Discipline Policy

The staff at Folkstone are committed to promoting responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. Such learning and teaching environments are to be peaceful and welcoming for all. They must be free of negative factors such as abuse, bullying, discrimination, intimidation, hateful words and deeds and physical violence in any form. They must clearly demonstrate respect for social justice and human rights and promote the values needed to develop responsible members of a democratic society.

This shall be achieved by establishing and maintaining high expectations for behaviour and at the same time offering a program with a strong emphasis on early intervention, positive reinforcement and praise, role-playing, conflict prevention and intervention, counselling and inclusion of social skills in the curriculum. Negative consequences such as the loss of privileges, detention or removal from class, or suspension may be necessary in cases of persistent or serious misbehaviour. Parents will be involved so that we can work together to implement corrective measures.

FOLKSTONE STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

• Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Help, not hurt, others.
• Treat other people with respect, especially persons who are in a position of authority.
• Use appropriate and respectful language.
• Show respect for school and each other's property by refraining from theft, vandalism, or other inappropriate behaviours. Keep our school clean.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• Be on time for school and classes. Regular attendance is essential to progress.
• Come to class prepared to learn. Listen well and do your best to complete work.
• Enter and exit the school through assigned doors.
• Leave valuables at home.
• Chewing gum is not permitted in the school.
• Stones and snowballs stay on the ground.
• When using electronic resources students must demonstrate appropriate on-line conduct/manners and refrain from improper/ unethical use of technology.
• Weapons, sharp objects, matches etc. are not to be brought to school or used to threaten bodily harm to another person. The possession and/or display of weapons on school property may result in a recommendation being presented to the Board of Education for expulsion of the student.

DRESS CODE (Draft)

To promote maximum learning and a respectful environment, students and staff are expected to:

• Wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions (i.e. hats, boots, etc.)
• Take off their outer wear and head gear while in the school.
• Wear indoor shoes with non-marking soles. Socks or bare feet are not permitted.
• Ensure that their clothing is neither too small or too large.
• Wear clothing that is free of inappropriate/degrading/rude slogans.
• Wear clothing that covers the chest and midriff.
• Ensure that bandanas and other gang related items are not brought to school.
• Shorts and skirts should be an appropriate length.
• Have proper clothes for the gym: shorts, T-shirts and running shoes.

And finally, we expect all students to: Wear a smile!