Code of Behaviour

It is generally agreed that in a classroom and in a school where good behaviour prevails the teaching and learning processes lead to a satisfactory level of achievement without undue strain being placed on either teachers or pupils. For a school system to succeed, a structured learning environment must be created which enable learning activities to proceed smoothly. The function of discipline in schools is to ensure that the structured learning environment is not disrupted. The constitutional rights of all children to an education need to be protected from disruptive behaviour and general indiscipline. The purpose of a Code of Behaviour is two-fold; firstly to protect the constitutional rights of all children to an education, and secondly, to encourage a reformed attitude towards indiscipline in the disruptive pupil.

Rationale:

• This policy was reviewed because it is a priority area identified by staff.
• It is required under Circular 20/90 and Section 23 of the Education [Welfare] Act 2000.
• The existing policy was due for review.
• To enable the Code of Behaviour to be circulated to the parent body.

The aims of the Code of Behaviour and Discipline of S. N. San Nioclás and The Haven (including all children in the ASD class)

• To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behaviour expectations.
• To provide for the effective and safe operation of the school.
• To develop pupil’s 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.
• To provide a safe place of work and learning.
• To ensure fairness for all.
• To provide a consistent set of expectations, rules and boundaries throughout the school.
• To provide a recognition of the variety of differences which exist between children and the need to accommodate these differences.
• To ensure that the schools high expectations for the behaviour of all members of the school community are widely known and understood.
• To promote the conditions for learning and teaching, dignity and freedom from threat of violence for the staff and the students.

Our School Code of Conduct

At this school we will:

• Care for each other, respecting the feelings, bodies and property of others
• Tell the truth
• Be responsible for all our actions
• Always try our best in everything we do
• Tidy up our mess and be responsible for our own property as well as the materials and equipment we use in class
• Make sure that the school is a happy place

Implementation

Every member of the school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code of Behaviour. Rules will be kept to minimum, emphasise positive behaviour and will be applied in a fair and consistent 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

1. 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 feel safe is unacceptable.
2. Pupils are expected to show respect for all school property and to keep the school environment clean and litter free.
3. Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance and conform to the uniform code, to have all books and required materials and to be in the right place at the right time.
4. Pupils are expected to obey a teacher’s instructions, to work to the best of their ability and to present assignments neatly.
5. 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 or via a phone call to the school Principal/secretary stating the reason for absence.
6. Cultivation of a secure happy and pleasant atmosphere within the school is a necessity for good behaviour.

Bullying

Bullying is repeated verbal, psychological of 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 cooperate with the school at all times in dealing with instances of bullying in accordance with the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy, which was drawn up in accordance with the Anti-Bullying procedures for primary schools (2013).

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.

Strategies/Incentives

• 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 or award stamps/vouchers etc.
• Delegating some special responsibility or privilege.
• Written or verbal communication with parent.
• Student of the week.
• Incredible Years Rewards/

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

• Discussion with pupil.
• Verbal reprimand including advice on how to improve.
• Temporary separation from peers within class and/or temporary removal to another class, but not to the class of an older/younger sibling.
• Prescribing extra work.
• Loss of privileges.
• Detention during break/lunch times.
• Communication with parents, via phone call, homework diary note, home/school communication diary.
• Meeting with teacher and parents.
• Meeting with principal, teacher and parents if issues are unresolved.
• 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).

Unacceptable behaviour at this school

We divide unacceptable behaviour into three bands:

1. Level One: misbehaviour that can be effectively managed within a classroom environment by the class teacher.
2. Level Two: more serious misbehaviour that is not so easily managed within a classroom environment. Class teacher may involve parents. Notification of other staff. Informal involvement of Principal and a support teacher.
3. Level Three: very serious misbehaviour or persistent Level Two misbehaviour. Formal involvement in the Principal and parents. Additionally, the EWO (Educational Welfare Officer) and /or other outside agencies e.g. NEPS may also become involved.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour described

The above are examples but the list is not exhaustive.

Yard Behaviour and Discipline

• Incident report sheets will be filled out by the supervising teacher. A copy placed on child’s file, a copy to the Principal and in the case of an injury a note in the child’s homework diary/home school communication diary or very serious injury may warrant an immediate phone call home to alert the parents and get immediate attention for the injured party.
• Reprimand and sanctions for unacceptable behaviour by individual will be in accordance with our level 1 / 2 / 3 procedures.

Sanctions/Strategies

NB: This step by step approach will be overridden in the event of escalating Level 3 behaviours. (i.e.) immediate suspension procedure will apply.

Pupils will not be deprived of engagement in a Curricular Area, except on the grounds of health and safety.

Code of Behaviour and restraint

The school Code of Behaviour and Discipline applies to all school settings and activities including the working of the special classes.

Staff & MAPA

The values and philosophy which underpin MAPA are the basis on which restraint is used in extreme circumstances.

MAPA

Violence in the workplace is an issue of grave concern for employees and employers alike. As in other workplaces, school employees are also the victims of violence in the workplace. During the course of their work, school staff may be at risk from violence in the form of verbal abuse, threats, assaults, consistent incidences of serious misbehaviour or other forms of intimidation, named here as challenging misbehaviour.

Aggression is defined as actions designed to injure or threaten another person, physically, mentally or emotionally.

Haven staff have been trained in how to safely deal with challenging behaviour. This training is called MAPA – Managing Aggression or Potential Aggression which complies with legal requirements and is the national benchmark for best practice. St. Nicholas is committed to ensuring that all staff will deal professionally with all incidents involving aggressive, potentially aggressive or reckless behaviour and only use trained techniques to handle children safely as a last resort, in the interest of safety for the pupil, staff and others and always in the context of a respectful, supportive relationship with the pupil. Every effort will always be made to manage behaviour positively to prevent escalation of situations. Staff have a duty of care to the children and themselves.

Restraint

Restraint is last resort measure whereby the care, welfare, safety and security of pupils and staff are of paramount concern. See policy on restraint.

Suspension/Expulsion

Before serious sanctions such as detention, suspension or expulsion are used, the normal channels of communication between school and parents will be utilised. Where it is proposed to detain a pupil after school hours, the parents or guardians will be notified. 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 to attend at the school to meet the Chairperson and/or 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 and in conjunction with chapter 11 guidelines for schools (suspension). (Developing a Code of Behaviour).

Grounds for Suspension

A student can be suspended if any of the following is breached:

1. The student’s behaviour has had a seriously detrimental effect on the education of other students.
2. The students continued presence in the school at this time constitutes a threat to safety.
3. The student is responsible for injury to person(s) during school hours.
4. The student is responsible for serious damage to school property.

Immediate Suspension

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 and staff, the Board may authorise the Chairperson or Principal to sanction an immediate suspension for a period not exceeding three school days, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents. See 11.4 (Forms of Suspension). A letter will be sent to inform parents as soon as practicable. (i.e.) should be received next working day, by registered post.

Procedures for Suspension

Following an investigation of the incident and where suspension is being considered the parents/guardians will be contacted by the Principal and requested to attend a meeting where they have

• The right to be heard
• The right to know what alleged misbehaviour is being investigated
• The right to know how issue is decided
• The right to respond
• The right to be heard by the Board of Management
• The right to ask questions

