Code of Conduct

This code of behaviour sets out the standards of behaviour which are expected of all members of the Granite Ridge Education Centre community in order to create a positive climate in the school. Respect, responsibility, civility and academic excellence are promoted so that all members of our school community will feel safe, comfortable and accepted. The purpose of this code of behaviour is:

  • to ensure that all members of the Granite Ridge community, especially people in positions of authority, are treated with respect and dignity
  • to promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community
  • to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility
  • to encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict
  • to discourage the use of alcohol and drugs
  • to promote the safety of people in school

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 himself or herself, for others and for those in authority; refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others; and follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own actions.

Students are to comply with the behaviour expectations while at school, on buses, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate.

 

Academic Excellence

Expectations: Each student is expected to maintain good work habits by:  completing all homework, assignments, and projects as directed by the required deadline; making up missed work; coming to class prepared and ready to participate (with the necessary books, pens, calculators, gym wear etc. as appropriate) and by participating constructively in class.

 
Reasons: Students who are engaged in the learning process are more successful. Good work habits learned and practiced in school will be valuable throughout life.


Expectations:
Students are expected to maintain regular attendance, be punctual and to notify the school in case of absences and late arrivals.


Reasons:  Good attendance and punctuality help you to be successful in all aspects of school.  When you leave school, your employer will expect you to be on the job regularly and on time. It is also discourteous to arrive late to class and interrupt students already at work. Ministry regulations state that “when a student returns to school after an absence, a parent of the pupil, or the pupil, where the pupil is an adult, shall give the reason for the absence”


Expectations:
Students are expected to submit work which represents their own efforts and acknowledges the source of information used in completing their work.


Reasons: Academic honesty is a core value of any educational institution and is an indicator of personal integrity. Students have the right and responsibility to be assessed and evaluated on their own work

 

Respect

Expectations: All members of the Granite Ridge community must show courtesy and respect for themselves and others, especially persons in positions of authority. Students and Staff must respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions. They must treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is a disagreement. 

Harassment which targets any personal attribute is unacceptable.  Harassment is defined as “any unwelcome verbal, written or physical acts or conduct based on prejudices which blatantly disregard human rights of groups and/or individuals, resulting in disadvantage: for example, women, aboriginal persons, people of Black African ancestry, gays and lesbians” (Board Policy E-21 Human Rights Education Policy). Gender/sexual harassment consists of any unwanted, uninvited remarks, gestures, sounds or actions of a sexual nature that make a person feel unsafe, degraded or uncomfortable. Examples of gender/sexual harassment include:

  • unwanted physical contact such as touching, grabbing, or patting
  • rude jokes or suggestive remarks
  • demeaning nicknames
  • rating, embarrassing whistles
  • name or insulting comments written on walls or desks
  • stalking
  • insulting remarks about sexual orientation
  • insulting remarks about race or culture
  • graffiti which presents negative, or stereotyped images
  • threats based on membership within a particular group



Language

Expectations: Students must use appropriate and respectful language at all times. Profanity anywhere in the school, or in any school activity, is unacceptable.


Reasons:
Profanity cannot be tolerated in the school where the tone must be academic and respectful. This expectation extends into many venues of life, including the workplace, the community in general and public service.

 

Civility and Responsible Citizenship

Expectations:  All members of the Granite Ridge community must demonstrate honesty and integrity, and participate appropriately in the civic life of the school community. Students must seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully. Students must show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.  Students are responsible for “clean-up” throughout the building which includes depositing garbage in the appropriate cans and recycling stations. Vandalism is strictly prohibited.  Students must respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws.


Reasons
:  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. A clean and pleasant school building makes it possible for a good learning environment. As concerned citizens we must all take responsibility for conserving our dwindling resources. The costs associated with vandalism and thefts are an additional financial burden to students, parents/guardians and other taxpayers


Safety

Expectations: All members of the school community must not:

  • engage in bullying behaviours
  • commit sexual assault
  • traffic weapons or illegal drugs
  • give alcohol to a minor
  • commit robbery
  • be in possession of any weapon, including firearms
  • use any object to threaten or intimidate another person
  • cause injury to any person with an object
  • be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol or illegal drugs
  • inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person
  • engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias
  • commit an act of vandalism that causes damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the school


Reasons: 
All members of the school community have the right to be safe and to feel safe in their school community.

 
 

No Smoking

Smoking

Expectations: Students and staff who smoke during the school day must do so at the designated smoking area. The smoking area is located at the north end of the building. Smoking is not permitted anywhere else. 

 
Reasons: Smoking is bad for our health. It is important that members of our school community are not exposed to second-hand smoke. Provincial legislation requires that school properties be enforced as smoke-free environments. Use of tobacco products on school property or during school activities is forbidden by law. It is illegal for students under 16 to smoke or to be in possession of tobacco products. It is also illegal for students to sell or distribute tobacco products to underage persons.