Code of Conduct

The purpose of the Ridgeway Annex Code of Conduct is to establish and maintain a safe, caring and orderly environment that will allow for positive learning. Students are expected to follow the Code of Conduct at school, while going to and from school and during all school sponsored activities.

The code is founded on the belief that every individual in the Ridgeway Annex school community has a right to be treated in a safe and respectful manner. The successful implementation of the school code of conduct requires clear communication to all members of the Ridgeway Annex School Community. The behavioural expectations outlined in the code are made known to all students, staff, parents and volunteers in a variety of ways. The expectations are presented to students at assemblies and are
discussed and displayed in classrooms. Copies of the code are supplied to all parents, staff and volunteers. The Code of Conduct is continuously monitored to ensure that it meets the current safety needs of the school. It is reviewed annually with staff, students and parents to ensure that it reflects best practice.

Appropriate Behaviours
· Be on time
· Be prepared for class and aim for excellence
· Be truthful and honest
· Listen with “eyes, ears and heart”
· Good manners
· Respect all staff, guests and fellow students
· Respect individual classroom and school rules
· Respect personal boundaries
· Respect school building/property
· Walk quietly in halls and classrooms
· Demonstrate safe behavior
· Demonstrate ”I Care” language
· Play inclusively
· Practice “Peacemaking” (problem solving) skills
· Promote spirit of cooperation, acceptance, and taking responsibility for your actions

Appropriate Behaviours may lead to any of these consequences:
· Smile, thumbs up etc:
· Positive comment, verbal or written
· Glad note or positive phone call home
· Classroom celebrations
· Recognition at assemblies
(These all create an atmosphere that promotes self esteem)

Inappropriate Behaviors
· Disruption in class
· Rude, inappropriate remarks
· Name calling or using hurtful words
· Profane and inappropriate language and gestures
· Racial slurs (racist behaviour)
· Bullying
· Harassment
· Fighting, pushing and rough play
· Possession of a weapon (or toy replicas)
· Damaging or stealing of school or personal property
· Unsafe behaviour
· Leaving school grounds without permission

Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviour:
Students will be taught and encouraged to use proactive and appropriate decision- making
and social skills. As students become older and more mature there will be increasing
expectations of their behaviour and increasing consequences for inappropriate behaviour.
Should intervention be required to help students follow the Code of Conduct the following
progressive consequences may be applied.

Level 1
For minor infractions of the Code, a member of staff will speak directly to the student
and the following consequences may be applied:
· Reminder/informal discussion
· Use of problem solving techniques
· Verbal warning
· Time out
· Verbal apology
· Clean, repair and/or replace or reimburse for damaged property

Level 2
For behaviours that are repeated and/or more serious, a staff member will speak directly
to the student. The student may be requested to complete a “Think Sheet” which may be
sent home for parents to sign. The following consequences may be applied:
· Any from Level 1
· Loss of privileges
· Detention
· Written apology
· Creation of self management plan
· Notification/consultation with parents

Level 3
For incidents of a more serious nature, students will be referred to the administrator. The
nature, severity, intention and frequency of the inappropriate behaviour will be considered
when determining the course of action. The following consequences may be applied.
· Any from Level 1 and Level 2
· Referral to counselor
· Official written documentation of the incident
· Contact with parents by administration
· Formal letter to parents
· Lunchtime suspensions
· In school suspensions
· Formal suspensions for a period of 1-5 days.
If there is a violation of a very serious nature, suspension will be immediate. Parents will be notified by phone and letter. The Parent/ Guardian will be asked to accompany their child to school to meet with the administrator prior to the child returning to class. The intent of the Code of Conduct is to promote and encourage positive behaviour. It is expected that all members of the school community will work together to create a school environment that nurtures and protects the students of Ridgeway Annex.