Catholic Code of Conduct

In This Section

Further information pertaining to the DPCDSB Catholic Code of Conduct can be found at: 

DPCDSB Catholic Code of Conduct

In compliance with its mission, vision, and values, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School DPCDSB (DPCDSB) is committed to the implementation of Policy 9.01: Catholic Code of Conduct (Catholic Code of Conduct) to provide and sustain a safe, caring, inclusive, and healthy Catholic school community in which every student can succeed. The Catholic Code of Conduct supports virtue formation and healthy relationships in the context of a vibrant Catholic community. It is responsive to equitable and inclusive education and ensures a whole school approach to developing a positive Catholic school learning environment for all. The Catholic Code of Conduct sets clear standards of behaviour which apply to all members of the school community regardless of whether they are on school property, in a virtual learning environment, on school buses, at school-related events or activities, in before- and after-school programs, or in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate. These standards also apply to all individuals involved in the school system, including principals, teachers, early childhood educators, other school staff, parents, guardians, school bus drivers, volunteers, and members of various community groups.

In order to provide a positive, safe, caring, inclusive, and healthy Catholic school environment that enables student engagement and student voice, all members of the school or DPCDSB facility community shall:

  • respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws;
  • respect and comply with all applicable Ministry of Education, DPCDSB and school policies, procedures and practices;
  • respect Catholic Church teachings and traditions;
  • support and/or participate in the liturgical life of the school;
  • strive to live a virtuous life in accordance with Gospel values;
  • respect the dignity and rights of others;
  • treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement;
  • respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions;
  • respect and celebrate diversity;
  • respect and treat others fairly, regardless of citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex/pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance (in housing), and record of offences (in employment);
  • use verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to a Catholic environment;
  • demonstrate respect for persons in positions of authority;
  • respect the need for others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning;
  • reconcile differences and work toward restorative amends;
  • resolve conflicts peacefully, seeking assistance from staff, if necessary;
  • take appropriate measures to help those in need, especially the most vulnerable;
  • acknowledge and support those who are marginalized;
  • be punctual, prepared, properly attired, and attentive to the learning/work process;
  • strive to do one's personal best and actively cultivate talents for the service of others;
  • demonstrate honesty and integrity;
  • show proper care and regard for school and DPCDSB property, and for the property of others;
  • exercise wise stewardship and conservation of resources within the community;
  • use computers, social networking, technological aides and other specialized equipment for sanctioned activities only;
  • use personal electronic devices (PEDs) in a responsible and respectful manner, ensuring that these devices are only used during instructional time under the following circumstances:
    • for educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
    • for health and medical purposes;
    • to support special education needs;
    • to provide an accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Additionally, to ensure that DPCDSB schools and facilities and events are safe places to learn and work, all members of the DPCDSB school or facility community must not:

  • Engage in hate propaganda and other behaviours motivated by hate or bias;
  • engage in threatening, intimidating, and/or bullying behaviours, including cyberbullying;
  • inflict or encouraging others to inflict bodily harm on another person(s);
  • commit sexual assault or sexual harassment;
  • use abusive language and/or swearing at others, including a teacher or at another person in a position of authority;
  • take without consent, nor share without consent, photos or recordings of other members of the school community;
  • be intoxicated;
  • use or supply others with tobacco, vapes, alcohol, illegal drugs, restricted drugs, and cannabis products (exemptions are limited to medicinal cannabis products prescribed by a health care professional).
  • engage in trafficking (of illegal drugs, restricted drugs, weapons, people), commit robbery or theft, and possess weapons, including firearms.