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St.Mary's B.N.S Code of Behaviour/Discipline
Introductory Statement
This policy statement is based on previous statements, codes and school practices. It was drawn up in January - April 2008 following consultation with the staff, principal, parents and Board of Management.
Rationale
It was deemed necessary to update the school's Code of Behaviour/Discipline at this time in order to put into context our existing Code of Behaviour( The Molanó Code-see Appendix 1). Due consideration has been given to the particular needs of St.Mary's. 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 education in a relatively disruption-free environment.
Relationship to the characteristic Spirit of the school
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.
We believe that a high standard of behaviour requires a strong sense of community within the school and a high level of co-operation among staff and between staff, pupils and parents. Every effort will be made to ensure that parents are kept well informed, that the school provides a welcoming atmosphere towards parents and that parents are told not only when their child is in trouble but when they have behaved particularly well.
Aims
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.
General Guidelines for Positive Behaviour
1. 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
2. Pupils are expected to show respect for all school property and to keep the school environment clean and litter free.
3. Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance, to have all books and required materials and to be in the right place at the right time.
4. Pupils are expected to obey a teacher’s instructions, to work to the best of their ability and to present assignments neatly.
5. Pupils are expected to attend every day unless there is a genuine reason for absence, in which case the school must be informed in writing, stating the reason for absence.(see Explanation for absence section in pupils' Dialann Scoile.)
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. Our specific school rules are:
1. Individual class rules/contracts appropriate to the age of the class
2. The Molanó Code: see Appendix 1
3. Yard Rules: see Supervision Policy- Appendix 1
In the interest of health and safety, the use of mobile phones is forbidden in classrooms or in the yard. If a member of staff sees or hears a mobile phone, the phone is sent to the office where parents will be asked to collect it.
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 the principal for commendation.
· Praise in front of class group/whole school(at tionól)
· Individual class merit awards, points awards or award stamps/stickers. ( Some classes use a system of awarding Molanó stickers for good behavior which are put in a “cárta glas”. A “teastas” is awarded on completion of the cárta glas.)
· Delegating some special responsibility or privilege.
· Written or verbal communication with parent.( This may entail a letter, a note in the child's dialann scoile or the award of a green “Dea Scéal” card)
Bullying
Bullying is repeated verbal, psychological or physical aggression by an individual or group against others. The most common forms of bullying are aggressive physical contact, name-calling, intimidation, extortion, isolation and taunting. Bullying will not be tolerated and parents will be expected to cooperate with the school at all times in dealing with instances of bullying in accordance with the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy.(see Appendix 2)
Discouraging Misbehaviour
The purpose of sanctions and other strategies is to promote positive behaviour and to 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.
· Prescribing extra work.
· Loss of privileges
Detention during break (in extreme circumstances and for the safety of the other children in the yard, it may be deemed necessary to detain a child during break time)
· Communication with parents.( note in dialann scoile, letter, telephone call, meeting with parents)
· Referral to Principal.
· Principal communicating with parents.(telephone call,cárta buí, bullying investigation letter)
· 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).
*Teachers shall keep a written record of all instances of serious misbehaviour as well as a record of improvements in the behaviour of disruptive pupils.
*Every effort will be made to have an emotionally disturbed child referred for psychological assessment without delay. Help will be sought, also, from support services within the wider community.
Suspension/Expulsion
Before serious sanctions such as suspension or explusion are used, the normal channels of communication between school and parents will be utilised. Parents will be involved at an early stage rather than as a last resort. Communication with parents may be verbal or by letter depending on the circumstances.
For gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of serious misbehaviour, suspension may be considered. Parents concerned will be invited to come to the school to discuss their child’s case. Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher or pupil will be regarded as serious or gross misbehaviour. (see Appendix 4 for schools recording mechanism for repeated incidents and bullying)
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 Chairperson and the principal. If the parents do not give an undertaking that the pupil will behave in an acceptable manner in the future, the pupil may be suspended for a period. Prior to suspension, where possible, the Principal may review the case in consultation with teachers and other members of the school community involved, with due regard to records of previous misbehaviours, their pattern and context, sanctions and other interventions used and their outcomes and any relevant medical information. Suspension will be in accordance with Rule 130(5) of the Rules for National and the Education Welfare Act 2000(see Appendix 3).
In the case of gross misbehaviour, where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of the pupils, the Board may authorise the Chairperson or Principal to sanction an immediate suspension for a period not exceeding three school days, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents.
Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with the Rule 130(6) in the Rules for National Schools 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.
