Secondary School Code of Conduct

SECONDARY SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

Sooke School District secondary schools believe that our schools are places for safe, purposeful learning. This Code of Conduct is intended to put forth the expectations of student behaviour, school rules and Sooke School Board policies. We believe that is a shared responsibility of students, staff, parents / guardians and the broader community, to demonstrate positive conduct while attending any school or District related activity, at any location.

Sooke School District secondary schools are safe and caring schools that values students and school culture. All members of the school community have an obligation to:

• Support learning
• Promote safety
• Respect property, environment, personal space and privacy
• Model courtesy, compassion and respect
• Celebrate diversity

All members of the school community will refrain from engaging in any in-person or digital communication or behaviour that is considered to be:

• Bullying, harassing, intimidating, retaliating, discriminating or violent;
• Interfering with the learning and working of others;
• Unsafe or illegal, including the possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances, or the possession of weapons or replicas.

SD62 secondary school communities promote the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of individuals, including not engaging in discriminatory conduct based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age.

Response to Breach of Conduct

Action at Sooke School District secondary schools will be determined by each individual situation. Every effort will be made to support individuals and to determine the root causes of behaviour. When working with students, the Principal or Vice Principal may adjust the action based on the maturity, grade level, progressive discipline and ability of the student to understand expectations of their behaviour. If the safety or educational program of others is compromised, or if there is an ongoing failure to meet the expectations of the Code of Conduct, a range of consequences will follow.

Any student who violates School Board or school policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to:

• An interview with a Principal or Vice Principal;
• Notification of parent(s)/guardian(s);
• In-school suspension;
• Restorative processes;
• Community service;
• Loss of privileges;
• Detention;
• Referral to counselling or support programs;
• Formal suspension from school;
• Referral to the Sooke School District Student Review Committee (indefinite suspension)

In cases where students have a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature, the school Inclusive Education Services team will be involved in developing a proactive plan based on the student’s Individual Education Plan. The case manager, Principal or Vice Principal, student, parent/guardian, and possibly counsellor will collaborate to develop an appropriate strategy.

Whenever possible, incidents will be resolved by discussion, mediation and restitution.

All members of the Sooke School District community have the right to be treated fairly and consistently and should know and understand this Code of Conduct.