Introductory Statement:
Divine Mercy JNS Code of Behaviour is based on Discipline for Learning and has been in operation in our school since 1995. The policy was reviewed and amended in line with ‘Developing a Code of Behaviour – Guidelines for Schools (issued by NEWB) and in consultation with Board of Management, Staff, Parents and Pupils in April 2010.
In keeping with our Mission Statement the Code of Behaviour is central to creating a positive learning environment for all pupils to develop their potential and support good behaviour:
We would like to create an environment where children will acquire and develop the necessary knowledge and skills to become independent, confident learners, where they will develop their self- esteem to enable them to express and achieve their full potential. We will endeavour to broaden each child’s experience to help them become spiritual, well-balanced and tolerant individuals with a respect for themselves and others.
Aims:
ü It is expected that all staff, parents and visitors will interact in a polite, respectful and friendly manner. They are expected to model high standards as their example has an important influence on young children.
ü The Code of Behaviour applies to any situation where pupils are the responsibility of the school. This includes school tours/school games/visits to the Church/school concerts/school homework clubs etc.
ü The Code of Behaviour applies to all pupils and is fairly and consistently implemented by all teachers.
ü The Code of Behaviour will be discussed with, explained and taught to all pupils. Teachers will use their professional judgement and understanding in relation to pupils with specific learning / behavioural and emotional difficulties and with pupils who are experiencing particularly difficult circumstances.
ü Parents will be kept informed of their child’s behaviour and where a pupil’s behaviour does not meet the standard expected parents may be requested to work with the school in devising effective strategies to support his / her child in improving behaviour, including a possible behaviour plan. This may involve contacting relevant out of school agencies.
ü All members of the school community are expected to show respect for school property.
General School Rules
Small break - 10.45 – 11.00am.
Big break - 12.35 – 1.00pm.
Pupils make their way to the yard when the bell rings. Bellrings to signal end of break, pupils line up in order. Class teachers collect pupils and return to classrooms. Assistant Principals award line reward cards to classes who are lined up correctly. Reward Chart is outside the staff-room and the Deputy Principal monitors cards and awards Trophy of Week to Line-Up Winners. Winners are announced over the intercom on Fridays. (See Appendix 1 for rules and procedures for break-times)
Wet Days
Children remain seated in their classrooms on wet days and are provided with suitable activities to occupy them during their break-times. Classes are supervised by teachers on yard duty.
Home time
Junior and Senior Infant pupils should be collected from outside their child’s classroom door at 1.40pm. The class teacher will release the child to the Parent/Guardian.
At 2.40pm pupils in 1st and 2nd Class are walked by their teacher to a designated area at the front of the school from where they are collected by parents or older siblings. Parents who wish their children to walk home themselves should write to the school informing us of this arrangement. This note will be kept on file.
Attendance
Regular attendance is expected of all pupils. In the event of a child being absent from school Parents/Guardians must notify the school, preferably in writing, stating the reason for their child’s absence.
Classroom Rules
A copy of the Classroom Rules will be clearly displayed in all classrooms. Pupils in Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd Classes have a stamp booklet with the Classroom Rules on the inside cover.
Junior and Senior Infants 1st and 2nd Classes
1. Follow instructions straight away. 1. Follow instructions straight away.
2. Line up quietly and in order. 2. Line up quietly and in order.
3. Do your work quietly. 3. Do your work quietly.
4. Sit, look and listen to teacher. 4. Put up your hand to speak.
5. Tidy activities away carefully. 5. Fold your arms, sit properly and look at teacher.
Strategies to Affirm and Promote Positive Behaviour:
A high standard of behaviour is expected from all members of the school community. Positive reinforcement of good behaviour leads to better self-discipline. Rules are kept to a minimum, clearly expressed in positive language and will be applied in a fair and consistent manner with due regard to the age of pupils and individual difficulties. Good behaviour will be encouraged and rewarded.
Our school rewards good behaviour:
- Quiet word of praise / gesture to show approval.
- Word of praise in front of others.
- Stickers, smiley face etc.on pupils work.
- Stamps in individual stamp books or class grid.
- Reward cards sent home.
- Sing over the intercom
- Written / verbal communication to parents.
- Visit to another teacher / Principal.
- Extra privileges e.g. extended play time/extra story-time/Lucky dip etc.
