Our Code Of Discipline

Aims

The code aims to:
Create a caring, ordered environment based on respect and tolerance, where each child can feel secure and confident.

Strategies to promote Positive Behaviour

• Ensuring that pupils are treated fairly, equally and firmly
• A quiet word or gesture to show approval
• Matching work with pupil’s abilities. A prize/reward carefully noted by the teacher to ensure that all children at regular stages during the school year are rewarded for effort/behaviour/skill etc. Teachers creating moments of success and then acknowledging them.
• A comment in a pupil’s exercise book
• A visit to another member of staff or the Principal for commendation
• A word of praise in front of a group or class
• Delegating some responsibility or privilege
• A mention to a parent/guardian – written or verbal
• Teacher records improvement in the behaviour of a disruptive pupil
• Implementation of Programmes such as Circle Time to promote positive behaviour
The above list is not comprehensive and consists of examples only.

SCHOOL RULES

• Golden Rules:
Children cannot remember long lists of rules. The rules outlined in this policy provide clear guidelines for members of our school community and senior pupils as to what type of behaviour is expected of pupils and adults within our school. The Golden Rules of the Circle Time programme are on display throughout the school. These rules synopsise for the children what is expected of them, in a language they understand – ‘Treat others as you would like them to treat you’. Children from Junior Infants – 6th classes will be reminded of these rules and will recite them and discuss them regularly. It is expected that the children will know them ‘by rote’ by the time they reach second class.

Be Gentle Don’t hurt anyone
Be kind and helpful Don’t hurt people’s feelings
Be honest Don’t cover up the truth
Work hard Don’t waste time
Look after property Don’t waste or damage things or take
things that don’t belong to you
Listen to people Don’t interrupt

• School Rules:
School rules are devised with regard to the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. It is imperative that adults ‘practise what they preach’ in their interaction with children every day. The School Rules listed below provide clear guidelines for all members of the school community.
• Pupils enter and leave the school building at all times in an orderly fashion
• In the interest of safety, pupils must walk within the school building and silence is expected while children are getting ready to enter/exit class i.e. while queuing
• Pupils are expected to treat all staff members, themselves and each other with due respect and courtesy. Pupils are taught to stand back for an adult, to welcome visitors and to show respect for their elders
• Bullying is never allowed. Any behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to be safe is unacceptable
• Bad language is unacceptable. Inappropriate language, if used towards a teacher or anywhere within the school, is considered a serious breach of the code
• We encourage pupils to wear their full school uniform
• Chewing gum, glass bottles, correction fluids, other solvents, matches, cigarettes, alcohol or drugs are not allowed
• Jewellery is not allowed except for a watch
• Make-up is not worn during school times
• Cycling in school grounds is forbidden
• Children are not allowed Mobile phones in class or on the school yard. If a child is found with a mobile phone it will be confiscated
• We encourage hairstyles to be kept neat and conventional – with hair in its natural colour. For hygiene purposes hair must be tied back
• Pupils must respect the school building and property. If any deliberate damage is caused, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the cost of repair/replacement

School Environment:

We have achieved four Green flag awards for Litter and Waste, Energy, Water and Travel and our aim is to achieve all of the Green School Flag awards denoting an environmentally friendly environment.
• Pupils are expected to value our school environment and to care for it. The playground is a litter-free zone
• To protect the environment, the school is involved in various projects:
Composting: Fruit peels, tea bags, pencil parings, shredded paper etc. are collected for the purpose of composting
Recycling: Waste paper, empty drink cartons and cardboard are collected for recycling
All other empty cartons, drink containers and wrapping papers are put in children’s school bags to be brought home and disposed of.

Behaviour in Class and in School Building:
• Pupils must not behave in such a manner as to disrupt class work or to cause unnecessary disturbance
• It is school policy that every pupil listens to the class teacher, works hard and makes best use of their time in school

Behaviour in the Playground:
• All pupils have a right to enjoy their time out in the playground in a safe environment at break periods
• Misdemeanour consists of any action that puts the safety of self or others at risk
• Fighting, rough play or any physical force is never allowed or tolerated
• In the interests of safety, climbing on the school walls is strictly forbidden
• In the interest of safety when the bell rings during playtimes the children stop playing and walk to their classrooms in an orderly fashion. Children do not enter the school building without getting permission and a permission slip from teachers

Swimming Days:

• Every pupil listens to and obeys the class teacher
• Children walk in line behind the teacher to the transport.
• No shouting or playing in dressing rooms
• Every pupil listens to and obeys the instructor and life guard
• No running around pool area
• Swimming caps required. Arm bands needed for beginners and shower socks may be worn
• Children do not leave the pool without permission from the instructor or teacher
• No jumping into the pool from the side – unless under the instructor’s directions. No pushing or rough play in the pool
• Children are expected to dress quickly after each session
• No drinks/sweets are bought from the machine

School Trip Rules:
• Pupils enter/leave the bus in an orderly manner
• Pupils are expected to arrive 15 minutes before departure time if the trip takes place in the morning. Parents/guardians are expected to contact the school 15 minutes before departure time if the child is sick or unable to attend.
• School Rules apply to school tours
• Mobile phones and electronic devices are banned on school tours. Teachers will have mobile phones on tour if parents/guardians and children need to get in contact with one another
• On the bus pupils must sit in their seats and avoid loudness that would distract the driver
• Pupils are encouraged to take drinks and sweets at the appointed lunch breaks
• Pupils stay in their appointed groups at all times
• Pupils wear uniform on school tours
• Parental/Guardian permission slips allowing a) the child to go on tour and b) the teacher the right to authorize any medical or surgical procedure necessary are returned to the teacher prior to the tour.