Standards of Honesty, Respect for Property

In recent years, we have made a strong statement relative to the school’s attitude towards honesty and cheating. The following activities are considered to be unacceptable:

  • Lying

  • The lending and copying of homework or assignments

  • Plagiarism

  • Cheating (cribbing) on tests or examinations

  • Stealing of tests, examination, or personal property

  • Breaking or damaging school property

  • Acts of dishonesty, such as breaking into an individual’s locker, desk, or school bag.

These offenses range in their degree of severity and thus punishments will be imposed accordingly. The principal and his staff will be the ultimate authority in determining the action taken against offending students.

(We realize we are fighting a trend in which, in some areas, is now considered less seriously than in the past. Nevertheless, we are determined to do everything possible to instill a strong and real sense of honor in the hearts and minds of Westwood High School students.)
  

Cell Phones, Beepers, Electronic Devices

The use of cell phones, beepers and i-pods during the school day can be seen, by many, to be a disruptive influence of the daily routine of the school, its students and, teachers. Students are using cell phones and other electronic devices not only to communicate, but to take pictures, which can be considered as an illegal activity. For this reason, students are not permitted to have cell phones/beepers, MP3 player, IPods or any other electronic devices in the classroom, or use them in the building during the school day. A student who possesses cell phones and/or beepers, MP3 Players, IPods or any other electronic device will be told that these must be turned off and not used during class time or in classrooms during the school day (7:45 a.m. —2:15 p.m.) for transmission or reception. For emergency situations to call their parents, students may request to use a telephone at the main office. Teachers may permit, by exception, i-pods in their classroom.

Students who do not adhere to this regulation will have their cell phone, beeper, MP3 Player, IPod or electronic device confiscated for up to 5 days. 
  

Dress Code

The school has always set high expectations for its students. We pride ourselves on maintaining personal standard of conduct and dress.

Once again Westwood is reaffirming its commitment to the highest possible standards of student conduct and dress. We will be expecting our student leaders at all grade levels to set a positive example.

School policy requires that students be neatly attired at all times. Clothing should be clean, and in good repair and should be worn in traditional ways.

All Westwood High School parents are asked to support the school’s code of dress by seeing that their child is properly attired when leaving home in the morning. Any students not adhering to the dress code may be sent home and will be expected to return to the school properly attired as soon as possible.

Students inappropriately dressed may face the following consequences: detentions, suspensions or possible recommendations for expulsions for insubordinations (will be assigned one or more after school detentions. Second offenses will lead to suspension, or recommendation for expulsion for insubordination.)

Students should wear clothing that reflects a positive learning environment free from distractions. It is expected that students wear appropriate, neat and clean clothing at all times.

Examples of unacceptable clothing include and not limited to:

  • Clothing/jewelry which depict drugs, alcohol, beer, violence, profanity or inappropriate language/message;

  • ripped or torn clothing;

  • muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, tube tops, see-through clothing and tops showing visible cleavage;

  • micro skirts and short-shorts;

  • midriffs and backs must be covered;

  • pants must be worn at the waist so as not to show undergarments;

  • footwear must be worn at all times: running shoes in the gymnasium, and suitable footwear elsewhere;

  • sleepwear is not acceptable attire for school;

  • Hats/tuques/bandannas/visors (except for religious headgear) are not to be worn in the school.

Hats and hoods are not to be worn in school for a number of reasons. When entering an institutional building it is a sign of respect to remove one’s hat or hood. Students are encouraged to take educational risks and in order to do so it is helpful to detach from security blankets. Visual communication between teachers and students is very important in the teaching/learning process, hats and hoods hide the faces of students, impeding visual communication.

Hats worn in school or any other inappropriate clothing will be confiscated and deposited at the main office and can only be retrieved at the discretion of the principal and/or vice-principal.

For security reasons, outdoor coats/jackets and school bags must remain in the students’ lockers during school hours and are not to be worn in the school building and cafeteria line-up.

