Creating a positive, safe and nurturing climate conducive to learning and instilling Catholic virtues through action
The Catholic School develops in the school community an atmosphere animated by a spirit of liberty and charity based on the Gospel, taking into consideration, as it should, the conditions of an age of progress and preparing its pupils to contribute effectively to the welfare of the world.
Declaration on Christian Education
Catholic schools exist for the purpose of providing opportunities for students to develop their spiritual, intellectual, physical and social abilities, as outlined in the mission statement for both the Board and Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School. These abilities can best be developed in an atmosphere in which students feel safeandcomfortable We are all valued members of the RND community.
Students are expected to visibly demonstrate a commitment to the values rooted in Catholic faith in all facets of activities involving the Regiopolis-Notre Dame school community. This Code of Conduct is a guideline.
All students are included in this Code of Student Conduct whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities, at home or away from school property where the school has an interest in the conduct of its students. As members of a Catholic school community, we are called to a way of life, which is Christ-like and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Members will put into daily practice the precepts of the Catholic Church and that we will encourage a commitment to the qualities and characteristics expressed in the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:
• an effective communicator
• a reflective, creative and holistic thinker
• a self-directed, responsible lifelong learner
• a collaborative contributor to the common good
• a responsible Catholic citizen.
This document has at its core the goal of ensuring that RND is a safe and nurturing place and that all students can learn in a secure environment free from harm. Our focus is on prevention which is the establishment and use of programs and strategies designed to promote the building of healthy relationships and appropriate behaviours. We support progressive discipline and restorative practice in order to maintain a healthy and welcoming school environment.
All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially those most vulnerable as well as persons in positions of authority. Responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community. Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.
The duties of a pupil, as outlined in Regulation 298 under the Education Act, are as follows:
Section 23.(1)
A pupil shall:
a) be diligent in attempting to master such studies as are part of the program in which the pupil is enrolled;
b) exercise self-discipline;
c) accept such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm and judicious parent;
d) attend classes punctually and regularly;
e) be courteous to fellow pupils and obedient and courteous to teachers;
f) be clean in person and habits;
g) take such tests and examinations as are required by or under the Act or as may be directed by the Minister;
h) show respect for school property.
Section 23.(4)
Every pupil is responsible for his or her conduct to the principal of the school that the pupil attends
a) on the school premises;
b) on out-of-school activities that are part of the school program; and
c) while travelling on a school bus that is owned by a board or on a bus or school bus that is under contract to a board.
In this connected world, there is also a nexus to school, whereby students are responsible for consequences to off-site behaviours that may have ramifications for themselves and others in their school community. This is especially true of electronic communications and the expectation is that all members of RND will exhibit responsible digital citizenship.
Progressive discipline is a whole school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports and consequences to address inappropriate student behaviour and to build upon strategies that promote positive behaviours. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, disciplinary measures should be applied within a framework that shifts the focus from one that is solely punitive to one that is both corrective and supportive. RND utilizes a range of interventions, supports and consequences, which include learning opportunities for reinforcing positive behaviour while helping students to make appropriate choices. Please see our “Promoting Positive School Climate and Well-being” document for some of the measures we have put into place to ensure our students are able to be full participants in school life at RND.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:
• comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn;
• shows respect for him or herself, for others and for those in authority;
• refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;
• follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own action.
RESPECT, CIVILITY AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP:
All school members must:
• respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws;
• demonstrate honesty and integrity;
• respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions;
• treat one another with dignity and respect at all times;
• respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability;
• respect the rights of others;
• show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;
• take appropriate measures to help those in need;
• seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully;
• respect all members of the school community, especially persons who are in a position of authority;
• respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching;
• not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.
Ontario Schools’ Code of Conduct, 2007
Teachers and school staff, under the leadership of their principals, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, staff uphold these high standards when they: help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth; communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents; maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students; demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents; prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.
Parents/guardians play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:
• show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress;
• communicate regularly with the school;
• help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;
• ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;
• promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;
• become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules;
• assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues.
