Code of Conduct
1. PREAMBLEThe Wakefield Elementary Home and School Association (WEHSA) is committed to the high standards of social community agencies. To this end, all volunteers are expected to observe the highest standards of integrity in their conduct. This Code of Conduct provides clear standards of behaviour for volunteers working in our school and with Wakefield Elementary students. The Code of Conduct provides a framework within which all practices must be conducted, managed and regulated in accordance with the law and generally accepted ways of doing business ethically and responsibly.
2. OBJECTIVEWEHSA is committed to treating all volunteers fairly, with respect and dignity. In order to honour this commitment, WEHSA shall take appropriate measures to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace, both physically and emotionally, as well as a safe and caring learning environment in our school.
3. REFERENCESThis Code of Conduct is developed in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, notably the Education Act (R.S.Q., c. I-13.3), the Act Respecting Access to Documents Held by Public Bodies and the Protection of Personal Information (R.S.Q., A-2.1), and the Civil Code of Quebec (notably sections 321 to 325 and 2088), as well as Collective Agreements and the WQSB bylaws and policies.
4. SCOPE OF THE POLICYThis policy applies to every person volunteering for WEHSA, regardless of position or level of responsibility. Whereas no set of guidelines can cover every situation and while every person must be responsible for his/her own actions, adherence to the expected behaviour outlined in this Code of Conduct should prevent most undesirable situations that could arise.
5. PROFESSIONALISM & RESPECTVolunteers of WEHSA are expected to foster a positive working climate based on trust and respect where all feel safe, respected, and accepted. Without limiting the above, the following are examples of this expectation:
5.1. Exemplify honesty, integrity, and transparency in all relations with students, parents, teachers, staff and the general public in both word and deed.
5.2. Respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions without discrimination.
5.3. Treat all persons courteously and in a professional manner at all times – be polite.
5.4. Decisions that are made in the course of the exercise of one’s functions are made in the best interest of the students.
5.5. Longer, more involved and/or heated discussions should be taken to a private space. A more involved discussion should be postponed for a follow-up discussion on a mutually agreeable date and time when the issue can be dealt with at a later time.
6. STANDARD OF BEHAVIOURVolunteers are expected to exhibit behaviour that shows respect for the rights, property, and safety of themselves and others in the course of the exercise of their functions in reference to the school setting.
6.1. Verbal abuse will NOT be tolerated.
6.2 The use of vulgar language and /or gestures must be avoided at all times.
6.3. All volunteers are prohibited from transmitting, viewing, generating, printing, retrieving, downloading, or storing any communication of a discriminatory, defamatory, obscene, damaging, threatening or harassing nature, or any material that is inappropriate for an educational or business environment.
6.4. Posting or engaging in online activities that disrespect or insult students, parents or employees/volunteers, or that promote false or discriminating information is prohibited.
6.5. Volunteers should refrain from establishing personal online communications with students. Contacting students via email or online should only be done with the knowledge and approval of their parents/guardians, ideally copying the parents/guardians on the discussions.
6.6. Use of personal cellular phones, computers or audio devices for personal matters should be avoided during assigned duties.
6.7. Volunteers are expected to come to the school premises wearing appropriate attire and suitable for the activity (e.g.: attire should not exhibit offensive graphics or language).
6.8. Volunteers will NOT consume, provide, or serve alcoholic beverage on board sites or facilities, or at events or activities, except when alcohol at the event or activity is approved by the WQSB and WES, an approved alcohol permit has been obtained, and alcohol is only served to individuals of legal age.
6.9. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal / unauthorized drugs during the course of volunteering practice is not acceptable.
6.10. Proper care and regard for WQSB and WES property and the property of others should be practiced at all times.
7. LOYALTY, IMPARTIALITY AND CONFLICT OF INTERESTVolunteers are bound to carry out their work with prudence and diligence. They must also act faithfully and honestly. In doing so, they must avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest where decisions are based on personal gain rather than in the best interest of students or WES.
7.1. Honesty with WES is expected of all volunteers.
7.2. The interests of WES shall take precedence over those of the volunteers.
7.3. Performance of duties and organization of functions will reflect on WES. In order to maintain and foster public confidence, these duties and functions are to be conducted with integrity, objectivity, and impartiality.
7.4. If a volunteer becomes aware of any illegal or irregular situations regarding WES or WQSB, said situations should be disclosed to WEHSA President and the school Principal.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY & ACCESS TO INFORMATIONVolunteers may have access to confidential information about the clientele and employees of WES. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, information that is not generally known to the public and is of such nature that it is in the legitimate interest of the parties involved to maintain its privacy. Confidentiality of information and documents must be maintained, including after working hours, unless disclosure is authorized for legitimate reasons or is legally permitted. Without limiting the generality of the above, volunteers must, during and after their volunteering work, adhere to the following guidelines:
8.1. The right of privacy for all employees, students, and parents is to be respected.
8.2. Volunteers are to refrain from discussing students’ situations.
8.3. Confidential information may not be used for personal gain.
8.4. Personal information regarding others obtained by a volunteer while exercising her or his duties may not be communicated or posted.
8.5. Oral or written communication with the media in the name of the WQSB, WES and WEHSA must be conducted only by the official spokesperson of the school board/school/ Home and School Association, unless otherwise authorized. The official spokesperson for WEHSA is the President elect.
