School Policies & Code of Conduct

An entrance examination, with an admission standard, will be required of all students seeking admittance. This result, along with an evaluation of previous academic performance, will constitute the basis for the admission decision.

Students are required to maintain a high academic standing during their time at Vincent Massey Collegiate. Every student's academic record will be reviewed regularly. Students will be removed from the Collegiate if either criterion is not met:

• A student must maintain an overall weighted average of at least 65% on their June
• results (attestation of marks).
• Secondary 1 and 2 students must pass English, French and Mathematics.
• Secondary 3, 4 and 5 students must pass all subjects.
• Summer School results will be considered.

Students in danger of not meeting these standards during the school year will be on probation.

Upon admission, parents and students are subject to the Philosophy and Mission Statement of Vincent Massey Collegiate, and their acceptance of its standards and regulations. Failure to adhere to this agreement could lead to the student being required to withdraw from the school.

• A specific emphasis on Mathematics and Science;
• Enrichment in all subject areas;
• French enrichment at all levels;
• CIT (Communication and Information Technologies) incorporated into all subject area methodology;
• A system of teacher-directed tutorials;
• A homework policy at all levels;
• Obligatory participation in at least one school/community activity;
• Participation in a Community Service Program during their years at VMC.

A student who obtains an overall average of less than 70% for a term may be placed on probation. A student must improve their marks to be removed from probation. A student who is on probation may:

• • Lose the right to attend trips.
• • Be placed on an academic tracer

*Students who demonstrate, via the academic tracer, improved effort and results, on a weekly basis will be permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities.

To qualify for graduation with the right to follow collegiate level studies, students must meet the following conditions:

Pass the following compulsory subjects:

• 4 credits in Secondary IV History and Citizenship Education
• 4 credits in Secondary IV Science and Technology
• 6 credits in English Language Arts Secondary V4 credits in French Secondary V
• 4 credits in Secondary IV Math (completed in Sec III)
• 2 credits in Secondary IV Arts Education
• 2 credits in Secondary V ERC or PE

Accumulate 54 credits at the Secondary IV and V levels with at least 20 of these credits recognized at the Secondary V level.

Each term the names of many of our students appear on the School’s Honour Roll for attaining an average of 80% or higher.

• Honours (cum laude) 80%
• High Honours (magna cum laude) 85%
• Highest Honours (summa cum laude) 90%

Plagiarism: Is the use of someone else’s words, works, or ideas without giving the person credit (please see MLA, APA for a thorough definition). Plagiarism is a serious infraction, and has led to failure in subjects, expulsion from programs, and even expulsion from colleges, and/or universities in some situations.

Cheating: Is when a student attempts to get academic credit in a way that is dishonest, disrespectful, irresponsible, untrustworthy, or unfair. Examples: using unauthorized materials during an evaluation, copying answers from someone including homework, allowing someone to use your work, unauthorized use of apps and tools like ChatGPT and translators, etc...

At Vincent Massey Collegiate, we consider plagiarism and cheating to be a serious offence, and any student caught is subject to receiving a zero for that assignment, accompanied by a letter of reprimand which will be placed in the student’s file and remain there for the duration of his/her studies at Vincent Massey Collegiate. Students will lose the privilege of receiving a 100% final or mid-year exam mark if it applies to the course (see evaluation policy).

All students must vouch for the authenticity of his/her work. These rules and consequences also apply to group work. Students within a group will be held accountable for any plagiarism or cheating by a group member.

A student who submits a major assignment ONE day late (time to be determined by the teacher) will be deducted 10% and parents will be contacted. The maximum mark that can be obtained will be a 90%.

A student who submits a major assignment a SECOND day late will be deducted an additional 10%, parents will be contacted a second time, and administration will be notified. The maximum mark that can be obtained will be a 80%.

A student who submits a major assignment a THIRD day late will be deducted an additional 10%, and administration will be notified. The student will then serve a detention every day after school until the assignment has been submitted. The maximum mark that can be obtained will be a 70%.

When handed in on the FOURTH day, the maximum mark that can be obtained will be a 60%.

All exams will be worth 50% of the year (non-moderated* courses only). Where the student scores higher on a final exam then it will count for 100% of the year.

Mid-year exams will no longer be administered. There will be a grade-level examination in ELA and in French during the school year. Please refer to the standard and procedures for these courses for the weighting. These exams have already been in the school calendar.

