Code of Behaviour – St. Oliver Plunkett BNS

Ethos Statement:

St. Oliver Plunkett BNS is a Catholic primary school in Moate, Co. Westmeath providing education to boys from 2^nd to 6^th class. We strive to ensure that every child attending this school is happy and secure, where their intellectual, physical, spiritual and cultural needs are catered for. While the characteristic spirit of St. Oliver Plunkett BNS is catholic. The school has due recognition for, and welcomes pupils and parents of other religious beliefs and/or cultures.

As a community of learners, we recognise the diversity of learning styles, talents and needs among our pupils. We encourage and praise their efforts and celebrate their successes, in the belief that this is the key to developing positive attitudes, self-esteem and confidence in our pupils. St. Oliver Plunkett BNS supports the principal of inclusion of children with special educational needs.

We strive to promote the continuous professional and personal development of staff, for the benefit of the whole school community.

We recognise the importance of partnership in education and, as such encourage the involvement of parents through home/school contact and through the Parents Association.

Our school promotes equality amongst the staff, pupil and parent body.

We strive to promote participation by all.

We seek to instil a love of learning in all our pupils through our teaching methods in delivering the Primary Curriculum.

Our school takes pride in the Irish language and culture.

The Department of Education has requested all Boards of management to draw up Codes of Behaviour for their schools in consultation with parents and teachers.

What follows is the agreed code for our school. The code includes the provisions suggested by the Department in its guidelines to Boards of Management.

In keeping with the school’s Catholic spirit, the Code of Behaviour is implemented in a spirit of encouragement and affirmation.

Aims and Objectives

That all children should be enabled to develop socially and academically in a happy, safe and congenial environment.
To create an atmosphere of mutual respect and support for each other and each other’s property.
To enhance the teaching and learning environment where children can progress in all aspects of their development.
To promote positive behaviour and self-discipline while recognising and accommodating individual differences.
To promote the safety and wellbeing of the whole school community.
To create an environment which expects high standards and affirms positive behaviour.
To create an environment which develops and encourages personal responsibility.

Factors which Influence Behaviour:

As a school community, we recognise that there are many factors which influence a child’s behaviour. Among these are:

Age and level of maturity.
Personality/Temperament.
Personal history and experience.
Physical/sensory/medical characteristics.
Skills and ability to learn.
Self-esteem/Self-confidence-self-reliance.
Parental Influence.
Family life/history.
Peer groups.
Neighbourhood.
Community networks.
Socio-economic status.
School factors.
Special Educational Needs.
Time/opportunity/support for personal development at home and at school.

A whole school approach to the Code of Behaviour:

This school recognizes the value and merit of collaboration in all areas of school life. This applies to the Code of Behaviour also. Working with and respecting each other is a key to a successful school. Where pupils are engaged and motivated to learn, they are more likely to have a more positive impact on the atmosphere within the school. Where parents are listened to and concerns are taken on board, it is more likely to contribute to a positive and healthy working relationship between school and home.

In this school our concept of discipline is a positive one. It is based on the principle of establishing and promoting good relationships and mutual respect between all the members of the school community. The school’s code consists of a set of supportive measures designed to help each child to grow and develop in a secure environment. Bullying, whether verbal, physical or emotional, is not tolerated in this school, whether carried out in the presence of the victim or through technological media. All pupils are expected to behave in a responsible manner, showing consideration, courtesy and respect at all times.

The school adopts a policy of openness and freedom of individual expression, where the rights of the individual are respected. However, the responsibilities of the individual with regard to the treatment of others and to the school as an educational institution are also paramount in order that the general good of the school and its community are protected.

Our ultimate aim is to encourage children to accept responsibility for their own behaviour.

General Behaviour

Pupils should show respect for themselves, for each other and for the staff, for school property and its environment.
Kindness and a willingness to help others is promoted.
Good manners are expected from everyone who attends and works in the school.
Fairness and a sense of justice is communicated in every aspect of school life.
Willingness to resolve difficulties and forgiveness is encouraged throughout the school.
Bullying of any kind shall not be tolerated. Hurtful comments and personal remarks aimed at other children are not tolerated in the school.
Offensive language of any sort will not be allowed.
Good Behaviour is expected while engaged in school activities.
No pupil may enter another classroom without prior permission from either teacher.
Please adhere to the healthy lunch policy.
g) Tippex or similar toxic material is not allowed by any pupil in school.
h) Running, shouting, pushing or any similar activity in the school building is not tolerated.
Loitering in the school toilets is forbidden.
Children are not permitted to have mobile phones in class or in the school yard. If a child is found to have a mobile phone, it will be confiscated. In exceptional circumstances arrangements may be made between the principal and parents of the school child to hold a phone for the child in the office, for use after school hours.
Encouraging a child to hit back is mistaken because it does not address the reasons for aggressive behaviour and it could result in a child being seriously hurt. (See Anti-Bullying Policy).
Coughing on, sneezing purposely at another child is strictly forbidden.

