Code of Conduct

Oakwood Code of Conduct

This guide is designed to make sure that students, parents and staff members all understand their responsibilities, the school rules and consequences for students that do not comply with these standards.

Oakwood is a dynamic learning community where all enjoy mutual respect and caring, essential for growth and learning.

As our belief statement reflects, we strive to create a safe learning environment that promotes respect and responsibility. In order to meet this goal, the Oakwood Code of Conduct has been established, outlining the behaviour expectations for students and the range of consequences for misbehaviour. These expectations are based on two main principles:

1) Safety for self and others
2) Respect for self, others and property
Responsibilities
Students should:
• Develop self-discipline.
• Be respectful of themselves and others at all times.
• Respect the rights and property of others.
• Participate in learning activities to the best of their ability.
• Attend school regularly and on time.
• Adhere to the school rules when in class, and on the school grounds or during any school sponsored activity.

Oakwood staff should:
• Provide a safe, cooperative and caring learning environment.
• Promote positive communication between students, parents and other staff.
• Listen and be proactive to promote positive interactions with and among students.
• Treat all students as individuals and attempt to meet their individual needs.
• Keep parents informed regarding the academic progress and behaviour of their children.

Parents should:
• Be actively involved in supporting and assisting the education of their children both at home and in the school.
• Ensure that your child attends school regularly and on time. Promptly report to the school your child’s absence or late arrival.
• Support the school and communicate with teachers.
• Be receptive and listen when problems arise.
• Be cooperative in supporting consequences.

Visitors to the School
All visitors must report to the office when entering the school. Parents and guardians are considered to be visitors and therefore must report and wear a sticker.

Student Expectations

In School
• Show respect for other students, staff members and visitors.
• Be courteous: use good manners.
• Display a positive attitude.
• Listen attentively.
• Use appropriate language.
• Be prepared for school with appropriate materials and assigned work.
• Exercise care in the use of materials and equipment.
•
Dress
• How a student dresses affects the tone and atmosphere of the school. Students are asked to wear clothing that is neat, clean and appropriate for the school environment.

• Hats, caps and hoods must be removed upon entering the building.
• Students are to wear clean indoor shoes.
• Appropriate attire is required for Physical Education classes and sports activities.

Fitness / Activity Breaks
• Be respectful towards supervisors
• Remain seated while eating.
• Eat quietly.
• Clean up eating area.
• Remain in place until dismissed.
• Once outside, enter the school only with permission.
• Stay out of the parking lot at all times. Do not go outside the fenced area without permission.

Playground
• Be respectful towards other students and yard duty supervisors.
• Use proper language at all times.
• Remember our “hands off” policy means no physical contact or rough play. Wrestling, play-fighting, tackling and other contact games will not be allowed. Fighting will not be tolerated. Students are encouraged to use words to solve problems.
• Students are to remain on school property during school hours, unless they have written permission from a parent or guardian.
• We have playground equipment that has been designated for specific students. Students are encouraged to use it safely.
• Food and beverages are not to be consumed on our playground.

 Personal Items
• Some items will not be brought to school for safety, loss or health reasons: toy guns and caps, flammable materials, knives, hard balls, lacrosse balls, laser pointers, digital cameras and recording devices. Students are encouraged to leave expensive items and electronics at home. The school will not be responsible for lost or damaged items.
• Cell phones are to be kept in a safe location and not to be turned on during school hours. The office phone is available during the school day.

School Excursions
• Be respectful towards supervisors, bus drivers and tour guides.
• Stay with your group.
• Demonstrate care for the environment.
• Be responsible for clothing and materials.
• You are an ambassador for Oakwood School, leave a good impression.

General Range of Consequences

In selecting the course of action to be taken, the teacher / principal will consider the age of the child, the nature of the offence and the number of previous infractions.

1. Discussion - warning
A teacher, the Principal or Youth Worker talks to the student to reach an agreement regarding the student’s behaviour. If the circumstances warrant, a plan may be developed for changing the student’s behaviour and attitude. Parents may be contacted if necessary.

2. Student consequence:
The student is given a disciplinary assignment for unacceptable behaviour based on natural consequences.

3. Parental Involvement
The parent is contacted to discuss specific behaviour of the student and steps which must be undertaken to change the behaviour. The nature of contact could vary from a telephone conversation to a formal conference at the school.

4. Removal of Privileges
A teacher or Principal may remove student privileges. E.g. extra-curricular activities, excursions.

5. Suspension
Suspensions will take place in accordance with DSBN policy.
6. Contact of Police
In certain circumstances, police may be contacted. Police may take reports of incidents of violent or harassing behaviour.