Student Handbook and Code of Conduct

Our Future Is Here10 Gardenbrooke Trail

Brampton, ON L6P 3L1Tel. 905.794.2485

Website: www.castlebrookess.com

Principal:R. Hoppie

Vice Principals:A. AdekunleK. Dawson

H. Giles

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Castlebrooke Secondary School is a place for the 21st century student to learn and grow. Our journey continues into what promises to be another exciting year!

DAILY SCHEDULE

Period 1(homeroom) 8:45 - 10:05Period 2 10:08 - 11:23Period 3 11:26 - 12:41Period 4 12:41 - 1:56Period 5 1:59 - 3:14

Early Release Schedule Period 1(homeroom) 8:45 – 9:35Period 2 9:38 - 10:28Period 5 10:31 - 11:21Period 3/4 11:24 - 12:14

CODE OF CONDUCT2018 - 2019

OUR COMMITMENTCastlebrooke Secondary School recognizes that students achieve their best when they feel safe, nurtured, welcomed, respected and

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included. We are committed to providing a healthy climate for learning and working to support student success. For learning to be successful, schools must be free of negative factors such as bullying, discrimination and other harmful behaviours including physical violence in any form. In the Peel District School Board, we understand that equity and excellence go hand-in-hand. One of the core goals in our strategic plan, the Report Card for Student Success, is the following: 

"Achieve equity for students and staff—we provide equity of access and opportunity for students and staff to learn, work and develop in an environment that is nurturing, engaging, respectful and inclusive."

One of the Peel Board's projects is the implementation of six core character attributes. The attributes are taught in school, but they are also the basis of the board's working relationships – they help to create a positive climate for learning and working.

We want our staff and students to be:

Caring – showing compassion and kindness towards others Cooperative – working collaboratively with others for a

common purpose Honest – being truthful, trustworthy and sincere in our

speech and actions Inclusive – treating everyone fairly and equitably Respectful – treating others, ourselves and the environment

with high regard and value Responsible – being accountable and reliable in our actions

and commitments

We believe that parents, the school and community must all work together to help students learn to become responsible members of

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society, being sensitive to the diversity, cultures and special needs of individual students. We must clearly demonstrate respect for social justice and human rights and promote the values needed to develop responsible members of a democratic society.

The Code of Conduct for Castlebrooke Secondary School aligns with and supports Ontario's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, the Peel Board's Human Rights policy and the Equity and Inclusive Education policy.

The Castlebrooke Secondary School Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community including students, parents, guardians, volunteers, visitors and school staff, whether they are on school property, on school buses, at school-authorized events or activities, or in any other situation that may impact the school climate.

All members of the school community have a responsibility to respect and honour the school Code of Conduct, to demonstrate age and developmentally appropriate social behaviour and to take responsibility for their own actions.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIESAll members of the school community are expected to: demonstrate honesty and integrity treat one another with dignity, respect and fairness, regardless

of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnicity, creed, citizenship, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or any other attribute

take appropriate action to help those in need, seeking assistance to resolve conflict constructively and respectfully

show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others

Parent and guardian responsibilities include:

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taking an active role in their son/daughter's education by ensuring that he/she is prepared for learning, including punctual and regular attendance, promptly reporting authorized absences and late arrivals, and communicating regularly with the school

reviewing the school Code of Conduct with their son/daughter and helping him/her follow school rules

helping their child understand that it is not appropriate to tease or bully others

monitoring their child’s internet use and taking responsibility for his/her behaviour when accessing electronic resources from home

Student responsibilities include: demonstrating a commitment to learning through punctual and

regular attendance, being prepared and ready to learn practising honesty and integrity including, but not limited to,

not participating in or encouraging plagiarism, misrepresentation of original work, use of unauthorized aids, theft of evaluation instruments, or false representation of identity

following school rules and taking responsibility for his/her own actions

refraining from bringing anything to school, or using anything inappropriately, that may risk the safety of themselves or others

showing proper care and regard for school and community property, as well as only visiting other schools for school-related and authorized activities

Staff responsibilities include: helping students achieve to the best of their ability, developing

self-worth, and being responsible citizens maintaining order in the school and holding everyone to the

highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour communicating regularly and meaningfully with

parents/guardians6

establishing a range of clear, fair and developmentally appropriate interventions, supports, direct skill instruction and consequences for unacceptable behaviour including but not limited to homophobia, gender-based violence, sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual behaviour

responding to and reporting behaviours which may have a negative impact on school climate

BULLYING PREVENTION AND INTERVENTIONWe are teaching students to identify and deal with bullying behaviour and to stop this behaviour from happening.

Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.

When someone experiences or observes bullying behaviour, he/she is expected to report it to a teacher, teaching assistant or school administrator immediately. Bullying behaviour will be dealt with using a progressive discipline approach.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINECastlebrooke Secondary School encourages, supports and recognizes acceptable behaviour in our students through a variety of positive practices. Progressive discipline is an approach that makes use of a continuum of interventions, supports and consequences, building upon strategies that promote positive behaviours.

We encourage students to take responsibility for their behaviour and to accept the consequences of their actions. A progressive discipline approach is used to deal with inappropriate behaviour. This may include: verbal reminders, review of expectations, contact with parent(s)/guardian(s), written reflections, volunteer

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services to the school community, conflict mediation and resolution, peer mentoring, referral for support services and/or an opportunity for restoration and repair.We recognize that each student is a unique individual and that every situation that requires disciplinary action has its own set of extenuating circumstances. All factors that may have affected the student’s behaviour will be considered before progressive discipline is applied. Students who behave inappropriately will receive an age and developmentally appropriate consequence. For a student with special education or disability-related needs, all progressive discipline approaches will be consistent with his/her Individual Education Plan and his/her demonstrated abilities.

Suspension and Expulsion Castlebrooke Secondary School also supports the use of suspension and expulsion for serious incidents as outlined in the Peel District School Board's Safe Schools Policy.

Before considering whether to impose a suspension or make a recommendation for an expulsion, a principal considers mitigating and other factors.

The behaviours for which a principal will consider suspending a student include: swearing (written or verbal) at a teacher or at another person in

a position of authority bullying, including cyber-bullying uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another

person committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage

to school property possessing alcohol or restricted drugs being under the influence of alcohol committing any act, considered by the principal to:

o have a negative impact on the moral tone of the schoolo have a negative impact on the physical or mental well-

being of one or more school community members8

o be contrary to the school or Peel Board Code of Conduct

Incidents for which a principal will consider recommending to the Board's Discipline Committee that a student be expelled include: physically assaulting another person causing bodily harm that

requires medical treatment possessing a weapon or using a weapon to cause or to threaten

bodily harm to another person trafficking in restricted drugs or weapons giving alcohol to a minor committing robbery committing sexual assault behaviour that:

o is significantly detrimental to the school climate and/or to the physical or mental well-being of others

o causes extensive damage to school propertyo causes his/her continued presence at the school to pose an

unacceptable risk to other members of the school community

o is a pattern of behaviour so inappropriate that the student's continued presence is detrimental to the effective learning or working environment of others

o demonstrates a persistent resistance to changes in behaviour that would enable him/her to be successful

o is a serious violation of the school or Peel Board Code of Conduct.

Students who are suspended or expelled will be given an opportunity to continue their education through educational programs offered by the school board.

SMOKINGThe school recognizes the benefits of a smoke-free environment for all persons. By-law, smoking is not permitted at Castlebrooke Secondary School, on any other board property, on school buses or

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while attending any school-related event or activity. School property includes cars that are on school grounds and all lands to the edge of the sidewalk or street. The no smoking rule will be enforced within these areas. The smoking prohibition applies to students, parents, visitors and staff as well as “after hours” groups who use the property. The minimum fine is $305 for smoking on school property.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGSAlcohol and restricted drugs may be addictive and represent a health hazard. Possessing, using, trafficking in, or providing others with restricted drugs and/or alcohol will not be condoned at Castlebrooke Secondary School, on Peel Board property or at any school-related event or activity at any time. Drug-related paraphernalia that can be used for substance abuse are not permitted on school property.

WEAPONSPossessing or displaying weapons of any kind, real, toy or replica, and all other objects that could inflict or threaten bodily harm will not be accepted at Castlebrooke Secondary School, on any Peel Board property, or at any school-related event or activity at any time.

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TRESPASSERS AND VISITORSTrespassers are NOT permitted on school property. Students are expected to report trespassers to a staff member immediately. Failure to do so may result in suspension. Castlebrooke students may not visit other schools unless participating in school-sponsored activities. Students who trespass at other schools may be suspended. Castlebrooke has a “no visitors” policy.

