St Daigh’s N S

CODE OFBEHAVIOUR

June 2016

Table ofContents

Section

1. General

2. Howour CodeofBehaviour was developed

3. Ourvision

4. MissionStatement

5. Encouraginghighstandards of goodbehaviour

6. Promotingpositivebehaviour

7. Howstudents,staff andparents can help eachothertomeetthestandardsexpectedin theschool

8. Systems for acknowledginggoodbehaviour, progressandeffort(rewards)

9. Wherepupils cangethelpwhen problemsarise

10.Whereparentscangethelpwhen problems arise

11.Respondingtoinappropriatebehaviour

12.School policytodealwithbullying

13.When andwherebehaviour will besubjecttotheschool’s codeofbehaviour

14.Proceduresforsuspensionandexpulsion

15.Proceduresfor notifyingtheschoolaboutreasons forabsencefromschool

16.Proceduresforraisingaconcern orbringingacomplaintaboutabehaviouralmatter

17.Theplanfor reviewingthecode

18.Conclusion

Appendix A SchoolRules

1. General

St Daigh’s N S isaCatholicPrimarySchool underthe patronage of the Bishop of Clogher . Itis an8classmainstreamschool thatcatersfor both boys andgirls fromJunior InfantstoSixthClass.

Theschoolhas areputationfor consistentlygoodacademicstandards,with afriendlyfamilyatmosphere, whereeach childisseen asan individual andishelpedtoattaintheir full potential.Westressthe importanceoftheoverall developmentofeach child.

Buildingon this reputationis a committedteachingstaff providingapersonal serviceto every child.

Thestaff consistsof:

ThePrincipal (Tomás MacGiollachomáin),8Mainstreamteachers, LearningSupport/Resourceteachers,SpecialNeeds Assistants,School Completion personnel, SchoolSecretaryanda Caretaker.

TheschoolisrunbyaBoardofManagement, whichconsistsoftwodirectnomineesof thepatron (Bishop of Clogher),thePrincipal,oneteachers’representative,twoparents’representatives(one mother,onefather)andtwocommunityrepresentatives. Thereis anactiveParents’Associationengaged in hostingsocialevents,fundraisingandinvitingguestspeakers to theschool.Someofthemostimportant andenjoyableoccasionsorganised includethereceptions afterthesacramentsof Communionand Confirmation.

2. HowourCode ofBehaviourwas developed

OurCodeofBehaviourwasdeveloped inaccordancewithDevelopinga Code ofBehaviour:Guidelinesfor Schoolspublishedbythe National EducationalWelfareBoard(NEWB)inMay2008, followingconsultation byrepresentativesfromtheBoardofManagement, the Parents’Council, parents andstaff.

This currentreviewofourCodeof Behaviour demonstratesourcommitmenttoensuringthatwemaintain the bestpossible educational environment in theschool.Italso ensuresthatallaspectsoftheEducation (Welfare)Act2000 areincorporated.

3. Ourvision

Ouraimistocreateanordered andorderlyenvironment in whichpupilscan, throughdevelopingself- discipline,feelsecureandmakeprogressinallaspects oftheir development. Allmembersofstaff are committedto creatingapositiveandrespectful environmentto ensurethatSt Daigh’s N S is ahappyschool.

Theschoolhas two basic guidingprinciples:

  • werespectourselvesandothers
  • werespecttheenvironmentandthings thatbelongtoother people.

Inadoptingapositiveapproachtothe questionof behaviour inthe school,our aimisto:

  • promotepositivebehaviour andself-discipline
  • describetheschool’s expectationsabouthoweachmemberofthe school community will help
  • to maketheschoolan excellent placeforteachingandlearning
  • createan atmosphereofrespect,toleranceandconsiderationofothers
  • allowthe school tofunctionin anorderlywaysothatits pupils canthriveanddevelopto their full potential
  • ensurethesafetyandwell-beingof allmembersof theschoolcommunity
  • assist theparents, guardians andchildren inunderstandingthesystems andproceduresthatformpartof the Codeof Behaviour andtoseektheirco-operationintheapplicationof theseprocedures
  • ensurethatthesystemof expectations, rewardsandsanctions isimplemented inafair and consistentmannerthroughouttheschool,recognisingthe differencesbetweenchildren and the needtoaccommodatethesedifferences.

