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School Policies

policies

We at St. Joseph of Cluny School regard our school as a community of which mutual respect, co-operation and natural justice are integral features. Our Behaviour and Discipline Code is therefore based on consideration for others, on the common good and on training in self-discipline. We require the support of parents in upholding our Code.

  • The application of sanctions will be consistent with fairness.
  • Teachers and other school authorities are agreed that the application of sanctions will take into account the right of students to a fair hearing.
  • That a student has the right, having made sufficient amends, to the restoration of her good name.
  • That the school ethos is a positive one dedicated to the encouragement, support and reward of pupils and their efforts. Sanctions however are seen as a necessary part of the development of a pupil’s self-discipline and sense of personal responsibility.
  • In this spirit, misbehaviour should automatically involve an apology to the teacher, student or any other individual concerned.

1. Uniform - The appointed uniform, including footwear must be worn to and from school and during school hours. A neat and tidy appearance is expected at all times. Jewellery is limited to one ring, one pair of stud earrings, and a watch. No facial, tooth or tongue studs are tolerated. No make-up is permitted. Hair colour and style must be natural. In the interest of safety, no jewellery may be worn at P.E., or rings at practical classes.

2. Property - All books, garments, sportswear, etc. should be clearly and indelibly labelled and kept in student locker. Large sums of money or valuables should not be brought to school. THE SCHOOL CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR THEFT. Lockers with padlocks are provided for each student they and must be kept locked at all times.

3. School Work/Homework - Students are expected to participate fully in class and to submit completed homework at the proper time. A student’s main objective is to reach their highest possible academic standard and thus make the most of their opportunities in school. Homework assignments should be completed on time to a standard consistent with the student's abilities and in accordance with the directions of the teacher. Please ref: ‘Homework Policy’.

4. Good Manners - All members of the school community should be treated with courtesy and respect. Insulting behaviour to members of staff or persistent insubordination will be liable to suspension.

5. Bullying - Every pupil has the right to an education free of fear and intimidation to allow a pupil a right to enjoy her learning and leisure time. If someone is being treated badly, a student should take action. Watching and doing nothing can suggest support for the bully. Students should not tolerate bullies. The school has in place an ‘Anti Bullying Policy’. Use should be made of the ABC Committee or any of the many support systems in the school. Please ref: ‘Anti Bullying Policy’

6. Care of Buildings and Property - All students are asked to keep the premises in good condition. Chewing gum, Tipp-Ex and other liquid correcting fluids, laser pens, large markers, all aerosols and personal music systems are forbidden. Inappropriate items (see above list) which are brought into school will be confiscated and Parents will be asked to contact the Year Head, during school hours. Students who willfully damage school or personal property or who cause damage as a result of inappropriate behaviour will have to make full restitution.

7. Smoking, anywhere or anytime, in school uniform is forbidden.

8. Disciplinary Measures

  • Firm action will be taken with pupils who are disruptive in class, ill mannered or whose behaviour is unacceptable in this school.
  • Any pupil under the influence of, or in possession of, alcohol in the school or on school related activities will merit immediate suspension.
  • The possession, sale or use of drugs by any student of the school both within or outside the school is a most serious breach of discipline. The matter will be referred to the Gardaí and the Board of Management.
  • The sanctions for the above breaches of discipline are explained over.

9. Litter - Bins should be used for litter. Littering is discourteous to others, especially the cleaning staff. Please see the Green School Policy on recycling.

10. Detention - Detention is held on Friday after school. If a student is nominated for Friday Detention her attendance there is compulsory.

11. Use of Mobiles Phones & Cameras

  • The girls are asked to ‘power off’ and lock their mobile ‘phones away in their lockers while they are in the school building and environs during school hours. The girls may use their mobiles only when they have left the school building at the end of the school day.
  • All contact with your daughters during the day must come through the office.
  • The sanctions for unauthorised use of a mobile phone during the school day or carrying it or having it in a school bag is confiscation for a two-week period. The phone must then be collected by a Parent or Guardian.
  • The use of cameras and camera phones to take unauthorised photographs/video footage with the intention of embarrassing or causing distress to any school member is strictly forbidden and is referred to, in detail, in the ‘Anti-Bullying Policy’. See also the ‘Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy’

Computer & Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The aim of this Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy it to ensure that students will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s computer and Internet resources in a safe and effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a school resource and privilege. Therefore, if the school Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy is not adhered to this privilege may be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions imposed. Before signing the permission slip, the Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy should be read carefully so that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.

The computer system in this school has been established for a limited EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE. The term “educational purpose” includes classroom activities, career development and limited high-quality self-discovery activities such as project work and research. The computer system has NOT been established as a public access service or a public forum. The school has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. You are also expected to follow the rules set forth in your disciplinary code and the law in your use of the school computer system.

This Computer And Internet Acceptable Use Policy will be amended from time to time as is deemed necessary by the school. A copy will be made available to all new students. The current policy will be available to all the school. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure familiarity with the current Computer And Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

Unacceptable Uses

The following uses of the school computer system are considered unacceptable:

Personal Safety

  • You will not post personal contact information about yourself or other people. Personal contact information includes your address, telephone, school address, work address etc.
  • You will not agree to meet with someone you have met online without your parent’s approval. Your parent(s) should accompany you to this meeting.
  • You will not sign a “guest book” on a web page on behalf of St. Joseph of Cluny Secondary School.
  • You will promptly disclose to your teacher, to the IT Co-ordinator, to the Principal or to the Deputy Principal, any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.

Illegal Activities

  • You will not attempt to gain unauthorised access to the computer system or to any other computer system through the school computer system or go beyond your authorised access. This includes attempting to log on to another person’s account or accessing, or interfering with another person’s work or files.
  • You will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal.
  • You will not use the computer system to engage in any other illegal act.

