As an IBO World school, the International School of Belgrade prioritizes a safe learning environment that supports student growth and well-being. ISB respects that a child’s education starts in the home and is continued as a partnership between home and school. 

ISB students are expected to uphold high standards of behavior at all times. Students are expected to strive to embody the  attributes of the IB Learner Profile.  

Responsibilities of ISB 

1. to develop each individual child’s talents as fully as possible 

2. to teach effectively and to set the highest standards in work and behavior 

3. to care for each child 

4. to develop students’ dispositions and abilities to contribute positively to the community at large 

5. to encourage regular communication with parents 

6. to interact with individuals with respect and dignity. 

Responsibilities of Parents 

1. to show by example that they support the School’s Mission 

2. to make sure that their children come to school regularly, on time, refreshed, alert, correctly dressed and ready to learn

3. to take an active and supportive interest in their children’s work and progress 

4. to support the authority and discipline of the school, helping their children to develop maturity, self-discipline and self-control 

5. to encourage regular communication with the school as a basis for close co-operation between the home and school 

6. to interact with individuals with respect and dignity. 

Responsibilities of Students 

1. to attend school regularly, on time, ready to learn and take part in school activities and their learning

2. to aim at the highest standards in all aspects of school life 

3. to co-operate with the staff and to follow the expected behaviors and rules of conduct 

4. to consider and respect the feelings and property of other people both in school and in the wider community

5. to care for the grounds, buildings, furniture, equipment and books provided by the school 

6. to interact with individuals with respect and dignity. 

With the emphasis on educating and nurturing students to reach their full potential, it is essential that the learning environment be free of disruption. Appropriate behavior therefore is a critical component to achieve this safe and respectful environment. Students at ISB are expected to respect the rights of all members of the school community: teachers, administrators, parents, support staff and peers. Although it is hoped that all students will adhere by our indicated rights and responsibilities, situations may arise where a student’s behavior falls short of expected norms or is contrary to the school’s values, and thus requires staff intervention. Each situation will be addressed on its own merits. 

6.1. Dress Code 

There is no uniform or standard dress to which all students must conform. Care should be taken, however, that clothing is not offensive. All students should be clean, neat and appropriately dressed for learning. Dirty, torn or unsightly clothes or those  with inappropriate words or pictures are not suitable for school use. Shorts and skirts should be longer than mid-thigh length.  We should not see bare midriffs or bare chests. We recommend that students wear hats or caps and sunscreen while  exposed to the sun. Hats and caps are not to be worn in the classrooms during regular school days. 

Students are expected to follow dress regulations for school-sponsored activities off campus. Students are permitted to wear  the national dress of their native country. 

Exceptions may be made in the case of appropriate team uniforms, special school events, and other specific Administration designated activities. Teachers will refer students to the Principal if they feel there is a violation of the dress code.

6.2. Shoes for Physical Education  

ISB has a child-centered physical education program with an emphasis on cooperation, fitness and motor skill development  through movement experiences.  

All students are required to wear “athletic” type gym shoes and socks and comfortable clothes to PE. Shoes should cover the  heel and toe and have non-skid soles. It is important that the shoes fit your child’s feet. Shoes that slip off during running and  kicking activities do not provide sufficient support and are dangerous. Sandals or ‘flip-flops’ are not allowed during PE. 

All students are required to keep an extra pair of gym shoes in their cubbies so they are always prepared for PE.

6.3. Recess and Outdoor Play  

At ISB we believe that playing outside is an essential part of our students’ day. For this reason, students play outside in all  weather and enjoy two break times each day. Please dress your children for Belgrade’s weather. A waterproof jacket is  needed for periods of light rain. Warm coats, hats, boots, and gloves for winter, and hats and sunscreen for warmer months  will help ensure that your child is ready for outdoor play, regardless of the weather.  

Please make sure all clothing is named. 

6.4. Electronic devices in Primary School

At the Primary School, hand held electronic devices, tablets, phones, smart watches and electronic games are not allowed. 

Although we understand that some students might have a mobile phone or smart watch, there is no need for Primary School students to have or use such devices during the school day. We strongly suggest that Primary students do not bring devices to school.   If a parent needs their child to carry a mobile phone/ smart watch, they must be turned off and kept out of sight during the school day. Please note that the school is not responsible for loss of or damage to the phone.

If parents need to contact a student, the parent should call the ISB Primary School receptionist. Important and emergency messages will be delivered at once. If a student needs to return a call to a parent, the student must use a phone at the receptionist’s desk, or if confidential, should ask to use the phone in the Principal’s or Counselor’s office.

Any mobile phones being used during the school day will be confiscated and given to either the homeroom teacher or the Principal.

6.5. ISB Behavioral Philosophy  

As an IBO World school, the International School of Belgrade prioritizes ensuring a safe learning environment for all  students. By communicating clearly what the expectations are for behavior, and by supporting students in attaining the  expectations, we are mentoring them in their development of the ISB core values and the IB Learner Profile characteristics  which will ensure continued success at ISB and beyond.  

