Students at Smithville Christian High School are part of a vibrant learning community, where they are encouraged to engage fully in both what they learn and why they learn it. Relationships between students and teachers are relaxed and friendly, and the needs of all learners shape the daily rhythm of our lives. In our language, tone, attitude and demeanour, staff and students are creating a Christian community of deep caring, safety, inclusion, and mutual respect. Staff intentionally seek the flourishing of all students, and all students and staff are encouraged to seek the flourishing of their classmates, their families and our community.

The Code of Conduct for students can be found on pages 38 and 39 of the Smithville Christian High School Student Handbook and Course Calendar. Here is a summary of the expectations for students.

Chapels

Weekly chapels and worship are a highlight of the Smithville Christian community.

• Prior to chapel, students are to report to their Period 1 class, with their laptops and learning materials, where attendance will be taken.
• Students are to enter chapel in an orderly manner.
• Students may not bring food or drink into chapels.
• Students may sit anywhere within the sections allotted for their grades.
• Students may not move chairs or adjust rows for their seating.
• Students are expected to display an attentive posture.
• Students are expected to be engaged with what is happening at chapels: listen when spoken to, sing or reflect during singing, and be good audience members.
• Students will be expected to leave chapels in an orderly fashion and go directly to class.
• Students will be discouraged from leaving chapels for washrooms or other needs.

Phones, Tablets and Computers

Technology is a gift from God which ought to be used for good purposes. We strive to ensure that student laptops and any other personal electronic devices are used positively and contribute to student learning. The use of laptops, tablets and phones is always at the teacher’s discretion and when helpful for learning.

• Personal electronic devices may not be used during tests or exams unless as a teacher-approved calculator or translator.
• At all other times, phones, tablets and computers are expected to be used in ways that uphold the goals of the school.

Dress Code

The Smithville Christian uniform supplier is Top Marks. All uniform pieces must fit, be in good repair, and be worn as designed.

• Undergarments must not be visible, except for white T-shirts worn under uniform tops.
• All T-shirts or tank tops must not extend below the uniform top.
• Tops must be buttoned for modesty.
• All non-uniform tops, jackets or coats must be stored in lockers for the school day.
• Footwear must be worn at all times.
• Specific course-related clothing may be worn only during those courses.
• Hats, bandanas, sunglasses and gloves may not be worn in the building.
• Students wearing hoodies which are a uniform selection may not have the hood covering the head.
• Belts must be solid black or brown, must be in the loops and be buckled.
• Storm athletic wear is not a uniform choice.
• Away-from-school outings are part of the learning of the school and uniforms are required. On some occasions, uniforms may not be required at the discretion of the teacher, but students are still expected to dress in a fashion and style appropriate for Christian teenagers.
• Students who leave the building during spares or lunch periods are expected to stay in uniform and represent the school well.

Language

Students are expected to speak in a way that suits the character of our school. As Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only that which is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

There is no place for crude, demeaning, disrespectful or blasphemous language in our learning environment.

Displays of Affection

Though it may be appropriate for some to begin dating in high school, the school is clearly not the place to give physical expression to romantic closeness. Handholding or sitting together may be tolerated in some non-class situations, but most displays of affection detract from community and make others feel uncomfortable. The priority for all relationships at Smithville Christian is community-building and the inclusion of all.

Punctuality and Attendance

• Students are expected to be in class when the bell rings and be ready and prepared to learn.
• Students who arrive late or need to leave early need to sign in or out at the office and obtain a signed attendance slip before admission or departure. Parents are expected to notify the office – via email, phone message or Edsby – of a student’s absence or early departure.
• Students who are ill and miss a previously announced test should expect to write the test on the day of their return.
• A student who misses a test or major presentation for a reason other than illness without having notified the teacher will be given a zero for the test or presentation.
• Students who are absent from classes have the responsibility of finding out what work has been missed. Unless indicated by the teacher, work should be submitted upon the student’s return. Adjustments will be made in consideration of the student’s health situation.
• Students who are absent from class because of school-related activities (choir, sports teams, field trips, Student Council events, etc.) are still required to meet class deadlines and teacher expectations.

Academic Honesty

It is expected that what a student hands in will be his or her own work. Honesty and integrity are scriptural values that we strive to uphold.

The following list includes examples of what can be considered plagiarism: copying verbatim without quotes and references, cutting and pasting information from an electronic text without citing it; changing a few words in an original text or paraphrasing it without citing it; submitting work done by another student; using the idea, chart, image or statistic of an author without citing it; resubmitting work from a previous course without permission.

• It is expected that students will conduct themselves with honesty and integrity when writing tests, quizzes and exams.
• Students will guard their work and their reputation by the way they conduct themselves during coursework and tests.

Student Vehicle Use

The school has responsibility for the supervision of students throughout the school day, even during non-class times and off school property. It is therefore within the authority of the school to ensure that students use vehicles in a safe and respectful manner during the school day.

• Students are expected to drive safely and slowly when entering, exiting or on the school property.
• Students may use the two inner entrances to the parking lot. Both the west entrance and the east entrance closest to Covenant Christian School are not to be used by students.
• Students will be expected to park within the lines and only in designated areas.
• Students may not use their vehicles between periods 1and 2 or between periods 3 and 4 unless they have a study period.
• Students will be expected to drive safely when driving off school property during lunch break and study periods.
• Unlicensed recreational vehicles (such as ATVs, snowmobiles, or dirt bikes) may not be brought on school property at any time.
• Students may not drive themselves to off-property school events in which they are participating unless permission is granted by both a parent and the teacher supervisor.

Harassment and Bullying

Because every creature of the Lord should be treated with respect and dignity, students are expected to be courteous and considerate with each other at all times. Overt or subtle signs of intolerance and harassment cause pain and anger, and break down community.

Students are strictly forbidden from participating in any humiliating game, prank, stunt, practical joke or any other activity that (a) intimidates or threatens another student; (b) subjects another student to stress, embarrassment, or shame; or (c) adversely affects the mental health or dignity of a student.

All instances of harassment or bullying, either observed or experienced, should be documented and reported to a guidance counselor, administrator or teacher.