Whether you are the leaders of the school, soon-to-be high school students, intermediate, or primary students, there are some expectations and standards that I hold all students accountable for once they walk through my classroom door. I expect them all to: be safe, be kind, be respectful, and be responsible, so that we can all have fun and enjoy our time together.
BE SAFE.
In the Classroom
Students are expected to demonstrate safe behaviours on a regular basis by doing things such as: using words instead of physical contact to resolve problems, walking in the classroom instead of running, talking at a reasonable volume, properly handling materials, and always checking in with the teacher when leaving the classroom, etc.
Emergency Protocols
Occasionally, there are scheduled drills for emergencies such as fire, earthquake, and lock-down. Though these may be drills, students are expected to take these seriously, remain calm, follow the direction of the teacher, and pay close attention to what to do in these scenarios.
Emergencies occur without notice and we would want everyone to be safe in the event of a real emergency.
Recess and Lunch
West Coast Recess! Students are expected to go outside for recess and lunch – rain or shine. Bring suitable clothing to school and ensure you have a snack (if needed). Please make safe choices when on the playground.
It is important that students are outside during recess and lunch “play” times, so that supervising staff are able to know where students are. If an emergency were to happen and a student was inside when they were not supposed to be, a supervising adult would not be able to address the situation immediately.
For example, a student may have decided to stay inside when the teacher left for lunch and accidentally eats something that causes a severe allergic reaction. There would not be an adult inside at the time that could provide medical help in a timely manner.
Lunch – Inside Day
Choose a suitable indoor activity that is safe for you and respects the safety and enjoyment of others. Move safely and use an inside voice in the classroom. A rule of thumb is that if you think the activity is better suited for a large open space or outdoors, it should likely stay that way and be avoided.
Washroom
Use the washroom before school, at recess, at lunch, and/or after school. If you must go to the washroom during instruction, ask at an appropriate time to leave the room. No more than two students are allowed to be out of the room at a given time for washroom use.
Fieldtrip Etiquette
Fieldtrips are special privileges and learning opportunities for students. They are often meant to be enriching and fun, but safety is always the #1 priority, especially in a public setting. Students are expected to do the following:
- Listen for instructions
- Be quick to gather and line up for attendance/head-count
- No physical play when waiting
- Understand and stay within boundaries
- Follow the rest of the class and stay together
- Move with your assigned grouping/supervisor
- Ensure seatbelt is fastened when travelling with volunteer driver
- Holding on to protect yourself and others when travelling on public transit
BE KIND.
“THINK” before you speak!
Before sharing something with the class or saying something to another person, consider the following: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring/important? Is it necessary and appreciated? Is it kind?
“THINK” before you post!
Cyberbullying is an increasing problem with more and more people using social media without understanding the appropriate boundaries and negative effects that posts, texts, and comments can have on oneself and others – particularly to their self-esteem and mental health. Remember that the ripple effect online is much greater and harmful than it is in-person. Use the same if not higher discretion as you would before speaking. Cyberbullying takes many forms and can also face legal consequences.
All in all, please treat everyone how you would like to be treated. As referred to in R.J. Palacio’s book Wonder, “When given the choice between right and kind, choose kind.”
BE RESPECTFUL.
Entering the Classroom
At times, students may be late to enter the classroom or return from another activity while instruction is in session. This is understandable, however, students should be quiet when settling in so that the class is not disrupted. If unsure of what to do, students can observe what the class is doing or ask the teacher when they notice an appropriate pause in the lesson.
In Your Interactions
All members of our community (classroom teacher, teacher teaching on call, other teacher, educational assistant, supervisor, parent, administration, guest, and/or peer) deserve respect. Students are expected to be engaging politely (applying appropriate language) and with courtesy to all parties as we would appreciate if the same degree of respect were given to ourselves.
Materials
There are many items in the classroom. Some are communal for everyone to share, others are personal. Please respect the materials of others by asking for permission to borrow or touch and treat all materials with care. It is also a good idea to leave valuables at home.
Personal Space
Everyone’s personal space is to be respected at all times. Personal space can be something tangible like a desk or a cloakroom cubby. It can also refer to the proximity between someone and another individual. It can become uncomfortable and/or violating for people when their personal boundaries are being crossed. Please be mindful of this.
