime Stoppers community telephone hotline, 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Crime Stoppers does not use call display. You never have to give your name, meet with police or go to court. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward.

COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY- ACCEPTABLE AND SAFE USE

Students are responsible for properly taking care of Chromebooks on loan from the DDSB. In the event of damage, the student should inform the OCVI LAN Administrator, A. Colatosti, and bring the device in for review. Any issues where there is no evidence of physical damage will be repaired by the DDSB at no charge. In the event where there is physical damage, the student/guardian will be charged a fee to repair or replace as required. If a student loses their Chromebook or charger, a full replacement charge will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Parent(s)/guardians will be informed by Administration and provided an invoice for the repairs and/or replacement of the Chromebook.

Expectations

Students will comply with all school, Durham District and Ontario Code of Conduct rules and practices concerning the use of computers, the Internet and Digital Classrooms. Computers must be used appropriately by all students and staff. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:

· disruption of the use of the network by others

· including unauthorized connecting/disconnecting computer equipment

· harassment of others

· destruction or damage of equipment

· exiting to DOS without permission from teacher

· adding or deleting files from the network

· appropriation of data or software

Reasons & Consequences

· Access to the computers and the Internet is a privilege.

· Computer and Internet use is intended for legitimate educational use only.

· Students who use these resources in an inappropriate way may: be denied the privilege of continued use, face suspension/expulsion, and face legal action.

Students are NOT permitted to tamper with the school computer system. Tampering with the school computer system will lead to police involvement and prosecution under the Criminal Code, Section 430, Subsection 1.1 MISCHIEF RELATED TO DATA.

All computer users must be aware of and comply with the Durham District School Board’s Acceptable and Safe Use Procedure #3101 available for viewing through the board web site or at https://www.ddsb.ca/en/family-and-community-support/resources/Documents/ACCEPTABLE-AND-SAFE-USE-PROCEDURE-Secondary.pdf. Acceptable and Safe Use Procedure for Computer Technology and Student Moodle Agreement forms must be signed and on file each school year with O’Neill C.V.I. prior to student computer access and use.

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES (E.G. SKIP THE DISHES, UBER EATS, DOORDASH)

No food deliveries will be accepted at O'Neill CVI. Any deliveries arriving at OCVI will be sent back by Administration.

IDENTIFICATION

Students, who refuse to identify themselves, or give false identification when requested by staff, may be suspended.

HALL PASSES

Students are expected to have a hall pass from their classroom teacher if walking in the halls during class time. Students may be asked to show their pass by a staff member. There is a 15/15 rule- students are expected to not be in the halls for the first and last 15 minutes of the period.

LITTER, VANDALISM, THEFT & LOITERING

Expectations

· Students are expected to respect school property and the neighbourhood (school area, equipment, grounds, school buses, parking area, neighbourhood houses/stores, etc.) and report incidents of littering, vandalism, theft and loitering.

· Students will not be in halls without a Hall Pass during class time.

· Students with spares are not to be in the halls during class time.

· Students who are expected to clean up after themselves.

Reasons & Consequences

· It is everyone’s duty to share in maintaining a clean, healthy and safe environment.

· Vandalism and theft are criminal offences.

· Vandalism and theft will result in police involvement; suspensions and replacement/repair of damaged items/property

NUISANCE ITEMS

The Durham District School Board has banned laser pointers from all schools. If you bring a laser pointer or other nuisance items (e.g. water guns) to school, then they may be confiscated, and you may face a suspension. Other nuisance items include air horns, mega phones, water guns and any other items deemed a nuisance to teaching and learning.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Online activity by staff, students and parents/guardians that is directly or indirectly related to school should comply with the School Code of Conduct, in particular, that a school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and safety in the teaching and learning environments.

Respectful use of personal electronic devices is expected when on school property. Electronic devices are to be turned off during class, unless deemed appropriate by the teaching staff and/or school administration for educational purposes and permission is granted. No phone calls are permitted within the school building.

