Code of Conduct

William A Fraser Middle School Code of Conduct

Purpose:

William A Fraser Middle School affirms its commitment to the anti-discrimination principles and values contained in the BC Human Rights Code that includes the prohibited grounds of discrimination in respect to discriminatory publication and accommodation. 

William A Fraser Middle School recognizes that students and staff have the right to a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment regardless of their “race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age…” (s. 7)

At William A. Fraser Middle School, our aim is that all students to feel safe and secure both physically and emotionally. Through a shared responsibility involving home, school, and community we strive to provide a safe, positive, and orderly school for the purpose of learning. 

Responsibilities: 

Students are expected to adhere to a variety of acceptable behaviours to enhance their learning and support the school as a safe, caring, and orderly place. All students a William A Fraser Middle School are ambassadors and positive role models of the school while at school. Students should model fair play and courtesy as a participant or spectator in all sports and recreational activities while at the school or representing the school offsite. Every member of the school community has a right to a safe and secure environment, to be treated with respect and to have safe passage, without interference, to and from school. 

Honesty and Integrity

Students are expected to be always honest with fellow students, staff, parents, and others in our school community. Respectful words and actions build a reputation of integrity which is a very important quality. 

Students are also expected to demonstrate high standards of work habits, arriving to school and class on time, with the necessary supplies and materials, as well as completing all school assignments to the best of their ability.

Student Use of Personal Digital Devices

At William A Fraser Middle School, students are expected to refrain from using personal digital devices during the school day unless given permission from the school administrator or teacher. All personal digital devices are expected to be turned off, or put on silent, and stored in the student’s locker during the school day.  

Social Media

Teachers, learning support services and administration are often asked to intervene in conflicts between students that began “via” messaging, email, or social media accounts. We encourage students to make choices to use the social network sites and email services appropriately and to resist becoming “cyber-bullies” by speaking unkindly or spreading rumors. We also encourage parents to be vigilant in monitoring and supervising the length and kind of computer use for their children.  

Respect For and Safety of Others

Students are expected to always treat others with consideration and respect. They are to avoid situations that may lead to fighting, bullying or threatening behaviour. Students have a responsibility to inform their teachers or the school administration promptly of incidents of bullying, harassment, or intimidation. Participation in play should consider safety and appropriateness. 

Unacceptable Conduct:

William A Fraser Middle School is committed to fostering an environment within which all individuals are treated with respect. William A Fraser Middle School considers harassment in general and sexual harassment, in particular, to be violations of generally accepted standards of behaviour and the District’s Code of Conduct. 

Behaviours that interfere with:  

  • the learning of others and the emotional well-being of others  

  • our safe and secure environment 

  • one’s own learning  

Acts, such as: 

  • bullying, harassment or intimidation  

  • physical violence  

  • retribution against a person that has reported transgressions  

Illegal acts, such as: 

  • possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances 

  • possession or use of weapons as well as replica weapons

  • theft of or damage to property (i.e. vandalism) 

Consequences:

William A Fraser Middle School staff believe that the development of self-discipline in our students is very important. The aim of consequences for misbehavior is for students to learn from the experience. Consequences for behavior that does not meet expectations will be logical, realistic, and consistent. Each case of misbehavior will be dealt with on an individual basis. These consequences may range from a discussion, or an office referral, to a suspension from school. Continued misbehavior will be dealt with through a progressive discipline plan where inappropriate behaviors will receive increasing consequences.

Disciplinary action, whenever possible, is preventative and restorative, rather than punitive. 

Escalating consequences include:  

  • a discussion

  • a warning   

  • a natural consequence  

  • referral to school-based team or administration  

  • students will be disciplined in a timely and fair manner and such discipline shall be in accordance with district procedure AP 333, ‘Student Suspensions.’

  • referral to district personnel 

Notification: 

When there is a breach of the School Code of Conduct, school officials may have a responsibility to advise the following:  

  • Parents of offenders, victims. 

  • School district officials as required by school district policy. 

  • Police and/or other agencies as required by law. 

  • All parents when deemed to be important to reassure members of the school community.