Code of Behaviour

A Code of Behaviour is established to ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated while at the same time acknowledging the right of each child to education in a relatively disruption free environment. As a school we must work towards standards of behavior based on the basic principal of honesty, respect, consideration and responsibility.

The Board of Management of the school has ultimate responsibility for behaviour in the school.  Within the school, the overall day to day responsibility for behaviour rests with the Principal. Each teacher has the responsibility for the maintenance of good behaviour and good order within his/her classroom while sharing a common responsibility for good behaviour within the school premises. Parents/guardians can support the school by encouraging their children to understand the need for school rules, and by communicating any relevant concerns to the school.

The aims of the Code:

• To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behavioural expectations.
• To provide for the effective and safe operation of the school.
• To develop pupils’ self-esteem and to promote positive behaviour.
• To foster the development of a sense of responsibility and self-discipline in pupils
based on respect, consideration and tolerance of others.
• To facilitate the education and development of every child.
• To foster caring attitudes to one another and to the environment.
• To enable teachers to teach without disruption.

Responsibility of Adults

The adults encountered by the children at school and home have an important responsibility to model high standards of behavior, both in their dealings with the children and with each other, as their example has an important influence on the children.

As adults we must aim to:

• Provide a positive, caring and safe environment for each child.
• Support the implementation of the Code of Behaviour.
• Recognise and affirm good work.
• Recognise and provide for individual talents and differences among pupils.
• Ensure fair treatment for all regardless of age, gender, race, ability and disability.
• Keep opportunities for disruptive behaviour to a minimum.
• Deal appropriately with misbehavior.
• Communicate with each other when necessary on matters of mutual concern.

School Rules

School rules are kept to a minimum and are devised with regard for the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. If a school is to function efficiently, it is necessary that rules and regulations are clearly stated and enforced consistently and fairly. Pupils have the responsibility of:

• Good manners and politeness are very important.
• Be on time each morning, school opens at 8.30am.
• Full uniform or tracksuit to be worn every day.
• All homework must be completed and handed up on time.
• Obey the school bell and line up in an orderly fashion.
• Keep the school and playground free from litter.
• Attend school regularly and punctually.
• Listen to their teachers and act on instructions/advice.
• Show respect for all members of the school community.
• Respect all school property and the property of other pupils.
• Avoid behaving in any way which would endanger others.
• Avoid all nasty remarks, swearing and name-calling.
• Include other pupils in games and activities.
• Bring correct materials/books to school.
• Follow school policies and class rules
• Obey all Covid 19 procedures.

Class rules

At the beginning of each academic year, the class teacher will draft a list of class rules with the children. These reflect and support the school rules, but are presented in a way that is accessible to the children. They should where possible emphasise positive behavior.

Before/After School

Parents are reminded that the staff of the school does not accept responsibility for pupils before official the opening time of 8.30a.m. (yard supervision from 8.20a.m.) or after the official closing time of 1.10p.m. (infants) 2.10p.m. (other classes). Pupils involved in after school activities, school tours or on the school bus are expected to behave in accordance with school Code of Behaviour policy during these times.

Affirming Positive Behaviour

Positive reinforcement of good behaviour leads to better self-discipline and we place a greater emphasis on rewards and incentives than on sanctions.

Strategies/Incentives:

• A quiet word or gesture to show approval.
• A comment on a child’s exercise book.
• A visit to another class or Principal for commendation.
• Praise in front of class group.
• Individual class merit awards, points awards or award stamps.
• Delegating some special responsibility or privilege.
• Written or verbal communication with parent.

Sanctions

The purpose of sanctions and other strategies is to promote positive behaviour and discourage misbehaviour. Sanctions will be applied according to the gravity of the misbehaviour, with due regard to age and emotional development. These may include reasoning with pupil. Verbal reprimand including advice on how to improve. Temporary separation from peers within class and/or temporary removal to another class. If homework is not completed children will complete it the following night. Repeated unfinished homework will result in further sanctions.

• Prescribing extra work.
• Writing out the policy that has been breached.
• Writing a report of the incident.
• Loss of privileges.
• Detention during break.
• Communication with parents.
• Referral to Principal.
• Principal communicating with parents.
• Exclusion (Suspension or Expulsion) from school (in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools as amended by circular and Education Welfare Act 2000).

The teacher will communicate with the parents where severe/ repeated sanctions have to be implemented. Pupils will not be deprived of engagement in a Curricular Area, except on the grounds of health/safety.

Suspension/Expulsion

The Department of Education guidelines on discipline state that in the case of a continuously disruptive pupil or a pupil who is guilty of a serious breach of discipline the Principal Teacher in consultation with the Board of Management may suspend a pupil for three school days. In exceptional cases and having notified the pupil’s parents the Board of Management may authorize a further period of exclusion up to a maximum of 10 school days. Expulsion will be considered in an extreme case in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National schools as amended by Circular 7/88 and the Education Welfare Act 2000. Before suspending or expelling a pupil, the Board shall notify the Local Welfare Education Officer in writing in accordance with Section 24 of the Education Welfare Act.

Reviewed by the Board of Management Sept 2017