School Policies

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School Policies

Please refer to the banners below for more information regarding school policies at Brocklehurst Secondary.  Please refer to the following School District link to be redirected to the list of School District No. 73 Kamloops/Thompson Policies and Regulations.

Cell Phone Restrictions
Personal Digital Devices

Brock has implemented a policy on personal digital devices* in alignment with provincial and district recommendations.  This policy applies to the use of personal devices during class time - what we refer to as Bell-to-bell.

Research has clearly shown how social media platforms impede student learning, put youth at risk and have negative impact on mental health. Further, we know that personal digital devices and social media applications have a negative effects on Brock's core values - Curiosity -Compassion -Courage.

This policy is intended to promote online safety and focused learning environments for our students.

Bell-to-Bell Expectations

  • During class time (from bell-to-bell), personal digital devices will remain in lockers, backpacks/purses, or holders provided by classroom teachers. Phones will be off or in silent mode. 
  • During class time, all school areas, including bathrooms, hallways, and common areas will be designated CELL PHONE FREE.
  • During class time, airpods, headphones or listening devices connected to personal digital devices will not be permitted.

* Personal Digital Devices means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a cell phone, tablet or other smart devices. 

**Essential Supports - students who are exceptions to these expectations will be identified by our LART, Counselors or Administration.

In case of emergencies, appointments or parents picking students up from school, communication will be handled through the office.

All adults at Brock Secondary are tasked with maintaining our learning environment and keeping students safe. It is expected that students will adhere to these guidelines and any reasonable requests regarding cell phones, or other digital devices (ie. Please put your phone in the phone holder). Failure to comply with adult requests will be dealt with in a tiered system of progressive discipline. 

  • Progressive interventions by classroom teachers may include individual conversations with students, and communication with parents/guardians via email or phone. 
  • Continued disruptions to the learning environment may result in phones, or other digital devices, being held in the office.
  • Chronic offenders, and students who demonstrate defiance may be referred to administration for follow-up. This may involve a parent/admin conversation to establish individual student plans for success.

At Brocklehurst Secondary, through our school values of Curiosity, Compassion and Courage, we strive to build meaningful connections and become our best selves. 

Our Bell-to-Bell Policy on personal devices will promote Curiosity by:

  • Enabling students to explore new thoughts and connect to learning to themselves and the world around them.
  • Increase opportunities to foster face-to-face interactions and build interpersonal communication skills.  

Our Bell-to-Bell Policy on personal devices will promote Compassion by:

  • Promoting a caring, accepting and kind to school community.
  • Enabling students and staff to build healthy relationships that support learning and contribute to a safe community.

Our Bell-to-Bell Policy on personal devices will promote Courage by:

  • Removing distrations to empower students with mindset that learning requires persistence, not perfection.
  • Creating an environment where students embrace challenge, navigate fears and find solutions.

Would you like to learn more about cell phone addiction and its impact on student learning and wellness? Click the following links below.  

Unplug (from Technology) and Connect: Keeping Families Strong in a Wired World : Ontario : eMentalHealth.ca

Screenagers Movie | Resources

Attendance and Punctuality Policy

Attendance and punctuality are expected on a regular basis as per the Public School Act Regulations. Regular attendance and punctuality are important factors in school success. Parents/guardians are requested to utilize the School Messenger app or Safe Arrival at 1-844-350-2647 if your son or daughter is going to be absent, late or needs to sign out early. More information and instructions are available on our website by clicking Safe arrival 

