Code of Ethics

ECS Code of Ethics

Scope of Application

Definitions

1. Staff Member: Includes all teaching staff, support staff, administrative personnel, professional staff, and anyone else employed by ECS, including those in leadership roles.
2. Person Engaged with Students: Any individual who is not an ECS staff member but works with or interacts with students in various capacities, such as interns, volunteers, coaches, extracurricular supervisors, or external service providers under contract.
3. Minor Student: Any student under the age of 18 enrolled at ECS, including those receiving services under special circumstances (e.g., home-based learning).
4. Student with Disabilities: Any student recognized as having a disability as defined by applicable provincial laws, including those receiving services for integration into educational, professional, or social environments.
5. Conduct Guidelines: Refers to the rules, procedures, and ethical standards established by ECS to ensure a safe, respectful, and equitable learning environment.

Core Values

Guiding Principles

1. Respect, Civility, and Well-Being

• 1.1 Conduct all verbal interactions and written communication with respect, kindness, empathy, and professionalism towards students, parents, colleagues, and the public.
• 1.2 Harassment, intimidation, and discrimination are strictly prohibited. ECS is committed to a safe, violence-free environment for all.
• 1.3 ECS is a smoke-free environment. Smoking and vaping are prohibited within a nine-metre radius of doors, windows, or air intakes.
• 1.4 Teachers and staff must promptly report suspicious, hazardous, or unsafe situations to appropriate authorities.

2. Equity, Justice, and Inclusivity

• 2.1 Provide an environment free from bias based on race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, language, disability, or socioeconomic status.
• 2.2 Deliver services and interactions without prejudice, favoritism, or unfairness.
• 2.3 Ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all students, particularly those with disabilities or special needs.
• 2.4 Avoid promoting personal political, religious, or beliefs to students.

3. Professionalism and Integrity

• 3.1 Maintain high standards of professionalism in communication, appearance, and conduct.
• 3.2 Adhere to the school’s dress code: Professional attire is required daily, with “full dress” expected on Mondays. Casual wear (e.g., jeans, hoodies) is unacceptable except on special occasions (e.g. Free dress days).
• 3.3 Avoid or disclose conflicts of interest and maintain transparency in all professional activities.
• 3.4 Communicate professionally in all forms of interaction—verbal, written, or digital.
• 3.5 Demonstrate professionalism and alignment to ECS’s mission, vision, values, and educational philosophy.
• 3.6 Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and avoid relationships that compromise integrity.
• 3.7 Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with parents and avoid relationships that compromise integrity.

4. Privacy, Confidentiality, and Discretion

• 4.1 Protect the privacy and confidentiality of students, parents, and colleagues.
• 4.2 Handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
• 4.3 Ensure personal information is used only for its intended purpose and shared only with authorized individuals.
• 4.4 Obtain consent before sharing photographs, videos, or other materials involving students.

5. Safety and Security

• 5.1 Prioritize the safety and security of the ECS community by promptly reporting suspicious or hazardous situations.
• 5.2 Adhere to emergency procedures as outlined in the ECS Emergency Procedures Manual.
• 5.3 Report and address all forms of bullying, intimidation, harassment, and violence.
• 5.4 Ensure the physical and psychological well-being of students is protected.

6. Digital and Social Media Conduct

• 6.1 Ensure social media use reflects the values and professionalism of ECS.
• 6.2 Maintain separation between personal and professional online conduct.
• 6.3 Exercise caution when sharing information online, especially when it involves students or colleagues.
• 6.4 Avoid communicating with students through social media or personal messaging platforms unless related to educational purposes and conducted transparently.
• 6.5 Avoid communicating with parents through social media or personal messaging platforms unless related to educational purposes and conducted transparently.

7. Collaboration and Teamwork

• 7.1 Foster collaborative practices by supporting colleagues and contributing positively to the school environment.
• 7.2 Participate regularly in staff meetings, professional development activities, and school events.
• 7.3 Promote open communication, mutual respect, and constructive feedback.

8. Commitment to Continuous Improvement

• 8.1 Pursue ongoing professional development and learning.
• 8.2 Maintain and improve professional knowledge, skills, and competencies.
• 8.3 Engage in reflective practice, collaboration, training, mentorship, and feedback.

9. Drug, Alcohol, and Substance Use

• 9.1 ECS strictly prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of drugs, alcohol, or any other substances that could impair judgment or compromise safety within the school environment.
• 9.2 Employees are not permitted to consume or be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substances while performing their professional duties or during school-related activities, including school outings and trips away.
• 9.3 Exceptions may be made for approved social events where alcohol consumption is permitted with prior authorization from school leadership.
• 9.4 Violations of this policy will be addressed through established disciplinary procedures.

10. Disciplinary Actions

• 10.1 Violations of this Code of Ethics will be addressed through established ECS procedures, including mediation, investigation, or disciplinary actions up to and including termination.
• 10.2 Ensure disciplinary processes are fair, transparent, and consistent with institutional policies and legal standards.