Link to PDF

(updated June 2025)

Safe, Caring, and Orderly Schools

The Greater Victoria School District is committed to each student’s success, and nurtures student learning and
well-being in a culturally safe, culturally responsive, and inclusive learning community.

All members of our learning community have the right to an environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family or marital status, physical or mental disability, age, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, or any other reason noted in the BC Human Rights Code.

This Code of Conduct aligns with the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s guide to Safe, Caring, and
Orderly Schools summarized as:
• Safe schools are ones in which everyone is free of the fear of harm
• Caring schools are ones in which everyone feels a sense of belonging and support
• Orderly schools are free from chaos and confusion, and alive with purposeful learning

This Student Code of Conduct also aligns with the Local Education Agreements (LEAs) of Esquimalt Nation
and Songhees Nation, and the Education Agreements with the Métis Nation of Greater Victoria and Urban
Peoples’ House Indigenous Advisory. Any policy changes that will impact Indigenous students must be
shared with the Indigenous Education Council.

Purpose & Goals

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set clear expectations for appropriate student behaviour and inform
consequences for inappropriate behaviour. This Code of Conduct aims to foster learning environments that:
• Support students’ potential, aspirations, and achievements
• Maintain balances among individual and collective rights, freedoms, and responsibilities
• Provide consistent expectations between various schools and learning environments
• Inform students of rising expectations for their behaviour as they age and mature

Expected Conduct

All members of our school community are expected to behave in a responsible and respectful manner while at
school and while attending school functions at any location. These expectations include:
• Treating all members of our learning community with dignity, respect, and kindness
• Respecting school property and personal property
• Arriving on time to all classes (unless excused), using class time effectively, and being prepared to learn
• Contributing to the learning environment in a constructive manner
• Voicing opinions respectfully using polite and inclusive language
• Using technology and school resources appropriately
• Maintaining a food and scent sensitive environment (including being aware and respectful of those with
food or scent allergies)
• Using and storing transportation aides (including bicycles, skateboards etc.) in a safe and orderly manner
• Driving personal vehicles safely and parking in designated student spaces
• Respecting out-of-bounds areas on school property

Unacceptable Conduct

All members of our school community are expected to behave in ways that do not infringe on the rights and
freedoms of others to have a safe, caring, and orderly school environment. Unacceptable conduct includes:
• Acts of hate, racism, violence, harassment, hazing, or bullying (physical, verbal, online, or otherwise)
• Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances, alcohol, tobacco (except for approved ceremonial
purposes with proper protocol), e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or related paraphernalia
• Possession, use, or distribution of weapons (including imitation or replica weapons)
• Disruptive or defiant actions
• Use of inappropriate language, gestures, images, and/or symbols
• Illegal acts such as theft, damage to property (including graffiti)
• Taking, producing, or distributing photos, videos, or audio recordings of students or staff without consent
from the individual
• Visiting other school campuses without permission
• Selling, trading, or gambling (unless authorized by the school)
• Plagiarism, cheating, or inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Wearing clothing promoting substance/alcohol use, discrimination, offensive language or images, or other
inappropriate content

Cell Phones and Personal Digital Devices

A ‘personal digital device’ means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet. Restricting the use of personal digital devices at school is for the purpose of promoting online safety and focused learning environments.
• Students are expected to follow restrictions set by their school and/or school staff, such as storing devices
out of sight and on silent or airplane mode.
• During instructional hours, usage is at the teacher’s discretion and direction for instructional purposes and
digital literacy, taking into consideration appropriate use for the students’ age and developmental stage.
• Equity must be considered to support learning outcomes. Accommodations can be made for students
without a personal digital device who may need one to complete schoolwork, and to support students
who may have disabilities, diverse abilities, or medical/health needs.
For full details, visit sd61.bc.ca.

Interventions, Supports, and Consequences

Consequences for students who do not follow the Code of Conduct will be appropriate to the behaviour, as well as the maturity level of the student. Whenever possible, conflict resolution practices are restorative rather than punitive, aiming to provide students with opportunities to take responsibility for their actions, fix and learn from their mistakes, and resolve concerns in a constructive manner. Special considerations may apply to students who are unable to comply with expectations due to having an exceptionality of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioural nature.

The LEAs will help inform any disciplinary actions that may need to be taken on account of student behaviour.

Bylaws, Policies, and Regulations

Students and all members of our learning community are responsible for following the bylaws, policies, and regulations as approved and enacted by the Board of Education.

Notification

It is important that parents/caregivers be informed when serious contraventions occur. District personnel and third parties (e.g. police and/or other agencies) may also be informed, with the specific goal of resolving the situation in the best interests of both the student and the school community.

Retaliation Prevention

Students are encouraged to “step in and speak out” if they witness acts that do not align with the Code of Conduct. This may involve seeking the help of a teacher, school administrator, counsellor, parent, or other trusted adult. To maintain a safe environment, acts of retaliation against a student who reports a breach of the Code of Conduct are taken very seriously and will be addressed.

School Messaging

Esquimalt High school values diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students, staff and guests feel safe and respected. Relationships form the foundation of our school community – as such, we strive to create a culture that fosters belonging and connection to support academic success and social-emotional well-being.