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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT________________________________________________________________________________3 PURPOSE______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 CORE VALUES__________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS________________________________________________________________________________3 CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATIONS__________________________________________________________________________ 3 SCHOOL-RELATED COMMITMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES______________________________________________________ 4 ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS____________________________________________________________________________4 CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT__________________________________________________________________________ 4 CARE FOR PLACE AND SPACE____________________________________________________________________________ 4 DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL BEHAVIOURS___________________________________________________________________ 4 STUDENT SUPPORT PROCESSES_________________________________________________________________________ 4 STANDARDS OF DRESS AND APPEARANCE____________________________________________________________________ 5 SCHOOL UNIFORM______________________________________________________________________________________ 5 HYGIENE AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE___________________________________________________________________ 5 BODY PIERCING AND TATTOOS___________________________________________________________________________ 5 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY______________________________________________________________________________________ 6 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY_____________________________________________________________________________ 6 TERMS________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6 PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES__________________________________________________________________________ 7 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY________________________________________________________________________ 8 APPROPRIATE USE OF TECHNOLOGY POLICY__________________________________________________________________ 9 RESPONSIBLE USE______________________________________________________________________________________ 9 SCHOOL DEVICE USE____________________________________________________________________________________9 TECHNOLOGY ACCESS__________________________________________________________________________________ 9 VIDEO, PHOTO AND SOUND RECORDINGS__________________________________________________________________9 REPORTING OF STUDENTS IN PERSONAL DISTRESS_________________________________________________________9 SMOKING, VAPING, DRUG, AND ALCOHOL POLICY_____________________________________________________________ 10 DISCIPLINE PROCESSES____________________________________________________________________________________11 GENERAL PHILOSOPHY_________________________________________________________________________________ 11 ACADEMIC WARNING/PROBATION AND ENGAGEMENT CONTRACTS___________________________________________ 11 PROCEDURES - MISCONDUCT INTERVENTIONS____________________________________________________________ 11 PROCEDURES - ACADEMIC INTEGRITY INTERVENTIONS_____________________________________________________13 EXPLANATION OF ACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES__________________________________________________________14 VIOLENCE THREAT RISK ASSESSMENT TEAM______________________________________________________________ 14 POST-SECONDARY DISCLOSURE POLICY STATEMENT______________________________________________________ 14 APPEALS PROCESS_______________________________________________________________________________________ 15
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT PURPOSE
The purpose of this Student Code of Conduct is to ensure: I. II. III. IV.
A safe, caring, and productive teaching and learning environment exists. We maintain appropriate balances among individual and collective interests and responsibilities. There is clarity around standards and expected student behaviour at school, in the community, and online. Student conduct at all times reflects our six Core Values.
CORE VALUES
The Core Values which provide the foundation to the Student Code of Conduct: Empathy
The ability to move beyond ourselves, to identify with others, to walk a mile in another’s shoes.
Humility
The ability to be humble, not to be big-headed or boastful, and to recognize that we all still have a lot to learn.
Integrity
An extension of honesty. It is doing the right thing even if no one is watching.
Resilience
An extension of courage. It is the ability to recover quickly, and to not give up when beset by setbacks and disappointments.
Respect
Feeling regard and even admiration for yourself and for others. It is being thoughtful and considerate of others.
Responsibility
Being accountable, doing our best to meet our commitments, and to keep our word.
CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS All students at St. George’s School commit as follows: I. II. III. IV.
V.
I will uphold the St. George’s School Core Values in my daily life. I understand that I represent the school in person and online at all times, including evenings, weekends, or over any school break or holiday. I understand, accept, and will respect all of my School-Related Commitments and Responsibilities. I will uphold the Standards of Dress and Appearance of the school. I will behave in a way that complies with all the expectations outlined in the section on: a. Academic Integrity b. Bullying and Harassment Policy c. Appropriate Use of Technology d. Smoking, Vape, Drug and Alcohol Policy I will demonstrate responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATIONS Making mistakes is a necessary part of growing up. Student misconduct is handled on an individual basis in accordance with the Discipline Processes articulated in this document, with a desire to create a plan that acknowledges the mistake that was made and puts in place steps that ensure all parties understand the path forward. Discipline processes are viewed as opportunities for character development and will be addressed in the interests of both the individual and the St. George’s School community.