Consequences for inappropriate dress, at the discretion of the principal or vice-principal, may include:

  • Student being sent home;

  • parent being called to deliver appropriate clothing;

  • detention (first offense);

  • suspension/recommendation for expulsion (consequent offenses for insubordination);

  • hats worn in school will be confiscated;

  • students may be given a t-shirt to wear to hide inappropriate clothing.

Cyber Misconduct, Cyber-Bullying

Cyber misconduct involves the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone, and pager text messages, instant messaging, defamatory personal Web sites, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group that is intended to harm others. Such acts are considered harassment and criminal acts and will be dealt with accordingly. The Westwood community takes cyber misconduct seriously and student taking part in cyber-bullying will be dealt with severely. Please refer to the following three sections on this website:Information Systems Policy, Harassment, and Criminal Offenses for more information and consequences that student may face.
  

Harassment - Physical, Verbal, and/or Cyber Bullying

Harassment, which in some cases may be described as bullying, can be psychological or physical. Specific examples include:

  1. unwelcome leering or staring;

  2. unwelcome racial slurs, epithets, threats, verbal abuse, derogatory comments, or degrading descriptions;

  3. unwelcome communication including that about an individual’s body, attire, racial origin, or overly personal comments;

  4. unwelcome invasion of an individual’s privacy;

  5. unwelcome jokes, stories, drawings, pictures, or gestures;

  6. the spreading of malicious rumors

  7. suggestions or demands for payment accompanied by implied or explicit threats (taxing);

  8. cornering or blocking normal movements;

  9. misuse of power or position;

  10. stalking (Lester B. Pearson School Board Safe and Caring Schools Policy)

The Lester B. Pearson School Board believes that everyone in our community is entitled to a safe, secure, and respectful environment free from all forms of harassment and violent behavior. (Lester B. Pearson School Board Safe and Caring Schools Policy.)
 

Generally, harassment consists of repeated acts. However, a single action may also be considered to be harassment.

Harassment includes:

  1. any action, intentional or not, including action of a sexual nature, directed at an individual or group by another individual or group who knows or ought to know that this action is unwanted;

  2. any implied or explicit bribe, and/or threat of reprisal;

  3. any behavior, verbal or physical, which creates an intimidating or hostile atmosphere;

  4. any action, intentional or not, that demeans an individual or group;

  5. any perceived threat to or abuse of personal property.

At the discretion of the principal or vice-principal students will face the following consequences: a meeting of the student and his or her parents with the principal or vice-principal, and school counsellor. One or more after school detentions will be assigned. The offender will be given an assignment.

Further Offences: A meeting of the student and his or her parents with the principal or vice-principal and the school counsellor; resulting in possible suspension, and/or community work, or recommendation for school expulsion; may include police involvement. (For more details refer to the LBPSB Safe and Caring Schools Policy.)
  

Fighting - Violent Behaviour

Violent Behaviour:

  1. students who fight, assault or verbally abuse other … people may be suspended. The length of suspension will depend on the severity of the incident and the degree of involvement of the individual student. The police may be involved.

  2. Where the abuse is deemed to constitute an attack by two or more students on another, whether provoked or unprovoked, the police may be involved and the length of suspension will be five school days.

  3. Students who, in the absence of mitigating circumstances, assault another person to the extent that serious bodily injury requiring medical intervention ensues, shall be recommended for expulsion and the police will be involved.

  4. Where the offence involves any form of sexual harassment, the procedures outlined in the section of this Policy relating to harassment will be applied. The police may be involved and sanctions will be applied according to this policy. (Lester B. Pearson School Board Safe and Caring Schools Policy.)

Following the incident, the principal… will ensure that a written report is placed in a confidential school file and a confidential copy is sent to the appropriate director.  

Insubordination

Insubordination is a willful disregard of directives issued by a staff member (administrator, teacher, aide, secretary, bus driver, care taker, etc.). It is a blatant disrespect towards authority.

At the discretion of the principal or vice-principal students may face the following consequences: detention(s) and/or community work, with a written apology by the student and signed by the parents. Possible conference with the vice-principal and teacher or any other staff member involved, if necessary, including parents.

