School code of bevahiour

We expect children to behave as you would have them conduct themselves if they were visiting or entertaining friends. The general rules of good deportment apply; we expect each child to be well-mannered, courteous and respectful.

We agree on the necessity for the maintenance of discipline in our schools. Respect for the rights of others and a willingness to cooperate must be present. However, agreement is not easily reached on the methods of maintaining discipline and the relative importance that should be placed on punitive measures.

The Criminal Code of Canada, in Section 43, states that:

"Every school, teacher parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction towards a pupil, or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances".

In the Education Act, the responsibilities and duties of principals, teachers and pupils are defined. The Criminal Code of Canada provides for correction. The Education Act demands that students accept discipline and principals and teachers;

"will have such discipline as would be exercised by a kind, firm and judicious parent".

Generally, It has become unacceptable to physically intervene; "do not touch the child" should be paramount in your judgment when dealing with non compliant, belligerent, verbally or physically aggressive or otherwise unacceptable behaviour. If a student is endangering the safety of others or themselves and intervention is required it is strongly advised that teachers elicit the help and support of an adult colleague to assist with the removal of the child from the situation. Two professionals working in concert provides the best possible support for both the child and the options of the school.

Non compliant students will be redirected to their parents and the school will retain on file a written agreement regarding acceptable behaviour practices of the student.

It is a mistake to permit children to do as they please at school. They will be happiest and make the best educational growth if they realize that disapproval will follow if their behaviour goes out of a well defined boundary.

Sound learning depends upon good, effective teaching and cannot take place in an atmosphere of inattention and disorder. Educational growth is evident when pupils accept the discipline of school gracefully. When incentives fail, resort must be made to punishment. In classrooms where warnings and reproofs remain unheeded, pupils must know that punishment follows when expectations and/or rules are persistently broken or authority defied.

Behaviour development strategies

The school equates good behaviour with good teaching strategies. The following points help to clearly outline specific procedures:

1. Develop carefully planned instructional programs that motivate and occupy students.
2. Emphasize the spirit of working together in a communal environment.
3. Elicit pride and responsibility through monitors, special events, regular assemblies and acknowledgment of academic, social or cultural excellence.
4. Accentuate and reward commendable acts with Positive Pupil Reinforcement Certificates, Awards and Northstar Ballots.
5. Practise the profession as "teacher" for all students regardless of their age, sex or grade placement.
6. Promote integration and understanding of all children within the school.

Specific expectations of students

The school expects that all students will:

1. Be mannerly, showing respect for others by actions, deeds and words.
2. Move about the building in an orderly manner, keeping to the right on stairways and refraining from loud talking or shouting.
3. Comply with the direction of all teachers without argument or acts of disrespect.
4. Refrain from activities that might endanger themselves or their classmates.
5. Attend classes regularly and punctually.
6. Complete assignments and hand them in upon request.
7. Be attentive to classroom instruction .
8. Practise good standards of posture appropriate to the work at hand.
9. Greet visitors positively, offering assistance or direction.
10. Report all accidents or injuries to the teacher on duty or their homeroom teacher.

School rules

1. BICYCLES MAY NOT BE RIDDEN ON THE PROPERTY DURING SCHOOL HOURS FROM 8:25 am. to 3:35 pm.
2. THROWING OBJECTS SUCH AS STICKS, STONES, PINECONES, WALNUTS AND SNOWBALLS IS NOT PERMITTED.
3. HANDS OFF IS THE PRINCIPLE UNDER WHICH ALL STUDENTS MUST CONDUCT THEIR AFFAIRS. THIS MEANS NO PLAYFIGHTING, WRESTLING OR PULLING OF CLOTHING.

Procedural fairness

Behaviour will be dealt with so that everyone will have access to natural justice in that not only will incidents be dealt with fairly, they will appear to be fair. It is imperative that each incident be resolved ensuring adequate opportunity to:

a. examine and state the issue.

b. resolve and explore alternatives.

c. seek retribution or punishment as is reasonable under the circumstances.

d. appeal.

Unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated and whenever observed will be immediately reported. Examples are:

• verbal and/or physical aggression such as threatening language and fighting
• obscene and/or racist language and/or gestures
• challenging, ignoring or flaunting the authority of teachers and/or
• adults within the school
• threatening the safety of the school or the students
• bullying, extortion, and/or intimidation
• property damage related to vandalism / graffiti
• stealing
• breaking the School's Rules .

The school believes that each instance of Unacceptable and Inappropriate Behaviour must be resolved. It should be clearly understood that any unacceptable actions that result in accident or injury to others will be dealt with severely. A copy of the Discipline Incident Report will be forwarded to the homeroom teacher and parents on each occasion.

Examples of Inappropriate behaviour are:

• rudeness
• language or gestures inappropriate to the situation
• disruptive activity
• damage to supplies and materials
• failing to have respect for other people's property
• neglect of studies

Teachers are encouraged to handle these behaviours as they occur exercising judgement suitable to the severity and frequency of the behaviour. The Discipline Incident Report is used to monitor behaviour. The Report is filled out in each instance of Unacceptable Behaviour, and in those instances of Inappropriate Behaviour, when the teacher requires intervention or assistance. The Report is filed in the Office Discipline Incident Book and may be compiled in the Ontario Student Record Folder.

TEACHERS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO TEACH CHILDREN WHO REFUSE TO CONFORM TO REASONABLE STANDARDS OF DISCIPLINE.

Bus safety

It must be understood that the right of a student to ride a school bus is not a vested right, but a "privilege" which may be revoked for continuing misbehaviour.

The principal of the school which a student attends, is responsible for the student from the time of entering the bus until let off at a designated location. This responsibility includes the safety of the children and any disciplinary action considered necessary. Infractions of the rules are to be reported by the driver of the bus to the principal.

• Students are to conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times.
• Students may be designated to a particular seat or a set seating pattern.
• No scuffling, fighting, littering or loud, boisterous or profane language will be tolerated.
• Students may not get off the bus at other than their normal places of departure unless the driver is given a signed note from the principal or parent authorizing a deviation.
• The bus driver is in charge of the bus. Students have a direct responsibility to obey.

Appropriate dress

Students are expected to dress in a manner that is considered appropriate for their activities; comfortable, and reflective of the importance placed on the educational process. Schooling is an integral part of the process that leads to gainful employment. It is important that students learn and develop a sense of decorum and propriety so that their actions, while in school, will complement their career ambitions.

Inappropriate dress

Whenever a student is observed dressed in a manner that is considered inappropriate, the first instance will be handled internally through counselling to identify and review the circumstances. Parents may be notified informally if there is sufficient concern. Subsequent incidents will be dealt with as Unacceptable Behaviour and a Discipline Incident Report shall be written.

The following are considered examples of Inappropriate and/or Unacceptable Dress:

1. Attire that fails to contain the anatomy when the student is undertaking normal activities. For example: All tight or short shorts that expose the buttocks and tops that have scoop necks. Shorts designed for gymnastics, jogging or the beach are not appropriate for most children to wear to school.
2. Clothing with printed slogans, advertising or designs that are obscene or that can have a "double meaning".
3. Jewelry that is excessive and has little, practical value. For example: long dangling earrings worn by both boys and girls that can get caught and pulled out during activities, multiple rings, bracelets and/or dangling necklaces that may interfere with penmanship.
4. Makeup that interferes with physical activity because it runs or smears. All makeup that serves to make a child appear older or more mature than his/her actual age.

Return to Handbook Menu

Return to Main Menu