Code of Behaviour
	We, the staff of Holy Family National School, together with the Board of Management and the Parents Association have drawn up the following Code of Discipline. In doing so we have carefully studied and incorporated the guidelines issued by the Department of Education in Circular 7/88 " Discipline in National Schools", Circular 20/90 " Guidelines Towards a Positive Policy for School Behaviour and Discipline" and Circular 20/93 " Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour in Primary and Post-Primary Schools", Education Act 1998 and Equal Status Act 2002. We hope it will be directive and informative in helping you as parents to understand the Policy and Ethos of our School with its concern for the growth and development of each child.

	Introduction
	A Code of Behaviour is not simply a list of rules. Neither is it a list of punishments. The overall emphasis should be to ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated, while acknowledging the right of each child to education in a relatively disruption free environment.
	We expect children to conform to general standards of behaviour and work, and we look for the support of parents in attaining these standards.
	It is our policy that discipline be positive and kindly. Our school rules are simple and are designed to protect persons and property. We aim to create a positive atmosphere in relation to pupil learning and achievement.
	School Rules
	A. General Misbehaviour
	1. No pupil may leave the school premises during school hours without written permission from parent / guardian. Under no condition will children be allowed to the shops. An indemnity form must be signed by the parent / guardian for children who go home for lunch everyday.
	2. The complete uniform must be worn at all times. The uniform consists of :
	Grey Slacks or Skirt or Pinafore Sky-Blue Shirt or Polo Shirt Navy Sweater with Crest
	Uniform and tracksuit can be purchased from Clothiers Menswear, 7 Castle Cres., Clondalkin Ph.4641151
	Jeans are unacceptable. Sportswear to be worn only in the gym. In the interest of safety, runners must be worn in the gym. Children should have coats, cardigans and jumpers labelled. The school will not be responsible for damage to, or loss of property.
	3. Children returning to school after an absence must bring a written explanation for their absence signed by a parent or guardian.
	4. Courtesy and good manners are expected from the children at all times, both in their dealings with their teachers and with each other. Unruly behaviour will not be tolerated.
	The following are deemed to be examples of unruly behaviour :

Continuous disruptive behaviour by pupil in class i.e. back answering, sulking, fidgeting, chatting etc. Running or jumping on stairs or in corridors, sliding on banisters. Not remaining in their places when indoors on a wet day.  Damaging school property - writing on tables, walls etc.  Bullying and fighting in school yard. Using bad language, name-calling, spitting, high kicking, pulling and dragging in an aggressive manner Entering prohibited areas in or around the school. Re-entering the classroom during breaktime without permission of teachers on yard duty. Damage to or interference with other children's property.

	5. Children must walk to and from the classrooms in silence and in an orderly fashion.
	6. The sick bay may be used by children only at the written request of parents.
	Medicine will be administered in line with the school's policy on the administration of medication.
	7. In the interest of safety as little jewellery as possible should be worn. If earrings are worn they must be studs - no hanging earrings allowed. Rings have been known to cause accidents. Facial piercing is not allowed.
	8. Children are encouraged not to bring mobile phones to school but if they have one they must be switched off and kept in their bags at all times while on the school premises or on school related activities off the school premises.
	9. The distribution of Christmas Cards, birthday invitations and/or birthday party packs is not allowed by children during school time.
	B. Classroom
	1. Pupils must do all homework prescribed by the teacher. Failure to do so requires a written explanation from parent or guardian. Generally there is no homework at weekends but it may be given at the teacher's discretion should he/she considers there is a specific reason for so doing.
	2. In the interest of hygiene, parents are requested to ensure that each pupil should have, in his/her schoolbag a towel for drying hands.
	3. We would appreciate your co-operation in maintaining classroom discipline by leaving your child at the outer door and not accompanying him/her to classroom after the first month. This helps to make your child more independent. Please wait to collect your child at this point also. This applies in particular to parents of Junior and Senior Infants.
	4. Parents who wish to consult teachers outside the official Parent / Teacher meeting should make an appointment through the Principal.
	C. School Yard
	1. Lunch to be eaten in the classroom only. No eating in the school yard. Children are forbidden to eat crisps of any type or chewing gum in the school. Cans and glass bottles are also forbidden.
	2. No cycling in the school yard.
	3. Children should not be in the school yard before 9.00 a.m. Parents should time their children's departure from home so that they arrive at the school not earlier than 9.00 a.m. Children on the premises before official opening time are not covered by insurance. Playing in the school yard after school hours is forbidden.
	The duty times of the school warden are :
	8.40 a.m. - 9.20 a.m. 2.40 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.
	4. In the yard the children must respond to the bell in the following manner :
		(a) When the first bell rings after break, children stop playing and replace footballs and basketballs.  (b) When second bell rings children walk into line and wait for teacher to collect them.
	5. Children must obey the teacher on yard duty at all times.
	6. In the interest of safety of smaller children, playing of football is not allowed in yard before school begins.

