Code of Responsibility and Behaviour.            Ratified by Board of Management-19/4/10(To come into force for 2010/11 school year).

St Joseph’s Patrician College Galway is a Catholic school for boys that reflects and is inspired by the ethos of the Patrician Brothers.
As part of the Le Cheile Trust we promote Catholic education in the spirit of the Le Cheile Charter.
Mission Statement:
To create a safe learning environment where Catholic values are promoted and where each student is helped to reach his full potential and to qualify for the career of his choice.
Mission of the Le Cheile Trust:
To promote Catholic Education as an option within the Irish education system. To develop the schools of the Congregations in the service of their local communities, the state and the Church.

In accordance with section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000, each student’s parents/guardians will be provided with a copy of the school’s Code of Behaviour, before the student enters the school.
Parents/Guardians and students must confirm that the code is acceptable to them, by signing the attached form and returning it to the school. Failure to confirm in writing is deemed by the Board of Management as an acceptance of this policy and the sanctions held within. We look forward to the active support of parents/guardians in implementing our Code.
Our Code takes account of the very important role of parents/guardians and depends on their cooperation for its implementation.
Our Code is presented as a positive support to the teaching and learning of our teachers and students, in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
This Code meets the statutory obligations of the Education Welfare Act 2000 and has been compiled in compliance with the guidelines issued in May 2008.

 

Introduction:
The purpose of this Code is to establish clearly for the entire school community the areas of responsibility and the standards of behaviour that St. Joseph’s Patrician College has set for its students.
The Code sets out the various areas of responsibility for the students and the expected standards of behaviour in the school, the classroom and the wider community.
It outlines the procedures/sanctions that may be used to encourage responsible behaviour.
It is envisaged that all these elements will create effective cooperation between students, parents and staff.
This will help to:

• Create an environment conducive to learning.
• Ensure the rights of teachers to teach and students to learn.
• Promote and develop responsible student behaviour.
• Ensure the safety of students and staff.  Note: the Board of Management has ratified The Child Protection Guidelines for post-primary schools.
• Enable the school to operate smoothly to the benefit of all.

We want to encourage and acknowledge positive behaviour and to foster and develop responsibility and leadership, thus preparing students to participate in and contribute to society and to be conscious of the needs of others.

• St Joseph’s College is characterised by high standards in all areas of school life. We are a Patrician and Le Cheile, Catholic school with good discipline, a strong work ethic, high standards and good relationships.
• We actively support students with special educational needs and those who are disadvantaged. (See Special Needs/Learning Support policy and Guidance policy.)
• We aim to maintain a positive climate where mutual respect and cooperation are fostered throughout the school community.
• We acknowledge that the vast majority of our students observe the rules of the school, work and behave well, produce good work and contribute positively to school life. We recognise and reward these students by praise, positive comments on homework, corrections, journal and school reports and by awards/prizes. Awards, in the junior school, will reward excellence in behaviour, attendance, academic endeavour, extra curricular activities and class spirit.

• We strive for justice and fairness in the implementation of rules and sanctions.  Our Code provides for the implementation of rules and sanctions in a fair and consistent manner for all students.

 

At the start of the school year, each Year Head addresses his/her year group and emphasises the students’ responsibilities under the Code.
The appropriate Head, or teacher delegated by him/her, explains the Code and its operation to all the new students, as part of their induction to the school. They are made aware that their behaviour affects not only themselves, but also those with whom they work and come into contact. The positive aspects of the Code are explained, before drawing attention to the sanctions that may be imposed for poor, unacceptable or anti-social behaviour.

School Rules: The purpose of these rules is to create a safe and positive learning environment for all.

