Holy Trinity National School Code of Behaviour
Introductory Statement
This policy has been drawn up as a requirement under DES Circular 20/90 on School Discipline. It is a prioritythat the Code of Behaviour formulated, facilitates effective learning and creates the conditions for a positive learning environment . This policy was devised by the School principal and class teacher in September 2005.
Aims:
In keeping with our Philosophy of Education, we aim to ensure the safety and well being of our pupils by:
- Establishing a happy and secure environment for every pupil so that there exists an efficient and stimulating learning environment.
- Creating an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration for others.
- Promoting positive behaviour and self-discipline.
- Assisting parents and pupils in understanding the systems and procedures that form part of the Code of Behaviour and seeking their co-operation in the application of these procedures
- Ensuring that the system of rewards, and sanctions are implemented in a fair and consistent manner
Expectations:
Each child is expected to be well behaved and to show consideration for other children and adult
Each child is expected to show respect for the property of the school, other children’s and their own belongings
Each child is expected to attend school on a regular basis and to be punctual
Each child is expected to do his/her best both in school and for homework
Each child is expected to wear the school uniform in school.
Rough or over- boisterous play in the school yard will not be allowed.
Rewards and Sanctions:
There will be greater emphasis on reward rather than on sanctions.
The reward system includes:
- Regular praise and affirmation,
- Presentation of stars for good behaviour and good oral work,
- ‘Golden Time” where children have a choice of a number of fun activities they can chose from, or bring in their own game from home
- Groups of children are motivated to behave well to achieve progress in ‘Group Reward Games’
- Certificates will be presented.
- As the school grows upwards rewards will change appropriately.
In keeping with the positive objectives of the school code, sanctions will be directed, not towards labeling children but towards clearly indicating certain behaviour as unacceptable, and preventing its recurrence. The following strategies will be used for dealing with unacceptable behaviour
(a) Reasoning with the pupil
(b) Reprimand (including advice on how to improve)
(c) Temporary separation from peers, friends or others
(d) Loss of privileges i.e. Golden Time, Treats etc
(f) Prescribing additional work
(g) Class-teacher discusses difficulties with parents.
(h) If no improvement occurs, parents will be asked to meet class teacher and principal.
(l) The ultimate sanction is suspension in accordance with Department of Education procedures (Section 29 Education Welfare Act.)
The importance of early informal contact with parents with regard to behaviour is crucial. We firmly believe that early intervention will eliminate much of the indiscipline that stagnates learning and negatively effects the class atmosphere.
Recording Incidents of Serious or Persistent Misbehaviour:
Incidents of misbehaviour of a persistent nature, and serious misbehaviour are recorded in the Discipline Book. Parents will be informed about such incidents at Parent /teacher meetings.
Consultation:
In keeping with the above, parents and Board of Management contributed to the formulation and development of this policy.
Success Criteria:
Feedback from pupils, teachers parents and other school staff will be used to judge the effectiveness of this Code.
Successful learning and positive class and school atmosphere will indicate the success of this Code
Review:
The Code of Behaviour will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Bullying:
Definition of Bullying.
Bullying is repeated aggression, verbal, psychological, or physical, conducted by an individual or group against others. (Dept. of Education Document on countering bullying behaviour in primary and post-primary schools; September 1993)
Preventative Measures.
Supervision: School activities will be supervised and monitored at all times, with particular emphasis on those occasions when situations of bullying are more likely to occur, such as assembly time, play time, yard time, sport and games and dismissal time at the end of the school day.
The Stay Safe Programme: The Stay Safe Programme will be taught in Junior and Senior Infants
Lessons: Time will be devoted to discussion on bullying at each class level, with particular emphasis being placed on re-affirming the children’s sense of self-esteem. These lessons will be revised at least once each term and will be sourced from the Stay Safe Programme and the Social Personal & Health Education Disclosure: Children will be encouraged to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour. The difference between ‘telling tales’ about incidents of a minor nature and telling to ‘stay safe’ will be thoroughly explained.
Homework Policy
This policy was formulated in consultation with the Board of Management. It was formulated in February 07 and ratified by the school Board in March 2007.
It will be reviewed again in September 2008 and amended if necessary. Feedback should be conveyed to teachers during the year, at the parent/teacher meeting in February.
Holy Trinity National School seeks to enable each child to develop his/her full potential. Homework encourages pupils to work independently and take responsibility for their assignments.
Aims of homework:
To benefit pupil learning
To reinforce/consolidate work covered in class
To develop study skills
To promote a similar approach to homework across all classes
To strengthen links between home and school
Homework assignments:
Homework in Junior and Senior Infants will consist mainly of oral work, pre-reading/reading.
1st and 2nd classes will be given oral/written work, including spelling, reading, maths, recorder practice etc.
As 1st classes have an extra hour in school each day it was agreed that written homework would be delayed until October. Reading and oral work will be resumed sooner.
Recommended time:
Junior Infants approx. 10 mins
1st. Classes 20 mins max.
2nd Classes 30 mins max
Reading for pleasure is to be encouraged and should not be bound by the above limit.
In first class children will write homework into the child’s homework sheet. It should be neat and legible and children will be praised for doing their best.
Homework will generally be given Mon – Thurs with no written homework on Fridays or on some special occasions which may arise from time to time e.g. child’s birthday etc.
Homework for children with learning difficulties will be tailored according to child’s needs following consultation between parent and teacher.
Parents should sign the child’s homework after the agreed time. If a child is experiencing difficulty with the homework this should be communicated to the teacher – either a note in the homework copy or an appointment sought with the teacher. It is recommended that the homework should be completed before the child becomes too tired – perhaps in the afternoon following a break/snack. Parents should supervise and help as needed but should not do the homework for the child.
If, for some reason, the child did not get the homework done e.g. illness, family occasion etc.) this should be communicated to the teacher – a note on the homework sheet will suffice. If possible the child should complete the homework assignments in a quiet place – free from too many distractions, interruptions
Homework should not cause any anxiety – either for the child or the parent
Healthy Eating Policy
We have a Healthy –Eating Policy in Holy Trinity N.S. We encourage children to bring sandwiches, crackers, fruit, yogurts, cheese etc.
From the very beginning we are committed to fostering in children a healthy life-style and this begins with a healthy diet.
Since November 2006, with the help of our school Parent Association, we have introduced ‘Fruit-Friday’. Each Friday the children are asked to bring a piece of fruit to school and the parents come into school before the morning break to prepare a ‘fruit –salad’ for little lunch. This has been a huge hit with all the children: many trying different fruit for the very first time.
Sweets, chocolate, crisps, bars and fizzy drinks along with chewing-gum are banned. For an after-noon treat on Fridays children are allowed bring a treat.
School Attendance
In the event of a school absence, parents must write a note of explanation to the teacher. In accordance with the National Education Welfare Board Act, the school is obliged to report all pupils who exceed 20 absences in the school year.
