Student Expectations

Student Illness 

Students who become ill during the school day are asked to check in at the school office. A call will be placed to the student’s home. If a parent/guardian is contacted, the student will be permitted to go home with parents’ permission. Otherwise, the student must remain at school. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to go home without permission from home and school. In addition, the school staff is not permitted to administer medication to students without the written authorization of the family physician. 

Attendance 

Students who attend all of their classes perform better in school. It is expected that students will attend all classes unless absent for a legitimate reason such as illness. If you are absent, have a parent report the absence in the Safe Arrival app. More information https://www.abbyschools.ca/safe-arrival. Alternately, you can call the office (604) 853-0778 to report the absence or hand in your signed note to the office all within 24 hours of your absence from school. Yale will use email or call home to notify parents daily on attendance. Students with a pattern of non-attendance may lose the privilege of attending school events. Frequent Truancy may result in student referrals to counsellors, the School Based Team, and/or the Administration. 

Late Policy 

Students are expected to arrive to school and all classes early or on time. Late arriving students are expected to go directly to class where they will receive consequences assigned by the classroom teacher. 

Signing In & Out 

Students who arrive after 8:10 are “late” and should go straight to class unless they have a note from a parent. Students  arriving more than 30 minutes after the start of a class will be marked absent. 

All appointments should be made outside of school hours. If students are leaving the school for any reason, they must sign out at the office. The school requires a note/phone call from their parent/guardian before the student is will be permitted to leave the school. 

Student Extended Absences During School (AP 316) 

Extended Absences: 

-Parents/guardians should carefully consider the negative effects that an extended absence from school may have on their child’s/children’s total educational progress. 
-When an extended student absence is contemplated, the parents/guardians are asked to contact the school principal as early as possible prior to the departure date. Consideration should be given to the impact of an extended absence on the educational progress of the student. Work packages may be requested but are provided to parents solely at the discretion of the principal in consultation with the classroom teacher(s).  
-If the extended absence is due to a medical or social-emotional issue, parents/guardians are asked to work closely with the principal and the School-Based Team to ensure that the student’s educational programming is accommodated as appropriate. Referral to the Hospital-Homebound Teacher service may be suggested. 
-Students are responsible for all work assigned to them by their teacher. 

Student messages 

The office staff will take messages for students from parents/guardians only. We do not page students during school hours but will call them down at lunchtime or afterschool. Emergencies are handled on an individual basis. 

Student Driving & Parking 

Students are expected to practice safe driving on school grounds and in the neighborhood. Drivers who operate their vehicles in an unsafe manner will be dealt with by the school and/or Abbotsford Police and will have their driving privileges to school revoked. The school district assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage to any vehicle parked at Yale. Violation of school parking regulations may result in your parking privileges at Yale being revoked. New drivers are reminded that they are legally permitted to transport only one passenger. 

Cell Phone Use 

Cell phones can be used before school, during transitions, during lunch and after school. Cell phones are not to be used during instructional time unless permission is granted by your classroom teacher for instructional purposes. Cell phones that interrupt classes will be confiscated and handed over to the administration for pick up at the end of the day. Continual cell phone offences will result in parents being contacted to pick up the cell phone. 

The use of any cell phone in a manner that violates a person's reasonable expectation of privacy including but not limited to the use of change rooms, washrooms, or academic examination rooms is strictly prohibited and may be subject to discipline. Cell Phones are the number one target of thieves. Leave them at home, as the school does not accept responsibility for the theft of personal electronic devices. 

Cyber Bullying 

Cyber Bullying using any electronic means whether text or photos to willfully and repeatedly harm either a person or persons is strictly prohibited. Cyber Bullying or Harassment deliberately threatens, harasses, intimidates an individual or group of individuals and has an adverse effect to the orderly operation of the school. This can be a violation of a student’s right to be safe and secure on campus. Students who misuse technology in this manner are subject to disciplinary action. 

Alcohol & Drugs 

Students shall not attend school or any school-organized or sponsored event while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Students shall not buy, sell, distribute or possess drugs during school time or at any event that is organized or sponsored by a school. Students violating this policy shall be subject to discipline in accordance with the established district policy. For the purposes of enforcing school rules and maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment, principals and vice- principals with cause may conduct lawful searches of students, lockers and any other property. 