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
SCHOOL-RELATED COMMITMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS
Students are expected to attend all classes and programs on time. ● ● ●
● ●
If students are unable to attend a class or program, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that his parent or guardian notifies the attendance clerk prior to the missed class or program. Students are expected to arrive to class prior to the bell. If after the bell, the teacher will mark the student as Late. If a student misses a class or program without prior notification from his parent or guardian, it will be noted as an Unexcused Absence. If a student is noted as having an Unexcused Absence, they will be notified via email and will have two days to provide an explanation for the absence to the attendance clerk. If the student provides the attendance clerk with an explanation for the absence, the attendance clerk will determine how the absence will be recorded. School administrators will follow up with students with unresolved Unexcused Absences. Students who accumulate more than four Unexcused Absences or eight Lates may subject escalated disciplinary action.
CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
All students in Grades 8-10 are required to participate in co-curricular activities in all three terms, of which a minimum of two terms must be through recreational or competitive sports options. Students in Grades 11-12 are required to participate in co-curricular activities for two terms. Students are expected to attend and be on time for their co-curricular activities in the same way they are expected to attend and be on time for their academic classes. If a student is not able to attend a co-curricular activity, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that his parent or guardian notifies the attendance clerk prior to the missed program.
CARE FOR PLACE AND SPACE
Students will care for all property, whether it is public or a peer’s personal possessions. Borrowing the possessions of others without their consent is stealing. Students are expected to treat spaces and resources in the school with respect.
DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL BEHAVIOURS
Students will not engage in any dangerous or illegal activities. This includes anything related to distribution of intimate images, threat making behaviour, or physical and / or psychological and / or emotional harm. Students will not bring to school any weapons, replica weapons, or any other dangerous or illegal items or substances. In accordance with the Smoking, Vaping, Drug, and Alcohol Policy, students will, at all times, avoid any possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cannabis and illicit drugs or related paraphernalia.
STUDENT SUPPORT PROCESSES
We expect students will be engaged in their endeavours, responsible to their studies, classmates and teachers, and to demonstrate integrity in their pursuit of learning. The School believes that all students can meet the expectations outlined and that by using the various resources within the School, they can perform and engage at a high level within the School. These supports may include: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Faculty members - teachers, homeroom teachers/advisors; 5th Block (Senior School) Administrators - Head of Grade, Associate Principals, Principals Student Success Centre/Resource Team Personal Counselling - individual, small-group or large-group counselling Peer mentoring Peer mediation Behavioural support plans Engagement contracts
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
STANDARDS OF DRESS AND APPEARANCE SCHOOL UNIFORM
The uniform is to be worn at all times while classes are in session, unless otherwise noted for a special event. All uniform items must comply with the following standards and may be purchased through the School Store. St. George’s School Daily Uniform - Kindergarten to Grade 3 The Daily Uniform is worn on regular school days.
St. George’s School Daily Uniform - Grades 4-12 The Daily Uniform is worn on regular school days.
The following items are required: School Polo Shirt or White Dress Shirt with School Tie Grey Uniform Dress Pants Black Polished Leather Shoes with Grey Socks
The following items are required: White Dress Shirt with School Tie Grey Uniform Dress Pants with a Black Belt Black Polished Leather Shoes with Grey Socks Students may choose to wear these items: School Sweater
St. George’s School Summer Dress Uniform In September and following Spring Break, there is also a Summer Dress Option available, at the discretion of the Head of School.
