All Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (DEYA) students (including children’s chorus members) are expected to adhere to certain standards of behaviour while participating in DEYA programs and productions. This is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone participating as well as contribute to a positive and welcoming environment. All students must agree to and uphold the following policies and procedures during their time with DEYA.
Fundamental Values
DEYA values the safety of all participants during their time with DEYA. DEYA believes that:
- Everyone has a responsibility to promote a safe environment.
- Everyone should be aware of their rights as citizens and protect their rights and the rights of others.
- Every person involved with DEYA deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
- Everyone has a responsibility to resolve conflicts and issues in a way that is civil and respectful of others.
- Everyone should have the opportunity to learn in an environment that is welcoming to their abilities and needs.
For more information on equity and inclusivity at the Academy, please see our Academy Mission & Core Values.
Drayton Entertainment’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement can be found here.
Where this Code Applies
This code of conduct for students applies:
- On DEYA property.
- On transportation to and from DEYA activities that are supervised by DEYA.
- At all DEYA events and activities occurring elsewhere other than the main DEYA facility.
- In all other circumstances where student actions have an impact on DEYA students, DEYA staff, faculty, and families.
Standards of Behaviour
DEYA students must…
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity towards other students, faculty, and staff.
- Approach DEYA programs with an open mind and a willingness to participate.
- Treat others with dignity, respect, and understanding at all times, especially during disagreements.
- Respect and treat others fairly and without discrimination, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, or disability.
- Treat DEYA property and the property of others with care.
- Take steps to help those in need, including informing DEYA instructors and staff of any potential concerns.
- Seek help from DEYA faculty and staff if conflicts and issues arise.
- Use kind, mature, and respectful language towards others.
DEYA students uphold these standards when they…
- Arrive on-time to DEYA programs prepared to learn and be a team-player.
- Participate in DEYA activities with an open mind.
- Come prepared to DEYA programs with appropriate materials.
- Empower and encourage other students they interact with to reach their potential and explore new creative ventures.
- Welcome others into the theatre space, regardless of their level of experience.
- Listen to and show respect for all teachers, staff, parents, volunteers, and members of DEYA community that contribute to DEYA events, classes, rehearsals, and performances.
- Demonstrate respect, kindness, and understanding to other students.
DEYA students do not uphold these standards if they…
- Participate in bullying of any form (in-person, cyber, etc.) of any students, staff, or faculty. Instances of verbal or physical bullying are grounds for immediate removal from any DEYA program.
- Commit illegal or violent acts.
- Use any means to threaten, intimidate, or injure another person.
- Are in possession of or under the influence of any substances that inhibit reasoning and/or proper conduct.
- Communicate using hateful speech.
- Vandalize DEYA property and/or the property of others.
Conduct Policies
Violence, Harassment, and Discrimination
The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is a subsidiary of Drayton Theatres Inc. As such, all workers, volunteers, visitors, parents and participants must abide by applicable Drayton Entertainment policies including, but not limited to, Drayton Entertainment’s Violence and Harassment Policies.
Drayton Entertainment’s Youth Academy is committed to building and maintaining a safe and respectful workplace and training environment. DEYA does not tolerate acts of discrimination, bullying, violence or any form of harassment against workers, volunteers, visitors, parents and participants. Should an individual or group report an act of discrimination, bullying, violence or harassment, management will take all reasonable steps to investigate the report and respond in a reasonable manner, per Drayton Entertainment’s Workplace Harassment and Violence policies.
Reporting Unsafe Conduct and Conditions
Should a student ever find themselves in a position where they are faced with conduct that does not adhere to the standards that have been outlined, it is important that they report these occurrences to a trusted adult and not to peers. These adults include DEYA staff and faculty as well as parents/guardians. All instances of misconduct will be dealt with accordingly by DEYA or other pertinent services, such as the Waterloo Regional Police Service or Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region, if necessary.
It is our policy to commend students who come forward to help keep their friends safe.
The Nationwide number for anyone struggling with suicide ideation is 9-8-8.
The Kids Help Phone number for those struggling with Mental Health concerns is 1-800-668-6868. Their website is www.kidshelpphone.ca