Code of Conduct

Safe Schools: In Diverse and Inclusive Communities
Ensuring the safety of all students and staff is always the top priority. A positive school climate is necessary to support an inclusive, responsive learning environment for all students and to maximize student success so they may reach their potential. A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, included, and accepted, and actively promote positive behaviours and interactions. The Whole School Approach includes parents, students, staff, and community partners, and is critical to promote a positive school climate and acceptance for all.

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR 

This code of behaviour sets out the standards of behaviour which are expected of all members of the school community in order to create a positive climate in the school. All members of the school community - parents, guardians, staff, students and guests - must comply with the behaviour expectations while on school property, at school-related activities, or in other circumstances, wherein engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate. Respect, responsibility, civility and academic excellence are promoted so that all members of the school community will feel safe, comfortable and accepted. The purpose of this code of behaviour is:

• to promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic (day to day) life of the school community                                           
• to ensure that all members of the school community, especially people in positions of authority, are treated with respect, kindness and dignity                  • to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility                                                 • to encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict                        • to promote the safety of people in school                                                       • to discourage the use of alcohol and drugs 

Students will be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they will demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour and acts of kindness. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student: 

• comes to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn                                 • shows respect for themselves, and for others (including  for those in authority) • refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others                          • follows the established rules                                                                        • takes responsibility for their own actions 

Students  will comply with the behaviour expectations while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate.


Be Respectful

Expected Behaviour

Reasons for Expected Behaviour

•respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions                                        

 •be respectful to all other members of the school community in language, tone and approach 

• respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority 

• treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is a disagreement 

• respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability 

• respect the rights of others 

• demonstrate honesty and integrity  

•Demonstrate kindness

All members of the school community have the right to: 

• be treated with respect and dignity 

• an environment where conflict and differences can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility 

• the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict 

• a learning environment free from the influences of vaping, drugs and alcohol 

• an environment conducive to learning


Civility and Responsible Citizenship

Expected Behaviour

Reasons for Respected Behaviour

seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully 

Obey all bus rules

• take appropriate measures to help those in need 

• demonstrate honesty and integrity 

• participate appropriately in the civic life of the school community 

• Use appropriate language at school with everyone (peers, educators, guests)

• respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws 

• show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others

Responsible citizenship involves: 

• appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community. Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.

• taking care of our school buildings, furniture and supplies 

• understanding that the costs associated with vandalism and theft are an additional financial burden to students, their parents/guardians and other taxpayers 


Academic Excellence

Expected Behaviour

Reasons for Expected Behaviour

Each student is expected to maintain good work habits by: 

• completing all homework, assignments, and projects as directed by the required deadline and criteria

• making up missed work 

• coming to class prepared and ready to participate (with the necessary books, pens, calculators, gym wear etc. as appropriate)

• participating constructively in class

• students who are engaged in the learning process are more successful

• good work habits learned and practised in school will be valuable throughout life 

Each student is expected to: 

• maintain regular attendance 

• be punctual 

• notify the school in case of absences and late arrivals 

• good attendance helps students achieve goals and benefit from all school activities and services 

• arriving late interrupts the learning of others

Each student is expected to maintain academic honesty: 

• submit work which represents the student’s own efforts and acknowledges the source of information used in completing your work.

• students have the right and responsibility to be assessed and evaluated on their own work


Bullying Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention

Students/families/staff will be made aware that bullying is typically a form of targeted, repeated and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person's body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.  Bullying can be physical, verbal, social, or occur through electronic (cyber) communication. Parents and students should be aware that cyber-bullying is behaviour that can result in police involvement, school suspension or expulsion. 

When someone experiences or observes bullying behaviour, he/she is expected to report it to a teacher, teaching assistant or school administrator immediately. Bullying behaviour will be addressed using a progressive discipline approach with a range of interventions and consequences. Bullying will not be accepted on school property, at school-related activities, on school buses, or in any other circumstances (e.g., online) where engaging in bullying will have a negative impact on the school climate.

