Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION & RATIONALE

 

The policy of Killashee Multi-Denominational School is to ensure that each student is educated in a safe, supportive and stable environment where every effort is made to meet his/her social, moral, academic and emotional needs.

We will endeavour to ensure that the individuality of all our pupils is accommodated while acknowledging the right of each child to be educated in a relatively disruption free environment.

The ethos of Killashee recognises the uniqueness and importance of every human-being. It celebrates the diversity among people. It encourages self-actualisation and the development of a positive self image in all who are associated with our school. It fosters a spirit of co-operation and promotes self-respect and respect for all others.

Purpose of this Policy

In line with this vision and ethos our code of behaviour is designed to foster within our pupils a positive attitude towards school and their fellow pupils and to enhance the learning environment, so our children can make progress in all aspects of their development – academically, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially.

Our code of behaviour also aims to:

• Enhance the caring, inclusive, multi-denominational ethos of our school

• Cultivate an environment conducive to learning

• Work on raising self-esteem

• Actively promote good manners, politeness and mutual respect for all (staff members, visitors, parents, peers and caretakers)

• Ensure the safety and well being of all members of the school community

• Prevent inappropriate behaviour by promoting positive behaviour in the school and classroom

• To provide pupils, teachers and parents with a clear and consistent system of reward and sanction through the use of D.F.L. (Discipline for Learning)

Formulation of the Code

A draft of this revised Code of Behaviour was formulated on our School Development Planning Day on 31st March, 2006 by the school staff and representatives from the Parents’ Association (Mary Pearson & Geoff King), the Board of Management (Eileen Burbridge) and our School Development Planning Facilitator (Mairéad Hennessy). Discussions were based on our previous Code of Discipline, current educational policy and legislation, and the specific needs of the school.

In line with our school vision, this policy will be implemented consistently and fairly within a climate of positive co-operation between the entire school, ancillary staff, parents/guardians, Board of Management and Parents’ Association.

Classroom Rules (fully explained)

• I will be in school before the bell rings at 9.00am, but NOT BEFORE 8.45am.
• I will wear the official school uniform as follows:

Uniform Tracksuit

White shirt/blouse crested yellow polo shirt

Grey Trousers/skirt/pinafore Crested tracksuit top

Grey socks/tights Tracksuit bottoms

Crested Jumper/Cardigan Runners with tracksuit only

Crested Fleece

Smart black shoes

Children are NOT permitted to wear their own jumpers or tracksuit tops to school.

• Black shoes are to be worn on uniform days

• Runners are only to be worn on designated tracksuit days

• During cold weather pupils may wear a white top under their shirt/blouse or crested tracksuit top

• White knee length shorts may be worn during the month of June Only.

• I will make every effort to keep my desk, classroom and school environment neat and tidy

• I will always do my best in school by listening carefully and working as hard as I can

• I will not bring any article or item to school which could cause damage, offence or injury to people or property for example penknives, screwdrivers, chewing gum, cigarettes, tippex and all other solvents, glass bottles, laser pens, golf clubs, but to name a few.

 

Classroom Rules – Children’s Version

• Be in uniform, be on time, be ready for school

• Do as you are told as soon as possible

• Work quietly, do your best to finish your work on time and do it well

• Use good manners. Keep unhelpful hands, feet, objects and comments to yourself.

• Keep your space and your classroom tidy

Rewards

To help you and help your learning:

Reward/Stamp Book

Praise

Certificate Home

Etc.

Sanctions

When you chose to not follow the rules:

1st Time – Warning – name written down, yellow card

2nd Time – Move place – up to 30 minutes

3rd Time – Move to another room – red card – parents informed

4th Time – Principal involved – parents invited in to discuss

Yard Rules (fully explained)

• No rough play (head locks, jumping on each other, wrestling, mock fighting, pinching, biting, wedgies.

• No bullying (name calling, exclusion, physical bullying). Refer to bullying policy.

• Follow lunch time routine i.e. lunch, tidy away, toilet, play

• Ask the teacher on duty if you need to go to the toilet. Junior & Senior Infant children will use the junior infant toilet accompanied by one older child from 3rd to 6th class. 1st-6th class children will use the prefab toilet, one child going at a time.

• Tell the teacher on duty if you are injured and the teacher will inform the S.N.A. on First-Aid duty.

• Always follow the teacher and S.N.A.’s instructions in the playground

• Grassy area behind and in front of the school is out of bounds

• Children must not play behind or between the teacher’s cars in the playground

• All grassy areas are out of bounds during Little Breaks

• Walk to lines when the bell rings or the whistle blows

• Line up immediately in a straight line one behind the other

• Do not bounce footballs or basketballs while in the line

• At the sound of the first bell, children changing footwear must do so immediately and be in line by the second bell.

