Student Behaviour Policy
Castleknock Community College
School Motto: 'Mol an Oige agus Tiocfaidh Si'
School Values: Courtesy, Respect and Responsibility

1. General Philosophy
Our Student Behaviour Policy and practice guidelines have been developed in the context of a supportive and caring environment in which we endeavour to teach students to take responsibility for their actions. We also take every opportunity to recognise the positive qualities in every student and to celebrate improvement and achievement. These are the cornerstones of the Student Behaviour Policy and inform all aspects of the way the Policy is implemented in our school.

The Student Behaviour Policy of Castleknock Community College was drawn up in conjunction with students, parents and staff.

The following legislation was considered in the creation of our Student Behaviour Policy:

Article 42 of the Irish Constitution
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Education Act 1988 - Sections 28 & 29
Education (Welfare) Act 2000 - Section 23
Equal Status Act 2000

2. Aims of "Student Behaviour Policy"

To develop a moral framework within which initiative, responsibility and sound relationship can flourish.

To enable students to develop a sense of self worth, respect and courtesy for others.

To provide an environment in which students feel safe, secure and respected.

To have effective procedures in place which will allow for the day to day running of the school and which meet the demands of current legislation.

3. Objectives of "Student Behaviour Policy"

The Student Behaviour Policy will encourage and enable students to show:
- Self confidence
- Self control
- Sensitivity and consideration for others
- A pride in themselves and their College
- An interest in their activities.

The Student Behaviour Policy will allow students to develop:

- Responsibility for their learning and their environment
- An independence of mind
- A sense of fairness
- An understanding of the need for rules
- A respect and understanding for others' ways of life and different opinions
- Non-sexist attitudes
- Non-racist attitudes
- A consistent approach to tasks
- An acceptable reaction to bullying and abuse.

4. The Student Behaviour Policy

- Treat everyone at College with care and respect: this includes fellow students, teachers and all who visit our College.
- Regular and punctual attendance at all classes is expected. For every absence a student must provide a written explanation from a parent or guardian.
- All students are expected to swipe in on time for morning and afternoon classes. Students must carry their swipe card at all times throughout the school day.
- The journal is an essential piece of College equipment. All students must bring their journal to College every day. The journal is used to record homework, notes from parents, teachers and other College staff only.
- The use of mobile phones, personal stereos or other inappropriate equipment is prohibited during College time.
- Eating and drinking is confined to the College canteen.
- The chewing of gum is prohibited.

- Any student found in possession of or using alcohol, other non-prescribed drugs or controlled substances, either on the College premises or during any College related activity (including all break times) will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, which may result in suspension and/or exclusion. (See Substance Abuse Policy)
- Everyone in the College is responsible for the care of the College premises. Students and staff are encouraged to feel a sense of ownership for the College and its environment. The College is actively involved in the Green Schools Programme and all students are encouraged to keep the building clean and tidy and to keep grounds free of litter.

5. A Positive Focus

- Students' achievements, academic or otherwise, will be recognised.
- Rewards will be accessible to all students.
- Assembly will be used as an opportunity to acknowledge achievements and to foster a sense of community

Rewards for good behaviour include:
§ Positive notes in the student's journal
§ Praise from staff
§ Responsibilities given
§ Merit awards
§ Public affirmation through newsletters
§ The display of students' work throughout the College.

6. Unacceptable Behaviour
Unacceptable Behaviour includes:
- Inappropriate physical behaviour
- Abusive language (including racist, sexist comments etc)
- Vandalism
- Aggression to others
- Theft
- Truancy
- Bullying
- Substance misuse
In such cases an Incident Report should be completed and the relevant year head notified. Subject to the seriousness of the incident the student may have to be removed from class and the Principal, Deputy Principal or Year head must be notified immediately. Following a Discipline meeting a sanction will be imposed that will be in keeping with natural justice.

7(a). Sanctions
A firm reprimand from a member of staff is expected to be sufficient to correct inappropriate behaviour. However, if this fails to correct the behaviour of a student the following procedures may be adopted:

(i) In the classroom
See Classroom Guidelines (Attached) and Code of Behaviour as outlined in the journal.

(ii) Outside the classroom
Outside the classroom a sanction, appropriate to the misbehaviour, may include:
- A note being placed in the student's journal.
- A community task being administered - e.g. picking up litter, or tidying up a classroom etc.

If the above sanctions do not lead to a modification of behaviour, the tutor/Year Head are notified and the following may be considered, subject to the seriousness of the incident:

- Report sheet for a set period of time
- A meeting with the Discipline Committee. (The Discipline Committee normally consists of the relevant Year Head, a Deputy Principal, the Reporting teacher and/or the tutor
- A requirement for a written apology and a renewed commitment to the College
- Contacting parents
- Suspension or Expulsion as set out under the terms of the College Suspension and Expulsion Policy.

7(b). Sanctions:

Uniform & Appearance:
- Students are expected, at all times, to wear their uniform to the highest standard. The College Uniform Policy clearly outlines the standards expected.

