Good Manners Policy

Written: Nov 1998

Reviewed: Feb 2006

• Always say 'Please' and 'Thank-you'.
• Students should always acknowledge adults they meet in the playground, or outside the school.  The first meeting each day deserves a 'Good Morning' but after that eye contact and a smile is sufficient.
• Students should respond, in a quiet but clear voice, when adults speak to them. Don't mumble.
• When visitors come to a classroom, children take their cue from their teacher or the Principal. Stand if requested, wait for the visitor to say 'Good Morning' and then respond: 'Good Morning, Mr/Mrs .... etc'. Avoid a sing-song voice. Teachers should practise this with the class.  (On most occasions, children should not interrupt their work when someone comes to the classroom.)
• Students should not interrupt when someone is speaking or interrupt telephone conversations.
• If students need to speak to someone who is in conversation, wait for a pause, and say 'excuse me' before speaking.
• Avoid passing between two people in conversation. If it is necessary, say 'excuse me.'
• Move quietly in the classroom; don't interrupt the lesson.
• Move quietly to and from lessons so as not to disturb other classes.
• Students should not walk through a doorway if someone else is doing the same. Allow adults to move first.
• At the beginnings of lessons, don't wait for the teacher to settle the class down; be ready to listen when it is time to start the day.
• Students should listen to adults with respect. Avoid talking back, responding with a 'but...', and an argumentative tone. Maintain eye contact in conversation.
• Coarse language is not appropriate in school.
• Treat all adults with respect; don't be over-familiar; allow them their personal space.
• Act with decorum; maintain modesty.