In order to promote better understanding by all members of the school community, the staff, parents, and students of Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary School, we have adopted the following statement of educational and safety responsibilities and rights as the basis of our Code of Conduct.
A school is a safe and caring place that provides access to equal learning opportunities for all students. In addition to the regular curriculum, good citizenship must be taught and demonstrated. Students are expected to learn responsibility for rules and regulations adopted for the benefit of all, and to demonstrate awareness of and appreciation for the rights of others.
The Code of Conduct establishes and ensures the expectations for responsible and respectful behaviour. All stakeholders “students, parents, teachers, and staff”, have the right to feel safe in their school community. As outlined by the Quebec Education Program, “parent’s involvement in their children’s education plays a determining role in their development and success, and in the relationship between the family and the educational setting” (QEP, policy on educational success, a love of learning, a chance to succeed, www.education.gov.qc.ca).
Therefore, the standards of behaviour in the Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary School Code of Conduct apply not only to students, but also to all individuals involved in the school system (parents/guardians, volunteers, teachers, and other staff members) while on school property, on school buses, or at school authorized events or activities.
Below are listed the duties, rights and responsibilities as well as the respective consequences for unacceptable behaviour all of which are central to ensuring a safe and healthy school community.