At Union Collegiate, we treat our students with respect and dignity. In return, students must demonstrate respect for themselves and all the affiliates of the Collegiate.
Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:
- comes to synchronous classes prepared, on time and ready to learn
- shows respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority
- refrains from bringing anything to virtual or physical premises that may put the safety of others at risk
- follows the established rules and takes responsibility for their own actions.
Parents play an important role in the education of their children and can support the efforts of collegiate staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:
- are engaged in their child’s school work and progress
- communicate regularly with the Collegiate
- make sure their child is properly dressed and prepared for synchronous classes; if any
- ensure that their child participates and completes coursework regularly and on time
- inform the Collegiate promptly about their child’s absence or late arrival
- become familiar with the provincial code of conduct and Collegiate rules
- encourage and help their child follow the rules of behaviour
- help Collegiate staff deal with disciplinary issues involving their child.
Consequences for inappropriate conduct:
Students shall be withdrawn from a course(s) or have enrollment with Union Collegiate terminated for:
- violation of the provincial Code of Conduct
- misuse of information technology
- violation of academic integrity
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Teachers and staff, under the leadership of the principal, help maintain a positive learning environment 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 with parents
- maintain consistent and fair standards of behaviour for all students
- show respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers and members of the school community
- prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.
The Principal, under the direction of the board, takes a leadership role in the daily operation of Union Collegiate.
They provide this leadership by:
- demonstrating care for the school community and commitment to student achievement and well-being in a safe, inclusive and accepting learning environment
- holding everyone under their authority responsible for their behaviour and actions
- empowering students to be positive leaders in their school and community
- communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.
Consequences for inappropriate conduct:
Teachers, Principals and all other affiliates shall go through an independent investigation and discretion compliant with the provincial code of conduct under a committee made up of collegiate staff, parents and associates. Consequences may range from disciplinary suspension to termination of employment and strict legal action.
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Fundamental beliefs
- Everyone has a responsibility to promote a safe environment.
- Everyone should be aware of their rights, as active and engaged citizens. More importantly, everyone should also accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others. Responsible citizenship involves taking part in the civic life of the school.
- All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially those in positions of authority.
- Everyone has a responsibility to resolve conflicts in a way that is civil and respectful. Insults, hurtful acts and a lack of respect for others disrupt learning and teaching in a school community.
- Everyone is expected to resolve conflicts without using violence. Physical aggression is not a responsible way to deal with other people. No one should use an object to injure another person, or even threaten to use an object to injure another person. This is unacceptable and puts everyone’s safety at risk.
Standards of Behaviour
Respect, civility and responsible citizenship
All school members must:
- respect and follow all applicable laws
- demonstrate honesty and integrity
- respect differences in people
- treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, especially when there is disagreement
- respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability
- respect the rights of others
- show care and respect for school property and the property of others
- take the proper steps to help those in need
- respect all members of the school community, especially those in a position of authority
- respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching, including by ensuring that cellphones and other personal mobile devices are only used during instructional time for educational purposes (as directed by an educator), for health and medical purposes and/or to support special education needs
- seek help from school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully
- not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.
Safety
School community members must not:
- engage in any form of bullying, whether it is in person or through technology, like email or cell phones
- commit sexual assault
- traffic weapons or illegal drugs
- commit robbery
- give alcohol or cannabis to a minor
- be in possession of a weapon, including firearms
- use any object to threaten or intimidate another person
- injure anyone with an object
- be in possession of alcohol, cannabis (except by an individual who is authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes), or illegal drugs
- be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis (except by an individual who is authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes), or illegal drugs
- provide others with alcohol, illegal drugs, or cannabis (unless the recipient is an individual who has been authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes) inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm
- engage in hate propaganda or other types of behaviour caused by hate or bias
- commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the student’s school or to property on the school premises.
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This document is derived largely from Policy/Program Memorandum Number 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct, available on the ministry’s website. Please note that the wording in this document is not identical to the wording in the Memorandum and this brochure is not intended to replace it.
- In this document, parent(s) refers to parent(s) and guardian(s) as used in the Education Act. It may also be taken to include caregivers or close family members who are responsible for raising the child.