Code of Conduct

Princeton Secondary School’s Code of Conduct

Statement of Purpose

Princeton Secondary School provides a high-quality education in a safe, caring environment. Our Code of Conduct helps us maintain a productive and orderly school community by:

  • Ensuring a safe and caring environment for all students and staff
  • Balancing individual and collective rights and responsibilities
  • Clarifying expectations for students at school, travelling to and from school, and at any school activity

PSS upholds the values of the BC Human Rights Code, ensuring that all individuals are protected from discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 

Rationale

This code is grounded in principles of respect, rights, and responsibilities. Students are expected to:

  • Show respect for the rights, property, and safety of themselves and others
  • Honour the rights of others by learning and demonstrating appropriate behavior
  • Take responsibility for their actions to support a safe, productive learning environment

Principal Authority

Under the School Act, the Principal and their designates have the authority to address student discipline from the time a student leaves home for school until they return home at the end of the day. This authority also extends beyond the home-to-home period when a student’s behavior off school grounds or outside school hours negatively affects the operation or safety of any school in the district.

The use of consequences will be governed by the following:

  •  Be appropriate to the student’s stage of development
  • Reflect the intensity, frequency, and/or duration of the inappropriate behavior
  • Be appropriately timed

The following are some examples of consequences that may be considered:

  • Informal meeting with a student to address the situation
  • Phone call to parent to discuss the situation
  • Referral to School-Based Team
  • Redo of formative or summative assessment
  • Formal meeting involving student and guardian
  • Removal of an assumed school privilege
  • Referral to Admin
  • Restitution, either monetary or through school-based community service
  • Restorative justice
  • Definite in-school or out-of-school suspension
  • Indefinite suspension

Notification

In instances where a student, or group of students, engages in a serious breach of the Code of Conduct, it may be necessary for school officials to advise other parties, however, we cannot share information about other students at any time. Specifically, we will adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Parents/ Guardians of student offender(s): in every instance
  • Parents/ Guardians of student victim(s): in every instance
  • School district officials: as required by school district policy
  • Police and/or other agencies: as required by law
  • All Parents/ Guardians: when deemed to be important to reassure members of the school community that school officials are aware of a serious situation or incident and are taking appropriate action to address the matter.

School District Expectations Regarding Student Behaviour

Every student shall be subject to the School Code of Conduct while on school premises, while going to and returning from school, and at all games and functions under the school’s jurisdiction, whenever and wherever held. 

 

Suspension

A suspension is defined as the removal of a student’s right to attend regular classroom instruction. Suspensions may be:

  • Definite: in-school or out-of-school, for a period of up to 10 school days
  • Indefinite: exceeding 10 school days

Administrators, as well as teachers authorized by the Board of Education and the principal, may suspend a student when they determine that:

  • The student has been willfully disobedient toward a teacher or any employee of the Board acting withing their assigned responsibilities
  • The student’s behavior has a harmful impact on the character, safety, or well-being of other students or staff
  • The student fails to apply themselves to their studies, does not comply with school rules, and, after due warning, does not make a reasonable effort to improve their conduct

School Search and Seizure Policy

Student, locker, backpack, and vehicle searches may be conducted when there is reasonable suspicion that a violation of school rules or law has occurred. Any search must meet the standard of reasonableness under the circumstances, considering the nature of the concern, and the information available at the time. Contraband, or other items not permitted on school property or at school-sponsored activities, will be seized, and, when appropriate, may be returned to the student’s parent or guardian.

Lockers and School Property

Lockers are the property of the school and are assigned to the students for school use. Students hold neither expectations of privacy in their lockers nor any other school property. Students leave articles of value in lockers at their own risk. School officials have the authority to search all school property (including lockers) at any time without notice, and to seize any property prohibited by law or school policy.

Dress Code

At PSS, we require members of the school community to dress in a way that does not contravene standard professional practices and guidelines of health and safety in the building. This is a professional environment.

The following is a list of some specifics with regard to dress, but is by no means a complete list:

  • Clothes should not display language which is sexual, explicit, prejudicial, defamatory, or offensive to any members of the school community
  • Any references to drugs/ alcohol/ violence are prohibited on clothing
  • Visuals which are at all offensive to members of our school community are prohibited

Athletics Code of Conduct

Princeton Secondary School Athletic Contract 2026-2027

This year, we are continuing in the use of an athletic contract to enhance our athletic programs at the school. One of our goals this year is to offer as many athletic programs as possible. This takes commitment and effort by the student athlete and community. By signing this contract, you are agreeing to the terms outlined. If you do not agree to these terms, you/your child will not be permitted to participate in school athletics this year.

Commitment

Your commitment to PSS Athletics includes: attending organized practices, attending games, completing schoolwork, following the PSS Code of Conduct and attending class. It is expected that you will attend at least 2 organized practices per week. Practices may take place during some lunch periods, in the morning and after school depending on the program you're joining. If teams cannot maintain 8-10 athletes, league games and tournaments will be cancelled.

Athletic Fee

An Athletic fee of $100 for your first sport and $75 for your second sport will be required before you can attend any league or tournament games. This fee helps fund travel, team expenses such as referees, equipment, and registration fees. If you are experiencing hardship, feel free to speak with Mr. McConnell.

Student Commitment

Students must be in good academic standing to participate in athletics. Teachers have the right to suspend students from athletics until academic issues are resolved.  Students who have an unexcused absence on the day of a game may not be permitted to play in that game.  Poor attendance and acts contrary to our Code of Conduct may also disqualify students from being eligible to play until these issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of Administration.

Tournament Fees

Tournament fees are required for hotels, transportation and tournament fees. These typically run about $100 per tournament but could reach $150 depending on duration and location. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we may be able to assist you. Please feel free to speak with Mr. McConnell.

Before signing this contract, make sure you are ready to commit. Remember, by signing this you agree to COMMIT. This contract must be signed and returned to the office before participating in any organized school sport activity.

We thank you for your dedication and willingness to help build our Rapids Athletics Program,

    Student Name:_____________________       Student Signature:

    Parent Signature:_____________________    Team(s):

We will be looking for parent volunteers to help with organizing different activities, such as tournaments, throughout the year (if permitted). We are also looking for parents to help with transportation when the PSS Rapid Transit is not available. Please sign your name if you are interested with helping.

Transportation: (Name)

Organizing/Helping with Tournaments: 

Payments can be made by e-transfer [email protected]

PSS Cell Phone Etiquette

Restrictions: Students in Grades 8-12 are not permitted to use personal digital devices during class periods unless specifically directed by the instructor (e.g., for digital literacy learning). 

During instructional hours, students must turn off their devices and store them in their lockers, backpacks, or designated areas. Devices may be used before and after school, and during breaks only. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal digital devices. 

Exemptions: PSS is committed to equity and accessibility and therefore may allow exemptions to personal digital device restrictions for certain purposes, including: - Medical support needs - As part of a Competency-Based Individual Education Plan or Service Plan 

In case of emergency, students can access their phones with teacher or administrative approval. 

Alternate Communication: Families who need to contact their children during instructional hours should call the school’s main office. Messages will be promptly delivered to the students. Students wishing to contact their families can use the school office phone with permission.

The use of personal digital devices, school technology, and district networks is a privilege. Staff may revoke a student’s access to devices because of inappropriate student conduct.