Code of Conduct

The Gordon School Code of Conduct is designed to ensure that every person in the school is safe at all times. The Ontario Code of Conduct, which came into effect in September of 2001, sets out expectations of behaviour for all students in Ontario. The Gordon School Code of Conduct may extend to those incidents which happen off school property, just before arrival or just after dismissal, which are deemed to have an impact on school climate.

GORDON SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS

The Education Act/Ontario Regulation 262 states:
“A pupil shall exercise self-discipline, accept such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm, and judicious parent, be...diligent in his/her studies, courteous to his/her fellow pupils, and obedient and courteous to teachers...”

At Gordon School, students are expected to:
(i) respect staff members
(ii) respect each other
(iii) respect property
(iv) respect themselves

Specifically, students must:
1. arrive at school on time. Students who are late must bring a note or be subject to a detention or other consequences, including waiting until the period is over to enter the room. Research has indicated that “time on task” is the most important factor in student learning. Interruptions of any kind are disruptive to learning.
2. come to school prepared to learn. Teachers will advise students of the tools needed to ensure success.
3. keep their hands and feet to themselves. Fighting of any nature (e.g. play fighting, wrestling) is strictly prohibited.
4. refrain from any type of bullying behaviour, including, but not limited to: teasing, name calling, exclusion, inappropriate facial expressions, note passing, text messaging, emailing, instant messaging.
5. wear proper clothing. Rude or inappropriate language on clothing is prohibited. Cut off shorts, spaghetti strap tops, halter tops, etc. are not permitted. Heavy chains, bracelets, etc. are also not permitted. Navels must be fully covered. Underwear may not be visible. When students participate in activities that require a swim suit, female students must wear a one piece conservative bathing suit, and males are required to wear swim trunks that are Bermuda shorts in length.
6. use appropriate language. Swearing, racial slurs, sexist remarks, etc. are prohibited.
7. refrain from defacing or destroying school property. Desks, textbooks, chairs, walls, etc. are the property of the District School Board of Niagara. Parents are responsible, under the Parental Responsibility Act, for any damage caused by their children.
8. help keep the school building and property clean. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep Gordon School clean and inviting.
9. be responsible for work assigned by the teacher.
10. be responsible for being on task in the classroom.
11. follow Internet rules set out by the school board and the teacher/librarian. Failure to follow “Netiquette” will result in a loss of privilege to use the Internet at school, or more serious consequences
12. refrain from chewing gum.
13. use snow for building forts or snowmen. Snow may not be thrown, kicked, or used in an aggressive way.
14. refrain from riding bicycles on school property. Bicycles must be walked on and off school property and left in the bike racks. Bike racks are out of bounds once bicycles are parked. Gordon School and/or the District School Board of Niagara are not responsible for stolen or damaged bikes. Ontario law requires students to wear helmets when riding bicycles.
15. refrain from playing aggressive games or those involving body contact, e.g. touch football, red butt, etc.
16. line up immediately in an orderly manner when the school bell rings.
17. enter and exit the school through designated doors. The front door should only be used for entry if a student is late.
18. stay within the designated school boundaries while outdoors.
19. remain on school property once they have arrived at school unless permission has been granted to leave.
20. follow instructions given by any member of the Gordon School staff.
21. follow rules set out by the school and individual staff members that are not specifically described in the Code of Conduct. Rules are designed to ensure the safety of all members of the Gordon School community.

Students are expected to:
A. treat others as they wish to be treated.
B. use proper manners.
C. demonstrate good judgment.
D. use respectful words, tone of voice and body language.
E. demonstrate good citizenship inside and outside the school.
F. represent Gordon School well when travelling to other schools or facilities.
G. tell the truth.
H. maintain appropriate volume when speaking.
I. assist each other to be successful.
J. assist others in need by informing school personnel if a problem arises.

