At St. Mary’s pastoral care permeates all aspects of school life, reflecting the values, attitudes, beliefs and practices of our Catholic faith. We strive to create an atmosphere where each child is helped to develop to his/her potential.

The atmosphere of the school is based upon good relationships between all staff, pupils and parents. We are concerned with the needs and well being of each individual child.

Our aim is to encourage self-discipline, courtesy, consideration for others and respect for the school environment. Positive praise is essential and staff reinforces good work, good behaviour and co-operation Children can also receive stickers and badges for courtesy and kindness and is highlighted at assembly. The reward system positively encourages self-discipline and respect for others.

Children are divided into three House Groups: Mourne, Donard and Binnian. House points are awarded for work and good behaviour, and there is a weekly competition for house positions. At the end of each term the winning house receives an award or treat. At the end of the year a cup is awarded to the winning house. There are also weekly Merit Awards, which are presented to a child from each class who has worked particularly well.

The children in this school need a freedom to enjoy themselves without being hindered by other children’s actions.

We require our children:

• To be kind, helpful and polite to everybody in our school
   

• To respect their own, others and school property
   

• To walk orderly in the school
   

• To play fairly and for enjoyment at all times
   

• To present school/homework to a reasonable, acceptable standard

While emphasis will always be placed on the positive side the Principal or class teacher may apply sanctions to individual pupils when there is a need. Sanctions will be consistently applied and distinction will be made between serious and minor misdemeanours. School sanctions may be:

• Verbal warning from class teacher /ancillary staff
   

• Loss of play time
   

• Extra work to be completed in school/ at home
   

• Withdrawal of privileges – games- visits- swimming – travel on school bus etc
   

• Referral to Principal
   

• Letter home requesting parent to visit school to discuss issues
   

• Contact outside agencies to initiate appropriate action – exclusion from school
   

Special emphasis will be placed on the prevention of bullying by adopting procedures to prevent it and appropriate action to protect and support victims.

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Child Welfare

Children should not be brought to school if they are unwell but kept in the comfort of the home until they are fully recovered. If your child is unwell we will make every effort to contact you. It is very important that we have up to date home/work telephone numbers. Until we have contacted you, we will take any action required in the interests of the child.

Parents who wish prescribed medicines to be given to their child at school must give written instructions for this to be done. All medicines and tablets must be handed into the office for safekeeping.

The school doctor attends regularly. Parents will be made aware of any visits or treatments. The school nurse makes frequent visits to school, and will be available for advice if necessary. Dental inspections also take place; parents will also be notified of these.

The following list of infectious disease with exclusion time from school will be of help.

Sickness	Back to school
Measles	10 days after rash has gone (cleared by doctor)
Diptheria	When cleared by doctor
Scarlet Fever	7 days after rash has gone (cleared by doctor)
German Measles	7 days after rash has gone
Whooping Cough	When cleared by doctor
Mumps	7 days after swelling has gone
Chicken pox	14 days after rash has gone

If your child suffers a blow to the head, you will always be notified.

From time to time the school suffers an outbreak of head lice. If your child shows symptoms of head lice infestation, please contact the school for guidance or contact your health centre for advice.

The Designated Teacher responsible for Child Protection in St Mary’s is the Principal. All queries should be directed to him.

A separate leaflet is available summarising the procedures regarding Child Protection in St Mary’s.

The Educational Welfare Officer may be contacted if the school is unable to help with your problem.

The school staff have a number of qualified first aiders amongst their ranks. Any incidents shall be dealt with in the correct manner.