Promoting good Behaviour:

In our school, good behaviour is promoted in the following ways:

Pupils are given responsibility.
Pupils see that the Code of Behaviour works in a fair and positive way.
Pupils see that their parents/guardians support the Code of Behaviour.
Parents support staff and speak about them in a positive way.
The school and class routines are clear and easy to understand and follow.
The staff implements the Code of Behaviour in a fair and honest manner.
Good behaviour both inside and outside the classroom is recognized, affirmed and rewarded.
Feedback about their behaviour is given to the pupils.
Staff/pupil relationships are marked by warmth and empathy but also by objectivity, professional detachment, fairness and consistency.

Attendance and Punctuality

School hours are from 9.20a.m. to 3.00p.m. with a 15 min break at 11.30a.m. and 25min break from 1.00pm – 1.25pm or as may be changed from time to time to suit certain activities taking place. Children should not be in the school grounds outside of school hours in the interests of personal safety. Children are only permitted to enter school grounds once the front gate is opened at 9am daily.
Pupils must attend regularly and punctually.
Pupils are not allowed to leave the school grounds between 9.20a.m. and 3.00p.m. without the written permission or personal attendance of parents/guardians.
When a pupil is absent from or late for school a note of explanation must be sent to the class teacher. Absence reports are sent via Aladdin Connect for parents to complete. Please do so on the day of the absence giving valid reason.
Each family will be notified of holidays and school closings. The school calendar is distributed to all parents via Aladdin. A hard copy of the calendar can be requested.

Work

Each pupil is expected to work diligently in school and to co-operate with his teacher at all times.
Homework reinforces work done in school and is therefore an essential component of the learning process. Homework – written and oral – should be carried out conscientiously.
Pupils should be equipped with all schoolbooks prescribed by their class teacher. All books should be kept in good condition, covered and present in school with the child on the first day of the new school term.
All pupils are keep indoors during inclement weather. Otherwise, all pupils are expected to take part in some physical activity on the yard during break times where there is supervision.
Where a child becomes ill in school, he may be allowed to remain indoors during break time.

Dress and Appearance

Pupils should wear the school uniform in school. In the interest of safety, children are expected to have suitable footwear for P.E.
Pupils are expected to be clean, neat and tidy in dress and appearance.
For safety reasons, jewellery is not allowed with the exception of a wrist watch. No smart watches permitted.
Children must wear the proper football gear and football boots for training. Gumshields must be worn.
Hairstyles are expected to be neat and conventional- with hair in its natural colour. Hair should be kept short and tidy in order to reduce the risk of lice being transferred from one child to another.
Tattoos or transfers are not permitted.
Children with long hair must tie it back in the interest of hygiene.
No piercings permitted.

Parents/Guardians are asked to ensure children do not wear logos or branded clothing to school. Full school uniform must be worn at all times.

Electronic Devices/Mobile Phones/Internet Usage:

Electronic games, devices and mobile phones are not permitted in school. Any device found will be confiscated from the child and a parent/guardian will have to visit the school to get the device back.
Using ICT in school is for educational purposes only. Children will be supervised at all times. The highest level of security filtering is in place on all devices. Pupils are expected to use devices only as instructed by their class teacher.

Out of School Activities/Annual School Tour.

Pupil’s are expected to abide by the school’s Code of Behaviour when on school activities/excursions which take place away from the school grounds.
A child whose behaviour record indicates a possibility of serious misbehaviour may be excluded from such activities in line with Health and safety measures.
Any pupil who has been suspended or has come to the attention of school staff on a consistent basis for disruptive behaviour in a given term, will be excluded from any excursion/activity outside school grounds during that term.
This decision will be at the discretion of the School Principal. Mobile phones or any electronic device are not permitted during these activities.

St. Oliver Plunkett BNS Code of Behaviour is based on Section 23(2) of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and on Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidance for Schools, Published by the National Educational Welfare Board 2008.

