JOHN OLIVER CODE OF CONDUCT

John Oliver COURAGE

The COURAGE Code of Conduct is intended to foster an environment of communication built on individual effort and mutual respect among students, teachers, and administrators, with the common goals of achieving progress, development, and success.

The John Oliver Code of Conduct applies at school, during school-organized or sponsored activities, on school buses, and any behaviour even if outside of school or school hours, (including on-line behaviour), that negatively impacts the safe, caring, or orderly environment of the school, and/or student learning.

Our Students, Staff and Parents developed the COURAGE code to extol the values that we expect the John Oliver Community to strive for:

COURAGE Code of Conduct  

Compassion

Have empathy for everyone in your school and in your community. Acknowledge how people in our community have different lived experiences. 

Optimism

Think positively because there is a solution to every problem.  Have a positive open mind when viewing other cultures and learn about other views before making opinions.

Unity

Come together as one community and embrace our differences, supporting others’ opinions and ideals. 

Responsibility

Own up to your actions and choices and be aware of the consequences. Have the courage to admit if you are wrong, take responsibility for it and offer amends.

Adaptability

Adjust to change and step out of your comfort zone to experience life.  Understand that change happens and that you need to be able to embrace that change positively.

Gratitude

Recognize that there is always something for which to be thankful.   

 Engagement

Support each other and actively participate in the community, in school, and in your own life. Get involved and, demonstrating courage sometimes requires discomfort and that leads to growth. 

Relationship to the BC Human Rights Code

Students shall not discriminate against others on the basis of the race, religion, colour, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, family status, age, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or physical or mental disability, or for any other reason set out in the Human Rights Code of British Columbia, nor shall a student publish or display anything that would indicate an intention to discriminate against another, or expose them to contempt or ridicule, on the basis of any such grounds.  Racism and discrimination will not be tolerated at John Oliver Secondary.

John Oliver School does not tolerate:

1.      Physical violence, intimidation or threats including cyber-bullying.

2.      Possession and/or use of illegal or restricted drugs including alcohol, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes

3.      Transport or possession of any weapon, potential weapon, or simulated weapon.

4.      Verbal abuse, profanity, racist or sexist language.

5.      Plagiarism, vandalism, and theft.

6.      Defiance of school authorities.

(This list is not inclusive and aligns with the VBE District Code of Conduct with respect to Student Responsibilities (Administrative Procedures 350))

Consequences and Disciplinary Procedures

Student discipline takes place in the context of informed decision-making and is learning focused to prevent a recurrence of the offense.

Administrators will consider many factors including the age and maturity of the student, social capacity, learning needs and prior related events when determining consequences for actions that violate the Code of Conduct.  It is expected that as students move through the grades, they will develop increasing personal responsibility and self-discipline. 

Disciplinary action, wherever possible, is restorative, rather than punitive.  Other possible consequences may result in disciplinary record, suspension, transfer, or a combination of these consequences. Repetitive or severe unacceptable behaviour may result in increased severity of subsequent disciplinary action.  Special considerations may apply to students with special needs that are unable to comply with the Code of Conduct due to an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioral nature.

 Suspensions

In accordance with the School Act, Sec. 85 (2) (ii) and (d), the Board authorizes the principal or designate of any school in the district to suspend a student from attendance at school for up to five days.

Suspensions may be for the following reasons:

a)      because a student is willfully and repeatedly disrespectful to a teacher or to any other employee of the Board carrying out responsibilities approved by the Board;

b)     because the behaviour of the student breaches the District Code of Conduct or other policy and/or has a harmful effect on others or the learning environment of the school;

c)      because the student has failed to comply with the School Code of Conduct.

Suspensions over five days are made in consultation with the appropriate Director of Instruction as per District Student Code of Conduct, AP 350.  As per AP 350 7.7 an educational program must be provided.

Notifications

The principal or designate has a responsibility to inform other parties of serious breaches of the code of conduct.  These parties may include staff, parent(s) of student offender(s), parent(s) of student victim(s), school district officials, police and/or other agencies, as required by law and/or all parents.

The school will ensure that reasonable steps are taken to prevent retaliation against a student who has made a complaint of a breach of the Code of Conduct.