In devising this code, consideration has been given to the particular needs and circumstances of our 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. This code of behaviour describes the school’s expectations about how each member of the school community will help to make the
school a good place for teaching and learning. Every effort will be made by all members of staff to adopt a positive approach to the question of behaviour in the school and the over-riding aims will be;
● To ensure an educational environment that is guided by the statement; ‘Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí’ (praise the child and she/he will grow)
● To promote positive behaviour and self-discipline recognising the differences between children and the need to accommodate these differences
● To create an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration of others
● To enhance the learning environment and allow the school to function in an orderly way where children can make progress in all aspects of their development
● To ensure the safety and well being of all members of the school community
● To assist the parents and children in understanding the systems and procedures that form part of the Code and to seek their co-operation in the application of these procedures
● To ensure that the system of rules, rewards and sanctions are implemented in a fair and consistent manner throughout the school.
Parents/guardians are valued as partners in the school community and as such will be invited to participate in promoting positive behaviour both in school and in the wider community. Class teachers will refer to repeated
episodes of minor misbehaviour in the pupil’s Homework journal which parents/guardians are requested to sign each evening. In cases where pupils are required to complete some extra work as a sanction,
parents/guardians will again be requested to sign the relevant work. Class teachers may occasionally request parents/guardians to visit them in school to discuss some aspect of a pupil’s behaviour. The Principal will be
informed of these meetings and may be invited to attend. Parents/guardians are encouraged to make appointments to meet with class teachers and/or the Principal at the earliest opportunity in an effort
to prevent any escalation of inappropriate behaviour. The school will remind parents/guardians of the procedures for contacting the school at every opportunity. In specific cases a shorter school day may be
implemented where a pupil is having severe difficulties coping with a full day. This would be agreed between the principal teacher and Parents and BOM.
The school recognises the variety of differences that exist between children and the need to tolerate these differences. It is agreed 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, parents and pupils. Every effort will be made to ensure that the code of behaviour is implemented in a reasonable, fair and consistent manner.
The limits of behaviour are clearly defined and children become familiar with the consequences of behaviour beyond these limits. The over-riding principle governing this code is respect – respect for ourselves and others and their property. The school expects the highest standard of behaviour from its pupils including the following:
● Each pupil is expected to be well behaved and show consideration for other children and adults
● Each pupil is expected to show respect for the property of the school, other children’s and their own belongings
● Each pupil is expected to attend school on a regular basis and to be punctual
● Each pupil is expected to do his/her best both in school and for homework.
Safety:
For my own safety and the safety of others –
● I should be careful coming to and going from school;
● I should always walk while in the school building;
● I should always show respect for my fellow pupils;
● I should bring a note of explanation following every absence;
● I should never leave the school grounds without the permission of a teacher.
Caring for Myself:
● I should respect myself and my property, always keeping my school bag, books and copies in good order;
● I should always endeavour to have my uniform clean and tidy;
● I should be in school by 9am each day;
● I should always line up at the start of the day and after play when I hear the school bell;
● I should always try to bring a sensible, nutritional lunch to school. Chewing gum, fizzy drinks and crisps are not permitted;
● I should always do my best in school by listening carefully, working as hard as I can and by completing my homework.
Caring for Others:
● I should be kind and respectful to teachers, other school staff, fellow pupils and visitors to the school by being mannerly and polite, by taking turns and by remaining orderly in my class and in the line;
● I should listen and behave well in class so that my fellow pupils and I can learn;
● I should obey my specific class rules and all rules or policies agreed by the school community;
● I should always show respect for my school by being careful not to damage furniture or any part of the building or the school grounds. I should always keep my school clean by bringing unfinished food and drinks etc. home and by placing litter in the appropriate bin;
● I should show respect for the property of the teachers and of my fellow pupils;
● I should be truthful and honest at all times.
Bullying:
● I should never bully others.
● I should never allow others to bully me and if it happens I should tell my parents and my teacher.
● Bullying is always unacceptable
There is a school Anti Bullying Policy in place. The Code of Discipline and Anti Bullying will be subject to evaluation and review.
Find out more information on the general running of our school here.
Cant find what your looking for? Search below.
Misbehaviour on the Yard
To pre-empt incidents of misbehaviour on yard, our whole school approach focuses on RESPECT– respect for yourself, respect for others, respect for the environment. We encourage pupils to take responsibility should they accidentally hurt another child, thus showing respect for that individual. This ties in with the Junior Golden Rules of ‘Kind Hands, Kind Feet, Kind Words`(to be implemented September 2020)
Incidents of yard misbehaviour or verbal abuse of staff will be dealt with as follows:
The teacher on duty who notices misbehaviour will do the following;
● Impose a period of “time out” where the student will be asked to remain in a specified place until told to return to play;
● Teacher Reports in Time Out incident book.
● Inform the class teacher.
● 3 Time Outs reports and the child is removed from the yard for a full breaktime. The principal will speak with the child and the parents will be informed.
The following strategies will be used by all teachers:
Praise
Praise may be given by means of any one of the following:
● A quiet word or gesture to show approval
● A comment in a child’s exercise book
● A visit to another class, to another member of staff or to the Principal for commendation
● A word of praise in front of a group or the class
● A reward system – student of the week/occasional treats
● Delegating some special responsibility or privilege
● A mention to parents – either written or verbal communication
● Entry to the The Golden Book (Junior end of the school)
Disapproval
The nature of the behaviour and the age of the child will determine the nature of the strategies employed. The following stages will be used to show disapproval of inappropriate behaviour:
● Reasoning with pupils including advising them about the
consequences of their actions
● Verbal reprimand (including advice on how to improve)
● Time out (Age appropriate including advising child about reflecting
on their behaviour) during Yard Time.
● Temporary removal from group (within the class)
A new ‘card’ system was agreed and will be introduced by teachers in September 2020 to help children take responsibility and improve their behaviour within their class and minimise disruption to learning.
If a child’s behaviour is disrespectful or disruptive they will:
Get a Verbal reminder with a visual card,
Yellow card
Orange card
Red card
If a child receives a red card they will:
1.Have a note sent home to parents and
2.Be excluded from Golden Time/Fun Friday/Activity chosen by class teacher and complete a reflection sheet on the Friday of that week.
Each week will start with a clean slate.
If however a child gets 3 Red cards in one month, parents and child will
be asked to meet with the principal to discuss how behaviour must
improve.
There is a school Anti Bullying Policy in place. The Code of Discipline and Anti Bullying will be subject to evaluation and review.
Find out more information on the general running of our school here.
Cant find what your looking for? Search below.
