Osoyoos Secondary School

Rationale - In order to maintain a safe, caring and orderly school environment, Osoyoos Secondary School has adopted a code of conduct which prohibits discrimination based on the BC Human Rights Code. The code of conduct is intended to ensure that all members of the OSS community, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and mental or physical disability have equal access, status, acceptance and safety within the school setting. Furthermore, the code of conduct assists in maintaining a balance between rights and responsibilities for the individual and the group. This code of conduct applies to both staff and students and is in effect at all school functions at all times regardless of the location or time of the event.

Expectations - It is expected that all members of the OSS community abide by the code of conduct and that all members uphold the code of conduct and report incidents that breach the code. As much as possible, the school will ensure the anonymity and safety of those who make a report. It is expected that any conduct that disrupts the learning environment of the school, whether explicitly or implicitly addressed by the code of conduct, be deemed unacceptable.

Guidelines – The overriding principle of the OSS code of conduct can be summarized by the word “respect”. At all times, members of the OSS community are expected to display respect for themselves and others as well as respecting the teaching and learning environment. The Osoyoos Secondary School Code of Conduct grid will be displayed prominently in all areas of the school and will serve as a visual aid which summarizes the code of conduct.

Respecting Community Space – The school setting, which includes classrooms, library, hallways, concourse and grounds, is shared space. As a result, there is a need to be considerate of everyone who makes use of the space. Therefore, running, boisterous talking, shouting, misuse of furniture and vandalism will not be tolerated.

Respectful Community Interactions – The members of the OSS community are encouraged to interact with everyone in a respectful manner. Therefore, rudeness, insolence, disruptive behaviour, swearing, vulgarity, loitering, bullying, fighting, and/or aggressive and dangerous behaviour are unacceptable.

Respectful Community Attire – The school setting is a work environment. Members of the school community are expected to dress in a manner that is not distracting or offensive. Any clothing displaying, implying or advertising drugs, alcohol, tobacco, pornography, racism or intimidation, is unacceptable. Furthermore, any clothing that does not meet the OSS dress code is also unacceptable.

Respectful Community Health & Safety – The members of the OSS community are encouraged to pursue healthy and safe lifestyle choices. Therefore, possession and/or use of drugs and/or alcohol before school and during school hours will not be tolerated. Smoking is discouraged and is not allowed on school property at any time. Possession of weapons, or use of an item as a weapon, is prohibited.

Consequences – A breach of the code of conduct by any member of the OSS community will result in consequences . As much as possible, consequences will be of a restorative nature rather than punitive and may include restitution, repair, mediation, conferencing, service, or assistance. Consequences will take into consideration any special circumstances the community member may be facing at the time of the incident including age, special needs, maturity, and extraordinary circumstances. In addition, violators will be involved in the development of meaningful consequences through guided reflection of their behaviour. As students mature, it is expected that their increased level of personal responsibility and self-discipline will result in an increased ability to self-monitor behaviours that comply with the code of conduct. When this is not the case, consequences will escalate rapidly. Furthermore, the school will notify parents, RCMP, social service agencies, counselors or school board when deemed appropriate and/or necessary.