About St Mark's - Code of Discipline

1. To provide a framework to assist the school in maintaining a positive, safe learning environment.
2. To clarify and formalise existing rules and procedures.
3. To inform parents and pupils of the standard of behaviour expected in the school and of the procedures in use to deal with in-appropriate behaviour.
4. To provide the teachers with a frame work for dealing more efficiently with discipline problems.
5. To outline some of the means whereby good behaviour is encouraged and rewarded.
   The implementation of this code will lead to,
   
   
   • A safe environment for the children.
   • Sound character training.
   • The development of good work habits.
   • Reduced teacher stress.
   • Improved home/school liaison.

While the very size of the school necessitates uniformity of discipline there must be flexibility to allow for each teacher's individual style and professional judgment. Current class sizes require tight classroom discipline yet the emphasis in discipline will be on good teacher - pupil relationships.

The main sections of this Code are

1. The School Rules.
2. Homework Policy
3. Incentives and Rewards
4. Discipline Procedures.

In conclusion, the success of this code will depend on the whole-hearted co-operation of parents, teachers and the principal in the interests of the children.

Discipline Procedures

In the first instance each teacher deals with his/her own disciplinary matters in the classroom or during supervision. At the end of each week the teacher awards a conduct grade to every child. The grade will be a two, a one or a zero.

2 = Very good
1 = Fair.
0 = Unsatisfactory.

The grade will be recorded:-

(a) In the child's journal.
(b) Along with other details on a special conduct record sheet kept by the teacher.

At the end of each month, a certificate of merit is awarded to children who have received all 2s. Good conduct grades could also be rewarded by the class teacher on a weekly basis or at the end of a term. During his special monthly visit, the Principal and class teacher will discuss the successes and problems of the month.

1. The teacher gives a warning and / or a punishment as appropriate. Each individual teacher keeps a record of pupil misbehaviour. A child's class teacher is informed when the child is involved with another teacher in a disciplinary matter.
2. If a parent feels that a child has been punished unfairly, the parents should contact the teacher in question directly in order to clarify the situation. In the meantime, the punishment may be suspended, providing an adequate letter is received by the teacher. If a parent and teacher fail to reach agreement the matter is referred to the Principal.
3. TWO SUCCESSIVE ZERO grades for conduct will result in a YELLOW CARD, notifying parents of unsatisfactory work or behaviour. This card signed by parents is returned to the class teacher and kept on file.
4. If there is no sustained improvement after the first yellow card, a RED CARD is sent immediately, requesting parents to attend a meeting with the class teacher. In the event of a single serious breach of school rules, a teacher may send a red card.
5. When the situation continues to be unsatisfactory or when in the opinion of a teacher a particular matter warrants it, a child is referred to the Principal directly.
6. The Principal may send a letter requesting the parents to make an appointment to meet with the Principal and class teacher in the office.
7. Where behaviour shows no improvement after the Parent/ Teacher/ Principal interview a final letter is sent to the child's parents warning of suspension.
8. A pupil who is continuously disruptive or who commits a serious breach of discipline may be suspended by the Principal for an initial period of three school days.
9. When disruption by a child becomes a frequent occurrence, the Principal may make an arrangement with the parents that the child be taken home for the rest of the day or for a specific period each day.
10. If there is no improvement after suspension, further periods of suspension may be imposed.
11. When there is significant sustained improvement following Step 3 this improvement should be acknowledged.

Incentives and Rewards

There are a number of rewards that teachers may award in their classes.

1. A good grade on record sheet.
2. A monthly certificate of merit.
3. A good comment in homework journal.
4. A letter to parents acknowledging improvement.
5. Extra playtime.
6. Raffle or lucky dip.
7. No Weekend homework.
8. Class Outing.
9. Stars.

In his monthly visits to the classroom, the Principal's attention should be drawn to the progress of each pupil.

Rewards may also be effectively operated at home by parents.