Code of Conduct

The intent of the Code of Conduct is to ensure that no student infringes upon the right of another student to learn.

Everyone at Douglas School is expected to show:

1.    Courtesy - Be polite, use good manners and appropriate language, be a good listener, and respect the space of others.

2.    Cooperative behavior - Follow directions and procedures, share, and work for the good of the group.

3.    Caring behavior - Show kindness, be helpful, consider the feelings of others as well as your own, and show respect for the property of others.

4.    Commitment to learning - Be prepared, stay focused on your work, and do your best.

5. Common sense - Think before you act, be honest, admit to errors or mistakes and learn from them, and consider the safety of yourself and others.

Students and Parents can expect that staff will:  

  • Treat them with courtesy, respect, consistency and fairness.
  • Establish and maintain a safe, secure, non- threatening learning environment.
  • Be punctual.
  • Clearly state course objectives and use a variety of teaching and assessment strategies.
  • Provide lessons, assignments and tests that are clear and related to course objectives.
  • Teach the Manitoba curriculum and provide the programs and services required by the Rolling River School Division.
  • Assist students in resolving conflicts peacefully and use the Code of Conduct to support appropriate behavior.
  • Communicate with the home to address problems with respect to discipline, learning progress or attendance
  • Provide information through a weekly newsletter regarding both in and out of school activities.

Staff can expect that students will:

  • Participate in classes and strive for academic excellence.
  • Attend school regularly, be on time, and bring all required supplies.
  • Complete all assignments and work missed due to absences.
  • Study for tests and exams.
  • Treat all others in the school community with respect, courtesy, dignity, and fairness.
  • Respect school property and the property of others.
  • Solve conflicts peacefully through discussion or by seeking help.
  • Wear appropriate clothing that is conducive to learning, as outlined in the Rolling River School Division Dress Code. (As provided in the handbook)
  • Not engage in bullying, in any of its forms. i.e. physical aggression, social alienation, verbal aggression, intimidation, racial and ethnic harassment, or sexual harassment. This also includes play fighting.
  • Report any incidents of bullying to a staff member.
  • Not bring or be under the influence of prohibited substances (alcohol, drugs, tobacco products) on school property, or at school sponsored events.
  • Follow guidelines set in our Internet acceptable use policy. (E-Mail)
  • Not possess any weapon  (as weapon is defined in Section 2 of the Criminal Code).
  • Not use any objects to threaten or frighten another person.

Gang involvement will not be tolerated on school sites.

Staff can expect that parents will:

  • Discuss the Code of Conduct with their child.
  • Encourage their child to work to the best of his or her ability.
  • Respect the rights of students and staff.
  • Respect property and resources.
  • Recognize the authority of the school staff in promoting a safe, secure, nurturing learning environment.
  • Maintain regular communication with their child about school matters.
  • Ensure that their child attends school regularly and punctually.
  • Attend their child’s school events and meetings and give constructive input to support the school.
  • Maintain open communication with all staff.
  • Provide the materials their son/daughter needs for school/learning.
  • Abide by, support and promote the Code of Conduct.
  • Refer to guidelines of teacher complaints for any concerns with staff. (As provided in the handbook)

 

Consequences:

Effective management of student behaviour hinges on a cooperative approach between the parents/guardians, students, and staff.

A wide range of consequences for inappropriate behaviour may be applied depending on each individual situation.

Consequences for inappropriate behaviour may include :

  • Removal from the classroom setting
  • Removal of privileges
  • Loss of bus riding privileges
  • Detention
  • Restitution
  • Counselling
  • Behaviour contracts
  • Suspensions
  • Expulsions
  • Involvement of police


Resolving Complaints

Concerns may arise regarding School Division personnel, programs, activities and/or operations.The Board expects that complaints and concerns will be dealt with at the lowest level of authority and directly with the individuals involved. Most of these situations will be addressed satisfactorily through informal discussion between the person(s) with the concern and the employee(s) with responsibility in the situation.

The Board supports the process reflected in the Regulation for dealing with unresolved concerns or for more serious matters that would be characterized as a complaint. An individual or group raising a concern or complaint will be advised of the appropriate process.

All parties have an interest in ensuring that a fair and expeditious process is in place to deal with complaints. The purpose of this process is to find a satisfactory resolution to the complaint(s) raised. Important considerations include:

  • addressing the complaint(s) raised as early as possible,
  • ensuring confidential treatment of the complaint(s) and

using a process that is recognized as fair and equitable by all parties.

Note: Please be aware that it is against provincial legislation for any Manitoba student to wear or display any gang colors, signs, or paraphernalia. This has never been an issue here but all provincial students must be aware of it. The information regarding the use of alcohol or drugs has been added to conform with provincial guidelines as well.

All students and staff have a right to work and learn in a positive environment supportive of their personal health, safety, dignity and well-being.

Research shows that students develop responsibility and self-discipline when they are exposed to clearly defined expectations and consequences.

Student attitude and discipline in school and class are given a high priority because without them, academic growth and progress are severely limited. Children have a right to the full benefits of an instructional program, unencumbered by his/her own or someone else’s behaviour. It is our responsibility to ensure that this right is protected.

The best protection is a foundation of discipline that is clear, firm and fair. Discipline exercised by a teacher, who is willing to take the time to help students develop socially appropriate behaviours.

School Wide Rules

  1. Food and drink to be consumed in the student’s homerooms or outside only.
  2. Pick up any litter and place in the appropriate disposal.
  3. Technology such as MP3 players, Discmans and Walkmans are prohibited during class time, but may be used during breaks.
  4. Students are expected to remove outer footwear at the entrances before proceeding into the school.
  5. Follow directions given by staff.
  6. Move promptly and quietly in the hallways (no running).
  7. Leave school promptly after dismissal.
  8. Fighting, pushing, bullying and swearing will not be tolerated.
  9. Discriminating unreasonably on the basis of characteristics set out in subsection 9(2) of the Human Rights Code is unacceptable.
  10. Using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs at school is unacceptable.
  11. Any gang involvement or possession of a weapon will not be tolerated.
  12. Play fighting is not allowed.
  13. Students require written permission from their homeroom teacher for phone use.
  14. The following are also prohibited:
    1. Skateboards and roller blades (unless permission note has been signed and returned)
    2. Sunflower seeds
    3. Leaving school grounds without permission
    4. Bike riding on school grounds or during school hours
    5. Bringing dangerous articles to school
    6. Theft
    7. Throwing snowballs
    8. Littering
    9. Vandalism
    10. Abusing physically, sexually or psychologically-orally, in writing or otherwise of any person.
    11. Neighbours yards and fences are out of bound.
    12. Wearing hats or any type of headgear in school during class or school functions is prohibited.

This is not an all-encompassing list, however, it covers the majority of behavioural concerns.