Code of Conduct - 2008 / 2009
CODE OF CONDUCT
Following the code of conduct makes life better for everyone. It is not about reducing freedom; it is about securing opportunities for all to prosper and succeed. By upholding the code you will be contributing to a more enjoyable and fulfilling experiencefor all members of the College community. Keep the code at all times: in school, when travelling to and from school and when representing the school in any way.
1. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Respect the work of others. Do your best to contribute to the life of the College community. Disruption of class, prep, assembly or any extra-curricular activity will not be tolerated.
2. Be aware of others and take care not to injure anyone. Bullying, assault or aggression (whether verbal or physical) towards any other person is unacceptable.
3. Possession of all weapons or instruments likely to cause injury is forbidden. Materials and substances which have the potential to hurt others or damage property, whether by design or accident, are likewise prohibited.
4. In keeping with its commitment to the health and well-being of the whole community, the College has a zero-tolerance policy on tobacco, alcohol, solvents and drugs (except those prescribed for you by a doctor). You may not have any of these in your possession nor may you supply them to others.
5. The College is an inclusive school. Make a visible effort to respond positively to diversity, disadvantage and disability. Be aware of the difficulties faced by others and be friendly and helpful towards them. Discrimination will not be tolerated.
6. It is forbidden to use any technology or means of communication to record, copy or transmit illegal material or material which the Headmaster deems to be offensive, intimidating or discriminatory.
7. Respect other people’s property, public and private. Vandalism and theft, actual or attempted, will not be tolerated.
8. Observe “out of bounds” rules. Under no circumstances are boys permitted to enter girls’ dormitory areas nor are girls to enter boys’ dormitory areas.
9. Close personal relationships between pupils are acceptable, as are social forms of greeting. More intimate expressions of affection are not acceptable.
10. Honour the College, its history and its reputation, in all you do and say. Wear correct school uniform with pride, whether or not you are on College grounds.
REVISED DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
This document is intended only as an outline of the disciplinary procedures currently in operation and the Board of Management reserves the right to review them from time to time. Through its Code of Conduct, Kilkenny College aims to be a happy, well-ordered school, in which each pupil can achieve his/her best.
Breaches of discipline and failure to keep the Code of Conduct may lead to any of the following procedures: verbal reprimand, a move to a different seat in the classroom, extra duties, extra prep, punishment exercise, or detention. Teachers may also make a report on a Pupil Discipline Information Sheet to the Form Tutor/Head of House.
Detention
Pupils are detained after school for a period of two hours, the date and reason for detention being recorded in the detention book. The detention may also be entered in the pupil’s homework journal. Boarders are given detention on the day the incident occurs. Day pupils are given 24 hours’ notice. Failure to attend a detention may result in additional detentions. After three detentions, the pupil’s case is reviewed. A white report card may be issued. A letter is sent to the parents/guardians.
White Report Cards
A white report card is issued by the Deputy Principal. A pupil is put on a white report card for a period of two weeks. The white report card is signed by individual teachers at the end of each class, by the teacheron duty at the beginning and end of each day, and at other times by teachers/duty persons. Pupils on a white card must report to the Deputy Principal each week as requested. When completed, the white report card is returned to the Deputy Principal. Further action may follow, in which case a letter is sent to the parents/guardians.
Referral to the Headmaster
When a white report card has not put a stop to misbehaviour, the Deputy Principal may refer the case to the Headmaster, with the recommendation that the pupil should be given a red report card.
Red Report Card
A red report card can only be issued by the Headmaster. A pupil is put on a red report card for a period of two weeks. The red report card operates in the same way as a white report card, except that, when completed, it is returned to the Headmaster. Pupils on a red card must report to the Headmaster each week as requested. When completed, the red card is returned to the Headmaster and further action may follow. In this case a letter is sent to the parents/guardians, who may also be requested by letter/fax/telephone/email to meet the Deputy Principal or Headmaster.
A serious breach or alleged breach of discipline is initially referred to the Deputy Principal. In considering the issue, he gives the pupil concerned an opportunity to respond/defend him/herselfand may interview other pupils , members of staff, parents and such other persons as he deems appropriate.When his investigation is concluded, the Deputy Principal makes a report to the Headmaster.
As part of his investigation, the Headmaster puts the case to the pupil and gives him/her an opportunity to respond to the accusation. Where a pupil is found to have breached the Code of Conduct or school rules the Headmaster may issue a red report card or suspend the pupil for a period up to three days. (In exceptional circumstances, the Headmaster may suspend the pupil for five days.) He may also make a recommendation to the Board of Management to suspend the pupil for a longer period or to expel him/her.
The Headmaster may set up a Discipline Forum to advise him on exceptional cases. Such a Forum comprises the Headmaster, Deputy Principal and 1 or 2 other members of staff (e.g. head of pupil’s house, school counsellor, form teacher, form tutor, class teacher), one of whom must represent the pupil’s cause.
Longer Periods of Suspension & Expulsion
The Headmaster informs the Chairman of the Board of Management, who nominates a sub-committee to investigate the breach of discipline fully. In its deliberations, that committee hears representations from the pupil, his/her parents/guardians, the complainant and any other party deemed by the committee to be relevant to the investigation, and reports its findings to the Board of Management. The Board decides what action is to be taken. It may impose a longer period of suspension or final expulsion.
Appeals
The decision of the Board of Management may be appealed within five days to the Board of Directors but that decision stands pending the Directors’ ruling. Under the Education Act 1998, Section 29, the decision of the Board of Directors may be appealed to the Secretary General of Education and Science or any authority designated by the Minister.
Communication on matters of discipline with the pupil’s parents / guardians
The College endeavours to involve parents/guardians at an early stage, rather than as a last resort. Parents are encouraged to inspect their son’s/daughter’s homework journals frequently. Communication with parents/guardians is by letter/fax/telephone/email, depending on the circumstances. Parents/guardians are officially informed when the pupil has been in detention three times or has been put on a report card. Parents/guardians may be invited to come to the school to discuss the pupil’s case and will be invited to come if suspension or expulsion is proposed.
ENDS