Removal of Suspension (Reinstatement)
Following or during a period of suspension, the parent/s may apply to have the pupil reinstated to the school. The parent/s must give a satisfactory undertaking that a suspended pupil will behave in accordance with the school code and the Principal must be satisfied that the pupil’s reinstatement will not constitute a risk to the pupil’s own safety or that of the other pupils or staff. The Principal will facilitate the preparation of a behaviour plan for the pupil if required and will re-admit the pupil formally to the class.
Before/After School
Parents are regularly reminded that the staff of the school does not accept responsibility for pupils before 8.40 a.m (8.30 a.m. on wet mornings) or after the official closing time of 1.30 p.m. (infants) and 2.30 p.m. (other classes), except where pupils are engaged in an extra-curricular activity organised by the school and approved by the Board of Management. Pupils involved in such activities are expected to behave in accordance with the school behaviour policy during these times.
Implementation
Every member of the school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code of Behaviour.
Board of Management’s Responsibilities
Provide a comfortable, safe environment.
Support the Principal and staff in implementing the code.
Ratify the code.
Principal’s Responsibilities
“The overall responsibility for discipline within the school rests with the principal teacher. Each teacher has responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his/her classroom while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school premises. A pupil will be referred to the principal teacher for serious breaches of discipline and for repeated incidents of minor misbehaviour”-CPMSA Handbook: Appendix 55.
Promote a positive climate in the school.
Ensure that the Code of Behaviour is implemented in a fair and consistent manner.
Arrange for review of the Code, as required.
Teachers’ ResponsibilitiesSupport and implement the school’s code of behaviour.
Create a safe working environment for each pupil.
Recognise and affirm good work.
Prepare school work and correct work done by pupils.
Recognise and provide for individual talents and differences among pupils.
Be courteous, consistent and fair.
Keep opportunities for disruptive behaviour to a minimum.
Deal appropriately with misbehaviour.
Keep a record of instances of serious misbehaviour or repeated instances of misbehaviour.
Provide support for colleagues.
Communicate with parents when necessary and provide reports on matters of mutual concern.
Pupils’ Responsibilities
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 nasty remarks, swearing and name-calling.
Include other pupils in games and activities.
Bring correct materials/books to school.
Follow school and class rules.
Parents/Guardians’ Responsibilities
Encourage children to have a sense of respect for themselves and for property.
Ensure that children attend regularly and punctually.
Be interested in, support and encourage their children’s school work.
Be familiar with the code of behaviour and support its implementation.
Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulties for others.
Communicate with the school in relation to any problems which may affect child’s progress/behaviour.
Appendices
Molanó Code
St. Mary's Anti-Bullying Policy
Legal/Union Advice
Recording of serious incidents and bullying investigative procedures
Ratified by Board of Management on __________________
Date
Signed __________________________________________
Chairperson, Board of Management
Appendix 1: The Molanó Code
We all have the right to learn in school.
I will ask
I will listen
I will do my best
It is my responsibility to work as well as I can and to make sure others can work well too.
We all have the right to be safe and happy in school.
I will be gentle
I will be a friend
I will tell the truth
It is my responsibility to make sure others are safe and happy too.
We all have the right to keep our things safe and tidy.
I will bring what I need
I will ask before taking
I will be careful
It is my responsibility to make sure things belonging to myself, other boys or to the school are safe and tidy too.
*Rewards for following code: Molanó stickers in cárta glas-teastas, “dea scéal” card, other strategies as per school code of behaviour/ discipline.
*Sanctions for breaching code: cárta buí, other strategies as per code.
*The principal will use the following additional strategies when dealing with repeated breaches of school rules/codes:
Verbal warning
Name in Leabhar liath
Note in Dialann scoile
Molanó card (Cárta buí)
Phone call to parents
Letter to parents
Meeting(s) with parents
Meeting with chairperson of the board of management
Possible suspension/ expulsion
Appendix 2-Anti Bullying policy
Click here
Appendix 3
Rule 130 - Rules for National Schools
The following is the text of Rule 130 as included in Circular 20/90 (This rule was amended by Circular 7/88).
(1) The board of management has ultimate responsibility for discipline in the school under its management and a duty to ensure that a fair code of discipline applies therein. This code should be formulated by the principal and the teaching staff in consultation with parents and be approved by the board.
(2) Teachers should have a lively regard for the improvement and general welfare of their pupils, treat them with kindness combined with firmness and should aim at governing them through their affections and reason and not by harshness and severity. Ridicule, sarcasm or remarks likely to undermine a pupil's self-confidence should not be used in any circumstances.
(3) The use of corporal punishment is forbidden.
(4) Any teacher who contravenes sections (2) and (3) of this Rule will be regarded as guilty of conduct unbefitting a teacher and will be subject to severe disciplinary action.
(5) Where the board of management deems it necessary to make provision in the code of discipline to deal with continuously disruptive pupils or with a serious breach of discipline, by authorising the chairperson or principal to exclude a pupil or pupils from school the maximum initial period of such exclusion shall be three school days.
A special decision of the board of management is necessary to authorise a further period of exclusion up to a maximum of 10 school days to allow for consultation with the pupil’s or pupils' parents or guardians. In exceptional circumstances, the board of management may authorise a further period of exclusion in order to enable the matter to be reviewed.
(6) No pupil shall be struck off the rolls for breaches of discipline without the prior consent of the patron and unless alternative arrangements are made for the enrolment of the pupil at another suitable school.
Education Act/Education Welfare Act
Education Act, 1988
15 (2) A board shall perform the functions conferred on it and on a school by this Act and in carrying out its functions the board shall:
(d) publish, in such manner as the board with the agreement of the patron considers appropriate, the policy of the school concerning admission to and participation in the school, including the policy of the school relating to the expulsion and suspension of students.
Education (Welfare) Act, 2000
23. (1) The board of management of a recognised school shall, after consultation with the principal of, the teachers teaching at, the parents of students registered at, and the educational welfare officer assigned functions in relation to, that school, prepare, in accordance with subsection (2), a code of behaviour in respect of the students registered at the school (hereafter in this section referred to as a "code of behaviour").
(2) A code of behaviour shall specify -
the standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each student attending the school;
the measures that may be taken when a student fails or refuses to observe those standards;
the procedures to be followed before a student may be suspended or expelled from the school concerned;
the grounds for removing a suspension imposed in relation to a student; and
the procedures to be followed relating to notification of a child’s absence from school.
(3) A code of behaviour shall be prepared in accordance with such guidelines as may, following consultation by the board with national associations of parents, recognised school management organisations and trade unions and staff associations representing teachers, be issued by the board.
(4) The principal of a recognised school shall, before registering a child as a student at that school in accordance with section 20, provide the parents of such child with a copy of the code of behaviour in respect of the school and may, as a condition of so registering such child, require his or her parents to confirm in writing that the code of behaviour so provided is acceptable to them and that they shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with such code by the child.
(5) The principal of a recognised school shall, on a request being made by a student registered at the school or a parent of such a student, provide the student or parent, as the case may be, with a copy of the code of behaviour in respect of the school concerned.
24. (1) Where the board of management of a recognised school or a person acting on its behalf is of the opinion that a student should be expelled from that school it shall, before so expelling the student, notify the educational welfare officer to whom functions under this Act have been assigned, in writing, of its opinion and the reasons therefor.
(2) The educational welfare officer concerned shall, as soon as may be after receiving a notification under subsection (1), make all reasonable efforts to ensure that provision is made for the continued education of the student to whom the notification relates.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the educational welfare officer concerned shall, as soon as may be after receiving the said notification:
make all reasonable efforts to consult with the principal of the school concerned or a person nominated by him or her, the student concerned and his or her parents, and such other persons as the educational welfare officer considers appropriate, and
convene a meeting attended by him or her of such of those persons as agree to attend such meeting.
(4) A student shall not be expelled from a school before the passing of 20 school days following the receipt of a notification under this section by an educational welfare officer.
(5) Subsection (4) is without prejudice to the right of a board of management to take such other reasonable measures as it considers appropriate to ensure that good order and discipline are maintained in the school concerned and that the safety of students is secured.
INTO advice regarding suspension
The procedure followed prior to and during a period of suspension should be seen to be reasonable and scrupulously fair. In this regard the following guidelines may be helpful:
a record should be kept in the school of all instances of serious misbehaviour by pupils;
parents should be invited to meet class teacher, the principal and/or the chairperson to discuss serious incidents of misbehaviour;
communications to parents regarding the suspension of a pupil or the possibility of suspension should be in writing. (Copies of all correspondence should be retained);
a written statement of the terms and date of the termination of a suspension should be given to parents;
when a period of suspension ends, the pupil should be re-admitted formally to the class by the principal; and
where a satisfactory resolution of a problem is achieved, a pupil may be re-admitted to school within a suspension period at the discretion of the chairperson of the board and the principal.
Appendix 4 Recording of serious incidents and bullying
INCIDENT RECORD SHEET
Pupil:
Date :_______________
Incident:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Action Taken:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Anti-Bullying Investigation Procedure
Pupil's Name: Date:
Bullying in any form will not be tolerated in St. Mary's.
It is our school policy to take any matter of alleged bullying very seriously.
Please supply any details which you think may assist our investigation.
What?
Where?
When?
When?
Who?
Any other comments?
Notes
Signature of Parent / Guardian: Date: