School Practices and Procedures 2026-2027
School Practices and Procedures 2026-2027
At Chemainus Secondary School, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming learning environment where all students can thrive. In addition to our School Code of Conduct, we have several school practices and procedures that help support student learning, safety, and well-being.
If you have any questions about any of these practices, please contact the school office.
Hall and Washroom Passes
To help maintain safe and orderly hallways and reduce congestion during instructional time and help students engage in their learning spaces, CHSS uses a hall pass system.
Students who have permission from their teacher to leave class must:
- Sign out on the classroom sign-out sheet (name, date and time).
- Take the designated (hall or washroom) pass.
- Return the pass when they re-enter the classroom.
- Record their return time.
Only one student is typically out of a classroom at a time unless otherwise directed by the teacher.
Washroom Expectations
Washrooms are private spaces that are used for very specific purposes. They need to be safe (physically, emotionally, and socially) and clean environments for all students to access. There are Vape detectors installed in our washrooms.
- Do not gather and socialize in the washrooms
- Use the washrooms for its intended purposes and then exit
- Do not use your digital device in this private space
- Treat the facilities with respect
Attendance
One of our goals as a school is to focus on student attendance and engagement. CHSS students are an important part of this school, and each student’s contribution matters.
Attending school regularly and being engaged in classes will improve learning outcomes. Attending school regularly will help students develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, punctuality, organization, resilience, and the ability to stick to a routine.
How the School tracks attendance:
- Teachers will complete attendance each block or class
- At 3:30 every day, an automated message will be sent to parents if their student was absent from a block or class. The notification will be sent to the email address or the phone number that is recorded in MYED
- Teachers may email or call home if attendance is becoming concerning
- Admin run monthly reports and may contact home if attendance is a concern
Note: If a student is not in class for a reasonable amount of time (ie: is very late, left during class for a long time, or left very early), that student will be marked absent
Late Arrivals
Students arriving after the school day has begun must report to the office and sign in before attending class. Students are also responsible for connecting with the teacher to let them know they have arrived. The teacher is responsible for changing a student’s “Absent” to “Late” if the student has not missed more than ½ of the class.
This helps us maintain accurate attendance records and ensures student safety.
Personal Digital Devices (Cell Phones)
CHSS follows the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Personal Digital Device policy and School District 79 administrative procedures.
- Grade 8 and 9 students may not use personal digital devices during instructional time. These devices stay in their locker or backpacks.
- Grade 10, 11, and 12 students may only use personal digital devices during instructional time when directed by a teacher for educational purposes.
- Students may use personal devices before school, at break, at lunch, and in hallways unless otherwise directed.
- Personal digital devices must never be used in washrooms, change rooms, or similar private spaces.
We appreciate student cooperation in helping create classrooms that support learning and engagement.
Technology Use and Digital Citizenship
CHSS is fortunate to have strong access to technology that supports student learning. Students have access to a variety of modern learning tools, including iPads, laptops, desktop computers, and other digital resources. In the summer of 2026, we were excited to replace the computers in Lab 205 with brand-new devices, further enhancing learning opportunities for students.
The use of school technology is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to use all technology responsibly and in accordance with the CHSS Code of Conduct and School District 79 administrative procedures.
Technology is provided to support learning, creativity, communication, and research. Students are expected to:
- Use technology for educational purposes.
- Treat equipment with care and respect.
- Access appropriate content.
- Respect privacy, intellectual property, and copyright.
- Engage positively and respectfully in digital spaces.
- Follow teacher directions regarding technology use.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
CHSS recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming an increasingly important part of education, work, and everyday life. We believe students should learn how to use these tools responsibly, ethically, and effectively.
AI tools may be used when permitted by a teacher to support learning, generate ideas, assist with research, or enhance understanding. However, AI should not replace a student’s own thinking, learning, creativity, or effort.
Students are expected to:
- Complete their own work and demonstrate their own learning.
- Use AI as a learning support rather than a substitute for learning.
- Follow teacher expectations regarding AI use on assignments and assessments.
- Acknowledge AI use, when required by the teacher.
Our goal is to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and creativity skills that will prepare them for an increasingly digital future.
Vape-Free Facility
Under the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act all public and private kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in BC are required to be tobacco and vapor free. This means all tobacco and vapor products are not allowed on school property at any time.
The school building and the school grounds are a Vape and Tabacco free environment.
- If a student violates this law, these products will be confiscated
- Parents/Care givers will be notified
- Consequences will align with our Code of Conduct
Lockers
CHSS is fortunate to provide student lockers throughout the school.
- Lockers and locks remain the property of the school.
- Students must use school-issued locks unless permission has been granted by administration to use a personal lock.
- The school must have access to all lockers and lock combinations.
- Students are expected to keep lockers always secure and clean.
In accordance with School District procedures (AP 353) and applicable law, school administration may inspect lockers and bags/backpacks when there are reasonable grounds related to student safety, school safety, or compliance with school expectations.