Students flagged for academic review or on probation by the administration may lose the right to benefit from the 100% policy. Students who have been sanctioned for cheating, plagiarism or late assignments forfeit the right to benefit from this policy.

*MODERATION: When the Ministère uses moderation, it compares, for each class, the school marks and the ministerial examination marks. Moderation involves adjusting each student’s school mark upward or downward. It cannot, however, result in the failure of any student who has obtained a pass mark on the uniform examination.

Major exams are planned throughout the year. Supplemental ministry exams take place in July, August and January. End of year exams are scheduled from April to June. Families must refrain from making plans that cannot be altered during these months as exams cannot be moved.

During examination sessions, students must be present for the times and dates indicated for each of their exams. Failure to do so will result in a mark of zero being assigned. An exception to this policy will only be made in cases of verifiable family crisis or upon presentation of a medical certificate deeming the student unfit to write the examination or upon presentation of official letters of participation in national competitions.

In addition, students who miss in-class exams administered by their subject teachers will be subject to the same regulations.

In order to be admitted into the exam room (classroom or gymnasium), students must:

• Show their VMC ID card
• Be dressed in uniform (in conformity with the current dress code), shoes included
• Transport all their materials in a transparent bag (pencil cases are not allowed)
• Bring only materials required for the exam
• Arrive within the first 30 minutes of the exam to be admitted

Students cannot enter the exam room with:

• Any schoolbag, purse, personal items, etc.
• Any electronic devices such as: phones, iPods, smart watches, earbuds, etc.

**In accordance with Ministry directives and school policy, any student in possession of these items, once the exam begins, will be considered cheating.

* Please refer to the complete Student Exam Guidelines on the VMC website.

Homework is a necessary part of a student’s daily routine.

At the Secondary I & II level, students should spend up to 1½ hours per school day on homework. This implies an average of 15 minutes per day for each course the student follows.

At the Secondary III, IV, and V students should be prepared to spend up to 2 ½ hours per school day on homework. This implies an average of 25 minutes per day for each course the student follows. Students following several enriched courses at the secondary IV and V levels should expect to spend up to three hours per night on homework.

Remember that homework is not only written assignments. Reading, reviewing, and studying are important parts of homework.

Students should review the material covered in each subject regularly to be prepared for examinations.

Students should not wait until the last minute to start working on long-term assignments but should work on them gradually over the time allotted.Students are responsible for all material covered and assignments given during their absence. This includes participation in extracurricular activities and absences due to illness or medical appointments. It is a student’s responsibility to make arrangements with teachers regarding missed evaluations during their absence. When possible, these arrangements must be made in advance of the absence. It is recommended that students follow up by email with their teacher and add the scheduled retake to their calendar in order to avoid missing it and may receive a zero.

The school adheres to a no homework policy during Winter break, March break and Easter break. Students therefore must plan accordingly for long-term assignments that will have due dates after these break periods.

No accommodation will be made for students going on vacation during the school year. Students and parents are responsible for scheduling holidays outside the academic calendar. For any extenuating circumstances that require travel, please contact the administration. If exams are missed, the mark will be zero.

Tutorial instruction is offered to Vincent Massey Collegiate students requiring extra help in certain subjects. Tutorials take place outside of the regular timetable. Parents may request that their child attend tutorials, but it is their child’s responsibility to attend. The administration may mandate students to attend tutorials if they are at-risk of failing. For further information, you can consult with the school administration, teachers, or the guidance counsellor.

Using the library is a privilege. Students who do not obey the rules or who act disrespectfully to each other, to the library property or to the library staff will be asked to leave and may be subject to further disciplinary actions. Repeat offences will be subject to further disciplinary action. Students are expected to do their part in keeping the library clean, quiet and safe.

The library is open before school, at recess, during lunch, and after school. The following rules must be adhered to when using the library:

• The library is a quiet workspace. Volume must remain low. Students who disrupt the space with noise will be asked to leave.
• Students may not enter the library wearing coats or boots. Uniform rules must be respected at all times.
• When the library is at capacity students will not be permitted to enter.
• Students are prohibited from eating and drinking, including water, in the library. Anyone caught eating/drinking will be asked to leave.
• Students using the library during class time must have a note from their teacher.
• Students using the library must carry their Student ID cards.
• Desktop computers are reserved for schoolwork and printing only.
• All printing is $0.10 cents per page.
• Students may borrow up to 4 books at a time. The loan period is 3 weeks with the possibility of renewals. Late returns are charged $0.10 cents per book a day, excluding weekends and holidays, for a maximum of $5.00 per book.

