School policies are rules and regulations set up to ensure acceptable behaviour of students and school staff, to the benefit of everyone involved. Here are some sample policies in NL schools:
Safe and Caring Schools Policy
This policy is designed to ensure schools provide a healthy, safe, and supportive working and learning environment for every student and school staff member. The policy guides the way people in schools treat each other, directing that students and staff demonstrate regard, concern, and respect for the unique differences and worth of every individual.
This policy includes a “hands-off” rule – if a student does not make physical contact with another student, there can be no confusion over the intent.
There is zero tolerance for any behaviour involving abuse, violence, discrimination, bullying, sexual abuse, threats, trespassing, and possession of weapons.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is necessary in order to maintain your children’s opportunity for learning and to meet the evaluation requirements. Parents or guardians should contact the school or send a note if their child will not be attending classes or needs to leave school early.
Disciplinary Procedures
Disciplinary actions will depend on the severity and frequency of offences. They can include warnings, noon or after-school detention, contacting parents, extra school work, interviews, suspensions from extra-curricular activities, or suspension from school. In Canada, teachers are not allowed to use physical punishment on children.
Extra-Curricular Policies
Extra-curricular activities are school-related activities that take place outside the classroom. Some examples of extra-curricular policies are:
- Parent consent forms must be completed prior to any extra-curricular activities. No signature means no participation.
- Applicable fees must be paid.
- Students follow the general rules of conduct.
- If a child is dismissed or suspended from school as a result of a disciplinary procedure, the dismissal or suspension will include extra-curricular activities.
- Books that are borrowed from the school library, as well as the text books received at school, should be returned in acceptable condition.
- Most schools have regulations on using cell phones and other electronic devices. In most schools, it is forbidden to use such devices during class, and in some, students are not allowed to use them at all on school property.
- Students are not permitted to possess, sell or be under the influence, of any illegal substances (alcohol and drugs) on school property or at school-sponsored events. Smoking is not allowed on school property.
- In order to ensure their safety, students must respect their bus driver, and pay attention to what they tell them. Any misconduct on a bus will be reported to school officials.
We have made every effort to ensure that the information in this Guide is accurate and up-to-date. If you find any errors or omissions, please contact us.