Code of Discipline

Introduction

Students at St. Ailbe’s are expected to show respect, take pride in themselves, their work, their school and its environs. It is understood that attendance at this school implies acceptance of the rules and regulations required by the school authorities. The implementation of this code requires the co-operation of students, parents and staff.

Failure on the students’ part to co-operate fully with the Code of Discipline will incur sanctions. Consistent non co-operation and negative attitude will mean suspension/expulsion. It is expected that this necessity will not arise and that students will show positive attitudes and values in relation to each other, the school and their work.

Note:

Parents/Guardians have the right of appeal in all matters relating to discipline procedures in St. Ailbe’s. Procedures in relation to an appeal are available at the office in St. Ailbe’s or by contacting Tipperary SR. VEC (052 21067)

CODE OF CONDUCT

SCHOOL RULES

· Students must do the work set out for them.

· Students must present themselves in proper uniform, which should be clean, and in good repair.

· Students must obey the safety rules and class rules as laid out.

· Students are not allowed to leave the school without an absence pass.

· Students are expected to attend regularly and be on time for school/class.

· Rudeness, insolence, aggressive or threatening behaviour to members of staff will not be tolerated.

· Bullying and/or fighting in school and going to and coming from school are not allowed.

· Students are not allowed to bring to school or have on their person dangerous instruments such as, blades, cigarette lighters, knives, lasers, matches, cigarettes, stink bombs, etc.

· The throwing of stones or other objects within the school or on the school grounds is prohibited.

· Possession, use, sale or distribution of illegal substances is strictly forbidden.

· Students are not allowed to interfere with another student’s property in any way.

· Littering or damaging school property is forbidden.

· Mobile phones/camera phones/video phones are not allowed.

· The chewing of gum is strictly prohibited within the school.

· Smoking is not allowed.

· Use of correction fluid, e.g. Tippex, is not allowed.

· Students are expected to treat any member of staff whom they meet outside of school hours in a normal and courteous manner.

Aims of this Code

· To enable students and staff to work in a safe, ordered and happy environment.

· To engender respect for all and between all.

· To ensure all members of the school community are treated in a fair respectful and equal manner.

· To guide the pupils to greater personal responsibility and freedom.

· To foster a proper understanding and practice of rules, safety, etiquette, health, courtesy, good conduct, and acceptable social behaviour.

· To eliminate all forms of bullying

· Preserve and enhance the school's standing as a centre of excellence.

· To foster an appreciation of the role of the school in partnership with parents and the wider community.

Sanctions

· Corporal punishment is not allowed so a student may be detained at lunchtime or after school hours. Where detention is deemed necessary parents will be advised in advance of such detention and given precise details of when the sanction is to be imposed and for what period.

· Students may be asked to do extra work, removed from class or fined for breaches of the code.

· Consistent non co-operation, negative attitude and failure to do their work by students will mean suspension/expulsion.

· Rudeness, insolence, aggressive or threatening behaviour to members of staff will carry immediate suspension.

· Students found bullying or fighting may be suspended or liable to expulsion.

· Students found pilfering may be suspended or liable to expulsion.

· Students found throwing of stones or other objects within the school or on the school grounds will be suspended.

· Students who bring to school or have on their person dangerous instruments may be asked to leave the school, may not be allowed to return and the Gardai notified.

· A student late for class/school may be detained or prevented from going to class. If a student is often late for class/school, he/she will be placed on Punctuality report. Students and parents will be advised in advance if this course of action is likely.

· Students not in uniform may not be allowed go to class or may be sent home. Students are not allowed to wear/carry their coats/jackets or to wear another jumper/jacket over their school jumper. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that students are in full uniform.

· It is not necessary for students to bring their mobile phones to school, as the office phone is available in case of emergency. Mobile Phones generally cause a nuisance in school.

If a student is found with a mobile phone in public view or the phone disrupts a class during school time, it will be confiscated immediately and can only be returned directly to a parent/guardian.

· Chewing gum and correction fluid damage furniture and carpets. Students found chewing gum or using correction fluid may be fined.

· It is most important that a student inform the office if he/she has to leave school during school hours. Failure to do so may result in suspension.

Smoking

Smoking is Prohibited by Law in all schools and on school grounds.

All efforts will be made to ensure smoking does not occur in St. Ailbe’s.

In the event of a student found smoking:

Parents/Guardians, Gardai and Environmental Health Officer will be informed.

Unless assurances are received from the offending student and his/her parents/guardians, that the offence will not reoccur, the student will be suspended until such time as compliance is guaranteed.

CORRECTIVE STRATEGIES

A graded system will be used to show disapproval of unacceptable behaviour or work and to bring about more reasonable conduct and work.

Discipline Procedures

(A) Unacceptable Conduct/Effort from a student.

ü Step 1: Subject Teacher - Staff Member

Subject Teacher or a member of School Staff will record all incidents (Incident Sheets) including lates. Students will be informed that a record is being made and given a verbal warning.

ü Step 2: Class Teacher and Subject Teacher

A number of Offences/Incident Sheets may merit a MONITORING REPORT. Parent/Guardian to be informed. – The Year Head is also notified. Students remain on monitoring report for a minimum of TEN SCHOOL DAYS.

ü Step 3: Class Teacher and Year Head – White Report.

The student will be placed on WHITE REPORT if the monitoring report is unsatisfactory or if deemed necessary by the class teacher or year head. Parent/Guardian and student are advised of the consequences and may be invited to a meeting to discuss the matter. Students remain on White Report for a minimum of FIFTEEN SCHOOL DAYS.

Note: Students may be placed on white report for a maximum of two occasions during a school year. Step 4 is applied if the misbehaviour persists.

The Board of Management is formally notified.

ü Step 4: Yellow Report.

If the situation is unresolved, the Principal/Deputy Principal and Year Head meet with the student. Parent/Guardian to attend the meeting.

The student may be placed on YELLOW REPORT. Students remain on Yellow Report for a minimum of TWENTY SCHOOL DAYS.

The Board of Management is formally notified and may seek a meeting with the Parent/Guardian and student.

The student will be asked to remain at home until such time as the Parent/Guardian is able to attend the meeting

All meetings to be minuted.

ü Step 5: Sub Committee of Board of Management - RED REPORT

Principal notifies Parent/Guardian and may suspend the student.

The student with the Parent/Guardian will be invited to attend a meeting with the Sub Committee of Board of Management outside of school hours. The student may subsequently be placed on RED REPORT.

Students remain on RED REPORT for a minimum of THIRTY SCHOOL DAYS.

Parents/Guardians and student are also informed that if the situation is unresolved or recurs or does not improve to a level that satisfies the school a recommendation of Expulsion may be made to the Board of Management of the school.

NB:

In the case where a student abuses a member of staff, visitor or fellow student – either verbally or physically steps 1 to 4 are superseded by step 5.

Some examples of serious offences might include the following:

Refusal to carry out instruction.
Non co-operation.
Disrespect to staff/visitors etc.
Inappropriate behaviour towards other students.
Disruptive behaviour in class.

Note: Students who are suspended for any of the above reasons will not be allowed attend school tours, school outings, etc.

Detention.

Reasons for Detention:

Persistent failure to bring required materials to class.
Persistent failure to produce work of an acceptable standard.
Persistent lack of effort.
Being late for class.

The aim of the detention system is to promote a work ethic among the student body. The detention system is not intended to deal with behaviour problems. The following progression occurs if lack of effort continues:

Detention lunch-time/break-time
Repeat lunchtime 12.30p.m. - 1.00 p.m.

After a student has been placed on detention three times and there is no significant improvement in their work then the student is placed on a WHITE REPORT (as in step 3 of the Discipline Procedures.)

Parents will be advised before a student is put on detention.

Anti-Bullying Code:

Every student has the right to be happy in school and free from intimidation and harassment (verbal & physical).

If a student is a victim of Bullying as stated above, they should feel secure in approaching a member of staff of their choice for help and advice knowing that it will be dealt with in a confidential way. Do not accept bullying. Expose the bullies.

Students are encouraged to respect the rights and feelings of other people. We want St. Ailbe's to be a place where everyone can feel secure and if there is a problem share it - bullying is too important not to report.