Secord Code of Conduct
Secord Public School Code of Conduct - Living the Seven Teachings, Guided by the TDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan
At Secord Elementary School, we believe that everyone belongs. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful school community where each student, staff member, and family feels valued.
Our Code of Conduct is grounded in the Seven Grandfather Teachings and aligned with the Toronto District School Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP 2024–28). Together, these guide our actions, relationships, and responsibilities.
The MYSP directions — Belong, Achieve, Thrive, and Revitalize — and its Conditions for Success — Equity, Human Rights, Inclusion, Accessibility, Community Partnership, Leadership, and Communication — support us in creating a school where learning and well-being are at the centre of everything we do.
The Seven Grandfather Teachings in Our School Life
1. Respect (Mnaadendimowin)
● We honour the dignity and identity of every person.
● We treat each other, ourselves, property, and the environment with care.
● We build spaces where everyone belongs by removing barriers and ensuring accessibility. (MYSP: Belong, Accessibility & Inclusion, Human Rights)
2. Love (Zaagidwin)
● We show kindness, compassion, and care in our words and actions.
● We build strong relationships with peers, staff, families, and community partners.
● We care for the land and commit to environmental stewardship. (MYSP: Belong, Partnering with Parents/Caregivers/Community)
3. Courage / Bravery (Aakode’ewin)
● We speak up against unfairness and discrimination.
● We try new things, face challenges, and learn from mistakes.
● We take action toward Truth and Reconciliation by learning Indigenous histories and honouring Indigenous voices. (MYSP: Equity, Truth & Reconciliation, Strategic Leadership)
4. Honesty (Gwekwaadziwin)
● We are truthful with our words and actions.
● We take responsibility for our behaviour and repair harm when it occurs.
● We communicate with integrity and openness, even when it is difficult. (MYSP: Effective Communication, Indicators of Success)
5. Wisdom (Nbwaakaawin)
● We use learning, knowledge, and experience to make good choices.
● We share ideas, listen to others, and reflect on how to improve.
● We apply our learning to create positive change in our school and community. (MYSP: Achieve, Thrive, Revitalize)
6. Humility (Dbaadendiziwin)
● We recognize that we are all equal and interconnected.
● We value the strengths and perspectives of others.
● We listen more than we speak and remain open to new learning. (MYSP: Belong, Equity, Inclusion)
7. Truth (Debwewin)
● We live in alignment with our values and commitments.
● We seek to understand real stories — of ourselves, our community, and our shared history.
● We act with honesty and justice in pursuit of equity and reconciliation. (MYSP: Truth & Reconciliation, Equity, Indicators of Success)
Supporting Practices
To live these teachings every day, Secord staff, students, and families commit to:
● Partnering with Parents, Caregivers, and Community: Welcoming all voices and building shared responsibility.
● Human Rights & Respect: Ensuring every person feels safe, valued, and included.
● Accessibility & Inclusion: Removing physical, procedural, and attitudinal barriers.
● Leadership: Acting with integrity, courage, and equity at every level.
● Communication: Being open, transparent, and accountable in how we share and listen.
Progressive Discipline
At Secord, we believe in restorative, fair, and supportive approaches to discipline that teach, repair, and build community.
● Classroom Level: Reflection sheets, restorative conversations, apologies, repairing harm (clean up, fix, or redo), opportunities to try again, opportunity to reflect in a quiet area/space to regulate emotions with an adult supervisor, or loss of privilege.
● Administrator Level: Restorative meetings, behaviour contracts, office reflections, parent/caregiver meetings, referrals to supports (social work, psychology, community agencies). Suspension or expulsion is considered only when necessary, following TDSB guidelines. (Aligned with MYSP Equity & Human Rights: discipline that is fair, restorative, and responsive to student needs.)
Positive School Culture
We build a positive school culture by:
● Reviewing and revisiting the Code of Conduct regularly with staff, students, and families.
● Teaching and modelling expectations through the Seven Teachings.