Expectations for safe and inclusive transportation

Principals and bus drivers play a key role in maintaining a positive school environment during the students’ time on a school bus.

Appropriate behaviour on the school bus is an important part of school bus safety.

The provincial code of conduct for the education sector sets clear provincial standards of behaviour. These standards of behaviour apply to students whether they are on school property, on school buses, at school-related events or activities and in other circumstances that could have an impact on school climate.

Addressing student incidents

Open lines of communication between the bus driver and school administrators (for example, principal or vice-principal) are especially crucial when responding to incidents that could have a negative impact on the school climate (for example, inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour).

Inappropriate behaviour can take many forms, for example:

  • swearing
  • use of homophobic or racial slurs
  • inappropriate comments or jokes
  • graffiti or vandalism
  • bullying
  • fighting

Report serious student incidents

Student incidents that happen on the bus must be reported to the principal. These are incidents that the principal must consider for suspension or expulsion. Some examples include:

  • making threats
  • possessing alcohol, cannabis (unless the student is authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes) or illegal drugs
  • swearing at a person in a position of authority
  • vandalism and bullying
  • possessing a weapon
  • physical assault
  • sexual assault
  • trafficking weapons or drugs
  • robbery
  • giving alcohol or cannabis to a minor

Who should report student incidents

The following individuals should report student incidents:

  • school bus drivers
  • principals and vice principals
  • administrative and custodial staff
  • teachers and educational assistants
  • early childhood educators employed by the school board
  • other school staff, such as those involved in social work, child and youth work, psychology and other related disciplines
  • staff in before and after school programs for children in kindergarten to Grade 6 that are operated by school boards
  • staff in before and after school programs for children in kindergarten to Grade 6 operated by community organizations and child care centres which have entered into an agreement with the school board to provide such programming

Report an incident to the principal

You must tell the principal about the incident, as soon as reasonably possible. Your report must be confirmed in writing using the Safe Schools Incident Reporting Form – Part I. You can get this form from a school administrator.

Once an incident is reported, the principal will provide a written acknowledgement that the report was received and may communicate, where appropriate, whether they have taken any action regarding the incident reported.

Related

  • Report an incident that happens at school: a resource for occasional teachers
  • Report an incident that happens at school
  • Creating safe and accepting schools
  • Promote a positive school environment