Code of discipline

INTRODUCTION:

In devising the code of discipline consideration has to be given to the particular needs and circumstances of this school. The aim is to create an ordered and orderly environment in which pupils can, through developing self-discipline, feel secure and make progress in all aspects of their development. We recognise the variety of differences that exist between children and our aim is to ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated while acknowledging the right of each child to an education in a relatively disruption-free environment.

This policy reflects our school’s philosophy and ethos which aims to foster the values of respect, honesty, courtesy, responsibility, tolerance and consideration of others.

The code of discipline has been devised with regard for the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. A high standard of behaviour requires a strong sense of community within the school and a high level of cooperation among staff, pupils and parents.

Pupils will be treated fairly and consistently and will need to be aware of the consequences of misbehaviour.

Positive techniques of motivation and encouragement are used by teachers. Each teacher has responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within the classroom while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school premises and its environs and on trips.

A pupil will be referred to the Deputy Principal / Principal for serious breaches of discipline and for repeated incidents of minor misbehaviour.

AIMS:

To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behavioural expectations
To provide for the effective and safe operations of the school
To encourage pupils to respect themselves and others and to value their own property and that of others
To foster a sense of pride in their appearance, school work, their school, community and country
To take responsibility for their actions and to admit and apologise for wrong-doing
To develop a sense of tolerance and justice in their dealings with others
To understand and accept the necessity for rules and the willing observance of them for the common good
To create an environment conductive to effective and efficient learning
To enable teachers to teach without disruption
To develop pupil’s self-esteem and to promote positive behaviour
To ensure the health and safety of all pupils and school personnel

SCHOOL RULES:

Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times. Behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to feel safe is unacceptable.
Pupils are expected to show respect for all school property and to keep the school environment clean and litter-free.
Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance, always be aware of personal hygiene, have all books and required materials and to be in the right place at the right time.
Healthy lunches must be brought to school. Chewing gum is not allowed in school or while attending any school events e.g. school tour, sports day, athletics etc.
Each child is expected to obey a teacher’s instruction, to work to the best of his / her ability, listen carefully in class, complete all homework and present written work neatly. A child’s ability level and general circumstances are taken into account.
Disruptive behaviour where a teacher’s time is taken up disciplining a child to the detriment of other children’s learning and comfort in class is totally unacceptable.
Children should be honest and truthful at all times.
Enter and leave the school building and grounds in an orderly fashion. This is of prime importance where school safety is concerned.
No cycling on school grounds. All children cycling should dismount at the school gate and walk the bicycle to the parking area, so as not to pose a hazard to others. Leave the bicycle against the wall outside the office. School cannot accept reponsablity for bicycles.
Bullying, fighting, stone / stick throwing, rough play, bad language (spoken or written), spitting, hitting, name-calling and any behaviour that interferes with the rights of others are forbidden and should be reported to parents and teachers.
Any instructions or directions given by the supervising teacher are to be complied with.
Children are not allowed to run or play on footpaths. They must be kept clear for access and emergencies.
When the bell rings stand quietly in an orderly line until you are directed by the supervising teacher to go in.
Running in the school building is not allowed.
Pupils must not leave the school grounds during the school day.
Children who’s ears are pierced may wear studs only.
No other body piercing is acceptable.
Jewellery is banned with the exception of watches, ear studs, chains / bracelets for medical purposes.
Punctuality is important. Persistent late coming is disruptive, disrespectful and unacceptable.
Every absence of a child must be accounted for by forwarding a note to the class teacher, in advance where applicable, giving an explanation for the absence. The school must report absences of 20 days to TUSLA (Child and Family Agency). An audit may be undertaken by the Department of Education at any stage.
Any allegations made by a parent / child against another child will be investigated and the matter discussed with both sets of parents.
Coats, jumpers, cardigans, lunch-boxes must be clearly labelled.
Children should not bring toys or valuables to school unless requested to do so by the teacher.
Scribbling, doodling or placing stickers on copies, books or folders is not allowed. Name, subject and class are all that should appear.
For safety reasons drinks bottles and tin whistles should be kept in bags when coming into and leaving school.
No glass yoghurt jars / drinks.
There is an absolute ban on mobile phones. If any child carries one it will be confiscated. It can only be redeemed by a parent.

AFFIRMING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR:

Positive reinforcement of good behaviour helps lead to better self-discipline.

Strategies:

A quiet word or gesture
A comment on a child’s copybook
A visit to another class or the Principal for commendation
Praise in front of class
Individual class merit awards / stars
Delegating some special responsibility or privilege
Written or verbal communication with parent

STRATEGIES TO BE USED TO SHOW DISAPPROVAL OF UNNACCEPTABBLE BEHAVIOUR:

Reasoning with pupil
Reprimand (including advice on how to improve)
Write about what happened and how the relevant rule was not followed / to be signed by parents
Temporary separation from peers, friends and others
Removal to another classroom during class time
Loss of privileges
Detention during breaks
Prescribing extra work
Referral to Principal
Communication with parents
For serious offences, remove child from classroom / yard. Parent(s) will be contacted and the child will be removed by the parent from the school.
For very serious offences where the progress and well being of other children are at risk and where parent’s intervention has failed to being about an improvement, the Board of Management may suspend the child for a specified number of days, in accordance with the terms of Rule 130 (5) of the rules for National School.
Expulsion (Education Welfare Act 2000) will be considered where there is repeated instances of serious misbehaviour and in accordance with Rule 130 (6).