• All students have the right to a safe environment free of intimidation.  All forms of bullying are unacceptable and will be dealt with. (See Policy on Bullying.)
• Students shall show courtesy and respect to each other, to the members of the staff and to visitors to the school, at all times. Failure to do so is a serious offence.
• Students shall ensure that:
• They attend classes on time.
• All homework, written, oral and practical is completed.
• They are neatly presented.
• The school uniform is worn on all school days and on school outings,
  except where explicit permission to the contrary has been given.
• They observe the normal discipline of the classroom in order to foster a
  positive learning environment.
• Absence from school, without the required permission, is a serious offence.
•  Parents/guardians should inform the school, at the earliest opportunity, of any proposed absence of their son. This is most readily done by phoning the office.
• When a student is absent from school a note of explanation, (in Homework Journal for junior school) signed by parent or guardian, shall be given to the office, on his return, stating the reason for and the period of absence. For prolonged absences, due to medical reasons, a medical certificate should be sent in.
• Students must remain on the school premises for the duration of the school day, except during lunchtime. A student wishing to leave during the day should present a note from parent/guardian and get permission from the Principal/Deputy Principal, or if they are unavailable a Year Head /Assistant Principal. If a student presents without a note, the school will contact the parent/guardian by phone, before he is allowed to leave.

Note:   Family holidays should be taken outside the school term, as parents/guardians are legally obliged to have children in school during term.
Medical/dental appointments should be outside school hours, where possible.
Absences will be notified to the Education Welfare Board, when a boy has missed twenty days in any one school year, in accordance with the Education Welfare Act 2000. If the Principal has an educational welfare concern about a student, the Education Welfare Officer may be contacted and asked for his/her involvement, prior to the 20 days mark being reached.

• Each student should behave in a manner that is not likely to compromise his own health and safety, or that of others.
• Students should respect their own property and that of others.
• The school grounds, buildings and property are a valuable resource for the whole school and wider community and should be treated with respect.
• Substance misuse (including tobacco) is strictly forbidden. (Substance Use and Abuse Policy.)
• Students selected for school teams are expected to comply with the instructions of the teacher/coach in charge. They should bring a lunch to school on match/training days and return to class promptly when match/training is finished.They should catch up on all work missed while away.
•  All mobile phones and all recording devices must be switched off in the school grounds, at all times. (Mobile Phone, Recording Device and Internet Policy)
• At all times students should enter and exit using the route designated for them. At break time students should use the area of the schoolyard or buildings assigned to their year group.
• When cycling to and from school, students should exercise due care and attention for their own safety and that of others. Cycling in the school yard is prohibited on health and safety grounds
• Car parking for students: Fully insured and licensed drivers may park in a designated student parking area only, subject to availability. Any display of reckless driving while on school premises may result in withdrawal of parking concession and further sanction, on health and safety grounds.

 

Please Note The Following:
List of possible sanctions  (not exhaustive and not necessarily in order of application):

• Reasoning with student.

            (b)        Verbal or written reprimand.
(c)        Temporary separation from peers. 
(d)       Loss of privileges.
(e)        Detention.
(f)        Additional work.
(g)        Referral to Class Teacher, Year Head, Deputy Principal, Principal.
(h)        Putting student on report
(i)        Communication with parents; a message can be sent to parents through the homework journal, by phone or by letter.  Parental involvement will be sought sooner rather than later.
(k)        Withdrawal from class. This should be for a short period of time, e.g. the duration of the class, and the student must be visible to the teacher or supervised by another teacher.
(l)         Suspension.
(m)        Expulsion.
Uniform and General Appearance

• Students must wear the school uniform during the school day and while participating in school activities, unless otherwise directed by the school authorities.
• The uniform consists of grey slacks, navy jumper with school crest and prescribed blue shirt. Each student has the responsibility to maintain his uniform in a clean and presentable condition and should have an extra shirt and slacks.
• A student not wearing the correct uniform will not be allowed to join any class and must present himself at the office. The rule is: No uniform–No class.
• When conditions warrant, extra garments may be worn at the teacher’s discretion.
• Headwear may only be worn, within the school with the permission of the school authorities. Watches and rings on fingers are the only body jewellery permitted.
• Hair should be clean and tidy and shouldn’t obscure the face. Hair worn longer than collar length must be tied back neatly, while in school.