4. Mission Statement

St. Daigh’s N S, Inniskeenis a National School under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Clogher, for the education of children in the parish of Inniskeen. The school is committed to the aims and principles of the revised (1999) primary school curriculum. It celebrates the uniqueness of each child as expressed in each child’s personality, intelligence and potential for development. The school seeks to nurture the child in all dimensions of his or her life – spiritual, moral, cognitive, emotional, imaginative, aesthetic, social and physical.

5. Encouraging highstandardsofgood behaviour

Theover-ridingprinciples governingthis codeare:

  • werespectourselvesandothers
  • werespecttheenvironmentandthings thatbelongtoother people.

A highstandardof goodbehaviour requires astrongsenseof communitywithintheschool andahighlevel of co-operationamongstaff andbetweenstaff, parents, guardians andpupils.

5.1. Expectationsfrompupils

Respecting myself:

  • careformyself,myhealthandmybelongings
  • usemytalents
  • careaboutmyduties.

Respectingothers:

  • bepoliteinmydealings withothers
  • befriendlytowardsothers
  • recognisetherightsandbelongings ofothers.

Respectingteachers:

  • bepunctual andattendschoolonaregularbasis
  • betruthful
  • greetthe teacheratthe beginningandendof eachclass
  • payattentionandcooperatefullyinclass
  • domyhomework to thebest ofmyability.

Respectingfellowpupils:

  • recognisetheright ofeachmemberinaclass tolearn.Disturbingtheclassdeprivesothersofthis right
  • notengagein behaviourthat is hurtful toothers
  • notthreatenor physicallyhurtinganother person
  • familiarisemyselfwithandobeyclassrules andrules oftheschool.

Inorderthat astandard ofdisciplineismaintained, pupils areexpected to:

  • obeyschoolrules(seeAppendix A)
  • attendschool regularly
  • wearthe fullschool uniform
  • help in maintainingcleanlinessandgoodorderinclassroomsandaroundschoolgrounds.

5.2. Expectationsfromstaff

TheBoardof ManagementandthePrincipal haveoverall responsibilityfor theimplementationand on-goingmonitoringof theCodeofBehaviour. However,all staffmembershaveresponsibilityfor their own classesandfor thegeneral school populationwhenonyarddutyor onanyorganisedout- of-school activity.

Teachershavetheresponsibilityfor:

  • creatinganurturingenvironmentwithintheir classeswhererespect,kindness, fairnessand helpfulnessareanintegralpart oftheirteaching
  • motivatingandstimulatingpupils tolearnandhavinghighexpectationsof pupils,whilst

recognisingeach child’s abilitylevel

  • encouragingall pupils tobeindependent
  • encouragingapositivelearningenvironmentbypraising, encouragingandsupportingpupils. This mayinvolvetheuseof rewardsystems
  • bringingtheschool andclass rulesto the attentionofpupils throughouttheyear
  • offering extrasupporttochildren with SpecialEducationNeeds tohelpthemunderstandthe rules oftheschool
  • treatingall pupils asindividuals regardlessof gender,race,religion, sexualorientation, disability or familybackground
  • modellingthestandardsofbehaviourforpupils andthewiderschoolcommunity.

5.3. Expectationsfrom parents

Parentsareexpectedto:

  • familiarisethemselves with theschool’s Codeof Behaviour andensurethat theirchildren clearly understandwhatisexpected ofthemin termsof their behaviour atschool andthatall school rules mustbeobeyed
  • supporttheirchildren andthe teachersinimplementingtheschoolrulesinaway thatis consistentwith theprocedures outlined intheCode of Behaviour
  • ensurethattheirchildren attendschoolregularlyandpunctually
  • ensurethattheschool is advisedof anychangesinminder/collector/au-pair
  • ensurethattheschool is advisedof thereasonfor anyabsence(absenceforms)
  • becourteous towardspupils andstaff
  • makeanappointment to meetwith ateacheror thePrincipal throughtheoffice,whennecessary
  • respectschool propertyandencouragetheirchildrentodo thesame
  • respectschoolstaff andencouragetheir childrentodo thesame
  • collecttheir childrenontime
  • expectthatsome communicationwillcomefrom theirchildren such asmessagesandrules discussed atAssemblyor by theclassteacher
  • obeytherulesfor thesetdown areaandpedestriancrossings, ashavebeencommunicatedtoall parents.

When collectingtheir children at2 pm,parentsandguardians of JuniorandSenior Infantsare expected torespectthefactthatclassesareongoingfor children from1st–6thclass. Accordingly, youngchildren intheir careshouldnotengagein behaviourthat distractsfromlearningfor those classese.g. noscooting,cycling, shoutingandrunningaround. Parents/guardians should NEVER allow their child to climb onto or walk on the school wall.

