Tyndall College

Code of Positive Behaviour

Introduction

Tyndall College Mission Statement

Staff and parents at Tyndall College are committed to promoting a secure, caring and inclusive educational community for students.  Parents are recognised as the first educators, and teachers as facilitators of the learning process. In partnership, we will provide an atmosphere, which encourages respect, responsibility and commitment.

Tyndall College celebrates the diverse and unique identities of our students and is dedicated in providing a balanced, co-educational and student-centred curriculum that promotes a holistic, inter-cultural and multi-belief education, where each individual student is enabled to develop and achieve their full potential.

It is our expectation that every student who leaves Tyndall College will be equipped to take their place in life and make their own positive contribution to society.

The Foundation Pillars of Tyndall College 

• Celebration of the diverse and unique identities of our students, by placing them at the centre of the educational process, and by providing a commitment to making a positive difference to the lives of our students
• Empowering students with the knowledge, skills and capability to become caring and valued members of society and leaders of learning
• Excellence in teaching and learning, providing an inclusive, high quality and holistic educational experience
• Working together in a democratic way with students, parents, members of staff and the local community to build a vibrant school community, and to encourage partnership and participation at all levels

Rationale

To fulfil the above and in acknowledgement of our collective responsibility, this Code of Positive Behaviour (COPB) has been formulated to replace and / or update all preceding COPB. It has been formulated in accordance with NEWB Guidelines and to comply with all statutory and legislative requirements.

Partnership

The BOM, Staff, Parents and Pupils of Tyndall College acknowledge and accept their collective responsibility to act in a manner that promotes a positive, mutually respectful and tolerant school climate.

Scope

This Code Of Positive Behaviour encompasses the day-to-day procedures and protocols, (a) specified in our School Journal (b) appended to this document, (c) and that may be developed from time to time.  Its remit is always when the pupil is:  

• At school, representing the school or wearing the school uniform.
• Travelling to and from school.
• Associated with the school.
• Outside of school time where the conduct of a pupil affects the welfare of a member/members of the school community or brings the school into disrepute.

 Goals/Objectives

This Code of Positive Behaviour (COPB) sets out to: 

1. Enable the Principal to carry out their responsibility to maintain order and good discipline in the school.
2. Ensure that the school’s high expectations regarding the behaviour of all our pupils are widely known and understood.
3. Encourage and reinforce good behaviour; self-respect and respect for others; respect for property and the school environment.
4. Promote a school environment that is conducive to excellent teaching and learning in which, in so far as is possible, every pupil can benefit from and make a full contribution to the life of the school.
5. Enable pupils to play an active part in formulating and regularly reviewing our Student Charter (Appendix 1) thus encouraging them to take personal responsibility for their behaviour.

Supports / Structures / Procedures to Promote Positive Behaviour

 School Journal

Our School Journal informs pupils and parents of our expectations in relation to pupil behaviour and provides easy access to essential ‘General School Information & Procedures’.

It is also a method of communicating with parents regarding matters that pertain to our COPB, e.g. it is a record relating to ‘Behaviour’ (positive and negative), ‘Absences’, ‘Classwork / Materials / Homework’, ‘Uniform / Mobile Phones / Electronic Devices’, etc. These records require parents to sign / countersign them, thus explicitly inviting them to both support our Code of Positive Behaviour and to be actively involved in its administration.

VSware

The school’s information portal which is used to store all reports and data held by the school on the pupils. It is also used as a communication tool between teachers and teachers and middle and senior management

 Tyndall College Student Charter

This is a core component of our COPD.  This Charter was formulated primarily by the pupils and teaching staff and audited and amended by representative members of the Student Body (SC).  It will be displayed in prominent areas of the school. This Charter will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Monitoring Pupil Behaviour

Behaviour Reports constitute a modulated and progressive recording of positive and negative behaviours. They provide opportunities for pupils to discuss both positive and negative behaviours with their teachers, class tutors, and with their year heads and to work towards obtaining more positive reports and fewer or no negative reports. Reports are evaluated at Year Head meetings with the Principal and Deputy Principal.

Class Tutors

Class Tutors play a critical part in fulfilling our school’s mission to provide a caring, inclusive environment for our pupils through their special care of one class group. Class Tutors are assigned to each class group at Junior Cycle. Thereafter, Year Heads and Programme Co- ordinators assume responsibility for full year groups.

Guidance Counsellors / Learning Support / Resource Staff also apply their expertise and specialist training to facilitate optimal learning and best behaviour.

 Year Heads

Year Heads take, on behalf of the school community, the role of overseeing the welfare of a year group(s) so that learning at every level of the student is supported.  The Year Head supports the Class Tutor and Subject Teacher in responding to the general welfare needs of their students.  Year Heads will co-ordinate the setting of structures for students whose conduct is unacceptable in order that the student may adjust their behaviour to a positive pattern.  Year Heads may request support from parent/guardian and/or Student Support Team in promoting appropriate conduct, supporting individual or group welfare needs, or addressing inappropriate behaviour.  Year Heads have access to all relevant information pertaining to their student group in order to fulfil their role.

Student Support Team

To support and assist the implementation of the policy.  The Student Support Team includes:

• Guidance Counsellor(s)
• Resource Teaching Coordinator
• SEN Coordinator
• Home School Community Liaison
• School Completion Coordinator
• Year Heads
• Class Tutors
• Pastoral Care Coordinator
• Deputy Principal(s)
• Principal

The Student Support Team’s role is to support teaching and learning by and through the provision of appropriate supports and interventions as required.  These supports are co-ordinated by the Pastoral Care Coordinator.  To facilitate this work, this team will communicate through a regular programme of meetings.

The various roles of Guidance Counsellors, Resource Coordinator, Home School Community Liaison Officer, School Completion Coordinator, and their interventions/programmes in the Pastoral Care of school students, are detailed in the specific policies governing these aspects of school life

 Assemblies

Assembly takes place for all year groups at 8.50am every morning. Assembly places the focus strongly on positive behaviour and student achievement. Assemblies are an opportunity for school management to recognise student achievement at all levels.

 Suitable Curriculum / Classroom Management  

We constantly evaluate the curriculum provided in our school particularly for pupils. We modify the curriculum and seek to provide additional programmes to ensure that each student flourishes in a productive and encouraging environment. Teachers constantly evaluate their classroom management and teaching strategies to improve the learning environment for all pupils and to help minimise instances of unacceptable behaviour. School Management regularly arranges in-school CPD and / or encourages teachers to be involved in CPD to improve their teaching strategies.

Student Council (SC)

The Student Council gives an important, empowering role to our pupils.  It is their elected, democratic voice.  It provides the opportunity for pupils to give their opinions, to initiate improvements, to liaise with school management, to advocate on behalf of all pupils. The SC has a positive impact on the life of our school community. For example, the SC played a formative role in the formulation of our Student Charter.

 Parent Council (PC)

Parents play a pivotal part in promoting positive behaviour in our school.  We acknowledge the excellent behaviour of our pupils. We acknowledge the contribution of parents to the formulation of the COPD; their weekly signing of the ‘Homework Section’ of the School Journal; their daily / weekly checking of their son’s / daughter’s School Journal; their notifying the school when their son / daughter is absent; their reading and discussion of The  Student Charter with their sons / daughters from time to time; their ensuring that their sons / daughters comply with the rules / procedures / protocols set down in all relevant school policies but particularly in the Student Charter;  their prompt communication with the school when matters relating to breaches of our COPD come to their attention. 

 Tyndall College Parent Charter (Appendix 3) clearly amplifies the expectations and responsibilities of parents.

Classroom Rules

1. Students are to be on time for every class.  Students who are late will be subject to interventions, supports or sanctions as appropriate.
2. Students are requested to have their books, equipment and materials for class.
3. Students are asked not to eat or chew gum in class.
4. Students are requested to complete homework and classwork to the best of their ability.
5. Students must enter rooms in an orderly fashion and sit in the seats assigned by the teacher.
6. Students are requested to remain in their seat at all times unless permission to move is given by your teacher.
7. Students are asked to take out books, materials and student journal promptly on arrival to class.
8. Students are asked to listen attentively during class.
9. If you want to ask a question, please raise your hand.
10. Students are asked to be respectful to your fellow classmates and teacher.
11. Students must participate in classwork at all times.
12. Students are requested to follow their teachers’ instructions at all times.
13. Students are asked not to disrupt teaching and learning in class.
14. Students must write down your homework in your journal in every class.
15. Students are requested to tuck in their chair and pick up any rubbish underneath the desk and place it in the rubbish bin on exiting the classroom.
16. Students must wait at your desk and leave only when given permission to do so.
17. Students will not be allowed to leave the room during class time except in exceptional circumstances.Students may not leave a class during the first or final 10 minutes.  The student journal must be signed by the subject teacher to explain why the student is out of class, and the time of absence and return to class should be noted. Upon leaving class students must have a green hall pass. It is the responsibility of the student to have the a hall pass and to produce it to supervising staff when asked.

