Timeline of reviews of this Policy:

• Policy originally reviewed in 2009-2010 in accordance with N.E.W.B. guidelines and Education (Welfare) Act 2000. The Principal, Deputy Principal and Assistant Principals reviewed the original policy and the proposed changes were put to the Staff and Parents’ Association. The Board of Management sanctioned the revised policy at its meeting in September 2010.
• This policy was further amended in November 2015 to include reference to the School’s Revised Anti-Bullying Policy and to address issues arising from inappropriate use of social media by pupils. This revised policy should be read in conjunction with the revised School Procedures for Suspension & Expulsion. (Appendix 1).
• This policy was reviewed during the school year 2021/22. Parents, pupils and staff were included in the review process. Methods including surveys and focus groups were used to gather information.

Mission Statement

Scoil Thomáis promotes the fullest possible development of each child socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and intellectually so that he/she:

• May lead a full enjoyable life as a child.
• Be prepared to avail of further education.
• Be able to contribute to society as an adult and enjoy leisure time.

Scoil Thomáis promotes:

• Self confidence and independence and a co-operative spirit among the pupils.
• Respect for and kindness to all human beings and all of God’s creatures.
• Participation in and the enjoyment of creative, artistic and physical activity.
• In devising the code, consideration has been given to the particular needs and circumstances of this school. The aim is to ensure that the personality of each child is accommodated while acknowledging the right of all children to education in an environment free from disruption.
• Staff members have been involved in planning the code. This code has been discussed with the Parents Association and the Board of Management.
• Every effort will be made by the staff to adopt a positive approach to the question of behaviour in school. The code offers a framework within which positive motivators and encouragement are used by teachers. On enrolment a copy of this code will be given to assist parents and pupils understand the systems and procedures and to seek cooperation in the application of these procedures. A copy of this policy is also available on the school website.
• The school recognises the variety of differences that exist between children and the need to accommodate these differences.
• It is agreed that a high standard of behaviour requires a strong sense of community within the school and a high level of respect and co-operation among staff and between staff, pupils and parents. Every effort will be made to ensure that the code of discipline is implemented in a reasonable, fair and consistent manner.
• Rules will be kept to a minimum and will be positively stated in terms of what pupils should do.
• Every effort will be made to match the curriculum to the abilities, aptitudes and interests of each pupil. This should help to reduce boredom, lack of interest or lack of progress.
• Every effort will be made to have children displaying emotional/behavioural difficulties referred for psychological assessment without delay. Help will be sought, also, from support services within the wider community, for example Community Care Services provided by Health Boards and the Educational Welfare Office.
• The overall responsibility for discipline within the school rests with the Principal. Each teacher has responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his / her classroom while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school premises. A pupil will be referred to an Assistant Principal and if necessary to the Deputy Principal or Principal for serious breaches of discipline and for repeated incidents of minor misbehaviour.

A separate policy document exists on Anti-Bullying (revised Nov 2015). Adult Bullying is dealt with in the Safety Statement. Other policies e.g. Homework, Attendance, Substance Use may be referred to as necessary.

General Guidelines for Positive Behaviour

• Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow students 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.

The school promotes/encourages good behaviour through some of the following:

(I) Private or public praise of a pupil’s good behaviour, manners, politeness

(II) Class “Pupil of the Week” award.

(III) Star / Points e.g. “Best Behaved Group of the Week”

Rewards: appropriate to class level, e.g. stickers, free from some homework ……

Praise may be given by means of any one of the following: A quiet word or gesture to show approval. A comment in a pupil’s exercise book. A visit to another member of Staff or to the Principal for commendation. A word of praise in front of a group or class, Individual class merit awards, points awards, Delegating some special responsibility or privilege. Written or verbal communication with parent.

Teachers may suggest appropriate interventions to improve behaviour to parents/guardians.

Other Points to Note in relation to incidences of Gross/Serious Misbehaviours

Reports of Bullying Behaviour and the investigation of such matters will be dealt with in accordance with the most recent Anti-Bullying Policy* and school procedures. Sanctions up to and including suspension are in place for repeated and serious matters of bullying including cyberbullying.

Posting or circulating defamatory or insulting comments about a teacher or member of school staff on social media sites or on any online or offline medium is regarded as gross misbehaviour and constitutes grounds for suspension.

Where there are repeated incidences of serious misbehaviour, the Chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed and the parents will be requested in writing to attend at the school to meet the Chairperson and the Principal. If the parents do not give an undertaking that the pupil will behave in an acceptable manner in the future the pupil may have to be suspended for a temporary period. Suspension will be in accordance with terms of Rule 130 (5) of the Rules for National Schools. (see Appendix 1 for Suspension & Expulsion Procedures).

In the case of gross misbehaviour where it is necessary to ensure that order and discipline are maintained and to secure the safety of pupils the Board shall authorise the Chairperson or Principal to sanction an immediate suspension, pending a discussion of the matter with the parents.

Expulsion may be considered in an extreme case, in accordance with Rule 130 (6) as amended by circular and the Education Welfare Act 2000. (see Appendix 1 for Suspension & Expulsion Procedures).

*Dealing with Bullying Behaviour: Refer to Scoil Thomáis Anti-Bullying Policy – revised 2014 and reviewed in November 2015 to comply with the requirements of the Department of Education Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary & Post Primary Schools which were published in September 2013.

This amended policy was ratified by the BOM on 6th May 2022.

Signed: Brian Kealy, Chairperson, Board of Management