Eastdale's Code of Conduct provides the expectations and consequences for student behaviour at school. The Code of Conduct is created with input from staff, students, and the School Comunity Council.

The Code of Conduct is published in the student handbook distributed to all students in September of each school year.

Absence
If you are absent from school, have your parent/guardian call the school (905-723-8157) before 8:00 AM. Bring a note to your home room teacher when you return a note from your parent/guardian explaining the absence. If the note is not received after two school days, your name will be referred to the vice-principal. Absences not verified by a legitimate note or medical certificate may result in the absence being regarded as a truancy or skip. Forgery of notes is a serious offence. Students who are eighteen years old may write their own notes-provided both the vice-principal and parents have given permission. This is a privilege which students may enjoy as long as they accept the responsibility for appropriate procedures and behaviour. Absences not verified by a legitimate note or medical certificate may result in the absence being regarded as a truancy. Forged notes may result in suspension. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with each department's policy regarding the accessing of work missed, absences during tests, and the late submission of assignments.

Accidents/Injuries
If you are injured during a class, tell your teacher at once. If you have an accident and are injured on school property, notify an administrator in the main office at once so you can be assisted, and an accident form can be completed.

Announcements and National Anthem
During the National Anthem, quietly stand at attention. Listen attentively while the morning announcements are read. If you need to make an announcement, write it clearly on an announcement form in the main office, have it signed by a staff advisor, and hand it in before 8:10 AM on the day it is to be read.

Assemblies and Buyouts
You have a responsibility to behave in assemblies, meetings and other student gatherings in such a way that all present can enjoy and learn from the presentation. Behaviour such as whistling and calling out are not acceptable. Students who are directed to leave the assembly must report immediately to the main office. Consequences for inappropriate behaviour or skipping an assembly may include: detentions, parental contact; apologizing to the individual or group who suffered as a result of the misbehaviour; loss of privilege to attend future assemblies; counselling and support to develop appropriate social skills.

Bicycles
If you ride a bicycle to school, you should lock it securely to the bicycle rack at the front of the school. Bicycles should not be brought into the building unless they are part of a phys. ed. activity, and you are supervised by a teacher. The school will not be held responsible if your bicycle is lost or stolen.

Busses
Riding a school bus is a privilege and not a right. Students are expected to behave in a responsible and mature fashion which exhibits a respect for safe bus riding practices. Students must obey the directions of bus drivers at all times. Safety of all those on the bus is our prime concern. If a driver's attention is diverted from the road, a serious accident can occur. Bus riding behaviour may result in parent notification, detentions and/or temporary removal of bus riding privileges. Persistent unsafe behaviour will result in permanent suspension of bus privileges to and from school and/or school suspension. In addition, bus privileges for school activities (eg. field trips, sport events) will also be re-evaluated.

Cafeteria
The cafeteria is open in the morning and at lunch time to provide snacks and lunches. For health and safety reasons, food and beverages purchased in the cafeteria must remain in the cafeteria. If you bring a bag lunch from home, you must also eat it in the cafeteria. Remember to clear you table when you are finished, place your garbage in the containers provided, and soft drink cans in the recycling bins. Due to the congestion in the cafeteria, game playing (cards, dice, dominoes etc.) is not permitted at any time. The vending machines in the cafeteria are for use ONLY before school, at lunch, and after school. Students may not access vending machines during regular class time, or while in study hall.

Cell Phones/Radios/Pagers
Two-way radios (FRS), pagers, cellular phones, etc. are not allowed in the school building, and will be confiscated. Repeated offences may result in suspension.

Co-Curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities are a privilege and are provided by the school to enhance, not replace students' education experiences. If you have prior knowledge of an absence, excursion or co-curricular activity, you must make proper arrangements with teachers prior to the absence to make up the missed work (test, evaluation, etc.). When participating in co-curricular activities, you must be present in classes on the day of the event. If, for example, an activity is scheduled for part of the day, you are expected to attend all other classes. Students absent from any classes during the school day are not to participate in co-curricular activities scheduled for that day. Exceptions to this rule will be dealt with by the administration. If participating in an Eastdale co-curricular activity (i.e. team sports, clubs, or organizations), you must maintain proper academic standards. eg. at least 50% in each course. Should your grade fall below a cumulative passing mark in one or more of your courses, you may continue to practice with the team or attend the organization's meetings. A decision will be made by the respective coaches or club sponsors, the respective department head and the principal as to whether the student will be permitted full benefits of the co-curricular activity (i.e. participation in games; performances; or club exhibitions) until such time as he/she has met the expectations.

Computers
Computers allow for easy access to large quantities of information. It is the students' responsibility to use information for scholarly purposes and abide by copyright laws. Damage to hardware/network is costly and deprives others of access. Inappropriate use includes but is not limited to:

• viewing or accessing (copy, download, print, etc.) materials that may be considered inappropriate to the learning environment of the school/classroom.
• inappropriate use of language (racist, sexist, harassing, violent or otherwise unacceptable).
• harassment of others
• destruction or damage of equipment
• exiting to DOS without permission from teacher
• adding or deleting files from the network
• appropriation of data or software
• unauthorized use of others' access codes
• violations of copy right and software licence agreements
• academic dishonesty ie. plagiarism
• violations of computer security systems
• importation and/or transmission of pornographic, violent or profane, racist, satanic or cult, drugs or drug culture, militant or extremist, illegal or private documents
• gambling or betting
• unauthorized use of chat lines and e-mail
• use of any unauthorized computer games
• Computer and Internet use are intended for legitimate educational use only.
• Students must complete the Internet user rules form before accessing the Internet on any school computer.

Crime Stoppers
If you witness or have knowledge of a crime or illegal activity that has occurred at school, you are encouraged to contact the Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at (905) 436-TIPS (905-436-8477) or toll free, 1-800-222-8477. All phone calls are anonymous, and callers may be eligible for a reward.

Dance Policy
The date and cost for each dance will be announced in advance on the SAC bulletin board in the cafeteria and/or during morning announcements. 
A valid student ID card is required to purchase tickets.
Doors close at 8:30PM. Late passes are available under special circumstances, however, tickets must be purchased in advance.
All students and guests must present a current student ID card at the door.
Hats, coats and purses must be checked into the coat check area. Knapsacks are not permitted at dances. All students are subject to a search.
The school dress code applies to apparel worn at dances.
Students are not permitted to go to their lockers during a school dance.
Skateboards, roller blades, cell phones, pagers, laser pointers are not permitted at a school dance.
Students will not be re-admitted to the dance if they leave.
Only one guest per Eastdale student is permitted at dances.
Guests' names and schools are subject to approval and must be submitted to the office one day prior to the day of the dance.
Students who are under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances will be refused admittance to the dance. Consequences may include: parents contacted to remove the student from the school premises, police involvement and suspension.
Students suspended from school are not allowed to attend school dances. No refunds are permitted for students who have purchased tickets in advance and are on suspension.

Courtesy and Respect
You are expected to be courteous and respectful in your dealings with other students, teachers, supply teachers, visitors and support staff. A courteous and respectful school environment increases a learner's comfort, confidence and ability to learn. Individuals who are not courteous and respectful of others in the school community may face detentions, alternate activities or suspension. In habitual or extreme situations, recommendation for school counselling, board support services or outside community agencies may be made.

Detentions
Detentions are assigned by a vice-principal for inappropriate behaviour, skipping, lates, etc. Teachers may also assign detentions if you are late for class, if you disobey classroom rules, or you do not have your homework completed. If a teacher assigns you a detention, you must serve that detention with the teacher, and at a time and place designated by the teacher. If you are assigned an office detention, you must report to room 123 by 11:05AM day with school work or reading material. Failure to serve detentions will result in suspension.

