Code of Conduct
Objective
In partnership with staff and parents, our goal at Chute Lake Elementary is to enable students to be cooperative, confident, life-long learners in a safe, caring and respectful environment.
Students as Learners
Chute Lake Elementary upholds and promotes the BC Human Rights Code- respecting the right of all those in accordance with the law- prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, 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.
At Chute Lake Elementary School, students are expected to exhibit a commitment to learning and to achieving success. We have guidelines for appropriate student behaviour that reflect the school's philosophy of respect for self and others. The guidelines show that students are expected to take personal responsibility for their behaviour. This responsibility applies not only to their academic duties, but also to their use and care of school facilities, equipment, textbooks and supplies. Each responsible student contributes to the well-being and success of everyone at Chute Lake Elementary School. We believe:
• every child has the right to receive a quality education and learn together in a positive, caring environment
• self-esteem builds success
• the quality of education is improved if staff, parents and students respect each other
• we must help students develop responsibility for their behavior
Chute Lake Elementary School 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.
Code of Conduct: Guiding Principles
Discipline is a complex issue. Expectations must be clearly stated, and consequences must be consistently applied. On the other hand, the real key to good discipline is to prevent inappropriate behaviour from occurring in the first place. The staff feels that, if staff and students build a rapport and that if students feel positively connected to the school, they will be less likely to misbehave. A proactive approach to discipline is the most effective method of achieving a school climate that is conducive to both teaching and learning. Indeed, while our school Code of Conduct is guided by the principle that all members of the school community have a right to work and learn in a safe, positive and supportive environment, the notion of consequences is also guided by the idea that all school Codes of Conduct will incorporate initiatives to encourage appropriate behaviour. As such, strategies are in place, and will be further implemented to:
• increase the potential for the student to achieve academic and social success (e.g., preparedness, use of effective listening skills, productive work habits, etc.)
• promote goodwill and harmony among members of the school community (e.g., inclusion, acceptance, respect, fairness, etc.)
• increase the potential for the student to be an active contributing member of society (e.g., involvement in school and community service activities; participation in community-based field trips; involvement inco-curricular activities, etc.)
The notion of consequences is also guided by the following principles:
• discipline must ALWAYS involve learning and may require punishment (or consequences). Behaviour is learned; therefore, behaviour can be influenced and acceptable behaviours can be taught and learned. A selection of appropriate consequences will acknowledge that punishment, in and of itself, does generally not have long term benefits for students
• school codes of conduct help individuals develop self-discipline and the ability to co-operate with others
• discipline in the positive sense encourages students to understand the fundamental values that are essential to the well-being of both the individual and society, and to accept responsibility for the consequences of their actions
Code of Conduct: Roles and Responsibilities
Students
All students are expected to contribute to an orderly and safe learning environment. To carry out this responsibility, it is expected that students will:
• treat all staff, volunteers and peers with consideration and respect
• take responsibility for their behaviour when they are on or near school premises, off school grounds and participating in a school-related activity, and while traveling on a school bus operated by the board
• participate in the development of school and classroom Codes of Conduct
• respect the right(s) and property of others in the school community
• learn and practice methods to resolve conflict in a peaceful and respectful manner
• comply with the Codes of Conduct of the classroom, school and the Board
• attend school regularly and punctually
• help support our classmates in making the right choices
Teachers (and Support Staff)
It is the duty of all teachers to take all reasonable steps necessary to create and maintain an orderly and safe learning environment. In carrying out this duty, it is expected that teachers will:
• involve students in the development of classroom Codes of Conduct
• practice methods to resolve conflict in a peaceful and respectful manner
• employ strategies to recognize appropriate behaviours in their classrooms
• communicate to students the possible consequences of inappropriate behaviour
• report to the principal or other authorized persons, any student who persistently behaves in inappropriate ways, or any situation involving a potential threat to the safety of school members
• apply school and classroom Codes of Conduct consistently
• communicate with parents regularly
• engage in professional development opportunities, where available, to develop skills and strategies in classroom management and promoting appropriate behaviour
• communicate with other teachers regarding behaviour of children in that teacher’s class
• treat students with patience, consistency and fairness
Parents
Parents have a duty to support their children in achieving learning success. In carrying out this duty, it is expected that parents will:
• support their children's teachers in their efforts to provide an education for their children
• participate in the development of school Code of Conduct
• reinforce the need for and value of appropriate behaviours
• communicate regularly with their children's school
• ensure that their children attend school regularly and punctually
• provide the school with accurate information about their child and their learning needs.
Dress Code
We take pride in our school and the community we work, learn, play and live in. Our dress code balances one's self-expression while communicating respect to others and to the school as a place of work and learning. Consistent with this perspective, and our Code of Conduct, the dress code is based on the following principles:
- Respect for human rights & dignity of others
- Wearing clothing appropriate and safe for the activity
- Promoting a drug and alcohol-free environment
- Parents playing an active role in helping to promote appropriate clothing for their children
Students are expected to:
- Wear footwear appropirate and safe for the activity (note: shoes with built-in roller(s) are not appropriate at school and close-toed footwear is recommended for outdoor play)
- Wear appropriate clothing for being active participants in outdoor and indoor activities
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.
