Code of conduct

Online code of conduct

Please review the TDSB's student online code of conduct here.

Code of conduct and Progressive Discipline Policy

The Toronto District School Board will not tolerate behaviour which jeopardizes the emotional well-being or physical safety of members of the school community. In keeping with this policy, student misbehaviours at West Hill Public School are dealt with through a series of incremental steps, which are influenced by the age of the child, nature of the offence, and frequency of the misbehaviour.

These steps may proceed from a simple discussion, to facilitating an apology, a withdrawal of

privileges, restitution, a phone call and/or letter home, in-school withdrawals; to suspensions from school. This is known as “Progressive Discipline.”

To foster a positive and respectful learning environment at West Hill a school code of conduct has been sent home for you to review with your child. The following guidelines are emphasized:

• Treat all people with respect and consideration
• Speak politely. No name-calling or put-downs
• Work and play in a fair manner
• Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself
• Respect school property and the property of others
• Toy/Replica guns and knives are not permitted on school property

We believe that positive behaviours can be learned and that teaching socially responsible behaviours requires modeling, consistency, and practise. All students are expected to:

• Help make the school a safe, caring, and orderly environment for purposeful learning
• Conduct themselves in a manner that does not pose a threat to the physical safety or emotional well-being of others
• Respect self, others, and the school
• Be inclusive and value diversity; act in non discriminatory ways as set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code
• Increase personal responsibility and self-discipline
• Engage in purposeful learning activities and complete all school work to the best of their ability
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship
• Only use personal technology devices off school grounds and keep them off in their bags or lockers while on school grounds, unless supervised by a staff member
• Inform a teacher of incidents of bullying, harassment, or intimidation
• Refrain from taking retribution against a person who has reported incidents
• Act in a manner that brings credit to the school whether students are on or off site

Students have the right to:

• be safe at school
• be treated with kindness and respect at school by students and adults
• learn in a supportive, orderly environment
• be included

Students have the responsibility to:

Be safe:

• follow school and classroom rules
• be aware of and follow emergency procedures

Be respectful:

• accept differences in others
• demonstrate respect for themselves and others
• use respectful language
• use respectful behaviour

Be Responsible:

• attend school regularly and respect school hours
• arrive at school prepared for the day
• work to their potential
• respect school property
• respect their own property as well as that of others
• leave valuables and inappropriate items at home
• report incidents of bullying, harassment or intimidation in a timely manner

Be Kind:

• set an example and act as a role model for others
• share and include others

Student attire

Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather, as s/he will be expected to

spend some time each day outdoors. All students are expected to go outside for recesses.

It is essential that students wear shoes inside the building at all times. In the event of an

emergency such as a fire or even a fire drill, students will not be able to stop and put on shoes or

boots. The chances of slipping on the floor are also reduced with proper footwear. Non-marking running shoes are required for gym classes. All students are expected to follow the school dress code.

Dress code for ALL students

• Ensure appropriate dress for weather conditions
• Clothing that has offensive/inappropriate slogans or graphics may not be worn at school (images of those encouraging violence, racism, or sexism are not permitted)
• Pants must be worn at waist level and underclothes and bare midriffs should not be visible
• Clothing must not be see-through
• Short shorts and short skirts are not permitted. If shorts or skirts are worn, they must reach the tips of the student's fingertips
• Hats or headgear including bandanas and do-rags may not be worn in the school unless for religious or medical reasons (with a doctor’s note)
• Spaghetti straps and tank tops on males or females are not permitted
• Tank tops should be 11⁄2 inches or 3.8 cm in width and no low cut neckline or under the arms
• Tights or leggings may be worn as long as the top covers the buttocks
• Footwear must be worn inside the building at all times. Indoor shoes must be worn in classrooms
• Flip-flops are not permitted and non-marking running shoes are required for gym

*Students whose clothing displays offensive/inappropriate slogans or graphics will be asked to turn their shirt inside out. Staff will supply a school t-shirt to any student wearing insufficient clothing.