School Procedures

CODE OF CONDUCT

I.E. WELDON SECONDARY SCHOOL

 

At I.E. Weldon Secondary School, students are expected to strive to learn and practice the skills that will make them productive and successful citizens – at school and in our community. We expect that staff and parents will model these skills. We are clear that in our school community that these are the skills we need to learn and practice:

All MEMBERS OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY must:

  • Comply with all laws
  • Show honesty and integrity
  • Respect differences in people and their opinions
  • Treat each other with dignity and respect especially during disagreements
  • Respect and treat others fairly regardless of race, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, citizenship or disability
  • Respect the rights of others
  • Show proper care for school property and property of others
  • Take appropriate steps to help those in need
  • Seek help from school staff if necessary to resolve conflicts
  • Respect persons in positions of authority and all members of the school community
  • Respect the need for schools to be a safe and healthy place where learning and teaching can happen
  • Keep their language respectful – which includes not swearing at staff

In addition, all STUDENTS must:

  • Attend school
  • Be clean in person and habits
  • Dress appropriately
  • Show self-discipline
  • Treat staff, fellow students and invited school visitors with courtesy and respect – in both actions and words.
  • Follow school policies and routines
  • Show respect for school property
  • Return school property on time and in reasonable condition
  • Reimburse school for all or part of costs for replacing or repairing damaged or lost materials or those deliberately damaged
  • Behave appropriately and safely on school buses
  • Be respectful of others
  • Put effort into doing well academically by participating in class and completing assignments.
  • Be present for tests and exams and complete honestly.
  • Obey reasonable order by any school staff and all reasonable classroom policies by teachers.  This includes supply teachers, educational assistants, secretaries or custodians.
  • Avoid public arguments with staff about perceived unfair treatment. Instead it is expected that student will seek to resolve by private talk with teacher or school counsellor or administrator
  • Accept discipline from staff that attempts to correct student behavioural mistakes
  • Obey the board policy on use of internet in schools
  • Be responsible for personal electronic devices in the event of loss, theft or damage.
  • Please note that the TLDSB and IEWSS Code of Conduct now includes the following:

    “The use of personal mobile devices during instructional time is not permitted unless under the following circumstances:

      • for educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
      • for health and medical purposes;
      • to support special education needs”
  • Ensure that the camera function of any electronic device is not used without staff permission.  
  • Be personally responsible for passwords and devices as well as any activity or content on these devices – including internet accessed by their passwords.
  • Be accountable for content of any memory storage devices (i.e. USB memory sticks).  Staff have the right to request to see the content.
  • Alert a staff member if they know of harmful or harassment types of behaviours targeting any of their classmates via use of electronic devices or internet sites
  • Be accountable for off-school property use of internet sites or electronic devices which may have a negative impact on the school environment

We know that certain behaviours are never acceptable in a safe and caring school community.

We agree that all of the following are unacceptable and subject to corrective disciplinary attempts by school staff in our school. 

 All MEMBERS OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY must not:

  • Use bullying
  • Commit sexual assault
  • Be in possession of any weapon – including firearms
  • Traffic weapons or illegal or restricted drugs
  • Have, be under the influence of or give to others – alcohol or illegal or restricted drugs
  • Give alcohol to a minor
  • Commit robbery
  • Cause injury to anyone or encourage others to do so
  • Use a weapon to threaten or intimidate
  • Cause injury to another with an object of any sort
  • Promote hate propaganda or act in any way motivated by hate or bias
  • Vandalize causing extensive damage to school property or property located on school grounds
  • Cause a disturbance anywhere on school property which interrupts learning or school operations. 

 

All STUDENTS must not:

  • Use profane or improper language themselves or directed at anyone else.
  • Use threatening words, gestures or physical assault against a person or their property
  • Use displays of affection that are inappropriate for school setting (kissing, fondling, embracing)
  • Harass by any means (verbal, physical, electronic device/internet) any member of our school community
  • Use drugs, alcohol or tobacco on school property or at school events
  • Smoke or use any other tobacco product on school property, busses or events
  • Have, use, sell or give alcohol, illegal drugs or restricted prescription drugs (sold illegally for non-medicinal purposes) on school buses, field trips or school property.
  • Be on school property where the use of alcohol or illegal drugs is still detectable
  • Steal or vandalize the property of others 
  • Use camera capable electronic devices in areas others expect to be private (washrooms, change rooms) or where there is a known objection to taking pictures
  • Connect PDA’s with internet capabilities to TLDSB network
  • Use internet or electronic devices to threaten, harass or demean any other member of the school community especially when  those actions interfere with that member’s ability to function in the school
  • Access inappropriate websites 
  1. We know that discipline is a training method that teaches students proper behaviour and corrects behaviour mistakes. Use of discipline demonstrates that we value a safe and caring school.

