The British Columbia Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Vision is for all students to achieve their full potential in an education environment that is equitable, free of racism and systemic barriers, and where all students, staff, and families feel welcome, safe, respected, and valued.
At New Westminster Secondary School, our Code of Conduct and Mission Statement is to develop responsible citizens and lifelong learners who respect learning, the environment, themselves and others. All members of the school community must not conduct themselves in a manner that, in any way, impacts the physical safety of others, contributes, knowingly or through thoughtlessness, to emotional or psychological upset or trauma, or disrupts the orderly operation of the school. New Westminster Secondary School students, staff, parents and any visitors to the school are expected to follow the Code of Conduct.
Students, staff and parents will work together to teach, model and reinforce our School Code of Conduct and ensure a successful year for everyone. We also uphold the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code where we will foster the society in British Columbia in which there are no impediments to full and free participation in economic, social, political and cultural life in British Columbia. We will promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect where all are equal in dignity and rights. We will respect the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law– free of discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression – in respect of any discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in the school environment.
In accordance with New Westminster School District 40 policy, students at New Westminster Secondary School are expected to meet the standards set out in the BC Human Rights Code that include the prohibition of discrimination. As such, behaviours by students that conflict with the BC Human Rights Code will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, the prohibition of displaying or publishing any statement, notice, sign, symbol, emblem or other representation that indicates discrimination or intention to discriminate against a person or group or class of persons.
All members of the school community must not:
- Engage in any form of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, threatening or violent behaviours.
- Commit sexual harassment or assault.
- Be in possession of weapons, alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs.
- Commit an act of vandalism that causes damage to school or personal property.
- Cheat and/or plagiarize.
- Wear clothing containing inappropriate images and/or language. Examples of inappropriate language/images are those that promote violence, discriminate against a certain individual or group of people, or display drug, alcohol, and/or sexual preferences.
All members of the school community must:
- Respect differences in people.
- Resolve conflicts and disagreements while treating everyone, including yourself with dignity and respect.
- Show care and respect for school property and the property of others.
- Respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching,
A student’s medical, cognitive, social-emotional, and personal profile must be considered in the determination of appropriate intervention and/or consequences. Therefore, the application of the school’s Code of Conduct must consider the student’s ability to meet behavioural expectations.
Consequences for non-compliance with the code of conduct
At New Westminster Secondary School, we reflect upon our choices, take responsibility
for our actions, and make amends through a restorative action plan with consideration of
the developmental levels, age, maturity, special circumstances or individual needs.
Whenever possible, consequences will be preventative and restorative.
The following guidelines are used for dealing with students who demonstrate unacceptable behaviour, or whose behaviour interferes with learning or safety beginning with those for more minor issues.
We use a tiered response plan:
Level 1 – When a student does not comply with the Code of Conduct. Sometimes students make mistakes, and it is a natural part of the learning process. At these times, we aim to acknowledge and learn from these mistakes.
- Referral to classroom teacher.
- Reminder of expectations.
- Possible restorative action.
Level 2 – When a student repeatedly does not comply with the Code of Conduct.
- Classroom teacher involvement.
- Parent involvement.
- Principal involvement.
- Possible student suspension (5 or fewer school days) – Principals are authorized to suspend students in accordance with the provisions of the School Act, where the student’s rights to participate in school or school-related activities are suspended.
- Restorative action and/or loss of privileges.
Level 3 – When a student does not comply with the Code of Conduct in a serious manner,
- Classroom teacher involvement.
- Parent involvement.
- Principal involvement.
- Student suspension (In excess of 5 school days) – Principals are authorized to suspend students in accordance with the provisions of the School Act, where the student’s rights to participate in school or school-related activities are suspended.
- Behaviour plan development.
- Restorative action.
Disciplinary action, wherever possible, is preventative and restorative, rather than merely punitive. The purpose of consequences for unacceptable behaviour is to help students learn from mistakes and be proactive about preventing further inappropriate behaviour.
User of personal digital devices
As per Ministerial Order 89, the use of personal digital devices at school is to be restricted for educational purposes, to promote online safety and focused learning environments. Personal digital device (PDD) means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet. Other examples included: smart watches, digital accessories (earbuds), gaming devices, and electronic toys.
At New Westminster Secondary School, access to and the use of personal digital devices will not be permitted during instructional time. Hours of instruction is defined when students receive instruction in an educational program and does not include scheduled breaks and lunch periods.
At the teacher’s discretion, an exemption may be made when the use of such devices supports a specific curricular objective and is part of instructional planning. The school will follow up with further information for their school communities. The exception to these restrictions will be for students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Learning Support Plan (LSP), or medical or health issue that specifically outlines the need for these devices for full inclusion in specific learning activities.
It is important to note that security and storage of personal digital devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The district assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of such devices. If students must bring a device to school, they are encouraged to ensure they are locked away in lockers or kept in a secure location.
At New Westminster Secondary School, access to and personal digital devices will not be allowed during instructional time. At the teacher’s discretion, an exemption may be made when the use of such devices supports a specific curricular objective and is part of instructional planning.
These schools will follow up with further information for their school communities. The exception to these restrictions will be for students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Learning Support Plan (LSP), or medical or health issue that specifically outlines the need for these devices for full inclusion in specific learning activities.
Security and storage of personal digital devices – It is important to note that security and storage of personal digital devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The district assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair, or replacement of such devices. If students must bring a device to school, they are encouraged to ensure they are kept in a secure location.
Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act
All public and private kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in B.C. are tobacco and vape-free
under the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation. This ban extends to
all school property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of whether or not school is in
session.
Student lockers and usage
Lockers are the property of the New Westminster School District and students are responsible for the locker assigned to them as well as the contents. No illegal substances, weapons or other prohibited or offensive material may be placed in school lockers. School officials may search student lockers at any time and without prior notice in order to ensure compliance with the conditions of use and other school policies and rules.
Permission to use a locker may be terminated when a student does not comply with the conditions of use or school policies or rules. It is the responsibility of all members of the school community to keep our schools safe. If any student has reason to believe that any locker contains anything which would impact the health or safety of other students or staff, that student is expected to report the information to a staff member.