Further offenses: meeting with the student and principal or vice-principal, parents, resulting in possible suspension, community work, or recommendation for school expulsion.
  

Skipping Classes, School, Homeroom

At the discretion of the principal or vice-principal students may face the following consequences: detention(s) and parent notification.

Further offenses: Meeting with the principal or vice-principal resulting in possible suspension and/or community work, or recommendation for expulsion.
  

Leaving School without Permission

A parent/guardian requesting that their child be excused at a time earlier than regular dismissal time must submit a parental note to the Main Office prior to first period. This note must contain the reason for early dismissal as well as the time the child will be leaving. The child must sign out at the Main Office before he or she leaves the building. Since the hours spent in class are most important to the student’s educational success, it is urged that early dismissals be confined to matters of urgency and necessity that cannot be handled outside of school hours.

Should a student fall ill during school hours, the student is requested to report to the office. Authorization from administration is required before a student may leave the building. The student again must sign out before leaving. At the discretion of the principal or vice-principal students who fail to follow this protocol will face the following consequences: one or more after school detentions and parent notification.

Further offenses: Meeting with the principal or vice-principal resulting in possible suspension and/or community work, or recommendation for expulsion for insubordination.
  

Gambling

Any form of gambling is not permitted. Students failing to comply with this regulation may receive one or more detentions and/or suspension and/or community services. Students may be referred for counselling. 
 

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The school’s policy on drugs and alcohol is that possession, use, or selling of drugs or drug paraphernalia, and alcohol in the school (on school property or school sanctioned activities) is prohibited. The consequences of any such behavior by students will be severe.

At the discretion of the principal or vice-principal students may face the following consequences:

First offense: the substance, related paraphernalia, or alcohol, etc. will be confiscated. (for appropriate disposal by the principal or vice-principal.) The police may be contacted for assistance. The student may be required to complete a special assignment related to the infraction; and the student may be prohibited from participation in, or attendance at, specific co-curricular activities for a period of time to be determined by the administrator; the student may be suspended from school for a period of up to five days, which may include community service. Parents/legal guardians will be informed of the infraction. The student may be referred to a drug counsellor for assessment needs.

Second offense: the substance, related paraphernalia, or alcohol, etc. will be confiscated. The police may be contacted for assistance. The student will be referred to a counsellor or a social worker for a preliminary interview. If further assistance is indicated, the student will be required to attend follow-up sessions, which may include referral to outside agencies. The student may be required to complete a special assignment related to the infraction; the student may be prohibited from participation in, or attendance at, specific-co-curricular activities for a period of time to be determined by the principal or vice-principal; the student may be suspended from school for a period of up to ten days, which may include community service. Parents/legal guardians will be informed of the infraction. The student and parents will be referred to family and drug counselling.

Third offense: the substance, related paraphernalia, and alcohol, etc. will be confiscated. The police may be contacted for assistance. The student may be recommended for expulsion. Parents/legal guardians will be informed.

NOTE: Drug Trafficking -- For any infraction where the use or possession of alcohol or an illicit drug is for the purpose of trafficking/supplying: a) the police shall be called to investigate; b) the student(s) may be expelled (Lester B. Pearson School Board Safe and Caring Schools Policy).

 

Tobacco Policy

As of May 31, 2006, smoking or the use of any tobacco product is not permitted in public areas within the province of Quebec. In regulation with this law, students caught with possession of tobacco products, smoking tobacco products, or using tobacco products on school property, which includes school buildings and premises indoor and outdoor, will be severely punished.

At the discretion of the principal or vice-principal students will face the following consequences:

First offense: the tobacco or tobacco product will be confiscated for appropriate disposal by the administrator. The student may be required to complete a special assignment related to the infraction; and the student may be prohibited from participation in, or attendance at, specific-co-curricular activities for a period of time to be determined by the administrator. Student will serve one or more after school detention. Parents/legal guardians will be informed of the infraction. 

