At Lake Bonavista School we believe that:

• the school and families are partners in the efforts to raise socially responsible citizens
• children have the right to learn in a safe and caring environment
• children are responsible for behaving in a manner which demonstrates respect for self, for others, for property, and for our environment
• consequences for inappropriate behaviour should be logical and should, if possible, be naturally related to the demonstrated misbehaviour
• the goal is to help students learn effective and appropriate ways of dealing with their own feelings and actions and with the feelings and actions of those around them

As responsible citizens in our school, we are expected to demonstrate:

• readiness and willingness to learn. This expectation can range from punctuality to completion of assigned work; from openness to learning new things to helping classmates with their learning when appropriate; from listening carefully in class to being an active participant in their own learning; from starting the day with adequate nutrition and sleep to having all of the materials necessary for the day’s learning

To show respect for others, we need to:

• listen with respect to other's points of view
• use appropriate language and intonation when speaking to peers & adults
• use the appropriate problem solving strategies in cases where differences of opinion occur
• recognize and applaud mastery in all members of our school community
• demonstrate generosity in our interactions with others
• understand that verbal and physical bullying of other students is unacceptable 

To ensure the safety of everyone:

• the speed limit in hallways and classrooms is walking speed
• play fighting and snowballing are not acceptable at any time
• the parking lot is out of bounds to students at all times
• students may not leave the school grounds without permission from the office
• scooters, bikes and rollerblades are not to be ridden on school grounds
• outside of instructional hours, students are to be in the school only with staff permission and supervision.

Primary focus of our school behaviour policy is on the recognition and reinforcement of positive behaviours. However, should a student demonstrate behaviours that are not consistent with learning in a safe and caring environment, then a range of strategies may be implemented by school staff in an effort to support positive behaviour. These strategies may include the following:

• character and/or citizenship building lessons and activities
• discussion with the student about their behaviour – outlining appropriate student behaviour and problem solving strategies
• withdrawal of a privilege for a specified time; time out from the classroom a specified time in which the student may be required to complete unfinished assignments
• verbal or written apologies to appropriate parties
• community service around the school
• submission of a written plan outlining future behavioural goals
•  in-school suspension
• out of school suspensions ranging from 1 to 5 days 
• a formal school suspension whereby a student is excluded from school

If you have a question or concern over your child’s or another student’s behaviour, please first contact your child’s teacher so that your questions or concerns can be resolved in a timely manner. 

Bus Expectations

Travel by bus requires that bus safety rules are observed by all riders. It is expected that bus riders will behave in ways which promote bus safety and courtesy. Riders who behave inappropriately may have their bus privileges withdrawn. Please discuss the following behaviour expectations with your child(ren).

It is expected that students will:

• remain seated, facing the front of the bus throughout the journey
• listen to and follow the expectations of the bus driver at all times
• keep arms & head or other body parts inside the bus
• speak quietly to their neighbours
• show consideration for the comfort and safety of others