Highland Park Elementary School`s Code of Conduct applies while at school and at all school related activities. The conduct code is designed to provide a safe and caring school environment in which our students can learn and strive to reach their potential.  The code is based on the values expressed in our school’s mission statement:

• Respect of self, others and property
• Responsibility for actions and decisions
• Rights of all to enjoy lifelong learning

Highland Park Elementary students are expected to act in a safe, responsible and respectful manner, and to treat others with politeness and consideration.

Rights and Responsibilities as a Student

• I have a RIGHT to learn.  It is my RESPONSIBILITY to listen to instructions, work without disturbing others, and to complete assignments.
• I have a RIGHT to hear and be heard.  It is my RESPONSIBILITY to listen quietly and be attentive when others are speaking.
• I have a RIGHT to be treated respectfully. It is my RESPONSIBILITY to treat others with consideration and respect.
• I have a RIGHT to be safe.  It is my RESPONSIBILITY not to physically, or verbally, harm or threaten anyone.  It is my RESPONSIBILITY not to carry or use a weapon.

In Reference to the BC Human Rights Code:

Highland Park Elementary School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of individuals in accordance with the law – prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation. We promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect where all are equal in dignity and rights. Students’ feelings of safety and belonging, including freedom from discrimination, can seriously affect their ability to learn at school. Therefore the school will treat seriously any behaviours or communications that discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical status, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation – prohibited grounds of discrimination set out in the BC Human Rights Code. The school will also treat seriously any form of bullying including cyber bullying harassment, intimidation, threatening or violent behaviours while at school, at a school-related activity, or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school environment.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Highland Park staff members use a pro-active approach when dealing with discipline. Students are directly taught expected appropriate behaviour and procedures.

We have procedures for problems when they do occur. Minor offences are handled on the spot in the classroom, hallways, or other areas. Staff-managed problems may include a student conference, phone call to home, notes in the student planner, “thinking papers”, or mediated time-outs. For repetitive behaviours, or behaviours of a more serious nature, a progressive discipline cycle is implemented through the office.

 Major offenses dealt with at the office level may include the following:

• Bullying
• Damaging or stealing property
• Fighting
• Drugs or alcohol
• Vandalism
• Throwing objects such as rocks or snowballs
• Disrespectful behavior towards others
• Abusive language
• Direct defiance of an adult
• Truancy or repeated tardiness
• Leaving the school grounds without permission
• Repeatedly disruptive behavior
• Theft
• Depending on the seriousness of the situation, a number of consequences may be used:
• Warnings
• Natural and logical consequences
• Parents notified
• Restitution measures
• In-school suspensions (parents will be notified)
• Out-of-school suspensions (parents will be notified)

Special consideration may apply to students with special needs, if they are unable to comply with this Code of Conduct due to having a disability of intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioural nature.  

Conclusion

Belonging and connectedness – not just for students, but for everyone in the school community – is a necessary element in the creation and maintenance of a safe learning environment. Caring schools are ones in which the school community feels a sense of belonging and have opportunities to relate to one another in positive, supportive ways. We strive to ensure that our school is an inviting place for students, staff, parents and visitors. Students are encouraged to inform a “tellable” adult in a timely manner if they experience, or are witness to, an incident of bullying, harassment or intimidation. We teach students the difference between tattle reporting and tattling. Rationale for this Code of Conduct is realized, parental support and assistance is invaluable and greatly appreciated by the staff and school administration. We ask all parents to assist us in making Highland Park Elementary a safe and caring place for all students.