CODE OF BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

The purpose of a code of discipline is the creation of a positive learning environment in which a child may enter fully into the life of the school.  There is a need in all schools for rules and regulations and it is accepted that no structure can hope to succeed without some form of discipline.
The aim of the school is:
(1) To provide a Christian Education which seeks to foster the growth of the whole child and to
help realize his/her unique God given potential.
(2) To promote an atmosphere of consideration, acceptance and love, in which the child can find s security and where Christian values are actively lived.
(3) That children will develop a respect for and responsible attitude towards themselves and
others and their environment.
(4) Discipline is not a problem with the majority of our pupils, but there are always exceptions to  the rule – hence the need for our Code of Behaviour and Discipline, the rules of which are as
follows:

Code of Behaviour
(A) In a class situation it is expected that the teacher should not have to interrupt the teaching
process, nor the pupils learning process, in order to deal with disruptive behaviour.  The
school acknowledges the right to educate in a relatively disruptive-free environment.  We
expect parents to give full co-operation to ensure that their children behave responsibility,
and conform to the rules, which have been carefully devised so as to reflect the general
ethos of the school.
(B) It is the aim of the school to encourage and foster positive behaviour in our pupils and this is
is central to our code of discipline.  Our code provides a framework within which positive
behaviour in our pupils and this is central to our code of discipline.  Our code provides a
framework within which positive techniques of motivation, reward and encouragement are
used by all members of the staff to adopt a positive approach to the question of behaviour
in the school.

1.

Guidelines – Pupils/Parents.

(1) School Uniform.

Children are expected to wear full school uniform in school every day and when representing the
school in public.
The School Uniform is:  Boys – Grey trousers, grey jumper, blue shirt.
Girls – Grey skirt/pinafore/trousers, grey jumper/cardigan, blue shirt.
Stud earrings in ears only.
A neat appearance and appreciation of personal hygiene are an important part of the personal development of all pupils in the school.
Indoor shoes must be worn in classrooms.  All personal belongings must be labelled i.e. sweaters, lunch boxes, jackets, canvas shoes etc.,
On the days of their P.E. class the children will wear uniform shirt and jumper and tracksuit bottoms.
Slippers are not allowed to be worn in the P.E. room. – Canvas shoes only for P.E.

(2)  School Day

School commences at 9.20am.  Every pupil is expected to be punctual at all times, and when this is not possible a note explaining his/her late arrival is required.
Children may not leave the school premises until dismissal time at 3.00pm. except when collected
(at classroom door) by parents, or written permission of the parents, signed and dated.
Junior & Senior infants are dismissed at 2.00pm.  Children will be walked to the school gate unless the weather is bad, then parents wait in the corridor for their child to come out.

ABSENCE
When a pupil is absent from school, he/she will, on return to school be expected to furnish a note from parent/guardian.

HOMEWORK
Every pupil is required to prepare homework when requested to do so by teacher.  When a pupil fails to do homework a short  note should be furnished to the teacher.  All homework is to be signed nightly by parents.  Parents are expected to take an interest in their children’s schoolwork and homework.  Co-operation between Parents and Teachers is acknowledged and necessary.
Note:  Repeated failure to do homework will be regarded as a serious breach of school discipline and parents/guardians will be contacted.

LUNCHES
Children are encouraged to develop proper eating habits e.g. it is desirable that they should have
Sandwiches and fruit  for lunch rather than chocolate bars, sweets or fizzy drinks.  No chewing gum is allowed or glass bottles for obvious safety reasons.

HEALTH & HYGIENE
Children with long hair should wear it plaited or tied back.
Only stud earrings to be worn.
Attention in class and punctuality are pre-requisite for an effective school performance, and to achieve this a good night’s sleep is essential.