Bus Transportation
CHSS is fortunate to be supported by a robust student transportation system that helps students safely travel to and from school each day.
The use of school bus transportation is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to contribute to a safe, respectful, and caring environment by following the directions of the bus driver and demonstrating respectful behaviour toward others at all times.
To help maintain a safe and clean environment:
- Food is not permitted on school buses.
- Water is the only drink permitted on school buses.
- Students are expected to keep buses clean and free of litter.
- Students must remain seated and follow all safety expectations while riding the bus.
For the safety and well-being of all passengers, school buses are equipped with video cameras.
Students and families must re-register for bus service each year. Bus passes are distributed through the transportation department and must be picked up from the bus garage.
The School District Transportation Department works hard to provide timely and accurate information to families throughout the year. Important transportation updates, registration information, route changes, and reminders are typically communicated by email. Families are encouraged to ensure the school and transportation department have their current contact information on file.
At CHSS, we appreciate the important role our transportation staff play in supporting student success and thank students and families for helping keep school transportation safe and respectful for everyone.
Emergency Drills and Preparedness
Student and staff safety is a priority at CHSS.
Throughout the school year, students are expected to participate in:
- 6 Fire Drills
- 3 Earthquake Drills
- 2 Lockdown Drills
Some drills may occur during class time, transitions, or break periods.
Students are expected to follow the directions of supervising staff and participate respectfully in all emergency drills. These drills help prepare our school community to respond safely in the event of an emergency.
Evacuation routes are posted in every classroom. During evacuations, students will proceed safely to the designated assembly area and remain with their class while attendance is taken, and instructions are provided.
CHSS also maintains emergency supplies, including food, water, shelter materials, blankets, and other emergency equipment to support our school community during unexpected events.
House Teams
All students and staff are members of one of three house teams:
- Red House
- Yellow House
- Blue House
Throughout the year, house teams participate in school-wide activities, challenges, spirit events, and celebrations.
House teams help build school spirit, encourage participation, and strengthen connections across our school community.
Q Block
Q Block is a mandatory component of student learning and supports the Career Education curriculum. It is held every Friday morning between A & B Blocks.
Students participate in age-appropriate learning experiences focused on important career, personal, and life competencies.
Throughout the year, students may also participate in workshops, presentations, and special learning opportunities connected to Q Block. Attendance is expected, and students who miss required sessions may be assigned alternate learning activities to complete the curricular outcomes.
Graduation Participation
Graduation ceremonies are important celebrations of student achievement.
Participation in commencement ceremonies is considered a privilege. Students are expected to be in good standing with respect to school expectations and graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation activities and ceremonies.
Student Nutrition Program
CHSS is proud to partner with Nourish Cowichan, a community organization dedicated to supporting student nutrition throughout our region.
Through this partnership, CHSS provides:
- Breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m.
- Daily lunch options
- Healthy snack opportunities throughout the school day, in the office only
We never want hunger to be a barrier to learning. Students who need support accessing food are encouraged to connect with school staff.
For more information about Nourish Cowichan, please visit: https://nourishcowichan.ca
Course Changes
CHSS works hard to provide a wide range of course offerings that reflect student interests and future goals.
Students wishing to request a course change must:
- Put their name on the course change request list in the Counselling Office.
- Continue attending their assigned classes until an official schedule change has been approved.
Course changes are generally considered during the first two weeks of each semester. After this period, changes are only considered in exceptional circumstances and may require a meeting with administration.
Spares
Students in Grades 8 through 11 are not eligible for spares.
Grade 12 students may request a spare by:
- Obtaining a spare request form from the Counselling Office.
- Meeting with the principal.
Approval is based on graduation progress, post-secondary plans, and overall student success. Students approved for a spare must have a plan for how they will use that time responsibly.
Student Support Services
Supporting student success is a priority at CHSS.
Our school provides access to a wide variety of supports, including:
- School Administration
- Administration Assistants
- School Counsellor
- Youth Care Worker
- Educational Assistants
- Learning Assistance and Resource Teacher
- Learning Alternatives Program
- Bridge Program
- Indigenous Education Teacher
- Indigenous Support Worker
We are also grateful for partnerships with community agencies that support student wellness and success, including healthcare, mental health, and youth support services (some of whom are North Cowichan, Discovery, CWAV, ICY, Island Health). To sign up for a visit with our biweekly health nurse, please see the Counselling Secretary. To sign up for a visit with Discovery, please see School counselor.
Students looking for assistance are encouraged to connect with a trusted adult, the counselling office, or administration.
Working Together
CHSS is a small school with a big heart. Our practices and procedures are designed to support student learning, safety, well-being, and a positive school culture. We value respectful relationships, personal responsibility, and working together to create a community where everyone feels welcome, supported, and able to succeed.
Questions?
Please contact the Chemainus Secondary School office for additional information regarding any of these practices or procedures.