jesus&marysecondaryschool

SCHOOL POLICIES
ALL SCHOOL POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

ADMISSION POLICY
All students who have completed a primary school education are welcome to enrol in the Jesus and Mary secondary school irrespective of age, religious faith, race or ability, provided they agree and adhere to the ethos of the school and the school, which is funded by the Department of Education and Science, is capable of providing the facilities necessary for their individual needs. Where demand for places exceeds vacancies then selection may be made on one of the following bases:
(i) Priority given to pupils living in or from primary school in the catchment area.
(ii) Priority given to brothers/sisters of present pupils.
(iii) Enrolment on a 'first come, first served basis'.
While every effort will be made to accommodate a student who has been expelled from another school, if it is felt that he/she cannot adhere to the ethos of the school or comply with the code of behaviour, he/she will not be admitted.
A student may be excluded/expelled if he/she, having gone through all the stages and sanctions, continues not to comply with the ethos of the school or the code of behaviour, as laid down in the Discipline Policy.
The Board of Management will reserve the right to make the final decision with regards expulsion/exclusion.


ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

JESUS AND MARY SECONDARY SCHOOL,ENNISCRONE, CO. SLIGO

SCOPE OF POLICY

This policy applies to the whole school community and was drawn up by the Board of Management in consultation with all the partners of the school. It is an update of previous policies dealing with bullying. It is supported by the Dignity at Work Charter and the Code of Behaviour.

LINK TO MISSION STATEMENT
This school aims to build a school spirit based on the Christian values of love, justice and respect, enabling students to develop into mature, responsible and caring people. It aims to help students grow in their awareness of others and to be conscious of the dignity of the other person.

This policy is in place to safeguard the emotional, physical and social safety of all people attending the school. It complies with current legislation and Department of Education guidelines. It supports the school's Code of Behaviour. It is influenced by the Equality Act, The Health and Safety Act, and the Child Protection Act.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This policy sets out the standards by which all the members of the educational community ought to relate to one another.It defines bullying behaviour and the procedures for dealing with bullying incidents.It defines the roles and responsibilities of all the members of the school community in relation to bullying.It aims to promote mutual respect and positive behaviour among all the members.It aims to contribute to a safe and secure school environment where students can learn and teachers can teach free from harassment or intimidation.

A. DEFINITION OF BULLYING
Bullying is repeated aggression, verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or group against others.

B. EXAMPLES OF BULLYING.
Physical Aggression:This includes pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, poking, tripping and ducking people. It may take the form of severe physical assault.
Damage to and interference with property. This included damage to clothing, school books and other learning materials, interference with a pupil's locker or bicycle or hiding personal property or belongings. This includes demands for money or belongings often accompanied by threats. This includes instilling fear by: loud aggressive language or various sounds to convey a message, by body language, a look or facial expression to convey aggression or dislike. Preventing the victim from learning, doing homework, answering or asking questions in class and by getting the victim into trouble.
Abusive Telephone calls or Text messages. This includes abusive anonymous phone calls or text messages or e-mails.
Isolation. This is know as relational aggression where a person is deliberately isolated, excluded or ignored by some or all of his/her class group. It involves turning friends against the victim.
Name Calling.This involves name-calling, making personal remarks about a person's appearance, or family or academic ability and may result in the victim being singled out for abuse.
Slagging. This involves personal remarks which hurt or humiliate or are uncomplimentary to members of one's family.

CURRENT PRACTICE.
· The Code of Behaviour states that respect is at the heart of all relationships in the school community.· It states that all members of the school have the right to enjoy their learning, teaching and leisure time free from intimidation or bullying.· It emphasises that this school has a strong anti-bullying policy and is committed to dealing with bullying behaviour effectively.· It outlines clearly what pupils ought to do if they are bullied or if they witness someone being bullied.· Students are encouraged to report incidents of bullying to their teachers, Class heads and to school management.· The Pastoral Care system in the school provides students with a means by which they can access help if they are being bullied. Students meet daily with their Class head.· The Welfare Committee meets weekly and identifies students who may be at risk.· Special Needs teachers monitor students who have behaviour and educational needs.· The S.P.H.E. programme, the Religious Education programme and the C.S.P.E. programme deal with bullying and related topics.· The Positive Learning Programme rewards positive behaviour and encourages students to work together as a class group to achieve certain standards in work and behaviour.

TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE EVENT OF A BULLYING INCIDENT.
1. Students and parents are encouraged to contact school personnel if they have a concern about bullying. 2. School personnel will treat each incident seriously and investigate it thoroughly and fairly and confidentially as far as possible. 3. The victim will be reassured and given what support he/she needs. 4. School personnel will record the facts of the matter asking: WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHERE, WHEN.5. The teacher involved will consult with the Principal and Deputy Principal, and parents will be contacted if deemed necessary. 6. The aggressor will be interviewed and encouraged to see the victim's point of view and given realistic, firm and consistent guidelines to help him/her to control the aggressive behaviour. Sanctions will be imposed if deemed appropriate. 7. The Class heads of students involved will be informed and consulted. 8. School personnel will monitor the situation and check with the students to see if there is any re-occurrence of the bullying.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· School personnel share a collegiate responsibility under the direction of the Principal to prevent bullying/aggressive behaviour by any member of the school community.· Students have a duty to report any incidents of bullying they experience or witness.· Parents ought to contact the school if they have any concerns about bullying.· The Board of Management is responsible for drawing up the policy in consultation with all the partners of the school and responsible for regular reviews of the policy.· The Principal and Staff are responsible for implementing the policy and promoting a school climate of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect.

SUCCESS CRITERIA.
Students and parents report incidents. Incidents are dealt with effectively and consistently. Incidents are kept to a minimum. The school climate is respectful, tolerant and courteous.

MONITOR AND REVIEW
Teachers and Class Heads will be observant of students and behaviour and monitor relationships between students in classes. Occasional surveys carried out among classes to check if there are any incidents of bullying. Special Needs Teachers and the Welfare Committee will monitor students who may be at risk.

PASTORAL CARE POLICY
Jesus & Mary Secondary School,Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.
Scope of Policy:
*This policy applies to pupils, teachers, parents and Board of Management.
*This policy was developed by staff in consultation with students and parents, and approved by the Board of Management.
*This policy is supported by the school's Code of Behaviour/Discipline and Anti-Bullying Policy.
Relationship to Schools Mission We are an educational community and the relationships between the teachers and non-teaching staff, parents and pupil members are very important. We model in our relationships what we value - respect for ourselves, respect for each other, the holistic development of the person, forgiveness, people are allowed to make mistakes.
*We aim to prevent difficulties arising rather than punishing misbehaviour.
Pastoral care personnel maintain an important position within the school staff, while committed to
*the welfare of all pupils they have a special care for the weaker and the more needy young people. *Regardless of academic ability each pupil is given the opportunity to reach his/her full potential.
Rationale: To inform pupils, parents and staff of the facilities and services available in the school. To detail the class tutor system, organisation and implementation
* To indicate the type of relationships that exist and are expected amongst school community
* To involve pupils in the operation of the school.
* To seek support of parents in the development of their children
* To outline the systems and structure of care that are available
* To comply with legislation. The Education Act 1998. The Education Welfare Act. The Equal Status Act.

Goals:
This Policy aims to:
* Put in place a system and a structure by which pupils, parents and teachers can access support, advice and encouragement
* Ensure that those who are most in need have access to the support they need
* Create a school climate where people feel cared for, respected and valued as persons
* To build and maintain strong Home/School Links, and to support parents
* To encourage parents to work with the school in the interest of the pupil to inform the school of any difficulties, which may be affecting the pupil
* To support pupils in times of special needs e.g. bereavement, personal difficulty, family illness etc
*To set out the standards by which people relate to each other (Code of Behaviour)
* To show that the school will not tolerate bullying
* To affirm and praise effort, good attendance, participation in extra curricular activities
* To include and value everybody's opinion and contribution
* To provide experiences and opportunities where students can grow and develop into caring human beings
* To provide experiences and opportunities where students can develop interpersonal skills and enrich their experiences of life
Care Definition:
Pastoral Care is
* the duty of every teacher
* is built on a pupil centred concern
* respects the evolving personality of the pupil
* offers support, advice, guidance, nurturing, encouragement
* recognises and promotes the need for pupils to respect themselves and respect others
* values a school climate that is conductive to learning
* provides for greater collaboration between school and home in order that we may work together in addressing issues of concern with pupils

