Code of Behaviour (Adopted by B.O.M. 29/03/11)

Coláiste Pobail Acla

(A) General Principles

At Coláiste Pobail Acla, students are expected to:

•  Show respect for themselves, for all members of the school community and for any visitors to the school.
• Be polite, inclusive, helpful and use respectful and dignified language whilst in school.
• Behave in a manner consistent with school standards whilst wearing the school uniform and on school activities.
• Look after and use appropriately the property of the school and that of members of the school community. This includes books rented under the Book Rental Scheme.
• Maintain the school environment by adhering to our Green Schools Code.
• Refrain from eating or drinking in classrooms, practical areas or the computer room. The use of chewing gum on school grounds is also strictly prohibited.
• Behave in a manner that does not endanger either themselves or others. To this end, students must not, either on school grounds or school activities:
• possess or use illegal or dangerous substances.
• smoke or be in possession of tobacco products.
• drink or be in possession of alcohol.
• possess or use anything that can be used as a threat or a weapon.

(B) Attendance and Punctuality

•  Full attendance is expected in Coláiste Pobail Acla.
• Students must be in class by 9.10am. Students must proceed to class once the bell rings.
• Students must be punctual for all classes.
• In general, visits to lockers and toilets must be confined to specified breaks.
• A student who is absent or late must bring a signed and dated explanatory note on his/her return to school. This note is to be handed in to the office.
• Students must not leave the school grounds during the course of the day without written permission from a parent/guardian.
• Students must sign out at the office before leaving the school grounds and must sign in if arriving late.

(C) Uniform and Appearance

•  Full uniform must be worn at all times. A student not in full uniform must present an explanatory note to the Deputy Principal/Class Tutor signed by a parent/guardian on their arrival.
• Students are expected to present themselves at school both neatly and appropriately. School management reserves the right to define appropriate presentation.
• Jackets, non-school hoodies, hats, caps, scarves and gloves are not to be worn in class.
• Students are expected to dress appropriately for practical classes; these specific requirements will be clarified by the subject teachers.
  

(D) Application to Studies

•  Students are expected to work to the best of their ability at all times.
• Under no circumstances should students interfere with or undermine teaching and learning in our school.
• Students must have all necessary equipment, materials and textbooks for each lesson.
• Students must have their school journal in each class.
• For all students, the use of mobile phones, electronic devices and headphones is strictly prohibited during class periods.

(E) Rewards for good behaviour

•  Awards for attendance – presented at end of each year.
• Positive notes in journals and copies.
• Praise and encouragement for effort as appropriate.
• Display of student work in classrooms and school environs.
• School support for in-class competitions (practical support e.g. money, medals).
• Awards system for various achievements at an end of year ceremony.

(F) Sanctions

Standard sanctions in general use may be applied by subject teachers and class teachers, such as:

• A ‘tick’ in the student’s journal.
• Separation within the classroom.
• Additional homework such as essays, extra questions or work appropriate to the subject area.
• Removal from class for periods under supervision.
• Report to the Class Tutor.
• Supervised detention, either during Thursday lunchtime or on Friday evening.
• Being assigned tasks within the school building and grounds, e.g. lifting litter, cleaning desks.

(G) The Student Journal

•  It is the responsibility of every student to have the school journal in class at all times. Failure to do so will result in an evening detention.
• The journal must be used by the student to note homework given during the school day.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in an evening detention.
• The journal must be signed every week by a parent/guardian. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a lunchtime detention.
• The journal must not be defaced by the student.
• Should a student receive two ‘ticks’ in a week, they will be placed on a lunchtime detention.  Three or more ‘ticks’ in a week will result in an evening detention until 5pm on Friday of the following week.
• A student who presents for evening detention more than once per term is placed on report for a week. The report card is to be signed daily by the class tutor and a parent/guardian.

(H) Serious Misbehaviour

As a guide for parents and pupils, the following is a list of some of the offences which are regarded as serious:

• Assault, threat or verbal abuse of a member of staff by a student.
• Wilful damage to property of staff or students.
• Putting a teacher’s or fellow student’s health or safety at risk.
• Possession of knife or other weapons.
• Theft within the school.
• Serious misbehaviour or school-related activities or trips.
• Mitching or scheming from school.
• Use or possession of alcohol or drugs in school or on school activities.
• Engagement in bullying or harassment.

(I) Procedures Relating to Serious Misbehaviour

Suspension or possible expulsion will be applied, following an enquiry by the Principal, a staff member or disciplinary committee delegated by him to do so.

Procedures in cases of immediate suspension:

•  The student will be suspended immediately.
• The parents/guardian will be notified in writing informing them of the reason for the duration of the suspension.
• The parents/guardian are invited to attend, with the pupil, for a formal disciplinary hearing with the Principal.
• At this meeting the case may be reviewed.
• Parents/guardians may appeal the decision of the Principal to the Board of Management where they may present a case to the Board.
• If the Board of Management upholds the decision of the Principal to the Board of Management where they may present a case to the Board.
• If the Board of Management upholds the decision of the Principal, the parents/guardians may appeal the case to a sub-committee of the County Mayo Vocational Education Committee within seven days of the Board of Management at a meeting at which the case had been heard.
• Parents/guardians, together with the suspended student must meet with the Principal or his representative before the student is re-admitted to the school.
• Students who have been suspended for behaviour related offences will not be permitted to represent the school in any capacity.
• Any work in preparation for state examinations missed through suspension is the responsibility of the student.

(J) Review

The Code of Behaviour will be reviewed in May 2012.