This policy should be read in conjunction with School Admission Policy
and Special Needs Policy.

INTRODUCTION
Árdscoil na Tríonóide is a Catholic Voluntary Secondary School resulting from the
amalgamation of Scoil Eoin , Christian Brothers Secondary School and Scoil Mhuire,
Mercy Secondary School. The school is under the trusteeship of the Sisters of Mercy, South Central Province, and from May 2007 will be under the trusteeship of CEIST (Catholic Education – an Irish Schools Trust).

Policy Statement
Our aim in Árdscoil na Tríonóide is to provide a quality education for all students. Our objectives are to create a calm, ordered and work-orientated atmosphere in a caring, supportive, disciplined and mutually respectful environment. Our expectations of students are high and we will expect them to strive towards the fulfilment of their potential in all spheres of school life: religious, academic, social,and sporting.

Because of this the following is expected from students:

• A high standard of behaviour by adherence to the Code of Behaviour.
• Regular and punctual attendance.
• Consistent homework and study.
• A commitment to achieving the best in every aspect of school life.

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

1. Conduct In School
   We aim to create a school community based on fairness, mutual respect, consideration, courtesy and tolerance of others.
   (a) Students and staff are expected to show a very high standard of courtesy and
   respect in their dealings with each other.
   (b) Students of Árdscoil na Tríonóide are expected to behave in a way that reflects
   well on the school at all times.
   (c) It is expected that each member of the school community will be free from any form of harassment or intimidation either inside or outside the classroom or school. (Please refer to Anti-Bullying Policy).
   (d) Students will treat with respect all school buildings, equipment and grounds and also the property of other members of the school community. All damage to property must be reported immediately and must be paid for in full by the person responsible or his/her parents/guardians.
   (c) Students are responsible for their own possessions and should mark them clearly and keep them secured in their lockers. The school cannot accept responsibility for loss of pupils’ property.
   (d) Students are expected to co-operate in keeping the school grounds free of litter and to ensure that classrooms are also litter free.
   (e) Students must get permission in advance to post notices in the school.
2. Conduct in Class
   We acknowledge the right of every student to education in a positive learning environment. As teaching and learning can only take place in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere we expect the following from students:
   (a) Each student will occupy the place designated for him/her by the teacher of each particular class and have all the necessary books, copies and equipment required for each class.
   (b) Students will be attentive in class and allow teaching and learning to proceed without interference. If a student wishes to attract the teacher’s attention he/she must do so respectfully.
3.  Punctuality and Attendance
   As regular and punctual attendance have been proven to have a positive impact on academic attainment we expect the following:
   (a) Students will attend regularly and punctually. If a student is persistently late for class or school, his/her parents/guardians will be informed. Disciplinary action, which may involve detention, will be taken for continual unpunctuality.
   (b) All students will be present each day at the times specified in the School Journal and line up in single file in social areas for specialist rooms. No sitting on the
   floor.
   (c) Students will be at their desks for all classes at the times indicated on the timetable. Students unavoidably delayed at home should obtain a note of explanation from their parents.
   (d) In the case of absence due to illness or other reasons, parents/guardians may either telephone the Principal with an explanation or provide the student with a note explaining the absence. This must be handed to the Principal, Deputy Principal or the teacher in charge of rolls, at 8.55 am on the day of his/her return to school. Where such a note is not handed in on returning to school or where a student is absent for 3 days without explanation, a letter requesting an explanation for the absence will be immediately sent to parents/guardians. Prior permission for foreseen absences should be sought from the Principal. (Please refer to Attendance Policy). Please note that a form for explaining absences may be found at the back of the School Journal.
4. Leaving the School
   Students may not leave the school during school hours, that is, between 8.50 am and 4.00 pm, for any reason, without prior permission from the Principal or his/her representative. When leaving with permission students must sign out in the ‘signing out’ book in the Secretary’s office. Certain areas of the school are out of bounds: the back of the prefabs; back of the gym; UDC office car park and surrounding walls; staff car park, unless accompanied by a staff member. Students may not congregate in the church car park. Students may not drive or park cars in the school grounds. Students must be dropped and collected at the roundabout inside the gate.(Please refer to Attendance Policy).
5. Entering and Leaving Classrooms
   (a) When changing classes students go directly to the appropriate room and
   immediately occupy their places. In the interests of safety students are expected to observe the one-way system when moving around the school and move in an orderly fashion on the left-hand side of corridors.
   (b) Students follow teachers’ instructions regarding entering or leaving classrooms. Pupils should stand when a teacher or visitor enters a classroom. If a student is out of class, he/she must have a class pass.
   (c) Students do not run or push each other in the corridors or social areas. Students use toilets during or between classes with a teacher’s permission.
6. Lockers
   (a) Use of lockers by students must not disrupt the orderly running of classes. In the interests of safety students do not go to their lockers between classes except with a teacher’s permission. Books must be organised at 8.55 am, 10.55 break and lunchtime. The school reserves the right to ask a student to open his/her locker in exceptional cases, where there is a genuine concern. (See Agreement for Locker Use signed by the student at the start of the year).
7. School Uniform
   See Uniform Policy in Appendix 1
8. Homework and Classwork
   (a) Students are expected to give of their best during class, which means, paying full attention and allowing every other student the opportunity to do likewise. Regular, consistent homework, whether oral or written, reading or revision is expected of every student. Any student who fails to complete his/her homework must produce a written note of explanation from his/her parents or guardians.
   

