A school’s Code of Conduct is established to help maintain a safe, caring and orderly environment for learning.
School Rights & Responsibilities
Some of the things we expect at our school include:
TREATING OTHERS THE WAY WE WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED
· showing good manners;
· respecting self, others & property;
· giving best effort at work & play;
· making safe choices;
· HEART=honesty, empathy, attitude (growth), respect and responsibility, and thankfulness;
· punctuality in attendance;
· using appropriate language;
· using technology wisely by presenting a positive digital identity of self and others
· following school guidelines and
· showing responsibility and leadership.
Our school has identified “Rights and Responsibilities” for all students and “School-Wide Expectations”. These are the foundation of our Code of Conduct. A “Rights and Responsibilities” poster is displayed in every classroom and “School- Wide Expectations” are taught to all students and posted on our website and throughout our school.
DWE upholds and promotes the BC Human Rights Code - respecting the right of all those in accordance with the law - prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation - in its school environment.
Make wise choices at all times!
While most members of our school community conduct themselves in a positive and responsible manner, violations of our school’s Code of Conduct may occur.
A variety of strategies will be used to deal with incidents that occur—severity of the incident, frequency of infractions, and student age/maturity are considered when determining appropriate disciplinary action. Special consideration may apply to students with special needs who are unable to comply with expectations due to having a disability. Whenever possible and appropriate, consequences will be restorative rather than punitive.
École Dorothea Walker Elementary promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law – prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation. Behaviour or communication that discriminates based on any of the prohibited grounds listed will be treated seriously by our school.
Minor Incidents
These actions disturb the positive and orderly school environment & include behaviours like:
· being in an out-of-bounds area
· misuse of washrooms or playground items
· playing unsafely (ie. rough play)
· poor lunch manners
· rudeness to other students (name calling)
· pushing and shoving in a line-up
· running while indoors
· littering
· disruption of instruction/learning
· throwing dangerous items (eg. rocks, snowballs, etc.)
Possible consequences:
· warning
· problem solving conversation
· review of expectations
· a time-out with supervising staff
· school community service
· loss of privileges
Major Incidents
Minor repeated incidents will be treated as a major incident. This level of misbehaviour may also include:
· lying
· swearing
· wilful vandalism to property
· leaving school grounds without permission
· stealing
· defiance to staff
· bullying (eg. intimidation, racial slurs)
· verbal or physical threats to harm
Possible consequences:
· problem solving conversation
· school/community service
· contract created
· parent/guardian contacted
· in-school/out-of-school suspension
Unacceptable Incidents
These behaviours are highly disruptive. Repeated major incidents will be dealt with as unacceptable. These incidents include:
· fighting (violence)
· verbal abuse
· major theft or vandalism
· possession of or use of weapons
· extreme non-compliance with staff
· drugs/alcohol/tobacco at school
· inappropriate use of technology
Possible consequences:
· in-school/out-of-school suspension
· 1-10 day suspension or Indefinite Suspension (away from school, at the discretion of the principal)
· legal intervention (ie. R.C.M.P.)
Notification
Depending on the severity of the infraction, parents of student offenders and student victims may be notified. The school will also inform other parties as necessary. For example, in case of illegal activity, the R.C.M.P. will be notified or if the safety or well-being of a child is in question, the Ministry of Children and Families will be notified. The Board will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation against a student who has made a complaint of a breach of a code of conduct.
Dress Code
Students must come to school wearing clothing that is clean and suitable for school. Clothing or temporary tattoos featuring violent or offensive pictures or words or promoting alcohol/drug use are inappropriate for a positive elementary school learning environment. ‘Beach wear’ (eg. bathing suits, bare feet) is not appropriate. Clothing which allows underwear to show is not appropriate. (NOTE: Students may be asked to change or cover up).
Rights and Responsibilities
1. I have the RIGHT to learn and grow in this school. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to:
participate actively in all school activities.
2. I have the RIGHT to hear and be heard. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to:
pay attention to the person who is speaking;
take turns when speaking to others.
3. I have the RIGHT to be respected in this school. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to:
show caring for others;
take care of our school property and equipment;
avoid teasing or bothering other people to hurt their feelings;
use appropriate language.
4. I have the RIGHT to be safe in this school. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to:
keep my hands & feet to myself;
use kind words (no threats or other kinds of bullying).
5. I have the RIGHT to privacy and security of my own personal space. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to:
respect the personal property of others;
accept every person’s right to privacy and security;
keep personal technology off and away during school hours and present a positive digital identity of self and others.
Responsible Student Use of Personal Technology Devices, School Technology, and District Networks
The purpose of using network services and digital technologies while in educational settings is to engage in responsible educational activities. Therefore, the use of personal technology devices, school technologies, and district network services requires students to abide by the school’s Code of Conduct and procedures, as well as Central Okanagan Public Schools Policy 486: Student Use of Network Services and Digital Technologies.
Some examples of responsible use with district and personal devices include the following:
Act responsibly when accessing technology and district networks, including the Internet in their school.
Use technology equipment and property according to all applicable rules and with care and respect.
Engage in appropriate use as directed by school staff.
Respect the safety and privacy of self and others and do not provide personal contact information about themselves or other students.
Treat others with respect and kindness when using digital devices and network services.
Respect resource limits of the network services and do not engage in activities that jeopardize the integrity, security or performance of the network.
Understand the importance of privacy and security and take all reasonable precautions when accessing network services and digital technologies.
The use of Personal Technology Devices, School Technology, and District Networks is a privilege and usage may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Schools will not be held responsible for any misplaced, lost, stolen, or broken items brought to school by students. Use of network services and digital technologies which violate the terms outlined in policy and/or the School's Code of Conduct may result in serious consequences including definite or indefinite suspensions and/or police intervention.
