Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

INTRODUCTION

The Code of Conduct for Ajax High School was developed by

teachers, students, and parents, and was established following the

Ontario Schools Code of Conduct (2000) and the applicable

policies, regulations and procedures of the Durham District School

Board. In accordance with Policy/Program Memorandum No. 128

from the Ministry of Education the Code of Conduct has been

revised to reflect changes made in the Education Act, effective

February 1, 2008, that pertain to suspension and expulsion of

students

The Code of Conduct for Ajax High School is designed to provide a

framework to ensure that school is a safe, productive learning

environment for all. We ask families to review this Code of Conduct

so that all parties are familiar with school expectations and

procedures. The Code of Conduct is subject to change at any time,

based on directions from the Ministry of Education or the Durham

District School Board. The Code of Conduct is reviewed annually

each spring where policies and procedures are reviewed for the

next school year.

RATIONALE (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board is committed to providing a safe

and secure school environment. The Safe Schools Act, 2000

required each board and each school to develop a Code of Conduct

that is consistent with the legislation and board policy. These

provisions were more recently amended by Bill 212, An Act To

Amend The Education Act, in respect of behaviour, discipline and

safety. The revised Education Act, together with the related

Regulation 472/07, is effective February 1, 2008.

The Codes of Conduct for the Durham District School Board and

Ajax High School reflect the following provincial policy.

A school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and

academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe,

and feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the

responsibility to contribute to a positive school climate and be law-

abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the

safety of others or oneself.

The Ontario Schools Code of Conduct sets clear provincial

standards of behaviour. It specifies the mandatory consequences

for student actions that do not comply with these standards.

Policy/Program Memorandum No. 145, AProgressive Discipline and

Promoting Positive Student Behaviour@. October 4, 2007, provides

an overview of the progressive discipline approach to be used when

addressing issues of student conduct. When inappropriate

behaviour occurs, Ajax High School will utilize a range of

interventions, supports and consequences that are developmentally

appropriate, the include opportunities for students to learn from

mistakes, and that focus on improving behaviour.

The provincial standards of behaviour apply not only to students,

but also to all individuals involved in the publicly funded school

system - parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff

AJAX HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Creating a community school which inspires

students to develop a passion for learning.

members - whether they are on school property, on school buses or

at school-authorized events or activities.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Ajax High School support

the provincial guiding principles and endorse recognition,

acceptance and sensitivity toward ethnocultural diversity.

All participants involved in the publicly funded school system -

students, parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff

members - are included in the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct

whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-

authorized events or activities.

< All participants involved in the publicly funded school system -

students, parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other

staff members - are included in the Ontario Schools Code of

Conduct whether they are on school property, on school buses or

at school-authorized events or activities.

< All members of the school community are to be treated with

respect and dignity, especially 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.

< Members of the school community are expected to use non-

violent means to resolve conflict. Physically aggressive

behaviour is not a responsible way to interact with others.

< The possession, use or threatened use of any object to injure

another person endangers the safety of oneself and others.

< Alcohol and illegal drugs are addictive and present a health

hazard. Ontario schools will work cooperatively with police, drug

and alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and,

where necessary, respond to school members who are in

possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or illegal drugs.

(As well, smoking in school buildings and on school property is

prohibited by law.)

< Recognition and acceptance of, and sensitivity toward,

ethnocultural diversity are expectations of and within the school

community.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Ontario Schools Code of

Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Ajax High School accept the

provincial direction regarding individual roles and responsibilities. In

addition to school staff, students and parents, other members of the

public, who interact with members of the school community while

present in or on school property or premises, have a responsibility

to respect others in the school and to conduct themselves

accordingly.

Principals, under the direction of their school board, take a

leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide this

leadership by:

< demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and

a safe teaching and learning environment;

< holding everyone, under their authority, accountable for their

behaviour and actions;

< empowering students to be positive leaders in their school

community;

< communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of

their school community.

Teachers and School Staff, under the leadership of their principal,

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;

< empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom,

school, and community;

< 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.

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 themselves, 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.

Parents 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 fulfil 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;

< encourage and assist their child in following the rules of

behaviour;

< assist school staff in dealing with discipline issues;

< demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents.