- Class Reward e.g. sit beside a friend/watch a DVD/homework pass etc.
- Weekly acknowledgement of Pupil of the Week/Hardest Worker/Most Improved in each class including cert and trophy for the weekend.
This list is not exhaustive and may include rewards in keeping with philosophy of D.F.L.
Examples of Minor Misbehaviour:
The following are examples of minor misbehavior and do not constitute an exhaustive list
The following are examples of serious misbehavior and do not constitute an exhaustive list.
Agreed Sanctions:
Stage 1 Oral Warning
Stage 2 Written Warning
Stage 3 Removal of child to another part of classroom to work independently for a short period of time.
Stage 4 Removal of child to neighbouring classroom to work independently for a short period of time – parents notified
Stage 5 Child sent to Principal.
Teachers will use their professional judgement, common sense and their knowledge of the child and the particular circumstances of the behaviour or incident in dealing with misbehaviour.
The sanction will be reasonable and proportionate to the behaviour or incident in question.
Class teachers/LS/RT and SNAs will strive to ensure that standards of behaviour and school rules are communicated in such a way that SEN pupils can understand .This whole-school approach ensures that misbehaviour is dealt with in a clear and consistent manner according to agreed procedures.
The teacher will explain the misbehaviour to the child and outline the type of behaviour expected.
Teachers will record incidences of misbehaviour and parents will be informed as soon as it is perceived that difficulties are developing with a child’s behavior - this may be verbally by phone or note in journal.
In cases of ongoing misbehaviour or a serious incident parents will be requested to meet with the Principal. Suitable sanctions will be discussed and agreed. Pupils may be excluded from tours/after school activities/school events etc.if it is felt that their presence constitutes a threat to safety. In more serious cases where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of the pupils a child may be suspended.
Suspension
Suspension may be considered when :
In determining the appropriateness of suspending a pupil the Staff and the Board of Management will refer to the factors to consider before proposing suspending a student. These factors include, the nature and seriousness of the behaviour, the context of the behaviour, the impact of the behaviour, the interventions tried to date, whether suspension is a proportionate response and the possible impact of suspension.
Procedures in relation to suspension:
Procedures for expulsion. (Guidelines p80 – 87)
Roles and Responsibilities:
Board of Management
- Provide a comfortable and safe environment
- Support the Principal and staff in implementing the code
- Ratify and review the code
Principal
- Promote a positive climate in school
- Ensure that Code of Behaviour is implemented in a fair and consistent manner
- Communicate with parents regarding the Code of Behaviour
School Staff
- Create a safe working environment
- Teach and implement the school’s Code of Behaviour in a fair and consistent manner
- Ensure the rules are displayed in the classroom
- Promote self-discipline and affirm positive behaviour
- Ensure that there is an appropriate level of supervision at all times
- Keep a record of repeated instances of misbehaviour/serious misbehaviour
Parents
- Ensure that children are regular and punctual school-attendees.
- Provide the school with a written explanation for all absences.
- Take an interest in and support their children’s learning
- Be familiar with the Code of Behaviour and support its implementation.
- Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulties for others
- Communicate with the school in relation to any problems that may affect their child’s progress.
Pupils’ responsibilities
- Attend school regularly and on time.
- Bring the correct materials and books to school.
- Follow the Code of Behaviour.
- Be careful of school property.
Success Criteria
- A co-operative and happy school atmosphere
- Observations of childrens’ behaviour in the classroom and around the school
- Positive feedback from the school community
- Increased ‘time on task’and effective classroom management
- Reduced number of recordings of misbehaviour
The policy was ratified by the Board of Management on ______________________________
Signed: _____________________________________ Chairperson, Board of Management
Date for review: ____________________________
Divine Mercy JNS Code of Behaviour is based on Discipline for Learning and has been in operation in our school since 1995. The policy was reviewed and amended in line with ‘Developing a Code of Behaviour – Guidelines for Schools (issued by NEWB) and in consultation with Board of Management, Staff, Parents and Pupils in April 2010.
In keeping with our Mission Statement the Code of Behaviour is central to creating a positive learning environment for all pupils to develop their potential and support good behaviour:
We would like to create an environment where children will acquire and develop the necessary knowledge and skills to become independent, confident learners, where they will develop their self- esteem to enable them to express and achieve their full potential. We will endeavour to broaden each child’s experience to help them become spiritual, well-balanced and tolerant individuals with a respect for themselves and others.