• Written notification of all suspensions will be sent by registered post to parents, outlining the period of suspension, the reason for suspension, arrangements for returning to school including any commitments to be entered into by the pupils and the parents, and the right of appeal to the B.O.M./Secretary General of the Dept of Education. A copy of this letter will be kept in the pupil’s file.
• Following the period of suspension the pupil and his/her parent/guardian will meet with the Principal and the pupil will be reintegrated into the class. The pupil will be given the opportunity and support for a fresh start.
• Where an immediate suspension is considered by the Principal for reasons of safety of the student, other students, staff and others, a preliminary investigation is conducted to establish the case for imposition of the suspension. A formal investigation under the direction of the Principal will immediately follow the imposition of the suspension. Parents are notified immediately and asked to collect the student from the school.
• A pupil may be suspended for up to three school days by the school principal. This authority has been formally delegated to the Principal in writing by the B.O.M.
• The principal, with the approval of the Chairperson of the B.O.M. may suspend a pupil for up to and including five school days in circumstances where a meeting of the B.O.M. cannot be convened in a timely fashion.
• The B.O.M. may suspend a pupil for a period exceeding five school days but would normally place a ceiling of ten days on any one period of suspension.
• The B.O.M. will inform Túsla (Child & Family Agency) when any pupil’s period of suspension equals or exceeds 10 school days.
• Should a suspension bring the number of days for which a student has been suspended in a current school year to twenty school days or more, this suspension would be subject to appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998.
• Suspension will be in accordance with the terms of Rule 130 (5) of the The Rules of National School.

Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with the Rule for National Schools and the Education Welfare Act 2000. Before suspending or expelling a pupil, the Board shall notify the Local Welfare Education Officer in writing in accordance with Section 24 of the Education Welfare Act. Expulsion will be carried out in conjunction with chapter 12 of guidelines for schools (developing a Code of Behaviour).

As attached to the back of this policy.

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 parents/guardians must give a satisfactory undertaking that a suspended pupil will behave in accordance with the school code and the B.O.M. 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 in consultation with the parents, the class teacher and the pupil (if appropriate) will facilitate the preparation of a behaviour plan for the pupil, if required, and will re-admit the pupil formally to the class.

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 chairperson B.O.M. and the principal. The most effective methodology in attempting to manage challenging behaviour is to prevent it occurring in the first place. Positive reinforcement of good behaviour leads to better self-discipline and we place a greater emphasis on rewards and incentives than on sanctions. The school’s SPHE curriculum together with the Incredible Years Programme is used to support the Code of Behaviour. It helps our pupils to develop communication skills, appropriate ways of interacting and behaving, and conflict resolution skills. It also aims to foster self esteem and to help pupils accommodate differences and develop citizenship.

Prevention Strategies a & Additional Supports (Mainstream)

Pupils with special needs may require assistance in understanding and respecting certain rules. Additional inputs and interventions may also be required to help some pupils manage their behaviour and to prevent them failing educationally. Such interventions could include

• Referral to another teacher or adult who can work with the pupil
• Individual Behaviour Support Plans may be devised in consultation with parents/guardians, the school’s SEN co-ordinator, class teacher, support teachers, SNA, and the pupil (age appropriate). Professional assessment where available may inform and shape the plan.

Specialised Supports

A small minority of pupils may exhibit particularly challenging behaviour. The school, in co-operation with the pupil’s parents/guardians may seek to avail of any services that may assist in responding to the pupil’s needs. These services could include the National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), play therapists, Rainbows and other relevant professional counselling services.

Behaviour (ASD Classes – The Haven)

Children with special educational needs may display challenging, defiant or oppositional behaviours. This is accepted.

The school will make every effort to manage such behaviours in a professional manner taking into account the child’s IEP.

Where the child’s behaviour impacts sufficiently to deny other children their rights under the constitution to an education, the Board of Management reserves the right to advise parents that a more suitable setting should be found for their child.

Children attending The Haven, children in the junior classes or children identified with EBD will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the school management.

Expulsion

• The authority to expel a student is the responsibility of the Board of Management of St. Nicholas’ National School.

Grounds for expulsion

1. Behaviour is a persistent cause of significant disruption to the learning of others or to the teaching profession.
2. The continued presence of the pupil constitutes a real and significant threat to safety.
3. Pupil is responsible for assault of person(s) causing serious injury.

