Lac La Hache Elementary School

Code Of Conduct

2023-2024

At Lac La Hache Elementary school we hold a common belief in a set of rights and responsibilities that supports a safe, caring, and orderly learning environment where students feel a sense of belonging and pride in their school. Our aim is to create a school culture that is safe, supportive, caring, and conducive to teaching and learning for all.

Accompanying these rights and responsibilities is a set of rules that provide a framework for expected school behaviour while attending school and school related activities. Individual responsibility is the key principle stressed at Lac La Hache Elementary school. Students are expected to know and observe the guidelines outlined in the Code of Conduct. Acceptable behaviour would be generalized as any behaviour that promote each student’s right and responsibilities; conversely unacceptable behaviour would be any behaviour that does not promote each student’s right and responsibilities.

The guidelines in this document reflect our belief that we do our best learning in an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. It is a necessity that the school environment is one where staff can present essential learning opportunities and where children can engage in a meaningful way.

Finally, we believe that it is only through a partnership between home and school that we can create a learning environment which allows children to excel. We believe that the school’s task is to ensure that every child experience success and acquires the skills which they will need to become competent, confident, and responsible citizens.

This Code of Conduct is reviewed annually by the staff at Lac La Hache Elementary school in consultation with the Parent Advisory Council and students. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input to these guidelines for the betterment of the whole school community and overall enhancement of the learning experience for all members.

Mission Statement:

Ensuring all students have meaningful learning experiences, empowering them to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Lac La Hache Elementary School Code of Conduct

1. The Code of Conduct and the BC Human Rights Code:
   1. The contents of this Code of Conduct acknowledge that if there is a conflict between this Code and the Human Rights Code then the human Rights Code shall prevail.
   2. With respect to the Human Rights Code, this School Code of Conduct in no way intends to discriminate against a person or class of persons because of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation of the person or class of persons.
2. Statement of Purpose:
   1. The school recognizes that in order to create a positive, safe, caring and orderly school environment, it is essential that all members of the school community be aware of the expectations for student conduct while coming to, attending, and going from school. This Code of Conduct outlines those expectations for student behaviour and the consequences for breaches of the Code of Conduct.

1. Where consequences for unacceptable behaviour are concerned, whenever possible and wherever appropriate, consequences shall be restorative rather than merely punitive in nature.
2. Where appropriate, special considerations may apply to students with special needs who may not be able to fully comply with a Code of Conduct because of their disability.
3. The school and the Board of Education will take all reasonable steps to ensure no person affects retaliation on another for making a complaint resulting in a breach of the code of conduct.
4. It is expected that while involved in school related functions of any nature that students, parents, coaches and involved members of the greater community follow the school of conduct as they are in essence acting as ambassadors of the school.
5. These conditions apply while students are in attendance at school, while travelling to and from school, and while attending any school function at any location.

Students Rights and responsibilities

Communicating Expectations

The Code of Conduct is to be communicated to staff, students, and parents at the start of each school year. Staff members review the Code of Conduct and behavioural expectation with students; a copy of the Code of Conduct is posted in the classroom and in the main hallway. The Code of Conduct is reviewed with the Parent Advisory Council; a copy is posted on the school website and emailed to caregivers on our electronic newsletter list. Parents are requested in writing to review the Code of Conduct with their children. Copies are retained in the office for parents, temporary staff, school community members and visitors as required.

Promotion and Reinforcement of Expectations

The school will teach and promote behavioural expectations throughout the school year through positive recognition, assemblies, classroom discussions, newsletter communications, the school-wide discipline plan.

Personal Responsibility

Students have the responsibility to show respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority. They will follow the established rules and refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others. As it is impossible to anticipate every situation and establish rules and consequences for each, students are expected to use good judgment and common sense when faced with a new situation. Students will be expected to assume increasing personal responsibility and self-discipline as they become older, more mature, and move through successive grades. When unsure of whether an action or activity is appropriate at school, students should seek permission from a staff member. If students observe actions/incidents that may endanger others, it is their duty to seek adult assistance rather than to observe and encourage.