We expect our grad class to be leaders in the school and set a good example with the choices they make. Grade 12 students who choose, in their final year, to attend school or a school event (school dance, field trip, etc.) in possession or having consumed drugs or alcohol may not be allowed to take part in the school-based grad events. 

Smoke Free Grounds 

Vaping/Tobacco products are not permitted on school grounds by anyone, anywhere, anytime. Schools and school boards are required by law to ensure that school property is 100% smoke free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. If students are found to have these products/devices on their person, in their backpacks, lockers, vehicles on school grounds, the items will be treated as contraband, confiscated, and not returned. Due to the health and safety of everyone in the building, students caught vaping within the building will receive a suspension from school. This ban also applies to school field trips or events such as bus transport to sporting events, and includes excursions, assemblies or ceremonies such as Graduation Dinner & Dance. 

Visitors 

The Yale campus is closed to visitors; all guests must report to the office upon entry. This policy is in effect during all school hours, including after school. If any student wishes to invite a guest from another school to spend the day at Yale, it is necessary to pick up a form from the office, then seek  approval from all teachers concerned as well as a school administrator at least one day in advance.  

Bicycles 

Bicycles brought to school are the sole responsibility of the owner. We recommend that bicycles be stored in bike racks provided and that bikes be chained at all times. Bike thefts happen, so make sure you use an anti-theft cut resistant reinforced chain and lock. The school is not liable for thefts or damages as the area has been a frequent area of theft. 

Dress Code 

The Abbotsford School District is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment that promotes the dignity and respect of all students. We recognize that students have the right to express themselves through their clothing and appearance, and that dress codes can impact students differently based on their gender, race, religion, culture, and sexual orientation. As such, our dress code policy is designed to be inclusive and equitable for all students. 

1. The district expects that students will demonstrate their commitment to a safe and caring school environment, and respect the personal and cultural identity of others, by presenting themselves in an appropriate manner for school.

2. Student Dress Code

2.1 Students are expected to adhere to specific school standards of dress.                                                   

2.2 A student’s appearance or mode of dress will not be permitted to disrupt the educational environment or threaten health or safety. 

2.3 School dress code policies should not disproportionally attempt to manage the clothing choices of young women, or place blame for the actions of others, on a young woman.

2.4 School dress code standards include, but are not limited to:

• wearing apparel that is safe for the student and others participating in any school activities.
• avoiding attire that may cause excessive wear or damage to school property.
• avoiding attire that promotes hate or the diminishment of others based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gang affiliations

2.5 In the event that a student is dressed in a questionable manner, the principal or vice-principal will work with the student to address the manner in a way that maintains the student's dignity.  The principal or vice-principal may require the student to change their clothing to meet school standards.
Note: jewelry, hats, and tattoos are considered attire.

Weapons /Fireworks 

Students in possession of weapons or fireworks at school will be disciplined. Disciplinary action may include suspension and/or removal from Yale. 

Student Conduct Expectations  

At Yale, we expect that students will display courtesy and respect for others and school property. Profanity, verbal or physical abuse, threats, intimidation, “put-downs” or bullying will not be tolerated. Any form of violence, aggression or intimidation will be dealt with seriously. This can include electronic web posting. Fighting will not be tolerated on or off campus. Students who gather to observe, promote, video tape or record an altercation will also experience consequences.  

Yale Code of Conduct  
In addition to adherence to the District Code of Conduct, students are expected to adhere to the Yale Secondary Code of Conduct. Yale students are ambassadors of the school while at school, including breaks, lunches, study blocks, travel to and from school, and while attending school functions including field trips and sporting events. Contravention of the school rules will result in an escalating set of consequences and/or interventions that may include community service, detentions, and revocation of privileges, mediations, counselling, parent conferences, behaviour contracts, and in-school or out of school suspensions. The age and maturity of a student will be considered when consequences are applied. In order to facilitate a safe and secure campus, school officials may have a responsibility to notify other members of the school community or members of community agencies in the event of a serious breach of the code of conduct.  

