The Catholic Code of Conduct

(As defined in the Safe Schools Act 2000).

Every Student has the right ...
• to be respected
• to participate in any program offered  
• to have access to the facilities and equipment
• to be conscientiously instructed by the staff
• to learn in a safe, orderly and stimulating environment

Every student has the responsibility to...
• give respect, obedience and cooperation to all adults in positions of responsibility
• comply with all school expectations and regulations to respect others
• use language that is appropriate
• participate fully in the religious life of the school
• develop personal skills and talents to serve God
• participate in the sacramental life of the Church, as celebrated in the school
• contribute to the Christian climate of the school
• respect the property of the school
• be in attendance at all classes and scheduled activities on time and with the
materials required for full participation
• adhere to the school dress code
• to take part in the services offered by the school to the community
• to apply all the above while using the school computers, textbooks and personal notebooks.

Respect for Self

Dress Code
At all times clothing should be comfortable, tasteful and appropriate to our Catholic school environment.  Students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather.  All students are expected to go outside for recesses.
•   Hats/headbands/headwear are acceptable outside only.
•  Clothing must display appropriate and    acceptable  words and graphics.
•   Tops must have a minimum of 5 cm (approx. the  width of 3 adult fingers) at the shoulders.
•   Shorts must reach the bottom of the student’s  fingertips when hands are relaxed at their side
• Skirts must be within one hand length of the student’s knee.

Specifically not allowed are:  Bandanas, headbands, dew cloths, string tops, tube tops, halter tops, muscle shirts or anything that exposes bare skin, midriffs and/or undergarments, skin- tight clothing, spandex shorts and pants, sheer materials (including mesh), low-rise pants and pants which sag below the waist. as well as clothing  with slogans on the buttocks.

Footwear must be suitable for active students.  Flip-flops are not permitted at school.

The following information is part of the Police and School Response Protocol Agreement:  In order to maintain the moral tone of the school, the Board will support Principals enforcing a dress code prohibiting the wearing of clothing or display of symbols that incite hatred or biases or identifies a student with gang involvement.  (Section 17c).

Gym Clothes
Students in Gr. 6, 7 & 8 are expected to have a change of clothes for gym. This should consist of running shoes, t-shirt or sweatshirt and shorts/sweatpants. 
Running shoes are mandatory in the gym and we would ask parents to purchase shoes with light-coloured, non-scuff soles. Black-soled shoes mark the gym floor and are prohibited in the gym area.

Perfumes / Colognes / Make Up
Perfumes and colognes are not to be worn to school because of allergic reactions by  students and staff.  Makeup, perfumes, colognes and hair care products should not be brought to school.

Language
Students are expected to use language respectful of the rights and dignity of others.
Coarse, profane or vulgar language (verbal, written or gestures) or taking God’s name in vain are unacceptable in the Catholic school community.  Failure to comply with this expectation shall result in disciplinary action.

Smoking
Students are not permitted to smoke on or near school property.  Possession of matches, lighters, cigarettes and /or tobacco may lead to suspension.
 

Respect for Safety

The following information is part of the Police and School Response Protocol Agreement:
Desks and lockers are school property and there is no expectation of privacy; therefore a search of such property is permissible by the school administration.
In this case, the Principal or the Vice-Principal is acting as an agent of the Board and not as an agent of the police.  (Section 8b).
There is often little to distinguish play fighting/ fighting from assault.  School procedures and consequences in dealing with play fighting/ fighting may thus be similar to those for assault.  (Section 16).
Skateboards, hockey sticks, Indian rubber balls, baseballs, tennis balls, bats, replicas of weapons, sleds, sliding mats, toboggans, roller blades and scooters are not permitted on school property.

Respect for the Rights of Others

Students and others must respect the person and rights of all member of the school community without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, or handicap.
• Students engaged in fighting, physical/sexual assault, or bullying shall be suspended from school. 
• Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm will result in suspension and further disciplinary action shall be taken.
• Students who promote or encourage others to fight are also subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension.

Any unauthorized use of photographic, video or audio communication devices is strictly prohibited on all school board property and during any school related activities. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action as per the Catholic Code of Conduct.

Respect for Staff

Students are expected to comply with the rules of the school and with the expectations of all staff in the classrooms, hallways, the school grounds, and while on transportation or school-sponsored activities.  Behaviour which is inappropriate or disrespectful will result in disciplinary action.

Consequences/ Interventions for

Inappropriate Behaviour

The consequences for behaviour that does not demonstrate responsibility and respect for others will be logical, realistic and consistent, and will comply with the Catholic Code of Conduct.  Each case of misbehaviour will be dealt with individually.  Minor infractions will be dealt with immediately.  More serious or repeated infractions will be recorded in an office file and the following progressive actions may be initiated by teachers and administrators:
• Interview with the student
• Giving the student time out to think about the behaviour and to develop a plan for improvement (Action Plan).
• Parental involvement
• Loss of privileges related to the behaviour
• Performance by the student of special service to the school
• Involvement of school support team
• Removal of the student from the classroom to an alternate setting within the school, with supervision
• Referral to the Special Services team
• Utilization of a performance contract
• Requiring the student to make restitution
• Involvement of, or referral to, an outside agency
• Temporary withdrawal
• Suspension
• Expulsion
The school reserves the right to send a student home either from school or from a school sponsored activity, at no cost to the school.  Parents will be notified before the student is sent home.

Temporary Withdrawal
Temporary withdrawal may be for a period of up to four days provided the parent/guardian agrees in writing to such action and agrees to become directly involved in resolving the problem.  Failure of the parent/ guardian to agree to a temporary withdrawal will result in suspension of the pupil.

Suspension
Repetitive and/or serious behaviour as outlined in the Catholic Code of Conduct will result in a suspension.  Inappropriate behaviour can always lead to suspension.
Suspension is the removal of a pupil, by the Principal, from the school, for a specified period of time.  Suspensions are governed by the Education Act.  Suspensions carry with them the following understandings:
• A student will not be provided with work during time missed while under suspension.
• A student will be fully responsible for material presented while the student was under suspension.
• A student becomes the direct responsibility of his/her parent(s) during the period of suspension.
• A student under suspension is not permitted on school property and may not attend school-sponsored events.

Process of Suspension
The parent/guardian will be notified by letter at the time of suspension.  This letter will contain the reasons for the suspension, the length of the suspension as well as the date and time of the meeting with the Principal upon return to school.

A school must provide a safe and comfortable environment for students to learn effectively. 
St. Kevin School has a high regard for personal safety as well as respect of all members of our school community. 

Serious offences and consequences are defined in the Safe Schools Act, 2000, and are outlined for students, parents / guardians in the pages which follow.   Please note that certain offences require Police involvement.