Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION

The code of conduct for Sinclair Secondary School was developed by students, staff, School Community Council, and Student Parliament and was established following the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct (2000) and the applicable policies, regulations and procedures of the Durham District School Board. In accordance with Policy/Program Memorandum No.128 from the Ministry of Education, the Code of Conduct has been revised to reflect changes made in the Education Act, effective February 1, 2008, that pertain to suspension and expulsion of students.

The Code of Conduct for Sinclair Secondary School is designed to provide a framework to ensure that school is a safe, productive learning environment for all. We ask families to review this Code of Conduct so that all parties are familiar with school expectations and procedures. The Code of Conduct is subject to change at any time, based on directions from the Ministry of Education or the Durham District School Board.

RATIONALE (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board is committed to providing a safe and secure school environment. The Safe Schools Act, 2000 required each board and each school to develop a Code of Conduct that is consistent with the legislation and board policy. These provisions were more recently amended by Bill 212, An Act to Amend the Education Act, in respect of behaviour, discipline and safety. The revised Education Act, together with the related Regulation 472/07, effective April 30, 2018.

The Codes of Conduct for the Durham District School Board and Sinclair Secondary School reflect the following provincial policy:

A school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to contribute to a positive school climate and be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.

The Ontario Schools Code of Conduct sets clear provincial standards of behaviour. It specifies the mandatory consequences for student actions that do not comply with these standards. Policy/Program Memorandum No. 145, “Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour”. October 17, 2018, provides an overview of the progressive discipline approach to be used when addressing issues of student conduct. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, Sinclair Secondary School will utilize a range of interventions, supports and consequences that are developmentally appropriate, that include opportunities for students to learn from mistakes, and that focus on improving behaviour.

The provincial standards of behaviour apply not only to students, but also to all individuals involved in the publicly funded school system – parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members, whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Sinclair Secondary School support the provincial guiding principles and endorse recognition, acceptance and sensitivity toward ethno cultural diversity.

All participants involved in the publicly funded school system – students, parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members, are included in the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.
All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially persons in positions of authority.
Responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community. Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.
Members of the school community are expected to use non-violent means to resolve conflict. Physically aggressive behaviour is not a responsible way to interact with others.
The possession, use or threatened use of any object to injure another person endangers the safety of oneself and others.
Alcohol, intoxicants and illegal drugs are addictive and present a health hazard. Ontario schools will work cooperatively with police, drug and alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and, where necessary, respond to school members who are in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or illegal drugs. (As well, smoking in school buildings and on school property is prohibited by law). The Durham District School Board does not tolerate the use or abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs and/or intoxicants within its jurisdiction and will respond accordingly as per Board policy and regulations.
Insults, disrespect and other hurtful acts disrupt learning and teaching in a school community. Members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be dressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.
Recognition and acceptance of, and sensitivity toward, ethno cultural diversity are expectations of and within the school community.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Sinclair Secondary School accept the provincial direction regarding individual roles and responsibilities. In addition to school staff, students and parents, other members of the public, who interact with members of the school community while present in or on school property or premises, have a responsibility to respect others in the school and to conduct themselves accordingly.

PRINCIPALS: under the direction of their school board, take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide this leadership by:

demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment
holding everyone, under their authority, accountable for their behaviour and actions
empowering students to be positive leaders in their school community
communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community

TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF: under the leadership of their principal, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, staff uphold these high standards when they:

help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth
empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community
communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents
maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students
demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the school community
prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship

STUDENTS are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:

comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn
shows respect for himself or herself, for others, and for those in authority
refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others
follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own actions

PARENTS play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:

show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress
communicate regularly with the school
help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school
ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time
promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival
show that they are familiar with the provincial Code of Conduct, the Board’s Code of Conduct, and school rules
encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour
assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child
demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents

POLICE AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS are essential partners in making our schools and communities safer. Community members need to support and respect the rules of their local schools. Police investigate incidents in accordance with the protocol developed with the local school board. These protocols are based on a provincial model developed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Education.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Sinclair Secondary School support the provincial standards of behaviour which include respect, civility, responsible citizenship and physical safety.

