Code of Conduct

  • Rights
  • We have a right to be treated with respect.
  • We have the right to learn at school and to work and play in a positive, meaningful environment.
  • We have the right to be a part of our school community and to be treated fairly, equally and without discrimination.
  • We have the right to be safe and successful in this school.
  • Responsibilities
  • We have a responsibility to be kind and respectful.
  • We have the responsibility to come to school prepared to try our best and to learn.
  • We have the responsibility to respect the uniqueness of each individual within our school community including their individual thoughts, feelings, needs and interests.
  • We have the responsibility to make the school safe for everyone in every way.

Purpose

At Courtenay Elementary School we strive to provide a safe, caring and educationally nurturing environment for all. Our school rules and policies are established for everyone’s protection, safety and well-being.

The school code of conduct defines expected behaviour at school, while traveling to and from school and while attending school functions at any location. The code of conduct applies as much to the adults in and around the building as it does to the children in attendance

Unexpected Conduct

Any behaviour that interferes with the learning of others or the orderly environment of the school, injures or threatens others or causes damage to property is unexpected and deemed inappropriate.

The following are examples, not an all-inclusive list, of unexpected behaviours:

  • Behaviours that interfere with learning or interfere with an orderly environment- verbally acting out, disrespect
  • Behaviours that create unsafe conditions- striking, grabbing, throwing objects, uttering threats
  • Acts of bullying (including cyber-bullying), harassment, intimidation, discrimination (race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and age), threatening behaviours or physical violence
  • Illegal acts such as possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances, possession or use of a weapon (or using something as a weapon) or theft of or damage to property.

Disciplinary Process

Consequences for misbehaviour will be applied in a fair manner and wherever possible the disciplinary action will be restorative. The school will notify parents of serious breaches of the code of conduct. Depending on the severity or frequency of the behaviour and on the age and maturity level of the student, one or more of the following actions may be taken.

  1. Restitution – reflection, school service and/or replacement of objects. Some form of service to the offended party.
  2. Denial of interaction with other students (during recess and/or lunch) – “time out”
  3. In-school suspension – to be served in office, another class or alternate safe place designated by the administration. Parents will be notified.
  4. Out of school suspension up to and including a period of 5 days. School District officials will be notified.
  5. Out of school suspension for a period exceeding five days. Follow up meeting with Superintendent and trustees.

Special considerations may apply to students with special needs if they are unable to comply with the code of conduct due to a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature.

Dress Code

At Courtenay Elementary, students and staff are expected to dress in a manner appropriate to a school setting (e.g. only t-shirts with child-friendly logos or print with no offensive language, alcohol/drug advertisements etc.). Clothing, including footwear, should be safe and comfortable allowing for full participation in all activities. Hats and hoods should be taken off as you enter the school.

Personal Digital Devices

Students are generally advised not to bring valuable personal items from home, such as smart phones, cell phones and hand-held computer games. However, increasingly teachers are encouraging children to BYOD (bring your own device) with parent permission and under teacher supervision for educational purposes. In such cases, Responsible Use Agreement Contracts must be signed by students and parents. Except where teacher permission has been given, students are not permitted to use digital devices in the halls of the school, at recess or lunch, or inside or outside the school during school hours. Therefore any unsanctioned use of an electronic device will result in temporary loss of that device.