Nexus to the School in Bluefield, West Virginia

The umbrella for school behaviour includes matters which fall under the category of "nexus." Nexus means relevant. The student's behaviour off of school property and/or outside the school day may have a relevant and related impact on the safety and well-being of the school community.

The concept of "nexus to the school" is outlined in our school code of conduct, the HCDSB's code of conduct and in the Education Act.

There have been many instances at CtK where we have suspended students for conduct that is injurious to the moral tone of the school that took place off of school property. Possession or use of drugs, alcohol, physical altercations and general misbehaviour are common examples.

We have espoused at CtK that one of the highest expectations of our students is their conduct in the community as it will always be construed as a reflection of the school. Students need to know that our staff is held to the same expectations and do a wonderful job upholding such a standard.

Why am I blogging about nexus? Why am I focusing on our behaviour as a Catholic Learning Community off of school property? Why is it important?

I hope you had an enjoyable time with family and friends over the March Break? Our family went to Hilton Head, South Carolina.

We were on our way back home Saturday, March 20th and made one of our frequent stops with a van full of kids at a Wendy's Restaurant in Bluefield, West Virginia.

We were just settling down to eat a "nutritional" meal when a young man came up to me and said.."Hi Mr. DeSantis." I must have been startled as the young man went on to explain that he is a Grade 9 student at CtK. I could not believe the odds of bumping into one of my students in of all places Bluefield, West Virginia! It turned out that this young man and his family were coming back from Florida! I wished he and his family a safe trip home as they left the restaurant and we began to eat.

Hence....the onus of being a good citizen wherever you are came to mind as I was eating some sort of Grill Chicken wrap. You never know who you are going to meet, what people will perceive or what impression you make when others observe your behaviour whether you are in school or on vacation.

The best way to represent your family and our school is to try your best to simply be polite, respectful and considerate as a standard way of life. You never know who will be watching! Note to self...I do get around....ask the young man in Grade 9!

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