ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

BORRISOLEIGH

THURLES

CO. TIPPERARY

TELEPHONE : 0504 - 51215

FAX : 0504 - 51701

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS & STUDENTS

2009/2010

PRINCIPAL : MS. CATHERIONA RYAN

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL : MS. ALICE REGAN

SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

CURRICULUM & CLASS ORGANISATION

SCHOOL ORGANISATION / HOUSE EXAMINATIONS

PARENT / TEACHER MEETINGS

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Varied opportunities exist in school for students to participate in extra-curricular activities. Students are expected to co-operate fully with teachers during P.E. classes and to avail of the sporting opportunities provided so that the may learn the importance of participation, team-work, commitment and enjoyment.  Students are also encouraged to participate in any organised extra-curricular activities e.g. quizzes, school show etc. A student’s record of participation in extra-curricular activities is always sought for references.

PASTORAL CARE PROGRAMME

CODE OF DISCIPLINE

(SCHOOL RULES & CODE OF BEHAVIOUR)

For our school to run smoothly rules regarding discipline and behaviour must apply. The essence of these rules is to promote respect for oneself, for fellow students and for all the staff of our school. We try to keep these rules simple and to a minimum. These rules are put in place to safeguard students’ right to learn and to safeguard teachers’ right to teach in a caring, safe and respectful environment. Any behaviour outside school which damages the school, which interferes with the workings of the school, which is detrimental to other students or which undermines school discipline and good order is subject to the school’s sanction. We expect full co-operation from students and parents/guardians in the implementation of the school rules and code of behaviour.

ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY

Ÿ         Students are expected to attend school regularly and punctually - parents/guardians and students should anticipate traffic and/or other difficulties and make the necessary adjustments

Ÿ         Students are expected to be on time for every class

Ÿ         On arrival in school students should proceed to their locker and get the necessary books, copies, materials, equipment etc. for the first two classes

Ÿ         Students may go to their lockers only at the following times :

9.00am / break time / 11.30am / lunch time / 2.20pm

Ÿ         Students are not allowed to go to their lockers during classes

Ÿ         Students should go immediately to Assembly once the first bell rings at 9.05am

Ÿ         Once Assembly concludes students should proceed to their first class

Ÿ         The first class will commence once the second bell rings at 9.10am

Ÿ         As the end of break time and lunchtime approaches students should go to their locker and get the necessary books, copies, materials, equipment etc. for their classes

Ÿ         Students should go immediately to their class once the bell rings at 10.30am and 1.10pm

Ÿ         Students are not permitted to use the bathroom between classes, except in exceptional circumstances - students must obtain an ‘exit card’ from their subject teacher in order to go to the bathroom

Ÿ         Students must provide the completed Absence Slip from their parents/guardians in their homework diary on their return to school after an absence - parents will be contacted if there is a query relating to the absence of any student

Ÿ         Students must attend all classes to which they are assigned

Ÿ         All students must remain on the school premises at all times during the school day unless permission is sought from and granted by the Principal / Deputy Principal

Ÿ         Students must present a note to the Principal / Deputy Principal between 9.05am and 9.10am from their parents/guardians if they need to leave the school premises during the school day - the note must state the time the student will leave the school and the expected time of return

Ÿ         There are only 167 days in the academic year - parents/guardians are asked to bear this in mind when making appointments, taking holidays etc.- it is unacceptable and disruptive for students to be absent on a regular basis or to be taken on holidays during the school year and especially during end of term / end of year house exams

Ÿ         A full timetable is in operation EVERY day - parents/guardians will be notified in advance of any deviations that may occur from the normal routine

Ÿ         Students who have been given permission by the Principal to leave the school premises during the school day must ‘sign-out’ in the office before leaving the school premises and must ‘sign-in’ again in the office if they return to the school premises during the same school day

Ÿ         Students who leave the school for an appointment with a doctor, dentist etc. must present the official appointment card when signing out

Ÿ         Students who leave the school premises during the school day for matches, competitions etc. must also ‘sign-out’ in the office before leaving the school premises and must ‘sign-in’ again in the office on their return