Recommended Hours of Study

• First Year 2 hrs 5 nights a week.
• Second Year 2 hrs 5 nights a week.
• Third Year 3 hrs 5 nights a week.
• Fifth Year 3 hrs 30 mins 5 nights a week.
• Sixth Year 3 hrs 30 mins 5 nights a week.

Each student will be provided with a copy of a recommended Study Programme. Students have a homework journal and keep an accurate account of homework given. This journal should be checked regularly by parents and signed at the END of each
week.

9. School Journal
(a) Each student will take his/her journal to class each day, keep it in a neat and tidy condition and use it to record exactly the homework/study in each subject.
(b) A student who does not bring his/her journal to class will be liable to reprimand and/or minor sanction.
(c) Where a student arrives in school on two consecutive days without the School Journal, or where the Class Tutor considers that the School Journal is in an
unsatisfactory, or inappropriate condition, the student must purchase a new Journal through the Class Tutor.
(d) The misuse or destruction of a School Journal will be regarded as a breach of the School Code of Behaviour.
(e) It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the School Journal is examined and signed by a parent/guardian at the end of each week.

REWARDS
In order to encourage students to set high standards for themselves, in and out of class, academic endeavour and other achievements will be recognised in the following ways:

• Praise by the class teacher of individuals or groups;
• Praise by the Year Head, Class Tutor, Deputy Principal or Principal;
• Positive note in a student’s’s journal;
• Positive letter home to parents/guardians;
• Certificate of Achievement at Assembly;
• Certificate of Excellent Attendance;
• Prize for Attendance;
• Nomination for Student of the Year;
• Nomination for Award for Academic Excellence;
• Outing or out-of-school trip for a class.
• Merit Mark
  

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR
The following will be regarded as serious breaches of the Code of Behaviour:

• Endangering the safety or health of another member of the school community.
• Disrespect or defi ance towards or harassment or intimidation of a teacher or the
  bullying of another member of the school community. (See Anti Bullying Policy).
• The possession, use or supply of prohibited substances (including Alcohol) in the school, on school trips or in the course of any school related activity by any member of the school community. The only exception is for legitimate medicinal use with the prior notification of the school authorities. (Please refer to the Substance Abuse Policy).
• Deliberate vandalism (including the writing of graffi ti) of the property of the school or of the possessions of a member of the school community.
• Interference with or continuous disruption of teaching and learning.
• Refusal to obey clear, reasonable instructions on an ongoing basis.
• The use of obscene, inappropriate or abusive language.
• Stealing, fighting and the carrying of offensive weapons will be regarded as serious breaches of the Code of Behaviour. These are criminal matters and will
  be reported to the Gárdai. They will also be dealt with by means of suspension or
  expulsion using due process.