	Bullying
	Bullying can be defined as repeated aggression - verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or group against others. Isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour, which should not be condoned, cannot be described as bullying. When the behaviour is systematic and ongoing it is bullying.
	Types of Bullying
	(a) Pupil Behaviour Bullying can take many forms:

	1.	Physical aggression
	2.	Damage to property
	3.	Extortion
	4.	Intimidation
	5.	Abusive telephone calls
	6.	Isolation
	7.	Name calling
	8.	Slagging
	9.	Bullying of school personnel

	(b) Teacher Behaviour
	A teacher may, unwittingly or otherwise, engage in, instigate or reinforce bullying behaviour in a number of ways: 1. Using sarcasm or other insulting or demeaning language when addressing pupils; making negative comments about a pupil's appearance or background. 2. Humiliating, directly or indirectly, a pupil who is particularly academically weak or outstanding, or vulnerable in other ways. 3. Using any gesture or expression of a threatening or intimidatory nature, or any form of degrading physical contact or exercise.
	Indications of Bullying Behaviour - Signs and Symptoms
	The following signs/symptoms may suggest that a pupil is being bullied:
	Anxiety about travelling to and from school. Unwillingness to go to school; mitching. Deterioration in educational performance. Pattern of physical illnesses. Unexplained changes in either mood or behaviour. Visible signs of anxiety or distress-stammering, withdrawing, nightmares, crying, bedwetting, etc. Spontaneous out-of-character comments about either pupils or teachers. Possessions missing or damaged. Increased requests for money or stealing. Unexplained bruising or cuts or damaged clothing. Refusal and/or reluctance to say what is troubling him/her.
	These signs do not necessarily mean that a pupil is being bullied. If repeated or occurring in combination those signs do warrant investigation in order to establish what is affecting the pupil.
	Where does Bullying Happen?
	(a) Pupil Behaviour
	Bullying in schools frequently takes place in the playground where hidden alcoves, the noise level and the type of games children play present possibilities for bullying. The playground provides an opportunity for older pupils to pick on younger pupils. It is also the ideal setting for the "bully gang". Continuing provocation may lead to a physical fight, and ironically in some cases the victim may appear to be the aggressor because he/she finally gives vent to his/her frustration. Bullying may also occur in class sometimes in a very subtle manner through glances, looks and sniggers but it may also take the more overt form of physical intimidation. It may also be exacerbated if there is a classroom atmosphere where pupils are allowed to make derogatory comments about their classmates or other teachers. Bullying may also take place on the journey to and from school, whether the individuals are walking, cycling or on school buses.
	(b) Teacher Behaviour
	Teacher behaviour of a bullying nature is most likely to take place in a classroom situation, but not exclusively so. It may take place in the playground, school gymnasium or on the sports field.
	The aim of this policy is:
	1. To create a school ethos which encourages children to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour.
	2. To raise awareness of bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour with school management, teachers, pupils and parents/guardians.
	3. To ensure comprehensive supervision and monitoring measures through which all areas of school activity are kept under observation.
	4. To develop procedures for noting and reporting incidents of bullying behaviour.
	5. To develop a programme of support for those affected by bullying behaviour and for those involved in bullying behaviour.
	6. To work with and through the various local agencies in countering all forms of bullying and anti-social behaviour.
	7. To evaluate the effectiveness of school policy on anti-bullying behaviour.
	1. School Ethos
	In Holy Family N.S. we aim to create a positive school climate, which focuses on respect for the individual. Pupils realise that they have a responsibility for the safety and welfare of fellow pupils and they will be encouraged to report incidences of bullying. The Principal and teachers have to be careful to act as good role models and not misuse their authority. The emphasis in the school is to prevent and not just control bullying. It is not sufficient to discipline the bully and to give support to the victim. All staff members have a responsibility to act in preventing bullying/aggressive behaviour by any member of the school.
	The school
	Acknowledges the uniqueness of each individual and his/her worth as a human being. Acknowledges the right of each member of the school community to enjoy school in a secure environment. Has a clear commitment to promoting equity in general and gender equity in particular in all aspects of its functioning. Disapproves of vulgar, offensive, sectarian, racial or other aggressive behaviour by any of its members. Promotes habits of mutual respect, courtesy and an awareness of the interdependence of people in groups and in the community. Takes particular care of "at risk" pupils and uses its monitoring system to provide early intervention when and if necessary and responds to the needs, fears or anxieties of individual members in a sensitive manner.
	2. Raising the awareness of bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour with school management, teachers, pupils and parents/guardians.
	In Holy Family N.S. every effort will be made to alert people to the harmful effects of bullying. The anti-bullying code will be part of the school's Code of Discipline and will be made available to every parent/guardian on the enrolment of their child in the school. Teachers will influence attitudes to bullying behaviour in a positive manner by their own good example; by the promotion of programmes such as The Stay Safe Programme; by focussing on respect for others in their Religion and Social Personal and Health Education classes and by stressing the interdependence of people in communities at local, national and international level in a wide range of cross-curricular initiatives. Pupils will be encouraged to report incidents of bullying-bullying will not be treated as a normal phase of development which teaches children to toughen up. It will be made clear to pupils that when they report incidents of bullying they are not telling tales but are behaving responsibly.
	3. Comprehensive supervision and monitoring measures through which all areas of school activity are kept under observation.