Clothing and Equipment

• Parents/guardians/students should mark books, jackets and uniforms with a name, so that they are easily identifiable.
• Students should not bring large sums of money/valuable items to school–items of value should be carried on the person, securely locked away or left in the school office for safekeeping.
• Lost property should be reported to the office, as soon as possible.
• Due to the confined nature of the school premises, the use of aerosols is forbidden on health and safety grounds

Extra-curricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities are highly valued and play a significant role in the education and advancement of students. They can enrich and enhance the life of the school, help to build a school spirit, improve relationships and have a positive effect on student behaviour. Accordingly, participation by as many students and teachers as possible is actively encouraged and acknowledged. Students should be aware that it is an honour and a privilege to represent the school.
Only in serious or persistent cases of misbehaviour or lack of cooperation would a withdrawal from participation be considered. The Principal/Deputy Principal may do this after:

1. Consultation with the student, parents and teacher/coach in charge of team/group.
2. A written warning to both student and parents that withdrawal may take place unless behaviour/situation improved within a specified timeframe.

Withdrawal would be for a short term, for a maximum of four weeks and subject to review at the end of that period, when it would either be removed or renewed. An immediate or longer period of withdrawal would be at the discretion of the Principal.

Smoking

• Smoking is a breach of school rules and is illegal. The sanction for breach of the no smoking rule shall be three days’ lunchtime detention for the first offence, a one-day suspension for the second offence and a three-day suspension for a subsequent offence.

Homework Journal/Diary

Junior school

• Students must have their official school journal at all times. The journal should contain a complete record of homework, be treated with respect and not defaced by students.
• Parents and students must sign the form in the journal, signifying acceptance of the Code.
• Parents/guardians must explain all absences, in writing, in the journal on the day the student returns to school. They should check the journal regularly and use it to communicate with staff.
• Teachers may use the journal to communicate with parents
• The journal may be inspected at any time.
• Loss of or damage to a homework journal is a serious matter.

Senior school

It is good practice for senior students to have the school journal. However, the onus is on the student to have and use the journal.

Rules For Classroom Behaviour

To ensure a safe and positive environment for teaching and learning we, the students of St. Joseph’s College, agree to:

• Be on time for class and in uniform. Classes begin at 8.55a.m. and 1.55p.m. (1.10p.m. on Friday).
  (It is expected that each student be seated at his desk, with relevant class material ready, before the teacher enters the room. The classroom door is to be kept open between classes.)
• Be courteous and polite to all school staff, fellow students and visitors. Raise our hands, if we wish to contribute to the class, and speak when invited to do so by the teacher.
• Give full attention to the teacher and follow his/her instructions at all times.
• Give of our best efforts and be positive towards the efforts of others.
• Have our journals available to staff at all times (students in junior school). Record all homework in them each day. Use them for notes to/from home. Keep them in good condition.
• Eat or drink in the room, preferably something nutritious, only with the permission of the class teacher, e.g. on returning from games/school activities, and use the bins for any litter.
• Visit lockers at allowed times only, i.e. before school, at lunch break and after school, and have locks for our lockers.
• Leave class, during the school day, only with the permission of the subject teacher. In general, permission to leave class is sought at the start of class from the incoming teacher or during class, if necessary.
• Recognise our responsibility to behave in a way that allows for effective teaching and learning.
• Use the school’s Internet resources in a safe and effective manner (Acceptable Use policy).

School rules are amended from time to time, in consultation with students, Board of Management, staff and parents. Parents are informed of changes.
Procedures
The school has systems and designated staff members to encourage, monitor and record student punctuality and attendance, as approved by the Board of Management, meeting the statutory obligations of the Education Welfare Act 2000, and adherence to school dress code. Parents will be advised of any ongoing failure in respect of these.
Students who fail to behave responsibly in areas set out in this Code will be spoken to, advised and reprimanded.
The subject teacher, as a leader of learning and with knowledge of individual students and their circumstances, will be a strong supportive influence for students and be their first line of help, should the need arise. A student who has a concern/issue should talk to a teacher, counsellor or Year Head.
He/she will deal with minor/routine incidents of misbehaviour through classroom management and strategies, thus minimising the need for other interventions.
The Year Head, in conjunction with the Principal and Deputy Principal, is responsible for the implementation of the Code for students in his/her year group. Persistent misbehaviour and serious breaches of discipline will be referred to and dealt with by the Year Head and sometimes directly by the Principal/Deputy Principal. In such cases a period of suspension may be warranted.
The Principal is the ultimate authority within the school and is involved in all cases of indiscipline that might involve serious sanctions.
The Deputy Principal, under the direction of the Principal, administers the Code in the school on a day-to-day basis, liaises with and supports the Year Heads, keeps written records as appropriate and reports to/consults with the Principal.
The Board of Management has overall responsibility for ensuring that the Principal, under its direction, administers the Code in a fair and equitable manner.
Examples of common misdemeanours are listed (not exhaustive):
Minor: attention seeking, talking out of turn, turning around in class, not paying attention to the lesson, distracting others, forgetting journal, books or equipment, bringing inappropriate items to class, lateness, littering, eating in class, doing other subject work, not doing homework, misuse of locker, etc.
The teacher will, in the first instance, make a reasonable effort to resolve the problem. Where this is not successful, the teacher may send a letter to the parents/guardians and copy this to the Year Head. If a student gets pre-formatted letters from two different teachers in a school year, the Year Head will interview/reprimand the student and may impose an appropriate sanction. If warranted, a meeting will be convened between the parents/guardians and the Year Head to try to resolve the problem.
More serious: gross disruptive behaviour, skipping class, mocking work of teacher, stealing, mocking efforts of other student, refusal to obey reasonable request of teacher e.g. change seat, hand over mobile phone that was visible/not turned off, throwing an object, leaving the school premises without the required permission, persistent minor offences, etc.
These will be reported to the Year Head, or if unavailable to the Principal/ Deputy Principal, without delay. The Year Head will work with the Deputy Principal, speak to the boy, contact parents/guardians and impose sanctions e.g. detention.
Very Serious: fighting, bullying, racist/sexist/homophobic abuse, absence from school without permission, bad language or sexual innuendo directed at or used to embarrass or upset a staff member, gross verbal abuse to staff, aggressive behaviour toward a staff member, abuse directed at a staff member outside the school, any wilful act that could injure another student or himself, vandalism on way to/from school, possessing/buying/selling a prohibited substance on the school grounds, persistent ongoing minor offences that have not been resolved after repeated interventions by teachers and Year Head ,etc.
These will be referred directly, or via the Year Head, to the Deputy Principal/Principal, as it may be necessary to make immediate contact with parents/guardians and a term of suspension may be warranted. For very serious cases expulsion/exclusion may be considered.

