Venerable John Merlini Catholic School

CODE

OF

BEHAVIOUR

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE

TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

In a school community formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions our Mission is to educate students to their full potential by providing leadership in the shared responsibility for education that exists among the schools such as:

• a safe and welcoming learning environment that is an example of Christian community
• role models of Gospel Values and Catholic doctrines, teaching and beliefs
• guidance in what students need to learn
• instruction in the learning process itself
• religious, academic and technical instruction
• integration of Catholic, Christian beliefs into the total learning experience
• feedback on student proficiency and performance

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE

In the VenerableJohnMerliniCatholicSchool community we strive to provide our students with a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment where sensitivity to, and caring for other people are as important as academic learning. We strongly believe in the inherent right of all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to supporting the TCDSB policies and procedures on Violence Prevention, Race and Ethnic Relations, SexualHarassment and Inclusive Language. We refuse to tolerate any expression of sexual, racial or ethnic bias. Violence, intimidation, physical or verbal aggression will not be tolerated at VenerableJohnMerliniCatholicSchool.

This Code of Behaviour was developed by the school staff in consultation with the Catholic School Advisory Council of Venerable John Merlini Catholic School.

This Code has been updated to take into account the changes made in the Ministry of Education / TCDSB Code of ConductRevised (February 1, 2010)

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

All students are expected to conduct themselves as positive members of our Christian community:

*display a positive attitude toward school

*be prepared for class with proper materials

*be responsible for completing all assignments

*be respectful of all people

*use appropriate language

*display good manners

*follow school and class rules and routines

*behave appropriately during all school programs, in and out of the school building

*respect community members and their property while on out-of-school trips or in coming to and leaving the school

*attend school regularly and punctually

*solve problems through conflict resolution and mediation

BUS BEHAVIOUR

*Students must wait in designated areas and obey the staff on bus duty.

*Inappropriate behaviour on the bus will not be tolerated and may result in privileges being revoked.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Students are expected to attend school dressed neatly and appropriately. Pride in one’s appearance reflects itself in pride toward one’s work and achievement.VJM has adopted appropriate dress code of blue & white starting September 2010. VJM has proceeded with approaching RJ McCarthy as its main uniform provider. Purchase of McCarthy appropriate dress is encouraged because of the low cost, durability and availability of the product throughout the school year. Families may purchase from any retailer as long as the clothing is consistent with the navy blue and white colours. The clothing options that are available at Mc Carthy’s include; casual pants, casual track pants (fleece and nylon), skorts, tunic, unisex shorts, capri pants, white and blue shirts and sweaters. All tops are embroided with the VJM logo for free. The appropriate dress code for VJM does not include tights and yoga pants. Acceptable shirts are with or without the collar. Logos from other retailer/brands, unless tone on tone (same colour) are not acceptable.

The following attire is unacceptable:

*short shorts/short skirts

*tank tops/halter tops/crop tops

*clothing with offensive slogans, inappropriate language, etc.

*excessive or inappropriate makeup

*hats/caps are unacceptable – outdoor use only (sun protection)

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

PHYSICAL AGGRESSIONVERBAL/WRITTEN ABUSE

*fighting*vulgar or obscene language

*hitting*racist, sexist or homophobic language

*throwing objects*teasing

*use of weapons or objects to inflict harm on others*humiliating

*bullying*taunting

*threatening

DEFIANT BEHAVIOUR

DISRUPTIVE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOURDISHONESTY

*refusing reasonable requests*deliberately distorts truth

*arguing*intentionally takes others’ possessions

*making rude remarks*purposely copies others’ work and claims as own

*ignoring instructions

*talking out of turnVANDALISM

*interrupting*defacing or destroying school property

*humming/irritating noises*destroy or deface property of others while on school property

*clowning behaviour

Cell phone use (and other electronic devices)—TCDSB Draft Policy, June, 2007

… all personal communications devices such as cell phones are powered off and stored out of view in instructional spaces (unless approved by the teacher for program use) and washrooms. Use of these devices in other areas of the school, school property or on school trips shall be determined by the principal following consultation with the CSAC, staff and students and included in the local code of conduct.’

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The TCDSB Code of Conduct recognizes that all members of the school community comply with the standards of behaviour outlined in this policy.

