2.2 SCHOOL CLIMATE AND SCHOOL CULTURE

School climate and school culture are critical elements in determining the success of a school. Both concepts are also crucial for the recognition and fostering of rights and responsibilities within the school setting.

School climate refers to the impressions, feelings, and expectations held by members of the school community. The formation of a positive school climate requires the recognition of the student as the prime focus, the leadership role by the school administration, and a competent and caring staff who share common goals with students, parents, and the community. A positive school climate includes an identifiable, open and nurturing school spirit which fosters positive self/concept and self/esteem in students and staff. There is mutual respect and collaboration among administrators, teachers, students, parents, and the community. Above all, there is an atmosphere of conscious caring for the well-being and academic achievement of students.

School culture is a broader term and encompasses not only how students and adults feel about their school but also the values, traditions, assumptions, beliefs and ways that give the school its identity and specify its standards for behaviour. School culture has a powerful effect on school community. It tells people in the school what is truly important and how they are to act.

Some Characteristics of a Positive School Culture

Positive staff attitude and high morale
Teamwork and the sharing of responsibilities
A healthy and safe physical environment
Opportunities for student involvement, commitment, responsibility and success
High expectations for students and teachers
Clear and effective communications of school expectations
The nurturing of personal identity
The encouragement and recognition of achievement
Opportunities for shared activities and community interaction
Significant involvement of the parents and guardians
The encouragement of risk-taking
The acknowledgment of mistakes as part of learning

Teachers Make a Difference: Classroom Perspectives

Department of Education 1995

The rights and responsibilities of students can be protected and enhanced through a positive school climate and culture. Students are engaged to understand and uphold their rights and to act on their corresponding responsibilities. The school staff, in partnership with parents and the community, should enable students to become willing and responsible members of the school community.

The following are examples of rights and responsibilities of students:

Rights

Responsibilities

to maximize full potential
to exercise freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
to form and express personal views
to peaceful assembly and association
to dignity and facilitation of self-reliance
to respectful relationships with teachers and other students
to take pride in cultural identity, language and values
to learn and play in a safe, clean, and orderly school environment
to receive help and guidance
to enjoy privacy
to be protected from all forms of cruel or unusual treatment
to use and enjoy the natural environment
to receive regular feedback on learning
to positive home-school relations

to work hard to achieve full potential
to exercise these freedoms in a reasonable manner
to respect the rights of others to express themselves
to exercise these freedoms as they support student learning
to value the worth of others
to respect the rights of others
to respect one's cultural heritage and the heritage of others
to understand and follow the code of conduct of the school
to seek and respond to help and guidance
to enjoy this right in a reasonable manner based on respect for the law and safety of others
to treat others with respect
to protect the natural environment
to accept feedback and to use it for further improvement
to participate in harmonizing the relationship between home and school

In summary, the atmosphere, traditions, symbols, beliefs and actions of the school should be dedicated to a mission of respecting and facilitating the rights and responsibilities of students. School personnel and parents have similar rights and responsibilities and, together with students, they can create an effective school climate and culture for all.

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