Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Sooke School District schools are dedicated to fostering safe and nurturing environments where learning thrives. Our Codes of Conduct serves as a blueprint for student behavior, outlining school rules and Sooke School Board policies. We firmly believe that maintaining positive conduct is a collective responsibility shared by students, staff, parents/guardians, and the wider community, whether at school or participating in District-related events anywhere.

SD62 MIDDLE SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

A “Code of Conduct” is a statement about how we work together. It outlines both our rights and our responsibilities as members of a school community. 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.

A SAFE AND CARING COMMUNITY

As members of our school community, we have a responsibility to act in ways that are free of:

• Bullying, harassment, threat and intimidation;

• Physical violence and/or violence of any form;

• Verbal, physical, online or sexual misconduct;

• 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);

• Theft and vandalism.

Our safe and caring school environment does not tolerate the presence of:

• Intoxicating substances;

• Weapons and explosives, regardless of whether real or replica;

• Intruders or trespassers;

• Smoking, vaping or associated paraphernalia.

ACCEPTABLE CONDUCT

• The school expects that students will 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.

• Students are expected to comply with classroom expectations set by individual teachers to

ensure that all students’ rights to effective and efficient learning environments are respected.

• Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for an educational environment.

• Students are expected to respect all school and school related events and ensure they are free

from use of restricted substances, weapons and of intimidation.

• Students are expected to respect the appropriate use of school computers, internet access and

cell phone use while at school.

• Students are expected to stay on campus throughout the entire day.

UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT

• Students will not interfere with the learning or learning environment of others.

• Students will not display behaviour that includes bullying, harassment, intimidation, or be

racially, ethnically, or sexually prejudiced.

• Students will not steal, smoke, vape or be in possession of, or under the influence of, drugs or

alcohol while on the school property or in attendance of any school events.

• Students will not plagiarize (copy) electronic or print media or other students’ work or display

any academic dishonesty.

Students will not be involved in any acts of verbal or cyber-hate messaging/websites.

• Students will not be involved in any illegal acts such as assault, theft or damage to property.

STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL DIGITAL DEVICES

SD62 Schools are committed to restricting the use of personal digital devices at school for the purpose of promoting online safety and focused learning environments.

Teachers may plan for student use of personal mobile devices for instructional purposes or digital literacy, for health or medical purposes or as assistive technology for the purpose of inclusive education as informed by the Inclusive Education Teacher. At all other times, personal mobile devices, inclusive of laptops and chrome books shall remain stored away for the duration of the school day (this includes recess and lunch). This policy applies to ear buds/headphones as well.

FAIR NOTICE

Violence and threats of violence are taken very seriously in the Sooke School District. As such, the district provides parents/guardians with a Fair Notice about its Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) policies and protocols.

SD62 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

Sooke School District elementary schools believe that our schools are places for safe, purposeful learning for all. We believe that is a shared responsibility of students, staff, parents / guardians and the broader community to demonstrate positive conduct while attending any school or district related activity, at any location. This code of conduct is intended to outline expectations of behavior and adheres to Sooke School Board policy C-309, the BC Human Rights Code and the Community VTRA (Violent Threat Risk Assessment) Protocol.

Sooke School District elementary schools are safe, caring and inclusive. We value students and positive school culture. All members of the school community have an obligation to:

Support learning
Promote safety
Respect property, environment, personal space and privacy
Model courtesy, compassion and respect
Respect, honor and celebrate diversity
Engage in collaborative problem solving

All members of the school community will refrain from engaging in any in-person or digital communication or behaviour considered to be:

Bullying, harassing, intimidating, retaliating, discriminating or violent;
Interfering with the learning and working of others;
Unsafe or illegal, including the possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances, or the possession of weapons or replicas.

SD62 elementary school communities uphold the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of individuals. This includes refraining from discriminatory conduct based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age.

Student Use of Personal Digital Devices

SD62 Schools are committed to restricting the use of personal digital devices at school for the purpose of promoting online safety and focused learning environments.

Teachers may plan for student use of personal mobile devices for instructional purposes or digital literacy, for health or medical purposes or as assistive technology for the purpose of inclusive education as informed by the Inclusive Education Teacher. At all other times, personal mobile devices, inclusive of laptops and chrome books shall re-main stored away for the duration of the school day- this includes recess and lunch. This policy applies to ear buds/headphones as well.

Our Practice

We encourage and model behavior that is kind, safe and responsible. We recognize that we all make mistakes. We help children fix their mistakes through supportive, restorative practices so they return to the group strengthened. We keep parents/guardians informed of incidents at school so that we may work together to support children to learn to solve problems in peaceful ways.

Action will be determined by each individual situation. Every effort will be made to support individuals and to determine the context of behaviour. When working with students, staff may adjust the action based on the maturity, grade level, progressive discipline and ability of the student to understand expectations of their behaviour. If the safety or educational program of others is compromised, or if there is an ongoing failure to meet the expectations of the code of conduct, a range of actions may follow. These may include:

Conference/conversation with all affected parties
Notification of parent(s)/guardian(s)
Restitution
Referral to School Based Team
Removal from classroom, playground, or privileges
Referral to counselling or supportive interventions
School community restitution
Activation of the VTRA protocol and involvement of Safe Schools Team
Formal suspension from school

All members of the Sooke School District community have the right to be treated equitably and with dignity and should be familiar with this shared code of conduct.

Fair Notice