Consequences

Consequences for misbehaviour will vary depending upon the degree of seriousness, the age of the student, previous occurrences and the circumstances surrounding a particular incident. Students, as often as possible, will be encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful consequences for violations of the established code of conduct. Special considerations may apply to students with special needs if these students are unable to comply with a Code of Conduct due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, or emotional nature. In an instance of a serious breach of the code of conduct, school officials have the responsibility to advise other parties such as parents, school district official, RCMP and/or outside agencies.

Willful Disobedience

Students are expected to obey all reasonable requests by school staff. The School Act clearly indicates that, where a pupil is willfully disobedient to a teacher or any other employee of the Board, the pupil may be suspended from school in accordance with the School Act Regulations.

Work Expectations

Students are expected to put forth their best effort at all times. It is expected that students will complete all classroom and homework assignments to the best of their abilities.

Violence and Intimidation/Bullying

School District #27 has a formal policy in place to deal with incidents involving bullying and intimidation. The school considers any act of bullying, including cyber bullying or intimidation, to be a serious threat to the school environment and shall deal with any such act in accordance with Draft Policy - Safe and Caring School Communities (sd27.bc.ca)

Students can use the Ministry’s Erase Report IT tool if they have seen or heard something that concerns them. The Erase Report IT tool lets you send a secure, anonymous, and confidential message to your school coordinator, who will follow up on it right away. You do not have to provide your name unless you want to.

Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs

Students will not bring, use or be under the influence of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs while on any school property (including the parking lot or in vehicles in the parking lot), or school activity. All smoking, including tobacco and electronic cigarettes, and the use of smokeless tobacco or holding lighted tobacco are prohibited. 3518-smoking-smokeless-tobacco-restriction.9f0b5c2909.pdf (sd27.bc.ca)

Field Trips and Special Events

Students are expected to model excellent behaviour and to proudly represent Lac La Hache elementary school when involved in activities away from the school. All school rules are in effect for students on field trips. Students can expect to have their attendance at field trips cancelled if they have had repeated disciplinary problems or if the have been suspended for a major incident. It is expected that while involved in school related functions of any nature that students, parents, coaches and involved members of the greater community observe the School Code of Conduct as they are active as ambassadors for the school.

Electronic Devices

Personal Electronic Devices

The staff at Lac La Hache Elementary recognizes the importance of fostering safe and inclusive learning environments for all students, and believes that our Electronic Device Policy will play a critical role in supporting student success, belonging, and well-being. As of September 2024, students are not to access or use cell phones during instructional hours unless under specific circumstances as follow; Individualized Education Plans that specifically state the student will use their own device as a learning instrument because the school does not have the technology available to support their learning needs; students on a Nursing Support Plan that use their cell phone as a way to monitor health issues such as Type 1 Diabetes; if specifically communicated to administration and parents/guardians ahead of time for use in a specific learning opportunity. As they enter the classroom after the first bell, students that have cell phones will place them in a storage container provided by the teacher and kept in a safe location for the duration of the day, to be collected at the dismissal bell. Should parents need to contact students, or students need to contact home, we will continue to do this through the main office.

If an infraction of the school or classroom rules occur, the teacher or principal will confiscate the device and the parent/guardian will be asked to come to the school to pick up the device. Students bringing devises from home will understand that the school is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged devices. For more information regarding the use of multimedia devices refer to the School Boards policy on multimedia devices.

Bus Students

All bus students must be registered on all bus routes they ride. Contact the bus garage at 250-395-2230 for detail information.

Students must abide by the Bus Conduct Rules as set down by the school district. Failure to do so will result in appropriate consequences. The rules and expectations on the bus are in place to ensure students safety. All students riding the school bus are expected to sit with their bottom on the seat, face in the forward direction with feet inside the seating area (not in the aisle), remain seated while the bus is moving, refrain from putting any object or body part outside the windows and to be respectful of all other students around them. Student safety is the responsibility of the principal and behavior expectation of students while on the bus will be communicated and supported at school. If students are not behaving and/or acting in a disrespectful manner the principal or designate will be notified, and the appropriate consequences will be issued. The consequence could result in the student being denied access to riding the bus.

