Current School Bus Route Information and School Closures

FILE: JBF

VIOLENT AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR

The Board of Trustees recognizes that there are certain behaviours that, if tolerated, would quickly destroy the type of learning environment to which the students and staff of the Division are entitled. These behaviours, categorized as violent and aggressive, will not be tolerated and shall therefore result in immediate action being taken by the Division.

All acts of violence and aggression shall result in those involved being placed on a compulsory Behaviour Management Plan. In addition to this BMP each situation shall result in specific consequences, determined by the seriousness of the act, including consideration of expulsion from school for acts of a serious or chronic nature.

Acts of violence and aggression must be well documented and communicated to the school principal and the Superintendents' Department. The Board of Trustees will be informed and involved where necessary. The immediate involvement of the parent(s) or guardian(s) is also essential.

Serious consideration is to be given to the involvement of the R.C.M.P and other agencies in such cases. It is mandatory to involve the R.C.M.P. if there is any violation of the law.

The following behaviours are defined as violent and aggressive.

1. Possession, Threat With, or Use of a Weapon

Weapon is any firearm, whether loaded or not loaded, any device designed as a weapon or, through its use, capable of producing bodily harm or death, or any device or instrument which is used to threaten or cause bodily harm or death.

Possession is defined as having a weapon on one's person, or in an area subject to one's control, on school property or at a school activity.

NOTE: A student who finds a weapon and immediately advises a teacher or other adult, shall not be considered in possession of a weapon. Students who find a weapon are advised to seek adult assistance and are advised not to touch the weapon.

legal reference - PSA 96 (f)

"Each teacher shall:

(f) seize or cause to be seized and take possession of any offensive or dangerous weapon that is brought to school by a pupil and hand over any such weapon to the principal who shall notify the parent or guardian warning him that the pupil may be suspended or expelled from the school;"

2. Physical Assault

Physical assault is the act of striking or touching a person or that person's property with a part of the anatomy or any object, with the intent of causing hurt or harm.

3. Verbal Abuse Verbal abuse shall include but is not limited to swearing, screaming, obscene gestures or threats when directed, either orally, including the telephone, or in writing, at an individual, his/her family or a group.

4. Intimidation Intimidation is an act intended to frighten or coerce someone into submission or obedience.

5. Extortion Extortion is the use of verbal or physical coercion in order to obtain financial or material gain from others.

6. Bullying Bullying is the use of physical or verbal coercion to obtain control over others or to be habitually cruel to others who are weaker.

7. Gangs Gangs are groups of youths who share common beliefs, attitudes and attire and exhibit unlawful and anti-social behaviour, and who associate with each other for mutual protection and/or profit.

8. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is behaviour which includes any unwanted, unsolicited sexual advance or sexually oriented behaviour made by a person who knows or who ought reasonably to know that such attention is unwanted. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, unnecessary touching or petting, suggestive or other sexually aggressive remarks, leering at a person's body, demands for sexual favours, or compromising invitations.

9. Stalking Stalking is the persistent following, contacting, watching, or any other such threatening actions that compromise the peace of mind or the personal safety of the individual.

10. Defiance Defiance is the act or instance of defying or opposing; insubordination.

11. Racial Slurs Racial slurs are insulting, disparaging or derogatory comments made directly or by innuendo regarding a person's racial origin.

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