	The Board of Management and staff will develop a system under which proper supervisory and monitoring measures are in place to deal with incidents of bullying behaviour. The Board of Management will, subject to resources at their disposal, employ such people as is necessary to assist in the effective supervision of pupils e.g. special needs assistants, classroom assistants etc. The teachers will liaise with each other to ensure that pupils who are engaged in bullying and pupils who are the victims of such behaviour will be monitored closely, especially during break-time. The Principal will ensure that non-teaching personnel, such as secretary, caretaker, special needs assistants and classroom assistants are aware of their responsibilities in regard to reporting incidents of bullying.
	4. Procedures for Noting and Reporting an Incident of Bullying Behaviour
	(a) All reports of bullying, no matter how trivial, will be noted, investigated and dealt with by teachers. In that way pupils will gain confidence in "telling". (b) It will be made clear to all pupils that when they report incidents of bullying they are not telling tales but are behaving responsibly. (c) Serious cases of bullying behaviour will be referred immediately to the Principal or Deputy Principal. (d) In cases where it has been determined that bullying behaviour has occurred, parents/guardians of victims and bullies will be informed by the Principal or Deputy Principal as soon as possible so that they are given an opportunity of discussing the matter. They are then in a position to help and support their children before a crisis occurs. (e) Parents/ guardians should note that the appropriate person to make enquiries regarding incidents of bullying behaviour is the Principal or, in his absence, the Deputy Principal. (f) Individual teachers, in consultation with the Principal, will record and take appropriate measures regarding reports of bullying behaviour. (g) Non-teaching staff such as secretary, caretaker, cleaners, Special Needs Assistants and Classroom Assistants will be encouraged to report any incident of bullying behaviour witnessed by them to the Principal. (h) In the case of a complaint regarding a staff member this will normally be dealt with, in the first instance, by the Principal. (i) In the case of a complaint regarding the Principal the matter will be dealt with, in the first instance, by the Chairperson of the Board of Management. (j) Where cases, relating to either a pupil or a teacher remain unresolved at school level, the matter will be referred to The Board of Management. (k) If it is not solved at Board level, it will then be referred to the local Inspectorate.
	5. Procedures for investigating and dealing with bullying.
	(a) Teachers will take a calm, unemotional problem solving approach when dealing with incidents of bullying behaviour. Such incidents will normally be dealt with outside the classroom situation to avoid the public humiliation of the victim or the pupil engaged in bullying. (b) The teacher will speak separately to the pupils involved, in an attempt to get both sides of the story. Interviews will be conducted with sensitivity and with due regard to the rights of all pupils involved. Pupils who are not directly involved may be interviewed because they may have useful information. (c) The teacher will analyse the incident by seeking answers to questions of what, where, when, who and why. This should be done in a calm manner, thus setting an example in dealing effectively with a conflict in a non-aggressive manner. (d) If a gang is involved, each member will be interviewed individually and then the gang will be met as a group where each member will be asked for his/her account of what happened to ensure that everyone is clear about what everyone else has said. (e) If it is concluded that a pupil has been engaged in bullying behaviour, it will be made clear to him/her that he/she is in breach of the school's Code of Discipline and the matter will be referred to the Principal or Deputy Principal. The teacher will also try to get him/her to see it from the victim's point of view. (f) Members of the gang will be helped to handle the possible pressures that often face them from other members after being interviewed by the teacher. (g) Where a serious incident of bullying has been established the teacher will present the Principal or Deputy Principal with an oral account and written record of their discussions with those involved. It may also be appropriate to ask those involved to write down their account of the incident. (h) In cases where it has been determined that bullying behaviour has occurred, the Principal and Deputy Principal, in as far as it is practicable will meet the parents/guardians of the two parties involved. Appropriate actions, in accordance with school policy, being taken by the school and the reasons for them will be explained to the parents/guardians. Ways in which they can reinforce or support the actions being taken by the school will be discussed. (i) Follow-up meetings will be arranged separately with the two parties with a view to possibly bringing them together at a later date if the victim is ready and agreeable. This can have a therapeutic effect.
	6. Programme for work with victims, bullies and their peers.
	Pupils involved in bullying behaviour need assistance on an ongoing basis. Bullies may need counselling to help them learn other ways of meeting their needs without violating the rights of others. Victims may need counselling and opportunities to participate in activities designed to raise their self-esteem and to develop their friendship and social skills. Special arrangements and resources may need to be put in place to cater for the needs of both bully and victim. Pupils who observe incidents of bullying behaviour will be encouraged to discuss them with teachers.
	7. School working with and through the various local agencies in countering all forms of bullying as an anti-social behaviour.
	The school as a community is made up of management, teachers, non-teaching staff, pupils and parents/guardians. However, incidents of bullying usually extend beyond the school. It may be necessary for people like school bus drivers, school traffic warden, local shopkeepers to be asked to report bullying behaviour to parents and/or school as appropriate. It may be necessary from time to time to seek the assistance of the local gardai, health board and other agencies in countering bullying as an anti-social behaviour.
	8. Evaluation of effectiveness of school policy on bullying behaviour.
	The school's anti-bullying code will be subject to continuous review, normally at staff meetings, in the light of incidents of bullying behaviour encountered.

