Student Code of Conduct

The Jells Park Primary School community believes that children learn best in a secure, happy, non-discriminatory environment in which the rights of the individual are respected and within which personal responsibility and self-discipline can be developed.

The Code of Conduct for students at our school has been formulated in accordance with DE&T guidelines and incorporates Student Discipline Procedures 1994, Ministerial Order No 1 Discipline of Pupils and the Equal Opportunity Act 1995.

At Jells Park Primary School student conduct is at all times the shared responsibility of staff, students and parents.

Student Rights All Students have the right to:

Student Responsibilities All Students are expected to:

A positive educational environment that creates the maximum opportunity to learn Feel safe and secure at all times Be treated with dignity and respect regardless of gender, ethnic origin or ability Be treated equally and fairly

Allow others to learn in a positive environment Behave in a way that does not physically or emotionally threaten or endanger others Treat others with respect and dignity Be courteous, co-operative and friendly to all members of the school community Be honest Value the school property and environment Abide by the dress code Strive for personal excellence Be responsible for their own actions and accept the consequences of their behaviour Take action if aware of inappropriate behaviour by or towards others

In support of these Student Rights and Responsibilities it is expected that Staff:

• Will implement the Student Welfare and Discipline Policy with consistency. 
• Have collective responsibility for all students. 
• Regularly reinforce and clarify school rules, consequences, rights and responsibilities. 
• Model appropriate behaviours.

In support of these Student Rights and Responsibilities it is expected that Parents:

• Support the school in its efforts to provide quality teaching and a positive learning environment.
• Reinforce and clarify children’s awareness of the school rules, consequences, rights and responsibilities.

Basic School Rules

• Students play and move around the school safely at all times, keeping hands, feet and objects to themselves.
• Students care for their own belongings and respect the property of others and the school.
• Students are kind, respectful and courteous.
• Students talk to each other and try to resolve problems in a fair, sensible and calm manner.
• Students care for their environment.
• Students treat each other fairly regardless of gender, ethnic origin or ability.
• Early each year teachers will establish a set of classroom rules for their own classes, which are consistent with the whole school rules. School and class rules are to be displayed prominently around the school.

Consequences

Students are expected to understand and follow school and classroom rules. Inappropriate behaviour results in a logical consequence, which may include:

• Discussion of action followed by a warning / rule reminder.
• Counselling.
• Verbal and/or written apology.
• Withdrawal of privileges.
• Limited access to playground.
• Withdrawal from an activity.
• Time out.
• Environmental or school community service.
• Making good any damage or mess.
• Completing or repeating set task to an appropriate standard.
• Referral to Principal/Assistant Principal.
• Parent contact and/or interview.
• Behaviour agreements.
• Referral to Coordinator and/or another teacher.

These measures will be used with discretion depending on the nature of the misdemeanour.

Serious and continued breaches of the Student Code of Conduct and School Rules may result in suspension/expulsion in line with DE&T guidelines.

Strategies

In developing and maintaining a school environment characterised by positive, non-discriminatory relationships between students and high standards of behaviour, our school is committed to the
following strategies:

• Gearing the learning environment for maximum student success in a wide range of  academic and non-academic activities.
• Building a positive working environment in the classroom.
• Using positive management of behaviour and discipline, through actively promoting, teaching and supporting responsible, thoughtful actions.
• Providing regular encouragement and feedback for children through the use of incentives and awards.
• Encouraging a school environment with a climate of tolerance, respect, trust, understanding and compassion.
• Implementing systematic strategies to foster and enhance positive student behaviour and to ensure non-discriminatory peer relations.
• Ensuring regular discussion and clarity of school rules, consequences, rights and responsibilities.
• Developing individual student support procedures as required.
• Establishing and maintaining regular communication with parents.
• Building a supportive school environment with a range of leadership opportunities for students.