Port Moody Secondary School’s Code of Conduct outlines school expectations and acceptable student behaviour as directed by the School Act 85(2)(c). The Code of Conduct is communicated and distributed to students, parents, staff, as well as to visitors and other district staff. Newly assigned staff and students registering mid-year will also receive the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is also available on the Port Moody Secondary website, in print in the office, in the student agenda and displayed on the student bulletin board outside the office. The Code of Conduct is taught, reinforced and monitored. Each year the Code of Conduct is reviewed to reflect the school’s community needs, and to align with the district and provincial school safety initiatives.
The Code of Conduct is in effect for all students at school, at school-related activities or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have impact on the school environment. District #43 (Coquitlam) Policy 17(6) states, “Students, while attending school and school sponsored functions and activities, shall be subject to the District Code of Conduct for Students and the school’s rules of conduct and deportment established by the Principal. Students may be subject to discipline under the school and/or District Code of Conduct for any conduct which has the effect of negatively impacting the school environment, whether that conduct occurs on or off School District property, at a school sponsored function or activity or otherwise.”
The Human Rights of all are valued and protected. The Board believes that schools must not be places where discrimination is practiced or tolerated. District #43 (Coquitlam) Policy 17(4) states, “Students shall not discriminate against others on the base of race, religion, sex or sexual
orientation, or 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.
The Purpose of the Code of Conduct is to:
establish and maintain a safe, caring and orderly environment for a positive learning and teaching climate
clarify and outline school expectations and acceptable student conduct at school, in the community and while acting as school ambassadors
ensure a positive human rights environment that cherishes openness, diversity, fairness, and equity
encourage thoughtful and reflective citizenship
Conduct Expectations
Acceptable conduct is demonstrated by:
respecting oneself, others and the school’s facility and grounds
engaging in responsible behaviour in all learning and school activities (attend classes regularly, be seated in your seat by the second bell, be prepared for class, complete all assignments, and use good manners and good common sense)
helping to ensure the school environment is a safe and caring place for all to learn
informing an adult of an unsafe individual, unsafe behaviour, or an unsafe or violent situation
modeling respectful and responsible behaviour at school, in the community and while acting as school ambassadors
practice ‘Ethics of Information Use’ (see Agenda Book for ‘Intellectual Dishonesty’) by always citing your research sources (text, sound, graphics, video, etc.)
Dressing appropriately for the school learning environment that is respectful to oneself and others
Being aware of the “District 43 School Technology Acceptable Use Policy”
Cyberspace Misuse: Students are to be aware that they may be subject to discipline for on or off campus misuse of technology if it negatively impacts on the school environment
Unacceptable conduct is demonstrated by behaviours that:
interfere with the learning and teaching environment of any school member
create an unsafe or dangerous learning environment
demonstrate a lack of caring for oneself, others and the school community
use of Cyberspace in a hurtful manner i.e. MSN, chat lines etc.
demonstrate bullying, harassment, intimidation, discrimination or exclusion (physical or verbal bullying such as putdowns, name calling, gestures or actions; discriminatory behaviours such as verbal, written or gestured comments regarding a person’s race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance or health; and all people have the right not to be touched, teased or humiliated)
Acts of:
unkind words or hurtful behaviours towards others; bullying, harassment or intimidation; physical violence or assault; retribution towards someone who ‘reported’ unsafe or violent incidents
Illegal acts, such as:
possession or use of a weapon; possession, use, or trafficking of illegal chemicals, drugs or restricted substances;
theft of school or other’s property;
vandalism to school or other’s property
gambling for money, goods, services or any other items (Note: playing card games or other activities is acceptable without gambling for money, goods or service, etc.)
**Behaviours cited above are only some examples and not an all-inclusive list.
Rising Expectations
As students progress through grades 9-12, behavioural expectations will rise so that:
student levels of maturity, personal responsibility and self-discipline will improve
consequences for unacceptable conduct in senior grades will likely result in more serious consequences
older students will model positive behaviours for their peers and younger students
Consequences
Consequences will be applied to unacceptable student conduct. The consequence will be implemented based on the severity and the frequency of the behaviour. Progressive discipline methods will be implemented to alter the inappropriate and/or unsafe behaviour. Consequences and the support will be preventative and restorative.
Some of these methods could include one or more of these consequences:
students participating in meaningful consequences for the unacceptable behaviour
school or community counselling
Drug or alcohol screening and self-assessment program
conflict resolution strategies
small group mediations
informal suspension or “timeouts” – at school or home
community service
partial day school programs
behaviour plans
formal suspension: District Code of Conduct: Suspension Process –Level I, II or III (for serious or dangerous behaviours)
Code of Conduct and Special Needs Students
District #43 (Coquitlam) Policy 17(**) states that “Special consideration may apply to the imposition of consequences on a student with special needs if the student is unable to comply with this Code of Conduct due to a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature.
Notification
Depending on the nature of unacceptable behavior, the member of the school staff may contact the following people:
Parents/guardians of the student offender(s) will be contacted
Parents/guardians of the student victim(s) will be contacted
Coquitlam School Board officials will be contacted as required by school district policy, e.g., Level I, II and III suspensions
Police and other agencies as required by law
School staff and school community as deemed appropriate by the school administration and/or District #43 (Coquitlam) District administration.