CODE OF CONDUCT

“Caring, Sharing and Learning Together”
At Strawberry Vale we create a culture of character where respect, patience, self-discipline, tolerance and the joy of learning are among the virtues that our children learn every day.

We promote a “Safe Learning Environment” where we all work together to solve conflicts and difficult situations. Behaviours such as bullying, harassment or physical aggression are not tolerated at Strawberry Vale. We provide a respectful, caring, and supportive environment in order for all children to succeed and learn.

Our Strawberry Vale Community of Learners always:

• cooperates so everyone works, learns and plays in a safe and nurturing environment
• helps create a positive, safe and healthy learning environment
• respects the rights and feelings of others
• uses polite, courteous language
• respects the personal space of others
• acts politely, respectfully and helps others
• models positive behaviours
• models self discipline
• models positive attitudes
• takes pride in themselves and always tries to do their best
• comes prepared for school and arrives on time
• models a positive, respectful manner at all school-related activities, on or off the school grounds and on the Internet
• takes personal responsibility for their actions
• makes responsible choices
• uses their W.I.T.S (W= Walk away, I = Ignore, T = Tell someone, S = Seek help)
• keeps their hands and feet to themselves
• understands that bullying is hurtful and is not acceptable at any time
• makes safe choices inside and outside of the school
• takes pride in their school
• keeps our school clean and tidy
• uses the waste management program
• cares for and respects our school and playground

This Code of Conduct outlines most, but not all, of the positive behaviours expected from all Community members.

The Virtues Project and WITS
Strawberry Vale Students use the Virtues Project and the WITS Program to create a culture of character, compassion and responsibility and to help with conflicts by considering other’s perspectives and using problem solving skills.

WITS stands for: W= Walk away, I = Ignore, T = Tell someone, S = Seek help.

As per the BC Human Rights Code, our Code of Conduct prohibits Discrimination based on any of the following grounds:

• age
• race
• color
• ancestry
• place of origin
• religion
• physical disability or mental disability
• family status
• marital status
• sex
• sexual orientation
• gender identity or expression

Consequences for unacceptable behaviours:
The severity and frequency of unacceptable behaviour as well as the age and maturity of the student is always considered in determining appropriate consequences for the actions. For example:

• Consequences are planned carefully and are consistent and fair
• Actions taken, whenever possible, are preventative and restorative. We hope to provide the student with an opportunity to learn from his/her mistakes.
• As often as possible, students will be involved in developing meaningful consequences.
• Special considerations may apply if a student is unable to comply with the expectations due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature.
• Discrimination of any kind, as outlined in the BC Human Rights Code will not be tolerated.

Notification:
The seriousness and frequency of the behaviour will determine who will be notifying parents. (Administration, teachers, other staff)

• Telephone calls, parent conferences, notes home etc. are all ways that we strive to keep open communication with parents.
• Consultation with the staff member involved, teacher, student administration, and counselor may occur.
• Administration will contact other parties for serious incidents. We will contact:

• Parents of students involved
• Associate Superintendent
• Police and other agencies as required by law

Strawberry Vale Elementary and the Greater Victoria School District will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation against a student.