Content:The Pastoral Care Policy is implemented through our class tutor system. The class tutor on behalf of the school community is just one member of the school community who undertakes the role of caring for a class groupclass tutor aims to: -
* build a relationship with each pupil in his/her class group and promote class spirit and cohesion
* explain the code of conduct, school rules, school ethos on a regular basis
* identify student difficulties - induction of new pupils, bullying, low self esteem, home difficulties,truancy, reasons for lateness and inability to cope with work
* during daily registration time the class tutor monitors attendance, absences, reasons for absence, looks out for unexplained absence and medical problems.
*Requests notes from parents to go to the doctor/dentist/ message to leave school premises, to go up the village etc are checked.
*Parents/guardians are requested to sign their child's journal weekly. Journal notes about homework, behaviour, from subject teachers/supervising teachers are noted by both parents and class tutor weekly. *The journal system gives parents the opportunity to note their son/daughters progress, to correspond with both the subject teachers and the class tutor.
* The class tutor is the first to be contacted via a written report by a subject teacher if there is a problem
* The class tutor administers discipline in a pastoral way - imposes sanctions when necessary,promotes school discipline procedure. For sanctions refer to school Code of Behaviour
* The class tutor uses the pupils homework journal to communicate with parents, to monitor pupils behaviour and performance. The school rules and sanctions are printed in the pupils journal
* The class tutor can avail of standard letters to parents regarding student behaviour and performance§ Each class group of pupils elect two class representatives. The class representatives assist the class tutor during registration time and voice class concerns to the class tutor

The Welfare Committee: The Welfare Committee consists of the Principal, Deputy Principal and the Guidance Counsellor, Pastoral Care Co-ordinator. The committee meets weekly, identifies "at risk" pupils, puts support measures in place to help them, if the necessary appropriate support is not available in the school, "at risk" pupils are referred to outside agencies.
There are six teachers trained in " Substance Abuse Prevention Programme" and all junior, TY and fifth year pupils participate in Social, Personal and Health Education classes.
We are a "telling" school; students are encouraged to report any incidents of bullying or harassment. Complaints are dealt with in a discreet and sensitive manner. Students are encouraged to watch out for each other, and this happens particularly through the Pastoral Care structure outlined above.
Any reports of bullying are investigated and reported to the relevant authorities if necessary.
The school works closely with the HSE in relation to pupils/families at risk.
Teenagers experiencing crisis are dealt with in a caring confidential and sensitive manner, and every possible support is given.
"Rainbows for all Gods Children" is offered for pupils who need special support either because of separation of parents or bereavement.
The SPHE programme, the religious education programme and the CSPE programme deal with bullying and related topics.
Extra curricular activities are in place to develop pupils multiple intelligence, emotional intelligence - counter balance the over emphasis on academic in subtle ways, allow pupils to channel their energy positively.
Unwell/sick pupils are referred to the Deputy Principal who speaks with the pupil and when necessary advises the pupil to contact home.
The Healthy Schools competition promotes the awareness and importance of physical and mental health.
The Book Rental Scheme helps reduce the financial burden of school expenses for all families.
Occasional staff development days inform staff of pupils changing needs.
The Parents Council supports the school financially through fund raising events, organises school outings for pupils.
The after school study programme enables pupils study within a structured and supervised environment.
Efforts, achievements and contributions to school life are recognised at- An achievements celebration- Prize giving day- Local newspaper announcements- Articles in school newsletter- Positive learning programme
Opening school Mass, November Mass for deceased family and friends, Penitential services, Christmas Carol Service, during the Advent season, distribution of ashes during Lent, individual class retreats, Leaving Certificate graduation Mass are the Liturgical Services offered to all members in the school community.
The Special Needs teacher monitor pupils who have behavioural and educational needs. Students with Special Needs are given special timetables to cater for individual, specific needs. Every effort is made to cater for pupils with physical disabilities. Parents are encouraged to inform the school of any disabilities affecting their son/daughter. Where resources and timetabling allow additional one-to-one teaching is offered to students who have psychological assessment recommending additional teaching support. This includes students with a SLD, a GLD, physical or sensory impairment, behavioural problems, emotional problems and students whose first language is not English. As a reduced timetable and/or exemption form Irish has been recommended for many of these students they receive additional teaching support at Irish time. The Special Needs Assistant also provides additional support for some of these students in their mainstream classes.
Junior students who are not able to cope/function in the mainstream Maths classes attend a small Learning Support Maths class at the time Maths is timetabled for their year.
Additional small group teaching is also offered to students identified at entrance assessment (i.e. students performing below the 10th percentile) and also identified as struggling by their class teacher. Each year the Special Needs coordinator reminds all teachers to inform her of students they have concerns for. A letter is sent home stating that the student is offered additional small group teaching
Special Needs Assistant {SNA} provides the 'extra help' which makes it possible for children to go to ordinary schools. The SNA is expected to work under the guidance of the teacher to meet the needs of the child. The pupil with Special Needs is likely to need specialised learning or behaviour programmes.
Planning and communication between parents, teachers and SNA's are the keys to improving the individual pupils special needs, to support the pupil Promoting independence Inspiring confidence and trust Valuing the child Developing listening skill Enabling the pupil Keeping confidences Being 'in tune' with the child's Special Needs of SNA To assist in the support and integration of pupils with special education needs within mainstream.

