Code of Positive Behaviour

Code of Positive Behaviour Policy, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork.

Roll number: 62580U

School Patron: Presentation Brothers Schools Trust

A. Preamble

Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh was founded in 1964 by the Presentation Brothers with the aim of providing a Christian Education for the boys of Bishopstown and the adjoining parishes. The Christian ethos of the school is central to its educational philosophy and thus we hope to inculcate in our students a spirit of generosity towards and acceptance of one another in an atmosphere based on mutual respect and tolerance.

The pursuit of excellence, the fostering of the work ethic and the development of talents, both academic and non-academic, are the ideals and objectives which we set before our students. To encompass these ideals and objectives, we are committed to the provision of a socio-educational ethos in which our students would mature into fully integrated and responsible young adults, capable of coping with the pressures and challenges of a rapidly changing world.

The discipline code and structures operating within the school may be seen to play a vital role in the achievement of the aims already outlined. The code is underpinned by our school Mission Statement and the core values of the PBST Charter. School rules provide an important training for a world in which the acceptance of properly constituted authority-structures, and the ability to function successfully within such structures, may be regarded as the hallmarks of mature citizenship. 

The rules set out below apply to, and are not limited to, the full school day including breaktimes, transit to and from school and all school related activities. The school and staff may implement this code in circumstances outside of the scope of the above, where a student brings the good name of the school into disrepute.

In accordance with section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, responsibility for this Behaviour Code rests with the Board of Management. The Board has prepared the policy in consultation with all stakeholders.

In accordance with section 23.2 of the Education (Welfare) Act, this code will specify the standard of behaviour that shall be observed by each student attending the school, the measures that may be taken when a student fails to observe those standards, the procedures to be followed before a student may be suspended or expelled from the school, the grounds for removing a suspension imposed in relation to a student and the procedures to be followed relating to notification of a child’s absence from school. This code will recognise and promote positive behaviour.

B. Philosophy

Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh is a Catholic school which seeks to create a caring environment, in which Christian values permeate all aspects of school life and teachers and pupils find fulfillment. The school believes in the vital importance of respect and good relationships between teachers, students and parents and is conscious of its role in the broader community. We nurture the importance of caring for the wellbeing of staff and students.

We hold high expectations of all members of our community. This code outlines these expectations. Teaching students to recognise their responsibilities in relation to behaviour in class and while in school is at the heart of the code. Central also is the knowledge that students’ behaviour can change. This code seeks to support students in managing their behaviour.

This code also outlines our response to behaviour which undermines the positive climate of our school. The code seeks to involve students, teachers and parents in the process of managing behaviour which hinders the promotion of positive teaching and learning. As such, interventions involving discipline and consequences are designed primarily to support self-discipline in the student and are viewed as a learning opportunity.

CSN recognises that the school response to positive and negative behaviours provides an opportunity for reflection.

C. Promoting Positive Behaviour

We promote positive behaviour using the strategies outlined below:

1. Teachers encourage, recognise and affirm desirable student behaviour in the classroom by providing positive feedback and reinforcement in the classroom setting.

2. Student’s positive behaviour is recognised formally in assembly, in Spiorad Signals, the school app and other school communication platforms.

3. The behaviour tab on VSware (accessible through the school app) will be used to acknowledge positive behaviour and this is accessible to parents at all times.

4. Our school culture promotes positive behaviours on an ongoing basis in all interactions between staff and students.

D. Structures

The Board of Management is responsible for the management of the school and one of its main aims is to ensure that a happy work-orientated environment is created and maintained at all times.

The quality of the education provided is of paramount importance and a sound discipline policy is essential to the achievement of this goal. The Principal, together with the teaching staff, is charged with the formulation and the implementation of the code of discipline and positive behaviour.

The Deputy Principals have the overall responsibility for the discipline of the school. Justice and fairness are the underlying principles which determine the success of any code of positive behaviour, and a warm and trusting interaction between staff and students is a prerequisite for the creation of a happy school atmosphere.

The Board of Management is the final arbiter in all cases involving serious breaches of discipline.

E. Parents/Guardians

The involvement of home and school at collaborative level in promoting the values of the school, including its code of positive behaviour, is central to the success of an educational programme. We value the support of Parents/Guardians in implementing our Code of Positive Behaviour.

