Locke's P.S.

Code of Conduct

Our school is a place which promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be and feel safe in their school community. With this right also comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or of oneself.

The Thames Valley District School Board Code of Conduct and our school’s Code of Conduct include the Provincial standards of behaviour. It specifies mandatory consequences for student actions that do not comply with these standards.

The standards of behaviour apply not only to students, but also to all school members, i.e., individuals involved in the school, including parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members - whether they are on school property, on school buses, or at school-authorized events or activities.

Students will:

*Make learning a first priority

*Behave in a safe and peaceful manner at all times ( in halls, classrooms and on the yard)

*Comply with the school dress code

*Respect students, all staff members, volunteers and visitors

*Comply politely with staff requests

*Respect books, materials, equipment, other resources and the school premises

*Arrive at school on time and remain on school property for the duration of the day

*Comply with school and board expectations regarding the responsible use of computers

*Play in a safe, fair and self-controlled way appropriate to your surroundings - e.g., no bullying, play fighting, body contact games (tackle football, etc.)

*Refrain from riding bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, rollershoes etc. on school property

*Refrain from bringing Gameboys, etc., laser lights, and spray cans to school.

Specific Expectations:

*Comply immediately with yard supervisors’‘ instructions and then discuss, if necessary

*Leave snow, stones, pine cones etc. on the ground

*Refrain from verbal abuse, teasing, profanity, and language or gestures intended to provoke

*Discuss unresolved problems with the supervisor immediately

*Cell phones should be off at all times, and cameras are rarely permitted, and only with prior staff approval

Parents, please do not call or text your child during school hours, as they are working! There are many phones, and phone lines at school. In an emergency, please call, and we will relay a message to your child. Should a call back home be required, we have no problem letting your child connect with you during one of the breaks. Think of the minutes you will save on your plan! We also want your child to be gaining independence at school, and calling home over an issue in the classroom or with another student does not encourage self-advocacy or conflict resolution skills.

Any student using his or her phone during the school day will have the phone removed and sent to the office, where it may be retrieved at the day’s end. A second display of discourteous behaviour will result in the parent being required to pick up the cell phone from the school. A third time will result in the student losing the privilege of carrying a cell phone, which will be kept in the office each day.

Cell phones also have cameras! According to the newly legislated and strongly enforced privacy laws, you cannot take a photo or record another person without explicit permission. This is to avoid internet bullying and prevent seeing students and staff posted on the internet without their knowledge. Any use of the cell phone as a camera is an immediate bump to consequence two, and the camera/cell phone will be confiscated immediately, and sent to the office, where it may be retrieved by a parent. It is important that all students and staff have their privacy respected and protected.

Over the course of the year, our goal is to educate our senior students in using any type of technology in a thoughtful and responsible manner.

Infractions to the expectations listed above will result in correcting the student, teaching or reviewing appropriate conduct, and practicing correct conduct. This will be done through any or all of the following: Student conference, parent conference, detention, loss of privileges, special assignments.

Specific behaviours which will result in student suspension, and parental contact (in accordance with section 307 of the Education Act) are:

·Persistent truancy

·Persistent opposition to authority

·Habitual neglect of duty

·Willful destruction of school property

·Use of profane or improper language

·Conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school or to the physical or mental well-being of others in the school

Specific behaviours which may result in suspension, parents being contacted and possible police involvement (in accordance with section 306 of the Education Act) are:

a) Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person.

b) Possessing alcohol, or illegal drugs.

c) Being under the influence of alcohol.

d) Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.

e) Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at

the pupil's school or to property located on the premises of the pupil's school.

f) Bullying

g) Persistent opposition to authority

h) Use of profane or improper language

i) Engaging in any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the moral tone of

the school

j) Engaging in any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the physical or

mental well-being of any member of the school community

k) Engaging in any act considered by the principal to be contrary to the Board or school

Code of Conduct or the Board's Safe Schools Policies and Procedures.

Police will be involved, as indicated by the police/school protocol, and the student will immediately be suspended and proceed to an expulsion hearing for:

·Being in possession of a weapon, including, but not limited to firearms (e.g. knives, lighters, matches)

Staff and parents are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, staff and parents should uphold these high standards when they:

·Help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth

·Communicate regularly and meaningfully with each other

·Maintain and model consistent standards of behaviour for all students

·Demonstrate respect for all students, staff, and parents

·Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship

Dress Code

At Locke’’s Public School, our Dress Code allows for the expression of individuality and personal choice while sustaining a respectful learning and teaching environment for the school community. Specifically, students are expected to wear clothing (and jewellery) appropriate for school activities where "appropriate" is defined as:

*Free of inappropriate language and/or graphics (profanity, vulgarity, remarks/images which are discriminatory, derogatory or offensively suggestive or advertising

*Products which are illegal for minors to purchase

*Complete covering of undergarments

*Complete covering of the torso (front and back) and chest ( no revealing necklines)

*The exclusion of chains which may become entangled in equipment and thus create a safety concern

*Skirts and/or shorts are to be at least mid-thigh in length.

*Running shoes with non-marking soles and suitable gym clothing are required for physical education activities.

*Head wear is not to be worn in the school ( classrooms, halls ) except on special occasions as determined by the school administration. The wearing of headbands or kerchiefs which cover most of the head is not permitted, however, in order to prevent the creation of identifiable groups and thus the exclusion of some students. (Exceptions may be granted by the school administration for medical conditions or religious reasons consistent with the Human Rights Code and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.)

*Students are encouraged to wear hats outdoors for warmth during cold weather and protection from the sun during warm weather.

All students JK - 8 are expected to comply with the School Dress Code as defined, on school grounds or while participating in school functions. Infractions of the Dress Code will result in students being required to cover/remove inappropriate attire and parents being notified.

School Bus Regulations

Some students travel daily by bus or van to our school. Most students will use bus transportation for class trips during the year. Responsible, considerate behaviour is required of all students if they are to have the privilege of such transportation. If a student does not obey the rules, the parents will be notified and the student will be disciplined and may be suspended from riding the bus.

Students riding a bus will:

*Enter the bus and take their seat in an orderly manner.

*Remain seated facing the front when the bus is in motion.

*Keep head and arms inside the bus at all times.

*Talk quietly and make no unnecessary noise.

*Not throw anything from the bus.

*Not litter on the bus.

*Not bring live animals, birds, reptiles, fish or insects on the bus.

*Not smoke, eat or use profane language while on the bus.

*Be courteous to fellow passengers and obey the instructions of the driver.

*Be responsible for any damage to the bus.