St. Columb’s P S - Cullion Pastoral Care Policy
St Columb’s P S - Cullion
Pastoral Care
Purposes of Pastoral Care Policy
-to co-ordinate consideration of the pupil’s personal, social and
academic development
-to contribute to the provision of the climate, the motivation and the
skills which facilitate learning
-to facilitate the development of good relationships between all adults
and children involved in the school and their peers
-to make available relevant information through the development of
effective communication and record systems
-to involve parents and outside agencies in the work of the school
where appropriate
-to enable quick and appropriate response to pupils problems or indeed
anticipate a problem which might arise
The Aims of St Columb’s Primary School - Cullion
Through the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum St Columb’s aims to
1.Prepare children for the demands and realities of adult life
2.Provide a caring environment constantly highlighting the aims and
values of Catholic Education
3.To develop each child to his/her full potential
4.To involve all pupils in happy, worthwhile learning experiences
5.To develop children socially, spiritually, morally, academically and
physically ; safely
6.To promote self-confidence, self-discipline, self-respect and respect
for others
7.To encourage independence as learners in all pupils
8.To encourage parents to become actively involved in the education of
their children
9.To establish close links with the local community and all available
support agencies
10.To provide opportunities for success in broad terms
3 (a) Definition of Pastoral Care
We believe Pastoral Care to be
“Care of the whole person sustained by the whole of the teaching staff as a means of facilitating learning, enabling young people to master the skills which help them to cope more effectively with their learning in school and to develop skills and attitudes which will enable them to cope more effectively in understanding themselves and in relationships with others.”
3 (b) Definition of Discipline
We believe discipline to be
“School discipline is the functioning of the school community through a system of relationships, rules, rewards and sanctions designed to develop progressively self-discipline with pupils.”
(4) Management and Organisation
At St Columb’s we approach the care of our children in a positive way, reinforcing the philosophy and ethos of the school and following the school Code of Conduct which is based on the needs and aspirations of all in the school and upon the care for the environment. We place great emphasis on the welfare and well being of the children in our care. We aim for our children to feel happy secure and well disciplined in whatever activity they are taking part in. All staff have a responsibility towards pupils to create a positive climate.
Through this Pastoral Care/Discipline Policy we hope to encourage a caring school atmosphere where respect for oneself, for others and for property are uppermost in the minds of the school community. These are outlined in our school Code of Conduct. We promote good behaviour through incentives and reward systems. Sanctions for breach of the school Code of Conduct well be at the discretion of the teaching staff in the school.
(5) School Code of Conduct
Children in St Columb’s P S will be expected to follow the School ‘Code of Conduct’ which is based on mutual respect for the needs and aspirations of all in the school and upon care for the environment.
Our ‘Code of Conduct’ is stated in the “Ten ‘Bees’ of Good Behaviour”
1.Be helpful - see the need
Pick up fallen coats etc. Help people who have fallen or dropped things.
2. Be well mannered and well behaved
Be polite and obedient. Say ‘Excuse me’, ‘Thank you’ etc Hold doors for
adults and younger people. Don’t run in corridors. Sit down quickly and
quietly.
3.Be honest
Always tell the truth about problems and situations
4.Be dressed properly
Wear the correct school uniform. Look clean and tidy.
5.Be an attentive and careful worker
Work neatly and quickly, always do your homework. Listen to your teacher,
read instruction carefully.
6.Be careful of you property
Label clothes, look after school books put things away after use.
7.Be friendly
Avoid bullying, fighting, bickering etc.
8.Be quiet when necessary
Along corridors, during waiting time in Assembly and during exam times.
9.Be punctual
But always be careful when travelling to and from school.
10.Be careful with the school environment
Put litter in the bins. Don’t break branches off the trees etc.
We endeavour through this code of behaviour to set our pupils on the road to acquiring true discipline, which is, of course, Self-discipline.
6. Target Areas for Good Practice
(i)Curriculum
We believe in St. Columb’s that every child should be given opportunities to succeed and gain confidence in tackling a variety of tasks. We encourage the development of skills through different approaches. We promote a positive attitude to learning, respecting opinions and views and recognizing and rewarding achievements. Any changes in a pupils work level and behaviour are reported to the principal; reasons for this are discussed and action taken were necessary with parents being informed.
(ii)Relationships
We promote mutual respect between pupils, teachers and pupils, ancillary/auxiliary staff and pupils. Through such interaction children become aware of acceptable and non-acceptable behaviour. We try to promote a sense of loyalty to the school, each other and the wider community.
(iii)Parental Liaison
We encourage parental involvement in the education of their children. Parents are kept informed through formal and informal meetings about their child’s progress and behaviour. Parents are always welcomed and encouraged to contact the class teacher, Vice-Principal/Designated Teacher or Principal if they have any concerns or worries. We encourage parents to share concerns about home circumstances or medical matters which may affect their child’s work or behaviour in school. Parents need to be aware that, were appropriate, other staff or professionals will need to be informed and in all instances that either the Vice-Principal/Designated Teacher or the Principal will report to them on the progress and outcome of their concern within a designated time-frame.
How a parent can make a complaint.
I have a concern about my/a child’s safety
I can talk to the class teacher
If I am still concerned, I can talk to Mrs Celia Fullen,
the designated teacher for child protection
If I am still concerned I can talk to the Principal
Miss Clare Murray
If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the
Chairman of the Board of Governors.
At any time I can talk to a social worker 028 7930 0771
or
the Police CARE Unit 028 2565 3355
(iv)Community Liaison
As a school we have established close liaison with various outside agencies involved in the care of children. These include the Literacy Teaching and support Service, School Medical Team, Educational Psychologist and various other bodies
Programme of Pastoral activities
(a) (i) School Assembly each Friday morning 11.00am
(b) Formal activities as regards pupil progress
(i) Annual written report
(ii) Annual review/parental interview
(iii) Ongoing profile records
(iv) Individual Reward Schemes
.
(c) Informal contacts of pupils/teachers/parents/non-teaching staff
(d) Educational visits by class whole school
€ Curricular Progs. Including Health Ed., English, Drama, Art, ICT etc
(f) (i) Parental Involvement, books, diaries, homework, phonecalls,
Visits, formal and informal contacts.
(h) Outside Agency Support. E.g. School Nurse, Dentist, Doctor, Ed.
Psychologist, Social Worker and EWO
(i) Circle Time