Code of Conduct
We believe a safe school is one where people can learn, play and
work in an atmosphere that is free of physical assaults, verbal
aggression, threats and intimidation. A safe school is welcoming,
supportive and positive; where the energy of the school staff and
the students is focused on learning and success.
The Responsibility of Our Employees
1. Teachers and administrators have the responsibility and authority to maintain order and
discipline in the school.
2. All employees shall make reasonable efforts to maintain a “safe school” environment in
accordance with policies.
3. All employees shall report serious incidents of physical violence, verbal abuse or the
threat of physical assault in the working environment.
The Responsibility of Our Students
Students have the responsibility to:
1. Behave towards all individuals within the school community in a respectful non-violent
manner.
2. Learn to use conflict resolution techniques to work out their problems.
3. Respect the property of others.
4. Report serious incidents of physical violence, verbal abuse or the threat of physical
assault and vandalism in the school environment.
The Responsibility of Our Community
The members of our communities have a responsibility to:
1. Be an integral part of making our communities safe places in which to live.
2. Promote positive values such as good citizenship and respect for other persons and their
property and resources.
3. Provide support to our schools in which to make them safe places to learn.
Consequences
For students, consequences range from an informal interview through to suspension, depending
upon the severity of the student’s misbehaviour. A description of each of the consequences
follows. Under this partnership, staff is responsible to notify parents of concerns in a student’s
behaviour. Also parents should notify the school of any changes in circumstances which may
affect the student’s behaviour.
The parent/guardian is accountable for responsibilities as outlined above. The conduct of
parents is governed by Board policies and procedures, the Public Schools Act, the Child and
Family Services Act, and other Federal and Provincial legislation. The school is accountable for
its responsibilities as outlined above. The conduct of the staff at Whitemouth School is also
governed by its codes of conduct, collective agreements, Board policies and procedures, the
Public Schools Act, the Child and Family Services Act, and other Federal and Provincial
legislation.
The Range of Consequences For Students
Minor Misbehaviours:
Informal Interview – A teacher or administrator talks with the student to reach an
agreement regarding the student’s behaviours.
Formal Interview – A conference is held with the student, the teacher, and administrator,
appropriate support staff and the parent/guardian to develop a plan for changing the student’s
behaviours.
Removal of Privileges – Privileges such as access to the playground, the lunchroom, extracurricular activities and bus transportation may be removed under certain circumstances.
Restitution – The student or parent/guardian is required to compensate for damages incurred.
Such restitution may be monetary in nature but could take alternative forms. For example, if a
student is making a mess they could be asked to help clean up as a form of restitution.
Withdrawal from Classroom Setting - When specific unacceptable behaviour is deemed to
have a negative impact upon the classroom learning environment, the student is withdrawn to a
supervised alternative location to complete his/her assignments. Such withdrawal would
normally be temporary but when a prolonged withdrawal is necessary the parent/guardian is
contacted.
Serious Misbehaviours
Behaviour/Success Contracts – In some instances the student may be required to meet
specific behavioural standards that are identified in a written contract. Such expectations are
developed and agreed upon by the school, the parent/guardian and the student. Consequences
in breach of the contract are clearly identified. Copies are supplied to all concerned parties.
In-School Suspension – School administrators may assign a student to an in-school
suspension. Teachers may suspend students from the classroom for up to two days.
Suspension – Suspension from school is a serious consequence, which is imposed subject to
Board Policy #7400 and the Public Schools Act. In all cases of suspension, the
parents/guardians are notified immediately. The principal may suspend a student for up to five
days. The Superintendent or the Board may extend the suspension. When the school gives a
suspension and the parent/guardians are not in agreement, an appeal may be made to the
Superintendent.
Student Services – Student Services support personnel are involved to assist in the
remediation of some unacceptable behaviours.
Home schooling – Home schooling and alternate placement may be a consequence for
continued unacceptable behaviours.
Outside Agency Involvement – Outside agencies may need to become involved as well as
community support services in instances where the board or senior administration believe such
involvement is necessary.
Expulsion from School – Expulsion by the Board of Trustees is a very serious consequence
resulting when it is determined that a student’s continued presence in the school is detrimental
in an emotional or physical way to the students and/or staff. Expulsion requires an official
action by the Board of Trustees and is completed in accordance with the Public Schools Act. An
Expulsion means that a student may not attend any school operated by the Division until such
time as the Board removes the expulsion.