Section 23(2) states:

“The standards of behaviour that shall be observed by each student attending the school”

The standards are clearly explained at our weekly assembly where the principal specifies the behaviour expected of pupils in their:

Classroom behaviour
Corridor behaviour
Playground behaviour
PE Lesson behaviour
School activities which take place away from school.

“The measures that may be taken when a student fails or refuses to observe these standards.”

At St. Oliver Plunkett BNS we have set clear, concise and easy to follow guidelines for all of our pupils. We encourage all of our pupils to behave in an appropriate manner without having to be sanctioned. Unfortunately, there will inevitably be situations where rules are broken and this is dealt with through the STEP system.

Procedures in Relation to Breaches of Discipline:

In the implementation of any sanctions, it should be noted that it is the behaviour that is rejected and not the child. The overall responsibility for discipline in the school rests with the Principal. Each teacher has responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his/her own classroom while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school premises and during outside excursions/activities.

St, Oliver Plunkett BNS has adopted the “Discipline for Learning (DFL) system. This system uses a series of behaviour checks aimed at influencing positive behaviour rather than dwelling on bad behaviour.

The system runs from Step 1 to Step 5, where 1 is a minor breach of the code and 5 is a major or repeated breach, followed by a suspension/expulsion.

Before Step 1 is initiated, the teacher will reason with the pupil. If the misbehavior reoccurs on that day, the pupil will be placed on Step 1.

Step 1: Verbal WARNING

Step 2: 10 mins. Off yard (big break)

Step 3: 1 day in-school detention with work and note sent home.

Step 4: 1 week detention(big break)with work, parents/guardians contacted.

Step 5: Suspension.

If a pupil chooses not to comply with the rules he may be placed on one of the above steps and this will be recorded on Aladdin under behavior record. If a pupil is consistently on one of the above Steps over a period of 2 weeks a record book is sent home for parents/guardians to sign and is considered to be a valuable communication tool between the school and home.

Persistent infringement of the same rule may result in a child receiving a higher sanction than for a single infringement, e.g. starting on Step 2 instead of Step 1.

If a child moves to Step 5 and a suspension is in place, that child will not be permitted to participate in any out of school activities/excursions for the current academic year.

Behaviour Checks:

Step 1: Verbal warning

The teacher ensures that the pupil understands that he is on Step 1 of the sanctions and has been given a verbal warning.

The teacher reminds the pupil of the next step and that if he misbehaves again that he will be placed on Step 2.

Step 2: 10 min Time Out (Big Break)

The pupil is not permitted to participate in playtime during the first 10 minutes of big break. He must stand off the yard alongside the teacher on supervision duty.

Step 3: 1 In-school detention with work to complete and note sent home.

The pupil is given set work during big breaks. These exercises must be completed during break time. No permission to go on yard during this detention period.

The Principal is informed that the pupil has been placed on Step 3. A note is sent home to the parent informing them of the current situation. This note must be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the teacher the following day.

Parents are required to make an appointment with the teacher to discuss the behaviour issues and agree to a strategy to improve the child’s behavior.

Step 4: Sent to Principal. 1 Week in-school detention and note sent home.

The pupil is sent to the Principal where he will be assigned set tasks for the week long in-school detention. A note is sent home from the Principal to the parents/guardians. This note must be signed and returned. Parents will be required to meet the Principal at this stage to discuss their son’s behaviour and a strategy to deal with same will be devised.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE ESCALATION ONTO STEP 5

“The procedures to be followed before a student may be suspended or expelled from the school concerned”.

Step 5: Suspension

In the event that the school authorities decide that suspension is the only option for dealing with serious behaviour, the following procedures will apply:

The child’s parent/guardian will be informed of the intention to suspend the child.
The child will be informed of his suspension.
The child and parent/guardian will be given an opportunity to respond.
The pupil may be suspended initially for a period of 1 school day.
If the infringement is deemed more serious it is at the Principals discretion to impose a longer suspension. This will be decided at the time of the suspension. All cases are dealt with in isolation and all factors are considered when decisions are being made. This is a very serious situation for any pupil to be in and it is treated with the utmost of care and consideration.

(d)“The grounds for removing a suspension imposed in relation to a student”.

The pupil will attend the school with a parent/guardian and meet with the Principal prior to returning to school as normal. The pupil will only be permitted to return to school when these conditions have been met.The suspension will be noted on the Attendance record on Aladdin.

After the first suspension, a complete review of the child’s needs will be undertaken. This will include a review of his academic, social, psychological, physical and emotional needs. Informal and if necessary, formal assessment in consultation with the Board of Management will be considered.