Dress Code
The dress code established at Eastdale CVI by parents/guardians, staff and students is the standard of dress for all students, and for all school activities. The dress code at Eastdale is: appropriate dress This dress code defines standards of dress that meet the school community's expectations of modesty and decency and promotes a safe and respectful environment. It is appropriate to present a positive image that establishes an atmosphere conducive to learning. Inappropriate attire negatively affects a student's image and attitude, and may offend, distract or threaten other students. The manner in which students dress may determine the public's perception of Eastdale CVI and its students. Special events excepted, all students should be recognizable in cases of emergency, and in cases of unknown visitors. Students' dress and personal grooming should be neither offensive nor distracting. Students will:
not wear coats and other outerwear in the classroom, unless the teacher determines the temperature of the room warrants outerwear.
not wear clothing which promotes illegal drugs, violence, racist or sexist language, alcohol, or sends disturbing messages to others.
Skirts, shorts, and cut-offs must be mid-thigh length or longer. Low riding pants/shorts are not permitted.
Shoulders must be covered. Bare midriffs, halter tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, undershirts, and muscle shirts are not permitted.
Student attire or make-up should not make an individual unrecognizable.
Hats, visors, bandanas, hoods, any head gear, unless specifically required by a classroom situation (ie. tech workshop, cooking, etc,) or by a student's religious/cultural beliefs may not be worn in the school. All head wear must be out of sight in a locker or school bag, or it will be confiscated. Students who are deemed to be inappropriately dressed will be directed to the office. A student wearing a coat to class will be directed to place it in their locker. Students who are seen wearing head gear by the staff in the school may be asked to surrender the item to the teacher. The item will be returned to the student following contact from a parent or guardian. Persistent offenders will be dealt with by the administration. Students may be sent home to change, or asked to remove accessories that are unacceptable. Students who continue to defy the school rules regarding the dress code may face office detentions and suspension.

Diligence in Studies/Prepared for class
Good work habits are critical to success. It is your responsibility to complete assignments, test/quizzes, or homework as assigned by the teacher to the best of your ability. You are also expected to contribute in class and to seek assistance in your studies, if required. You must arrive prepared for class with all required materials, complete all assigned home work, and catch up on class assignments etc. that you have missed due to field trips or other co-curricular activities. It is teachers' responsibility and right to control and monitor all activities within the classroom or related to learning. Teachers have the right to discipline students who misbehave in class, or who do not fulfill their responsibilities in their studies. Parents should be notified.

Field Trips/Excursions
You are expected to follow the dress code and all school rules while on any trip. Students who commit serious infractions of the code of conduct will face suspension, and the removal of future field trip/excursion privileges. A permission form must be completed by your parent or guardian before leaving on any excursion. If you miss the trip, any money paid cannot be refunded.

Fire Alarm
When the fire alarm sounds, follow the fire exit instructions posted in your classroom. Walk quickly from the building with your teacher - do not run! Move away from the school, and remain on the back field, away from the pavement until you are instructed by your teacher to re-enter the building. Students found guilty of triggering a false alarm or bomb threat will face suspension from school, and be responsible for costs charged by the fire department, and other emergency crews.

Food & Drink/Littering
All food and beverages must be consumed in the cafeteria. Unopened food and drink may be carried only to the cafeteria. Food and beverages are permitted in classrooms only for specialized classes (eg. family studies), and at the discretion of the teacher. Capped water bottles may be permitted at the discretion of the teacher. You are responsible for disposing of any litter that you create (scrap paper, empty drink cans, food wrappers, etc). In addition, all members of the Eastdale CVI community are expected to assist in maintaining a litter-free environment. Deposit recyclable materials into the appropriate containers.

Good Neighbour Policy
At Eastdale we believe in a "good neighbour policy" which reflects our commitment to our community. We will exercise appropriate discipline when the behaviour of our students disrupts the safety and orderliness of our surrounding geographic area. Students deemed to be contributing detrimentally to the neighbourhood while at school may be asked to cease and desist from the activity in question and/or to make restitution. Persistent offenders will be referred to the office for further disciplinary action.

