School Rules

GUIDELINES FOR OULU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
(based on the general City of Oulu guidelines for schools)

1 Why we have rules

The purpose of rules is to help organize the school, to help students learn and to make sure that the school community is safe.

2 Students’ rights and responsibilities (Basic Education Act § 35, 36)

Students have the right to receive teaching based on the Curriculum.

Students are responsible to

attend school according to their timetable and inform the school of any absence
do their homework conscientiously and to inform the teacher of any missed homework or test
respect everyone’s right to a safe learning environment by following the school’s guidelines.

3 Safety, wellbeing and learning

Students are to

always follow the staff members’ instructions
behave in a polite manner, using appropriate language
respect everyone’s right to a safe school day. They treat everyone with respect and inform the school’s adults of any bullying.
respect everyone’s physical or mental personal space
take care of both their own, their peers’ and the school’s equipment. They always ask for the owner’s permission if they want to borrow something.
come to lessons with the right materials and equipment e.g. sports clothing
always ask for the author’s permission or cite the original source when copying, editing or sharing someone else’s work, including text and picture
(plagiarism)
show respect for members of all ages and backgrounds in the school community, and express romantic affection, if any, in a discreet and appropriate manner.
leave their bags in the classroom during assemblies or performances.

follow the traffic rules and any other rules set by the City of Oulu e.g. regarding travelling on buses and during any transitions within the school day
behave kindly and considerately towards others
only enter the school building when school starts
leave the school premises as soon as possible, and no later than 30 minutes after their lessons have ended. Those waiting for an after-school club or a lift wait outside. Year 1 (and 2) students may go to afternoon care.
stay on school premises and only leave with permission. Only the Class/Homeroom Teacher or the supervising teacher may grant permission to leave a lesson for an appointment.

take off their outdoor clothes and shoes and place them neatly in the assigned place when inside the school. Hats are to be taken off in the Big Bite and assemblies.
be considerate towards people with perfume allergies and wear only mild scents
bring only healthy snacks (fruit, sandwiches, muesli bars) to school. Sweets, crisps, soft drinks or energy drinks are not allowed during the school day.
chew xylitol gum after lunch and on the snack break only, and dispose of the gum in a litter bin after use
keep the school tidy. They clean what they mess up and if they deliberately break something, they pay for its repair.

only bring to school items that are safe to use
hand over a disturbing or dangerous object or substance to the Principal or a teacher
behave in a way which maintains safety
lock their bikes, scooters, etc. and leave them in the designated area
understand that tobacco or alcohol products are allowed for over 18-year-olds only
use the WC one at a time

Devices refer to laptops, tablets, mobile phones, phone/smart watches and earphones.
Year 1-6 students must keep their devices turned off or on silent mode (with vibration disabled) in their bags throughout the entire school day and during other school events.
Year 7-9 students must keep their devices turned off or on silent mode (with vibration disabled) in their personal, school-assigned lockable lockers for the entire school day and during other school events. If the first or last lesson of the day takes place outside the main building, students may keep their devices in their bags during that lesson.
Students are allowed to use their devices for educational or health-related purposes, or to urgently contact their guardian, with permission from a teacher or the Principal.
Students may always make an emergency call to 112 without needing permission from school staff.
Sharing photos or videos online without the consent of the individual(s) in them is a criminal offense.
The corridors and the Brainary are designated quiet working areas.

4 Breaking School Rules results in disciplinary action (POL§ 35, 36)

Oulu International School