Code of Conduct

Bouchard Welcome 

It is a pleasure to welcome everyone to a new and exciting school year.  Staff value the David Bouchard community and are committed to providing a rich curriculum experience for each student. It is our goal to engage students and parents in a life-long love of learning, and provide growth opportunities through a variety of activities including athletics, arts, academics, student leadership, and community events. 

We want you to feel welcomed in our school and to be active in your child’s learning.  Research has shown that learning improves when school and families work together as a partner in a child’s education.  We strive to create a culture based on mutual respect and cooperation.  You can contribute to a positive school environment by: 

  •  dropping off and picking up in the designated area 

  • ensure that your child understands the bus safety and behavioural expectations 

  •  remain outside of the building during entry and dismissal 

  • Check in at the office when you enter the school 

  • Make your child’s teacher your first point of contact when you have educational concerns 

  • Respect the confidentiality of information about all members of the school community      

 “Let’s Talk” 

Teachers are always happy to meet with families; however, “dropping by” before or after school may not always be the best time.  Your child’s teacher may already be preparing for lessons/classroom, may be assisting other students, supervising students or engaged in an extra-curricular activity.  Please respect our educators by not asking to speak to your child’s teacher during the instructional time.  Also, with the use of various communication tools such as remind and email, it has allowed us to communicate with them at any time. Please do not expect an immediate response when you send a message.  Teachers may be teaching, preparing a lesson for your child or at home with their families.  Our educators will connect with you as soon as they can to ensure that you have their full attention and an adequate amount of time to discuss any issue.     

School Community Council  

You are encouraged to attend our bi-monthly virtual School Community Council meetings.  As a school we welcome you to work together to drive student achievement, build community and fundraise.  Although this year is different and we are unable to have volunteers, your partnership is valued and appreciated as we work together to uphold high expectations for our students.  

Safe Arrival 

At Bouchard, we believe that establishing good routines in elementary school is crucial for future success.  One factor contributing to school success is good attendance.  Attending school regularly makes children feel better about school and themselves.  In some circumstances we understand that an absence or late is unavoidable, in that events please call the safe arrival program at 1-844-350-2646. If it is after the school day has started or to report an afternoon absence, please call the general school line.  Students who arrive late, must report to the office for a late slip. 

Allergy Alert 

David Bouchard is an allergy aware school.  Please refrain from sending any food to school that contains nuts, nut products, or shellfish- this includes “WOW Butter”.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.  Parents of children with any severe allergy must notify the office and complete the required paperwork to help us ensure student safety. 

 

Treats from Home  

Although it is very generous for a student to bring treats for classmates to celebrate a special occasion, please keep in mind we have several students with food allergies.  For this reasons food can not be brought in to share.   

Administration of Medicine 

Medication is administrated by the school when it is directed by a doctor and when a “Request for Administration of Medicine” form has been submitted to the office and signed by the parent/guardian.  Prescription medicine will be stored in the office to be administered by the Principal or designate.   

School Code of Conduct  

Please review this Code of Conduct at the beginning of the school year and keep it in a safe place where it can be referenced as necessary. 

 1. All participants involved in the publicly funded school system - students, parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members - are included in the Ontario Schools Code of Conduct whether they are on school property, on school buses or at school-authorized events or activities.  

2. All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially persons in positions of authority.  

3. The taking of photos, filming or recording, or the broadcasting of live audio and/or video, while at school, on school property, or at a school related activity, is prohibited unless approved by the DDSB (or school), and/or where proper consents have been obtained, as may be appropriate.  

4. The possession, use or threatened use of any object to injure another person, endangers the safety of oneself and others, and will be acted on in accordance with DDSB protocols  

5. Alcohol, illegal drugs and other intoxicants are addictive and present a health hazard. Ontario schools will work cooperatively with police, drug and alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and, where necessary, respond to school members who are in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol, illegal drugs or intoxicants. (As well, smoking in school buildings and on school property is prohibited by law.)  

