Policies and Procedures

Student Conduct and Behaviour Policy

Students will: 

• be respectful and courteous to teachers, visitors, students and all other members of the O’Donel community.

• deal with disagreements with teachers in a mature, respectful manner outside of class time.

• be punctual for all classes.

• possess all necessary materials (including text books, calculators, pens and/or pencils, math sets, etc.) for each session of classes before homeroom in both the morning and afternoon.  Access to lockers between classes is strongly discouraged as student movement through corridors is greatly impeded when students are opening lockers between classes.

• always behave in a cooperative manner.  Disruptive or violent behaviour will not be tolerated.

• be in attendance for all school activities.

• cooperate and assist the maintenance staff in maintaining a clean and pleasant school environment.

• complete all homework assignments and projects as instructed by teachers.

• follow teacher requests and directives, especially those that require students to report to the office.  

Harassment, Bullying, Hazing and Other Violence Issues

Name calling, verbal, electronic or physical harassment, bullying, hazing and all other violent acts are completely prohibited.  Anyone who has knowledge of these acts is asked to immediately speak with a teacher, the guidance counsellor or the administration.  Full investigations and school and legal interventions (as required) will be pursued.  All O’Donel members have the right to a safe and comfortable learning and working environment.

Dress Code

School is a formal learning environment. It is a work setting, not a play setting.  The proper tone and atmosphere of the school are reflected in the way our students and staff are dressed.  Furthermore, we are a senior high school and have representatives from business, post-secondary institutions, and government as frequent visitors to the school.  It is imperative for us to be conscious of projecting a good image to the community and for students to learn how to dress appropriately.  If your attire is not appropriate you will be directed to change your clothing before admittance to class.

Here are some simple guidelines which outline our dress code:

• Clothing will not be permitted to be worn in school which may be considered by the O’Donel staff/administration to be outside the acceptable norms of modesty and good taste. 

• Remember that emergency evacuations can occur in any weather – which is another reason that proper clothing is essential.

• Clothing with obvious references to alcohol, sex, drugs or containing offensive printed material is not permitted.

• Outdoor jackets should not be worn in class as this contributes to students becoming too warm which leads to students being drowsy.

• The dress code is in effect every school day including exam days and at school-related functions that take place outside school.

Bus Conduct

All students are reminded of the importance of bus safety.  Students who engage in destruction of bus property, smoking, disruptive behaviour, or in any way endanger the safety of passengers or who are disrespectful of the bus driver, will be denied school bus transportation.

Cafeteria Conduct

Proper conduct is to be observed in the cafeteria.

1. The choice and volume of music are at the discretion of the supervising teacher.

2. Students are to ensure their eating area is left tidy before they leave.  All trays must be returned to the table provided

3. Students are to sit at tables while eating and are not permitted to stand against the heaters.  

Vending Machines (available at recess as well)

Due to long delays in reaching class on time and disruptions to classes meeting in the cafeteria, student access to vending machines is not permitted at the change of classes or during class time.  Bathroom permission does not permit use of the vending machines.  Food and drink are never permitted in classrooms without the expressed permission of teachers for special activities.  If there is an extenuating reason why you need to use the vending machines during classes, please obtain a note from your teacher before proceeding.

Card Playing and Gambling Games

Any games being played for the purpose of gambling are not permitted on school property.  No card playing is permitted during class time.

Skateboards/Rollerblades or other wheeled devices

These are not to be used anywhere on school property where there is any potential danger to students, cars and property.  They must always be stored in your locker.

Electronic Devices and CELL PHONE PROTOCOL

The staff at O’Donel High School acknowledges the importance of technology in the present and future lives of our students and in a number of instances; we believe personal electronic devices can be used well for instructional purposes. In this regard, the purpose of this policy is to reinforce appropriate, responsible use rather than ban electronic devices from our property.  O’Donel supports the initiative of the Eastern School District in encouraging students to use electronic devices for educational purposes but only with the permission of the teacher. However, text messaging, making phone calls, taking photos of students and staff, and music playing are often inappropriate student activities for the learning and working environment. Moreover, these devices must never be used to harass or insult anyone in the O’Donel community.