Policy 302 - Student Conduct

The Board believes that all schools should be places for safe, purposeful learning. Consequently, and in accordance with the responsibilities assigned to it by the School Act, the Board expects that students will actively participate, through effort and punctual regular attendance, in the educational program to which they have been assigned. For purposes of this policy, an educational program is defined as that body of knowledge and learning experiences that are determined by the Board as appropriate to meet the educational needs of an individual or group of students.

The Board believes that appropriate student conduct that is based on respect for oneself and for others is essential to the development of responsible citizens. Student behaviour, dress and decorum shall be in accordance with generally accepted community standards and appropriate for the educational environment. Appropriate behaviour is a shared responsibility among the students, their parents and the school system.

The Board expects students to attend school regularly, respect the rights of others and their property, observe school rules and school codes of student conduct, and conduct themselves in a manner that brings credit to their school at all times. The Board also expects students to apply themselves to their learning responsibilities and respect the educational process and the learning environment of others. Students shall submit to the authority of members of the school’s staff and respond accordingly.

The Board encourages initiatives in schools to reinforce these expectations for student conduct. Further, the Board authorizes administrative officers, teachers and other appropriate personnel to discipline students, when discipline is warranted.

The Board recognizes that the use of alcohol and other drugs and the problems associated with their use is a serious concern in our society and among young people. In order to reduce the incidence of alcohol and drug use by students, the Board supports and encourages programs in schools to serve that purpose. The Board also encourages schools to include in their codes of student conduct, expectations related to the possession or use of alcohol or drugs on school property or at school functions elsewhere. The Board will also support schools in providing appropriate consequences for those students who are under the influence of, in the possession of, or trafficking in alcohol or drugs while under the supervision of the school.

Administrative Procedures

Rules Governing Student Behaviour

Each school shall establish written rules regulating student behaviour and shall clearly communicate these rules and the consequences of unacceptable behaviour to both students and their parents. School rules should give due consideration to the following:

Fostering a sense of personal responsibility and self-discipline appropriate to the age of the student
Maintaining a positive and safe learning environment
Respecting the dignity of others and their rights and properties
Providing positive guidelines for student behaviour
Recognizing that the Board will not tolerate threats or acts of physical violence; verbal abuse; the possession, use, possession or distribution of illegal or restricted drugs, tobacco or alcohol; and the carrying or possession of weapons
Understanding that school rules and codes of student conduct will apply to students while at school, while going to and from school and while attending any school curricular or extra-curricular function or activity at any location

Student Attendance

The principal of each school is responsible for ensuring the existence of an accurate and thorough attendance record-keeping procedure. Such a procedure should include a method for checking on a student’s absence and for communicating with a parent should a concern arise regarding a student’s attendance. Principals are also responsible for the permanent care and keeping of attendance records.

Non-Medically Prescribed Intoxicant Drugs

The use or possession by students of alcohol or any non-medically prescribed drug while at the student’s school or at any function organized by the school elsewhere is prohibited. Attendance at the school or at any function organized by the school while under the influence of alcohol or such a drug is also prohibited. This prohibition should be clearly stated in the written rules of the school. Administrative officers and other members of the school’s staff should consider any breach of this prohibition to be a serious offense.

Unauthorized Student Gatherings on School Grounds

The welfare and safety of students, the rights and privacy of nearby residents, and the public image of the School District may be negatively affected by unauthorized gatherings on school property. Such gatherings are prohibited. Students and parents should be advised of the reasons for the Board’s requirement and the possible consequences of participating is an unauthorized gathering. The RCMP should be notified if their assistance is required to disperse such a gathering.

Incidents of Violence

Violent incidents include written or verbal threats, bullying, intimidation, inciting others to violence, and physical or sexual assault. Such acts are to be considered serious and School District personnel are expected to report all incidents of violence involving students to the administration of the school.

The principal or principal’s designate will investigate all reports of violence and will determine whether or not the involvement of the police is appropriate. In cases where the police are notified, then both the police and the school’s administration have a responsibility to investigate and to act independently of the actions of the other. The police will be guided by criminal law, while the response of school authorities will be determined by the School Act, School District policies, and the school’s student code of conduct.

After investigating the incident, the principal or designate will decide upon appropriate consequences for the student or students who were responsible for the violent act. When the consequences involve a suspension of attendance privileges, the principal will provide details relating to the continuance of the offending student’s educational program. The principal or designate will develop a Student Re-Entry Plan, stating in written form a description of the educational program the student will follow while absent from the school; any services which will be provided to the student through the school or the Department of Student Services; required interventions by other agencies (if any); and the criteria to be met before re-entry to the school or to a School District program. The plan will serve as a formal statement to the student and the parent(s) of how the school’s administration intends to proceed in the light of the seriousness of the incident.

The School District will provide to school administrators a detailed guide for dealing with incidents of violence.

Possession of Weapons

Where a school administrator or other staff member reasonably believes that a person on or near school premises is in possession of a weapon or has used a weapon, the school administrator, or, where appropriate, a staff member shall ensure that:

reasonable attempts are made to minimize risk of injury to any other person
the police are notified
the weapon is confiscated and turned over to the police
the parent/guardian is contacted as appropriate
a "Serious Incident Report" is filed with the School District.

In addition:

the offending student shall be subject to suspension
further suspension may be necessary to enable appropriate legal and/or medical investigations to be completed.

"Toy guns" and "replicas" are by their very nature intimidating, and, therefore, should not be allowed on school premises. Intimidation with a toy gun or replica of a real gun should be treated as a serious matter within the stated intent of this policy.