It is the philosophy of the school to keep all parents fully informed of their sons’ progress in the school and serious breaches of the school rules will be communicated to parents immediately, either by phone-call, email, or letter. Parents’ co-operation in the disciplining of the recalcitrant student will be vital at this stage.

The Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh school app is our primary communication platform between school and parents. Parents are expected to check the school app for up to date information. Further information on student behaviour, attendance and progress is also available through VSware.

The School Journal, issued to each student at the beginning of the school year, may be used by teachers to communicate with parents and parents are welcome to use the Journal to communicate with teachers. “Spiorad Signals”, the school magazine, is also a very useful channel of communication between school and home.

The school website should also be checked for up to date information as to what is happening in school.

F. School Expectations (General)

1. Each student is entitled to benefit from his education in an atmosphere conducive to learning and he must not be inhibited in the pursuit of his educational goals by the disruptive behaviour of fellow-students.

2. Students must be respectful and courteous to all members of the school staff and to one another at all times.

3. Students must uphold the good name of the school at all times.

4. Students are expected to contribute to the creation of a caring and trusting atmosphere in which they are sensitive to one another’s needs.

5. The school authorities of Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh see as one of their primary functions the creation and maintenance of an atmosphere free of bullying or intimidatory behaviour. In keeping with Department of Education and Skills guidelines, the school has formulated a policy to ensure that the dignity of the individual student will at all times be protected. Any violation of this code will be viewed in a most serious light and students and their parents are encouraged to bring to the notice of the school authorities any occurrences of bullying or intimidatory behaviour.

6. Each student brings his individual talents with him and, through generosity of spirit; he should use these talents to benefit others in the whole school community.

7. Students must present themselves punctually for classes and for all school-related activities.

8. Homework reinforces and supports learning in the classroom. It is school policy that homework is assigned regularly and that the student completes his homework in a well-presented fashion and on time.

9. Transition Year is compulsory for all students. Parents of boys who would be 20 years or older on the 1st August in the year following their completion of the Leaving Certificate may however apply to the Board of Management to be allowed to proceed directly to 5th Year.

G.  Functional Rules

The authority of all teachers extends to all students throughout the school day and in the course of school related activities.

G1.  Dress and General Appearance

1. Full school uniform must be worn at all times except during P.E. classes.

2. School uniform consists of school jumper and school tie, regulation white school shirt, conventional grey school trousers and school jacket. Shoes should be conventional, leather or leather-like, all black in colour. Shoes with a non-black trim, are not acceptable. Please note that no coats, jackets, hoodies or tops other than the official school jacket may be worn.

3. Runners are permitted during P.E. classes.

4. Hairstyles must be neat, clean and conventional, being neither too long nor too short. Colouring of the hair is not permitted.

5. Students must be clean-shaven. Facial hair is forbidden.

6. The wearing of jewellery of any kind is forbidden.

7. Visible tattoos or body art of any kind is not permitted.

8. Jackets may not be worn in class except with the express permission of the teacher.

Note:

(i)   Rules relating to dress and general appearance also apply to students while they are outside the school during lunch-break or on their way to and from school.

(ii)  A written explanation, through the school app, from parent or guardian must accompany any failure to wear full school uniform.

(iii) The school authorities reserve the right to define the meaning of “conventional” in the context of the rules outlined above.

G2.    Absences from School

1. No student may leave the school premises without the permission of the Principal or a Deputy Principal. A student who leaves school during normal school hours for any reason is expected to sign out at the admin office and sign back in on his return (if the admin office is closed, he should report to the main school office instead). Unless on school-related activities, students will only be allowed to leave school during school hours after contact has been made with a parent/guardian.

2. Students who arrive after morning roll call must sign in at the admin office where their journal will be stamped. Parents should also submit a late note through the school app. Any student who fails to sign in will be recorded as absent. Parents are expected to monitor attendance on VSware, accessible through the school app, on a weekly basis. As accurate records of student numbers are critical in the event of a fire-drill or of an emergency, any failure to comply with the above will be regarded as a serious infringement of the school rules.

Note: Parents/guardians will generally receive a notification through the school app to alert them to their sons’ absence from school.

3. An explanation from a parent or guardian must be provided in relation to any absence from school using the school app. Where an absence or partial absence is planned e.g. doctor’s appointment, attendance at a family event etc. the reason for absence must be submitted in advance using the school app.

