The Code of Conduct has been developed from the principles of:
- Respect for self and others
- Respect for the learning process
- Respect for safety
- Respect for property
A positive learning environment can be developed only if these basic principles are adhered to. Good behaviour and fair, firm and consistent progressive discipline will help to ensure that Laurier is a safe place to learn and work.
Our Code of Conduct reflects the belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to promote a safe, respectful environment in partnership with the school, the home and the community.
Possible consequences for students displaying unacceptable conduct are outlined as follows:
| ISSUE | SCHOOL REGULATIONS | RATIONALE AND SPECIAL NEEDS | CONSEQUENCES |
|
Respect |
Students shall behave in a manner that shows consideration and respect for self, others and the school grounds. | Respect for self, peers, staff and the school grounds creates a positive learning environment for all. | Consequences: Counselling, parental involvement, loss of privileges, interview with Administration, suspension. |
|
Attendance and Punctuality |
Students shall attend all classes as scheduled. Students shall be punctual and ready to work. |
A direct correlation exists between excellent attendance, punctuality and ongoing academic success. | Consequences: Counselling, parental involvement, interview with Administration, loss of privileges, suspension. |
|
Lunch and Waste |
Students are encouraged to eat lunch in the cafeteria or outside in pleasant weather providing the campus is kept clean. Students must clean up garbage and place recyclable materials in the proper containers. | Cleanliness of the school and grounds are necessary for sanitation and good health. Respect for our school environment is important. |
Consequences: Counselling, loss of privileges, community service in the school, parental involvement. |
| School Dress Code | Dress must be appropriate for a school setting and meet the community standards of decency.
Inappropriate dress includes garments that display words or symbols that are offensive or profane, indicate gang affiliation, depict violence, profanity, racial or gender discrimination or discrimination of any kind whatsoever, or that otherwise demeans an identifiable individual or group, or garments that are too revealing. Coats and jackets should be stored in students’ lockers. Students are not permitted to wear hats, hoods or any type of facial covering anywhere in the school building. The only exception being for religious observance. Bandanas are not to be worn or displayed in any way. |
Appropriate attire creates a positive learning environment.In order to maintain a safe learning environment we must be able to easily recognize all individuals in the building. | Consequences: The principal may exercise discretion with respect to any exceptions to the school dress code. Head gear will be confiscated and a return date will be established by the Administration. Counselling, interview with Administration, parental involvement, loss of privileges, suspension. |
| Smoking | Students shall not smoke tobacco or use e-cigarettes anywhere on school property. | Smoking is a serious health threat. Provincial law prohibits smoking on school property, including in cars in the driveways and parking lots. |
Consequences: Suspension, parental contact, Health Department fine. |
| Substance Abuse | Students will not be in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or drugs at school or at any school-related function. | Respect for oneself and for the laws of Ontario and Canada creates a positive learning environment. | Consequences: See Toronto District School Board Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy. Students will be suspended, parents will be notified and the police may be involved. |
| Harassment | Students are protected from any bullying, discrimination and harassment.
According to the TDSB Human Rights Policy, prohibited grounds include: Age, Ancestry, Citizenship, Colour, Creed (faith), Disability, Ethnic Origin, Family Status, Gender, Gender Identity, Marital Status, Place of Origin, Race, Sexual Orientation, Socio-Economic Status. The TDSB and Sir Wilfrid Laurier C.I. treat bullying as a serious threat that has an impact on all individuals involved. The TDSB, through its Safe Schools Policy, does not tolerate bullying. |
Students have the right to be educated in an environment that is free from any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination. | Consequences: See Toronto District School Board Anti-Racism, Anti-Harassment Policies. Consequences may include suspension, recommendation for expulsion and police involvement. |
| Vandalism | Students shall not vandalize (e.g.: property damage, graffiti), misuse or cause malicious damage to any part of the school or any equipment belonging to the school or any venue used for a school sponsored event. Misuse of fire alarms is a criminal offence. |
It is the responsibility of the students to maintain their environment in a safe and appropriate manner. | Consequences: Counselling, restitution, parental involvement, community service in the school, loss of privileges, suspension and police involvement. |
| Identification of Students |
Students must identify themselves immediately and respectfully to any staff member upon request. Hoods, ski and facemasks or anything that prevents easy identification of students are not to be worn in school at any time. All students must have a Laurier ID card and carry it with them when at school. |
In order to maintain a safe learning environment school staff must be able to easily recognize and identify all individuals in the building. | Consequences: Counselling, warning, parental involvement, suspension. |
| Language, Attitude and Behaviour |
Students shall be courteous and polite in behaviour, actions and language. Students shall not use or display offensive language in school or at school related events. |
Respectful language promotes a caring school culture and an atmosphere conducive to learning. |
Consequences: Counselling, parental involvement, interview with Administration, loss of privileges, suspension. |
| Communication and Personal Electronic Devices (PED) |
The use of PED’s during instructional time is prohibited unless permitted by the teacher for educational purposes. Texting, game playing and social media which are not directly related to classroom activities are strictly prohibited. Personal electronic devices of any kind (i.e. IPods, cell phones, cameras, laptops, etc.) and headphones must be turned off and properly stored unless permitted by the teacher. Students are not allowed to bring laser pointers on school property. |
Instruction can be enhanced by the use of PED’s under the direction of the teacher. Emergency messages for students will be relayed through the Office. Student safety. TDSB policy. |
Consequences: Confiscation with a return date or time will be established by the Administration, parental involvement, suspension. |
| Skateboards, Rollerblades, Balls |
Skateboards and scooters are not to be used on the school property. Rollerblades are not to be used in the school. Balls are to be used only in the gymnasium or on the playing field. |
Concern for the safety of self, of others and of property is paramount. | Consequences: Warning, confiscation with a return date established by the Administration, loss of privileges, parental contact. |
| Integrity and Honesty | Students will use information technology for appropriate educational purposes only and will abide by the Student Internet Agreement. | Our goal is to develop academic and personal integrity in our students in order to support academic achievement and student safety. | Consequences: Interview with Administration, parental involvement, loss of marks, suspension. |
| Gambling | Students shall not engage in games of chance for profit (i.e. cards, dice, dominos, etc.). | Illegal activity. Concern for the safety of self and others. |
Consequences: Interview with Administration, suspension, parental involvement, loss of privileges. |
| Weapons | Weapons, including knives of any type and facsimile of weapons are strictly forbidden on school property. | Our school must be a safe environment for all members of our Laurier community. | Consequences: See Toronto District School Board Policy on Weapons and Violence Suspension, expulsion, parental involvement and police involvement. |
Students have the right to be educated in a safe environment that is free from any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination. Harassment may be handled in one of two ways, formally and informally.
Informally: Without escalating the situation inform the harasser that their comments/actions are offensive and must stop.
Formally: Report your concerns to teachers, school based safety monitors or vice principals.
If you wish anonymity: Call: 416 222 TIPS or 416 396-6820 (school office).
Log on to: www.cybertip.ca or www.crimestoppers.on.ca