Yard Rules (Children’s Version)

• Play Fair, play safely

• Follow playtime rules

• Play where you are allowed, in your assigned area

• Bullying is unacceptable

• Always do as school staff tell you

• Use school equipment at allowed time and fairly

• At end of play line up as required and walk in with your teacher

The list below is indicative only and is not exclusive of other types of misconduct that may require correction or disciplinary action.

Example of Minor Misbehaviour

• Interrupting class work

• Arriving purposely late for school

• Running in school building

• Talking in class line

• Leaving seat without permission at lunch time

• Leaving litter around school

• Not wearing correct uniform

• Being discourteous/unmannerly

• Not completing homework without good reason

Strategies used to show disapproval of minor incidents of unacceptable behaviour

• Reasoning with the pupil

• Reprimand (including advice on how to improve)

• Withdrawal of privileges within class

• Child moved to somewhere else in the classroom or required to work away from others.

• Temporary separation from peers/class

• Parents/guardians informed generally by letter or by a note in homework diary; parents will be informed as soon as it is perceived that difficulties are developing with regard to their child’s behaviour.

• We will not deprive a child of access to a curricular area (e.g. PE) as a sanction, unless there is a query with regard to safety.

• Teachers will keep a record of continuous inappropriate behaviour and all incidents of unacceptable behaviour.

• Behaviour noted in pupils’ annual report

• Parents requested to meet class teacher.

Our Strategies for promoting positive behaviour through the school and classroom

Approaches to Reward & Praise

We as a staff have identified the need for a whole school approach in which pupils are treated by all teachers in a consistent manner. In this way pupils will know precisely where they stand

With this in mind, we are establishing a new discipline plan which is called Discipline for Learning. Our new scheme will build on the reward centred climate that we have been cultivating for some time. The central concept of this plan is that no child has to misbehave.

When anyone does misbehave then he or she is making a positive choice to do so. Pupils need to know that good behaviour brings desirable consequences and bad behaviour bring unpleasant ones. The plan has 3 chief elements:

Rules: Each class has a set of classroom rules and outside of classroom rules displayed in their classroom.

Rewards: In order to encourage pupils to choose to follow these rules/guidelines a system of rewards will be in place (see sheet on sanctions).

Behaviour Checks: Pupils who choose to break a rule will have automatically chosen one of a list of consequences.

Serious Misbehaviour - Strategies for dealing with these

Examples of Serious Misdemeanours

• Constantly disruptive in class

• Intentionally telling lies (interpreting what is a ‘lie’ will relate to the age of the child)

• Intentional taking of items – (this will be interpreted in relation to the age of the child)

• Endangering self/fellow pupils in the schoolyard at break time.

• Wilful damage to school/other pupil’s property (interpretation of misbehaviour as gross or serious depends on the nature and extent of the damage).

• Persistently back answering a teacher.

• Using unacceptable language

• Bringing weapons to school or using objects as weapons in school

• Deliberately injuring a fellow pupil/staff member/visitor. (Interpretation of misbehaviour as gross or serious depends on the nature and extent of the assault or the injury).

• Making threats of physical violence towards a fellow pupil/staff member/visitor (interpretation of misbehaviour as gross or serious depends on the nature and extent of the threat).

• Bullying (See separate policy document)

• Making threats of physical violence to a teacher or fellow pupil.

Strategies for dealing with continuously disruptive pupils/serious incidents of misbehaviour.

• The pupil will be warned officially to stop offending, as per Discipline For Learning.

• Sanctions as per minor misdemeanours will apply (where appropriate)

• Pupil may be given a yellow card and a note sent home.

• Pupil may be given a red card and parents will be invited to meet class teacher and/or principal

• The parents may be invited to meet with the chairperson and members of this Board of Management to discuss serious incidents of misbehaviour.

• In the event of a serious incident of misbehaviour or where a pupil is continuously disruptive, he/she may be suspended by the Principal/Board of Management for a minor fixed period (one to three school days). See procedure for suspension/expulsion.

Gross Misbehaviour

In the event of gross misbehaviour by a pupil, the Principal/Chairperson/Board will be notified. The Board will convene to examine the issues. The Board may consider sanctions including immediate suspension pending discussion with the parents/guardian(see below).

