Code of Conduct

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.
• Maintaining a safe environment is the responsibility of the entire school community including students, staff and parents.
• 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.  In addition, smoking or the distribution of tobacco on school property is prohibited by law.
• Insults, disrespect, bullying and other harmful 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.
• Recognition and acceptance of and sensitivity toward equity and inclusiveness are expectations within the school community.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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 the school community about safe schools initiatives.

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.

Students 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 themselves, 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 actions.

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;
• ensure their child is 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;
• demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents.

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 local school board.

In addition the Durham District School Board recognizes that:

Other members of the public, who interact with members of the school community while present in or on school property or premises, have a responsibility to follow the Code of Conduct and respect others in the school and to conduct themselves accordingly.

Sunset Heights Public School is committed to the elimination of discrimination and promoting equity for all staff and students.  We accept all individuals regardless of ancestry, culture, gender, language, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.

The Durham District School Board and Sunset Heights Public School follow the Guidelines and Procedures for the Accommodation of Religious Requirements Practices and Observances.  This document has been produced in compliance with requirements of Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy within the contexts of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code.  This document assists us in creating and maintaining equitable and inclusive environments within our schools and facilities, and guides the process of providing religious accommodations as the need arises. 

If you anticipate that you or your family might require religious accommodation at any point during the school year we ask that you inform the administration at your child’s school as early as possible, preferably at the start of the school year.  Areas that you might consider include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Observation of major religious holy days and celebrations
• Accommodation in, or exemption from, specific areas of the curriculum or other school activities
• Religious attire
• Modesty requirements in physical education
• School opening and closing exercises
• Prayer
• Dietary requirements

You are also welcome to speak to your school administration about unanticipated religious accommodation needs as they arise.

The Durham District School Board supports a proactive approach to discipline in schools. Progressive discipline will be the underlying philosophical approach in determining the consequences for students whose behaviour is deemed to be inappropriate and requires disciplinary action.

Positive reinforcement of students, parental involvement, community links, liaising with the community police officers, and modelling behaviours related to non-violence are strategies used in schools to promote acceptable behaviour and maintain a safe school climate creating positive school environments.

Consequences for unacceptable behaviour may range from initial intervention strategies such as counselling and parental communication to detention, behaviour contracts, restorative practices, support and responsibility agreements, suspension and expulsion. Peer mediation and conflict resolution programs are important initiatives that support the implementation of the Code of Conduct.

The Durham District School Board supports a restorative approach in our schools to establish positive learning environments and to support discipline issues as they arise.  Within the culture of Restorative Practice, there is a continuum of interactions that support positive relationships.  When things go wrong, there is a framework for dealing with the issues.

• Mitigating factors will be considered before determining appropriate consequences.
• Where behaviour is persistent or the incident is of a serious nature, suspension may result. The purpose of a suspension is to exclude the student from the learning environment.
• In situations where consideration for expulsion is appropriate the principal, after completing an investigation, may recommend expulsion of the student to the Board.

ACCEPTABLE AND SAFE USE PROCEDURE

For Computing Technology and Cyber -Safety

APPENDIX B:

Letter to Parents/Guardians of Elementary Students

Dear Parent/Guardian:

 The Durham District School Board is pleased to provide parents/guardians with information regarding computing technology available to students at school. Please read this letter and the accompanying Acceptable and Safe Use Procedure with your child.

  DDSB computing technology is made available to students to support their learning, research

requirements, and career preparation. Computing technology includes computers and associated peripherals, the communication infrastructure and related equipment including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), facsimile machines, scanners, copiers, telephone, video, and other multimedia devices and forms of software.

 DDSB technologies allow all schools to offer Internet access to their students. The Internet is a vehicle for accessing a global network of information resources. Students may use the Internet to locate and retrieve information and communicate learning with others.

 Students are encouraged to report Cyber-bullying to parents/guardians, teachers, and principals. Cyber-bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behaviour by an individual or group that is intended to harm others. Cyber-bullying can happen through the use of e-mail, cell phone text, multi media messages, instant messaging, defamatory Web logs (Blogs), personal Web Sites, on-line personal polling sites and social media websites and applications.

 Internet resources may contain material that may be questionable, objectionable, or illegal, and may enable contact with persons who may exhibit unacceptable behaviour. Students re-visiting unacceptable sites will be subject to discipline according to the Schools Code of Behaviour.

The DDSB utilizes internet filtering technologies. This technology blocks access to specific unacceptable sites known to contain violence, sexually explicit acts, intolerant, racist and other extreme viewpoints, cults, etc. No software is capable of blocking all unacceptable Internet sites.

