If the school is to achieve a happy, secure environment in which children can develop to their full potential, it is necessary to provide a framework which promotes constructive behaviour and discourages unacceptable behaviour.

The aim is to ensure that the individuality of each child is accommodated while acknowledging the right of each child to an education in a relatively disruption free environment. The school code places a greater emphasis on rewards than on sanctions and the ideal is that pupils will acquire self discipline.

1. To help create a positive, stimulating, learning environment in which every pupil can benefit from the school.
2. To help pupils become more disciplined and to encourage good standards of behaviour at home, at school and locally based consideration, respect and tolerance for others.
3. To maintain good order throughout the school and respect for the school environment.

1. The class teacher deals with it and may impose a sanction on the child.
2. If the problem persists, the teacher shall consult the Principal or parents in the hope of solving the problem and helping the child.
3. In the case of serious misbehaviour, the Principal, the teacher and parents may need to have ongoing discussions to address and monitor the situation.

The following strategies may be used to show disapproval of unacceptable behaviour :

• Reasoning with pupil
• Verbal reprimand, including advice on how to improve
• Temporary separation from peers, friends and others
• Prescribed additional work signed by parents
• Recording of incident of misbehaviour in the incident book, signed by the offender
• Detention during breaks
• Referral to Principal
• Suitable additional work under the supervision of the Principal during break-times
• Loss of Privileges

For gross misbehaviour or repeated instances of serious misbehaviour, suspension or expulsion will be seriously considered by the Board of Management and put into effect where necessary.

The following decisions by a Board of Management of a Primary school may be appealed to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science within 24 calendar days from the date the parents/guardians were notified by the Board –

1. Expulsion of a pupil from school
2. Suspension of a pupil for 20 days or longer from the school
3. Refusal to enrol a pupil into the school