System Security & Commercial Use

  • You are responsible for your individual account and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use your account. Under no conditions should you provide your password to another person.
  • You may not use the computer system for commercial purposes. This means you may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through the computer system. Inappropriate Language

Restrictions in the use of inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages and material posted on Web pages.

  • You will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening or disrespectful language.
  • You will not post information that could cause damage, danger or disruption.
  • You will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory action that distresses or annoys another person.
  • You will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organisation.

Email

  • Use of Email is for educational purposes only. You will use only approved personal or class Email accounts under supervision by or permission from a teacher.
  • Sending and receiving Email attachments is also subject to permission from a teacher.

Respect of Privacy

  • You will not report a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent you the message.
  • You will not post private information about another person.
  • You will not post pictures or photographs of other people without their permission.

Internet Chat

  • You will only have access to chat rooms, discussion forums or other electronic communication forums that have been approved by the school.
  • Chat rooms, discussion forums and other electronic communication forums will only be used for educational purposes and will always be supervised.

Respecting Resource Limits

  • You will use the system only for educational and career development activities.
  • You will not download large files unless absolutely necessary and with the permission of the IT Co-ordinator. If necessary, you will download the file at a time when the system is not being heavily used.
  • You will not post chain letters or engage in “spamming”. Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

  • You will not plagiarize works that you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.
  • You will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringements occur when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, you should follow the expressed requirements. If you are unsure whether or not you can use a work, you should request permission from the copyright owner. Copyright law can be very confusing. If you have questions ask a teacher.

Inappropriate Access to Material

  • You will not use the computer system to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography) or that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people.
  • If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, you should immediately tell your teacher, the IT Co-ordinator, the Principal or Deputy Principal. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated this policy. Your parents/guardians should instruct you if there is additional material that they think it would be inappropriate for you to access. The school fully expects that you will follow your parent’s/guardian’s instructions in this matter.

School’s Strategy
The strategies employed by the school to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet will include:

  • Internet sessions will always be supervised by a teacher.
  • Filtering Software is used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.
  • The school will regularly monitor students Internet usage.
  • Students and teachers will be provided with training in the area of Internet safety.
  • Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.
  • Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.
  • The use of personal floppy disks or CD-ROMs in school requires a teacher’s permission.
  • Sanctions for not adhering to this policy will include withdrawal of Computer privileges (Temporary or Permanent), demerits, suspension (Depending on the severity of the infraction).

 

 

Secondary School Fees Policy

The Board of Management acknowledges that the timely payment of school fees, when due, is essential in maintaining appropriate control of finances and in planning for the school’s future.

When parents send their daughters to St Joseph of Cluny, they accept the obligation to pay the school fees in accordance with the terms set out below.  The Board is aware that the vast majority of parents meet their obligations in this regard but are also conscious of some instances where the payment policy may be abused.

In the interests of fairness to those many families who do pay promptly, the Board believes, on advice of its Finance Committee, that is must pursue adherence to its School Fee Policy, which is outlined below.

The Board hopes that all parents will understand the need for these procedures and thanks them for their continued support and co-operation.

DEPOSITS
All deposits paid in respect of fees are non-refundable.

FEE PAYMENT
Parents will be invoiced for fees in August and payment must be made in full by 01 September.

COLLECTION POLICY
Fees are due and owing and must be paid in full in advance on 01 September in respect of the forthcoming academic year.
Interest at the rate of 1% per month will be charged on all overdue accounts.
The procedure set out below will be followed in the event of late or non payment of fees/extras:
After one month               Letter sent from Bursar’s Office

After two months             Second letter sent from Bursar’s Office requesting payment or a response for consideration by the Bursar in consultation with the Finance Committee
After three months          In the event of fees not being paid or fee arrangements not being honoured the school reserves the right not to issue Christmas reports.
Three months plus           See Arrears Management

The Bursar will make all relevant information concerning cases of late or non payment of fees available at each Finance Committee meeting and Board of Management meetings.

ARREARS MANAGEMENT
The following arrangements will apply to situations involving the late, very late or non payment of school fees within a particular school term.

The Finance Committee will consider all instances of fees in default and decide the basis on which the Board’s Fee Policy will be implemented in respect of these cases.

This Committee may enter into individual arrangements with parents in order to secure payment of all arrears.  Circumstances which make the prompt payment of fees impossible in the short term can be considered by the Committee, who will keep the Board informed of all relevant developments.

The Board of Management, where it considers it appropriate, will inform parents with fee arrears that the student shall not be permitted to return to the school for the start of a new term unless the fees are paid up to date.

Decisions to withdraw a student from the school will be communicated to the parents one month before the end of the term in question, to allow sufficient time to make alternative arrangements for the student.

Defaulting parents will be identified to the Board and all outstanding fees will be pursued by legal means where necessary.

Any student who has a fees balance outstanding at the end of the academic year will be removed from the student roll and her place shall stand forfeited.

Parents of such students will be notified in writing of such removal and forfeiture to enable them to make appropriate arrangements for their child’s ongoing education in an alternative education establishment.

In all cases involving parental notification a letter sent to the student’s last known home address shall be deemed to constitute adequate notification to both parents.

STUDENTS LEAVING EITHER AT THE START OF OR DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
If a student leaves during the school year the following notice periods apply:

We require notice of a student not returning the following year to reach us by 01 May.  Notice between 01 May and 31 October means that one-third of the year’s fees is payable.
Any students who are withdrawn thereafter will not be entitled to a refund of fees.

October 2010
Fee Policy of the St Joseph of Cluny Board of Management, Killiney.