 However, the Internet is a leading technology in the delivery of information in today's society and therefore, an integral part of our students' education.

Teachers and students are instructed on the safe and acceptable use of the Internet and other DDSB computing technology. Teachers will supervise student use of the Internet as they supervise student use of all other school resources.

All students are expected to abide by the DDSB Acceptable and Safe Use Procedure included with this letter. Misuse and/or abuse of the facilities and resources are subject to consequences as defined and explained in their school’s Student Code of Behaviour. Use of the Internet is governed by the Regulation 5500, the Student Code of Conduct, which states that "a student may be suspended or expelled from his or her school, expelled from attending any school in Ontario, and/or prohibited from engaging in school-related activities if the student commits an infraction of the Code of Conduct while he or she is at school, engaged in a school-related activity, or engaged in conduct that has a relationship to the school, school community, the reputation of the school or Board." In addition, use is governed by all relevant federal (e.g. Copyright Act, Freedom of Information Act, Protection of Privacy Act, the Criminal Code), provincial (e.g. Education Act, Child and Family Services Act, Safe School Act, Human Rights Code), DDSB (e.g. Policies and Procedures, Central File 06/07-28), and local school (eg. School Code of Behaviour) laws and regulations. Use of DDSB computing technology for unacceptable, illegal, political, or private commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. The onus is on the user to know and to comply with these laws and regulations.

 We look forward to providing students with the opportunity to use the school’s computing technology facilities and resources in a safe and meaningful way.

The locker is the property of the Durham District School Board, and is not the property of the student. Lockers must only be used to store school related materials and authorized personal items. Students are responsible for the contents of their lockers. 

• Lockers are to be treated with respect, and the inside of the locker must be kept free of inappropriate graffiti, postings or pictures.
• Illegal or unsafe items stored in lockers may lead to school consequences based on Bias-Aware Progressive Discipline.
• All student issued lockers must have a combination lock only.   The combination for this lock must be given to the home room teacher. 

        In addition, following Procedure: Police/School Board Protocol, the police may be contacted. Administration have the authority, with reasonable suspicion, to search personal property and lockers. The right to search helps school administration provide a safe and secure learning environment. Principals have the right to seize contraband material. Illegal contraband will be held by an Administrator for evidence in disciplinary proceedings, and may be turned over to a police officer. The parent/guardian of a minor student or the student, if the student is 18 years of age or older, shall be notified by the school administration if illegal or unsafe items are removed from his or her locker.

Failure to comply with any of this policy will result in the student losing the privilege of having a locker.

It is the practice of the Durham District School Board that the use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during the school-day on school property. Unless deemed appropriate by the school administration for educational purposes and permission is granted by staff, a student who brings a personal electronic device to school, should turn it off and keep it out of sight. Personal electronic devices may be utilized off school property or in designated areas and during times assigned by the school. Personal electronic devices that are used inappropriately inside of schools during the normal school day are disruptive to the teaching and learning environment. The privacy and personal dignity of others could be violated by the inappropriate use of personal electronic devices to text message, social network, and/or share digital media. In addition, activities such as personal communication, game playing and social media use during class time may distract students from the teaching and learning unless it is part of the teacher’s lesson.

Co-curricular programs, such as field trips and after-school events, are an extension of the classroom, and the expectations for the use of personal electronic devices apply.  Staff may approve the use of this technology for purposes of education and communication.

The use of personal electronic devices is permitted to support students with special education needs who require digital tools to support their learning and/or self-regulation.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a mobile computer that runs on Google's Chrome Operating System. These machines are designed to be used primarily while connected to the internet. 

Before a Chromebook is issued for use at home, students and parents or guardians must have acknowledged the Safe and Acceptable Use Policy and User Agreement on the Parent Portal student verification form. 

Students are expected to abide by the following rules and behavioral expectations both at home and within the school:

USE OF EQUIPMENT (Hardware and Software)  

Students must have the Chromebook permission verified by a parent/guardian through the on-line student verification through the Power Parent Portal.

School Chromebooks are to be used for research, educational and school related business only.

The use of the Chromebook must not violate the existing Safe and Acceptable Use Policy.

Students may not destroy, deface, or alter Chromebook equipment or files not belonging to the student. 

THE NETWORK  

The DDSB Ignite Mobile Network has filtering in place to block inappropriate websites and content. All devices are filtered, including the Chromebooks, when connected to it on campus.