G3.     Smoking/Cigarettes, Alcohol and Drugs

Using cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) or other tobacco products within the school buildings, its grounds or in the environs of the school is forbidden. Using such products is also prohibited when in school uniform or while engaged in any school-related activities. Failure to comply with the school rules in regard to smoking/cigarettes may result in sanction up to and including suspension. 

Possession, use, distribution or sale of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, e-cigarettes or vapes within the school buildings, its grounds or in the environs of the school is also forbidden. Possession, use, distribution or sale of alcohol or illegal substances is also prohibited when in school uniform or while engaged in any school-related activities. Failure to comply with the school rules on alcohol or drugs may result in sanction up to and including expulsion.

G4.    Respecting the School Environment

Students must show respect for the total school environment. In particular, they must not litter their classrooms or recreational areas. The use of correction-fluid (such as Tippex) and chewing gum is forbidden.

Students must at all times show respect for school property and for one another’s property. Damage to school property or to the property of others must be repaired at the student’s expense.

Where property has been damaged beyond repair, replacement (or the appropriate cost of replacement) will be required.

G5.    Movement in and around the School

Students may enter and leave the school building only through the designated doorways and gates. Students entering school on foot must never use the vehicle entrance.

Within the school, all movement on the corridors must be on the left-hand side. At the start of the morning break, all students must vacate their classrooms.

Students are not normally allowed to visit their lockers during class-time. A student may not visit the toilet between classes without first having secured the permission of the incoming teacher.

For reasons of safety, cyclists should dismount at the school gate and refrain from cycling in the schoolyard. Students may not park their cars in the school grounds. Students must adhere to procedures around fire drills, lock down and other emergencies.

G6.    Use of Electronic Equipment

Students are not permitted to use personal electronic equipment in school or on school grounds, other than with the express permission of a teacher.

We would ask that parents encourage their sons to leave these devices (mobile phones, etc) at home. If a student needs to contact home, then that can be done through the school office.

In the event that such devices are brought to school, students are required to turn them off at the school gate. Junior students should put them into their locker and senior students should place them in their school bag upon arrival at the school.

This means that all electronic devices must be powered off (i.e. completely shut down and not simply put on silent or vibration alert) at all times on school grounds. Personal electronic devices should remain in the student’s locker/bag until the end of the school day, when he may retrieve it and turn it on outside the school gates.

A first-time violation of this rule will result in the confiscation of the device by the teacher for the remainder of that day (the device may be collected from the Deputy Principal’s office at the end of the school day) and the imposition of a Wednesday detention. Persistent infractions will be dealt with by increased sanctions up to and including suspension.

The school takes no responsibility for mobile phones–it is the student’s responsibility. Parents should ensure that mobile phones are covered under their house insurance policy, as there is no cover available under the school’s policy.  

The camera/video or other visual or sound recording component of a mobile phone or any other device may only be used when expressly authorised by a teacher. The unauthorised use of any electronic device (both on and off the school premises at any time when the student is in school uniform or engaged in any school-related activity) to take images (either still or moving) or to record sound will be regarded as a very serious infringement of school rules. Sanctions for such infringement extend from detention(s) to suspension or even expulsion.

G7.   Lunchtime and Wednesday Detention

A student who wishes to apply for deferral of a detention must apply at least one day in advance to a Deputy-Principal. He must present a note from a parent or guardian stating the reason for wishing to have the detention deferred.

Applications for deferrals may not always be granted. A student who is absent from school on the day of a Wednesday detention will automatically be assigned to the next Wednesday Detention and will not necessarily receive a reminder of this arrangement.

Students who fail to attend a Wednesday detention will normally be given a double Wednesday detention. Students who fail to attend on more than one occasion may be suspended from school.

G8.    School Journals

Each student will be supplied with a School Journal at the beginning of the school year. The journal remains the property of the school and must be submitted to any teacher on request.

The personal details section at the front of the journal (including the signatures of parents/guardians) must be completed in full. A student must not deface or damage the journal in any way and must bring it to school with him every day.

Should he lose or mislay the journal, he must replace it at the earliest opportunity and pay the appropriate cost of replacement. The defacing or destruction of another student’s journal will be regarded as a serious infringement of the school rules.

Students are reminded of the importance of recording their homework assignments each day in their journal. On occasion, a student’s image (photograph) may be used on the cover of the school journal, in school magazines or for other promotional purposes.

Any parents/guardians (or student aged 18 years or over) who would prefer that their son’s image not be used in this way should inform school management on enrolment.

