Code of Conduct

About the provincial Code of Conduct
Our provincial Code of Conduct policy sets clear standards of behaviour for school communities. School boards use it to develop their own local codes of conduct. School boards' codes of conduct must be consistent with the provincial Code of Conduct.

The code aims to help schools:

• create a positive school environment
• support the achievement and well-being of all students

Subsection 301(2) of Part XIII of the Education Act sets out the purposes of the Provincial Code of Conduct, as follows:

1. to ensure that all members of the school community, especially people in positions of authority, are treated with respect and dignity
2. to promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community
3. to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility
4. to encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict
5. to promote the safety of people in the schools
6. to discourage the use of alcohol, illegal drugs and, except by a medical cannabis user, cannabis
7. to prevent bullying in schools

The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Code of Conduct applies to the entire school community, including:

• students
• parents or guardians
• volunteers
• teachers
• early childhood educators
• principals
• other staff members
• visitors

Within the publicly funded school system, the Provincial Code of Conduct and School Code of Conduct applies to all individuals:

• on school property
• on school buses
• at school-related events or activities
• in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate, such as incidents that may happen between students
• off school property
  in a virtual learning environment

Respect, civility, and responsible citizenship

All members of the school community must:

• comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws
• comply with all Ministry of Education, school board and school policies
• demonstrate honesty and integrity
• treat one another with dignity and respect, both in person and online, especially when there is disagreement or difference
• respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability
• respect the rights of others
• show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others
• take appropriate measures to help those in need
• seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully
• refrain from using abusive language or swearing at another person
• respect the needs of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching
• keep mobile devices silent and out of sight during the school day, unless:
  • for health and medical purposes (approved by administration)
  • to support special education needs
    explicitly allowed by a teacher

Safety

All members of the school community must not:

• engage in bullying behaviours, including cyberbullying
• commit sexual assault or sexual harassment
• traffic in weapons or illegal drugs
• commit robbery or theft
• be in possession of any weapon, including firearms
• threaten or intimidate another person
• be in possession of alcohol, cannabis, and illegal drugs
  • for students, this would also include being in possession of electronic cigarette, tobacco and nicotine products
• use, or be under the influence of, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, illegal drugs or related products
• provide others with alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, cannabis and related products
• inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person
• engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias
• commit an act of vandalism that causes damage to school property, to property located on the premises of the school or to the property of a member of the school community
• record, take or share non-consensual recordings or photos of members of the school community 

As members of the Durham Catholic learning community, we recognize that school should be a place that promotes a caring, safe, inclusive and accepting learning environment that supports student learning and success within a culture of high expectations for all. 

The school community is comprised of students, parents/guardians/caregivers, educators, other staff members, trustees, volunteers and visitors.

It is the responsibility of all members of the school community to work together to create a positive learning environment where all members feel supported. All members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflicts are addressed with restorative practices in a manner characterized by respect and civility.

Guiding Principles

The Guiding Principles of the School Code of Conduct are as follows:

1. responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community;
2. active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others;
3. members of the school community are expected to use non-violent means to resolve conflict;
4. physically aggressive behaviour is not a responsible way to interact with others; 
5. the possession, use or threatened use of any object to injure another person endangers the safety of oneself and others;
6. alcohol and illegal drugs are addictive and present a health hazard; 
7. the school will work cooperatively with police, drug and alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and, where necessary, respond to school members who are in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or illegal drugs;
8. insults, disrespect, and other hurtful acts disrupt learning and teaching in a school community; and
9. members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect, civility and Catholic values.

Roles and Responsibilities

We all have a role to play in ensuring our schools are safe and inclusive learning and working environments. Members of our Catholic learning community include:

• Durham Catholic District School Board: Provides direction to the schools to ensure opportunity, academic excellence, and accountability in the education system.
• Principals: Under the direction of the Durham Catholic District School Board, principals take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school.
• Teachers and Other School Staff Members: Under the leadership of their principals, teachers and other school staff members maintain a positive learning environment and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour.
• Students: Are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others, and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour.
• Parents: Play an important role in the education of their children and support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
• Community Partners: Through outreach, partnerships already in place may be enhanced and new partnerships with community agencies and members of the community (e.g., Indigenous Elders) may also be created. Community-based service providers are resources that schools can use to deliver prevention or intervention programs. Protocols are effective ways of establishing linkages between boards and community agencies and of formalizing the relationship between them.
• Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) plays an essential role in making our schools and communities safer. The police investigate incidents in accordance with our Police/School Board protocol. This protocol is based on the provincial model developed by the Ministry of Education. Durham Regional Police Service supports our schools with all emergency preparedness procedures and Safe Schools initiatives. Each of our schools has regular access to a School Liaison Officer (SLO).

To learn more about the roles and responsibilities for each of the above, please see Student Code of Conduct Administrative Procedure (AP610-1).

During the school day, parents/guardians/caregivers, visitors and volunteers are to access the building through the main entrance. In all secondary schools, access to the school is only to be granted through the Safe Welcome video surveillance system.

Upon entering the school, all parents/guardians/caregivers, visitors and volunteers are to report immediately to the main office.

All parents/guardians/caregivers, visitors and volunteers, who have permission to gain entry to the school beyond the office are to sign the visitors’ logbook, that is kept in the main office, indicating the purpose and location of their visit. They are to sign-out using the visitors’ logbook at the completion of their visit.

This applies to all persons during the school day, including at lunch time and recess.

If a parent/guardian needs to pick up their child during the school day, this must be facilitated through the office. If parents/guardians send a friend/relative/designate to pick up their child, please advise the school in advance and ask the designate to provide photo identification at the office.

The DCDSB’s Access to School Premises Policy (PO604) and Administrative Procedure (AP604-1), and the Education Act, Section 305 and Regulation 471/07, s.2 outline specific conduct requirements for parents/guardians/caregivers to follow who wish to access the school premises. 

The Durham Catholic District School Board uses an automated attendance system called Safe Arrival to report a student absence. Safe Arrival makes it easy for you to report your child’s absence, allows staff to quickly verify student attendance, which in turn allows staff to respond to unexplained student absences.

Report your child absent  

If your child is going to be absent, notify the school by:

1. Safe arrival portal login: go.schoolmessenger.ca
2. Call the parent toll free number: 1-844-288-7628
3. Report the absence through our smartphone mobile application: search app store for school messenger

All three methods are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Future absences, like doctor’s appointments can be reported ahead of time.

Contact the school if you are planning on taking your child out of school for more than five days as some absences require the permission of the school principal.

Restorative Practice is a way of thinking and being that cultivates community, supporting well-being and achievement. Restorative Practices foster the conditions that promote a positive sense of self, spirit and belonging. Restorative Practices provides a framework to maintain community when challenges and conflicts arise and to restore community when needed. 

For more information, please visit our Restorative Practice webpage.

Commensurate with the Durham Catholic District School Board’s Progressive Discipline Policy, when inappropriate behaviour occurs, schools are required to utilize a range of interventions, supports, and consequences that are developmentally appropriate, provide opportunities for students to learn from mistakes, and focus on improving behaviour. In some circumstances, short-term suspension may be the appropriate consequence, while in more serious incidents, long-term suspension, expulsion and/or involvement of community partners may be the response that is required.

The Education Act gives the principal the sole responsibility to suspend or expel a student in Grades 4-12 based on the list of infractions for which a principal must consider suspension or expulsion (see Student Discipline Administrative Procedure AP611-1).

