VICTORIA HIGH SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

“We, the community of Victoria High School, believe that everyone should behave in a manner that demonstrates mutual respect and an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of others.  We promote a school environment that is free from all forms of discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, and age, as mandated by sections 7 and 8 of the BC Human Rights Code.”

Members of our school community are expected to behave in a responsible and respectful manner during all school activities including breaks, lunchtime, spare blocks, travel to and from school, and while attending school functions including field trips and all extra-curricular events.

These expectations include but are not limited to:

• Respecting the educational rights of all students.
• Respecting personal property of all those in our school community, respecting our school building and its contents, as well as property in our surrounding neighbourhood.
• Respecting the right of every member of the school community to feel safe and be free from any form of bullying or intimidation.
• Respecting that the school and all school related events are weapons, alcohol, drugs and tobacco free.
• Wearing clothing and using language that is appropriate to a learning environment.
• Engaging in appropriate use of school computers and personal electronic devices.  Cell phones should be turned off and not in use during class time without prior permission.

Any conduct contrary to the beliefs outlined in our opening statement of purpose is deemed to be unacceptable and contrary to our Code of Conduct.

Consequences for students who conduct themselves contrary to the Code of Conduct will be appropriate to the context, severity and frequency of the behaviour, as well as the maturity level, age, and any special needs of the student.  Whenever possible and appropriate, consequences for breaches of the Code will be restorative in nature rather than punitive.

The school will take all reasonable steps to prevent the possibility of any retaliation resulting from complaints made regarding behaviour contrary to the Code of Conduct.

It is important that parents/guardians be informed when serious contraventions of the Code of Conduct occur.  When appropriate, District personnel and/or the School Liaison Officer may also be informed.