Code of Conduct

Bayridge Secondary School
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

Every individual at Bayridge Secondary School is valued and can make a positive difference on any day.  Students should be working towards supporting success on a personal and academic level.  We expect that Blazers show:

  • RESPECT for themselves, each other and the school community,
  • OPTIMISM in their attitude and sense of hope,
  • COURAGE through self-discipline and responsibility,
  • KINDNESS in an effort to improve the lives of others around you.

The BSS Code of Behaviour sets out the standards of behaviour that is expected of all members of the school community in order to create a positive climate in the school. Respect, responsibility, civility and academic excellence are promoted so that all members of the school community will feel safe, comfortable and accepted.  The purpose of this code of behaviour is:

  • to ensure that all members of the school community, especially people in positions of authority, are treated with respect and dignity;
  • to promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community;
  • to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility;
  • to encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict;
  • to promote the safety of people in school; and
  • to discourage the use of alcohol and drugs.

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 themself, for others and for those in authority; refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others; and follows the established rules and takes responsibility for their own actions.

Students are to comply with the behaviour expectations 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.        

RESPECT

Expected Behaviour:

  • respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions;
  • respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority;
  • treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is a disagreement;
  • respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability;
  • respect the rights of others;
  • respect self and others;
  • dress in a manner that is appropriate for the academic, business-like tone of the school.  This can be achieved through attire, which is neither distracting, nor revealing or otherwise inappropriate for a school setting.
  • respect property of the school and school board including cafeteria, computers and networks;
  • dispose of litter in appropriate recycling and garbage containers.

Reasons for Expected Behaviour:

All members of the school community have the right to:

  • be treated with respect and dignity
  • an environment where conflict and differences can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility
  • have a right to the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict
  • a learning environment free from the influences of drugs and alcohol
  • an environment conducive to learning
  • your appearance reflects your good judgement and your respect for yourself and others
  • in taking care of our property, you display pride in your school and help maintain attractive surroundings and useful facilities which are necessary for successful learning for you and fellow students

 

CIVILITY AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

Expected Behaviour:

  • seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully
  • take appropriate measures to help those in need
  • demonstrate honesty and integrity
  • participate appropriately in the civic life of the school community
  • not swear at a teacher, another person in a position of authority, or another member of the school community
  • respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws
  • show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others

Reasons for Expected Behaviour:

Responsible citizenship involves:

  • appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community
  • taking care of our school buildings, furniture and supplies
  • understanding that the costs associated with vandalism and theft are an additional financial burden to students, their parents/guardians and other taxpayers
  • Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Expected Behaviour:

  • each student is expected to maintain quality work habits by: completing all homework, assignments, and projects as directed by the required deadline, making up missed work, coming to class prepared and ready to participate (with the necessary books, pens, calculators, gym wear etc. as appropriate), participating constructively in class
  • each student is expected to maintain regular attendance
  • be punctual
  • notify the school in case of absences and late arrivals
  • students are expected to submit work that represents their own efforts and acknowledges the source of information used in completing your work

Reasons for Expected Behaviour:

  • students who are engaged in the learning process are more successful
  • exemplary work habits learned and practised in school will be valuable throughout life
  • consistent attendance helps you achieve goals and benefit from all school activities and services
  • arriving late interrupts the learning of others
  • students have the right and responsibility to be assessed and evaluated on their own work

SAFETY

Expected Behaviour:

Members of the BSS school community must not:

  • engage in bullying behaviours, including “cyberbullying” and sexual harassment
  • commit sexual assault
  • traffic weapons or illegal drugs
  • give alcohol to a minor
  • commit robbery
  • be in possession of any weapon, including firearms
  • use any object to threaten or intimidate another person
  • cause injury to any person with an object
  • be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol or illegal drugs
  • inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person
  • engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias
  • commit an act of vandalism that causes damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the school

Reasons for Expected Behaviour:

All members of the school community have the right to be safe and to feel safe in their school community.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE & CONSEQUENCES for inappropriate behaviour

Progressive discipline is a whole school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, support and consequences that include opportunities for reinforcing positive behaviour while helping students make good choices.  The focus is on a corrective and supportive approach.  Mitigating and other factors will be taken into consideration prior to assigning a consequence.

When inappropriate behaviour occurs, a range of interventions, supports, and consequences that are developmentally appropriate, that include opportunities for students to learn from their mistakes, and to focus on improving behaviour.  The frequency, severity and type of behaviour will also be taken into consideration.

Range of possible consequences include (but are not limited to):  reminder, warning, discussion, time out, detention, remedial assignment, formal interview with administrator, teacher and student, parent involvement, making restitution (including full payment for damage/vandalism), changing inappropriate clothing, implementation of behaviour management/safety plan, suspension, expulsion, referral to police.

Consequences will reflect the frequency, severity and type of behaviour.

*       This code of behaviour was revised on March 2021 and complies with the Education Act Part XIII-Behaviour, Discipline and Safety and associated regulations.