 Chromebooks connected to the internet outside of the DDSB Network (off campus), such as at home or in public places, are not filtered by DDSB. In these instances, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure their student is using the device appropriately.

 PRIVACY 

It is a violation to share your Chromebook or your password with anyone else, or to access any account belonging to other students, faculty, or staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

By agreeing to, students and parents or guardians agree to:

Submit their Chromebook to school authorities upon request. Such a request may be made in order to check browser histories and caches, as well as to ensure Chromebooks do not contain any unapproved software or files. 

Accept monitoring of student usage of the Chromebooks at any time, when requested by school Personnel (teachers or administration). Students and parents need to be aware that files created using the Chromebook or stored on school servers are not private.

Charge their Chromebook overnight each night to ensure that they are fully charged for classes the next day. Just as students are expected to be prepared for class by having all required materials, students will have a charged Chromebook available to them at the start of each day. 

Protect the Chromebook from damage and theft. If the Chromebook is lost or stolen when outside of school grounds, it should be reported to the school immediately. 

If the damage is intentional, willful or purposeful, the parents or guardians will pay the full replacement cost of the Chromebook and/or AC power adaptor. Estimated replacement cost for a Chromebook are listed below.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS 

As a learner I will:

1.Never leave my Chromebook both unattended and unsecured.

2.Make sure the Chromebook is not subject to careless or intentional damage.

3.Ensure that my Chromebook is charged every evening and ready for use the next day.

4.Not decorate the Chromebook with permanent markings and not allow it to be subject to graffiti/defacing.

5. Not install or download software not approved by administration or teachers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/HINTS & TIPS FOR PARENTS

1.What are my responsibilities as a parent/guardian in terms of replacement of the Chromebook if it is damaged, lost or stolen?  

If the Chromebook is lost or damaged due to willful behaviour or negligence, the student/parent/guardian will be responsible for the replacement cost as estimated below. The School regards the Chromebook as all other materials that are checked out to a student (e.g. library materials, sports equipment, etc.). If the Chromebook is stolen a formal police report may be required and a copy presented to the school to determine if the costs will be covered by insurance

2. What are the estimated replacement costs of the Chromebook and accessories? 

3. What if we don't have Wi-Fi at home?

A Chromebook's use is maximized with Wi-Fi, but it can be used in an offline mode should Wi-Fi not be available. It will automatically connect to Wi-Fi and upload work upon entering a DDSB campus. The DDSB is exploring options to notify students of available free Wi-Fi locations in some areas of the district. Students may also have the ability to borrow a Wi-Fi access point through the school library.

Safety depends heavily on student behaviour while travelling on the school bus and it is very important that students act in a responsible and appropriate manner while on the school bus and around the school bus vehicle. A school bus is considered an extension of the classroom and all school policies such as safe schools, and code of conduct apply to the school bus. All transported students whether on a school authorized events or home to school transportation are accountable to the school principal who has the authority to ensure that student conduct on the school bus is appropriate.
Pursuant to The Education Act, school boards may provide transportation to their students. Transportation is a privilege not a right and eligibility for home to school transportation is based on DSTS policy http://www.dsts.on.ca/policy. School bus rules and regulations are set to maintain a safe and reliable mode of transportation. Failure to abide by the rules may result in the loss of transportation privileges for students.
It is important that we all work together to keep our children safe while travelling on the school bus. Please review with your child (ren) the rules and expectations of riding the school bus.

Expectations of Riders while on the Bus

• Listen to the bus driver when asked to do so; they are responsible for the safe operation of the bus.
• Speak quietly. Your safety is the responsibility of the driver. Excessive noise, loud singing, shouting etc. can be a distraction to the driver and the safe operation of the vehicle.
• Remain seated at all times. Sit facing forward for the entire trip until the vehicle comes to a stop. Students who do not sit properly in the seats can be seriously injured
• Keep personal belongings including backpacks stowed under the seat or on your lap.
• Keep aisles clear of belongings to not pose a tripping hazard and allow for safe bus evacuation if required.
• Do not bring large items including musical instruments and sporting equipment on the school bus.
• Do not use abusive language, profanity, yelling, throwing items (inside and out the bus), smoking, vaping, fighting or any other such activity that may interfere in the safe operation of the vehicle or endanger the safety of others.
• No eating or drinking. There may be a student on the bus with an allergy or this may pose a choking hazard.
• Keep arms, legs and head inside the vehicle at all times.
• Do not attempt to distract other vehicles on the road.
• Do not willfully damage the school bus in any way. Parents/guardians are responsible for payment of repairs.
• Be aware that misconduct may result in loss of riding privileges.
Home to School Transportation Instructions for Parents/Guardians
Parents/guardians can help to maintain a high standard of safety and acceptable behaviour for students while travelling on the school bus.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for their children’s safety until they board the bus as well as conduct prior to boarding the school bus and after disembarking the school bus, this includes while travelling to and waiting at the bus stop.
• Parents/guardians shall advise and explain to their children the rules of safety and appropriate behaviour for all family members at the bus stop or while travelling on the bus.