ISB expects all members to act in according with the school’s four core values: empathy; integrity; respect and responsibility. For the students, this means: 

Empathy – we understand the impact of our words and actions and act with compassion toward others. 

Integrity – we conduct ourselves in ways that bring honor to ourselves, our family, our school and our community.  

Respect – we demonstrate respect for ourselves and others’ person and property.  

Responsibility – we are responsible for our behavior as well as contributing to a healthy and safe learning environment. 

With these guiding principles in mind at ISB Primary School we have two belief statements that we use as a the basis for regularing our behavior:

• A caring school is a good place to learn

• In a principled school everyone is safe and belongs

6.6. ISB Behavioral Protocol  

Through a value based & beliefs approach, classes develop essential agreements.   Furthermore, in collaboration with our students we developed common expectations for shared spaces such as playgrounds, bathrooms and hallways.  These expectations for behavior that aligned with our beliefs and values are created with our students and are known to all. 

Behavioral concerns will be managed by our teachers and educators.  At ISB Primary we use "Real Restitution" practices to talk to our students about their mistakes.    

If the behavior is on-going or is of a mildly serious nature,  the teacher will work collaboratively with the counselor in supporting and mentoring the student in creating and maintaining  appropriate behaviors. Should the behaviors continue, the final step would be to involve the principal. If a student is sent to  the principal’s office for misbehavior, the principal will reflect with the student on details relating to the behavioral incident.  Information relating to the students’ behavior will also be sought from the teachers involved, counselor and other students if  appropriate. Parents may be invited to the school to discuss possible solutions.   

Depending on the severity of the misbehaviour, students may face the following consequences: verbal reminders, loss of privilege, in school or home suspension (reflection time).  For more serious breaches of behavioral expectations, a Positive Behavioral Modification Plan may be implemented. Ongoing and proactive communication and collaboration with parents is pivotal, particularly when a misbehaviour is reoccurring or of more serious nature. 

At ISB Primary School we have three bottom lines that define a serious behavior:

• Extreme defiance

• Physical or verbal aggression 

• Bullying 

6.7. Problem Solving & Real Restitution Practices. 

Students at ISB are encouraged to find peaceful solution to conflicts and disagreements.   We use the "Real Restitution" practices and language to coach our students into taking responsibility for their behavior and mistakes and help them find ways to solve problems. 

6.8. Threat of Violence  

At ISB, the emotional and physical safety of your children is a top priority. As an IB World school, we are committed to the  IB mission of creating a better and more peaceful world. It is for these reasons that threats of violence with weapons at  school is not tolerated. 

If a child makes a specific, serious threat of violence, the counselor will investigate to assess the credibility of the threat, and  disciplinary action, appropriate to the nature of the threat and the student’s ages may be taken. If action is required, the  Principal will be informed.

Lower School Approach to Bullying 

Definition of Bullying 

Bullying is defined as ‘when a person has been exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or  more persons’ (Olweus, 1991). 

Bullying can take many forms: 

∙ Physical (pushing, shoving, kicking, hitting) 

∙ Verbal (name calling, teasing, laughing at, threatening) 

∙ Indirect means (spreading rumors, excluding someone from a group) 

∙ Electronic (Identity theft, posting insults on social media, spreading gossip on social media, posting unapproved  photos on social media) 

∙ Property (taking or vandalizing property belonging to another person). 

Bullying is: 

∙ Systematic and on-going (not one-off meanness) 

∙ Done by the more powerful over the less powerful rather than between equals 

∙ Distressing and hurtful to the victim (not a joke or a prank to be good-natured fun) 

∙ One way rather than an exchange. 

Anti-Bullying Code: 

∙ All students should feel happy and safe and be wholly accepted at ISB. 

∙ Bullying is not accepted at ISB. It is not an acceptable part of growing up. 

∙ Students should support each other by reporting all instances of bullying to a trusted adult at the school or report it  to their parents who can contact the school. 

∙ Reports of bullying will be taken seriously and investigated by the school and appropriate action taken. 

The following disciplinary actions can be taken for those students who persist in bullying despite interventions taken: ∙ Reflection times 

∙ Exclusion from activities 

∙ Suspension (in-school and out-of-school) 

∙ Expulsion 

All ISB guidelines apply to excursions and field trips. 

Parents will be informed of bullying behavior. 

6.9. Academic Probation and the Learning Contract  

ISB is committed to facilitating the success of all students. In the rare event that a student is unable to make adequate  progress in our program despite provisions of support, a student may be placed on a learning contract. This entails a plan of action indicating additional support for expectations concerning attitude and performance. If insufficient progress or  unacceptable attitude is displayed during the probation period, the family may be asked to withdraw the student. 

6.10. Student Record and Right to Privacy  

Student records that include grade reports, test scores, teacher comments, counselor notes, and other related information  shall be kept confidential and used only when deemed necessary to help the student with placement, references and  relocation. Access to records is strictly controlled.