Deutsche Schule Kobe International
Student, Parent Code of Conduct
Student Code of Conduct
Expectations & Acceptable Conduct
Everyone at DSKI has the right to be in a community where discrimination, harassment, bullying, cyberbullying, intimidation and violence of any kind, is not tolerated. Therefore, to ensure we have a positive learning environment, it is our obligation while at school, occupied with any school-related exercises, and keeping in mind going to and from school to guarantee we maintain cordiality, productive practices, and practicality.
DSKI students strive to be lifelong learners through the attributes of the IB learner profile:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
Reflective
On Campus
Students are expected to have acceptable behaviour in class, behaving in a calm manner and following the directions of the staff.
To walk around the school building and behave in a calm and respectful way.
Lower primary
Are to line up quietly when going and coming from recess and lesson transition. They must be accompanied by a supervising teacher.
Upper primary
Are to line up quietly when going and coming from recess and lesson transition. They may move to their next location without being accompanied by a staff member.
School Property
be respectful of other people’s rights and belongings.
do not litter inside the school and the areas in the vicinity of the building.
Safety
report any dangers or demonstrations of assault, tormenting, badgering, terrorizing, and segregation toward students, staff or parents
communicate with awareness when utilizing technology and the internet and confide in a trusted individual from the school community if any issues should arise.
Personal Responsibility
use available time appropriately and valuably, utilizing the student lounge and corridor areas
arrive to class on schedule and ready
use proper language in the school and community
ensure all personal and school property are put away safely
dress in a suitable manner as to not offend anyone in any way
refrain from making bigoted, misogynistic or violent remarks or wearing such clothing
Unacceptable Student Conduct
When the learning of others, the safety of fellow students, staff and the school, or the environment is hampered, there will be ramifications. The seriousness and recurrence of unsuitable behavior, as well as the age, development and special needs (assuming any) of individual students, are considered in deciding disciplinary consequences. Disciplinary activity, at every possible opportunity, is corrective as opposed to simply punitive. As students progress through continuous grades and become more mature and mentally developed, they are relied upon to accept expanded individual accountability and self-control.
The principal has an obligation to apprise other concerned parties regarding grievous transgressions of the accepted rules. These groups may incorporate staff, parent(s) of student offender(s), parent(s) of student victim(s), local authorities, police as well as different organizations, as legally necessary. The school will guarantee that sensible actions are taken to avoid reprisal against a student who has submitted a complaint about an infringement of the Code of Conduct.
Harassment
DSKI understands that each individual must be treated with respect and dignity and subsequently, has the right to work in an environment free from harassment. A constructive and inviting work and learning condition assures and advocates the confidence, self-worth, and human privileges of each individual and supports shared regard and collaboration among people. Any student/staff engaged with racial, ethnocultural, religious, or inappropriate behavior in any manner will be confronted with a disciplinary response.
Bullying (See anti bully policy)
Schools should be a safe place for students to learn and teachers can conduct their lessons in a welcoming and protective environment, free from harassment, bigotry, and assault.
Bullying is an example of forceful conduct intended to damage or cause distress to someone else. Bullies consistently have more force than the other party. Their capacity can emerge out of physical size, quality, status, and friends’ support.
There are three forms of bullying:
physical, where an individual is hurt or their property harmed,
verbal, where an individual's emotions are hurt through affront and ridiculing,
social, where an individual is disregarded or barred from gatherings and occasions.
A student found bullying another student in any form will be confronted with disciplinary action.
Failure to Follow the Student Code of Conduct
The school will take proportionate and reasonable action with any student who has broken the code of conduct decided on by the responsible staff member.
Escalation Process
Repeated breaking of the code of conduct will follow an escalation process -
Initial action taken by the homeroom teacher
Repeated behaviour will be escalated to the Early Years Coordinator for children 2 - 5 years old. All primary age children will be referred to a senior leadership team member.
For all students, if the behaviour still persists then it will be escalated to the school principal
For steps 2 and 3 parents will be involved in the disciplinary action and their full cooperation with the school will be expected.
Exceptions to the Escalation Process
If the actions of the student are of a nature that are determined to be too serious to follow the above steps then, the principal will become involved immediately.
Suspensions from School
According to Japanese law, when an elementary school has a child who has poor behavior and interferes with the education of other children, it is possible that the municipal board of education can order the parents to suspend the attendance of the child. The suspension system is not in terms of disciplinary action, but in terms of maintaining school order and guaranteeing the right to have compulsory education for other students. There are two basic requirements for suspension of attendance: "bad behavior" and "interfering with the education of other children". Examples of "bad behavior" are "acts that cause injury, physical and mental distress or property loss to other children", "acts that cause injury or physical and psychological distress to staff", and "acts that damage facilities or equipment", "acts that interfered with classes and other educational activities".
The suspension period is not set by law. When there is no more risk of bad behaviour or interfering with the education of other children, the attendance suspension should be lifted.
The authority of the Board of Education does not extend to the DSKI but the school principal will follow this process in suspension of a student.
Permanent Exclusions from School
If students continue to break the student code of conduct then this can lead to the ending of the contract with the family and the student leaving the school.
Parents’ Code of Conduct
This Parents Code of Conduct is intended to assist Deutsche Schule Kobe International parents to identify and resolve problems related to conduct that may arise. It is designed to guide parents as they deal with other parents, the school and the wider community. The Code is based on general principles required for a positive and happy learning environment for the children.
The school is an organization of a range of different people who have different relationships to one another. In such a community, it is crucial that all members recognize and respect not only their own rights and responsibilities but also the rights and responsibilities of other members of the community and those of the school itself.
As parents, you play an important role in shaping your child’s sense of justice, equality and value to all members of the school community.
You act as one of the most influential role models in your child’s life. The responsibility for promoting and upholding the core values of the school community must fall on those with the greatest capacity to reason and control their actions.
Therefore, it is the expectation of the school that all parents model acceptable behaviour at all times within the school setting.
To be the best role model for your children, parents should
Recognize the authority, responsibilities of the staff and administration
Not intervene in the school’s educational process or interfere with school personnel, allowing school staff and administration carry out their duties and/or responsibilities.
Demonstrate that both parents and teachers work together for the children’s benefit, encouraging your children to always do their best in school.
Follow specified protocol for communication with staff members to help in the smooth running of the school day.
Endeavour to maintain a positive and cooperative attitude.
Show respect for yourself, staff members and other individuals.
Work respectfully with other people and help the school to discourage disrespectful, violent, or aggressive behaviour to solve problems.
Help your children feel comfortable and prepared by making sure your children are appropriately dressed for the school day.
Support learning and behaviour by creating a good environment for doing homework, checking homework is complete and signing records and any school forms when requested.
Help the school maintain good standards of work and behaviours by discussing school reports with your children and attending parents’ meetings.
Make sure that your children have good attendance and arrive at school on time. Further, parents will not arrange holidays outside of normal school breaks other than in extenuating circumstances.
Be positive role models to your children, reflecting the school’s ethos.
Inform the school of any problems or difficulties concerning your children as quickly as possible.
Immediately inform the school of any change of address or circumstances which may affect the smooth administration of the school.
Ensure that fees are paid on time.
Follow the school’s policy on parking outside the school to help the school be a good neighbour
Following the Parent Code of Conduct
Parental support of the school and following the code of conduct is vital to the education of the children. In the rare instance that parents fail to follow the parent code of conduct, they will potentially be subject to action.