Queensborough Middle School (QMS) promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code, which respect the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law. This code prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression – in respect to discriminatory publication and discrimination regarding accommodation, service, and facility in the school environment.

Students are expected to contribute positively to the school by behaving in a manner consistent with the School Act of British Columbia, the School District #40 (New Westminster) district code of conduct and the following QMS school code of conduct:

Purpose of the Queensborough Middle School code of conduct

  • To create and maintain a safe, caring, and orderly environment that supports purposeful learning.
  • To clearly outline expectations for student behaviour at school, during travel to and from school, and at all school events.
  • To uphold the values of the BC Human Rights Code by prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Acceptable behaviour for QMS students

  • Show respect, compassion, and integrity.
  • Respect yourself, others, and both the learning and surrounding environments.
  • Help keep the school safe, caring, and orderly.
  • Report bullying, harassment, or intimidation to an adult promptly (in advance, if possible).
  • Participate in purposeful learning activities on time.
  • Act in a way that brings credit to Queensborough Middle School.
  • Use personal digital devices only for educational purposes to support online safety and focused learning.

Unacceptable conduct for QMS students

  • Behaviours that:
    • Interfere with the learning of others.
    • Interfere with an orderly environment.
    • Create unsafe conditions.
  • Acts of:
    • Bullying, harassment, or intimidation.
    • Physical violence.
    • Retribution against a person who has reported incidents.
    • Discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression is prohibited under the BC Human Rights Code.
  • Illegal acts, such as:
    • Possession, use, or distribution of illegal or restricted substances.
    • Possession or use of weapons.
    • Theft of or damage to property.

When determining appropriate interventions or consequences, a student’s medical, cognitive, social-emotional, and personal profile must be taken into account. The school’s code of conduct is applied with consideration for each student’s ability to meet behavioural expectations.

Whenever possible, disciplinary actions focus on prevention and restoration rather than punishment alone. The goal of consequences is to help students learn from their mistakes and take proactive steps to avoid repeating inappropriate behaviour.

Use 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 our middle school access to, and the use of personal digital devices will not be permitted 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

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.

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 take into account the student’s ability to meet behavioural expectations.

Also, refer to the revised district Administrative Procedure 355 (Student Suspensions).