F.W. Howay Code of Conduct
The purpose of F.W. Howay’s Code of Conduct is to establish a learning environment and school culture that promotes safety, kindness, responsibility, and respect. The goal of our code is to create a school community where all individuals – students, parents, staff and visitors – demonstrate the values of respect for self and others, honesty, integrity, acceptance, and tolerance.
F.W. Howay promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the laws – prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression – in respect of discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in the school environment.
Acceptable Behaviours
Expectations of acceptable behaviours lead to a culture of safety, kindness, responsibility and respect. We make every effort to:
- Take responsibility for our actions
- Make thoughtful choices when we play and interact with each other
- Listen and speak respectfully
- Use words calmly and respectfully to resolve problems
- Recognize, celebrate and defend the right to be different
- Help those who need our help
- Respect the personal boundaries of others
- Use social media responsibly and respectfully
Unacceptable Behaviours
Unacceptable behaviours that compromise a culture of safety, kindness, responsibility and respect include:
- Unsafe and hurtful behaviours to self and/or others physically and/or emotionally
- Behaviours that violate the BC Human Rights Code
- Damaging and/or stealing school property or the property of another
- Choosing not to follow the expectations of conduct
F.W. Howay Elementary School will seriously treat behaviour or communication that discriminates based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression (prohibited grounds set out in the BC Human Rights Code). Factors, such as the frequency and severity of misconduct, are taken into account when determining appropriate consequences for infractions. A focus on consequences that are restorative, rather than punitive, will be made wherever possible. The age and maturity of the individual involved, their ability to appreciate the impact of their actions, will also be considered. An individual’s medical, cognitive, and personal profile and circumstances are duly considered when appropriate consequences and interventions are applied.
Use of Personal Digital Devices
As per Ministerial Order 89 the use of personal digital devices at school is to be restricted for educational purposes, to promote online safety and focused learning environments. Personal digital device (PDD) means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet. Other examples included: smart watches, digital accessories (earbuds), gaming devices, and electronic toys.
At our elementary school there is no access to or use of such devices at any time on school campus during the school day. This is essentially a “bell-to-bell” restriction from the beginning of school to the end of the day. Parents are reminded that elementary students are always under direct supervision and that the school will communicate with home for any emergent need that arises.
The exception to these restrictions will be for students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Learning Support Plan (LSP), or medical or health issue that specifically outlines the need for these devices for full inclusion in specific learning activities.
Security & Storage: It is important to note that security and storage of personal digital devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The district assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair, or replacement of such devices. If students must bring a device to school, they are encouraged to ensure they are locked away in lockers or kept in a secure location.
Last Updated – June 2024