Code of Conduct

Carihi strives to be a caring, respectful school in which everyone feels emotionally and physically safe, reflects a sense of community because of its diversity, and all learners are engaged and proactive with their learning.

This code is intended to serve as a guideline (not all behaviors are listed, and these lists serve only as examples) while under the jurisdiction of the school. The expectations outlined in our code of conduct are in place when at school, traveling to and from the school, and while at school-sponsored functions even when they are happening outside of regular school time.

➢ Members of the Carihi community treat each other with respect.

This means:

being kind to others
using language that is positive, inclusive, and safe
treating others as you would like to be treated
following through on the requests from adults in the building who are trying to make a bad situation better, or prevent a bad situation from happening
refraining from engaging in any form of bullying or harassment (verbal, physical, emotional, or cyber)
refusing to engage in any form of retribution
seeking help when there is a potential problem that could be harmful to others

➢ Carihi is an accepting place and celebrates its diversity.

This means:

treating others as equals regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age of that person or class of persons and demonstrating a caring for others (As set out in Section 7 and Section 8 of the BC Human Rights Code)
accepting and recognizing the strengths in others and that everyone belongs
understanding and accepting that we all have our own personal goals
appreciating that learning takes place at different rates and in different ways

➢ That a place of learning requires certain responsibilities

This means:

informing your teachers and the office in advance of any absences
being on time for each class
being in class for the entire period
advising the school if leaving during the school day.

➢ That learning is valued.

This means:

doing your best to engage and take ownership of your learning
when struggling or feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, finding help so you can move forward (teachers, Educational Assistants, counsellors, support workers and administrators are there to help)
allowing others to learn without disruption or interference
showing care and pride in your learning
catching up on work missed because you were sick, had an appointment, or were on vacation
bringing all required books and materials to class
ensuring that your work is original and only represents your own learning

➢ That the property of others be respected.

This means:

being caring and considerate of others’ possessions
taking care of the school building and equipment
ensuring a clean, litter-free environment
supporting efforts to recycle and use recyclable materials

➢ That healthy lifestyles be encouraged.

This means:

good nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

❑ zero tolerance for the use and/or possession of drugs and alcohol at school or during school events outside of school time
❑ no smoking, vaping or use of tobacco products on school grounds
❑ zero tolerance for possession of items that could be considered dangerous and/or a weapon

Rising Expectations

Students are expected to comply with the Carihi code of conduct at all levels; however, student age, maturity and special needs will be taken into consideration when determining consequences to breaches of the code. In general, students are expected to demonstrate increasing personal responsibility and self-discipline as they move toward graduation and to demonstrate learning after any processing as a result of a breach of the code.

Unacceptable Conduct

Any behaviors that contravene the above expectations and any federal, provincial and local laws are deemed to be unacceptable and as such will be subject to the following consequences:

Consequences

Our work with students is intended to educate and inform. We work with students and parents toward the development of responsible citizens within an atmosphere of compassion, caring and understanding. Restitution and learning, rather than punishment, will be the goal of all interventions. Behavior of students with special needs who are unable to comply with the Carihi code of conduct will be dealt with by appropriate interventions. This may include time away from school in order to develop an appropriate plan. Possible steps in response to unacceptable behaviors may include, but are not restricted to, the following:

mediation
education and training
monitoring of behaviour
counseling
notifying parents
corrective and/or disciplinary action ranging from warnings to suspension and referral to social services or, in extreme cases, the police
other strategies designed to eliminate and/or prevent unacceptable behaviors and any other remedies or penalties deemed appropriate to the particular circumstance

The school will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation against an individual/group who has reported a code of conduct break.

Notification to Parents

The administration of the school has a responsibility to inform parents when students seriously contravene the Carihi code of conduct. The notification of parents will be at the discretion of the administration, but will occur in every instance where:

drugs or alcohol are involved
violence or threats are involved
any criminal activity is involved
a suspension from school is deemed appropriate
fighting and other forms of physical violence

Notification to School District Officials

suspensions and certain disciplinary actions require letters at the discretion of the school principal.

Notification to RCMP or other agencies

notification will be made as required by law or as dictated by the situation regarding student safety and well-being.