In the Hallways
When walking through the halls, students should be mindful of other classes that are in session. Students will limit their disruption by walking silently and orderly, standing patiently if waiting for other classes to exit a space, and staying to the right to allow others through.
Assemblies and Performances
When at an assembly or performance, students are expected to demonstrate their utmost respect to the presenter. Students are encouraged to be making responsible decisions of who to be sitting with so that they are able to direct their full attention to the presenter. Washroom breaks are allowed at appropriate pauses in the program if students ask their teacher. To demonstrate a respectful form of appreciation at a performance, please applaud only (unless invited otherwise by presenter) and keep your thoughts on the performance to yourself until after the entire performance is over.
Listening and Speaking
Students are to put up their hand to speak if they would like to participate and share their ideas. Mr. Chu will acknowledge that you would like to speak and will try his best to allow you that time. Please do your best to speak clearly so everyone can hear. When it is someone else’s turn to speak or share thoughts, please listen attentively. Please also show respect by keeping your hands free and your eyes on the speaker. Listening requires your ears to hear, mind to think, eyes to see, undivided attention to focus, and heart to feel.
Fieldtrip Etiquette
There are many things to be mindful of with regards to respect on fieldtrips including:
- Using an inside voice when on public transit
- Thanking drivers after a trip
- Leaving room for other users and offering courtesy seats when on public transit
- Stay on sidewalk and refrain from walking on other people’s yards
- Share public spaces such as playgrounds, trails, sidewalks with other users
- Give speakers full attention and engagement during a talk/presentation at fieldtrip site
BE RESPONSIBLE.
In the Classroom
Mr. Chu is always appreciative of anything that students can do to help around our classroom. Without the help from students on small tasks that appear to be minuscule, our class would not be able to move forward.
Morning Arrival
Please arrive to class on time. Ensure that you are organized and ready to start the day. Occasionally, students may be late, which is understandable. If you arrive after the morning bell, please sign in at the office and pick up a late slip to give to your teacher.
Behaviour Management
At times, students may be overwhelmed with what is happening in class. That is understandable, however, students are highly encouraged to be proactive in making decisions that will help them self-regulate and calm down (asking permission to step out of the room, seeking assistance from the counsellor, choosing to silent read while class progresses, sit calmly at the office until ready to return to class, tell teacher privately that you may want some alone time, etc.) before behaviour escalates.
Completing Work
Class time is often given to students to work on assignments. Please make good use of this time and focus on the task at hand. Ensure that you are using your planner effectively (there are occasional planner-checks) and frequently checking the blog to keep informed about what assignments are due and upcoming. Please ensure you have all materials necessary to complete the work and seek help when needed. Mr. Chu is always here to help and wants you to succeed. It is advised to utilize “Flex” time to complete remaining assignments. Mr. Chu is always available to help and willing to lead small group instruction if more students would like it.
Notices and Forms
Please make sure you are keeping track of the notices and forms that are going home and are returning them back as timely as possible. Dates will be on our reminders board and on the class blog.
Problem Solving
If you are having a problem with someone, please take a moment to think before acting – ensuring that your decision is one that is constructive and helpful to the situation. You can consider: speaking politely and firmly to inform the involved parties of the problem, seeking help from the teacher, bringing the situation to discuss objectively at our class meetings.
Green Bin, Garbage, and Recycling
Stay green! Food scraps are to go into the green bin. Packaging other than paper can go into the garbage can. Mixed plastics have a special container which they can go in as well. Only clean paper (no food scraps) can be put into the blue recycling box.
Fieldtrip Etiquette
If the class is given the opportunity to go on a fieldtrip, it is because Mr. Chu feels you have been responsible enough to do so. A rule of thumb is if you would not do something in the school setting, you should not do it while on the trip. Being responsible on a fieldtrip can include:
- Listening for instructions
- Encouraging others to follow along
- Telling the teacher/supervisor of problems that are occurring
HAVE FUN!
Try your best to come to school ready to learn every day. Be prepared to take risks, try something new, and embark on some new adventures together! When students are able to fully exhibit what it takes to be safe, kind, respectful, and responsible, Mr. Chu will do his best to ensure that there are fun things in store for the class… guaranteed!