Discipline Policy
Our discipline policy is based on the Alberta School Act and on guidelines established by the Calgary Board of Education. These are outlined in detail in the CBE Administrative Regulations.
Summary
Staff will endeavour to address discipline problems in an objective, professional manner, treating each child with respect and considering each student's individual needs. It is our expectation that students will consistently demonstrate their commitment to the school's expectations for citizenship, character and personal development in order to create a learning community where all members feel valued, respected and safe. We believe that our learners are inherently capable, well-meaning, and responsible, but at times may act impulsively or irrationally. Our approach to dealing with any problems that occur from time to time will reflect this belief.
Staff will use problem solving approaches and due process to resolve situations, applying natural and logical consequences in response to behaviour difficulties. Staff will determine whether incidences should be formally documented, whether administration involvement is required and/or whether parents/guardians should be contacted.
Ongoing, recurring, and escalating difficulties (i.e. disrespectful treatment of others, abusive language, threats, physical aggression, vandalism, defiance of authority, repeated harassment, criminal activity) will be referred to administration. Parents will be contacted to make them aware of the nature of the concern and to enlist their support. Parents are considered essential in helping students understand the consequences of their actions.
For serious concerns and misbehaviour, teachers, students, and parents will be asked to formulate a plan of action with administration. Serious misconduct may result in loss of privileges, timeout and/or removal from class, assignment of community service duties, an in-school or home suspension, referral to student services, and involvement of our Calgary Police Service Resource Officer. All matters of discipline, including recommended consequences, will be dealt with in a confidential manner. Each incident will be documented and treated on its own merit.
By applying logical, natural, and consistent consequences for actions, and by providing students with opportunities to become responsible and caring members of our learning community, we believe our students will learn that the choices they make impact how they live in community with others.
Discipline Strategy
Our staff is committed to the development and maintenance of a positive learning environment, one that is safe, secure and conducive to effective teaching and learning. A “safe and secure” school learning environment is physically, emotionally and psychologically safe.
Our discipline policy has been developed to reflect this commitment and emphasizes measures to foster appropriate positive attitudes and behaviour. It is based on guidelines established by CBE Policies and Regulations. The following strategies will be implemented to assist students in being successful in school.
Level I: Student-Teacher
The teacher will counsel the student regarding inappropriate behaviour and follow up with a logical and reasonable consequence. A single incident may or may not be documented, however subsequent or repeated events will be.
Level II: Student-Teacher-Parent
The teacher will notify the parent of the incident(s) and work with the parents on resolving the issues which may or may not include consequences.
Level III: Student-Teacher-Parent-Administrator
Actions taken are progressive in nature. The student, teacher, parent and administrator will all be aware of the misdeed(s). At this level, there is defiance on the part of the student and a change in strategy is warranted. Communication with the home will occur. A meeting including the student, teacher, parent and administrator may be scheduled.