6. Insults, disrespect and other hurtful acts, including physical aggression, disrupt learning and teaching in a school community. Members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and differences are addressed in a manner that shows respect and civility. 

David Bouchard Code of Conduct  

Common Area 

Be Safe 

Be Respectful 

Be Responsible  

Lunch Room 

  • Keep all food to self 

  • Sit with feet on the floor, bottom on chair 

  • Keep all chair legs on the floor 

  • Do not bring nut products to school 

  • Use good manners 

  • Use quiet voice 

  • Raise hand and wait to be excused 

  • Speak in a respectful tone 

  • Only leave your seat with permission 

 

  • Bring a healthy lunch  

  • Clean your area up 

  • Take garbage and recycling home 

  • Reduce waste, reuse containers and recycle 

Playground/Recess 

 

 

 

 

Playground/Recess 

  • Stay within your boundaries 

  • No rough play or play fighting 

  • Play games that are safe and fun for everyone 

  • Keep hands and feet to self 

  • Play fair 

  • Include others 

  • Follow the direction of staff on duty 

  • Use polite/appropriate language  

  • Ensure that any garbage is disposed of properly  

  • Do not come into the school without permission 

  • Return to class when the bell rings 

  • Return all sports equipment that you borrowed 

  • Do not take food outside 

Halls, Stairways 

  • Stay to the right 

  • Allow others to pass 

  • Walk at all times 

  • Keep hands and feet to self 

  • No food or drink 

  • Use the water stations properly 

  • Hold the door open for the person behind you 

  • Use a quiet voice 

  • Get to class on time 

  • Do not loiter 

Washrooms 

  • Keep feet on the floor 

  • Keep water in the sink 

  • Give people privacy 

  • Flush the toilet after you use it  

  • Use a quiet voice 

  • Ensure that any garbage is disposed of properly  

  • Return to your class or outside promptly 

  • Do not use the washroom without permission 

  • Wash hands 

  • Dry hands 

Arrival and Dismissal 

  • Use sidewalks and crosswalks 

  • Wait in the designated areas 

  • Do not block doorways 

  • Keep hands and feet to self 

  • Be aware of the people around you  

  • Use kind words and actions 

  • Line up quietly 

  • Wait for your turn to enter 

  • Clean up after yourself  

  • Follow adult directions  

  • Arrive on time 

  • Leave on time 

  • Get teacher permission to use a phone 

  • Enter and exit through the designated door 

 

Oshawa Family of Schools Code of Conduct  

You show respect for yourself when: 

  • Are mindful of personal feelings 

  • Follow a healthy lifestyle 

  • Resist negative peer pressure 

  • Watch out for your own safety  

You are responsible for: 

  • Your own actions 

  • Knowing and setting your own limits 

  • Maintaining a positive attitude 

  • Accepting the consequences of your actions 

You show respect for others when: 

  • Accept individual differences 

  • Honour personal privacy and space 

  • Value others’ opinions and beliefs 

  • Contribute to a violence, harassment and bully-free environment 

  • Play safely and fairly  

You are responsible for: 

  • Knowing the school rules 

  • Being respectful and considerate 

  • Being polite to everyone 

  • Resolving conflicts peacefully 

  • Managing your own anger 

  • Reporting strangers and trespassers to the office 

You show respect for learning when: 

  • Strive to do your best 

  • Uphold the rights of everyone, including yourself, to have uninterrupted learning environment 

  • Ask for help when needed 

  • Hand in your own work 

You are responsible for: 

  • Attending and being on time for all classes 

  • Being prepared for class 

  • Completing homework and handing in assignments on time 

  • Participating in class activities 

  • Managing your behaviour 

You show respect for property when: 

  • Take pride in our school and grounds 

  • Keep the school free from litter and graffiti  

  • Report vandalism, theft and stolen property 

You are responsible for: 