Ÿ         Under no circumstances should a student leave the school premises without getting permission from the Principal/ Deputy Principal and duly signing out

Ÿ         The National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) was established to support school attendance and to follow up on children who are not attending school regularly - the school will notify the NEWB if a student is absent for 20 days or more in any one school year or where the absence gives rise to concern

Ÿ         The school will notify parents/guardians if a student has been absent for 10 days or if the school has a query regarding absenteeism

Ÿ         A record of attendance is very important for references

Ÿ         Car parking spaces on the school grounds have been allocated to staff - students are asked to park vehicles outside the school gates

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

Ÿ         The FULL correct school uniform (as outlined in the school rules) must be worn by all students everyday and during the State examinations

Ÿ         Girls must wear the school jumper (with crest), a light blue blouse, navy skirt (with two pleats to the front and back) or navy school trousers - skirts must be knee length or longer

Ÿ         Straight skirts, skirts shorter than knee length, tracksuit bottoms, navy jeans or black trousers are not allowed under any circumstances

Ÿ         Boys must wear the school jumper (with crest), a grey shirt and grey school trousers

Ÿ         A plain coloured round neck t-shirt may be worn inside the school shirt/blouse - sports wear or multi-coloured t-shirts may not be worn under any circumstance

Ÿ         Trousers and skirts must be worn as purchased and must not be worn ripped or split - shabby, worn jumpers, shirts, skirts and trousers should be replaced

Ÿ         The wearing of jewellery (earrings, ear studs, eye bars, chains, rings or anything else of that nature) is forbidden on the school premises - it does not suffice to cover them - a wrist watch may be worn

Ÿ         Parents/guardians are asked to ensure that their child/children does not wear such items to school

Ÿ         Students who breach this rule will have the item confiscated to be returned at a later date - students who refuse to hand over such items will be suspended from the school

Ÿ         Girls may wear subtle make-up - excessive eye make-up / nail varnish is not allowed and students will be asked to remove it immediately

Ÿ         Boys must be clean shaven at all times

Ÿ         Hair must be clean, neat and tidy - boys’ hairstyles must not be longer than shirt-collar length

Ÿ         Unconventional or extreme hair colouring or styles are not allowed in the school -

Ÿ         All students must have the correct clothing for P.E. classes - students must change into their full school uniform once P.E. class finishes

Ÿ         Parents/guardians are asked to ensure that their child/children is wearing the full correct uniform before he/she leaves for school every day

Ÿ         If a student comes to school either with uniform or hair colours/styles that do not adhere to this uniform code, his/her parent/guardian will be contacted, he/she will be sent home on the day and will not be allowed return to school until the situation is rectified

Ÿ         Students are expected to present themselves in a neat and respectful manner at all times

HOMEWORK AND STUDIES

Ÿ         Students must have all necessary books, copies and materials for every class, every day

Ÿ         All books, copies and materials must be maintained in good condition and free of all unnecessary markings

Ÿ         Homework is a valuable aspect of the learning process which contributes to the development of sound study skills, reinforces class work and promotes independent learning and creativity

Ÿ         Homework usually takes the form of written work, learning, studying and revision

Ÿ         Every student must have the school homework diary (which can be purchased in the school shop) in every class - the following only are communicated through the diary : homework, absence notes, permission to leave school notes, teacher comments, any other material relevant to a student’s work, progress or behaviour

Ÿ         Homework must be recorded by the student for each class in the student’s homework journal - teacher’s will regularly check students’ homework diaries during Assembly and during classes

Ÿ         Parents/guardians should regularly check students’ homework diaries and should sign them at the end of the week or when requested by a teacher to indicate that they have checked it’s contents - appropriate and regular monitoring by parents/guardians will support students in reaching their potential

Ÿ         Students must ensure to bring home the correct books and copies to fulfil their homework requirements

Ÿ         All homework assignments must be completed, or at least attempted, every night

Ÿ         Where homework is not attempted/completed an explanatory note from a parent/guardian must be included in the student’s homework journal and presented to the subject teacher before the commencement of the class

Ÿ         Students who fail to make an acceptable effort at classwork or homework may face sanctions from the subject teacher involved