As the BoardofManagementis responsible forthe HealthandSafetyof all staff andstudents,parents/guardians are requested notto approach or reprimand anotherperson’schildonthe school premisesandto behaveappropriatelyasadults. Anyincidentshouldbereportedtotheteacher onduty.

6. PromotingPositiveBehaviour

This Code ofBehaviourhasbeendeveloped jointlybyteachers, staffandparents.Itprovidesa common definitionof behaviour,therebyencouragingall parties topromotepositivebehaviourwithintheschool community.

Clear communicationandgoodrelationships betweenparents,teachersandpupils will ensureacohesive andhealthyenvironment attheschool.Thisprovidesa soundfoundationfor awhole-schoolapproachto promotinggoodbehaviourandfor respondingtoinappropriatebehaviour.

Throughconsistent communicationof school rulesatassemblyandin theclassroom, pupils haveaclear understandingthathighlevelsof goodbehaviour areexpectedof themwhilstatschool, travellingtoand fromschoolandattendingorganised after-schoolactivities.

All school andclassroomrules areclear, consistentandeasilyunderstoodbypupils of allages. All misbehaviourwillbedealtwith in aclearandconsistent mannerandbeageappropriate.

6.1. Howpupilscanpromote ahappy school

  • Bybeinginvolved indiscussions relatingtoteachingandlearning.
  • Bylearningabouttakingpersonal responsibilityfor their behaviour andfor each other’swellbeingandthewellbeingoftheteachers.
  • Byusingkindnessin their dealings withothersandunderstandingdifferentbehaviours.
  • Byhavinginsightintotheirown behaviour andthatofothers.Thiscanbuildtheircapacityto take responsibilityfor theirbehaviourandtohelpeach otherbehavewe
  • Bybeinginvolved inthe compilationofclass rules,whichfeed intothe development ofthis Code of Behaviour, encouragespupils totake ownershipof it.

6.2. How staffcanpromote ahappy school

  • Bypromotingthetraditions andethosof theschoolasenseof prideandbelongingisdeveloped amongsttheschoolcommunity.
  • Bydiscussingsocialandenvironmentaltopics pupils gaintheknowledgeandskills toparticipate as responsible individualswithintheir immediatecommunities.
  • Byfocusingonpromotingpositivebehaviour ratherthanpunishingbadbehaviour providesa moresecureandenjoyableexperience.
  • Bypraising, encouragingandsupportingpupils withtheir schoolworkandtheirrelationships with their peers theyencourageapositivelearningenvironment. Someexamplesofthesepositive reinforcement strategiesandreward systemsarelistedunderSection8below.
  • Bytakingintoaccounttheindividual pupil’s effortandnotjustachievementensuresthatreward

systemsare mosteffective.

  • Bykeepingpupils interestedin subjects.
  • Byusingtheirexperienceof whathelpspupils learn.
  • Byemployingeffectiveclassroommanagemente.g. instructionswill notbeissuedwhilepupils are talking.
  • Byfollowingtheagreedprocedures for behaviour, givespupils asecure beliefoffair play.

6.3. Howparentscanpromoteahappy school

  • Byrecognisingthathomevaluesand parentalattitudes canhelpor hinderastudent’sbehaviour andlearningin school.Thismaybeespeciallyimportantwherecultural norms andvaluesinthe homedifferfromthoseof theschool.
  • Bysupportingtheteacher inbeinghonestaboutbehaviour athomeandbeingsecureinthe knowledgethatadiscussionwith theteacheraboutbehaviour is tohelp theirchild.
  • Adults, beit parentsorteachers,areexpected tomodel thebehaviour thatisexpected from pupils.

7. Howstudents,staff,parents and guardianscanhelp eachotherto meetthe standardsexpectedinthe school

As partofour ongoingeffortstopromotepositivebehaviour,timewillbeallocated atstaffmeetings for discussingtheimplementationoftheCodeofBehaviour. Staff will begiven opportunitiestosharetheir experienceof both positiveandnegativebehaviourandtolearn fromcollectivewisdom.

Openlinesof communicationbetween parentsandteachersareencouragedto ensurethateveryoneis workingtogetherandthata nurturingenvironment prevails.

Uponacceptingaplaceat theschool, allparentsandguardians aregiven a copy of theCodeof Behaviour andareasked toreviewandsignit. Theirsignaturesindicatetheir acceptanceofthe Code.