  • Returning books and other school material 

  • Treating school property and the grounds with respect 

  • Using computers and the internet properly 

  • Eating only in designated areas 

You show respect for language when: 

  • Speak politely and respectfully 

  • DO NOT swear, mock, harass, threaten, gossip, bully or use sexist, homophobic or racist language 

You are responsible for: 

  • Knowing what language is appropriate for a school setting 

  • Your tone of voice 

  • Understanding when joking and kidding have gone too far 

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Ontario Schools Code of Conduct) 

 In addition to school staff, students, parents, and other members of the public who interact with members of the school community while present in or on school property or premises, have a responsibility to respect others in the school and to conduct themselves accordingly.  

Principals, under the direction of their school board, take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide this leadership by: demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment;  

· holding everyone, under their authority, accountable for their behaviour and actions;  

· empowering students to be positive leaders in their school community;  

· communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community 

 Teachers and School Staff, under the leadership of their principal, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, staff upholds these high standards when they:  

· help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth;  

· empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community; 

· communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;  

· maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;  

· demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents; 

 · prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship 

Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:  

· comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn;  

· shows respect for themselves, others and for those in authority;  

· refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others; 

 · follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own action.  

Parents play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:  

· show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress;  

· communicate regularly with the school;  

· help their child be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school; 

 · ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;  

· promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival; 

 · become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules; 

 · encourage and assist their child in following the DDSB rules of behaviour;  

· assist school staff in dealing with discipline issues; 

Bully Prevention and Intervention 

All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe and feel safe, in their school community. The staff at David Bouchard are committed to working together with parents and community partners to establish a healthy and bully free environment. 

Definition of Bullying 

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying can be physical, verbal or emotional. 

Definition of Cyberbullying  

Cyberbullying is bullying or harassment through cyber-space (i.e. e-mail, instant messaging, text message, digital/video images, recordings, blogs, mobile phones, websites etc.). Cyber-bullying can disrupt the school community, create a poisonous learning environment, harm the moral tone of the school and/or affect the well being of others (DDSB) 

Examples of Bullying/Cyberbullying 

  • Hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking and/or pushing 

  • Stealing or damaging another person’s property 

  • Ganging up on someone 

  • Teasing someone 

  • Using put-downs, insulting someone’s race, sexual orientation or making fun of someone’s gender 

  • Spreading rumours 

  • Leaving someone out on purpose 

  • Online threats/intimidation 

  • Online slander 

 

Bus Behaviour  

Safety is paramount on a school bus and it is where expectations for appropriate conduct are amongst the highest. The Durham District School Board’s aim is to provide student transportation, on time, and have students ready to learn. We request the co-operation of all concerned in observing the following guidelines:  

Arriving at the Pick-up Point  

• It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to see that students are safely on the bus 

• Students should be on time, avoiding running to catch the bus 

 • If students must walk along the road to the bus stop, walk on the left side, facing oncoming traffic 

• Wait on the shoulder of the road in an orderly manner 

Crossing the Road  

• Wait until the bus has stopped and the signals are flashing 

 • Look both ways to be certain all traffic has stopped  

• Cross the road at right angles 

 • Walk, do not run 

 • Always cross at least ten feet in front of the bus, never behind the bus 

Boarding the Bus  

• Line up in a single file with younger students at the front 

 • Keep off the travelled portion of the road until the bus has stopped 

 • Board the bus in an orderly manner 

• Proceed directly to your seat 

On the Bus  

• Remain seated while the bus is in motion 

 • Keep windows closed unless the driver gives permission to open them 

• Never put hands, arms, head, or legs out of the window 

 • Never throw anything inside the bus or out of the bus window 

• Do not distract the bus driver with loud or boisterous talking 

 • No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted on the bus 

• No skis, snowboards, golf clubs or other large recreation equipment are permitted on the bus 

 • Respectful behaviour to other students, the bus driver and other adults is expected at all times 

Lockers 

Student lockers are the property of the DDSB and not the property of the student, as per regulation 5147.  They are on loan for the school year and they need to be treated respectfully.  Lockers are to be used for the storage of school related materials and authorized personal items only such as clothing, footwear and lunches.  Students are solely responsible for the contents of their lockers and the contents must be secured.  A record of the student’s locker combination and serial number will be maintained by each homeroom teacher.   

