The Code of Conduct for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board has as its foundation the Board’s mission statement which states, “As disciples of Christ, we educate and nurture hope in all learners to realize their full potential to transform God’s world.”

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of the individual.  All individuals concerned with the school system – trustees, staff, student, parents, and visitors to schools – are subject to the following code of conduct

The Code of Conduct for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board is predicated on certain belief statements.

BELIEFS

  • Parents are the primary educators of their children.
  • We have a responsibility of care for our neighbours, our environment, and ourselves.
  • All staff is morally and legally responsible to help students become mature Christians and good Canadian citizens.
  • Everyone has the right to a safe and secure environment, free from deliberate insult and injury.
  • We will live in peace and promote means of solving conflict, which promote repair, reconciliation, and reassurance.
Each person is responsible for his/her conduct.  If the conduct is positive and life giving, the response will have encouragement, praise and thankfulness.  If the conduct is negative, demeaning, degrading or disrespectful of self/others and their surroundings, one can expect a consequence.  The consequence may include some or all of the following: an informal talk, a detention, parental involvement, loss of privileges, community service, restitution, administration involvement, suspension or expulsion.
A consequence is dependent on many factors:
  • The act itself
  • Previous behaviour
  • Intention
  • Knowledge
  • Degree of effect on others and property
  • Mitigating circumstances

The Code of Conduct for the W.C.D.S.B. High Schools is broadly divided into four categories:

  •  Respect
  • Accountability
  • Responsibility
  • Caring /  Citizenship

Each Catholic secondary school will also have specific requirements for students.

RESPECT
FOR OTHERS AND OURSELVES
As a member of a Catholic Secondary School Community based on Christian values, a student is expected to demonstrate respect:
  • By valuing their body, mind, and spirit as a whole person.  (The use, possession or sale of alcohol or prohibited drugs will not be tolerated.)
  • By courteous, considerate and compassionate actions to all people.  [Harassment (verbal, sexual or physical), intimidating behaviour, or malicious ridicule will not be permitted.  The school will not tolerate any form of prejudice, discrimination or stereotyping (e.g. racial slurs, jokes, innuendoes, or caricatures.)]
FOR AUTHORITY
Students are expected to show respect for authority by:
  • Following school rules and regulations
  • Questioning in a dignified manner
  • Acting in an appropriate manner
  • Speaking in a positive manner

 

FOR ENVIRONMENT
Students are expected to show respect for the school environment by:
  • Not damaging, defacing, destroying or vandalizing any school or personal property
  • Properly disposing of trash and waste (recycling and reusing)
  • Eating food in designated areas
ACCOUNTABILITY
Mistakes are part of learning and growing.  Knowledge and growth cannot be achieved without experiencing the consequence of our actions.  Therefore, if we behave in such a way that someone else is negatively impacted we will act to rectify the situation.  This may include such things as verbal apology, and replacement of property, fixing property or environment or some other appropriate activity.  This includes all members of the school community and will be achieved with preservation of dignity for all.
RESPONSIBILITY
All students have rights.  However, with rights come responsibilities.  The following are general responsibilities that students are expected to observe:
  • Respect and obey all the laws of Canada, Ontario and the local community
  • Be honest and act responsibly
  • Respect the differences in people and their rights – with no exception
  • Treat everyone and everything with respect at all times
  • Do whatever you think is right to help those in need
  • Ask a school staff member for help if you need to settle a disagreement
  • Others as listed in the Student Handbook and in your specific classrooms
CARING / CITIZENSHIP
Caring / Citizenship encompasses a wide responsibility that extends outside of the school campus to the community at large.  Some considerations are the following:
  • A feeling of concern for others
  • Guardianship of others/things
  • Willing to help others
  • Giving of oneself
  • Kindness
  • Compassion
  • Forgiving Spirit
  • Not to encourage or support behaviour contrary to the code of conduct or school policies
  • Be a positive representative of  the school in the community
  • Assist members of the school community when and where one is able
  • Welcome visitors to the school in a positive manner (including visiting teams and clubs)