Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct for Durham Continuing Education was developed by teaching staff and administration and was established following the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct (2000) and policies, regulations and procedures of the Durham District School Board.

The Code of Conduct for Durham Continuing Education is designed to provide a framework to ensure that school is a safe, productive learning environment for all. We ask families to review this Code of Conduct so that all parties are familiar with school expectations and procedures. The Code of Conduct is subject to change at any time, based on directions from the Ministry of Education or the Durham District School Board.

Attendance & Punctuality

The Ministry of Education determines that a credit is based on hours of instruction with a teacher during normal class time. In accordance with this, the attendance policy at Durham Continuing Education requires that you have an interview with a counselor to discuss your attendance if you are absent frequently. If poor attendance continues and you miss further classes, you may not be able to be granted the credit.

Punctuality and daily attendance are essential for success.

Success depends on the interaction with fellow students and teachers to understand and learn a particular course's content.
New material is introduced daily.
The teacher can watch you progress daily and help immediately if help is required.
Punctuality is a courtesy to your teacher and your fellow students. You should arrive for your class on time.

Sometimes, absence is unavoidable. At such times, you should do your best to keep current with your work until you return. If you are going to be absent, call the main office at 436-3211 so that your teachers can be informed. Please discuss your absences with teachers or guidance personnel so that they can assist you in achieving your goals. If daily attendance becomes too difficult for you, please visit the guidance department to explore the other educational options available at Durham Continuing Education.

Computer Use and Internet Access

Students' use of the Internet at any Durham Continuing Education site is monitored by school staff. Students who violate the school Internet or network rules, or breach network security may face loss of network privileges, suspension, or criminal prosecution.

The following are the computer network rules:

- No downloading of programs off the network.
- No uploading of programs onto the network.
- Games are not to be played on the computer.
- No escaping or shelling out to DOS at any time.
- Do not change any of the screen settings for any school software.
- Students are not to access any chat room sites or offensive sites.
- No food or drinks are allowed in the computer rooms at any time.

Conflict Resolution

No matter what the provocation, any physical conflict will result in suspension. Play fighting with a physical component will be treated the same as real fighting. If the initiator of the physical conflict cannot be determined, both parties will be suspended. Students should expect that charges will be laid by the police for any violent incident on school property.

Dress Code

The Durham District School Board believes that a dress code for students, supported by parents/guardians, staff and students, promotes a safe and respectful environment for teaching and learning.

Clothing at Durham Continuing Education must meet the standards of modesty and decency and, must not be a distraction in the learning environment. Your dress, language, and personal grooming should be positive and reflect respect for yourself, and appropriate for a workplace setting. Students wearing clothing and/or insignia displaying illegal substances, offensive products, or language, representing offensive stereotypes or promoting ethno-cultural discord, will be asked to change. Clothing must not include: spaghetti strap, backless, cropped, or bikini tops. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must not be shorter than mid-thigh.

Ethno-cultural Policy

The Durham District School Board respects and values the diversity and similarities within its community and fosters an educational environment free from racial and ethno-cultural prejudice and discrimination.

Plagiarism

Don't copy another person's work or ideas. You show your personal integrity when you acknowledge which are your ideas, and where you have relied on others. If you fail to acknowledge the borrowing of ideas, you will receive zero on any assignment in which plagiarism occurs (parents contacted where applicable). It is your responsibility to report the plagiarism of your own work as soon as you become aware of it. Failure to do so, will result in a reduction of marks for your own work. Don't use another person's computer disc or computer files.

Plagiarism also includes:

retrieving a document from another person(s) disc or hard drive or
copying directly from another(s) computer screen,
and claiming the work as your own, and will result in a mark of zero.

Respect for One Another

At Durham Continuing Education, all students will be treated as individuals who have rights to be treated with dignity and respect. We all share in this responsibility to protect each other's rights. Verbal abuse of an individual is injurious to the moral tone of the school. People who harass others, either physically, sexually, or verbally, are not demonstrating mature, adult behaviour. Students who behave in this manner may be removed from the school roll. If you believe you are a victim of harassment, speak up for your rights, and tell a teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Skateboarding/Rollerblading

Skateboards and roller blades are not allowed on school property by Durham District School Board regulation.

