Provincial Code of Conduct

Our provincial Code of Conduct policy (the code) for school boards and schools sets clear standards of behaviour for school communities. School boards use it to develop their own local codes of conduct.  At minimum, school boards' codes of conduct must be consistent with the provincial Code of Conduct.

The code aims to help schools:

  • create a positive school environment
  • support the achievement and well-being of all students

Purpose of the code

The goals of our Code of Conduct are set out in law. They include:

  • promoting the safety of people in the schools
  • discouraging the use of alcohol, illegal drugs and recreational cannabis
  • preventing bullying in schools
  • encouraging non-violent conflict resolution
  • having school climates where differences are addressed with respect and civility

The Code of Conduct aims to make sure everyone is treated with respect and dignity and takes part in the civic life of the school as a responsible citizen.

Who the code applies to

The code of conduct applies to the entire school community, including:

  • students
  • parents or guardians
  • volunteers
  • teachers
  • early childhood educators
  • principals
  • other staff members
  • visitors

Where the code applies

The code applies to the entire school community. In the publicly funded school system this means everyone:

  • on school property
  • on school buses
  • at school-related events or activities
  • in before and after school programs
  • in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate, such as incidents that may happen between students off school property
  • in an online learning environment

Standards of acceptable behaviour

Standards of acceptable behaviour focus on:

  • respect, civility and responsible citizenship
  • safety

Respect, civility and responsible citizenship

All school community members must:

  • follow all applicable laws
  • follow our policies and the policies of the school board and school
  • show honesty and integrity
  • always treat others with dignity and respect both in person and online, especially when there is disagreement or difference
  • respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their:
    • race
    • ancestry
    • place of origin
    • colour
    • ethnic origin
    • creed (religion)
    • sex, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation
    • age
    • marital status
    • family status
    • disability
  • respect the rights of others
  • show care and respect for school property and the property of others
  • take the proper steps to help those in need
  • respect the need of others to work in an environment that is good for learning and teaching
  • seek help from school staff to resolve conflict peacefully, if necessary
  • not swear at or verbally abuse anyone
  • not use mobile devices (for example cellphone, tablet, smart watch) during class time except when:
    • a teacher says to use them as part of learning 
    • they are needed for a health or medical reason
    • they support special education needs

Safety

All school community members must not:

  • start or join in any form of bullying, whether in-person or through technology (for example, through texts or social media posts)
  • start or join in hate propaganda or types of behaviour motivated by bias, prejudice or hate against a distinct group
  • inflict, or encourage others to inflict, bodily harm
  • commit sexual assault or sexual harassment
  • threaten or intimidate another person
  • be in possession of a weapon, including guns
  • traffic weapons or illegal drugs
  • commit robbery
  • commit vandalism that causes damage to school property or property:
    • of a school community member
    • located on school grounds
  • be in possession of alcohol, recreational cannabis or illegal drugs
    • for students, this would also include being in possession of electronic cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products and using or being under the influence of alcohol, recreational cannabis, tobacco, e-cigarettes (vapes) or illegal drugs
  • give others alcohol, illegal drugs, cannabis for recreational use, tobacco, e-cigarettes and accessories (for example, vape juice, a pipe, lighter or rolling papers)
  • Record, take or share non-consensual recordings or photos of members of the school community

Note: Medical cannabis use is accepted. A medical cannabis user can possess cannabis for their own personal medical purposes under applicable laws.

Vaping and smoking

Students are banned from being in possession of or use tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes or nicotine products at school.

If your child is caught with any these items, the items must be given up and parents will be notified immediately.

School board roles and responsibilities

School boards must:

  • develop and update their own codes of conduct so that they implement, at minimum, standards consistent with our Code of Conduct
  • ensure their codes of conduct link locally developed standards to the relevant standards in our Code of Conduct
  • give all members of the school community chances to learn about:
    • the standards of acceptable behaviour
    • relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes (for example, learning about responsible citizenship and developing healthy relationships).
    • and how to report unacceptable behaviour

Your school board may require your principal to develop a code of conduct tailored to your school. If so, it must be consistent with the provincial Code of Conduct and meet the requirements your school boards specifies.

Cellphone use policy

Students must not use cellphones and other mobile devices, such as a tablet or smartwatch, during instructional time. During instructional time, devices must be:

  • turned off or set to silent mode
  • stored out of view

Students in Grade 6 and below should not use cellphones or mobile devices during the school day, unless permitted.

