Code of Conduct
A school is a place that provides equal learning opportunity for all students. At Wakefield Elementary School, we believe that all students and staff have the right to learn and work in a safe environment.
Each person is expected to learn responsibility for the rules adopted for the benefit of all, and no person has the right to exhibit behaviours that infringe upon the rights of others. Our Code of Conduct ensures that all students, parents/guardians, teachers, and staff have the right to feel safe in their school community and understand the standards that we expect at Wakefield School and Kool Kids Daycare.
Students are asked to seek help from staff when facing any type of conflict, and we will help.
Although no document can account for every situation that arises in a school, the main purpose of this document is to set clear expectations for all students, staff and parents. The support of parents for this Code of Conduct is essential to its success, as we work in partnership with our school community and share the same values and expectations.
Expectations of Students
- To come to school on time
- Be prepared and ready to learn
- To follow our four Tribes agreements and anti-bullying rules at all times
- To show respect for the rights, feelings and property of all school community members
- To respect ethnic, racial, religious, gender, intellectual and physical differences in others
- To practice safe and responsible behaviour at all times and to follow all classroom, school and community rules
- To follow all learning experiences to the best of their ability
- To inform teachers, parents and other staff with regard to any concerns related to physical, social, emotional, or academic issues
- To communicate and work with all school community members in a courteous, fair and respectful manner
Expectations of School Staff
- To provide an effective role model to students and to help them reach their human potential
- To respect ethnic, religious, gender, intellectual and physical differences in others
- To demonstrate care and commitment to students by providing an inviting, safe and positive learning environment characterized by high expectations for success
- To ensure a variety of instructional practices and to respond to students’ individual needs in order to support improved student performance
- To communicate and work collaboratively with students, parents/guardians and other school personnel on issues related to students’ social, emotional and academic progress
- To support students in working to develop self-confidence and to strengthen their sense of self-worth
- To communicate and work with all school community members in a courteous, fair and respectful manner
Expectations of Parents
- To send their children to school regularly, punctually and prepared for learning
- To promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival
- To ensure that the school has current emergency information that will allow the school to reach a parent or guardian when/if necessary
- To show an active interest in their children’s schoolwork and progress and encourage a positive attitude towards learning
- To communicate any situation that may impact upon their child’s learning
- To communicate with school personnel on issues related to their student’s social, emotional and academic progress
- To encourage and support children in following the rules of behaviour by being familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules as outlined in this policy and the agenda
- To communicate and work with all school community members in a courteous, fair and respectful manner
Discipline Policy
At Wakefield Elementary our first approach is always to work with the student and parents to find the source of the frustration that is causing the challenging behaviour. The rules apply at all school related events whether or not held on school grounds, including during daycare, on the school bus and field trips. Teachers and daycare staff will set and post standards for their class consistent with the school code of conduct that must be respected by students. A student who does not meet the expectations of this code of conduct will be dealt with fairly and consistently by the staff. Our goal is to help the student deal with the frustration and teach them to improve their behaviour. The rights of the individual as well as the collective rights of school and community will be considered. Depending on the behaviour, a range of consequences are available to school personnel which should provide the flexibility necessary to meet the different situations and individuals that may be encountered. The following standard school-related consequences are possible after a breach of the code of conduct:
- Discussion /mediation with an adult to resolve the issue
- Loss of recess or lunch – time for reflection
- Contacting parents for their support with the student
- Withdrawal of the student from the class setting to another workplace within the school for a specific length of time
- Academic recovery- completing schoolwork
- Restitution or community service where the student performs tasks to enhance the school environment, or to repair or replace damaged or lost property
- Loss of privileges, such as noon hour sports, sports tournaments, trips and/or other special activities
- In school suspension- students will not be in their class but will be expected to complete their schoolwork for the day in another location in the school
- Out of school suspension – students cannot be on school property for the length of the suspension
- Expulsion or Discipline Committee- this is a board level consequence in the case of continued or extreme anti-social, disrespectful, disruptive, uncooperative, violet, or illegal behaviour
- Involvement of or referral to outside agencies e.g., CLSC, Police
School Rules
Behaviour |
Expectations |
Possible Interventions |
Regular School Attendance |
· Students will attend school all possible days and be at school on time. Start time is 8:05am. · By law, parents must ensure that students attend school. · Parents will ensure that students attend school regularly and will notify the school of absences by phone or email. · School staff will take attendance and communicate with parents if there are concerns |
· Parents will be notified by school staff in the event that a child is absent and not verified. · Continued unjustified absences or late arrivals can result in a letter of concern from administration and also be referred to outside services. |
Appropriate Language |
· Students are expected to demonstrate socially acceptable language: no profanity, no suggestive comments including sexist, racist or provocative comments, no rude, challenging or discriminatory comments or gestures toward students or members of the staff
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· Standard school-related consequences · Meeting with student and parents · Possible increase in consequences for repeated incidents |
Appropriate Dress
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· Students, staff and parents when at the school will dress appropriately in a manner that does not detract from the learning climate of the school. · Choice of clothing will not include inappropriate language, vulgarities, offensive comments such as racist references, drug/alcohol/sex/violent references. · Students are required to remove all caps, hats, toques, hoods, etc. in the classroom and are to remove all outerwear before entering the classroom · Students must wear indoor shoes in the school at all times for safety reason. They should wear appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather. · Parents will reinforce the importance of choosing appropriate dress. · School staff will model appropriate dress and will communicate with parents when necessary. |
· The school reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of student attire. If clothing is deemed inappropriate, students will be asked to change.
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Use of Computers / Multimedia/ Internet |
· Students will use computers or electronic devices for educational purposes, as directed by school staff. Students will not access sites or information that is inappropriate, nor will they access social media sites while at school. · Parents will reinforce the importance of responsible computer and electronic device use and sign the school board waiver. · School staff will monitor and supervise student computer and electronic device use, and when necessary, will communicate with parents. The school will actively block certain websites.
For online learning, please refer to the WQSB document Online Learning Expectations for Staff, Parents/Guardians and Students |
· A student who is in violation for the first time will be subject to loss of computer use. Parents may be notified. · A second offence could mean losing technology privileges for the school year, depending on the issue. · Please note: a student who uses school computers to interfere with other student or staff accounts will automatically lose his/her privileges for the school year and may be suspended from school. · Please note: a student who uses computers or electronic devices to violate the privacy of others will automatically lose his /her privileges for an appropriate period of time. Parents will be contacted and the student may be suspended from school. For more information, refer to WQSB policy no. E9. |
Electronic Devices |
· Students will not use portable electronic devices (i.e. iPods, cameras, PSPs) and cell phones on school property during regular school hours, at day care or on field trips. At the teacher’s discretion, there may be exceptions (e.g. taking pictures for the yearbook, using devices for an assignment) · Parents will reinforce the notion of responsible use of electronic devices with their children. · School staff will model appropriate use of electronic devices and monitor the student use of these at school. |
· A student who violates the electronic device policy will have their device confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Parents may be notified. · Repeated violation will result in extended confiscation and retrieval by parents. · The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged electronics when students bring them to school to use outside school hours. |
Completion of Assignments
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· Students will complete assignments to the best of their ability and hand them in as requested by their teachers. Students do not have the option of not completing assignments. · Parents will reinforce the fact that all assignments are to be completed and handed in as assigned. · Teachers will provide students with sufficient time to complete assignments. Teachers will monitor and keep record of assignment completion.
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· Standard school-related consequences · Potential loss of marks for late assignment. A mark of zero can be given for work never completed/submitted. · Extensions may be given · Completion of work during recess or lunch |
Classroom Behaviour |
· Students are expected to follow the expectations outlined in the Behaviour Matrix · Students, staff and parents will behave in a manner that is conducive to learning. · Students will follow the school and classroom guidelines. · Our goal is for all student behaviour and attitude in the classroom positively impact the educational success of all students. Teachers can expect that students: – Arrive on time to class – Are prepared with their materials – Are attentive, show respect and consideration for others and their property · Parents will emphasize with their children the importance of behaving appropriately at school. · School staff will model appropriate classroom behaviour and will monitor and follow up as needed. Parents will be contacted when necessary.
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· Standard school-related consequences · A student who misbehaves in class will be dealt with by the classroom teacher. · Students may be given the opportunity to reflect by being temporarily sent to another classroom · Continued misbehavior and disregard to interventions will result in a referral to the Principal and parents will be notified · If a student persists in misbehaving, despite the measures that have been taken, a team conference will be held with the student, parents, teachers and principal. · A student who continues to misbehave has placed themselves at high risk: out of school suspension, referral to external resource intervention, alternative placement will be considered |
Leaving School Property |
· The teacher will dismiss students at the appropriate time · Students may only leave property when picked up by a parent or guardian or are authorized by parents to walk or bike home; or if they are accompanying a staff member for a school activity |
· Standard school-related consequences · Inform parents · Suspension · Police involvement |
Bus Behaviour |
· Students will follow the rules outlined by the school board transportation policy, including: Remain in their seat at all times, follow the driver’s instructions, avoid distracting the driver by creating unnecessary noise or uncooperative behaviour, refrain from eating and drinking on the bus, demonstrate respectful behaviour · Ensure that all personal belongings fit within their backpack (lunch bag may be carried separately) · Parents and students should report any issues they have on the bus to the Principal |
· Drivers will make bus reports to the Principal for follow up- school-related consequences and contacting parents · Bus privileges may be suspended for a period of time · Students may be removed entirely from the bus |
Drug /Alcohol/ Cigarette Use
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· The use, possession or distribution of drugs, alcohol, cannabis, cigarettes, e-cigarettes or vapes at school is strictly forbidden at school by students, staff and parents. · No one will present themselves at school or at school events under the influence of alcohol or drugs. · Parents will ensure that their children understand the law. · School staff will enforce the drug and alcohol policy; if and when necessary, school staff will impose the measures as indicated in the school policy. |
· Standard school-related consequences · Meeting with parents and principal · Suspension · Possible discipline committee hearing at the school board. · Police involvement |
Personal Safety Behaviours
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· These behaviours are prohibited by students, staff and parents at all times: -Assault in any form -Play fighting -Bigotry: Written or verbal comments which insult others because of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation is -Vandalism and stealing: deliberately damaging property or taking something that is not theirs -Possession of weapons or replicas -Extortion: use of threats or intimidation to extract money or property. -Intimidation, threats, harassment- any behaviour that is intended to frighten, annoy, worry or harm deliberately – Students are not allowed to give away, trade or sell any items. Students will refrain from bringing personal items to school from home, such as trading cards, toys, stuffed toys, etc. |
· Standard school-related consequences · Mediation with teacher, parents, principal · Replacement or confiscation of items · Withdrawal from school privileges · Suspension · Police involvement
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Violence and Bullying-Type Behaviours |
· Please see our Anti-Bullying and Violence Prevention Plan for a more detailed discussion · Students, staff and parents will behave appropriately, respecting individual differences and diversity – to take a stand against bullying and violence. · Students should report to a trusted adult any incidents of bullying or violence and are expected to help someone by reporting · Parents will watch for signs that their child may be the victim of bullying or violence or exhibiting bullying or violent behavior. · Parents and students are strongly encouraged to report bullying and violence to teachers and/or the principal · School staff will respond seriously to all reports of bullying and violence by investigating, discussing and reporting to the principal · School staff will foster a safe, caring environment where students feel they can speak to staff about their concerns. |
· Standard school-related consequences · Official warning to stop offending (verbal and written) to the student and parents. · A student may be automatically suspended from school if the act of bullying is considered severe regardless if there have been previous issues. · After a serious bullying incident, parents of both the victim and the student(s) committing the bullying-type behaviour are notified. The parents are informed of the allegations and are also informed about the student’s responses to these allegations (verbal and written). · If they do not stop engaging in bullying behaviours after any warning from school staff, students will be suspended from school.
*** Please refer to the Anti-bullying/Anti-violence Code of Conduct- Appendix A |
Anti-Bullying/ Anti- Violence Code of Conduct- Appendix A
We believe that all students, teachers, staff members, and parents have the right to freedom from violence, harassment and/or bullying at school. We understand the detrimental and serious effects which may result from derogatory comments or conduct based on race, gender, disability, family status, ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, etc. These behaviours undermine our school environment as a whole.
Olweus definition of bullying includes three important components:
- Bullying is aggressive behaviour that involves unwanted, negative actions.
- Bullying involves a pattern of behaviour repeated over time.
- Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength.
Types of Bullying
This may include but not limited to:
- Verbal bullying including derogatory comments and name calling;
- Bullying through social exclusion or isolation;
- Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting;
- Bullying through lies and false rumours;
- Having money or other things personal property/belongings/possessions taken or damaged by students who bully;
- Being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully;
- Racial bullying;
- Sexual bullying, harassment, unwanted advances, inappropriate touching, and;
- Cyber-bullying (bullying behavior via cell-phone, Internet, etc…).
Bullying (Repetitive / Imbalance of power) |
Consequences (At the discretion of the principal or their designate and taking into account the age, special needs and best interests of the student(s) involved) |
Verbally (Teasing/name calling) Level 1: Teasing, name calling, insulting remarks or jokes, inappropriate language Level 2: (Repeated level 1 behaviours), verbal harassment, profanity, slander, purposefully embarrassing or humiliating another student Level 3: (Repeated level 2 behaviours) |
For all Level 1 Behaviours Range of Possible Consequences Discussion with staff member Walk with a staff member at recesses Discussion with Principal Possible parental involvement/notification Verbal/written apology Reflection Time-out/detention Loss of privileges (e.g. computer access, recess, field trip, school team, bussing, daycare, special events etc.) Confiscating of personal materials (hat, electronic devices, toy etc.) Community service within school Restitution Other appropriate consequences subject to staff discretion
For all Level 2 Behaviours Range of Possible Consequences Contact parent/guardian (note, e-mail, phone call or in person) Parent/guardian meetings Possible referral to outside services (e.g. family doctor, CLSC etc.) Several detentions Loss of privileges Replacement of stolen or destroyed property Related research activity and possible presentation to students or staff Relevant long-term community in-school service Change of class Long -term suspension of bus privileges In-school suspension Out-of-school suspension (1-5 days) Other appropriate consequences subject to staff discretion
For all Level 3 Behaviours (most of which are against the law) Range of Possible Consequences Meeting with a director, parents, student (depending on the student’s age) and staff 6 to10 day suspension with Board approval Gradual reintegration Police involvement, Youth Protection Referral to Discipline Committee (long-term suspension, change of school, expulsion)
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Socially (Excluding/Isolation) Level 1: Purposeful exclusion with the intent to hurt Level 2: (Repeated level 1 behaviours), telling someone not to be someone’s friend Level 3: (Repeated Level 2 behaviours) |
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Lying and false rumours Level 1: Minor lying and false rumours Level 2: (Repeated Level 1 behaviours), encouraging others to participate with the intent to hurt Level 3: (Repeated Level 2 behaviours) |
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Money or other things taken or damaged Level 2: Automatic –stealing, hiding, purposely taking, damaging and destroying another’s property Level 3: (Repeated Level 2 behaviours) – Level 2 behaviours that have an increased value to the owner |
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Threatening or forcing to do things Level 3: automatically |
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Racial/Religious Level 1: Inappropriate comments taking into account age and intent Level 2: (Repeated Level 1 behaviours), racial or religious slurs Level 3: (Repeated Level 2 behaviours), intent to be hurtful |
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Sexual (inappropriate touching/sexual comments/name calling) Level 1: Inappropriate comments taking into account age and intent Level 2: (Repeated Level 1 behaviours), inappropriate touching, inappropriate gestures, sexual comments, or drawings taking into account age and intent Level 3: Displaying sexually explicit pictures, sexual harassment, sexual solicitation |
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Homophobia Level 2: 1st infraction Level 3: (Repeated Level 2 behaviours) |
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Cyber bullying Level 1: Insults, blocking/excluding/commenting on social media with the intention of social isolation Level 2: (Repeated Level 1 Behaviours), using inappropriate language, rumours, ruining someone’s reputation, outing/denigration (sensitive personal information) Level 3: (Repeated Level 2 Behaviours), threats, intimidation/harassment, sexting/flaming (provocative cell phone messaging) , Happy Slapping (posting fights, incidents on Youtube), identity stealing/impersonation/trickery, cyber stalking |
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Physical Bullying (Minor) Level 1: Repeated intentional inappropriate touching of a person or their belongings that makes that person feel uncomfortable or threatened Level 2: (Repeated Level 1 Behaviours), repeated intentional inappropriate touching that causes harm |
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Physical Bullying (Major) Level 3: Repeated Level 2 Behaviour with heightened intentional physical aggression |
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Violence – Not repeated as in the Bullying Definition |
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Verbal or written Level 1: Teasing, name calling, insulting remarks or jokes, inappropriate language Level 2 and 3: verbal harassment, profanity, slander, purposefully embarrassing or humiliating another student (depending on severity) |
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Physical Violence (Minor) Level 1: Intentional inappropriate touching of a person or their belongings that makes that person feel uncomfortable or threatened. Level 2: intentional inappropriate touching that causes harm. |
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Physical Violence (Major) with heightened intentional physical aggression. |
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Sexual (Inappropriate touching/threats/rape) |
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Vandalism (Destroying or damaging property) |
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Dating (Abusive relationship) |
Wakefield Elementary School:Our Pledge “Set a Good Example” |
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Attentive Listening |
Mutual Respect |
Appreciation |
Participation/ Safety |
Our Pledge |
We listen with our eyes, ears and heart |
We will treat people the way we want to be treated |
We will think kindly of others and think of other’s feelings |
The more we participate the more we gain. We will always think of safety first. |
Classroom |
* Look and listen * Focus on the speaker * Show positive body language * Be engaged |
* Be kind * Be considerate * Have a positive attitude *Respect materials (desks, lockers, mats, etc) |
* Respect others’ efforts and contributions * Appreciate each other’s differences
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* Respect everyone’s personal space * Try your best * Take chances * Follow classroom and school rules * Listen to others |
Hallway/ Entrances/Stairs |
* When you are signalled, stop and listen * Follow instructions |
* Use a soft voice at all times * Respect the personal space and property of others * Do your part to keep hallways, stairways and entrances clean and tidy *Wait your turn |
* Look at art and displays with your eyes and not your hands * Be patient and helpful with others, especially younger students * Greet others in a positive way
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* Walk in the hallways, entrances and on stairs * Keep your hands and your feet to yourself * Keep your belongings organized and off the floor * Do it right! Go up and down the stairs on your right |
Playground/ Outdoors |
* Respond to the bell immediately (stop, look and listen) * Whistle/voice/signal from an adult means stop and listen * Listen and wait for signal to go in *Hold on to equipment when you come inside |
* Be kind to everyone * Be a peacemaker * Be a good sport * Take care of the equipment
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* Be positive * Use kind words and kind actions * It’s okay not to always win * Be kind
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* Share and take turns * Play fairly in the assigned areas * Invite others *Go directly to class after the bell |
Eating |
* Listen to the supervisors * When signalled, stop talking, look at the supervisors and listen
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* Talk in a quiet voice * When finished eating, clean up your place *Stay in your own seat
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* Be friendly with peers and supervisors * Be thankful and use your manners like Please and Thank You |
* Wash your hands * Eat your own food * Clean your area * Report any problems * Stay calm and quiet *Use bathroom passes- ask permission *Go to class before getting hot lunch |
Washrooms/ Changeroom |
* Answer when called upon by an adult |
* Use a quiet voice * Wash your hands * Keep your hands and eyes to yourself |
* Keep the washrooms clean |
* Find an adult if you need help or if you see a problem * Leave the washroom as soon as you are done |
Gym |
* Keep your eyes focused on the speaker * Keep your body still * Listen to instructions and rules |
* Use the equipment correctly * Follow instructions and rules * Allow others to participate *Be responsible for your belongings (water bottle, sweater, etc) |
* Encourage and support others’ abilities * Practice good sportsmanship * Use appropriate and positive language |
* Try everything once * Use the equipment when supervised by an adult * Always do your best |
Library |
* Keep your eyes on the speaker * Use quiet voices/silence |
* Whisper * Handle books with care * Read quietly * Return books by the due date * Walk *Respect the sign on the door *Put books away where you found them |
* Be courteous to your own group and to the group in the computer lab * Be polite to your own group and to the group in the computer lab
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* Read and enjoy * Keep the area tidy- take 5 minutes to tidy up * Replace the things you use (books and chairs) *Eat and drink elsewhere |
Computer Use |
* Keep your eyes on the speaker * Use quiet voices/silence |
* Respect the equipment * Share materials and equipment * Wait your turn *Keep the same settings on the computer |
* Be courteous to your own group and to the group in the Library * Be polite to your own group and to the group in the Library |
*Eat and drink elsewhere * Use appropriate sites * Push your chairs in *Stay on your assigned task |
Assemblies/Visitors/ Guests
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* Listen with our eyes, ears and hearts * Remain silent when you are in the audience |
* Respect each other’s personal space * Keep your hands and feet to yourself |
* Clap at the appropriate time * Be polite * Be positive |
* Raise your hand to ask questions * Enter and exit in line with your class *When leaving, remain seated until your teacher signals |