  • Students arriving at school after 8:30am are late. If they arrive before 8:45am they should go directly to class and the teacher will mark them late.  If the student arrives with a note, or it was recorded through Safe Arrival as excused, they should sign in at the office to ensure their late is excused.
  • When a student must leave school during class time, it is required that a parent advise the office before they leave. Students must sign out at the office for appointments and sign in when they return to school. Signing out at the office applies to students who are leaving school at lunch and not returning for the remainder of the day.
  • For long-term absences, contact your student’s counsellor at 250-376-1232 and make arrangements for any missed assignments and work to be emailed or picked up. Students are responsible for making up missed assignments and work when absent.
Planned Absence: (forms are available at the main office)
  1. Planned absence are used for absences of 2 or more days and refers to school field trips including music, sports, cultural, and family events.
  2. The student must present the “Planned Absence” form to the teacher at least 2 days prior to the event. The teacher will advise the student of the work that will be covered during the absence. Planned Absences that are school sponsored are to be handed in completed to their sponsor teacher.  Planned Absences that are family events are to be turned into the office for approval by the administration.
  3. Classroom teachers have the right to refuse permission for school planned events.
  4. Students must accept responsibility for making up the missed work.
Exams and Absence:
  1. Students, who are absent from an exam or other scheduled presentation, project or assignment for reasons that are acceptable under the School Act or Board Policies, should be allowed to make up the exam or be evaluated without penalty.
  2. Students who are absent for social/personal reasons that are not emergencies, and have not been previously approved, may be required to do an alternate assessment other than the scheduled exam or presentation.
  3. Students who are absent as a result of a school or Board suspension will be required to attend school for scheduled exams. Assignments or other obligations that may come due during the suspension should be sent in or dropped off at the school. Teachers are required by the Act to provide an educational program for students who are registered but under suspension
Dress Code Policy

The Student Dress Code recognizes that a student's choice of dress can form an important part of self-identity. Students must not wear clothing which undermines the Districts commitment to a safe and inclusive learning environment. This includes:

  • Clothing that promotes the use of tobacco, illegal drugs or alcohol
  • Clothing that advocates illegal activity
  • Clothing that promotes hatred of a person or persons
  • Clothing that contains profanity, pornography or obscene images
Homework Policy

As a general guideline, students are advised to establish a study plan at the beginning of the year. This plan should permit time for both assigned (homework) and review (study work). Following is a guideline:

  1. Grade 8: ½ to 1 hour daily
  2. Grade 9/10: 1½ hours daily
  3. Grade 11/12: 2 to 2 ½ hours daily
The following statements summarize the reasons for the necessity and importance of homework in assisting a student’s educational progress.
  • Homework reinforces material presented in the classroom, supplementing and building on classroom experience.
  • Homework creates readiness for learning by providing background knowledge.
  • Homework provides practice drill in specific skills areas.
  • Homework provides follow up to classroom activities.
  • Homework provides students with activities for individualized learning.
  • Homework is an evaluative tool.
To ensure co-operation between students, teachers and parents in the assignment of homework, the following expectations are to be collectively employed:

Student’s role:

Students are expected to complete homework assignments on time in order to develop self-discipline and time management skills and to enhance their knowledge of each subject.

Teacher’s role:

Teachers will assign meaningful homework that will be promptly evaluated.

Parent’s role: 

Parents are expected to provide students with an environment that promotes good study habits and to enrich the student’s learning through their support and encouragement. Parents have an opportunity to be informed about the materials students are studying by direct contact with the teacher.

Technology Policy

Computer Lab Policy

Students must have a parent/guardian sign an Internet Access Agreement for students to have access to the Internet at school.  Improper use of the computer network will result in the following:

  • Removal of the student computer account.
  • Prohibited from any computer use.
  • Administrative action.
Personal Technology Devices

Students may use personal electronic devices at Brocklehurst Secondary School in the following manner:

  • Cell/Smart Phones – classroom use only with teacher authorization; breaks and lunch acceptable
  • Laptops / Tablets – classroom use only with teacher authorization; breaks and lunch acceptable
  • Audio devices – classroom use only with teacher authorization; breaks and lunch acceptable
  • Cameras (including Smart Phone cameras) – only with authorization
  • Recording devices – only with authorization
Texting or accessing social networking sites is not allowed during classroom instructional time without teacher authorization. All filming on school property and all footage used for school projects must be approved by Administration and / or the Teacher. Consent must be obtained before filming any individual. At no time will the use of any personal electronic device invade or infringe upon the personal privacy or safety of any member of the school community.

While using school/school district servers, students and guests may not assume that usage is private. All content will be available to be viewed for security and safety reasons. Students and guests using information technology within Sa-Hali Secondary School will use all technologies in an appropriate and safe manner. Commercial uses, harassment and bullying are inappropriate and will result in disciplinary actions.

Brocklehurst Secondary School accepts no responsibility for theft or damage that may occur to personal items brought to the school.

Textbook Deposit Policy #506.4

A learning resources deposit shall be collected from all middle and secondary school students. The deposit is a means of teaching the students a sense of responsibility; and, to control waste through lost or damaged textbooks.

The textbook deposit will be $50.00 per student to a maximum of $100.00 per family. The textbook deposit will be held by the school until the student graduates or withdraws from the school provided that textbooks are returned in a suitable condition at the end of each semester or school year. (For more information please go to the School District #73 webpage Policy #506.4 or call the school).


STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Background The District endorses a set of desirable personal character traits that incorporate universal values and that promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect where all are equal in dignity and rights, including demonstrating respect, integrity, empathy, compassion, independence, cooperation and responsibility. Students strive to learn, practice and develop such personal character traits and work to contribute to the development of welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments. Students are further to respect diversity and refrain from demonstrating any form of discrimination as set out in the British Columbia Human Rights Code, including gender identity and gender expression. Students are to foster a sense of belonging amongst all students. Within the aforementioned context, students are to pursue their personal goals to develop through educational opportunities that maximize their individual potential in becoming educated citizens, demonstrating themselves as:

  • Thoughtful and able to learn, think critically and communicate information from a broad knowledge base;
  • Creative, flexible, self-motivated and in possession of a positive self-image;
  • Capable of making independent decisions;
  • Skilled and able to contribute to society generally, including to the world of work, and contribute to the development of the core value commitments identified in the District Strategic Plan;
  • Productive and able to gain satisfaction through achievement and through striving for well-being;
  • Co-operative, principled and respectful of others, regardless of differences; and,
  • Aware of the rights and prepared to exercise the responsibilities of an individual within the family, the community, Canada and the world; and
  • Capable of acceptable use of personal digital devices at school within established guidelines for the purpose of promoting online safety, positive workspaces and personal safety, and focused learning environments. Definitions
  • Personal digital device: may be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet. Additional examples of devices that may fall into this definition are smart watches, gaming devices, and electronic toys;
  • Instructional purposes: includes the use of devices as determined by school policy and directed by teachers during class time;
  • Digital literacy purposes: includes designated computer or cell phone time that serves to promote digital literacy by providing opportunities for students to use devices while under the supervision of a teacher, which may include critical dialogue regarding responsible, creative, and pedagogically appropriate use of devices. Kamloops-Thompson School District No. 73 June 2024 Administrative Procedures Manual
  • Accessibility and accommodation needs: involves the use of personal digital devices to support students with disabilities or diverse abilities as outlined in students’ support plans and Individual Education Plans. Examples: assistive technologies or programs that support students with hearing loss or voice, speech or language disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, text to speech and speech to text programs or devices, translators, timers, calendars, and reminder software to promote accessibility and to facilitate participation. Accommodations appropriate to support academic needs will be determined by school administration through consultation with student support services (counselors, Learning Assistance Resource Teachers, and parents/caregivers, where appropriate).
  • Medical and health needs: includes approved use of personal digital devices to support medical necessities, such as monitoring blood glucose levels for a student with diabetes, as provided in medical documentation.
  • Equitable access to learning outcomes: ensure personal digital device restrictions do not disproportionately impact some students more than others. Examples: computer or cell phone access to support students who do not have access to the internet outside of school and who therefore might use technology at school to complete schoolwork.

Procedures

1.In displaying acceptable behaviour, students are to strive to continually:
1.1.Use their abilities and talents to gain maximum learning benefits from their school experiences;
1.2.Contribute to a climate of mutual trust and respect conducive to effective learning, personal development and social living;
1.3.Co-operate fully with those authorized by the District to provide education programs and other services;
1.4.Comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws, and the rules of the District and school;
1.5.Comply with restrictions on personal digital device use at school to promote online safety and focused on creative learning environments by demonstrating:
1.5.1.use of personal digital devices for instructional purposes and digital literacy development;
1.5.2.use of personal digital devices that is appropriate to a student’s age and developmental stage;
1.5.3.use personal digital devices for accessibility and accommodation needs, including medical and health needs;
1.5.4.use personal digital devices to support equitable access to learning outcomes.
1.6.Account to their teachers and school staff for their conduct;
1.7.Attend school regularly and punctually.
1.8.Use non-violent means to resolve conflict;
1.9.Treat all other students and staff with dignity, respect and fairness at all times;
1.10.Contribute to a learning environment that is free from physical, emotional and social abuse and from discrimination; Kamloops-Thompson School District No. 73 June 2024 Administrative Procedures Manual
1.11.Take appropriate measures to help those in need; and,
1.12.Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
2.Students are accountable for demonstrating respect for:
2.1.Authority;
2.2.Others and their property;
2.3.School property, equipment and textbooks; and,
2.4.Differences in ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
3.Students are prohibited from engaging in unacceptable behaviour, whether it occurs within the school building, during the school day, during school related activities or by electronic means or with school community members outside of these environments. Examples of such behaviours include, but are not limited to:
3.1.Publication of any item that discriminates against a person or a group or class of persons because of race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and/or age;
3.2.Denial of accommodation, service or facility customarily available to the public because of race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and/or age;
3.3.Use, possession of, sale, distribution of or active contact with, a weapon on a student’s person, in a student’s locker or desk, on Board property, or in a vehicle on Board property used by a student or occupied by a student as a passenger;
3.4.Threats;
3.5.Willful Conduct that endangers others;
3.6.Encouraging conduct that endangers or may endanger others;
3.7.Encouraging unacceptable conduct;
3.8.Use or display of improper, obscene or abusive language;
3.9.Distribution or display of offensive messages or pictures;
3.10.Theft, including identity theft;
3.11.Assault;
3.12.Willful damage to school or others’ property;
3.13.Use, possession of, distribution of or active contact with, or collection of, money for controlled drugs, alcohol or inhalants in school, on Board property or in the context of any school-related activity;
3.14.Attending school or any school-related activity under the influence of controlled drugs, alcohol or inhalants; (Request to revise by one group).
3.15.Personal or sexual harassment;
3.16.Hazing, initiation activities, the formation or the operation of sororities, fraternities, gangs Kamloops-Thompson School District No. 73 June 2024 Administrative Procedures Manual and secret organizations;
3.17.Extortion;
3.18.Disruptive behaviour, willful disobedience and/or defiance of authority;
3.19.Interfering with the orderly conduct of classes or the school;
3.20.Tampering with fire alarms and safety equipment;
3.21.Criminal activity;
3.22.Contravention of the school’s code of conduct;
3.23.Workplace violence;
3.24.Bullying, including cyberbullying; and,
3.25.Inappropriate information technology use.
4.Unacceptable student behaviour:
4.1.May be grounds for investigation, violence threat-risk assessment or disciplinary action; and,
4.2.Provides an opportunity for critical learning in the areas of:
4.2.1.Personal accountability and responsibility;
4.2.2.The development of empathy;
4.2.3.Conflict resolution;
4.2.4.Communication; and,
4.2.5.Social skills development.
4.2.6.
5.When responding to unacceptable student behaviour, the following are to be considered:
5.1.The effect of the student’s behaviour upon other students, the staff, the school and the community;
5.2.The nature of the action or incident that calls for disciplinary or alternative measures;
5.3.The student’s previous conduct and previous interventions;
5.4.The student’s age, maturity and abilities;
5.5.The impact of proposed action on the student’s future behaviour;
5.6.The student’s learning needs; and,
5.7.Any other information considered appropriate or relevant.
6.The consequences of unacceptable behaviour may be:
6.1.Assignment of a student whose behaviour is unacceptable, disruptive or destructive to an alternate supervised location;
6.2.Short-term removal of privileges;
6.3.Confiscation of digital devices and notification of parents;
6.4.Detention;
6.5.Use of reasonable force as required by way of correction to restrain a student from carrying out a violent or destructive act that could harm the student or others; Kamloops-Thompson School District No. 73 June 2024 Administrative Procedures Manual
6.6.Alternative interventions, such as community conferencing or other forms of restorative justice;
6.7.Corrective student transfer;
6.8.Suspension; and,
6.9.Recommendation for expulsion.
7.Students will contribute, to the greatest extent possible, to a learning environment that is well- ordered, peaceful, safe, non-threatening and conducive to learning and optimal growth. Legal references: School Act, ss 20, 22, 23, 65, 85 Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), RSBC 1996 Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Constitution Act, 1982 Canadian Human Rights Act, RSC 1985 Criminal Code, RSC 1985 Administrative Procedure 351 - Student Conduct on School Buses Adopted: July 6, 2015, June 24, 2024 Reviewed/Revised: December 12, 2016; August 26, 2019; May 14-23, 2024; June 20, 202