St. George’s School Formal Dress Uniform For Full-School Assemblies and special events, students are required to wear the Formal Dress Uniform:
School Polo Shirt (tucked in) instead of White Dress Shirt Grey Uniform Shorts instead of Grey Uniform Dress Pants Grey Socks (knee-high if worn with shorts)
All items from the Daily Uniform, plus School Blazer - Single breasted navy blazer with crest
Grade 12 students are permitted to wear the Grad Jacket as part of the Daily Uniform and the Summer Dress Uniform. Grade 12 students may also choose to wear the black school polo shirt as part of the Summer Dress Uniform. Students are not permitted to wear non-uniform clothing, including jackets, hoodies, or sweaters inside the school. These must be removed upon entry to the school and remain removed through the end of the school day. Team uniforms and commemorative school clothing items (hoodies, shirts, etc.) may not be worn inside the school except for special events. The school administration may approve team uniforms to be worn on select days. Special celebrations throughout the year may also involve alternate dress (such as Jeans Day, Spirit Shirt Day, Casual Dress Day, etc).
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Hair should be well maintained and kept away from the face. Neatly trimmed facial hair is permitted. The school will respect religious or cultural traditions of our students who observe a particular manner of dress or personal appearance.
HYGIENE
Students are expected to maintain healthy standards of personal hygiene.
BODY PIERCING AND TATTOOS
Students are permitted to wear a small stud or hoop earring. Visible piercing outside of small earrings, including face and tongue piercing, is not permitted on campus or at any school-sponsored activity. No visible tattoos are permitted.
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Academic Integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship. It is the commitment and obligation of all students, faculty, parents/guardians, and administration to ensure that all academic work stems from the student’s own efforts. Acts of Academic Dishonesty erode the ethical climate of honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness, and trust in our school community. Academic Dishonesty to any degree is not acceptable. GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND GRADING Monitoring academic progress and providing feedback to students and parents/guardians are essential to our teaching and learning objectives at St. George’s School. The purpose of grading is to communicate where students are in their learning and their level of mastery in a subject area. St. George's School believes that grades should accurately reflect what students know and what they have learned. ● ● ● ● ● ●
Grades should reflect a student’s relative understanding of the curriculum and the identified learning targets. Students must do their own work with honesty and submit only their own work on assessments, unless otherwise permitted by the teacher. Students may benefit from working in groups. They may collaborate or cooperate with other students on graded assessments as outlined by the teacher. The teacher will clearly communicate to students the appropriate level of collaboration. Students must follow all written and/or verbal instructions outlined by the teacher prior to taking examinations, tests, quizzes, and performance evaluations. Students are responsible for adhering to course requirements as identified by the teacher. When using the work and ideas of others, students must give credit and acknowledgement by referencing the original source.
Students will not receive a mark for work that is the result of Academic Dishonesty and must demonstrate their learning through an alternative assessment. HOMEWORK AND ASSESSMENT EXPECTATIONS Students are expected to complete school work in advance of the due date assigned. Formal assessments will generally be communicated to students three or more days prior to the assessment. Students must make every effort to complete the assessment during the class identified. If circumstances prevent the student from completing an assignment on time or an assessment on the specified date, the student is expected to: ● Inform the teacher prior to the due date. The teacher will review the situation and provide an extended due date if appropriate. If the student fails to inform the teacher prior to the due date, the teacher may assign the student an incomplete for the assignment/assessment. ● At the Junior School, the assignment/assessment may need to be completed during recess, class time, or a combination of both. At the Senior School, the assignment/assessment may need to be completed during 5th Block. ● If the student does not complete the assignment/assessment by the second due date, the teacher may recommend the student for further disciplinary follow-up through the appropriate administrator (Junior School Associate Principal/Senior School Head of Grade). Missed assignments and assessments will be monitored throughout the year, and, where the School feels there is cause for question, a student may be required to produce a note verifying the missed assessment dates – this includes medical and other circumstances. If a Junior School student has missed an assignment or assessment, it may be reflected in his report card comment and/or proficiency scale. If a Senior School student has been referred to 5th Block more than five times in a term for incomplete assignments, they may be recommended by a teacher or the Head of Grade for further disciplinary follow-up.