Some items not permitted at school (These are sample items only. Other items deemed unsafe or inappropriate at school may be prohibited by staff members) :
(i) caps/cap guns
(ii) laser pointers
(iii) firecrackers
(iv) trading cards
(v) pea shooters
(vi) pets
(vii) pocket knives, Swiss Army knives
(viii) skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades
(ix) sling shots, any type of rubberized yo-yo
(x) speed balls (hard type)
(xi) tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs*, de-alcoholized beverages (i.e. de-alcoholized coolers, de-alcoholized beer)
(xii) water pistols, toy guns
(xiii) Walkman radios, boom boxes & CD players, MP3 players, iPods
(xiv) Game Boys and other small computerized games
(xv) cell phones**

* Medicine/pills (including over-the-counter drugs) which must be taken during school hours must be left at the office until required. A form requiring a doctor’s signature is available from the office to enable staff members to distribute medication
** Exceptions may be made for students travelling to sporting events and/or on field trips. Permission of a staff member, prior to the event, will be necessary. Cell phones must remain turned off and be used for outgoing calls only in the designated cell phone usage area (i.e. the Principal’s Office). Permission of a staff member prior to the event, will be necessary.

Expectation of Lunchroom Behaviour
Students who stay at school for lunch must follow all rules established for safe lunchroom behaviour. Students eat lunch in their rooms or an assigned area. They are expected to stay in the desk at all times except when permission has been granted by the lunchroom supervisor to exit the room. Food and drink items (e.g. Slushies) that create potential cleaning problems are not permitted on school property. Students are expected to leave the classroom free of garbage and/or spills. They are responsible for cleaning any mess they create. Students who fail to follow all lunchroom rules will lose the right to eat at school.
Prior written permission must be obtained from parents/guardians for students who stay for lunch to leave school property during the lunch hour. Students who leave at the second nutritional break must do so at 1:00 p.m. and not return prior to 1:35 p.m. Students are not permitted to eat their lunch at school and then leave the school. Students MAY NOT cross the street to purchase items at local businesses and immediately return to school. The school and/or school board is not responsible for students who leave school property at lunch time.

Expectations of Bus Behaviour
The safety of all students on the bus necessitates that all rules be followed without exception. Students must stay in their assigned seats, keep their heads, arms, legs, etc. inside the bus, refrain from making gestures out the window, refrain from provoking others and/or using profane language, refrain from body contact of any kind, and follow any other rules set out by the bus driver. Students will immediately lose bus privileges and/or face additional consequences, including suspension from school, for any behaviour deemed unsafe by the bus driver. Parents/guardians must have their children waiting for the bus at their assigned pick up location in the morning. The bus will not wait for students. It is imperative that students refrain from chasing the bus. Students must be picked up and dropped off at their designated stop. There are no exceptions to this. Students may not “bring a friend along” on a bus ride home. Bus rules apply to students who take the bus to and from school as well as to st
udents on school-sponsored field trips.

Expectations of Grade 8 Students
Students in Grade 8 are expected to be examples of appropriate behaviour and good citizenship for the rest of the school population. The following school policy has been developed in collaboration with the school council:

1. In order to graduate with a Grade 8 diploma, students must pass their six academic courses (English, French, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History, Geography) by achieving at least a Level 1 in each of these subjects. Students on IEP’s may be exempted from all or part of this policy.
2. In order to attend commencement ceremonies and graduate with their class, students must
(i) demonstrate appropriate behaviour and good citizenship in the classroom, school and on school-sponsored field trips; and
(ii) earn a graduation diploma by passing their six academic subjects as outlined above.
Students who earn a graduation diploma but who have not demonstrated appropriate behaviour and good citizenship in the school and on school-sponsored field trips will have their graduation diplomas mailed to them.
3. Students who do not meet the graduation requirements may be recommended for placement in Grade 9 but will not be invited to the graduation ceremonies or receive a graduation diploma. Parents and students should be aware that high school principals may refuse to accept any student into Grade 9 who does not meet academic standards. Decisions regarding attendance at graduation ceremonies will be made by the school staff.
4. If a Grade 8 student has been suspended (with a letter) from school during the year, he/she is not eligible to receive an award at the graduation ceremonies.
“School is a building that has four walls ... with tomorrow inside”
Lon WattersPossible Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviour:
A. warning
B. phone call to parents/guardians
C. loss of privileges
D. detention(s)
E. temporary removal from class
F. community service
G. removal from field trip
H. behavioural contract
I. meeting with parents/guardians
J. in-school suspension
K. written assignment related to transgression
L. restitution
M. sent home
N. referral for counselling
O. withdrawal of permission to bring a bicycle to school
P. removal/suspension from a school sports’ team
Q. suspension of lunchroom privileges
R. suspension of bus privileges
S. suspension
T. police and/or social service agency involvement
U. expulsion

CODE OF CONDUCT

All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.