The following will be regarded as breaches of the
Code of Behaviour:

• Smoking anywhere inside the school grounds.
• Eating or drinking in class.
• Chewing gum in the school area.
• Failure to complete homework assignments.
• Inattention, failure to have books, equipment for class.
• Running, shouting or inappropriate physical behaviour of any description
• Students do not congregate in the toilets.
• Lateness for class or school.
• Mobile phones must be switched off. Picture phones are not allowed under any circumstances. (See Mobile Phone Policy).

Sanctions
The sanctions applied will depend on the nature and severity of the offence. Serious breaches of the code will result in sanctions such as suspension being
applied, or in extreme cases, expulsion - (see Suspensions/Expulsions Policy). Other breaches of the code will result in sanctions which may include one or more of the following:

• Reprimand;
• Separation from peers;
• Extra work;
• Notification of Deputy Principal or Principal;
• Notification of Parents/Guardians;
• Cleaning or tidying up duties around the school;
•  Being placed on daily or weekly report;
• Detention during break or after school;
• Loss of privileges or of the right to represent the school;
• In school suspension;
• Other sanctions as may be decided by the Board of Management.

Appendix 1 UNIFORM POLICY
Students are expected to respect and wear the school uniform:

• Grey School Trousers ( Boys)
• School kilt ( girls) (knee length or below)with black socks or tights
• Girls may wear trousers for practical purposes
• White shirt/blouse
• School tie
• School jumper with crest
• School Jacket
• Black or brown shoes
  

Students are expected to be neat and tidy at all times. A high standard of personal hygiene is essential.

• One pair of stud earrings and one ring may be worn in school.
• Students are not permitted to wear face piercing or visible tattoos.
• Make–up must be discreet.

Parents/Guardians and Students should note the following:
Students will require indoor and outdoor sports gear, including non-marking runners for use in the PE hall. Parents are asked to note:
(a) The uniform will be checked every day.
(b) Inside the school building, students may only wear the school uniform. Coats, jackets etc must be left in lockers or hung up in social areas.
(c) If your son/daughter is not wearing the full uniform, he/she must have a note from you explaining why.
(d) Such notes will be valid for a maximum of two days. If your son/daughter does not have the uniform after two days, he/she is to be kept home until such time as
he/she has the full uniform
(e) If a student attends school without the full uniform and he/she does not have a note from you he/she will be liable to suspension. We appeal for your cooperation in this endeavour of ours to create good order and a happy learning environment for your son/daughter.

SUSPENSION & EXPULSION POLICY
As stated in the Code of Behaviour our aim is to create a calm, ordered and work orientated atmosphere in a caring, supportive and mutually respectful environment. In general, where students do not observe the Code of Behaviour we would hope that reprimand by their teachers, tutor or year head or a sanction of some description will encourage students not to repeat the offence. Class tutors, academic monitors or year heads will provide support, and encouragement to students whose behaviour or work rate is not satisfactory.

If such meetings with the student and/or sanctions fail to produce an improvement the tutor or year head will then contact the parents to inform them of the situation and to seek their co-operation. Instances of serious misbehaviour or repeated breaches of the Code of Behaviour may be referred to the Principal or Deputy Principal who will then arrange to meet with parents/guardians.

SUSPENSION
In cases of serious breaches of the Code or where there are repeated breaches of the Code, suspension will be an option. The principal will have the power to suspend a student for a period of up to five days and shall report any such suspension to the Board of Management at its next meeting.

Except in cases of serious misbehaviour suspension will usually only occur after other sanctions have been tried and failed and after the involvement of relevant support personnel from within the school and formal notifi cation and meeting with parents/guardians.

