Code of Conduct – Updated May 2024

Statement of Purpose

Whonnock’s Code of Conduct has been created to maintain a safe, caring and orderly school environment.  The purposes of the Code of Conduct are:

1. To encourage the development of socially responsible behaviour resulting in a positive reputation for students and the school community.
2. To foster a safe, respectful and welcoming learning environment for all students, staff and parents.
3. To clearly communicate behavioural 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, at any school-related activity at any location, or any circumstance/activity that will have an impact on the school environment.

Conduct Expectations

As members of the school community, we believe in:

C A R E

C = Use COMMON SENSE

A = Have a positive ATTITUDE

R = Show RESPECT to all

E = Give a strong EFFORT everyday

Certain behaviours will be considered unacceptable, including but not limited to:

• Unsafe or disruptive behavior which affects the learning of others or their emotional well-being
• Disrespectful or threatening language or actions
• Disrespectful behavior towards property or the environment

Expectations for student conduct for younger students differ from those for older students as they do for students with special needs who are unable to meet expectations due to a disability. It is expected as students move through successive grades, become older and more mature that they will be more socially responsible.

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 and past conduct.  Interventions will not discriminate against a student who cannot meet an expectation because of a disability.

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, referral to an intervention committee, 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.

DIGITAL DEVICE POLICY

At Whonnock Elementary School, students will not be permitted to use personal digital devices during school hours. 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 use of personal digital devices will be permitted by a classroom teacher to support the teaching and learning for a specific activity that will occur in the classroom. There also may be situations when the school will permit a student to use a personal digital device for the purposes of inclusion and accessibility. Examples of those are digital literacy, communication, medical and health needs, and as defined within an individual education plan.

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 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.