RESPECT, CIVILITY AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

All school members must:

respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws
demonstrate honesty and integrity
respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions
treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement
respect and treat others fairly, regardless of, for example, race, ancestry, place or origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability
respect the rights of others
show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others
take appropriate measures to help those in need
seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully
respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority
respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conductive to learning and teaching
not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority

SAFETY

Weapons – All school members must:

not be in possession of any weapon, including but not limited to firearms
not use any object to threaten or intimidate another person
not cause injury to any person with an object

Alcohol, Intoxicants and Drugs – All school members must:

not be in possession of, or under the influence of, or provide others with intoxicants, alcohol or illegal drugs

Aggression – All school members must:

not engage in bullying behaviours
not commit sexual assaults
not inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person
seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully

All school members must:

not traffic weapons or illegal drugs
not commit robbery
not engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias
not commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the school

CONSEQUENCES (Durham District School Board)

Students who do not comply with the standards of behaviour outlined in the Code of Conduct will be dealt with in a judicious and considerate manner. Actions will vary depending on the circumstances of each individual case. Mitigating factors are always considered before determining consequences.

Consequence may include:

caution by teacher, support staff, administrator or adult supervisor
temporary removal from class, activity or event
problem-solving exercise
parental contact
counselling
peer mediation and conflict resolution programs
community/school service
loss of privileges
detention
behaviour contracts
restorative practices
support and responsibility agreements
restitution
suspension
expulsion

Conflict, Resolution and Restorative Practice

You owe it to yourself to find positive ways to deal with peers, your parents and with school staff. Conflict situations add unnecessary stress to the learning experience, and we want you to be successful at Sinclair. See a counselor if you need to learn effective strategies to resolve conflict or restore relationships.

Expected Code of Conduct - Bus Safety

Respect other people’s property and belongings while waiting for the school bus
Treat the driver with respect and follow his or her instructions
Be courteous and respectful to others on the bus at all times
Act appropriately in a manner that does not endanger the safety of themselves or others including, but not limited to:
- Not engaging in any activity that interferes with the safe operation of the bus
- Remaining seated at all times, facing forward while the bus is in motion
- Keeping hands, arms, feet, head and belongings inside the vehicle until you have exited at your stop
- Avoiding distracting or speaking to the bus driver except in the case of emergency
- Refraining from inappropriate behaviour on the bus, e.g. throwing items, swearing, fighting, bullying, eating or drinking
- Not bringing alcohol, drugs or weapons onto the school bus
- Not touching safety equipment or emergency exits unless there is an emergency
- No eating or drinking on the bus

Suspension (Durham District School Board)

9.1 Circumstances Leading to Possible Suspension

9.1.1 A Principal shall consider whether to suspend a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil has engaged in any of the following activities while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate:

uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person
possessing alcohol or illegal drugs
being under the influence of alcohol
swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority
committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the pupil’s school
bullying
any other activity that is an activity for which a principal may suspend a pupil under a policy of the Board

Other suspendable infractions including but not limited to:

a) possessing or dispensing controlled or intoxicating substances that are not prescribed for medical purposes

b) being under the influence of illegal, controlled or intoxicating substances that are not prescribed for medical purposes

c) smoking on school property

d) committing vandalism, destruction, damage to school property or to the property of others located on or in school premises

e) stealing property

f) engaging in intimidation, extortion, harassment, or verbal aggression

g) misusing or misappropriating school property or services, including computers and other technology systems

h) engaging in hate motivated incidents

i) engaging in gang related activity

j) possessing dangerous objects or substances, including for example, laser pointers; gloves with studs on knuckles; or any other item deemed by the principal to be unsafe or a hazard to persons or property in the school

k) committing physical assault on another person

l) engaging in or encouraging a fight

m) engaging in conduct that constitutes opposition to authority

n) demonstrating poor attendance that warrants disciplinary action

o) engaging in behaviour that is disruptive to the learning environment of the class or school

p) engaging in conduct that is detrimental to the moral tone of the school

q) wearing clothing/apparel that is inappropriate, offensive or violates the school Dress Code

r) engaging in unauthorized gambling or games of chance

s) engaging in another activity that, under the Code of Conduct of the school, is one for which a suspension is warranted