Suspension

Infractions for which a suspension may be considered by the principal include:

• Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person;
• Possessing alcohol, illegal drugs or cannabis (unless the pupil is a medical cannabis user);
• Being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or cannabis (unless the pupil is a medical cannabis user);
• Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority;
• Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the student’s school or to property located on the premises of the student’s school;
• Bullying, including cyberbullying;
• Any other activities identified in school board policy –link the student discipline AP here once it is finalized

A student may be suspended for a minimum of one (1) school day and a maximum of twenty (20) school days. 

For more information please see the Student Discipline Policy (PO 611), Code of Conduct Policy (PO 610) and related Administrative Procedures.

Expulsion

The infractions for which a principal shall suspend and may consider recommending to the board that a pupil be expelled from the pupil’s school or from all schools of the board include:

• Possessing a weapon, including a firearm;
• Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person;
• Bullying, if:
  • the pupil has previously been suspended for engaging in bullying; and
  • the pupil’s continuing presence in the school creates an unacceptable risk to the safety of another person;
• Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner;
• Committing sexual assault;
• Trafficking in weapons or illegal drugs;
• Committing robbery;
• Giving alcohol or cannabis or illegal drugs to a minor;
• Any activity for which a student can be suspended that is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate
• Any other activities identified in Durham Catholic District School Board policies

For more information please see the Student Discipline Policy (PO 611), Code of Conduct Policy (PO 610) and related Administrative Procedures.

Mitigating Factors

Circumstances that must be considered by the board and school administrators in situations involving suspension and/or expulsion of a student, as required by the Education Act and as set out in Ontario Regulation 472/07. These following mitigating factors shall be taken into account:

• The pupil does not have the ability to control his or her behaviour.
• The pupil does not have the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of his or her behaviour.
• The pupil’s continuing presence in the school does not create an unacceptable risk to the safety of any person

Other Factors

The following other factors shall be taken into account if they would mitigate the seriousness of the activity for which the pupil may be or is being suspended or expelled:

• The pupil’s history.
• Whether a progressive discipline approach has been used with the pupil.
• Whether the activity for which the pupil may be or is being suspended or expelled was related to any harassment of the pupil because of his or her race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation or to any other harassment.
• How the suspension or expulsion would affect the pupil’s ongoing education.
• The age of the pupil.
• In the case of a pupil for whom an individual education plan has been developed,
  • whether the behaviour was a manifestation of a disability identified in the pupil’s individual education plan,
  • whether appropriate individualized accommodation has been provided, and
  • whether the suspension or expulsion is likely to result in an aggravation or worsening of the pupil’s behaviour or conduct.

See our school uniform details under "Our School" in the main menu.

All school dress codes, which may include uniform and non-uniform dress, shall comply with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Education Act – Regulation 298, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. School uniform dress shall also comply with the Board’s Purchasing of Goods and Services Policy (PO102) and Apparel Purchases and Fair Labour Practices Policy (PO422) and its attendant administrative procedure (AP422-1).

The Board respects cultural diversity and recognizes that clothing may hold different meanings across cultures. Staff members should exercise cultural sensitivity and consider individual circumstances. Religious and cultural clothing that should be reasonably accommodated in schools include, but are not limited to, head coverings, religious symbols, and items of ceremonial dress.

It is expected that every student in the school will comply with the dress code.

Clothing and footwear should be suitable for the educational setting and activities, considering safety, comfort, and functionality.

The following types of clothing are not permitted:

1. Clothing that displays profanity;
2. Clothing that promotes violence, discrimination, or illegal activities (e.g., alcohol and/or drug use);
3. Clothing that contains or is suggestive of sexual content (i.e., text and/or images);
4. Clothing that promotes/displays discriminatory or hate-motivated references to any of the protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code (e.g., race, creed, gender, disability, etc.); and
5. Clothing that poses a safety hazard or interferes with participation in educational activities.

Students found in violation of the dress code will be reminded of the expectations and given an opportunity to comply. 

Persistent violations may result in disciplinary action, which could include parent/guardian notification, temporary exclusion from certain activities, or other appropriate measures. 

