Being an educational community means that:

1. Every person in the College community contributes to the culture of learning; collaboration and participation are experienced and practised in the school.
2. The progress of each student is important. It is supported as much as possible within the parameters of College resources and within the partnership of Board of Management, staff, students and parents.
3. Students are encouraged to be aware of their own learning strengths and needs.
4. Students are encouraged to recognise their different gifts and to share their talents with others.

Respecting every person in the College community means:

1. Recognising and affirming achievements and efforts
2. Presenting oneself with care and a groomed, neat appearance
3. Being supportive & understanding of, and helpful towards, others, especially when they are having difficulties
4. Being forgiving – restoring communication and rebuilding relationships after misunderstandings and disagreements

Caring for others means caring for the environment by:

1. Taking pride in, caring for, and reporting damage to, the grounds, buildings, furniture, equipment, etc.
2. Respecting the personal belongings of others

The College emphasises rewards more than sanctions.  We aim to build a culture of growth and development through affirmation of talent and effort.  We recognise that each student has different capabilities and talents. We try to offer support and guidance to students experiencing difficulties.

The College seeks to reward students for consistent effort and participation, academic achievement, sporting achievement and any curricular or co-curricular achievement.

Students are rewarded by affirmation and encouragement, by commendations in Journals, at assembly, in the newsletter and with awards & prizes.

The best reward is a stress-free learning environment where each person feels valued and at ease.

1. Students must be respectful and courteous to other students, to all staff and visitors at all times.
2. Students must be in school early enough to be ready for first class at 8:30 a.m. Late arrivals will be recorded.
3. Students must have their Journal, books, homework and equipment ready for each class and be punctual for every class throughout the day.
4. Once class has commenced, students are expected to participate in their learning and may not:

• Interrupt the learning of other students
• Eat or drink or leave the classroom without teacher permission

5. After absence from school, a student must bring a signed Journal Note giving the reason for her absence to the Tutor or Deputy Principal, as the College has an obligation to report to the Child and Family Agency on student absences.
6. If a student in school becomes ill, she may report to the Deputy Principal and her parents will be contacted in any case. Junior Cycle students will be permitted home only in the company of a parent/guardian.
7. If parents wish for a student to leave the school for an appointment, the student must bring a signed Journal Note and show the note to her Tutor, Year Head or Deputy Principal. The Tutor signs the note before the student leaves the school; the student brings the note to the Deputy Principal and signs in the Sign-Out Book.  Immediate contact from home is essential for a student who may go home at lunch and not return; a written explanation for this absence must follow.
8. If a student becomes ill and needs to go home, there must be communication between the school office and a parent. When the parent arrives, the student or parent signs in the Sign-Out Book before departure.
9. Students must wear the correct uniform to/from school and in school. Students must bring the correct P.E./sports uniform to school to change for Physical Education class on timetable days. Sports t-shirts and runners must not be worn with the school uniform. An incorrect item of uniform, such as an incorrect outdoor jacket or runners, may be confiscated for the remainder of the term. Parents/ Guardians may be contacted if students are in incorrect uniform.
10. Students who have permission to leave the school at lunchtime or who are going on a school visit to, for example, a careers event, must wear the correct school uniform. Students not in correct school uniform will not be permitted to go on visits/ excursions. Full P.E. uniform is required for all sporting events.
11. Only accessories that are suitable with the school uniform may be worn. These include just the following items of jewellery: one plain watch; one fine-chain necklace; small studs or small hoop earrings (limit two per ear); two simple, narrow bracelets; and three small, narrow – not bulky – rings. Other jewellery will be confiscated for one week. The piercing of ears for two small earrings is the only body piercing permitted. Only light/subtle make-up is acceptable.
12. Extreme hairstyles/shaven hairstyles or extreme/unnatural colouring, deemed inappropriate by the School Management, are not permitted.
13. Mobile phones must be turned off and stored in locked lockers except at morning break and lunchtime. Any mobile phone switched on at other times will be confiscated for five school days; the phone may be collected from the office only by a parent or guardian. The use of a camera, or the camera feature of a mobile phone, is strictly prohibited in the interest of safety and protection of students.
14. Students are not permitted to smoke in the College buildings or grounds. Signs around the school indicate that it is illegal to smoke in College buildings or on school grounds. Reports to the College regarding a student smoking outside the College grounds in school uniform will be forwarded to parents.

Personal music/entertainment equipment may be used just at the morning break and at lunchtime. At all other times, these items must be switched off and kept out of sight during the school day.

I have read through the Sancta Maria College Positive Behaviour Code and understand that it will help me to have a positive school experience throughout the year.

I agree to adhere to the Sancta Maria College Positive Behaviour Code and agree to the consequences should I fail to do so.