Commitment to a Safe and Positive Learning Environment

Safety and Respect for All

In alignment with our philosophy, we prioritize creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for our school community. We recognize behaviour as a form of communication and respond supportively to guide students toward safer and more positive interactions.

Dress Code Policy

Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for a primary school setting. Clothing must not display inappropriate language, images, or messages, including but not limited to:

• Profanity or offensive language

• References to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or violence

• Inappropriate, discriminatory, or suggestive content

Students may be asked to change or wear an alternative provided if they wear clothing that does not meet these guidelines. Our goal is to maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students.

Supporting Student Well-Being: TCIS, Life Space Interviews, and SPARK

As part of Sturgeon Public Schools’ commitment to student well-being and safety, staff across the division have been trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in Schools (TCIS). At Landing Trail School, most staff are now trained, allowing students to experience consistent, calm, and supportive responses across classrooms, recess, and common spaces. 

Consistency helps students feel emotionally safe, understood, and supported.

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in Schools (TCIS) is a trauma-informed, research-based approach developed through Cornell University. TCIS helps school staff prevent, de-escalate, and respond to moments of emotional distress in ways that prioritize safety, dignity, and learning. This approach focuses on teaching social-emotional and self-regulation skills and does not replace expectations or consequences for behaviour.

A Life Space Interview (LSI) is a structured, supportive conversation conducted after a challenging situation, once a student is calm and ready to reflect. LSIs help students understand what happened, recognize their emotions, take responsibility for their choices, and identify healthier ways to respond in the future. Life Space Interviews support accountability and turn difficult moments into meaningful learning opportunities.

TCIS, LSI, and SPARK work together as part of a comprehensive approach to supporting student behaviour and well-being:

• TCIS supports students during moments of emotional distress

• Life Space Interviews support learning and reflection after those moments

• SPARK provides structured opportunities to practice positive behaviour, social skills, and safe play, particularly during recess

Together, these approaches help students build the skills needed to manage emotions, repair relationships, and contribute positively to a safe, caring, and respectful school community.

Social-Emotional Learning and Positive Play

Our non-punitive approach focuses on developing students' Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills, fostering Positive Play, Accountability, Relationship Repair, Kindness, and Connection. We aim for every student to thrive in cooperative learning and play environments.

Approach to Behaviour

Our support system is designed to help students reflect on their actions, understand their impact, and learn healthier ways to interact. Through our SPARK Program and collaborative stakeholder involvement, we personalize support plans that promote positive social interactions and play.

Accountability and Relationship Repair

We emphasize accountability, respectful interactions, and the importance of repairing relationships.