The Vancouver Board of School Trustees has policies regarding student conduct. The board believes that ". . . proper student behaviour is essential to the development of responsible and self-disciplined citizens and essential to the operation of effective schools" (Policy JFC). These policies are upheld by the school. They cover all school board buildings and grounds and are in effect during any school sanctioned activity at school or elsewhere.

Vancouver School Board policies regarding student conduct, as well as John Oliver's "J Code", reflect provincial standards and are in accordance with Section 85(2)(c) of the School Act. The 'J' Code promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law - prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender, or sexual orientation. The school will treat seriously any behavior or communication that is a violation of the BC Human Rights Code.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

No student may be in possession of or have consumed illegal or non-prescribed drugs or alcohol in the school, in the vicinity of the school, or at school sponsored functions. Any infraction will be considered serious and will result in the immediate implementation of school and Board policies dealing with student discipline.

VIOLENCE AND WEAPONS

The Vancouver School Board works hard to ensure that schools are safe places for students. Board policy states that violence of any kind will not be tolerated. Any form of violence or intimidation that threatens the health, safety, and welfare of students is not acceptable.

Violence includes verbal, written, or physical threats, bullying, fighting, or emotional or sexual abuse. Weapons are defined as anything that is used with intent to hurt or frighten someone. Students are not permitted to have weapons. Any student found with a weapon, involved in a violent act, or soliciting others to commit an act of violence will be disciplined.

HARASSMENT

The Vancouver School Board recognizes that every individual should be treated with respect and dignity and therefore has the right to be free from harassment in our schools and workplaces. A positive and welcoming work and learning environment protects and promotes the self esteem, worth, and human rights of every person and supports mutual respect and cooperation among individuals. Any student involved in racial, ethno-cultural, religious, or sexual harassment in any form will be disciplined.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I ...?

If you have been affected by, or know others who have been affected by harassment, violence, weapons, drugs, or alcohol, it is important that you talk to a counsellor, teacher, administrator, school liaison officer, or anyone else in the school that you trust, so that others can help to solve the problem. The school will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation against a student who has made a complaint of a breach of our code of conduct.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Any student who violates School Board or school policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include:

• an interview with an administrator
• in-school suspension
• referral to counselling or treatment program
• transfer to another school
• referral to the Vancouver School Board Discipline

Review Committee for action by the Board of Trustees

• expulsion from the school district 
• police involvement and possible criminal charges
• special considerations may apply to students with special needs, if they are unable to comply with a Code of Conduct due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature

Where ever possible and appropriate disciplinary action may be restorative in nature.

The severity and frequency of unacceptable conduct as well as the age, special needs and maturity of students are considered in determining appropriate disciplinary action.

School officials have a responsibility to advise other parties of serious breaches of the code of conduct, e.g., parents, school district officials, police and/or other agencies.

DISCIPLINARY JURISDICTION

Students engaged in behaviour that interferes with the general welfare of students or the learning environment of the school may be subject to disciplinary action even when this behaviour occurs off school property or during a time when the student is not under direct school supervision such as lunch hour or going to or from school.