Code of Conduct Policy

Rationale

The goal is to encourage children to behave in ways that are respectful of themselves, others, God and the environment.  We want to ensure a fair and consistent approach that will promote a safe, orderly and positive class and school environment for effective teaching, learning and social interaction.

Objectives

1. To build a positive class and school environment that reflects Gospel values
2. To establish consistent systems for effective management of pupils within the school environment
3. To ensure that all teachers have collegial support
4. To share with parents and caregivers and enlist their support in maintaining the Code of Conduct
5. To promote learning programmes, classroom environment and positive management practices that focus on building respectful relationships as key elements in realising appropriate behaviour
6. To encourage appropriate behaviour outside of school.
7. To encourage appropriate use of technologies when communicating with others outside of the school environment.

Guidelines

1. Emphasis will be on affirming appropriate behaviour.
2. A school-wide programme for playground behaviour outlining expectations and consequences will be reviewed annually.
3. Each class will develop a set of class expectations and consequences appropriate totheir age and needs.  Consequences will be appropriate to the behaviour.  Each year this will be shared with parents.  This will be done at the Information Evenings held at the beginning of each year.
4. Teachers will be made aware of the need for consistency when following the procedures.
   This will be covered during the Teachers’ Only Day at the start of each year and included in the ‘How We Do Things Round Here’ document.

Stand-down, Suspensions, Exclusion and Expulsion

Where appropriate pupils at St Brigid’s School may be stood down or suspended.  These procedures will be reserved for very serious behaviour and will follow the guidelines of the Education Act 1989 and the Education Stand-down, Suspension Exclusion and Expulsion Rules 1999.

The Principal and the Board will also take into account the values of the Gospel when making decisions over disciplinary matters.

Conclusion

Through positive reinforcement, family, whanau and collegial support, an environment will result where pupils feel happy, secure and able to learn and interact effectively.

Formulated by:                      Policy committee - December 2008

Approved:    

Review:                                 December 2011