Code of Student Behavior*
Catholic schools exist for the purpose of providing the opportunity for students to develop their spiritual, intellectual, physical and social abilities. As an inclusive Catholic educational community we are called to express our mission as Church to pass on the Good News of Jesus Christ, to make it relevant in the world today, and to be the hope for the future.
This mission can best be accomplished in an atmosphere in which students feel safe and comfortable. To this end, students at Cathedral Catholic School have certain rights which must be safeguarded through the cooperative efforts of the students, staff, parents and the community. Respect for these rights requires that students accept certain responsibilities associated with each right.
A. The Right to an Education in a Catholic Environment
Student Responsibilities:
to adhere to the requirements of pupils as outlined in the Education Act and its Regulations;
to observe school rules and policies;
to share in the responsibility for the quality of educational life at the school;
to be cooperative and attentive in class, at religious celebrations and at assemblies;
to come to class prepared (i.e. with books and equipment);
to be on time for class;
to be in regular attendance;
to respect and maintain the learning environment within the classroom.
B. The Right to be Treated with Respect
Student Responsibilities:
to share in the responsibility for the well being of the student body and school;
to exhibit good manners;
to use language befitting a Christian; foul, abusive, improper or profane language or gestures are unacceptable;
to dress appropriately for age and grade level which is acceptable in a Catholic school, e.g. clothing with distasteful messages is unacceptable;
to respect property, i.e. take pride in the school, clean up school, clean up after on self and others in the school (classrooms, halls, washrooms) and grounds, report damage to school property, keep desks neat and tidy, take care of school texts and library books;
to be courteous, considerate and respectful of others (teaching staff, supply teachers, office staff, peers, custodians, buss drivers and visitors);
to avoid unacceptable behaviors such as all physical, verbal (oral or written), sexual, or psychological abuse, bullying, or discrimination on the basis of race, culture, religion, gender, language, disability, sexual orientation, or any other attribute;
to show respect for personal property, the property of others, the school, school buses, and of the community.
to travel the halls in an orderly fashion (avoid running, roughhousing);
to manifest good behavior in traveling to and from school;
to represent the school favorably in extra-curricular activities (e.g. sports, outings).
C. The Right to Information About School and Community Events
Student Responsibilities:
To share in the responsibility for an informed student body;
to contribute important information for announcements or newsletters;
to deliver school reports and publications to parents promptly;
to return required information promptly.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CODE OF BEHAVIOR
The failure of students to maintain the code of behavior will result in action by the school staff. This action may take several forms, determined by the nature and seriousness of each particular situation. The philosophy of our school is to begin with measures of support and encouragement and to resort to punitive measures if these forms of encouragement fail. Some possible courses of action are:
Consequences:
a meeting between the student and staff member,
teacher contact with the student's parents/guardians;
a conference of the parents/guardians and the school administration or the school team;
a referral following a meeting of the parental/guardian and the school administration or the school team;
a referral via parents to outside agencies;
a referral following parental/guardian consultation to legal authorities;
all forms of encouragement and counsel which might impress the importance of respecting rights upon the student (reward systems, incentives);
a behavioral/performance program contract with a student and his/her guardians;
withdrawals from class;
detention;
removal of privileges (e.g. membership in clubs or on teams, participation in school trips etc.)
provision of services around the school (e.g. grounds maintenance, classroom duties);
suspension;
expulsion;
criminal charges
Students are always entitled to a full disclosure of any charges against them and the nature of any evidence to support such charges. They are also entitled to present their version of the issue to the administration.
Staff and Students at Cathedral Catholic School are encouraged to strive towards self-discipline and continuous growth. Our key words are RESPECT and Responsibility. Students are expected to behave in a manner that will give evidence of respect.
*Revised 2001-2002, 2006-2007 school years.
