Duties of a Student
The Education Act (1980) and its supporting regulations includes duties for principals, teachers, parents, and students. Those regulations for students are reproduced below. The Regulation which defines the duties of pupils (Reg. 262) states the following:
a pupil shall
a) be diligent in attempting to master such studies as are part of the program in which the pupil is enrolled;
b) exercise self-discipline;
c) accept such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm and judicious parent;
d) attend classes punctually and regularly;
e) be courteous to fellow pupils and obedient and courteous to teachers;
f) be clean in person and habits;
g) take such tests and examinations as are required by or under the Act or as may be directed by the Minister;
h) show respect for school property.
Every pupil is responsible for his or her conduct to the Principal of the school that the pupil attends:
a)on the school premises;
b)on out-of-school premises;
c)while travelling on a school bus that is owned by a board or on a bus that is under contract to a board.
The duty of the teacher in this regard is “...to maintain, under the direction of the Principal, proper order and discipline in his classroom and while on duty in the school and on the school grounds.” (Sec. 235 [1] [e] Education Act, 1980)
CODE OF CONDUCT
All schools in the Rainbow District School Board have implemented the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct. The Code establishes provincial standards of behaviour and specifies mandatory consequences for student behaviour that does not comply with these standards.
Lasalle has a reputation for being a school where students can and do succeed at outstanding levels. One of the reasons is that students, teachers, and all staff understand that success requires a healthy learning climate, one in which courtesy, cooperation, and common sense prevail. Traditionally, the vast majority of students manage this without any problem, but occasionally, a few students create difficulties that must be dealt with.
School staff want to treat students in a way that will help them accept responsibility for their actions and avoid behaving in ways that infringe on the rights of other students to be successful. If a student misbehaves, the consequences usually escalate (i.e., progressive discipline) if the behaviour continues. Consequences may include any of the following: detention, specific task assignment, involvement of parents, interview with a vice-principal, withdrawal of privileges, withdrawal from the course, suspension from school, referral to the police. Many of the consequences will be determined on an individual basis by the staff member dealing directly with the student or be referred to the Principal or Vice-Principal. But along the way, students are also given much encouragement and opportunity to improve their behaviour. The rules below are intended to improve behaviour and ensure that all students make the most of their educational opportunity.
Respect for Authority and Peers
You are expected to comply with school procedures and with the expectation of your teachers both on and off school property. In addition, you are expected to be courteous and considerate in your dealings with other students. Your behaviour is expected to bring credit to Lasalle when you are on field trips or when you go to other schools for academic or sports activities. You are to avoid the use of vulgar, offensive, disrespectful or racist verbal abuse of any other student or staff member. (See also the section on Harassment.)
Consequences
If a teacher finds that your behaviour is disrespectful in class, you will be asked to report to the teacher after class or after school. If you are asked to leave a class, you are to go to the office and complete a misconduct report.
Respect for Property
You are expected to treat the school grounds, the school building, and everything in the school with respect.
If you deface or destroy school property, you are required to pay the cost of repair or replacement. If you lose or damage a book or school equipment, you must pay for its replacement or repair. Vandalism--deliberate destruction of school property--may result in suspension and possible police action.
Immediate Suspension will be the minimum penalty faced by a student for:
- possession of a weapon, including, but not limited to firearms;
- trafficking in drugs or weapons;
- robbery;
- use of a weapon to cause bodily harm, or to threaten serious harm;
- physical assault causing bodily harm requiring professional medical treatment;
- sexual assault;
- providing alcohol to minors.
(Police will be involved for the above behaviours and students may face an expulsion)
- bullying;
- uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person;
- possession of alcohol or illegal drugs;
- being under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- academic dishonesty;
- inappropriate dress;
- acts of vandalism causing extensive damage to school property or property located on school premises;
- swearing at a teacher, or other person in authority;
- any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the moral tone of the school;
- any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the physical or mental well-being of members of the school community; and
- any act considered by the principal to be contrary to the Board or school Code of Conduct.