G9.     Participation in Extra-Curricular Activities

The privilege of participating in extra-curricular activities, either as an active participant or as a supporter, may be withdrawn in the case of a student who has an unsatisfactory behaviour record.

The Code of Positive Behaviour applies during all extracurricular activities.

G10.  Yard Rules

1. Students should enter and exit the school premises and yard through the appropriate gates and doorways.

2. Students are expected to exercise due care to others while in the school yard and not to engage in activities that might compromise either their own safety or that of others.

3. Ball-playing is permitted using the basketballs supplied by the school. Basketballs must never be kicked. Generally, a maximum of three balls will be allowed. Use of hurleys, rackets, frisbees etc. is not permitted in the yard.

4. The sports field is generally out of bounds except to students who are properly kitted out with appropriate sportswear and equipment and to those who are under the supervision of a teacher.

5. Students who misbehave or who are found littering in the yard will be subject to sanction. Typical sanctions will include litter duty, lunch-time detention and Wednesday detention.

6. Students will be expected to line up as instructed and in an orderly fashion prior to re-entering the school. Students will not be permitted to use the toilets after the bell has sounded. Students must remove all headwear prior to entering the building.

7. Students are not permitted to walk to or from school through the sports field or through any gaps in the fencing.

Note: 

The school authorities reserve the right to alter these rules or to introduce new rules during the school year. Students will be notified of such changes.

H. Sanctions

a) Incidents of misbehaviour will be recorded on VSware.

b) Classroom sanctions (such as a reflective essay, lunch-time detention etc.) will be left to the discretion of the individual teacher.

c) In the case that a student is late for school, his journal is stamped to allow him to proceed to class. In the event that a parent has not submitted a late note through the app explaining his lateness, the “late” will be recorded.

d) In the case of more serious instances or misbehaviour, students may be detained in school on Wednesday afternoons (see also section G.7) and parents will be informed by personal notification through the school app. The standard penalty for failure to attend a Wednesday Detention is a Double Wednesday Detention i.e. detention on two successive Wednesdays. Written communication at least one day in advance of the detention date seeking a postponement may be considered. Communication following an absence from detention will not be accepted.

e) In the case of repeated misbehaviour, a student may be put ‘on report’ by the class-teacher. At the end of the class period, the subject-teacher will enter a comment on the student’s behaviour in the appropriate space on the Report Card in the student journal. At the end of the week, if the student’s behaviour has not shown a marked improvement, further disciplinary action will be decided on by the school authorities.

f) In the case of serious violation of school rules, a student may be suspended or excluded (expelled).

Parents will be informed in writing of the reasons for the suspension or exclusion. In the event of exclusion or suspension(s) of twenty or more days (either consecutive or cumulative) in any school year, the parents/guardian (or student, if aged 18 or above) will be advised of their right of appeal to the Board of Management of the school.

I. Suspension

I.1. Suspenson of a Student 

The purpose of suspending a student from school is to provide the student with time for reflection, to emphasise the seriousness of specific misbehaviours and to give staff time to plan ways of helping the student to change unacceptable behaviour. 

(a) The Board of Management has delegated authority to the Principal to suspend a student for a period up to and including three days. If a suspension for longer than three days is being proposed, the matter must be referred to the Board. In such a case, having sought approval from the Chairperson of the Board, the Principal may suspend for up to five days to allow for time to convene a Board meeting. The Board will not normally impose a suspension of more than 10 consecutive school days.

(b) Suspension will normally be imposed for a grave offence, as defined in this policy. Further to this, where in the opinion of the Principal or Acting Principal, detention or warning are inadequate disciplinary responses to serious offences, or in the instance of repeated serious offences, the sanction of suspension may also be imposed. 

Such incidences may involve:

• A threat to the safety of others and to self
• Undermining the dignity of members of the school community
• Serious disruption of teaching and learning and the orderly atmosphere of the school
• Deliberate damage to property
• Misuse of technology
• Substance abuse
• Persistent breaches of the Code of Behaviour which have not been rectified by the normal school interventions.
• Truancy

(c) Other than in the case of immediate suspension (I.2.g below), before a suspension is imposed, the Principal, mindful of the investigation report from the Deputy Principal and Year Head, will have considered the seriousness and context of the behaviour; the impact of the behaviour on the other members of the school community; the interventions that have already been implemented with the student involved (where relevant) and the likely impact of the suspension on the particular student. 

