Code of Conduct

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The Code of Conduct for William Dunbar PS was established following the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct (2000) and the applicable policies, regulations and procedures of the Durham District School Board.  In accordance with Policy/Program Memorandum No. 128 from the Ministry of Education the Code of Conduct has been revised to reflect changes made in the Education Act, effective February 1, 2008, that pertain to suspension and expulsion of students.

The Code of Conduct for William Dunbar Public School is designed to provide a framework to ensure that school is a safe, productive learning environment for all.  We ask families to review this Code of Conduct so that all parties are familiar with school expectations and procedures. The Code of Conduct is subject to change at any time, based on directions from the Ministry of Education or the Durham District School Board.  A school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

 All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community.  With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.

 The Ontario Schools Code of Conduct sets clear provincial standards of behavior.  It specifies the mandatory consequences for student actions that do not comply with these standards.

 The provincial standards of behavior apply not to only to students, but also to all individuals involved in the publicly funded school system – parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members – whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct)

The Durham District School Board and William Dunbar Public School accept the provincial direction regarding individual roles and responsibilities.  In addition to school staff, students and parents, other members of the public, who interact with members of the school community while present in or on school property or premises, have a responsibility to respect others in the school and to conduct themselves accordingly.

 Principals, under the direction of their school board, take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school.  They provide this leadership by:

  • Demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment;

  • Holding everyone, under their authority, accountable for their behaviour and actions;

  • Communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.

 Teachers and School Staff, under the leadership of their principal, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour.  As role models, staff uphold these high standards when they:

  • Help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth;

  • Communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;

  • Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;

  • Demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents;

  • Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.

 Students are to be treated with respect and dignity.  In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. 

Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:

  • Comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn;

  • Shows respect for themselves, others and for those in authority;

  • Refrains from bringing anything to school that my compromise the safety of others;

  • Follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own action

Parents play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.  Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:

  • Report promptly to the Office upon arrival;

  • Show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress;

  • Communicate regularly with the school;

  • Help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school;

  • Ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;

  • Promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;

  • Become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules;

  • Encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;

  • Assist school staff in dealing with discipline issues;

  • Demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents.