ABERDEEN HALL CODE OF CONDUCT

Introduction

Aberdeen Hall’s Code of Conduct comprises behavioural expectations, identification of disruptive and detrimental behaviours, consequences for non-compliance, and discipline policies.

We believe that school should be a safe place for students to learn and grow. Although we take pride in our informal, family atmosphere, we also understand the benefit of clearly defining expectations and consequences. Aberdeen Hall understands that children become excited about learning when they are challenged and feel secure. Children deserve an environment where they are respected and recognized as unique individuals. However, we also realize that from time to time students will misbehave, and will require guidance to help them develop into persons of good character.

Behavioural Expectations —The Three C’s

Care Courtesy Consideration

Care

We need to watch out for one another. This means:

School is a place of work – we should all ensure we do our best at all times

We should care for one another – if we see someone is unhappy we should either go to their assistance or report the matter to a member of staff

Students should not be prevented from learning by the behaviour of others

Everyone should be treated with respect – students, staff, visitors to the school and members of the outside community

We need to look after our environment:

Our environment should be litter free

Our text books and equipment should be looked after

Courtesy

Be polite to each other.

This means:

We should not shout at each other

Walk sensibly around the school (do not run inside the buildings)

Keep to the right in corridors at lesson change over

Ensure you arrive at lessons on time, ready to work and with the right equipment

Lessons will begin and end in a courteous and formal manner

Staff should be addressed as ‘Mr.’ ‘Mrs.’ ‘Ms.’ or ‘Dr. ‘and their last name

Consideration

Consider other people’s feelings – do not make hurtful remarks. This means:

Consider how important it is to learn and the value of what you are learning

Punctuality is very important – this includes your homework being presented on time

Standards of Behaviour
Aberdeen Hall believes that all students are capable of following the school’s Code of Conduct. From their first day at school, students are taught what is expected of them in the classroom, on the playground and in the hallways. However, we do realize that from time to time students will misbehave and will require guidance to help them make the right choice next time. To facilitate this Aberdeen Hall has a proactive disciplinary procedure. All members of staff are trained in this procedure to ensure a consistent approach to discipline. The following provides an outline of our procedure:

School members will:

Show respect for the rights, property and safety of themselves and others

Respect and appreciate diversity of all school members regardless of their race, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, age and ability

Express themselves with socially acceptable language and gestures

Exhibit behaviour that avoids all forms of intimidation, harassment, racism, and discrimination

Dress in accordance with school dress standards

Treat school property and the property of others with a reasonable standard of care

Promote positive behaviour through the avoidance of all types of violent acts

For safety and security reasons, the following items should not be brought to school :

Cell phones (may only be brought with permission from the Head of School but should be kept in a locker during the school day)

MP3, PDA or similar personal electronics

Large sums of money

Credit cards

Hand held games of any sort

Cigarettes, lighters or matches

Any item that may be considered a weapon

Illegal substances of any kind

Alcohol in any form

Chewing gum

Skateboards

Rollerblades

Laser pens

Consequences of Misbehaviour

Responses to misbehaviour are recorded to help students learn from an error in judgment, to provide a reference point for further action, and to address chronic misbehaviour, which can have a negative impact on the student or the student’s peers. A student who understands why his or her actions were inappropriate and meets the expectations of our response will usually demonstrate appropriate behaviour for the remainder of his or her time at the school. Students are always dealt with in a firm, consistent, and fair manner. It is truly his or her best interests, and the interests of his or her peers we have at heart.

We feel that appropriate consequences and guidance play a major role in correcting misbehaviour to help students correct the mistake and avoid making it again in the future.

Depending on the nature and seriousness of the incident, disciplinary actions may include a number of actions outlined below (eg. verbal and/or written apology, a detention or time-out, restitution for damage). Significant incidents will be documented in the Conduct Binder located in the Head of School’s office. If required, parents will be advised about more serious incidents and the plan for discipline through a Letter of Conduct.

Serious or repeated misbehaviour will result in placement of a student on Conduct Alert to be discussed with the Head of School, parents and the student. The school’s response will include specific consequences as well as guidance to help the student learn from his or her mistakes. Students who respond to the disciplinary action will be taken off the Conduct Alert. However, students who come off Conduct Alert and continue to demonstrate inappropriate behaviour are subject to more serious consequences, including Conduct Report, Saturday morning detention or suspension.

If the Conduct Alert does not result in a positive change in behaviour, the student will be placed on Conduct Report. A student who is not already on Conduct Alert may be placed directly on Conduct Report if the seriousness of his or her behaviour requires such action. Specific expectations will be outlined to help the student modify his or her behaviour. A written Behaviour Agreement between the student, parents and school may also be created at this time. Further misbehaviour may result in suspension, counseling out of the school or in extreme cases, the student may be told to leave the school.

Students placed on Conduct Alert or Conduct Report near the end of the academic year may not have an opportunity to demonstrate proper behaviour. Their promotion will be reviewed in June and, their probationary period will be extended into the next academic year.

Disciplinary Responses

Inappropriate student behaviour or failure to meet expectations will result in a variety of consequences. Staff members will try to intervene in a fair and consistent manner and treat each incident as an opportunity for the student to learn and grow. Disciplinary responses and consequences are determined on a case by case basis and may include:

Minor

Reminder

Time Out

Warning

A discussion

Letter of apology

More serious disciplinary action will be taken if a pattern of repeated inappropriate behaviour is noted.