 I.2. Suspension Procedures

(a) The alleged incident will be investigated by the Deputy Principal and/or the Year Head to determine the facts of the situation. This will involve an interview with the student(s) in question and any witnesses to the event. Following the report from this investigation, should the Principal decide that it is appropriate to suspend a student, the following procedure will be implemented:

(b) Before the suspension is imposed, the student and his/her parents will be contacted and the matter will be explained to them. Every effort will be made to request and to facilitate the student/ parent/ guardians to meet with the Principal and/or Acting Principal, Deputy Principal and Year Head at a specified time acceptable to all parties, so as to afford them a full opportunity to comment on the disciplinary action being considered.

(c) If the student/parents/guardians fail to attend such a meeting and fail to provide a reasonable explanation for not doing so, the matter will be determined in their absence and the suspension carried out. The student and parents/guardians will be informed in writing that the suspension has been imposed, the date from which the suspension takes effect and the period of the suspension.

(d) In the event of the student/parents/guardian attending such a meeting, if having heard the student/parents/guardians, the Principal considers that it is proper and necessary that suspension be imposed, s/he may suspend on such terms as s/he considers appropriate.

(e) Confirmation in writing will be given to the student/parents/guardians that suspension has been imposed, the date from which such a decision takes effect and the period of the suspension. Parents/guardians will be fully informed of their right to appeal the decision to suspend to the Board of Management.

(f) A suspension is understood to mean that the student does not have permission to be present in the building and is under the care of their parents/guardians for the day/s in question. A student coming into the school during suspension will be deemed to have flouted the behaviour code and this is considered a grave offence.

(g) Without prejudice to the foregoing, where the Principal or Acting Principal has been notified of an alleged grave offence and where immediate suspension is deemed necessary for Health and Safety reasons, the Principal, (as per EWB guidelines p75), following a preliminary investigation and without prior notice to the students/parents/ guardians, may suspend a student with immediate effect for such a period as is deemed appropriate, pending a full investigation of the alleged offence.

(h) Official notice of such suspension will be confirmed in writing to the student/guardians/parents/ and the period of the suspension indicated. The matter will then proceed as per section I.2.d above.

(i) Following the imposition of a suspension, the Principal will notify the Board of Management of the suspension. Under Section 21(4) of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, where a student is suspended for a period of not less than six days, the Principal will forthwith so inform the Educational Welfare Officer by notice in writing.

(j) Following a period of suspension, the student, accompanied by his/her parent/guardian, is required to present himself/herself to the Principal or Deputy Principal on returning to the school, before going to any class. At this meeting the Principal/Deputy Principal will review the case, and decide what structures are required to support the student in returning to school and in addressing the behaviour which led to the suspension.

I.3. Appeals of suspension

A suspension imposed by the Principal can be appealed to the Board of Management as follows:

(a) An appeal should be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Board of Management within 5 school days of the imposition of the suspension and should set out the parent’s case against the suspension.

(b) At its next meeting, the Board will nominate two members, neither of whom should have any involvement in the case, to investigate the issue and report back to the Board with its findings and recommendations. (A recording secretary for the sub-committee may be included).

(c) If this investigation recommends that the Board remove the suspension, the record of the suspension will be removed from the student’s file. If the investigation approves the suspension then the suspension will stand.

(d) There is no further right to appeal unless the student’s cumulative suspensions in any one year exceed 20 days, in which case there is a right to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills. The Principal must inform the parents and the NEWB if this 20 day limit has been reached.

I.4. Review

The Board will monitor the frequency of the use of suspension as a disciplinary measure and will regularly review the procedures to ensure that it is being used fairly and appropriately and in the best interests of the entire school community.

J. Expulsion

J.1 Expulsion of a Student 

(a) Only the Board of Management has the authority to expel a student. This authority may not be delegated.

(b) Where there is significant and continuing disruption to the learning of others or to the teaching process.

(c) Where there is a serious threat to the health and safety of the student him/herself, other students or members of staff.

(d) Where the student is uncontrollable and is not amenable to any form of school authority.

(e) Where parents refuse to exercise their responsibility for the student in accordance with this Behaviour Code.

(f) Where the student’s behaviour is detrimental to sustaining the ethos of the school.

(g) In cases of specific behaviour such as actual violence or physical assault, supplying illegal / mood altering substances, sexual assault and indecent sexual behavior, deliberate serious damage to property, Serious misuse of technology.

