Nootka's Code of Conduct - Updated June 2024

Our Code of Conduct has been written to ensure that our school is a safe and inclusive place for all.  We expect our Nootka community (staff, students, parents) to demonstrate responsible behaviour, good citizenship, kindness, empathy and respect for others.  We want to ensure that at Nootka we promote the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code, fostering an environment for learning that is free of discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation. Our Code of Conduct applies to our entire Nootka community - all staff, parents, guardians and students.

Last Updated: October 2021

AT NOOTKA:

we care about OURSELVES 

 We ... 

• come to school on time, ready to work.
• seek to demonstrate a positive attitude. 
• eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep at night. 
• dress appropriately and avoid negative message clothing. 
• stay home when we are sick. 
• take care of our belongings and leave valuable items at home. 
• keep any portable electronic devices that we bring in our backpacks unless they are to be used at the direction of staff. 
• follow directions given by any member of the school’s staff. 
• stay on the school grounds during breaks unless going home for lunch.

We care about EACH OTHER 

 We ... 

• treat others how we want to be treated. 
• listen, share, take turns and cooperate.
• use words to solve problems peacefully.
• keep our hands and feet to ourselves. 
• are friendly, polite and inclusive. 
• help to break down the invisible walls that can sometimes divide us. 
• avoid wearing strong scents and bringing food with nuts to school. 
• get permission before taking someone’s picture or posting any photos online.
• think before we post anything online, remembering that everything on the Internet is permanent and public. 

we care about Our School and our world

We ...

• clean up after ourselves and help to keep our building and school grounds clean.
• use class and library materials with care and return them when they’re due.
• reduce, reuse and recycle.
• respect any artwork that’s on display.
• use inside voices within the building.
• demonstrate good audience behaviour.
• use washrooms only for their intended purpose. We flush, wash our hands and leave as soon as we’re done.
• keep the hallways clear so that everyone can move about easily, especially those with mobility challenges.
• save gum for home because it tends to make a mess at school.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR

In pursuit of these goals, some kinds of behaviour simply cannot be tolerated.

Racism will not be tolerated in our school.  This includes bullying or discrimination based upon differences such as race or cultural background.

Other behaviour that will also not be tolerated include:

• Bullying or discrimination based on differences such as gender, religious beliefs, abilities, appearance or sexual orientation.
• Words and actions that harm, embarrass or encourage the exclusion of others.
• Teasing, swearing and put downs.
• Violence, threats, aggression and the bringing of any kind of weapon to school.
• Unsafe play or conduct
• Vandalism, graffiti or littering

The behaviours cited are examples and not an all-inclusive list.

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students may only use portable electronic devices with the permission of a staff member. They are not to be used during unstructured times, including before or after school and at recess or lunch. We cannot be responsible for the loss or damage of these items. If repeated violation of this policy occurs, the device may be kept in the school’s office until it is picked up by the student’s family.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

• Review this document from time to time and discuss it with your child. Lead by example.
• Develop a respectful relationship with the teachers, support staff and other families.
• Model peaceful problem solving.
• Monitor your child’s use of technology, including their amount of screen time, and use of messaging tools or social media.

CONSEQUENCES

The Code of Conduct applies while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have impact on the school environment. We will focus on consequences that are restorative rather than punitive, wherever possible and appropriate.  A child’s ability to understand and respond to expectations of socially responsible behaviour increases with age and therefore, the frequency and severity of unacceptable conduct along with the age and maturity of the student will be considered in determining appropriate consequences.  Special considerations may apply to students with special needs if they are unable to comply due to a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature. As circumstances warrant, any or all of the following may be notified: Counsellor, Parents/Guardians, Staff, District Staff, School Liaison Officer, Ministerial Agencies.  

SUSPENSIONS

In accordance with the School Act, Sec. 85(2)(ii) and (d), the Board authorizes the Principal or designate of any school in the district to suspend a student from attendance at school for up to five days. Suspensions may be for the following reasons:

a.    because a student is willfully and repeatedly disrespectful to a teacher or to any other employee of the Board carrying out responsibilities approved by the Board.

b.   because the behaviour of the student breaches the District Code of Conduct or policy and/or has a harmful effect on others or the learning environment of the school.

c.    because the student has failed to comply with the School Code of Conduct.

Suspensions over five days are made in consultation with the appropriate Director of Instruction as per the District Student Code of Conduct. As per AP 350 6.7.1, an educational program must be provided during suspensions.