The Chilliwack School District (“the District”) is responsible for providing safe, respectful, and inclusive learning and working environments for all members of its school communities.
To maintain environments conducive to learning, the District expects that student behaviours will comply with these student conduct expectations.
The District further requires that Principals develop a school Code of Conduct that aligns with Policy 310: Student Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities and this procedure in collaboration with the school community. The school Code of Conduct will include the following statement: “The District assumes no responsibility for the loss, destruction, or theft of any personal items brought to school, stored by the school or to any school related activity by a student (bikes, technology devices, musical instruments, etc).”
Guidelines
Scope
The District Code of Conduct applies to students of the District engaged in, present at, or attending:
a) School or any activity on school premises, whether during a regular school day, outside the regular school day, or on a day that is not a school day.
b) Travel on a school bus or other transportation contracted or arranged by the District or school.
c) Any activity sponsored by, organized by or participated in by the school regardless of the time or place.
d) Any activity in and around the school premises occurring during the school day that involves the property of neighbouring residents.
e) Any activity which may impact the maintenance of order and discipline at a school.
The school Principal has a responsibility and authority to respond to student misconduct outside the school day, including school-related or sponsored activities (e.g., cyberbullying in the evening), where the Principal determines that the conduct may negatively impact the school environment. The District and school will cooperate with outside agencies in cases where students violate the law.
Conduct Expectations
The District expects students to conduct themselves in the following manner:
a) Demonstrate respect for all people, both on and off school property in compliance with the BC Human Rights Code.
b) Demonstrate respect for diversity, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, culture, ancestry, language, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic background.
c) Maintain courteous and respectful relationships with fellow students, teachers, support staff, and others involved in the school system.
d) Take care of school, public and personal property.
e) Adhere to all classroom, school and District rules and policies and comply with Fraser Health and any other provincial government directives.
f) Comply with the reasonable directives of a teacher or other employee of the District.
g) Maintain appropriate standards of dress as per Policy 311 Student Dress Guidelines..
h) Attend school daily and on time as per Administrative Procedure 319: Student Attendance.
i) Work diligently and respectfully.
j) Obtain authorization through the school office (Principal) to visit a school where they are not registered.
The District regards the following as examples of serious misconduct that are unacceptable in and around the District:
a) Bullying as defined by ERASE (including cyberbullying, inappropriate and irresponsible text messaging and internet communications). Appropriate, responsible behaviour concerning all technology use is expected.
b) Verbal or physical harassment, disrespect, intimidation, or threats.
c) Physical or emotional violence.
d) Discrimination contrary to the BC Human Rights Code.
e) The possession, use and trafficking of illegal or restricted drugs, alcohol, cannabis, and other harmful or age-restricted substances.
f) The possession and use of weapons.
g) The possession and use of fireworks or incendiary devices.
h) The possession and use of harmful or toxic substances.
i) Retaliating against a person who has reported incidents of unacceptable behaviour described above.
j) Destruction of property and vandalism.
Consequences for Unacceptable Conduct
Where appropriate, consequences for unacceptable conduct should be preventative and restorative, providing students with opportunities for growth and reflection. Student suspension and exclusion from school may be necessary when efforts fail to result in a student complying with expected conduct standards or when significant Code of Conduct violations occur.
Each instance of student misconduct must be dealt with individually, considering the student's circumstances.
Each case of student misconduct shall be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
Students who contravene the District or School Code of Conduct will be addressed and may be subject to discipline reflective of the age, maturity, and developmental level of the student and the severity and frequency of the unacceptable conduct:
a) Disciplinary consequences should be progressive.
b) As students become older, behaviour expectations change, and consequences of unacceptable behaviour should reflect this.
c) Discipline will be fair, consistent, meaningful, and supportive, providing opportunities for student restitution, responsibility, and self-discipline.
The District recognizes that, from time to time, it may be necessary to suspend students from educational programs. To address student behaviour, a variety of approaches and strategies will be used, and suspensions will be issued for serious and/or repeated student conduct violations. For all students, the school administrator will ensure that:
a) All contributing factors have been considered.
b) Appropriate interventions are applied before discipline is considered.
c) The grounds for suspension are clear and appropriate.
d) Parents/Guardians are notified of the student suspension and the suspension is documented in the Student Information System (in the conduct tab in MyEd) in alignment with Administrative Procedure 312: Student Records.
e) Meaningful education programs or interventions are offered during any period of suspension.
f) Planning is undertaken for successful re-entry of the student if suspension is imposed.
g) Parents/guardians and students are informed that they are liable for all costs associated with property damage as per School Act Division 3, Section 10.
In situations where a diverse learner may be unable to comply with a code of conduct due to a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioural nature, special considerations may apply.
There may also be circumstances where students are denied access to school property as per Administrative Procedure 480: Trespassing & Maintenance of Order.
School Code of Conduct
Each school shall establish a written School Code of Conduct to govern student behaviour and discipline, reflecting the District Code of Conduct. Annually (by October 31st), Principals will ensure these codes are:
a) Reflective of the standards outlined in the Ministry’s Safe, Caring, and Orderly Schools Guide, 2008.
b) Developed collaboratively with school communities.
c) Made available to the public and posted on school websites annually.
d) Communicated to students, parents/guardians, and employees of the District at the beginning of each school year and upon any changes.
e) Communicated to students who enroll in the school during the school year.
f) Reviewed annually with staff, students, and parents/guardians.
g) Actively incorporated in the classroom and school experience.
Appeals Regarding Disciplinary Action
As per Policy 390 – Resolving Concerns, the Board of Education believes that when a parent/guardian/caregiver has a concern about the action or decision of any employee, their concern should be first channeled through the employee and then the principal of the school. If resolution is not reached at the school level, a concern may be forwarded to the appropriate Assistant Superintendent before being referred to the Superintendent for consideration.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the BC School Act and Board Bylaw 4: Appeal Procedure, a student and/or the student's parent/guardian/caregiver may appeal disciplinary action taken by Board personnel that they believe significantly affects the education, health or safety of the student, once the above steps have been considered.