Code of Conduct

2026/2027

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

At Fulford Elementary School, we are committed to developing thoughtful, lifelong learners. Our school is a partnership of students, staff, parents/guardians and community members. Together, we nurture the joy of learning and support the intellectual, social, emotional, artistic and physical development of every student.

We recognize that learning and development are ongoing processes. Through our educational practices and relationships, we strive to create a safe, caring, inclusive and orderly environment where all members of our school community can learn, grow and thrive.

Fulford Elementary School respects the rights of all individuals and promotes the values expressed in the B.C. Human Rights Code. Discrimination is not permitted on the basis of Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age, consistent with the Human Rights Code.

The purpose of our Code of Conduct is:

• establish and maintain a safe, caring and orderly environment that supports purposeful learning;
• develop social responsibility, self-awareness and self-management;
• clearly communicate expectations for behaviour at school, while travelling to and from school, at school-related activities and functions, and in other circumstances where student behaviour may have an impact on the school environment.

The three guiding principles of Fulford Elementary School are:

• Care for Self
• Care for Others
• Care for the Environment

EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOUR

Acceptable Conduct

Members of the Fulford community are expected to conduct themselves in a caring, respectful and responsible manner. This includes:

• respecting themselves, others and the school environment;
• contributing to a safe, caring, inclusive and orderly school;
• reporting incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation or unsafe behaviour to a trusted adult in a timely manner;
• participating in learning activities and making a reasonable effort to be engaged;
• resolving conflicts peacefully and seeking adult support when needed;
• including and welcoming others;
• supporting the well-being and success of others;
• following reasonable directions from staff and other adults responsible for student supervision;
• taking responsibility for their actions and making efforts to repair harm when appropriate.

Unacceptable Conduct

The following are examples of unacceptable conduct and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.

Behaviour that:

• interferes with the learning, safety or well-being of oneself or others;
• disrupts the orderly operation of the school;
• creates unsafe conditions;
• damages or misuses school or personal property.

Acts of:

• bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour;
• physical, verbal or relational aggression;
• discrimination or hate-based behaviour;
• violence;
• retaliation or retribution against a person who has reported an incident or participated in an investigation.

Illegal or prohibited acts, such as:

• possession, use or distribution of illegal or restricted substances;
• possession or use of weapons;
• theft or intentional damage to property.

The expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct apply to student behaviour:

• at school;
• while travelling to and from school;
• at school-related activities or functions, including those held off school property;
• in other circumstances where behaviour has an impact on the school environment.

RISING EXPECTATIONS

At Fulford Elementary School, we recognize that students develop greater independence, maturity and self-management as they grow and progress through the grades.

Accordingly:

• expectations for personal responsibility and self-management increase as students become older and more mature;
• students are increasingly expected to understand the impact of their choices and take responsibility for their behaviour;
• responses to unacceptable conduct will take into account the student’s age, developmental level and individual circumstances.

CONSEQUENCES AND RESPONSES

At Fulford Elementary School, responses to unacceptable conduct will consider the severity and frequency of the behaviour, its impact on others, and the age, maturity and individual circumstances of the student involved. Consideration will also be given to students with disabilities or diverse abilities who may be unable to comply with the Code of Conduct due to an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature.

Responses to unacceptable conduct will:

• be fair, reasonable and appropriate to the circumstances;
• be consistent with school district policies and applicable legislation;
• focus, wherever possible, on teaching, prevention, restoration and repairing harm rather than punishment;
• support students in understanding the impact of their behaviour and developing strategies for making more positive choices;
• take into account the student’s developmental needs and individual circumstances;
• involve students, where appropriate, in identifying meaningful ways to repair harm and move forward.

The school will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation against a student who has reported an incident or participated in an investigation.

USE OF PERSONAL DIGITAL DEVICES

The use of personal digital devices at school is restricted in order to promote online safety, student well-being and focused learning environments.

Personal digital devices may only be used at school when permitted by the school or a staff member for an identified educational purpose.

When personal digital devices are used for instructional purposes, their use will support learning outcomes and the development of appropriate digital literacy skills.

The use of personal digital devices must:

• be appropriate to the student’s age and developmental stage;
• respect the privacy, safety, dignity and well-being of others;
• support, rather than interfere with, learning and positive relationships.

Personal digital devices may be used when required to support:

• accessibility or accommodation needs;
• medical or health needs;
• equity and access to learning.

The school may establish reasonable expectations regarding when, where and how personal digital devices may be used.

NOTIFICATION

At Fulford Elementary School, we strive to maintain positive, respectful and open communication with students, parents/guardians and members of our school community. Parents/guardians will be notified when issues arise or when unacceptable behaviours escalate or increase with frequency. In accordance with School District 64 policies and applicable legislation, school district officials, police or other agencies may be notified when circumstances warrant.