Student expectations

Student Expectations

TWS-EXPECTATIONS


For the 2026-2027 School year, we are distilling the original 19 expectations created in 2024-2025 school year to The Waterfront Three: Be respectful, Be a listener, Be safe.

THE WATERFRONT THREE (2026-27)

  1. Be respectful — to yourself, to others, and to our school. Respect is already the through-line of both the original 19 and the current three. A single umbrella rule is easier for young children to internalize, and it covers behaviour, language, and care for the environment in one memorable statement.

  2. Be a good listener — follow directions the first time. This preserves the first expectation as it serves a distinct function the others don't: it's about responsiveness to adults and routines, which underpins classroom safety and order.
  3. Be safe — keep hands, feet and objects to yourself, and play games everyone can join. This frames safety as one concept with two expressions: how you manage your own body, and how you include others in play. It also links safety with inclusion, reinforcing that leaving someone out is a form of harm.

THE ORIGINAL 19 (2024-25)

  • Listens attentively and follows instructions
  • Walks in line quietly in the school
  • Treats peers and adults with respect
  • Uses technology appropriately according to TDSB and school expectations
  • Always tries their best
  • Celebrates mistakes and uses a growth mindset
  • Is honest
  • Has integrity and does the right thing
  • Takes responsibility for their own actions
  • Treats others kindly and uses kind words
  • Cleans up after themselves
  • Treats school property with respect and is a steward of the school environment
  • Shows empathy and is considerate of others’ feelings
  • Is a positive problem solver
  • Uses self-regulation strategies to be calm and ready to learn
  • Recognizes and stands up against racism
Thank you to all of The Waterfront School students, staff and community who collaborated to create, who a Waterfront student is. We will continue to set these high expectations for all of our students. We believe that every student can achieve this and can be successful.