Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

Markstay Public School enhances the learning potential of our young people as successful students, caring people, and responsible community members. We encourage and promote character traits including responsibility, honesty and respect. Markstay Public School is a school that promotes civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

All students, parents/guardians, and staff have the right to be safe and feel safe in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put the safety and education of others or oneself at risk.

The Rainbow District School Board believes that every student has the right to an education without disruption, along with the equally important responsibility not to deny this right to any other student.

The Rainbow District School Board’s Code of Conduct focuses on encouraging positive behaviour. The Code of Conduct, along with the support of the Markstay Public School Positive School Discipline Plan, encourages positive and respectful student behaviour. A firm and fair application of the Code of Conduct shall prevail in school, school activities and school buses.

It is recommended that parents review the Rainbow District School Board Code of Conduct with their child(ren). Copies of the Rainbow District School Board Code of Conduct are sent home at the beginning of the school year and also available online athttp://www.rainbowschools.ca

Positive Attitudes

Markstay Public School strives to create positive attitudes towards punctuality, regular attendance, building relationships, and interest in learning through classroom participation.

Standards of Behaviour for all members of the Markstay Public School School Community

School members include principals, teachers, staff, students, parents and/or guardians, school councils, volunteers and visitors.

All members of our school community are included in this Code of Conduct, whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.

All members of the school community must be treated with respect and dignity, especially persons in positions of authority.

Responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the life of the school community.  Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, and more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the rights of others.

Members of the school community are expected to use non-violent means to resolve conflict.  Physically aggressive behaviour is not a responsible means for interacting with others.

Insults, disrespect, and other hurtful acts disrupt learning and teaching in the school community.  Members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and differences can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.

Behavioural Interventions

Good discipline is the key to student success. It begins at home and is reinforced in the school and in the community. It is a developmental process that ultimately results in self-discipline and growth of students into independent problem solvers who understand the life-long process of learning.

In order to meet the goal of creating a safe and caring school environment, Markstay Public School supports the use of positive practices as well as consequences for inappropriate behaviour, when necessary. The following are examples of positive behavioural interventions:

•  An interview with the teacher and/or principal/Lead Teacher
•  Parental involvement
•  Loss of privileges
•  Temporary withdrawal from class
•  Student written reflection
•  Plan of action

Suspensions and expulsions of pupils will be dealt with in accordance with The Education Act, as amended by The Education Act Amendment Act (Progressive Discipline and School Safety) 2007 and the regulations.