Whoever touches the life of the child touches the most sensitive  point of a whole which has roots in the most distant past and climbs toward the  infinite future. - Maria Montessori

Tyee Mission Statement

At Tyee, we believe in enabling learners to reach for personal excellence in a supportive, stimulating environment following Montessori principles. We encourage and guide all students to take responsibility for their learning and actively participate in a broad range of learning experiences.

At Tyee Montessori, particular attention is given to the child’s social development. We cultivate the child’s sense of independence, self respect, love of peace, and ability to respect and celebrate differences. Non-violence, non-aggressive behaviour, and respect for another’s belongings and work are the norm.

Grace and Courtesy

Grace and courtesy sets the tone of respect and kindness. The entire  Tyee Community (students, staff, parents) demonstrates Grace and Courtesy by  adopting these guidelines:

• Be respectful
• Be safe and keep others safe
• Be responsible
• Solve problems peacefully

Here are some further examples:

1. Greet others, such as “Good Morning”.
2. Say "Please" and “Thank you”.
3. Hold the doors for others.
4. Make way for younger children and adults.
5. Wait for turn in line.
6. Enter another classroom quietly.
7. Respect the environment and other people’s spaces.
8. Be honest.
9. Treat others the way we’d like to be treated!

Our School Motto:

Respect Yourself.

Respect Others.

Respect the Environment.

The expectations apply when at school activities, at school related activities or in other situations where the activity will have an impact on the school environment.

Respect For Self, Others and The Environment Looks Like This:

In the classroom and library

• Be on time, prepared for class and on task
• Listen and speak to others with respect
• Make sure that your teacher always knows where you are
• Respect one’s own and others’ property
• Respect Internet Policy

In the hallways and stairways

• Walk quietly
• Pay attention to what/who is around you
• In the lunchroom
• Stay seated
• Use quiet voices
• Eat your lunch and clean up after yourself
• Raise your hand to be dismissed

On the playgrounds

• Include others in your play
• Play safely
• Stay on school grounds and in designated areas
• Keep hands, feet and unkind words to yourself
• Solve problems by talking and/or seeking help

In the washroom

• You are there to go to the washroom
• Flush the toilet, wash your hands and turn off the taps
• Throw paper towels in the garbage only
• Report problems to an adult

Everywhere

• Demonstrate grace and courtesy
• Dress appropriately for school
• Students are encouraged to make good choices that demonstrate respect for self, respect for others and respect for the environment.

Consequences For Behaviour: Make Amends Plan

At Tyee we reflect upon our choices, take responsibility for our actions, and make amends through grace and courtesy and a restorative action plan with consideration of the developmental levels, age, maturity and special needs of students, if any.

Make Amends Plan – Level 1

When a child breaks the Code of Conduct in respecting self, others  and the environment 

Some examples are:

• Interfering with the learning of others
• Creating unsafe conditions (running in halls, roughhousing, throwing snowballs,  and riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters or in-line skates on school  property)
• Disrespecting others (name calling, swearing, teasing)
• Not respecting property (littering, ripping or writing on someone else’s work or  school property)

Most of these choices are minor and can be solved with the teacher  and student(s), and sometimes may involve a small group or class meeting. A  decision will be made with the student and the teacher about appropriate  restorative action (apology, act that gives back to the  individual/school).

Make Amends Plan – Level 2

When a child repeatedly breaks the Code of Conduct in respecting  self, others and the environment (see examples in Level 1)

A  discussion takes place with the student, teacher and principal. A collaborative  decision will be made about appropriate restorative action and the student  completes a “Make Amends Plan” (of which a copy is sent home). The teacher or  principal may also request a meeting with the parents (or  vice-versa).

Make Amends Plan – Level  3

When the child breaks the Code  of Conduct in respecting self, others and the environment in a serious  way

Some examples  include:

• Bullying, harassment,  intimidation or threats
• Ignoring others who bully,  harass, intimidate or threaten rather than seeking help
• Racist, homophobic or sexist  comments/behaviour
• Theft
• Non-compliance; willful  disrespect
• Very unsafe behaviour  (leaving school grounds/class)
• Vandalism (willful  destruction of property)
• Using physical  violence
• Accessing inappropriate  sites on the Internet
• Saying mean things about  others in person or via e-mails, blogs or social media
• Playing pranks on  others

The teacher(s), parent(s),  student, and principal confer and devise the next level of intervention for the  student to succeed in school. A decision will be made about the appropriate  restorative action and the student completes a “Make Amends  Plan”.

Serious Breaches of The  Code of Conduct

Choices that are made (such as  weapon offences, violent behaviour causing injury to another person, lighting  fires, stealing, or a major disruption in a classroom or school event) may  result in an in-school or out-of-school suspension for up to five days. The  authority to suspend students is given to the principal of the school. Please  note that if there is a violation of a very serious nature, suspension will be  immediate. In such circumstances, a letter will be placed in the child’s file. A  conference with the student, parents, teacher and principal is required before  the student can return to school. It may be necessary to contact others outside  of the school such as district staff, police, MCFD or other community  agencies.

Family  Involvement

Tyee’s Code of Conduct was  established to ensure each child and staff member’s safety. We ask for student  and parental support in honouring our commitment to ensuring the safest learning  environment for all. Parents can help in the following ways:

1. Discuss the Code of Conduct  with your child.
2. Be in close contact with  your child’s teacher.
3. Should you have any  questions, please phone the school (604.713-4723). Any of the following people  would be pleased to assist you:
   • Ms Stephanie, Admin  Assistant
   • Your child’s  teacher
   • Mr. Sheldon Franken, Counsellor
   • Ms. Julie Weatherall, Principal.

Learning is a wonderful  adventure. Let’s all make it so for students, staff, parents and our greater  community!

Every person has the  right
To be treated with  dignity,
And  respect,
And to be  accepted,
Valued And  loved
Through it  all.
- Cam Gordon,  Together with Montessori 

Tyee promotes the values of  inclusion as expressed in the BC Human Rights Code.