Code of Behaviour
2011-2012

Introduction
St.Wolstan’s Community School through its Code of behaviour affirms the right of all its pupils to a disruption free learning environment. The school’s Code of Behaviour is primarily preventative and secondarily corrective. It aims to promote good behaviour through encouraging its pupils to have due regard for their fellow pupils, teachers and environment. The staff contributes towards good discipline by creating a positive environment which fosters feelings of acceptance and achievement and which encouraged good interpersonal relations. The Code of Behaviour aims to promote and develop self -discipline among all pupils. To be successful the Code of Behaviour must be applied consistently and ?rmly. The Board of Management may from time to time revise its Code of Behaviour.

Scope
This Code of Behaviour applies to all our pupils during the school day and while on school related activities.

Relationship to Mission Statement
The Code of Behaviour has been developed in line with our Mission Statement.

Rationale
As a school community we value the development – spiritual, moral, academic physical and social of all individuals in St.Wolstan’s Community school. We aim to foster a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect between staff and pupils. We seek to promote a sense of responsibility within an atmosphere of honesty justice and commitment to work. The Code of Behaviour is based on these principles.

Objectives
Our objectives are to: Clarify expectations of behaviour and to outline sanctions for misbehaviour.
Ensure that teaching and learning can take place without disruptions.
Make students, parents and teachers aware of the procedures for dealing with misconduct and infringement of school rules.

School Regulations
The following school regulations must be adhered to:
1. Students are expected to show respect at all times for all individuals within the school community,
- Respect for self, peers, and all staff.
- Respect must be shown to staff of the school in and outside of class e.g. no threats, intimidation, or abusive behaviour.
- Respect must be shown to fellow students at all times, e.g. no pushing, ?ghting, bad language, or bullying.
2. Respect for property: students are expected to show respect for school property and property of others.
3.Every one has the right to attend school without fear of any sort of intimidation, whether physical or emotional. Bullying of any sort will not be tolerated {see Anti – Bullying Policy}
3.Every student has the right to learn within a positive learning atmosphere. Behaviour, which interferes with this right, will not be tolerated.
4.The wearing of the full school uniform TO, IN and FROM school is compulsory at all times and at all school functions unless otherwise speci?ed. School uniform can be viwed under the School Uniform Tab



6. Any pupil using, selling/buying or having illegal substances in her possession, will be suspended and will be referred to the Board of Management for expulsion. For health and safety reasons students are prohibited from giving or taking any form medication from another student.
Smoking and / or possession of cigarettes, lighters, matches etc. are strictly forbidden in the school, on the school grounds in the vicinity of the school, or while away on school activities. Infringement of this rule warrants suspension. Parents / guardians will be noti?ed.
8. a. Punctuality. Punctuality is essential to the smooth running of the school. School begins at 9.05 am with registration; this and all other start times must be adhered to. Students who are late must register at reception. Late registration will be recorded in the of?ce, where a late registration stamp for unexplained lates will be placed in the student’s journal. In order for a late to be explained, a note must be presented to the year head. Three unexplained lates will incur detention, and parents will be informed. Students with an explanation will not warrant any penalties. However, students who are persistently late with an explanation may incur detention or may be refused entry.
8. b. Late for class
Students who are late for class may incur detention.
9. a. Absence from school In the event that a student is absent from school a note of explanation, in the students journal, must be presented to the class teacher on the morning of her return to school. Students who are persistently absent from school will be referred to the National Educational Welfare Board. Truancy will warrant suspension.
9. b.Absence from class Students need written permission to be out of class [i.e. a note from a teacher in her Journal]. If a student is missing from class without permission, she may be suspended. Students who miss class for any reason must catch up on notes, homework, etc.
10. Leaving school early Students must not leave the school premises during school hours without Authorisation to leave school during school hours must be requested in writing in advance by parents/ guardians and signed by the year head, deputy principal or principal, in the student’s journal. The signed journal must be presented to reception before leaving the school. Appointments, such as dental appointments, should, as far as possible, be made outside school time.
11. Homework. Homework must be presented on time. A written explanation from Parents/ guardians, in school journal, must be presented to the teacher if homework is not done. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on homework missed.
12. Books/Equipment The full compliment of books and equipment must be brought to each class. Books clearly marked with the student’s name, should be taken from lockers before registration, during the morning break, and during lunchtime.
13. P.E. Students must get changed into their P.E. uniform for P.E. class, even if they have a note excusing them from participating due to illness/injury. Any student who presents herself for P.E. class without P.E. uniform three times will receive automatic detention. Students who present themselves for P.E. class without P.E. uniform ?ve times or more will have supervised study during the school Sports day in May. All students are expected to wear the approved P.E. uniform during P.E. class. The approved P.E. uniform consists of:
- School Hoodie/Sweater
- White Polo Shirt
- Plain navy tracksuit pants (No other colour)
- White runners
14. Lockers should not be used between classes but if students must go to a locker outside of the official times, the student must have a note in their journal. Students persistently breaching this rule will incur detention. Lockers are available for students to keep their belongings and the privilege may be withdrawn. The school can accept no responsibility for the personal property of students. Lockers are liable for inspection at any time by school management.
15. Chewing gum is strictly forbidden. Infringement causes automatic detention.
Jewellery & Cosmetics
Extremes of fashion are not acceptable.
- The only jewellery permitted is one stud in each ear and one small ring per hand. No other piercing are allowed.
- Make-up and nail varnish (other than clear nail varnish) are not permitted
- Extreme hairstyles are strictly forbidden. This includes shaved hairstyles, dyed or bleached hair and extreme cuts, e.g. lines. The Principal/Deputy Principal will be the ?nal arbiter in relation to the above.
17. Mobile phones /iPods /MP players etc.
Students are not permitted to use Mobile phones/iPods /MP players, during the school day [8.15 am – 4.00 pm]. Phones should be turned off and kept in lockers. Con?scated items will be held for one calendar week and will only be returned to a parent/guardian. Loss, damage or theft of any of the above mentioned items is not the responsibility of the school. Students who refuse to hand up mobile phone with sim card when inappropriately used will warrant immediate suspension.
Mobile phones /iPods /MP players etc. are strictly forbidden during supervised study, and any infringement will be dealt with as above (17a).
18. Correction ?uid /tippex is strictly forbidden.
19. Health and Safety Inside the school building students should walk in an orderly fashion on the left hand side of the corridors and stairs, and never run. For safety reasons, cycling is not allowed in the schoolyard. If a student must bring a car /scooter or other vehicle to school they should not park in the school car park. Students should exercise due care and attention. Parents / guardians should not stop and drop pupils at the school gateway and cause obstruction. Due care and respect for fellow motorists is essential for safety. Parents/ Guardians are requested to abide by the school’s parking code which is available on the school website (www.stwolstans.ie)
20. Suspension from class or from school In the case of serious breaches of discipline or of continuous disruptive behaviour a student may be suspended from a particular class or from school for a period of time.The Principal and Deputy Principal may only impose this sanction.
21. Expulsion This is an option, which will only be considered in the case of conduct, which is consistently a serious or continuous breach of school rules or a serious infringement on the rights of other students and staff. A school recommendation on expulsion will be referred to the Board of Management
22. School lift
Unauthorised use of the lift is forbidden.

New rules may be introduced as and when the circumstances arise.