The Career Guidance Counsellor offers advice on subject choices, preparation for exams, career choices and provides one to one counselling

The Students Council promotes pupils involvement in extra curricular, promotes pupil leadership skills, offers a forum for pupils to voice their concerns

The Discipline Policy i.e. Code of Behaviour is administered in a pastoral way and the focus is on preventing trouble before it begins and learning from it when it does happen. There is a high degree of supervision at break times and in between classes. A well-developed SPHE programme with small class groups enables students to reflect on positive and negative behaviour and learn what is appropriate behaviour, and to take responsibility for one's own behaviour.

The Crisis Emergency Policy offers guidelines on how to manage the school environment in the event of a tragic death

Ancillary Staff report bullying incidents, concern to the Principal or the Deputy Principal
Outside Agencies HSE, NEPS, ISPCC are organisations which provide resource material relevant to the needs of young people. A Mental Health display stand provides literature for pupils. Guest speakers from these organisations are invited to speak to class groups in CSPE/SPHE/RSE
Subject Teachers, Career Guidance Personnel counsel pupils with their individual expertise

Rules and Responsibilities
The Board of Management will ensure that, in so far as possible, that the school's pastoral care policy fulfils the needs of all pupils
Is revised and updated regularly
The Principal and staff will implement the policy - parents and students are obliged to co-operate with the schools Pastoral Care structure, the school Code of Behaviour and accept its sanctions
Parents and pupils are obliged to inform the school of any concerns, difficulties, which may be affecting their son/daughter
The school community endeavours to support each pupil especially in times of special need e.g. bereavement, family illness, personal difficulty through the pastoral care system and the welfare programme
The Class Tutors meet class groups daily and implement the pastoral care programme as outlined previously
The Welfare Committee meet weekly
DISCIPLINE POLICY
DISCIPLINE POLICY AND CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
JESUS AND MARY SECONDARY SCHOOL, ENNISCRONE,CO. SLIGOOF POLICY: This policy applies to students, teachers, parents and Board of Management, during school time and on school outings. This policy was drawn up in consultation with all thre partners of the school community.
RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL'S MISSION:
The school aims to provide a holistic education for students in the context of an educational community. The relationships between the different educational partners in the school are very important and are based on mutual respect. "Within the school context a climate conducive to learning is fostered by good order and organisation which promote security and respect for others. ( Educational Philosophy of Congregation of Jesus and Mary). Teachers, pupils and parents become active promoters of a disciplined way of life when they co-operate in implementing the agreed code of discipline, in this way pupils in turn become leaders and educators both now and in the world of tomorrow.

