St. Mary's Academy ERS

CODE OF CONDUCT

Draft Document 22nd May 2000
Policy and Rationale
The purpose of the school's Code of Conduct is to give positive and practical guidelines to promote good behaviour and practice. It seeks to guide the implementation of the schools Mission Statement in the daily school activities. The Code of Conduct encourages the development of self-discipline, respect for all and a positive attitude to the school community.

 

Respect for Other Persons
The Code of Conduct promotes respect for other persons in the school community. It does this in the following rules:

Students must at all times show respect to all members of staff
Students must at all times show respect to each other. Behaviour that affects the well-being of other students, such as bullying (mental or physical), or fighting, or behaviour which disrupts the work of other students, is not acceptable.
Students should at all times show respect to visitors to the school.
Respect for Property
The Code of Conduct promotes respect for property. It does this in the following rules:

Students must at all times take good care of their own property, the property of others and school property.
Students are not allowed to touch blinds, open or close windows, or move desks unless given permission to do so from a member of staff.
Respect for the School Community
The Code of Conduct promotes respect for the school community. It does this in the following rules:

Attendance Full attendance is expected at all times. In the event of absence, a note must be written by the parent/guardian in the student's journal explaining the absence. The student must give this to his class teacher on his return to school.

Punctuality
· Students must be punctual at all times. School starts at 8.55am. and 2.00pm.

Appearance
A neat and tidy appearance promotes a positive public image for the school. Therefore

Students must always wear full school uniform. If a student is not wearing the full uniform he must present a note signed by his parent / guardian in his journal to the Deputy Principal before, or immediately after, registration.
Caps and earrings cannot be worn in the school building.
Student hairstyles must conform to the requirements of the school community. Students will be informed of these requirements. The requirements will be periodically reviewed.
Behaviour within the school and in the vicinity of the school
Every student must have his journal, textbooks and all materials required for class.
Students must complete all homework given to them by their teachers to the best of their ability.
Students should walk in an orderly manner at all times, keeping to the left hand side of corridors and stairs. Students should line up in an orderly manner outside the classroom until admitted by the teacher.
When students come into class they should sit down.
Between classes students must get permission to leave the classroom from the incoming teacher.
No student is allowed to leave the school without permission from the Principal or Deputy Principal. A written request to leave the school for an appointment etc. should be made by the parent/guardian in the student's journal. A student who has been granted permission to leave by the Principal or Deputy Principal must sign out in the office before leaving and sign in on his return
At the 10.55am. break, students may not leave the school grounds, i.e. they cannot go onto the road or into the primary school yard.
At 10.55 am. on wet days students may remain in the school building.
Smoking is strictly prohibited.
Chewing gum. is strictly prohibited.
Food and drink may only be consumed in designated areas and only at break times.
Students may not. bring lasers or personal stereos into the school.
Mobile phones if brought to school must be switched off at all times during the school day.
Students should at all times be well behaved in the vicinity of the school. They should not congregate outside the school, on the school wall or on the walls of private houses adjacent to the school. They should show consideration to other road users outside the school.
Supply and/ or abuse of illegal substances is strictly prohibited

Appendix to Code of Conduct

Sanctions:

Sanctions are necessary to support the Code of Conduct. We view them as corrective supports rather than punishment: the purpose is to promote positive behaviour and a safe atmosphere in the school community, based on the principle of respect for all.

The subject teacher may apply from a range of sanctions, including verbal reprimand, standing for a limited time, extra work, a note home in the student's Journal, other contact with home or Referral to the Year Head, Deputy Principal or Principal.

The Year Head may apply from the same range of sanctions, and may also apply Detention outside of normal school hours.

Suspension may be applied, where deemed necessary, by the Deputy Principal or Principal. The purpose is to give time for reflection on serious misbehaviour and to emphasise the need for positive behaviour. All suspensions are reported to the Board of Management. The Deputy Principal or Principal may also temporarily remove a student from class to provide time and opportunity to bring about improved behaviour.

In the event of a student being in serious or continuous breach of the Code of Conduct, the Board of Management may deem it necessary to exclude a student from the school.