WESTON COLLEGIATE STUDENT HANDBOOK

WESTON COLLEGIATE CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

At Weston Collegiate, we believe it is essential that students gradually assume responsibility from parents/guardians/caregivers and teachers for their own behaviour and develop a sense of their responsibilities toward others in the school and the community.  Our students will then be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning and productive employment.  This Code will help our students to attain these worthy goals!  Its rules will be applied fairly and consistently to all staff and students, on or off school property.

Students, parents/guardians/caregivers, and staff at Weston Collegiate Institute have developed the following guidelines. These guidelines are intended to ensure a safe, positive and inviting school environment and are in accordance with the TDSB Policies founded on the principle of progressive discipline.

Weston Collegiate Institute students are expected to:

•  attend school regularly and be punctual for all classes;
• participate in and be prepared for the learning process;
• respect the authority of all staff and provide their name in full, upon request to any staff member
• students are expected to show the hall pass when they are in the halls if any staff requests it;
• dress appropriately for school;
• follow the expectations of the safe school policy;
• follow teacher instructions regarding use of electronic devices in the classroom;
• contribute positively to the school environment;
• maintain their personal locker as assigned so it is presentable at all times; (no sharing)
• return all school materials in the same condition as issued;
• be in the library or cafeteria or off school property during a spare;
• respect the homes and property of our neighbours;
• do your part to keep our school clean;

Consequences for failure to comply with the code of behaviour will be handled by a Vice Principal or the Principal. Progressive Discipline action is subject to mitigating and other factors in consideration.

STUDENTS SHOW SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BY RESPECTING:

• Canadian and Ontario law
• Toronto District School Board policies
• Public Health Guidelines and policies and protocols 
• Persons in positions of authority, giving name, home form and teacher if requested
• School property, and the property of others - trespassing, theft and vandalism are in violation of  the values of society, the community, and the school 
• The abilities, views, languages, cultures, religions, sexual identity, and contributions of others
• The right of all people to an emotionally and physically safe environment, free from the threat of verbal and physical harassment or abuse.
• Weapons, including knives of any type, are strictly forbidden on school property.

STUDENTS SHOW SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSIBILITY BY RESPECTING:

Toronto District School Board’s Policy PR735:

6.1.12. Inappropriate use of social media or electronic communications may
also result in criminal charges or civil actions, where appropriate.

6.1.13. Inappropriate social media use and other online content includes, but is
not limited to:

• Making inappropriate online comments that are derogatory, slanderous, or defamatory in nature;
• Disclosing personal or confidential information about the Board, school, students and colleagues;
• Posting the work of others without proper attribution, in breach of copyright law;
• Breaching a court-ordered publication ban;
• Inciting hate against an identifiable group;
• Contravening the Youth Criminal Justice Act by disclosing information about a minor; or
• Using technology to criminally or otherwise harass or discriminate a student, colleague or any others, undermining Board’s commitment to safe and positive learning and working environment, free of harassment and discrimination as outlined in the Equity Policy (P037), the Human Rights Policy (P031), and the Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy (P034);
• Using a computer to lure a child or a juvenile in violation of the Criminal Code;
• Exchanging or forwarding compromising photos, videos, or audio recordings of students leading to charges of possession or distribution of child pornography; or
• Using social media in violation of the TDSB policies, including the Equity Policy (P037), and corresponding procedures.

6.1.14. The Board supports online practices of its staff and students which
protect all staff, students and community members from harm, breaches
of confidentiality and harassment.

Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools 

The Ministry of Education has provided new direction around cell phone and mobile device use in all Ontario schools. The new direction will help reduce the distraction of cell phones and mobile devices so that students can be more engaged and focus on learning. Ministry of Education PPM128, TDSB Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools www.tdsb.on.ca/mobiledeviceuse .

Personal mobile device refers to any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the Internet, such as a cellphone tablet, laptop or smartwatch.

All TDSB students and staff are asked to follow the new Ministry of Education direction around cell phone and mobile device use at school and in classrooms:

• All Members of the School Community must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances: for educational purposes (as directed by an educator), for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs.
• Students in Grades 7 to 12 must have cell phones/mobile devices powered off or set to silent during instructional time.

What happens if a student does not follow the policy?

If the student does not hand in their personal mobile device when required, they must be sent to the Principal’s office, as per Ministry direction. Principals have discretion under PPM No. 145, Progressive discipline and promoting positive student behaviour, to consider a range of responses to address this behaviour including suspension.

As part of the new Ministry guidelines, school boards are also required to restrict access to all social media platforms on school networks and school devices. This does not include SMS text messaging. Social media platforms can only be used by students at school for educational purposes, directed by an educator. 

Remember: All members of the school community must not record, take or share non-consensual recordings or photos of members of the school community.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY:

• All students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the actions taken if the requirements are not followed (e.g. setting phone to silent, storing out of view).
• Ask their teachers what their expectations are for cell phone and mobile device use so you understand what’s allowed and what’s not in all classrooms. 
• Should the direction not be followed, students will be asked to hand in their phone or be sent to the Principal’s office, as per the Ministry of Education. 
• We want to work together to create focused and engaging learning environments that are free from the distraction of cell phones and mobile devices and support the achievement and mental health of all TDSB students!

STUDENTS INDICATE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY BY:

• Attending all classes, on time.
• Using appropriate language in and around the school
• Refraining from the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and other abusive substances. Smoking is understood to be a serious health threat and is not permitted anywhere in the building or on school property. Students who smoke on school property will be suspended and may be fined under the Smoke Free Ontario Act
• Going promptly to class and listening quietly to announcements
• A student who is sent out of class must report immediately to the Main Office and be seen by an administrator
• Being accountable, explaining actions, and accepting the consequences for inappropriate behaviour
• Role modelling positive behaviour
• Using the building and grounds in a safe manner (i.e., no running in the halls, no play fighting, no snowball throwing)
• Completing all work and assignments associated with courses
• Being courteous, attentive, and participating in the lesson
• Follow the TDSB’s dress code policy (outlined later in this agenda)
• Fulfilling commitments to teachers, students, classmates, coaches and teammates
• Bringing all necessary books, supplies and equipment to class or the activity