E.M.C.S. Policies and Rules

Edward Milne Community School is a welcoming and enjoyable place to be but, to remain that way, we need to have a set of rules and policies for everyone to follow. Click on any of the headings listed here to be directed to specific information.

Mission Statement	Code of Conduct
Attendance	Friday School
Completion of Assigned Work	Punctuality
Student Behaviour	Dress Code
Lockers and Security	Parking / Driving on School Property
Smoking	Student Gathering
Skateboards, Rollerblades, etc.	Use of Commons Area During Class Time
The School Elevator	Alcohol and Drugs
Student Violence, Intimidation and Weapons	School Dances
Damage to School Property	School Organization
Fees and Charges	Exam Expectations

E.M.C.S. Mission Statement

To partner with students, parents and the community to build a safe, supportive and challenging learning environment that enables people to make a living, make a life and make a difference.

E.M.C.S. Code Of Conduct

The students, staff and parents of Edward Milne Community School operate as a community of citizens dedicated to the belief that all who enter the doors of the school have certain responsibilities and rights. Each member of the Edward Milne Community has a responsibility to the following:

1. Put forth a sincere, sustained effort in all learning activities. Respect the right of others to learn n a positive environment.
2. Listen to those who address us and work cooperatively with those around us.
3. Behave in a manner that will ensure the safety of others, without bullying, threats, physical violence harassment, intimidation or the use of any kind of weapon.
4. Show respect to others and be tolerant and accepting of the differences among people.
5. Welcome those around us into the culture of our school and show caring for the needs of all.
6. Keep the school free from vandalism.
7. Avoid the use of drugs, alcohol or any illegal substances at school or school sponsored activities.
8. Comply with Regional Bylaws and School District Policy governing smoking and the use of tobacco products.
9. Keep the school clean and tidy.
10. Look after personal belongings and respect the property of others.

Fulfillment of these responsibilities provides for each member of the EMCS Community the right to the following:

1. A positive and supportive working and learning environment.
2. A caring environment where all can be included as a part of our community.
3. Respect.
4. Self expression and an appropriate opportunity to be heard.
5. Personal safety.
6. A clean, healthy and well cared-for school.
7. Privacy and personal security.

Attendance

It has been proven that regular or attendance in school will lead to academic success.

1. It is expected that students will attend each and every class throughout the school unless they are unable to do so for a reason acceptable under the School Act.
2. It is expected that parents will notify the school by phone ahead of time, or with a note to the school office the day after an absence outlining the cause for the absence. If the cause is acceptable under the School Act it will be recorded as an excused absence.
3. Unexcused & unexplained absences from school will result in an escalating series of consequences that may ultimately result in suspension from school. Parents will be notified of unexcused absences either by automated phone call, direct phone contact, or letter. In order to attend school functions such as dances, the Senior Prom and THE GRADUATION CEREMONY, students must not have unexcused or unexplained absence recorded against their name.
4. Students who must leave the school during the day for appointments, etc. musts go out in the main office and are expected to produce a note or contact their parents/ guardians by phone before leaving the school.

Friday School

In order to assist students with completion of work and to impress them with the value of attending classes, an opportunity to complete missing assignments and to make up unexcused absences will be given in a two hour period on Fridays beginning at 2:00 pm and ending at 4:00 pm. Students who are required to attend will be assigned by the administration who will work closely with teachers. Parents will be informed by the end of Wednesday if their child is required to attend on the following Friday. Failure to attend these mandatory sessions will result in suspension.

Completion Of Assigned Work

It must be stressed that "last minute" completion of missed tests and assignments is NOT acceptable. When a student has a poor record of attendance and or effort in class teachers are authorized to refuse to provide catch-up work. Opportunities are offered throughout the year (during X-blocks) for students to catch-up on work and to study for upcoming tests.

Punctuality

It is expected that students will arrive to class on time n order to begin work when the bell rings. Persistent lateness will result in consequences that will focus on making up the lost time.

Behaviour

1. It is expected that students will act in a courteous and respectful manner in their dealings with staff members and fellow students.
2. School administration reserves the right, under the BC School Act, to determine what constitutes "appropriate behaviour.
3. Instances of severe and blatant disrespect toward any staff member will result in suspension from school.
4. The use of racist or homophobic comments in school is strictly prohibited and will result in suspension from school.

