| CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
INTRODUCTION
“The feeling of self-worth is at the root of all human behaviour.
Individuals who have high self-esteem are better able to recognize and
accept their own strengths and weaknesses, to resist negative peer pressure,
and to act in the best interests of the group as a whole. An environment in
which students feel good about themselves is conducive to the development of
respect for the rights of others and understanding of shared
responsibility.” (Discipline. Resource Guide: Ministry of Education, 1986)
For young children discipline is largely external. It comes from
authorities outside of the child, such as parents, teachers and other
adults. As children mature their behaviour more and more depends on
personal ideas of right and wrong and the degree to which they have accepted
the validity of the authorities around them. While it is true that everyone
continues to be influenced by external authority and the opinions of others,
the basic objective of a school’s philosophy of behaviour is to help
students attain the greatest possible degree of self-discipline.
At Holsgrove, our school’s philosophy of behaviour will evolve from
the concept of respect. We shall endeavour to instil in all our students:
respect for themselves, respect for others, and respect for their
environment.
GOALS
The Staff of W. J. Holsgrove Public School enlist your support in our
endeavour to achieve the following:
• Create a climate in which each person is respected and respectful.
• Create an atmosphere of cooperation, stability and support in a
rapidly changing world.
• Develop socially responsible and responsive individuals.
• Teach the skills of literacy, computation and thinking on a
progressive continuum.
• Develop an appreciation of the arts and the value of a healthy life
style.
• Celebrate the personal and collective successes within our school.
LIMESTONE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
POLICY E-7 - CODES OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE POLICY
The following are excerpts from Policy E.7
7.0.0 Responsibilities of Students
7.1.0 Students shall exercise self-discipline in language, conduct
and deportment to fulfil their role as responsible members of the student
community within their school.
7.2.0 Every student is responsible for his or her conduct to the
staff and ultimately the principal of the school that the student attends:
7.2.1 on the premises;
7.2.2 on out-of-school activities that are part of school
curricular and extracurricular programs;
7.2.3 while traveling on a school bus.
10.0.0 Violent Behaviour and/or Weapons Offences
10.4.0 Students involved in fighting with, threatening, harassing
or verbally abusing other students or staff shall be suspended.
10.4.1 The length of suspension will depend on the severity
of the incident and the degree of involvement of the individual.
10.5.0 Where the abuse is deemed to constitute an attack by one or
more students on another person, whether provoked or unprovoked, and serious
injury requiring medical treatment results, the police shall be involved and
minimum length of suspension shall be 5 days.
11.3.0 A student who is found to be in possession of a weapon or
replica of a weapon shall be suspended up to 10 days, and the police shall
be involved.
11.4.0 A student who is found to be in possession of a prohibited
weapon (Safe Schools Protocol, pgs. 72 - 75) or replica of a gun shall be
recommended for expulsion and the police shall be involved.
Expected Behaviour Reasons for Expected Behaviour Positive
Consequences of Expected Behaviour Consequences of Inappropriate
Behaviour
1. Respect for Yourself
It is necessary in all aspects of school life for students to respect
themselves while taking pride in their work and decisions. Students are
expected to strive to achieve their own personal best. Students are
expected to come to school dressed cleanly, neatly, reflecting personal
pride. Outdoor clothing should be removed when indoors.
As students exercise self-discipline and work diligently, they develop self-
confidence and make the most of the educational experiences provided.
Part of developing a feeling of self-worth is maintaining certain standards
of dress and appearance. It is unhealthy to wear outdoor clothing indoors.
When students develop a sense of self-confidence, they find academic success
comes more easily. School becomes a happy place to be when relationships
with friends and teachers are positive ones.
How we present ourselves physically has a significant role in how we are
accepted by others.
Students who cannot develop respect for themselves may require the
assistance of others. We all need support at one time or another.
Students who wear inappropriate clothing will be counseled to change.
Students will be requested to remove outdoor clothing when inside the school.
