Policies & Procedures

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

Welcome to William Watson Elementary! As a school community, we work together to create a community of learners in a supportive, nurturing environment. As a family of learners, we appreciate and celebrate our individual uniqueness and individuality. Students are encouraged to try their best and participate in all activities, and to take on the challenge of new opportunities. We focus on safe, healthy and fulfilling learning opportunities and value a strong partnership between students, staff and parents. Our focus is to encourage students to reach their full potential and to become successful learners and responsible, respectful citizens.

BEHAVIOUR EXPECTIONS:

We expect William Watson Elementary students to behave in a manner which is responsible and respectful of all students’ right to learn in a safe and positive environment. Students are expected to behave in accordance with school behaviour guidelines while under the jurisdiction of the school (both on school grounds and attending school-related activities).

The general expectations regarding school conduct are based on our school-wide expectations: Respect Ourselves, Respect Others and Respect Property.

In addition to the general school wide expectations, it is important to note that the following acceptable and unacceptable behaviours that follow are not all-inclusive lists:

Acceptable Behaviour:

• Follow school safety rules, including gym and class

• Be respectful of yourself, others, school property and the environment

• Interact responsibly and respectfully with all others (students, staff, parents)

• Stay in designated areas of the school grounds

• Cooperate by listening to others and talking to find solutions (using WITS)

• Learn to the best of your ability

• Be supportive of others

Unacceptable Behaviour:

• Verbal or written threats, intimidation or harassment of others

• Making fun of or belittling others

• Acting in dangerous ways towards peers or adults

• Fighting, kicking, throwing objects and/or physically harming others

• Unauthorized use of electronic devices on school property

• Littering or vandalizing school property

• Defiant behaviour, insolence

SAFE AND CARING SCHOOLS:

Are free from acts of:

• Bullying, cyberbullying, or harassment

• Threat and intimidation

• Violence in any form

• Abuse in any form (verbal, physical, sexual)

• Intolerance and discrimination in any form, (i.e. based on an individual or group’s race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual preference, gender identity or expression)

• Retribution against a person who has reported incidents

Do not tolerate the presence of:

• Theft or vandalism

• Banned Substances (alcohol, cigarettes, vapes, or drugs)

• Weapons or replica (toy) weapons or explosives (i.e. fireworks)

• Intruders or trespassers (all visitors must first report to the office)

Do not tolerate the misuse of:

• Cyberspace, cell phones, electronic devices, computers. These devices are only to be used for education-related activities as directed by school staff

• Personal devices - school is not liable for loss, damage, or theft. Items should remain in a safe place.

CONSEQUENCES:

Consequences will be applied in a fair and consistent manner. Depending upon the severity, the age and maturity of the student, and other factors, one or more of the following actions will be taken:

• Verbal warning

• Time-out location

• School/Community service

• In-school suspension

• Out-of-school suspension

• Alternative Suspension in partnership with the MCA

• Referral for Counselling or behaviour support

• Problem solving discussion

• Recess/Lunch restriction

• Parent contact/meeting

• Expulsion

Notification:

William Watson Elementary administration and staff have a responsibility to advise parties as follows:

• Parents/guardians of student exhibiting major behavioural problem

• Parents/guardians of student on the receiving end of an incident

• Assistant Superintendent, Safe Schools and/or other District Staff

• Ministerial agencies and/or School Liaison Officer (RCMP)

It is important to remember that matters dealt with by school personnel are confidential. If you have questions directly related to your child, contact the school directly. It is not appropriate to discuss school incidents with others. It is also not appropriate to post comments on social media sites regarding school matters, individual students, or staff members.