All pupils areremindedof thedefinitionof bullyingregularlythroughouttheschoolyear andwhatthey shoulddoiftheyarebeingbullied. Parents/guardiansmustalsofamiliarisethemselves withall aspectsoftheschool’s Anti Bullying Policy(Seeschool website), andensurethattheir children areawareof the consequencesof bullying.

8. Systems foracknowledging goodbehaviour,progressandeffort(rewards)

  • A wordof praiseinfrontofagroupor theclass
  • A rewardsystem–‘Student oftheWeek’,‘Golden Time’, occasional treats etc.
  • Stickercharts
  • Stamps
  • Traffic lightchart
  • Homework passes
  • Specialmentionatassembly
  • Delegatingsomespecialresponsibilityor privilege. This listisnotexhaustive.

Rewardssystemswill takeintoaccounttheindividualpupil’s effortandnotjustachievement.

9. Where pupilscan gethelpwhenproblemsarise

  • Pupils shouldtalk to:
  • their own teacher
  • anyother teacher
  • the Principal
  • their parents/guardians.

10.Where parents/guardianscan gethelpwhenproblemsarise

Throughthesecretary, parent/guardiansshouldcontact:

  • the teacher
  • the Principal
  • the BoardofManagement.

Otherinformationtohelpwhen problemsarisecanbesoughtfromStateAgenciesinvolved inbehavioural matters:

National EducationalPsychologicalServices(NEPS) Department ofEducationandSkills

Floor2,Block1,MarlboroughStreet,Dublin1. Tel:+35318892700

National EducationWelfareBoard(NEWB)

16–22Green Street,Dublin7. Tel:+35318738700

Email:

NationalParentsCouncilPrimary(NPC)

12MarlboroughCourt,Dublin1

Tel:+35318874034

Email:

TUSLA–ChildandFamilyAgency,

Floors2-5, BrunelBuilding, HeustonSouth Quarter,Dublin8. Tel:+35317718500

Email:

11.Respondingto inappropriate behaviour

11.1. The school’sdutyofcare

Theschooland every teachershouldensurethat,inapplyinganysanction,the dutyof careto thestudent is maintained. Theteacher’s dutyof careisaprofessional dutyof care,reflectingthe teacher’straining, skill andknowledge.This dutyrequires, for example,thata studentisappropriatelysupervisedatalltimes whileatschool.Appropriatearrangementsmustalso be madeto ensurethatchildprotectionguidelines are observed (seeDepartment ofHealthandChildren,(1999)Children First: National Guidelinesforthe ProtectionandWelfare ofChildren).(in loco parentis)??

11.2. Classification of misbehaviours

Misbehaviour fallsintooneoftwocategories–inappropriatebehaviouror serious behaviour. Teachers and/orthePrincipal willmakejudgementsbasedonacommonsenseapproach,havingregardto theage orvulnerabilityofthe childandthegravityandfrequencyof anymisbehaviour asfollows:

11.2.1.Inappropriate behaviour

Examplesareas follows:

  • interruptingclasswork
  • talkingoutofturn
  • runningin the school building
  • litteringaroundtheschool
  • beingdiscourteousor unmannerly
  • notcompletinghomeworkwithoutgoodreason(toincludea notefromaparentor guardian)
  • inappropriatebehaviourorgestures
  • bringinganycommunicationor electronic devicetoschool,toincludemobilephones(where permissionhas notbegiven)
  • minorinfringementof theschool rules.

Teacherswill deal with minormisbehaviourthroughthenormal ageappropriateclassroomnorms andproceduresandthroughdiscussionwith thepupil.Instancesofyardmisbehaviourwillbenoted intheYardIncident Book andtheclassteacher informed.Whereminormisbehaviouroccursona regularbasis, theteacherwillcontacttheparents/guardiansofthe child.

Examplesof consequences/sanctions caninclude:

  • use ofthe‘ThinkingChair’
  • temporaryseparationfrompeers(withintheclassroom)
  • reflectionsheet(describingincident)signed byparents/guardian/teacher/pupil (keptonfilebyteacher)
  • lossof ‘DoJo Points’
  • non-earningof‘Golden Time’
  • reduced shorttermaccesstoprivileges.

11.2.2.Seriousmisbehaviour

Seriousmisbehaviourcanrangefrombeingdishonesttobringing weaponstoschoolandaccordingly willbedealtwith basedonthe specificdetails oftheincident. As all pupils areindividuals andall situationsare different,teacher(s)involved ininvestigatingincidenceswillusetheir professional judgementandexperienceto makedecisionsonappropriatecoursesof action.

