Code of Conduct

Student Code of Conduct

Statement of Purpose

All students at Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts have the right to learn in a safe and supportive academic environment. All students have the responsibility to respect the rights of others, and contribute positively to the school community. We value the diversity of our community, and strive to create a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion and sexual orientation as stated in the BC Human Rights Code.

Responsibilities

School staff is responsible for consistently applying the District and School Codes of Conduct. It is an expectation that students will respect the rights and dignity of others to help build a positive learning environment for all, and to be actively engaged in their own academic learning and social growth. Parents/Guardians and all other adults working with students are responsible for supporting the Code of Conduct.

Conduct Expectations

It is expected that students at ASIA Sumas Mountain will:

  • Attend classes regularly; be on time and prepared to learn
  • Dress appropriately for an educational setting
  • Complete the work assigned to the best of their ability
  • Treat the school environment and property with care and respect
  • Treat other members of the school community with courtesy and respect
  • Work cooperatively to resolve conflicts when they arise
  • Refrain from behavior that endangers the physical or emotional safety of other members of the school community
  • Abstain from possession of tobacco products and/or vapes on school property or at school-sponsored events
  • Abstain from use or possession of alcohol or drugs while at school or at school-related functions
  • As students become older and more socially mature, the school has increased expectations for their behavior.

According to the School Act and District policy, students must conform to school rules when:

  1. At school
  2. On the way home from school
  3. In transit to and from school by bus or vehicle and while attending any school function
  4. On the premises or school grounds of any school in the district
  5. On field trips.

Unacceptable Conduct:

ASIA students are expected to refrain from behaviors that undermine the safe, caring, and orderly operation of the school as a learning environment for all. Examples of such behaviors include:

  • Academic dishonesty (plagiarism and cheating)
  • Interfering with the learning of others and/or the classroom environment
  • Bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, or threatening behavior
  • Name-calling, slurs, hateful speech, or intimidation through words
  • Retaliation or retribution towards a person who has reported an incident to staff
  • The use of physical violence or intimidation against another member of the school community
  • Special considerations may apply to students with special needs who are unable to comply with expectations due to having a disability.

Many of these behaviours can take place outside of school.  We appreciate the support of parents and families in maintaining a safe and caring community for all students.

Notification

The School Code of Conduct will be reviewed each year in consultation with staff, parents, and students. Parents, Guardians, and outside agencies (when appropriate) will be notified of serious incidents of unacceptable conduct. The Code of Conduct will be published annually in the student handbook, which is distributed to all students each September.

Consequences

Students attending school and school functions or activities are subject to the Code of Conduct. Conduct by any student that adversely affects the learning environment of the school or refusal by a student to comply with the code of conduct is subject to an appropriate form of intervention that may include suspension from attendance. Disciplinary action is restorative in nature, and a collaborative process involving administration, teachers, parents, and students. Consequences will also reflect the social development process of students, with the expectation that older students are more socially ready to assume greater responsibility for their behavior.

Serious breaches of conduct that threaten the safety and welfare of others will be referred directly to a District Board of Review as a Level Three suspension.