TorontoCatholicDistrictSchool Board

The TCDSB is committed to the principles and standards established by the Violence Prevention Policy. The TCDSB will not tolerate behaviour that jeopardizes the emotional well-being or physical safety of members of the school community.

Schools

Through the development or refinement of local codes of conduct, schools must communicate provincial and TCDSB standards of behaviour in a variety of languages suited to the respective communities.

Principals

Principals, under the direction of the school board, take a leadership role in the daily operation of the school. Bill 157 permits the Principal of a school to delegate limited powers under Part XIII of the Education Act to a vice-principal of the school or, in the absence of a vice principal, to a teacher employed in the school. Bill 157 requires the Principal to provide written acknowledgement of receipt of a report to the individual who initiate the report using the Incident Reporting Form – Part II. Bill 157 requires Principals to contact the parent/guardian of victims who have been harmed as a result of serious student incidents including incidents for which a suspension or expulsion must be considered. A principal will not contact the parent/guardian of a victim if:

• the student is 18 years of age or older,
• the student is 16 or 17 years of age and has withdrawn from parental control,
• in the opinion of the principal, contacting the parent/guardian will create a risk of harm to the student by the parent/guardian.

Teachers and School Staff

Under the leadership of the principal, teachers and staff shall maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to a high standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. Bill 157 requires all TCDSB employees, bus drivers and other non-TCDSB employees deemed appropriate, to report to the principal serious incidents that must be considered for suspension or expulsion using the Incident Reporting Form - Part 1. In addition, TCDSB employees, who work directly with students, must respond to incidents that may have a negative impact on school climate.

Students

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.

Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians 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.

Police and Community Members

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 will investigate and respond to incidents in accordance with the Police/School Board Protocol.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Respect, Civility, Safety and Responsible Citizenship

The TCDSB does not tolerate any anti-social or violent behaviour that impacts on learning environments. All local school codes of conduct must set out standards of behaviour consistent with the standards established in the TCDSB Violence Prevention Policy. Standards of Behaviour must promote respect, civility, responsible citizenship and Catholic values.

Electronic Communications and Media Devices

Schools shall include provisions in their local codes of conduct to ensure that all personal communication devices such as cell phones are powered off and stored out of view in instructional spaces (unless approved by the teacher for program use) and washrooms.

CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

Failure to meet expectations will result in a variety of consequences. Staff members will intervene in a fair and consistent manner, and treat each incident as an opportunity for the student to learn and grow. The Progressive Discipline policy will be followed tracking student behaviour which will determine the consequences for actions: (minor, major, frequency of behaviour)

Consequences may include any one or more of the following:

* discussion and counselling by the classroom teacher* telephone contact with parents

* behavioural contract* social worker/guidance intervention

* discussion with principal* parent/teacher/student conference

* withdrawal from class* withdrawal of privileges

* formal suspension* report to police

* payment for repair or replacement of damaged property

CONSEQUENCES as STIPULATED forSAFE SCHOOLS: TCDSBCode of Conduct S.S.09that are consistent with the Education Act: Section 306 (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 schoolrelated activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate:

1. Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person.

2.Possessing alcohol or illegal drugs.

3.Being under the influence of alcohol.

4.Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.

5.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.

6.Bullying

7.Any other activity that is an activity for which a principal may suspend a pupil under the policy of

the board.

If a principal decides to suspend a pupil for engaging in an activity described in subsection (1), the principal will suspend the pupil from his or her school and from engaging in all schoolrelated activities.

The minimum duration of a suspension is one school day and the maximum duration is 20 school days.

Under clause 306 (1) 7 of the Education Act, a pupil may be suspended if he or she engages in an activity that is an activity for which a principal may suspend a pupil under a policy of the board.

Under Board policy, activities for which a principal may suspend a pupil include:

1. Persistent opposition to authority;

2.Habitual neglect of duty;

3.Wilful destruction of school property; vandalism causing damage to school or Board property or

property located on school or Board premises;

4.Use of profane or improper language;

5.Use of tobacco;

6.Theft;

7.Aid/incite harmful behaviour;

8.Physical assault;

9.Being under the influence of illegal drugs;

10.Sexual harassment;

11.Racial harassment;

12.Fighting;

13.Possession or misuse of any harmful substances;

14.Hate-motivated violence;

15.Extortion;

16.Distribution of hate material;

17.Inappropriate use of electronic communications/media; and/or

18.Other – defined as any conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school or to the physical or mental

well-beingof others.

