Code of Conduct

Each school has developed a School Code of Conduct based on the Ministry of Education's Code of Conduct. As per our Board's policy and the Ontario Safe School Act, a school's Code of Conduct is developed in consultation with parents, educators and the Catholic School Advisory Council. All members of our school community are responsible for adhering to the expectations as outlined in this Code of Conduct.

We focus on prevention, early intervention and progressive discipline as the key to maintaining a positive school environment in which students can learn and educators can teach. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, our schools are required to utilize a range of interventions, supports and consequences that are developmentally appropriate and provide opportunities for students to learn from their mistakes. In some cases, a short-term suspension may be a useful tool. If a serious incident occurs, a long-term suspension or expulsion may be required.

It is expected that all members of our school community will meet the Ontario Ministry of Education and Durham Catholic School Board's Code of Conduct and Safe School Policies. Please refer to the Fr. Donald MacLellan Student Handbook for details.

As members of the Fr. Donald MacLellan community, all students will...

Treat others with Respect and Dignity at all times. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Using respectful language at all times, and in all interactions.
• Not fighting, bullying, or creating an environment that threatens the safety and well being of any member of our community.
• Treating others fairly and respectfully, regardless of, for example, race, colour, gender, ability or sexual orientation

Respect school property and the property of staff and students. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Not taking or using things that are not yours without permission.
• Cleaning up after yourself, and others if the need arises

Respect our faith-based learning community by being punctual, remaining for instructional periods, and participating to the best of your ability in all aspects of the program. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Participating in the liturgies, prayer services and assemblies to the best of your ability, and being silent and respectful when you can't.
• Attending all scheduled classes and completing all work and asking for help as needed.
• Supporting and respecting the needs of others as they work to achieve their goals.

Respect the DCDSB BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy in regards to electronic devices. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Using cell phones only as permitted at your site, and at the discretion of the teacher.
• Accessing only appropriate and program-related websites

Respect the Dress Code at your site, which is intended to reflect pride and respect for the school environment. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Removing your hat, cap, or scarf when in the building, as directed.
• Wearing pants at the hip, and shorts and skirts at a decent length.
• Covering up as required - no bare shoulders, midriffs, etc.
• Ensuring that there are no inappropriate pictures, slogans or sayings on clothing and/or hats.

Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol (C-TAIP)

The Durham Catholic District School Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all students, staff, school visitors and community members.  When student behaviours pose a potential threat to safety or serious harm to self or others, our school follows the Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol (C-TAIP), which outlines how a school responds immediately to threatening behaviour.  This protocol involves supports from various partners, including community agencies, hospitals and police services.  Personal information shared throughout this process will always respect and balance each individual's right to privacy while ensuring the safety of all.  For more information, please refer to the board website under "Safe Schools" or ask the principal for more information.

I have read and agree with all of the expectations set out above and have reviewed the Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol (C-TAIP).  If I fail to meet the Code of Conduct's expectations, I understand that I will be subject to consequences up to and including my permanent removal from the program.  My acceptance of the conditions described above and in the Fr. Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School Student Handbook, and my agreement to abide by them, is certified by my signature below.

Student Signature: __________________________________

Date: ____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________

Date: ____________________________________