The purpose of the Sentinel Code of Conduct is to establish and maintain a safe, caring, inclusive, and orderly environment for purposeful learning. In alignment with West Vancouver Schools District AP 350, the BC School Act, and the BC Human Rights Code, this policy seeks to balance individual rights, freedoms, and collective responsibilities.

Scope of Application

This Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community on school property, at all school-related events and activities, while traveling to and from school, and in any circumstances (including digital/online environments) where behavior negatively impacts the learning environment, safety, or well-being of the school community.

Privacy, Consent, and FIPPA Compliance

Respecting the privacy of all individuals and adhering to establish consent protocols are integral to a safe school climate.  Sentinel Secondary protects personal information and handles all reporting and behavioral investigations with strict confidentiality, ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

Roles and Responsibilities

A safe and inclusive school culture requires a shared commitment from all members of our community:

• Administration: Will communicate expectations clearly, apply the Code of Conduct consistently, fairly, and reasonably, and investigate incidents using trauma-informed, restorative processes.
• Staff: Will model appropriate behavior, educate and support students in understanding conduct expectations, and monitor and respond to student behavior consistently.
• Students: Will follow the Code of Conduct, behave respectfully toward all members of the school community both in person and online, report concerns or unsafe behavior to trusted adults, and take personal responsibility for their choices.
• Parents & Guardians: Will know and understand the Code of Conduct, partner with the school to promote respectful communication, reinforce expectations at home, and model respectful behavior across all communication channels (including social media).
• Visitors & Volunteers: Will adhere to the safety and behavioral expectations of the school while on district property or attending school events.

Sentinel Secondary promotes the values expressed in Sections 7 and 8 of the Human Rights Code. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion based on the following grounds will not be tolerated within the accommodation, services, facilities, or publications of the school environment:

• Indigenous identity, race, color, ancestry, place of origin
• Religion, political belief, family status, age
• Sex, real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression
• Physical, mental, or sensory disability
• Physical appearance

Acceptable Behavior

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner outlined by the Sentinel G.U.A.R.D.S. Values Statements. This includes:

• Respecting self, others, and school property.
• Engaging in purposeful learning and contributing positively to the school culture.
• Using inclusive, non-discriminatory, and respectful language and actions.
• Acting in ways that promote physical and emotional safety and well-being.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or malicious exclusion.
• Threats, violence, unsafe actions, or encouraging unsafe behavior.
• Theft, vandalism, or damage to school or personal property.
• Possession, use, or distribution of illegal or controlled substances, alcohol, smoking, or vapor products.
• Possession or use of weapons, replicas, or objects that imitate weapons (e.g., imitation firearms or knives).
• Academic misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and the unauthorized or un-cited use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
• Inappropriate use of personal or school technology to harm, harass, or disrupt learning.
• Interference with learning environments or school operations.

Personal Digital Devices are to be appropriately used during instructional time in accordance with the District Admin Procedure 370 and the student expectations outlined within this School Code of Conduct.    

If a personal digital device is required for instructional purposes, or to support a student’s medical and health or accessibility and accommodation needs, teachers/staff will provide clear guidelines and expectations around their use for these purposes and ensure that use is adequately supervised.    Considerations for personal digital device use will also be made to ensure equity to support learning outcomes for any student who may be disproportionately impacted by the lack of access.    

Personal Digital Devices means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as cell phones, phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and any other portable technology device.  

Sentinel Secondary’s dress guidelines reflect student self-expression, personal identity, and cultural diversity, while maintaining suitability for a respectful school environment. Students have the right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or expression. Clothing choices must:

• Not promote or depict alcohol, drugs, violence, racism, sexism, or discrimination.
• Not use profane, vulgar, or intimidating language/imagery.
• Conform with established health and safety requirements for specific activities (e.g., science labs, shops, physical education). Cleats may not be worn inside the school building.

Enforcement of these guidelines will be handled discreetly and respectfully by administration, ensuring student learning time is not unnecessarily disrupted.

When a student fails to adhere to the Code of Conduct, staff and administration will follow a pattern of progressive discipline. Interventions focus on educational and restorative responses rather than strictly punitive outcomes whenever appropriate.

In all cases, the student’s goal should be to understand how he or she failed to follow the Sentinel Value Statements (G.U.A.R.D.S.), accept the consequences gracefully, and avoid making the same mistake.

Disciplinary decisions will strictly adhere to principles of procedural fairness, guaranteeing students the right to be heard and parents the right to timely, written notification and consultation regarding significant consequences.

Special Considerations & Equity Framework

In determining appropriate interventions, administration will review conduct on an individual basis and apply special considerations:

• Developmental Appropriateness: Expectations and processes will align with the student’s age and maturity, with rising expectations as students progress through successive grades.
• Diverse Learners: Required accommodations and supports will be provided for students with intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioral disabilities.
• Indigenous Context: Interventions for students of Indigenous ancestry will be approached mindfully, incorporating historical context, culturally responsive supports, and Indigenous advocates/ways of knowing.
• Trauma-Informed Approaches: Responses will prioritize student well-being, utilizing supportive interventions (e.g., counseling, mentorship, youth workers, or safety plans) alongside or in place of formal consequences.

Suspensions and Appeals

In cases of serious breaches (e.g., violent behavior, weapons, drug distribution), the building administrator may impose an in-school or out-of-school suspension for up to 5 days and may activate the West Vancouver Student Threat Assessment Protocol. Suspensions exceeding 5 days require a formal District review. Families have access to the District appeals process for decisions involving significant disciplinary consequences.

Reporting & Retaliation Prevention

All incidents of unacceptable behavior must be reported to a trusted staff member or administrator. Sentinel Secondary is committed to addressing reported infractions in a timely, fair, and confidential manner.

Retaliation Prevention: The school will take reasonable, proactive, and immediate steps to protect and prevent retaliation against any individual who reports a breach of the Code of Conduct. Follow-up support, monitoring, and counseling resources will be provided to all impacted individuals.