Subsequent Suspensions:

If a pupil is suspended a subsequent time in the same academic year he will be suspended for 3 school days. A final warning will be issued by the Board of Management. The pupil will again be assigned work to complete at home.

On the pupil’s return to school, the parent/guardian must meet with the class teacher, the principal and a representative from the Board to discuss the child’s behaviour problems, and how these might be resolved to ensure the child’s behaviour conforms to the standards expected in the school.

The pupil will not be permitted to return to school without this meeting taking place.

Subsequent suspensions will be of a fixed duration. This will be decided by the Principal in consultation with the Board of Management, taking into account the health and safety implications for the child, and the whole school community. Should a pupil be suspended for a period of six successive days or twenty aggregate days during a school year, the school notifies the National Educational Welfare Board. After 20 days aggregate suspension in any school year, the parent/guardian has a statutory right to appeal that decision under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998.

All decisions to suspend a pupil will be guided by Chapter 11 of Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools.

If a pupil is given a suspension, he will be prohibited from participating in any out-of-school activities/excursions during the school year. On the days that these activities are taking place, the parents/guardians will be responsible for the pupil.

It is at the Principals discretion to decide if the child can take part in out of school activities during the school year. This decision rests with the Principal and will take into consideration the reason for the first suspension and indeed the behaviour record of the child on return to school after the initial suspension.

Expulsion

Expulsion will only be considered in an extreme case and in accordance with Section 24 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and guided by Chapter 12 (p. 80 – 887) of Developing a Code of Behavior: Guidelines for Schools.

All procedures relating to suspension or expulsion will be carried out in a spirit of justice, fairness and impartiality.

Children with Special Educational Needs:

The Code of Behaviour applies to all the pupils of the school, including those with special educational needs, but staff are cognisant of the need to fully explain why certain behaviours are unacceptable and must require a sanction.

“Teachers should take particular care that they help a student with special needs to understand clearly the purpose of the sanction and the reason why their behaviour is unacceptable. The school and classroom practices that support good learning behaviour are valid for all students, including those with identified special educational needs”. (Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for schools, p. 55)

“Students with learning difficulties may need to be taught how to relate cause and effects of behaviour in more tangible ways, for example through pictures, film or role-play. They may not be able to predict consequences as easily as their peers and so may be vulnerable. (Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools, p. 61

In dealing with all mish=behaviour allegations and investigations, the staff of St. Oliver Plunkett B.N.S. will follow fair procedures,(make sure the child knows what he is being accused of: hearing both sides of the story; avoiding perceived bias; come to a fair and reasonable conclusion).

The school will adhere to fair procedures, and in particular, where sanctions may include a suspension and/or expulsion. However, the Board of Management is committed to ensuring the Health and Safety of the pupils, teachers and SNAs of the school, and also ensuring that the teaching and learning process in the school is not significantly disrupted by any individuals conduct. These factors will be considered when dealing with breaches of discipline.

Parents are requested to familiarize themselves with this policy and to cooperate with the school with regard to its implementation. Parents/Guardians should communicate regularly with the school about factors likely to affect the behaviour of their children.

Every effort will be made by the Principal, teachers and SNA staff to adopt a positive approach when dealing with behaviour issues within the school. Children are rewarded on a regular basis for positive behaviour. Classroom reward systems are fully embedded in the school and are currently working well.

Parents are expected to:

Ensure their child attend school regularly and are punctual.
Equip your child with the appropriate materials, a sufficient lunch and full uniform.
Be courteous and respectful towards pupils and staff.
Make an appointment to meet with the Principal/Class teacher through the school secretary. (Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-2pm)
Encourage their children to respect school property and return schoolbooks in the same condition as they receive them.
Label their child’s clothes and other personal items.

As the Board of Management is responsible for the Health and Safety of all staff and pupils, parents/guardians are not permitted to approach or reprimand another person’s child on the school premises or during school hours.

Social Media- References to Our School, Staff and Pupils.

As a school, we encourage all parents/guardians to support our school community(staff, parents and pupils) with the education and wellbeing of your child. If, at any time, there are issues/concerns regarding your child you should speak with the relevant teacher about these concerns without delay. Should you wish to make a complaint then you are advised to follow the school’s Complaints Procedure.

All parents/guardians are requested to refrain from discussing school business, children attending this school or members of staff in an inappropriate or offensive manner in any public forum including social media sites. As a school, we cannot condone the use of social media to criticize and make comments about our school, its pupils, members or staff or any member of the school community.

