JFG-P1 - Student-Based Extracurricular Groups

The Prairie Spirit School Division encourages school-based planning as a basis for continuous improvement that reflects the unique educational needs of its students and the community served by each school. While instructional programs build knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to a productive life, the Prairie Spirit School Division recognizes the importance of extra curricular activities in extending and enhancing the instructional program as well as significantly increasing the value of and connection to school life for its students.

Additionally, extra curricular activities contribute to the development of a set of valuable social skills among students that strengthen the learning environment in our schools. The Board recognizes the expertise and commitment of students who are involved in extra curricular activities and the voluntary supervisors who support such activities. This collaboration promotes a more positive school climate and offers opportunities that extend beyond the school to positive citizenship and ongoing contribution to society.

The Student-Based Extra Curricular Groups policy pertains to the establishment of groups including team sports and athletic activities that are governed by the relevant division or provincial athletic organization. 

This policy ensures that:

• An approval process is in place for extra‐curricular groups; 

• There is consistency in the formation and operation of extra‐curricular groups; and

• Consideration is given to the safety and wellbeing of students involved in extra‐curricular groups.

The Principal is responsible for approving the purposes and goals of extra‐curricular groups on an annual basis and for ensuring that they are appropriate to the age, physical, emotional and intellectual maturity of the particular students. It is also the responsibility of the Principal to ensure the appropriate involvement of a staff supervisor. The staff supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the extra‐curricular group activities attend to student safety and wellbeing, and functions within the division policy and existing regulations.

Student participants will be made aware of all procedures and guidelines as outlined in the policy and regulation. Membership and conduct in an extra‐curricular group shall be non‐discriminatory and consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Human Rights Code of Manitoba, and Board policy and regulations. All extra‐curricular activities will be conducted in a manner that maintains or enhances the dignity and self‐esteem of the individual student.  Additionally, all extra‐curricular groups (e.g., drama club, jazz band, gay-straight alliance, travel club, social justice committee, yearbook committee) shall be consistent with the mission and policy statements of both the Department of Education and Advanced Learning and the Prairie Spirit School Division.

All school groups will be governed by a charter that includes:

• • The name of the group

  • The name of the staff supervisor 

  • A clear and precise statement of purpose

  • Conditions of membership

  • Description of operation

  • A schedule of meetings

Copies of the charter for each approved group will be available to parents on request.   Sports and athletic activities will be governed by the relevant division or provincial athletic organization. Intramural events scheduled by schools are subject to school-based practice and are not covered by this policy.

The Prairie Spirit School Division, while recognizing the authority and responsibility of the Principal to direct and supervise all school activities, as defined within the Public Schools Act and accompanying regulations, approves the establishment of this Student-Based Extra Curricular Groups Policy which shall:

• • Conform to all Board policies, operating procedures and school expectations;

  • Apply to all aspects of the implementation of this policy the normal supervisory practices of the Prairie Spirit School Division;

  • Operate under the leadership, direction and supervision of the Principal;

  • Define as agents of the Board, those staff and/or volunteer community members who are approved by the Principal to participate in extra curricular activities sanctioned by the Principal;

  • Require that the interests of students and needs of the community are addressed within the resources available;

  • Require that the Principal and staff, when organizing extra curricular activities, take into account:

    1. Interests of students of diverse backgrounds;

    2. Skills of staff and/or community members;

    3. Needs of students;

    4. Resources available; and,

    5. The need for communication with students and parents which outlines the unique nature of extra curricular activities and that clearly define expectations to be shared with participants prior to the commencement of the activity. 

  • Require that Principals enshrine in all extra curricular groups and their activities, the principles of due process, fairness, equity, safety, discipline, communication and other principles that may be required to fulfill the Board’s legislated and legal requirements with respect to staff, students, community and facilities; 

  • Approve through the Principal, the participation of any team, group or individual at the school level or beyond; 

  • Supervise, through the Principal, the participation of staff, students and parents to meet the full expectations of the Code of Conduct of their home school at all times. All aspects of the Prairie Spirit School Division Schools Policy shall apply; 

  • Require the home school Principal to be responsible for the resolution of issues arising when teams, groups or individuals participate beyond the home school situations.

Expectations of School Administrators/Coaches/Teacher Reps in School Sport

Administrators, Coaches and Teacher Representatives are responsible for ensuring MHSAA, school division, school, and team policies and procedures are enforced and followed at all school sporting events.

Should the coach/coaching staff of the team be volunteer or non-school division employees, the education and enforcement of MHSAA, school division, school and team policies and procedures at events becomes the responsibility of the Teacher Representative.  It is recognized that not all community volunteer coaches will be a good fit for school sport.  School Administrators along with the Teacher Representative will ensure that all coaching staff enforces and supports MHSAA, school division, school and team policies and procedures or relieves the coaching staff of their responsibilities.

It is the School Administrator, Coach and Teacher Representatives’ responsibility to be acquainted with applicable policies and procedures as well as to educate the parents and students (and volunteers if applicable) of the requirements of playing the school sport. Ultimately the responsibility for enforcement of MHSAA, school division, school and team policies and procedures belongs to the Teacher Representative.

Fair Play Policy - MHSAA

The Case for True Sport Principles, Ethics and Integrity in High School Athletics.

Good Sportsmanship is viewed by MHSAA as a commitment to the seven True Sport Principles.  In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others.  The ideals of the True Sport Principles apply equally to all athletic disciplines.  Individuals, regardless of their role, are expected to be aware of their influence on the behavior of others and model True Sport Principles.

School Administrators are responsible to provide appropriate supervisory personnel for each interscholastic event, support participants, coaches and fans who teach and display the True Sport Principles.  School Administrators recognize exemplary behaviour and actively discourage undesirable conduct by participants, coaches and fans.  They should attend events whenever possible.

Expectations of Coaches / Teacher Representatives

-Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the True Sport Principles

-Instruct participating in proper True Sport expectations and demand that they make the True Sport Principles the No 1 priority.

-Respect judgement of officials, abide by rules of the event, and display no behavior that could incite fans.

-Treat opposing coaches, administrators, participants and fans with respect.  Shake hands with officials and opposing coaches in public.

-Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not abide by the True Sport Principles.

-Report student misconduct to the School Administrator.

-Educate participants and parents about Hazing. 

-Report any and all incidents of Hazing to the School Administrator and the Student Support Administrator immediately.

School Administrators, Teacher Representatives and Coaches are to ensure that Students understand the Expectations of Students:

-Treat opponents with respect: shake hands prior to and/or after contests.

-Respect judgement of officials, abide by rules of the event and display no behavior that could incite fans.

-Cooperate with officials, coaches, and fellow participants to conduct a fair competition.

-Seriously accept the responsibility and privilege of representing school and community; always display positive public action.

-Live up to the high standard of the True Sport Principles established by the coach.

-Respect social media and think about what is posted.

-Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support high school athletics, NOT a license to verbally assault others or to be generally obnoxious.

-Respect decisions made by game officials.

-Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of cheers and signs.

-Respect fans, coaches and participants.

-Maintain enthusiasm and composure.

-Recognize great performances on either side of the playing court, field, or arena.

*Any student accused of participating in activities defined as Hazing (JKP-P1) will be suspended from their team and any school sports pending an investigation by the School Administrator and Student Support Administrator.