MEMBER OF E.R.S.T. with a Catholic Ethos:

S.N. Mhuire na mBraithre (St. Mary’s C.B.S) is a member of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, which endorses the following five key elements: - 1. Nurturing faith, Christian spirituality and Gospel based

values. 2. Promoting partnership in the school community. 3. Excelling in teaching and learning. 4. Creating a caring school community. 5. Inspiriting transformational leadership.

Our school is a Catholic School and will therefore uphold a strong Catholic ethos while at the same time accepting pupils of other faiths. Parents/Guardians of boys whose wish it is not to have them take part in the core religious class must do so in writing. Boys will remain in the class and will be given another activity. Parents/guardians who wish to have their son withdrawn from class during core religious teaching must make meet with Principal to make alternative arrangements. This can be done once the official class timetable is finalised.

The school authority does not accept any responsibility if pupils are inadvertently influenced by the Catholic ethos as it permeates through all school activities. Nor does the school authority accept responsibility if pupils are inadvertently or otherwise influenced by fellow pupils.

DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE POLICY

It is the policy of this school to have a Discipline Committee to help implement the code of discipline procedure. This is done through cooperation with ancillary staff, teachers, principal and board of management, under the guidelines laid down in the code of behaviour and discipline policy.

When it is deemed necessary by the Principal, a pupil will be brought before the Discipline Committee who will as a body impress upon the pupil, how unacceptable his misbehaviour is becoming and will encourage him to change his ways.

The Discipline Committee will at times outline what sanctions and/or punishments are deemed necessary, it will examine how effective they are and it will have the power to amend various sanctions and/or punishments to improve the overall value of the Code of Behaviour and Discipline. It will do this in consultation with Principal, staff and Board of Management.

There will be three members on the Discipline Committee, the Principal and two others, selected from the teaching staff. However, if any one of the members is absent or away, one extra teacher will be nominated to sit on the committee in cases of emergency. In the interest of consistency and fairness, this will only be activated in emergency situations.

Discipline Committee Members: September 2012 – June 2013

Mr. Denis Cotter Mrs. Geraldine Purcell Mrs. Kay Kelly Ms. Breda Sheahan (Selected Substitute Member)

This policy will be reviewed in April 2013

GROSS MISBEHAVIOUR

(i.e. likely to lead to automatic suspension)

Any item listed under serious misbehaviour repeated continuously.

Head butt.

Any physical assault on members of staff.

Unprovoked physical assault on pupils.

Bad language as verbal abuse to other pupils and staff.

Deliberate damage to others’ property.

Spitting at others.

Serious threatening other pupils and staff.

Deliberate lies against pupils’ or staff (to injure character).

Any other of a similar nature.

Using a mobile phone, DSi or 2009 version of PSP for any reason.

Deliberate taping of teachers.

In regard to the lists of misbehaviour, please note that these are not exhaustive lists. Sanctions will be in line with the level of misbehaviour. Please read the section on “Discipline Procedures.” Please note that gross misbehaviour may lead to immediate suspension as soon as parents / guardians have been contacted.

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ENROLMENT/ADMISSIONS POLICY

Rationale:

We, in S.N. Mhuire na mBráithre, have decided to focus on the area of enrolment in order to fulfill our statutory obligations under the Education Act 1998, and to honour our commitment to promoting inclusivity, equality and parental choice. This policy was ratified by the Board of Management in May 2003.

Range of Classes Taught:

Classes from 2nd to 6th are taught in the mainstream classes, which are all boys as this is a single sex male only school. It may be necessary to have combined classes in a room e.g. 2nd class and 3rd class. Class groupings will be generally decided on age but may on consultation with parents be decided on all round suitability.

Relationship to characteristic spirit of the school.

In our school we wish to ensure that our enrolment policy upholds the characteristic spirit as determined by the school aims and as determined by the cultural, educational, moral and social values and traditions enshrined in our Mission Statement.

