The Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) is committed to supporting schools in building and sustaining a positive school climate that is safe, inclusive, and accepting for all students in order to support their education so that all students reach their full potential. A progressive discipline approach combines prevention and intervention strategies and discipline with opportunities for students to continue their education. We ask that you please carefully read and review the most recent revision of Policy II-39 Progressive Discipline and Safety in Schools – Code of Conduct – Suspensions and Expulsions, as well as Administrative Procedure VI-44 Progressive Discipline and Safety in Schools. The HCDSB Code of Conduct and Standards of Behaviour sets clear expectations for individual schools to follow consistent with the requirements outlined in the Ontario Code of Conduct.
The HCDSB Code of Conduct and Standards of Behaviour applies not only to students, but to everyone involved in the school community, including parents, volunteers, teachers, early childhood educators and other staff members. The Code applies whether on school property, on school buses, at school-related events or activities, before and/or after school programs or in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate.
Standards of Behaviour at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning and work environment for students, staff and members of our community. The Progressive Discipline and Safety in Schools Policy and the Ontario Code of Conduct apply to students, teachers, staff members, parents or guardians, and volunteers, whether they are on school property, on school buses, at school-related events or activities, or in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate.
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A. RIGHTS
- To be respected in both person and conscience as a child of God;
- To learn in a safe, orderly and stimulating environment;
- To have appropriate access to the facilities and equipment of the school;
- To participate in appropriate programs offered by the school;
- To be conscientiously instructed by the teaching staff.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES
- To participate fully in the religious life of the school, including the celebration of liturgy, Religious Education courses, and related activities;
- To develop personal skills and talents to serve God, and thereby his/her neighbour;
- To contribute positively to the Catholic climate of the school;
- To respect the person and rights of all members of the school community;
- To respect, obey and co-operate with all adults in positions of responsibility in the school community;
- To comply with all school expectations and regulations regarding student behaviour;
- To use language that is appropriate to their dignity as Catholics;
- To adhere to the school dress code;
- To respect the property of the school at all times: building, grounds, equipment and materials;
- To be in attendance and punctual at all classes and scheduled activities, with the materials required for full participation
- To maintain a sense of responsibility toward all academic expectations including homework, study assignments, and test/examination preparation.
It is expected that students will accept the direction of all staff in matters of behaviour in the school, on school property, and during school activities. Students must report to the office when directed by staff members or risk further consequences and/or suspensions.
Fighting
- If a student partakes in a fight with another student, whether on school property or elsewhere, you will automatically be suspended. Other students who participated in the fight, by either encouraging students to fight, pushing them in a fight or videotaping a fight will also be suspended.
Smoking/Vaping
- Smoking/vaping on school property is a violation of municipal by-laws. Two-day suspensions will be issued for breaking this law, and students caught re offending will be suspended and referred to the Health Department by-law officer where a fine of $300.00 or more may be issued.
Drugs and Alcohol
- There is zero tolerance for this type of behaviour be it on school property or not, and this would also include school trips, sporting events or any other school related function. Possession or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will result in a lengthy suspension and perhaps expulsion. If you are having issues with alcohol and/or drugs, you can receive guidance and support from our school’s Child Youth Counselor or Social Worker.
Range of Consequences
The Student Code of Conduct includes a clear outline of realistic and effective consequences for failure to meet expectations. Interventions, which are restorative in nature, are utilized to help students develop self-discipline will be administered to meet individual and school needs.
Parents, students, school staff and administrators are strongly encouraged to invest themselves in collaborative approaches to the resolution of the behaviour concerns.
The following are basic interventions and strategies that may be initiated by a teacher and/or administrator. This list is not inclusive nor does it imply that each consequence must be exercised before moving to subsequent consequences.