TERMS Academic Dishonesty includes any conduct intending to gain an unfair advantage in connection with an academic assessment. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, falsification, plagiarism, and tampering in homework and other assignments, reports, projects, quizzes, tests, exams, or other forms of performance evaluations. Cheating occurs when an individual undermines the integrity of an assessment. Examples of cheating include: ● Copying any part of an assessment; ● Allowing others to copy any part of an assessment; ● Improperly giving or receiving assessment information; ● Using unauthorized resources for or during an assessment; ● Submission of the same assessment more than once; and/or ● Skipping classes to avoid an assessment. 6
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
Falsification occurs when an individual has changed information in order to make one believe something that is not true. Examples of falsification include: ● Falsifying research findings, whether in laboratory experiments, field trip exercises, or other assignments; ● Alteration or falsification of academic reports or other academic records for any purpose; ● Making false representation on an application for admission; and/or ● Requesting the extension of a deadline or delaying the taking or sitting of an assessment citing reasons known to be false, including submitting false documentation supporting that request. Plagiarism occurs when an individual submits or presents the work and/or idea of another person as his or her own. This includes the copying of images, sound, video, and other forms of intellectual property. It also includes copying information generated through AI. Please refer to the AI Guidelines. Examples of plagiarism include: ● Lack of recognition given to the original author for phrases, sentences, and ideas of the author incorporated in a paper or project; and/or ● A portion of a document is copied from an author, or composed by another person, and presented as original work of the student. Tampering occurs when an individual has interfered with information for the purpose of academic gain. Examples of tampering include: ● Unauthorized access to, use of, or alteration of computer data and information; ● Gaining academic advantage by using technology that inhibits the use of the resources by others; ● Damage to or destruction of library or laboratory resources; and/or ● Willful or negligent damage to the academic work of a fellow student and/or teacher.
PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES
All members of our school community are expected to report suspected incidents of Academic Dishonesty. REPORTING If a teacher, through his or her professional judgment, suspects that a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy has occurred, the following steps will be taken: a. The teacher will immediately confiscate the evidence (if applicable) and bring the violation to the attention of the student. This should be done in a discreet manner whenever possible. b. The teacher will refer the student to the appropriate administrator (Junior School Associate Principal or Senior School Head of Grade) and inform the student that the administrator will be conducting further inquiry in the case. c. The teacher will not impose a penalty or discuss consequences with the student. INVESTIGATION The administrator will follow up with the teacher and student as part of the investigation. The administrator, and the teacher in some cases, will meet with the student to provide the student with an opportunity to respond to the allegation of Academic Dishonesty. SENIOR SCHOOL HONOUR COUNCIL If the Head of Grade determines that the student’s actions constitute a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, the case may then be referred to the Honour Council to determine the consequences resulting from the transgressions. The Honour Council uses a progressive discipline model, taking into account the varying degrees of Academic Dishonesty and/or the disciplinary history of the student. RESOLUTION AND CONSEQUENCES Consequences and corrective action administered may include, but are not restricted to, the examples provided in the Academic Integrity Interventions chart.