Our school values its good name and as a school we will protect and uphold that good name. Instances where defamatory comments are made which tarnish or bring into disrepute this school or any member of the school community (whether named or implied) will be taken very seriously. The right to ones good name is protected under the Constitution of Ireland (Article 40.3.2) and the Defamation Act 2009.

Ratified: ___________________________, Chairperson, B.O.M.

Date: ___________________

The Code of Behaviour Policy has been accepted and approved by the Board of Management on ________________.

Appendix 1:

Sanction Card: Date:__________________________

Pupil’s Name:__________________Class:___________________________

Dear Parents,

__________________________ has chosen to ignore the rules, consequently he is on:-

Step 1 Verbal warning

Step 2 10 minute Time-Out (Big Break)

Step 3 1 lunch time detention with work to complete & parents/guardians informed.

Step 4 Pupil sent to Principal. 1 week lunch time detention with tasks to complete. (Parents requested to attend school to meet with the Principal and teacher).

Step 5 Suspension from school. Pupil and parents informed of suspension. School work assigned. On returning to school, the child must be accompanied by parent/guardian and meet with Principal/Class teacher.

Appointment: ___________________________

Teacher’s Signature: ________________________ Date: _________________

Parents signature: _______________________ Date: ________________

NOTE: A CHILD WHO CHOOSES NOT TO COMPLY WITH A SANCTION WILL BE MOVED DIRECTLY ON TO STEP 5

PLEASE SIGN AND ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT WITH CLASS TEACHER IMMEDIATELY.

NB; YOUR CHILD STARTS EACH DAY WITH A CLEAN SHEET (EXCEPT FOR REPEAT MISBEHAVIOR) IF A CHILD REACHES STEP 3 IN ANY GIVEN WEEK, HE WILL COMMENCE ON AT LEAST STEP 2 THE FOLLOWING WEEK UNTIL BEHAVIOUR IMPROVE

Appendix 2:

PLEASE NOTE IT IS POSSIBLE TO GO DIRECTLY TO ANY STEP (INCLUDING STEP 5) FOR SERIOUS BEHAVIOUR.

Serious Misbehaviour:

Some examples of serious misbehavior which may lead to suspension/expulsion include the following:

Verbal, physical abuse, bullying
Damage to property
Fighting
Stealing
Any behavior which jeopardizes the safety and welfare of others.
Defiance
Racism
Leaving the school without permission
Failure to comply with the School’s Acceptance Use Policy for ICT.

In-Class Rewards Systems: Promoting Positive Behaviour:

2nd to 6th class:

The children are rewarded within their individual classes. Teachers use the Class DoJo system and the PAX programme as the main method of rewarding children. The PAX programme encourages positive behaviour and is a structured positive approach to discipline. At times, teachers can also use other reward systems within their class setting, eg marble jars, to help improve the behaviour within that class, if deemed necessary.
The main reward for consistently good behavior is a Homework Pass.
Additional special awards are given at the teacher’s discretion. These can be awarded for excellence in academic achievement, for involvement in school activities, e.g. the school choir, for helpfulness and courtesy in social interactions etc.
Pupil’s Assemblies takes place each term. Children who have engaged positively in school are recognized and set awards are given out.

Absence from school:

Section 23 (2) (e) of the Education Welfare Act 2000 obliges a school to state:

“The procedures to be followed relating to notification of a child’s absence from school”.

Parents/Guardians Responsibility.

Your child is expected to attend school every day, unless for a good reason such as illness.
In the event of a child being absent from school for a short period due to illness, a note from the parent/guardian should be given to the class teacher explaining the reason for the absence.
In the event of a longer absence due to illness, a medical certificate should be provided.
If the child is absent for any reason other than illness, a letter explaining the absence should be provided to the school. This applies to both short and long absences.
Parents/guardians are requested to make appointments with doctors, dentists etc. outside of school hours.
Please try to arrange holidays for times when the school is officially closed.
Please try to leave your child in school for the entire day.
Your child is expected to be in school on time every day.

School’s responsibility

The roll will be called at 10.20am every morning
The school shall keep notifications of absences for a period of one year after the school year in question.
The school is obliged to inform the National Educational Welfare Board when a pupil is absent for 20 days or more in the school year.
When a pupil reaches 15 days absence in any school year, the parents/guardians will be informed.
A child who has full attendance for the year is awarded a certificate.
A child who is absent for five days or less but who does not achieve full attendance will be awarded a certificate.
Further details on attendance are in the school’s Attendance Strategy Statement.