NOTE: Courtesy and Respect always helps. If you have a problem in class or a question for the teacher:

1. Ask your teacher if you can speak with him/her in private. Set a time.
2. Describe the problem. Be specific.
3. Explain what you'd like the teacher to do or help you to do. Be realistic.
4. Thank the teacher for helping.

Dress Code

1. Clothing should be appropriate for a "working" environment and should sufficiently cover the body to minimize distraction to others.
2. Students who arrive at school wearing inappropriate clothing will be required to change or be sent home.
   Inappropriate is defined as any clothing that explicitly displays
   • foul language or swear words
   • minimally-disguised swearing or foul language (i.e. letters left out or changed around)
   • references to sexual acts or nudity
   • references to drug or alcohol use
   • references to violence or harassment against individuals or groups.
3. Shoes must be worn at all times
4. Hats are not to be worn in assemblies, the office, or classes where teachers do not allow them. Hats may be worn in hallways and the Commons area of the school.

Lockers And Security

1. Lockers are the property of the school and are on loan to the student. Any damage or maintenance requirements must be reported to the office. Storage, in lockers, of dangerous or illegal substances or other substances prohibited by School Board Policy (e.g. alcohol) is not allowed. There is no expectation of privacy with school lockers; they can be opened at any time by authorized school personnel.
2. Lockers or locks should not be changed without permission of the office. Do not share or switch lockers with anyone. Do not share your locker combination with anyone. There will be a charge of $5.00 for lost locks.
3. Do not leave valuables in unsecured areas, particularly change rooms.

Parking And Driving On School Property

1. The east parking lot is shared by students and staff. No one should park on Edward Milne Road, or up against the curbs in front of the school, due to busses and traffic conditions. There is plenty of room for parking in the lot.
2. Students parking on school property must fill in a registration form available in the school office and must park only in spaces designated for student parking. Non-registered vehicles will be subjected to tow-away. Student vehicles parked in visitors parking will be towed at owner's expense.
3. There is no parking for students at the west end or back of the school.
4. Speed limit in the parking lot is 15 KPH. Excessive speed or dangerous driving will result in suspension from school or suspension of parking privileges.

Smoking

There is to be no smoking anywhere on school property as per CRD bylaw. Students may not smoke directly in front of the school, Students who are beyond the west or east edges of school property (i.e. past the fences on either side of the school) may smoke.

Student Gathering

It is expected that students will appreciate the hazards related to vehicle traffic in front of the school along Edward Milne Road. Student gathering in the immediate front of the school or in any area that blocks driveway or parking entrances is prohibited.

Inside the school, places have been provided for students to meet and socialize. Stairways and hallways must not be blocked or inhibited from a free flow of traffic to and from classes. We suggest you always stay to the right hand side.

Skateboards, Rollerblades, Etc.

Skateboarding, roller blading and/or the use of stunt bicycles in and around the school is strictly prohibited due to safety and liability issues. If skateboards are brought to school, they must be locked in a locker or stored in the main office during school hours. Students are not permitted to carry skateboards to class or to carry them around in the halls except when on their way in or out of the building.

Skateboards may be used only in the far east part of the student parking lot at lunchtime, before school, or after school only, and FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES (minimum of helmet, knee pads, elbow pads). This policy may change without notice.

Use of the Commons Area During Class Time

Students with authorized studies will work in the library, in a teacher's classroom, or may choose to leave school grounds.

The School Elevator

The elevator is provided for use by students needing assistance in moving between the floors of the school. The elevator is not to be used for regular student traffic.

Alcohol and Drugs

Substance use or being under the influence of a substance during school hours or at any school activity is strictly forbidden and results in immediate suspension in accordance to School Board Policy. In some situations, Police involvement may be requested.

EMCS Drug Free Zone

The drug free zone (DFZ) includes the area in and around the school approximately .5 a kilometer in all directions. It is a boundary that is set up in conjunction with the students, the RCMP, Crown, Parent Advisory Committee, the School Planning Council, Butler Brothers, and the T'Sou-ke nation. The primary intention is to reduce drug / alcohol use and abuse associated with school, and to offer help to students found using or abusing drugs. The DFZ is a zone where greater diligence and rigorous enforcement of the rules around drug use and possession will be actively applied by school personnel and RCMP.

Within this zone, several actions that will be taken with drug / alcohol offenders. Students caught under the influence or in possession of drugs / alcohol will have a choice - on their first offence only - to either access a community based resource program or deal directly with the RCMP during their suspension from school. Second offences of any type will be dealt with through suspension, possibly expulsion, as well as direct action from the RCMP. Non-students in possession or under the influence, and anyone caught trafficking in this zone, will suffer stiff penalties approximately double those issued by the RCMP and Crown in other areas.

Student Violence, Intimidation, and Weapons

1. For the purpose of this regulation "violence and intimidation" involves but is not restricted to the following acts: assault as defined in the Criminal Code, punching, slapping, pushing, shoving, verbally assaulting, threatening, name calling, using racial or ethnic epithets, taunting.
2. A weapon shall be defined as any instrument designed or used to injure or intimidate a person. "Toy guns" and "replicas" are, by their nature, intimidating and will, therefore, be dealt with in the same manner as real weapons under the provisions of this regulation.
3. Students involved in violence, intimidation and/or weapons offenses as defined above shall be subject to action which could include, as appropriate, any combination of the following:
   • school-based corrective action
   • counseling
   • suspension from school
   • appearance before the Distt's Discipline committee
   • indefinite suspension from school
   • criminal charges.

School Dances

Students must remember that dances are a privilege and not a right.

1. One guest per student may be invited by filling in a Guest Application Form at the office, not later than 4:00 p.m. one week BEFORE the event. Dance guests must be under 21 years of age, except for parents who are always welcome. No middle or elementary school students are allowed. Guests are to be personally known to the hosts. Parents of hosts may be contacted.
2. Students who invite guests to the dance are directly responsible for the behaviour of the guests.
3. Students not at school on the day of the dance are not generally permitted to attend the dance.
4. Participation at school dances is dependent on a good disciplinary record and good attendance.

Damage To School Property

Willful damage to school property (including furniture, equipment, lockers and desks) is viewed as an offense against the whole school population. We want to keep our school as attractive as possible for those who work within it. Therefore, the following school policy is strictly enforced:

School Policy Regarding Payment For Damages Done By Students

1. Completely unavoidable and accidental damage - No payment will be required provided the student reports the damage promptly to the office.
2. Damage caused by carelessness

• If the student reports the damage promptly to the office, payment of 50% of the costs will be required.
• If the student does not report the damage promptly, payment will be required for 100% of the costs. Discipline can also be expected for students who do not report damage they have caused.

Intentional Vandalism Students involved will be charged 100% of the repair costs.

School Organization

School begins promptly at 8:45 am and ends (Monday to Thursday) at 3:10 pm and Friday at 1:50 pm. It is expected that students and parents will use the early dismissal on Friday to arrange special appointments for medical, dental and other issues so that students will not miss class.

Fees And Charges

1. Student activity fees are $20.00 payable in September. Those who have not paid by September
will have the charge added to ticket prices for student courses & functions.
2. Group purchasing privileges and other charges may be required for various courses, as outlined in the Course Outline booklet. These charges have been approved by School District #62 (Sooke).
3. Grade 12 students who do not have all their material fees (except in hardship cases - please see your Counselor) and other charges paid by June 1 MAY NOT be permitted to take part in the Graduation ceremonies.
4. Library - there will be a $2.00 administrative charge for overdrawn books.
5. The cost for students who wish to participate on athletic teams this year is $40.00, regardless of the number of teams in which the student participates. The fee is payable to the main office and the receipt must be produced before the student will be permitted to participate. The $40.00 helps cover the costs for BC School Sports membership, officiating costs, tournament costs, and materials and supplies. Because $40.00 per student does not pay all the bills, fundraising is often required of team members as well.

Exam Expectations

Student Behaviour

• Quiet, respectful demeanor.
• No looking at other students' exam answers.
• Avoid irritating behavior such as chewing gum noisily.
• Ask questions only of the supervisor-put up your hand, wait until the supervisor is next to you before you speak in hushed tones.
• Arrive at the exam 15 min before the exam begins.
• Understand that no one leaves the exam room until an hour has transpired; the supervisor will announce the end of the hour.
• All writers must leave the exam after two hours for school exams and three hours for ministry exams.
• Latecomers will be allowed into the exam room until the first half hour has elapsed. They will NOT be given extra time. After ˝ an hour, the student will have to write the exam in a different session.

What to bring:

• Kleenex
• A sweater or a sweatshirt-not a jacket
• Textbooks to return
• A minimum of two pens

What to leave at home or somewhere other than the exam room:

• Hats
• Ipods
• Cell phones
• Food
• Paper
• Purses or backpacks
• Pencil cases
• Coats

And finally ---- remember to go to the bathroom before you enter the exam room.