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY St. George’s School students must refrain from bullying. Students are expected to intervene to help support any student who is being bullied, unless it is unsafe to do so, and report to a member of faculty, staff, or administration any witnessed or suspected instances of bullying. Bullying is ongoing conduct that is done with the intention to scare or make someone afraid and is unwelcome to others. This includes conduct which a reasonable person knows, or ought reasonably to know, is unwelcome to the recipient. Unwanted physical contact, verbal abuse and threats, unwelcome remarks including jokes, innuendo, or taunting (in verbal, written or digital form) about a person’s body, race, gender, attire, (perceived) sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion are all forms of bullying. Harassment is any behaviour or comment that is hurtful, degrading, humiliating or offensive and can occur on a one time or more frequent basis. Intimidation is anytime a person uses fear in order to force or influence someone to do something. Examples of bullying and harassment may include but are not limited to: ● Physical violence such as hitting, pushing, spitting at another student or restricting their movement; ● Unwelcome touching; ● Interfering with another student’s property, such as by stealing, hiding, or damaging it; ● Using offensive names, unwelcome teasing, or spreading rumours when interacting with others; ● Racist, anti-semitic, or homophobic slurs; ● Belittling another student’s abilities and achievements; ● Unreasonably excluding another student from a group activity; ● Ridiculing another student’s appearance, way of speaking or mannerisms; ● Threatening the wellbeing of another person; ● Using technology to hurt, intimidate, threaten, embarrass, or humiliate another person. Anyone who is the target of bullying / harassment is encouraged to report the bullying / harassment and not to suffer in silence. Speaking out and reporting bullying / harassment ensures the school can appropriately address the bullying / harassment and may help prevent other students from future bullying / harassment. SCHOOL’S RESPONSE TO BULLYING When St. George’s School becomes or is made aware of bullying, the situation will be addressed as outlined in the Disciplinary Practices section, taking into account the students’ age, maturity and special needs (if any). Additionally, St. George’s School will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation by a person against the student who has made a complaint.
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
APPROPRIATE USE OF TECHNOLOGY POLICY RESPONSIBLE USE
St. George's School is committed to providing educational experiences that are consistent with, and make use of, the world of interconnected technology. Rather than trying to limit access, St. George's School is committed to helping students foster the ability to make good technology-use decisions. While the School does employ filters and other devices to limit student exposure to objectionable material, this is only partially effective. Students will: ● only access information that is appropriate (not offensive or hurtful to the user or his/her community); ● post only content that is appropriate and adheres to the St. George's School Code of Conduct; ● be cautious about commenting about others and school-related matters; ● Only share appropriate images/video of others and only with their consent; ● be aware of the impact of their technology use on those in their immediate vicinity; ● avoid sharing their personal information, or that of their family, their peers, their teachers or other members of the St. George's School community (this may include their real name, address, phone number, or photo for example); ● respect copyright, not plagiarize content and give credit where it is due; ● obtain consent to use the St. George’s School logos and trademarks from the Head of Communications; ● not arrange to meet in person an individual they met online, unless they have their parents’ permission; ● not attempt to access (hack) secure sites to which they have not been granted access; ● not use the accounts or passwords of another individual without their explicit consent; ● not use VPN services to bypass the school’s content filtering system; ● remove material at St. George's School’s discretion.
SCHOOL DEVICE USE
School devices must be properly maintained and cared-for. Devices are not to be reformatted or tampered with. Any software that is installed on school devices must be approved. Any loss or damaged devices must be reported and may be subject to repair or replacement costs.
TECHNOLOGY ACCESS
During class time and in resource spaces, students may, at the discretion of their teacher/supervisor, use technology. Outside of instructional hours, it is impossible for staff to fully monitor how and when students use technology. Students are encouraged to play outside, converse in person with friends, eat meals and join organized clubs and activities. It is important that students are not overly consumed by technology and avoid excessive use of social media, texting, video games and other pursuits. ● ● ● ● ●
Laptops and tablets are only permitted for educational purposes during the school day. Video games are not permitted in the school during the school day, unless permission is granted by a teacher. Earbuds and other headphones are not permitted in the school or in classrooms unless authorized by the teacher. At the Junior School, cell phones are not permitted anytime between 8:00-3:10 pm. At the Senior School, cell phones are not permitted in any community spaces during school hours or used in classrooms unless authorized by a teacher.
Students using devices in a manner that is deemed irresponsible or outside of the teacher/supervisor’s stated expectations may have their device confiscated and held by the teacher/supervisor for a defined period of time.
VIDEO, PHOTO AND SOUND RECORDINGS
It is important that students recognize the rights of all individuals to privacy. Students wishing to record a class or other school event with still images, video, or sound must obtain the consent of those involved. Students wishing to record all or part of a class must speak to the teacher prior to recording. These images must not be shared without the consent of all involved.
