Be a Maple LEAF!

Learners

Enthusiastic

Accountable

Friendly

The goal of this Code of Conduct is to establish and maintain a caring and safe learning environment in which all children can achieve their potential for greatness.

Maple Grove School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law – prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation – in respect of discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in the school environment.

CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

It is up to all members of our school’s community – students, staff, and parents – to ensure that our actions:

• protect our own learning and the learning of others
• create safe conditions
• respect the need for order and calm throughout the school
• ensure that everyone is treated kindly and fairly
• bring pride to our school

Unacceptable Conduct

The following are examples of incidents that must be reported to a staff member or supervising adult as soon as possible:

• acts of bullying, harassment, intimidation or exclusion
• physical aggression or violence
• offensive language or behaviours
• acts or objects that put one’s self or others in danger
• willful damage to property and disrespect for the environment

These expectations apply to behaviour at school, during school-organized or sponsored activities, and behaviour beyond these times (including on-line behaviour) that negatively impacts the safe, caring or orderly environment of the school, and/or student learning.

Notification 

School staff and officials have the responsibility to advise parents and/or other parties of serious breaches of the Code of Conduct. This would include an illegal activity, bullying, dangerous activities, racism or other examples of discrimination etc.

For example:

• parents of student offender(s)
• parents of student victim(s)
• school district officials as required by district policy
• other agencies or police as appropriate 

Consequences

Throughout their years in elementary school, it is understood that students will show increasing maturity, self-responsibility, decision-making ability, and leadership. When considering appropriate consequences for unacceptable conduct, the school will take many factors into consideration: the severity and frequency of the actions as well as the age, maturity and special needs of the students. A detailed plan regarding possible consequences will be developed, discussed, and clarified with all members of the community. Currently, students discuss difficulties with appropriate staff and action (e.g. thinking sheet, apologies, grounds clean-up, notification of parents, in-school suspensions and at-home suspensions) is taken.

As far as possible, we will ensure that:

• responses to unacceptable conduct are consistent and fair
• disciplinary action is preventative and restorative rather than merely punitive
• students and parents are encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful consequences for unacceptable conduct
• students grow in their ability to accept responsibility for their actions

Practical Rules & Guidelines for Specific Times & Places 

At All Times and In All Places 

• Follow the directions of all staff and supervising adults.
• Dress for the weather and in an appropriate manner for school activities.
• Leave valuables at home.
• Place all returnable items in appropriate containers, all garbage in cans, and all recyclable paper in blue boxes.

Inside the School 

• Use an inside voice.
•  Walk on the right side of the hall and up and down staircases.
• Remove all hats inside the school.
• Dispose of chewing gum in garbage before entering school.
• All “wheels” (bikes, scooters, skateboards, inline skates, roller shoes, etc.) should be carried to the classroom or locker and stored until the end of the day. 

Assemblies & Performances 

• Enter and exit calmly, using an inside voice.
• Follow directions and remain quietly seated throughout the event.
• Show polite appreciation by clapping; do not whistle, stomp your feet or call out.

Gymnasium 

• No food or drinks are allowed in the gym.
• Students are not to be in the gym or any of the adjacent rooms (change rooms, storerooms, etc.) without adult supervision.

Internet Access: Classrooms, Computer Room & Library 

• Students may access the internet only under the supervision of a responsible adult.
• No one – staff, students, or parents – should access chat lines from a VSB computer.
• Use of email and computer games by students is restricted to those situations that are required by staff for educational purposes. 

Cell Phone Use

• Students are not expected to use any electronic device from 9:00 – 3:00 pm unless under the direction of a teacher. They may be carried for contact with parents after school but should not be taken out during school time. The school cannot be responsible for the loss of such property.

Lunches and the Lunchroom Areas

 Bring healthy food and snacks to school.

• Students are to remain seated until 12:20 dismissal at least; students may stay longer (until 12:30) to finish eating.
• Leave lunch containers in the classroom’s lunch bin.

Clear away garbage and recycle appropriately

Recess & Noon Hour

• Look to the supervision aides for help in dealing with minor problems and injuries.
• After informing a supervision aide, come to the office for first aid and/or to resolve more serious problems.
• Remain outside or on the ground level until the bell, except when going to a supervised activity or the office.
• Unless specifically asked by a staff member, students should not be in the hallways.
• Staircases and landings should be kept free at all times.
• Washrooms should not be used as gathering or play areas. Boys are not to be around the girls’ washrooms and girls are not to be around the boys’ washrooms.
• On rainy days, if recess and lunch are inside, play “inside games” in the designated play area. Clean up after yourself and help others to clean up too.
• Do not play at the front of the school. 

Playgrounds: 8:40 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.

• Students should stay inside the fenced boundaries of the school.
• Primary students are encouraged to play in the Primary Area and Intermediate students are encouraged to play in Intermediate areas. Some exceptions are made, but if asked to leave an area by a supervising adult, it is expected that students will leave without question.
• Wheels (bikes, scooters, skateboards, inline skates, roller shoes, etc.) should not be used on school property.
• Dogs must be on a short leash at all times and left outside the school.

Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up

• Drivers should respect all posted No Parking, NoStopping and No Idling signage.
• Avoid U-turns on the streets and into driveways around the school.
• The staff parking lot and the circular driveway are reserved for school staff from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are not to be used for student drop-off or pick-up during those hours.
• Students and parents are not to use the south staff parking area as a walkway.
• Once parked safely, parents should ensure children exit the car on the right (near the sidewalk) and, if needed, that they cross the street at the corner.
• Students are encouraged to walk at least a block to school. Parents are encouraged to park and walk with their children – enjoy the fresh air and beauty of our neighbourhood.