Code of Conduct

Our commitment is to promote a safe, caring, and orderly school where students and staff can learn and work effectively.  We value diversity and guard the dignity and rights of all members of the school community.  We strive for an environment that is free from discrimination based on gender, race, religion and/or sexual orientation as outlined in the BC Human Rights code.  We will promote and support these values regardless of time and place or how we interact with one another - whether face-to-face or electronically.  Our school code of conduct aligns with the District code of conduct.  The District code of conduct is available on line at www.abbyschools.ca/resources/students/code-of-conduct.

Conduct Expectations: Students are expected to conduct themselves as exemplary citizens both at school and in the community.  Any conduct that adversely affects the school shall be considered a breach of the School Code of Conduct.

a)  Examples of Acceptable Conduct – Students should strive towards the following behaviours:

  • Ensuring that the educational rights of all members of the school community are respected.
  • Respecting the right of every member of the school community to feel safe
  • Promoting an environment of understanding and mutual respect
  • Setting high standards for personal achievements and applying good effort in all curricular areas
  • Respecting the property of others
  • Informing an adult, in a timely manner, of any known bullying, harassment, intimidation
  • Wearing clothing appropriate to the school dress code
  • Being a positive ambassador for the school throughout the community

b)  Examples of Unacceptable Conduct - Our students must refrain from behaviors that undermine our goal as stated in the School Code of Conduct. Such behaviors include:

  • Interfering with a safe, caring, and orderly environment
  • Interfering with the learning of others
  • Academic dishonesty (plagiarism and cheating)
  • Ignoring rules at school related events: eg weapons, fireworks, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use
  • Bullying, cyber bullying, harassment, intimidation, or physical violence.
  • Retaliation against a person who has reported incidents to staff
  • Publishing or displaying anything that is discriminatory against a person or a group of persons due to race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, or sexual orientation.

Rising Expectations – As students mature and become more positive role models in the community, they will gain a deeper sense of pride and belonging to their school.  Their example will help guide younger students in reaching their potential within a safe, caring, and orderly school.  As students mature, they will become more aware of their personal responsibility and consequently understand the need for more severe consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Consequences – Violations of the School Code of Conduct will result in consistent and fair disciplinary action.  The severity and frequency of the infractions, as well as the age, maturity, and the cognitive ability of the student will be considered in determining appropriate action.  Whenever possible, disciplinary action is preventative and restorative, rather than punitive.  Contravention of the School Code of Conduct will result in an escalating set of consequences and/or intervention that may include community service, detentions, loss of privileges, mediations, counseling, parent conferences, behavior contracts, and in-school or out-of-school suspensions. 

Notification – When there is a breach of the School Code of Conduct, school officials may have a responsibility to advise the following:

  • Parents of offenders and victims
  • School district officials as required by school district policy
  • Police and/or other community agencies as required by law
  • All parents when deemed to be important to reassure members of the school community

Retaliation Prevention – All reasonable steps will be taken to prevent retaliation against a person who has given information or lodged a complaint concerning a violation of the School Code of Conduct.

Attendance/Late Policy - There is a direct link between success in school and regular, punctual attendance.  Lunch and after school study periods may be prescribed for unexcused classes. Student responsibilities are outlined as follows:

  • Attend all assigned classes all the time. 
  • Obtain permission from your teacher to leave classes and schedule appointments after school hours.
  • Have parent/guardian phone the school to excuse you or provide a written note explaining absence. 
  • Unexcused absence #1 - teacher discuss with student and record. Student warned of consequence.
  • Unexcused absence #2 – consequence enforced by teacher & recorded.  Warned of escalating consequences.
  • Unexcused absence #3 – escalated consequence enforced by teacher, record and call home.  Discipline notice forwarded to Administration.
  • Take responsibility for missed work and assignments, including those from excused absences.  Make-up opportunities may be provided at teachers’ discretion. 
  • Sign out at the office if required to leave during the school day.  Parent permission required.
  • When late to class, wait for the appropriate time to enter in a quiet manner to avoid disrupting teaching and learning.  Students should explain the reason for tardiness when teachers ask and should accept the consequences assigned.
  • When leaving a class, for any reason, a student must possess a hall pass.  Violators may face disciplinary action. 