Aims of Enrolment Policy:

The aims of this policy are:

To formulate an effective enrolment procedure. To implement the provisions of the Education Act 1998 and

the Education Welfare Act 2000.

To ensure the effective delivery of educational provision within the school.

To effectively communicate procedure to prospective parents.

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SCHOOL COMMUNITY (as per 2012 – 2013)

Principal: Mr. Denis Cotter

Deputy Principal: Mrs Geraldine Purcell

School Chaplains: Fr. E. Cullinane P.P.

Fr. R. Geoghegan

Chairperson of Board: Mrs. Kay O’Sullivan

Class Teachers: Mrs Geraldine Purcell

Classes range Ms. Deirdre Mullan From 2nd class Ms. Victoria White to 6th class and/or Ms. Deirdre Walsh a combination of Mrs Louise Brennan same. Mr. Denis Cotter

Learning Support Teacher: Mrs Kay Kelly

Resource Teachers: Mrs Geraldine McAneny

Ms. Breeda Sheahan

Special Needs Assistants: Mrs. Marian Bourke,

Secretary: Ms. Alex Clifford Caretaker: Mr. Tony Hogan Maintenance Staff: Ms. Pauline Quinn

Ms. Joan Power

Visiting Educationalists: Occasionally, we welcome drama groups,

environmental experts, performers, entertainers, musicians, storytellers, social-awareness groups & sport coaches etc to the school, to enhance the learning experiences of the pupils. 2

SERIOUS MISBEHAVIOUR

> Blatant bad manners > Theft

> Deliberate lies > Disrepect > Answering back > Defiance > Insolence > Fighting > Bullying > Intimidation > Bad language > Spitting > Truancy > Kicking others. > Threatening other pupils > Teasing or inciting others. > Bringing lewd material into school. > Any other similar in nature. > Having a mobile phone, DSi or (2009) PSP in school. > Damage to others’ property by being careless. > Any item listed under misbehaviour when repeated

continuously.

Mobile phones are not allowed in school under any circumstances.

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MISBEHAVIOUR

> Answering out of turn.

> Interrupting others

> Throwing items.

> Eating in class.

> Generally messing.

> Wasting time.

> Disobedience.

> Rough play.

> Running in corridor.

> Telling lies (i.e white lies).

> Late for school without good reason.

> Not making an honest effort at class work.

> Getting out of desk without permission.

> Any other similar in nature.

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GUIDELINES:

The school depends on the grants and teacher resources provided by the Department of Education and Science and it operates within the regulations laid down, from time to time, by the Department. School policy has regard to the resources and funding available. As funding may not always be adequate for all school areas and/or activities the school authorities reserve the right to raise funds in the following way:

Voluntary contribution by parents Non-uniform day. Sponsored walk / run by pupils. Raffle or draw Other as may be deemed necessary.

The school also recognizes the Parents’ Association. It is grateful for the help and support received from the Association in school activities especially at communion, confirmation and graduation time.

The school follows the circular programs prescribed by the Department of Education and Science, which may be amended from time to time, in accordance with Sections 9 and 30 of the Education Act (1998). Within the context and parameters of Department regulations and programs, the rights of the patron as set out in the Education Act (1998) and the funding and resources available, the school supports the principles of:

Inclusiveness, particularly with reference to the enrolment of children with a disability or other special educational needs.

Equality of access and participation in the school.

Parental choice in relation to enrolment; and Respect for diversity of values, beliefs, traditions, languages

and ways of life in society.

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ENROLMENT PROCEDURE 1

Our enrolment policy seeks to ensure equality of access. No child is

refused admission for reasons of ethnicity, disability, special needs,

language, traveller or asylum seeker/refugee status, religious beliefs,

family or social background or circumstances.

Only boys who have completed 1st class in the Presentation Convent

Primary School, Carrick-on-Suir or in another mainstream school within the

state or who have completed an equivalent course in another state, will be

eligible for enrolment in the school.

