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Progressive discipline is a school wide approach to student conduct that supports the development of healthy relationships in a school community. It includes opportunities for the peaceful resolution of conflict by proactive and progressive handling of discipline.
It is important that parents are partners in every stage of the progressive discipline approach and that students are aware of each stage so they can be accountable for their own decisions and actions. The stages include:
- prevention;
- early and ongoing intervention;
- suspensions and expulsions; and
- community restoration and reconciliation.
The range of interventions, supports and consequences by our Board and schools is clear and developmentally appropriate and includes student learning opportunities in order to reinforce positive behaviour and good choices. For students with Individual Education Plans, intervention, supports and consequences must be consistent with the expectations in their pan.
Prevention
Our schools implement prevention programs that promote healthy relationships and appropriate behaviour. Some examples include, but are not limited to:
- review and reinforcement of the school Code of Conduct;
- Catholic curriculum and Faith integration (e.g., Catholic virtues);
- respect programs; and
- Bullying Prevention and Intervention program.
Parents can help by:
- knowing and reinforcing the school Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is found in your child's agenda;
- maintaining regular and open communication between home and school; and
- supporting a positive school climate.
Early and ongoing interventions
To promote appropriate positive student behaviour, we support the use of positive behaviour management strategies as early and ongoing interventions for inappropriate behaviour. Some examples include, but are not limited to:
- verbal reminders of appropriate behaviour;
- positive encouragement and reinforcement of appropriate behaviour;
- review of the Code of Conduct;
- problem solving and reflection activities and
- contact with parent.
Parents can help by:
- reviewing the Code of Conduct;
- discussing ways for your child to improve negative behaviour;
- developing a reward system at home for positive behaviour at school;
- reinforcing and supporting school issued consequences for inappropriate behaviour; and
- maintaining regular and open communication between home and school.
Suspensions and Expulsions
In order to keep a safe Catholic learning community, there are times when a suspension or expulsion is the most appropriate response to a violation within a progressive discipline model.
We support the use of suspension and expulsion as outlined in the Education Act where a student has committed one or more of the violations outlined in the Ontario Code of Conduct whether it is on school property, during a school-related activity or event, and/or in circumstances where the infraction has an impact on the school climate.
Parents can help by:
- encouraging your child to have a positive attitude when returning to school after a suspension;
- developing a working relationship with school staff to support a child's return to school after a suspension;
- developing goals with school staff that are achievable by your child; and
- reviewing our policy on Student Discipline.
More information for parents is available on the Ministry of Education website.
Community restoration and reconciliation
We believe that members of our Catholic learning communities are called to educate our students to contribute their God-given talents in service to others. Our discipline practices focus on providing students with the opportunity for reconciliation that in turn leads to their return to community.
Some examples include:
- restitution of/for damage to property;
- community service activities;
- community building activities; and
- conversations between individuals involved.
Parents can help by:
- talking with your child positively about forgiveness, restoration to the community and reconciliation;
- supporting the agreed upon community service/restitution activities; and
- talking with your child about taking responsibility for his/her actions.