Progressive Discipline

The school encourages, supports and recognizes acceptable behaviour in our students through a variety of positive practices. Progressive discipline is an approach that makes use of a continuum of interventions, supports and consequences, building upon strategies which promote positive behaviours.

We encourage students to take responsibility for their behaviour and to accept the consequences of their actions. A progressive discipline approach will be used to deal with inappropriate behaviour. This may include: oral reminders, review of expectations, contact with parent(s)/guardians(s), written reflection, ‘restorative justice’ services in the school community, conflict mediation and resolution, peer mentoring, and/or referral for support services.

We recognize that each student is a unique individual and that every situation that requires disciplinary action has its own set of extenuating circumstances. All factors that may have affected the student's behaviour will be considered before progressive discipline is applied. Students who behave inappropriately will receive an age and developmentally appropriate consequence. For a student with special education or disability-related needs, all progressive discipline approaches will be consistent with his or her Individual Education Plan and his or her demonstrated abilities.

Suspension and Expulsion

As part of progressive discipline, the school may also use suspension and/or expulsion for serious incidents as outlined in the Limestone District School Board's Safe Schools Policy.  Before considering whether to impose a suspension or make a recommendation for an expulsion, an administrator must consider mitigating and other factors.

A principal or vice principal shall consider whether to suspend/expel a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil has engaged in any activities while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate.                                                                                                         Full details on suspensions/expulsions can be found in ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE 353 Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour found at http:// limestone.on.ca.  

Dress Code

The standards for dress at the school are based on common sense and are intended to support the comfort, safety, respect and modesty of all students.  At Southview Public School, all students and individuals have the right to learn in a respectful environment. Respect for oneself and for each other is demonstrated by appropriate clothing choices for our school learning environment and we strive to ensure all feel comfortable and safe.

Members of our school community are expected to:
-be adequately and respectfully covered -dress appropriately for the weather and for specific activities (i.e. Athletic/running shoes with non-marking soles in gym) -avoid clothing that has offensive language and/or representation on attire that is profane, violent or discriminatory -hats inside the building are allowed with teacher permission
Lockers and Desks

If you are assigned a locker and/or desk, they are school property and should be kept clean and in good condition. The lockers and/or desks are being loaned to you, and the school has the right to access all lockers and withdraw locker privileges, if necessary.  It is also important that students occupy the lockers assigned to them, as they will be responsible for items found in those lockers. Students can only use the locker that has been assigned to him/her. Locks that have been placed on unassigned lockers will be cut off, and the contents of the locker removed.
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen goods. Do not store valuable items or money in lockers or desks.

Electronic Devices

Cellphones and similar types of communication devices carried by students are not to be used or displayed during school hours while on school property unless it is for instructional purposes at the invitation of the teacher. This includes before class, during lunch and at recess.  Devices are not to be out on the yard. Students must abide by the code of conduct and computer/electronic device use agreement rules. Non-compliance will result in loss of privileges and parents will be notified to pick up personal devices. In extreme circumstances, personal devices will be checked in at the office for safe-keeping before class, and picked up at the end of the day.

Parents needing to speak with their children during the instructional day should contact the office. Students who need to call home during the school day should not use their personal devices. Office phones are available for use with teacher permission. 

The taking of photographic images, audio recordings or videos of a person or persons, on school property, at school events, and during school activities is prohibited without the permission of the person being photographed, the permission of their parent or guardian if the person is under 18 years of age, and the principal. School community members who breach other’s privacy through the inappropriate use of electronic devices will be subject to a variety of disciplinary measures and/or criminal charges where warranted.

The school will not be responsible for the replacement of lost, damaged or stolen electronic devices and school community members bring them to school at their own risk.



Note: The school Code of Conduct is reviewed regularly and will be reviewed during the school year by the school’s Safe and Caring School Team. This committee includes the principal, vice principal, our School Council representative, a teacher rep, and a student representative. The Code of Conduct document is guided by the Limestone District School Board’s Administrative Procedure 353: Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour.