Code of Conduct

What We Expect From YOU !

All people want to learn, feel safe and be respected at school.

The province of Ontario expects a school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:

• Comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn;
• Shows respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority;
• Refrains from bringing anything to school that compromises the safety of others;
• Follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own actions.

Gainsborough Central Public School is dedicated to providing a safe, positive and supportive environment in which each student can develop as a contributing member of society.

We believe all students are responsible for their actions, and for making the appropriate choices. Students must be aware of the consequences of inappropriate actions and strive to improve.

Our goal is to foster self-worth and self-discipline in our students.

All members of the school community must support each student in his/her personal growth. Students, teachers and parents are responsible partners in this process.

As students, you are expected to …

• Show respect for others and their differences;
• Show respect for others and their ideas, beliefs and opinions;
• Show respect for the property of others and the school environment;
• Exercise self-control and not disrupt instruction;
• Refrain from using any form of physical aggression or bullying toward others;
• Use acceptable language in and around the school;
• Develop problem solving strategies;
• Participate in activities outside the classroom;
• Take part in community service ( school responsibilities and jobs) in your Grade 6-8 years.

The principal, teachers and parents are here to support you.
We believe you have much to offer our school, our community and our future! Be the best you can be at all times!

Responses for Inappropriate Behaviours

The District School Board of Niagara says:

“It is the policy of the District School Board of Niagara to foster and maintain a safe environment for its students, staff and community…” If you disrupt the school, or make it an unsafe place, the Board expects “immediate consequences”.

At Gainsborough Central School, you are responsible for your own decisions. You have the right to come to school. It is a privilege to be with others. If your behaviour is unsafe or disrupts the learning of others, the privilege will be removed, in-school or out-of-school.

The teacher is in charge of the classroom. The teacher expects respect. When your behaviour does not meet the Code of Conduct expectations, the teacher may deal with it in the classroom. If your behaviour needs the principal to be involved, you will be sent to the office.

When you have made an unsafe or poor decision, adults must become a part of the situation.

If an adult must become involved in your situation, the following can happen:
·Problem solving will occur involving you, any other students involved in the situation and the person in authority (teacher or administrator). This may happen individually or in a group session.
·A consequence appropriate to the action will be determined. You may be removed from the classroom or the yard, or have privileges removed, if this is determined to be the best response.
·A Code of Conduct Form will be filled out by a staff member or the principal. It must be taken home for signature by your parents, and brought back to school.
·Parent contact may be made using the Code of Conduct form, a telephone call or an interview.
·Suspension if you bully, threaten or make the school unsafe for yourself or others.
Code of Conduct forms are kept in the office for one year.

Other students and all staff expect school to be a safe place in which all can learn.
There are actions for which it is recommended that you be suspended.. These actions include:

• uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm; possessing, sharing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs;
• swearing at a teacher or another person in authority;
• committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property(our school or things in it), or to property located on the premises;
• or engaging (taking part in) another activity that, under a policy of the board, is one for which a suspension is mandatory.

Note: DSBN senior administration expect that suspensions will be a minimum of two days long.