Police and Community Members are essential partners in making

our schools and communities safer. Community members need to

support and respect the rules of their local schools. Police

investigate incidents in accordance with the protocol developed with

the local school board. These protocols are based on a provincial

model developed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the

Ministry of Education.

Ajax High School works in partnership with Durham Regional Police

Services. P.C Morton is the police liaison officer for the school.

Call 905-579-1520 ext. 2514 for assistance.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR (Ontario Schools Code of

Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and Ajax High School support

the provincial standards of behaviour which include respect, civility,

responsible citizenship and physical safety.

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, and

especially when there is disagreement;

< 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 in positions of authority;

< respect the need of others to work in an environment that is

conductive to learning and teaching;

< not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of

authority;

Physical Safety

Weapons - All school members must:

< not be in possession of any weapon, including but not limited to

firearms;

< not use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;

< not cause injury to any person with an object.

Alcohol and Drugs - All school members must:

< not be in possession of, or under the influence of, or provide

others with, alcohol or illegal drugs.

Aggression - All school members must:

< not engage in bullying behaviours;

< not commit sexual assaults;

< not inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another

person;

< seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully.

CONSEQUENCES (Durham District School Board)

Students who do not comply with the standards of behaviour

outlined in the Code of Conduct will be dealt with in a judicious and

considerate manner. Actions will vary depending on the

circumstances of each individual case. Mitigating factors are

always considered before determining consequences.

Consequences may include:

< caution by teacher, support staff, administrator or adult

supervisor;

< temporary removal from class, activity or event;

< problem-solving exercise;

< parental contact;

< counselling;

< peer mediation and conflict resolution programs;

< community/school service;

< loss of privileges;

< detention;

< behaviour contracts;

< restorative practices;

< support and responsibility agreements;

< restitution;

< suspension;

< expulsion.

SUSPENSIONS

Circumstances Leading To Possible Suspension

A Principal shall consider whether to suspend a pupil if he or she

believes that the pupil has engaged in any of the following activities

while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances

where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school

climate:

1. uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person*;

2. possessing alcohol or illegal drugs*;

3. being under the influence of alcohol;

4. swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of

authority;

5. committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to

school property at the pupil's school or to property located on the

premises of the pupil's school*;

6. bullying; or,

7. any other activity that is an activity for which a principal may

suspend a pupil under a policy of the Board. Other suspendable

infractions including but not limited to:

a) possessing or dispensing controlled or intoxicating substances

that are not prescribed for medical purposes;

b) being under the influence of illegal, controlled or intoxicating

substances that are not prescribed for medical purposes;

c) smoking on school property;

d) committing vandalism, destruction, damage to school property or

to the property of others located on or in school premises;

e) stealing property;

f) engaging in intimidation, extortion*, harassment*, or verbal

aggression;

g) misusing or misappropriating school property or services,

including computers and other technology systems;

h) engaging in hate motivated incidents*;

i) engaging in gang related activity*;

j) possessing dangerous objects or substances, including for

example laser pointers; gloves with studs on knuckles; or any

other item deemed by the principal to be unsafe or a hazard to

persons or property in the school;

k) committing physical assault on another person*;

l) engaging in or encouraging a fight;

m) engaging in conduct that constitutes opposition to authority;

n) demonstrating poor attendance that warrants disciplinary action;

o) engaging in behaviour that is disruptive to the learning

environment of the class or school;

p) engaging in conduct that is detrimental to the moral tone of the

school;

q) wearing clothing/apparel that is inappropriate, offensive or

violates the school Dress Code;

r) engaging in unauthorized gambling or games of chance;

s) engaging in another activity that, under the Code of Conduct of

the school, is one for which a suspension is warranted.

* may require police involvement as outlined in the Police/School

Board Protocol.