- Informal interview with the student;
- Verbal or written explanation of behaviour by the student;
- Formal interview with the student;
- Parental involvement: phone call, correspondence, interview;
- Involvement of school support staff;
- Peer counselling;
- Detention of student;
- Removal of student from the classroom to an alternate setting within the school with supervision;
- Referral to Student Services;
- Removal of privileges to attend school-related activities or programs;
- Removal of bussing privileges;
- Utilization of a behavioural, attendance or performance contract;
- Expectation that the student make restitution;
- Involvement of, or referral to, outside agencies (e.g. Children’s Aid Society, Police);
- Suspension in accordance with the Education Act and Board Policy and Procedure;
- Expulsion in accordance with the Education Act and Board Policy and Procedure
Notwithstanding the above, the Principal and/or Vice-Principals will take immediate and appropriate action in any situation involving the welfare of students and staff.
Keeping Our Students Safe and School
All board employees must report to the School Administration any student who may have engaged in a school activity which the student must be considered for suspension or expulsion.
The legislation continues St. Francis Xavier’s efforts to make school safer for students and staff. For incidents that have a negative impact on school climate:
- Staff who work directly with students are required to respond
- Principal/Vice Principal to contact the parent(s) of victims of these types of incidents
Bullying
Bullying: Aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a pupil where,
(a) the behaviour is intended by the pupil to have the effect of, or the pupil ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have the effect of,
i) causing harm, fear or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, social or academic harm, harm to the individual’s reputation or harm to the individual’s property, or ii) creating a negative environment at a school for another individual, and
b) the behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the pupil and the individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability or receipt of special education; (“intimidation”)
Behaviour includes the use of any physical, verbal, electronic, written or other means. Bullying includes bullying by electronic means (COMMONLY KNOWN AS CYBER-BULLYING), including, (a) creating a web page or a blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person; (b) impersonating another person as the author of content or messages posted on the internet; and
(c) communicating material electronically to more than one individual or posting material on a website that may be accessed by one or more individuals.
Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism
It it is the responsibility of students to be honest in all aspects of their schoolwork so that the marks they receive are a true reflection of their own achievement. Students must understand that the tests/exams they complete and the assignments they submit for evaluation must be their own work and that cheating and plagiarism will not be condoned. Academic dishonesty, therefore, is a serious offence, and, as a result, it is imperative that students understand what academic dishonesty entails and are clear as to consequences. It is the responsibility of school staff to communicate to students that academic honesty is required in all aspect of their school work.
Reference: HCDSB Procedure No. VI-55
Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA)
It is recognized by the Halton Catholic District School Board, the Halton Police Services Board and other community stakeholders that incidents of violence in schools are often preventable through early intervention in response to threatening behaviour or non-threatening but worrisome behaviour. Taking steps to identify at risk students through early and ongoing assessment and intervention strategies may reduce the need for disciplinary action and police interventions. School teams may carry out a Violent Threat Risk Assessment in such situations and will act accordingly to support the student(s).
Student Parking
Students driving private vehicles must park their vehicles only in the designated area. Irresponsible use of any vehicle on school property will not be tolerated. The school reserves the right to deny access to school property to any vehicle. All vehicles must be registered at the main office and a parking permit will be assigned.
Lost and Found
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Students are strongly urged to leave all valuables at home. Personal items should be secured in the student’s locker during the school day and students must ensure that their locker is properly secured. All items found are to be brought to the Main Office. Students can claim items there or from the lost and found box located in the physical education hallway. Never leave valuables in the change rooms or unattended anywhere in the school or on the school grounds. The school will not be responsible for any losses or damages.
Visitors
Casual visitors are not allowed in the building or on the school grounds during the school day. Students are not to invite visitors to the school without the prior approval of the administration. Parents are welcome in the school at anytime; however, parents are encouraged to contact the school, during school hours, for an appointment in order to review any matter pertaining to the educational needs of their son/daughter.
All visitors are to sign the visitor book located in the main office.
Lockers
Lockers are loaned to students for their convenience, but remain the property of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School and the Halton Catholic District School Board. The administration may open any locker, at any time.
Students must use only the locker assigned to them by the Vice-Principal . Students are responsible for keeping their locker clean and presentable. Pictures and/or slogans kept inside the locker must conform to the values and ideals of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School. In addition, students are to ensure that their locker door is kept free of any markings. Please do not keep anything of significant value in your locker as it is not burglar proof. The school will not be responsible for any losses or damages. Also, do not let anyone know the combination to your lock. A good quality lock is provided to all students by the Administration office the first week of school.
Code of Conduct