STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
This code is designed to provide guidelines for appropriate student conduct while the jurisdiction of North Island Secondary School.
Our school Code of Conduct can be represented by three phrases:
(For example)
1. RESPECT YOURSELF: Be equipped and prepared for class
2. RESPECT OTHERS: Be on time for class
3. RESPECT PROPERTY: Care for your textbooks
Keep your school clean
School Statement of Purpose: NISS is an educational institution. Students who are attending this school are expected to learn in a safe, caring and orderly school environment. To be successful, they are expected to take an active part in their education. This means they are to attend regularly, punctually, actively participate in class and regularly complete their assignments and be aware of and follow the student’s code of conduct.
The lists of appropriate and inappropriate behaviours are not to be considered all-inclusive.
A. Each student is expected to:
1. Become knowledgeable about, and conduct himself/herself, according to this Code of Behavior.
2. Develop positive attitudes and behavior by:
a. moving quietly in hallways and on grounds without causing distractions.
b. caring for school property and equipment
c. using language free from profanity
d. following the student dress code
e. ensuring that litter and recyclables are placed in containers
f. refraining from excessive displays of affection
g. allowing others to work without distraction or undue noise
h. obeying all reasonable instructions given by staff
3. Participate to the best of his/her ability in the school’s program by:
a. working to achieve the objectives set forth for each class
b. being neat and thorough in completing assignments
c. bringing appropriate equipment and materials to class
d. asking for assistance when material is not understood
e. completing any assignments missed due to absence
f. leaving electronics such as cell phones, ipods, mp3 players, at home or in lockers
g. refraining from cheating or plagiarizing
4. Attend school on a regular basis as demonstrated by:
a. attending each class regularly and punctually
b. being absent only for sufficient reason and with parental approval
c. bringing a note or having a parent telephone or e-mail the school for each absence, late arrival or
early departure
d. realizing that unverified absence and/or constant tardiness will have consequences
e. leaving class only with teacher’s permission
5. Respect the feelings of others by:
a. being civil in word and action to others
b. treating all others with dignity and respect, the same way you would want to be treated
6. Respect the property of others by:
a. not taking the property of others
b. not damaging, defacing or hiding the property of this school or of others
7. Avoid conduct which interferes with an individual’s or the group’s health or safety by:
a. using spoken and written language including the use of such language on web sites or through text messages that respects the races of all individuals and displays courtesy towards
everyone
b. refraining from physical violence, or aggressive behaviours such as, but not limited to, verbal threats, bullying, intimidation or harassment in and around the school, at school functions or on web sites or through text messages
c. bringing guests to the school only if pre-arranged with the school principal or vice-principal,
and only for acceptable reasons
g. obeying the law with regards to smoking and drug use and possession (including alcohol) when in the school, on school district property and at school functions
h. obeying the law with regards to the possession of fireworks, weapons and imitation weapons,
and the use of fire alarms when in the school, on school district property or at school functions
8. Use procedures of due process when necessary by:
a. discussing a problem with a teacher, counsellor, or administrator
b. appealing to the Vice-Principal, accompanied by a parent if necessary
c. appealing to the Principal, accompanied by a parent if necessary.
B. SERIOUS OFFENSES
A school must provide a safe and comfortable environment for students to learn effectively. Consequently certain actions must be dealt with severely by the school, the school board, or the law. These include:
a. the use of foul, offensive or racist language towards staff or other students, including the directing of such language through internet sites and/or via text messages
b. the use of aggressive behaviours, physical violence or verbal threats towards staff or students including the use of internet sites or via text messaging to convey such threats
c. the possession at school of weapons or imitation weapons
d. the causing of a false fire alarm; the use or sale of fireworks
e. being under the influence of, or in possession of alcohol or drugs while at school, on school property or at a school function
f. chronic truancy
g. theft of school or personal property while at school, on school property or at a school function.
Rising expectations As students move from grade to grade, they will assume increasing personal responsibility for behaving in a safe and appropriate manner while on NISS property, attending NISS functions and while being involved in school-related activities.
Consequences The consequences for non-compliance with the school code of conduct will reflect the level of the offense and the age and maturity level of the student. Those in authority (adult supervisors, teachers and administrators) will consider the severity and frequency of unacceptable conduct in determining disciplinary action.
Consequences include, but are not limited to:
§ Meeting with the student, teacher, counselor, parent/guardian and / or school administration
§ Referral to the school-based team
§ Referral to the alternate class
§ Administrative intervention including suspension to the Board of Trustees and withdrawal from school
§ Involvement of the RCMP and / or other community agencies
N.B. Special consideration may apply to students with special needs if those students are unable to comply with a code of conduct due to having an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioral disability.
Notification School staff may, depending on the severity and frequency of unacceptable conduct:
§ contact and inform parents directly about a student’s unacceptable conduct
§ inform the parents of students who have been the victims of unacceptable conduct
§ inform school district officials as required by district policies
§ contact police and other agencies as required by law
§ alert school staff and school community as deemed appropriate by school and/or district administration.
C. RETALIATION
The Board will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation by a person against a student who has made a complaint of a breach of a code of conduct.
HUMAN RIGHTS IN BC
In conjunction with the NISS Code of Student Conduct, the BC Human Rights Code applies to all businesses, agencies and services regulated by the province, including NISS. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s or a group’s race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, or sexual orientation.
Policy re: Use of Electronic Equipment in Classrooms
Students are not to have electronic entertainment or communication devices in classrooms. This includes, but is not limited to cell phones, mp3 players, i-pods, cameras and games. These items should not be brought to school. If they are at school, they are to remain in your locker during class times. They are not to be taken into classrooms. Laptop computers and mathematical/scientific calculators are exempt if they are not a part of a communication or entertainment device.
NISS Dress Code:
The following regulations help to create a respectful and safe learning environment at NISS.
Any clothing that has inappropriate slogans or promotes the use of products that are illegal in the school setting such as tobacco, alcohol or drugs will not be permitted at NISS.
No clothing may be worn that is racially offensive, contains sexual innuendoes, profanity, or promotes any form of violence or harassment.
Clothing must not be distracting or embarrassing for others to view. The clothing should not reveal any undergarments or cleavage.
All shirts or tops of any style must touch the top of the pants or skirt when the student is in a normal standing position.
Skirts, skorts and dresses must not be shorter than the tip of the middle finger when the student is standing with arms down at the sides.
Shorts must not be shorter than quarter thigh.
See-through or inappropriately tight clothing is not permitted.
