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Code of Behaviour and Discipline

We aim here at St. Columb’s to help each child to reach his/her full potential at his/her own rate and to the fullest of his/her ability.  We also aim that each child will be treated equally.

High standards of behaviour and discipline will be expected in our school at all times and from all pupils.  The staff will endeavour to create the right climate/positive ethos, which will maintain high standards through;

a)   A strong community spirit.

b)   A high level of co-operation among the staff, pupils and parents.

c)   In fostering understanding between parents, pupils and staff.

d)   Promoting the highest possible degree of consensus about standards of behaviour.

e)   Positive expectations by teachers where they insist firmly but fairly on honest effort and commitment from pupils.

The Board of Management endorses this code of discipline and behaviour.  The board will be supportive of the principal and the staff in the fair application of the code within the school.  It is the principal’s responsibility for the maintaining of the code.  Each teacher is responsible for the maintaining of discipline within his/her own classroom while sharing a common responsibility within the school premises.

Parents also play an important role in shaping the attitudes which produce good behaviour in school, by:

ü Encouraging their children to abide by the school rules.

ü Visiting the school when requested to do so.

ü Ensuring that homework is allocated due time and effort by their child without distractions.

ü By providing their child with firm guidance and positive models of behaviour.

St. Columb’s will endeavour to maintain good standards of behaviour through placing greater emphasis on rewards rather than on sanctions.  However, we recognise that some sanctions are necessary to show disapproval of unacceptable behaviour.  These may include:

a)   Reasoning with a pupil.

b)   Reprimand, including advice on how to improve.

c)   Temporary separation from peers/friends.

d)   Prescribing of additional work.

e)   Referral to the principal.

f)   Loss of certain privileges.

g)   Communication with parents.

h)   Suspension.

Suspension:

Misbehaviour that could incur suspension (Rule 130: 5,6)

• Ø Insulting, defiant, aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a member of staff or other pupil.
• Ø Wilful destruction or defacing of school property or other acts of vandalism could be deemed gross or serious misbehaviour.
• Ø Constant disruption of the classroom to the extent that it interferes with the rights of the other pupils to learn.
• Ø Bringing dangerous objects or substances to school.

Enforcing Sanctions – general guidelines.

Every effort will be made by the teachers to adopt a positive approach to the question of behaviour in the school.  Parents will be involved at the early rather than the later stage if their child/children are seriously misbehaving.  Parents will be asked to come to the school to discuss the child’s case.  Both teachers will be present at this meeting.  Repeated instances of gross misbehaviour will be reported to the principal and the child’s teacher will keep a written record of all such instances.  This record will indicate the warnings and the advice given and the consequences of its repetition.  Pupils will be informed when their misbehaviour is being recorded.  Improvements in behaviour will also be recorded.

Classroom and Yard Rules:

Here are some of the things we must do in school;

• Be a good friend.
• Be kind to others at all times.
• Be safe.
• Put all litter in the bin.
• Work hard and do our best at all times.
• Help each other and the teacher.
• Be neat and keep our things tidy.
• Be mannerly at all times.

Other policies connected to this policy would be the Anti-Bullying Policy, Mobile Phone policy,Health & Safety Policy and also the Ethos Statement.

Review and Evaluation

This policy has been read and ratified by the staff and all members of the Board of management. Review of this will take place every three years or earlier if necessary.

Signed: _________________________

            (Principal)

         __________________________

            (Chairperson, Board of Management

Date:   _______________