REPORTING OF STUDENTS IN PERSONAL DISTRESS
Students sometimes share personal concerns online through social media. Peers of students in distress should bring the matter to the attention of the school. 9
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
SMOKING, VAPING, DRUG, AND ALCOHOL POLICY All students must refrain from using alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and vaporized products at all times. Possession of any of these items (or associated paraphernalia) or being under the influence will result in discipline. Students who are suspected of using or possessing prohibited items will be subject to investigation, which may require them to submit to a search of their person and/or property and/or require them to undergo drug and/or alcohol testing. Students who provide prohibited items to other students, whether or not they charge money, are in violation of this policy. While at school, students may use or be under the influence of prescription drugs that they have been prescribed. Students should disclose to their homeroom teacher or Head of Grade and to a school nurse any prescription drugs that they take that could have a school-related impact. Smoking, vaping, drug and alcohol related offenses will be considered Level II, III, or IV issues that may result in a suspension and may also involve the police, depending on the nature of the incident.
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
DISCIPLINE PROCESSES GENERAL PHILOSOPHY
The school has a responsibility to provide a process through which students, staff, and other stakeholders may make, in good faith, reports of wrongful conduct without fear of reprisal. When misconduct is observed or a report of misconduct is made, the school will follow a process that ensures a fair, reasonable and consistent approach to student discipline. Decision-makers will consider the student’s age, maturity, special needs (if any), history and disciplinary record along with any relevant precedents and ensure that they have full information and thoroughly understand the situation before making any decision on consequences. Once a final decision has been made and student discipline imposed, an incident report is placed in the student’s file and distributed to appropriate administrators. Parent/guardian contact (via phone) and/or a formal letter may be required, depending on the outcome.
ACADEMIC WARNING/PROBATION AND ENGAGEMENT CONTRACTS Where the School feels that a student is not meeting his academic responsibilities, an Academic Warning or Probation may be issued. These are formal processes initiated by the School intended to highlight and make the student aware of the School’s concerns relating to the student and to direct the student to the available resources and supports within the School with the hope that the student will make use of them. Academic Warning and Probation are not intended to be punitive. When the school has concerns about the engagement of a student, the student may be placed on an Engagement Contract. This contract outlines the expectations that the student must meet, and may also prescribe some additional supports that the student is expected to make use of. An Engagement Contract is not intended to be punitive and should be used to help the student achieve the greatest possible success at the school.
PROCEDURES - MISCONDUCT INTERVENTIONS
St. George’s School’s response plan to student misconduct is divided into four levels to help faculty and administrators categorize the significance of student misconduct and to outline a process for dealing with it. Misconduct is not limited to the examples listed under these four levels. Misconduct is also not limited to the campus and school day, but rather includes any actions which have an impact on the St. George’s School community. The following details the procedures followed under typical circumstances to address and respond to student misconduct. Level of Infraction
Examples
Process
(including but not limited to)
Level I Infraction Minor misconduct or rule violations, normally addressed by a teacher.
● ● ● ● ●
Level II Infraction Single incident of mid-level misconduct or ongoing Level I infractions, usually addressed by the
● ●
Uniform infraction; Disrupting the educational practice and the classroom environment; Failure to complete assignments or carry out directions; Tardy to class; Possession of prohibited electronic devices and inappropriate use of technology.
1. 2.
Multiple or continued Level I infractions; Ongoing disruption of class that adversely affects the quality of education for the student in question, other
1. 2.
3. 4.
The teacher will immediately intervene when infraction occurs. The teacher will meet with the student in situations of repeated misbehaviour and prior to moving the issue to Level II. The teacher may contact the parent/guardian to inform them of the student conduct. The teacher documents the incident of misconduct.
Consequences may include: ● Verbal reprimand; ● Assigned seating in class; ● Cleaning assignments/tasks or community service requirements; ● Apology letter or other acts of restitution; ● Parent/guardian contact; ● Counseling referral.
3.