The Ontario Code of Conduct sets clear provincial standards of behaviour. It specifies the mandatory consequences for student actions that do not comply with these standards.

The Provincial standards of behaviour apply not only to students, but also to all individuals involved in the publicly funded school system –– parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members –– whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.

Guiding Principles

• All participants involved in the publicly funded school system –– students, parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members -- are included in this Code of Conduct whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.
• All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially persons in positions of authority.
• Responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community. Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.
• Members of the school community are expected to use non-violent means to resolve conflict. Physically aggressive behaviour is not a responsible way to interact with others.
• The possession, use or threatened use of any object to injure another person, endangers the safety of oneself and others.
• Alcohol and illegal drugs are addictive and present a health hazard. Ontario schools will work cooperatively with police, drug and alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and, where necessary, respond to school members who are in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Insults, disrespect, and other hurtful acts disrupt learning and teaching in a school community. Members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.

Roles and Responsibilities

SCHOOL BOARDS provide direction to their schools that ensure opportunity, excellence and accountability in the education system. They provide this direction by:
• developing policies that set out how their schools will implement and enforce the Provincial Code of Conduct and all other rules that they develop as related to the provincial standards for respect, civility, responsible citizenship and physical safety
• seeking input from school councils and review these policies regularly with students, staff, parents or guardians, volunteers and the community
• establishing a process that clearly communicates the Provincial Code of Conduct to all parents, students and staff in a manner that ensures their commitment and support
• ensuring an effective intervention strategy and response to all infractions related to the standards for respect, civility, responsible citizenship and physical safety
• providing opportunities for all staff to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to develop and maintain academic excellence and safe learning and teaching environments

PRINCIPALS, under the direction of their school board, take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide this leadership by:
• demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment
• holding everyone under their authority accountable for their behaviour and actions
• communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community

TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF, under the leadership of their principals, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, staff uphold these high standards when they:
• help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth
• communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents
• maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students
• demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents
• prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship
“The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without his teacher.”
Elbert HubbardSTUDENTS are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:
• comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn
• shows respect for him/herself, for others and for those in authority
• refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others
• follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own action

PARENTS play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:
• show an active interest in their child's school work and progress
• communicate regularly with the school
• help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school
• ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time
• promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival
• become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules
• encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour
• assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues

POLICE AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS are essential partners in making our schools and communities safer. Community members need to support and respect the rules of their local schools. Police investigate incidents in accordance with the protocol developed with the District School Board of Niagara. These protocols are based on a provincial model developed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Education.

Standards of Behaviour - Respect, Civility, and Responsible Citizenship
All school members must:
• respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws.
• demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions.
• treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement.
• respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.
• respect the rights of others.
• show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.
• take appropriate measures to help those in need.
• respect persons who are in a position of authority.
• respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching.

Physical Safety - Weapons
All school members must not:
• be in possession of any weapon, including but not limited to firearms.
• use any object to threaten or intimidate another person.
• cause injury to any person with an object.

Physical Safety - Alcohol And Drugs
All school members must not:
• be in possession of, or under the influence of, or provide others with, alcohol or illegal drugs.

Physical Safety - Physical Aggression
All school members must not:
• inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person, but must seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully.

SUSPENSIONS

A principal shall consider whether to suspend a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil has engaged in any of the following activities:
1. Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm to another person
2. Possessing alcohol, illegal and/or restricted drugs
3. Being under the influence of alcohol
4. Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority
5. Committing an act of vandalism that causes damage to board property or to property located on board premises
6. Bullying
7. Persistent opposition to authority
8. Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the moral tone of the school
9. Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the physical or mental well-being of any member of the school community
10. Any act considered by the principal to be contrary to the Board Code of Student Behaviour or school Code of Conduct; or
11. Any other activity that is an activity for which a principal may suspend a pupil under a policy of the Board.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
Helen Keller