Student Conduct and Discipline Policy

GLA Code of Conduct has been created to maintain a safe, caring and godly school environment. The purposes of the Code of Conduct are

• (1) to encourage the development of socially responsible behaviour resulting in a positive reputation for students and the school community,
• (2) to foster a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, staff and parents,
• (3) to clearly communicate behavioural expectations to the school community.

The Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community at school, traveling to and from the school, at any school-related activity at any location, or any circumstance/activity that will have an impact on the school environment.

“The BC Human Rights Code identifies 13 protected grounds under the legislation. People are protected by virtue of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, and unrelated criminal or summary convictions.” Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools: A Guide pages 9-13.

Members of the GLA Community are expected to:

• Respect: themselves, other students and staff, the building and greater community; be honest, responsible and have pride in themselves and their school;
• Strive for Excellence: by contributing to a positive, harassment-free environment, attending regularly, on time and prepared to learn;
• Commit to our Community: by contributing to a harassment free environment, operating in a socially responsible manner, and care for the image and integrity of GLA community;

General Expectations

Students are expected to attend school regularly, be punctual, and work diligently at their studies. Also, they are expected to conduct themselves in a manner allowing every teacher to teach without interruption, while allowing every student to achieve to his/her maximum potential. It is expected that the entire school community will work in harmony and in a socially responsible behaviour to create a climate that is healthy, safe, and positive. Behaviour that interferes with these outcomes is considered against the code of conduct and subject to review.

Unacceptable Conduct

Students can expect serious consequences for engaging in these actions:

• 1. Behaviours that interfere with the learning of others or that interfere with an orderly and safe environment.
• 2. Behaviours that create a “victim” in any way. This includes any form of bullying, abuse, harassment or intimidation of others.
• 3. Behaviours that are intended to be put downs of others including comments that are racist, sexist or belittling in any way.
• 4. Behaviours that discriminate on the basis of an individual’s race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.
• 5. Behaviours that are illegal in any way and are in violation of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Suspensions

Many factors are considered when arriving at a decision in regard to a student who violates the GLA Code of Conduct. The decision to suspend a student is always taken seriously and made when:

• the behaviour the student exhibited is in direct opposition to the Code of Conduct;
• the educational climate in the school is in jeopardy if the behaviour is not stopped;
• parents are supportive and share in the responsibility to impact a behaviour change with their child;
• resources are such that in-school consequences are not possible;
• the student interferes with the learning process of other students or the teaching of teachers;
• the student is a repeat offender and has already received previous consequences;
• outside resources (counseling agencies) are needed to help support a change;
• the student needs time away from school to re-think or re-group oneself and return ready and willing to learn.

Ombudsman-under appeals process

If parent/family is not satisfied after the Board’s Decision, they may appeal to the Independent Schools Ombuds personnel. The school will provide the parent / family with information to proceed with appeal.