CODE OF CONDUCT

RATIONALE

The staff of Limerick School of Music (LSOM) has high expectations for student achievement and conduct.  We believe that our school should create an ideal educational environment where our students enjoy learning, have a sense of pride and strive for excellence.

The Code of Conduct has a threefold purpose:

• To maintain the best possible learning climate.
• To protect the rights of all members of the school community.
• To nurture students by modelling and teaching responsible practices at all times.

The Code of Conduct governs behaviour while the student is under the authority of the school:

• During normal school hours.
• While engaged in any school- authorised activities at any time; e.g. school concerts, school trips, etc.
• At any time while on school property or school buses.

THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS/LSOM STAFF

A LSOM staff member has the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Have a safe working environment
• Have parents and students involved in creating a positive environment at school.

A LSOM staff member has the responsibility to:

• Show respect for each individual of the school community.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of each student.
• Provide a happy, friendly and nurturing atmosphere for their students.

THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

Parents/guardians play a crucial role in shaping attitudes in their children which produce positive behaviour and outcomes in school. Parents/guardians can assist LSOM by (i) ensuring their children abide by the school rules, (ii) encouraging punctuality and regular attendance and (iii) by ensuring that practice/homework is given due time and effort.

• At all times the LSOM teacher is responsible for the direction of the lesson, assigning practice materials and choosing repertoire for performances and examinations etc.
• Students cannot attend lessons (online or in person) from anyone other than their teacher at LSOM unless by arrangement by LSOM Management and their teacher.

Parents/Guardians are expected to:

• Deliver and collect the child punctually to and from LSOM for music lessons. The school cannot be held responsible for children outside lesson times.
• Notify LSOM when the child is absent from their lesson – practical/musicianship/theory/ensemble. Please email absences to: [email protected]
• Detail any learning/medical needs pertaining to the child on the LSOM Learning and Medical needs form. Any changes in the child's health/learning needs should be passed on to LSOM management as a matter of urgency.
• Support the child’s musical development by encouraging regular practise at home as directed in the lesson by the teacher.
• Work together with the school staff for the benefit of the child.
• Treat all members of the school community with respect using appropriate language and behaviour.
• Approach the school to help resolve any issues of concern.
  
   

Parents/Guardians have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• Have their voice heard if they have concerns.
• A safe and secure learning environment at LSOM for their child.
• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to their children.
• Be informed if their child is injured while at LSOM.
• Have their consent sought for extracurricular concerts/trips.

THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

A LSOM student has the right to:

• Be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
• Be heard.
• Receive a quality education.
• Be part of a safe and secure school environment.

A LSOM student accepts the responsibility to:

• Show respect for himself/herself, others and property.
• Co-operate with others.
• Show respect.
• Take responsibility.
• Be prepared to learn and to do their best.
• Treat all students with patience, consistency, and fairness.
• Encourage each student to achieve his/her best potential
• Be mindful of the impact of the role model/leader on students.

OUR EXPECTATION OF OUR STUDENTS

• In order to realise their full potential, students must give their teachers their full attention and respect at all times.
• Students must have the required books and all necessary materials with them at all lessons.
• Practice / Homework will be recorded in the School Journal and should be signed weekly by the Parent/Guardian.
• Homework may consist of practice, a review of all work covered in class, written work and revision.
• All written work must be handed up in time and be of the highest quality in terms of effort and presentation.
• Regular practice must be attended to as outlined by the teacher.
• In the case of students under 18, parents are requested to oversee that all work is completed to the best of the student's ability.

Unacceptable Student and Parent Conduct
not limited to but including

• Any actions that deliberately undermine or conflict with the teacher's planned programme of study and professional recommendations for the student’s musical development including recommendations about exam preparation and entry; performance opportunities; technical and musical repertoire.
• Conduct that disrupts the normal course of teaching, lessons, examination delivery, administration, or meetings.
• Theft, damage to, or misuse, of LSOM property or another person's property, including unauthorized entry to or use of LSOM facilities.
• Physical, verbal and/or written statements considered abusive and which have been directed toward any LSOM student, parent, teacher/administration, and/or ancillary staff.
• Disruptive or other inappropriate behaviour which interferes or threatens to interfere with any of the school’s operation or activities anywhere on the school premises
• Using loud or offensive language
• Threatening, in any way, a member of LSOM staff, visitor, fellow parent/guardian or pupil
• Taking photographs/videos with phones or other devices on school premises without permission from the school
  
  Any breach of this Code of Conduct will be dealt with immediately by the LSOM Management team.

LSOM SCHOOL RULES

1. Fees must be paid before attending classes.
2. Students must attend each class. Persistent tardiness will become a disciplinary matter.  Students arriving more than 15 minutes late are not entitled to a lesson. (15 minutes for a 30 minute lesson or 30 minutes late for a one hour lesson)
3. Students must notify the school by emailing [email protected] if they are unable to attend classes, concerts or any other school event.  Failure to attend three consecutive classes, without a satisfactory written explanation, will lead to cancellation of enrolment.
4. Students are expected to practice regularly and complete homework assignments.
5. Students must sit practical and theory/musicianship examinations as directed by their teacher.
6. Students failing to make satisfactory progress and/or being unsuccessful in the same grade examination for two consecutive years will forfeit their place in the school.
7. Performance and ensemble playing is at the core of music education at LSOM.  Students must participate in school concerts, competitions, music groups, orchestras, etc. when requested to do so by their teacher.
8. Students must obtain prior consent from their teacher and from the Principal before performing in public; when performing in public the Limerick School of Music must be mentioned.
9. All Music students must attend a musicianship/theory class as directed by school management.
10. Students must, at all times, conduct themselves in a courteous manner, displaying respect for fellow students, staff and school property.
11. Mobile phones must be switched off during all lessons, unless otherwise directed by the teacher. No photographs or recording (either video or audio) may be made on mobile phones on the school premises.  Mobile phones may only be used in the public areas of the campus and must, at all times, be used in a discreet and non-invasive manner.  Refer to Limerick School of Music Images & Video Footage Policy.
12. Students are expected to be dressed appropriately for school. When performing at any school concerts, appropriate dress does not include runners, jeans, hoodies and tracksuits.
13. Parents are expected to inform the school authorities of any medical condition / special needs for which their child may require treatment / assistance.

LSOM Management reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.

Consequences

Each student brings to school their own well-developed behaviour pattern.  There may be occasions where some student’s actions/words/behaviour are not acceptable in the school environment, thus consequences must be put in place.

1. Teachers will be the first to attempt to effect an appropriate change in behaviour, which may include contacting home.  The Principal and/or Deputy Principal will become involved if it has been determined that additional measures must be taken to ensure the health and safety of a student(s) and to maintain a positive teaching/learning environment for all.
2. Every effort will be made by all members of staff to adopt a positive approach to the question of behaviour in the school.
3. It is agreed that a high standard of behaviour requires a strong sense of community within the school and a high level of co-operation among staff and between staff, pupils and parents.
4. In devising this Code, consideration has been given to the particular needs and circumstances of this school.  The aim is to ensure that the individuality of each student is accommodated while acknowledging the right of each child to education in a relatively disruption-free environment.
5. The Code offers a framework within which positive techniques of motivation and encouragement are utilised by the teachers.
6. The school recognises the variety of differences that exist between students and the real need to accommodate these differences.
7. In the belief that the most effective schools tend to be those with the best relationship with parents, every effort will be made by the Principal, Deputy Principal and staff to ensure that parents are kept well informed and that the school provides a welcoming atmosphere towards parents.
8. The Code will be reviewed at agreed intervals