Code of Conduct

We at Holy Cross School believe all people are created in the image and likeness of God and, as such, all peoples have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Here at Holy Cross School we promote academic excellence.

We believe that everyone - students, parents/ guardians, teachers, staff, and volunteers - has the right to be safe and feel safe in our schools. With this right comes a very large responsibility to be law-abiding citizens, and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself. Violent or disrespectful behaviour is contrary to our Gospel and Catholic values. It is important to understand that effective discipline depends on the cooperation between the school and parents/guardians.

We at Holy Cross School believe in a four-part approach to learning that involves staff, students, parents/guardians and the greater Catholic Community.

School Responsibilities

Staff will:

• Promote the Catholic faith and live the school’s mission statement
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity and respect toward all students and parents/guardians
• Maintain fair and consistent standards of behaviour for all students
• Ensure a safe, orderly, and clean learning environment
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians
• Respect confidential information about students, families and staff in order to maintain integrity
• Teach & model appropriate conflict resolution skills.

Student Responsibilities

At Holy Cross School, we believe it is important that students follow the established rules and take responsibility for their own actions

Students will:

• Respect the ideas, opinions, and rights of others. Respect and demonstrate consideration for other cultures
• Behave respectfully to everyone. Bullying or intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated
• Show common courtesy and respect to all. Defiance of authority, abusive language, and aggressive behaviour is unacceptable
• Be honest in their daily lives. Lying, cheating, stealing, and academic dishonesty are unacceptable and not in accordance with our Catholic values
• Respect school property and the property of others
• Respect the needs of others to work in a safe environment of learning and teaching
• Come to school prepared to learn and complete assignments on time, to the best of their ability
• Be punctual and attend school regularly
• Comply with the school's uniform policy
• Be respectful when attending off-school facilities
• Unnatural hair colours (pink, green, blue, purple, orange, etc.) are not permitted.

Student Expectations (school rules)

In order to maintain a respectful school environment for all, students will:

• Refrain from bringing anything to school that might compromise the health and safety of others
• Maintain a clean environment for themselves and others
• Solve conflicts peacefully through discussion or by seeking help
• Use school equipment appropriately
• Follow any guidelines communicated through daily morning announcements

* For a more comprehensive list, please see the Safe School tab under the Code of Conduct

Parent/Guardians Responsibilities

Parents/guardians play an important role in their children's education. Active participation by the parents/guardians supports and benefits students by creating a safe and respectful learning environment. 

Parents/Guardians will:

• Ensure regular and punctual attendance
• Assist their child(ren) in being prepared for school (i.e. supplies, uniforms, Phys. Ed. clothes, signed forms returned to school promptly, daily review of students agenda)
• Review Holy Cross School's Code of Conduct with child(ren) and encourage responsible citizenship by following school rules and expectations. Assist their child(ren) to establish positive attitudes towards achievement as well as respect for peers, school staff, and property
• Communicate regularly with teachers as the need arises
• Ensure concerns are addressed in a respectful manner with the child(ren)'s teacher. Follow proper order of contacts as stated in the Consequences section of the Code of Conduct
• Attend school meetings and events and support the school

Consequences

The severity of the infraction to school rules will direct the type of consequence a student will receive. The consequences listed below will not necessarily be applied in the order shown. Disciplinary decisions can be appealed in a respectful manner with the child’s teacher. If unresolved, parents may then contact the vice-principal for resolution. If the problem remains, a written communication must be sent to the Holy Cross School Principal and then as a final step, a written communication with the Holy Cross School Board. All decisions will be guided by the Manitoba Education Administration Act.

Disciplinary consequences for violating the school’s Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Warnings
• Time outs/cooling-off periods
• Apologies
• Conferences
• Phone call to parent/guardian
• Removal of privileges
• Not permitted to participate in special activities
• Special assignment
• Individual student behaviour plan to be initiated by the teacher for students who have on-going difficulty
• Restitution of deliberate damage to property (i.e. financial or community service)
• Detention at recess, noon hour or after school (24-hour notice to be given for after school detentions)
• In school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension for repeated non-compliance of school rules or serious offenses
• Expulsion (in accordance with Holy Cross School Board policy)
• Police involvement for major infractions