Circumstances Leading to a Suspension, Investigation, and

Possible Expulsion

A Principal shall suspend a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil

has engaged in any of the following activities while at school, at a

school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in

the activity will have an impact on the school climate:

1. possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm*;

2. using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another

person*;

3. committing physical assault on another person that causes

bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner*;

4. committing sexual assault*;

5. trafficking in weapons or in illegal drugs*;

6. committing robbery*;

7. giving alcohol to a minor*;

8. any other activity that, under a policy of a board, is an activity for

which a Principal must suspend a pupil and conduct an

investigation to determine whether to recommend to the board

that the pupil be expelled. Other suspendable infractions

including but not limited to:

a) hate motivated violence*;

b) gang related violence*;

c) trafficking in controlled or intoxicating substances not prescribed

or dispensed for medical purposes*;

d) uttering threats or threatening conduct intended to intimidate*;

e) engaging in harassment*;

f) ongoing conduct that is so refractory (persistent) that the

student's presence in the school or classroom is considered by

the principal to effect a danger or possibility of harm, physical or

emotional, to others in the school or to the reputation of the

school.

(*require police involvement as outlined in the Police/School

Board Protocol.)

Guidelines from the Ministry of Education directs us to place

Suspension/Expulsion documents in the O.S.R. Guidelines will be

established as directed by the Ministry of Education.

A pupil who is suspended under this section is suspended from his

or her school and from engaging in all school-related activities.

A Principal may suspend a pupil for up to 20 school days and, in

considering how long the suspension should be, the Principal shall

take into account the mitigating factors, as well as the other factors.

When a Principal suspends a pupil, the pupil shall be assigned to a

program for suspended pupils, as established by the Board in

accordance with any policies or guidelines issued by the Minister.

CONCLUSION

When staff, students and families work together, a positive and

productive learning environment is established at Ajax High School

where goals are set and achieved. The Code of Conduct

establishes the level of behaviour expected for all, so that we have

the best possible school where success and achievement are

reached through cooperation, courtesy and respect. Please review

this Code of Conduct at the beginning of the school year and keep it

in a safe place where it can be referenced if necessary.

STUDENT CONDUCT

BULLYING/CYBER BULLYING is a behaviour that is unsolicited

and allows one person or one group to gain power over another.

Intimidation is a key component of bullying resulting in verbal,

physical, sexual and / or psychological harassment of the victim or

victims and bystanders. This intimidation places the victim(s) in an

inferior position creating isolation, alienation, insecurity, fear and

helplessness. These conditions are often created by using

demeaning language, teasing, name calling, threatening (physical

or otherwise), spreading rumours, gossiping, gestures, pushing,

shoving, tripping, hitting and intruding on personal space to inflict

harm (physical or otherwise) on the victim. Students who are

involved in bullying other students will face suspension and/or

expulsion.

CARDS, DOMINOES, DICE, HACKEY-SACK Games such as cards

and dominoes are permitted in the cafeteria before school and at

lunch hour. Students who are on spare and play cards or dominoes

during regular class hours will have these confiscated. Dice and other

means of gambling are not permitted at any time. Hackey-sack

games are not permitted in the school building.

CARS AND MOTORCYCLES If you drive a vehicle to school, you

may park it in the student parking area at the south exit of the school,

provided you display a parking permit. Parking permits may be

obtained from the Main Office. Students are not to sit in parked cars

or loiter in the parking area. Smoking in cars on school property is

not permitted. During school hours.

CELL PHONES, MP3 Players, other Personal Digital Accessories

(PDA’s): These items are not to be visible or turned on while in

the building. This includes headphones and earbuds. The use of

PDA’s can have an impact on the school and negatively affect the

safety and the learning environment at the school.

Cellular phones, MP3’s and other electronic signalling devices are

disruptive and distracting if they are activated in class. This includes

two-way radios, pages, video games and cameras. Communication

devices also have the potential to be used for academic dishonesty.

Integrated digital imaging devices (such as camera capability on

phones) can be used in a manner that violates the privacy, dignity

and safety of students and staff. Students may also not be able to

clearly hear instructions or directions given by staff if headphones and

earbuds are worn, posing a safety concern and potential conflict

situation. It is not an excuse for students to indicate they have not

heard a teacher’s instructions because they had these on.

Cell phones which are on or are seen by a teacher, in the school, will

be confiscated and will be given to the Vice Principal to be returned to

the student at the end of the day. If a phone has been confiscated

more than once, that student will need to have a parent/guardian

arrange to pick up the phone from the Vice Principal. Multiple

infractions may lead to suspension.