 In our school, this is the philosophy and plan for corrective and supportive discipline. 

  • Discipline will be used when any classroom or school rules and/or routines are violated.
  • Discipline will be used when student behaviour impacts negatively on the school climate of I.E. Weldon – even if that behaviour does not occur on school property.
  • It is the goal of the staff to take into consideration the individual student and circumstances before making decisions about what type of discipline is most appropriate.
  • While parental input is welcomed and considered, it is the responsibility of school staff and ultimately the school administration to make final decisions about discipline.

 I.E. Weldon discipline practices will be used progressively over time based on the frequency and severity of misbehaviours.

Tier 1Used when student behaviour error is infrequent, minor and not severe

Examples:

  • Counselling and warnings
  • Detentions
  • Logical Consequences (i.e.. parent contacts,  healing of ruptured relationships, loss of marks, repayment of time, loss of privilege, withdrawal from class, restitution for damages)

Tier 2Used when a chronic pattern is identified.  Use of restorative practices and further logical consequences will be used in behaviour contract/plan.

  • Analysis of the difficulty + established expectations communicated by teacher/staff /support staff/administrator/student
  • detentions
  • NOTE:  For specific misbehaviours – suspension may or must be considered.

Tier 3Used when severity and frequency identify a need for more long term and targeted intervention.

  • Mandated participation in small group sessions (examples:  small group interventions, Guidance counseling –individual or group, restorative practices/justice circle) 
  • Significant restrictions/substitutions – (examples:  class or school transfers, revised timetable, reduced levels of freedom/increased allocation for supervision, loss of privilege)  

Tier 4 –Used when severity and type of misbehaviour means consideration of suspension. See Boxed list below.

  • Consideration of suspension (Progressive Discipline options from tiers 1,2, and 3 may be substituted)
  • Consideration of suspension pending expulsion (Suspension may be substituted.)

Suspension for the following MAY be considered by Principal.

  • Uttering threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person
  • Possessing alcohol or restricted drugs
  • Being under influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
  • 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 pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the pupil’s school
  • Bullying
  • Any act considered by principal to be injurious to moral tone of the school
  • Any act considered by principal to be injurious to physical or mental well-being of any member of school community
  • Any act considered by the principal to be  contrary to Board or School Code of Conduct

Suspension pending Expulsion MUST be considered by Principal

  • Possession of a weapon, including possessing a firearm
  • Use of weapon to cause or threaten bodily harm to another person
  • Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by medical practitioner
  • Committing sexual assault
  • Trafficking in weapons or illegal or restricted drugs
  • Committing robbery
  • Giving alcohol or illegal/restricted drugs to minor
  • An act considered by principal to be significantly injurious to moral tone of the school and/or to the physical or mental well-being of others
  • A pattern of behaviour that is so inappropriate that the pupil’s continued  presence  is  injurious to the effective learning and/or working environment of others
  • Activities engaged in by the pupil on or off school property behaviours that cause the pupil’s continuing present in the school to create unacceptable risk to physical or mental well-being of other person(s) in the school or Board
  • Activities engaged in by the pupil on or off property that have caused extensive damage to the property of the Board or to goods that are/were on Board property
  • The pupil has demonstrated through a pattern of behaviour that s/he has not prospered by the instruction available to him or her and s/he is persistently resistant to making changes in behaviour which would enable him or her to prosper.
  • Any act considered by the principal to be a serious violation of the Board or School Code of Conduct
  • Conduct which is so refractory as to demonstrate that the student is unwilling to respect or respond to authority and/or respect the rights or dignity of other school community members, despite having been given a reasonable opportunity to do so.

SPECIFIC SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

 The following is an alphabetical listing.

APPEARANCE

Grooming, dress and appearance will reflect respect for the business of education. We will not wear articles of clothing, jewellery, etc. bearing sexually-suggestive, lewd, obscene, racist, illegal, drug related, violent, or sexist language or symbols.

Backpacks are not to be taken to classrooms under normal circumstances.  They should be secured in personal lockers during class time.

 ASSEMBLIES

Expectations for behaviour in school assemblies/meetings and other student gatherings (dances, concerts, etc.) are the same as for the classrooms.

ATTENDANCE

Good academic performance is directly related to regular attendance.  Students are required to attend regularly and punctually in order to achieve the maximum benefits from the school program.

” TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS ( TCOB ) “

When students are absent from school for any reason, they are required to TCOB. This can be done by contacting another student in each class or the teacher to gather what was missed and by completing that work before their next return to class, health permitting. In some cases, where this procedure for getting work has not been possible, students must make alternate arrangements to TCOB with the teacher following a return to class. These expectations may vary from course to course but will be determined by the teacher of that course and communicated to the students early in the course.

Acceptable Reasons for Absence(s)

Acceptable reasons for absence from school include those for illness, unavoidable dental, legal or medical appointments and major family emergencies.   Student and parents are asked to make every effort to arrange all appointments outside of school hours.  Medical certificates for long term absences may be required.  Absences for reasons other than those indicated above may be acceptable only if they are first cleared with the appropriate vice-principal.  Absences for holiday purposes are to be avoided and under no circumstances will they be allowed during the exam period.

What to Do When …

Arriving Late to School

Report to the office

Arriving Late to Class

Report to your class

Returning from an Absence

Bring a note to the office  before 8:05 a.m.

A note must be dated, show the reason for the absence and be signed by a parent/guardian

Leaving School Early

Bring a note to the office before 8:05 a.m.

A sign-out slip will be issued to the student to show the appropriate classroom teacher.

Unable to Return After Leaving at Lunch

Have a parent phone the school that afternoon.

Parents can leave a message outside of school hours with our attendance hot line at 324-3585 x 36010

Participation in School-Sanctioned Out-of-Class Activities

Students must TCOB with the teacher IN ADVANCE of participation in these activities. Work missed must be completed according to the arrangements established with the teacher.  Students will in no way be penalized for participating in school-sanctioned activities provided that they TCOB. All field trip participants, team members and team supporters are representatives of I.E. Weldon Secondary School. They have special responsibilities in representing the school community.  Actions which reflect badly on our school are subject to a full range of consequences.  Students must be present in all classes on the day of the event to be eligible to participate.

Field Trip

It is expected that all students will attend any authorized trip which is deemed by the subject teacher to be an integral part of the course.  If there are financial difficulties, the student should discuss the matter with the appropriate teacher before the trip takes place. Students who do not attend a field trip in one of their courses may be required to satisfactorily complete an alternative assignment.

Exams/Culminating Activities

All students are required to write a final exam in most subjects at the end of each semester.  The dates of the examinations, as established by the TLDSB, are noted on page 2 of this document and may not be changed.

Students who miss an examination because of illness or bereavement must notify the appropriate Vice-Principal prior to the absence and will be required to provide documentation to validate the absence. The examination may then be rescheduled. Students who miss an examination for an invalid reason will receive a mark of “0″.

Assigned Timetable 

Students must attend all classes assigned on the timetable distributed on the first day of school.  Changes are only permitted for limited reasons and must be authorized by a guidance counsellor or administrator.  Students are to follow their original timetable until all paperwork for the change has been completed.

Truancy

Truancy (skipping of classes) will result in the involvement of parents and the assignment of due process consequences. Absences for reasons inappropriate to the school will also result in loss of re-testing privileges and assignment penalties.   Students who are truant must gather and complete all missed work.

BUSES

 Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right.

Students are required to comply with the bus regulations clearly printed at the front of each bus and to obey the instructions of the driver. Failure to do so may result in temporary or permanent removal of bus riding privileges.

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Students cheating during exams, tests or assignments or those who assist with cheating, may receive a mark of “0″ on that part of their evaluation.  Any ideas or words that come from any source other than from personal experience must be formally referenced. Failure to do so is considered plagiarism.  Plagiarism may also result in a mark of “0″ on that assignment. 

CODE RED (LOCKDOWN) DRILLS

In consultation with staff from the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Services and in accordance with the TLDSB Procedures for Violent Emergency Response Plan (CODE RED), specific school procedures have been developed to deal with any major violent incident at IEWSS. These specific procedures will be shared with students prior to the first CODE RED drill of the school year. Code Red drills will be held twice yearly.

COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR STUDENTS IN

GRADES 9, 10, 11, and 12

Students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 must complete 40 hours of volunteer community involvement during their years at secondary school as part of their requirements to graduate (may commence during the summer prior to entering Grade 9). Information and the passport to document the volunteer community involvement hours are available through the school’s Guidance office.

CRIMINAL OFFENCES

 When a student’s inappropriate behaviour at school, on a school bus, or during a school sponsored activity, contravenes the Criminal Code of Canada, the school will involve the police. The result may be parallel but separate actions from those taken by the school.

CURRICULUM  MATERIALS, TEXTBOOKS AND RETURN

All texts, equipment, team uniforms, library books and other school materials must be cared for and returned when requested. Otherwise, the cost of replacement will be requested. If debts are outstanding, all school privileges may be withdrawn until restitution is made.