Suspension Pending Possible Expulsion

Under subsection 310 (1) of the Education Act, 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 schoolrelated 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

medicalpractitioner.

4.Committing a 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, therefore in accordance with this Part, conduct an investigation to

determine whether to recommend to the Board that the pupil be expelled.

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

The following infractions may result in a suspension pending possible expulsion in accordance with Board policy:

1.Possession of explosive substance;

2.Serious or repeated misconduct;

3.Refractory conduct; and/or

4.Other – defined as any conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school or to the physical or mental

wellbeingof others.

5.Mitigating Factors and Other Factors

6.In considering whether to suspend a pupil or whether to recommend to the Board thata pupil be

expelled, aprincipal will take into account any mitigating factors or other factors prescribed by the

regulations.

Mitigating Factors

Pursuant to the Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils Regulation, the following mitigating factors shall be taken into account:

1.The pupil does not have the ability to control his or her behaviour.

2.The pupil does not have the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of his or her

behaviour.

3.The pupil’s continuing presence in the school does not create an unacceptable risk to the safety

of any person.

Other Factors

The following other factors shall be taken into account if they would mitigate the seriousness of the activity for which the pupil may be or is being suspended or expelled:

1.The pupil’s history.

2.Whether a progressive discipline approach has been used with the pupil.

3.Whether the activity for which the pupil may be or is being suspended or expelled was related to

any harassment of the pupil because of his or her race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender

or sexual orientation or to any other harassment.

4.How the suspension or expulsion would affect the pupil’s ongoing education.

5.The age of the pupil.

6.In the case of a pupil for whom an individual education plan has been developed,

(a)whether the behaviour was a manifestation of a disability identified in the pupil’s individual education plan, (IEP)

(b)whether appropriate individualized accommodation has been provided, and

(c)whether the suspension or expulsion is likely to result in an aggravation or worsening of the pupil’sbehaviour or conduct.

Venerable JohnMerliniSchool Incident and Intervention Form

Student Name:______Teacher:______Grade______
Date:______Time: ______
Location: □Classroom □Playground □Hallway □Bathroom □Bus □Other ______

Infractions (This list is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive)

Bullying Behaviours
Physical
Pushing, shoving
Spitting, hitting
Stealing, vandalism / Verbal
Name calling, teasing
Making fun or, threats
Put downs. E-mail threats / Social
Gossiping/spreading rumors
Rejection, isolation
Embarrassing others
Fighting
Improper use of electronic devices
Physical assault
Theft
Bus behaviour
Non compliance / Classroom behaviour
Hate- motivated violence
Persistent opposition to authority
Sexual misconduct
Use or possession of weapon / Lateness
Skipping classes
Habitual neglect of duty
Other ______
Details:______

Minor Incidents Require Intervention by Supervisor

Intervention by Supervisor Signature:______
Intervention: ______
Details(if required)______

Major Incidents Require Intervention by Office

Intervention by Office Signature:______
Intervention: ______
Details: ______
______

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______

□ We have sent this form home for your information, however, you may contact the school formore

information if you wish.

□ Please contact the school about this incident.

Comments: ______

______

Parent - Student Contract

FOR STUDENTS:

I have read the Venerable John Merlini Code of Conductand Progressive Discipline Model.

I agree to:

• demonstrate respect for self, others, property and authority
• to be punctual
• to have good attendance
• to dedicate myself to my work
• to be attentive to the needs of others in my school and community
• to adhere to the expectations outlined in the Parent - Student Handbook

Name of Student: ______

Signature of Student: ______

Teacher and Grade: ______

Date: ______

FOR PARENTS:

I have read the Venerable John Merlini Code of Conduct and Progressive Discipline Model.

• I support the vision of education at Venerable John Merlini
• I will encourage my child to meet the expected behaviours of the school as stated in the above documents and the Parent - Student Handbook

Name of Parent: ______

Signature of Parent: ______

Date: ______