Smoking Areas

By provincial law, there is no smoking or use of tobacco products on Durham District School Board property. Students are asked not to congregate on private or public property or roadways. Please be aware that city by-law officers may ticket people who obstruct sidewalks when smoking outside. Please dispose of refuse in the litter bins provided.

Substance Abuse

Both Durham District School Board and provincial/federal laws restrict the use of alcohol and/or illicit drugs, and the use of tobacco products on school property. Students who are found to be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs will be asked to leave the school premises. Students found in possession of alcohol and /or illicit drugs will face suspension, expulsion, or criminal charges.

Walkmans, Stereos, CD Players, Cellular Phones, Pagers

Walkmans and portable stereos and CD players may not be played in classrooms while school is in session without the explicit approval of the classroom teacher. Pagers and cellular telephones must be turned off while school is in session.

Conclusion

When staff, students, and families work together, a positive and productive learning environment is established at Durham Continuing Education where goals are set and achieved. The Code of Conduct establishes the level of behaviour expected for all, so that we have the best possible school where success and achievement are reached through cooperation, courtesy and respect. Please review this Code of Conduct at the beginning of the school year and keep it in a safe place where it can be referenced if necessary.

Rationale (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

In June 2000, the province enacted the Safe Schools Act. That Act prescribes certain rights, standards, expectations and consequences. The Codes of Conduct for the Durham District School Board and Durham Continuing Education reflect the following provincial policy.A school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.
The Ontario Schools Code of Conduct sets clear provincial standards of behaviour. It specifies the mandatory consequences for student actions that do not comply with these standards.
The provincial standards of behaviour apply not only to students, but also to all individuals involved in the publicly funded school system - 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.

Guiding Principles (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Durham Continuing Education support the provincial guiding principles and endorse recognition, acceptance and sensitivity toward ethno-cultural diversity.

All participants involved in the publicly funded school system - students, parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members - are included in the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.
All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity.
Responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community. Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.
Members of the school community are expected to use non-intrusive means where possible, to resolve conflict. Physically or verbally aggressive behaviour is not a responsible way to interact with others.
The possession, use or threatened use of any object to injure another person endangers the safety of oneself and others.
Alcohol and illegal drugs are addictive and present a health hazard. Ontario schools will work cooperatively with police, drug and alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and, where necessary, respond to school members who are in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or illegal drugs. (As well, smoking in school buildings and on school property is prohibited by law.)
Insults, disrespect and other hurtful acts disrupt learning and teaching in a school community. Members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.

Roles & Responsibilities (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Durham Continuing Education accept the provincial direction regarding individual roles and responsibilities. In addition to school staff, students and parents, other members of the public, who interact with members of the school community while present in or on school property or premises, have a responsibility to respect others in the school and to conduct themselves accordingly.Principals, under the direction of their school board, take a leadership role in the operation of a school. They provide this leadership by:

demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment;
holding everyone, under their authority, accountable for their behaviour and actions;
communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.

Teachers and school staff, under the leadership of their principal, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, staff uphold these high standards when they:

help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth;
communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents or guardians;
maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents or guardians;
prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.

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 themselves, others and for those in authority;
refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;
follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own action.

Parents or 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. Parents or guardians fulfill this responsibility when they:

show an active interest in their child's school work and progress;
communicate regularly with the school;
help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;
ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;
promptly report to the school their child's absence or late arrival;
become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules;
encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;
assist school staff in dealing with discipline issues.

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 investigate incidents in accordance with the protocol developed with the local school board. These protocols are based on a provincial model developed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Education.

Standards of Behavior (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Durham Continuing Education support the provincial standards of behaviour which include respect, civility, responsible citizenship and physical safety.

Respect, Civility, and Responsible Citizenship

All school members must:

respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws;
demonstrate honesty and integrity;
respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions;
treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement;
respect and treat others fairly regardless of the race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability;
respect the rights of others; - show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;
take appropriate measures to help those in need;
respect persons who are in a position of authority;
respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching;
respect the confidentiality of students and program staff.