Students who are eligible to travel to school on a bus may continue to do so as long as they abide by the Student Code of Conduct administered by the Board of Education. The bus is an extension of the classroom. Students must demonstrate and maintain appropriate and safe behavior aboard the vehicle. Students who do not behave in an appropriate and safe manner will be subject to discipline in accordance with the Board’s Safe Schools Policy and the School’s Code of Conduct and may lose their school bus privileges.

School Bus Safety:

• Be at your bus stop 5 ‐ 10 minutes before pick‐ up time.
• Be a safe pedestrian. Walk on the sidewalk where available, cross the street at appropriate places (i.e. intersections) and look both ways before crossing the street.
• Stand at least 6 feet back from the road. Please don’t push or shove others at the bus stop.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the doors to open before you board.
• Board the bus in a single file and hold on to the handrail.
• Carry any items in a backpack so your hands are free.
• Listen to and be respectful of the bus driver – they are the authority figure on the bus.
  

School Bus Guidelines and Conduct:

• Keep your backpack or other gear on your lap or under the seat in front of you.
• Be respectful of your shared space.
• Keep your voice down so the drive can concentrate on the road.
• No swearing, horseplay or rough‐housing.
• Do not touch the safety equipment or emergency exits unless it is an emergency.
• Keep your hands, arms, feet, head and belongings inside the vehicle at all times.
• Remain seated for the whole ride and until the bus comes to a complete stop.
• Do not throw items into or out of the bus.
• Follow instructions from the bus driver.
• Respect private properties when waiting for the bus and don’t litter.
• Refrain from eating, drinking and smoking on the bus.
• Do not bring alcohol, drugs or weapons onto the school bus.
• Learn the name of your bus company and route number so you always board the correct bus.

For more information on DSTS policies and safety information, please visit https://www.dsts.on.ca/. 

Parents and students are encouraged to report incidents of bullying or other school safety incidents as soon as they happen by contacting their teacher and/or school administration to provide information about the situation. We recognize that bullying or reporting safety concerns may affect a student’s sense of safety and security, and some people may not feel comfortable reporting bullying or other school safety incidents. To help ease this worry, students and parents are welcome to use the Report It form to report incidents of bullying or school safety incidents your school. The information provided will be forwarded to the appropriate school administrator for action. Keep in mind that the more information that you provide, the more likely we will be able to intervene effectively. You do not need to give your name, but keep in mind that if you do not give your name, we will not be able to get back to you or get more information if needed.

The Report It form is a tool for parents and students to advise staff of non-emergency incidents of bullying and other school safety issues (for example vandalism). It is not monitored on a 24/7 basis. In case of an emergency, call 911. If a student needs immediate emotional support, please call the Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or York Support Services Network: 1-855-310-2673 or 1-866-323-7785 (TTY – teletypewriter). York Support Services Network offers the Community Crisis Response Service for persons who are having a mental health crisis. 

Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all students. All students deserve to learn in a place where they feel safe. We want to know about incidents of bullying and other safety concerns so that we can take action and prevent further incidents from happening. 

Click here to Report a Bullying or Non-Emergency Incident

The Durham Catholic District School Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all students, staff, school visitors and community members. When student behaviours pose a potential threat to safety or serious harm to self or others, all schools in the Durham Catholic District School Board follow the Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol (C-TAIP).

(C-TAIP) outlines how schools respond immediately to threatening behaviour. This protocol involves supports from various partners, including community agencies, hospitals and police services. Personal information shared throughout this process will always respect and balance each individual’s right to privacy while ensuring the safety of all. For more information, please contact your school principal.

At DCDSB, we strive to provide environments that ensure all students have a safe and caring school where their learning is maximized. From time to time, personal searches, as well as searches of lockers and electronics are necessary for safety reasons. A search must be related to and undertaken in accordance with the statutory duties and responsibilities of an administrator or teacher as defined by the Education Act (Sections 264 and 265) "to maintain proper order and discipline" and a high "duty of care" of students and property. A teacher, principal or vice-principal does not require a search warrant in order to conduct a student search. 