Periods of suspension greater than five days may only be imposed by the Board of Management. Following a suspension, parents/guardians/students may be required to enter into a contract of good behaviour or to other conditions which may be specifi ed, prior to the student returning to school. Except in cases of serious misbehaviour suspension will only occur after the principal has

• Ensured other discipline options available under the Code of Behaviour have been applied and documented.
• Ensured appropriate support personnel have been involved.
• Ensured that other procedures, referrals, supports have been tried.
• Ensured that discussion has occurred with the student and parent/guardian regarding specific misbehaviour which the school considers unacceptable and which may lead to suspension.
• Provided formal verbal and written warnings at appropriate times detailing these behaviours, as well as clear expectations of what was required of the student in the future.
• Recorded all action taken.
• Informed the parents/guardians of his/her intention to suspend or to recommend suspension to the Board of Management and invited them to make their own submission on the matter. Prior to deciding on a suspension the Board of Management will have
• Heard the Principal’s case against the student (this case should be made in the presence of the parents)
• Heard the Parents’/Guardians’ response.
• Examined all the documentation.
• Considered the student’s record in the school.
• Ensured the Principal is not present for the Board’s discussion and decision on the matter.
• Discussed the case in detail.
• Made a final decision to suspend.
• Communicated the decision to the parents/guardians formally through the Secretary to the Board (registered letter).
• Informed the Education Welfare officer under Section 24(1) of the Education Welfare Act 2000.

Information regarding the right of appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act willbe provided to parents/guardians/student with formal notification of suspension, if applicable.

In the case of suspension for a period of six days or more the parents/guardians or the student, if over eighteen, may if they wish appeal the suspension to the Board of Management. The appeal must be made in writing to the Secretary of the Board and should state the grounds on which the appeal is being made. However, the school may insist that the student remain at home until the appeal has been heard.

The Board will endeavour to hear any such appeal as quickly as possible. If such an appeal is successful the Board may agree to an alternative sanction or to the lifting of the suspension or to the removal of the suspension from the students file.

EXPULSION
Expulsion is the ultimate sanction imposed by the school and will be exercised by the Board of Management in cases of extreme indiscipline. In advance of any hearing which could result in an expulsion the school will investigate the matter in accordance with the principles of natural justice. Except in exceptional circumstances, expulsion will only occur after the principal has:

• Ensured all discipline options under the Code of Behaviour have been applied and documented.
• Ensured all appropriate support personnel (internal and external) have been involved.
• Ensured all other procedures, referrals, supports have been exhausted.
• Ensured that discussion has occurred with the student and parent/guardian regarding specific misbehaviour which the school considers unacceptable and which may lead to expulsion.
• Provided formal verbal and written warnings at appropriate times detailing these behaviours, as well as clear expectations of what was required of the student in the future.
• Recorded all action taken, and copied all correspondence.
• Informed the parents/guardians of his/her intention to recommend expulsion to the Board of Management.
• Invited the parents/guardians to the Board of Management hearing.
• Invited the parents/guardians to make a written submission in advance of the Board Meeting.
• Provided the parents/guardians with a full, written description of the allegations against the student and the case being made at the Board.
• Made a formal expulsion recommendation to the Board with full supporting documentation.

Prior to deciding on an expulsion the Board of Management will have:

• Heard the Principal’s case against the student (this case should be made in the presence of the parents/guardians)
• Heard the Parents’/Guardians’ response.
• Examined all the documentation.
• Considered the student’s record in the school.
• Taken legal/expert advice.
• Ensured the Principal is not present for the Board’s discussion and decision on the matter.
• Discussed the case in detail.
• Made a final decision to expel.
• Communicated the decision to the parents/guardians formally through the Secretary to the Board (registered letter).
• Informed the Education Welfare officer under Section 29(1) of the Education
  Welfare Act 2000.

Information regarding the right of appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act will be provided to parents/guardians/student with formal notification of expulsion.

EVALUATION OF CODE OF BEHAVIOUR:
The Board of Management will review the policy, in consultation with staff, parents and students, on an annual basis.
Approved by Board January 2007 ( DATE)
Signed ( Chairperson) Patrick Diggins
Next Review Date: January 2008 2008(DATE)
Approved by Trustees ( date) January 2007 (DATE)