Ÿ         Students who miss all or part of a class due to extra-curricular activities e.g. games must make arrangements to get their homework and must ensure that this homework is completed for the next class in that subject

Ÿ         Students who continually refuse to do homework may face sanctions up to and including suspension

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEDEPUTYS

Ÿ         Mobile phones and other electronic deDeputys can be very useful and helpful - however, we have noted that their usage has become far too frequent and impedes good communication

Ÿ         Mobile phones, MP3 players, iPods or any other electronic deDeputys (excluding calculators) must be powered off and kept locked in students’ lockers while  students’ are on the school grounds, in toilet areas and in changing rooms - the school is not responsible for these valuables and students bring them to school at their own risk

Ÿ         These deDeputys may not be powered on while the student is on the school grounds, including before classes begins or at break or lunch time

Ÿ         A breach of this rule will result in the mobile phone, MP3 player, iPod or electronic deDeputy being confiscated to be returned to parents/guardians after one week (for a first offence) or after one month (for a second offence) - a phone call to the school requesting that the item be returned will not suffice - parents must make arrangements with the Principal / Deputy Principal to collect the mobile phone

Ÿ         Any student who refuses to hand over a mobile phone, MP3 player, iPod or any other electronic deDeputy will receive an immediate suspension from the school

Ÿ         Checking the time on a mobile phone will not be accepted as an excuse as the school rules state the mobile phone must be powered off

Ÿ         Students who need to contact their parents urgently during class time may use the school phone- Likewise parents who need to contact their child during class time may use the school phone

Ÿ         Mobile phones must be handed over with the SIM card - any attempt to remove the SIM card will be taken as a refusal to hand over the phone and will result in an immediate suspension from the school

Ÿ         Recording of images on mobile phones or on any other deDeputy on the school grounds is strictly forbidden, as is the sending or receiving of images or text messages of an inappropriate or an unsavoury nature

Ÿ         The staff reserve the right to confiscate a mobile phone or any deDeputy belonging to a student if there is a suspicion that any such material has been recorded, stored, sent or received

Ÿ         If students are to continue to be allowed to bring mobile phones and other electronic deDeputys to schools this policy needs to be supported by students and parents alike

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Ÿ         Students are strictly forbidden to possess, consume, offer for sale or be under the influence of alcohol or banned substances while they are in the care of the school authorities

Ÿ         Smoking is prohibited BY LAW on the school premises and grounds and outside of school whilst in uniform

Ÿ         The staff reserve the right to search bags and lockers belonging to students if there is a suspicion that banned substances are being concealed

Ÿ         Students who breach these rules will be suspended - parents/guardians will be contacted and asked to take their child home immediately

LOCKERS

Ÿ         The school cannot accept responsibility for students’ property and all students must hire a locker for the school year to ensure the safe keeping of books, equipments, P.E. gear etc.

Ÿ         The hire of the locker for the school year cost €10 - on return to school after the summer holidays each student is required to bring this money to school in an envelope with their name and class written on it

Ÿ         Lockers must be kept locked, clean and tidy at all times

Ÿ         Students are responsible for the safeguarding of their own property at all times

Ÿ         Under no circumstances should any student attempt to access any locker other than their own - this is a serious offence and will result in immediate suspension

Ÿ         Students may go to their lockers only at the following times :

9.00am / break time / 11.30am / lunch time / 2.20pm

MISCELLANEOUS

Ÿ         Students must not damage, remove from the school premises or deface school property, including desks, chairs and walls, school equipment and school toilets - this will merit serious sanctions and the student(s) responsible will be held responsible for the repair of the damage

Ÿ         The use of TIPPEX or any such product is forbidden by students

Ÿ         The possession of cigarettes, items from joke shops (e.g. stink bombs), cigarette lighters, knives, penknives, weapons, replica weapons or any such items is forbidden

Ÿ         Chewing gum is not allowed on the school premises and grounds

Ÿ         Unruly or aggressive behaviour is not permitted on the school premises and grounds

Ÿ         Bullying is regarded as a particularly important issue and will not be tolerated under any circumstances