For more information, please see the following guide: Conducting Student Misconduct Investigations: Administrator’s Guide to Gathering Evidence and Conducting Searches 

While taking photos or videos at various school events, please be mindful that it is illegal to post/upload/share photos or videos of anyone other than yourself or your child on the internet or anywhere without the expressed consent of the person or their guardian. Sharing photos or videos of others without their consent is a privacy violation.

DCDSB has created a new administrative procedure, Personal Mobile Device Use in School (AP610-3), to establish clear guidelines regarding personal mobile device usage in schools in compliance with PPM 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Boards Codes of Conduct.

The goal is to minimize distractions, promote face-to-face interactions, ensure equity and inclusivity, enhance school safety, and encourage a positive school culture. 

Below is a summary of the requirements for cell phone/personal mobile device usage in schools, effective September 1, 2024.

Secondary Schools (Grade 9 - Grade 12 Students)

In DCDSB secondary schools, Grade 9-12 students must turn off their cell phones and personal mobile devices or set to silent during instructional time, except where device use is permitted by the educator for educational purposes.

If the educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view, they will ask that the device be handed in for the instructional period and the device must be placed, by the student, in a storage area in a location in the classroom designated by the educator. If the student does not hand in their device when requested, they will be sent to the principal's office.

Students are responsible for their cell phones, appropriate use, and the consequences of not following board/school policies and procedures. Students are responsible for their cell phones and for any loss or damage, just as they are for other personal items brought to school.

All washrooms are cell phone-free zones. We ask for your cooperation in ensuring no cell phones are brought into school washrooms to ensure the privacy and protection of dignity of all in the school community.

Social Media Sites on Board Networks and Devices

All social media sites and apps, including Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, Tik Tok, and Discord will no longer be available on school or board Wifi. 

Social media platforms can only be used by students at school for educational purposes, directed by an educator. DCDSB has determined exception protocols for the use of social media for pedagogical or work-related purposes.

For more information please see the School rules: provincial Code of Conduct on the Government of Ontario website. 

DCDSB has a newly revised Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment Administrative Procedure (PO407-1), which complies with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, Policy/Program Memorandum 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct (PPM128), Smoke, Tobacco and Vape Free Environment Policy (PO407) and the Smoke-Free Schools Enforcement Protocol. 

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) at schools, on school grounds, and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds. Anyone smoking or vaping on school property is guilty of an offence and if convicted may result in a fine under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 also prohibits the sale and supply of tobacco or e-cigarettes to anyone under 19 years of age. Anyone who sells or supplies tobacco or an e-cigarette to a student under 19 years of age is guilty of an offence and if convicted may result in a fine under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.

The DCDSB policies and administrative procedures outlines enforcement mechanisms to address the possession, use and provision of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, nicotine products, recreational cannabis, alcohol and illegal drugs.

In the case of these substances being found in the possession of students, parents/guardians/caregivers must be notified, and the student must surrender the item(s) to the educator or administrator. Students would also be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in board policies and administrative procedures. Students involved in these incidents will receive support to learn from inappropriate behaviours and make choices that support continuing their learning.

Please click here to view the Durham Catholic District School Board’s Acceptable Use of Information and Communications Technology Policy (PO431).

All students, families and community members must abide by the Board’s Acceptable Use of Information and Communications Technology Policy (PO431) and acknowledge that unacceptable use of Information Technology and its attendant administrative procedures (AP431-1, AP431-2) per the Code of Conduct Policy (PO610) and Student Discipline Policy (PO611) can result in formal discipline.

All members of the Durham Catholic learning community should review these policies and administrative procedures so they are aware of the behaviour expected of students, and that the use of the Internet in Durham Catholic District School Board sites is strictly for educational purposes.