COMPUTERS The school has a number of computers and

computer labs which are accessible to students, but require a user

identification and password. Students should store their current

work on the fileserver with a backup copy on their own media.

Students must complete the Internet User Rules form before

accessing the Internet on any school computer. Students who

violate the school computer agreement and/or breach network

security may face loss of network privileges, suspension, expulsion,

and legal action.

Computer Classroom Acceptable Use Policy

All users of the school computer network must follow the following

guidelines:

1. Computers are to be used for educational purposes only under

supervision of a teacher. Users may be monitored to ensure

proper use.

2. Student computer time may be limited to ensure that all students

have sufficient access to the network.

3. No food or drink allowed in computer labs.

4. Printing allowed only with teacher permission.

5. Report any damaged computer equipment to your teacher

immediately before using. Students are not permitted to repair

school equipment.

6. Absolutely no harassment, bullying, violation of Canadian laws,

or any other activities that violate the school’s Code of Conduct.

More information on this can be found in your student agenda.

7. Absolutely no viewing, copying, or distribution of pornography or

other obscene material. See the school’s Code of Conduct for

more information.

8. Students must use their own accounts to login. Students cannot

share their account passwords, and are responsible for all

activities related to their accounts.

9. Social networks, email, chat, and other messaging systems not

allowed, unless under direct teacher supervision for educational

purposes only.

10. Games are not allowed.

11. File sharing or other means of copyright infringement not

allowed.

12. Loading any software that is not already present and installed

by school staff is strictly prohibited. Students may not create

any software unless necessary for a school project under

teacher supervision. Such projects may be subject to Principal

approval.

13.Circumventing any network security settings, website blocking,

account access, or network vandalism will result in revoked

computer privileges and / or other school discipline, including

suspension or expulsion.

a. Network vandalism includes/but is not limited to physical

damage to computers, peripherals, and data that is stored or

transmitted.

b. Network security settings includes/but is not limited to

program

access restrictions, file and folder restrictions, internet proxy

sites, or any other program / site that affects normal

educational

computer use.

c. School-owned and configured equipment allowed only.

d. If a student violates any security policy accidentally, they

MUST report the incident to the Site Administrator

IMMEDIATELY.

14.Use of school network resources allowed only with a completed

Network Access Agreement. This must be signed by the

student, parent/guardian, and returned to the main office. Any

questions about any of the above should be directed to the

school’s network Site Administrator.

DANCES Student Council may hold several dances throughout the

year. All tickets are advance sales only. Guest passes for your

friends who are not Ajax High School students must be obtained

from Students' Council and approved by the administration. Guests

must accompany the Ajax student to the dance and have current

photo ID or they will not be admitted to the dance. Students will not

be admitted to the dance without a current student ID card. There is

no late entry permitted after one hour of the commencement of the

dance. Students who choose to leave the building during a dance

will not be re-admitted. There are no refunds if a student does not

attend the dance or is asked to leave for violating the Code of

Conduct.

DETENTIONS Detentions are assigned by administration or

teachers for inappropriate behaviour, lates or skipping. Teachers

may also assign detentions if you disobey classroom rules. If a

teacher assigns you a detention, you must serve that detention with

the teacher, and at a time and place designated by the teacher. If

you miss your detention, the matter will be referred to the

administration.

DRESS CODE You are expected to be dressed cleanly, neatly and

in a manner appropriate for a place of work and study for all school

and off-campus activities. It is inappropriate to wear:

< head wear, beachwear, or clothing which is too revealing,

distracting, or offensive in nature;

< clothing (and/or accessories) considered to be offensive and

depicts or promotes: racism, sexism, violence, tobacco, alcohol,

illegal drugs, gang activity, etc;

< hats, bandannas, scarves or any other head coverings must not

be worn in the building, unless specifically required by a

classroom situation (ie. tech workshop, cooking, etc,) or by a

student=s religious/cultural beliefs; bandanas must not be visible;

or it will be confiscated and not returned until the end of the

semester;

