Kilbarron National School

Aims of the Code of Behaviour

• To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behavioural expectations
• To provide for the effective and safe operation of the school
• To develop pupils’ self-esteem and to promote positive behaviour
• To foster the development of a sense of responsibility and self-discipline in pupils based on respect, consideration and tolerance of others
• To facilitate the education and development of every child
• To foster caring attitudes to one another and to the environment
• To enable teachers to teach without disruption

Implementation

Every member of our school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code of Behaviour. Rules will be kept to a minimum, emphasise positive behaviour and will be applied in a fair and consistant manner, with due regard to the age of the pupils and to individual difference. Good behaviour will be encouraged and rewarded. Where difficulties arise parents will be contacted at an early stage.

General Guidelines for Positive Behaviour

• Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times. Behaviour 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 teachers’ legitimate instructions, to work to the best of their ability and to present work 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.

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 co-operate 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 behaviour leads to better self-discipline and we place a greater emphasis on rewards and incentives than on sanctions.

Rewards for Good Behaviour

• 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, stamps, stickers etc.
• Delegating some special responsibility or privilege
• Written or verbal communication with parent
• Some homework off if particular targets are achieved
• Noting of good behaviour at Parent/Teacher meetings
• Kilbarron N.S. Student of the Year Award

Discouraging Misbehaviour

The purpose of sanctions and other strategies is to promote positive and discourage misbehaviour. Sanctions will be applied according to the gravity of the misbehaviour, 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
• Loss of privileges
• 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.

Although incidents of misbehaviour are recorded, the emphasis is on encouraging children to behave well and praise is given for commendable behaviour. Parents will be informed at an early stage if problems occur and not simply at the point where a crisis has arisen. Though the breaches may sometimes appear trivial to parents, it is the cumulative effect of such breaches of the rules which is important and not the offence itself.

Suspension/Expulsion

Before serious sanctions such as suspension or expulsion are used, the normal channels of communication between school and parents will be utilised.  Communication with parents may be verbal or by letter depending on the circumstances.

For gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of serious misbehaviour suspension may be considered. Parents concerned will be invited to come to the school to discuss their child’s case.  Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour towards a teacher or pupil will be regarded as serious or gross misbehaviour.

Where there are repeated instances of serious misbehaviour, 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 misbehaviours, 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 has authorised the 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 Rules for National Schools and the Education Welfare Act 2000.  Before suspending or expelling a pupil, the Board shall notify the Local Education Welfare Officer in writing in accordance with Section 24 of the Education Welfare Act 2000.

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 behaviour plan for the pupil if required and will re-admit the pupil formally to the class.

Suspension/expulsion procedures are in accordance with the Education Welfare Act. Under Section 29 of the Education Act (1998), parents are entitled to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science against some decisions of the Board of Management, including (1) permanent exclusion from a school and (2) suspension for a period which would bring the cumulative period of suspension to 20 school days or longer in any one school year (Circular 22/02). Parents will be advised of this right of appeal and associated timeframe if it has been decided to suspend or permanently exclude a pupil. Appeals must generally be made within 42 calendar days from the date the decision of the school was notified to the parent or student.

School 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 Rules are outlined in Appendix 1.

Before/After School

Parents are reminded that the Board of Management of the school does not accept responsibility for pupils before official opening time of 8.50am or after the official closing time of 2.40pm or 1.40pm in the case of Infant Classes, except where pupils are engaged in an extra-curricular activity organised by the school and approved by the Board of Management. Pupils involved in such activities are expected to behave in accordance with school behaviour policy during these times.

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 behaviour 
• 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 behaviour to a minimum
• Deal appropriately with misbehaviour
• Keep a record of instances of serious misbehaviour or repeated instances of misbehaviour
• Provide support for colleagues
• Communicate with parents when necessary and provide reports on matters of mutual concern

Pupil’s 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 which would endanger others
• Avoid all nasty remarks, swearing and name-calling
• Include other pupils in games and activities
• Bring correct materials, books etc. 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
• Be interested in, support and encourage their children’s school work
• 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 which may affect child’s progress/behaviour

This code of Behaviour was ratified by the Board of Management on 7^th June 2011.

A copy of the Code is posted on the school website.

A copy of the Code will be given to all new applicants for enrolment.

Our Code of Behaviour will be reviewed every two years or as is deemed necessary.

Appendix 1

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 wisely.

School Rules

1. School begins at 9.00am and a valid reason for being late should be explained by a note. Pupils are not allowed to be on the school grounds before 8.50am and should leave the school grounds immediately when they are dismissed at 2.40pm. Pupils in Junior and Senior infants are dismissed at 1.40pm and should be collected from their classroom at this time.
2. Pupils are expected to show respect for fellow-pupils, teachers, school staff and visitors.
3. Good manners are strongly encouraged and expected from all pupils. Pupils should address teachers in an appropriate manner i.e. Múinteoir.
4. Pupils are expected to co-operate with teachers and take an active part in their own education.
5. Pupils are expected to complete their homework to the best of their ability – incomplete homework must be explained by a note.
6. Pupils are expected to comply with all legitimate requests from teachers immediately and without question.
7. Pupils are expected to be seated in their classrooms except when otherwise requested by teachers.
8. The throwing of objects in the classroom is expressly forbidden.
9. Pupils are expected to walk carefully and quietly in the school corridors.
10. Pupils are expected to play in assigned play areas and to play in a manner which does not put their own safety or the safety of others at undue risk.
11. Pupils are not allowed to chew gum on the school grounds.
12. The school uniform must be worn on all days other than P.E. days when the school tracksuit must be worn.
13. Pupils training for, or playing, the games of hurling or camogie must wear a helmet and appropriate boots at all times.
14. Pupils are expected to respect school property, the property of other pupils and of teachers and school staff.
15. Bullying of any description will be regarded as a very serious breach of our Code of Behaviour.
16. Pupils are not allowed to leave the school grounds unless first having got permission from a teacher.
17. Pupils representing the school in games or other public occasions are expected to behave themselves properly.
18. Language of a foul, abusive, obscene or threatening nature is expressly forbidden.
19. Pupils leaving the school before the appointed time must be collected at the classroom door by a parent, guardian or other authorised person. The class teacher should be informed in advance.
20. Boys are not allowed to wear studs, ear-rings or nose-rings. Girls are not allowed to wear nose-rings. Pupils may be asked to remove jewellery which may cause a distraction to themselves or others in the class or which may put them at risk of an accident when playing.
21. Food or drink is not allowed on the yard at break times.
22. Mobile phones are not permitted in the school at any time. Please see the school’s Policy on the Use of Mobile Phones and other Personal Electronic Devices.

School Uniform

• Boys: Red V-necked jumper with an embroidered school crest. The jumper can only be purchased through the school. A white, long-sleeved uniform shirt. Grey uniform trousers.

 

• Girls: Red V-necked jumper with an embroidered school crest. The jumper can only be purchased through the school. A white, long-sleeved uniform shirt. Grey uniform skirt/pinafore or grey uniform trousers. Girls who opt to wear a skirt or pinafore must wear either grey socks or tights.

 

• All footwear must be black/dark in colour with the wearing of runners restricted to PE days only.

 

• The school uniform must be worn on all school days other than PE days. On PE days the pupils must wear the school tracksuit and school polo shirt. The full tracksuit and polo shirt can only be ordered through the school.

 

Policy on the Use of Mobile Phones and other Personal Electronic Devices in Kilbarron N.S.

Following on consultation with the school’s Parents Association, the Board of Management have decided on the following in relation to the use of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices:

1. From the date of ratification of this policy the use of mobile phones and any other personal electronic devices as defined below is banned in our school.
2. Any device that can be used to take/share photographs/videos and post such material to the internet is covered by this ban e.g. iPod Touch, iPad, Tablet etc. This list of electronic devices is not exhaustive.
3. The ban covers the entire school day and includes travel to and from school on the school bus.
4. The ban covers any activity organised by the school or in association with the school. This includes school tours/trips, school swimming lessons, school matches, school concerts, 6^th Class retreat etc.
5. Any pupil found to be in breach of this ban will have their mobile phone or other device confiscated. It will then be kept in the Principal’s Office and will only be returned to the child’s Parent(s)/Guardian(s) in person.
6. The school can be contacted if necessary by phone on 067 28144 at the following times:
7. Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9.00am – 1.30pm and after 3.00pm
8. Tuesday and Thursday: 9.00am – 9.20am; 11.20am – 11.30am; 1-00pm – 1.30pm; after 3.00pm.
9. Outside of these times a message can be left on the school’s telephone answering service.
10. Alternatively the school can be contacted by e-mail at: kilbarronns@eircom.net

Further clarification on any aspect of this policy is available from the school Principal if required.

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management on 16^th April 2015.