Student Safety-Student Pick-up

Under no circumstance will a teacher release a child to anyone except school staff or the parent or guardian that is known to the teacher. Parents should phone ahead to the school if they are allowing/sending a person other than their child’s normal contact to pick up. If a person other than the regular contact attempts to pick up a child, the principal or designate will hold the child until a parent or guardian can be contacted to confirm arrangements.

Leaving School Property

Students are to remain on school grounds at all times. If a parent/guardian is taking their child before dismissal (i.e., doctor’s appointment, home sick) they are required to sign the student out at the office. If a parent/guardian is not directly picking up their child, written permission is required for the student to leave school property. We encourage parents to communicate with their teachers beforehand whenever possible if they are needing to take kids early.

Food and Drinks

Students are to eat at designated times and places. Teachers will establish classroom rules for food and drink during instructional time. Please send your child to school with a balanced lunch by limiting sugary items and treats. The classroom teacher will communicate with parents their eating/snack/lunch protocols and ask that parents go over the rules with their child to help ensure safety (i.e., Nut allergy in the classroom/no sharing of food). Students are reminded to clean up after themselves, to recycle items where possible and to use the garbage cans for other disposable items. The school offers food programs at no cost to families (i.e., Breakfast Program) and children will have to access to nutritious food throughout the day through the BC School and Vegetable Nutrition Program and other partnerships.

What we drink has a significant impact on our health. We encourage healthy drink choices. Healthy drinks do important jobs for children’s growing bodies, like providing hydration or supplying nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Healthy drinks provide these benefits without giving children too much sugar. Teachers will be talking to their classes about healthy drink choices with the aim of helping students to adopt healthy lifestyle choices. We ask that parents/caregivers do not send sugary drinks such as slushies, energy drinks or pop to school.

Allergy Aware

With respect to scent sensitivity and allergic reactions, please refrain from bringing or wearing cologne/perfume or strong deodorants to school. Peanut, tree nut and other food allergies are also common and can be life threatening. Please contact your classroom teacher to be advised of any allergies and follow the classroom protocols when sending lunches.

Manners Matter

Students are expected to model appropriate behaviour and to show respect for staff members, visitors, and each other. Student language will be such that it shows respect for all. Name calling and put downs will not be tolerated.

Classrooms, Hallways, Library and Gym

Students are asked to travel through the hallways with quiet voices and quiet feet. All people moving in our hallways and common areas are asked to be mindful of allowing and maintaining physical space for those around them. Students are reminded they must have an adult supervisor when taking part in activities in the gymnasium.

In Day/ Out Day Policy

In general, students are expected to be outside before school, during school, during recess, and lunch. On days when the weather is too cold or wet, students are given the opportunity to stay inside. On days that the weather is too cold or wet for students to be outside, we will have an “Inside Day.” During an Inside Day students will be required to stay in the school and be involved in a quiet activity in their classroom or one of the organized activities in the school. All duty supervisors will be inside the school. Students are encouraged to wear layered clothing, coats, and proper footwear so that they are dressed appropriately for the weather and can be outside comfortably. The school recognized that winter clothing items are expensive and will help families to provide winter apparel where possible.

Dress Code

Students are to wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate in a business-like environment. Student wearing clothing items that are considered to be too revealing will be asked by their classroom teacher to change. Clothing with suggestive language and/or drug or alcohol logos is not permitted. To help keep our school clean, students will be asked to keep a pair of indoor shoes at school. Student are required to remove outdoor footwear when they enter the building. Recommendations for indoor footwear is a pair of running shoes with non-marking soles. Classroom teachers will have a classroom policy regarding the wearing of hats. In some settings it is respectful to take off your hat and, therefore, in recognition of special event we ask that hats are not worn during school assemblies (hats stay in the classroom.)

Playground Expectations

Students will be expected to play in a safe manner when on the playground in their designated area. This means that students are expected to refrain from any activity where there is a risk of injury to oneself or another student. Play fighting or other games involving rough play are not permitted. Students are also reminded that there is no throwing of any items such a snow, rocks or dirt at anyone or school property. Several garbage cans have been provided around the school and students are expected to use them and keep the school yard clean. Littering on the school grounds will result in appropriate consequences.

