Geashill School Scoil na Croise Naofa

Geashill National School
Code of Behaviour Policy

Introduction

The school has been in existence since 1862 and has had traditional standards of behaviour, courtesy, respect and consideration for others.

All pupils are expected to keep to these standards during their time in Geashill N.S.

Every member of the school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code of Behavior. Rules will be kept to a minimum, emphasize positive behavior and will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, with due regard to the age of the pupils and to individual difference.

The overall responsibility for discipline within the school rest with the principal teacher as agent of the Board of Management. Each teacher has the responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his/her classroom while sharing a common responsibility for care of pupils and good order within the school.

Aims

• To create and maintain a happy atmosphere where each child can grow and develop physically, emotionally, academically and spiritually.
• allow an atmosphere in which each child has a right to learn and each teacher has a right to teach in a safe, disciplined and disruptive-free environment and to be treated with due courtesy and respect.

• To develop in all pupils:

a) Self-discipline
b) Responsibility for their actions
c) Proper respect for order and authority

General Guidelines for Positive Behaviour

• Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times. Behavior that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to feel safe is unacceptable
• Pupils are expected to show respect for all school property and to keep the school environment clean and litter free.
• Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance, to have all books and required materials and to be in the right place at the right time.
• Pupils are expected to obey a teacher’s instructions, to work to the best of their ability and to present assignments neatly.
• Pupils are expected to attend every day unless there is a genuine reason for absence, in which case the school must be informed in writing, stating the reason for absence.

Geashill N.S. Rules

School rules are kept to a minimum and are devised with regard for the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. If a school is to function efficiently, it is necessary that rules and regulations are clearly stated and enforced consistently and fairly.

• School commences at 9.20 a.m. and finishes at 3.00 p.m. Infant classes finish at 2.00 p.m. Supervision is provided during those times.
• Dress: Persons and dress should be neat and clean. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings. Geashill N.S. uniform is as follows:

• The children wear the standard uniform but they need to change into indoor footwear each time they enter the classroom. Please ensure that all clothes likely to be removed i.e. coats, hats, scarves, gloves, jumpers etc. are clearly labeled with your child’s name as many children possess similar items. We have some spare clothes and underwear for use if needed however if your child has any toilet problems please let the teacher know and send in a spare set of clothes for emergencies. We do not recommend trousers with clasps or belts which may be difficult to open. Shoes with velcro fastenings are also much more age appropriate.

• The school wall and areas outside it are “out-of -bounds” and pupils may not leave bounds during school hours. Parents who wish their child to leave the school or be collected during school hours must inform the teacher in writing e.g. medical appointments, etc.

• Leaving School Premises

- Children may not leave the school premises unless collected by a parent or guardian.
- If a child has to leave with any other person, a note giving permission is required from a parent or guardian.
- Chewing gum is not allowed in the school.
- Abuse of, or damage to furniture, equipment or school buildings and property of other pupils is forbidden.
- Pupils must walk quietly in hallways going to and from yard, hall and school gates.
- Bullying is not acceptable.

Bullying

Bullying is repeated verbal, psychological or physical aggression by an individual or group against others. The most common forms of bullying are aggressive physical contact, name-calling, intimidation, extortion, isolation and taunting. Bullying will not be tolerated and parents will be expected to cooperate with the school at all times in dealing with instances of bullying in accordance with the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy

Affirming Positive Behaviour

Positive reinforcement of good behavior leads to better self-discipline and we place a greater emphasis on rewards and incentives than on sanctions.

Strategies/Incentives

• A quiet word or gesture to show approval.
• A comment on a child’s exercise book.
• A visit to another class or Principal for commendation.
• Praise in front of class group.
• Individual class merit awards, points awards or award stamps.
• Delegating some special responsibility or privilege.
• Written or verbal communication with parent.

Discouraging Misbehaviour

The purpose of sanctions and other strategies is to promote positive and discourage misbehavior. Sanctions will be applied according to the gravity of the misbehavior, with due regard to age and emotional development. These may include:-

• Reasoning with pupil.
• verbal reprimand including advice on how to improve.
• Temporary separation from peers within class and/or temporary removal to another class
• Prescribing extra work.
• Detention during break.
• Communication with parents.
• Referral to Principal.
• Principal communicating with parents.
• Exclusion (Suspension or Expulsion) from school (in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools as amended by circular and Education Welfare Act 2000).

Pupils will not be deprived of engagement in a Curricular Area, except on the
grounds of health/safety

Board of Management’s Responsibilities

• Provide a comfortable, safe environment.
• support the Principal and staff in implementing the code.
• Ratify the code.

Principal’s Responsibilities

• Promote a positive climate in the school.
• Ensure that the Code of Behaviour is implemented in a fair and consistent manner.
• Arrange for review of the Code, as required.

Teachers Responsibilities

Support and implement the school’s code of behavior.

• Create a safe working environment for each pupil.
• Recognise and affirm good work.
• Prepare school work and correct work done by pupils.
• Recognise and provide for individual talents and differences among pupils.
• Be courteous, consistent and fair.
• Keep opportunities for disruptive behavior to a minimum.
• Deal appropriately with misbehavior.
• Keep a record of instances of serious misbehavior or repeated instances of misbehavior.
• Provide support for colleagues.
• Communicate with parents when necessary and provide reports on matters of mutual concern.

Pupils’ Responsibilities

• Attend school regularly and punctually.
• Listen to their teachers and act on instructions/advice.
• Show respect for all members of the school community.
• Respect all school property and the property of other pupils.
• Avoid behaving in any way that would endanger others.
• Avoid all nasty remarks, swearing and name-calling.
• Include other pupils in games and activities.
• Bring correct materials/books to school.
• follow school and class rules.

Parents/Guardians’ Responsibilities

• Encourage children to have a sense of respect for themselves and for property.
• Ensure that children attend regularly and punctually. In cases of absence parents/guardians should inform school in writing.
• Be interested in, support and encourage their children’s school work.
• Be familiar with the code of behavior and support its implementation.
• Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behavior is causing difficulties for others.
• Communicate with the school in relation to any problems which may affect child’s progress/behavior.

Suspension/Expulsion

For gross misbehavior or repeated instances of serious misbehavior suspension may be considered. Aggressive, threatening or violent behavior towards a teacher or pupil will be regarded as serious or gross misbehavior. Before serious sanctions such as detention, suspension or expulsion are used, the normal channels of communication between school and parents will be utilized. Communication with parents may be verbal or by letter depending on the circumstances. Every effort will be made to have an emotionally disturbed child referred for psychology assessment. Help may also be sought from H.S.E. where applicable.

Where there are repeated instances of serious misbehavior, the Chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed and the parents will be requested in writing to attend at the school to meet the Chairperson and the principal. If the parents do not give an undertaking that the pupil will behave in an acceptable manner in the future the pupil may be suspended for a period. Prior to suspension, where possible, the Principal may review the case in consultation with teachers and other members of the school community involved, with due regard to records of previous misbehaviors, their pattern and context, sanctions and other interventions used and their outcomes and any relevant medical information. Suspension will be in accordance with the Rules for National Schools and the Education Welfare Act 2000.

In the case of gross misbehaviour, where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of the pupils, the Board may authorise the Chairperson or Principal to sanction an immediate suspension for a period not exceeding three school days, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents.

Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with the Rule for National Schools and the Education Welfare Act 2000. Before suspending or expelling a pupil, the Board shall notify the Local Welfare Education Officer in writing in accordance with Section 24 of the Education Welfare Act.

Removal of Suspension (Reinstatement)

Following or during a period of suspension, the parent/s may apply to have the pupil reinstated to the school. The parent/s must give a satisfactory undertaking that a suspended pupil will behave in accordance with the school code and the Principal must be satisfied that the pupil’s reinstatement will not constitute a risk to the pupil’s own safety or that of the other pupils or staff. The Principal will facilitate the preparation of a behavior plan for the pupil if required and will re-admit the pupil formally to the class