- In the interest of good grooming and health and safety, students are requested not to wear make-up and/or jewellery. Students will be asked to remove jewellery and/or make-up.

- Confiscated jewellery will be placed in the appropriate envelope and forwarded to the student's year head. Jewellery will be returned to students at the end of a school term or at the Year Head's discretion.

- Where a student continues to be in breach of the rules relating to uniform and jewellery, the year head will write a letter to the parents. Subsequently, further breaches of discipline may result in the student being suspended from the College.

Electronic Equipment:
- Use of Electronic Equipment (Mobile Phones, minidisks etc) is prohibited during school time.

- Picture Phones are prohibited in the College at all times. Students who are found in possession of picture phones will have them confiscated until the end of the school year.

- Such equipment will be confiscated and placed in the appropriate envelope and forwarded to the student's year head.

- The equipment will only be returned when the parent or guardian collects it from the College.

- A second offence will be result in the equipment being confiscated until the end of the school year. Abuse of this rule may result in the student being suspended.

Chewing Gum & Smoking:
- In the interest of hygiene, Chewing Gum is forbidden and students will be fined €10.00, payable to the Year Head. The reporting teacher will make a note in the student's journal and the student's tutor will collect the payment, which will be receipted in the student's journal.

- Under legislation and health & safety regulations smoking is forbidden during the school day. A student will be suspended for three days if she/he is found to be smoking. This rule extends to all College activities and to students travelling to and from College.

The College's Substance Abuse Policy is available on request.

Offensive Language/Remarks
- Where a student is found to be using offensive language they are reprimanded and a record of the incident will be kept by the yearhead. Subject to the seriousness of the incident the student may have to be removed from class and the Principal, Deputy Principal or Year head must be notified immediately. Following a Discipline Meeting a sanction will be imposed that will be in keeping with natural justice.

- In persistent cases, the College will recommend suspension or expulsion as set out under the terms of the College Suspension and Expulsion Policy.

8. Preventative Measures
The College recognises the importance of assisting students in upholding The Student Behaviour Policy. In our College, students will be encouraged in their endeavours to uphold the Student Behaviour Policy by use of the following measures.

(a) The Student Behaviour Policy is circulated to the parents of all new entrants into the College and they are asked to read it and to sign their agreement with the content. By doing so they acknowledge their support and cooperation with it. This is to ensure that parents and students understand what our rules are, why they must be adhered to and what procedures will be followed if the rules are not upheld.
(b) At the start of Term One each year, as part of our induction process, each class is brought through The Student Behaviour Policy and any amendments to it are highlighted. This is done so as to remind students of the content and to take account of the fact that they have been out of our school's environment for three months.
(c) If a student is in breach of a rule, he/she is asked to explain (orally or in writing) the rule he/she has breached, to describe what effect this breach has had on members of the school community, and how he/she could act differently in the future to avoid being in breach of the rule. This is done to develop the student's sensitivity and consideration for others and to assist them in upholding school rules in future. Only after this is a sanction given.
(d) School rules and the reason for them are discussed as part of the school's pastoral care programme or as part of RSE/SPHE. The notion of respect for others, self-control, a sense of fairness and the principles of natural justice are discussed as part of our Pastoral Education Programme in the College. Some of this work also takes place in CSPE class since it is the foundation of good citizenship.

(e) Issues such as bullying, racism, sexism, harassment, violence, substance misuse etc are discussed with the students during their time in our school, using current legislation, current affairs and/or outside speakers. This is to help the students better understand these issues so that they can base their thinking, understanding and action on factual information and in the light of the values espoused in our College.

9. Parents
Parents have a vital role in promoting good behaviour in College and so effective home school liaison is very important. The College has developed and promoted strong links with the parent body. This has allowed the College to develop a caring, safe and supportive environment in which each student has the opportunity to fully develop her/his aptitudes and talents.

We request parents:
- Inform us of any difficulties that may affect their child's performance or behaviour at College.
- Inform us about their child's absences by writing a note in their child's journal.
- Regularly check their child's journal for communications from the College.

The College will endeavour to achieve good home school liaison by:
- Promoting a welcoming environment within the College
- Giving parents regular constructive and positive comments on their child's work and behaviour.
- Encouraging parents to come into the College on occasions other than official parents' meetings (e.g. Extra-curricular events etc).
- Keeping parents informed of College activities by letter, newsletters etc.
- Involving parents at an early stage in any disciplinary problems.

10. Other Agencies

In order to ensure that a safe and supportive environment exists for all students, full use will be made of such agencies as The Education Welfare Officers, Social Services, Health Services, The National Educational Psychologists (NEPS), The County Dublin VEC Educational Psychological Services and any other support services where appropriate.

11. Links to other policies

Parents and students are advised that other related policies, listed below, are available on request.
Bullying
Substance Misuse
Suspension & Exclusion Policy
Uniform Policy
The Green School Policy

By enrolling their child at Castleknock Community College, parents are acknowledging acceptance and support of The Student Behaviour Policy.

Written in association with Staff, Students and Parents 2004