(h) Other than in exceptional circumstances (section (i) below), before considering expulsion, the school will have taken significant steps to address the student’s behaviour. These steps may include:

1. Meeting with parents and the student to endeavour to find ways of helping the student to change their behaviour.
2. Ensuring that the student understands the possible consequences of his behaviour, should it persist.
3. Ensuring that other possible options have been given a fair trial to bring about an improvement in behaviour through an Individual Behaviour Plan (IBP).
4. Seeking the assistance of support agencies (e.g. National Educational Psychological Service, Health Service Executive, Community Services, the National Behavioural Support Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, National Council for Special Education).

(i) However, there may be circumstances where the Board of Management forms the opinion that a student should be expelled for a first offence where the issue is grave and/or of such a serious nature as to warrant that sanction. Due process and fair procedures will be followed in all cases and the principles of natural justice will apply.

J.2. Procedure for Expulsion

(a) The Principal will ensure that there is a thorough investigation of the incident. The student may be suspended from school while this investigation is taking place, if this is deemed necessary, in accordance with section I above.

(b) The Principal will inform the student and the parents, in writing, of the details of the alleged misbehaviour and the possibility that it could result in expulsion.

(c) The student and parents will be given every opportunity to respond to the complaint before a final decision is made. If the final decision is that the Principal intends to recommend expulsion to the Board of Management then the parents will be invited to a meeting with the Principal before the recommendation proceeds to the Board.

(d) The Principal will provide the parents and the Board of Management with records of the allegations, the investigation and also the grounds on which the Board is being asked to consider expulsion.

(e) The parents will be notified of the date of the Board of Management hearing and will be invited to attend. They will be given adequate notice of the meeting and will be informed that they may make a written and oral submission to the Board. The written submission may be made in advance.

J.3. The Board of Management Hearing

(a) The Board will ensure impartiality and no Board member who has had any involvement in the circumstances of the case will take part in the hearing.

(b) At the hearing, the Principal and the parents, or a student who is eighteen years or over, will put their case to the Board in each other’s presence.

(c) Parents may wish to be accompanied at such hearings and the Board will facilitate this. There is no right to legal representation in this process.

(d) Neither Principal nor parents will be present when the Board is making its decision.

J.4. Following the Board Decision

(a) Where the student and his parents/guardians attend the meeting with the B.O.M., and the Board, having heard the student and/or his parent/guardian, form the view that it is necessary and proper to impose the sanction of expulsion, the Board, before making the decision to expel the student, will notify, in writing, the Educational Welfare Officer of its opinion and the reasons therefore, in accordance with Section 24(1) of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000.

(b) Where the student/parents/guardians do not attend the meeting: If the student and/or his parent/guardian fail to attend the meeting with the B.O.M. and fail to provide a reasonable explanation for not doing so, the B.O.M. will determine the matter in their absence.

Before making a decision to expel the student, the Board will notify, in writing, the Educational Welfare Officer of its opinion and the reasons therefore, in accordance with Section 24(1) of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. 7.7.2.

Where it is decided to impose the sanction of expulsion, the student and his/her parent/guardian will be informed by letter by the Board that the sanction of expulsion has been imposed and the date from which decision will take effect. The student will not be expelled from the school before the passing of 20 school days following the receipt by the Education Welfare Officer of the notification.

In the interim, the Board may, in accordance with section 5 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, suspend or make other arrangements to ensure that ‘good order and discipline are maintained in the school’.

(c) Involvement of the Education Welfare Officer:

1. Within this twenty-day period, the Education Welfare Officer will convene meetings with relevant parties to ensure that arrangements are made for the student to continue in education.
2. While these negotiations are taking place, and before the expulsion is finalised, the Board may consider it necessary to continue the student’s suspension from school. This task may be delegated to the Principal or Chairperson.
3. After the twenty days has elapsed, where the Board remains of the view that the student should be expelled, the decision will be formally confirmed to the parents and the student in a registered letter signed by the Chairperson and the Principal.
4. The parents will be told about the right to appeal and the associated timeframe. They will be supplied with the appropriate form.

K. Review & Evaluation

Yearly Review

 The code will be reviewed on a yearly basis. 

Signed by Chairperson of the Board of Management.

Signed by Principal

Date: Updated 23rd April 2024.

To download a copy of our Code of Positive Behaviour booklet, please click on the link below.