As per the BC Human Rights Code, no one shall publicize or state anything that humiliates or discriminates against individuals. As well, access to services and facilities within our school that are customarily available to the public will not be denied to anyone unless for legal reasons. The Vancouver Island West Board of Education supports our school code of conduct and will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation by a person against a student who has made a complaint of a breach of our code of conduct. Finally, it should be noted that special consideration may apply to identified students with special needs if these students are unable to comply with our code of conduct due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioural nature.

Our school provides programs and activities, which will promote a positive and friendly atmosphere throughout the school year. It is also our hope that this positive atmosphere will prevail not only in school but also outside of the school within the community and at home. A sample of these programs and activities is as follows:

You are expected to complete assignments on time and to the best of your ability.

If you put forth your best effort and take pride in your work, then you are more likely to enjoy a successful school year.

If your assignments are unacceptable, you may be required to complete or redo them within a reasonable period of time determined by the teacher.

You are expected to be honest in all your relationships with students, staff and community. Lying, stealing and cheating are unacceptable behaviours.

You will benefit from your relations with others only by being open and honest in what you say and do. Dishonesty in your words, actions or written work has a negative effect on your reputation.

 Consequence of Misbehaviour

You must realize that proof of dishonesty carries very serious consequences. In the more serious cases of lying, cheating, or stealing, a meeting will be arranged with you, your parents and your teachers to discuss the situation and possible consequences.

You shall report to class promptly each day, ready, willing and able to work. All absenteeism requires office notification (eg. phone call, etc.). Habitual lateness and absenteeism will be reported to the office.

Punctuality is a form of courtesy towards your teacher and your classmates.

Punctuality is a learned skill in making good use of your time at home and at school. If you are late, you disrupt your class when you enter. Students who miss a great deal of time are certain to encounter difficulty in keeping up their school work. In order for you to achieve to your maximum potential, regular attendance is essential.

On some occasions, lateness and absences are unavoidable. However, if habitual lateness and absenteeism appear to be a problem, they will be investigated.

Your parents will be contacted and you may be required to complete work that you missed. Work that is not completed as a result of absenteeism could result in academic consequences for the student. Assistance may also be sought from school personnel.

As noted in the introduction of our School Code of Conduct, in order for students to reach their potential in school, a positive learning environment without interference from fellow students is needed. Students are expected to be considerate and respectful with all who attend our school both in and outside our classrooms. Tolerance and fairness are qualities, which all students should strive to achieve. The following are not accepted as appropriate behaviour at any time: pushing, tripping, threatening expressions, bullying, exclusion, teasing, swearing, spitting, starting rumors, rude hand gestures, kicking, rock throwing, snow ball throwing, rough play, fighting, name calling and other similar activities.

In today's society we have to keep in mind that courtesy and respect play a major role during our school years and beyond. Physical and verbal threats may cause injury and/or emotional distress. Remember the "Golden Rule"; treat others, as you would like to be treated.

Disrespectful or unacceptable behaviour usually will result in a warning by a teacher, teacher assistant or Lunch/Bus/Ground supervisor. The frequency and severity of the infraction will dictate the type and appropriateness of the consequences. In the case of subsequent behaviour problems, a phone call is made to the parents/guardians concerned or a Student Behaviour Information Letter is forwarded home. If the inappropriate behaviour continues, a meeting maybe arranged with the parents/guardians. Interventions may also be sought from School Based Team personnel, school psychologists, and possibly outside agencies.

Your language will be such that it shows respect for staff and students. Name calling, swearing, crude, rude and obscene language (spoken, written, implied or gestured) are unacceptable.

Being able to use appropriate and tasteful language is a valuable life skill. When language is offensive to others, hurt feelings may lead to further conflict.

The use of inappropriate or unacceptable language will result in such consequences as a warning, an apology or contact with the home.

In the morning, students should not arrive earlier than 8:30 a.m (unless prior arrangements have been made with a teacher). Students may go to the library or their classrooms upon arrival at school with the permission of their teacher. Students are to enter the building in an orderly and efficient manner according to prearranged bell times. While in the building, students are to walk in a quiet orderly manner at all times.

During recess, students are to be outside (except for extremely inclement weather), in the library or in other prearranged supervised areas (computer lab, gymnasium, learning centre, classrooms).

At lunch time, all lunch students are to eat in lunchroom in a quiet, orderly manner and upon completion are to leave the lunchroom in the same condition prior to lunch - clean and tidy. All lunch students are to remain in the building until the second lunch bell sounds at 12:20 PM, unless attending a supervised school activity. All students shall remain on school property during the school day (exception - bus students who have noontime permission letter on file and students who go home for lunch).

These guidelines are necessary for security, order, and to ensure that all students are being safely looked after during the school day.

Students will be reminded of the expected behaviour and instructed to follow the proper procedures. If the offense is serious or repeated, appropriate action will be taken - e.g. lunch students who act inappropriately on a number of occasions will have to go home for lunch on a short or long term basis.

Students are only to be in areas of the school building (including gymnasium, computer lab, learning centre) with permission and supervision of a teacher or lunch supervisor. While outside, students are to use special equipment such as skate boards and roller blades in designated areas. Students must wear specified safety equipment when participating in certain activities-eg. Proper fitting helmets are to be worn when skate boarding, biking, skating, roller blading and using a scooter. Bikes are to be placed in bike racks upon arrival at school for everyone’s safety.

