Maple Ridge Elementary
Code of Conduct
Revised Sept. 7, 2021
Our school community is committed to ensuring a safe, caring, and orderly educational environment where together we actively support mutual respect, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. Together, we aim:
- to encourage the development of respectful and responsible citizenship.
- to foster a culture of acceptance and tolerance.
- to teach and promote our values of kindness and respect.
The Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community at school, traveling to and from the school, at any school-related activity at any location, or any circumstance/activity that will have an impact on the school environment.
Respect for Human Rights
In fostering a community of respect, inclusion, fairness, and equity, we expect persons to not discriminate based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age.
The Human Rights Codes [RSBC 1996, c210] will be respected:
Excerpt from Section 7 Discriminatory publication
7 (1) A person must not publish, issue or display, or cause to be published, issued or displayed, any statement, publication, notice, sign, symbol, emblem, or other representation that
(a) indicates discrimination or an intention to discriminate against a person, a group, or class of persons, or(b) is likely to expose a person or a group or class of persons to hatred or contempt.
Excerpt from Section 8 Discrimination in accommodation, service, and facility
8 (1) A person must not, without a bona fide and reasonable justification,
(a) deny to a person or class of persons any accommodation, service or facility customarily available to the public, or(b) discriminate against a person or class of persons regarding any accommodation, service or facility customarily available to the public.
Safe & Caring School Environments
In a Safe and Caring School Environment we strive to: | A Safe and Caring School Environment is Free From: |
Provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people. | Bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment and marginalization |
Be inclusive of everyone regardless of race, colour, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, ancestry or national origin | Threats and intimidation |
Speak to others using respectful and courteous language | Violence or abuse in any form |
Take into account the perspectives of others and problem-solve peacefully | Retribution against a person who has reported incidents
|
Use technology/cellphones/electronic devices/computers appropriately and respectfully.
|
The misuse of cyberspace/cellphones/electronic devices/computers. Students are aware that they may be subject to discipline (or if applicable confiscation of personal property) should the misuse of technology negatively impact the school environment. |
Behaviour Expectations
As members of the MRE school community, we strive to
- speak and act towards others in a respectful and non-threatening way
- treat others kindly
- appreciate one another
- find joy in learning
- create a culture of inclusion
- complete work diligently
- create learning environments that are peaceful
- solve conflicts respectfully, e.g., by using WITS
We:
- follow the School District #42 policy regarding weapons, replica weapons, explosives, sling-shots, fireworks, matches, lighters, laser pointers, cigarettes, violence, alcohol, and drugs
- walk calmly and respectful in the hallways
- stay on school grounds unless arrangements have been made with a parent or caregiver
- refrain from throwing objects that could cause injury to others or damage to property (rocks, sticks, snowballs).
- walk bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and roller blades while on the school grounds and bring a helmet to ensure these items are used according to community bylaws.
- take off hats and hoods when entering the school as a show of respect and so that we can each other’s faces.
- leave expensive and valuable items at home.
Certain behaviours will be considered unacceptable, including but not limited to:
- threatening behaviour towards others (e.g., swearing, hurtful remarks, gossiping, inappropriate gestures)
- physical altercations of any kind
- continuous repetitive disruptive behaviour
- defiance towards staff
- theft, vandalism, or mistreatment of school or other’s personal property
- teasing and/or bullying, on or off school grounds, including cell phone, computer, and social media communications.
- any behaviour deemed by the principal or designate to be unsafe.
Expectations for student conduct for younger students may differ from those for older students. It is expected that as students move through successive grades and become more mature, they will be more socially responsible.
To help students better understand what respectful behaviour and appropriate problem solving looks like, staff actively teach students to use their “WITS”.
- Walk Away – students are encouraged to avoid problems before they have a chance to develop.
- Ignore – students can defuse situations by not responding to the inappropriate behavior of others.
- Talk It Out – students state how others’ behaviors are making them feel and ask them to stop.
- Seek Help – students tell an adult at any stage and can get assistance for any problem.
We expect students to strive to apply problem-solving strategies that maintain the dignity of every person and resolve disagreements in a peaceful manner. Respectful behaviour is reinforced on an ongoing basis.
Responses to Conduct Issues
Responses to unacceptable conduct will be thoughtful, consistent and fair. The focus of any intervention will be preventative and restorative in nature, rather than merely punitive. Wherever possible, students will be encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful interventions through discussion and mediation.
Decisions will be made with respect to the individual. Responses to conduct issues will take into consideration the student’s age, maturity, any disabilities and past conduct.
Reasonable steps will be taken to prevent retaliation against the person who reported a code of conduct issue.
Every effort will be made to support students. However, if there are ongoing conduct issues after having implemented interventions, progressive discipline may include, but is not limited to, referral to an intervention committee, suspension, change of program, change of school, or involvement of the police when behaviour includes a criminal code violation.
When responding to breaches in the Code of Conduct, school officials may inform a student’s parent(s), the parents of other students who were involved, school district officials, the police or other agencies or the parents of all students when the whole school community needs to be reassured that a serious situation is being addressed.
Dress Code
The school district is committed to providing students with learning environments that are safe, responsive, and inclusive. The district recognizes that decisions about dress reflect individual expression of identity, socio-cultural norms, and that they are personal.
Students may attend school and school-related functions in dress of their choice provided that their choices:
- Conform with established health and safety requirements for the intended activity;
- Do not represent or promote weapons, gang culture, alcohol or drugs;
- Use respectful language;
- Do not depict or promote violence, racism, sexism or discrimination; and
- Are not intimidating to others.
Ultimately, the school administration has the responsibility to apply the dress guidelines when necessary. If any person dresses in an inappropriate manner, the student should be advised personally and discretely and given an opportunity to meet school district guidelines.