Code of Conduct

Introduction

This code of conduct is designed to assist and to guide group leaders in developing their own standards. These standards are not intended to be all encompassing. Situations may arise that are not expressly covered or where proper course of action is unclear.

The Code of Conduct comprises principles and standards of behaviours. Its purpose is to set the context for a safe and productive learning environment by outlining expected behaviours.

Principles

It is expected that the participants will accept personal responsibility for their behaviour in order to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.

It is expected that the participants will honour the rights of others through the process of learning and demonstrating appropriate behaviour in the context of social responsibility.

Standards of Behaviour

• Attend activities and events and be prepared and punctual.
• Show respect for the rights, property and safety of themselves and other participants.
• Respect and appreciate diversity of all participants regardless of their race, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and ability.
• Express themselves with socially acceptable language and gestures.
• Exhibit behaviour that avoids all forms of intimidation, harassment, racism, and discrimination.
• Dress in accordance with “school” dress standards.
• Promote positive behaviour through the avoidance of all types of violent acts.
• Refrain from the possession of any form of a weapon.
• Refrain from the possession of and being under the influence of all forms of intoxicants.

Identification of Disruptive Behaviours

Behaviour that is serious enough to significantly interrupt the learning climate of the tour, endanger the well-being of others, or damage property is classified as disruptive. Examples of disruptive behaviour may include, but are not limited to:

• Profanity
• Disrespect or insubordination
• Failure to obey instructions
• Non-attendance or poor attendance at specific activities
• Other acts of misconduct that are disruptive or that may create a potential safety hazard

Severely Disruptive Behaviour

• Bullying
• Fighting
• Vandalism
• Verbal abuse
• Racial and/or discriminatory misconduct
• Sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual abuse
• Physical violence or abuse
• Use or possession of weapons
• Illegal activity

Students

It is our expectation that students will:

• Participate fully in the learning opportunities
• Attend activities regularly and punctually
• Contribute to an orderly and safe learning environment
• Respect the rights of others
• Follow the established rules and take responsibility for his or her own actions
• Refrain from bringing anything that may compromise the safety of others

Parents

It is our expectation that parents:

• Provide contact information to the group organizer
• Attend scheduled parents’ meeting
• Communicate with the group organizer
• Help their child to be prepared for the exchange
• Encourage their child in following the rules of behaviour
• Take responsibility for their child’s behaviour during the trip

Group Organizers

It is our expectation that group organizers:

• Participate fully in all scheduled activities
• Respect the rights of the participants
• Take all reasonable steps necessary to create and maintain a positive and supportive learning environment
• Attend to the safety, health and comfort of the participants
• Maintain appropriate order and discipline during the exchange and report to the principal or other person in charge the conduct of any participant who is consistently defiant or disobedient