Students in Grade 7 and above must follow school rules about using mobile devices in other areas of the school and on school trips.

Learn when students can use cellphones in school.

School board policies on cellphone use

School boards must develop a policy that explains how:

  • students can use (or not use) cellphones and mobile devices in different areas of the school
  • schools will enforce cellphone and mobile device restrictions

When students can use cellphones

Students may use cellphones and mobile devices in school if:

  • they are needed for a health or medical reason
  • they support special education needs
  • a teacher says to use them as part of learning 

Consequences

Students may face consequences if they use their cellphone or mobile device inappropriately. This may include school staff:

  • requiring a student to hand in their mobile device
  • storing it in a safe place for a set period

Information for parents and students

Each year, schools must:

  • send parents and students a reminder about their mobile device policy and rules
  • offer chances for parents and students to learn about using technology responsibly

Learn more about the use of cellphones and other mobile devices in schools.

Enforcement

School boards need to make sure schools enforce the provincial Code of Conduct standards.

To do this, school boards must create procedures that explain how their schools will put in place and enforce:

  • their codes of conduct
  • all other rules they develop that relate to the standards in our Code of Conduct

The procedures must distinguish between:

  • students: schools use a progressive discipline approach to enforce standards
  • staff: school boards create and apply discipline policies and procedures consistent with labour contracts
  • broader school community: school boards must have procedures that address improper conduct by volunteers, visitors or other persons

The procedures also detail how schools and school boards must document every step in addressing known, unacceptable behaviour.

Communication with the school community

School boards must have a process to make the school community aware of their codes of conduct policies and procedures to build commitment and support.

This communication process must:

  • make the policies and procedures public, for example, on a school board website
  • explain the steps for reporting unacceptable behaviour
  • consider and include parents who don’t have English or French as a first language

Creating and updating policies and procedures

School boards should:

  • review their policies and procedures at least every 3 years, and more often if needed
  • assess policies and procedures to make sure they align with our Code of Conduct
  • seek input from the school community when creating or updating their code of conduct policies and procedures

School boards must seek this input from:

  • students
  • teachers
  • principals
  • other staff of the board
  • volunteers working in the schools
  • parents of the students
  • school councils
  • the public

School boards should seek feedback from:

  • Parent Involvement Committees
  • Special Education Advisory Committee
  • Indigenous Education Advisory Council
  • social service agencies
  • mental health agencies
  • other community partners

Expectations for the school community

Every member of the school community has a role to play and expectations to follow. This helps with the implementation of school board code of conduct policies and procedures.

Principals

We expect principals to:

  • show care for the school community and commitment to student achievement and well-being in a safe, inclusive and accepting learning environment
  • hold everyone under their authority responsible for their behaviour and actions
  • empower students to be positive leaders in their school and community
  • communicate regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community
  • model the standards of respect, civility and responsible citizenship

Teachers and school staff

We expect teachers and school staff to:

  • help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth
  • empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school and community
  • communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents
  • maintain consistent and fair standards of behaviour for all students
  • show respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers and members of the school community
  • prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship
  • help students communicate respectfully in person and online
  • model the standards of respect, civility, and responsible citizenship
  • show students the appropriate use of cellphones during school by not using personal mobile devices during instructional time, unless explicitly for work-related purposes.

Students

We expect students to:

  • come to school prepared, on time and ready to learn
  • show respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority
  • refrain from bringing anything to school that may risk the safety of others
  • follow the rules and takes responsibility for their own actions

Parents and guardians

We expect you to:

  • engage in your child's schoolwork and progress
  • communicate regularly with your school
  • make sure your child is properly dressed and prepared for school
  • ensure that your child attends school regularly and on time
  • inform your school promptly about your child's absence or late arrival
  • become familiar with our Code of Conduct, your board's code of conduct and your school’s code of conduct (if they have a school specific code)
  • encourage and help your child follow the rules of behaviour
  • help school staff deal with disciplinary issues involving your child

Community partners

School boards should create or improve partnerships with members of the community and local service providers, including counselling services, psychological services and multicultural associations. These partnerships provide resources that school boards can use to deliver prevention or intervention programs.

Community members need to support and respect the rules of their local schools.

Police

The police play an essential role in making our schools and communities safer.

Police investigate incidents by following a protocol developed with local school boards.

Police and school boards base their protocols on the provincial model.

Related policies

School boards and schools must implement our Code of Conduct in the context of other policies, including: