Teaching Philosophy

We believe it is vital to teach children the knowledge and skills they need to function successfully, not only in school, but also in the multicultural and globalized society we live in.
Besides gaining knowledge and skills, it is extremely important to develop good study habits and “life” habits, as well as the habit of consistently implementing the skills and knowledge that are being acquired and developed in school.

In addition, we consider the following attributes to be of great importance to lifelong learners:

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  Inquiry

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  Critical thinking

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  Communication

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  Open-mindedness

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  Reflection

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  Creativity

Together with the family and the wider community, we will promote responsible attitudes and desirable behavior, enabling students to act with integrity and to take responsibility for their actions.

We have a duty to set high standards of achievement and to enable students to meet these standards.
We believe that instruction should be differentiated to equably support those students capable of meeting and exceeding the standards, and the students who have difficulty in achieving them.

We recognize the importance of intellectual, emotional, and physical balance by providing diverse options in sporting, recreational, and creative activities.

Our mission is to provide every student with a good, quality education that is rigorous and relevant in every classroom.

Principles of Conduct for Students

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

SIE.K has adopted a Code of Student Conduct prescribing the rules and regulations for the control, discipline, suspension and expulsion of students. These rules and regulations are intended to promote an atmosphere within the school which is conducive to learning as well as to insure the protection of the rights of students. Inherent to a democratic society is the fact that rights entail responsibilities. Self-respect and respect for others are major goals of the Code. Students have the right to avail themselves of quality education at SIE.K. However, students have a responsibility not to interfere with the education of other students. The Code of Student Conduct enumerates rights, responsibilities, and consequences for students attending SIE.K. A copy of the code is provided for each child and sent to each home. A copy of the Code of Conduct is also available in the Principal’s Office as well as on the school’s website.

BULLYING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AT SIE.K

It is the policy of SIE.K that all of its students and school employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. The school will not tolerate bullying and harassment of any type. Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment is strictly prohibited. The victim of bullying and harassment, anyone who witnessed the bullying or harassment, and anyone who has credible information that an act of bullying or harassment has taken place may file a report for bullying and harassment. The proper forms may be found in Appendix A of this handbook.

SELF-DISCIPLINE

It is necessary that children learn to develop self-discipline in order to further their learning. We ask that you discuss with your child the importance of and need for good behavior and a good attitude while at school. We cannot tolerate fighting, disrespect toward others, obscene language, or destruction of school or personal property. Students who break rules repeatedly will be sent to the office and handled accordingly. If problems reoccur, parents will be contacted to help resolve the problem.

Principles of Conduct for Teachers

Teachers should:

Place the well-being and progress of students first.

Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students under their supervision.

Establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in their relationships with students.

Use appropriate channels to raise concerns about the practice of other teachers or professionals if this has a negative impact on learning or risks harming students.

Take responsibility for maintaining the quality of their teaching practice.

Develop their practice within the framework of the school’s curriculum.

Make use of assessment techniques, set appropriate and clear learning objectives, plan activities and employ a range of teaching methodologies and technologies to meet individual and group learning needs.

Reflect on their practice and use feedback from colleagues to help them recognize their own needs; Actively seek out opportunities to develop their knowledge, understanding, skills, and practice.

Help students to become confident and successful learners.

Uphold students’ rights and help them to understand their responsibilities.

Listen to students, consider their views and preferences, and involve them in decisions that affect them, including their own learning.

Have high expectations of all students and find activities that will challenge and support them.

Communicate clear expectations about pupil behavior to ensure disruption to learning is minimized and students feel safe and secure.
Promote the equal treatment of students.

Take responsibility for understanding and complying with school policies relating to equality of opportunity, inclusion, access, and bullying.

Help create a fair and inclusive school environment by taking steps to improve the well-being, development, and progress of those with special needs or whose circumstances place them at risk of exclusion or under-achievement.

Strive to establish productive partnerships with parents.

Provide parents with accessible and accurate information about their child’s progress.

Involve parents in important decisions about their child’s education.

Consider parents’ views and perspectives, including their child’s development.

Work as part of a whole-school team.

Uphold school policies and procedures. Raise any concerns in a responsible and appropriate way.

Endeavor to develop productive and supportive relationships with all school colleagues.

Demonstrate honesty and integrity and uphold public trust and confidence in the teaching profession.

Demonstrate honesty and integrity in management and administrative duties, including in the use of school property and finance.

Exercise responsibilities related to examinations and assessment of achievement in a fair, transparent, and honest way.