Thefollowingareexamplesof seriousmisbehaviour whichapplytofellowpupils andall membersof the schoolcommunity:

Disruptive:

  • constantlydisruptiveinclass
  • deliberatecontinual disobedience
  • depriving other pupilsof their opportunitytolearn
  • enteringanyareaorclassroomwithoutpermission
  • damagingorinterferingwithschool property
  • leavingschoolbuildings withoutpermission
  • leavingschoolgroundswithoutpermission.

Dishonest:

  • tellinglies
  • stealingfromafellowpupil(s) ormemberof staff.

Bullying:

  • bullying(consistentlyannoyinganotherpupil)(See Anti BullyingPolicy onschoolwebsite ).

AggressiveBehaviour:

  • threatened oractual assault onafellowpupil
  • threatened oractual assault onastaffmember
  • aggressivebehaviourtowards afellowpupil
  • aggressivebehaviourtowards astaffmember.

InappropriateVerbalLanguageincludes:

  • answeringbacktoateacher or anymemberofschoolcommunityin aconfrontationalmanner
  • speakingin a cheekyor disrespectfulmanner,shouting, mimickingor anyinappropriatebody language
  • usingabusivelanguagetofellowpupils
  • usingabusivelanguagetostaff members
  • Usinginappropriatecommentsof apersonal nature toothers.
  • Damageincludes:
  • damagingthepropertyof fellowpupils
  • damagingschool property
  • damagingstaffmember’sproperty.
  • Dangerous:
  • endangeringself, fellowpupils or staff in theclassor the yard
  • usingschoolequipment toassault orthreatento assault fellowpupilsor staffmembers
  • bringingweaponsor dangerous substancestoschool
  • persistently engagingin activitieswhichhavebeenidentified bymembers ofstaffasdangerousor inappropriate
  • settingfire toschoolproperty
  • assault onafellowpupil (striking, pinching, tripping, biting, spitting)
  • assault onastaffmember
  • deliberatelyinjuringany memberoftheschool community.
  • relevantsetsof parents/guardians(wheremorethanonechildisinvolved)receive
  • written confirmationof the investigativeoutcomeandthetimeframefor behavioural change:
  • specificsanctionsmaytakeplacesuchas reduced shorttermaccess toprivileges,walking with teacheronyardand/or temporaryseparationfrompeers(separatedesk)
  • wherethe behaviour persists,Rule130National Schools Circular 20/90DES allows for suspensionof thepupil fora temporaryperiod. Thiswill be implementedinthe following manner:
  • reduced hours.Parent/guardianmustreporttothePrincipal/Deputy Principalbeforeclass unlessother arrangementshavebeenmadesuspensionof3daysinitially
  • if behaviour continuestopersist,suspensionof10days andbeyond

12.School policy to dealwith bullying

St Daigh’s N S updated AntiBullyingPolicy,effective29thApril2014,canbefoundon the schoolwebsite

13.Whenand where behaviour willbe subject to the school’scode ofbehaviour

It isexpected thattheschool’s CodeofBehaviourapplies duringschool hours, atall extra-curricular activitiesonschoolgrounds oroff-siteandtravellingtoandfromschoolandschoolactivities.This includes alleventsorganised by,onbehalf of,or inthenameofSt Daigh’s N S (toincludeall fundraisingandsocial events organised bythe schoolor bytheParents’Association includingschoolsports, school tours andschool competitions).

14.Proceduresforsuspensionand expulsion

14.1.Thereare twowaysa pupil maybesuspended:

  • Whereseriousmisbehaviour persists. Inthis case,proceduresoutlined aboveunder‘Serious

Misbehaviour’ havealreadybeenexhausted.

  • Here,aonceoff incident isdeemed tobeserious enoughtowarrantimmediatesuspension. For thepurposeofthis Code ofBehaviour,suspensionis defined as:

requiringthepupil to absenthimself/herself fromtheschool foraspecifiedlimitedperiodof school days.

ThePrincipal andChairpersonareinformed immediatelyandsuspension sanctioned.

One day firstly, then a three day suspension, then five day suspension.

In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Management may administer the 5 days suspension, on an on-going basis rather than expel the child outright.

Further suspensionswillrequireBoardofManagementapproval.Thisapprovalmaybeobtained ata regularmeetingof theBoardor atan emergencymeetingatwhichtheChairpersonandPrincipal haveoutlined forthe Boardthereasonswhytheyfeel itis necessarytoimposeafurthersuspension.