9.1.2 In considering whether to suspend a pupil for engaging in an activity described in 9.1.1, a Principal shall take into account the mitigating factors:

Mitigating Factors:

the student does not have the ability to control his or her behaviour
the student does not have the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of his or her behaviour, or
the student’s continuing presence in the school does not create an unacceptable risk

9.2 Circumstances Leading to a Suspension, Investigation, and Possible Expulsion

9.2.1 A Principal shall suspend a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil has engaged in any of the following activities while at school, at a school related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate

1.) possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm

2.) using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person

3.) committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner

3a.) assault/physical intimidation of an employee

4.) committing sexual assault

5.) trafficking in weapons or in illegal drugs

6.) committing robbery

7.) giving alcohol to a minor

8.) any other activity that, under a policy of a board, is an activity for which a Principal must suspend a pupil and conduct an investigation to determine whether to recommend to the board that the pupil be expelled

Other suspendable infractions including, but not limited to:

a.) hate motivated violence

b.) gang related violence

c.) trafficking in controlled or intoxicating substances not prescribed or dispensed for medical purposes

d.) uttering threats or threatening conduct intended to intimidate

e.) engaging in harassment

f.) ongoing conduct that is so refractory (persistent) that the student’s presence in the school or classroom is considered by the principal to effect a danger or possibility of harm, physical or emotional, to others in the school or to the reputation of the school

Guidelines from the Ministry of Education directs us to place Suspension/Expulsion documents in the O.S.R. Guidelines will be established as directed by the Ministry of Education.

9.2.2 A pupil who is suspended under this section is suspended from his or her school and from engaging in all school-related activities.

9.2.3 A Principal may suspend a pupil under 9.2 for up to 20 school days and, in considering how long the suspension should be, the Principal shall take into account the mitigating factors, as well as the other factors, set out in 9.0.4.

9.2.4 When a Principal suspends a pupil under 9.2, the pupil shall be assigned to a program for suspended pupils, as established by the Board in accordance with any policies or guidelines issued by the Minister.

GOOD NEIGHBOUR POLICY

Sinclair’s “Good Neighbour Policy” reflects our commitment to our community. We will exercise appropriate discipline when the behaviour of our students disrupts the safety and orderliness of our surrounding geographic area. According to Board Procedure, if an incident that happens off school property has a connection to the school and implications for the learning/working environment, the administration may apply appropriate disciplinary action.

SMOKE-FREE ONTARIO

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) comes into force on July 31, 2018. The SFOA, 2017 will:

Regulate the sale, supply, use, display, and promotion of tobacco and vapour products (e.g.,

e-cigarettes), and the smoking of medical cannabis.

Prohibit the smoking of tobacco, the use of an e-cigarette to vape any substance and the smoking of medical cannabis in all enclosed public spaces and enclosed workplaces.
Further protect Ontarians from second hand smoke and vapour by prohibiting the smoking of tobacco, the use of an e-cigarette and the smoking of medical cannabis in:
- Public areas within 20 metres from the perimeter of the grounds of a school
- The outdoor grounds of a community recreation facility, and public areas within 20 meters of these grounds
- Public areas within 9 meters from a restaurant or bar patio

CONCLUSION

When staff, students and families work together, a positive and productive learning environment is established at Sinclair Secondary School where goals are set and achieved. The Code of Conduct establishes the level of behaviour expected for all, so that we have the best possible school where success and achievement are reached through cooperation, courtesy, respect and restoration. Please review this Code of Conduct at the beginning of the school year and keep it in a safe place where it can be referenced, if necessary. .pdf version available here.