 DANCES

All students attending a dance must have attended all classes unless on school-sanctioned activities, and detention (if assigned) on the day of the dance. Requirements that apply during the regular school day apply at all school dances. Once in a dance, students may not leave the building and be re-admitted. There will be no admission to dances after 9:30 p.m.

Students who have paid their student fee and have a student I.D. card may attend a dance and sign in a maximum of two visiting students each. The visiting students must hold a valid I.D. card from another secondary school and show it upon entry. A visiting student must be signed in by 11:50 on the day of the dance. The sign-in guest book is located in the main office. No student will be signed in at the door.

 DETENTIONS

Detentions are served at lunch from 11:05 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Location will be announced at the beginning of the year.  You will bring either class work or a book to read. Skipping detentions may result in a suspension from IEWSS.

DRIVING AND PARKING PRACTICES

While limited parking has been provided for student use, the school and TLDSB accepts no responsibility for damage to any vehicle parked on the school property.  All student vehicles must be parked in the student parking lot on the east side of the school building.  Students are prohibited from parking on any fire routes/access roadways. This includes the entrance to the athletic field.

The Daycare parking lot immediately to the west of the school is not available for student parking.  Visitors’ parking is available in the assigned spaces at the front of the school.

It is expected that proper driving habits will occur.  Cars being driven recklessly on all neighbouring streets will have their licence plate numbers reported to the police.

Any inappropriate behavior in contravention of the school code of conduct extends to vehicles on school property.  Failure to comply with any of the above rules will result in removal of driving and parking privileges.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

All field trip participants, team members, and team supporters are representatives of IEWSS. They have a level of responsibility in representing the school in the community.

Actions that reflect badly on the school will result in withdrawal from school-sponsored activities, either as a participant or a spectator. Students must have paid the appropriate participation fee to be eligible to participate in practices or competitions.

FIRE ALARM

A continuous sounding of the fire alarm is the signal that all students are to leave the building. Posted in each room is the exit required to be used in case of fire. As soon as students hear the alarm, they are to go outside as quickly as possible using that exit (without running). Once outside, students are to follow teachers’ directions and move well away from the exits and fire routes. When the all-clear bell sounds repeatedly, students may return to their classrooms. Drills will be conducted three (3) times per semester to reinforce these procedures.

CAUSING A FALSE ALARM OR MISUSING FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE. OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW.

FOOD AND LITTER

Students will be permitted to eat and drink in any hallway of the school at the discretion of administration.  Food and beverages are not to be consumed in stairwells, athletic facilities, computer rooms, in the library.

It is expected that all areas of the school building and the surrounding school and neighbourhood properties will be kept clean.  Students are expected to use the garbage receptacles provided and to recycle paper, pop cans and bottles.

GUIDANCE

Weldon Guidance Counsellors are available to assist students with a variety of things including:

  • Transition from elementary school to secondary school
  • Pathway planning
  • Specialized programs at Weldon
  • Course selection in each grade
  • Success counselling
  • Planning for post-secondary goals and destinations
  • Information sessions with college and university representatives
  • Preparing for the workforce
  • Scholarship and bursary opportunities
  • Employment, leadership and volunteer opportunities
  • Support with personal issues affecting education
  • Referrals to outside agencies for support as needed

Students can book appointments by speaking to a Guidance staff member or by dropping an appointment request slip into the box on the table beside the door.

We’re here to help you achieve your goals!

HALLS

While classes are in session, all hallways of the school are to be empty of students. Senior students with spares can congregate in the library, atrium, or in the cafeteria.                                                                                        

 IDENTIFICATION

Students must immediately and correctly identify themselves to any teacher, custodian, secretary, educational assistant, bus driver, parent, community volunteer or administrator upon request. Refusal to do so will result in immediate consequences.

 LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

 Teachers will continue to apply the “NOT DONE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE” process and notify parents when work is not completed.  The submission of a late assignment may incur a penalty.

LIBRARY

The library is open for student use between 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and until 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.  At all times, students using the library are expected to be working on assignments and making use of library materials.  Food and beverages are not permitted in the library at any time.  The loan period for most books is two weeks.  Some titles are short loans and have loan periods of overnight, three days, or one week.  Fines are levied on late returns unless the student has been absent from school.  A book drop box is located at the main entrance to the library.

 LOCKERS

All assigned lockers must be secured with an approved combination lock and the combination must be on record in the main office. Students may purchase locks from the school ($5.00). For their own protection, students are strongly encouraged not to disclose their locker combinations to anyone and not to keep anything of great value in their lockers.  Absolutely no sharing of lockers is expected at IEWSS.

