A great emphasis is placed on learning both academically and socially to promote the successful graduate. The staff at AMHS strongly believes that a safe learning environment begins with a sense of safety in the classroom.
Students are expected to demonstrate behaviour that is always respectful and courteous. This includes demonstrating respect for each other and our communities. These expectations are outlined below in the school’s Code of Conduct. The AMHS Code of Conduct is based on the “Ontario Schools: Code of Conduct” and specific regulations from The Ontario Education Act.
Responsibility of Students
The Ontario Regulation 298, section 23 states (4) A pupil shall,
- be diligent in attempting to master such studies as are part of the program in which the pupil is enrolled.
- exercise self-discipline.
- accept such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm judicious parent.
- attend classes punctually and regularly.
- be courteous to fellow pupils and obedient and courteous to teachers.
- be clean in person and habits.
- take such tests and examinations as are required by or under the Act or as may be directed by the Minister.
- show respect for school property.
- When a pupil returns to school after an absence, a parent of the pupil, or the pupil where the pupil is an adult, shall give the reason for the absence orally or in writing, as the principal requires.
- A pupil may be excused by the principal from attendance at school temporarily at any time at the written request of a parent of the pupil or the pupil where the pupil is an adult.
- Every pupil is responsible for his or her conduct to the principal of the school that the pupil attends: on the school premises; on out-of-school activities that are part of the school program; and while traveling on a school bus that is owned by a board or on a bus or school bus that is under contract to a board.
- Students are expected to observe and be accountable to the Ontario Safe Schools Policy and the York Region District School Board Safe, Caring and Supportive Schools Policy.
Supporting Positive Student Behavior
- Counseling is provided by teachers, guidance counselors, special education staff, vice-principals, and the principal. Counseling is the most common technique used to address student behavior. Counseling may be combined with other forms of disciplinary action.
- A restorative practice is a response to wrongdoing that focuses on a healing process for those affected by inappropriate behaviour and on the opportunity for the individual to fully understand the impact of his or her actions. One of our goals at AMHS is to create a more inclusive and restorative community that supports students in developing a greater understanding of society and the contributions of each person. The aim is to resolve issues, repair the harm and restore relationships.
- Detentions are given outside of class time and are used when some form of minor deterrent is required. Students will have the time to complete assignments and examine their behaviour in order to determine the changes that must be made. Students who fail to or refuse to serve a detention face further consequences, which may include suspension.
- Students may be required to provide a written description of an incident to be used as the basis for counseling or further action.
- Staff will call home regularly regarding attendance, academic, and behavioural concerns. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers if questions/concerns arise.
- A student contract is a written agreement involving an administrator, the student and in some instances the parents. The contract is intended to correct habitual neglect of duty. The contract states that the student will agree to obey all school rules as well as to specific conditions. In general, contracts are designed to promote acceptable behaviour. The consequences of breaching the agreement are included in the document.
- An Administrator may withdraw a student’s privilege of attending dances, school events or team membership for a specified period of time.
- The return of personal items confiscated during the day will be determined by the teacher and/or Administration. In some situations, a parent may be requested to come to the school to retrieve the item.
- In the case of academic, attendance, behavioural, and personal problems, students may be referred for in-school support. Referrals to social agencies may be suggested in certain circumstances. At AMHS, support staff may include contact with a Child and Youth Worker and/or the school’s Social Worker.
- Police will be notified in such cases as described in the YRDSB’s Caring and Safe Schools and in accordance with the YRDSB/YRP protocol.
- A restorative approach that gives the individual a chance to address the infraction by encouraging the individual to make a plan for restitution, which may include service or payment to an individual, the school, or the community.
- Suspension from school is reserved for serious or habitual offenses and is often preceded by other disciplinary measures. Serious offenses may result in suspension for the first occurrence. The purpose of the suspension is to give the student time to consider appropriate behaviour and to allow parents to counsel the student. The student is responsible for completing work missed while under suspension. While under suspension, students are not permitted on YRDSB property or allowed to participate in any school field trips, sporting events, performances, etc.
- When a student is expelled, they are removed from AMHS. Studies will continue at an alternative location. A hearing will be held to determine further consequences. Please review Caring and Safe Schools Policy.