Code of Conduct

Our commitment is to promote a safe, caring and orderly school where students and staff can learn and work effectively. We value diversity and guard the dignity and rights of all members of the school community. We strive for an environment that is free from discrimination based on gender, race, religion and/or sexual orientation as outlined in the BC Human Rights Code. We will promote and support these values regardless of time and place or how we interact with one another whether face-to-face or electronically. (Our School Code of Conduct aligns with the District Code of Conduct.)

Conduct Expectations

Students are expected to conduct themselves as exemplary citizens both at school and in the community. Any conduct that adversely affects the school shall be considered a breach of the School Code of Conduct.

A) Examples of Acceptable Conduct

Students should strive towards the following behaviours:

Ensuring that the educational rights of all members of the school community are respected
Respecting the right of every member of the school community to feel safe
Promoting an environment of understanding and mutual respect
Setting high standards for personal achievement and applying good effort in all curricular areas
Respecting the property of others
Informing an adult, in a timely manner, of any known bullying, harassment or intimidation
Wearing clothing appropriate to the school setting
Being a positive ambassador for the school throughout the community

B) Examples of Unacceptable Conduct

Our students must refrain from behaviours that undermine our goal as stated in the Statement of Purpose. Such behaviours include:

Interfering with a safe, caring and orderly environment
Interfering with the learning of others
Academic dishonesty (plagiarism and cheating)
Ignoring rules at school related events: e.g. weapons, fireworks, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use
Bullying, cyber bullying, harassment, intimidation or physical violence
Retaliation against a person who has reported incidents to staff
Publishing or displaying anything that is discriminatory against a person or a group of persons due to race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, or sexual orientation
Special considerations may apply to students with special needs who may be unable to comply with expectations due to having a disability.

Cell Phone Policy

Please note that AP345 - Student use of personal digital devices in schools is now in effect. At AVS, students on site are not to have their cell phones out during instructional time unless asked to by the classroom teacher for instructional purposes.

Rising Expectations

As students mature and become more positive role models in the community, they will gain a deeper sense of pride and belonging to their school. Their example will help guide younger students in reaching their potential within a safe, caring and orderly school. As students mature, they will become more aware of their personal responsibility and consequently understand the need for more severe consequences for inappropriate behaviour.

Consequences

Violations of the School Code of Conduct will result in consistent and fair disciplinary action. The severity and frequency of the infractions, as well as the age, maturity, and cognitive ability of the student will be considered in determining appropriate action. Whenever possible, disciplinary action is preventative and restorative, rather than punitive. Contravention of the School Code of Conduct will result in an escalating set of consequences and/or interventions that may include community service, detentions, loss of privileges, mediations, counseling, parent conferences, behaviour contracts, and in-school or out-of-school suspensions. All discipline and suspensions shall be accordance with District Administrative Procedure 333, Suspension, Re-Admittance, and Refusal to Continue to Offer an Educational Program. Serious breaches of the School Code of Conduct that threaten the safety and welfare of others may be referred to a District Board of Review (Level Three Suspension).

Notification

When there is a breach of the School Code of Conduct, school officials may have a responsibility to advise the following:

parents of offenders and victims
school district officials as required by school district policy
police and/or other community agencies as required by law
all parents when deemed to be important to reassure members of the school community