Code of Behaviour

  The following Draft Code of Behaviour was drawn up by the staff of St Patrick’s Primary School, Tuam, Co. Galway.  It was presented to the Parents Council in draft form in  June 2001. Their observations and comments were presented along with the draft policy to the Board of Management on 28/06/01. The Policy was ratified by the Board on that day.

 

It was circulated to all parents in September 2001.

  This policy was formulated in accordance with the Education Act 1998, Section 15, (1),(2) Section 21. (1),(3),(4),  Section 23,(2)(3) and in accordance with Circular 20/90 of the Dept. of Education and Rule 130 of the ‘Rules for National Schools’ of the Dept. of Education, especially section (3) ‘The use of corporal punishment is forbidden’.

  This code of discipline is based on reward as well as on compliance and sanction.

  Aims

The aims of the Code of Behaviour are:


 Code of Behaviour.

Rather than listing the all the possible behaviours that might be unacceptable there are instead clear definitions of the differing roles and expectations of the people involved in the everyday life of the school.

  Expectations of Pupils

  The school expects that you will:

·         Attend school regularly and not miss days without good reason

·         Arrive on time.

·         Not leave during the day without permission

·         Respect all school property

·         Wear the school uniform

·         Show respect for yourself and others

·         Avoid swearing, fighting or name calling.

·         Listen to messages given and do as requested.

·         Participate in school activities

·         Move quietly around the school and avoid causing disturbance.

·         Keep the school tidy and litter-free.

  Your teacher expects that you will:

·         Show him/her courtesy and respect

·         Accept his/her authority and responsibility and his/her right to teach and impose sanctions on those who behave badly.

·         Come to school on time and have all the necessary materials.

·         Do your homework carefully and completely.

·         Listen when others are talking.

·         Avoid distracting behaviour.

·         Participate in all class activities.

·         Follow the rules drawn up by your class.

  Your fellow students expect that you will:

·       Not bully them

·       Show acceptance and respect their differing personalities

·       Never insult or belittle them because of differences.

·       Respect their property

·       Listen to them and acknowledge them

·       Share equipment and resources with them

·       Allow them to be part of the group

·       Speak to them with courtesy and respect

  Expectations of school:

  Children expect that school will be:

·         Safe

·         Happy

·         Suited to their learning style

·         Encouraging and supportive.

·         Affirming of children of all abilities

·         Able to deal with bullying and supportive of victims

Parents expect that there will be:

·         A safe and happy environment for their child.

·         Recognition and provision for the individual differences of pupils

·         Support for children who need it.

·         Fairness and consistency in the way children are dealt with.

·         No labeling of their child.

·         An atmosphere of support and inclusion rather than criticism.

·         Contact at an early stage to inform them of any problems

·         A willingness to listen to their viewpoint.

·         Suggestions and support about problems in school.

  Teachers expect that there will be:

·         Mutual support and encouragement.

·         Co-operation to achieve the schools aims and objectives.

·         A fair and consistent implementation of the school discipline policy

·         A consistent approach to handling troubled children.

·         An atmosphere that encourages professional development and a willingness to learn and change.

  Expectations of Parents:

  The school expects that you will:

·         Be familiar with the various policies and codes of the school and the expectation of pupils.

·         Show support for teachers in their implementation of the schools behaviour policy.

·         Support your child in his school work.

·         Ensure the punctuality and regular attendance of your child.

·         Ensure he has the necessary materials

·         Ensure your child has a positive attitude to and abides by the school and class rules.

·         Never undermine the authority of the school or teachers.

·         Promote respect for teachers and other school personnel.

·         Give a contact number where you can be reached in an emergency.

·         Be available to discuss a problem.

  Your child expects that you will:

·         Look after his basic needs

·         Be interested in, support, praise and encourage his work in school.

·         Show fairness.

  Other parents expect that you will:

·         Support the school in implementing its code of behaviour.

·         Exert firm discipline in cases where your child’s behaviour is having a negative impact on the behaviour of others.

  Responses and sanctions available to teachers and school:

 

  1. In-class:

 

  1. Wider involvement.

 

  1. Final Phase

  For serious negative behaviour a child need not proceed through the various stages. Appropriate action can be taken by the Principal  or by the Board of Management.

 

The School Yard

 

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Following two yellow cards in a term  a ‘Red Card’ is sent home asking a parent to visit the school to discuss the matter with the principal. This can also happen for serious breaches of the  rules.