The teacher will immediately intervene when the incident occurs. The teacher makes a referral in writing of the Level II Misconduct to an administrator. An administrator meets with the student and/or teacher and reviews student history and disciplinary record and any applicable precedents in deciding appropriate discipline. 11
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
Head of Grade.
students, or the entire class; Lying/dishonesty; Skipping classes/school or leaving campus without following school protocol; and/or Forgery of notes or letters; Smoking and vaping; Any other forms of disrespectful behaviour.
4. 5.
Continuation of unmodified Level I and Level II Misconduct; Multiple Level II Misconduct infractions; Fighting, intent to injure another person, unwarranted physical confrontations, and/or loss of control; Theft; Drug usage; Vandalism; Possession of a weapon including knives, fireworks, pellet guns, or replicas of weapons.
1.
Any actions which fit the definition of Level IV misconduct.
1.
● ●
● ● ● Level III Infraction Significant student misconduct, including actions that may pose a threat to the safety and wellbeing of the School community.
● ● ●
● ● ● ●
Level IV Severe conduct that, in the professional judgment of the designated administrator, poses an imminent and/or unacceptable threat to the safety and wellbeing of the School community.
Parent contact made by a school administrator. The teacher is informed by the administrator of disciplinary action imposed and of the support plan.
Consequences may include all of the items above and: ● Suspension
2.
3. 4. 5.
The teacher will immediately intervene when the incident occurs and refer the incident to an administrator. An administrator investigates the incident or appoints an investigator. This may include taking written statements and/or meeting with the teacher and/or student if necessary. The student’s history and disciplinary record is reviewed. Parent contact is made by the school administrator regarding the suspension and possible Membership Review Process. If required, the Membership Review Committee will review the case and make a recommendation to the Deputy Head of School. The administrator meets with the student and parent/guardian(s) to review the outcome of the investigation.
Consequences may include all of the items above and: ● Responsibility for cost of repairs due to the misconduct ● Membership Review with the possibility of expulsion ● Police involvement
2.
3. 4. 5.
The teacher will immediately intervene when the incident occurs and refer the incident to a school administrator. A school administrator investigates the incident or appoints an investigator. This may include taking written statements and/or meeting with the teacher, witnesses and/or student if necessary. The student’s history and disciplinary record is reviewed. Parent contact made by a school administrator regarding the suspension and Membership Review Process. The Membership Review Committee will review the case and make a recommendation to the Deputy Head of School. A school administrator meets with student and parent/guardian(s) to review the outcome of the investigation and Membership Review.
Consequences will include: ● Membership Review with the possibility of expulsion
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
PROCEDURES - ACADEMIC INTEGRITY INTERVENTIONS
First Offense
Grades K - 7
Grades 8 - 10
Issues of academic integrity at the Junior School will be handled on a case by case basis.
●
Grades 11 - 12 ●
● ● ●
Work not accepted - alternative demonstration of learning is required Suspension - 1-2 days Reflective Assignment Letter in the student’s discipline file
Second Offense
● ● ●
All items from First Offense Suspension - 2-3 days Academic Integrity Seminar
● ● ●
Third Offense
● ●
Suspension Membership Review
● ● ● ●
Work not accepted - alternative demonstration of learning is required Suspension - 1-3 days Academic Integrity Seminar Letter in the student’s discipline file Post-Secondary Disclosure All items from First Offense Suspension - 3-5 days Ineligible for Academic Honours within academic year of the second infraction
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
EXPLANATION OF ACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES Academic Warning
A formal notice that improved action is required in regards to attendance or academics. Clear expectations for improvement will be provided.
Academic Probation
If issuing the student an Academic Warning does not result in improved performance or if the School has a significant concern relating to the student, the student may be placed on Academic Probation whereby a formal notice and clear expectations are provided.
Engagement Contract
A formal notice that improved action is required in regards to engagement in the school. Clear expectations for improvement will be provided.
In-School Suspension
Student attends classes but is placed in a designated detention area during break and lunch periods.