SCHOOL RULES:

Pupils, you are expected to:

Be prepared – be on time.
Observe the School Dress Code.
Always walk within the school grounds, quietly.
Play fair – Play safe – Respect yourself and everyone else.
Keep unhelpful hands, feet and comments to yourself to ensure others around you feel comfortable.
Keep you and your belongings neat and clean, and the environment litter and noise free.
Be aware that bullying is not tolerated in our school.
Use the internet with the permission of, and under strict supervision of the class teacher and/or SNA.

Classroom Behaviour:

Pupils, you are expected to:

Do as you are asked, by all members of staff, immediately and courteously.
Raise your hand and wait quietly for attention.
Pay attention and listen to the person speaking.
Stay seated and work quietly.
Always work the best of your ability and encourage others to do the same.
Be helpful and kind. Do not upset or hurt anyone.
Take care of your property and always tidy up.

Yard Behaviour:

Pupils you are expected to:-

Recognize the rights of others to be safe, secure, comfortable and content in our playground.
Go straight to a teacher if you have a problem. You do not take the law into your own hands.
Remain in your own part of the playground.
Recognize and stay out of the NO PLAY AREAS.
Stop playing and form a class line when you hear the bell.
Line up in an orderly fashion and wait for your teacher.
Know that if you put the safety of others at risk and/or are disrespectful to other children and/or members of staff, you may be placed in a designated area away from the other children or excluded from the yard immediately.

Corridor Behaviour:

Pupils you are expected to:

Always walk in the corridor
Walk in a single file when moving as a class or group.
Always give way to an adult.

PE Class Behaviour:

Pupils, you are expected to:

Wear the correct school uniform and proper school shoes daily.
Listen to the teacher’s instructions.
Follow the teachers’ instructions.
Be aware of your own safety.
Be aware of others’ safety.
Use equipment only as instructed by the teacher.
In team/Group activities, support and encourage the other members of your team.
When outside persons are coaching you, you must listen attentively and cooperate for that person.

OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:

Pupils are expected to:-

Remain seated and wear a seatbelt while travelling in bus/car.
Respect the bus and the driver.
Listen to and follow instructions given by your teacher.
Listen to and follow instructions given by the staff at the venue.
Act safely at all times.

DAILY SCHOOL ROUTINE:

Children ae expected to be punctual.

9am – School grounds are officially open. Children requested to not enter school grounds until this time.
9.20am – School Star time.
11.30 – 11.45am: small break
1-1.25pm: Lunch.
3pm: School finished.

This is subject to change on a yearly basis.

The Board of Management cannot accept responsibility for children arriving before the official opening time or remaining in the school grounds (unsupervised) after official closing time. Only children attending the after school homework club are allowed on the school grounds after 3pm.

Classrooms are not available to children before official opening time. Any arrangements made for collection of pupils must be fully confirmed to the school. Any persons with permission to collect pupils other than the parent/guardian must inform the school of this prior to the child being allowed leave the school grounds. Children being collected early must be signed out in the sign-out book and it is advisable to inform the teacher/principal prior to this.

Class Rules

At the beginning of each academic year, the class teacher will draft a list of class rules with the children. Class rules will be kept to a minimum and are devised with regard for the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. Where possible they emphasise positive behaviour. Rules will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, with due regard to the age of the pupils and to individual difference. Where difficulties arise, parents will be contacted at an early stage.

Incentives/Reward System

Part of the vision of our school is to help children achieve their personal best and thus prepare them for further education, life and work. We recognise that there are many different forms of intelligence and similarly that children use a variety of approaches to solve problems. Our reward system seeks to provide encouragement to all children of all abilities and talents. Children will be encouraged, praised and listened to by adults in the school. Praise is earned by the maintenance of good standards as well as by particularly noteworthy personal achievements. Rates of praise for behaviour should be as high as for work.

The following are some samples of how praise might be given:

A quiet word or gesture to show approval
A comment in a pupil’s copy or homework journal.
A visit to another member of Staff or to the Principal for commendation.
A word of praise in front of a group or class.
Delegating some special responsibility or privilege.
A mention to parent, written or verbal communication.
Stickers
Treats or small prizes (Should you wish that your child does not receive sweets or chocolate as a reward, and your preference is for a healthy option alternative, please advise the school in writing)
Homework passes.
Golden time…… (free time when pupil can choose their activity)
IPad time
Student of the week.
Gaeilgeóir na seachtaine (best Irish speaker of the week)
Library time
Movie