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School Guide > School Policies
Introduction
In East Glendalough School emphasis is placed on politeness, courtesy, co-operation and respect for others and their property.
The aim of the school is to encourage each pupil to develop to his or her full potential, to mature as an individual and to become a constructive and caring member of society. The purpose of this code is to set down some guidelines as to what is expected of pupils attending this school. This code provides a framework to ensure that each pupil's behaviour is in keeping with the school's stated aims. At all times emphasis is placed on politeness, courtesy, co-operation and respect for others and for their property. Any action/behaviour which, in the opinion of the school authorities, offends courtesy, good taste, common sense or honesty will be deemed a breach of school regulations. Strict order and good behaviour must be observed by all pupils. Any pupils who break the rules must be held responsible for the consequences.
A number of specific rules have evolved which contribute to the harmonious and efficient operation of the school. These rules create and foster an atmosphere which is conducive to study and a safe environment in which the pupils can achieve full potential. Wherever the word 'parent' is used, it is understood to also refer to 'guardian' if appropriate. The rules are listed below:-
Attendance and Punctuality
Pupils are required to attend school regularly. It is the duty of parents to ensure regular attendance. If a pupil is absent, parents are asked to submit a letter of explanation on returning to school. Requests for absence from school must be made in writing to the principal.
Pupils are not allowed to leave school during school hours without the permission of the principal. Permission for a pupil to leave school early must be requested in writing by the parent. Pupils are expected to leave the school grounds by 4.20 p.m. each day unless they are involved in an official school activity.
Punctuality is essential at all times
Pupils who arrive late to school should report to the school office immediately and sign the late-book. Any lateness to school, other than Bus Transport delay, must be explained in writing to the principal the following day.
Pupils should proceed directly from one classroom to another at class changeover time and should not normally go to their lockers between or during classes. Before Assembly (morning Assembly commences at 8.55 a.m.), at break and lunch time pupils should organise necessary books and equipment for the following classes.
Uniform
Pupils must wear correctly full school uniform at school, while travelling to and from school, at school functions and at games. A full uniform list is available from the school office.
All clothing and personal equipment is to be kept clean and in good repair.
If for any reason a pupil is not wearing full school uniform, a letter from the parent stating the reason should be handed in to the office.
Schoolwork and Homework
Every pupil is expected to work diligently in order to make the best possible progress. Basic practical steps in this direction require: attentive participation in class; having all necessary books, copies and equipment; presenting neatly completed exercises and reviewing each day's class-work through systematic study.
Pupils must make every effort to complete their homework properly and on time. Homework is an essential part of the education of each pupil at East Glendalough School
If a pupil is absent from class in order to participate in games or other extra-curricular activity s/he should make all reasonable effort to complete homework and to catch up on all work missed. If it is felt that such absence from class is having a detrimental effect on academic progress, the situation will be reviewed by the principal.
Parents:
Parents are expected to support their children in school and to take an active interest in their progress.
Parents with children in the school automatically become members of the Parents Association of the school and are expected to attend the annual Parent Teacher meetings and the Parents Association Annual General Meeting
If there is any matter which parents wish to discuss, they should contact the teacher concerned or the principal to make an appointment. Likewise, parents should make themselves available to discuss their child's progress, if requested to do so by the school.
Property
Pupils must endeavour to keep the school environment safe and tidy. Care must be taken not to leave any litter in school buildings, school grounds or elsewhere. Eating is only allowed in the designated areas and at the designated times
Chewing gum is strictly forbidden within the school environment
Pupils must respect school property and any damage to furniture or fittings may have to be paid for by those responsible. Deliberately damaging or defacing property is not acceptable behaviour.
The school can not be held responsible for lost property. Personal belongings should be clearly named.
Expensive items should not be brought to school. Money or valuables should not be left in resource areas, changing rooms or school bags. For safe keeping they may be left with the appropriate teacher, in the pupil's locker or in the school office.
Health and Safety
Pupils should behave at all times with due regard for their safety and for the safety of others
All forms of bullying are unacceptable and should be reported to the school authorities
All pupils are expected to attend and to participate fully in Physical Education classes unless they have a written explanation authenticating the reason for not doing so
Pupils should exercise great care and responsibility while travelling to and from school.
Special care must be taken at and near the bus-turning circle at the school gates.
Pupils are required to queue in an orderly manner for buses and to exercise special care when leaving the buses.
Any unauthorised involvement with, or possession of, dangerous objects, tobacco, alcohol, harmful substances or illegal drugs is strictly forbidden and may lead to suspension and/or dismissal from school.
Discplinary Procedures
Once enrolled a pupil is subject to the discipline of the school and is entitled to remain as a pupil for as long as the discipline and rules of the school are obeyed. These rules therefore apply in school, on all school activities and where life in school is affected
The school policy is to reward academic endeavour, good behaviour and positive contribution to school life. However, sanctions may be necessary when these are not evident or forthcoming
Minor breaches of discipline and failure to produce work in class will be dealt with by the teacher concerned.
Persistent offences will be punished by the class teacher or form teacher. Where a problem then persists the class/form teacher will refer the matter to the Dean of Discipline. Serious misdemeanours and repeated offences can be referred to the Principal and to the Board of Management
Where a pupil's conduct warrants it, the Principal has authority to suspend a pupil. The Board of Management reserves the right to confirm suspension and to cancel enrolment
Reward
The school acknowledgesacademic endeavour, good behaviour and positive contribution to school life through reward systems such as:
Concluding Note:
Parents and pupils should ensure that they are familiar with all other school policies, (details of which may be had from the school office.)
While it is not possible to detail everything regarding a pupil's behaviour, the school authorities reserve the right to make the final decision in interpreting this Code and related matters.
Disciplinary Procedures
Introduction
East Glendalough School endeavours to operate a positive discipline policy. Students are encouraged and rewarded for attainment, effort and participation in class and extra-curricular activities.
The school publicly acknowledges academic endeavour, good behaviour and positive contribution to school life in Class, at Morning Assembly, at Prize Distributions, in Liaison and in the Yearbook.
It is hoped that such a positive and constructive approach will not only reward students but minimise the need for the implementation of disciplinary procedures.
Glendalough School Disciplinary Procedures compliment the School's Code of Conduct, acceptance of which is a condition of admission to the school.
Monitoring and Reporting
Minor incidents of student misbehaviour may be dealt with by the class teacher or school supervisor. Contact with parents will not usually occur at this point.
Repeated minor misbehaviour and/or failure to produce work in class may be referred to the Form Teacher or School Head. These incidents should also be documented in the students' logbook in the staffroom.
Serious or continuous misbehaviour or continuous failure to produce work will be referred to the Form Teacher and also possibly to the Year Head and will be documented as mentioned above. A student may be asked to produce a written account of an incident should this be thought necessary by a teacher.
It may be necessary to contact parents/guardians about continuous misbehaviour or failure to produce work.
Sanctions
Sanctions in cases of misbehaviour may include
Daily Report
The Form Teacher and School Head will liaise with Subject Teachers in the event of continued misbehaviour. The Form Teacher, in conjunction with the School Head, may put a student on daily report to monitor his/her behaviour/work. Parents/Guardians will be asked to acknowledge receipt of Daily Reports.
Being put on Daily Report is considered a serious sanction by the school. Only such students who are of concern will be monitored in this way.
While on Daily Report teachers will encourage a student, and acknowledge all effort made where possible. It is expected that a student who is put on Daily Report will make a particular effort to improve behaviour and work. The period a student remains on Daily Report will normally be two weeks or longer, if appropriate.
Students put on Daily Report will meet with the Form Teacher on a daily basis in the first instance. Should a student be put on Daily Report on a further occasion within a year they will present to the School Head, Deputy Principal or Principal as deemed appropriate. If on report for a second time, a student will be asked to report to the Year Head every day at morning and/or lunchtime break times.
Communication with Parents/Guardians
Parents/Guardians will receive full written reports following examinations in the first and last term in each academic year. These reports will contain exam results and comments on the progress and effort of each student. Behaviour and attendance will be commented upon as necessary. Students in forms 3 and 6 will receive monthly progress reports and students in form 5 will receive half-term reports.
are invited to discuss issues of concern at Parent-Teacher meetings. Parents are encouraged to keep in more regular contact with the Form Teacher of their son/daughter should there be issues of concern. The Guidance Counsellor/Chaplain is available to all students and may be recommended in some situations.
Teachers or a student's Form Teacher may wish to contact parents/guardians by telephone or in writing should the need arise.
It should be noted that it may not always be considered necessary for the school to contact parents/guardians, in particular in its dealings with senior students. It is school policy to encourage a sense of individual responsibility on the part of students, wherever this is possible.
Continuous Misbehaviour
Continuous misbehaviour will be dealt with by the School Head, Deputy Principal or Principal as deemed appropriate. Parents/Guardians will be informed of continued misbehaviour and will be invited into the school to discuss the situation.
The Principal has the authority to withdraw a student from class pending a meeting with parents/guardians and/or a written commitment from the student that any continuous misbehaviour will cease.
Persistent offenders may be referred to the Board of Management.
Serious Incidents of Misbehaviour
Serious incidents of misbehaviour include the following:
Serious incidents of misbehaviour will be investigated by the Deputy Principal or Principal. The Principal or Deputy Principal has the authority to conduct such investigations prior to contacting parents/guardians. Parents/Guardians will be contacted as soon as possible following such investigations.
The Principal or Deputy Principal has the authority to withdraw students from class pending enquiries which may be made and while such enquiries may be going on. Students may be asked to produce written accounts of events.
Students involved in serious misbehaviour may be kept out of class or suspended by the Principal pending any or all of the following:
a meeting with parents/guardians to discuss the situation commitment from the student that all school rules will be adhered toof the matter by the Board of Management.
The school reserves the right to request the assistance of the Gardai should this be deemed appropriate.
Suspension and Expulsion
Suspension or expulsion will occur as deemed appropriate by the Principal following investigation into any incident or series of incidents. A parent/guardian may appeal this decision to the Board of Management. In all cases parents/guardians are notified in writing of their right to appeal and are informed of the time of the next meeting of the Board.
The Board of Management reserves the right to remove from the school register any student who puts the health and welfare of other students or staff at risk, or any student who engages in persistent or serious misbehaviour which undermines the ethos of the school, undermines the education of other students or the work of the school staff.
A separate policy document gives details of Pupil Exclusion Procedures.
Approved by the Teaching Staff 25 February 2008
Student Council 22 February 2008
Parents' Association 18 February 2008
Board of Management 11 March 2008