School Suspension
The temporary removal of a student from school grounds for a set period of time. Suspensions may range from 1–20 school days. Suspensions lasting for more than five days are considered long-term suspensions. Students may not take part in school-sponsored activity while on suspension and may be dismissed from co-curricular activities or elected/appointed student leadership positions.
Membership Review
An administrative meeting held to discuss the membership and continuing education of a student at St. George’s School. The membership review committee puts forth recommendations to the Head of School’s Office where the final decision is made.
Reflective Assignment
A form of reflective discipline that allows students to reflect on and respond to (journal, research paper, presentation, etc.) their negative behaviours and how their actions have affected others.
Advice to consider withdrawing
If the School continues to have significant concerns relating to the student, the School may advise the student to consider withdrawing from the School and will warn the student that unless the student’s performance significantly improves, the next step will be for the School to require the student to withdraw from the School.
School Expulsion or Request for Withdrawal
Refers to the removal/banning of a student from St. George’s School, or a request that a student withdraw due to continued violations of the School policy or, in extreme cases, for a single offense of appropriate severity.
Academic Integrity Seminar
This workshop provides students the opportunity to reflect on behaviour that falls in the realm of Academic Dishonesty. The Academic Integrity Seminar aims to educate students on the deeper meaning of integrity, trust, self-regulation, and mutual obligation to those around them.
VIOLENCE THREAT RISK ASSESSMENT TEAM
The School has a trained Violence Threat Risk Assessment (“VTRA”) Team in place at the school. The team for an incident will include the appropriate Principal(s), Associate Principal(s), Director of Risk Management, School Counsellors and / or the respective Head of Grade, the Head of Health Services, and the Director of Residential Life. The VTRA team members have been trained to assess the risk that a student poses to themselves or others. Any incident involving violent or threat-making behaviour, including verbal or physical threats, must be reported to the appropriate Principal immediately who will convene a meeting of the VTRA Team.
POST-SECONDARY DISCLOSURE POLICY STATEMENT
St. George’s School views discipline as part of the educational process and normally an internal matter. However, when universities ask admission candidates for information about their high school disciplinary records, we expect our students to respond honestly. We believe that this provides the student with an opportunity to take responsibility for his actions and to demonstrate maturity and strength of character by dealing honestly and forthrightly with universities. St. George’s School will also provide universities with accurate information about a student’s academic, co-curricular, and character record, in addition to identifying personal qualities that are relevant to the admissions process. Should there be any significant change in a student’s record after applications have been filed, our University Counsellors will normally report those changes to the institution(s).
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT REVISED DECEMBER 2023
APPEALS PROCESS In the event of Disciplinary Action or a Membership Review, parents and students are provided with the essential facts of the misbehavior by School Administration and there is opportunity for discussion between parties. Families are provided with reasons for the decision made, and the relevant information that led to the decision. If students or parents wish to appeal a major discipline decision by a Principal related to Level II, III or IV misconduct, they must give notice of their intent to appeal to the Head of School, in written or email form, within 7 days of the notification of the decision. The notice must specify the decision under appeal but should not outline the reasons for the appeal. The outcome of Level I misconduct investigations may not be appealed. If students or parents wish to appeal a discipline decision associated with Academic Integrity, they must give notice of their intent to appeal to the Principal, in written or email form, within 48 hours of the notification of the decision. The notice must specify the decision under appeal but should not outline the reasons for the appeal. The Head of School, or their designate, will oversee all appeals and, where necessary will convene a committee of Administrators and Directors or appoint a designate, to assist in rendering a final decision on the appeal. The Head of School will: ● ● ● ●
Invite the student and family to a meeting OR determine whether the appeal will be decided on the basis of a written submissions only Review all supporting documentation Seek additional relevant information Invite student or family statements
In considering the appeal, the Head of School, or their designate, will consider the fairness and reasonableness of the decision and may, if warranted, substitute a different decision. If students or parents disagree with major decisions or actions of the Head of School or their designate, particularly in cases of suspension or expulsion, they should contact the ISABC Ombudsperson to discuss these issues.
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