Boarding Code of Conduct and Expectations for Behaviour

The Boarding Curriculum is grounded in concepts of social-emotional learning (SEL).

SEL enhances students’ capacity to integrate skills, attitudes and behaviours to deal effectively and ethically with daily tasks and challenges. This integrated framework promotes intrapersonal, interpersonal and cognitive competence. Boarding employs a continuum of interventions to address and promote positive behaviour towards oneself and others. When the student’s safety has been assured, opportunities to learn, grow and be more considerate of others in the future are discussed.

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness can be defined as “the ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. The ability to accurately assess one’s strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a growth mindset.”

All members of the Boarding community are expected to treat each other in a kind and respectful manner. The Boarding Team is here to help each young person reflect on their personal strengths, and areas needed for growth. Boarders will actively engage in a learning journey throughout the year to continue understanding their personal growth, and how to create positive relationships for others. Boarders are expected to take part in Family Group Meetings, engage in reflective conversations with the Boarding leadership team and Boarding Advisors, and participate in Community Forums, Roommate Contracts and community initiatives.

Self-Management

Self-management can be defined as “the ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in different situations—effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself. The ability to set and work toward personal and academic goals.”

Members of the Boarding community are expected to respect and follow schedules, clearly communicate about plans and whereabouts, be easy to contact, not order outside food during weekdays, be on-task during study time, accept when it has been deemed supportive that you attend Homework Club, respect the sleep schedules of others, be responsible about technology use and personal sleep hygiene, submit leave requests through REACH and check in as required.

Social Awareness

Social awareness can be defined as “the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school and community resources and supports.”

All members of the Boarding community participate in celebrating and understanding the diversity of the community. This includes respecting cultural, racial, sexual and religious differences, as well as respecting individual choice around gender identification and confidentiality.

Boarding community members will be an active participant in events, meals and house meetings. They will respect common spaces and quiet times. They will care for their personal and shared space, and keep it in good order.

Any issues that arise that do not contribute to a safe, caring and inclusive community will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Boarding leadership team and the Boarding Advisors.

Relationship Skills

Relationship skills can be defined as “the ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.”

Boarding expects that each student will:

• Be a good housemate by listening without judgment, speaking up if something needs to change, being open to feedback, willing to compromise and actively work towards making the Boarding houses a comfortable place to live for everyone.
• Embrace the IB mission, which values diverse perspectives and “encourage[s] students...to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”
• Respect the privacy of others by refraining from photographing or recording people who are unaware or who otherwise do not give their consent.
• Respect the boundaries of others. It is not permissible to enter someone else’s room without their permission.
• Seek support from the Boarding team and other school support people when faced with a tricky situation.

Responsible Decision-Making

Responsible decision-making can be defined as “the ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns and social norms. The realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the well-being of oneself and others.”

Boarding expects that each student will:

• Adhere to all aspects of the school’s Code of Conduct (found on the Portal), including the Anti-Bullying and No Drugs, Cigarettes/Vaping or Alcohol Policies.
• When taking part in unsupervised off-campus activities, actively seek permission from the Boarding Staff and sign out properly on REACH and face-to-face with your Boarding Advisor whenever leaving your house or campus, returning in time for curfew.
• When taking part in unsupervised off-campus activities, clearly explain travel plans, proposed activity and location of the event on REACH face-to-face with your Boarding Advisor when seeking off-campus permission. Note: permission for an extended curfew may only be granted by a member of the Boarding leadership team and only when requested in advance.
• When taking part in unsupervised off-campus activities, understand the importance of being reachable (by phone) at all times while off campus.
• Refrain from ordering outside meals, snacks and drinks from Monday to Thursday. Outside food is permitted to be ordered to campus on the weekend only. Students must attend meal times in the AWC, but they may order food on weekends.
• Maintain a tidy room, regularly do laundry, store personal food items in the kitchen and return all dishes to the kitchen.

Behavioural Expectations and Levels of Intervention

Boarding Students are expected to follow the rules, schedules and routines in Boarding, and interact with the Boarding Advisor in a respectful and collaborative manner. This is imperative to the safety, and well-being of the entire community. If students do not meet an expectation, the Boarding Advisor will have the student perform a task in support of the community.

When a Boarding student, or group of students, intentionally or unintentionally impacts the community in a negative manner, they will meet with a member of the Boarding leadership team to co-create a plan to make amends to the community. A Restorative Justice Framework will be employed to heal fractures in relationships and maintain a safe and healthy environment for all community members. When an expectation is not met that involves an element of diversity, equity or inclusion, a member of the school-wide DEI team will be involved in the process. When an expectation is not met in the day school, the Boarding leadership team will collaborate with the appropriate Assistant Head to devise an appropriate plan.

Matters deemed of a serious nature will be dealt with by the Director of Boarding and the Deputy Principal. Parents and guardians will be contacted and further action such as a behavioural contract, a loss of leadership position or a suspension or expulsion from the school will be reviewed and considered.