The following rules must be respected when using Library Chromebooks:

• Students must present their Student ID to the Library Technician to use a Chromebook. All Chromebooks must be scanned out in the library system prior to use.
• Chromebooks are to be used solely for educational purposes.
• Students can borrow a Chromebook laptop for the day. The computer must remain on the school premises.
• Students must return their Chromebooks to the Library Technician.
• Students who either damage computers or enter sites that are not “suitable” for educational purposes are subject to losing their computer privileges for the year.

If library materials are lost, stolen, or damaged, the borrower is responsible for the cost of replacing it.

The subject teacher will distribute the textbooks required for each course. Once the courses have been completed students are expected to return all books to the school in relatively the same condition in which they were received. Failure to do so shall result in students being charged for book replacements.

• Each student will be assigned a locker which will be shared with another student. Each student will be assigned a school lock. The locker must be kept locked.
• A combination lock will be issued for each locker.
• Lockers must be kept tidy and free of objectionable materials.
• Never leave valuables in your locker.
• Lockers and locks are loaned to the students for the year.
• It is forbidden to occupy a locker other than the one you have been assigned.
• Lockers are subject to search by the administration.
• Students must have an extra lock for physical education class. Personal belongings should be locked in the changing room lockers during each Physical Education class. Locks must be removed at the end of the P.E. period.
• All locks must be returned prior to the examination period in June.
• Lockers that are left open before, during and after school will be bolted for safety/security purposes.
• Lost locks will cost $10.00 each.
• Students and parents are advised that valuable articles kept in the locker such as cell phones, laptops, ear buds, etc. are not the responsibility of the school. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Students are required to adhere to a code of behavioural standards that are in accordance with T.H.E.R.A.M.S. Pledge, contingent upon respect, respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for one’s environment.

As a student you have the right to learn. No student should disrupt the learning environment. Teachers, school staff and administration will hold students responsible for their conduct while in school and while participating in school activities.

Students are required to be respectful on and off school grounds. This means carrying oneself with maturity and integrity within the community. To this end, we request that students treat everyone in the building, our neighbours and local businesses with respect.

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.” Laurence Sterne

Students who break school rules, demonstrate a lack of respect and do not conform to school policies are subject to a variety of disciplinary sanctions, which include:

• Recess and lunchtimes spent at the office for a period of time
• Removal of privileges: leaving school campus, participation in activities, field trips, etc.
• Extra work assignments
• Mediation
• After-school detention
• In-school suspension
• Suspension from school
• Behaviour contracts
• Transfer or expulsion

Included in the following section are common areas of concern related to behavior and specific policies and guidelines that students are expected to adhere to throughout their tenure as Vincent Massey Collegiate students.

Detentions are used to correct behavior that does not meet the guidelines and standards set by the school. They are used often as a warning prior to suspending a student. A student can be suspended without receiving a prior detention or warning. School detentions are served after school.Detentions are most often used as a consequence for the following issues:

• Late arrival to school or class
• Dress code infraction
• Technology misuse: cell phones, airpods, etc…
• Using inappropriate, vulgar or demeaning language. e.g. racial slurs, homophobic and transphobic slurs, misogyny and misandry, etc…
• Inappropriate behavior, physical and/or verbal, in class, in common areas and off school property
• Missed class time or missed homeroom
• Misuse of school materials. e.g. unlocked lockers, misuse of lab materials or physical education equipment

The above infractions can also result in immediate suspension. Missed detentions will be doubled.

Students who develop a chronic pattern of breaking school regulations run the risk of being suspended from school. Any student who commits a serious infraction will be suspended without prior warning. Possible infractions:

• possession of drugs, vape paraphernalia, alcohol
• weapons (pocketknives, knives, guns, etc.)
• bullying
• racism
• homophobia and transphobia
• misogyny and misandry
• fighting
• theft
• misuse of social media & technology
• vandalism
• insubordination
• truancy
• skipping detention
• accumulated lates

When a student is suspended, a parent or guardian will be required to come to school to discuss the terms of the student’s re-admittance.

ll students will be given two chances per semester for morning lates. These chances can be used when students are late without medical justification. It should be noted that lateness due to traffic or weather is covered by the chance system. Proof of medical justification will be requested for lates.

