Code of Conduct

WEBSTER’S CORNERS CODE OF CONDUCT

 

The purposes of Webster’s Corners Code of Conduct are to:

1. Encourage the development of socially responsible behaviour, resulting in a positive reputation for students and the school community.
2. Foster a safe, respectful and welcoming learning environment for all students, staff, and parents.
3. Clearly communicate behaviour expectations to the school community.

The Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community at school, traveling to and from the school, or at any school-related activity at any location.

As members of the school community, we believe that all students have the right to learn in a safe and caring environment and for this to happen, we need to work towards creating a comfortable, positive school climate.  We believe that home and school must share the responsibility for teaching children appropriate behaviour and by working together we can increase the likelihood that students will become responsible for their actions and will develop respect for self, others and the environment.

All relationships are important, and we have high expectations for:

–       Interpersonal interactions between students, staff and parents

–       Electronic interactions, including the use of internet, texting, cell phones, computers and other electronic devices

At Webster’s Corners we promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect where all are equal in dignity and rights.  All are entitled to the accommodations, services and facilities they require.  We do not tolerate discrimination towards others that prevent them from having their needs met.  We do not allow any publication or display of signs, symbols or other representations that discriminate against others because of their race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation or age.

Any language (oral or written) or behaviour that deliberately degrades, denigrates, labels, stereotypes or incites hatred, prejudice, discrimination or harassment towards students or employees on the basis of their real and/or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, appearance, capacity, disability, colour, ethnicity or religion, will not be tolerated.

At Webster’s Corners we believe that all students have the right to be in school, and with that right comes the responsibility to respect the rights of other and to become actively and productively involved in their own learning.

Every student has the right to learn at our school.  It is his or her responsibility to be in school, on time and to listen to instructions and to participate without disruption.

Every student has the right to hear and be heard.  It is his or her responsibility not to talk, shout or make noises when others are speaking.

Every student has the right to be respected and to feel safe in our school.  It is his or her responsibility to treat others with respect by being polite through actions or words.  It is his or her responsibility not to threaten or physically harm anyone else.

Every student has a right to privacy and personal space.  It is his or her responsibility to respect the personal property of others and to accept their right to privacy.

Classroom and Electronic Devices

We have a laptop cart and an iPad cart available for student use. If your child(ren) has/have a personal device that they wish to use as a learning tool, this must be authorized by their teacher. Students will not be permitted to use personal digital devices during instructional time during the school day (8:30 am – 2:20 pm). When students need to use technology as part of their learning, they will use the devices provided at school. There may be situations when the school or classroom teacher will permit a student to use a personal digital device for the purposes of inclusion and accessibility, for example, digital literacy, communication, medical, health needs and as defined within an individual education plan. If there is an emergency, you may use the school phone.

A student’s personal cell phone should not be turned on during the school day.  If parents need to get hold of students during the day for an emergency, we ask that parents contact the office and we will relay the message.  As well, we encourage the student-use of the school phone for emergency purposes only.

Unacceptable behaviour

We expect our students to become more socially responsible as they move through successive grades and become older and more mature.  Expectations for younger students may differ than those for older students as they do for students with special needs who are unable to meet expectations due to a disability.

Failure to Respect:

• Persons  – Arguing, defying, disobeying, lying, misleading, taunting, teasing, intimidating, threatening, harassment of any form, bullying, cyber bullying, etc.
• Personal Space  – Violence in any form such as grabbing, pushing, tripping, wrestling, fighting, snowballing, or assaulting, etc.
• Property, the community or environment – Vandalism to school or its grounds, vandalism to neighbouring property, littering, stealing, etc.
• Law – Any illegal activities including but not limited to drugs, alcohol, theft, vandalism, fireworks, weapons or replicas, intruders or trespassing, verbal/physical/sexual abuse etc.

RESPONSES TO CODE OF CONDUCT ISSUES:

Standards of conduct and behaviour are explained, practiced and reviewed throughout the school year.  The development of self-discipline and acceptance of personal responsibility are very important goals at our school.  The focus of any intervention will be preventative and restorative in nature, rather than merely punitive. The aim of consequences for misbehaviour is for students to learn something from their experience and to teach students what to do.  Consequences for behaviours that do not meet expectations will be logical, realistic and consistent, with each case of misbehaviour being addressed on an individual basis.  As students age and mature, their level of personal responsibility will increase.  Reasonable steps will be taken to prevent retaliation against the person who reported a code of conduct issue.

In case of misconduct or misbehaviour, a procedure similar to the one described below will be followed and documented.  This procedure will vary according to the student’s age and maturity

Responses to student misconduct are:

• Carried out in a positive manner
• Applied fairly, in a dignified manner to encourage positive, acceptable behaviour.
• Aimed at helping students take responsibility for their actions
• Aimed at teaching students to practice “problem solving” skills
• Carried out in ways that honour individual and situational differences.

Responses to student misconduct may include:

• Discussion with the supervisor or teacher
• Student meeting with the Principal
• Contact with the parents (initially by telephone and /or by email or note in planner)
• Meeting with the parents, teacher and /or the Principal

Consultation with district and/or community personnel (where appropriate)

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.