Cowan Heights Elementary Safe and Caring School Page

As part of the Eastern School District, Cowan Heights Elementary is under the District Safe and Caring School Policy.  See www.esdnl.ca and look in the policy section for the full policy.

We have many great things going at Cowan Heights as we strive to make our school safe and caring!

Here is a outline:

1.  We received Peaceful School Status in 2003.  You can check out Peaceful Schools International.org on the web!

2.  We are engaged in the Positive Behavioural Strategies initiative supported by the Department of Education.

                

                                a.   We have weekly Safe and Caring Schools assemblies, in which our behavioural expections, anti-bullying messages are shared with our students.  At these assemblies, as well, we present recognition certificates to students who have met goals they have been working on, or to students who exemplify our Code of Conduct.

                                b.  We have a Code of Conduct that guides us in behavioural decision-making.  The code is posted throughout the school!

                                                        

École Élémentaire Cowan Heights Elementary

Code of Conduct

Code de Conduite

I will be safe

Je serai en sécurité.

I will show respect.

Je montrerai le respect.

I will cooperate.

Je coopérerai.

I will be the best that I can be.

Je serai le meilleur que je puisse être.

                                c.  We have a behavioural expectations matrix, also posted throughout the building.  See our matrix below.

                                d.  We review our Code and matrix expectations on a regular basis and have completed a full school walkthrough, practising the procedures expected.

                                e.  Staff pass out pink "Catch-you" slips to students in recognition of positive behaviours that demonstrate consideration of others and the school rules.  Each week, the number of pink slips is tallied and a random draw made for prizes.  We also reinforce children when they drop a pink slip in the box at the office by asking why they got the pink slip and congratulating them for their effort.  (Parents and visitors notice the helpfulness of the students as we move throughout the school, holding doors for each other, using exemplary manners...it is really making a difference!)

                                f.  We have a disciplinary plan, using blue slips, that we are currently reviewing.  

                                g.  A large comittee of teachers on our safe schools team meets regularly to maintain our focus and initiatives in this area.

                                h.  A Safe and Caring school liaison from another school in our district is available to us.

                                i.  The Eastern School District Safe and Caring School liason also supports us as a resource.  

3.  We have two Roots of Empathy programs ongoing in a Grade 3 class and a Grade 5 class.

4.  We have many leadership programs for students, including:

                                1.  classroom prefects, gym prefects, Bus monitors, recycling

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Cowan Heights Elementary

Behaviour Matrix Template

What each looks like	I will be safe.	I will show respect.	I will cooperate.	I Will Be The Best That I Can Be
Classroom	- walk - fours legs of chair on floor - hands & feet to self	- listen attentively - raise your hand to speak - respect your own/ others belongings	- follow instructions - share classroom mat - complete my work
Gym	- use equipment properly - follow directions - participate only when supervised	- listen attentively - treat equipment with care - wear proper gym clothing	- follow instructions - take turns; share equipment - work with your partner, group, team
Music Room	- walk carefully on the risers - sit properly in assigned seat	- treat instruments with care - play instruments  & recorders at the appropriate time - respect body space when playing games - come prepared (with recorder and book)	- sing! - listen! - participate in the activities - follow instructions
Library	- walk - enter/exit quietly in single file	- wait patiently - use quiet voices - treat books with care - return books by due date	- use shelf markers appropriately - read/ talk quietly - use computers for assistance
Computer Lab	- push in chair - log off - use appropriate site - keep password private	- no food or drink - use quiet voices - handle equipment with care	- follow teachers instruction - raise hand for help - share computers
Hallways/Stairs	-walk in single file Stay to the right Hold the stair rail.	Hold the door. Be quiet and courteous. Keep hands to yourself.	Follow teacher directions.
Assemblies	Sit in assigned area.	Sit with legs crossed. Look at the speaker. Hands in lap.	Listen.
Bus	Enter/exit single file. Stay seated.	Use quiet voices.	Eat and drink elsewhere. Follow bus driver/monitor instructions.
Field Trips	- stay with your assigned group - listen to your group leader	- listen to the instructor or presenter - be polite/ use your manners - obey the rules of the place you are visiting - show your appreciation	- raise your hand to speak - follow directions - work cooperatively if it is “hands on”
Playground	Keep hands and feet to yourself. Use equipment safely.	Listen to duty teacher. Line up when the whistle blows. Use appropriate language.	Be kind and courteous to others. Share equipment.