WINDREM ELEMENTARY
CODE OF CONDUCT
Updated: July 02, 2026
Purpose
Our Code of Conduct reflects our shared commitment to fostering and maintaining a safe, caring, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming learning environment where every member of the school community is treated with dignity and respect. Every member of our community has both the right to learn and work in a safe environment and the responsibility to contribute to that environment through their actions. This Code establishes clear expectations for behaviour and accountability at school, during school-sponsored activities, while travelling to and from school, and in online environments where behaviour has an impact on the school community.
The Code of Conduct applies to behaviour at school, during school-sponsored activities, while travelling to and from school, and to off-campus or online behaviour that negatively impacts the safety, learning, or well-being of members of the school community.
Our Shared Expectations
Windrem Elementary is committed to fostering a safe, caring, inclusive, equitable, and welcoming learning environment that reflects the values of the Human Rights Code of British Columbia. Students are expected to treat all members of the school community with dignity and respect and must not discriminate against, harass, intimidate, or demean others based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other protected ground under the Human Rights Code of British Columbia. This expectation also applies to gestures, written or visual materials, online content, and any other actions or communications that could reasonably be interpreted as discriminatory or that expose an individual or group to hatred, contempt, or ridicule.
Restorative Practices
At Windrem Elementary, we believe that positive relationships are the foundation of a safe, caring, and inclusive school community. When conflict or harm occurs, we use a restorative approach to help students understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility, repair relationships where appropriate, and learn from the experience. Restorative practices encourage respectful dialogue, empathy, problem-solving, and accountability while supporting the well-being of everyone involved. Whenever appropriate, discipline will focus on restoring relationships, repairing harm, and helping students develop the skills needed to make positive choices in the future.
Positive Behaviour Expectations
At Windrem Elementary, students are expected to demonstrate respect, responsibility, kindness, honesty, and inclusion. Students are encouraged to contribute positively to the school community by caring for themselves, others, property, and the environment. These expectations apply in classrooms, on the playground, during school activities, while travelling to and from school, and in online environments that impact our school community.
Rising Expectations
We recognize that student conduct is influenced by age, maturity, understanding, and individual circumstances. Consequences for unacceptable and serious behaviours will reflect these considerations. Additional consideration may be given to students with identified disabilities or diverse learning needs.
Unacceptable Behaviours
Some examples of minor conduct offences include; inappropriate use of school equipment, disrupting others’ learning, poor attitude towards others, creating or contributing to an unsafe learning environment, non-compliance, aggressive roughhousing, use of foul language, being out of designated areas and other disruptive or risky behaviours.
Some consequences for minor offences may include:
- Expectation reminders by staff
- Consistent consequences
- Reflection breaks
- Support in making apologies
- Support in repairing harm
- Family contact and support planning
- Loss of privileges
Serious Behaviours
Some examples of serious conduct offences include; fighting, abusive or foul language directed towards others, leaving school grounds outside of authorized school or family arrangements, vandalism, stealing, bullying, threatening, possession, use or distribution of substances as outlined in this code of conduct and other such dangerous or harmful conduct.
Substances: Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, and Illicit Substances
The possession, use, distribution, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, vaping products, or other illicit substances at school or during school-sponsored activities is considered a serious violation of the Code of Conduct.
In partnership with the RCMP, the Chetwynd school community recognizes a two-block radius around each school as a Drug-Free Zone. Students suspected to be in possession of, using, or distributing prohibited substances within the Drug-Free Zone or at any school-related activity will be subject to school investigation. Responses will be determined based on the circumstances of each incident and may include, restorative meetings, safety planning, suspension, referral to RCMP, referrals to counselling services and/or community supports. In all incidents, parent/guardians will be contacted.
Vandalism & Destruction of Property
Vandalism and destruction of property of any degree is viewed by the school and Board of Education as a serious offense. Subject to policies of the School Board, parents will be advised of the damage and may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Additionally, students may face consequences as outlined in this code of conduct.
Issuing Consequences
Investigations of major conduct offences will be completed by the school principal in a timely manner and will include conversations with staff, students, parents/guardians, and any other individuals involved. In accordance with district policy, students may be dismissed for up to FIVE days. Discipline will be assigned in a progressive manner. Fighting and substance related consequences will be assigned a minimum three-day suspension.
The principal reserves the right to deal with major unacceptable conduct as district policies deem appropriate. Whenever possible, the appropriate consequences for code of conduct offences are restorative in nature rather than punitive.