Conduct/Discipline Report Sheet

This is administered by the Year Head. It monitors the student’s performance and behaviour, has to be signed by the teacher at the end of each class, a parent/guardian each evening and returned to the Year Head at the start of each week.
This is likely to be used in addressing repeated offences and in an attempt to change a pattern of negative behaviour. It will monitor a student over a period of time and give him an opportunity to improve his behaviour, afford the parents an opportunity to contribute to and monitor the situation and afford the Year Head a chance to see how the student is behaving in different classes.
Role of Class Tutor (in junior school only)
He/she has primarily a pastoral role. With 1st years, or new students, he/she will help them to become familiar with the school and the systems in place, will be alert for any problems the student might have and pass on information about health or family situation to teachers, as the need arises.
Role of Year Head
The Year Head takes responsibility for the pastoral care, academic progress and behaviour of students in a particular year group. He/she works closely with class tutors/teachers; gets to know students in year; is the next resource available to class teacher if remedial steps taken to improve behaviour are unsuccessful; monitors student performance/behaviour; speaks to, advises and admonishes students; contacts parents/guardians, if necessary; liaises with Deputy Principal/Principal; keeps written records; etc.
The Year Head will deal with breaches of discipline as they occur. Some serious breaches may be reported directly to the Deputy Principal/Principal and dealt with directly. When it is found necessary to impose serious sanctions the Year Head will discuss the matter with the Principal or Deputy Principal.
Detention
Teachers, as part of their classroom and student management may decide to impose a short period of detention. Lunchtime detention usually takes place from Monday to Thursday, from 1 to 1.30p.m. in a designated room. A day’s notice will normally be given to a student being put on detention and parents will be notified by the teacher if the period of lunchtime detention is more than two days.
A more formal sanction of detention may be imposed by the Year Head, Deputy Principal or Principal. Times for detention are determined by the school and may include Saturday morning. Parents will be contacted and given notice of Saturday or other detention outside normal school time. Records will be kept.
Suspension
The Board of Management has delegated to the Principal the authority to suspend a student. The Principal will report all suspensions to the Board, with reasons for and duration of each suspension. Suspension will only be warranted by very serious misbehaviour and fair procedures will be applied. Reasonable opportunity will be given to students and parents/guardians to discuss any situation warranting suspension. The principles of natural justice will apply, i.e. the right to be heard and the right of impartial decision-making. The Board will review the use of suspension in the school on an annual basis. The Principal, or a staff member designated by the Principal, will emphasise to the student and his parents their responsibility for the student’s good behaviour, when he returns to school and will offer support and guidance.

Suspension procedures:

1.         A breach of the Code has taken place and been reported to the Principal (or in the Principal’s absence the acting or Deputy Principal).
2.         The Principal investigates and documents the breach.
3.         The student and his parents/guardians are informed of the precise grounds, which have given rise to the possible suspension, and the student is given the right to reply.
4          The Principal is satisfied that grounds for suspension exist.
5.         The Principal suspends the student.
6.         If the suspension is immediate (in the interests of health and safety) the parents/ guardians are informed by phone immediately.  A written notification will follow.
7.         A registered letter is sent to the parent/guardian.
This letter will contain:

• Notice of the suspension
• Starting date of suspension
• Length of suspension
• Reasons for suspension
• Expectations of student while suspended
• Importance of parental assistance in dealing with the breach of the Code.
• A statement that the student is under the care and responsibility of parents while on suspension.
• A statement that the Educational Welfare Officer has been informed (If suspension is 6 days or longer, or if the student has been suspended for more that 20 days during the school year).
• Information on appeal rights.
• Requirements, which have to be in place when student returns to school (written apologies, extra work etc.).
• The possible consideration of proceeding to expulsion must be made clear in the letter.
• Any study programme to be followed.

         8.         The student is to be supervised until suspension takes effect.
9.         The student will not be sent home during the school day, unless suitable   
arrangements can be made for the student to be collected by parent/guardian.
10.       The student will be informed of the procedures for his formal reintroduction  
into the school.
11.       Parents may be requested to attend with the student on the day of his return to  
the school.
12.       Undertakings of good behaviour may be requested in writing.
13.       Parents and student may be required to sign agreed conditions for his return.
14        On his return, the Deputy Principal/Year Head, or a teacher designated by him/her, will attempt to provide support to the student during the re-integration process.
15.        Written records will be kept.

Grounds for removal of a suspension may include the following:

• Successful appeal to the Board of Management.
• Student and parents have met the specific conditions as laid down by the Principal/Board of Management during the initial suspension meeting.
• Successful appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998.
• New circumstances come to light.  Other grounds considered relevant come to light.

 

 Appeals

• A suspension can initially be appealed to the suspending body, Principal/Board of Management, by means of a formal letter.
• The Chairman of the Board may set up a sub-committee of three members to hear any formal appeal. This committee has the right to deal with any disciplinary matter up to but not including permanent exclusion.
• At all times the Board shall adhere to the principles of natural justice.
• Subsequent to this, appeals may be made to the Department of Education under Section 29 of the 1998 Education Act.
• The school may insist that the student remain at home while any appeal on a suspension is in progress.
• All appeals will be heard as soon as is practically possible.
• If an appeal has been successful and the suspension has already been served, it is possible that the only remedy available is to have the suspension removed from the student’s file or record.

Expulsion

A student is expelled from the school when the Board of Management makes a decision to permanently exclude him from the school, having complied with section 24 of the Education Welfare Act 2000.

The school will have taken significant steps, which will be recorded and monitored, to address the misbehaviour and avoid expulsion, including, as appropriate:

• Meeting student and parents to try to change behaviour
• Explaining possible consequences of behaviour
• Ensuring all other options have been tried
• Seeking support of outside agencies e.g. National Educational Psychological Services, HSE Community Services, etc.

Expulsion will only be considered in the most extreme cases of indiscipline and after every other effort at rehabilitation has failed and every other sanction has been exhausted, or when the behaviour of the student clearly puts the health and safety of others at risk, or where the behaviour is so disruptive as to interfere substantially with the constitutional right of the other students to education, or when the student’s behaviour causes serious damage to property. There may be exceptional circumstances where the Board of Management forms the opinion that a student should be expelled for a first offence. This measure is allowed by the NEWB’s Guidelines for Schools, Developing a Code of Behaviour Section 12.2. These could include:

• A serious threat of violence against another student or member of staff
• Actual violence or physical assault
• Supplying illegal drugs to other students in the school
• Sexual assault

While consideration is being given to the question of expulsion, the parents/guardians will be informed of this by registered letter and of their right to present the student’s side of the case, under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998. The decision to expel a student rests with the Board of Management.
Expulsion Procedures:

   We will follow fair procedures when proposing to expel a student. When there has been serious misbehaviour that could warrant expulsion, the procedures will include:

• A detailed investigation carried out under the direction of the Principal.
• A recommendation to the Board of Management by the Principal.
• Consideration by the Board of this recommendation and the holding of a hearing.
• Board deliberations and actions following the hearing.
• Consultations arranged by the Education Welfare Officer.
• Confirmation of the decision to expel.

When a decision to expel is made by the Board of Management, a Letter of Notification will be sent to the parents/guardians.  The letter will include:

• Notice of expulsion
• The date that the expulsion becomes effective
• The reasons for the expulsion
• A statement that the Education Welfare Officer has been informed.
• A statement that the student is under the care and responsibility of the parents/guardians for a period of 20 days required by the Education Welfare Officer to examine alternative provisions for the education of the student.
• Information and documentation on Appeals rights-a parent, or a student aged over eighteen years, may appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998. The National Education Welfare Board may also bring an appeal, on behalf of a student.

 Background information

This Code has been drawn up over the past three years with the help and input of the following groups: students, parents, teachers and management, the Patrician Brothers, the office of the Le Cheile Trust, the EWO and the Board of Management. The NEWB Guidelines for developing a Code have provided invaluable assistance. Members of various sub-committees gave generously of time and expertise in drafting this document.                                                                                                           
The Students’ Council has played a valuable role, particularly in relation to the rules for behaviour in the classroom, which are in the form of a contract between the student body and the school.
This Code is subject to ongoing review and shall be discussed, during the second school term each year by a committee of at least three people from the senior management team. The code will also be presented, annually, for discussion at a Students’ Council meeting and at a Parents’ Council meeting. A more comprehensive review should take place at least every three years and the Code should again be presented to the Board of Management for ratification.
School policies referred to in the Code may be accessed on the school website, www.bish.ie.