Code of Conduct

At Newton Elementary School, we believe that all children have the right to learn in a safe, caring and orderly environment.  Our expectations are that students will maintain an attitude that is cooperative, courteous and respectful. 

Be Respectful to Yourself - caring about your learning and yourself, including safety.
Some examples include:

• always do your best
• make good choices
• be on time and ready to work
• do your homework and use your planner

Be Respectful to Others - considerate of others' personal feelings and propertties.
Some examples include:

• be polite and wait your turn
• treat others with respect
• use good listening skills
• be honest and tell the truth

Be Respectful to Property - caring about your school and your environment.
Some examples include:

• clean up after yourself
• take good care of materials
• ask before borrowing

Be Safe - learn and follow school rules.
Some examples include:

• walk calmly - no running in hallways
• stay in designated areas
• report dangerous situations to staff

Inappropriate Behaviour

Inappropriate Behaviour can consist of, but is not limited to:

• rudeness, swearing
• fighting (or play fighting)
• lack of respect for others, teasing
• throwing objects (rocks, sticks, snowballs, etc.)
• defiant behaviour, insolence
• running in the halls
• unauthorized leaving of school grounds
• littering

Consequences

Consequences will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, respecting individual rights, responsibilities, age and maturity.

Inappropriate behaviour typically has the following consequences:

• review of expectations and a timeout
• review of expectations, written assignment and/or loss of privileges
• parents are informed
• meeting with the parents
• short-term (in school or at home) suspension up to 5 days
• long-term suspension (over 5 days) or referral to district program
• consultation with police and/or fire department
• expulsion

Safe and Caring School Environments

Are Free from Acts of:

• bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, threat, intimidation via computer, telephone or other electronic device.
• violence in any form
• abuse in any form including verbal, physical or sexual abuse
• discrimination in any form
• theft
• vandalism
• retribution against a person who has reported incidents

Do Not Tolerate the Presence of:

• intoxicating or banned substances including alcohol & tobacco
• weapons or replica (toy) weapons and explosives or fireworks
• intruders or trespassers - All visitors to the school must first report to the office

Notification

As circumstances warrant, administrators have a responsibility to advise other parties following a behaviour incident:

• Parent of student exhibiting major behaviours (in every instance)
• Parent of student on the receiving end (in every instance)
• Assistant Superintendent, Safe Schools team member and/or other District Staff
• Ministerial agencies and/or School Liaison Officer (Police)

Dress Code

A respectful and safe atmosphere is important to academic achievement and citizenship at Newton Elementary.  Clothing is expected to be appropriate to a working and learning environment.  The school's dress code is not intended to stifle freedom of expression; however, attire should not be distracting or offensive.  Inappropriate attire includes:

• Drug and alcohol designs, suggestive designs, profanity, rude or lewd suggestions, threatening language, derogatory discriminating language, beach wear and excessive make-up.  

Family Involvement

Our School Code of Conduct was established to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.  Caregivers can help in the following ways:

• Discuss the School Code of Conduct with your child.
• Bin in close contact with your child's teacher.
• Encourage your child to report serious incidents to his/her teacher or principal.

Strong relationships between students, parents and staff are important elements to creating a safe, caring and orderly school community.