At NA MacEachern, we are committed to providing a safe environment for our staff, students, and caregivers where we treat everyone with CARE, DIGNITY, KINDNESS AND RESPECT.

We support learning and keep distractions out of school and class.  We will not tolerate aggressive or abusive behaviour of any kind.  If you have concerns, you may be asked to put them in writing and return to school at another time.  Please be kind and respectful to everyone; we are here to help.

Visit ontario.ca/School Rules to learn more about the Provincial Code of Conduct.

 

Bullying Prevention/Intervention

As part of our Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools, we have a shared responsibility to work through reported situations of bullying, and to prevent bullying situations when possible. Our priority is the safety of the impacted student, as well as seeking to better understand the situation, so we can work together to be responsive and to nurture an environment and learning community that is safe.

If a student is experiencing bullying, the student may report it directly to their classroom teacher, the supervision teacher, the child youth worker, the principal, or any member of the NA MacEachern staff. If a student is uncomfortable reporting, they may share with a parent or peer who may bring the information to the principal or other school staff.

The school has a responsibility to investigate reported cases of bullying. We always gather information before we determine an action plan. We work hard as a staff to partner with parents as we learn more about the situation and determine next steps.

We also work through our Health Education curriculum and through ongoing support in class communities to ensure that we have a shared and clear understanding of bullying, and to develop and contribute to the collective responsibility of our school community to act in kindness and to actively disrupt behaviours that are unfair, unkind, or mean.

We are committed to the philosophy that we are learners, and that everyone deserves to be respected and everyone deserves to improve.

Here is more information from Waterloo Region District School Board about Bullying Prevention and Intervention: https://www.wrdsb.ca/our-schools/safe-schools/bullying-and-harassment/

 

Cell Phone and Smartwatch Policy

WRDSB has taken steps to ensure students are better supported in focusing on their learning and well-being at school.

Supporting Student Learning

We know that cell phones and smartwatches are a significant distraction for students at school, especially in the classroom. They can lead to students being disengaged from their learning and isolated from their peers next to them.

How is this addressed?

Student access to social media platforms on school networks and school devices are restricted. The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) Code of Conduct requires students to refrain from using their cell phones and smartwatches at all times during the instructional day. Exceptions include if using this:

  • For educational purposes, if explicitly permitted by the educator
  • For health and medical purposes
  • To support special education needs, as documented in the student’s IEP

Families and caregivers can reach their child at any time by calling the school’s main office.

Building on Established Methods at WRDSB Schools

These changes being implemented at all schools are based on frameworks developed at a number of WRDSB schools in recent years. In partnership with students and families, these schools implemented changes to student use of cell phones. Staff, students and families all noticed positive impacts to student achievement and well-being as a result.

Evidence-Based Approach

Our approach to changing expectations regarding cell phones and smartwatches is rooted in research and evidence. It aligns with the findings of staff at schools where similar policies have already been introduced. They’ve noted a positive influence on student achievement and well-being.

A 2022 study by Melissa Huey and David Giguere found that students who did not access their phones during classes had:

  • Higher levels of course comprehension
  • Lower levels of anxiety
  • Higher levels of mindfulness
  • This means being aware and present during class.

Guidance from the Ministry of Education

The steps we plan to take in the 2024-2025 school year at all WRDSB schools align with Ministry of Education guidelines. They require school boards to implement a policy limiting the use of cell phones at school in September 2024.

Next Steps

We invite families and caregivers to talk to their children about new expectations for students returning to school in September.

Technology can be a distraction in the learning environment. Cellphones are kept in student backpacks, and smartwatches should be locked to ensure no texts or gaming occurs during the instructional day.

 

Dogs at School (Procedure 2020)

Dogs that are not considered service animals are not permitted on school property during school hours.

 

Smoke & Vape Policy (Procedure 1365)

Smoking tobacco/cannabis and vaping are strictly banned anywhere inside the school or on school grounds. (The only exception is traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual practices). Students and community members must not use, share, or sell any vape, nicotine, or tobacco products on school property.