Statement of Purpose  
Our motto “Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each Other, Take Care of This Place” serves as the basis for our commitment to promoting a safe, caring and orderly school for the purpose of learning. We value diversity and strive for an environment where everyone is equal in dignity and rights and free from all forms of discrimination including gender, race, religion and sexual orientation   regardless of time and place as stated in BC Human Rights Code. Our goal is to provide a safe, caring, and orderly environment where staff and students can work and learn effectively.  

Rising expectations  
As you mature and become a more positive role model in our community, you will gain a deeper sense of pride and belonging to our school. This will help you guide younger students in reaching their potential within a safe, caring, and orderly school. As you mature, you will become more aware of your personal responsibility and consequently understand the need for increasing consequences for inappropriate behaviour.  

Conduct Expectations  

The Board believes that acceptable behaviours and conduct are fostered in a positive climate in which:

• All students feel safe, valued and trusted, and have the opportunity to develop, assume and maintain responsibility and self-motivation;
• All students feel supported without fear of retaliation in reporting unsafe conditions, actions or potential incidents;
• There is a joint effort to learn and a feeling of mutual respect among staff, students and parents;
• Appropriate behaviour is taught, encouraged, modelled, practiced, and acknowledged, thereby increasing student self-respect and positive social behaviours;
• Disciplinary action, wherever possible, is preventative and restorative, rather than solely punitive;
• Expectations for student behaviour increase as they become older and more mature;
• Disciplinary action is considerate of students with special needs if these students are unable to fully comply with the Code of Conduct due to a diagnosed disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature.

The Board believes that acceptable student conduct, based on respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for property is essential to the development of responsible citizens. Students are expected to:

• Be aware of and obey all school rules;
• Respect the rights of all persons within the school including peers, staff, parents and volunteers;
• Refrain from lying, cheating, stealing;
• Attend classes punctually and regularly;
• Work cooperatively and diligently at their studies and home assignments;
• Respect the legitimate authority of the school staff;
• Respect all school property, including buildings and equipment;
• Respect the diversity of our school community;
• Behave in a safe and responsible manner at all times;
• Refrain from any behaviour that would threaten, harass, bully (bullying includes but is not limited to, physical or verbal intimidation, verbal harassment and cyberbullying), intimidate, assault or discriminate against, in any way, any person within the school community on or off school property;
• Refrain from being in possession of, or under the influence of, drugs and/or alcohol in all school facilities or on school grounds or at school-sponsored functions and activities;
• Refrain from being in possession of weapons of any kind in school or at school activities;
• Refrain from inappropriate computer usage and/or multi-media devices in accordance with Board policies (cell phones, iPhones, cameras, etc.).

The Board believes that any breach of Code of Conduct behaviours or expectations would be considered unacceptable. Students are encouraged to inform a responsible adult when becoming aware of any infraction of the Code of Conduct.

Consequences  
Violations of the Code of Conduct, will result in consistent and fair disciplinary action. The severity, frequency, age, maturity, and any disabilities of the student will be considered in determining appropriate action.

Reporting
1. Bullying and harassment is against the District Code of Conduct and will be dealt with appropriately and quickly.
2. Bullying and harassment includes inappropriate remarks, jokes, taunting, comments, gestures, sexually suggestive comments or actions that create an uncomfortable or hostile environment.
3. A bully is someone who:
• uses power to hurt others or harm their possessions
• purposely scares or intimidates others
• often hurts the same person repeatedly
• is sometimes supported by other people who just watch and laugh, instead of helping the person being bullied

Complaint Procedures – Students
Students deserve to feel safe at school. If a student is being bullied or harassed, you should take the following steps to try and stop the bullying and harassment or prevent it from happening again.
1. Report all incidents to a person of authority at school, a parent, or a trusted adult. It is important to tell your parents of any incidents of bullying or harassment that may occur at school, at school functions or on the way to and from school.
2. If the bully or harasser is an adult from within the school, then it is important to report this immediately to your parents/guardian or a trusted adult outside of school. The student and the adult the student told should contact either the principal or the Superintendent of Schools. While it is important to report all incidents of bullying or harassment, false allegations are a serious matter, can damage a person’s reputation, and are not acceptable in any way.