Complaints Procedure

It is in the interests of pupils, parents and teachers that good relations should exist between home and school. The teachers are willing to discuss any problems which may arise from time to time. With mutual respect and goodwill, most problems can be resolved readily.

Stage 1:

1. A parent who wishes to make a complaint should meet with the class teacher with a view to resolving the complaint.

2. If the matter is not resolved, the parent should meet with the principal.

3. If the complaint is still not resolved, parent should meet with the Chairperson of the Board of Management.

Stage 2:

1. If the complaint is still unresolved, it should be lodged in writing with the Chairperson of the BOM.

2. The Chairperson should bring the precise nature of the written complaint to the notice of the teacher and seek to resolve the matter within 5 days of the receipt of the written complaint.

Attendance

Each child, to whom the School Attendance Act applies (that is, those between the ages of 6 and 15) is obliged by law to attend school every day on which the school is in operation unless there is a reasonable excuse for not attending. The school authorities are obliged to notify the School Attendance Officer when a child is absent regularly or if a reasonable excuse has not been provided for an absence by the child's parents.

CODE OF DISCIPLINE

Aims of Code of Discipline

The code of discipline aims to achieve three things:

a) The efficient operation of the school and the structuring of in-class discipline so that there exists an efficient and stimulating learning environment.

b) The maintenance of good order throughout the school and respect for the school environment.

c) The development of self-discipline in pupils based on consideration, respect and tolerance for others.

 Principles of Discipline Policy

If the school is to achieve a happy, secure environment in which children can develop to their full potential, it is necessary to provide a framework which promotes constructive behaviour and discourages unacceptable behaviour. The aim is to ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated while acknowledging the right of each child to an education in a relatively disruption free environment. The school code places a greater emphasis on rewards than on sanctions, and the ideal is that pupils will acquire self-discipline. There are times however when it may be necessary to impose sanctions in order to maintain good order and to discourage offenders. We recognise the importance of a strong sense of community within the school and the existence of a high level of co-operation among teachers, ancillary staff, pupils, parents, the Board of Management and the Parents' Association.

 Respect and Courtesy

1. All pupils are expected to treat staff and their fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times. The use of foul language and any form of bullying are unacceptable.

2. Pupils must respect all school property and keep the school environment clean and litter free.

3. Pupils must have all books and required materials.

4. Pupils are expected to work to the best of their ability and to present written exercises neatly.

5. Any form of behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to feel safe is unacceptable.

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 wisely.

1. Pupils leave and enter the school building in an orderly fashion.

2. Pupils must not behave in any way which endangers themselves or others. Rough play comes into this category.

3. Any form of threatening behaviour is unacceptable.

4. Any instructions or directions given by the supervising teacher and/or by the classroom assistant are to be complied with.

5. Pupils line up in an orderly manner at the end of breaks.

6. Pupils are not allowed to run on corridors and in the playground.

7. Pupils may not re-enter the school building during breaks without the express permission of a teacher.

8. If, due to inclement weather, the pupils are allowed to remain indoors, they must remain seated unless given permission to do otherwise by the supervising teacher or classroom assistant.

 Rewards for Good Behaviour

Most of the pupils are very well behaved and rewarding good behaviour is an important part of our Code of Discipline. The following strategies may be utilised to reward good behaviour.

1. Note in pupil's homework notebook to convey messages of approval from teachers.

2. A points table is kept on a class by class basis. Prizes for best behaved classes.

3. Prizes at the end of term for pupils who have not been noted on the yard discipline list.

4. Some homework off if particular targets are achieved.

5. Extra privileges such as doing jobs or being shown a video.

Sanctions

The following strategies may be used to show disapproval of unacceptable behaviour.

1. Reasoning with pupil.

2. Verbal reprimand, including advice on how to improve.

3. Temporary separation from peers, friends and others.

4. Recording of incident of misbehaviour by means of a misbehaviour mark or by a loss of credits.

5. Note in homework journal to parents.

6. Detention during breaks.

7. Withdrawal of privileges.

8. Extra exercises to write out.

9. Pupils who misbehave frequently may not be allowed to participate in school outings for their own safety and that of the other pupils.

10. Referral to Principal.

Note: Although incidents of misbehaviour are recorded, the emphasis is on encouraging children to behave well and praise is given for commendable behaviour. Parents will be informed at an early stage if problems occur and not simply at the point where a crisis has arisen. At times, it is suggested by some parents that the matters to which their attention is being drawn are of a trivial nature, and that there was no necessity to have informed them that their children were misbehaving. The response to this is that while the misbehaviour may appear to be of a trivial nature, it is the cumulative effect of such breaches of the rules which is important and not the offence itself.