Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1484703
44 Parents' Handbook 2022– 2023 colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability. Types of behaviour which constitute harassment include, but are not limited to: - sexist, racist or otherwise improper jokes causing embarrassment or offence, told or carried out after the joker has been advised that they are embarrassing or offensive, or that are by their nature clearly embarrassing or offensive - degrading words used to describe a person - written and drawn graffiti - the display of offensive material - the composition, production and/or dissemination of hate literature or derogatory material - verbal abuse or threats - intimidation - vandalism - physical violence The policy also covers sexual harassment, which includes unwanted sexual advances or requests. Please note that in the case of a student under the age of 16 (or their parents on their behalf) making a complaint of sexual harassment against a school employee, the complaint falls within the mandate of the Child Sexual Abuse Protocol and the Child and Family Service Act and MUST be reported to the appropriate children's aid society, who will do the investigation using procedures established under the Child Sexual Abuse procedure. (In the Parent Portal (Veracross) under Parent Resources (TFS Policies). PROCEDURE Students who feel they have been subjected to harassment should take action promptly. (TFS follows the one-year timeframe prescribed by the Ontario Human Rights Code.) The person making the complaint has the option of pursuing an informal or formal procedure. Victims will receive appropriate advice, support and assistance. Informal – Seek a resolution personally, or ask for help and advice from a third party in the school. Where age-appropriate, students may approach the individual directly or bring forth the complaint to a third-party – a teacher, the Vice-Principal or the Principal. Formal – Make a formal written complaint (parent or guardian must be involved if the student is under 18.) Students will direct their formal written complaint to the Principal. If the complaint is against the Principal, students must direct their complaint to the Head of School. NO FEAR OF REPRISAL Whether the complaint is formal or informal, the procedures must be conducted in an atmosphere of respect and confidentiality without fear of reprisal or embarrassment. Any reprisal will constitute an instance of harassment. FRIVOLOUS COMPLAINTS A person making a false, frivolous or malicious complaint will be subject to discipline. A copy of the full text of the TFS Harassment Policy is available through each Branch Office. RELIGIOUS/CULTURAL OBSERVANCES POLICY STATEMENT TFS IS A NON-DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOL We welcome students and staff from all cultures, religions and faiths. We value the diversity and uniqueness of our students, employees and community. We understand that people from diverse cultures and religious communities need to work and study in an environment that is respectful, accepting and safe. As a result, every year we include a calendar in this handbook of the main cultural and religious celebrations that we will accommodate.