Lockers – Due Warning: 

Lockers are owned by the school. Students and parents are hereby notified that the school administration has the authority to open and remove the contents of any locker if it is considered to be in the best interests of the school. This right of search is established to help school administrators ensure “the safety and welfare of all students and staff” under the Education Act.

 MEDICAL DRUGS

The school is not permitted to dispense any medications including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, etc. Students who must take prescribed medication on a regular basis during the school year are to contact their vice-principal.

 PARENT INVOLVEMENT 

School policy encourages parental involvement in their children’s education.  Contact will be maintained with the home through phone calls, letters, newsletters, and progress reports.   Parents are encouraged to contact the school any time at 324-3585 or visit the school website at http://iew.tldsb.on.ca/. Voice mail messages can be left for school staff at any hour. In addition, the automated calling system will keep parents updated. IEWSS School Council meet on the third Monday of alternate school months at 7 p.m. in the school library.  All parents are welcome.  The names and phone numbers of the council members are available at the school.

 PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parents’ Nights are held once per semester immediately following the distribution of the first progress report.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend. This will result in stronger communication which will result in student success.

 SICKNESS AT SCHOOL

Students who become ill while in class or at school should report to the main office immediately. Contact will be made with a parent.  When a parent cannot be reached, students will be offered assistance.  Students who leave school without reporting to the office may face disciplinary action.

 SPARES

In order to be eligible for spares, students must have a minimum of 23 credits and be eligible to graduate.

STUDENTS WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE

Any student 18 years of age or older is subject to all of the requirements established in the Code of Behaviour. Students who do not want school staff to communicate with their parents must inform a school administrator in writing on the appropriate form available in the main office. Otherwise, communication with parents will occur as regularly as for all other students.

HOW WILL IEWSS RESPOND TO ABUSE AND VIOLENCE? 

Schools are places of learning. Students, their families, school staff and the community have the right to expect schools to be safe and free of abuse and violence.

At IEWSS, we will work together to help all students develop skills to appropriately handle conflict and manage anger in non-violent ways.

VISITORS IN THE SCHOOL/TRESPASSING

The school building and grounds are deemed to be private property under the authority of the Trillium Lakelands District School Board. Except for registered students, school and board staff, all visitors, including parents, must report directly to the school office to state the reason for their visit. While in the school, all visitors must comply with the school’s Code of Behaviour. Unauthorized visitors will be charged with trespassing.

Students are asked not to invite friends to visit them at the school during the school day.  Students may not bring their children into the school without prior arrangements with administration.

 WEATHER – SEVERE CONDITIONS

The Board of Education’s Manager of Transportation and the Bus Operators are responsible for all bus cancellations.

Bus cancellation notices for I.E.W.S.S. are broadcast on two local stations:  BOB-FM 91.9 and The Wolf 101.5 FM and are posted on the TLDSB.on.ca. website.

All cancellations or bus changes are referred to by bus numbers.  You must know your bus number when inquiring about possible bus route changes or cancellations.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

 

                            EMERGENCIES

Ambulance…………………………………………   911

Fire…………………………………………………….. 911

Police…………………………………………………. 911

O.P.P. ……………………………………..     1-888-310-1122

O.P.P. ……………………………………..     324-6741

City of Kawartha Lakes Police……………    324-5252

Crimestoppers…………………………………… 1-800-222-8477

Kids Help Phone……………………………….. 1-800-668-6868

Telecare Life Line……………………………… 878-4411

Ross Memorial Hospital……………………..    324-6111

After Hours Clinic……………………………….   328-6102

Health Unit…………………………………………. 324-3569

Drug/Alcohol Help Line………………………  1-800-565-8603

Depression Hotline…………………………….  1-888-557-5051

FourCast Addiction…………………………….   878-5547

Addiction Research…………………………….  1-800-463-6273

Alcoholics’ Anonymous………………………    324-9900

A Place Called Home (shelter)…………..     328-0905

Victoria Women’s Shelter…………………..    878-3662 or 1-800-565-5350

Women’s Resources………………………….. 878-4285

 Community Counselling Service……….    878-8900

Family & Youth Services…………………….1-705-876-5114

Salvation Army Family Services………..    878-5331

Big Brothers / Big Sisters……………………  324-6800

Lindsay Boys and Girls Club………………   324-4493

Children’s Aid Society……………………….. 324-3594

Canada Employment Centre …………….  324-5151

Social Services………………………………… 324-9870

Lindsay Public Library………………………. 324-5632