For students who are riding bikes or scooter to and from school are asked to walk when on the school grounds as well as through our parking lots. For safety reasons, skateboards and roller blades are not permitted at school. Helmets are required by BC Law.

Volunteers

Adults volunteering in the school or chaperoning school field trips are asked to complete a criminal record check. The criminal record checks can be completed through the online criminal record check at: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck -Access code: 8PXZL5DNZ3

Visitors

Visitors, including parents stopping in while school is in session, are to enter the school through the parking entrance. The door is locked during the day for security reasons, however there is a doorbell that can be rung to alert someone (usually the secretary) to open the door for you. Our secretary will help connect you with the staff or student that you are there to see and help you to follow any special procedures (i.e., Sign in Procedures.) To maintain a safe environment, we ask that parents not proceed directly to a classroom.

If you are needing to contact your child during recess or lunch, you are required to check in at the office for assistance. It is not appropriate to try to communicate with your child through a barrier such as a fence or a window. Adults not known to the school personnel and who are on or around our school yard will be approached and questioned by school staff and/or the RCMP.

We thank parents for adhering to our visitor’s policy as it applies directly to the safety of our school community.

Late Arrival

Students arriving late to school (after the morning, recess, or lunch bell) are required to enter the school using the entrance closest to the playground and to report to the office so that they can be accounted for and safely connect to their class. It is not necessary for parents to sign them in at the office. Teachers will record attendance in their classroom.

Locked Door Policy

To increase the security of our building our school has a locked door policy during instructional hours. During instructional times all exit doors will be locked with the exception of the playground entrance door. All visitors to the school are to access the building by ringing the doorbell at the entrance closest to the parking lot and wait to have the door opened by a school personnel (usually the secretary). The secretary will then register your visit and then direct you to the appropriate location within the school. Students are designated to enter and exit only through the playground exit doors.

Communication Protocol

The school district has a communication protocol in place to assist in resolving conflicts when they arise. If a parent has a question or concern regarding their child, they are required to ‘start with the person whose actions has given rise to the concern’ to resolve the issue at the source. After this attempt, if a resolution cannot be reached, make an appointment with the principal for further assistance, or district senior management accordingly.

Student Medication at School

If you student is taking medication that needs to be administered during the school day, please contact the school office. We will give the parent a form that needs to be completed by their doctor giving detailed instructions on administration of medicines. This form must be completed by the physician and returned to the office. Medication cannot be administered without this documentation. When medication is administered at school the medication is kept in a secure location in the office and each dose is documented. Do not sent your child to school with medication in their backpacks or lunch kits as this could pose a risk to child safety to your child or their classmates.

Student Threat Assessment Protocol: Fair Notice

All schools in SD #27 comply with the Safe School Initiative, which is a violence threat/risk assessment protocol.

Inappropriate Behviour

While everyone in our school community behaves in a positive and responsible way most of the time, Code of Conduct violation will sometimes happen. When serious violations occur, parents/guardians will be contacted. The personal & physical safety of students is always a priority. We aim to make our school environment as safe as possible (physically and emotionally) for students, their parents & staff. We expect students to behave in a socially responsible manner at all times. A variety of strategies will be used to deal with problems that occur.

LEVEL 1 BEHAVIOURS:

These are some examples of actions that disturb the positive and orderly school environment and may include:

Level 2 Behaviours:

Repeated Level 1 behaviours will be treated a Level 2 behaviour. The following are some examples of Level 2 behaviours:

Level 3 Behaviours:

These behaviours are highly disruptive. Repeated Level 2 behaviours will be dealt with as Level 3 behaviours. The following are some examples of Level 3 type behaviours:

Consequences

Discipline is an opportunity for a student to learn from the experience by apologizing, discussing appropriate consequences and making a plan to make it better for him/herself and others. The supervising teacher/staff and/or principal will decide how to deal with students who choose to violate our school’s Code of Conduct. 

Level 1 Consequences

Level 2 Consequences

Level 3 Consequences