Code Of Behaviour

Good discipline is essential to ensure that all students are able to learn in an atmosphere of harmony and courtesy without disruption. The Code of Behaviour provides a framework for developing reasonable and responsible attitudes which respect the rights of all so that the teachers may teach and students may learn in a relatively disruption free environment.

Standards of Behaviour that shall be observed by each student

A student in St Joseph’s is expected

• To be respectful, courteous and mannerly to staff and other students in behaviour and language. A student is expected to commit him/herself to this behaviour by signing the student charter on bullying.
• To be co-operative in activities inside and outside class.
• To participate in class work and other related activities.
• To be punctual and attend regularly.
• To wear proper school uniform (including black shoes. Runners are not allowed except while playing sport).
• To come prepared with necessary books and equipment.
• To respect school property and property of fellow students.
• To be familiar with and abide by all school rules and regulations as outlined in the school journal.

The measures that may be taken when a student fails or refuses to observe those standards
Various measures will be taken when students refuse/fail to observe the standards of behaviour as laid down above, the purpose of which is to remind students that unacceptable behaviour cannot be tolerated.

The subject teacher, who is the person in charge and has the responsibility for managing discipline in the classroom, has the authority to impose sanctions on students who misbehave.

Lesser sanctions apply when the misbehaviour is minor. Heavier sanctions will apply when misbehaviour is move serious or a continued series of minor indiscretions occur.

SANCTIONS include:

• Verbal reprimand
• Penalty exercise
• Detention at lunch time
• Extra assigned tasks
• Placed temporarily in another room
• Community service
• Contact with home
• A note in the student’s journal
• Fines

COMPLAINT FORM

When the unacceptable behaviour is more serious, or when the student’s behaviour becomes a disruptive influence and when no honest attempt to improve has taken place, the teacher may complete a complaint form.

REPORT CARD

A student is placed on report card after three complaints forms have been received. The student is expected to complete this card. The consequences of an incomplete Report Card are that parents are called in and the student is put on a second report card. If a second report card is incomplete the student has two hours of after-school detention. If a student reaches this stage a second time he/she is referred to the Board of Management. The parent must attend this meeting with the student and the Year Head.

IF THE MISBEHAVIOUR IS MAJOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION WILL HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED.

SUSPENSION

This is a measure taken when an act of unacceptable behaviour is regarded by school management as major or a series of repeated minor misdemeanours continues with no effort to improve or when the school deems a student unmanageable because of his/her behaviour.

An opportunity will be given to every student to respond to any case against them under the principles of natural justice.

THE PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BEFORE A STUDENT MAY BE SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED

• The student hears the case against him or her
• The student gets a fair opportunity to respond
• Parents/guardians are informed
• The student has the right to appeal against the suspension to the Board of Management
• A parent of a student may appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science under section 29 of the Education act (1998).

THE GROUNDS FOR REMOVING A SUSPENSION include:

• When the term of suspension is completed.
• When the stipulated conditions for the return to school have been fulfilled.
• When satisfactory commitments are given by the students involved
• After communication with the Parent/Guardian of the suspended students.

THIS CODE OF BEHAVIOUR IS VERY MUCH DEPENDANT ON THE CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT OF PARENTS IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION.