YouthCat Code of Conduct - Participant
“Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that ‘everyone should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as ‘another self,’ above all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity’.” (CCC 1931)
Our Lady of Mercy is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment in which all participants can strive for academic excellence, personal growth (spiritually, emotionally and physically) and responsible citizenship.
At Our Lady of Mercy we believe that all children have the right to learn in a safe, caring and orderly environment. Responsibility to promote Christian conduct is shared by participants, staff and parents. Our expectations of participants enrolled into the YouthCat program are that they will maintain an attitude that is cooperative, courteous and respectful. As such, participants are expected to:
- Treat others in a respectful and Christ-like manner
- Respect the property of others
- Follow YouthCat rules and play safely
- Take responsibility for your actions and your learning
A safe and respectful environment is fostered when:
- Participants feel safe;
- There is mutual respect among staff, participants and parents;
- Parents, participants and staff take an active role in promoting acceptance and tolerance of all persons;
- Appropriate conduct is taught and modeled;
- Disciplinary action is to be restorative in nature and just;
- Diagnosed disabilities are taken into consideration;
- Family special circumstances are considered.
Expectations regarding acceptable conduct are made known to all participants, parents and school staff, as well as to temporary staff or visitors. The School Code of Conduct will apply to participants while at school (including before and after school), while going to and from school, and while attending YouthCat functions or activities at any location.
Participants of YouthCat are expected to (but not limited to):
- Respect those in positions of rightful authority
- Follow instructions given by staff members and volunteers
- Know and obey the school’s participant code of conduct and the school rules
- Respect the rights and dignity of all persons in the school community
- Refrain from participating in or promoting any behavior that would threaten, harass, bully, intimidate, assault (verbally and/or physically) or cause harm to any person
- Report incidents of bullying or harassment that they witness in the school or at school activities to a YouthCat staff member
- Refrain from abusive/suggestive language (e.g. language that degrades someone’s dignity because of race, religion, ethnicity, culture, sexual self identity, disability and/or socio-economic background).
- Refrain from misuse of computer technology, including personal electronic devices
Inappropriate Behavior
Inappropriate behavior can consist of, but is not limited to:
- rudeness, swearing
- using your hands to hurt someone
- fighting (or play fighting)
- lack of respect for others, taunting
- throwing objects (rocks, sticks, snowballs, etc.)
- defiant behavior, insolence
- running in the halls
- unauthorized leaving of school grounds
- littering
Consequences
Consequences will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, respecting individual rights, responsibilities, age and maturity; and be restorative rather than punitive in nature. The staff will recognize participants who consistently display appropriate conduct. YouthCat participants will be taught and encouraged to use proactive and appropriate decision-making and social skills. The YouthCat coordinator has primary responsibility for correcting and documenting unacceptable behavior and minor incidents. In common areas such as playgrounds and school facilities, the supervising YouthCat staff persons share this responsibility.
I have read and understood the YouthCat participant Code of Conduct, as written above and will be responsible for my child’s ability to adhere to these policies while attending YouthCat. Any breach of any of the terms above may result in the following:
- Verbal warning by YouthCat staff and or coordinator
- Written warning
- Meeting with a member from the OLM Parish Education Committee
- participant being formally withdrawn from the YouthCat program