Our goal is to provide school environments that are safe and caring places where excellence in learning is a priority and everyone feels included. Saskatoon Public Schools believe that all students, parents and guardians, staff, volunteers and visitors have the right to be safe, and to feel safe, in their school. We also believe that the development of an ethical framework is a key aspect of a student's development.

EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING OUR SCHOOLS SAFE

Here are a few things we can all do:

  • Be polite, respectful and cooperative to all, regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
  • Demonstrate positive character traits in all we do.
  • Work cooperatively with one another and model characteristics of a good citizen.
  • Model appropriate behaviour and support the school's values and expectations.
  • Dress respectfully for school activities with regard to modesty, cleanliness and appropriate message.
  • Promote a positive school culture.
  • Solve conflicts peacefully through discussion or by seeking help. Racial incident, bullying or abusing another person verbally, physically, sexually or psychologically will not be tolerated.

STUDENTS

Students have the responsibility to:

  • participate as an active citizen in the school community;
  • exercise self-discipline, follow the established rules and accept responsibility for their actions, based on age and individual ability;
  • attend school regularly and come to school on time, ready to learn;
  • show respect for self, others and those in authority; and
  • participate in creating a safe school environment.

STAFF

School staff members have the responsibility to:

  • help students develop to their full potential and develop their self-worth;
  • prepare students for the full responsibility of citizenship by supporting diversity, teaching social skills, character education and value education while consciously integrating values into the curriculum;
  • teach and emphasize the values and expectations of the school on a regular basis;
  • communicate regularly with parents/guardians;
  • discipline fairly and consistently;
  • establish and maintain a safe and caring learning environment conducive to student progress;
  • model positive communication skills which support learning; and
  • engage in professional development that supports the best educational practice, including assessment and instruction.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Parents/guardians have the responsibility to:

  • help children be physically and emotionally ready to learn;
  • show an active interest in school work and in their children's progress;
  • try to solve any concerns with the child's teacher. If unresolved, contact the principal. If the problem remains, then contact the superintendent;
  • communicate regularly with the school and notify the school of absences or late arrivals;
  • help children be neat, clean, prepared and appropriately dressed for school;
  • become familiar with the school's Code of Conduct, and encourage children to follow the rules of behaviour and accept responsibility for their actions;
  • work together with school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues;
  • model positive communication skills that support the learning environment; and
  • treat staff and students with dignity and respect at all times.

SAFE AND CARING SCHOOLS PLAN

Our schools have a clearly defined and well-communicated set of values and expectations. Our schools use a variety of educational, proactive programs to teach values and appropriate behaviours, and to help students learn the importance of making positive choices. Our schools believe in progressive discipline with consequences based on individual needs, the degree of the problem and the ability of the person to understand and handle the consequences.

We invite you to contact your school's principal for further information.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFE SCHOOLS

Saskatoon schools have well-developed partnerships in our community.  We work closely with Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services to help ensure that our schools are safe places to be. For more information on how we work together read our Working Together for Safe Schools brochure.