Supporting Positive Student Behaviours
Guiding Principle Statement
At SAM, we believe all students thrive in a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive. We foster positive behavior through explicit teaching, restorative practices, and clear, consistent responses that uphold each student’s dignity. Grounded in restorative and trauma-informed approaches, we recognize the uniqueness of every student’s life experiences. When challenges arise, we focus on understanding, repairing harm, and building the skills needed for personal growth and a strong sense of belonging. Developing these skills is a shared responsibility, requiring ongoing partnership and collaboration between the school and home.
Our Commitments to Learning Together
Consideration for others, cooperation, and a sense of personal responsibility help us to work successfully together. At SAM, we have some shared commitments that we all hold ourselves, and each other, accountable:
- Respect yourself, your peers, your teachers, and the SAM School community.
- Meet your responsibilities—both as a student and as a good citizen.
- Do your best to make SAM School a well-respected place.
- Observe good safety practices and use them while travelling to and from school.
- Keep the building and grounds clean and tidy.
Each classroom will co-construct their Classroom Commitments at the beginning of each year; these commitments will be posted in the classroom and used to help reinforce the commitments students make to each other daily.
Restorative Practice
Every school has its own approach to student discipline. At SAM School, we are committed to using restorative practices that prioritize reflection, learning, and relationship-building over punitive measures. Our goal is to help students understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility, and develop the skills needed to navigate challenges in positive and respectful ways. Restorative practices at SAM help repair harm by:
- Encouraging students to take responsibility for their actions
- Increasing awareness of how their behavior affects others
- Teaching conflict resolution and emotional regulation skills
- Promoting empathy and effective communication
- Fostering respect for different cultures and beliefs
- Strengthening the sense of belonging and connection within our school
While we emphasize reflection and growth, there are also times when students will experience natural or logical consequences as part of the learning process. These consequences are applied thoughtfully to support accountability, reinforce expectations, and guide students in making better choices—all within a framework that maintains dignity and encourages growth.
Student Conduct
In addition to upholding our school’s shared commitments to learning and behaviour, all students are also expected to uphold the responsibilities outlined in both the:
- St. Albert Public Schools Administrative Regulation (F-110-AR) Student Conduct, and
- Section 31, Student Responsibilities, of the Alberta Education Act
These regulations and policies emphasize the importance of respecting the rights of others, contributing to a positive school climate, and following school and classroom expectations. As members of the SAM community, students are encouraged to demonstrate responsibility, empathy, and integrity in all areas of school life. Our shared goal is to support every student’s growth—academically, socially, and emotionally—within a framework of accountability and care.
Partners in Education
Collaboration and communication between students, staff, and families are vital to supporting students as they learn from challenges and grow as members of our school community. The St. Albert Public School Board of Trustees believes that we are partners in education and we all share a responsibility to ensure welcoming, caring, respectful, inclusive and safe learning and working environments. Sections 31-33 of the Education Act sets out the goals, roles and responsibilities of all partners in the Alberta education system, including students, parents, school boards and the Ministry of Education.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s school experience, like learning, or conflict with peers, our division has outlined the steps to take to help address and resolve any situation. For more information, please review our Partners in Education information.
View division Code of Student Conduct and Student Acceptable Use of Technology form
Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO)
Our school division is a partner in the St. Albert and Sturgeon Regional Violence and Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Protocol. The regional partnership includes school divisions, emergency services and community agencies, all working together for the safety of all children, youth and families.