School Policies

Closed Campus

After much deliberation with parents, teachers and students it has been decided that QJS is a closed campus. The adults of the QJS educational community see this as a safety measure. That means that when students walk onto the school grounds in the morning or get dropped off by the bus on school ground they are to remain on campus until they go home at end of the day.  When students remain on campus we are in a position to better ensure their safety. If you have questions or concerns about his policy, please contact the school. Students who disregard the close campus expectations are subject to the administration of our school code of conduct.

Dress Code

POLICY RATIONALE
A safe and positive learning environment is supported by a dress code that encourages respect, responsibility and safety in all schools and school-sponsored events.

  • Quesnel Junior School students will dress to project a positive image at all times.
  • Gang related, hate related, racist, sexist or homophobic statements, symbols and/or images are not permitted on clothing or as accessories.
  • Jewelry or accessories that are potentially dangerous (e.g. spiked bracelets) are not permitted.
  • Clothing and/or accessories with sexual content, substance abuse, violence, profanity or other inappropriate images or references to nationality, race and gender are not permitted.
  • Footwear must be worn as a matter of health and safety within the school environment.

Students who do not meet dress code standards may be asked by any staff to remove/reverse offensive items or borrow an alternate piece of clothing from a friend to use as a cover up.

Electronic Devices

Clearly technology is such a part of our lifestyle that our electronics policy needs to evolve to reflect the reality that we use technology to help us think, learn, solve problems, communicate, collaborate and contribute effectively in the modern learning environment. Instead of limiting technology, QJS seeks to embrace the value offered by technology to help our learners work together to achieve shared goals and to fulfill learning responsibilities facilitated by our educational staff.

While the QJS staff embraces the opportunities technology offers our programs we do recognize the social and learning issues associated with electronics. Students should note it is illegal to take pictures or capture test materials or lectures without the permission of the person being recorded or photographed. Devices have the ability to take pictures and these pictures could be posted to websites. Text messaging can also become a problem. Instant messaging and text messaging can facilitate bullying and harassment which is considered to be a serious problem and violates other Board and Ministry policies. 

The purpose of this policy is simple. We want to support the integrity of one’s right to privacy through the regulated  and reasonable use of Personal Electronic Devices and we want to set parameters for the use of Personal Electronic Devices in the school learning environment or at school sanctioned activities. 

School District 28 (Quesnel)

 Electronics Policy           # 704
Electronics Procedure #704 
QJS Policy Statement:
The use of digital technologies for course work and learning is at the discretion and direction of the teacher responsible for learning.  All electronic devices not approved for use should be in silent mode and secured on your person and out of sight.   This policy is in effect during all regular instructional hours. It does NOT include lunch hours and breaks.
 
The consequences of breaching this policy are outlined below:

  1. First Infraction – Teacher will ask student to shut it off and put it out of sight.
  2. Second Infraction – Teacher will confiscate the offending device and assign a detention (can be with the teacher or in the lunchtime study hall where a problem/solution plan will be created).
  3. Third Infraction – Item is confiscated by the teacher and given to the principal or vice-principal. The student will pick up the electronic device at the end of the school day.  Study hall plan (needing revision now) and contact the parent to collaborate on a solution.
  4. Fourth infraction-The student will have the electronic device confiscated until a parent makes suitable arrangements to retrieve the device. The responsibility is on the student to make arrangements with their parent. 

Progress / Attendance / Lates

Good attendance is key to academic success.   The research is simple – increase the time focused on academics and achievement rises. Parents should ensure to call the school to advise that their child is ill or will be away from the school.  Teachers will make every effort to fulfill homework requests, but parents should be aware that a great deal of instruction /teaching is verbal and may not be available in a homework package.  Students who miss a great deal of school are at risk of decreased academic performance. 
 
Should academic performance / attendance / lates become a problem for your child, teachers will assign him/her a study hall with an opportunity to complete or catch up on work missed.  The study hall will be at lunch time in a designated room. Where there are ongoing concerns, staff will contact the family and arrange to meet to attempt to create a plan of support for the student.

Cheating

Cheating is a form of stealing – taking something that does not belong to you. It can be as simple as copying a computer file or as serious as stealing a test.  The proper term is Academic Dishonesty.  In most post-secondary institutions this is considered one of the most serious violations of student conduct and most often warrants expulsion.  Obviously, this is too harsh a consequence for public schools but we must help students who cheat learn that this is not acceptable.
 
Problems usually arise in two ways.  Students are discovered cheating (evidence) or students, by their actions, give reason to believe that they may have been cheating.  The degree of certainty will play a role in determining the nature of the consequences. Generally the student will be given an opportunity to re-do the assignment/assessment. Parents may be contacted by the teacher or principal. 

Medication at School

This refers to prescribed and "over the counter" medications. If a student must take medication during the school day, school personnel are required to observe the following rules:

  • All medications that are administered by staff are kept in a locked cabinet at school.
  • An authorization form, signed by the physician and guardian, with written directions filled out by the physician must be on file. This applies to ANY medication taken at school – including cough drops!
  • A new medication form is required for any changes (e.g. time, dosage, or medicine).
  • All medications must be in the original container and not require any preparation to administer.
  • A guardian (not the student) must bring medication to school.
  • Medication will not be given on field trips unless prior arrangements have been made.
  • Authorization forms must be re-issued each September for on-going medications.
  • Our students range in age during the course of a year from 12-15 years of age. Self-medication under the direction of parents is certainly acceptable and parents can choose to inform the school administration should they feel it is necessary.