Working Together for a Safe, Inclusive School

What is a Code of Conduct?

1. Respect for self and others
2. Inclusive and equitable treatment of all individuals
3. Positive and proactive approaches to behavior
4. A commitment to reconciliation, anti-racism, and anti-oppression

Bowmore Road PS Code of Conduct 

Code of Conduct Contract

Information for Families

Examples and Responses

​​​​​​​ABC Chart Sample

​​​​​​​TDSB Policies That Support Our Code of Conduct

Our school’s Code of Conduct is guided by the following TDSB policies and procedures:

• Caring and Safe Schools Policy (P051): Promotes inclusive, respectful learning environments focused on human rights and equity. Read More. 
   
• Board Code of Conduct (PR585): Outlines behavior expectations for all members of the school community.Read More. 
   
• Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour (PR702): Encourages interventions that build understanding and support positive change. Read More.
   
• Online Code of Conduct (PR571): Ensures respectful and responsible use of digital tools and online spaces. Read More. 

Standards of Behaviour at Bowmore Road PS

At Bowmore, we expect all students, staff, families, and visitors to uphold these standards to ensure a respectful, safe, and inclusive school community:

1. Show Respect
   – Treat yourself and others with kindness, dignity, and care
   – Listen actively and value different perspectives
2. Be Inclusive
   – Welcome and celebrate diversity in race, culture, language, ability, gender identity, and belief
   – Stand up against discrimination, hate, and bias
3. Act Responsibly
   – Follow school rules, routines, and expectations
   – Take responsibility for your actions and choices
4. Be Safe
   – Keep hands, feet, and hurtful words to yourself
   – Use technology and physical spaces in a safe and respectful way
5. Speak Up and Ask for Help
   – Report unsafe behavior to a trusted adult
   – Support others and seek support when needed
6. Promote Belonging
   – Include others and build friendships
   – Encourage a caring classroom and school community
7. Engage Positively
   – Participate in learning with a positive attitude
   – Solve conflicts peacefully and respectfully

Progressive Discipline at Bowmore Road PS

At Bowmore Road Public School, when students breach the Code of Conduct, we respond using progressive discipline — a whole-school approach grounded in equity, care, and high expectations.

Progressive discipline involves a range of interventions, supports, and consequences designed to promote positive behavior, repair harm, and help students learn from their choices. It moves away from being purely punitive and instead focuses on strategies that are corrective, supportive, and developmentally appropriate.

What Does This Look Like?

When inappropriate behaviour occurs, we consider:

• The context of the behavior
• The needs of the student
• The impact on others
• Opportunities for growth and restoration

Our goal is to help students understand their actions, take responsibility, and build the skills they need to contribute positively to the school community.

Possible Interventions and Supports (Used alone or in combination, depending on the situation):

• Reflection or restorative conversation with a teacher, support staff, or administrator
• Attendance, academic, or behaviour agreements/contracts
• Time-out or quiet reflection break
• Completion of a Reflection Sheet
• Contact with parents/guardians and collaboration on next steps
• Temporary loss of specific privileges (e.g., participation in certain school activities)
• Peer mediation
• Individual or group counselling
• Informal or formal assessment (e.g., behaviour or learning needs)
• Detention (used judiciously and respectfully)
• Restorative justice practices to repair relationships and rebuild trust
• Short-term suspension, when necessary, used as a last resort and paired with opportunities for reflection, support, and re-entry planning to promote learning, accountability, and growth

What Families Can Do When There Is an Incident or Concern

At Bowmore Road PS, we value open communication and collaboration with families. When an incident occurs or you have a concern about your child’s safety, behavior, or wellbeing, we encourage you to reach out — your voice matters.

Steps Families Can Take:

1. Connect with the Classroom Teacher
   – Start by speaking with your child’s teacher, who knows them best and can often provide valuable context or resolve the issue directly.
2. Contact the Principal or Vice Principal
   – If you need further support, our school administrators are available to listen, gather information, and work with you to find a fair and supportive path forward.
3. Ask Questions and Share Information
   – Share what your child has told you and ask questions to better understand what happened and how the school is responding.
4. Collaborate on Solutions
   – We value your insights and work together to ensure next steps are appropriate, equitable, and help your child learn and grow from the experience.
5. Request Follow-Up
   – You are welcome to request a follow-up meeting or update on any agreed-upon actions or supports.

Protecting Student Privacy and Confidentiality

At Bowmore Road PS, we are committed to respecting the privacy and dignity of all students and families. While we will always work closely with you to address concerns involving your child, please understand that:

We cannot share information about other students, including any consequences they may receive.

This is to protect the confidentiality and safety of every student in our care and is in keeping with the following TDSB and provincial privacy policies:

• Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
  – Ensures personal information is collected, used, and disclosed responsibly. Learn More. 
   
• TDSB Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Policy (P094)
  – Guides how schools manage and safeguard student information. Learn More. 

What Staff Do When an Incident Occurs

At Bowmore Road PS, staff are committed to ensuring that every situation is addressed in a way that is fair, timely, and supportive of student growth and safety.

When an incident occurs:

1. Teachers Respond First

Depending on the nature of the situation, teachers or support staff may address the incident directly. This often includes:

• Talking with students involved
• Providing immediate redirection or reflection time
• Engaging in restorative conversations
• Notifying parents/guardians when appropriate

2. Administrators Are Involved for More Serious Incidents

When a situation is more serious or ongoing, teachers will involve the principal or vice principal. In these cases, administrators may:

• Investigate what happened
• Speak with all parties involved
• Notify and collaborate with families
• Determine next steps based on the progressive discipline framework

3. Collaboration with System Partners

For complex or serious incidents, school administration may consult with:

• The Superintendent of Education
• The TDSB Caring and Safe Schools Department
• Professional Support Services, including:
  – Social Workers
  – Child and Youth Workers
  – Psychologists and Psychiatrists
  – Speech-Language Pathologists
  – Attendance Counselors

These partners help ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the student(s) and that any consequences are paired with appropriate supports.