Code of Conduct

At Decker Lake School citizens are expected to understand and abide by the following Code of Conduct

Expectations for Student Behaviour

Students are to know and apply the “quick-test” for times when they must make a decision about their own behaviour.

Is it SAFE? Is it RESPECTFUL? Is it KIND?

At all times, students will:

Unacceptable Conduct:

Students will not interfere with the learning of others
Students will not engage in violent or aggressive behaviour or use offensive language
Students will not engage in acts of bullying or intimidation of any kind.
Students will not bring weapons or toy weapons to school.
PEDs (Personal Electronic Devices including Cel Phones) are only to be used during school hours with teacher permission. Students must contact office staff for phone use.
Students will not engage in acts of retribution against a person who has reported incidents
Students will not engage in acts of discrimination as outlined in the BC Human Rights Code (as to gender, ethnicity or culture)

display a respectful attitude toward all adults
use appropriate language: profanity, racial slurs, sexual and similar language are not permitted (including words on clothing.
respect the dignity and property of others
play safely in school and on the playground:
play only on school property in designated areas
use the gymnasium and special areas only under the direct supervision of a staff member
play outside at break times and before and after school, unless given specific permission by a staff member to stay inside
remove hats and outdoor shoes immediately on entering the building, and will wear non-marking indoor shoes
observe school rules, school bus safety rules and conventional traffic safety rules at school bus stops
play away from cars and service vehicles parked on the school ground
wear clothing appropriate for the weather, allow for freedom of movement and present a positive image
only use personal electronic devices such as iPods, and cellphones during instructional time under the direction of a classroom teacher.

smoke on school property or bring tobacco or alcohol to school. Illegal substances will be confiscated and result in severe disciplinary measures.
bring dangerous or threatening materials or items to school, e.g. hatchets, knives, matches, bullets, firearms or realistic replica firearms, etc.
enter the staff rooms, janitor rooms, or furnace rooms unless given specific permission by a staff member
under any circumstances climb onto the school roof or shed
ride bikes, scooters, roller blades, skateboards, snowboards on school grounds during school hours
wear clothing that is unsafe, advertises alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or promotes drug use. Neither is it appropriate for students to wear clothing which would be considered ‘beach wear’
use personal electronic devices during non-instructional time
fight, play rough, throw rocks, snowballs, use sports equipment in an unsafe or dangerous manner

For long-term suspensions the requirements of a fair procedure are those set forth in the School Act and Board policy. For short-term suspensions and disciplinary action for infractions of a lesser nature, the basic guidelines for due process are:
an oral or written notice of the nature of the specific violation and the possible consequences
an opportunity for the student to “tell their side of the story” to the person who will make a recommendation of decision about the consequence(s)
an explanation of the evidence of the violation upon which the school authority is relying, if the student denies the charges

One or more of several types of consequences may be applied when a student misbehaves. Some examples are:

a discussion of the behaviour with a teacher or the principal
a loss of privileges
a detention, or more than one, if necessary, during non-instructional time
a requirement to write a remedial essay or some other form of written work
an assignment of some physical labor of an appropriate type around the school or grounds, e.g., litter clean-up, equipment a parent/teacher or parent/principal conference (phone or direct)
a suspension from the playground
a suspension from the classroom
a suspension from school
a suspension to the Superintendent of Schools (‘in excess of 5 days’)