Expectations of Riders and Parents/Guardians at Pick Up and Drop Off Points

• Be at your bus stop at least 5 minutes prior to the schedule time. Students must be at the bus stop waiting for the bus to arrive. Please do not wait in a vehicle. If the bus is departing the stop please do not attempt to stop the bus.
• Conduct yourself in an appropriate manner prior to the arrival of the bus.
• Travel to school and return home on your assigned school bus. Board and disembark at your assigned bus stop location (s).
• Be respectful to the property of others and your community neighbours.
• Stand back from the road when you see the bus coming and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop.
• When boarding or deboarding the school bus, wait for school bus driver’s signal when crossing the roadway.
• Kindergarten students are to remain with parents/guardians in the morning while waiting for the school bus.
• Kindergarten students MUST be met by a parent/guardian in the afternoon when dropped off at their school bus stop location.
• Enter buses in single file, please do not push.
• Take your seat as quickly as possible

To encourage and support safe operation of school bus vehicles, drivers are expected to report all incidents to the school principal.

Ontario 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 and equitably;
• 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 a positive learning and teaching environment.

Physical Safety

Weapons - All school members must:

• • not be in possession of any weapon;
  • not use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;
  • not cause injury to any person.

           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 Aggression - All school members must:

• • not inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person;
  • seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict in a positive manner;
  • when appropriate, communicate the issue to the administration.           

Bully Free School

All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community.  The staff of Sunset Heights work together with parents and community partners to establish a healthy, bully-free environment.

Definition of Bullying- Ontario Ministry of Education PPM144

Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation.  Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.

Students may attain or maintain power over others in the school through real or perceived differences.  Some areas of difference may be size, strength, age, intelligence, economic status, social status, solidarity of peer group, religion, ethnicity, disability, need for special education, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender and race.

Bullying is a dynamic of unhealthy interaction that can take many forms.  It can be physical (e.g. hitting, pushing, tripping), verbal (e.g. name calling, mocking or making sexist, racist or homophobic comments) or social (e.g. excluding others from a group, spreading gossip or rumours).  It may also occur through the use of technology (e.g. spreading rumours, images or hurtful comments through the use of e-mail, cellphones, text messaging, Internet websites or other technology).

Children who suffer prolonged victimization through bullying as well as children, who use power and aggression as bullies, may experience a range of psycho-social problems that may extend into adolescence and adulthood.

Definition of Cyber-bullying

Cyber-bullying is bullying and harassment through cyber-space (i.e. e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, digital/video images, recordings, blogs, mobile phones, websites etc.).  Cyber-bullying can disrupt the school community, create a poisonous learning environment, harm the moral tone of the school and/or affect the well being of others.

Examples of bullying/cyber-bullying include:

• Hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking and/or pushing
• Stealing or damaging another person’s property
• Ganging up on someone
• Teasing someone in a hurtful way
• Using put-downs, such as insulting someone’s race, sexual orientation or making fun of someone for being a boy or a girl
• Spreading rumours about someone
• Leaving someone out on purpose or trying to get other students not to associate with someone
• Online threats or intimidation
• Online slander

Staff at our school prevent bullying/cyber-bullying and help children to feel safe at school by:

• Closely supervising students in all areas of the school and school grounds

• Watching for signs of bullying and stopping it when it happens
• Responding quickly and sensitively to reports of bullying
• Assigning consequences based upon Trudeau’s Code of Conduct
• Providing a safe environment for students who report bullying
• Educating students on the effects of bullying and cyber-bullying
• Implementing Character Education
• Anti-bullying initiatives

Students at our school prevent bullying/cyber-bullying by:

• Treating each other respectfully

• Refusing to bully others
• Refusing to let others be bullied
• Refusing to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied
• Trying to include everyone in play and sport, especially those who are often left out
• Reporting bullying to an adult

The police may be involved when bullying or cyber-bullying becomes criminal harassment.