Irwin Park Elementary School Code of Conduct

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Irwin Park Elementary School Code of Conduct is to establish and maintain a safe, caring, inclusive, and orderly learning environment where all members of the school community feel respected, valued, and supported. This Code aligns with the BC School Act, the BC Human Rights Code, and Ministerial Orders. The Code of Conduct outlines what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behaviour at Irwin Park. Schools will consider student needs and circumstances and will apply the Code of Conduct in a fair, supportive, and legally compliant manner.

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and procedures that guide behaviour and decision-making within a safe and respectful school environment. It applies to all members of the school community, including students, staff, parents/guardians, visitors, and volunteers, during school hours and school-sponsored or school-related off-site events. In addition, the Code of Conduct also applies while traveling to and from school and in digital environments, when behaviour negatively impacts the learning environment or the safety and well-being of the school community.

The school will take reasonable and proactive steps to prevent retaliation against individuals who report concerns. Follow-up support will be provided to those affected, which may include access to appropriate resources and ongoing monitoring.

Please note that special considerations may apply to specific students if they are unable to comply with a Code of Conduct expectation due to having an identified disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioural nature.

Acceptable Behaviour

At Irwin Park, we expect members of the Irwin Park Community to:

Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the learning environment
Follow district, school and classroom rules and expectations
Use inclusive, non-discriminatory, and respectful language and actions
Act in ways that promote safety and well-being; communicate with care & concern
Move safely and responsibly around school grounds, with respect to self and others
Take safe learning risks and show open-mindedness to difference
Demonstrate choices in line with our Panther P.R.I.D.E. values

Unacceptable Behaviour

Irwin Park School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code, respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law and prohibiting discrimination, harassment, (cyber)bullying, intimidation, or exclusion based on (but not limited to): appearance, indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age. These expectations apply to all aspects of school life, including our classrooms, communications, programs, activities, services, and shared spaces. Every member of our school community has the right to feel safe, respected, valued, and included.

At Irwin Park, students are expected not to:

Interfere with the learning of others
Engage in threats, violence, unsafe actions, or encouraging unsafe behaviour
Engage in theft, vandalism, or damage property
Engage in the use of personal or school technology to harm, harass, or disrupt the learning and safety of others
Possess or use weapons, replicas, or objects that imitate weapons (e.g., imitation firearms or knives)
Use offensive or disrespectful language in the building or on school property
Engage in acts of discrimination or retaliation against anyone reporting incidents

Responses to Unacceptable Behaviour

Discipline at Irwin Park Elementary is grounded in restorative practices, fairness, and progressive discipline. Responses are designed to:

Address the harm caused
Support student learning and growth
Consider age, maturity, ability, and individual circumstances
Provide opportunities for students to respond/be heard, take responsibility, and make amends

Possible responses include:

Informal discussions, counselling, or warnings
Restorative dialogue or conferences
Behaviour support plans
Loss of privileges or temporary removal from certain environments and/or events
In-school or out-of-school suspensions in response to serious or repeated violations
Referral to community agencies or external support where appropriate

Whenever appropriate, consequences will be progressive, fair, and restorative, rather than solely punitive. When determining an appropriate response, consideration will be given to the nature and severity of the behaviour, the circumstances of the incident, and the relationships among those involved. Our goal is to restore safety, rebuild trust, and strengthen the integrity of our school community.

Special Considerations

The school will consider the student’s age, maturity, ability, and individual circumstances when supporting students.
Appropriate accommodations and supports will be provided for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
Culturally responsive supports and advocates will be provided for Indigenous students mindful of historical context and indigenous ways of knowing and perspectives.
Behaviour plans, personal contracts and re-entry meetings will be implemented where necessary

Dress Code

Irwin Park Elementary is committed to providing students with learning environments that are safe, responsive, and inclusive. The dress code recognizes that decisions around dress reflect personal identity and cultural diversity. To foster a respectful, safe, and inclusive learning environment, student and staff attire must adhere to the following principles:

Respect and Safety:  Clothing must support personal health & safety and demonstrate respect for others, both indoors and outdoors
Prohibited Content: Attire must not depict or promote drugs or alcohol, violence or weapons, racism, sexism, discrimination, or offensive or inappropriate language or imagery
Learning Environment: Clothing must not disrupt learning or compromise the safety of others
Health and Safety Compliance: Attire must meet health and safety requirements appropriate to the activity or setting
Expression within Guidelines: Personal identity and cultural expression are supported within these parameters

Personal Digital Devices (PDD)

Personal Digital Devices (PDD) is defined as any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as cell phones, phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and any other portable technology device.

Any use of a Personal Digital Device at Irwin Park in the Gr 4-7 cohort must be based upon the expectations shared in the Irwin Park PDD Acceptable Use Agreement document. This document specifies the expectations of PDD use and is signed by both the parent/guardian and the student at the start of each school year (Gr 4-7). Digital citizenship is a life skill and is taken seriously at Irwin Park Elementary.

At Irwin Park, students who bring PDDs to school are expected to:

Refrain from using any student PDD outside on school grounds from 8:15 am to 3:15 pm when school is in session.
Seek teacher permission whenever using a PDD in the school building or on school property between the hours of 8:50 am and 2:50 pm.
Refrain from using any student PDD during any school-sponsored event (eg. IPPG Events, School District athletic competitions, field trips, etc.)
Understand that the owner/user is solely responsible for the security and storage of their PDDs. The district assumes no responsibility for safety, loss, repair, or replacement of devices
Follow the expectations and guidelines laid out in the Irwin Park PDD Acceptable Use Policy Contract and follow the Irwin Park Code of Conduct and District AP 370 when using PDDs
Personal digital devices may be used for instructional, medical, accessibility, or accommodation purposes under the guidance and supervision of school staff