Cód Iompair agus Smachta

Réamhrá

The original Code of behaviour and Discipline was formulated in 1999 by a working group consisting of teachers, parents and members of the Board of Management and was ratified by the Board of Management in March 1999. It is revised and updated regularly as part of School Development and Planning. Its last review was in May 2017. It is due for review again in May 2020.

 

Our Policy Statement:

1. The aim of our Code of Behaviour and Discipline is to ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated, while acknowledging the right of every child to education in an environment which is as free as possible from behaviour that would disrupt the learning process.

 

2. Every effort will be made by all members of staff to adopt a positive approach to the question of behaviour of our school. Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh believes that positive expectations by them can make pupils more responsible in their work and conduct.  The school believes that where teachers insist firmly and fairly on honest effort and commitment from pupils, and on high standards of behaviour, there is greater likelihood that they will obtain them.

 

3. The teachers will make every effort to employ lively and stimulating methods of teaching with a curriculum matched to the abilities, aptitudes and interests of pupils, through differentiation for individual pupils or groups within the class. The school believes that this could offset problems and have a positive influence on pupils’ behaviour.

 

4. Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh recognises the variety of differences that exist between children and the need to accommodate these differences, therefore each disciplinary case will be judged by its own circumstances.

 

5. The teachers believe in a whole–school approach, with continuity and similarity between disciplines of teachers. Each teacher will enforce the school policy in his/her classroom, while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school. While, in most cases, teachers will resolve their own discipline problems, they may occasionally seek the advice of another teacher and/or the principal in certain cases.

 

6. Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh believes that a high standard of behaviour requires a strong sense of community within the school. We believe that teachers, pupils, parents/guardians and the Board of Management are as a small community working towards the same goals and the fulfilment of the same aims. We will all co-operate in creating a positive school spirit, and support all school activities which lend themselves to the creation of such a spirit.

 

7. In the belief that the most effective schools tend to be those with the best relationship with parents, every effort will be made to involve parents as much as possible in the education of their children. The staff will ensure that Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh provides a welcoming atmosphere towards parents, that parents are kept well informed of their children’s progress and that parents are not only informed when their children are in trouble, but also when they are behaving particularly well.

 

Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh believes that parents play a crucial role in shaping the attitudes, which produce good behaviour in our school.  We believe that it is only through the co-operation of parents that the school can achieve and maintain good discipline and high standards of behaviour.

On enrolling a child in the school parent(s)/guardian(s) will be asked to sign a copy of the code of behaviour and discipline.  This must be signed and a copy will be retained in the school.  Signing the code is an acceptance of the school’s code of behaviour and discipline and an agreement to support the staff and Board of Management in enforcing the code. To make children more responsible for their behaviour, the children will be asked to sign the Code of Behaviour and Discipline in 5th and 6th classes.

 

Rialacha na Scoile

The school rules are being kept to a minimum, and are positively stated in terms of what children should do.

• Riail na Gaeilge: Is í an Ghaeilge teanga labhartha na scoile.  Labhartar Gaeilge sa rangsheomra, sa chlós agus ag imeachtaí scoile.
• Léirímid meas agus tuiscint dá chéile i gcónaí .
• Déanaimid ár ndícheall le h-obair scoile agus le h-obair bhaile i gcónaí.
• Ní chuirimid am dhaoine eile amú.
• Tá meas againn ar mhaoin dhaoine eile, agus ar mhaoin na scoile.
• Siúilimid taobh istigh d’fhoirgneamh na scoile.
• Ní bhainimid úsáid as droch-theanga.
• Imrímid go sábháilte agus fanaimid taobh istigh de gheataí na scoile.
• Imrímid go deas séimh agus ligimid do dhaoine eile imirt linn.
• Ní dhéanaimid maistíneacht ar dhaoine eile.
• Riail na Gaeilge: Irish is the language of our school. It is used in the classroom, in the playground and at all school activities.
• We show respect, courtesy and consideration to others at all times.
• We try our best always with schoolwork and homework.
• We do not waste other people’s time.
• We show respect for other school property and the property of others.
• We walk inside the school building.
• We do not use bad language.
• We play safely and remain inside the school gates.
• We play gently and include others in our games.
• We do not bully other people.

 

The Implementation of the code in Infant Classes.

Reward System

The school places a greater emphasis on rewards than on sanctions, in the belief that this will in the long run, give the best results.

The following are some examples of rewards which will be given to children in infant classes. (Other treats could be given in place of the following)

• Stickers, badges or “spotaí dearga”
• Small treat or prize given.
• Child allowed some homework off.
• Child allowed first choice of activity.

Sanctions

While staff will place a greater emphasis on rewards than on sanctions, occasions arise where positive approaches fail.  This is the system used in the Infant classes.

• Reasoning with the child and advice on how to behave.

 

• If the behaviour does not improve the child will be reprimanded in one of the following ways.
  • Temporary separation from peers and friends.
  • Loss of privileges.
  • Prescribing additional work or other written assignment (to be done in school or at home)
  • In the event of a serious incident or recurring misbehaviour the teacher will send an “unhappy face” card home with an explanation attached. The parents can then discuss the incident/behaviour with the child, sign the card and return it to the school. Teachers will keep a record of all cards sent home. The teacher may (at his/her discretion) move to step 3 below at this point.

 

• Teacher will seek a meeting with the parent(s)/ guardian(s) (henceforth referred to as parents) to discuss child’s behaviour.  The parent(s) will be informed that the child is in breach of the school’s code of behaviour and discipline.  The parent(s) will be asked for their co-operation and informed that further steps will be taken if things do not improve.

 

• If after steps 2 and 3 there is no improvement, the child will be referred to the principal. The principal will keep a note of all children referred to him/her, and an account of improvement in behaviour, or otherwise.

 

• If difficulties continue parents will be asked to come and discuss the situation with the teacher and principal. Again parents will be informed that the child is in breach of the school code of behaviour and discipline.  They will also be informed that the next step will involve the chairman of the Board of Management.  If parent (s) decline to attend this meeting, the school will proceed with step 6.

 

• The parent(s) will again be invited to discuss matters with the teacher, principal and this time including the Chairman of the Board of Management. If the parent(s) decline to attend this meeting, the school will proceed with step 7.

 

• 3 days suspension under Rule 130 (5) for national school.

 

• 10 day suspension with written permission of the Board of Management.

 

The Implementation of the Code From 1st to 6th classes.

Reward System

The school places a greater emphasis on rewards than on sanctions, in the belief that this will in the long run, give the best results.  This is the system in use from first to sixth classes

Children will be awarded a réalta (star) for efforts with school work and/or behaviour.  This réalta will be stamped in the child’s dialann obair bhaile.

After 12 réalta are rewarded the child will be presented with a bonn cré-umha (bronze medal).

After 24 réalta are rewarded the child will be presented with a bonn airgid. (silver medal).

After 36 réalta are rewarded the child will be presented with a bonn óir. (gold medal).

 

These boinn will be presented at the school assembly on Fridays.

 

Sanctions

In 1st to 6th classes the system of cártaí bána, buí agus dearga will be used.  These cards will be given to the child for a misdemeanour in breach of a school rule.  A list of misdemeanours is printed on the card and the relevant rule will be marked by the teacher.  (Sample card enclosed).  An account of what happened may also be given on the back of the card.  This card will be signed by the teacher and parent and will be retained in the school. A student may be prevented from attending a school outing or treat because of persistent breaches of school rules or following a serious misdemeanour.

 

The following procedure applies:

• 3 chárta bán.
• Cárta buí

Meeting arranged between guardian(s) and teacher to discuss child’s behaviour.  Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed that the child is in breach of the school code of behaviour and discipline.  They will be asked for their co-operation and informed that further steps will be taken if things do not improve.

 

• 3 chárta bán.
• Cárta buí.

The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be asked to come and discuss the situation with the teacher and principal.  Again parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed that the child is in breach of the school code of behaviour and discipline.  They will be informed that the next step will involve the Chairman of the Board of Management.  If parent(s)/guardian(s) decline to attend this meeting the school will proceed with step 6.

 

• 3 chárta bán.
• Cárta buí

The parent(s)/guardian(s) will again be invited to discuss matters with the teacher, principal and this time the chairman of the Board of Management.  The parent(s)/guardian(s) will also be informed that the next step is suspension.  If the parent(s)/guardian(s) decline to attend this meeting the school will proceed with step 8.

 

• 3 chárta bán.
• Cárta dearg

3 day suspension under Rule 130 (5) for national schools.

 

• 3 chárta bán
• 10 day suspension with written permission of the Board of Management.

 

The benefit of the cárta system is that because the card must be signed by the parent(s) they are informed as soon as each school rule is broken.  While every effort will be made to follow the steps in the above order, in cases of serious misconduct, the school may begin sanctions on a higher step. e.g.  a cárta buí may be imposed for an incident if teacher/principal feels it is warranted.

Teachers will keep a written record of instances of misbehaviour.  This will indicate that nature of the misconduct, the advice and warnings given, and the result of said advice.  Teachers will also keep a record of improvement in the behaviour of disruptive pupils.