“Growing Together Today, For Tomorrow”=

LARKSPUR DISCIPLINE POLICY

Maintaining A Safe and Orderly Environment

In this agenda is our school code of conduct which is based on the Peel District School Board's policies and procedures for safe and caring schools.&nb= sp; At the point of printing this agenda, the provincial government was = in the process of revising the Safe Schools Act and those revisions will have = an impact on our code of conduct and board policies and procedures. Until the Act is finalized, the information in this agenda remains in effect. Once the act is changed, the Peel District School Board will revise the policies and procedures and we will revise our school code of conduct. These revised items will replace the existing versions and take precedence over any information in the student agenda. We will make sure parents and stud= ents are kept up-to-date on these changes.

At Larkspur Public Sch= ool, the staff is committed to assisting students in developing positive self-concepts, self-discipline and the skills necessary for positive interaction and effective problem solving.= We believe all students are entitled to learn and all staff is entit= led to teach in a safe and orderly environment. With this in mind, the following g= uiding principles have been established for students, teachers and parents.

STUDENTS RIGHTS

· to be valued for their beliefs, ideas and cultural background

· to be recognized for their individual and collaborative efforts

· to receive a meaningful education with an appropriate and challenging curriculum

· to learn without disruption

· to be free from verbal and physical harassment

· to be empowered to make decisions

· to be treated justly

· to receive assistance from teachers

· to receive a clear statement of school and classroom expectations

STUDENTS ARE MOST SUCCESSFUL WHEN THEY

· take responsibility for their own learning

· exercise self-control and self-discipline

· display positive self-esteem and respect for themselves<= span style=3D'mso-no-proof:yes'>

· work cooperatively with others

· strive to solve problems in a positive and effective man= ner

· value beliefs, ideas and cultural backgrounds of others<= span style=3D'mso-no-proof:yes'>

STUDENTS ARE MOST SUCCESSFUL WHEN TEACHERS

· treat children with respect, fairness and kindness

· teach the necessary skills required by students to achie= ve their goals

· model and promote high standards of behaviour

· provide a stimulating classroom and school environment

· teach and model respect for self, others, and property

STUDENTS ARE MOST SUCCESSFUL WHEN PARENTS

· ensure regular and punctual attendance

· avoid lengthy family vacations during days of school

· ensure their child is properly clothed, fed, and well-re= sted

· build positive self-esteem

· assist and encourage their child to be a responsible lea= rner

· teach and model positive behaviour

· teach and model respect for self, others, and property

· to provide fair and consistent discipline

Children need to be taught skills in order to achieve these goals. These skills are learned at school, at home, and in the community. It is essential, therefore, that s= taff, parents, and community members work in partnership to teach and model the behaviours which will prepare our students for a successful and productive = life in society.

We recognize the fact that students occasionally may have difficulty with self-control. If inappropriate behaviour interfe= res with learning or threatens the safety of self or others, the student responsible will be disciplined in a fair and consistent manner using natur= al consequences when possible.

Students’ misbehaviour will be addressed using the following interventions or consequences depending upon = the severity and frequency of the action:

· discussion= /counseling with staff member=

· removal fr= om classroom or activity

· parental involvement (letter, telephone call, conference)

· verbal or written apology

· detention<= span style=3D'mso-no-proof:yes'>

· discussion= /counseling with administrator

· withdrawal= of privileges

· establishm= ent of behavioural or performance contract

· restitution where appropriate=

· involvement with resource staff

When the above intervention or consequences have not produced positive results or behaviour has involved conduct injurious to the welfare of the students or staff, the principal wi= ll act authoritatively and decisively. Action may include suspensi= on from the school by authority of the Education Act.

To ensure a positive school climate= for all members of the school learning community

Larkspur citizens say YES to:

= · courtesy & co-operation

= · consider= ation & common sense

= · honesty & integrity

· responsi= bility & self-control

· self-dis= cipline & self-respect

· teamwork & tolerance

Larkspur citizens say NO to:

· bullying & dishonesty &= nbsp;

· drugs &a= mp; extortion

· fighting & racial harassment

· sexual harassment & theft=

· vandalism & violence<= /p>

· weapons & profanity

The following resources are availab= le to assist and support the students, teachers and parents:=

· in-school review committee

· resource teachers

· school social worker

· behaviou= ral teaching assistants

· administ= rators

· school psychologist associate=

· in-school support teachers

· social skills program materials

Violent incidents will not be tolerated within the school environment. Violent incidents include:

· physical assault

· verbal assault

· uttering threats

· damage to property

· possessi= on of/assault with a weapon

· sexual assault

· criminal harassment &= nbsp; &nbs= p;

· extortio= n

· mischief=

The possession of weapons or replicas of any kind, including knives and guns, is not permitted on school property.