Physical Safety

Weapons - All school members must:

not be in possession of any weapon, including but not limited to firearms;
not use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;
not cause injury to any person with an object.

Alcohol and Drugs - All school members must:

not be in possession of, or under the influence of, or provide others with, alcohol or illegal drugs.

Physical Aggression - All school members must:

not inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person;
seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully.

Consequences (Durham District School Board)

Students who do not comply with the standards of behaviour outlined in the Code of Conduct will be dealt with in a judicious and considerate manner. Actions will vary depending on the circumstances of each individual case.

Consequences may include:

caution by teacher, support staff, administrator or adult supervisor;
temporary removal from class, activity or event;
problem-solving exercise;
parental contact;
counselling;
community/school service;
loss of privileges;
detention;
restitution;
Crisis Prevention and Intervention: to be performed by facility staff;
suspension;
expulsion.

Suspensions

Depending on the type of infraction, a discretionary or mandatory suspension may be imposed.

Discretionary Suspension (Durham District School Board)

A student may be suspended, depending on the circumstances, if the student commits any of the following infractions while he or she is at school. Inappropriate behaviour in the community, where there is a direct link to the school, may also result in a suspension.

Possessing or dispensing controlled or intoxicating substances that are not prescribed for medical purposes;
Vandalism, destruction, damage to school property or to the property of others located on or in school premises;
Theft of property;
Intimidation, extortion, verbal aggression and bullying;
Misuse or misappropriation of school property or services, including computers and other technology systems;
Hate motivated incidents;
Gang related activity;
Possession of dangerous objects or substances, including for example laser pointers; gloves with studs on knuckles; or any other item deemed by the principal/vice principal to be unsafe or a hazard to persons or property in the school;
Swearing at a teacher, or other person in authority;
Conduct that constitutes opposition to authority;
Poor attendance that warrants disciplinary action;
Conduct that is disruptive to the conduct or discipline of the class or school;
Clothing/apparel that is inappropriate, offensive or violates the school dress code;
Engaging in another activity, that under the Code of Conduct of the school, is one for which suspension is discretionary.

Mandatory Suspension (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

Immediate suspension will be the minimum penalty faced by a student for:

uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on others;
possession of illegal drugs;
acts of vandalism causing extensive damage to school property or property located on school premises.

In these instances, police will be involved, as required, and conditions to return to school will be specified in accordance with school board policies.

A student will be immediately suspended for:

being in possession of alcohol;
being under the influence of alcohol.

Expulsions

Depending on the type of infraction, a discretionary or mandatory expulsion may be imposed.

Discretionary Expulsion (Durham District School Board)

A student may be suspended and proceed to an expulsion hearing if the student commits any of the following infractions while he or she is at school or engaged in a school related activity:

Hate motivated violence;
Gang related violence;
Vandalism causing extensive damage to school property or premises or to the property of others on or in school premises;
Trafficking in controlled substances or in prescription drugs not prescribed or dispensed for medical purposes;
Uttering threats or threatening conduct intended to intimidate;
Use of an object as a weapon;
Willful interference or destruction of school communications and/or technology or technological systems;
Abuse of computers or computer technology (including unauthorized access to or retrieval of information) for inappropriate or unlawful purposes;
Persistent failure by a student above the age of mandatory attendance to maintain a reasonable attendance record at school or in a class or classes;
Committing physical assault on another person with the intent to cause bodily harm.
Conduct that is so refractory that the student's presence in the school or classroom is considered by the principal to effect a danger or possibility of harm, physical or emotional, to others in the school or to the reputation of the school.

Mandatory Expulsion (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

Police will be involved, as indicated by the police/school protocol, and the student will be immediately suspended and proceed to an expulsion hearing for the following:

Possession of a weapon, including, possessing a firearm;
Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person;
Committing sexual assault;
Trafficking in weapons or in illegal drugs;
Committing robbery;
Giving alcohol to a minor.