School Code of Conduct
The purpose of our School Code of Conduct is to help provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment for learning that will enable all students to be successful.
The Quamichan Code of Conduct can be summed up in one word: RESPECT. If we all (students, staff and parents) demonstrate RESPECT at all times, this will be a safe place to learn. To elaborate on what it means to show R.E.S.P.E.C.T. we summarize the following:
| RESPONSIBILITY | We will take responsibility for our actions and our schoolwork. |
| EFFORT | We will put forward our best effort at all times. We will be present and attend our classes. |
| SAFETY | We will behave in a safe manner at all times, not doing harm to ourselves and others. |
| PRIDE | We will demonstrate pride in ourselves, in our work and in our school. |
| ETHICS | We will behave in an ethical manner, demonstrating honesty and integrity. |
| COOPERATION | We will work together – students, staff, and parents – to make this a better place. |
| TOLERANCE | We will be tolerant of differences and we will celebrate diversity. |
Code of Conduct
The Quamichan School Code of Conduct is aligned with School District 79 Administrative Procedures, the BC Human Rights Code, and the Ministry of Education guidelines. It promotes a safe, caring, and orderly learning environment where all members of the school community have the right to learn and work in an atmosphere of mutual respect and responsibility.
Purpose
The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to:
- Ensure the safety and security of students and staff.
- Promote respect for the rights and dignity of others.
- Encourage responsible and ethical behavior in person and online.
- Establish consistent expectations for behavior that contribute to a positive school climate.
Guiding Principles
- All members of the school community are expected to uphold the values of respect, responsibility, and safety.
- The Code of Conduct applies to behavior at school, during school-organized activities, and online.
- Responses to unacceptable conduct will be restorative, progressive, and reflective of the student’s age, maturity, and circumstances.
Student Rights
- To learn in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
- To be treated with dignity and respect.
- To have access to supports that promote success and well-being.
Student Responsibilities
- Demonstrate respect for self, others, and the school environment.
- Attend school regularly and engage in learning.
- Follow school and district policies, including those related to technology use and safety.
- Report unsafe behaviors or conditions to a staff member.
Unacceptable Behavior
Examples include but are not limited to:
- Bullying, harassment, or intimidation (in-person or online).
- Discrimination based on any protected ground under the BC Human Rights Code.
- Acts of physical violence, threats, or encouraging others to harm.
- Theft, vandalism, or property damage.
- Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances, alcohol, or weapons.
- Academic dishonesty including plagiarism and cheating.
Consequences
Responses to behavior will consider the severity and frequency of the incident, age and maturity of the student, and any individual needs or circumstances. Possible responses include but are not limited to:
- Problem-solving conversation or verbal warning
- Restorative practices (apology, repairing harm)
- Loss of privileges
- Parent/guardian contact
- School service or detention
- Formal suspension (in-school or out-of-school)
- Referral to district or community support services
- RCMP involvement where required by law
Right to Appeal
Students and parents/guardians have the right to appeal decisions as outlined in SD79 Administrative Procedure 390 – Appeals.
Annual Review
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually with staff, students, and the Parent Advisory Council to ensure it reflects current legislation, district policies, and community values.
Principals and vice-principals have the right to regulate student conduct in order to preserve student and staff safety, to avoid disruption of, or interference with, the rights of other students in order to maintain a positive school climate and proper administration and operation of the school. This includes taking all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation by a person against a student who made a complaint of breach of Code of Conduct.
It is important that parents/guardians be informed when serious contraventions of the Code of Conduct occur. When appropriate, district personnel and other outside agencies including the RCMP may also be informed, with the specific goal of resolving the situation in the best interests of both the individual student and the greater school community. If required, the school district has an Appeals Process available at the schools or on the SD79 website.
Students can expect to be treated fairly and judiciously for any non-compliance with the Student Code of Conduct that threatens the well-being, safety or learning of others in the school. If non-compliance continues, there will be a progressive series of consequences based on the age and maturity of the student and the severity of the inappropriate behaviour. Consequences for non-compliance with the Student Code of Conduct may include, but are not limited to: verbal warnings, parental contact, service work, detention, restorative justice, suspension or referral to an alternate educational program as determined by the board.