Code of Conduct

Vision: To have a vibrant, diverse community school where everyone plays an integral part in life-long learning.

Mission: To foster passion, creativity and inclusiveness in our learning environment in ways which enhance opportunities, strengthen community connectivity and recognize our unique physical and cultural circumstances.

We, as a community, embrace the rights and responsibilities that support a safe place for all of us to learn, grow, and share.  Our code of applies to all of us.

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

We believe that it is okay to make mistakes, and that we grow when we reflect on them and make an effort to repair harm.

As students become older and progress through the grades, expectations of appropriate behavior, self regulation, and personal responsibility increase. Age, cognitive development and individual needs will be factors when providing consequences/learning opportunities for students to understand their mistakes, make more appropriate decisions and demonstrate appropriate behaviors.

Behaviors we will address with consequences or restitution include:

  • discriminating behavior or speech based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation or age, or gender identity and expression
  • bullying, cyber bullying, harassment or intimidation including friendship/social bullying
  • actions that compromise safety
  • physical aggression/verbal threats
  • behavior that is disruptive to the learning or safety of self or others

Restitution

Restitution is a process that focuses on creating conditions to learn self-discipline, fix mistakes and return to the group strengthened. Restitution helps children reclaim their self-esteem through self-evaluation, personal effort and fixing their own mistakes. The school community works with students to help them understand making responsible choices, learning appropriate behavior, and working towards restitution with involved parties. When these responsibilities are not observed, actions taken may include:

  • reflection sheets
  • opportunities to fix mistakes
  • conference with all parties affected
  • notification of parents by phone or email
  • brainstorming to solve problems
  • referral to School Based Team
  • immediate removal from classroom, playground, or privileges
  • extended removal from classroom and/or playground privileges
  • In some circumstances, suspension.

(with thanks to Courtenay Elementary School and Huband Elementary School)