Avondale Community College

Behaviour Policy

Introduction
The following code of discipline has been formulated by the school authority, parents, teachers and student representatives to keep in line with Department of Education guidelines on a code of discipline for schools.
The development of a good sense of discipline with an emphasis on its positive aspects will help students to grow in awareness of their responsibility to themselves and others.
Admission to the school implies an acceptance of school rules and regulations.
Each individual teacher has responsibility for their class and therefore has authority to enforce the school rules.

Punctuality
Students must be in time for class. Delays associated with visiting toilets or lockers before class commences are not permitted.
Class Assembly: 8:45 a.m.
1. Registration
2. Check Diary
3. Check Uniforms

Class Time
9:00 a.m. - 10.45a.m.
11:00 a.m. - 12.45 p.m.
1:45 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.
In the morning and the afternoon the bell will sound five minutes before the commencement of classes.
Students should proceed immediately to class.

Attendance
Absence from school must be supported by a written explanation signed by parents or guardians as required by the Education Act. All absences of 20 days or more during the school year must be reported by the school to the Education Welfare Board by law.
No pupil is allowed to leave the school premises during lunchtime except those who live in the town and are going home and whose parents have signed the Lunch Hour Permission Form at the beginning of the school year. Other pupils may obtain permission in exceptional circumstances by following the procedure outlined in (c) below
No pupil may leave the school during school hours without first obtaining a Permission Slip. These can be obtained on the appropriate day by bringing a note to registration from a parent/guardian.

Courtesy:
Pupils are expected to show co-operation, good manners and respect to all members of staff as well as to each other.
Insulting behaviour to members of staff, by word or action will be liable to suspension.
Students will queue in a quiet and orderly manner for school shop and lunch service.
Verbal or physical intimidation (i.e. name-calling, bullying etc) of students by their fellow students will not be tolerated.
Students are responsible for their own property while in school. All property should be labelled. They should also exercise responsibility and due care for the property of others.
School bags should be brought home each evening.

Journal
You must not damage or allow others to damage or deface your journal. The cost of a replacement journal is €10.
All damage to school property must be paid for. Damage, which has been intentionally caused, will be subject to severe sanction.
Students are expected to refrain from using foul or insulting language.

Movement within the school:
Movement within the school should be orderly.
Students are expected to use bathrooms during break times.
Appearance:Students are expected to be clean and tidy in dress and appearance.
School uniform must be worn at all times.
The wearing of jewellery may be a Health and Safety issue and standards in this regard will be decided on by school staff.

Mobile Phones/Discman/MP3 players etc.
Mobile phones are allowed before school begins, during morning break and lunchtime only during the school day.
A student found with a mobile phone during class time or in between classes will have his/ her phone confiscated and a parent will be requested to collect it from the office after 3:30pm.
Inappropriate use of cameras or any recording equipment is strictly forbidden.

Behaviour Management
Breaches of school discipline are recorded by school staff in a student file. The issue is normally dealt with by the teacher concerned.
Ongoing problems or more serious issues would be dealt with by:
The Class Teacher
The Year Head or the Assistant Year Head
The Deputy Principal
The Principal
School Discipline Committee
Sanctions will be issued as appropriate such as:
Detention
Social Duties
On Report
After School Detention
Meeting with parents/guardians
Restriction of Activities
Withdrawal of Privileges
Suspension
Recommendation to the Board of Management for expulsion from the school

Homework
This may take many forms e.g. written work, reading, revision, oral work, collecting information, computer work etc. All homework should be properly completed.
Each student is required to have a journal in which each day’s homework is recorded.
Comments on homework and behaviour may be recorded by teachers in the journal and parents/guardians are therefore advised to check the journals regularly.

Fostering Health
Smoking: In view of the clear and convincing evidence that smoking seriously affects health smoking is therefore banned. Anyone found in breach of this rule will automatically be suspended.
Drug Abuse: The consumption of alcohol and the use or possession of drugs by students in the school building, in school uniform or while representing the school is absolutely forbidden.
Disregard of this regulation will warrant suspension and/or other sanction as deemed necessary.
Litter: Casual littering of the school premises, indoors or outdoors is unacceptable and discourteous to others. All litter should be placed in the bins provided.
Chewing Gum: is strictly forbidden
Food: No food or drinks permitted in the classrooms.

General Reminders
Other incidents may arise which are not covered by the school rules.
However high standards of behaviour will be expected at all times and any student who fails to comply with these standards leaves himself/herself open to disciplinary measures.
When students behave unacceptably in or out of class, sanctions are imposed which aim to reflect their lack of concern for others and to re-establish an ordered environment, which is essential for learning to take place.
Disciplinary measures, when considered necessary will be implemented with firmness and fairness.
If a pupil’s conduct warrants it the Principal has authority to suspend a pupil in accordance with the Co. Wicklow VEC Behaviour Policy.


Principal: Rosaleen O’Neill – Deputy Principal: Fergal Boyle