Inlinewiththe requirements oftheEducation WelfareAct(2000),theBoardofManagementwill

informtheEducationWelfare Boardwhen any pupil’speriodof suspensionequals orexceedstwenty

school days.

When astudent issuspended, theparents/guardianswillberequestedtoremovethestudent from

the school.ThePrincipalwill meetwith theparent(s)/guardian(s) tooutlinethedecisiontoimplement the suspensionandwillpresenttheparent(s)/guardian(s) withawrittenstatement ofthe terms, durationanddateoftheterminationofthesuspension.

14.2.Removal of suspension(reinstatement)

On suspension,all pupils will be invited toreturntoschoolonaspecifieddate.

Theparent(s)/guardian(s)mustgiveasatisfactoryundertakingthatasuspendedpupil will behavein accordancewith theschoolcodeandthePrincipalmustbesatisfiedthat thepupil’s reinstatementwill notconstituteariskto the pupil’s own safetyor thatof theotherpupils orstaff. The Principal, in consultationwith theparents,theclassteacherandthepupil (if appropriate)will facilitatethe preparationof abehaviourplanfor thepupil, if required, andwill re-admitthepupil formallytothe class.

Whereasatisfactoryresolutionof aproblemisachieved, a pupil maybere-admitted toschoolwithin a suspension periodatthe discretionoftheChairpersonoftheBoardofManagementandthe Principal.

14.3.Appealingasuspension

Where a Board of Management has taken the decision to expel a student, it is obliged to notify the designated Educational Welfare Officer of its opinion and the reasons therefore. A student shall not be considered expelled before the passing of 20 school days from the receipt of such notification by the Educational Welfare Officer. The Board is obliged to co-operate fully with the Educational Welfare Officer in the fulfilment of his/her duties under section 24 of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000.

Wherethe totalnumberofdaysforwhichthepupil has been suspended inthe current schoolyear reachestwentydays,the parentsmayappeal thesuspension underSection 29ofthe EducationAct1998,asamended by theEducation(Miscellaneous Provisions)Act2007.

14.4.Reviewof useof suspension

ThePrincipal andBoardofManagementwillreviewtheuseof suspension inthe schoolatregular intervalsto ensurethatits useis consistentwith school policies,that patternsofuseareexaminedto identifyfactors thatmaybeinfluencingbehaviour intheschool andtoensurethatuseof suspension is appropriateandeffective.

14.5.Expulsion

TheBoardof Managementhas theauthoritytoexpela pupil in anextremecaseof unacceptable behaviourorwhererepeatedincidentsof grossmisbehaviour interferewith theeducational

opportunitiesof fellowstudents orwherethereisathreatto thehealthandsafetyofeitherstudents or staff.

A proposalbythe BoardofManagementtoexpel astudent requiresserious grounds, such that:

  • the pupil’s behaviour isapersistentcauseofsignificantdisruption tothe learningofothersor to

the teachingprocess

  • the pupil’s continued presenceintheschoolconstitutesa real andsignificantthreattosafety
  • the pupil isresponsible forserious damage toproperty.

This sanction wouldbeimposed underthetermsof theEducation WelfareAct(2000). Suspension/expulsionproceduresarein accordance with theEducationAct(1998).

Expulsionof astudent isaveryserious step, andonethat willonlybetaken bytheBoardof Management inextremecasesof unacceptable behaviour. Beforeexpellingapupil, theschoolwill takesignificantsteps toaddressthemisbehaviour andtoavoidexpulsionof apupil including, as appropriate:

  • meetingwithparent(s)/guardian(s) andthestudent to trytofindwaysofhelpingthe studentto changetheir behaviour
  • makingsurethatthestudentunderstands thepossible consequencesof theirbehaviour, ifit shouldpersist
  • ensuringthatallotherpossible options havebeen tried
  • seekingtheassistanceofsupportagencies,if appropriate.

14.6.‘Automatic’expulsion

Whereapreliminaryassessmentofthefactsconfirmsseriousmisbehaviour thatcouldwarrant expulsion,the followingproceduralstepswillapply:

  • a detailed investigationcarried outunderthedirectionof thePrincipal
  • a recommendationtotheBoardofManagement bythe Principal
  • consideration by theBoardofManagementofthePrincipal’s recommendationand theholdingof

a hearing

  • BoardofManagement deliberationsandactions followingthehearing
  • consultations arranged byanEducationWelfareOfficer oftheNationalEducational Welfare Board
  • confirmationofthedecisiontoexpel.