< Hats must be removed from hoodies;

< shirts and tops must be worn and tucked in or fall below the

waistline of pants/skirts; shirts and tops must have adequate

coverage over the shoulders and around armholes for the

workplace (ie. gaping basketball or tank tops shirts, and spaghetti

straps are not permitted);

< skirts, shorts or cutoffs must be mid-thigh length or longer;

< undergarments and/or bare backs or midriffs must not be visible;

< footwear must be worn at all times;

< coats and jackets must not be taken to class; coats may only be

worn in class if the teacher determines the temperature of the

room warrants outerwear;

< contact lenses must be monochromatic (one colour);

< Sunglasses are not to be worn in school.

Students will be asked to cover up or they will be sent home to

change clothing, or asked to remove accessories that are

unacceptable.

FIELD TRIPS You are expected to follow all school rules while on

any trip. Inappropriate behaviour may result in your parent/guardian

having to pick you up. All students on an extended international

field trip will have to complete a student field trip application form. A

permission form must be completed by your parent or guardian

before leaving. If you miss the trip, any money paid may not be

refunded.

FOOD IN CLASSROOMS Food and beverages are permitted in

classrooms only for specialized classes (eg. family studies).

Capped water bottles may be permitted at the discretion of the

teacher.

FOOD IN HALLWAYS No food or beverages are to be consumed in

the hallways.

HARASSMENT/BULLYING If another student threatens you,

ridicules you, or is abusive to you in a racist, violent, sexual, or

demeaning manner, tell a teacher, guidance counsellor or the Vice

Principal immediately. Harassment only stops when you speak up

for your rights. Students who harass other students will face

suspension and/or expulsion, and police may be contacted.

LASER POINTERS, FIRECRACKERS, SNOWBALLS AND

OTHER NUISANCE ITEMS Dangerous objects, including snowballs,

firecrackers, hand-held laser pointers, cigarette lighters, etc. must

not be used on school property, and will be confiscated. Students

will be suspended if they have threatened the safety of others

through the use of these objects.

OPPOSITION TO AUTHORITY If you argue with a teacher, and/or

show disrespect to a teacher's authority (eg. ignoring a teacher's

request to follow school rules) you will be referred to the Vice

Principal. Refusal to give a teacher or staff member your first and

last name when requested will result in a suspension. A student will

be suspended for directly swearing at or in a situation with a teacher

or any staff member.

OFFSITE AND AFTER HOURS INCIDENTS If you are involved in

an incident off school property, or after school hours which is against

the Ajax High School Code of Behaviour, which has an impact on

the learning environment of the school, you may be subject to the

appropriate disciplinary consequences. (See pages 9 and 10)

PRIVACY Students may not record, either audio or visual, or

photograph other students or staff unless supervised by a teacher.

Students may not post photos or comments about others to the

internet. (Also see page 12, cell phones, other PDA’s)

REMOVAL FROM CLASS If a teacher directs you to leave the

classroom for inappropriate behaviour, or if you choose to leave a

classroom without the teacher=s permission, you must report to the

office immediately and fill out a Student Behavioural Report. If you

do not report to the office will be suspended for opposition to

authority.

ROLLER BLADES, SKATEBOARDS & SCOOTERS If you use

rollerblades or skateboards to travel to school, you must carry them

into the building. If they are used on school property they will be

confiscated.

SMOKING, TOBACCO PRODUCTS Smoking in the school

building and on the school grounds is a risk to health and safety,

and prohibited by law. Do not leave the school property between

classes to smoke. Students who smoke on school property, or

within view of school property during class time or between periods,

will be suspended, and their names will be referred to the Durham

Regional Tobacco Enforcement officer for legal action. Tobacco

products in view on school property will be confiscated, and not

returned.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE (including Alcohol and Illegal Drugs).

Students possessing, dispensing or who are under the influence of

controlled or intoxicating substances that are not prescribed for

medical purposes; will face suspension, expulsion, and/or criminal

prosecution.

SUSPENSION Students returning from a suspension may require

an administrator and parent interview upon their return. Suspended

students are not allowed on school property during the duration of

their suspensions, and may be prosecuted under the Trespass Act.

