The co-operation and support of parents and students is essential for our Code of Behaviour to be effective.

We attempt to guide all our students safely through their school years. We offer a pastoral care system of support and encouragement. Whenever a student gets into serious trouble, we endeavour to find a resolution that is satisfactory to all concerned. However, after a fair and reasonable response by the school, which, in certain circumstances, can include counselling, we will proceed to serious sanctions in the event of selfish, disruptive or dangerous behaviour.

School Day:

9 a.m. to 3.40 p.m. Monday to Thursday

9 a.m. to 3.01 p.m. Friday

Respect:

The school operates on a basis of mutual respect.

School Uniform:

Attendance is conditional on wearing the full school uniform. No student may proceed to class if not in uniform without getting permission to do so from the Principal or Deputy Principal. A written explanation from a parent explaining the incomplete uniform will be required. Black shoes must be worn. Students should dress and present themselves for school in an appropriate manner. Please note that tight black jeans must not be worn!

Attendance:

Students must attend all classes as per timetable.

Absences:

All absences must be accounted for. Parents are asked to phone the school on the day of absence and the student must bring in a signed and dated note on returning to school. A student with a high rate of absenteeism should be aware that this will affect his/her school reference. Undetr the Education Welfare Act, absences must be reported to the Education Welfare Officer.

Discipline Period:

A teacher may impose a discipline period, following the end of the school day, when a student is late or misbehaves during class. The teacher will notify the student and provide personal supervision. If the offender is a first year student, we will do our best to contact the parent, in advance of the discipline period. In exceptinal circumstances, when a student is constantly in breach of the school's Code of Behaviour, a parent may be requested to supervise his/her son/daughter, if the sanction of detention is recommended.

Lunchtime Arrangements:

There are no canteen facilities in the school. Parents are advised to provide a healthy and balanced lunch for their son/daughter. Students of first and second year must remain on the premises during lunch break. All other year groups have permission to leave, provided they return on time for afternoon classes. Permission for third, fifth and sixth year students to leave the school premises at lunchtime is conditional on their good behaviour. This permission will be withdrawn from any individual or group who misbehaves.

Eating/Drinking on school premises:

Students are not permitted to eat or drink inside the school building. CHEWING GUM IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN!

Health and Safety (Alcohol and Drugs):

The possession, use or distribution of alcohol or drugs in school, on school outings, in school uniform or while representing the school is absolutely forbidden. Failure to keep this rule will result in parents being informed and asked to remove their son/daughter from the school while the matter is being investigated. Gardaí may be informed and suspension/expulsion may be recommended to the Board of Management by the Principal.

Smoking:

Smoking is prohibited under Public Health (Tobacco Act 2004). It is illegal to smoke in the school building or on the surrounding grounds. The Principal is obliged by law to report any breaches of this Act to the Authorities and offenders may face heavy fines, up to €3 000.

Bullying:

A copy of the school's Anti-Bullying Policy is sent to all parents. All incidents of bullying should be reported immediately to any teacher, Year Head, Deputy Principal or Principal. All reported incidents of bullying will be given priority and may be referred on to the Gardaí.

Mobile Phones/Communication/Recording Devices:

Students must use their phones responsibly. Mobile phones, camera phones, Walkmans, MP3 players and all other devices for recording and communicating must be turned off on arrival in school. Phones may be switched on for use only during morning and lunch break and at the end of the school day. They must not be used during class time and will be confiscated. They must not be used in the toilets. Parents are requested to only communicate with students through the school office. See Policy Document on Mobile Phones.

Use of Toilet Facilities:

Students may not use the toilets during class change over. Permission must be sought from the class teacher at other times except during breaks.

Vandalism:

The school hopes that all or students will respect the property and resources provided for their education. Failure to comply will lead to sanctions.

Valuables:

Students are asked not to bring valuables into school as there is a risk of them being taken. If a student has a sum of money for an outing/school tour etc. it should be left into the secretary's office on arrival to school for safekeeping.

Last updated: May 2008.