These guidelines are necessary for your own safety and security of school property.

Students will be reminded of the guidelines and may have some privileges taken away for a period of time.

You are expected to dress in a clean, neat, appropriate manner. Clothing with offensive/suggestive words, slogans or pictures is considered inappropriate, as well; any clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs or tobacco products is inappropriate in the school. The following are considered examples of unacceptable clothing: belly shirts, tube tops, short shorts, etc. Revealing clothing is not to be worn by students. Hats and all types of headwear (including hoodies) are to be removed upon entering the building and may be put back on when leaving the building. The general community is encouraged to support and comply with this expected behaviour. Coats and outside footwear are to be removed and neatly arranged in the classroom. Inside footwear is to be worn at school.

Your appearance reflects your good judgment and your respect for yourself and others. Proper attire promotes good personal hygiene and safety.

If you wear inappropriate clothing, you will be required to cover it with a sweatshirt, turn the clothing inside out, etc., or replace it with appropriate clothing from home.

In taking care of school property you display pride in yourself and your school; you also help to maintain attractive surroundings and useful facilities, which contribute to successful learning for you and your fellow students.

If you damage school property, you are expected to pay for repair or replacement costs. If a textbook or library book is destroyed, lost or stolen, you will be required to pay the replacement cost. In some cases you will be required to clean or repair damaged equipment. Intentional damage to school property is a crime under law and will be dealt with by proper authorities.

On school buses, at extra curricular activities or on field trips, all relevant school rules apply. Students are expected to participate to the best of their ability during extra-curricular activities unless unable to for medical reasons.

 Reasons for Expected Behaviour

You should remember that during these activities you represent your school. Don't let your misbehaviour ruin the opportunity for others. Always let others know that you are proud to be a student at Ray Watkins Elementary School.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. A serious offence could result in your removal from the activity or event, and exclusion from further activities is possible.

Tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs are not permitted on school property. While on school property all individuals are expected to be free from the influences of alcohol and illicit drugs. Smoking is not permitted in school or on school grounds by any individuals at any time (as per School Board Policy).

In your formative years we want to help you develop a good self-esteem and a healthy lifestyle. The use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs is dangerous, both to you and those around you.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as per board policy. Parents/guardians will be notified.

The school must be notified in writing (or by phone if really necessary), of any requested change in student's regular after-school arrangements. Unless an emergency arises, the school should be notified before 2:00 p.m. on the day of the requested change. Students will not be allowed to make changes in transportation without permission from their parents and teacher.

For your own safety and protection, parents/guardians and teachers should be informed of your whereabouts.

Permission may be denied to utilize the school phone to make after school arrangements and parents/guardians may be informed of the appropriate policy.

Students are expected to utilize technology for the betterment of their education. Students are not to access web sites, which are unacceptable within the school (sites containing pornography, obscene and profane material, and any form of nonmonitored chat lines). Students are not to have online access without classroom adult supervision. Technology (on a website or in other ways) is not to be used to develop materials that substantially interferes with the education process. In this case, all individuals are not to develop material which may be indecent, disgusting, abusive, false and insulting. While at school, students are not to have in their possession cameras (video or still) or any other personal electronic devices (eg. iPods, mp players, etc.).

New and affordable technologies allow more readily available Internet access for students both in and outside of school. Technology has greatly increased the ability to both receive and transmit information within and outside the school. Individual’s privacy can be invaded by taking inappropriate pictures-video or still. Listening to personal electronic devices while at school will interfere with learning. When used appropriately, technology among other things, can enhance curriculum.

For minor offences, students will be spoken to by school staff and warned with possible removal of technology privileges. For more serious offences, a meeting will take place with the student concerned, staff, administration and parents/guardians to discuss the situation. Action taken could result in withdrawal of technology privileges, suspension from school for a short or long period of time, removal of cameras and personal electronic devices from school.

1. Obey his/her instructions.
2. Be on time. The bus will not wait.
3. Talk to the driver only if absolutely necessary.
4. Keep the seat assigned to you by the driver.
5. Use appropriate language while on the bus without yelling or making loud noises.
6. Ride on the bus quietly.
7. Stay seated when the bus is in motion.
8. Keep windows closed unless the bus driver permits otherwise.
9. Keep your entire body within the bus.
10. Nothing is to be thrown inside the bus or out of the windows.
11. Spitting is prohibited on the bus as well as out of opened bus windows.
12. When the bus is in motion, keep the aisle of the bus clear at all times.  
13. When it is necessary to cross the road in front of the school bus, walk 3 meters (10 feet) in front of the school bus to a point where you can see the driver; cross the center of the highway, STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN and cross the highway when it is safe to do so.
14. If there is no sidewalk, walk well over on the left side of the road when walking to and from the bus stop. Never stand or play on the road while waiting for the bus.
15. The aisle of the school bus should be neither wholly nor partially obstructed by any person sitting in such a manner that the person's body or any part thereof, extends beyond a seat into the aisle.
16. Eating and drinking refreshments on the bus will be at the bus driver’s discretion