At the Lower School we believe in international mindedness and the qualities of an open-minded, resilient, playful and reflective learner. These qualities work to develop citizens who respect themselves, others and the world around us.
Vulgar, profane or discriminatory language and aggressive actions to others are unacceptable.
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behavior that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.
Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records).
Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.
What bullying is not:
These actions can cause great distress. However, they do not fit the definition of bullying and they’re not examples of bullying unless someone is deliberately and repeatedly doing them.
1. Awareness
ZIS students:
2. Intervention
We will investigate all complaints made by students, parents and staff. Counseling strategies may follow that can offer a guided and effective process to assist students.
3. Consequences
In case of bullying, parents will be contacted and appropriate consequences and support will be put into place.
Students are never to bring to school illegal substances, or other items considered to be dangerous. This includes any kind of items that may be used as weapons, including knives of any kind (Swiss Army knives), lasers, lighters, matches and the like. Toys should be kept at home, but may be brought to school only when deemed appropriate by a classroom teacher.
Mobile phones and smart watches can be brought to school but must not be used over the course of the instructional day unless permission has been granted by the school administration or teacher. Mobile phones must remain off and in backpacks throughout the day. Smart watches must be set on "school mode" if worn. When in doubt, a teacher will ask students to put their smart watch in their backpack.
Mobile phones and smart watches may be used on the door to door bus and Village Liner due to children communicating with families. If it causes a behavior concern, a child may not be allowed to use their mobile phones on the bus. This will be a decision of the administration and bus coordinator.
Students are not to wear hats or head coverings in the school buildings unless they are being worn for religious, cultural or health-related reasons.
Clothing should be clean and free of offensive graphics and language, and large holes or tears. Flip-flops or wheelies are not to be worn as they are dangerous on stairs. Clothing must be modest and the Principal has the final say on what constitutes appropriate clothing.
Chewing Gum is not allowed. Sweets/candy are discouraged and only allowed for special occasions (birthdays, class parties) and always with teacher’s permission.
The expectations for appropriate and responsible behavior are very clear. Unfortunately, situations arise where certain behaviors are deemed unacceptable. Consequences may be assigned by teachers and school administrators.
Suspension and Expulsion may lead to the statutory duty of ZIS notifying the competent school authorities that the student temporarily or indefinitely does not attend ZIS anymore.
At ZIS, discipline policies and practices are instructive, restorative, developmentally appropriate, and equitably applied.
Restorative practices are most pertinent in situations where harm has been caused to individuals or groups. The process can be applied in all discipline situations to ensure that the student understands the impact of their actions. A restorative response to harmful incidents/negative behaviors focuses on relationship reparation, accountability, and the identification of the larger context that leads to negative behaviors. Inappropriate behavior may be addressed by an individual adult through affective statements and affective questions. Problematic and/or abusive behavior will need to involve the divisional administration and more formal circles and restorative conferences as part of the restorative practice.
Our goal is to provide a challenging and nurturing environment in order to best meet the individual learning needs of each child. The foundation for this is a successful collaborative partnership between the school and parents/guardians, characterized by effective communication and trust.
It is important that the expectations of both members of this partnership with regard to rights and responsibilities are clear, and these are published in the “Parents/Guardians and ZIS Partnership” document which can be found in the Community Portal and which also forms an integral part of your agreement with ZIS.
A section of this document refers specifically to the need for parents to appoint a temporary guardian should they be away for 24 hours or more. Parents are required to submit the Temporary Guardianship Form to school, giving details of who is caring for their child(ren), in these circumstances. This form can be found in the Community Portal.