Gibbons School Student Expectations

Gibbons School operates on the premise that all students have the right to learn and that the school environment guides students towards responsible behaviour. It is expected that students, while in school or participating in school-sponsored activities, behave in an appropriate manner that does not interfere with the rights and privileges of other students or staff. Home and school alike must share the responsibility for acceptable behaviour. The school is a place where there is a joint effort to learn, relate and grow.

Common Student Code of Behaviour:

1. Respect for authority
2. Respect for other individuals
3. Respect for one's own self
4. Respect for property
5. Respect for the learning environment
6. Consideration for the safety of self and others

It is the belief of Gibbons School that it is the responsibility of each individual in a position of authority to ensure that these guidelines are adhered to in a consistent manner.

Sturgeon School Division and the School Act have also established expectations and responsibilities for students as noted below:

1. Be diligent in pursuing their studies
2. Comply with school rules
3. Attend school regularly and punctually
4. Respect the rights of others
5. Cooperate fully with school staff

The focus of discipline at Gibbons School shall be to:

1. Help the student identify the inappropriate behaviour(s).
2. Help the student solve the problem(s) created by these behaviour(s).
3. Leave the student's dignity intact.

Students identified as not following school expectations will be informed of the problem as early as possible. A cooperative effort to discuss and address the problem(s) will be undertaken. However, students who after consultation fail to show progress in areas such as academic achievement, participation in class activities, completion of assignments, attitude and/or general deportment may be suspended from school or school related activities.

Factors such as age, grade, and nature of the misbehavior, degree of flagrance, emotional stability and past history will be considered when action is taken. Students who continually refuse to accept these responsibilities and as such have an adverse effect upon the tone and welfare of the school may lose the privilege of attending Gibbons School or other Sturgeon School Division schools.

In regards to the above, the school wide expectations include the following:

1. To promote a safe and caring environment, Gibbons School students are expected to remain at school throughout the day (please refer to Attendance Section).
2. All types of electronic equipment or items that could interfere with the learning environment (i.e. pager, beeper, Game boy, laser pointer, etc.) are not to be used during school hours. If brought to school these items are not the responsibility of the school and they must be stored securely in the student’s locker upon arrival at school and throughout the school day.
3. Cell phones must be turned off during class time. Students may use their cell phone during lunch recess time (12:02 p.m. to 12:47 p.m.) Lost/stolen cell phones are not the responsibility of the school.
4. I. Pod, MP 3 Player, Discman, Walkman, etc. are allowed to be used outside at recess times only. These items are not the responsibility of the school.
5. Students are to walk quietly and safely to and from all activities.
6. Avoid the use of profane language and the use of inappropriate gestures.
7. Be in classrooms during regular class times, on time, and leave only with teacher’s permission.
8. Bring all required materials to class (including student agenda) and ensure that all supplies are replaced as needed.
9. Keep school desks, lockers and classrooms in good order.
10. Report acts of vandalism, damage and criminal acts to the office.
11. Skateboards are permitted to be used at recess. Skateboards must be used responsibly and students must follow all safety guidelines. For safety reasons, students are not allowed to ride skateboards on school grounds except at the skateboard park. If riding a bike, students must wear an approved CSA helmet, place the bike in the supplied bike rack and secure with a lock. Students are allowed to ride bikes on school grounds in approved areas.
12. Items which can be viewed as a weapon, or are deemed to be weapons under the Criminal Code, are prohibited from school property.
13. The throwing of snowballs is not permitted on the school grounds.
14. Dress as outlined in the dress code shown below.
15. Students will be expected to be outside on those days which are warmer than –20C (unless involved in a supervised inside activity).
16. Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for weather conditions, as students are not allowed access to the school until 8:00 a.m. (unless weather determines otherwise).

Success at school can be increased through regular, punctual attendance. However, we realize that there may be times when appointments, illness, or unforeseen events necessitate that students be absent during school times. Following the guidelines below will assist the school in accurately reporting attendance. Students/parents should:

1. Bring a signed note from a parent/guardian upon their return to school. Failure to do so will result in the absence being deemed inexcusable. A parental phone call to the school as to the reason and date of the absence is also acceptable. When no call is made to the school a parent volunteer from the Absentee Check Program will contact the parent/guardian to determine the reason for the absence.
2. Students who have an appointment or are being picked up by a parent/guardian must sign out at the office and in upon their return, if this occurs during the school day. Verbal or written permission by a parent/guardian must be provided when signing out.
3. All students are expected to remain on the school grounds throughout the school day unless attending an appointment and follow the procedure noted in point 2 above, as we operate as a closed campus.
4. Classes are sometimes affected by field trips on specific core or complementary subjects. Even though some students may be away from school for a field trip, regular classes are held and it is the responsibility of all other students to be in attendance.
5. Students are accountable for any assignments/work, etc. missed during absences.
6. In extreme cases, chronic attendance concerns may result in the school recommending involvement of the Attendance Board.

Students must make every effort to be punctual for all classes. Being late for a class not only affects the learning process for the student involved, but also disrupts the learning environment for the whole class. Initially, the teacher will take disciplinary action for avoidable and habitual tardiness. Those students who are late may be expected to make up for lost time at noon or after school hours.

Students who are late for any reason must register in the office and obtain a late slip prior to gaining admittance to class.

Students at Gibbons School are expected to dress in accordance with the following general guidelines. The major premise is that students are required to dress and conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect and modesty and is appropriate for a school setting (i.e. profanity, sexual messages, drugs, etc.).

Gibbons School is a "no hat" facility inside the building. Students may wear hats outside during recess times.

In door shoes are encouraged to keep the school clean.

Students have the right to an environment that is free from threats and violence; where all students feel welcome and safe. In its broadest sense threats and violence are forms of harassment. Harassment consists of any unwelcome conduct, either verbal and/or physical that has the effect of interfering with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment.

Students who engage in violent, aggressive or harassing types of behaviour face a variety of discipline actions which may include, but are not limited to, the following: warnings, parental involvement, suspensions, expulsions and counseling. It should be noted that students who are spectators or encouragers during these types of behaviour will be subject to the same or similar consequences. Students who have been involved in harassment behaviours may appeal the results/consequences of any investigation under this policy first to the school principal, secondly to the Superintendent of Schools and finally the Board of Trustees.

Please note: Harassment may be an assault and in that case, a formal complaint to the RCMP may be placed.

Smoking is not permitted on the school grounds or at any school sponsored activity. Students who violate the rules regarding smoking or who are found to be in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol face immediate suspension/expulsion.

Teachers make extensive use of computer technology to assist with instruction. Internet access is available to students who have signed the Gibbons School Computer/Internet contract. Students/parents who sign this contract must adhere to strict guidelines on usage and are restricted to Internet searches and activities that are directly related to classroom assignments. Inappropriate use of computer/internet will result in a loss of privileges to use this technology and/or other consequences as deemed appropriate under the school code of conduct.

The school website: www.gibbonsschool.ca provides an important communication link between home and school.