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A “Code of Conduct” is a statement about how we work together.  It outlines both our rights and our responsibilities as members of École John Stubbs Memorial School.  A committee of students, parents, and school staff developed our “Code” in accordance with School District 62 Policy and the B.C. Human Rights Code.  Information was collected from all groups and put together to make the Code of Conduct.

The Board of Education for the Sooke School District #62 promotes clearly defined behavioural expectations that represent the highest standards of respectful and responsible citizenship and lead to a culture of non-violence among all persons in all schools and at all school-authorized events and activities.

To this end, the Board expects that persons will:

  • Comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws, and with district policy and regulations.
  • Value and encourage learning and working environments that are inclusive and respectful of the diverse social and cultural needs of our community.
  • Treat one another with dignity and respect.
  • Refrain from engaging in, or encouraging acts of violence of any form.
  • Show care and regard for school property and the property of others.
  • Take appropriate measures to help those in need, and
  • Respect those in positions of authority.

School Wide Behaviour Expectations

We expect students to actively participate through effort and punctual, regular attendance, in their assigned education program.  Students are expected to:

  • respect the rights and property of all staff and students;
  • comply with classroom expectations set by individual teachers in order to ensure that all students’ rights to effective and efficient learning environments are respected;
  • wear clothing that is appropriate for an educational environment;
  • respect all school and school related events and ensure they are free from use of restricted substances, weapons and of intimidation;
  • respect the appropriate use of school computers, internet access and technological device use while in class.

École John Stubbs Memorial School is a safe and caring school. As members of this school community we have a responsibility to act in ways that are free of:

  • Verbal, physical or sexual intimidation, harassment, bullying, or threats.
  • Discrimination, especially based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age (BC Human Rights Code);
  • Illegal acts such as assault, theft, vandalism, property damage.

This means that students will:

  • NOT interfere with the learning or learning environment of others;
  • NOT use tobacco or e-cigarettes or be in possession of, or under the influence of any intoxicating substances such as illegal drugs or alcohol while on the school property or in attendance of any school events;
  • NOT plagiarize (copy) electronic or print media or other students’ work or display any academic dishonesty;
  • NOT be involved in any acts of verbal or cyber-hate messaging/cyber-hate websites;
  • NOT bring any weapons or explosives, regardless of whether real or replica, to school property at any time;

School administrators may have the responsibility to advise various parties of serious breaches of the Code of Conduct:

  • Parent(s)/Legal Guardian of student offender(s)-in every instance
  • Parent(s)/Legal Guardian of student victim(s)-in every instance
  • School district officials-as required by school district policy
  • Police, Social Workers, and/or other agencies-as required by law

All parents-when deemed to be important to reassure members of the school community that school officials are aware of a serious situation and are taking appropriate action to address it.

Definitions

Conflict: a serious disagreement or argument.  Conflict often arises between children

as they grow, mature, and learn how to navigate various situations, relationships, and feelings.

Personal harassment refers to unwelcomed, unsolicited behaviour, which may be verbal (oral or written) or physical.  It can refer to one incident or a series of incidents that cause humiliation or offence to others.  Examples of unacceptable behaviour include verbal abuse or threats; unwelcomed remarks or jokes, innuendoes or taunting; offensive or derogatory pictures; unwelcomed invitations or requests; leering or other gestures; unnecessary physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching or punching; or coercing or influencing of third parties to harass others.  Single acts of sufficient severity may constitute harassment.

Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual advances, unwanted requests for sexual favours, and other unwanted verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, which intimidates or humiliates the victim, affects access to educational opportunities and thereby contributes to an environment that interferes with an individual’s work or study.

Discrimination is the treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on his or her class, sexual orientation, religion, race, creed, ethnicity, colour, nationality, etc. rather than on individual merit.

Bottom Lines

Our school engages in a restorative process of restitution in which we aim to enable students to fix their mistakes and learn how to do better the next time they are faced with a conflict. If a student crosses a bottom line, the following factors are taken into consideration when determining appropriate disciplinary action:

  • Students who behave inappropriately will receive consequences for their actions.
  • The age and maturity of the student, along with the frequency and severity of the behaviours are considered in determining appropriate disciplinary action.
  • École John Stubbs Memorial School uses progressive discipline and restitution in relation to student behaviour.
  • Responses to unacceptable conduct are pre-planned, consistent and fair.
  • Disciplinary action, wherever possible, is preventative and restorative, rather than punitive. For instance, to prevent future conflict and other inappropriate behaviours, students are routinely reminded of and taught new effective strategies for how to behave and conduct themselves most appropriately.
  • Students, as often as possible, are encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful consequences for violations of the established code of citizenship.
  • Responses to unacceptable behaviour are based consistently on sound principles and are appropriate to the context.

No Smoking on School Grounds

As per Capital Regional District Bylaw No. 2401, smoking is not permitted on any part of the school grounds: “No person shall carry or have in his possession a burning cigarette or cigar or pipe containing burning tobacco, or burn tobacco in any other manner in any school yard or inside any school building.” Additional products such as electronic cigarettes (a.k.a “vapes”) are also not permitted.

Bus Conduct

Bussing is a privilege, not a right.  Students are expected to behave in a safe and responsible manner while riding school buses.  Failure to behave appropriately while waiting for or while riding any school bus may result in bussing privileges being removed.

District school bus schedules, routes, and fees associated with bussing students can change from year to year.  All questions or concerns about bussing should be directed to the district’s Transportation Department at 250-474-9845 or bussing@sd62.bc.ca.