VANDALISM Destruction or defacing of school property whether

through a malicious act, or indirectly caused by violent behaviour,

horseplay, etc. will result in suspension, and restitution made upon

return to school. Police may be contacted.

VIOLENCE Any form of violent behaviour (including play fighting if

it has threatened the safety of others) will result in suspension.

Serious incidents may also include criminal prosecution and/or

expulsion.

WEAPONS A weapon is any object that could be used for

attacking another person i.e. chains, studded accessories/jewellery,

etc. Students in possession of weapons on school property will face

suspension, expulsion, and/or criminal prosecution. Replica

weapons are not permitted at school.

ATTENDACE AND LATES

LATE & SKIPPED CLASS POLICY

LATES

# of Lates Intervention

1 - 4 Late slip issued at the office

5 1 Detention, speak to student, call home

10 1 Detention, letter home, possible community service

15 Suspension followed by a parental interview

SKIPPED CLASSES

DETENTION/IN-SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL (ISW)

Students who miss detentions or ISW may be suspended for

opposition to authority.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE

A progressive discipline approach is used to address lates and

truancy. Consequences will range from phone calls home,

detentions, community social service work referrals and even

suspension depending on the frequency of behaviour.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for student

success. Attendance is taken in each subject class and in

homeroom. Students are considered absent for the day if they are

marked absent in homeroom. Students are expected to be in their

seats, and ready to work before the bell rings to begin classes. If

classes are missed due to illness, etc., the student is responsible for

catching up on work missed. If a student knows ahead of time that

s/he will be missing a class, then the work should be obtained ahead

of time. The Ministry of Education requires there be a minimum of

110 instructional hours per subject in order for a credit to be granted.

School policy and procedures may be summarized as follows:

# of Skips Intervention

1 VP speaks with student, calls home and ISW assigned

2 VP speaks with student, calls home and ISW assigned

3 - 5 Detention(s) / ISW and request for parent interview

7 1 – 3 day suspension. Arrange for academic

assistance if required.

1. If you are absent from school, have your parent/guardian call the school

(905-683-1610) before 8:40 AM. Bring a note to the office when you

return signed by your parent/guardian stating reason for absence.

2. Consequences for students who are truant or skip classes will include:

an interview, parental contact, loss of class marks, detention and formal

suspension.

3. A student who is truant or skips a class on the day of a test or

assignment that is due will receive a mark of zero.

EXTENDED ABSENCES

(non-medical)

Extended absences from school decrease a student=s learning

opportunities, and performance. Participation in classroom activities is

crucial for student learning and understanding. If a student is absent for

an extended period of time, it becomes increasingly difficult for him/her to

capture missed classroom experiences. In addition, extended absences

are unfair to a student=s peers when team members are working on co-

operative projects/presentations. Durham District School Board policy is

clearly opposed to extended absences.

Nonetheless, parents have the legal right to withdraw their children for

short periods, if they accept the responsibility for supervising the prompt

completion of work missed. Parents/guardians are expected to notify an

administrator of a planned extended absence two weeks prior to the

absence (ie. family vacation) and fill out an Extended Absence Form

(available in the office). The form must be completed by the student,

parent/guardian, and subject teachers. It is expected that any work

assigned must be completed before the extended absence, unless

otherwise stated by the subject teacher. It must be noted that some

classroom experiences missed due to elective extended absences cannot

be simulated out of the classroom, and a loss of process marks may

result. PLEASE DO NOT PLAN VACATIONS DURING EXAMINATION

PERIODS

LATES If you are late for class, you must report to the main office for a

late slip. Continual lateness will result in a referral to a Vice Principal.

NOTE WRITING PRIVILEGES If you are eighteen years of age or older,

you may apply for note writing and sign-out privileges. See the

attendance secretary for details. If this is misused, the privilege may be

revoked.

SIGNING OUT If you need to leave the school during the school day,

bring a note from your parent/guardian and sign out at the office before

8:45 AM or at noon. If you become ill at school, report to the office where

your parents will be notified before you sign out. If you do not return to

school after lunch, and did not sign out, you must have a parent call the

school and you must bring a note to the office the next morning.