ST ALOYSIUS' COLLEGE
SCHOOL HANDBOOK

DISCIPLINE in the Junior School

Code of Behaviour

The Junior School shares a Code of Behaviour with the Senior School:

In a Jesuit school, academic and co-curricular pursuits take place in a strongly moral context. The attitudes and values of this context are those of Christ's radical command to love one another as I have loved you (Jn 13:34), where this love means putting others first (Mk 9:35), turning the other cheek (Mt 5:39), and going the extra mile (Mt 5:41).

Pupils are taught, encouraged and expected to develop and maintain a strong personal integrity that is truthful, generous, courteous, and considerate of the needs and feelings of others. They are expected to have a positive and purposeful attitude to their studies and school lives and to their relationships with staff and other pupils.

The school's system of discipline rewards good behaviour and commitment to studies and school life, and provides for sanctions against poor behaviour. Pupils who fail to strive to meet our high standards will be called to account. At the same time, the school recognises that pupils do sometimes err and tries to help them learn from their mistakes and so grow in maturity and self-discipline.

The Head Master will, from time to time, prescribe policies, rules and routines which make explicit these goals as they apply to specific aspects of school life. Such detailed rules are necessary for the efficient and harmonious running of a complex institution. The College looks for the support of parents in its expectation that pupils follow the school rules.

Junior School Rules

Junior School pupils are expected to have the highest standards of behaviour. They are expected to work hard in lessons and to participate in sports, co-curricular activities and the everyday life of the school with a positive and purposeful attitude.

Pupils are encouraged to know, reflect upon and put into practice the following rules:

1. Be courteous, kind and helpful at all times.
2. Be honest and trustworthy.
3. Be careful to look after the school and your environment.
4. Be attentive to others and respect their needs.
5. Work hard and try your best in all that you do.
6. Wear your uniform with pride.

Disicipline

The attitude and behaviour of pupils in the Junior School is generally excellent, and sanctions are rarely needed. The school tries to praise positive behaviour and recognises achievement as ways of encouraging good discipline. However, punishment will be used:

when a pupil behaves in a way that is harmful or hurtful to others
when a pupil is disruptive in class or distracts others from learning
when a pupil behaves in a way that is prejudicial to the good name or order of the school
when a pupil, without good reason, infringes a school rule, policy or procedure

Disciplinary matters in the Junior School are usually dealt with by the Class Teacher. More serious or persistent breaches of discipline are dealt with by the Head of Section and will usually involve parents. Some serious matters, and any warranting suspension, will be referred to the Assistant Head Master and ultimately the Head Master.

Stars and Stripes

The Juniors section uses a system of stars and stripes to note good and bad behaviour. Each child is issued with a stars and stripes card each month. On it, teachers will note instances of good and poor behaviour and of notable achievements. Repeated attainment of stars will be commended in assembly. Pupils who accumulate stripes will be required to discuss the matter with the Head of Juniors and may have some privileges withdrawn or be given a punishment. Parents are encouraged to ask to see the stars and stripes card each night.

Punishment

The following is intended to be a general guide to the way in which sanctions are used:

Kindergarten

the child's behaviour is discussed with him/her
the child's energy is re-directed into a more constructive activity
the child is encouraged to express feelings through art drawing, painting, play-doh, etc.
the child is encouraged to help repair damage or be helpful in some way
Circle Time is used to discuss behaviour (using the sunshine/cloud chart)
the child is given Time Out (usually for a maximum of five minutes)

Infants and Juniors

the child will be reprimanded by the teacher
a punishment may be given by the teacher - loss of privileges (such as playing at morning interval or for some part of lunchtime) or punishment lines or withdrawal from class activity under supervision of the Head of Section
persistent or more serious misbehaviour will be referred to the Head of Section who will speak to the child and note the offence on the pupil's record; the child will be verbally reprimanded; if the offence warrants it, parents will be informed
older children (usually in P5-P7) who behave poorly may receive after-school detention (arranged in consultation with parents), loss of half-holidays, or may be sent for reprimand to the Head Master

Suspension

It is exceedingly rare for a Junior School pupil to be suspended. The school has a suspension policy.

Parents' concerns about discipline

Parents who have any concerns about the way in which their child behaves or has been disciplined are asked to get in touch with the Head of Section as soon as possible. Early contact often prevents misunderstanding.