Evidence of the child’s progress to date and of his ability to take part in the

school’s educational activities must be provided so that the school

authorities can assess the school’s suitability and its capability in catering

for the child’s educational and social needs. Reports from his previous

school, detailing the child’s educational, behavioural, social and academic

development must be provided. If the reports are not provided the Board

of Management reserves the right (a) to retrieve such reports from the

relevant authorities and (b) to defer enrolment to ensure the above criteria

are met. In exceptional circumstances, a reduced school day may be

considered for pupils who present with difficulties, particularly where

there may be Health and Safety concerns and disrupts to the point of

preventing others education and/or is a danger to others.

While recognising the right of parents to enrol their child in the school of

their choice, the Board of Management has responsibility to respect the

rights of the existing school community and in particular, the children

already enrolled. This requires balanced judgements, which are guided by

the principles of natural justice and acting in the best interest of all children.

Assisting the school in such circumstances, the Board of Management

reserves the right to determine the maximum number of children in each

separate classroom bearing in mind:

DES maximum class average directives.

Multi-grade classes

Presence of children with special educational/behavioural needs.

Size/available space in classrooms.

Educational needs of children of a particular age. 4

In the belief that the most effective schools tend to be those with the best relationships with parents/guardians, every effort will be made by the Principal and staff to ensure that: -

Parents/ guardians are kept well informed.

That the school provides a welcoming atmosphere towards

parents/guardians.

Those parents/guardians are not only told when their children are in

trouble but equally when they have behaved particularly well.

This code will be reviewed again in April 2013

BULLYING POLICY

Our bullying policy lies within the overall Behavioural Policy and appropriate sanctions will be imposed from Possible Discipline Sanctions (see page 18) and procedures will be followed as per Discipline Procedures (see page 19).

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Once an allegation of bullying is made by a pupil(s) or person(s) the allegation will be logged by the person to whom the allegation is made. This will be investigated by monitoring the situation and/or interviewing the victim (privately) and alleged bully (privately) by establishing and interviewing any witnesses. All information will be logged. Once it can be accepted that bullying is taking place the principal (if not involved) will be informed at this stage. The procedures outlined in the discipline procedures will then be activated.

All pupils will be taught various protection strategies through the Stay Safe programme and relevant strand units of the S.P.H.E. programme. They will learn that bullying is totally unacceptable. The school also has an R.S.E. policy which is taught to all classes relevant to age and maturity as part of the S.P.H.E. Curriculum. This policy is available in school upon request.

See further details on “Bullying” in the school’s ‘Plean Scoile’

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8. Exceptional cases will be referred to the School Board of

Management.

9. In cases where the pupil is unwilling to co-operate, the parents will be requested to remove the pupil from the school and the National Education Welfare Board and DES will be contacted.

Communication with parents will be verbal or by letter, depending on the circumstances. The parents concerned will be invited to come to the school to discuss their child’s case. Each case will be treated on an individual basis but consistency will apply at all times.

In the case of gross misbehaviour, the Board of Management has empowered the Principal to sanction an immediate suspension, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents. Permanent exclusion from the school will be considered only after every effort at rehabilitation has failed and all other sanctions have been exhausted.

Every effort will be made to have an emotionally disturbed child referred for psychological assessment without delay. Help will be sought, also, from support services within the wider community e.g. Community Care Services provided by the Health Board.

A copy of this code is being made available to all parents /guardians. They are requested to sign, stating that they have read the Code of Discipline and that they will give their full co-operation to the school authorities.

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ENROLMENT PROCEDURE 2

In the event that the applications for enrolment exceed/are expected to exceed the number of places available, the following decision-making process will apply. The Board of Management will prioritise as follows:

Boys from the Presentation Convent Primary School.

Boys of Catholic Denomination living in the parish.

Boys living within the parish.

Brothers (including step and foster resident at the same address)

of boys already enrolled.

Boys of the staff or members of the Board of Management.

