SCHOOL-RELATED EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
If a student misses a class or program without prior notification from their parent or guardian, it will be noted as an Unexcused Absence.
Division leadership will follow up with students with unresolved Unexcused Absences.
Co-curricular Involvement
Students are expected to attend and be on time for their co-curricular activities in the same way they are expected to attend and be on time for their academic classes. If a student is not able to attend a co-curricular activity, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their parent or guardian notifies the teacher and/or administrative assistant prior to the missed program.
School Uniform
Appropriate uniform is to be worn at all times while classes are in session, unless otherwise noted for a special event. Students are to be in their formal uniform every Monday school is in session. All uniform items must comply with the uniform guidelines as outlined in the Parent Handbook, unless approved by the divisional Principals and/or Head of School.
Students are not permitted to wear non-uniform clothing, including hats, jackets, hoodies, or sweaters inside the school. These must be removed upon entry to the school and remain removed through the end of the school day. School leadership may approve team uniforms to be worn on select days. Special celebrations throughout the year may also involve alternate dress (such as House Spirit Days, Orange Shirt Day, etc).
Personal Appearance and Hygiene
The school will respect religious or cultural traditions of our students who observe a particular manner of dress or personal appearance. Students are expected to maintain tidy and healthy standards of personal hygiene.
Post-Secondary Discolure Policy Statement
Stratford Hall views discipline as part of the educational process and normally an internal matter. However, when universities ask admission candidates for information about their high school disciplinary records, we expect our students to respond honestly. We believe that this provides the student with an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions and to demonstrate maturity and strength of character by dealing honestly and forthrightly with universities. Stratford Hall will also provide universities with accurate information about a student’s academic, co-curricular, and character record, in addition to identifying personal qualities that are relevant to the admissions process. Should there be any significant change in a student’s record after applications have been filed, our Post-Secondary Advisors will normally report those changes to the institution(s).
General Philosophy
Making mistakes is a necessary part of growing up. Student misconduct is handled on an individual basis in accordance with the Discipline Process articulated in this document below. The discipline process is viewed as opportunities for students to reflect on their character development and will be addressed in the interests of both the individual and the Stratford Hall School community.
The school has a responsibility to provide a process through which students, staff, and other stakeholders may make, in good faith, reports of wrongful conduct without fear of reprisal. When misconduct is observed or a report of misconduct is made, the school will follow a process of investigation to ensure a fair, reasonable and consistent approach to student discipline.
Decision-makers will consider the student’s age, maturity, special needs (if any), history and disciplinary record along with any relevant precedents and ensure that they have full information and thoroughly understand the situation before making any decision on consequences.
The school employs restorative practices when they fit the nature of the misconduct, for example when a conflict occurs between two people. Restorative justice is an approach that focuses on repairing harm and restoring relationships through dialogue and understanding, rather than simply punishing the offender.
Once a final decision has been made and consequences imposed, an incident report is placed in the student’s file and distributed to appropriate administrators. Parent/guardian contact (via phone) and/or a formal letter may be required, depending on the outcome.
Where the School feels that a student is not meeting their academic responsibilities, parents will be notified, and an Academic Contract may be issued. These are formal processes initiated by the School intended to highlight and make the student aware of the School’s concerns relating to the student and to direct the student to the available resources and support within the School with the hope that the student will make use of them. An Academic Contract is not intended to be punitive.
Level III Infraction
Significant student misconduct, including actions that may pose a threat to the safety and wellbeing of the School community.
• Continuation of unmodified level I and level II misconduct;
• Multiple level II misconduct infractions;
• Fighting, intent to injure another person, unwarranted physical confrontations, and/or loss of control;
• Theft;
• Drug usage;
• Vandalism;
• Possession of a weapon including knives,fireworks, pellet guns, or replicas of weapons;
• Forgery of notes.
1. The teacher will immediately intervene when the incident occurs and refer the incident to an administrator.
2. This may include a facilitated restorative meeting to address the harm, involving relevant parties to collectively determine what needs to be done to make things right.
3. An administrator investigates the incident or appoints an investigator. This may include taking written statements and/or meeting with the teacher and/or student if necessary. The student’s history and disciplinary record is reviewed.
4. Parent contact is made by the school administrator regarding the suspension and possible Review Process.
5. If required, the Review Committee will review the case and make a recommendation to the Head of School.
6. The administrator meets with the student and parent/guardian(s) to review the outcome of the investigation.
Consequences may include all of the items above and:
• A clear plan for actions to repair harm and prevent recurrence
• Responsibility for cost of repairs due to the misconduct
• Suspension (up to 5 days)
• Review with the possibility of expulsion
• Possible police involvement
LEVEL OF INFRACTION EXAMPLES
(including but not limited to)
Level IV Infraction
Severe conduct that, in the professional judgment of the designated administrator, poses an imminent threat to the safety and wellbeing of the School community.
• Any actions which fit the definition of level IV infraction.
PROCESS
1. The teacher will immediately intervene when the incident occurs and refer the incident to a school administrator.
2. A school administrator investigates the incident or appoints an investigator. This may include taking written statements and/or meeting with the teacher, witnesses and/or student if necessary. The student’s history and disciplinary record is reviewed.
3. Parent contact made by a school administrator regarding the suspension and review continued enrollment
4. The Review Committee will review the case and make a recommendation to the Head of School.
5. A school administrator meets with student and parent/guardian(s) to review the outcome of the investigation and determine continued enrollment.
Consequences will include:
• Review with the possibility of expulsion
• Engage emergency personnel and/or police involvement
All concerns should be first addressed with the appropriate member of the School staff. Should a parent/guardian or student decide to appeal a school decision, they should follow the appeals process described in the Parent Handbook.