Aims:
- To promote positive behaviour in our school.
- To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behavioural expectations.
- To foster the development of a sense of responsibility and self-discipline in pupils based on respect and tolerance of others.
- To facilitate the education and development of every child.
- To ensure that the system of rules, rewards and sanctions are implemented in a fair and consistent manner.
- To enable teaching and learning to take place in a safe and positive working environment.
ü It is expected that all staff, parents and visitors will interact in a polite, respectful and friendly manner. They are expected to model high standards as their example has an important influence on young children.
ü The Code of Behaviour applies to any situation where pupils are the responsibility of the school. This includes school tours/school games/visits to the Church/school concerts/school homework clubs etc.
ü The Code of Behaviour applies to all pupils and is fairly and consistently implemented by all teachers.
ü The Code of Behaviour will be discussed with, explained and taught to all pupils. Teachers will use their professional judgement and understanding in relation to pupils with specific learning / behavioural and emotional difficulties and with pupils who are experiencing particularly difficult circumstances.
ü Parents will be kept informed of their child’s behaviour and where a pupil’s behaviour does not meet the standard expected parents may be requested to work with the school in devising effective strategies to support his / her child in improving behaviour, including a possible behaviour plan. This may involve contacting relevant out of school agencies.
ü All members of the school community are expected to show respect for school property.
General School Rules
- Pupils should make their way to the school yard through the pedestrian gates and assemble in their class lines for 9.00am. There is no need for pupils to be on the school grounds before 8.50am.
- Children line up in order of roll and are collected by class teacher and accompanied to their classroom.
- Late comers should make their way to the classroom via the outside doors – not through the main building.
- Doors may be opened a few minutes earlier on very wet mornings.
- Pupils are expected to walk in an orderly fashion within the school building and grounds.
- Pupils are expected to wear the School Uniform/School Tracksuit
Small break - 10.45 – 11.00am.
Big break - 12.35 – 1.00pm.
Pupils make their way to the yard when the bell rings. Bellrings to signal end of break, pupils line up in order. Class teachers collect pupils and return to classrooms. Assistant Principals award line reward cards to classes who are lined up correctly. Reward Chart is outside the staff-room and the Deputy Principal monitors cards and awards Trophy of Week to Line-Up Winners. Winners are announced over the intercom on Fridays. (See Appendix 1 for rules and procedures for break-times)
Wet Days
Children remain seated in their classrooms on wet days and are provided with suitable activities to occupy them during their break-times. Classes are supervised by teachers on yard duty.
Home time
Junior and Senior Infant pupils should be collected from outside their child’s classroom door at 1.40pm. The class teacher will release the child to the Parent/Guardian.
At 2.40pm pupils in 1st and 2nd Class are walked by their teacher to a designated area at the front of the school from where they are collected by parents or older siblings. Parents who wish their children to walk home themselves should write to the school informing us of this arrangement. This note will be kept on file.
Attendance
Regular attendance is expected of all pupils. In the event of a child being absent from school Parents/Guardians must notify the school, preferably in writing, stating the reason for their child’s absence.
Classroom Rules
A copy of the Classroom Rules will be clearly displayed in all classrooms. Pupils in Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd Classes have a stamp booklet with the Classroom Rules on the inside cover.
Junior and Senior Infants 1st and 2nd Classes
1. Follow instructions straight away. 1. Follow instructions straight away.
2. Line up quietly and in order. 2. Line up quietly and in order.
3. Do your work quietly. 3. Do your work quietly.
4. Sit, look and listen to teacher. 4. Put up your hand to speak.
5. Tidy activities away carefully. 5. Fold your arms, sit properly and look at teacher.
Strategies to Affirm and Promote Positive Behaviour:
A high standard of behaviour is expected from all members of the school community. Positive reinforcement of good behaviour leads to better self-discipline. Rules are kept to a minimum, clearly expressed in positive language and will be applied in a fair and consistent manner with due regard to the age of pupils and individual difficulties. Good behaviour will be encouraged and rewarded.
Our school rewards good behaviour:
- Quiet word of praise / gesture to show approval.
- Word of praise in front of others.
- Stickers, smiley face etc.on pupils work.
