CODE OF CONDUCT

Statement of Purpose

This Code of Conduct supports socially responsible behaviour and allow members of the school community (Students, Staff, Parents, and Visitors) to be fully informed of common expectations for appropriate behaviour.

Process

The Code of Conduct is reviewed annually at the January Parent Advisory Meeting in which staff and students are invited to participate.  The Code of Conduct should reflect the needs of the school community and adhere to district and provincial expectations.

Communication

The Code of Conduct is reviewed through positive behaviour stations attended by all students on the first week of school.   The Code of Conduct is reviewed for all students after spring break and with students and parents that register during the school year.  It is also posted on the school website.

Social Responsibility

We are guided by the following four aspects of Social Responsibility for B.C. Schools as identified by the B.C. Ministry of Education:

  • Contributing to the classroom and school community

  • Solving problems in peaceful ways

  • Valuing diversity and defending human rights

  • Exercising democratic rights and responsibilities

All members of the school community shall not discriminate against others on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family or marital status, physical or mental disability, age, sex or sexual orientation, or for any other reason set out in the Human Rights Code of British Columbia, nor shall anyone 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.

Resolving Conflict and Promoting Pro- Social Behaviour.

“The long term goal of any behaviour intervention should be to raise young adults who can independently make thoughtful decisions that are considerate of their community.”(Discipline without Stress, Dr. Marvin Marshall, 2002)

As a school we recognize the importance in modeling respectful and responsible processes for managing conflict.  Whenever possible we try to use a restorative approach to resolving conflict and teaching pro- social behaviours.

Restorative Practice: the fundamental premise of restorative practices is that people are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things with them, rather than to them or for them. (International Institute for Restorative Practices) http://www.iirp.edu/what-is-restorative-practices.php

The focus of behaviour interventions should be to recognize and repair the harm done, teach and reinforce positive behaviours and return the person to the community stronger and more resilient than before the offense.  http://www.iirp.edu/what-is-restorative-practices.php

Every effort will be made to support students. However, if there are ongoing conduct issues after having implemented restorative interventions, disciplinary actions may need to be taken.

Decisions will be made with respect to the individual. Responses to conduct issues will take into consideration the student’s age, maturity, and past conduct. Interventions will not discriminate against a student who cannot meet an expectation because of a disability.

Reasonable steps will be taken to prevent retaliation against the person who reported a code of conduct issue.

School Expectations

Framework for communicating culture of respect and growth

Positive: Expectations should emphasise that individuals focus on what they should do, not what they shouldn’t do.

Choice: Expectations should emphasis student choice and responsibility.

Reflection: The long term goal of any behaviour intervention should be to raise young adults who can independently make thoughtful decisions that are considerate of their community. (Discipline without Stress, Dr. Marvin Marshall, 2002)

Chilliwack Middle School as a Caring Community: Students are encouraged to consider the following guidelines for decision making.

  • Taking Care of our Community and Our Reputation

  • Taking Care of Each Other

  • Taking Care of Ourselves

Bullying

Taking Care of Each Other

It is the responsibility of all members of our community to work towards a healthy and respectful learning environment in which all members are treated with courtesy and respect.

Students and staff have the right to a learning environment free from bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, intimidation and dishonesty. Inappropriate prejudicial behaviour, speech or attire towards a group or individual is unacceptable.

We strive to provide a safe environment where members of the school community feel safe to voice their opinions without the fear of intimidation or unreasonable use of authority. For further information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase

Bystanders: If you are concerned that something you see might be bullying, it is important to do something.  Things you can do to make a difference include

  • Check with victim that they are alright

  • Tell an adult (teacher) or Vice-Principal/Principal

Let the aggressor know that their actions are not appropriate in your school.  This last intervention should only be done if you are confident you can safely intervene.

Possible Resolutions:  We take all concerns of intimidation and harassment seriously.  While punitive school consequences are possible outcomes of reported intimidation and harassment, whenever possible we try to use a restorative approach to resolving conflict and teach pro- social behaviours.  Mediation, restorative conferencing and student reflection are some of the processes that we have found to be effective in promoting individual resiliency and empathy.

Hands-off

Taking Care of Each Other

Respecting each-others space is an important part of being a safe community.  Hands-off, means hands-off!  It applies to two areas.  First in terms of ‘affection’, it means students can give brief, non-romantic hugs as well as hold hands.  That’s it!  No arms around each other, kissing, etc.

