Code of Conduct (Revised 2019)

Maple Grove’s Code of Conduct is the 3 R’s.

The 3 R’s stand for:

REPECT yourself
RESPECT others
RESPECT this place

RESPECT yourself: Having pride in one’s self is important. It’s a quality we want all our students to have. Taking pride in knowing they tried their best. Having pride in knowing who they are as a person. Conducting themselves in such a way that they can hold their head high knowing they have taken responsibility for who they are and their conduct is important and applies to SEL, behaviour and academic achievement. It even applies to waking up in the morning and getting themselves ready for school and not relying on parents to prod or remind them. Building some independence is a good thing and something we want to increasingly support for all students.s

RESPECT others: Being considerate of others is paramount to how we choose to conduct ourselves. Whether it’s having empathy of those less fortunate, or in different circumstances from us, or whether it’s, “treating those as we would like to be treated ourselves.” Even extending to treating other people’s belongings as if they were our own- with gentle kindness and care.

RESPECT this place: Having respect for our school. We are a reflection of our school… our school is a reflection of us. Treating our school with respect means caring for it as if it were our own home. We watch out for our school and look after it as we do all our belongings.

Maple Grove Elementary

Code of Conduct

~Reviewed Sept 2020~

  • RESPECT Yourself
  • RESPECT Others
  • RESPECT This Place

Statement of Purpose

The goal of this Code of Conduct is to establish and maintain a caring and safe learning environment in which all children can achieve their potential for greatness.

“Maple Grove School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code respecting the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law- prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation- in respect of discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation, service and facility in the school environment.”  Simply put, “racism will not be tolerated in our school.”

Acceptable Conduct

It is up to all members of our school’s community – students, staff, and parents – to ensure that our actions:

  • Protect our own learning and the learning of others
  • Create safe conditions
  • Ensure that everyone is treated kindly and fairly
  • Bring pride to our school
  • Reflect that we conduct ourselves in an orderly, respectful, and courteous manner while at school, while traveling to and from school, or attending any school function. 
  • Reflect that we use appropriate language in our school community. 
  • Use social media in a manner that is consistent with the district Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).  All families are required to agree to this guideline before students may use VSB networks
  • Attend class at the scheduled times. 
  • Adhere to all Maple Grove traffic and safety regulations, in addition to all traffic laws. 

Unacceptable Conduct

The following are examples of incidents that must be reported to a staff member or supervising adult as soon as possible:

  • Acts of bullying, harassment, intimidation, or exclusion
  • Physical aggression or violence
  • Offensive language or behaviours
  • Acts or objects that put one’s self or others in danger
  • Willful damage to property and disrespect for the environment
  • Incidents of theft
  • Failure to meet our expectations on academic performance


Disciplinary action is preventative and restorative rather than merely punitive. Consequences are intended to provide an opportunity to learn and reinforce appropriate behaviour.  When making decisions regarding disciplinary action, the Administration may give primary consideration to the education, health, or safety of the collective student body. 

Rising Expectations

As students become older and more mature the possibility of consequences of involvement in acts of bullying, harassment, intimidation, theft, use of alcohol, illegal drugs or possession of weapons include mediation, conflict resolution, counseling, suspension, probation, or expulsion as well as other consequences may be deemed appropriate by the Administration or the school district. 

Throughout elementary school, it is understood that students will show increasing maturity, self-responsibility, decision-making ability, and leadership.  When considering appropriate consequences for unacceptable conduct, the school may take many factors into consideration: the severity and frequency of the actions as well as the age, maturity, and special needs of the students.  A detailed plan regarding possible consequences will be developed, discussed, and clarified with all members of the community.  Currently, students discuss difficulties with appropriate staff and action (e.g. thinking sheet, apologies, grounds clean-up, notification of parents, in-school suspensions, and at-home suspensions is taken.

These expectations apply to behaviour at school, during school-organized or sponsored activities, and behaviour beyond these times (including on-line behaviour) that negatively impacts the safe, caring or orderly environment of the school, and/or student learning.

Consequences

When students demonstrate behaviour that is not in keeping with the ideas described, a discipline response that is based on learning and restoration (making amends) may be implemented.  At Maple Grove School we reflect upon our choices, take responsibility for our actions, and make amends through a restorative action plan with consideration of the developmental levels, age, maturity, and special needs of students. These expectations apply to behaviour at school, at school-related activities, and in other circumstances that impact the safe, caring, and orderly environment of the school. 

Notification

In instances where an unlawful activity is reported, the police or child welfare authorities may be notified.  School staff and officials have the responsibility to advise parents and/or other parties of serious breaches of the Code of Conduct.

For example:

  • parents of student offender(s)
  • parents of student victim(s)
  • school district officials as required by district policy
  • other agencies or police as appropriate

The Code of Conduct applies while at school, at school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have impact on the school environment

As far as possible, we will ensure that:

  • responses to unacceptable conduct are consistent and fair
  • disciplinary action is preventative and restorative rather than merely punitive
  • decisions regarding serious behaviours are reviewed by the Admin Team and possibly the District Management Team
  • students and parents are encouraged to participate in the development of meaningful consequences for unacceptable conduct
  • students grow in their ability to accept responsibility for their actions

In accordance with the School Act, Sec. 85(2)(ii) and (d), the Board authorizes the Principal or designate of any school in the district to suspend a student from attendance at school for up to 5 days.

Suspensions may be for the following reasons:

  1. because a student is willfully and repeatedly disrespectful to a teacher or any other employee of the Board carrying out responsibilities approved by the Board.
  2. because the behavior of a student breaches the District Code of Conduct or policy and/ or has a harmful effect on others or the learning environment of the school.
  3. because the student has failed to comply with the School Code of Conduct

Suspensions over 5 days are made in consultation with the appropriate Director of Instruction as per the District Student Code of Conduct, AP 350. As per AP 350 6.7.1 an educational program must be provided.

Practical Rules/ Guidelines for Maple Grove Students

  • Follow the directions of all staff and supervising adults.
  • Dress for the weather/ activities.
  • Leave valuables at home.
  • Bring a lunch/ snack every day.  Place all returnable items in appropriate containers and recycle
  • Use an inside voice
  • Walk on the right side of the hall and up and down staircases.
  • Remove all hats inside the school.
  • Dispose of chewing gum in garbage before entering school.

Mornings at Maple Grove

  • Do NOT use Cypress St. for dropping students off.  It is too congested/ busy and will only lead to frustration.
  • We recommend parking a block or two away from the school and enjoying a morning walk as you talk to your child about their day
  • Morning Supervision starts at 8:40am.  If you drop your child off before that time, they will be unsupervised and alone on the playground.
  • First Bell is at 8:55 am (Warning Bell)
  • School Starts at 9:00 am.
  • If you are running late:
  • 1. Phone the Safe Arrival
    604-713-5159 Ext 48

  • 2. When you arrive, come to the front of the school.  Call the school 604-713-5356 and we will meet you at the front doors and escort your child to their class.
  • Schools remain closed to the public- including parents (sorry, this is a guideline to limit adult exposures)

Rainy Days at Maple Grove

  • Vancouver is nestled against a Coastal Rain Forrest. 
  • With Covid-19 guidelines, all students are expected to go outside at recess and lunch for fresh air
  • Parents MUST provide raincoats, boots, hats and umbrellas for their children.

Recess & Noon Hour

  • Bring healthy food and snacks to school.
  • Maple Grove has a staggered recess
    10:30-10:45 Primary recess
    10:45-11:00 Intermediate recess
  • Maple Grove has a staggered lunch
    12:00-12:25 Primaries eat in classroom: Intermediates play outside
    12:25-1:47 Intermediates come in and eat in their classrooms: Primaries go outside to play
  • Look to the supervision aides for help in dealing with minor problems and injuries.
  • After informing a supervision aide, come to the office for first aid and/or to resolve more serious problems.
  • Remain outside or on the ground level until the bell, except when going to a supervised activity or the office.
  • Unless specifically asked by a staff member, students should not be in the hallways.
  • Staircases and landings should be kept free at all times.
  • On rainy days, if recess and lunch are inside, play “inside games” in the designated play area. Clean up after yourself and help others to clean up too.

Playgrounds: 8:35 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.

  • Students should stay inside the fenced boundaries of the school.
  • Primary students are encouraged to play in the Primary Area and Intermediate students are encouraged to play in Intermediate areas. Some exceptions are made, but if asked to leave an area by a supervising adult, it is expected that students will leave without question.
  • Wheels (bikes, scooters, skateboards, inline skates, roller shoes, etc.) should not be used on school property.

Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up

  • Drivers should respect all posted No Parking, No Stopping and No Idling signage.
  • Avoid U-turns on the streets and into driveways around the school.  DO NOT PARK FACING THE WRONG DIRECTION- it’s crazy but we see it all the time!
  • We encourage parents to park a block or two away from the school and walk with their child.  This can become precious bonding time and a good chance to check in with how things are going for your child.
  • The staff parking lot and the circular driveway are reserved for staff and are not to be used for student drop-off or pick-up during those hours.
  • Once parked safely, parents should ensure children exit the car on the right (near the sidewalk) and, if needed, that they cross the street at the corner.