14.7.Expulsionfora firstoffence

TheBoardof Managementreservesthe righttoexpel pupils for a firstoffenceinexceptional circumstances.Thekindsof behaviour thatmightresult in a proposaltoexpel onthe basisof asingle breach ofthecodecouldinclude:

  • a serious threatofviolenceagainstanother pupilor memberofstaff
  • actualviolenceor physicalassault
  • supply of illegal drugs tootherpupils in the school
  • sexual assault.

14.8.Appealinganexpulsion

A parent/guardianmayappeal adecisiontoexpelto the SecretaryGeneralof theDepartment ofEducationand Skills (EducationAct1998section 29). Anappealmayalsobebroughtby theNational Educational WelfareBoardonbehalf ofapupil.

Theappeals processundersection 29of theEducationAct1998begins withtheprovisionof mediationbyamediator nominatedbytheAppeals Committee(Department ofEducationandSkills).

14.9.Reviewof useof expulsion

ThePrincipal andBoardofManagementwillreviewtheuseofexpulsionintheschool atregular intervalsto ensurethatits useis consistentwith school policies,that patternsofuseareexaminedto identifyfactors whichmay beinfluencingbehaviour intheschool andto ensurethatuseof expulsion is appropriateandeffective.

15.Proceduresfornotifyingthe schoolaboutreasons forabsencefrom school

A goodeducationgiveschildren the bestpossible startin life. A goodeducationhelps youngpeopleto obtainsecureemploymentanddevelopintomatureandresponsiblecitizens. Thepurposeofthe Education(Welfare)Act2000, Section21(4)is to encourageregularschoolattendanceandparticipationin educationandtrainingforas longaspossible. Itisdesirable thateverychildstaysin school andcompletes the LeavingCertificate.

Underthe law,everychildmustattendschool regularlyupto16yearsofageorcompleteatleastthree years’education in a postprimaryschool,whichever comeslater. TheNational Education WelfareBoard (NEWB)wasestablishedtosupportschoolattendanceandfollowuponchildrenwhoarenotattending school regularly.

Allparentsmustlettheschoolknow if theirchild is absentandthereasonwhy.Itisschoolpolicythat reasons mustbe giveninwriting.The schoolwillnotifytheNationalEducationalWelfareBoardif achild isabsentfor 20daysormore or wheretheabsencegivesrisetoconcern.

If a pupil issickorisabsentforothergoodreasons,noactionwill betaken bythe NEWB. However,if there is concern abouta pupil’s attendanceatschoolor aboutthe reasons given, parents/guardians maybe visited byan EducationalWelfareOfficer whowill discussthepupil’s education. TheOfficerwill workwith theparents/guardians andtakefullaccountof thecircumstancesofthechildandthefamilybeforedecidingwhatfurtheractionis necessarytoensurethatthe childreceiveshis/her entitlementtoan education.

Further informationconcerningthenewserviceandaboutschoolattendancemattersgenerallycanbe obtained from thenational Lo-call EducationHelpline(1890 363666),whichisstaffedbyanEducational WelfareOfficer.

15.1. Absenceadvisementsteps

In case of illness:

  • Inthecaseof illness,aparent orguardianshouldtelephonetheSchool Secretaryandadvisethat their childwillnotbeattendingschoolthatdayandgiveabriefexplanationofthereason.
  • When thechildreturnstoschoolawrittennoteshouldbegiventotheclassteacher.

Otherreasonsforabsence:

  • Parents/guardiansareobligedto advisetheschoolof anyplannedabsenceoftheir

childfromschool.This shouldbedoneinwritinginadvanceofthe absence.

Leavingschoolearly:

  • If it is necessaryfor apupil toleaveschoolearlyfor anyreason,written notification,outliningthe reason,mustbegivento theclassteacher inadvanceof theabsence.
  • Parents/guardians responsible forcollectingthepupilmustcall to thereceptionarea oftheschool tocollectthe pupil, wheretheywillbeaskedtosignthepupil outof school.
  • Pupils will notbereleasedintothecareof a third party unless the school has been advised to do so.

16.Proceduresforraising aconcernor bringing a complaint abouta behaviouralmatter

Mattersof concern topupils andparents/guardiansshouldbecommunicated infirstinstanceto theclassteacher.If the concern remains, themattershouldbereferredto thePrincipal.Generally, concerns areeasilydealt with andresolved.