Harassment and Commitment to Social Harmony
Eastdale CVI provide a positive, harmonious environment which respects the diverse makeup of the community. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Personal rights end when they violate the rights of another person. If another student threatens you, ridicules you, or is abusive to you in a racist, violent, sexual manner, insults, degrades, or stereotypes any race, gender, sexuality, disability, physical condition, ethnic group or religion tell a teacher, guidance counsellor, or the principal or a vice-principal immediately. Harassment only stops when you speak up for your rights. Penalties will be determined by the severity of the offence and the record of previous offences. Consequences may include apology, conflict resolution, counselling, detentions, parental interview or suspension from school. These consequences will be determined by the school administration, and the Durham District School Board Harassment Prevention Policy.

Hall Pass
Your student handbook contains a hall pass section for each week. If you need to leave the classroom, for any reason, your teacher must initial your hall pass. Students in the halls during class time without a valid hall pass, will be sent back to class.

Home Room/TAP
All students must attend home room/TAP period, as it is an important part of the school day. Your home room/TAP teacher/mentor will provide you with valuable information and instruction, and keep track of your attendance and academic progress.

Language
Students and staff should be able to work and express themselves in an atmosphere free from the distraction of offensive language. Profane and offensive language, either written or spoken, is unacceptable at any time. Disciplinary measures may range from a warning to suspension. Swearing at a teacher or other person in authority will result in an immediate suspension.

Laser Pointers, Firecrackers, Lighters, Snowballs
Dangerous objects, including snowballs, firecrackers, hand-held laser pointers, cigarette lighters, etc. must not be used on school property, and will be confiscated. Students will be suspended if they have threatened the safety of others through the use of these objects.

Lates
If you are late for class or home room, you must report to the main office for a late slip. Punctuality is a good habit to foster. It is expected on the job, in personal relationships and for academic success. Being late for class is disruptive to the learning process of others. The following consequences apply to students who are late for school, or late after the lunch hour.
3rd late - letter mailed home
5th late - late counselling intervention/phone call home
7th late - 3 day suspension
Lates beyond the 7th will result in detentions or additional suspensions. Continued lateness will result in suspension.

Lockers/Personal Property
You will be assigned a locker for the purpose of storing coats and belongings (binders, textbooks, etc.) by your home room teacher. Use only a combination lock. Unless you have been assigned to share a locker with another student, you should not let anyone other than the office know your combination. It is your responsibility to safeguard your locker combination and to report to administration any vandalism, or locker break-in immediately. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. You are expected to keep your locker free of graffiti and disrespectful or offensive pictures etc. If you post anything deemed to be disrespectful or offensive on the inside/outside of a locker, you will be asked to remove and surrender the item. Students found defacing and/or vandalizing a locker will be dealt with by administration, and will face suspension, and or restitution.
Locker Visits: In order to provide the best possible learning atmosphere for classes and reduce disturbances created by locker visits, all such visits are limited to:
before and after school, and at lunch time during the five minutes between period changes.  Due Warning: Students and parents are hereby notified that lockers are the property of the Durham District School Board and it reserves the right of access at any time. School principals/vice principals have the authority to search school and personal property without notice to or permission of any person (including with the assistance of canine drug dogs). Police may also be invited by the administration onto school premises from time to time to conduct their own searches, also without prior notice to or permission of any member of the school community. This right to search is established to assist principals in providing "for the safety and welfare of all students and staff" under the Education Act.

Parking
If you drive a vehicle to school, you may park it in the student parking area at the EAST end of the school, provided you display a parking permit on your car's rear view mirror. Parking permits may be obtained from the main office. Students are not to sit in parked cars or loiter in the parking area. Students are NOT permitted to park their vehicle in the Rainbow Park parking lot (off of Adelaide St.) at any time during school hours (8:00 AM-5:00PM). Any careless driving will result in automatic forfeiture of school parking privileges. Vehicles parked without a permit or those parked along fire routes are liable to be ticketed or towed away at the owner's expense. The school is NOT responsible for stolen articles or damage done to a vehicle parked on school property.

