Providing safe and caring learning environments is a fundamental requirement of a quality education system. The North Vancouver School District is committed to enhancing students’ feelings of safety and care, in order to ensure students are supported to learn, share, grow and succeed.
Since 2000, the Safe and Caring Schools Committee has worked hard to provide resources and supports to enhance the safety and nurturing atmospheres of our schools. All 32 schools follow
Safe and Caring Schools: A Guide for Schools.
This guide was first created by
North Vancouver School District in 2001 and has since evolved as needs have changed. The backbone of the philosophy in our school district is comprised of the eight components of safe and caring schools.
Positive School Climate
Safe and Caring schools foster a positive school climate. This climate stems from mutual respect and understanding, plus clear and consistent rules and expectations. Positive relationships among students, staff and parents are the foundation stones of a positive school environment.
Code of Conduct and Administrative Procedures
Administrative Policy 302 -Student Conduct outlines acceptable student behaviours. Each school must develop its own code of conduct in consultation with parents, staff and students. These codes are monitored and reviewed annually and must include the standards upheld by the BC Human Rights Code,
the Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order and the School Act.
Violence Prevention Curriculum
Violence prevention programs teach social emotional skills such as understanding and managing emotions, setting and achieving positive goals, feeling and demonstrating empathy for others, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and making responsible decisions. Developing these skills enables students to form positive relationships in all areas of life, which reduces violence, bullying, harassment and intimidation.
Emergency Management
The North Vancouver School District has a comprehensive emergency management plan. It is organized, systematic and flexible. It includes the District Critical Incidents Team and broader community planning in partnership with North Shore Emergency Management and local police, fire, rescue, health and ambulance services.
Community Support
Ensuring Safe and Caring Schools requires the coordinated effort of the greater community. Developing effective partnerships has, and continues to be, a strength of the North Vancouver School District.
Intervention Strategies and Behaviour Management
Schools use a progressive system of consequences designed to help students learn appropriate behaviours.
Consequences for unacceptable conduct are outlined in the school code of conduct; are planned, consistent, and fair; and, whenever possible, are preventative and restorative rather than punitive. More information is available in Policy 302 - Student Conduct. Information about appealing disciplinary decisions is available in Policy 406: Resolving Concerns Regarding Personnel, Programs or Procedures.
Student Empowerment
Students succeed when they are supported to take responsibility of their learning and actions. By nurturing and inspiring students to have the awareness, strength and ability to reach their personal best, students excel not only personally but also as members of their broader learning community. School communities become stronger, safer and more caring when students feel connected and when they know they are meaningful members of the team. Secondary students are empowered to become involved in educational issues that affect them via the District Student Leadership Council.
The North Vancouver School District encourages students to walk or roll to and from school for a healthier mind, body and environment.
Site Security
Many procedures are in place at schools to ensure the schools and school grounds are safe and secure. Security of schools is of the utmost importance. More information is available in Policy 802: Security of Buildings, Grounds, and Other Property.