Ÿ         It is expected that the school canteen will be open in early December - eating in classrooms or on the corridor will be strictly forbidden - students will have access to the school canteen at break and lunch time

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

Ÿ         Students are expected to be mannerly and courteous at all times towards all members of staff, visitors to the school and fellow students

Ÿ         Students must behave in an orderly manner at all times - self-respect and dignity are very important and any student who is involved in inappropriate behaviour brings themselves and the school into disrepute

Ÿ         Students should move from one classroom to another at the end of class as quickly and quietly as possible

Ÿ         Students should enter and leave classrooms in an orderly manner

Ÿ         Students may not leave any classroom during class time unless they have received an exit card from the subject teacher

Ÿ         Students should walk and not run on the school premises

Ÿ         Students should practice care at all times for the school environment, for school property and for the property of others

Ÿ         Students are expected to practice a positive approach to order and tidiness and be conscious of their environment by disposing litter in the bins provided

Ÿ         Students should practice good hygiene and have consideration for others particularly in toilet areas

Ÿ         Students are expected to behave in a responsible manner on their way to and from school and must not bring the good name of the school into disrepute

Ÿ         Students may not take part in end of term/end of year pranks - parents/guardians will be notified and the student’s place in the school will be seriously questioned

BULLYING

Ÿ         Bullying is regarded as a particularly important issue and will not be tolerated under any circumstances

Ÿ         The school operates a very determined policy on the prevention of bullying - the core element of our policy is that bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated

Ÿ         In the event of a student becoming involved in this type of behaviour the following procedure will apply :

He / she will be warned to stop

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Should this behaviour continue his/her parents will be informed

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If the incident is particularly serious or if incidents of this nature continue then he / she may be suspended or expelled

SANCTIONS

Ÿ         A range of sanctions may be imposed including punishment exercises, work which is designed to enhance the school environment, lunchtime detention, confiscations, temporary exclusion from class, suspension from the school and expulsion in cases of serious offences or persistent refusal to conform

Ÿ         A student may be brought before the Discipline Committee in cases of serious offences or persistent refusal to conform

LUNCHTIME DETENTION

Ÿ         Detention is held daily between 10.15am-10.30am and 12.40pm-1.10pm

Ÿ         Students will be given notice of their detention - allowing students to bring a packed lunch (queuing in the school canteen for food will not accepted as an excuse for being late for detention)

Ÿ         Requests to change detention will only be considered in exceptional circumstances e.g. written evidence of medical or dental appointment (involvement on sports cannot be used as an excuse for missing detention)

Ÿ         Students must be on time for detention and must bring a pen and the correct books and copies to complete the punishment exercise

Ÿ         Students who disrupt detention will be suspended from school

Ÿ         Students who do not turn up for detention will be suspended from school

Ÿ         If a student is absent from school on a day when he/she should present himself/herself for detention then the student must turn up for detention on the day the student returns to school

SICKNESS, ACCIDENTS, ILL HEALTH

Ÿ         Parents/guardians are asked to inform the school if a student is suffering from any long term medical condition which might require emergency medical treatment during school hours

Ÿ         It is of the utmost importance that the school has at least three contact numbers for  parents/guardians in the event of a student becoming ill or having an accident

Ÿ         If a student becomes ill in school, a parent/guardian will be notified immediately – the student will return to class until collected by a parent/guardian

AGREEMENT TO RULES & REGULATIONS

I/We have read and understand the code of behaviour and discipline for St. Joseph’s College and the requirements for the school uniform. I/We will co-operate fully with the School in the implementation of the above. I/We understand that each student must possess and use the school homework diary and that this will be checked and signed by a parent/guardian on a weekly basis.

SIGNATURE OF PARENT(S)/          _______________________________________

GUARDIAN(S)           _______________________________________

STUDENT’S SIGNATURE                _______________________________________

CLASS GROUP                                  _______________________________________

ADDRESS                                           _______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

DATE                                                  _______________________________________

CONTACT NUMBERS OF PARENT(S) / GUARDIAN(S)                                                                                      _______________________________________

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It is of the utmost importance that the school has at least three contact numbers for  parents/guardians in the event of a student becoming ill or having an accident