Parent Initiated Request for Extended Holiday Leave - A primary requirement of the School Act is that of regular attendance.  We urge parents to plan vacations during the period when school is not in session.  However, because family vacations occur at various times during the year and do not always coincide with the prescribed provincial school calendar, leave is sometimes requested.  Generally, the school is not in a position to grant or deny permission for early leave for holidays or work.  The decision is that of the parents but they should be aware that absence may jeopardize grades.  Teaching staff are not required to provide work for students going away for an extended period of time.  Students must plan ahead so work and course obligations are met as the school cannot give course credit for work that is not done.  The obligation in completing such work is that of the student.  Students need to pick up an “Extended Leave” form from the office and get teachers to sign it.  A copy of this completed form needs to be left with the office staff.  The original copy needs to be given to the student’s parents/guardians.

Study Periods - Study periods are available only to Grade 12 students who are taking 3 or more Academic courses during the semester in which the student block is requested.  The list of acceptable courses is as follows: English 12, Math 12, Chemistry 12, Physics 12, Biology 12, History 12, Geography 12, Geology 12, Social Justice 12, Psychology 12, First Nations 12 and Law 12,  as well as students enrolled in the IB Diploma program; however, exceptions are made in unusual circumstances. Grades 9 – 11 do not have study blocks.  Students not using “studies” properly may have them revoked.  Studies will be offered for one semester only.  Students may apply for a study through their counsellor, and must obtain permission from the administration.  Students with study periods may use the cafeteria or the library; they may not spend their time in the hallways.  No loitering in front foyer or the front of the school.  Students are expected to work quietly and independently on school projects. A student request for a study must be submitted by the application deadline.  Ask your counsellor for details.

Academic Misconduct - Cheating on exams, plagiarism, or theft of another student’s work may result in a suspension for Academic Misconduct and an Internal Board of Review. With respect to the definition of academic misconduct, there is no distinction between the providing work to or, receiving work from another student.   Such misconduct in a Grade 12 year may nullify any scholarship or bursary hopes.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices (laptops, chromebooks, ipads, etc.)  Respectful and courteous use of cell phones, computers and other technology is expected of all students, and students are expected to follow the expectations set by the classroom teacher.  Innappropriate use may result in the confiscation of your device by a teacher or administrator. Abbotsford Senior Secondary School Policy states:

  • Students may possess these devices but they must be silent / turned  off and kept out of sight in class unles given permission by the teacher.
  • Students using their device without permission may have them taken  away until the end of the day.  The administration will keep the phone until the student picks it up after 2:30 pm.
  • Repeat offenders may face escalating consequences.
  • Chronic offenders may face further disciplinary action (ie suspensions).
  • If a teacher requests a student’s cell phone/electronic device for improper use, the student is required to give the device to the teacher.  Refusal to comply will result in immediate referral to the office.

Cell Phones and Exams - Students may not have cell phones in their possession during exams.  A student who is found in possession of a phone during an exam will be held responsible for academic misconduct.  In the case of a provincial exam, the Ministry of Education will be notified of the infractions.

Electronic Music Devices - Music devices are generally not to be used during class time, as they may interfere with instructional activities.  They may be used in the classroom with teacher permission only.  No electronic devices other than approved calculators, will be permitted during exams.

Personal Security - You need to protect yourself from loss of personal property by not sharing your locker combination, not bringing valuables, expensive electronics, or cash to school, using a lock and locker in the P.E. change rooms and not leaving items unattended.  Please report thefts or information about thefts to the office promptly.  The school does not replace lost or stolen property but every effort will be made to help you recover your possessions. 

Student Dress - District Policy dress code expects students to:

  • Avoid attire that may cause excessive wear or damage to school property.
  • No Hats or other head coverings (hoodies) will be allowed at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School.  This will enable staff to notice people who do not belong to the school community.  Hats may be confiscated from students and returned to the student at the end of the day.
  • Recognizing that our school community is made up of a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural groups, Abbotsford Senior Secondary School’s dress code is intended to make all staff and students feel comfortable.  Students are asked not to wear articles of clothing that promote alcohol, drugs, inappropriate language, racism or sexism, violence, or promiscuity.  Specifically prohibited are bare midriffs, bare backs, low necklines, and excessively “low-rise” pants. Clothing must cover underwear. Distracting, possibly dangerous, accessories such as chains and spikes are not allowed. “See through” garments are not permitted. Students will be asked to replace inappropriate clothing with proper attire.  In the event of a disagreement, the administration’s decision will be final.  Please dress as you would in the workplace.

Lockers - Students will have an opportunity to pick a locker in an area of the school that best fits their schedule.  The locker and lock assigned to each student is the property of the school and may be searched at any time by a school representative to ensure the safety and security of the school.   Students are expected to maintain the locker in a neat and tidy condition and to keep it locked at all times with a school authorized lock.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU NOTIFY THE OFFICE IF YOU CHANGE LOCKERS DURING THE YEAR.  Students should not share their locker combination.  Periodically student lockers may be checked for drugs, weapons, and any other dangerous items.  Locker checks are periodically conducted in order to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.  Drug Dogs may search the school lockers on occasion through the year.

Drug and Alcohol Policy - Students may not attend school, and/or any school function such as Grad activities, dances, field trips, sporting events in the possession of, or under the influence of, illicit substances or alcohol.  Students who are in violation will be suspended from school according to School District policy.  Students who are suspected of substance abuse will be investigated and parents will be notified.  Students in the company of people using drugs and/or alcohol are considered in breach of school policy.

Weapons - Weapons of any kind are forbidden on this campus.  Students who are in violation will be suspended from school according to School District policy.  Laser light use is prohibited.

Fireworks/Fire - The use of fireworks of any kind on or near school property will result in school disciplinary action.  Also matches and lighters should not be used on school property.  Students will be suspended from school and will not be permitted to return until they have completed a “Fire Starter” course sponsored by the Abbotsford Fire Department.  Students must organize the date and time of the course and a parent/guardian must also attend.

Hall Pass and the ‘10/10’ Rule - Students are not permitted in the hallway during the first and last 10 minutes of each class.  A hall pass is required for any student present in the hallway during instructional time.  If questioned by any staff member, students must present the hall pass.  Please note, leaving class is always at the discretion of the teacher.  Students found in the hallway without a hall pass may be assigned to detention. 

Hallway Behavior - Students are expected to contribute to the cleanliness and orderliness of the school.  Students are asked to clean up after themselves in the cafeteria and in the hallways. Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited.  Students are asked not to loiter in high traffic areas.

Smoking - Smoking is not allowed on school property by order of the Abbotsford Board of School Trustees.  Students found in possession of smoking materials will receive consequences as articulated in School District policy.  Materials will be confiscated and suspensions will apply. 

Electronic Bullying - The school administration and the Police are dealing with an increasing number of bullying cases through the use of multi-media devices (cell phones, computers, and social media sites such as Facebook).  If you receive threatening emails, texts, etc, DO NOT DELETE THEM as they can be used as evidence.  If you send threatening e-mails/texts you risk being suspended and/or dealing with the police.

Computer use and network - School Computer use and network access is available to all students.  Students must contact the Library Technician, Mrs. Wenting, or their teacher to obtain and sign a “Use of Internet Services Agreement”.  The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines respecting use.  The term and conditions are outlined in detail in the agreement.  The terms and conditions for network users are intended to ensure the efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.  None of the terms and conditions are optional; violation of any provision will result in the termination of access privileges.   There will be NO use or access to any Internet chat sites, such as Facebook at any time.  A student user who violates any provision may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

Student Parking - Student parking is provided for those students who choose to drive to school.  Students are reminded not to leave valuables in their car. Driving a car to school is a privilege. Students driving in an unsafe manner (speeding, driving with undue care, driving with too many people in the car, or in breach of any other motor vehicle regulation) will be required to leave their vehicle at home. Police will be contacted and charges may be laid. 

Visitors – Abbotsford Senior Secondary School is a Closed Campus. Visitors on legitimate school business are asked to phone the school and make appointments to see teachers, counselors, and administrators.  Visitors should report to the office.  Students are requested not to invite relatives, friends, or acquaintances to “drop in” for casual conversation or non-school related activities. Abbotsford Senior Secondary is a “Closed Campus” for the specific purpose of ensuring the safety and security of all people who work and study here.  Day visitors accompanying students to class are not permitted.