Lunch Routines 

Only students who do not have a caregiver or parent at home during the lunch hour should be staying for lunch. Families are encouraged to make alternative arrangements over the lunch hour to provide their child a break from the school environment. Students who are going home should not be returning to school until 11:45 am. Students who are not going home for lunch are expected to remain on school property for the entire lunch period.  The plaza and other areas off school property are out of bounds.  All students not going home for lunch are required to remain in their designated yard and classroom. Those eating at school will eat lunch in their classrooms from 10:45-11:15 and then they will proceed outside for recess until 11:45 am.  All students are supervised by adult lunchroom supervisors and staff.  

The following expectations are for all students who are staying at school for lunch 

1. Students are expected to be courteous and respectful to all staff and supervisors 

2. Students are expected to remain at their designated seat for the entire eating period, unless permission has been given 

3. Students eating at school are expected to remain on school property for the entire lunch 

4. Students are responsible for their own clean-up and to bring a litterless lunch. All garbage will be placed back in the student’s lunchbox to be returned to home.  

5. Students are not to share any food items and they are not to take any food or drink outside. 

 

 What Not to Bring to School  

Remember the items that we bring to school should be necessary for supporting our learning.  The following guidelines will apply: 

1. In-line skates, skateboards and scooters are expected to be carried and/or folded once the student arrives on the school grounds.  The items are a privilege and a failure to respect the safety guidelines will result in them not being allowed at school 

2. It is strongly recommended that students keep their trading cards at home.  If deemed a detriment to the learning environment, cards may be taken from students and returned to either the student or the parent within a reasonable timeline. 

3. Baseball bats, baseballs, mini hockey sticks, laser pens and other equipment that could cause injury are to be left at home.  

Personal Electronics 

Technology continues to evolve, providing students with access to personal wireless technologies that are sophisticated and expensive such as cell phones, smart watches, tablets, gaming systems etc. In keeping with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, unauthorized video or audio recordings on school grounds for any purpose is prohibited.  Further, the taking of photos, filming or recording while at school or on a school related activity, is prohibited unless approved by DDSB staff for educational purposes.  The use of cameras for filming and/or recording is strictly prohibited in washrooms and changerooms.  

The use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during the school-day on school property, unless deemed appropriate for educational purposes.  If a student brings a personal electronic device, it should be off and out of sight unless permission is granted by school staff for an intended us (permission needs to be granted each time). The DDSB does cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen personal electronic devices.  The privacy and personal dignity of others could be violated by the inappropriate use of personal electronic devices to text message, social networks and/or share digital media.  

If a student uses personal technology without staff permission, the following progressive discipline measures will be implemented: first offence: hand over device, when asked, and will be returned at the end of the day with a verbal warning and review of electronics policy; second offence- student to hand over device, when asked, and a call to parent or guardian and device returned at the end of the day; third offence; student to hand over device when asked, and returned when meeting with student and parent/guardian can occur.   

Restorative Practices 

Restorative practices focus on building relationships and shifts the conversation of blame and harm to one of accountability and repair.  Research has found positive links between restorative practices and student achievement and this is one that is at the core of the work that we do at Bouchard.   

Restorative Practice is: 

  • A philosophy that strengthens relationships and fosters a positive and healthy school community  

  • A collaborative approach that engages staff, students and families 

  • A process that promotes respect, responsibility and accountability using the “own it”, “fix it”, “learn from it” and “move on” model 

  • Reduces disciplinary problems and transforms student behaviour 

  • Improves relationships among students, between students and adults and among adults themselves 

  • Increases safety and harmony