Robertson Elementary Code of Conduct

 

Purpose

As a learning community at Robertson Elementary, we provide a nurturing environment for students to achieve high standards and to become respectful, responsible, cooperative members of society. Our Code of Conduct takes into account the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of both individuals and the school community and clarifies behavior expectations that are acceptable and unacceptable. 

The Code of Conduct is established to maintain a safe, caring and orderly environment for purposeful learning for all students. Students are responsible for respecting the rights and dignity of others in a learning environment free from discrimination as set out in the B.C Human Rights' Code. 

 

Conduct Expectations

Our Code of Conduct is designed to teach children to make choices with a focus on:

  • Self-regulation and contributing to a safe, caring and open hearted school community:
  • Demonstrating positive attitudes towards learning, self and others and putting forth their best efforts to engage in purposeful learning;
  • Respecting self, others and the environment;

It is understood that as students become older and more mature, expectations of increasing responsibility and self-discipline will be evident. This may lead to increasing consequences for inappropriate behavior.

 

Expectations of Conduct

Expectations apply to behavior at school, during school organized or sponsored activities, and behavior beyond these times (including on-line bullying that negatively impacts the safe, orderly environment of the school and/or student learning). 

 

Acceptable Conduct

While going to and from the school and while attending any school functions students are expected to:

  • Respect self and the rights of others;
  • Respect the property of others and the school; 
  • Attend school regularly and punctually;
  •  Inform an adult of any unsafe behavior;
  • Work diligently and to the best of their ability; and 
  • Abide by school rules and expectations

 

Unacceptable Conduct

Behaviors and acts that interfere with the learning of others, with an orderly environment or create unsafe conditions are considered unacceptable. 

All behaviors are not listed in the Code, but those cited are examples. 

Examples of unacceptable conduct:

  • Vandalism
  • Weapons
  • Illegal substances
  • Lying/cheating
  • Intimidation
  • Bullying (verbal/physical/online or cyber bullying)
  • Theft
  • Insolence/defiance
  • Harassment/racism
  • Violence
  • Threatening behavior

Discrimination of the following will not be tolerated:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Ancestry
  • Age
  • Place of origin
  • Gender identity/expression
  • Religion
  • Marital status
  • Family status
  • Physical/Mental disability
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

 

Consequences

When a student chooses actions detrimental to him/herself or the school community, they will face a series of consequences. The severity of the incident, the frequency, the age and maturity of the students are all taken into consideration when unacceptable conduct occurs. 

Responses to unacceptable behaviors are insistent and fair. Considerations may apply to students with a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioral nature when determining appropriate disciplinary action. 

Disciplinary action, whenever possible, is preventative and restorative, rather than merely punitive. As often as possible, students are encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful consequences using:

  • Problem solving assignments
  • restorative circles
  • Contracts/school or public service
  • Counseling
  • Suspension (in school/out of school)

 

Notification and Communication

At Robertson Elementary, we share a responsibility to protect every teacher's right to teach and every student's right to learn. The classroom teacher handles most issues arising from classroom behavior. Issues are referred to the Principal if they are major offences or chromic behavior problems. 

In the even that there is a concern for the safety of students or staff, school personnel have a responsibility to inform other parties of a serious breach of conduct. (Eg. Parents, school district official, police and/or other agencies).