Intermediary

Temporary loss of privileges including recess and suspension from after school activities and sports teams

Note to parents in Prep book

Phone call home

Assigning extra duties

Detention

Notifying Homeroom Teacher/Head of School with a Student Memorandum

Interview with parents

Restitution for damage

Letter of Conduct

Placing student on Daily Report

Major

Permanent loss of privileges including recess and suspension from after school activities and sports teams

Letter of Conduct

Parent meeting

Conduct Alert and Behaviour Agreement

Restitution for damage

Suspension

Promotion denied

Expulsion (in extreme situations)

Uniform Infractions

Students must arrive and remain in full school uniform each school day. Wednesday and special days, students are expected to come in Number One Dress (including a blazer). Students who are out of expected uniform will be given a uniform infraction and parents will be contacted. Three uniform infractions will result in service detention. Three service detentions will result in a Saturday detention. Saturday detention will be once a month from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.

Homework Policy

Homework is an important part of the educational programmes we offer at Aberdeen Hall. It is important that students complete their homework in order to:

Complete work not completed in class

Check, review, and practice understanding of material taught in class

Prepare for future lessons and tests

Complete a long term project

Increase reading practice

Reinforce skills that require more time than can be allotted during school times

Develop sound work habits which help students be successful

Students who do not complete their homework affect their own progress as well as hinder the pace of the lesson and the progress of the other students. They often require extra assistance from their teacher to catch up.

If a student has a valid reason (illness or family emergency) for not completing homework, parents should write a note of explanation, or contract the teacher and the child will be excused. If you have concerns about the amount of homework your child(ren) is bringing home, please contact the teacher and make an appointment to discuss the situation.

Homework infractions may result in service detentions.

Harassment and Bullying

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at Aberdeen Hall. Harassment is defined in the British Columbia Human Rights Code to mean “a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome”. A number of prohibited grounds are detailed in the school’s Policy And Procedures For Preventing, Identifying And Investigating Harassment, Abuse And Violence. Harassment includes unwelcome contact, verbal insult or threat, written or visual display of offensive and hurtful materials designed to exclude or marginalize its victim.

Please refer to the Anti-bullying Policy attached (Appendix A).

It is difficult for some students to recognize their actions are hurtful and often both parties in a conflict must take some responsibility for escalating a situation. If a student believes he has been harassed or bullied, it is important for families to involve the school. Children must speak to a teacher or the Head of School about their concerns. If a child is not comfortable enough to do this on his or her own than the school encourages a meeting with the student, teacher and parent. It is important that a child learns to stand up for him/herself. However, we must stress that provocation is not justification for retaliation. Students must not retaliate with other inappropriate behaviour. They are expected to seek adult assistance.

Violence

Violence can be physical, verbal, written, emotional, sexual, or racial in nature. It can be directed against one individual or a group of individuals. Violence also includes vandalism and damage to school property or the property of others. Violence of any kind at Aberdeen Hall is unacceptable and identified students will face serious consequences.

Respecting the Possessions of Others

Students are asked to respect the possessions of others. This means that students are allowed to handle the possessions of others, only if they have permission. Stealing (or handling without permission) is a serious offence and will result in significant discipline.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Aberdeen Hall will do its best to ensure that students know what cheating and plagiarism are, and act accordingly. In cases of cheating and/or plagiarism deductions to grades or a zero will be given. Students will be asked to redo the assignment or test in question, and the mark given will be at the discretion of the teacher.

Internet Safety

For safety reasons, it is important for our students to refrain from giving out personal information such as names, addresses, or photos (of themselves or classmates/friends) on the internet. This includes refraining from saying negative things about other individuals (children or adults) online or in chat rooms, MSN etc.

It is important for parents to be aware of their child’s internet use and to report any concerns or issues to the school so that they can be addressed appropriately.

Please refer to the Computer Usage Guidelines attached (Appendix B).

Conduct Committee

The Head of School will make most decisions with regards to discipline. For certain major decisions, the Head may assemble a 3-Person Conduct Committee for guidance and recommendations. Parents will have an opportunity to appeal the Head’s decision. In this case, the Conduct Committee, in consultation with all parties, will make the final decision.

Expectations of Parents appendices appendixes

Partnership with parents is one of the key components to our students’ successful educational experience. Aberdeen Hall recognizes and supports that parents are responsible for their child’s education and will always make every effort to assist them in this critical endeavour.

Parents play an essential and positive role in the life of Aberdeen Hall. They act as advocates for their children, and support the faculty and administration through extensive volunteering, fundraising and school activities and events. When enrolling their child, parents agree to believe in and adhere to the school’s mission, follow its rules and regulations and accept its decisions, including those relating to conduct and discipline.

Parents can best support our family-like school climate of trust and respect by communicating any concerns openly and constructively to the teacher or administrator closest to the problem. However, if parents wish to discuss an issue they should do so by making an appointment with the teacher or administrator, so as not to disrupt classes. Concerns should not be aired in front of children. Respect and dignity should be shown to all members of the community at all times. Efforts by parents to lobby other parents will be viewed by the school as counterproductive.

We hope that while parents may not agree with every decision made by the school, the parent and the school will find enough common ground to continue a mutually respectful relationship.

Representing the School While Off Property

All policies and procedures will remain in effect when students are traveling on the school bus, and when off property with classes, clubs or teams. It is important for the students to realize that when they are wearing their uniforms they are ambassadors for the school and should behave sensibly.

Aberdeen Hall is making every effort to create the best possible education environment, and believes that these policies are fluid documents and can be modified, expanded and improved. We welcome your feedback at anytime.