âĂcole H.S. Grenda Middle School
CODE OF CONDUCT (JUNE 2021)
At Ecole H.S. Grenda Middle School, we recognize that each learner and situation is unique and we will always strive to ensure that our school is a safe, caring, and orderly environment in which to learn and work. As learners age and mature, the expectations for behaviour change accordingly.
WHO DOES THIS CODE OF CONDUCT APPLY TO? |
In reference to Board Policy 401, 450, 450R, 452, 455, 455R, and 486 the purpose of the Code of Conduct at HMS is to maintain a safe, caring, and orderly environment for all learners and their learning. This code of conduct applies to all learners:
On school property
In attendance at any school-sponsored activity
Whose behaviour at any time or place, including to and from school as well as online, has a negative impact on the school environment and/or learning
HMS promotes the values expressed in BCâs Human Rights Code (Board Policy 450, 450R, 452) respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law. All participants in school business, activities, and/or events shall conduct themselves in a manner that does not contravene these rights. No person will be discriminated against another based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, physical and/or mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation within the school or through the school system and its related function through publication, or in accommodation, service or facility. The school will treat any behaviour that contravenes the grounds set out in BCâs Human Rights Code seriously.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES |
The code of conduct for HMS is based on the following balance of rights and responsibilities.
Learner Rights | Learner Responsibilities |
Learners have the right to learn. | Learners have the responsibility to actively participate and to be responsible learners. Some examples include: Attending classes consistently and being on time Comping prepared for class and being ready to learn Putting forth a strong effort and participating actively Staying focused and not distracting others Completing assignments and staying organized
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Learners have the right to be respected. | Learners have the responsibility to respect others (not to bully, tease, pick on, or harass others). Some examples include: Being polite and listening actively to others Being welcoming, kind, and inclusive to others Being accepting and respectful of differences Being honest and trustworthy Being a helpful bystander Promptly reporting incidents of bullying, harassment or intimidation to a trusting adult
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Learners have the right to be safe. | Learners have the responsibility to behave in a safe manner and to protect the safety of others. Some examples include: Walking rather than running in hallways Remaining in designated areas Playing safely Reporting dangerous situations to staff, including possession of banned items
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Learners have the right to privacy and security of personal space. | Learners have the responsibility to respect the property and privacy of others (learners, staff, and community). Some examples include: Refraining from touching otherâs property without permission Respecting personal boundaries taking /sharing digital images and/or videos respectfully and with direct permission
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Learners have the right to use learner equipment and property. | Learners have the responsibility to use the equipment and property according to all applicable rules, and with care and respect. Some examples include: Cleaning up properly including garbage and recycling Asking before borrowing items Returning materials promptly and neatly Showing respect for spaces, furniture, and equipment
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VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT |
At HMS, we recognize that members of our school community do their best to conduct themselves in a positive and responsible manner. However, violations of the Code of Conduct will occur, and when this happens, the school will contact parents/guardians. Violations of the Code of Conduct occur in many ways, some being minor and some being more serious, and therefore will be dealt with accordingly.
In the even of a Code of Conduct violation, the staff will endeavour to act consistently by:
We recognize that each situation must be dealt with on an individual basis, dependent upon severity, circumstances, and history. With each event, effort will be made to determine a consequence that suits the situation. Additionally, as learners mature the nature of the consequence may vary from grades 6 to 8. We will commit to using a restorative approach and use collaborative problem solving (involving family, staff, and students) whenever possible.
To uphold the School Act and recognize the diverse needs of all learners at HMS, special considerations may apply to learners with special needs to ensure any necessary consequences are applied in a manner that reflects the individual's intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, and behavioural abilities.
OFFENSES AND POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES |
Minor violations of the schoolâs Code of Conduct are dealt with in a variety of ways (collaborative problem solving, meetings, detentions, school/community service etc.) leading to the development of more positive behaviour, and allowing learners to make amends for their behaviour.
More serious violations may lead to a behavioural/counselling support, disciplinary work-station detention, behaviour contracts, definite/indefinite in/out of school suspension, a Restorative Justice referral and/or RCMP involvement. The following examples are of more serious violations. It should be noted that this is not a comprehensive list.
