Our community standards.
VPS Code of Conduct
Vancouver Performing Stars is an inclusive, community minded performing arts school. All students and their guardians must be respectful and kind to all other students, family members, faculty, staff and visitors online, inside and outside of the studio.
Students are expected to be a supportive "second family" to their teammates, work together respectfully and demonstrate strong dedication and work ethic as they work towards achieving common goals. Negativity, physical, verbal or social bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.
Definition of bullying
Bullying is any intentional and repeated behaviour that causes harm, distress, or fear to an individual or group. This behaviour may include physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, exclusion, or manipulation.
Examples of bullying
Physical
- Slapping, hitting, pinching, punching, kicking
- Locking in a confined space
- Unwelcome touching
Verbal
- Name-calling
- Unwelcome teasing
- Taunting
- Spreading rumours, gossiping
- Racist or homophobic comments
Social
- Excluding from a group
- Threatening or insulting texts
- Threatening notes, letters, emails, telephone calls
- Threatening words, actions or weapons
Prevention
Vancouver Performing Stars will actively work to prevent bullying by:
- Educating students, parents, and staff members about bullying and its effects
- Encouraging respect, kindness, and empathy among students and staff
- Supervising and monitoring all classes and events to prevent bullying incidents
- Good sportsmanship will be practiced at all times and any discussion about other studios and/or other performers is discouraged both at Vancouver Performing Stars and performance venues
Reporting
Any student or staff member who witnesses or experiences bullying should report it to a staff member immediately. The report can be made anonymously, and all reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. Students should address the Faculty or Director directly with any questions or concerns.
Response
Vancouver Performing Stars will respond to bullying incidents by:
- Providing support and resources to the victim(s)
- Addressing the matter with the bully and taking appropriate disciplinary action
- Informing parents/guardians of all parties involved
- Requesting the bully apologize to the victim, take accountability and acknowledge all forms of bullying or harassment
- Taking steps to prevent future incidents
Consequences
Depending on the severity of the matter and history of incidents, bullying or harassment may result in disciplinary action. This may include and progress from meetings with parents, to suspension and ultimately expulsion from programs at Vancouver Performing Stars. Failure to exercise common courtesy or creating a negative learning environment will result in non-refundable termination of program involvement at Vancouver Performing Stars.
Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to ensure its effectiveness. Vancouver Performing Stars is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students and staff, free from bullying and harassment.