Yale Code of Conduct

Statement of Purpose

Our goal is to provide a safe, caring, and orderly environment where staff and students can work and learn effectively.

Our motto, "Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each Other, Take Care of This Place," embodies our commitment to fostering a safe, caring, and orderly school environment dedicated to learning. We value diversity and strive to create a space where everyone is equal in dignity and rights, free from all forms of discrimination, including gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation, as outlined in the BC Human Rights Code.

 

Conduct and Behaviour

We expect students to demonstrate courtesy and respect towards others and school property. Profanity, verbal or physical abuse, threats, intimidation, derogatory remarks, or bullying are strictly prohibited.  Discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation, is also strictly prohibited.  Any form of violence, aggression, or intimidation, including electronic postings, will be taken very seriously. Fighting, whether on or off-campus, will not be tolerated. Students who gather to observe, encourage, or record an altercation will also face consequences.

 

Academic Integrity

Cheating and plagiarism are prohibited, including the use of AI for academic dishonesty. Repeat offences may lead to suspension and affect eligibility for awards, scholarships, and bursaries.

 

Cell Phone Use

Use of Personal Digital Devices in Schools (see also: https://www.abbyschools.ca/ap-345)

All schools in our district follow AP 345: Student use of Personal Digital Devices in Schools. Personal Digital Devices can include: phones, headphones, smartwatches, Airpods, tablets, etc.

1. Without the permission of the school administrator / teacher, personal digital devices are not to be operated during regularly scheduled hours of instruction or during any school-sponsored activity, such as an assembly or talk by a guest speaker.

2. Personal digital devices are to be placed in silent mode during instructional time and school sponsored activities.

3. Personal digital devices are not taken into test or examination settings unless students have been given permission to do so by the teacher administering the test or exam.

4. Personal digital devices are not to be used in settings such as change rooms, washrooms, or private counselling rooms that have the potential to violate a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.

5. Use of personal digital devices during non-instructional periods (breaks and lunch) and while being transported on a school bus, should be restricted to the access of information related to school or home communication.

Students who do not follow the expectations above can expect some or all the following:

1. Request to place device in a secure place where it will not be a distraction

2. Conversation/reminder about importance of following code of conduct

3. School Administration notified, incident documented, and parents / guardians informed.

4. Student asked to leave phone with school official until end of day/ or arranged time

5. Repeated offences may result in an escalation of consequences

It is highly encouraged that personal digital devices are kept at home. If students do choose to bring their personal digital devices to school, they should be kept in their backpack or in their student locker.

The security and storage of personal digital devices are the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The School / District assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of personal digital devices.

 

Attendance 

We believe that regular attendance and punctuality are crucial for academic success and personal growth. Our attendance policy aims to encourage students to attend school regularly while providing support for those facing challenges. 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. or call  you can call 1-844-487-3701 to report the absence. Parent excused absences after the fact should be communicated to the office no later than 24 hours after the absence.  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. 

Flexibility and Accommodation

  • Make-Up Work: Students are allowed to make up work missed due to excused absences within a reasonable timeframe, typically the same number of days they were absent.
  • Special Circumstances: Flexibility will be provided for students with special circumstances (e.g., chronic illness, family issues), evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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 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. 

 

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. Students must follow safe driving practices on and near the campus and adhere to restrictions according to their "L" or "N" designation.

 

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. 

 

Weapons & Dangerous Items

Students in possession of weapons (knives are weapons) or fireworks at school will be disciplined. Possession of weapons will result in serious disciplinary action which may include suspension and/or removal from Yale. Vapes are also considered contraband and will be confiscated if found on school property.

 

High Risk Areas

Students must adhere to all safety rules in high-risk areas such as shops, science labs, food labs, and the gymnasium. Laser pointers, threatening props, or costumes are prohibited.

 

Cooperation and Reporting

Students are expected to provide information that assists school staff in addressing behaviors that threaten individuals, disrupt the school, or endanger anyone. Threatening those who provide information or lodge complaints may result in suspension.
 

Exemplary Citizenship

Students must conduct themselves as exemplary citizens both at school and in the community. Off-campus behavior that adversely affects the school will be considered a breach of the code of conduct. This code applies to all school activities and events, such as field trips, sports travel, dances, and sports events. 

 

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 

At Yale, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. We recognize and respect students' rights to express themselves through their clothing and appearance. Our dress code is designed to be equitable and considerate of all students, regardless of gender, race, religion, culture, or sexual orientation. 

1. General Expectations
 Commitment to a Safe and Caring Environment: Students are expected to contribute to a positive school atmosphere and respect the personal and cultural identities of others by dressing appropriately for school.

2. Student Dress Code
-Adherence to School Standards: Students must follow the dress code standards outlined below.
-Disruption and Safety: Attire should not disrupt the educational environment or compromise the health and safety of any student or staff member.
-Equitable Enforcement: Our dress code will be enforced fairly and respectfully, without disproportionately targeting any group. Enforcement will not blame individuals for the actions or reactions of others.
-Dress Code Standards:
     -Safety: Clothing must be safe for all school activities.
     -Respect for Property: Attire should not cause damage to school property.
     -Prohibited Content: Clothing must not display messages or images that promote hate, discrimination, or illegal activities, including references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or gang affiliations.

3. Specific Guidelines
Clothing:
-Coverage: Clothing should cover undergarments and private areas.
-Tops: Tops should have straps and adequately cover the chest area.
-Length: Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be long enough to cover private areas while standing, sitting, or bending.
-Appropriate Messaging: Clothing should not contain inappropriate language or images.

4. Addressing Dress Code Concerns
- Maintaining Dignity: If a student's attire is deemed inappropriate, the principal or vice-principal will address the issue respectfully and discreetly.
-Supportive Environment: We will work with students and families to understand and address any barriers to complying with the dress code, ensuring a supportive and inclusive approach.

 

Consequences

Violations of the school Code of Conduct will result in consistent and fair disciplinary action. When determining appropriate action, the severity and frequency of the violation, as well as the student's age, maturity, and any disabilities, will be considered. Whenever possible, disciplinary action aims to be preventative and restorative rather than punitive. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct will be addressed as follows:

-The teacher addresses the issue directly with the student(s). Most problems are minor and infrequent and can be resolved this way, either through a class meeting or an individual meeting with the student.

-If the problem persists, the following steps will be taken until it is resolved:

  1. The teacher contacts the parents to inform them of the issue.
  2. The teacher meets with the student and parents, potentially involving the administrator in the meeting. The teacher also provides the vice principal with details of the problem and the interventions used.
  3. The teacher(s), parents, student, and administrator confer about the behaviors necessary for the student to remain at school.

  4. The student may be suspended from school. A conference with the student, parents, and administrator may be required before the student can return. In some cases, an in-school suspension may be warranted or necessary.

     

Notification

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

     1. parents of offenders, victims.
      2. school district officials as required by school district policy.
      3. police and/or other agencies as required by law.
      4. All parents when deemed to be important to reassure members of the school community.