Whereaparent/guardianwishes tomakea complaint,pleasesee theDES guidelines(National Parents’Council)below:

Stage1

1.1A parent/guardianwhowishestomakeacomplaintshould, unlessthereare localarrangementstothe contrary, approachtheclass teacherwith aviewtoresolvingthecomplaint.

1.2Wherethe parent/guardianisunable toresolvethe complaintwiththeclass teacher she/heshould approachthePrincipalwitha viewtoresolvingit.

1.3If the complaintis still unresolved theparent/guardianshouldraisethematterwith theChairpersonof the BoardofManagementwith a viewtoresolvingit.

Stage2

2.1If the complaintis still unresolved andtheparent/guardianwishestopursuethematterfurthershe/he shouldlodgethecomplaintin writingwith theChairpersonof theBoardofManagement.

2.2TheChairpersonshouldbringtheprecisenatureofthewrittencomplainttothenoticeoftheteacher andseektoresolvethematterbetweenthepartieswithin5daysof receiptof thewrittencomplaint.

If a complaintismade,thePrincipal or DeputyPrincipal will beincontactwithintwodaystoprogressthe matter.

Intheeventthataparent has exhausted theschool'scomplaintsproceduresandisstillnotsatisfied,the schoolmustadvisethe parents/guardiansoftheirrighttomakeacomplainttotheOmbudsmanfor Children.

17.The planfor reviewing the code

This policyanditsimplementationwillbereviewed bytheBoardofManagementoncein everyschoolyear. Writtennotificationthatthereviewhas been completed will bemadeavailabletoschoolpersonnel, published ontheschoolwebsiteandprovidedto theParents’Association. A recordof thereviewanditsoutcomewill be madeavailable,if requested, tothe PatronandtheDepartment.

18.Conclusion

This Code ofBehaviourhasbeenrevised inlinewith theEducation(Welfare)Act2000andthepublication ofDevelopinga Code ofBehaviour:GuidelinesforSchoolspublishedbytheNational EducationalWelfare BoardinMay2008duringtheschoolyear2016.

It wasadopted forusefrom15thJune 2016atameetingof theBoardofManagement on15th June2016.

Signed: Signed: (ChairpersonofBoardofManagement) (Principal)

Date:______

Dateofnextreview:June 2018

APPENDIXA SCHOOLRULES

Safety:Formy own safetyandthesafetyofothers

  • I shouldbecareful goingtoandcomingfromschool
  • I shouldalwayswalkwhileintheschoolbuilding
  • I shouldalways showrespectformyfellowpupils
  • I shouldbringanoteofexplanationfollowing everyabsence.

CaringforMyself:

  • I shouldrespect myself andmyproperty, alwayskeepingmyschool bag, booksandcopiesin goodorder
  • I shouldalwaysendeavourtohave myuniformclean andtidy
  • I shouldbeinschool by8.50ameachday
  • I shouldalways lineupatthestartofthedayandafter playwhen I heartheschool bell
  • I shouldalwaystrytobringasensible,nutritional lunchtoschool.Chewinggum,fizzydrinks,crispsand nutsare notpermitted.Care mustbetaken wheneatingyogurts,Actimels, Yops,Frubes orotheryogurt drinks
  • I shouldneverbringany communicationorelectronicdevice toschool, toincludemobilephones(where permissionhas notbegivenbytheBoardofManagement)
  • I shouldalways domybestinschool bylisteningcarefully, workingashardasIcanandbycompletingmy homework.

CaringforOthers:

  • I shouldbekindandrespectfultoteachers,otherschool staff, fellowpupils andvisitorstotheschool by beingmannerlyandpolite,by takingturns andbyremainingorderlyin myclass andin the line
  • I shouldlistenandbehavewell in class so thatmyfellowpupils andIcanlearn
  • I shouldobey myspecificclass rulesandallrulesor policiesagreed bythe schoolcommunity
  • I shouldalways showrespectformyschool bybeingcareful nottodamagefurniture oranypartofthe buildingor theschool grounds. I shouldalwayskeepmyschoolclean bybringingunfinished foodand drinksetc. homeandbyplacinglitter intheappropriatebin
  • I shouldshowrespectfor thepropertyofthe teachers andofmyfellowpupils
  • I shouldbetruthful andhonestatall times.

Bullying:

  • I shouldneverbully others.I shouldneverallowothers tobullymeandif ithappens I shouldtellmy parentsandmyteacher. Bullyingisalways unacceptable.
  • Our St Daigh’s N S updated AntiBullyingPolicyeffective29thApril2014, canbefoundon the schoolwebsite