Boys of a parent who has had a previous child in the school.

Boys whose home address is closest to the school, if the child

is normally resident outside the parish/agreed catchment area.

Boys of past-pupil.

If spaces are still available after adhering to the above criteria all

other enrolments will be on a first come first served basis

It is a prerequisite to enrolment that all pupils and their parents/ guardians will abide by and uphold the schools Code of Behaviour. Pupils enrolled are also required to co-operate with and support all school polices on curriculum, organisation and management. The Board of Management places parents/guardians responsible for ensuring that their child co-operates with said polices in an age appropriate way.

While recognising the right of parents to enrol a child in the school of their choice, the Board of Management reserves the right not to allow a child (or children) to totally destabilise the ethos and discipline code of the entire school. The Board of Management also reserves the right to protect the physical safety and educational rights of the vast majority of pupils. To do these the Board of Management reserves the right to defer enrolment, to refuse enrolment (in extreme circumstances) (C.F.Section 21 Ed.Act 1998 & Crit 22/02) to suspend and/or expel an individual or individuals.

5

ENROLMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

At the time of application, it is the duty of parents to inform the Principal of any known disability/special needs the child may have.

In relation to applications for the enrolment of children with special needs the Board of Management will request a copy of the child’s medical and/or psychological report or where such a report is not available, will request that the child be assessed immediately. The purpose of the assessment report is to assist the school in establishing the educational and training needs of the child relevant to his disability or special needs and to profile the support services required.

Following receipt of the report, the Board will assess how the school can meet the needs specified in the report. Where the Board deems that further resources are required, it will, prior to the pupil commencing, request the Department of Education and Science to provide the resources required to meet the needs of the child as outlined in the psychological and/or medical report. These resources may include for example; Access to or the provision of any of a combination of the following:

> Visiting teacher service. > Transport services or other. > Resource teacher for special needs. > Special Needs Assistant. > Specialised equipment or furniture

The school will meet with the parents/guardians of the child to discuss the child’s needs and the school’s suitability and capability in meeting those needs. Where necessary, a full case conference involving all parties will be held, which may include any of/ or a combination of the following: parents, principal, class teacher, learning support teacher, special class teacher, resource teacher for special needs and/or S.E.N.O, pychologist, psychiatrist, DES inspector, social worker, health board official, Board of Management members. 6

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

1. If a pupil misbehaves the class teacher will correct him in the first instance.

2. If the misbehaviour continues the class teacher will make

contact with the parents/guardians by a note in a homework diary or by letter and / or meet them.

3. If the misbehaviour still continues the class teacher will inform

the Principal, who will speak to the pupil, encourage him to change his behaviour, warn him about his future conduct, contact the parents and advise them of the

seriousness of the misconduct. 4a. If a pupil continues to misbehave, he will be placed on “Report” 4b. If a pupil on report continues to misbehave he will be brought

before the Discipline Committee and (appropriate) sanctions will be imposed.

5. If there is still no improvement, a meeting will be

arranged between the pupil, the parents/guardians, the Principal and the Deputy Principal. Further more serious sanctions will be imposed at this stage.

6. If a matter is sufficiently serious, the Principal has the right

in consultation with the Discipline Committee, to suspend a pupil at any time without going through the above procedures.

7. Once a pupil has gone through the above process and

been suspended, any further offence may merit suspension at the discretion of the Principal

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POSSIBLE DISCIPLINE SANCTIONS

In the event that a pupil does not embrace the schools guidelines/policy of positive behaviour and continues to misbehave and/or disrupt school proceedings a graded series of sanctions have been outlined: -

Denial of certain privileges such as Golden time or discretionary time, extra-curricular activities.

Some extra written work (age appropriate)

Some punishment written work. Removal to another classroom to work.

Removal to Principal’s office.

When misbehaviour happens in the playground: -

Removal for a time from playground. Removal from playground for a day. Removal from playground for 3 days in the case of a fight. Removal from the playground (by parents) for an extended

period of time if warranted.

Detention at break time and/or lunch time.

Put on “report”. Detention after school (prior to this stage parents will have been

met, pupil will have been spoken to and put on report).

Suspension: will only be activated if there is non-cooperation by pupil and/or parents or if an act or situation is considered extremely serious by the Discipline Committee.

Short day: A pupil may be allowed to attend the school only on a shortened day, if extreme circumstances dictate that his actions are such that they cause serious disruption to other pupil’s education and/or they are a serious danger to others.

Expulsion: May be used when all other possibilities are exhausted and the National Education Welfare Board along with the D.E.S. have been contacted.

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PUPILS TRANSFERRING

Pupils may transfer to the school at any time, subject to school enrolment policy, schools application procedure, and available space and in some cases, the approval of the Department of Education and Science. It is a requirement of the Board of Management that information concerning attendance and the child’s educational progress and behavioural records are communicated between schools.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Parents who wish to enrol pupils in S.N. Mhuire na mBráithre are expected to provide a completed Application Form to the Principal or Secretary by May 31st of the year in which they wish to start school. In the case of pupils transferring from other schools other than (Presentation Primary) application forms must be completed with all the relevant data as soon as possible. The application will be processed and parents will be informed of the Boards decision in writing within no more than twenty-one days.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE:

By post for collection at the school’s office. By contacting the secretary at 051 641333.

In the case of children who are Roman Catholic a copy of the child’s Birth and Baptismal Certificate is requested with the Completed Application form (original certificate will be photocopied and returned immediately to the parents). It will then be on file when children are later receiving the Sacraments of Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Parents of children who are not Roman Catholics are requested to hand in a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate to be photocopied and returned. 7

PLEASE NOTE: A. That when a pupil is absent for 20 days (or more) the National

Education Welfare board shall be contacted immediately.

B. That should a child disclose abuse of any kind to a staff member, the Principal is obliged by law (under Child

Protection Guidelines) to report same to the H.S.E. This may have to be done without parent(s)’/guardian(s)’ consent and/or

knowledge depending on circumstances. A copy of the school’s Child Protection Policy is available at any time in the school. This policy was formulated in line with the Children

First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011. The Stay Safe programme is taught to help

equip pupils with the skills to protect themselves as per the schools Child Protection Policy.

RIGHT OF APPEAL Parents have the right to appeal a refusal, by a school to enrol a

student, under section 29 of the Education Act. Details of Section 29 are available on the National Education Welfare Board website www.newb.ie.

When refusing to enrol a pupil it is the policy of this school to attach the above information.

Parents have the right to appeal the decision of a school to suspend a pupil for 20 days or more.

Parents have the right to appeal an expulsion. It is the policy of this school to inform parents of this right.

8

REWARD & RECOGNITION

As part of our policy of encouraging positive behaviour, we hold

an assembly at the end of each month, where we speak to the

pupils, encourage them and praise them. We present certificates to

“Pupil of the Month”, “Achiever of the Month” and “Class of the

Month”. At the end of the school year we have “Pupil of the Year”,

“Achiever of the Year” and “Class of the Year”. Rewards such as

homework passes, a class party and a film are given monthly to

class of the month. A day trip is given to the ‘Class of the Year’,

‘Pupil of the Year,’ ‘Achiever of the Year’ and pupils with full

school attendance. The boys leaving the school at the end of 6 th

class together with their parents attend a Graduation Mass and an

awards ceremony in June.

SPORT & PLAY Children are allowed to play ball in the playground during their

free time, provided that a small light ball is used. Each child must

be aware of the danger of passing traffic and must not go outside

the gates without permission from a teacher. All pupils are

encouraged to attend swimming lessons at the Sean Kelly Sports

Complex. Pupils will pay a nominal fee per week for transport to

swimming sessions. The swimming lessons are paid from school

funds, which have been collected following an annual sponsored

run. Many pupils take part in school sports such as hurling,

football, athletics, tennis, rugby, badminton, basketball and

handball. The pupils also have PE as part of the curriculum. We

would encourage all the pupils to get involved in the games.

HOME-SCHOOL LINKS

We actively encourage the participation of parents/guardians in

our activities. The Parents Association has been extremely helpful

and supportive (particularly at the Communion, Confirmation and

Graduation ceremonies) and we appeal to all parents to become

involved. A number of newsletters will be sent out during the

school year giving information etc. We encourage children to write

little pieces for these. 17

GENERAL HEALTH & SAFETY

Pupils must receive permission from authorised school staff to leave the school for any reason.

When crossing the road the pupils should obey the instructions of the rules of the road.

Pupils with bicycles should walk to and from the school exits. On the corridors and stairs pupils always walk on the right-

hand side.

Pupils must sit at their desks unless otherwise instructed. Smoking and/or any other controlled substance are strictly

forbidden.

Dangerous implements, such as penknives and blades are strictly forbidden and will be confiscated.

In the interests of safety, rings, earrings and studs are not allowed. (Except for the first 6 weeks when earrings and studs must be covered.)

Rough play, such as kicking, mock fighting, thumping is strictly forbidden.

Sporting or other equipment is used only with permission.

The pupils are strongly urged to eat healthy lunches. Sweets, crisps, fizzy drinks and chewing gum are forbidden in

the school and it environs.

Pupils are not allowed to use Tippex.

Fire evacuation drill must be carried out promptly, in silence and in accordance with instructions.

Tampering with the fire or burglar alarm is a very serious offence and may result in suspension.

Mobile phones are not allowed in school (on or off). DSi’s and PSP’s that download games are banned on Health

and Safety grounds.

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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Our school philosophy is:

That we place emphasis on good manners, consideration for others and discipline.

Our school aims are:

To enjoy learning and perceive education as a life long process. To create a happy, caring environment. To teach children to behave in a disciplined and socially acceptable way. To acquire good attitudes to learning and hard work. To provide experiences and activities where all children can find some success – so that a sense of self-esteem is felt.

Opening Times: 9.20am – 3.00pm.

The school premises will be open to pupils 20 minutes before official opening time i.e. 9.00am. If there is any deviation from the usual times of opening or closing, for any reason, parents or guardians will receive prior notice of adjusted times.

The school calendar: The school calendar is drawn up at the beginning

of each school year. Parents or guardians will be supplied with a copy of the calendar. If the calendar has to be adjusted for any reason, parents or guardians will be informed. As the school uses the text-a-parent system to communicate with parents/guardians it is the responsibility of all parents/guardians to provide a correct current mobile phone number to the school.

The school curriculum: The school follows the curriculum programme

set down by the Department of Education and Science, which includes the subjects: Religion, Irish, English, Mathematics, Visual Arts, Drama, S.E.S.E., Social Physical Health Education and Music. The school provides a wide range of artistic, sporting, social and cultural activities which helps to develop the talents of pupils. This helps provide them with the ability and confidence to be involved in various activities in later life. 9

Extra-curricular activities: Extra-curricular activities include gaelic

football, hurling, soccer, badminton, volleyball, quizzes & chess. These rely on the goodwill and volunteerism of some teachers and some parents/guardians. Parent-Teacher Meetings: Formal Parent-Teacher meetings are held

once a year in October/November. Parents or guardians will receive prior notice of the meetings. All parents or guardians are strongly urged to attend, in the best interest of the child.

School Functions: Parents/Guardians are welcome to attend at the

special functions listed here. The monthly awards presentation held in the school, to reward the best class attendance, the most improved class pupil, class pupil of the month, the best class of the month and extra-curricular achievers; the annual school sports, the annual school carol service and Nativity play, any school sports presentation, any school visual arts exhibition, 6th Class graduation ceremony, 2nd Class Communion ceremony and end of Year Awards Ceremony.

Fund-Raising: It is necessary for the school to arrange fund-raising

events to supplement funding from the Department of Education and Science and other official grants, in order to maintain a high level of service to the needs of our pupils. Parents and guardians are therefore urged to support all our fund-raising efforts, which may include: The annual sponsored walk, non-uniform days, cake sale, book fair, sponsored readathon/spellathon, bring and buy sale, other as may be deemed necessary.

Parents Association: The school has a voluntary Parents’ Association, which meets on selected nights in the school. The association helps to promote the development of the pupils, and assists with various school activities. The Association can be contacted through the school office at (051) 641333.

10

RULES OF THE SCHOOL

Pupils are required to show respect to staff, to pupils and to all members of the school community.

In class the pupils should be attentive to their teacher. They must put up their hands and wait for permission to speak. All pupils should come to school each day with the required books, copies, pencils, pens and homework completed.

Pupils will conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner at all times in school, in the vicinity of the school and on school activities. Any form of misbehaviour or disruption is considered unacceptable.

Cursing, swearing, coarse or vulgar language is unacceptable.

Bullying in any form will not be tolerated and will be severely dealt with by the school authorities.

Students must abide by all Health and Safety regulations.

The school uniform as listed must be worn.

Pupils must be punctual.

All absences must be explained by note from parents/ guardians.

Pupils are required to respect school property.

Pupils should place litter in the bins provided before they begin their play.

15

The overall responsibility for discipline within the school rests with the Principal and the Discipline Committee subject to the authority of the school Board of Management. Each teacher has responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his/her class while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school premises. A pupil will be referred to the Principal and the Discipline Committee for serious and gross breaches of discipline and for repeated incidents of minor misbehaviour.

The teachers will keep a written record of all instances of serious misbehaviour but they will also take note of good behaviour and any improvement in behaviour of the disruptive pupils. Before resorting to serious sanctions e.g., suspension, the normal channels of communication between school and parents will be utilized. Parents will be involved and their active co-operation sought at an early stage, rather than as a last resort. They can be assured of a fair hearing and will have a right of appeal to the school Board of Management. At all times the Department of Education & Science regulations will be strictly adhered to.

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The School Ethos:

The Christian ethic has a major influence on the philosophy of our school, in attitudes, inter-personal relationships and the value system we hope to pass on. We see the school as having a spiritual and pastoral ministry characterised by care and justice which is an integral part of preparation for life. It embraces Christian, moral, social, cultural and academic ideals as per our E.R.S.T. Charter. We believe that it is very important to enhance the self- image of each pupil by providing achievable goals suited to his individual needs.

Parents /

Parents/Guardians: We acknowledge that parents are the primary educators of their children and we encourage their involvement in their child’s education. We endeavour to co-operate and communicate with them through talks, meetings, information evenings etc. Their involvement in the parents Association and the Board of Management is vital to the continued success of all our efforts.

Pupils: As well as catering for each child’s academic, spiritual and physical development, opportunities are provided for pupils both in and out of class to exercise responsibility, make choices and take decisions. Such skills are essential in order to cope in a rapidly changing world.

11

A CHARTER OF PUPIL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

As a pupil of S.N. Mhuire na mBráithre.

A boy has the right:

To be an individual and to be true to himself.

To attend school in peace and safety, free from intimidation or bullying. (Bullying includes any form of continuous physical, verbal or emotional abuse, e.g. tampering with the property of others, isolating an individual pupil , name calling etc)

To study and learn without interference from other pupils.

To tell a staff member if anything is making him unhappy.

To say “No” firmly to anything he thinks is wrong.

Each pupil is expected to:

Have respect for himself and for all others – friends, fellow-pupils, teachers, clergy, neighbours, visitors to the school and for the general public.

Have the courage to report any incidents that are a cause of concern.

Help to maintain an atmosphere of peace, respect and friendly co-operation in which all pupils can learn and achieve their potential.

