School Rules and Procedures

Home School Agreement:

In the spirit of partnership, St Bernard’s High School offers You and your child

  • a Christian environment, committed to developing positive moral principles;
  • a high quality of education, from well-qualified staff, so that the best possible standards are achieved;
  • a broad and balanced curriculum which endeavours to meet the needs of children of all abilities with access to computers and the internet in a safe monitored environment;
  • a safe, caring, well-ordered environment, based upon mutual respect among all who make up the school community. Any bullying, racist, or anti-social behaviour dealt with firmly and promptly;
  • a system of rewards and where necessary, sanctions that are designed to be firm, fair and just;
  • a school in which each student is treated as an individual whose intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual needs are met and in which any problems or complaints are dealt with sensitively and promptly;
  • a regular report on progress and teachers available for consultation if problems do occur;
  • homework which will be set regularly and marked promptly;
  • experience of the world of work during their school career;
  • someone who will be available to receive phone calls between 8 am and 4:30 pm and who will alert you if your child is absent from school;
  • regular communication, in electronic and written form to inform parents/carers about school activities, new developments and to share information which contributes to the wellbeing and safety of students at home and at school;
  • a community that values parental involvement and dialogue with staff

We, the school, expect that you and your child will:-
 

  • take pride in our school, reinforcing our high reputation and affirming our ethos of high expectations;
  • accept school standards and codes of behaviour for the benefit of the whole community;
  • fully support and accept the school’s system of sanctions, including detentions;
  • enter fully into the life of our school, taking full advantage of the facilities and activities offered by the school;
  • ensure that your child attends school regularly and punctually and that the school is notified of all absences. It is a legal requirement that your child attends on every day for the whole school day unless there is a good reason for absence.

We expect parents, carers and other visitors to:
 

  • Respect the Catholic Ethos, Vision and Values of our School
  • Work together with staff in the best interests of our students
  • Maintain reasonable expectations for staff response to general communication (5 working days)
  • attend the scheduled evening or any specially arranged appointments concerning the progress of your child;
  • Treat all members of the school community with respect – setting a good example with speech and behaviour
  • Seek a peaceful and reasonable solution to all issues
  • Seek to clarify a child’s version of events with the school’s view in order to bring about a peaceful solution to any issue
  • Correct their own child’s behaviour (or those in their care), particularly in public, where it could lead to conflict, aggression or unsafe conduct
  • Approach the right member of school staff to help resolve any issues of concern, following up if an appropriate response has not been received
  • keep the school fully informed, as early as possible, of all matters likely to affect your child specifically or the school in general;
  • plan holidays during the school holidays;
  • Notify the school by telephone call (reporting to the absence line), email or school comms on the first day of absence
  • Work actively with the school and the Attendance Welfare Officerto solve any problems that might occur with your child’s attendance at school.

We expect that your child will:-
 

  • give their best at all times;
  • undertake all work set and take responsibility for their own learning;
  • attend school regularly and punctually;
  • attend school in full school uniform;*
  • come properly equipped to cope with all the requirements of the school day;
  • show concern and respect for all those that they come into contact with within the school community;
  • show concern and respect for all in all aspects of ICT that they use;
  • respect the physical environment of the school;
  • behave on their journey to and from school in a manner that reflects credit upon them and the school;
  • give priority to any school event that they are involved in.

We would recommend that your child should have the following to facilitate their education:-
 

  • a suitable area for study at home to aid concentration and the development of good study habits;
  • access to the local library and books at home and if possible monitored access to the internet for study and research;
  • your interest in their school day and homework, providing help where appropriate;
  • encouragement to take part in trips and other events organised by the school;
  • all appointments, dentists etc, arranged outside school hours wherever possible.

We understand and support this statement of partnership.

Further details on ‘school rules and procedures' can be found in the school booklet and the behaviour policy.