	Suggestions
	1. A child will be more alert and responsive if he/she has:
	(a) a proper night's sleep;
	(b) a balanced and regular diet; e.g. an ideal lunch should include one of the following, sandwich, fruit, yogurt, and milk, water or fruit juice.
	(c) not been over exposed to T.V. viewing or late night reading.

	2. Homework is an extension of the school day's work and should be well within the child's capabilities. It should be done carefully and without too much help at home.
	3. In the interest of safety parents are requested to keep the entrance to the school car park clear at all times.
	4. The school car park is for the use of staff and visitors to the school. In the interest of children's safety it is not to be used by parents as a place to drop off or collect children.

	Sanctions
	1. Children who are unruly in the yard or children who leave the school premises without written permission will be confined to a restricted area of the yard for an indefinite period.
	2.Parents of children who are continuously aggressive in the school yard will be requested to take their children home for the duration of the lunch break.
	3. Children who disrupt class must accept the sanctions imposed by the class teacher.
	4. Children who are continuously disruptive in class will be sent to another class within the school for a specified period.
	Parents will be notified of a child's bad behaviour in an effort to ascertain the underlying reasons for such behaviour and assurances will be sought as to a child's future conduct.
	5. Consistent disruptive behaviour and single instances of gross misbehaviour and bullying may lead to suspension.
	Suspension of a pupil is the responsibility of the Board of Management.
	6. Damage to property will not be tolerated and compensation will be sought for such damage.
	7. Non-compliance with the rule governing mobile phones will result in the phone being confiscated and it will be returned to parent/guardian only.
	8. A record of unruly behaviour will be kept in the school.
	Unruly or disruptive children will not be allowed on school tours.
	Evaluation
	This Code of Behaviour will be reviewed on an annual basis.

	Rules of the School
	1. Children should arrive for school no later than nine o'clock. A good rule should be: Be in line at five to nine.
	2. The complete school uniform must be worn at all times. On days when children have P.E. the school tracksuit and runners must be worn.
	3. Children returning to school after an absence must provide a written explanation signed by parent/guardian.
	4. No child may leave the school premises during school hours without written permission from parent/guardian. Under no circumstances will children be allowed go to the shops.
	5. On wet days children are to remain seated during break time and may leave their places only with the permission of the teacher on duty.
	6. Courtesy and respect should also be shown to children in charge of class.
	7. Children must walk to and from classrooms in silence and in an orderly fashion.
	8. Courtesy and good manners are expected from children at all times, both in their dealings with staff and with each other.
	9. When children are away from the school e.g. school tours, swimming, playing games, etc. they are to behave in a manner which will reflect well on the school.
	10. Mitching, vandalism of school property, the use of bad language, name calling and cheekiness are regarded as serious breaches of school discipline.
	11. The children's behaviour and attentiveness in class must be of such a standard as to allow the teacher conduct the class without undue disruption and to allow the other children learn to the best of their abilities.
	12. If children are sick they should stay at home. The sick bay may be used by children only at the written request of parents or if in the opinion of the class teacher it is warranted.
	13. Pupils must do all homework prescribed by the teacher. Failure to do so requires a written explanation from parent/guardian.
	14. Crisps of any type or chewing gum are forbidden. Cans and glass bottles are also forbidden.
	15. Children should be free to come to school, take part in the day's activities and go home without being bullied. Bullying is regarded as one of the most serious breaches of school discipline and is dealt with accordingly.
	16. Using mobile phones is forbidden. If children have mobile phones they must be switched off and kept in their school bags while on the school premises or on school related activities off the school premises.
	17. Children are asked to show courtesy to adults(staff and parents) by standing to one side and allowing them in and out doors first. Children are also reminded that saying "Please" and "Thank You" is expected of them.
	18. Chasing is not allowed in the school yard.
	19. The distribution of Christmas Cards, birthday invitations and/or birthday party packs is not allowed by children during school time.

	Important notice re. School Timetable and Insurance
	Dear Parents/ Guardians, The Regulations of the Department of Education and Science envisage a teacher being in attendance at the school from twenty minutes before the beginning of class until the end of class hours i.e. 9.00 a.m.-2.45 p.m. Accordingly, while of course the school grounds will be open to the pupils from 8.30 a.m., the school cannot accept responsibility for children arriving before the official opening of the school (9.00 a.m), going home for lunch, or remaining in the school grounds after school.

	Timetable
	The school building will be open to receive pupils from..	9.00am
	No pupil should arrive later than....................................	9.05am
	Classes will commence at.............................................	9.20am
	Lunch break is..............................................................	12.25pm - 1.00pm
	Classes will end each day for Infants at.........................	1.45pm
	Classes will end for all other classes at..........................	2.45pm

	Parents who wish to have their children escorted home should arrange to have them met at the school gate at lunch time at 12.25pm and in the evening at 1.45pm or 2.45pm.
	Parents, whose children go home for lunch on their own, must sign an Authorisation Note which is available from the school.
	Yours sincerely, M. Hoban Principal
	To the Trustees, Board of Management and Teachers of Holy Family National School Rathcoole Co Dublin This is to acknowledge that we have requested the Board of Management and Teachers to allow our child/children to leave the school premises at lunchtime. We are aware that some accident may befall the child/children on their way from or on their return to the school and we hereby absolve and release the Trustees, Board Of Management and Teachers from all claims of every nature and kind in respect of any injury or loss or accident which may be suffered by the child/children during lunch time.
	Name of child/children ....................................................................... Signature of Parent/Guardian ............................................................ Date: ..................................................

Holy Family National School Rathcoole County Dublin