Skwo:wech Elementary School promotes the values expressed in the BC Human Rights Code, which respect the rights of all individuals in accordance with the law. This code prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression – in respect to discriminatory publication and discrimination regarding accommodation, service, and facility in the school environment.
Students are expected to contribute positively to the school by behaving in a manner consistent with the School Act of British Columbia, the School District #40 (New Westminster) district code of conduct and the following Skwo:wech Elementary school code of conduct:
Skwo:wech Elementary code of conduct
At Skwo:wech Elementary School, everyone will conduct themselves in a manner which exhibits respect of and responsibility for each other, our safety, and our learning environment.
Respect of and Responsibility for Each Other
- We always use respectful and acceptable language
- We always behave appropriately
- We always show respect for other people’s property
- We are always considerate of other’s learning
Respect of and Responsibility for our Learning Environment
- Being punctual for school and lessons
- Being prepared for each lesson
- Listening and following instructions carefully
- Showing respect for school equipment and materials
Respect of and Responsibility for our Safety
- We know the emergency drills
- Dangerous items are not in the school
Use of Personal Digital Devices
As per Ministerial Order 89 the use of personal digital devices at school is to be restricted for educational purposes only, to promote online safety and focused learning environments. Personal digital device (PDD) means any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or to access the internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet. Other examples included: smart watches, digital accessories (earbuds), gaming devices, and electronic toys.
At our elementary school there is no access to or use of such devices at any time on school campus during the school day. This is essentially a “bell-to-bell” restriction from the beginning of school to the end of the day. Parents are reminded that elementary students are always under direct supervision and that the school will communicate with home for any emergent need that arises.
The exception to these restrictions will be for students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Learning Support Plan (LSP), or medical or health issue that specifically outlines the need for these devices for full inclusion in specific learning activities.
Security & Storage: It is important to note that security and storage of personal digital devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The district assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of such devices. If students must bring a device to school, they are encouraged to ensure they are locked away in lockers or kept in a secure location.
The intention of our Code of Conduct is to make our school a safe, caring, and orderly environment for learning and working and it applies to behaviour both on school premises and during off-site activities that are organized or sponsored by the school. It is produced with recognition that there is a need for an appropriate balance between individual and collective rights, freedoms, and responsibilities and in reference to the British Columbia Human Rights Code. Skwo:wech Elementary School will seriously treat behaviour or communication that discriminates based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression- in respect of discriminatory publication and discrimination in accommodation service and facility in the school environment. At Skwo:wech Elementary we prohibit discrimination on the protected grounds in the BC Human Rights code, including protection for LGBTQ2S+ students. At Skwo:wech we have a progression of expectations held for students as they become older, more mature, and move through successive grades. Furthermore, considerations may apply to students of special populations who are unable to comply with expectations due to having a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, or behavioural nature.
Conduct by any person that adversely affects our school’s climate, or operation may be considered a breach of the Code of Conduct, warranting appropriate forms of intervention. The consequences for the person who breaches the Code of Conduct will take into account age and maturity, and whenever possible, will be restorative in nature rather than punitive. School officials may have a responsibility to advise other parties of serious breaches of the Code of Conduct. The New Westminster Board of Education will take all reasonable steps to prevent retaliation against any person who has made a complaint of a breach of a Code of Conduct.
Updated: September 2025