Code of Conduct

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Queen Elizabeth Public School is committed to maintaining a positive school environment.   All students are expected to uphold the values and expectations of our school’s code of conduct.

QUEEN ELIZABETH PUBLIC SCHOOL - CODE OF CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

Rationale

To ensure that Queen Elizabeth Public School is a safe, respectful and productive place for all students, staff and visitors, the following guidelines are essential.

Aligned with the Ontario Code of Conduct, the Queen Elizabeth Code of Conduct sets the standards of expectation for all members of our school community.

The Ontario Schools Code of Conduct sets clear provincial standards of behaviour. It specifies that schools are to provide prevention and early intervention strategies to create a positive school climate. Character Development, Relationship Building, Progressive Discipline, and Restorative Practices are the key areas in which schools will work with students to support them in developing leadership skills and respectful behaviour. The provincial standards of behaviour apply not only to students but to all individuals in the publicly funded school system - parents and guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members - whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school authorized events or activities.

The Safe Schools Act prescribes certain rights, standards, expectations and consequences. The codes of conduct of the Durham District School Board and Queen Elizabeth Public School reflect provincial policy including the amended Safe Schools Act, which came into effect on February 1, 2008 and Bill 157 “Keeping Our Kids Safe At School” which came into effect February 1, 2010.

Safety and learning for Queen Elizabeth P.S. students are priorities as students are members of a school culture of caring which provides them with:

  • respect from others, fair & consistent treatment, a co-operative learning environment, recognition of individualism, a safe & uninterrupted learning environment and awareness of rules & consequences in advance.

Parents are provided with:

  • respect & consideration from students and staff, regular communication from teacher/administration concerning their child(ren)’s development, and a quality education delivered in an understanding and encouraging manner.

 

 Staff

Staff are provided with:

  • respect & courtesy from students/parents and students’ cooperation to create a positive, uninterrupted and safe learning environment.

Students

Queen Elizabeth P.S. students are expected to demonstrate respect and responsibility at all times by adhering to the expectations that follow. 

Students are expected to:

  • take an active role in all learning opportunities - fulfill academic responsibilities
  • dress appropriately for a learning environment
  • conduct themselves in an respectful and responsible manner including supporting the learning and success of others
  • show proper care and regard for personal property, school property and the property of others
  • demonstrate positive character traits and citizenship  respect and treat others fairly
  • respect the views, values and beliefs of others  
  • remain on school property unless authorized to do otherwise
  • seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully

The Durham District School Board, with Queen Elizabeth Public School, does not tolerate the use or abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs and/or intoxicants within its jurisdiction and will respond accordingly as per Board Policy and Regulation.

All Queen Elizabeth staff are responsible for teaching, modeling and ensuring these expectations for our students. Parents and guardians are vital partners in supporting student success.

Most rules in the school relate to common sense expectations that promote academic achievement and protect the physical and emotional environment. There are however, some specifics that all students should be aware of and these details have been provided in the students’ agendas.

Adherence to the Queen Elizabeth P.S. Code of Conduct applies to all school activities (classroom, school, school activities off property), and in accordance with the Ontario SChools Code of Conduct and DDSB policies, activities which impact on the school environment. For example, online activities. 

The Ontario Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct for Queen Elizabeth P.S. has its foundation in the Ontario Code of Conduct. A copy of the Ontario Code of Conduct may be found on our school website or by request through the school office.

The Ontario Code of Conduct sets clear provincial standards of behaviour. It specifies the consequences for student actions that do not comply with these standards. The Provincial standards of behaviour apply not only to students, but also to all individuals involved in the publicly funded school system – parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members.  The code applies whether on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.

Fundamental Beliefs:

  • Everyone has a responsibility to promote a safe environment.
  • Everyone should be aware of their rights, as active and engaged citizens.  More importantly, everyone should also accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.  Responsible citizenship involves taking part in the civic life of the school.
  • All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially those in positions of authority.
  • Everyone has a responsibility to resolve conflicts in a way that is civil and respectful.  Insults, hurtful acts and a lack of respect for others disrupt learning and teaching in a school community.
  • Everyone is expected to resolve conflicts without using violence.  Physical aggression is not a responsible way to deal with other people.  No one should use an object to injure another person, or even threaten to use an object to injure another person.  This is unacceptable and puts everyone’s safety at risk.