Student Safety

To ensure the safety of our students, your children, we ask for your assistance in key areas including:

Bus Security

Bus passes are a requirement for all travel on buses that is different from the normal destination for your child. If your son or daughter is travelling home to a different destination, or with a different person, than they normally do, please provide written/signed instructions to the homeroom teacher. It is also beneficial if you ask your child to bring it to the attention of the teacher as early as possible so the note is not overlooked. We do realize that situations arise that may require a last minute change of plans. In those cases please call the office as soon as possible. Please note that the bus pass requirement also extends to mornings. If your child is at a sleepover or other stop in the morning, they require a bus pass to board the bus in the morning. This is PSB policy even though in the past it may not have always been enforced regularly. If you know that your child will be at a different stop in the morning, please write a note the day before to get a bus pass.

Code of Conduct and Discipline

All parents/guardians are reminded that they are subject to the school's code of conduct, as are all students and staff. 

  1. I will respect myself, others, and all property. 
  2. I will support others by reacting appropriately to bullying.
  3. I will arrive to school ready to learn to the best of my ability. 
  4. I will resolve conflicts in a positive manner. 
  5. I will be responsible for my behavior and accept any consequences.

Discipline

Students will be disciplined in a way that protects and nurtures their physical mental and emotional growth. Regulations are made to protect persons and property and to protect the right to participate in every facet of the educational program. Our school follows the guidelines of the Public Schools Branch Caring Places to Learn Discipline Policy which reflects an understanding of human maturation. The Policy specifically limits the opportunity of any individual to interrupt their own educational growth or that of another student. The Policy focuses on teaching proper behavior and action. A student is afforded several chances to correct improper behavior and, only after many reminders of impropriety, is faced with administrative action.

The following principles guide school personnel in helping students in their progression toward self-direction and fulfillment.

  1. All students have worth and dignity.
  2. Students have the capacity to learn cooperation and respect for others.
  3. Students should have the opportunity to understand the policies which affect them.
  4. Students with special needs should be referred to those specifically trained to help them.
  5. Parents must accept a participating role with that of the school and its staff in preparing children for productive and fulfilling lives. The school will make recommendations and work for the benefit of the student when the home is not fulfilling its role.
  6. Parents play a vital role in developing student behavior and conduct. It is our expectation parents:
  • Are aware of the school code of conduct
  • Work with the school to resolve student behaviour issues when they affect their children
  • Co-operate with the school or PSB recommended course of action for the student.
  • Model appropriate behavior and language for their children.
  1. When a student's conduct is violent or abusive, the principal will immediately notify parents and take disciplinary action appropriate to the situation. This may include suspension. Other Considerations:
  • Homework Not Completed - If a student does not complete assigned school work, the teacher may require the student to complete the work at another time (ie lunch, after school, etc.). If the student does not comply, a call home will ensue. 
  • Refusal - To Do Assigned Work and Persistent Disobedience - Parents will be notified. Repeated offences may result in an in-school or out-of-school suspension. 
  • Aggressive Behaviour - Fighting on school property will not be tolerated for any reason, be it as the aggressor or the retaliator. Cases of fighting could result in an in-school or out-of-school suspension. Parents will be notified.
  • Smoking, Vaping and Cannabis – Smoking, vaping  and cannabis use are prohibited on all school property (busses and school trips are considered as school property). Students are not to bring cigarettes to school. Cigarettes will be confiscated and parents will be notified. Any student caught smoking on school grounds will automatically receive a 3-day suspension and parents will be contacted.
  • Misconduct  on school property– 
    Playground- If a pupil is sent inside for misconduct on the playground, the pupil may lose the right to go outside during break for a period of time, depending on the misconduct. 
    School bus– If a student misbehaves on the bus, the student will first receive a warning from the bus driver. The second offence will result in the principal talking to the student. A third offence will be met with a letter home. Any subsequent offence(s) could result in loss of his/her right to travel on the bus for a period of time. Serious misconduct could result in loss of travel rights immediately.
  • Breach of School Discipline Policy - Any serious breach of the school's discipline policy will result in the student's immediate removal from school. (PEI School Act (Section 74) 
  • Dress Code- The purpose of a School Dress Code is to promote a respect for self and others and to encourage a positive and professional learning environment which focuses on a proper work attitude in the classroom, reducing distractions and improving performance. An acceptable standard of dress is required of all students. Students shall not wear clothing that is considered inappropriate or revealing. This includes any clothing that portrays a message whether visual and/or written that is profane, demeaning or promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violence or discrimination in any form. The school administration and staff reserve the right to further define the term "inappropriate" or "revealing" as circumstances require. Students failing to comply with the Dress Code will be required to change into appropriate dress. If suitable attire is not available, parents will be notified and ask to bring more acceptable clothing.

Students with Allergies

Like many schools in the province, ACC is a nut free zone. We have multiple students with life-threatening allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. The presence of these products could have severe consequences for these students and we appreciate your continued cooperation. The PSB nut-free policy also extends to peanut butter substitutes such as Wow Butter. These substitutes smell and taste so much like the real thing that they can cause a stress-induced reaction in allergic children that is similar to the reaction that they would have with real nuts. We have also adopted a policy of not allowing food (like birthday cakes, treats, etc.) be brought in to share with the class. This helps us alleviate concerns about possible allergy issues and also addresses the fact that several other children have intolerances (gluten, dairy, etc.) and could feel excluded on these occasions.

Vehicle Traffic

If you are dropping off or picking up a student at school, please do not use the bus parking lot in the morning nor in the afternoon (except after the buses have already left the parking lot). When you drive within our parking lots, please be extra vigilant for children that may be walking through that area. When possible, if you are stopping to pick up a child, please do so in such a way that you do not have to reverse when pedestrians may be present.

Visiting School Property

All school visitors must visit the office upon entering the school. If you need to contact your child, we can call him or her to the office to meet you. If you are dropping something off for them, you can leave it in the office and we can deliver it at a time when it does not interrupt their instructional time. In the morning and at the end of the day parents are asked not to accompany their children all the way down to their classroom. Hallways are often congested at these times of day and we want to limit the number of people just to those that have to be there. Most importantly, it helps us protect the privacy and safety of all of our students/your children.