Second offense: the tobacco or tobacco product will be confiscated for appropriate disposal by the administrator. The student will be counseled to enter a smoking cessation program; the student may be suspended from school for a period of up to three days, which may include community work. Parents/legal guardians will be informed of the infraction. 

Third offense: confiscation of the tobacco products, meeting with parents with possible suspension for a period of up to five days, or recommendation for expulsion for insubordination.

The tobacco or tobacco product will be confiscated for appropriate disposal. The student will face appropriate disciplinary action; which could include special assignments, detentions and possible suspensions. Parents/legal guardians will be informed of the infraction.

The school reserves the right to search any student or his or her locker, if that student is suspected of having tobacco, drugs, or illegal substances or stolen items.

(For more details refer to the Lester B. Pearson School Board Safe and Caring Schools Policy.)
   

Taping during Class

Audio or video-taping of class activities is strictly forbidden unless specific permission to do so is given beforehand by the teacher concerned. Permission not withstanding, students should note that taping of any copyrighted material (audio, video, or printed) is illegal. This includes using a cell phone recording device.

Students violating this guideline, at the discretion of the principal or vice-principal may receive a warning with one or more after school detentions and parent notification. Students who continue to violate this guideline, at the discretion of the principal or vice-principal may receive possible suspension for insubordination and meeting with parents.
  

Weapons

Students are not permitted to bring onto school property any form of weapon or potentially dangerous object whatsoever. Guns, BB guns, knives, daggers, firecrackers, matches, lighters, tools (screwdrivers, hammers) which can be used as weapons, etc. are forbidden at all times.

Students who fail to comply with this regulation may expect to receive severe punishment. The principal will determine the discipline for such an occurrence.

Students found in possession of a firearm or explosive, including a pellet gun, will be recommended for expulsion and the police will be involved. Possession of a replica of a firearm may, at the discretion of the school principal, be subject to the same sanctions.

Students who use any weapon, prohibited or non-prohibited, or a replica thereof in an assault, or use any weapon or replica of a weapon in a threatening manner towards another person will be recommended for expulsion and the police will be involved.

Students found in possession of a prohibited weapon, other than a firearm or explosive, on the first occasion, will be suspended for 15 school days and the police shall be involved. Expulsion may be recommended.

Students found in possession of a non-prohibited weapon, on the first occasion, will be suspended for 10 school days.

Students who threaten the use of any weapon, prohibited or non-prohibited, against other persons or with the intent of disrupting school activities will be suspended for 15 school days and the police shall be involved.

Students who threaten the use of any weapon, prohibited or non-prohibited, against other persons will be suspended for 10 school days and the police may be involved.

Students found in possession of any weapon or who threaten the use of any weapon, on the second occasion, will be recommended for expulsion. If the weapon is prohibited the police will be involved. (LBPSB Safe and Caring Schools Policies)
  

Public Displays of Affection

Students are expected to conduct themselves with complete propriety concerning public displays of affection.

A friendly gesture between members of the same or opposite sex is acceptable if it might commonly be tolerated by a parent at home or by a teacher at the start or finish of a class. (e.g. a handshake, or handhold, a brief hug, a quick hello or goodbye kiss on the cheek.)

Any gesture, which displays or clearly hints at close physical intimacy, is not acceptable at any time within the school bounds or while engaged in any school-sponsored activity (e.g.: a substantial embrace, a prolonged kiss, using any part of the body to deliberately restrict or prevent someone else’s freedom of movement.)

At the principal or vice-principal’s discretion students will receive a warning and parents’ may be notified.
 

Subsequent display of such behavior may result at the principal or vice-principal’s discretion with parent notification and possible suspension for insubordination, and meeting with parents.

Disciplinary Probation

Disciplinary Probation is the school’s clearest warning that a student’s behavior is unacceptable. A student will be placed on disciplinary probation by the principal or vice-principal. While on Disciplinary Probation, a student who accumulates minor infractions or who violates a major school rule will most likely be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion.


Students placed on disciplinary probation are students who have accumulated several school infractions and are in danger of being suspended or students who are returning from a suspension and require guidance and support to maintain good standing.
  