Examples of Gross Misbehaviour

• Setting fire to school property

• Wilful damage to property

• Deliberately setting out to do damage e.g. leaving taps/fire hose turned on

• Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher/any staff member/pupil/parent/visitor and so forth

• Any act of assault against pupils, staff members, visitors/parents and so forth

Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion

• Communication to parents regarding the suspension of a pupil or the possibility of suspension will be in writing and copies of all correspondence will be retained. Registered post will be used.

• The parents/guardians and the pupil will be invited to meet with the Board of Management to discuss the suspension

• A written statement of the terms and date of the termination of a suspension will be given to parents/guardians

• The suspension will be recorded on the NEWB ‘Student Absence Report Form’ (when applicable)

• When a period of suspension ends, the pupil will be welcomed back to the class by the Principal

• 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 Principal and the Board of Management

• If a pupil continues to misbehave she/he will be suspended for a major fixed period (up to ten days) to allow for consultation with both the pupil and the pupil’s parents/guardians

• As outlined above, parents/guardians and pupil will be given the opportunity to discuss the issues with the Principal/Board of Management

• The welfare officer will be informed when a student has been suspended for six days or more cumulatively.

Rights & Responsibilities of Pupils

Pupils’ Rights

• All pupils have the right to be treated with respect and fairness in a consistent manner
• The adults in the school should endeavour to keep them safe from all forms of abuse and bullying (see Anti-Bullying Policy)
• All pupils have the right
• To be listened to at appropriate times
• To question at appropriate times
• To have positive behaviour affirmed
• To make mistakes and learn from them
• To have individual differences recognised and catered for
• To have misbehaviour dealt with appropriately
• To be educated in a safe, supportive and stable environment where every effort is made to meet his/her social, moral, academic and emotional needs

Pupils’ Responsibilities

NB – If using school rules for pupils (see below) these responsibilities are included in these!

• 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 others
• Avoid behaving in any way which would endanger others
• Avoid all nasty remarks, swearing, name calling and inappropriate physical contact
• Bring correct materials/books to school
• Follow school and class rules as outlined in our school code of behaviour

For my own safety and that of others:

• I should be careful coming to and going from school
• I should always walk on the right hand side of the school corridor & school steps
• I should remain seated in class when requested
• I should always show respect for my fellow pupils and staff members
• I should bring a note of explanation following absences
• I should never leave the school grounds during school times without permission

Caring for myself

• I should respect my property and myself, always keeping my school bag, books and copies in good order
• I should be in school before the bell rings at 9.05am
• I should show respect for my school and be proud to wear the complete school uniform every day.
• I should always be aware of my personal cleanliness
• I should bring a sensible, nutritional lunch to school. (Fizzy drinks, crisps and chewing gum are not permitted)
• I should always do my best in school by listening carefully, working as hard as I can any by completing my homework to the best of my ability.

Caring for Others

• I should be kind and respectful to teachers and fellow pupils by being mannerly and polite, by taking turns and by remaining silent and orderly in my class line
• I should behave well in class so that my fellow pupils & I can learn
• I should always keep my school clean by bringing home unfinished food and drinks, cartons, wrappers etc
• I should show respect for the property of my fellow pupils, the school building and grounds
• I should be truthful and honest at all times
• I should never make nasty or hurtful remarks to my fellow pupils
• I should always include other pupils in all our games and activities
• I should apologise when I am in the wrong.

Rights & Responsibilities of Parents & Guardians

Rights of Parents & Guardians

Parents & Guardians have a right to:

(i) Information relating to all school policies

(ii) Be part of the review process in the formation of the school’s Code of Behaviour

(iii) Be treated with respect

(iv) Teachers being consistent and fair in dealing with perceived misbehaviour instances(s) of their child

(v) Be contacted at an early stage to discuss difficulties or problems

(vi) Have the right to appeal a decision to the BOM after due process (teacher/Principal/Board of Management)

Responsibilities of Parents & Guardians

• All parents and guardians of Killashee Multi-Denominational School should be familiar and support the implementation of the agreed Code of Behaviour. This involves co-operating with teachers in instances where their child is causing difficulties either for himself/herself and/or for others
• Parents must be aware that all the pupils in their child’s class have the right to an education that is not hindered by their child’s inappropriate behaviour. Parents must communicate (and where necessary attend meetings at an agreed time when requested) with the school in relating to any problems that may affect their child’s progress or affect the progress of others.
• Parents/Guardians must also disclose to the school when they have concerns about any instances of misbehaviour or bullying in relation to a school pupil. While the school may not reveal its source of information, parents/guardians must allow the school to investigate the matter as is deemed necessary.
• Parents/Guardians who feel that their child/children is/are being bullied may not question etc. any pupil directly (while that pupil is under school supervision) regarding what they perceive to be undesirable behaviour to their child/children.
• Parents/Guardians of children deemed to be causing the offence will be notified on a need to know basis
• All parents/guardians should keep themselves informed of school activities and ensure all school notes are read.

