The Waterloo Region District School Board Safe and Secure Schools Policy:

The Safe and Secure Schools policy upholds the position that no form of violent behaviour is acceptable on school property or during school sponsored or related activities. Principals, teachers, and support staff are required to demonstrate non-tolerance of violence by taking positive, considered, and immediate disciplinary action in compliance with our Board policies, the Education Act, and other appropriate legislation.

The following behaviour will not be tolerated on school property or during any regular or extra-curricular school activity:

• the use, possession, or sale of alcohol or illicit drugs
• the possession or use of weapons or items intended to be used as a weapon
• any physical assault, threats of assault, or intimidation
• any gang/youth group displaying a pattern of delinquent or disruptive behaviour
• any sexual, ethno-cultural and/or racial abuse, slurs or harassment

Where and when such activity occurs with students, the principal is expected to take the following measures:

•  contact the parent/guardian (if the student is a minor)
• confiscate the weapon, drugs or alcohol
• in the case of physical assault, drugs, alcohol, and possession of weapons, contact the police
• suspend the student for a minimum of 3 days, barring mitigating circumstances
• contact the Superintendent of Schools for consultation and for discussion regarding additional or other concerns

We expect our staff at Williamsburg to:

• consistently be firm, fair, friendly and flexible in dealing with children
• model acceptable social and academic standards and promote student-student problem resolution conferences
• communicate regularly to students and parents, details regarding all aspects of student development and strive for the development of a positive self-concept in students, parents and colleagues
• be good listeners and treat students, other staff and parents with respect
• celebrate the efforts and contributions of each student, colleagues
• promote an atmosphere where all are welcome

We expect our parents/guardians to:

• ensure the regular and punctual attendance of their children, and provide reasons for any absences
• support and co-operate with school personnel as we work together in the academic, emotional, cultural and moral development of each student
• contact school personnel to discuss student progress when needs are perceived and to attend parent-teacher conferences as requested by school personnel
• support staff in having students follow through with their responsibilities (a team approach)
• send each child to school each day physically and mentally prepared and ready to learn

Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at another person that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. When someone experiences or observes bullying behaviour, he/she is expected to report it to a teacher, staff member or school administrator immediately. The use of the Internet and text messaging for bullying and harassment at home, can impact the school and negatively affect the safety and learning environment (Facebook, Twitter). In these cases school administration will deal with these issues.

The Progressive Discipline Model is utilized with all of our students.