Weapons and Replica Weapons
Students shall not possess or use any weapon on any school premises or at any activity off school premises that is organized or sponsored by a school.
Students shall not possess or use any replica or toy weapon, on any school premises or at any activity off school premises that is organized or sponsored by a school, except as a prop in a theatrical production. If the replica or toy weapon is used in a school theatrical production, it shall be stored appropriately when not required for the production.
The Surrey Board of Education’s policy statement and disciplinary procedures on weapons will be communicated to students and parents at the beginning of each school year.
Where a principal or vice-principal reasonably believes that a person on school premises is in possession of a weapon and that a risk of bodily harm exists, he/she will:
- immediately notify the police (911) and the area assistant superintendent;
- make reasonable attempts to minimize risk of injury to any person;
- attempt to ensure that the weapon is controlled; and
- contact the parents/guardians if the person is a student.
Offences involving weapons shall result in severe consequences being imposed consistent with the district-wide Code of Conduct Disciplinary Guide. Any weapons seized will be considered forfeited and may be provided to the police.
A weapon is anything used, designed to be used, or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person, and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing includes any firearm or any device prohibited or restricted under the Criminal Code of Canada. Examples of weapons which are prohibited include but are not limited to hand guns, rifles, shotguns, air rifles, knives, tasers, laser pointers, daggers, crossbows, explosives, tear gas, mace, pepper spray and any liquid, spray or powder capable of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person. The kerpan, worn as a religious symbol by baptized Sikhs, is not considered a weapon as long as it remains sheathed and concealed.
Schools, parents and other community members should be aware of the potential danger of toy and replica guns.
While such guns may be considered toys, many replica and toy guns can be easily mistaken as real. Reports that a handgun was seen typically results in a very rapid, high-level police response, as police must treat all such reports as involving a real gun.
Some replica guns are so realistic, they can easily be seen as an actual weapon and may result in a defensive action when pointed at someone. Police officers and other security personnel are trained to draw their own weapons in defense when threatened.
