Prepare interesting and effective lessons for their students.
Treat all students in a fair and consistent manner.
Treat all students as individuals and attempt to meet their individual needs.
Provide a pleasant and friendly learning environment for their students.
Keep parents informed regarding the behaviour and academic progress of their children.

Parents' Rights and Responsibilities

Parents have the right to:

Be informed of the academic and social progress of their child.
Expect the school to be conducted in an organized manner.
Expect teachers to act as "kind but firm, judicious parents".
Be provided with an educational programme designed to meet the individual needs of their children.
Have their children receive an education in a warm, pleasant and secure learning environment.

It is expected that parents will:

Send their children to school properly prepared to take part in the school programme.
Ensure that their children attend school regularly and on time.
Be actively involved in supporting and assisting the education of their children both at home and in school.
Encourage their children to become involved in the total school programme.
Communicate with the school regarding the progress of their children.

When infractions of the Discipline Code occur, disciplinary action may include the following:

Detentions

Parental notification by phone or letter

Student interview by teachers and/or administrators

Withdrawal of privileges ie. Trips, clubs, extra curricular

Parental interview

Therapeutic withdrawal from class or school.

Suspension or expulsion

Corrective action taken will depend on the degree and severity of the problem.

Discipline Code

All students, parents and staff have rights and responsibilities in the educational process. Students in particular have the right to an education without disruption and a corresponding responsibility not to deny this right to other students. The purpose of these rights and responsibilities is to foster a positive educational atmosphere.

At Dalewood School we have summarized the rights and responsibilities of all partners into the "Three C's"...Our keys to attaining the positive learning environment we desire for everyone.

Co-operation: co-operate with the students, staff, volunteers and visitors of Dalewood School.
Consideration: consider and respect the feelings, property and safety of everyone at Dalewood School.
Control: control your behaviour, keep hands, body and feet to yourself; control your temper and your tongue...Verbal abuse, name-calling and put downs will not be accepted.

The majority of our students behave appropriately and the majority of the time we are proud of our students. They exhibit an understanding of others, assume many responsibilities and accept the consequences of their actions and decisions. They look to the adults in their life for guidance.

Our staff strongly support a fair, firm method of handling breaches of conduct where behavior is disruptive, anti-social, disrespectful or potentially harmful to others. The use of natural and logical consequences is a fair and encouraging method of teaching RESPONSIBILITY and RESPECT and cultivating SELF-DISCIPLINE.

The PARTNERSHIP and COMMITMENT of parents to assist by following up and discussing misbehavior with students, by supporting consequences and by reinforcing appropriate behaviour and decision-making is most appreciated.

Our school's Discipline Code is based on the legislation found in Bill 81 of the Education Act.

School Board Policies

Statement of Zero Tolerance of Violence

It is the policy of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board to respond with ZERO TOLERANCE to all known acts of violence or any behaviour that has the potential to result in violence. The Board is committed to fostering a safe and secure learning/working environment. This environment will be achieved through proactive prevention and intervention strategies within each school where all students and staff understand, value and respect the diversity of others and the importance of self-worth.

Clear and consistent disciplinary action will be applied in response to the following acts of violence:

Threats of serious physical injury;
Assaults causing bodily harm;
Sexual assault;
Hate-motivated violence;
Robbery and extortion;
The possession and/or use of weapons;
Extensive vandalism.

Depending on the nature and severity of the incident and age of the student, one or more of the following consequences may be employed:

Contact with parent(s)/guardian(s);
Contact with police;
Suspension of the student;
Completion of a Violent Incident Form for inclusion in the OSR (Ontario School Record);
Alternative learning placement for the student;
Recommendation for expulsion.

Expulsion Policy Statement

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is committed to a safe learning and working environment. Such an environment protects the safety and self-esteem of each person and promotes mutual respect of one person for another. The Board is prepared to exercise its authority to expel students as necessary in order to ensure the safe learning and working environment. (in accordance to Bill 81 and the "Ontario Schools Code of Conduct.")

Expulsion Policy and Procedures

In adherence with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Board's Policy against Harassment states:

That every employee, volunteer and student in the workplace and school system has the right to freedom from harassment because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offense, marital status, family status, employment, status or disability. For the purpose of this policy, harassment means engaging in a course of derogatory or vexatious comments or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.

Consistent with the Ministry and Board policies, each school will have procedures in its discipline code for dealing with racial, ethnic, cultural and religious conflict. The school community will be made aware of this discipline code and where necessary, in language they understand.
Since non-verification may be perceived as condoning the action response to any conflict or incident must be immediate.

Policy Against Harassment

At Dalewood, we support the Ontario Human Rights Code and believe that all student, teachers, staff members and volunteers have the right to freedom from harassment in our school.

Harassment is defined as derogatory comments or conduct based on race, colour, disability, family status, ethnic origin, place of origin or age. These behaviours undermine our schools' well-being and performance. Harassment is unacceptable at Dalewood.
Harassment could include;

Unwelcome remarks, insults, jokes, name calling, slurs or teasing
Fighting or bullying
Lack of sensitivity to racial, cultural, ethnic and religious norms
Threats or insulting gestures

Parents Can Help in a Number of Ways

First, develop a good understanding of the school discipline code. If you find any of the points unclear, or you have any questions, please ask your child's teacher for clarification. You can also participate in the regular review of your school's discipline code or serve on your school's Safe School Committee. We value your input and interest.

What Can Parents do to Help?

Review the school rules with your children, and discuss the kinds of behaviour that are acceptable and unacceptable.

Review the following checklist with your child. If you answer no to a question, it may signal a behaviour or problem that needs to be addressed:

Do they use polite language?
Do they refrain from using from using foul language?
Do they treat people of all ages with respect?
Are they helpful and considerate?
Do they follow the school discipline code and class rules?
Do they look after school property and respect other's property?
Are they punctual for all school activities?
Do they know how to solve problems without relying on physical or verbal aggression?

Some More Ideas

Ask children to share what they are learning at school.
Practice peaceful resolution of conflicts at home.
Encourage children to respond to conflicts in nonviolent ways; this includes avoiding name calling or put downs.
Talk about violence they observe and discuss other ways of solving the problem.
Support and encourage your child to report acts of harassment, bullying and violence to their teacher.

For the safety and propriety in the learning environment, appropriate dress is required for both staff and students.

Clothing and shoes should be safe for class room and outdoor play.

Clothing should be appropriate for a school environment.

No suggestive language or pictures are allowed ie. Sexual, racial, obscene, violent.

No caps or hats are to be worn in the school.

For Physical Education, the Ontario Curriculum states students are to...
Follow safety procedures related to physical activity, equipment and facilities by displaying readiness to participate in the instructional program ie. wearing appropriate clothing.

running shoes

socks

shorts/track pants

light top

Students not properly attired are unable to actively participate in the program activities.

Attendance

Good attendance is essential for success at school. Students are expected to attend on a regular basis and, if absent they are expected to bring a note or have their parents telephone the school before 8:30 a.m. We have an answering machine, so messages may be left stating parent's name, child's name, grade teacher, reason for absence or lateness and length of expected absent from school. The recording will be on from 4:00 p.m. the night before, until 8:40 a.m. With the Board's Safe Arrival Policy , the office will be contacting the primary number given to us by the parent of every child who is absent from school. Please use the answering machine process as it saves the office staff a great deal of time trying to contact parents. If your family is planning a holiday during the school year, please inform the office in writing. It is the students responsibility to become aware of the assignments missed. The student is expected to complete them by a time negotiated with the teacher. PARENTS: It is your responsibility to provide a number that you can be reached at in case of emergency.

Early Dismissal

If you are to be excused early during the day, you must present a note from your parents or guardians to the teacher and then to the office (FIRST THING IN THE MORNING).

Students have the right to:

It is expected that students will:

Teachers' Rights and Responsibilities

TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

IT IS EXPECTED THAT TEACHERS WILL: