Code of Conduct for Parents and Visitors In order to maintain an orderly, respectful and secure educational environment for the students and staff of Christ the King GNS, it is essential that all parents and visitors to our school be aware of their responsibilities and adhere to the expected code of conduct as set forth in this guide. This Code of Conduct was drafted in June 2019 and subsequently reviewed by and ratified by the Board of Management. Parents are expected to:
Recognise that the education of children is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community.
Ensure that their children attend school regularly and on time and that they are collected from school on time;
Encourage their children to follow the school’s Code of Behaviour;
Ensure their children wear the school uniform; school tracksuit only to be worn on PE days
Ensure their children have the correct books and materials; ensure that children bring only items appropriate and related to the school programme
Have their children’s belongings labelled;
Inform class teacher of any change to collection procedure for their children;
Provide a letter for all absenteeism;
Help their children to learn and practise good behaviour and to have a positive attitude towards themselves, other people and towards the school;
Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulty to others;
Attend meetings at the school if requested;
Help their children with their homework and ensure it is completed.
Communicate effectively with teachers/members of staff in a manner that is collaborative and based on trust and respect.
Respect all children in the school, not just your own, and we would ask that you embrace all children’s unique qualities
Read written communication received from the school and respond appropriately
Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their children’s friends.
Report to the office if calling to the school during the day for any reason
Make an appointment beforehand if they need to see a teacher;
Treat all members of the school community with respect;
Communicate to the school problems which may affect their child’s behaviour;
Be friendly, welcoming and courteous to those new to the school
Become actively involved with their child’s school events throughout the academic year.
Be mindful of conversations that happen in the school grounds, and language used. Only discuss topics that are appropriate to the playground and school environment.
Appreciate that pupils are excited at the start and end of the school day and ask all parents to be aware of this as they park and drive to our school.
Public Conduct on School Property Schools are a place of work and learning. Certain limits must be set for parents and other individuals who visit our schools and classrooms. All persons on school property or attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. The following rules apply to visitors to the school:
Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.
All visitors to the school must report to the office upon arrival at the school
All parents/visitors must enter at the front door (red door) or the door from the school yard adjacent to the principal’s office. Access by any other door is prohibited.
Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as annual parent-teacher meetings, performances etc. are not required to report to the office.
Bear in mind that teachers are responsible for students during class time and cannot leave children unattended to enter conversations during the school day. If a parent needs to meet with a teacher they should either phone the office in advance or send a note in their child’s bag/homework journal to request a meeting at a suitable time.
Any unauthorised person on school property will be reported to the principal or the office staff. Unauthorised persons will be asked to leave. The Gardai may be called if the situation warrants.
Pets are not permitted in the school grounds at any time and we would ask parents/visitors to ensure any fouling of pets outside the school grounds is removed in accordance with Bylaws.
The use of bad language is strictly prohibited.
The taking of photographs and/or filming without permission is strictly prohibited.
No visiting adult has permission to reprimand any pupil that is not their own child on school premises.
All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in this Code of Conduct.
Conduct Prohibited on School Property No person shall:
Intentionally injure any other person or threaten to do so.
Intentionally damage or destroy school property or the property of a teacher or any other person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programmes or other school activities.
Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libellous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school programme.
Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, colour, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
Enter any part of the school premises without authorisation or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.
Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies.
Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions of vehicles. Parents are responsible for the safety of their own children and those of others.
Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.
Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at school functions, except in the case of the Gardai.
Loiter on or about school functions.
Smoking of any substances i.e. cigarettes, drugs and e-cigarettes (vaporised cigarettes) on school property are prohibited at all times.
Wilfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.
Violate any policy while on school property or while at a school function.
Persons in violation of the Code of Conduct
The authorisation of a visitor, to remain on school grounds or at any school function shall be withdrawn and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse to leave, they shall be subject to ejection by the Gardaí.
Conclusion: Rationale for this Code of Conduct We endeavour to set the best example possible for our students and as parents/visitors we ask the same of you. By creating a positive, respectful culture, together we are supporting our children on their journey as lifelong learners in a safe, considerate environment. Ratification: 12/12/19 Chairperson of the Board of Management