RATIONALE
It is necessary to have a Discipline policy so that there are clear guidelines on what is acceptable behaviour in school and during school outings.It is necessary to have clear procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour and sanctions for same.Department of Education and Science requires all schools to have a Discipline policy.To be in line with current legislation.To meet the pastoral and discipline needs of all the school communityTo provide a school climate conducive to teaching and learning.
GOALS.
· To encourage and foster the Christian, social, personal and educational development of students and to give recognition for desirable qualities, attitudes and achievements.· To help students grow in their awareness of others, conscious of the dignity of the person, of justice and respect so that each can reach his/her full potential.· To build a good school spirit based on Christian values, where students can develop into mature, responsible and caring people.· To create an atmosphere where teachers can teach and students can learn.OF POLICY
In this school we adopt a positive approach to discipline. Our discipline code is implemented in a pastoral way with each class group having a class tutor who monitors and supports the students with a firm but fair approach to behaviour. The code is based on respect for self, for others and for property. Bullying is not tolerated.
1. CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
Pupils will respect: themselves, each member of staff, visitors to the school, people they meet travelling to and from school, other pupils, the school property and environment and other people's property.OF CODE.
Each case of a breach of the Code of Behaviour and School Rules will be treated on an individual basis with regard to how serious the breach is. The past record, attitude and general behaviour of the pupil will be taken into account.
PROCEDURE:Teacher involved may deal directly with the incident.Incident may be recorded in student journal.Incident report may be initiated and passed on to Class head.Class head may interview student and place student on report.Class head may consult with Deputy Principal.Deputy Principal may interview student and inform parents.Deputy Principal may refer to Principal.Pupil may be brought before Discipline Committee, comprising of Principal, Deputy Principal, Class head and teacher involved.Parents may be asked to attend a meeting with Principal and Deputy Principal.
SANCTIONS:1. Student may be spoken to and given a warning.2. Incident may recorded in student's journal3. Detention during school hours4. Student may be placed on report.5. Withdrawal from class.6. Loss of privileges.7. Fine for replacement or repair of property.8. Suspension.9. Automatic suspension may be imposed for the following:· Mitching· Use of disrespectful language to a member of Staff· Physical assault on another student.· Serious damage to school property.· Serious act of disrespect in school or on school outings.10. Exclusion/expulsion may take place if a student, having gone through all the stages and sanctions for a serious offence, continues not to comply with the code of behaviour. The final decision with regard to expulsion/exclusion will rest with the Board of Management.
SCHOOL RULES
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIESIt is the responsibility of the Board of Management in consultation with all the partners of the educational community to draw up the school's Code of Behaviour and Rules.It is the responsibility of the Principal, Deputy Principal and Staff to implement the Code of Behaviour and School Rules in a fair and consistent manner.It is the responsibility of students and parents to co-operate with the school Code of Behaviour and School Rules. It is the responsibility of the Board of Management to ensure that the Code of Behaviour and School Rules are revised and updated regularly.

SUCCESS CRITERIA The code and school rules are implemented in a clear and transparent manner.There is a climate conducive to teaching and learning in the school
There is minimal disruption to classes. Positive feedback from parents, students and teachers. Good relationships among all the partners in the educational community.

MONITORING AND REVIEW Through the effective use of the school journal, teachers and class heads and parents will be able to monitor student behaviour on a daily and weekly basis. Records of incident reports will determine the nature and frequency of incidents and these will be monitored by the Principal and Deputy Principal. The Positive Learning Programme will monitor class behaviour and reward the same. The Policy will be reviewed regularly by the Board of Management in consultation with all the partners.

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