About Valley Way

Code of Conduct

The District School Board of Niagara believes that students should place a high value on excellence, integrity, self-discipline, tolerance and respect for others. Therefore, the discipline policy at Valley Way Elementary School is designed to develop self-worth, self-control and self-esteem.

Discipline is learned and it should be taught in the home, the school, and the community. It is a developmental process that ultimately should result in self-discipline and appropriate responses in society.

To ensure a safe and supportive learning environment everyone must meet the following expectations and responsibilities.

Student Responsibilities

Attend school daily.
Be on time for all classes.
Come to class with necessary books and materials.
Be aware of the rights of others to study and learn.
Complete all in-class and homework assignments and meet deadlines
to the best of his/her ability.
Do his/her work when independent work is required.
Respect school property; use it carefully and return all materials and equipment.
Take school correspondence home to parents/guardians.
Dress in a manner which is deemed appropriate for school.
Behave in a co-operative manner so that staff and other students will not be inconvenienced or interrupted in the learning process.
Respect all rules set by the school. They have been made for your safety and to enhance the learning process.

Safety Expectations of our STUDENTS:

Make sure someone (parent, teacher, peer) knows where you are at all times
Walk with someone else to and from school
A "No Body Contact" rule (N.B.C.) is always in effect (no pushing, play fighting, rough housing)
Throw No Snow or rocks!
Use all playground equipment safely and properly
Running is not allowed anywhere inside the school
Hats must remain off inside the school
Valley Way school, including the yard and parking lot, is a SMOKE FREE environment.

Consequences when expectations are not met:

The following range of consequences is intended to protect the safety and rights of all students. In selecting the course of action to be taken, the teacher/principal will consider the age of the child, the nature of the offence and the number of previous infractions.

Discussion: a teacher, or principal talks with the student to reach an agreement regarding the student’s behaviour. If the circumstances warrant, a plan may be developed for changing his/her behaviour and attitudes. Parents will be contacted if necessary.

Parental Involvement

The parent is contacted to discuss the specific behaviours of the student, and to discuss the steps which can be undertaken to change the behaviour. The nature of the contact could vary from a telephone conversation to a note being sent home to a formal conference at school.

Removal of Privileges

Privileges in the nature of access to playground, trips, intramural and inter-school activities may be removed under certain circumstances. A school suspension can be an alternative when other courses of action have proven ineffective.

Expectations of our PARENTS:

Be aware of the rules and expectations of our school
Support school policies
Communicate with teachers and school personnel
Encourage children to follow school rules, exercise self-discipline, and act responsibly
Assist children with any home assignments
Promote positive public relations between the staff and the community

Expectations of our VISITORS:

Use front doors on Valley Way when entering the school.
Report in at the office
Observe the rules of the school while visiting the school