Code of Behaviour
In devising this Code, consideration has been given to the particular needs and circumstances of this school. The aim is to provide a framework for reasonable and responsible behaviour by all concerned, staff, parents and students alike in keeping with our stated beliefs in our Mission Statement.
We place greater emphasis on rewards than on sanctions in the belief that this will, in the long run, give the best results. The rules are kept to the minimum and framed in a positive manner. Overall responsibility for discipline within school rests with the Principal subject to the authority of the VEC.
The Code of Behaviour was developed in consultation with the partners and will be reviewed at regular intervals.
The Code of Behaviour is divided into two parts. It begins with a series of Statements of Expectation which identifies the behaviours expected and the reasons for them. This is followed by our Discipline procedure, Sanctions and Awards.
Statements of Expectation:
1. We will behave in an orderly and civil manner to each other and be courteous to all visitors to the school.
2. We will have a good work ethic, attend punctually and participate fully in all educational, cultural and sporting activities to the best of our ability.
3. We will respect and protect our own property, school property and the general environment of the school and community.
RULES
In the classroom:
We will line up quietly before class and enter the class in an orderly manner.
We will have all books, copies etc for each class.
We will have our homework completed, on time and neatly presented.
We will not disturb the class with unnecessary noise or activity.
We will participate in class discussions and answer questions civilly.
We will not cause any damage to the fixtures and fittings.
On the corridor and around the grounds:
We will walk, not run, to avoid accidents. We will be especially careful of cars entering or leaving the school car park and grounds.
Games will be played in the grassy areas or the courts.
We will not loiter at the front of the school premises or in the car park at break times or before or after school.
In general:
We will come to school on time and in full uniform.
We will not leave school without permission.
We will not smoke, or chew gum on the premises or when in uniform.
REWARDS:
1. Additional responsibility.
2. Positive comment in journal.
3. Student of the Year awards:
Academic Award.
Awarded to the students, (boy and girl) who achieved the best results in their last examination.
Achievement Award.
This is awarded to the students (boy and girl) who have shown a significant commitment to some aspect of life, whether in study, sport or extra-curricular activity. (Nominated by Year group)
Attendance Award.
Awarded to the students with 100% attendance record in each Class.
Sports Person of the Year.
This is awarded to the students (boy and girl) who are considered to be the best sportspersons in each year group (Nominated by Year group).
Teachers may issue awards and rewards during the course of the school year for specific activities.
SANCTIONS
Each teacher is responsible for general discipline within his/her class while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school premises. Teachers will take appropriate measures to deal with, and keep records of serious breaches of the rules:
For gross breaches of discipline, a Major incident report must be written by the teacher and given to the Year Head. (See Appendix)
Year Heads have overall responsibility for pastoral care and Discipline for their respective year group. They will interview students who are reported to them and give verbal warnings. They will also interview and warn those who are persistently breaking rules. If there is no improvement they may:
DETENTION
SUSPENSION
Students may be suspended:
Note:
Under The Education Welfare Act, 2000 students are entitled to the fair procedure prior to suspension. A student should not be suspended until after a full investigation has taken place.
It is the policy of this school to suspend immediately any student who uses foul language to a teacher, physically assaults a teacher or student or vandalises property belonging to students, teachers or the school. The student will be supervised until they can be collected by their parent/guardian. The student remains excluded/suspended until after the investigation and discussion with the parent/guardian.
EXCLUSION/EXPULSION
Where, following the procedures listed above, no improvement in the behaviour of the student has occurred, the Principal, or the Deputy Principal acting on behalf of the Principal, may refer the case to the Board of Management and recommend exclusion/expulsion. The student may be excluded from school pending a meeting of the Board. The Board of Management may invite the student and his/her parents/guardians to a special meeting to discuss the matter.
RIGHT OF APPEAL
In cases of suspension or exclusion, parents/ guardians may appeal, in writing, to the Board of Management /VEC.
Students returning from suspension will be placed “On Report” for a minimum of one week. Students and parents may be asked to sign a good behaviour contract.
Note
It is school policy to:
Internet Safety: Acceptable Use Policy
The aim of this Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that students will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s Internet resources in a safe and effective manner. Internet use and access are considered a school resource and privilege. Therefore, if the school AUP has not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions – as outlined in the AUP – will be imposed.
It is envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the AUP annually. Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to ensure that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.
This version of the AUP was created on 28th August 2006
By Mr Tom Daly and Mrs Marie Hogan
School’s Strategy
St Fergal’s College employs a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet. These strategies are as follows:
General
World Wide Web
Internet Chat
School Website
Personal Devices
Students using their own technology in school, such as leaving a mobile phone turned on or using it in class, sending nuisance text messages, or the unauthorized taking of images with a mobile phone camera, still or moving is in direct breach of the school’s acceptable use policy.
Legislation
The school will provide information on the following legislation relating to the use of the Internet which teachers, students and parents should familiarise themselves with:
Support Structures
The school will inform students and parents of key support structures and organisations that deal with illegal material or harmful use of the Internet.
Sanctions
Misuse of the Internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges and, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion. The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.
Review and Evaluation
This policy will be reviewed bi-annually and amended to reflect changes in legislation.
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