École H.S. Grenda Middle School
CODE OF CONDUCT (UPDATED Summer 2025)
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
BC HUMAN RIGHTS CODE |
HMS promotes the values expressed in BC’s 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 BC’s 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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES |
In the even of a Code of Conduct violation, the staff will endeavour to act consistently by:
- Communicating with all individuals involved;
- Determine the facts and;
- Treat all learners with fairness and respect
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 school’s 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 |
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Before a student returns to school from suspension, a meeting must occur with the student, parent or guardian, and the principal (or staff member designated by the principal). The purpose of the meeting is to:
- ensure that the requirements of the suspension have been met, including the completion of any school work or restitution;
- ensure that supports are in place to help the student be successful at school; and
- determine if the student is ready to return to school.
RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY |
Responsible Student Use of Personal Digital Devices, School Technology, and District Network Services
Student use of personal digital devices (any device used to communicate and/or access the internet), school technology, and district networks at school is for educational purposes.
Students must abide by the school’s Code of Conduct and procedures, as well as Central Okanagan Public Schools Policy 486: Student Use of Network Services and Digital Technologies.
Students will:
- Put away their personal digital devices when they arrive at school;
- Secure, power off and store personal digital devices during instructional (i.e. class time) and non-instructional time (i.e. breaks/lunch) at Middle schools unless instructed by the Principal or school staff;
- Use personal digital devices during instructional time for instructional purposes and digital literacy skills as instructed by the Principal or school staff;
- Ensure personal digital devices are not used in areas where privacy is expected, such as restrooms and change rooms;
- Be permitted to use personal digital devices to support accessibility, accommodations, medical and health needs;
- Always take precautions to ensure online safety, privacy, and security;
- Treat others with respect and kindness when using digital devices and district network services;
- Always use digital devices and district network services responsibly and with academic integrity.
Schools will ensure that all students have equitable and developmentally appropriate access to technology to meet curricular requirements. Students are not required to have their own personal digital device or cellphone at school.
The use of personal digital devices, school technology, and district networks is a privilege. Staff may revoke a student’s access to devices because of inappropriate student conduct.
Violations of the school code of conduct could result in appropriate restorative processes or disciplinary actions including suspension and police intervention.
APPEALS PROCESS |
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.
SMOKING/VAPING/DRUGS/ALCOHOL/ENERGY DRINKS |
Cigarette smoking is a health hazard both for the smoker and anyone in the vicinity of the smoke.
- All middle schools in SD23 are part of a Drug Free Zone. This means that there is no tolerance for drugs, cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vapes, or alcohol being used or distributed at school or anywhere within the school's drug-free zone.
- It is illegal for anyone under the age of eighteen to be in possession of cigarettes. This means that smoking is not permitted anywhere within the school, on school grounds or within sight of the school. Students may not smoke at any school sponsored field trip or activity.
- Cigarettes, vapes and other smoking paraphernalia are not permitted at school.
- École H S Grenda Middle School does not support the consumption of energy drinks. Research shows that children who consume energy drinks are more likely to have low psychological, physical, educational and overall well-being. Parents are advised that if students bring energy drinks to school they will be confiscated. If confiscated students can a) exchange on the energy drink for a juice from cafe, or b) turn over to staff who will put it in Cove fridge for claiming at 3:15.
CLOSED CAMPUS |
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.
DRESS CODE |
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. Please note that there are specific age limits and safety requirements for operating e-bikes, e-scooters on public roads: standard e-Bikes (16 years old); light e-Bikes (14 years old), e-Scooters (16 years old). Given these regulations, e-Bikes and e-Scooters are not permitted at HMS.
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.
SCHOOL VISITORS |
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.
FAIR NOTICE: STUDENT SAFETY |
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What is a threat?
A threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against someone or something. Threats may be verbal, written, drawn, posted on the internet, or made by gesture. Threats must be taken seriously, investigated, and responded to.
What is a site-specific Threat Assessment Team?
Each school has a site-specific Threat Assessment Team that includes the principal, counsellor(s), teachers, and a member of the police agency.
Duty To Report
To keep school communities safe and caring, staff, parents/ guardians, students, and community members must report all threat-related behaviours.
The purposes of a threat assessment are:
• To ensure the safety of students, staff, parents/guardians and others;
• To ensure a full understanding of the context of the threat;
• To understand factors contributing to the behaviour of the person of concern;
• To be proactive in developing an intervention plan that addresses the emotional and physical safety of the person of concern;
• To promote the emotional and physical safety of all.
What behaviours initiate a threat assessment?
A student threat assessment will be initiated when behaviours include, but are not limited to, serious violence or violence with intent to harm or kill, verbal/written threats to harm/kill others, online threats to harm/kill others, possession of weapons (including replicas), bomb threats and fire settings.
Can I refuse to participate in a threat assessment process?
It is important for all parties to engage in the process. However, if for some reason there is reluctance to participate in the process by the person of concern or parent/guardian, the threat assessment process will continue to promote a safe and caring learning environment.
What happens in a student threat assessment process?
All threat-making behaviour by the student shall be reported to the principal, who will activate the protocol for the initial response. Once the team has been activated, interviews may be held with students, the person of concern, parents/guardians, and staff to determine the level of risk and develop an appropriate response to the incident. Intervention plans will be developed and shared with parents/guardians, staff, and students as required.
COLLECTION NOTICE
The school district is subject to personal information privacy laws and will undertake the collection of this information in compliance with the requirements of such laws, including by limiting collection to information that is relevant and necessary to address a risk or threat and by ensuring that information is collected from publicly available open-source social media sites. The school district will not collect information as part of a threat assessment unless there is reason to believe that a risk exists. Information collected as part of a threat assessment may be provided to law enforcement authorities in appropriate circumstances.