Payphone/PA System/In-Class Phones
A pay phone for student use is located across from the cafeteria. Students should not use the payphone during classes. If you become ill and need to sign out, report to the office where a secretary will contact a parent to sign you out. Students are not allowed to bring cellular phones on school property; these will be confiscated. The PA/and in-class telephone system is for staff use only, and is monitored centrally by the main office. Unauthorized use will result in a suspension.

Opposition to Authority
If you argue with a teacher, and/or show disrespect to a teacher's authority (ie. ignoring a teacher's request to follow school rules, refusal to give a teacher your name, hat, etc.) you will be dealt with by the principal or a vice-principal. A student will be suspended for swearing at a teacher, or other person in authority.

Offsite and After Hours Incidents
If you are involved in an incident off school property, or after school hours which is against the Eastdale CVI or Durham District School Board Code of Conduct, and it impacts on the learning environment of the school, you may be subject to the appropriate disciplinary consequences.

Removal from Class
If a teacher directs you to leave the classroom for inappropriate behaviour, or if you choose to leave a classroom without the teacher's permission, you must report to the office immediately and fill out a student behaviour report. Failure to do so may result in suspension.

Roller Blades, Scooters, Skateboards
If you use rollerblades to travel to school, you must remove the rollerblades and carry them into the building in a schoolbag. Rollerblading is not allowed in the school building. Skateboards and scooters are not allowed on school property by Durham District School Board policy, and will be confiscated. Leave your skateboard or scooter at home.

Signing OUT/Signing IN
If you need to leave the school during the school day, bring a note from your parent/guardian and sign out at the office before 8:20AM or at noon. If you become ill at school, report to the office where your parents will be notified before you sign out. If you do not return to school after lunch, and did not sign out, you must bring a note to your home room teacher the next morning. If you return that same day, you must sign back in at the office before returning to class. For students under eighteen years of age, and those without the "Permission To Write Own Notes" form, a parent or guardian will be contacted for permission to excuse the student from school. Students who do not sign in or out of school as expected face the following consequences:
1st offence: warning to student
2nd offence: 2 office detentions per class missed
3rd offence: parental contact
4th offence: letter home and counselling intervention
5th offence: 2 day suspension w/counselling on return
6th offence: 3 day suspension w/counselling on return
Subsequent skipping will result in further suspensions, referral to attendance counsellor, and/or alternative educational setting.

Smoking, Tobacco Products
Smoking in the school building and on the school grounds is a risk to health and safety, and prohibited by The Tobacco Control Act (Section 9). Smoking is extremely hazardous to health. You must not smoke, chew tobacco or hold lit tobacco on school property at Eastdale. Students who smoke or hold lit tobacco off school property, risk late charges and will miss instructional time. Students may not smoke on school property or within sight of the school during their study hall periods. Students who do not abide by the non-smoking policy at Eastdale may be suspended. Repeat offenders are eligible for a longer suspension period. Students who want help in the cessation of a smoking habit should contact the guidance office to make an appointment with a counsellor for support. Tobacco products in view on school property will be confiscated, and not returned.

Study Periods
If you have a study period on your timetable, you may leave the school property, or go to the library, or cafeteria study hall. You must sign in with the study hall teacher. In order not to disturb classes, you must not go to your locker, or be in the halls, during class time. You must not loiter on school property or be within sight of the school, if you choose to leave the school. Unauthorized game playing (cards, dice, dominoes, etc.) is not permitted. Students who are disruptive during study hall will be dealt with by the administration, and receive appropriate consequences.

Substance Abuse
If you possess, distribute and/or are under the influence of, any substances as defined by the Durham District School Board on substance abuse while on school property or in activities under the jurisdiction of the school, you will be subject to the consequences as outlined in that policy. Alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia or tobacco products may be seized for disposal. Penalties will range from suspension to recommendation for expulsion. Students involved may be required to give satisfactory evidence of treatment/counselling through a rehabilitation program before being readmitted to school. In the cases where suspected criminal activity is indicated, police will be called and charges may be laid.

