Code of Conduct

Logo: Tyee

Tyee Montessori
Whoever touches the life of the child touches the most sensitive point of a whole which has roots in the most distant past and climbs toward the infinite future.

- Maria Montessori

Code of Conduct

Tyee Mission Statement

At Tyee, we believe in enabling learners to reach for personal excellence in a supportive, stimulating environment following Montessori principles. We encourage and guide all students to take responsibility for their learning and actively participate in a broad range of learning experiences.

At Tyee Montessori, particular attention is given to the child’s social development. We cultivate the child’s sense of independence, self respect, love of peace, and ability to respect and celebrate differences. Non-violence, non-aggressive behaviour, and respect for another’s belongings and work are the norm.

Grace and Courtesy

Grace and courtesy sets the tone of respect and kindness. The entire Tyee Community (students, staff, parents) demonstrates Grace and Courtesy by adopting these guidelines:

• Be respectful

• Be safe and keep others safe

• Be responsible

• Solve problems peacefully

Here are some further examples:

1. Greet others, such as “Good Morning”.

2. Say "Please" and “Thank you”.

3. Hold the doors for others.

4. Make way for younger children and adults.

5. Wait for turn in line.

6. Enter another classroom quietly.

7. Respect the environment and other people’s spaces.

8. Be honest.

9. Treat others the way we’d like to be treated!

Our School Motto:

Respect Yourself.

Respect Others.

Respect the Environment.

The expectations apply when at school activities, at school related activities or in other situations where the activity will have an impact on the school environment.

Respect For Self, Others and The Environment Looks Like This:

In the classroom and library

Be on time, prepared for class and on task

Listen and speak to others with respect

Make sure that your teacher always knows where you are

Respect one’s own and others’ property

Respect Internet Policy

In the hallways and stairways

Walk quietly

Pay attention to what/who is around you

In the lunchroom

Stay seated

Use quiet voices

Eat your lunch and clean up after yourself

Raise your hand to be dismissed

On the playgrounds

Include others in your play

Play safely

Stay on school grounds and in designated areas

Keep hands, feet and unkind words to yourself

Solve problems by talking and/or seeking help

In the washroom

You are there to go to the washroom

Flush the toilet, wash your hands and turn off the taps

Throw paper towels in the garbage only

Report problems to an adult

Everywhere

Demonstrate grace and courtesy

Dress appropriately for school

Students are encouraged to make good choices that demonstrate respect for self, respect for others and respect for the environment.

Consequences For Behaviour: Make Amends Plan

At Tyee we reflect upon our choices, take responsibility for our actions, and make amends through grace and courtesy and a restorative action plan with consideration of the developmental levels, age, maturity and special needs of students, if any.

Make Amends Plan – Level 1

When a child breaks the Code of Conduct in respecting self, others and the environment

Some examples are:

• Interfering with the learning of others

• Creating unsafe conditions (running in halls, roughhousing, throwing snowballs, and riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters or in-line skates on school property)

• Disrespecting others (name calling, swearing, teasing)

• Not respecting property (littering, ripping or writing on someone else’s work or school property)

Most of these choices are minor and can be solved with the teacher and student(s), and sometimes may involve a small group or class meeting. A decision will be made with the student and the teacher about appropriate restorative action (apology, act that gives back to the individual/school).

Make Amends Plan – Level 2

When a child repeatedly breaks the Code of Conduct in respecting self, others and the environment (see examples in Level 1)

A discussion takes place with the student, teacher and principal. A collaborative decision will be made about appropriate restorative action and the student completes a “Make Amends Plan” (of which a copy is sent home). The teacher or principal may also request a meeting with the parents (or vice-versa).

Make Amends Plan – Level 3

When the child breaks the Code of Conduct in respecting self, others and the environment in a serious way

Some examples include:

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation or threats

• Ignoring others who bully, harass, intimidate or threaten rather than seeking help

• Racist, homophobic or sexist comments/behaviour

• Theft

• Non-compliance; wilful disrespect

• Very unsafe behaviour (leaving school grounds/class)

• Vandalism (wilful destruction of property)

• Using physical violence

• Accessing inappropriate sites on the Internet

• Saying mean things about others in person or via e-mails or blogs

• Playing pranks on others

The teacher(s), parent(s), student, and principal confer and devise the next level of intervention for the student to succeed in school. A decision will be made about the appropriate restorative action and the student completes a “Make Amends Plan”.

Serious Breaches of The Code of Conduct

Choices that are made (such as weapon offences, violent behaviour causing injury to another person, lighting fires, stealing, or a major disruption in a classroom or school event) may result in an in-school or out-of-school suspension for up to five days. The authority to suspend students is given to the principal of the school. Please note that if there is a violation of a very serious nature, suspension will be immediate. In such circumstances, a letter will be placed in the child’s file. A conference with the student, parents, teacher and principal is required before the student can return to school. It may be necessary to contact others outside of the school such as district staff, police, MCFD or other community agencies.

Family Involvement

Tyee’s Code of Conduct was established to ensure each child and staff member’s safety. We ask for student and parental support in honouring our commitment to ensuring the safest learning environment for all. Parents can help in the following ways:

1. Discuss the Code of Conduct with your child.

2. Be in close contact with your child’s teacher.

3. Should you have any questions, please phone the school (604.713-4723). Any of the following people would be pleased to assist you:

a. Ms Stephanie, Admin Assistant

b. Your child’s teacher

c. Mr. Fernando, School Counsellor

d. Ms Gail Marlow, Principal.

Learning is a wonderful adventure. Let’s all make it so for students, staff, parents and our greater community!

Every person has the right

To be treated with dignity,

And respect,

And to be accepted,

Valued

And loved

Through it all.

Cam Gordon, Together with Montessori

Tyee promotes the values of inclusion as expressed in the BC Human Rights Code.

Last Updated: December 31, 2011