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Addendum to Code of Behaviour Policy during Covid-19

Rationale

In light of the need for students to be more mindful of attending school during the current Covid-19 climate, this amendment to the Code of Behaviour Policy is required so that students will be aware of specific rules on their return to school.  Our guiding principle when making any changes or adjustments to this policy is to be able to keep all of our students, families and staff safe. These amendments will be communicated to students, parents and staff.

Note to Parents/Guardians:

Parents/guardians are required to observe and respect all social distancing protocols in relation to any contact with the school.  This includes maintaining a two metre distance to other families when dropping off or collecting their children from the school and any contact with the school.  All visits to the school are required to be made in advance through the school office.

Behaviour Expectations

Our school requires every member of the school community to observe and respect the principles of social distancing, cough and sneeze etiquette and make every effort to minimise risk to oneself and others.

This requires us to modify some of our behaviours which include;

  • amended expectations about breaks or play times, including where students may or may not congregate
  • clear rules about coughing or spitting at or towards any other person
  • clear rules for students at home about conduct in relation to remote education
  • identify any reasonable adjustments that need to be made for students with more challenging behaviour.

School Routines and Procedures

All members of the school community have to be mindful of the following;

  • following any altered routines for arrival or departure
  • following instructions on who students can socialise with at school
  • moving around the school as per specific instructions (for example, one-way systems, out of bounds areas, queuing)
  • rules about sharing any equipment or other items including drinking bottles
  • use of toilets

Hygiene and Health Expectations

  • following school instructions on hygiene, such as handwashing and sanitising
  • expectations about sneezing, coughing, tissues and disposal (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’) and avoiding touching your mouth, nose and eyes with hands
  • tell an adult if you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus

Wellbeing and Social and Emotional Learning

Our school will provide a safe and pleasant environment and spend a considerable amount of time liaising with students on promoting their wellbeing.  This will include;

  • Curriculum changes to support students during SPHE, PE and CSPE classes
  • Additional time devoted to in-class discussions on general wellbeing and development
  • Additional supports that students can access outside of classroom if required

Students are expected to:

  • Arrive to and depart from school premises at the agreed time
  • Proceed to the designated classroom without delay
  • Follow instructions from staff members on movement throughout the school campus
  • Ask for permission to go to the toilet
  • Wash hands thoroughly before entering school premises and while in school, wash their hands for at least 20 seconds more often than usual with soap and water or hand sanitiser
  • Remain in their designated seating within the classroom during classes
  • Wear face mask in class situations where 2m distancing cannot be maintained
  • Keep a safe distance from other students and refrain from physical contact with their peers
  • Maintain healthy practise when coughing or sneezing, cover any cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin
  • Adhere to rules in relation to toilet visits and pre-arranged playtime activities.
  • Refrain from spitting or coughing at or towards other students and members of staff
  • Maintain responsibility for their own equipment e.g. stationery and water bottles and ensure that these are not shared with other students
  • Tell a member of staff if they are unwell and are exhibiting signs of Coronavirus.

The school will explain these rules clearly to students at the start of the year and remind them periodically. Class teachers will ensure that the rules are displayed in classrooms and that they are explained to Students.

Sanctions for unsafe behaviour during the Covid-19 pandemic

Incidents which involve students who deliberately fail to comply with instructions, will be addressed in line with sanctions of our current Codes of Behaviour policy.  These include (but are not limited to);

  • failure to comply with requests from staff to practice social distancing
  • failure to wear face mask when required
  • intentional damage to, theft of or misuse of sanitising and/or cleaning equipment and materials
  • behaving inappropriately which causes offence or concern to other students and members of staff through pranks or fake coughs/sneezes
  • spitting or coughing or throwing masks at other students or members of staff
  • spreading unfounded rumours or stories that a student / students or members of staff have tested positive for Covid-19.

Approved by Board of Management 26/08/2020

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