Our Schools as Safer & Caring Communities
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
– Matthew 7:12
Ontario Code of Conduct and Safe Schools
Learning
best takes place in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. Conduct
within our schools must reflect Gospel values and the Board’s Mission
Statement which commits to “excellence in Catholic education and to
lifelong learning, so that those with whom we journey may become caring
and contributing citizens in a world of constant change.”
The following are the purposes of the Code of Conduct:
- 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 differences 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 the schools.
- To discourage the use of alcohol and illegal drugs.
The
Safe School Policy and the Ontario Code of Conduct apply to students,
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.
Principals,
under the direction of the Board, demonstrate care and commitment to
academic excellence and safe teaching and learning environments, and
hold everyone, under their authority, accountable for their behaviour
and actions.
Teachers and school staff, under the
leadership of principals, assist in maintaining order in the school and
are expected to hold everyone to high standards of respectful and
responsible behaviours.
Parents, 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 are
essential community partners and respect the rules of their local
schools. Police investigate incidents in accordance with the protocol
developed with the local school board. This protocol is based on a
provincial model developed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and
the Ministry of Education.
Teach us to give and not count the cost.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola