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Code of Behaviour and Discipline Statement

In devising this code of Behaviour and Discipline, consideration has been given to the particular needs and circumstances of this school. The aim is to provide a framework for reasonable and responsible behaviour by all concerned, and to ensure that every reasonable effort is made to accommodate the individuality of each pupil while acknowledging the right of each pupil to education in a relatively disruption-free environment. The school recognizes the variety of differences that exist between pupils and the need to seek to accommodate these differences. It is agreed that a high standard of behaviour requires a strong sense of community within the school and a high level of co-operation among staff and between staff, pupils and parents. We take a positive approach to the question of behaviour using positive techniques of motivation and encouragement. The school places greater emphasis on rewards than on sanctions in the belief that this will, in the long run, give the best results. The rules are being kept to a minimum and are positively stated in terms of what pupils should do. Every effort will be made to match the curriculum to the abilities, aptitudes and interests of each pupil. This will help to reduce boredom lack of interest and lack of progress.

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The School Motto: “To do and to teach”

This is the crest familiar to C.B.S. pupils worldwide.

The emblem is rich in symbolism

In answer to Christ’s call, “go teach all nations”, the Christian Brothers’ Congregation has spread throughout the world but the fact that it was founded in Ireland is recalled by the Celtic design of the cross. The open book: The letters on the open book are the Alpha and the

Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. This is a reminder that all teaching leads ultimately to God.

The Star: Symbolises enlightment and instruction.

The Cross: The symbol of Christ. The Circle Eternity.

Scoil Noamh Mhuire na mBráithre

Carraig na Siúire

2012 - 2013

MISSION STATEMENT

Our school is committed to create the best possible happy, healthy

environment, where each pupil has an opportunity to develop to his

full potential – spiritually, emotionally, socially, physically and

academically, for personal and family life, for working life, for living

in the community and for leisure.

Christian Brothers Primary School (locally known as “The Greenschool”)

Under the trusteeship of the

Edmund Rice Schools Trust (E.R.S.T.)

POSSIBLE DISCIPLINE SANCTIONS

In the event that a pupil does not embrace the schools guidelines/policy of positive behaviour and continues to misbehaves and/or disrupt school proceedings a graded serried of sanctions have been outlined: -

Denial of certain privileges such as Golden time or discretionary time, extra-curricular activities.

Some extra written work (age appropriate)

Some punishment written work. Removal to another classroom to work.

Removal to Principal’s office.

When misbehaviour happens in the playground: -

Removal for a time from playground. Removal from playground for a day. Removal from playground for 3 days in the case of a fight. Removal from the playground (by parents) for an extended

period of time if warranted.

Detention at break time and/or lunch time.

Put on “report”.

Detention after school (prior to this stage parents will have been met, pupil will have been spoken to and put on report).

Suspension: will only be activated if there is non-cooperation by pupil and/or parents or if an act or situation is considered extremely serious by the Discipline Committee.

Short day: A pupil may be allowed to attend the school only on a shortened day, if extreme circumstances dictate that his actions are such that they cause serious disruption to other pupil’s education and/or they are a serious danger to others.

Expulsion: May be used when all other possibilities are exhausted and the National Education Welfare Board along with the D.E.S. have been contacted.

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BULLYING POLICY

Our bullying policy lies within the overall Behavioral Policy and appropriate sanctions will be imposed from Possible Discipline Sanctions and procedures will be followed as per Discipline Procedures.

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Once an allegation of bullying is made by a pupil(s) or person(s) the allegation will be logged by the person to whom the allegation is made. This will be investigated by monitoring the situation and/or interviewing the victim (privately) and alleged bully (privately) by establishing and interviewing any witnesses. All information will be logged. Once it can be accepted that bullying is taking place the principal (if not involved) will be informed at this stage. The procedures outlined in the discipline procedures will then be activated.

All pupils will be taught various protection strategies through the Stay Safe programme and relevant strand units of the S.P.H.E. programme. They will learn that bullying is totally unacceptable.

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