YouthCat Code of Conduct - Parent

YouthCat Club welcomes and values parental support and input. We believe that parents play a crucial role in supporting the YouthCat Staff and their child(ren). We are committed to ensuring that children feel happy, safe and secure, and have the maximum opportunity to participate in all of the club’s activities. We expect the parents to conduct themselves in an ethical, safe, responsible and Christian manner that recognises and respects the rights of others. The Parent Code of Conduct provides statements which serve as a reminder to all of their obligations to be good models for their children. Parents play a formative role in the development of a child’s faith, sense of justice, equity, and the dignity and worth of all members of our community.

The Parent Code of Conduct works alongside Our Lady of Mercy’s values of Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe as well as the school’s Christian values. 

Parents, Guardian, and any family member that is enrolling a YouthCat participant is expected to exhibit and model conduct consistent with Christian values by:

• setting a good example in their own speech, conduct and behaviour with others
• informing the staff of any physical disability, allergies, injury or illnesses
• ensuring their child(ren) have an understanding of and follow YouthCat’s expectations on behaviour, such as, playing by the rules, resolving conflicts peacefully, letting a staff member know if there is an issue etc.
• ensuring that their child(ren)’s basic needs are met by providing a nutritious snack and water
• cooperating with staff in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulties to others, with the understanding that staff and parents need to work together for the benefit of all
• never approaching another child to discuss or chastise them because of their actions
• bringing any issue that has occurred to the attention of the appropriate YouthCat staff member in order to clarify their child’s version of events and bring about a peaceful solution to any issue
• informing the YouthCat staff if their child is not attending that day
• informing YouthCat staff in writing if someone other than a parent is allowed to pick up their child

I have read and understand the information contained in this document. Any breach of the above items may result in:

• A letter, phone call or meeting 
• The child being withdrawn from YouthCat

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:

1. Verbal warning by YouthCat staff and or coordinator
2. Written warning
3. Meeting with a member from the OLM Parish Education Committee
4. participant being formally withdrawn from the YouthCat program

The conditions are:

I read and accept the terms, risks and refund policy. PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

THERE MAY COME A TIME THAT AN INADVERTENT EVENT MAY OCCUR AT THE SCHOOL AND CAUSE CLOSURE TO YOUTH CAT. Refunds may be given as a result and we apologize for any inconvenience for the closure. 

We will no longer provide credits or move dates if you no longer need child care after pre-booking, this has created a lot of issues and we have staff to consider, thank you for understanding.

The rates for Youth Cat are as follows, $15.50/day for registered students and $18.50/day for 1 time drop in, the hours of operation will be from 3:00pm to 6:30pm - ALL STUDENTS TO BE PICKED UP NO LATER THAN 6:30pm, as the staff have to do their daily cleaning. 

All staff are trained in first aid, and will be cleaning all high contact surfaces at the end of each day as well as any shared games and toys.