Code of Behaviour

Ennis Educate Together NS

Aims:

·         In devising the code, 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.

·         Every effort will be made by all members of staff to adopt a positive approach to the question of behaviour in the school in keeping with the ethos of an Educate Together School.

 

1.     Principles:

·         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 discipline is implemented in a reasonable, fair, ethical and consistent manner.

 

 

School rules:

Safety: For my own safety and that of others-

·         I should be careful coming to and going from school because I might hurt myself and others.

·         I should always walk while in the school building in case I fall.

·         I should remain seated when requested to in class and while eating lunch to keep me safe.

·         I should be careful in the school yard and always show respect for my fellow pupils to keep everyone safe.

·         I should never leave the school grounds without permission in case I get hurt.

·         I should play carefully so as not to injure or hurt others.

·         I should treat all people with respect as I would expect others to do the same for me.

 

Caring for myself:

·         I should respect myself and my property, always keeping my school bag, books and copies in good order.

·         I should always be in school for 9:20 am

·         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 and fellow pupils by being mannerly and polite, by taking turns and by remaining orderly in my class line.

·         I should behave well in class so that my fellow pupils and I can learn.

·         I should show respect for the property of my fellow pupils, the school building and grounds.

·         Be truthful and honest at all times.

 

 

 

Affirmative Strategies

 

(a)Praise may be given by means of any one of the following:

·         A quiet word or gesture to show approval

·         A comment in a pupil’s exercise book

·         A visit to another member of Staff or to the Principal for commendation.

·         A word of praise in front of a group or class.

·         A system of merit marks, stickers or such.

·         Delegating some special responsibility or privilege.

·         A mention to parent, written or verbal communication.

 

(b)Sanctions as recommended 

(The nature of the behaviour will determine the strategy)

 

·         Reasoning with pupils

·         Reprimand (including advice on how to improve).

·         Temporary separation from peers and/or loss of privileges.

·         Communication with Parents.

·         Referral to Principal/Deputy-Principal.

·         Communication with parents

·         Meeting with parents

·         Suspension/expulsion (in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools as amended by circular 7/88).

·         A written record should be kept of incidences of unacceptable behaviour

 

Reference, B.O.M. Handbook, DESS, INTO

 

 

Procedures to be followed in Ennis Educate Together NS

The degree of misdemeanours i.e. minor, serious or gross will be judged by the teachers and/or Principal based on a common sense approach with regard to the gravity/frequency of such misdemeanours, as follows:

 

Examples of minor misdemeanours:

Interrupting class work / Running in school building  / Leaving litter around school  / Being discourteous/unmannerly / Not completing homework without good reason  / Endangering self/fellow pupils in the school yard at break time/

Examples of steps to be taken by teachers when dealing with minor misdemeanours:

Verbal reprimand / reasoning with pupil

 

Examples of steps to be taken when dealing with repeated    occurrences of minor misdemeanours

Phase 1 (within the classroom)

Note to parents / Temporary separation from peers

Sending to another teacher / Note to parents concerning further misbehaviour in yard

[Misbehaviour in yard consists of any action that puts the safety of self/other pupil at risk]

   

 

Phase 2:

1)      Send to Principal or Deputy Principal, if Principal is absent

2)      Class teacher meets one/both parents in a formal meeting

3)      Principal or Deputy Principal, if Principal is absent, meets one/both parents concerning yard behaviour.

4)      Record to be kept in the school office in a specific yard book.

 

Examples of serious misdemeanours

Constantly disruptive in class / Telling lies / Stealing / damaging other pupil’s property

Bullying can refer to the anti-bullying policy/ being deliberately disrespectful to  staff / Frequenting school premises after school hours without appropriate permission / leaving school premises during school day without appropriate permission. Deliberately injuring a fellow pupil/ Using unacceptable language. Verbal abuse and threatening language and gestures to pupils and staff

 

Examples of steps to be taken when dealing with serious misdemeanours:

1)      Send to Principal or Deputy Principal, if Principal is absent

2)      Principal sends note in Journal to be signed by parent

3)      Principal meets with one/both parents

4)      Chairperson of Board Of Management informed and parents requested to meet with Chairperson and Principal

5)      Referral may be made to outside agencies by the Principal acting as the Designated Liaison Person, agencies include NEPS, HSE, CAMS, NCTE

 

 

Examples of Gross Misdemeanours.

 

Physical and or verbal assault on a specific person. Ensuring the safety of staff and children and ensuring that the pupil is not a danger to themself or to others.

 

Examples of steps to be taken when dealing with gross  misdemeanours

1)      Chairperson/Principal to sanction immediate suspension pending discussion with parents, Principal will inform the B.O.M by letter

2)      Expulsion will be considered in an extreme case in accordance with Rule 130 (6) i.e.

 

 

“No pupil can be struck off the rolls for breaches of discipline without prior consent of patron and until alternative arrangements are made for enrolment of pupil at another suitable school in the locality”.

 

 

It should be noted that these lists consist of examples only: It is not meant to be a totally comprehensive list of misdemeanours and procedural steps.

 

 

To be reviewed each year by the Board of Management.