Code of Behaviour
Meelickmore N.S
The aims of the Code of Behaviour of Meelickmore N.S. are:
To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behavioural expectations.
To provide for the effective and safe operation of the school.
To develop pupils’ self-esteem and to promote positive behaviour.
To foster the development of a sense of responsibility and self-discipline in pupils based on respect, consideration and tolerance of others.
To facilitate the education and development of every child.
To foster caring attitudes to one another and to the environment.
To enable teachers to teach without disruption.

Implementation
Every member of the school community has a role to play in the implementation of the Code of Behaviour. Rules will be kept to a minimum, emphasis will be placed on positive behaviour and will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, with due regard to the age of the pupils and to individual difference. Good behaviour will be encouraged and rewarded. Where difficulties arise, parents will be contacted at an early stage.

General Guidelines for Positive Behaviour
Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times. Behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to feel safe is unacceptable
Pupils are expected to show respect for all school property and to keep the school environment clean and litter free.
Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance, to have all books and required materials and to be in the right place at the right time.
Pupils are expected to obey a teacher’s instructions, to work to the best of their ability and to present assignments neatly.
Pupils are expected to attend every day unless there is a genuine reason for absence, in
which case the school must be informed in writing, stating the reason for absence.

Affirming Positive Behaviour
Positive reinforcement of good behaviour leads to better self-discipline and we place a greater emphasis on rewards and incentives than on sanctions.
Strategies/Incentives:
A quiet word or gesture to show approval.
A comment on a child’s exercise book.
A visit to another class or Principal for commendation.
Praise in front of class group.

Individual class merit awards, points awards or award stamps.
Delegating some special responsibility or privilege.
Written or verbal communication with parent.
Pupils will not be deprived of engagement in a Curricular area, except on the grounds of Health and Safety.

Bullying
Bullying is unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or group against another person or persons and which is repeated over time.

Discouraging Misbehaviour
The purpose of sanctions and other strategies is to promote positive and discourage misbehaviour. Sanctions will be applied according to the gravity of the misbehaviour, with due regard to age and emotional development. These may include:
Reasoning with pupil
Verbal reprimand including advice on how to improve
Temporary separation from peers within class and/or temporary removal to another class
Prescribing extra work based on the school rules and respect for others as stated in our School Ethos
Detention during break time
Referral to Principal
Communication with parents
Observation and monitoring of the situation for two weeks or longer if needed
Parent will be kept informed at the end of this period
Parents will be informed that if there is no improvement in behaviour, they will be asked to meet with the Principal and Chairperson of the Board of Management
At this meeting, the parents will be informed that if the behaviour persists, the school would have to consider suspension or in extreme cases, expulsion
Exclusion (Suspension or Expulsion) from school (in accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools as amended by circular and Education Welfare Act 2000).

In the case of gross misbehaviour, where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of the pupils, the Board may authorise the Chairperson or Principal to sanction an immediate suspension for a period not exceeding three school days, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents.

Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with the Rule for National Schools and the Education Welfare Act 2000.  Before suspending or expelling a pupil, the Board shall notify the Local Welfare Education Officer in writing in accordance with Section 24 of the Education Welfare Act.
Removal of Suspension (Reinstatement)
Following, or during a period of suspension, the parent/s may apply to have the pupil reinstated to the school. The parent/s must give a satisfactory undertaking that a suspended pupil will behave in accordance with the School Code and the Principal must be satisfied that the pupil’s reinstatement will not constitute a risk to the pupil’s own safety or that of the other pupils or staff. The Principal will facilitate the preparation of a behaviour plan for the pupil if required and will re-admit the pupil formally to the class.

School Rules 
School rules are kept to a minimum and are devised with regard for the health, safety and welfare of all members of the school community. If a school is to function efficiently, it is necessary that rules and regulations are clearly stated and enforced consistently and fairly. They are discussed regularly in class with the students.

Before/After School 
Parents are reminded that the staff of the school does not accept responsibility for pupils before official opening time of 9.20 a.m. or after the official closing times of 2 p.m. for Junior and Senior Infants and 3p.m. for all other classes, except where pupils are engaged in an extra-curricular activity organised by the school and approved by the Board of Management.

Board of Management’s Responsibilities
Provide a comfortable, safe environment.
Support the Principal and staff in implementing the Code of Behaviour.

Principal’s Responsibilities
Promote a positive climate in the school.
Ensure that the Code of Behaviour is implemented in a fair and consistent manner.
Arrange for review of the Code, as required.

Teachers’ Responsibilities
Support and implement the school’s Code of Behaviour.
Create a safe working environment for each pupil.
Recognise and affirm good work.
Prepare school work and correct work done by pupils.
Recognise and provide for individual talents and differences among pupils.
Be courteous, consistent and fair.
Keep opportunities for disruptive behaviour to a minimum.
Deal appropriately with misbehaviour.
Keep a record of instances of serious misbehaviour or repeated instances of misbehaviour.
Provide support for colleagues.
Communicate with parents when necessary and provide reports on matters of mutual concern.

Pupils’ Responsibilities
Attend school regularly and punctually.
Listen to their teachers and act on instructions/advice.
Show respect for all members of the school community.
Respect all school property and the property of other pupils.
Avoid behaving in any way which would endanger others.
Avoid all nasty remarks, swearing and name-calling.
Include other pupils in games and activities.
Bring correct materials/books to school.
Follow school and class rules.

Parents/Guardians’ Responsibilities
Encourage children to have a sense of respect for themselves and for property.
Ensure that children attend school regularly and punctually.
Be interested in, support and encourage their children’s school work.
Be familiar with the Code of Behaviour and support its implementation.
Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulties for others.
Communicate with the school in relation to any problems which may affect child’s progress/behaviour.

Playground Rules 
Obey the teacher on duty
Play safely
Be kind to others
Stay in the assigned area
Take care of equipment
Keep your hands and feet to yourself
Return to class on time

Classroom Rules
Listen carefully
Follow directions
Work quietly. Do not disturb others.
Respect others with your words and actions
Respect school and personal property
Work and play safely