Important Notes:
- The board will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation against a student who has made a complaint of a breach of code of conduct.
- School officials may have a responsibility to advise other parties of serious breaches of the code of conduct (parents, school district officials, police and/or other agencies).
Reintegration Post Suspension
All out-of-school suspensions require missed work to be completed and a meeting with the principal as condition of return. This meeting will review expectations and develop a student specific support plan for a successful return to school. Repetition of major offenses will involve progressively more serious consequences and will involve reintegration meetings with a school-based resource team. If the behaviour persists, the student may be required to appear before the Superintendent of Schools or delegate to re-enter school.
Appeals Process
Parents have the right to appeal suspension decisions, as per School District Policy. Parents can contact the School District Office directly or by contacting the Parent Advocacy Service, through the District Parent Advisory Council. This free service for parents in School District #59 can be accessed by calling the Parent Advocacy line at 250-719-0440 or 1-866-719-0440 and leaving a message.
Use of Personal Internet Connected Devices
The Province of British Columbia requires that all elementary schools restrict the use of cell phones and other personal internet connected devices, for the duration of the school day, including breaks. Therefore, cell phone, tablet, smart watch and other personal internet connected device use by students at school is not permitted, unless arrangements have been made with the school administrator. Students can contact home using the school phone and families are welcome to leave messages for students with the office. Students who bring their personal devices to school will be requested to hand them in at the beginning of the school day, where they will be securely stored in the office and returned at the end of the instructional day OR keep them on silent, stored away for the duration of the school day. Repeated non-compliance will result in parents having to pick up the device from the school.
Food & Beverage Expectations
High-Caffeine and Sugary Beverages
To support student health, well-being, and learning, energy drinks and pop are not permitted at school. Students who bring these beverages to school will be asked to put them away or dispose of them.
Nut-Aware Policy
Windrem Elementary school will continue to be a Nut-Aware school. As a Nut-Aware school, we will rely on education, awareness and strong hygiene practices to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to nuts for students and staff with life-threatening allergies. While nuts and nut-containing products are not prohibited, families are strongly encouraged to choose nut-free alternatives whenever possible. Some of the nut aware practices that keep our school safe include; not sharing lunches, washing hands before and after eating and remaining seated during eating times. Families wishing to provide food for classroom celebrations or shared events are asked to ensure that all items are clearly labelled and free of nuts and nut products.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress in a manner appropriate for a positive learning environment at the school. This means that clothes that may be appropriate in other settings may not be appropriate at school. The following are non-negotiable dress code requirements;
- Footwear must be worn at all times for safety
- Clothing must provide sufficient coverage so that private body areas and undergarments are not visible during all school activities.
- Clothing displaying or promoting violence, profanity, discrimination, illegal drugs, alcohol, or other inappropriate content is not permitted.
Students whose attire does not meet these expectations will be asked to change into appropriate clothing. If the student does not have a change of clothes with them, they may call home or the school can provide temporary spare clothing. Alternatively, students may cover the inappropriate clothing with tape or by turning the garment inside out where appropriate.
Windrem Elementary Bullying Prevention Policy
Everyone at Windrem Elementary is committed to making our school a safe and caring place for all students. We will treat each other with respect, and we will refuse to tolerate bullying in any form at our school.
Our school defines bullying as follows:
Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It happens when someone repeatedly hurts, frightens, threatens, or leaves someone out on purpose, which is different than conflict. Bullying can take place in-person at school or in the community. Bullying that affects the school community can also take place online and through direct messaging.
Examples of bullying include:
- Hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking, tripping or pushing
- Stealing or damaging another person’s things
- “Ganging up” on someone
- Teasing someone in a hurtful way
- Mimicking someone’s mannerisms, accent or aspects of identity
- Using put-downs, insulting or making fun of someone
- Threatening someone, their friends, or possessions
- Touching or showing private body parts
- Spreading rumors about someone
- Intentionally excluding or trying to get other kids not to play with someone
Staff at our school do the following things to prevent bullying and help students feel safe at school:
- Provide instruction and guidance on the topics of bullying and inclusion
- Closely supervise students in all areas of the school and playground
- Encourage students to seek supervisor support when needed
- Encourage students to deal with issues when they happen, not days later
- Watch for signs of bullying and stop it when it happens
- Respond quickly and sensitively to bullying reports
Students at our school will do the following things to prevent bullying:
- Refuse to bully others
- Refuse to let others be bullied
- Refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied
- Try to include everyone in play, especially those who are often left out
- Report bullying to an adult