DRESS CODEThe standards for school dress at Castlebrooke Secondary School are based on common sense and are intended to support the comfort, safety and modesty of all students. There is a strong relationship between neat, clean and appropriate clothing and a positive learning environment. Clothing or accessories that are deemed inappropriate includes, but is not restricted to, logos, sayings and pictures that address/display:

a. sexual content

b. substance abuse

c. violence

d. profanity

e. inappropriate references to nationality, race or gender

f. gang affiliation

g. inappropriate logos

As well, students will not wear clothing to school that is revealing or provocative (e.g. muscle shirts, tube tops or halter tops). Midriffs and undergarments will remain covered at all times. Non-religious headgear (e.g. hats), may be worn in the hallways and the cafeteria. However, non-religious headgear must be removed upon request by individual classroom teachers and must be removed during the playing of the national anthem anywhere inside of the building.

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FOOD AND DRINKAll students at Castlebrooke Secondary School are asked to consume food and drink only in the cafeteria, the main floor atrium, 2nd and 3rd floor main hallways only.

ANAPHYLAXIS – SABRINA’S LAWAnaphylaxis is an acute, severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It happens when the immune system is exposed to a partial allergen or substance that causes an anaphylactic reaction. The most common causes of anaphylaxis are: food (especially peanuts and tree nuts, milk shellfish, fish, eggs, soy, sesame seeds, and wheat). Therefore, it is extremely important that there be NO food in any classroom.

NO SCENT GUIDELINESAll students at Castlebrooke Secondary School are to adhere to the Peel board’s “No Scents is Good Sense” guidelines. In consideration of those with allergies, students are to refrain from using or wearing scented products to the school (e.g. perfumes, colognes, or body sprays).

ATTENDANCERegular attendance is important for success. Students are expected to attend all classes on time. If students are more than 15 minutes late for class, a note or phone call from a parent/guardian must be provided to the main office. Continuous unauthorized absences from class or habitual lateness to class, will result in consequences. All students are required to write their Final Evaluations as scheduled. Please do not plan vacations or employment during In-Class or Final exam times.

EARLY LEAVING/SIGNING OUTStudents who must leave school before the end of their regularly scheduled classes must report to the Attendance Office to sign out with a note of permission from parent/guardian before leaving.

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Also, students must have a parent/guardian call or provide a number to call in order that the office staff may verify the absence.Students with spares are expected to work in either the Technology Learning Commons (library) or the Cafeteria.

ILLNESSIn case of emergency illness, tell your teacher that you are ill and then report to the Attendance Office. Never remain in a washroom or leave the school. A parent/guardian will be contacted in order to arrange early pick up. If a reason cannot be verified, the student will be referred to a vice principal for sign out. Students absent from subject classes are responsible for work missed.

BUS TRAVELStudents are expected to follow the standards of behaviour outlined in the Code of Conduct while they are on the school bus.

Students are required to: be at their bus stop at least five minutes before their pick-up

time go directly to their seats and stay seated follow the bus driver’s instructions and behave appropriately at

all timesStudents may not: consume food and drinks on the bus fight, swear or cause excessive noise on the bus engage in

activities that may endanger the safety of themselves or others

STUDENT PARKINGOnly authorized student vehicles may park at the school. Students must first register their vehicle through the main office and be issued a parking permit Student parking is available in the overflow parking lot only, with a limited number of spots available

USE OF TECHNOLOGY

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Students will demonstrate appropriate online conduct and manners and refrain from improper/unethical use of technology, including computer hacking and cyber-bullying. The internet must not be used for any purpose that is contrary to the intent of the Castlebrooke Secondary School Code of Conduct. This applies to school, work and home internet use Posting school-related photographs or images on the internet (including social network sites) without permission of a school official violates the Castlebrooke Secondary School's Code of Conduct

LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY PLANThe Peel District School Board’s Learning and Instructional Technology Plan will ensure Peel schools are increasingly connected and relevant in the 21st Century. At Castlebrooke, students are able to access educational resources online and engage in 21st Century learning through wireless networks.

Students are encouraged to BYOD—bring your own device. The plan will also improve equity of access to technology for all students through classroom technology in schools, and a process to ensure schools across the system have similar standards of technology so that no child feels excluded.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIPStudents are going to live and work in a world where people use their devices 24/7 so they need to learn to use technology effectively and respectfully. Digital responsibility is an important part of what we help students learn in school, and appropriate use will continue to be an expectation in each school’s Code of Conduct as it is now. As we begin to move forward with the plan, principals, staff and School Council members will work together to develop school policies and practices that support the effective use of technology in the classroom.

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Students will use technology for educational purposes only. By accessing the Internet while on Peel board property or by logging in with a board login, students accept all terms and conditions of the Peel board network and Internet use, as well as Policy #78 – Appropriate Use of Technology.

Students will demonstrate appropriate online conduct and manners. Students must follow Peel board security procedures and use Peel board virus scanning software. Although Peel board uses a content filter, students may encounter inappropriate material.

Students are also required to report any inappropriate use of email, data, or unauthorized technology or data to a teacher or administrator immediately. Information created on Peel board networks may be accessed and is subject to review. Personally owned devices used inappropriately to access/produce or share unlawful materials will result in full investigation and necessary action will be taken.

Users will refrain from improper/unethical use of technology, including computer hacking, cyber-bullying, and sending or receiving offensive pictures or materials. The Internet must not be used for any purpose that violates the school's Code of Conduct or the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

ConsequencesAll users are expected to comply with all federal and provincial laws and regulations—Ontario Human Rights Code, Criminal Code, Education Act and Copyright Act.

Students accept full responsibility for their use of technology. Any inappropriate use such as harassment, plagiarism, financial gain, accessing or vandalizing other users’ information, providing access to other accounts or posting private information will result in loss of technology privileges and/or other consequences consistent with the school’s Code of Conduct, progressive discipline and safe schools legislation. When appropriate, offences may be reported to the police.

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Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs)Students are responsible for the care, maintenance and security of their personal devices. The Peel board is not responsible for the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged items.

Definition of Technology For purposes of BYOD, “technology” means personal electronic devices (PEDs), privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic handheld equipment that includes, but is not limited to, existing and emerging mobile communication systems and smart technologies, portable internet devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld entertainment systems or portable information technology systems that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, image capture/recording, sound recording and information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc.

Castlebrooke Secondary School is committed to supporting students who are 21st century learners and recognizes and values the use of PEDs to enhance student learning and support student success. As such, we embrace the use of PEDs in a respectful and responsible manner.

PEDs may be used outside of class time in general areas such as the cafeteria and atrium, as long as these devices do not distract from instructional class time or other school activities. At no time may the use of PEDs be used to excuse a student from responding to the directions of a staff member.

PEDs may be used during class time for educational purposes with permission of the teacher. These activities may include entering due dates into calendars, researching information, adding comments to a class blog or twitter. The use of PEDs during class time for any other reason that is not curriculum related is unacceptable.

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PEDs are not to be used during any school sponsored activity such as an assembly or guest speaker presentation.

PEDs may not be taken into test or examination settings unless students have received teacher permission.

PEDs are not to be used in settings such as change rooms, washrooms, private counseling rooms, that have the potential to violate a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.

To encourage responsible and respectful use of devices in the classrooms and school, teachers may ask students to “flip-it” show their screen to them at any time to ensure that they are on task and using their PED for curriculum-related activities.

In the event of an emergency such as a lockdown, the Principal will direct students on the acceptable use of PEDs in that emergency situation.

ONLINE SAFETYTo ensure students stay safe on the Internet, students must never: give out personal information such as their addresses,

telephone number, age, school name or address agree to meet with someone they meet online respond in any form to messages which make them

uncomfortable or are deemed inappropriate according to the school’s Code of Conduct

share their personal student network login and password with anyone other than a parent/guardian

use other individuals’ accounts take and/or post photos, videos or images of an

individual/group unless consent from the individual(s) (over the age of 18) or parental consent (for those under the age of 18) has been obtained

Student Privacy17

In order to support student privacy, Peel board students are requested NOT to use their school email (studentnumber@pdsb.net) to create accounts on third party, non-protected domains, or apps/web services. These third party, non-protected domains and apps/web services’ terms and conditions do not align with Peel board’s student privacy guidelines and may collect or display private information, including the student’s full name, publicly.

When using their own personal email accounts, students are advised to activate privacy settings for their protection, to ensure their account information, including full name is not shared publicly.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATIONAssessments and evaluations are on-going and varied, giving students multiple opportunities to show their understandings.Through conversations with students, observations of their learning and products from their learning, students’ academic achievements are progressively assessed and evaluated. A final grade (percentage mark) is recorded for every course. The final grade will be determined as follows:

Seventy per cent of the grade will be based on evaluation conducted throughout the course

Thirty per cent of the grade will be based on a final evaluation administered at or towards the end of the course

A credit is granted and recorded for every course in which the student’s final percentage mark is 50 per cent or higher.It is the student’s responsibility to complete all assigned tasks, projects and exams in the time allocated.

PLAGIARISMStudents must practice academic honesty and integrity at all times. Plagiarism, misrepresentation of original work, cheating and theft of test materials are serious academic offences and are not permitted under any circumstances.

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