If a student is consistently late during a semester (August to January or January to June), they will serve a detention on the third and each subsequent infraction. On the 4th served detention, which is the 6th late during a semester, the student will be issued an in-school suspension. Each subsequent late within the semester will result in a school suspension. Chances will be reset for all students at the beginning of the 2nd semester.

All students at Vincent Massey Collegiate are expected to take proper care of school property. Parents are held financially responsible for damages resulting from carelessness or vandalism caused by their children. This includes;

• damage to teaching materials including books, Physical Education equipment, lab equipment, uniforms, and technological devices;
• damage or defacement of desks, lockers, walls, cafeteria tables, or any other school property; 
• damage to staff and student property.

Also, students may not use school items that do not belong to them without authorization. Damage to property may result in suspension until the student or their parents have paid for the damage.

It is prohibited for anyone to use drugs, alcohol, smoke tobacco or vape on school grounds. Students are forbidden from using, consuming and/or selling tobacco products, vape products, alcohol, marijuana and any other illegal substance. The use of such substances, on or off school grounds, during school hours, during extra-curricular activities and/or school trips is strictly prohibited and results in multiple day suspension. Selling of any of the above substances may result in expulsion from the Collegiate.

Students are prohibited from gambling at any time at school or when involved in a school related activity. Gambling consists of playing a game in which players can win or lose money or possessions. Students will be suspended.

Students must treat every staff member and their peers politely and respectfully at all times. Bullying is a specific relationship characterized by recurrent abuse of power by a person or group over another person, with the intent to hurt, oppress, intimidate, or ostracize. Students must avoid name-calling, threats (including cyber-bullying via electronic media such as social media sites or cell phones), and physical as well as psychological intimidation. These actions will result in consequences ranging from detention to suspension from school.

Students’ responsibilities include the following:

• if you are a target of bullying, report the incident to an adult in the building;
• all bystanders have a social responsibility to report acts of bullying to an adult in the building, and failure to report incidents may result in disciplinary action;
• all incidents of bullying must be reported to the administration to investigate, mediate, and discipline.

Perpetrators will face serious disciplinary action including, but not limited to, mediation, suspension, and possible transfer to another school.

Students are expected to attend school in school uniform. The policy includes cleanliness, proper grooming, and the wearing of the school uniform without modifications.

VMC students must arrive and depart from school wearing the uniform according to the following requirements:

• all students must wear a white VMC monogrammed top (polo, turtleneck or dress shirt); all VMC sweaters or vests must be worn with a VMC top.
• Students must wear the official navy slacks, Bermuda shorts, skort or skirt (also available in plaid).
• Skirts and skorts are not to be hemmed or rolled at the waist. Skirts must be approximately 2.5 inches above the knee. Limited inventory of skirts will be available for purchase as they will no longer be permitted as part of the uniform in the 2026–27 academic year.
• All students must wear solid (no stripes) black shoes (no boots, high tops, or booties).
• Students must wear solid navy blue, black, dark green or dark grey socks. Socks must be below the knee and all hosiery must have feet, including tights with feet. Leggings are not permitted.
• Any garment worn under the regulation white top must be plain white and without writing. House shirts may not be worn under uniform shirts. Any garment worn under the VMC top must not be visible at the arms or waist.
• Belts must be black or blue and must be worn through the belt loops. Decorative belts are not permitted.
• Uniforms are not to be altered in any way. VMC students are not permitted to wear shoes with a platform higher than one inch or sweaters other than regulation VMC sweaters sold at TOP MARKS.
• VMC house sweaters and t-shirts can be worn on house shirt days.
• Students who participate in ECAs can wear their navy VMC hoody over their uniform top.
• Headgear, boots, or outdoor wear are not permitted in the building.

Students who are not properly dressed for school will be sent home to change, including during examination sessions, and will be required to make up lost time in detention. The regulation uniform will be strictly enforced.

Effective the 2026–27 academic year, skirts will no longer be permitted as part of the uniform, and students who own a skirt will no longer be allowed to wear it.

A uniform is compulsory for all students following Physical Education courses at Vincent Massey Collegiate. Shorts, joggers, and t-shirts are available through TOP MARKS, the official school uniform supplier. Running shoes must be worn in the gymnasium. All other shoes that may mark the gym floor are not permitted.

Students who are not in the proper gym uniform for Physical Education classes will be issued a detention by the teacher.