"Lo! The noblest among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware."        

Qur'an 49:13

Conduct expected from the Islamic School of Hamilton Community:
RESPECT        RESPONSIBILITY        COOPERATION

The Islamic School of Hamilton Code of Conduct applies to all students, parents, guardians, volunteers and school staff while they are on school property, school buses or at any school-authorized events or activities.

• All members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially persons in positions of authority.
• Members of the school community are expected to use non-violent means to resolve conflicts.  Physically aggressive behaviour is not a responsible way to interact with others.
• Insults, disrespect and other hurtful acts disrupt learning and teaching in a school community.  Members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a respectful manner.

The Administration

The administration will provide leadership by:

• Demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe, Islamically sound teaching and learning environment;
• Holding everyone under their authority accountable for their behaviour and actions;
• Communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of the school community.

School Staff

Teachers and school staff will maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standards of Islamic conduct, specifically, conduct that is respectful, responsible and cooperative.  As role models, staff will uphold these high standards when they:

• help students work to their full potential and develop their self-worth;
• communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;
• maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
• demonstrate respect for all students, staff and parents;
• prepare students to live as good Muslims.

Parents

Parents play an important role in the education of their children and have a responsibility to support the efforts of the school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.  Parents fulfill this responsibility when they:

• show an active interest in their child's school work and progress;
• communicate regularly with the school;
• help their child be neatly dressed in the school uniform and be prepared for school;
• ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;
• promptly report to the school their child's absence or late arrival;
• become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules;
• encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;
• assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues.

Note:
Parents must NOT bring their children to school if their kids are:

• Sick with fever/ high temperatures
• Throwing up or have diarrhea
• Have pink eye
• Have head lice

Students

Students are to be treated with respect and dignity.  In return, they must be respectful, responsible, and cooperative and demonstrate good Islamic behaviour at all times by:

• speaking, dressing and acting in an Islamically acceptable manner;
• respecting the sanctity of the environment (masjid/school);
• showing respect for themselves, for others and for those in authority;
• maintaining cleanliness of mind, body, clothing, school materials and surroundings;
• following established school and classroom rules and routines;
• treating personal and school property with care and respect;
• working and playing cooperatively and showing consideration for others;
• not bringing anything to school that may be obscene or compromise the safety of others.

All members of the school community have a right to:

• a school environment where Islamic values and learning are a priority;
• a school environment that is safe, positive, friendly and supportive;
• participate in an environment free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, culture, physical appearance or socioeconomic class.

In the Hallway

• stand quietly in single file with your class and do not push or shove anyone;
• keep to the right when walking and do not run in the hallway.

In the Classroom

• follow the rules and routines established by your teacher;
• raise your hand when you wish to speak;
• bring a note from your parents/guardians when you are late to school;
• be respectful, responsible and cooperative at all times.

Dress

• dress must be strict compliance with the school uniform policy;
• uniform and shoes must be neat, clean and in good repair at all times;
• baseball caps and boots are not allowed in the classroom;
• girls in Grade 4 and up must wear hijab at all times and all girls must wear hijab for salah.

Exiting the school building

• exit at recess and dismissal only after the teacher has dismissed the class;
• at recess, re-enter only in the event of an emergency, with the permission of the teacher on duty;
• after school, exit the building by the main entrance.

In the Playground

• play only in the area designated to you by the assigned teacher;
• think safety first and contribute positively towards school safety;
• absolutely no throwing of rocks, snowballs or other objects;
• be aware at all time of safety rules.

Occasionally student behaviour may not meet expecations.  Consequencies for inappropriate behaviour are imposed by staff in an effort to help students take responsibility for their own actions and to provide a deterrent.  Every action taken is with regard for the dignity and self worth of the student and in consideration of the student's age and the nature of the misbehaviour.  In keeping with the expectations of the school, each incident will be treated in a fair and consistent manner and will be utilized as an opportunity for the student to learn and grow.

Recommended Consequences:
1.  Warning - oral and written
2.  Timeout
3.  An increase in timeout
4.  Phone call home by teacher
5.  Conference with the principal and teacher in office

Inappropriate behaviour that is more serious:
1.  Opposing authority - ignoring the teacher, direct refusal to carry out the teacher's instructions.
2.  Destroying school property - causing damage
3.  Use of profane or improper language or bringing obscene literature
4.  Conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school demonstrating an un-Islamic attitude
5.  Conduct injurious to the physical well being of others
6.  Conduct injurious to the mental/emotional well being of others

Consequences for More Serious Offences:
1.  Students are automatically sent to the office with a referral form and a phone call is made to the parents
2.  Timeout
3.  Detention
4.  One half day in school suspension to 1 full day in school suspension
5.  One-day, three-day or five-day home suspension
6.  If severity and frequency warrants it, expulsion from the school

As you know we are well into our winter season.  In the event of inclement weather (snowstorm, unsafe weather conditions, other), please do the following in order:

• Check school website www.ishcanada.com or Class Dojo, school communication portal, by 7:00AM; any notice of school cancellation will be posted.
• You may also check local radio AM 900 CHML and FM 102.9 K-Lite. This information would be available after 7:00 AM of that day. If no such information is present please assume that the school is open.

Courtesy and respect are important in everything we do. Name-calling, personal remarks, offensive language or bullying behaviour which refer to another staff or student's race, gender, abilities or background will not be tolerated.  If you or anyone you know is being abused in this way it is important to let your teacher, principal or any member of the staff know so that action can be taken. Any un-Islamic behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We believe this will prepare all of us to be better Muslims and informed citizens in society when we leave school.

It is the school policy that homework is assigned and completed regularly.  Not only does this extend the work done in school, it also allows the child to develop the skills to work by independently. Class Dojo or planner is used for ALL homework given, and the due dates.  We encourage the students to not leave the work till the last minute.  Special care should be taken to complete homework independently and being aware of the due dates.