Behaviour Expectations

Behaviour Expectations

The intent of this Code of Behaviour is to create a safe, nurturing, positive, and respectful learning environment that enables all students to succeed to their full potential. The guiding principles of these behaviour expectations create a RESPECTFUL and SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
The standards of behavior outlined in the Eastdale C.I. Code of Conduct shall apply to all members of the school community, including students, parents and guardians, teachers and other school staff, Board members, volunteers and visitors:
  • On school property.
  • While traveling on a school bus that is owed by the Board or that is under contract to the board
  • In-school sports activities.
  • In off-site school-sponsored activities.
  • In circumstances where engaging in an activity will have an impact on the school climate.

RESPECT FOR SELF AND OTHERS:

  • Treat all members of the school community as well as visitors with respect and dignity.
  • Be courteous and respectful in language, tone and manner.
  • Respect others' right to learn.
  • Promote an environment that is free of racial, ethnic, physical, sexual, or verbal discrimination or harassment.
  • Communicate without using rude, abusive or obscene actions or language and listen when others are speaking.
  • Follow instructions from all staff, not just those who are your classroom teachers.

RESPECT FOR PROPERTY:

  • Take good care of our shared environment, keeping classrooms, washrooms, hallways, and the cafeteria clean.
  • Return all library and school books/materials on time and in the condition in which they were received.
  • Treat computer equipment, including other people's files, with care and respect.
  • Treat your locker with respect, the locker belongs to the school. You have borrowed it for the duration of the school year.

RESPECT FOR CANADA:

  • Stand silently and still during the national anthem.

RESPECT FOR THE LEARNING PROCESS:

  • Attend classes regularly and arrive on time.
  • Bring the required materials to classes.
  • Participate in and contribute to class activities.
  • Complete the required class work and assignments.
  • Follow rules and routines and accept responsibility for actions.
  • Keep all electronic devices powered off and out of sight during class time unless under the direction of the teacher.

SAFETY AND SECURITY


Students are expected to follow supervision and safety rules and to co-operate fully with all staff in their expectations. Discrimination or incidents involving sexual, personal or racial harassment will not be tolerated. Some behaviors such as intimidating, threatening or injuring others are criminal offences. The law also forbids possession, use and/or the sale of alcohol, illegal drugs, and weapons (including replica weapons) on school property. Persons who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol will face serious consequences. Smoking is also prohibited on school property.
The use of on-line social sites such as Facebook, Youtube, Myspace, etc. to demean, bully or intimidate other students or school staff will result in appropriate consequences.


CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

When students breach the code of conduct, consequences will be consistent with progressive discipline techniques. Progressive discipline is a whole-school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, support, and consequences to address inappropriate student behaviour and to build on strategies that promote positive behaviour. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, disciplinary measures should be applied within framework that shifts the focus from one that is solely punitive to one that is both corrective and supportive. Schools should utilize a range of interventions, support, and consequences that include learning opportunities for reinforcing positive behavior while helping students to make good choices.

Possible consequences include:
  • Informal interview: with teachers
  • Parent involvement: parents contacted for their support and participation in monitoring and changing behaviour
  • Formal interview: to develop a behaviour plan with Vice Principal and/or CYW
  • Restorative Practice: participation in a Peace Circle
  • Mediation: to resolve problems
  • Detention: during lunch or after school
  • Withdrawal from class: temporary withdrawal from class
  • Student Services involvement: School or Board support personnel 
  • Restitution: compensation for damage or theft
  • Behaviour/performance contract
  • Suspension: according to Ministry regulations and Board policy
  • Community Service
  • Written or Oral apology
  • Outside agency involvement
  • Reflection sheet
  • Possible expulsion

SUSPENSION

The behaviors for which a principal may consider suspending a student include:
  • Uttering a treat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person
  • Possessing alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Being under the influence of alcohol
  • Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority
  • Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the pupil’s school
  • Bullying
  • Willful destruction of school property; vandalism causing damage to school or Board property or property located on school or Board premises
  • Use of profane or improper language
  • Use of tobacco
  • Theft
  • Aid/incite harmful behavior
  • Physical assault
  • Being under the influence of illegal drugs
  • Sexual harassment
  • Racial harassment
  • Fighting
  • Possession or misuse of any harmful substances
  • Hate-motivated violence
  • Extortion
  • Distribution of hate material
  • Inappropriate use of electronic communications/media; and /or
  • An act considered by the principal to be a breach of the Board’s or School’s Code of Conduct.

EXPULSION

The behaviors for which a principal will consider recommending to a Committee of the Board that a student be expelled include:
  • Possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm
  • Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person
  • Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner
  • Committing sexual assault
  • Trafficking in weapons or in illegal drugs
  • Committing robbery
  • Giving alcohol to a minor
  • Possession of explosive substance and/or
  • An act considered by the principal to be a serious breach of the Board’s or School’s Code of Conduct.