9. DISCIPLANARY ACTIONSBreach of any aspects of this Code of Conduct shall render a volunteer liable to such disciplinary action deemed to be appropriate by WEHSA and WES. Should a volunteer feel aggrieved by the interpretation or application of the disciplinary action, the volunteer will be permitted to present an oral presentation of their grievance to the Executive members of WEHSA for resolution. In exceptional circumstances, the issue will be referred to the WES Principal for resolution and action.
2. OBJECTIVEWEHSA is committed to treating all volunteers fairly, with respect and dignity. In order to honour this commitment, WEHSA shall take appropriate measures to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace, both physically and emotionally, as well as a safe and caring learning environment in our school.
3. REFERENCESThis Code of Conduct is developed in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, notably the Education Act (R.S.Q., c. I-13.3), the Act Respecting Access to Documents Held by Public Bodies and the Protection of Personal Information (R.S.Q., A-2.1), and the Civil Code of Quebec (notably sections 321 to 325 and 2088), as well as Collective Agreements and the WQSB bylaws and policies.
4. SCOPE OF THE POLICYThis policy applies to every person volunteering for WEHSA, regardless of position or level of responsibility. Whereas no set of guidelines can cover every situation and while every person must be responsible for his/her own actions, adherence to the expected behaviour outlined in this Code of Conduct should prevent most undesirable situations that could arise.
5. PROFESSIONALISM & RESPECTVolunteers of WEHSA are expected to foster a positive working climate based on trust and respect where all feel safe, respected, and accepted. Without limiting the above, the following are examples of this expectation:
5.1. Exemplify honesty, integrity, and transparency in all relations with students, parents, teachers, staff and the general public in both word and deed.
5.2. Respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions without discrimination.
5.3. Treat all persons courteously and in a professional manner at all times – be polite.
5.4. Decisions that are made in the course of the exercise of one’s functions are made in the best interest of the students.
5.5. Longer, more involved and/or heated discussions should be taken to a private space. A more involved discussion should be postponed for a follow-up discussion on a mutually agreeable date and time when the issue can be dealt with at a later time.
6. STANDARD OF BEHAVIOURVolunteers are expected to exhibit behaviour that shows respect for the rights, property, and safety of themselves and others in the course of the exercise of their functions in reference to the school setting.
6.1. Verbal abuse will NOT be tolerated.
6.2 The use of vulgar language and /or gestures must be avoided at all times.
6.3. All volunteers are prohibited from transmitting, viewing, generating, printing, retrieving, downloading, or storing any communication of a discriminatory, defamatory, obscene, damaging, threatening or harassing nature, or any material that is inappropriate for an educational or business environment.
6.4. Posting or engaging in online activities that disrespect or insult students, parents or employees/volunteers, or that promote false or discriminating information is prohibited.
6.5. Volunteers should refrain from establishing personal online communications with students. Contacting students via email or online should only be done with the knowledge and approval of their parents/guardians, ideally copying the parents/guardians on the discussions.
6.6. Use of personal cellular phones, computers or audio devices for personal matters should be avoided during assigned duties.
6.7. Volunteers are expected to come to the school premises wearing appropriate attire and suitable for the activity (e.g.: attire should not exhibit offensive graphics or language).
6.8. Volunteers will NOT consume, provide, or serve alcoholic beverage on board sites or facilities, or at events or activities, except when alcohol at the event or activity is approved by the WQSB and WES, an approved alcohol permit has been obtained, and alcohol is only served to individuals of legal age.
6.9. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal / unauthorized drugs during the course of volunteering practice is not acceptable.
6.10. Proper care and regard for WQSB and WES property and the property of others should be practiced at all times.
7. LOYALTY, IMPARTIALITY AND CONFLICT OF INTERESTVolunteers are bound to carry out their work with prudence and diligence. They must also act faithfully and honestly. In doing so, they must avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest where decisions are based on personal gain rather than in the best interest of students or WES.
7.1. Honesty with WES is expected of all volunteers.
7.2. The interests of WES shall take precedence over those of the volunteers.
7.3. Performance of duties and organization of functions will reflect on WES. In order to maintain and foster public confidence, these duties and functions are to be conducted with integrity, objectivity, and impartiality.
7.4. If a volunteer becomes aware of any illegal or irregular situations regarding WES or WQSB, said situations should be disclosed to WEHSA President and the school Principal.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY & ACCESS TO INFORMATIONVolunteers may have access to confidential information about the clientele and employees of WES. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, information that is not generally known to the public and is of such nature that it is in the legitimate interest of the parties involved to maintain its privacy. Confidentiality of information and documents must be maintained, including after working hours, unless disclosure is authorized for legitimate reasons or is legally permitted. Without limiting the generality of the above, volunteers must, during and after their volunteering work, adhere to the following guidelines:
8.1. The right of privacy for all employees, students, and parents is to be respected.
8.2. Volunteers are to refrain from discussing students’ situations.
8.3. Confidential information may not be used for personal gain.
8.4. Personal information regarding others obtained by a volunteer while exercising her or his duties may not be communicated or posted.
8.5. Oral or written communication with the media in the name of the WQSB, WES and WEHSA must be conducted only by the official spokesperson of the school board/school/ Home and School Association, unless otherwise authorized. The official spokesperson for WEHSA is the President elect.
9. DISCIPLANARY ACTIONSBreach of any aspects of this Code of Conduct shall render a volunteer liable to such disciplinary action deemed to be appropriate by WEHSA and WES. Should a volunteer feel aggrieved by the interpretation or application of the disciplinary action, the volunteer will be permitted to present an oral presentation of their grievance to the Executive members of WEHSA for resolution. In exceptional circumstances, the issue will be referred to the WES Principal for resolution and action.