The observance of the Code of Conduct and these Rules and Regulations, so far as it applies to the individual student, is his/her personal responsibility.

Uniform 

School Uniforms may be bought online at www.schooluniformsdirect.ie or by contacting their office in Baltinglass at 0596481241.

Uniform Policy

Tyndall College requires that all students adhere to our uniform guidelines. These guidelines require all students to present themselves for school neatly and in full school uniform.

As part of my commitment to my school, I will wear my uniform with pride. I understand and agree to uphold the uniform policy, I agree to:

• Purchase the uniform from the official school supplier
• Wear my uniform to school everyday
• Present myself for school in a neat and appropriate manner

If a student is not in full school uniform:

Stage 1

1. Student will receive a uniform note in her/his journal
2. Student may not attend school the next day if he/she is in full uniform

Stage 2

1. Student will not be permitted entry to class
2. Parent will be contacted to collect student
3. Student may return to school when in full school uniform

Note:

• Full uniform includes: Jumper, Shirt, Pants/Skirt and footwear.
• Footwear must be all black with no logos on display
• Students must wear their full school uniform when representing the school at sports and other extracurricular activities.
• Students must wear their full school uniform when they have Physical Education and bring their PE gear in a bag.

Break & Lunchtime Information

Break Time

Break time in Tyndall College is from 11.00am until 11.20am. All students must remain on the school grounds at break time. Food is provided for all students and a tuck shop is available to students to purchase snacks.

Lunchtime

Lunchtime in Tyndall College is from 1.20pm until 2.00pm. Senior students, (Transition Year, 5th Year, 6th Year & LCA) have permission to leave the school grounds at lunchtime. However, a parent/guardian must sign the permission slip below.

Junior students, (1st Year, 2nd Year & 3rd Year) must remain on the school grounds at lunchtime.

Lunch can be purchased at the canteen area; a school tuck shop will also be available to students to purchase snacks.

NOTE: Students who leave the school grounds of Tyndall College or go to an unauthorised area will face an automatic one-day suspension per offence.

Mobile Phone Policy

Mobile Phones are not permitted in, near or on the approach to the school grounds of Tyndall College.

• It is absolutely prohibited to photograph, film or record another person on school grounds or on school related activities. Any student found in breach of this rule will receive an automatic 3-day suspension.
• Parents who wish to contact their children or vice versa may do so via the school telephone.
• Any student who displays a mobile phone (regardless of whether the phone is switched on or not) will have their phone confiscated.
• Tyndall College authorities may check a mobile phone to ensure that it has not been used to photograph, film or record any other person or persons.

The following are the sanctions which apply to students who have their mobile phone confiscated:

1st Confiscation: Phone will be returned to the student at the end of the school day

2nd Confiscation: Phone will be returned to parent/guardian after one day

Further confiscations: Phone returned to parent/guardian after two days.

Refusal to hand up a mobile phone to school management will result in an automatic 2-day suspension.

Photographs/Video

Please note it is an offense for any student to use a phone or other device to take photographs or video footage while on school grounds or on school related activities.

Any student in breach of this will face an automatic 3-day suspension and may be referred to the Tyndall College Board of Management for further disciplinary procedures.

OUR ADVICE TO PARENTS IS TO PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILD LEAVES HIS/HER MOBILE PHONE AT HOME

**PLEASE NOTE: The mobile phone policy also applies to Personal Electronic Devices (PED’s) such as iPods, MP3 players, Tablets etc. (this list is not exhaustive)

If you require clarity on this please contact school management.

School Bags

A student is responsible for his/her bag at all times throughout the school day. Students may not leave their school bags in school overnight. School bags must be brought home every day and at weekends. Students in breach of this will face the following sanctions:

First Offence: Friday Evening Detention from 1.30pm until 4.00pm

Subsequent Offences: Saturday Detention and/or Suspension

Sports Bags

Sports Bags must be placed in an orderly fashion in designated areas. Sports bags may not be left on the corridor/assembly area floors.

Lockers

All students will be assigned a locker. Students may access their lockers at the following times.

1. Before morning assembly. Here students must get their books ready for their first three classes.
2. At morning break. Here students must get their books ready for classes four, five and six.
3. At lunch break. Here students must get their books ready for classes seven, eight and nine.

• Students may not go to lockers between classes.
• The only exception to this is when a student is going to or coming from PE class.
• Students must ensure that lockers are locked at all times.
• Lockers will be taken from students that do not keep their locker, locked every day.
• Non-school materials may not be kept in lockers
• Students may not place books or other materials on top of lockers
• School management reserves the right to inspect any or all lockers at their discretion
• Tyndall College management do not accept responsibility for theft and/or damage to any non-school materials from/to student lockers

Jewellery & Make Up

• Students in Tyndall College may wear a discreet amount of make-up.
• Students in Tyndall College may wear a discreet amount of jewellery/ear rings.

NB: If school authorities believe that an item of jewellery could cause potential harm to the student wearing the item or other students, a member of staff can request that the item be removed. Parents/guardians will be contacted if necessary.

Litter Free School

1. Littering is not permitted anywhere within or around the school grounds.
2. Every student is responsible for the tidiness of his/her classroom and litter should not be left for disposal by someone else
3. A student is permitted to eat in an area designated for that purpose and at specific times only.
4. Students who litter within the school grounds may be placed on litter duty for up to 1 week.

Chewing Gum

• Chewing Gum is not permitted on the school grounds of Tyndall College.
• Students who chew gum on the grounds of Tyndall College will face the following sanctions:

First Offence: A request to dispose of the chewing gum.

Second Offence: Student placed on Evening Detention.

Third Offence: Student placed on litter duty for a period of one week.

Use of School Equipment Policy

1. A student who damages school property will have to personally pay the cost of repairs or the replacement cost, whichever is appropriate.
2. A student who damages school property will face disciplinary action and may not be permitted to return to school until damage is paid for in full.
3. Serious damage to school property may result in the student being referred to the Board of Management for further sanctions.

School Corridors

• Students are asked to walk on the left-hand side of the corridors at all times.
• Students are asked to line up in an orderly fashion outside their classroom when waiting on a teacher to finish class or after break/lunch time.

Toilets

• Students must use their designated toilets only.
• Students accessing toilets during class time must have a hall pass.
• Students may not use toilets between classes without the permission of a teacher.

General Regulations

1. Students are asked to be respectful and courteous to staff, guests and visitors at all times.
2. Students are asked to walk on the left hand side of the corridor when moving to and from class and at lunch time.
3. Students are asked to eat in designated areas only while on the school grounds.
4. Only the main stairs in the general assembly area are to be used by students to access the second floor. Students may not use the other stairs for access to/from the second floor.
5. The 3rd floor of the Tyndall College Building is OFF limits to ALL students.
6. Junior students may not leave the school grounds at lunch time. Senior students may leave the school grounds at lunch time only. All students must remain on school grounds at morning break. Breaches of this rule will result in automatic suspension.
7. Students may not enter unauthorised areas during the school day unless accompanied by a staff member. These unauthorised areas are:

• The Further Education Campus Grounds
• The Physical Education Campus Grounds
• The car park area at the front of the main building.

8. Smoking is strictly prohibited on school grounds. Breaches of this rule will result in automatic suspension.
9. Student conduct while in school/representing the school is very important. Students involved in fighting/intimidating other students will face automatic suspension
10. Tyndall College is an inclusive school and will not tolerate any intimidation of any member of our school community. Verbal abuse of any member of our school community will be taken very seriously and will result in serious sanctions beginning with automatic suspension.
11. Tyndall College recognises the special position of staff members in the community. Tyndall College Board of Management will not tolerate any abuse, intimidation or bullying of our staff during or outside of school hours. Breaches of this will lead to immediate Board of Management referral and automatic suspension.

General Guidelines 

Students wishing to change subject level

• Students must inform their current subject teacher and show written consent from their parent/guardian
• The student should then go to their Year Head with this information.
• The Guidance Counsellor will then meet with the student and discuss the reason for change.
• The Guidance Counsellor will also meet with the subject teacher(s) involved.
• A decision will be communicated to the student and parent/guardian via the Year Head after this consultation process.

Illness

• If a student is ill, they must remain in class where possible.
• If a student is very unwell they may contact home via the school office.
• Upon contacting a parent/guardian, they must sign the student out on arrival.
• Where a student has a parent/guardian’s permission to make their own way home, they may be signed out by a staff member.

Appointments

• Students with dental/medical appointments etc must present a note from their parent/guardian to the office before 8.50am.
• Students may never leave the school grounds without written permission from a parent/guardian.

Students who report late to school

• Students are expected to be present in school by 8.50am and to be in class after lunch by 2.00pm.
• Any student coming late to school will be marked late. Students who are marked late on two or more occasions in a week will do evening detention on the day of the second and subsequent lates.
• Lates and detentions will be stamped in the student journal
• Students who are continuously late for class will also face evening detention.

Students who are exempt from a subject

• In this case, students must remain in the classroom and do revision work in another subject
• Health and Safety regulations mean that students must be supervised by their teacher during this period.

The Tyndall College Code of Behaviour Operates on a five-stage system. Students will be given the opportunity to modify their behaviour as they move through the behaviour stages. We will engage with parents at all times as primary educators of our students.

Stage 1

Stage 2 

• When a student is placed on a White Report Card it is the student’s responsibility to:

1. Ensure that the card is filled in for every class.
2. Ensure that the card is signed by their parent every day.

• If a student loses a White Report Card, the process returns to the first day.
• If the student’s behaviour has not improved while on a White Report Card they will move on to the next stage of Report.

Stage 3

• When a student is placed on a Blue Report Card it is the student’s responsibility to:

1. Ensure that the card is filled in for every class.
2. Ensure that the card is signed by their parent every day.

• If a student loses a Blue Report Card, the process returns to the first day and the student will also receive an evening detention.
• If the student’s behaviour has not improved while on a Blue Report Card, they will move on to the next stage of Report.
• Students who have reached stage 3 of the discipline system and are placed on a Blue Report Card will be referred to the Board of Management. The Board of Management may request to meet with the student and parent/guardian.
• Students and their Parent/Guardian will be made fully aware of the seriousness of this stage of Report.
• School Completion Programme and Home School Community Liaison will be actively involved with student and family.
• The Education Welfare Office (TUSLA) will be made aware of the fact that the student has reached stage 3 of the Tyndall College Discipline Stage.

Stage 4

• When a student is placed on a Yellow Report Card it is the student’s responsibility to:

1. Ensure that the card is filled in for every class.
2. Ensure that the card is signed by their parent every day.

• If a student loses a Yellow Report Card, they will receive an automatic one-day suspension and must then continue on the report card making up for the day lost.
• If the student’s behaviour has not improved while on a Yellow Report Card, they will move on to the next stage of Report.
• Students who have reached stage 4 of the discipline system and are placed on a Yellow Report Card will be required to attend a meeting of the Tyndall College Board of Management with a Parent/Guardian to discuss the ongoing poor behaviour.
• Students and their Parent/Guardian will be made fully aware of the seriousness of this stage of Report.
• School Completion Programme and Home School Community Liaison will be actively involved with student and family.
• The Education Welfare Office (TUSLA) will be made aware of the fact that the student has reached stage 4 of the Tyndall College Discipline Stage.

Stage 5

• When a student is placed on a Red Report Card it is the student’s responsibility to:

1. Ensure that the card is filled in for every class.
2. Ensure that the card is signed by their parent every day.

• If a student loses a Red Report Card, they will receive an automatic two-day suspension and must then continue on the report card making up for the day lost.
• If the student’s behaviour has not improved while on a Red Report Card, they will be referred to the Tyndall College Board of Management where the Principal may make a referral for the permanent exclusion of the student.
• Students and their Parent/Guardian will be made fully aware of the seriousness of this stage of Report.
• School Completion Programme and Home School Community Liaison will be actively involved with student and family.
• Other agencies involved with the family of the student will be actively engaged at this juncture.
• All efforts will be made to find a workable solution to the ongoing issues.
• The Education Welfare Office (TUSLA) will be made aware of the fact that the student has reached stage 5 of the Tyndall College Discipline Stage.