2.
BEHAVIOUR IN CLASS
A pupil’s progress in school is related to good behaviour in class.  Every pupil should remember that indiscipline in class affects not only his or her own progress but also that of fellow pupils.
Constant disruptions during class will be classified as serious indiscipline and action will be taken to protect the interest of both the class as a whole and the teacher.
Children are expected to keep the school and it’s grounds litter free.  This fosters a sense of responsibility towards their school and awareness of our environment and of our need to cherish and to care for it.
In order to ventilate classrooms, the children will be expected to vacate rooms after eating their lunches on dry days.

BEHAVIOUR IN THE SCHOOL YARD

At break-time during the day all pupils are encouraged to enjoy their games and play in the yard.
Everyone is expected to behave in such a manner that play can go on uninterrupted and free from interference.  Rough, dangerous play, bullying, harassment and fighting among pupils will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
During break-time children are not allowed to remain in their classrooms except during inclement weather.  If parents want children to stay in at break-time because of illness, a note is required.
In the interests of safety pupils are not allowed to go to the shops during school hours.
Children should not remain on school grounds after closing of school.

RESPECT FOR TEACHERS AND FELLOW PUPILS

Having respect for teachers and fellow pupils leads to a better school atmosphere and instills in everybody a feeling of good will and co-operation.

RESPECT FOR ADULTS AND VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

It is expected that every pupil will create a good impression by respecting adults who are associated with the workings of the school or those who are visitors to the school.

RESPECT FOR PROPERTY

Every pupil is expected to respect the property of fellow pupils in the classroom and the school property in general.  It will be regarded as serious indiscipline when property is vandalized or stolen.

SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES

When engaging in school related activities outside the school e.g. sport, school tours, Confirmation, Holy Communion etc., each student is representing the school.  The good name of the school depends on the positive image created by all when taking part in, or representing the school on such occasions.  Teachers will encourage children to have pride in their school and to ensure that classrooms and school grounds will be kept neat and tidy.

3.
BULLYING

Every child has a right to pass safely through childhood and to an education free from fear and intimidation.  Unfortunately, bullying is a problem, which many children encounter and is of great concern to both parents and teachers.  It is a problem, which requires co-operation between schools and parents in seeking solutions.  Bullying of any sort is not tolerated and will be regarded as a very serious misdemeanour.

EXAMPLES OF MISBEHAVIOUR

VERY SERIOUS
• Deliberate physical violence towards other children or members of staff.
• Threatening or abusive language to other children or members of staff.
• Vandalism to property of school or others.
• Persistent bullying.

SERIOUS
• Leaving school premises without permission during school hours.
• Rough and dangerous play.
• Stealing property of others.

MINOR
• Littering.
• Inattention in class.
• Disobedience.
• Chewing gum.

Circumstances will often affect the category into which the misbehaviour falls.  Minor misbehaviour may become serious if repeated frequently.

N.B.  This is not an exhaustive list.

4.
SANCTIONS

Every effort will be made by all members of staff to adopt a positive approach and to encourage good behaviour among pupils in the school.  When this fails however, the following strategies may be used to show disapproval on unacceptable behaviour.

• (a) Reasoning with pupil and/or reprimand and advice from teacher.
• (b) Temporary separation from the rest of the class.
• (c )   Additional work.
• (d) Loss of privileges.
• (e) Detention.
• (f) Referral to Principal.
• (g) Communication with parents.
• (h) Suspension.

Where there are repeated instances of serious misbehaviour the Chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed and the parents will be requested in writing to attend at the school to meet the Principal.  If the parents fail to attend or refuse to have an undertaking that the pupil will behave in a satisfactory manner in the future, the pupil may have to be suspended for a temporary period.   Suspension will be in accordance with the terms of Rule (130) (5) of the Rules for National Schools.

In the case of an instance of very serious misbehaviour the Board has authorised the Chairperson and/or Principal to sanction an immediate suspension, pending a discussion of the matter with the pupil’s parents/guardians.

This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on  _______________________[date]

Signed:  ___________________________
Chairperson, Board of Management

Date:  _____________________

Date of next review:  ________________