Code of Conduct

Students as Learners

Chute Lake Elementary upholds and promotes the BC Human Rights Code- respecting the right of all those in accordance with the law- prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation – in its school environment.  

At Chute Lake Elementary School, students are expected to exhibit a commitment to learning and to achieving success. We have guidelines for appropriate student behaviour that reflect the school's philosophy of respect for self and others. The guidelines show that students are expected to take personal responsibility for their behaviour. This responsibility applies not only to their academic duties, but also to their use and care of school facilities, equipment, textbooks and supplies. Each responsible student contributes to the well-being and success of everyone at Chute Lake Elementary School. We believe:​

•      every child has the right to receive a quality education and learn together in a positive, caring environment

•       self-esteem builds success

•       the quality of education is improved if staff, parents and students respect each other

•       we must help students develop responsibility for their behaviour

Code of Conduct: Guiding Principles

Discipline is a complex issue. Expectations must be clearly stated, and consequences must be consistently applied. On the other hand, the real key to good discipline is to prevent inappropriate behaviour from occurring in the first place. The staff feels that, if staff and students build a rapport and that if students feel positively connected to the school, they will be less likely to misbehave. A proactive approach to discipline is the most effective method of achieving a school climate that is conducive to both teaching and learning. Indeed, while our school Code of Conduct is guided by the principle that all members of the school community have a right to work and learn in a safe, positive and supportive environment, the notion of consequences is also guided by the idea that all school Codes of Conduct will incorporate initiatives to encourage appropriate behaviour. As such, strategies are in place, and will be further implemented to:

•       increase the potential for the student to achieve academic and social success (e.g., preparedness, use of effective listening skills, productive work habits, etc.)

•       promote goodwill and harmony among members of the school community (e.g., inclusion, acceptance, respect, fairness, etc.)

•       increase the potential for the student to be an active contributing member of society (e.g., involvement in school and community service activities; participation in community-based field trips; involvement in co-curricular activities, etc.)

The notion of consequences is also guided by the following principles:

•       discipline must ALWAYS involve learning and may require punishment (or consequences) behaviour is learned; therefore, behaviour can be influenced and acceptable behaviours can be taught and learned

selection of appropriate consequences will acknowledge that punishment, in and of itself, does generally not have long term benefits for students

•       school codes of conduct help individuals develop self-discipline and the ability to co-operate with others

•       discipline in the positive sense encourages students to understand the fundamental values that are essential to the well-being of both the individual and society, and to accept responsibility for the consequences of their actions

Code of Conduct: Roles and Responsibilities


All students are expected to contribute to an orderly and safe learning environment. To carry out this responsibility, it is expected that students will:

•       treat all staff, volunteers and peers with consideration and respect

•       take responsibility for their behaviour when they are on or near school premises, off school grounds and participating in a school-related activity, and while traveling on a school bus operated by the board

•       participate in the development of school and classroom Codes of Conduct

•       respect the right(s) and property of others in the school community

•       learn and practice methods to resolve conflict in a peaceful and respectful manner

•       comply with the Codes of Conduct of the classroom, school and th Board

•       attend school regularly and punctually

•       help support our classmates in making the right choices

Teachers (and Support Staff)

It is the duty of all teachers to take all reasonable steps necessary to create and maintain an orderly and safe learning environment. In carrying out this duty, it is expected that teachers will:

•       involve students in the development of classroom Codes of Conduct

•       practice methods to resolve conflict in a peaceful and respectful manner

•       employ strategies to recognize appropriate behaviours in their classrooms

•       communicate to students the possible consequences of inappropriate behaviour

•       report to the principal or other authorized persons, any student who persistently behaves in inappropriate ways, or any situation involving a potential threat to thesafety of school members

•       apply school and classroom Codes of Conduct consistently

•       communicate with parents regularly

•       engage in professional development opportunities, where available, to develop skills and strategies in classroom management and promoting appropriate behaviour

•       communicate with other teachers regarding behaviour of children in that teacher’s class

•       treat students with patience, consistency and fairness


Parents have a duty to support their children in achieving learning success. In carrying out this duty, it is expected that parents will:

•       support their children's teachers in their efforts to provide an education for their children

•       participate in the development of school Code of Conduct

•       reinforce the need for and value of appropriate behaviours

•       communicate regularly with their children's school

•       ensure that their children attend school regularly and punctually

•       provide the school with accurate information about their child and their learning needs