NOTE:

The Monitoring and Report Cards. Green, While, Blue, Yellow & Red remain the property of Tyndall College and must be returned to the school signed by a parent or guardian.

We will work in partnership with parents to aid each student in managing their difficulties. In return we ask that parents do not withhold report cards. Remember, lost or withheld cards may result in further sanction.

Specific Examples of breaches of the Code of Behaviour

Without affecting the generality of the above, the following are some specific examples of breaches of this Code:

• Obstruction/disruption of members of the school staff, agents of the school or other students in the performance of their duties
• Obstruction/disruption of any other student in the normal pursuit of his/her course of study
• Any violence or threats of violence or any abuse, either physical or verbal
• Any bullying or harassment or any discrimination on the grounds of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, disability, race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origin, membership of the Traveller community or perceived political belief or affiliation
• Any bullying behaviour, on any grounds, will be dealt with in accordance with the school anti-bullying policy
• Any behaviour that endangers the welfare of the individual or others
• Making derogatory comments or allegations against a member of staff or other student either in person or utilising electronic media such as e-mail or social networking sites
• Conduct likely to disrupt teaching, learning, examinations, study, research, or administration of the school
• Failure to comply with any reasonable oral or written, individual or collective instruction(s) given by any employee or agent of the school in the execution of their duties
• Abuse of alcohol or other substances on the school campus
• Smoking in school buildings or on the school campus in contravention of the Public Health Tobacco Act 2002, Section 47 (as amended) and the Tobacco Smoking (Prohibition) Regulations 2003.  The use of nicotine propellants (including e-cigarettes) is also prohibited on the school campus
• Interference with the school’s safety equipment, fire-fighting equipment, security systems or alarm systems
• Damage, defacement, theft, misuse or use without authorisation of any equipment or property belonging to the Institute or the private property of an individual member of the Institute community
• Student behaviour in the wider community reflects on the school and in particular, students are obliged to behave in a manner that will not bring the school into disrepute when outside the precincts of the school.  This includes, but is not limited to, a student’s work placement, field work or trips
• Any behaviour that could damage the good name or standing of the school
• If a student is the subject of a criminal investigation or has criminal proceedings pending against him/her or has been found to have committed a criminal offence, the school may initiate, proceed with and/or suspend a disciplinary procedure as seems appropriate to it. 

In such circumstances, it may also suspend the student in accordance with the procedure as laid down below pending the outcome of the criminal process and/or the disciplinary procedure

Sanctions used by the school 

When students are in breach of the Code of Conduct, sanctions may be imposed.  Parents are advised of sanctions by phone and/or in writing or by a note in journal.  The following is an alphabetic list of sample sanctions used in the school, and who is responsible for implementing these.  This list is not exhaustive

• Additional school work
• Apology
• Communication with parents/guardians
• Community Work within school grounds
• Confiscations
• Detention
• Evening detention
• Exclusion from extra curricular activities
• Expulsion (i.e. that his/her/their name(s) be removed from the school and that he/she/they be barred from the school premises permanently) – Principal (reported to the Board of Management, open to Appeal Process)
• Loss of privileges
• Lunchtime detention
• Reasoning with student
• Reprimand or verbal warning Reprimand (a formal reprimand, with a warning that the present breach will be taken into consideration if a further breach of the Code is subsequently established)
• Request to re-register/re-enrol – Principal (reported to the Board of Management)
• Suspension for a stated period or disbarment from certain activities or suspension from the school until he/she/they has/have complied with the requirements laid down – Principal (reported to the Board of Management, open to Appeal Process)
• Time-back
• Weekly report cards

It is Tyndall College’s policy that in any situation where disciplinary sanctions are required, this is a private matter between the student being disciplined, his or her parents/guardians and the school, and not subject to discussion with other parties, whether involved or not in the matter.

In addition to any penalty or discharge, an order may be made requiring the payment of debt, damage or compensation under the further penalty of suspension or expulsion.

