ELPHINSTONE SECONDARY SCHOOL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Code of Conduct) Every person who contributes to the Elphinstone School community – students, teachers, administrators, teachers on call, classroom assistants, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria personnel, guest speakers, parents – is entitled to these rights and responsibilities. 1. I have the right to learn and / or help others to learn. It is my responsibility to • bring my materials, arrive on time, and be ready to work • listen to instructions • work quietly at my desk • work cooperatively with others • raise my hand if I have a question, concern, or need to leave class • complete my assignments to the best of my ability and on time 2.I have the right to be respected. It is my responsibility to • respect everyone regardless of ability, race, color, religion or sexual orientation and not to do or say anything that might hurt their feelings • speak up and / or take action when others are not being respected • let others speak and not be inattentive, talk or cause disruptions • use appropriate language • dress in a manner that is considerate of others 3.I have the right to privacy and to my own personal space. It is my responsibility to • respect the personal property of others • accept their right to privacy • respect the property of my teachers and the school 4.I have the right to be safe. It is my responsibility to • ensure the safety of others and not bully, threaten or physically harm anyone else • solve problems peacefully 5.I have the right to be included in my classroom, school and community. I have the responsibility to • give back and make a positive contribution to my school and community BC Human Rights Code Under the BC Human Rights Code, individuals are protected from discrimination, denial of services or access by virtue of their race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, age (applies to persons 19 to 64 years of age) and unrelated criminal or summary convictions. The Elphinstone Secondary Code of Conduct supports and aligns with the BC Human Rights Code, as well as School District 46 Regulation 2760 (Regulation 2760), which addresses sexual orientation and gender identity. ~ ATTENDANCE: ~(see also Early Dismissal) Regular school attendance is a major factor in contributing to student success in school. ~We expect that students enrolled at Elphinstone Secondary will attend school regularly by reporting on time for all scheduled classes. ~In the case of absence, parents are requested to phone the school office or send a note with the student upon return. ~In addition, students should inform teachers of an anticipated absence. ~Poor attendance and unexcused absences will result in a parent meeting and possibly an alternate school setting. If a student’s absence results in a missed examination/test/quiz/assignment, it will be the responsibility of the student to do the following in order to be allowed a chance to “make-up” the missed work: 1. Produce a valid excuse for the absence through a parent note, doctor’s note, or phone call in advance of the morning of the absence. 2. Arrange a time and/or process for “make-up” with the teacher(s). 3. Complete the “make-up” exam or assignment. LATES: It is the responsibility of each student to be on time and to be prepared for class. If you are late to class you may be required by your subject teacher to make up the time and/or the work that has been missed. GYM RULES: 1.Keep your food or beverages out of the gym. 2.Use the hallways to get to your classes and locker. 3.Leave valuables at home, including cash. 4.Behave in a safe and responsible manner. LOCKERS & LOCKS: School lockers are the property of the school, provided for the convenient storage, at a students own risk, of materials or items needed for school. ~Locks must be on lockers. Because of the possibility of misuse and the associated legal duty of care of school principals, it may be necessary to search student lockers whenever there is reasonable cause to do so. ~When it is determined that an immediate search is not necessary, a reasonable effort will be made to contact a parent prior to the search. Students must have a school authorized “Dudley” lock on their locker door. ~Locks are available from the office at $5.00 each. Do not store valuables in your locker.~DO NOT GIVE YOUR~~COMBINATION OUT TO ANYONE! ~~The school cannot and will not accept liability for things stolen at school. P.E. EXCUSES: If you are unable to take part in P.E. classes because of sickness or injury, you must bring a note for each day you cannot take part. ~No note – no excuse. ~If you have a medical problem which prohibits you from taking part in P.E. for an extended period of time, you must bring a note from your doctor. HALLWAY BEHAVIOUR: Expected behaviours in hallways between classes, before and after school, and at breaks and lunch are as follows: – Purposeful behaviour such as studying, eating, or quiet socializing – Safe conduct, no horseplay, no obstruction – Appropriate use of language. – Garbage in garbage cans. – Use recycling bins SENT TO THE OFFICE: If you have been sent to see the principal or the vice principal go there immediately and sign into the office and note the following: • Wait quietly until they are ready for you. • Hats are to be removed in the office • No Laughing and fooling around be respectful DRESS REGULATIONS: All students shall adhere to reasonable standards of taste in dress and grooming. ~The following guidelines are for students and parents: • shoes must be worn at all times inside the building for reasons of health as well as appropriate grooming. • articles of clothing that are not appropriate for a public school setting will not be tolerated (bearing direct or indirect messages or graphics referring to illegal drugs, or of a racist, sexist or profane character or over revealing). Students will be asked to cover up the offensive piece of clothing and not wear it to school again. • wearing hats in class is with teacher permission only. • hats are not to be worn during school assemblies. HARASSMENT AND BULLYING Harassment and bullying not be tolerated and will be dealt with as a serious matter. We define harassment as unwanted and unwelcome behaviour that, in the perception of the person being harassed, interferes with his or her life. Intimidation, threats and coercion are examples of harassment. Bullying involves grabbing other people or their clothing, making noises, remarks, looks, or gestures, writing inappropriate notes to or about a person (including online bullying), spreading rumours with the intention to intimidate or embarrass someone. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: There is no smoking on school property. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on school grounds this includes vaping and tobacco products. BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS: These items are not to be used on the school grounds because of safety concerns. ~Bicycles should be racked and locked in the courtyard. Skateboards are to be kept in your lockers. ~If you use them in an unsafe way on your way to or from school you will be asked not to bring them to school. CELL PHONES: Cell phone use is granted at the permission the teacher. Teachers can change their cell phone permission at their discretion. Consequences of unacceptable use: • If a student is found using their cell phone during instructional time in defiance of the teacher, a teacher may confiscate the cell phone. • All confiscated cell phones will be turned into the office, and the student may retrieve the cell phone at the end of the school day. • After the second confiscation of a studentís cell phone, a parent/guardian must meet with the administration to have the cell phone retrieved. Community Citizens All students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible members of the community. This includes conduct in and around business outlets and schools adjacent to our school. ~All students must be courteous to the families living in the school neighbourhood and respectful of their property. ~Students who engage in conduct that disturbs, disrupts, or damages the persons or property of the school neighbourhood will be subject to discipline. APPEAL OF DECISIONS: Appeal by a student or parent of any decisions made in writing at the school may be made first to the school Principal. The Principal’s decision may be further appealed by a student or parent under Administrative Regulation #1750 (Reviewing Decisions of the Principal or Designate). | 