Suspension Policy

The primary consequence of suspension is the removal of a student from the curricular and co-curricular services of the school for the period of the suspension.

There may be several reasons why suspension of a student may be considered. These include and are not limited to:

  • A gross violation of the Westwood High School Student Policies, Rules, and Regulations and/or flagrant disregard for the Student Code of Conduct and its core values.

  • A chronic pattern of misbehavior judged to have detrimental effect on student life.

A chronic pattern of misbehavior judged to have detrimental effect on student life.

The decision to suspend a student is made by the principal and/or the vice-principal.

While under suspension, the student:

  • May not visit the school, school premises, or surrounding area.

  • May not use school transportation.

  • May not participate in any school activity or event.

  • Must of his or her own will, acquire assignments from a classmate and keep his or her work up to date.

Damaging of Individual or School Property and Stealing

At the discretion of the principal or vice-principal students will face the following consequences: one or more after school detentions and parents informed. Parents/guardians will be responsible for reimbursement and/or replacement of stolen/damaged items; depending on the severity, a meeting with the vice-principal and the student’s parents.

Students who repeat such offences will be required to meet with the school counsellor for counselling. In addition, a conference with the vice-principal and the student’s parents as well as possible suspension with community work, or recommendation for expulsion.

Selling of food or any other goods in the school

The unauthorized selling of food or drinks or other goods by students in the school is prohibited at all times and will face consequences accordingly.

First offense: warning with an after school detention.

Subsequent offense: disciplinary report sent to parents, with possible suspension for insubordination, and meeting with parents.
 

 Emergency Procedures

During fire drills and other evacuation emergencies, everyone in the school must leave the building as quickly as possible without resorting to running; responding as quickly as possible to instructions given by the teacher, and observing the “no talking” rule in force during the evacuation of the building. Students are to remain with their class and teacher at all times. Tampering with fire extinguishers will result in a fine being levied and severe disciplinary sanctions.

During lockdown procedures, everyone in the school must follow the teacher or first responders instructions, close and lock the classroom/office door and wait for further instructions.
 

Code RED: Lockdown: Close and lock doors and windows, don’t leave the room and gather everyone on the floor – out of sightline of intruder(s).
     
Code YELLOW: Be prepared for an evacuation
Wait for more information.
     
Code GREEN Everyone report to new gym.
     
Code BLUE: Open the windows and wait for more information

 

For the safety and security of all students and personnel of Westwood High School, students must keep their outerwear and school bags (or the like) in their lockers at all times. Students are not permitted to wander the halls and classrooms with overcoats and bags. Students who refuse to respect the safety and security of our community will be considered insubordinate and will be sanctioned consequences.

 Community Work

At Westwood High School we believe that community service is one of the cornerstones of learning. We can learn a lot about human relations and about ourselves. For this reason, community work may be linked with suspensions. Students who need time to reflect and gain a better understanding of their responsibilities at school and within the community they live in will benefit from this experience.

The expected time commitments are intentionally low and students who feel that they wish to volunteer more time are encouraged to do so.

The number of community work will help reduce the number of suspension days. This is at the discretion of the principal and/or vice-principal.

Student Interrogation

“The Youth Criminal Justice Act only requires that students be informed of their rights in light of possible disciplinary action which could lead to criminal charges. Thus, school officials are free to question students in the course of investigating an incident of misconduct and for the purpose of imposing internal sanctions.” (How Does the Quebec Education System Work, OREP, McGill)

 Student Personal Search and Search of Belongings

“School authorities and teachers may proceed with the search of a student. This is what the Supreme Court of Canada has established in the case of R. V. M. (M.R.). Thus, they may search a student and seize prohibited items, drugs, or any instrument which may be used as a weapon.

In an educational institution, students cannot expect a complete protection of their right to privacy. Teachers and school authorities have the obligation to provide a safe environment and to maintain order and discipline. This may necessitate the search of students and their personal belongings”. (Police Presence in Educational Institutions, Frame of Reference, MELS)