Conducting Searches

The Principal / Deputy Principal or a Teacher with responsibility for lockers may request a pupil to show the contents of their schoolbag / pockets, outer clothing, pencil case or any personal property. This would normally happen in the presence of a second pupil and a second member of staff. If the pupil refuses, sanctions will be applied in accordance with the Code of Positive Behaviour.

The Principal may authorise the searching of a pupil’s locker or school property without the consent of the pupil. Searches, with or without consent, should only be undertaken when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a pupil has a prohibited or stolen item in their possession.

Where the principal, or staff authorised by the principal, find anything which they have reasonable grounds for suspecting is a prohibited item, they may seize, retain and dispose of that item as appropriate. The principal may contact the Gardaí for advice on how best to proceed.

Searches will be conducted in such a manner as to minimise embarrassment or distress. 

Any search of a pupil’s personal property or possessions will be carried out in the presence of the pupil and another member of staff. Where a pupil’s property is searched, the searcher and the second member of staff present will usually be the same gender as the pupil.  This may not be the case, however, where it is reasonably believed that serious harm may be caused if the search is not carried out immediately and it is not practical to summon another member of staff.

Prohibited items

• Knives or weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs and stolen items
• Tobacco, cigarette papers, e-cigarettes, fireworks and pornographic images
• Any article that a member of staff reasonably suspects has been, or is likely to be, used to commit an offence or cause personal injury to or damage to the property of any person (including the pupil)
• Any other items as defined in law from time to time
• Any other items as proscribed by the Board of Management from time to time

Roles and Responsibilities 

At the beginning of each school year, the Year Heads along with the Principal, Deputy Principal and where applicable Class Directors will constitute the Positive Behaviour Strategy Team for that school year and they will review and evaluate the Code of Positive Behaviour. The Year Heads, working closely with Class Directors and subject teachers, will oversee the on-going implementation of the policy. Throughout the year the Year Heads will advise the senior management team on new initiatives to promote positive, respectful behaviour in our school. The Principal is committed to providing / arranging CPD for the Year Heads in relation to the promotion of positive behaviour.

Reviewing and Evaluating the Policy

The policy will be reviewed and evaluated by senior management on an ongoing basis. The on-going review and evaluation of this policy will take cognisance of changing information, legislation or guidelines [e.g. from the Department of Education and Skills (DES), the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB)], and feedback from teachers, parents and pupils. The policy will be revised as necessary in the light of such review and evaluation and within the framework of school planning. 

Pupils, staff and parents are aware of the COPB e.g. through the prominent display of the Student Charter in the school, its publication in the School Journal and on the school website; through the excellent behaviour of the vast majority of our pupils; through the improved behaviour of the small number of pupils who present with challenging behaviours.  Positive feedback is received from pupils, parents, staff and others in relation to the COPB and in relation to how our pupils behave both within the school and in the wider community.

Communication 

If a pupil has concerns regarding the implementation of the COPB in relation to their own behaviour or the behaviour of another pupil(s) they may speak to their Class Director (where applicable), Year Head, Deputy Principal or Principal.

The principles of natural justice will be applied and each pupil will be enabled to express and resolve their concerns most probably with the assistance and input of their parents. Apart from suspension or expulsion, a pupil will not have the right to a review of a sanction under the COPB.

Likewise, if parents have concerns regarding the implementation of the COPB in relation to their sons’ / daughters’ behaviour or the behaviour of other pupils, they should speak to the Year Head in the first instance.  The Year Head will work with the parents to resolve the concerns.  At all times, the school will seek to find a reasonable, proportionate and fair solution.

Summary Procedure – Suspension and Expulsion 

The Principal on behalf of the Board of Management has the right to suspend students and such right may be invoked by him/her at his/her sole discretion.  Where the Principal has suspended a student, the Board of Management at its next meeting shall have power to continue such suspension.  If the Board of Management decides to continue the suspension, the appropriate disciplinary procedures shall be initiated without delay.  During the period of suspension imposed by the Principal and such subsequent period as the Board of Management may decide, the students(s) inter alia will not be permitted to take any part in the academic activity of the school, such as classes, laboratory classes, fieldwork, examinations, work placement, etc.

The Principal following a decision by the Board of Management has the right to expel students and such right may be invoked by him/her following such a decision by the Board.  Students may be suspended during the disciplinary process from attending the school in the event of a situation where the health and safety of a member of the school community is at risk and/or any conduct that seriously contravenes the good name of the school. Where the Principal has suspended a student, the Board of Management at its next meeting shall have power to continue such suspension pending the outcome of the disciplinary process or to overturn the decision of the Principal.

The decision by the Principal to suspend a student requires serious grounds such as the following examples, which are not exhaustive:

• The student’s behaviour has had a seriously detrimental effect on the education of other students
• The students continued presence in the school at this time constitutes a threat to health and/or safety
• The student is responsible for serious damage to property
• Continuous breaches of the Code of Positive Behaviour.
• Fighting, Smoking, Leaving School Grounds – as per Code of Positive Behaviour

Suspension

A single incident of serious misconduct may be grounds for suspension.

Forms of suspension may include:

• Immediate suspension
• Suspension during a state examination
• Automatic suspension

Procedure for Suspension of a Student:

1. Principal/Deputy Principal will investigate issue at hand by meeting all parties involved.
2. Principal/Deputy Principal will contact parent/guardian via phone outlining issue.
3. Parent/Guardian/Student are given the right to respond to the issue.
4. Principal will outline detail of suspension in writing to parent/guardian.
5. Parent/Guardian will be informed in writing of right of appeal.
6. In the case of all suspensions, upon return a parent/guardian must accompany the student and the student will be placed on the relevant stage of the Tyndall College discipline ladder.

Expulsion

The decision by the Principal to recommend the expulsion of a student requires serious grounds such as the following examples, which are not exhaustive:

• The student’s behaviour is a persistent cause of significant disruption to the learning of others or to the teaching process
• The students continued presence in the school constitutes a real and significant threat to health, welfare safety of members of the school community
• Exhaustion of the school discipline procedures as outlined in the school discipline structures where a student has failed to comply with the procedures outlined and the school has exhausted all of its resources in attempting to improve the student’s behaviour.
• The student is responsible for serious damage to property.

A single incident of serious misconduct may be grounds for expulsion.

There may be exceptional circumstances where the Board of Management on the recommendation of the Principal forms the opinion that a student should be expelled for a first offence.  The kinds of behaviour that might result in a proposal to expel on the basis of a single breach of the code could include, but is not exhaustive:

• a serious threat of violence against another student or member of staff
• actual violence or physical assault
• supplying illegal drugs/substances to others in the school
• sexual assault
• The sale, supply or use of illegal substances on school grounds or in school uniform out of school.
• The abuse, intimidation or bullying of any staff member, verbal or via social media/internet.

Notification of suspension/expulsion will be communicated in writing to the student’s parent/legal guardian.  All notification of suspensions/expulsions will be administered and managed formally in writing.  Notification of expulsion will be communicated in writing to the Educational Welfare Officer and Tusla.

 The procedures followed in respect of expulsion are as follows:

• A detailed investigation carried out under the direction of the Principal. The student, parent/guardian are notified in writing of the nature of the complaint, ensuring that parents have records of the allegation against the student, the investigation itself and written notice of the grounds on which the BOM is being asked to consider expulsion.
• Student and parent/guardian are given an opportunity to respond before any decision to expel is imposed.
• A recommendation is made to the BOM by the Principal regarding proposed expulsion, giving BOM the same comprehensive records as have been given to parents.
• Parents are notified, giving them the adequate notice and time to prepare, of the date of hearing by the BOM. They are invited to the hearing and advised of their right to make a written or oral submission to the hearing by the BOM.
• On deciding to expel, The BOM notifies the Education Welfare Officer ion writing of its opinion and the reasons for its opinion. The student cannot be expelled before the passage of 20 school days from the date on which the EWO receives this written notification.
• When this 20 days period has elapsed the BOM formally confirms the decision to expel and parents are notified in writing that the expulsion is to proceed.
• Parents and the student are told about the right to appeal to the ETB and the DES and supplied with the standard form on which to lodge an appeal.
• The formal record should be making of the decision to expel the student. The decision to expel is notified to the EWO in accordance with legislation.
• The school’s decisions are made and implemented in line with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and NEWB guidelines. The rules of natural justice are adhered to. All expulsions are reported to the Educational Welfare Officer as required by law.