The purpose of the James Culnan Catholic School Code of Conduct is to develop a sense of self-discipline in our students that comes from a healthy respect for themselves and others around them. We teach students that reasonable obedience and conformity to rules lead to productive and harmonious interactions with others. Parents and teachers must work together to ensure that all students learn how to interact and succeed in our society.

Our Code of Conduct is intended to make clear to students, parents and staff what will and will not be tolerated. We care deeply about our students and want them to feel comfortable learning in an environment that focuses on academic and extra-curricular pursuits embedded with Gospel values.

Our expectations reflect our commitment to supporting the Toronto Catholic District School Board policies and procedures on Violence Prevention, Race and Ethnic Relations, Sexual Harassment and Inclusive Language.

What is discipline?

· It teaches children responsibility.
· It shows children why a particular attitude or behaviour is not acceptable.
· It teaches children the relationship between cause and effect.
· It helps children take corrective measures to solve the problems they have caused.
· It teaches children to make appropriate choices in life.
· It teaches children to learn and grow from their mistakes.

Guiding Principles

· Discipline is growth enhancing, not judgmental.
· Discipline requires clear expectations of the children.
· Discipline requires natural and logical consequences, not punishment.
· Discipline is applied fairly with caring and love.
· Discipline is applied consistently - "Say what you mean, mean what you say."
· Discipline is most effective when teachers and parents work together.
The establishment of clear expectations for student behaviour will help promote a fair and consistent approach to:

· Classroom management.
· The maintenance of a positive climate within the school.
· Establishing a school environment that enables teaching and learning to occur.
· Ensuring appropriate behaviour at liturgies and school outings.
· Sustaining a school environment in which individual differences are respected.

We will continue to evaluate and revise this code in order to ensure James Culnan Catholic School is a school where students, staff and parents have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a safe, welcoming and positive learning environment.

© 2006 Toronto Catholic District School Board