Automatic/Expulsion for first offence

The following prescribed behaviours carry an automatic expulsion in St. Nicholas’ National School

1. Sexual Assault
2. Supplying illegal substances to others on school premises
3. Actual Violence or physical assault
4. A serious threat of violence against another pupil or a member of staff

Procedures for Expulsion

1. A detailed investigation is carried out under the direction of the Principal. To ensure impartiality and to afford the pupil fair procedures the Principal will not carry out the investigation if he/she is a victim or a witness to an assault. The B.O.M. will appoint a designated person to conduct the investigation in this instance.
2. Principal/Person investigating the incident recommends to B.O.M. to consider expulsion of pupil. The B.O.M. may request a pupil to remain out of school where there is likelihood that the continued presence of the pupil during this time will disrupt the learning of others, or represent a threat to the safety of other pupils and staff.
3. B.O.M. considers the recommendations and parents/guardians are informed that B.O.M. is being asked to consider expulsion. Parents/guardians will receive written records of the allegation against the pupil, the investigation that has been carried out and the grounds on which the B.O.M. is being asked to consider expulsion. The B.O.M. will receive the same comprehensive reports as are given to the parents. Parents/guardians are invited to a hearing and advised they can make both oral and written submissions to the B.O.M. The Principal/person investigating the incident is also invited to the hearing and can make oral and written submissions to the B.O.M. Each party may question the evidence of the other party directly. When the presentation to the B.O.M. has been completed, both parties leave the B.O.M. meeting to allow the B.O.M. deliberate on the facts.
4. Where the B.O.M. having considered all the facts of the case, is of the opinion that the pupil should be expelled the Chairperson B.O.M. completes a “Notice of Intention to Expel a Student” form and sends it to the Educational Welfare Officer.
5. The B.O.M. informs the parents/guardians in writing by registered letter about its conclusions and the next step in the process. The parents/guardians should be advised that the B.O.M. has informed the Education Welfare Officer and that the expulsion does not take effect until twenty days has elapsed from the date the EWO receives this written notification. The B.O.M. may consider it appropriate to suspend the student during this time if there is likelihood that the continued presence of the student during this time will seriously disrupt the learning of others or represent a threat to the safety of other students and staff.
6. The Education Welfare Officer arranges consultations to discuss alternative interventions that may avoid expulsion and to ensure that arrangements are made for the student to continue in education. (i.e.) Section: 24.

7. When the twenty days has elapsed and where the B.O.M. remains of the view that the student should be expelled, the B.O.M. formally advises the parent by registered post of their decision to expel the pupil. Parents will be informed of their right to appeal and be supplied with the standard form on which to lodge an appeal.
8. Chairperson B.O.M. will complete and forward a “Confirmation of Expulsion of a Student” form to the EWO.
9. Parents/guardians may appeal a decision to expel to the Secretary General of the Department of Education. (i.e.) Section: 29

Please Note: -The decision of the Board of Management is final in relation to disciplinary matters.

Absences from School:

In accordance with The Education Act 2000 the school maintains a record of attendance or non-attendance for each school day for each child registered at the school. This is easily accessible on the school’s management system (Aladdin). When a child in 1^st – 6^th class is absent the parent should record the number of day absent together with the reason for absence in the child’s homework notebook. The class teacher will input this information into Aladdin, the school’s management system. An automated text message is generated by Aladdin and issues to parents when a child has been absent for 15/20/25/30.... days in a current school year. Parents are informed at Open Night and by school newsletter about the school’s obligation to report where necessary to Tusla (Child & Family Agency)

The Education Welfare Officer must be informed if

• A child is expelled
• A child is suspended for 6 school days or more in any school year
• A child has missed more than 20 days in a school year

Túsla is furnished with the total attendances in the school year through an annual report.

Acceptance of this policy is condition of enrolment of this school and thereafter parents are expected to comply with any further amendments in the event of a review of the code.

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 in each classroom and throughout the school.

Lunch Times:

• Take no food wrappers to the yard
• Where possible, all residue of lunches should go home for recycling. This practice will also guide/inform parents on suitable content and choice of lunch for their child.

Yards at Recreation Times:

• Rough play is not allowed
• Pupils walk to and from the yard/field
• Pupils may not re-enter the school or classroom with the permission of the teacher on duty
• Name calling and use of inappropriate language is not permitted
• Pupils “freeze” when the first bell rings and walk to their assigned line when the second bell rings
• In exceptional circumstances parent/guardians may make a request for their child not to go out to play at break/lunch times. Child may wait outside the staff room.
• Pupils who receive injuries at school will receive first aid. Parents will be contacted in the event of a serious injury.

School Outings:

Pupils are required to

• Listen carefully to all instructions.
• Represent the school well.
• Adhere to bus rules

1. Board one at a time
2. Sit down and put the seat belt on
3. No messing on the bus
4. Leave the bus as directed by the teacher
5. Get off the bus one at a time – no jumping from the bus
6. Line up in the designated area
7. Respect all adults on the bus
8. Respect the property of the bus company

• The rules of the venue and safety guidelines must be strictly obeyed.
• If “Buddy System” is in use pupils must stay with the assigned “Buddy” (i.e.) (Two’s System)
• School Policies on Tours and Mobile Phones will apply

Before/After School

Parents are reminded that the staff of the school does not accept responsibility for pupils before official opening time of 8.50a.m. or after the official closing time of 1.30p.m. (infants) 2.30p.m. (other 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 schoolwork 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.
• Provide a positive list of class rules prominently displayed in classroom at the beginning of the school year and reinforced regularly.

Pupils’ 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 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 to school.
• Follow school and class rules.

Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians

The school depends on parent/guardians to support good behaviour and discipline.

• Provide their children with positive models of behaviour
• Children need boundaries and rules about behaviour. Parents should talk to their child about school rules. They help make the school a safe place where everyone can learn and nobody feels left out or threatened.
• Ensure your child attends school regularly and on time. The school day commences at 8:50am for all classes. The school day finishes at 1:30pm for Infants and at 2:30pm for all other classes. Following all absences the parent should complete and sign the appropriate record of absence template in the homework journal. Absences of more than 20 days will automatically be reported to the Tusla (Child & Family Agency). Ref: School Attendance Policy.
• Children who are required to leave the school before the official school times must be collected in the school by a parent/guardian and should be signed out/signed in by a parent/guardian when returning to school. The signing facility is available at the school office.
• Be interested in, support and encourage your child’s school work.
• Co-operate with teachers in instances where your child’s behaviour is causing difficulties for others.
• Ensure the school has up to date contact information for parents/guardians and emergency contact personnel.
• Ensure an ordered structured day for your child with regular meal times and bed times.
• Check your child has all their needs for class i.e. books, stationary, swimming gear etc.
• Share information with the school in relation to any problems which may affect your child’s progress/behaviour. This information will be maintained on your child’s file on Aladdin.
• Be aware that many of our children have food allergies and nuts or foods containing nuts should not be included in your child’s lunch. The class teacher will not distribute party bags or holiday treats from parents in keeping with this health and safety concern for all our pupils.
• Any deliberate damage to property by a pupil must be paid for by the parent.
• Behave in a respectful manner.
• Co-operate with the school’s healthy eating policy. (ie) a treat only on Fridays. No chewing gum, glass bottles, foil packed or fizzy drinks allowed.

The Role of Parents:

• Parents and guardians are expected to familiarise themselves with the school’s Code of Behaviour.
• Parents and guardians should communicate with the school about factors likely to affect the performance of their children.

School Rules:

• Pupils should treat other pupils and staff with courtesy, respect and good manners at all times in school and on all school related activities.

• Pupils should walk in school at all times and should walk in the playground except during break times.

• Pupils should keep the school tidy and free of litter using bins provided.

• Pupils may bring only school – related items. N.B. No money, No toys.

• Pupils are required to be punctual, school starts at 8.50a.m.

• Pupils should have all the books and other requisites outlined on the booklist each year and be fully prepared for every class.

• Rowdy behaviour, bullying and bad language are forbidden

• Pupils must not deface, damage or destroy any property. An appropriate payment must be made for all damages.

• Pupils should not enter the Principal Office, Staff Room, Resource Room, Language Room or Store Room.

• Pupils may not make or receive phone calls except with the permission of the Principal.

• Pupils must not climb on walls, roofs, trees, fences or railing. Throwing anything over school walls is prohibited.

• Pupils may not steal items from school or from another pupil.

• Persistent questioning of the teacher’s authority, answering back, ignoring instructions, or constant classroom disruption, or any misdemeanour that the Principal and Teaching Staff deem to be inappropriate.

• Loitering in toilets is forbidden.

• Hair colouring is not allowed (boys and girls)

• Hair styles/cuts should be in accordance with what the BOM deems suitable and appropriate. Boys are asked to have haircuts no shorter than Blade 4 and to refrain from presenting to school with long hair unless tied back in interest of Health and Safety. Blade hair designs on boy’s heads are not permissible.Girls with long hair must keep it tied back at all times.
• Muslim girls are permitted to wear the Hi-jab providing it is in plain blue or black material. No patterned Hi-Jab.
• Facial piercings are not allowed in the interest of health and safety. One pair of stud earrings are permited to be worn.
• False/acrylic nails, tattoos or make up are not permitted. If children present to school with make-up they will be offered a wipe to remove it.
• We welcome and request parental support with the above.

The above rules also apply to organised school activities outside the school premises i.e. trips, residentials etc

Appendix 1

Sample Rules – that may be adapted to suit each teacher’s classroom

Instructions given by teacher must be obeyed. (Do what teacher says).

Pupils should work to the best of their ability and present exercises neatly. (Work hard).

Pupils must stay seated in their places unless told otherwise. This is particularly important when teacher is called from the room. (Sit in your place).

Pupils should keep unhelpful hands, feet, objects and comments to themselves. (Don’t interrupt the teacher or interfere with other pupils or their property).

Rules around the School (samples)

Pupils must walk quietly in corridors, going to and from yard, hall, church etc.

Pupils must follow the “three bell” instructions, stay in designated area, and may leave the yard only with a teacher’s permission.

Pupils must play safely at all times. Anti social, dangerous or hurtful behaviour is forbidden, (e.g. wrestling, headlocks, jockey backs, bullying, intimidation, teasing, jeering, fighting, spitting, kicking, charging in groups, bad language, exclusion).

Pupils should walk to gates at going home time.

All classroom rules will be based on the above and it is the duty of the class teacher to develop a positive wording of such, display in a prominent position, teach rules to the children and reinforce our school code of behaviour and discipline at all times. Rules for class will be drawn up in conjunction with the pupils and class at the beginning of each school year.

Appendix 2

Covid-19 – Breaches in relation to the Code of Behaviour and Discipline and Anti-Bullying

Sanctions will be imposed for failure of a child/adult to adhere to social distancing and cough etiquette/spitting/sneezing. Name calling or any untoward referencing of Covid-19 that staff feel is inappropriate and will be swiftly dealt with – up to and including immediate suspension for a first offence.

In relation to adult breaches, An Garda Síochana will be notified immediately and criminal charges will follow.

SN San Nioclás, is a 12 Teacher Primary School under the Patronage of the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell.

The ethos of our school is a major factor in influencing, establishing and maintaining high standards of behaviour and discipline. It is a community where moral values such as honesty, truthfulness, justice, fairness, sensitivity to others and civic responsibility are nurtured and protected. The justification of these qualities are based on the Biblical teaching interpreted by the church.

It is generally accepted that the quality of teaching has a direct influence on pupil behaviour. Lively and stimulating methods with work well matched to pupil’s abilities are likely to receive a positive response from children.

Equally schools need the support of parents in order to meet legitimate expectations with regard to good behaviour and discipline.