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Code of Conduct

Please note: All schools follow the TVDSB Code of Conduct. Schools may add school-based Local Code of Conduct Statements based on the approval process outlined in in the TVDSB Code of Conduct Procedure. For more information, please speak with your school principal.

View the TVDSB Code of Conduct poster (PDF)

TVDSB Code of Conduct

The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is committed to creating positive school and work environments that are safe, caring, and inclusive.  

The TVDSB Code of Conduct ensures that the rights and responsibilities of all members of the school and TVDSB community are clearly communicated and understood.  

When we promote caring relationships between students, parents and caregivers, members of the community, and TVDSB staff, we can become the best place to learn, work, and grow.

The TVDSB Code of Conduct applies to the entire school community, including: 

  • students 
  • parents or guardians 
  • volunteers 
  • teachers 
  • early childhood educators 
  • principals 
  • other staff members 
  • visitors

The TVDSB Code of Conduct applies to the entire school community, including: 

  • on school property 
  • on school buses 
  • at school-related events or activities 
  • on TVDSB property 
  • in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate, such as incidents that may happen between students off school property 
  • in virtual learning environments

All students and school community members must: 
follow all applicable laws 

  • follow our policies and the policies of the school board and school 
  • show honesty and integrity 
  • always treat others with dignity and respect both in person and online, especially when there is disagreement or difference 
  • respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their:
    • race 
    • ancestry
    • place of origin
    • colour
    • ethnic origin
    • creed (religion)
    • sex, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation
    • age
    • marital status
    • family status
    • disability 
  • respect the rights of others 
  • show care and respect for school property and the property of others 
  • take the proper steps to help those in need 
  • respect the need of others to work in an environment that is good for learning and teaching 
  • seek help from school staff to resolve conflict peacefully, if necessary 
  • not swear at or verbally abuse anyone 
  • not use mobile devices (for example, cellphone, tablet, smartwatch) during class time except when:
    • a teacher says to use them as part of learning 
    • they are needed for a health or medical reason
    • they support special education needs

All students and school community members must not:

  • start or join in any form of bullying, whether in-person or through technology (for example, through texts or social media posts) 
  • start or join in hate propaganda or types of behaviour motivated by bias, prejudice or hate against a distinct group 
  • inflict, or encourage others to inflict, bodily harm 
  • commit sexual assault or sexual harassment 
  • threaten or intimidate another person 
  • be in possession of a weapon, including guns 
  • traffic weapons or illegal drugs 
  • commit robbery 
  • commit vandalism that causes damage to school property or property: 
    • of a school community member
    • located on school grounds 
  • be in possession of alcohol, recreational cannabis or illegal drugs
    • for students, this would also include being in possession of e-cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products, and using or being under the influence of alcohol, recreational cannabis, tobacco, e-cigarettes or illegal drugs.
      • An exception may be made for the traditional use of tobacco as an Indigenous cultural practice and medical cannabis users 
  • give others alcohol, illegal drugs, cannabis for recreational use, tobacco, e-cigarettes and accessories (for example, vape juice, a pipe, lighter or rolling papers) 
  • record, take or share non-consensual recordings or photos of members of the school community 

During instructional time, cellphones and other mobile devices, such as a tablet or smartwatch, must be:

  • turned off or set to silent mode 
  • stored out of view 

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6, must keep mobile devices silent and out of sight during the school day, unless explicitly allowed by a teacher.

Students in Grades 7-12, are not allowed to use mobile devices during class time, unless explicitly allowed by a teacher. 

Exceptions are made for health or medical reasons and for devices that support special education needs.

The TVDSB Code of Conduct applies to all schools. Some schools may choose to add additional expectations, based on the steps outlined in TVDSB Code of Conduct Procedure (4008i). Any additional expectations cannot conflict with the intention of the TVDSB Code of Conduct or the Provincial Code of Conduct.

Everyone Has a Role to Play

Building and sustaining positive school and work environments is complex and requires involvement and support from the whole school community. Everyone has a role to play and expectations to follow.

We expect students to:

  • come to school prepared, on time and ready to learn 
  • show respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority 
  • refrain from bringing anything to school that may risk the safety of others 
  • follow the rules and take responsibility for their own actions

We expect parents and caregivers to:

  • engage in your child's schoolwork and progress 
  • communicate regularly with your school 
  • make sure your child is properly prepared for school 
  • ensure that your child attends school regularly and on time 
  • inform your school promptly about your child's absence or late arrival 
  • become familiar with the TVDSB Code of Conduct and your school’s code of conduct (if they have a school-specific code) 
  • encourage and help your child follow the rules of behaviour 
  • help school staff deal with disciplinary issues involving your child 

We expect principals to:

  • show care for the school community and commitment to student achievement and well-being in a safe, inclusive and accepting learning environment 
  • hold everyone under their authority responsible for their behaviour and actions 
  • empower students to be positive leaders in their school and community 
  • communicate regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community 
  • support effective, accessible and culturally inclusive communication of the TVDSB Code of Conduct through the use of interpretation and translation services 
  • model the standards of respect, civility and responsible citizenship

We expect teachers and school staff to:

  • help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth 
  • empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school and community 
  • communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents 
  • maintain consistent and fair standards of behaviour for all students 
  • show respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers and members of the school community 
  • prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship 
  • help students communicate respectfully in person and online 
  • model the standards of respect, civility and responsible citizenship 
  • show students the appropriate use of cellphones during school by not using personal mobile devices during instructional time, unless explicitly for work-related purposes 

Accountability, Consequences, and Discipline

When addressing concerns and behaviours, TVDSB believes in a relationship-based approach, that takes into consideration individual and situational circumstances and factors. Through the use of progressive discipline and a restorative approach, TVDSB supports individuals to improve their behaviour and learn from their choices, with the ultimate goal of preventing future inappropriate behaviour from happening again. 

For more specific information on how TVDSB addresses concerns and behaviours, based on role, see below.

School community members who continue to violate the TVDSB Code of Conduct will have their actions assessed by the principal for their impact on the learning environment. If the behaviour significantly disrupts safety or inclusivity, the principal will follow:  

Questions or concerns?

If you have question or concerns regarding the TVDSB Code of Conduct, your first step is to speak to your child’s educator and school-based staff.

For further information and support