- Stamps in individual stamp books or class grid.
- Reward cards sent home.
- Sing over the intercom
- Written / verbal communication to parents.
- Visit to another teacher / Principal.
- Extra privileges e.g. extended play time/extra story-time/Lucky dip etc.
- Class Reward e.g. sit beside a friend/watch a DVD/homework pass etc.
- Weekly acknowledgement of Pupil of the Week/Hardest Worker/Most Improved in each class including cert and trophy for the weekend.
This list is not exhaustive and may include rewards in keeping with philosophy of D.F.L.
Examples of Minor Misbehaviour:
The following are examples of minor misbehavior and do not constitute an exhaustive list
- Distracting other children while working.
- Speaking out of turn.
- Running in the school building.
- Littering.
- Out of seat without permission.
- Careless treatment of school property.
- Untidy, unfinished work.
- Incomplete homework without good reason.
- Use of vulgar / inappropriate language.
- Interfering with other people’s property.
The following are examples of serious misbehavior and do not constitute an exhaustive list.
- Persistent disruption of class.
- Continued minor misbehaviour despite earlier sanctions being imposed.
- Telling lies.
- Endangering self or others.
- Malicious damage to school property.
- Leaving school premises without permission.
- Deliberately injuring another pupil / staff member.
- Verbal abuse / threats / racist remarks.
- Intentional and consistent use of unacceptable language.
- Fighting/kicking
- Deliberate disobedience/defiance
- Theft of a serious / persistent nature.
- Substance abuse.
- Persistent bullying or intimidation.
Agreed Sanctions:
Stage 1 Oral Warning
Stage 2 Written Warning
Stage 3 Removal of child to another part of classroom to work independently for a short period of time.
Stage 4 Removal of child to neighbouring classroom to work independently for a short period of time – parents notified
Stage 5 Child sent to Principal.
Teachers will use their professional judgement, common sense and their knowledge of the child and the particular circumstances of the behaviour or incident in dealing with misbehaviour.
The sanction will be reasonable and proportionate to the behaviour or incident in question.
Class teachers/LS/RT and SNAs will strive to ensure that standards of behaviour and school rules are communicated in such a way that SEN pupils can understand .This whole-school approach ensures that misbehaviour is dealt with in a clear and consistent manner according to agreed procedures.
The teacher will explain the misbehaviour to the child and outline the type of behaviour expected.
Teachers will record incidences of misbehaviour and parents will be informed as soon as it is perceived that difficulties are developing with a child’s behavior - this may be verbally by phone or note in journal.
In cases of ongoing misbehaviour or a serious incident parents will be requested to meet with the Principal. Suitable sanctions will be discussed and agreed. Pupils may be excluded from tours/after school activities/school events etc.if it is felt that their presence constitutes a threat to safety. In more serious cases where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of the pupils a child may be suspended.
Suspension
Suspension may be considered when :
- The pupil’s behaviour has had a seriously detrimental effect on the education of other students.
- The pupil’s continued presence in the school at this time constitutes a threat to safety.
- The pupil is responsible for serious damage to property.
In determining the appropriateness of suspending a pupil the Staff and the Board of Management will refer to the factors to consider before proposing suspending a student. These factors include, the nature and seriousness of the behaviour, the context of the behaviour, the impact of the behaviour, the interventions tried to date, whether suspension is a proportionate response and the possible impact of suspension.
Procedures in relation to suspension:
- Communication to parents regarding the suspension of a pupil or the possibility of suspension will be in writing and copies of all correspondence will be retained. In some circumstances it may be necessary to contact parents by phone.
- The parents / guardians and the pupil will be invited to meet with the Principal and / or Board of Management to discuss the proposed suspension.
- The Board of Management of Divine Mercy JNS has delegated responsibility for suspension to the Principal in the event that immediate suspension of a pupil is warranted (Guidelines p73). The parents / guardians and child will be invited to discuss the matter with the Principal and the procedures governing suspension will be applied.
- Where parents do not agree to meet with the Principal, written notification will serve as notice to impose a suspension.
- A written statement of the terms and date of the termination of a suspension will be given to parents /guardians. A suspension will not be for more than three days, except in exceptional circumstances where the Principal considers that a period of suspension longer than three days is necessary in order to achieve a particular objective. The letter will confirm:
- The period of the suspension and the dates on which the suspension will begin and end
- The reasons for the suspension
- Any programme of study to be followed
- The arrangements for returning to school, including any commitments to be entered into by the student and the parents (for example, the pupil and parents might be asked to reaffirm their commitment to the Code of Behaviour)
- The provision for an appeal to the Board of Management the right to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science (Education Act 1998 Section 29)
- The suspension will be recorded on the NEWB ‘Student Absence Report Form’ (when applicable).
- When a period of suspension ends, the pupil will be re-admitted formally to the class by the class teacher or Principal. The school will help the pupil catch up on work missed and the pupil will be given the opportunity and support for a fresh start.
- Where a satisfactory resolution of a problem is achieved, a pupil may be re-admitted to school within a suspension period at the discretion of the Principal and /or the chairperson of the Board of Management.
- If a pupil continues to misbehave she / he may be suspended for a major fixed period (up to ten days) to allow for consultation with the pupil and the pupil’s parents /guardians to address the issues.
- As outlined above parents /guardians and pupil will be given the opportunity to discuss the issues with the Principal / Board of Management.
- The Education Welfare Officer will be informed when a student has been suspended for six days or more cumulatively.
- Section 29 Appeal – when the total number of days for which the student has been suspended in the current school year reaches 20 days the parents may appeal the suspension under section 29 of the Education Act and will be given information about how to appeal.
Procedures for expulsion. (Guidelines p80 – 87)
- Subsequent to the above suspension procedures and meetings with parents /guardians if serious / gross incidents of misbehaviour continue the pupil will be recommended for permanent expulsion by the Board of Management. The grounds for expulsion include the following:
- The pupil’s behaviour is a persistent cause of significant disruption to the learning of others or to the teaching process.
- The pupil’s continued presence in the school constitutes a real and significant threat to safety.
- The student is responsible for serious damage to property.
- Authority to expel is reserved to the Board of Management.
- In determining the appropriateness of expelling a pupil the Board of Management will refer to the factors to consider before proposing expelling a student. These factors are similar to those mentioned above in relation to suspension.
- In exceptional circumstances, pupils may be expelled for a first offence.
- A serious threat of violence against another student or member of staff
- Actual violence or physical assault
- Supplying illegal drugs to other students in the school
- Sexual assault
- Step 1 – A detailed investigation carried out under the direction of the Principal
- Step 2 – A recommendation to the Board of Management
- Step 3 – Consideration by the Board of Management of the Principal’s recommendation and the holding of a hearing.
- Step 4 - Board of Management deliberations and actions following the hearing
- Step 5 – Consultations arranged by the Educational Welfare Officer
- Step 6 – Confirmation of the decision to expel
- Section 29 Appeals (p86). A parent may appeal a decision to expel to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science (DES). A form for such an appeal is available from the DES.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Board of Management
- Provide a comfortable and safe environment
- Support the Principal and staff in implementing the code
- Ratify and review the code
Principal
- Promote a positive climate in school
- Ensure that Code of Behaviour is implemented in a fair and consistent manner
- Communicate with parents regarding the Code of Behaviour
School Staff
- Create a safe working environment
- Teach and implement the school’s Code of Behaviour in a fair and consistent manner
- Ensure the rules are displayed in the classroom
- Promote self-discipline and affirm positive behaviour
- Ensure that there is an appropriate level of supervision at all times
- Keep a record of repeated instances of misbehaviour/serious misbehaviour
Parents
- Ensure that children are regular and punctual school-attendees.
- Provide the school with a written explanation for all absences.
- Take an interest in and support their children’s learning
- Be familiar with the Code of Behaviour and support its implementation.
- Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulties for others
- Communicate with the school in relation to any problems that may affect their child’s progress.
Pupils’ responsibilities
- Attend school regularly and on time.
- Bring the correct materials and books to school.
- Follow the Code of Behaviour.
- Be careful of school property.
Success Criteria
- A co-operative and happy school atmosphere
- Observations of childrens’ behaviour in the classroom and around the school
- Positive feedback from the school community
- Increased ‘time on task’and effective classroom management
- Reduced number of recordings of misbehaviour
The policy was ratified by the Board of Management on ______________________________
Signed: _____________________________________ Chairperson, Board of Management
Date for review: ____________________________