Examples of Major Offence | Examples of Serious Offences |
Repeated minor violations of the code of conduct Willful disobedience Power struggles Inappropriate language or touching Leaving campus Tampering with property Pain or injury to another (kicking, tripping, intimidation, pushing, swearing etc.) Lying Failure to apply oneself to their studies Inappropriate use of technology
| Repeated major offenses Ongoing truancy use/possession of weapons Defiance Uttering threats smoking/vaping bullying/cyberbullying Sexual harassment Vandalism Violent behaviour (assault, fighting etc.) Theft use/possession of alcohol and/or drugs Bomb threats
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RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY |
The purpose of using network services and digital technologies while in educational settings is to engage in responsible educational activities. Therefore, the use of personal technology devices, school technologies, and district network services requires students to abide by the schoolâs Code of Conduct and procedures, as well as Central Okanagan Public Schools Policy 486: Student Use of Network Services and Digital Technologies.
Some examples of responsible use with district and personal devices include the following:
Act responsibly when accessing technology and district networks, including the Internet in their school.
Use technology equipment and property according to all applicable rules and with care and respect.
Engage in appropriate use as directed by school staff.
Respect the safety and privacy of self and others and do not provide personal contact information about themselves or other students.
Treat others with respect and kindness when using digital devices and network services.
Respect resource limits of the network services and do not engage in activities that jeopardize the integrity, security or performance of the network.
Understand the importance of privacy and security and take all reasonable precautions when accessing network services and digital technologies.
The use of Personal Technology Devices, School Technology, and District Networks is a privilege and usage may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Schools will not be held responsible for any misplaced, lost, stolen, or broken items brought to school by students. Use of network services and digital technologies which violate the terms outlined in policy and/or the School's Code of Conduct may result in serious consequences including definite or indefinite suspensions and/or police intervention.
At HMS, personal learning devices may only be used during instructional time at the discretion of the classroom teacher. If at any point, learnersâ use interferes with or distracts the learner or learning of others or the safety and well-being of others, the school may intervene to align with our code of conduct. Please note that students are not required to have their own personal learning device or cellphone. Additionally, devices brought to school are not to be shared with other students attending HMS.
Board Policy 460 details the process for a parent/guardian to appeal a decision that has been made at the school level by a school employee which significantly affects the education, health and/or safety of the learner. This district policy is in place to help ensure that effective communication is part of the problem-solving process.
All middle schools in Central Okanagan Public Schools are closed campuses. Upon arrival at HMS, learners are to remain on site until the end of the school day. Learners will not be permitted to leave the property to visit surrounding parks, stores, etc.
The purpose of the HMS dress code is to clarify what clothing is considered reasonable for all learners and staff to provide a positive school climate. Learners and staff are asked to avoid dress styles which promote, intimidate or celebrate violence, intimidation, racism, sexism, hatred towards others, gang associations, and/or sex or alcohol/drug use. If clothing is deemed inappropriate, learners and/or staff will respectfully be asked to change.
Hats can be worn in the school, and at the discretion of the classroom teacher, may or may not be allowed to be worn. For safety reasons, footwear must be worn at all times.
PERSONAL PROPERTY/LOCKERS |
At the beginning of each year, learners will be provided with a school lock (personal locks are not permitted) and locker. Learners will be reminded that in order to keep their belongings safe, they must not share their combinations. Additionally, learners are encouraged to leave all unnecessary items, valuables, and money at home. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
Locks remain property of the school. Lockers may be opened and searched if deemed necessary by the school administration. If a lock goes missing, learners will be charged a $5.00 replacement fee.
SCOOTERS/SKATEBOARDS/BIKES |
Upon arrival at HMS, learners are required to walk their scooters, skateboards, and bikes to the appropriate storage locations. All scooters and bikes should be secured with a good lock on the designated racks at the front of the school. Skateboards can be locked in lockers. The school will not be responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
It is always recommended that learners use appropriate protective equipment (helmet) while travelling to and from school. We ask that parents/guardians please review road and traffic safety.
At HMS, we value and strongly encourage family and community engagement in the school. However, for the safety of all learners and staff, we ask that all visitors report to the Welcome Centre to sign in and share their reason for attendance. Learners from other schools are not permitted to be on HMS property, just as HMS learners are not to be on other school properties.
Family members and community members that regularly volunteer their time at the school will be asked to complete a criminal record in accordance with Board Policy 720 and 720R.
