At Ridgeview, staff, students and parents believe that as a community of learners, we must establish and maintain a safe, caring and calm environment for purposeful learning.

These expectations apply to behavior at school, during school-organized or sponsored activities, and behavior beyond these times (including on-line behavior) that negatively impacts the safe, caring or orderly environment of the school, and/or student learning.

Ridgeview School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law-prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender identity or expression, and age – in respect of discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in the school environment.

Students will not be involved in bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, threatening or violent behaviours while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school environment.

Please note that special considerations may apply to students with special needs, if they are unable to comply with Ridgeview’s Code of Conduct due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioral nature.

Please refer to the following documents for further details of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.

 

Consequences for Code of Conduct Infractions

All students are encouraged and are taught to use proactive and appropriate decision-making and social skills.  When appropriate, students are encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful consequences for infractions of the Code of Conduct.  Students will work with teachers and staff to “make things right” if they have caused harm.  All students are supported  to understand how positive interactions with their peers and their environments are always a benefit to themselves and their learning.

Consequences are based on the student’s age, maturity, and special needs, if any.  School administrators have a responsibility to advise other parties of serious breaches of the Code of Conduct (for example, parents, school district officials, police and/or other agencies).

Should interventions be required to help students follow the Code of Conduct, the following progressive, logical and restorative consequences may be applied.

Level 1

For behaviours that are minor violations of the Code of Conduct, a staff member will speak directly to the student.  The following consequences may be used to encourage more positive behaviour:

• Reminder/informal discussion
• Use of problem solving techniques
• Verbal or written warning
• Contact with parents/guardian by the classroom teacher
• Separation from peers
• Written or verbal apology
• Restitution for damage

Level 2

For behaviours that are repeated or are more serious, a staff member will speak directly to the student.  The following consequences may be used to encourage more positive behaviour:

• Any consequences from Level 1
• Directly supervised recess/lunchtime activity
• Contact with parents/guardian by the teacher and/or administration
• Creation of behaviour contract or plan
• Removal from the classroom/situation

Level 3

For incidents of a more serious nature, students will be referred to an administrator.  The nature and severity of the infraction, the intent behind the infraction and the frequency of the infraction will be considered when determining the level of consequence.  It should also be noted that all disciplinary decisions are made in consideration of individual circumstances.  The following consequences may be used to encourage more positive behaviour:

• Any consequences from Level 1 and/or Level 2
• Referral to counsellor
• Administration involved in discussion/planning consequences
• Official written documentation of the incident
• Lunchtime suspensions
• In-school suspensions

Level 4

In accordance with the School Act, the West Vancouver School Board of Education authorizes the principal to suspend a student.  Students may be suspended because their behaviour has a harmful effect on the character or persons of other students (physical fighting), or because of vandalism to the school, student or staff property.  The Parent/Guardian will be asked to return with their child to meet with the principal and make a commitment to improve behaviour.  Some of the consequences from Level 3 may apply.

Please note that if there is a violation of a very serious nature, suspension will be immediate.  Parents will be contacted by phone and letter.

It is hoped that this system will encourage students to monitor their behaviour, know what is expected of them, and strive toward maintaining and/or improving their academic and social skills.