Parents should

• • • Encourage their child/children to have a sense of responsibility and to have respect for themselves, for others and for property
    • Ensure that children attend regularly and punctually
    • Value the opportunity for their child/children to learn and to socialise
    • Be interested, supportive and encourage their child’s schoolwork.
    • Attend the parent/teacher organised meetings
    • Facilitate with the child’s homework and ensure it is completed to the best of the child’s ability

While teachers have more specific duties and responsibilities in relation to the school’s Code of Behaviour, all other staff members must be supportive and assist in the implementation of the Code.

Other responsibilities of the staff members in relation to the supervision of pupils are set out in the school’s Supervision of Break-times Guidelines and in the school’s Policy in relation to the Assembly & Dismissal of pupils. Such policies acknowledge the need for staff punctuality as well as the need to escort pupils to and from classrooms at break times, PE times and from the classroom/building at the end of the school day.

Rights & Responsibilities of Staff

Rights of Staff Members:

For the School to function in a manner that enhances a learning and caring environment, all staff members are entitled to:

• Be treated with respect
• Teach/work in a safe, well maintained physical environment
• Teach/work in an environment relatively free from disruption
• Be in an environment that encourages professional development
• Be listened to and to participate in the decision making that affects their own work and that of the school in general
• To be provided with the necessary resources as agreed by the staff in consultation with the Board of Management (e.g. use of science/music grant etc.)

Responsibilities of Staff Members

Staff are obliged to:

• To support and implement the school’s Code of Behaviour in a fair and consistent manner
• To recognise and affirm good behaviour
• To recognise and provide for individual abilities and individual differences among pupils
• To be aware, as much as it is possible, of the pupils’ social, environmental and cultural context
• To create a safe working environment for their pupils
• To prepare school work and correct work done by pupils
• To keep opportunities for disruptive behaviour to minimum
• To deal appropriately with misbehaviour in accordance with our school discipline policy
• To keep a record of instances of serious misbehaviour or repeated instances of misbehaviour
• To provide support for colleagues
• To communicate with parents when necessary and to set out reports and procedures on matters of mutual concern
• To seek the appropriate services to cater for the psychological, emotional and physical needs of pupils.

General School Discipline and Supervision

• Each class teacher has responsibility for his/her class group
• The Principal teacher should be kept informed of the names of disruptive pupils. Incidents of serious misbehaviour should be (a) recorded by class/supervisory teacher and (b) brought to the attention of the Principal
• When inappropriate behaviour occurs during a school break period, and the class teacher is not present at that time, it is the responsibility of the supervising teacher to take action to resolve the inappropriate behaviour issue without immediately consulting the class teacher. However, the supervising teacher must inform the class teacher(s) of the incident as soon as possible.

Responsibilities of Board of Management

The Board of Management of Killashee School must ensure that a Code of Behaviour is drawn up in consultation with the education partners of the school.

It is imperative that the BOM members are familiar with all aspects of the school’s Code of Behaviour and oversee the effective implementation of the policy and related policies.

The Board of Management must:

• Endeavour to provide pupils and teachers with a safe, well maintained physical environment relatively free from disruption

• Provide an environment that supports and encourages professional development

• Provide the school with the necessary resources as provided by DES or as identified by the Board of Management

• Be supportive to the Principal and Staff members in the implementation of the Code of Behaviour

• Provide opportunities for the pupils’ parents to be part of the schooling process

• Respect the right of parents to appeal a decision of the school and of the Board of Management

• Ensure that an evaluation of the effectiveness of the School’s Code of Behaviour is carried out on a regular basis

Pupils with Special Needs

• Pupils with special needs will be required to follow the school’s ‘Code of Behaviour’ but teachers will use their professional judgement in relation to regularity and level of sanctions. While teachers must be seen to be fair in the eyes of other children who may have exhibited the same type of misdemeanours, they will also show leniency and understanding in relation to children with specific learning/behavioural difficulties

• Parents of children with special needs will be kept informed of their child’s behaviour on a regular basis and may be requested to work with the school in devising effective strategies to help the child to improve his/her behaviour. This may involve working and co-operating with a Special Needs Assistant (SNA), if an SNA is deployed to assist a pupil. The devising of such strategies may entail contacting and meeting with relevant out of school agencies.