Suspension
Involvement in fighting, threatening, bullying, verbal abuse, harassment (racial, sexual, or other), opposition to authority, failure to cooperate, profanity, or persistent truancy and neglect of duty (including skipping and lateness) may result in out-of-school suspension and parental interview. Suspended students are not allowed on school property during the duration of their suspensions, and may be prosecuted under the Trespass Act for doing so.

Textbooks/Library Books
You are responsible for all textbooks and library books issued to you. You will be expected to pay for their replacement if they are lost and/or damaged. Failure to return texts and/or make proper restitution may result in report cards, transcripts, textbooks, and course changes to be withheld.

Valuables/Theft
Students are discouraged from bringing anything valuable to school, including bicycles. Protect your belongings from theft/robbery through careful storage of property at school and by leaving valuables at home when possible. Do not leave valuable items such as jewellery, or money in your locker or in the gym change rooms. Keep your locker combination private. Report thefts to a vice-principal immediately. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen property. Theft is the illegal or unauthorized removal of property from any person, building or grounds under the jurisdiction of The Durham District School Board. Theft will result in suspension, and may include police involvement. Robbery refers to the taking of personal property in the possession or immediate presence of another by the use of violence or intimidation. Robbery will result in police involvement and expulsion.

Vandalism
Destruction or defacing of school property whether through a malicious act, or indirectly caused by violent behaviour, horseplay, etc. will result in suspension, and restitution made upon return to school.

Vending Machines
The vending machines in the cafeteria are for use ONLY before school, at lunch, and after school. Students may not access vending machines during regular class time, or while in study hall.

Violence
Any form of violent behaviour (including play fighting if it has threatened the safety of others) will result in suspension. Actions on or off of school property which are aggressive towards other students or staff will not be tolerated. Intimidation, harassment, extortion, bullying, physical or sexual assault, profane or improper language as well as the condoning of violent activities through passive participation or association will not be tolerated. Any student found guilty of such infractions shall be eligible for penalties ranging from suspension to expulsion. In addition police may be involved and charges laid. The student and his/her family will be encouraged to seek the assistance of support systems within the school board or community to develop strategies to curb violent behaviour exhibited by the student. Students who witness criminal/dangerous activity should report it immediately to the office. Serious incidents may also include criminal prosecution and/or expulsion.

Visitors and Trespassers
Eastdale CVI is private property. All visitors to the school must immediately report to the main office to receive permission to remain in the building. Persons who are in the building without office permission are trespassing and, in accordance with the Trespass Act, may be prosecuted.

Walkmans/Portable A/V Equipment
You may use personal entertainment equipment (walkmans, disc players, etc.) before and after school hours and at lunch time provided you use earphones. At any other time, the walkman, accessories, etc., must be stored in your locker. Other radios, CD players, audio recording equipment, video recording equipment, etc. are not permitted. Students who take personal entertainment equipment to class will be asked to return equipment to their locker or place it in their school bag. Repeat offenders will be directed to the office for further disciplinary action, which may include detentions, parental contact or suspension.

Washrooms
To avoid disrupting classes and missing valuable class time, you should use the washroom before school, during lunch hour, and between classes. In urgent cases, students may be excused at the teacher's discretion, provided they have their student agenda hall pass. Students must be prepared to make up the time and/or work missed.

Weapons
Weapons as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada are "anything used or intended for use in causing death or injury, whether designed for such a purpose or not, or anything used or intended for use for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person". The principal may deem any item to be a weapon and forbid its use or presence in the school. Pocket knives are considered a weapon and must not be brought to school. Chains attached to wallets and laser pointers are considered to be a safety hazard as well as a weapon and must not be brought to school. Penalties for trafficking in and/or possession of a weapon on school property or at a school sponsored event include an immediate suspension, and proceedings to an expulsion hearing. Police will be involved and charges laid. Threatening to use a weapon or use of a weapon will result in suspension, possible expulsion, police will be called and charges may be laid. A weapon is any object that could be used for attacking another person. Students in possession of weapons on school property will face suspension, expulsion, and/or criminal prosecution.