The second meaning of Hands-Off is to keep your hands and feet to yourself. Pushing, shoving, kicking, slapping, etc., is not allowed in our school, even if you are just “joking’ or “playing around”. Any ‘safe’ hands on play ie. sports or school yard games should be played outside.  No “hands on” play on school grounds.

Appropriate Clothing

Taking Care of Ourselves and our Community

As a community of learners, we need to be considerate of other students and staff.  Wearing appropriate attire for a school setting is important in supporting a productive and comfortable work environment.  A few rules of thumb that will assist students in making good choices with their dress and attire include:

  • Choose clothing that appropriately covers yourself and your underwear.

  • Images on clothing should portray a positive message.  Any promotion of drugs, alcohol, sexist, racist, or violent imagery is not appropriate for school.

  • Hats are allowed; however, please note:

Each classroom teacher has their own rules and expectations within their classrooms so hats might be asked to be removed within some classrooms.

  • Hoodies must be pulled back (removed) on school grounds. It is helpful for social and safety reasons to be able to easily recognize members of our community and identify and address any potential concerns.  Occasionally students forget and when this occurs they will be reminded by staff to remove their hoodies on school grounds

  • All backpacks, regardless of size, must be stored in student lockers. Students will be asked to take their backpacks to their lockers if they are brought to class.

 

Voice and Manners

Taking Care of our Community and our Reputation

We are large community of over 700 students and staff.  Making decisions that are respectful of others include:

  • Using a normal speaking voice inside

  • Use appropriate language – the same as would be expected in a classroom

  • Good manners are like a magnet.  When you use them, people want to be around you.

  • If your group is not using the entire table, make room for others to sit down

  • Sit on the seats, not the table tops

Language Use

Taking Care of our Reputation / Community

Using effective language appropriate for the setting is a valuable pro-social skill.  Appropriate language is language that would normally be used within a home or work place.  Swearing, cussing, etc., is not appropriate in our school.  Occasionally mistakes are made and when this occurs one would be expected to apologize.  Hopefully students will do this without being asked.  This applies to every area in and outside of the school.

Being a Good School Citizen

Taking Care of our Community

Those that purposefully damage property at school are hurting our school’s reputation, our personal comfort and are wasting valuable resources that should be used to improve technology, sports equipment, our library and other resources for students at CMS.
Report any type of vandalism to any supervising adult as soon as possible with as much information as possible.

Food Choice

Taking Care of Ourselves and our Community

Making healthy food and beverage choices help improve overall health, brain function and emotional health. We encourage you to bring nutritious food to school.  We provide breakfast and lunch (soup) for any student who it would benefit. 

Besides being very unhealthy, we ask that you not bring the following items into the school as they can be very messy or disruptive: Energy drinks, pop, Slurpees and Ice Capps. These types of drinks will be confiscated and may be returned at the end of the school day.

Garbage

Taking Care of our Community and Each Other

Choices that prove we can take care of our community include:

  • Clean up your eating area when you are finished. 

  • If you spill something you may need to ask a supervisor for assistance.  Make sure you help with the clean-up.

  • Place garbage in the garbage cans.

  • Put your cans and juice boxes in the recycling bins.

Outside Areas, Front of School, Parking Areas

Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other

Taking Care of Each Other

Safe and considerate choices include:

  • Walk your bikes and skateboards onto the school grounds in the morning.  Don’t ride or skateboard on sidewalks.

  • Roller blades must be removed when you enter the school. 

  • Do not cut in front of a moving vehicle. This is for the safety of you and others.

  • Use the crosswalk to cross the driveway before/after school.

  • Students are NOT to be hanging around any parked cars in either parking lot.

  • Bikes, scooters and skateboards must be stored in the bins located behind the school.

Closed Campus

Taking Care of Each Other

Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other

Important for all student’s safety that as a school we know where you are, and that all students stay on campus unless signed out with permission at the office.

Students are not allowed to leave school ground during school hours. All Middle Schools in Chilliwack have a “closed campus” policy.

When you notice someone in our hallways that clearly doesn’t belong, please report this information to the office or any staff member.  We want our school to be as safe as possible and we rely on our students to help us identify people who should clearly not be on our school grounds.  Students are discouraged from speaking with strangers.

Chilliwack Middle School Code of Conduct has been structured to align with and adhere to the standards outlined in:The School Act 85(1.1) 168 (2)(s.1) Provincial Standards Ministerial Order 276/07, effective October 17, 2007B.C. Human Rights Code of British Columbia [http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/human-rights-protection/]B.C. Ministry of Education: Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools: A Guide (Nov 2008) and Developing and Reviewing Codes of Conduct: A Companion (August 2007), both found at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/sco/