School Code Of Conduct

WHAT IS THE CODE OF CONDUCT?

The Code of conduct is a set of behavioural guidelines for students to follow when travelling on school buses. This will form the basis for the specific bus rules that bus operators develop to manage behaviour on their school buses.
It also includes procedures for bus operators/drivers to follow when managing student behaviour associated with school bus travel.

TO WHOM WILL IT APPLY?

The Code of Conduct applies to all students attending primary and secondary schools in Queensland who use buses to travel to and from school or for other school related activities such as excursions.

HOW WILL THE CODE OF CONDUCT BENEFIT YOU?

The Code of Conduct is of benefit to you and your child. It provides a clear process so that any disruption to your child's journey caused by the actions of another passenger will be dealt with fairly and quickly.

WHEN DOES IT START?

The Code of Conduct comes into effect from term 2, 21 April 1998.

WHATS IN THE CODE?

The behaviour of students is primarily the responsibility of parents/carers. The table (see next page) lists the Code and examples of how it can be easily met by students.
Please discuss this with your child so they fully understand what they should and should not do.
For most students the Code will be easy to follow and will not require any change to their current behaviour. By following it your child will be helping to ensure a comfortable, pleasant and safe ride for all passengers.

WHAT IF THE BUS DRIVER OR OPERATOR DOES NOT FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES SET OUT IN THE CODE?

If you consider action taken against your child is not in keeping with the Code, it is your right as parent/carer to refer the matter to Queensland Transport for investigation. If you require further information on this process please call your local Queensland Transport office.

WHAT OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES DO BUS DRIVERS AND OPERATORS HAVE?

In addition to following procedures set out in the Code of Conduct, bus drivers and operators have a responsibility to provide a professional and courteous service.
All drivers must treat students with respect. This includes not using abusive or offensive language, not leaving the bus whilst students are onboard, and generally maintaining personal standards of behaviour in keeping with other professionals who are responsible for the care of children.
In addition, Queensland Transport requires that all operators have Operator accreditation and all drivers hold driver Authorisation, so that appropriate levels of safety and customer service are met.

The Code Of Conduct

BEHAVIOUR	EXAMPLES OF HOW TO MEET THE CODE
Respect other people and their property.	· Treat other people and their possessions with respect. · Follow the bus driver's directions without argument. · Do not interfere with bus property, equipment, shelters and signs by marking or damaging them in any way.
Wait for the bus in an orderly manner.	· Wait well back from the bus until it stops and allow other passengers to leave the bus first. · Stand quietly without calling out or shouting. · Do not push other people in the line.
Whilst on the bus conduct yourself in an orderly manner.	STUDENTS MUST: · Always follow instructions from the driver about safety on the bus. · Show their bus pass, ticket or ID upon request. · Sit properly on a seat if one is available (in an allocated seat if directed by the driver. · If standing, remain in the area designated by the driver. · Store school bags under the seat or in appropriate luggage areas. · Speak quietly and not create unnecessary noise. STUDENTS MUST NOT: · Bully other students. · Place feet on the seats. · Fight, spit or use offensive language. · Throw any article around or from the bus. · Consume food or drink, or play music without the permission of the driver. · Smoke (prohibited on all buses). · Allow ant part of their body to protrude out of the bus windows. · Stand forward of the front seat.
Use designated stops.	· It is the responsibility of students to disembark at their correct designated stop.
When alighting from the bus, do so in an orderly manner.	· Wait until the bus stops before standing to get off. · Alight from the bus in a quiet and orderly fashion. · Never cross the road in front of the bus, wait until the bus has moved away and it is safe to do so.
In case of an emergency or a breakdown, follow the driver's instructions.	· Wait until the bus stops before standing to get off. · Leave the bus in a quiet and orderly fashion. · Wait in the area indicated by the driver

Please note this list of examples is not intended to be exhaustive, as stated earlier however, they are the basis of any rules developed by individual operators for the management of behaviour on their school buses.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING THE CODE?

If a student does not abide by the Code, action may be taken. This may range from a caution, to refusal of travel, dependant on a number of factors including:

· The seriousness of the breach.
· Whether the student has previously been cautioned or reprimanded for the breach; and.
· The student's age.

To promote consistency and fairness in responding to students who do not abide by the Code, student misbehaviour has been divided into four categories ranging from minor misdemeanours to extremely serious behaviour.

THESE CATEGORIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Category 1
Behaviour
Nuisance and offensive behaviour - irritating, unpleasant but not physically dangerous behaviours e.g. offensive language or spitting.
Result
Initially a warning will be given. Repeated offences may lead to the refusal of student travel for up to 5 school days.

Category 2
Behaviour
Dangerous behaviour - behaviour where there may be some physical danger to individuals, e.g. standing on the steps, verbally threatening the driver, or bullying other passengers.
Result
May lead to the refusal of student travel for up to 10 school days.

Category 3
Behaviour
Highly destructive dangerous behaviour - behaviour which is very dangerous to individuals or very destructive e.g. throwing objects that have potential to cause harm breaking windows or fighting.
Result
May lead to the refusal of student travel for up to 10 school weeks.

Category 4
Behaviour
Highly dangerous life threatening behaviour - e.g. physically attacking the driver or another passenger, lighting a fire, or threatening physical harm with a dangerous weapon.
Result
May lead to the permanent refusal of travel privileges, civil court action and/or police prosecution.

It is important to note that a student will only be refused travel after consultation has occurred between the bus operator, school principle, parents/carers and where applicable the conveyance committee.