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. This Code of Conduct is developed in accordance with Policy C-309 – District and School Codes of Conduct and the associated Administrative Regulations, and reflects provincial standards, district expectations, and progressive discipline principles. Reports of Code of Conduct violations are addressed in a timely, fair, and confidential manner in accordance with District administrative procedures. When a breach of the Code of Conduct occurs, responses will follow a progressive discipline framework that emphasizes learning, accountability, and restoration. School staff consider the individual student, the context, the severity of the behaviour, and the impact on the school community. Whenever possible, responses to behaviour focus on restorative practices that repair harm, rebuild relationships and support reintegration into the school community. Disciplinary responses are intended to be corrective and supportive rather than punitive, except where necessary to ensure safety.
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 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, chrome books, and personal devices for video/audio recording purposes 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.