2. Respect for Each Other
Students are expected to be courteous and thoughtful in their behaviour
toward each other. Courtesy is evidenced in refraining from the use of
inappropriate language, and the use of physical conflict; and by respecting
the property of other students.
Respect for others creates a cooperative, pleasant climate in which students
can achieve their best results.
As we respect others, in turn we will gain the respect of others and our own
personal rights and property will be safe-guarded.
Disrespect for other students may lead to social isolation by a student’s
peers. Use of inappropriate language, physical conflict, or lack of respect
for the property of others will result in one, or more, of the following
consequences:
• spoken to by the staff member
• referred to the office
• parent contact
• parent/teacher conferences
• withdrawal from class.
3. Respect for Staff
Teachers, secretaries, custodial staff, administrator, support staff and
others working in the school deserve to be treated with courtesy by
students. Staff should expect from students regular attendance,
punctuality, a conscientious approach to work, personal cleanliness and
conduct which indicates respect for others.
Students can expect to achieve the maximum advantage from their educational
opportunities by consistently attending school, diligently approaching their
work and showing courtesy toward staff.
The staff will treat the students in an honest, professional way and will
expect to be treated by the students in a respectful manner.
If a student shows disrespect, or refuses to do as requested by a staff
member, one or more of the following consequences will occur:
‒ referred to the office;
‒ parent contact;
‒ parent-teacher conference
‒ temporary withdrawal from class.
4. Respect for School Property
School property, textbooks and furniture are to be treated with respect as
they are provided by local taxpayers and the Province of Ontario. Putting
wastepaper and unwanted food in containers assists in keeping the school
clean and environmentally friendly.
If school property is maintained, there is more money to spend on
educational programs Our school gains respect in the community if pride is
taken in it.
If it is not necessary to put money into needless repair, there are more
funds to spend on trips and school supplies.
If the school is litter free, our reputation in the community will be that
of responsible young people.
Students who damage school property will be expected to pay for repair, or
replacement, of the item.
Students who litter will be expected to clean up the area.
CONSEQUENCES / STRATEGIES BUS
TRANSPORTATION
In the majority of cases a reminder to the student will be sufficient. When
behaviour is inappropriate or disruptive, a hierarchy of logical
consequences will follow:
● Interview with student.
● Making restitution where appropriate, such as full payment for the
damage done.
● Detention of student.
● Withdrawal of a school privilege.
● Meeting with the child, parent/guardian, principal and classroom
teacher.
● Implementation of behaviour management strategies.
● Involvement of school board support services.
● In-school suspension - withdrawal of student from class setting.
● Involvement of, or referral to, outside agencies.
● School suspension
Bus transportation is a privilege, not a right. This privilege may be
withdrawn.
The bus companies establish rules for passengers and the drivers enforce
them.
When inappropriate behaviour occurs a hierarchy of consequences will follow.
● Reminder by bus driver, which might involve seat relocation.
● Referral to principal, which includes principal/student/parent
contact.
● Suspension from bus for one week.
● Suspension for extended period.
It must be noted that any delineation of consequences for student behaviour
must be flexible enough to meet the wider range of situations and
individuals to which the consequences will be applied.
MISSION STATEMENT
We are committed to strive for independent thinkers who act responsibly,
respectfully, and reasonably in an environment conducive to effective
communication and learning.
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To that end, we are committed to assuring that our school:
‒ is a community school - a centre for gatherings and activities and
celebrations of school and community events - an educational institution
that involves community people as resources for its programs - an inviting
and friendly place to visit.
‒ will strive to provide for each of its students, a warm, caring,
stimulating and disciplined environment - a place where children feel a
positive concept of self and have the opportunity to be creative.
‒ recognizes and programs for individual differences - in rate and
style of learning, in behaviour, in social needs, in aspirations, in
environmental caring and values. We will continue to look at the individual
child whose need for acceptance and sense of worth is one of the most basic
human needs.
TO THESE AIMS, THE STAFF OF WALTER J. HOLSGROVE SCHOOL
WILL REMAIN DEDICATED.
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