In keeping with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, unauthorized video or audio recording on school grounds for any purpose is prohibited. Further, the taking of photos, filming or recording while at school or at a school related activity is prohibited unless approved by DDSB staff for educational purposes. In particular, the use of cameras for filming and/or recording is strictly prohibited in washrooms and changerooms. The taking of photos, filming or recording, or the broadcasting of live audio and/or video, while at school or at a school related activity, is prohibited unless approved by the DDSB (or school), and/or where proper consents have been obtained, as may be appropriate.

REPORTING TO THE OFFICE

When instructed by staff to report to the office a student must comply. Failure to do so may result in suspension or other school consequence.

SKATEBOARDS / LONGBOARDS & ROLLERBLADES

Expectations

· The use of skateboards and roller blades is not permitted on O’Neill property. Roller blades must be taken on and off at the sidewalk. While on school property, skateboards and roller blades are to be stored in lockers.

Reasons & Consequences

· Student safety, liability and property damage.

· Skateboards and rollerblades may be confiscated.

· Repeat offences may result in suspension and/or the loss of the privilege to bring rollerblades and skateboards to school.

SCHOOL NOTICES AND POSTERS

Expectations

· All posters/notices and their location in the school must be approved with a signature of a Vice-Principal or Principal.

· Bulletin boards and the cafeteria may be used for displaying approved names/posters.

· Only school-related/sponsored activities may be advertised.

· Students are responsible for the removal of the approved material they put up.

Reasons & Consequences

· Safety and Security

· Promote student self-management and organization.

· It is everyone’s duty to have a share in maintaining a clean, healthy and safe environment.

SMOKING

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) regulates the sale, supply, display, promotion and smoking of tobacco and cannabis, as well the vaping of any substance.

The Act, along with the School Code of Conduct, prohibits the smoking of tobacco or cannabis (medical and recreational) as well as the vaping of any substance on school property and within 20 metres of school property.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act also makes it illegal to sell or supply any of the following to a person under the age of 19 years old:

1. A tobacco product.

2. A vapour product.

3. A prescribed product or substance.

It is now a requirement for the school to inform Durham Regional Health of anyone who is violating this law. Fines include a $305 fine for those smoking and a $490 fine for those providing or sharing tobacco.

This law applies to everyone including students, staff, parents and visitors and is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.

SPECIAL MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Parent(s)/guardians must inform the school of the special medical requirements of students; e.g., EPIPEN. A student who requires a Medical Alert bracelet must wear it at all times.

STUDENT PARKING & VEHICLES

Students are encouraged to use public transit to help prevent traffic congestion.

Expectations

• Students must apply for a parking permit at the school office in order to park on school property. Permits are not transferable.

• Student permit-holders may park in assigned parking spots only. All other spots are reserved. Students are encouraged to arrive at school early as student parking spaces are limited. Having a student permit does not guarantee a parking space.

• Student permit-holders will operate motor vehicles in a safe and sensible manner.

• Students are expected to lock their vehicles and vacate the parking lot directly.

• Students will not sit in parked cars or stand anywhere close to parked cars. Students are to enter their vehicles and depart promptly from the parking lot in an orderly manner.

• The school is not responsible for the safety/security of student cars or their contents.

Reasons & Consequences

• Parking at the school is limited. Staff, visitors and students will have assigned parking areas.

• Emergencies may necessitate fire trucks, ambulances or other vehicle access.

• Students loitering in the parking area present concerns regarding safety and property.

• Student vehicles without parking permits and student vehicles parked in areas other than those authorized, may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense. Students will also receive disciplinary action from school administration.

• Parking privileges will be removed and other discipline may result.

STUDY HALL PERIOD

Senior students with a study period may leave the school property or go to the Learning Commons (library) within 5 minutes of the period start. Students must not loiter in the halls and/or disturb other classes.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

Security cameras are in operation for safety of students, staff and visitors. Persons on school premises are subject to video recording.