About Prince Philip S

Code of Conduct

Code Of Student Conduct 2011-12

It is the aim of the staff and students at Prince Philip P.S. to encourage, guide and assist each other in:
developing a pleasant school atmosphere conducive to learning and free of distractions caused by inappropriate language, conduct, or dress
treating each other fairly and showing respect for ourselves and others - for people, property, values, and rights
fostering a respect and acceptance for racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural differences
finding non-aggressive ways to solve problems
making responsible decisions and accepting the consequences of such decisions
developing intellectually, physically, artistically, emotionally, socially, and morally
becoming committed to our educational and school activities
pursuing excellence and developing our potential as learners
acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become useful, satisfied, and productive citizens
developing a feeling of self-worth

Educational Consequences

It is accepted that discipline begins at home and parents have the prime responsibility for the development of their children’s behaviour. Teachers assist parents in helping children to learn social skills and have the responsibility to communicate expectations and enforce consequences. When inappropriate behaviour occurs within the school setting, it must be dealt with promptly and fairly. The actions taken by staff will depend on the particular situation and such factors as the severity and chronic nature of the problem will be considered. The goal of educational consequences is to help

a child learn good social skills and accept that with rights and privileges comes responsibilities. If a child is not accepting responsibility for his or her actions, then he/she cannot expect to maintain the privileges of a student at Prince Philip P.S. Self-discipline grows from an understanding of reasonable expectations and an acceptance of legitimate consequences when these expectations are not met.

Some of our goals for educational consequences are that the children will be taught to:
take ownership for their behaviour
use problem-solving skills
be able to realize that privileges are deserved and are not a right
respect themselves, peers, and adults

Examples of Educational Consequences

Warning and coaching
Student - Teacher conferences to clarify expectations, help the student understand the problem, and coach the student to take responsibility for his/her actions
Parent - Teacher conferences
Referral to the Principal
Classroom and/or Office Detention & Behaviour Plan
Loss of privileges
Referral to Youth Counselor
Suspension from school
Report to police or other community agencies

All strategies are used to reinforce the fact that inappropriate behaviour is disruptive to school programs and to others in the school.

Specific Student Expectations

As a Prince Philip P.S. student who respects self and others and has self-discipline, you would......

Be courteous, fair, kind and honest to others
Come to school every day and be on time
Solve problems by talking and listening

Respect all students and their belongings
Obey the school routines
Play safely and respectfully and follow the rules of playground games
Listen to and respect adult supervisors and staff
Come to school prepared for class
Help care for books, supplies and all school property
Use appropriate language with teachers and peers
Act in a way that will help you and other students learn
Accept responsibility for personal behaviour and academic progress

SAFE AND SECURE SCHOOLS:

Non-Tolerance Policy

The following behaviour will not be tolerated within the District School Board of Niagara on school property or in-school sponsored or related activities. It interferes with other people’s right to a safe and secure environment in which to grow.

The use, possession or sale of alcohol or illicit drugs
The possession or use of weapons or items which are intended to be used as weapons
Any physical assault, threats of assault or intimidation
Any gang/youth group displaying a pattern of delinquent or disruptive activity
Any sexual, ethno cultural and/or racial abuse, slurs or harassment

Where and when such activity occurs, the Principal may:

contact the parent/guardian
confiscate the weapon, drugs or alcohol
contact Police in the case of assault, drugs, alcohol and/or weapons
suspend the student
contact the Superintendent of Schools for consultation regarding other or additional actions

Suspension (Mandatory and Discretionary)

According to The Education Act and Safe Schools Legislation, a Principal may suspend a student because of:

persistent truancy
persistent opposition to authority
habitual neglect of duty/use of profane or improper language
the willful destruction of property
conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school or the mental well-being of others in the school

According to The Education Act and Safe Schools Legislation, a Principal must suspend a student because of:

vandalism that causes extensive damage to the school or to other property located on the premises of the school
possession of alcohol/illegal drugs
swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority
being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs
uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person

Mitigating Factors Considered For Suspendable Activities

past activities of the student
age of the student
understanding of the situation by the student
remorse shown by the student
was the student provoked by others

Discretionary Expulsion

According to The Education Act and Safe Schools Legislation, a Principal may expel a student if:

the student’s pattern of behaviour (i.e. neglect of duty, truancy or opposition to authority) continues to be so inappropriate that the student’s continued presence in the school is injurious to the effective learning and/or working environment of others
the student is persistently resistant to making the changes in his or her behaviour to enable the student to prosper from interventions