Rules

Lucan Community College is your school; you must make it a school to be proud of. Rules and regulations are important because they ensure that the school is able to carry out its business; they help the teachers to teach, the students to learn. And when everyone follows the guidelines there are no problems, there is no tension.

A happy businesslike atmosphere is the best atmosphere in which to work; such an atmosphere can be achieved if everyone follows the rules and regulations; they are laid down as a guide to help you co-operate with your teachers and fellow students in such a happy businesslike atmosphere.

Click HERE to see procedures on Attendance and Punctuality

General rules

This is how you are expected to behave during every school day:

At 9.00 a.m.

• Be on time, carrying your school bag and all books, copies and other equipment you need for the day.
• Your appearance (including dress) should be clean and neat and should conform to school regulations.
• If you arrive late, you come to the General Office for a late stamp on your journal. A note to explain your lateness should be in your journal and shown to your Class Tutor. Repeated lateness is highly disruptive to your education and that of the class – it must be dealt with as such.

At every class

• All students must wait outside the classroom until their teacher arrives, lined up as shown.
• When you are lining up outside the classroom, you do so quietly.
• When the teacher tells you to do so, enter the room and remain standing quietly until you are told to sit.
• After class, leave exactly as your teacher tells you. Do not run, shout or push. Walk in the correct direction through the courtyards and in the corridors.
• You should not go to the toilets between breaks. If you are in serious need, ask the teacher quietly for permission.

During class

• Sit in the seat you were given by the teacher. Do not presume to change y our seat unless the teacher allows you.
• Take good care of your table and chair.

At morning break

• You may go into the area of the school assigned to you. No student may leave the grounds without permission.
• Crisps, fruit, sandwiches and drinks may be consumed only in specified areas. Chewing gum may not be brought into the school.
• You may not smoke in the school grounds at any time.
• Pushing and rough play at break can lead to injury. Do not engage in either.
• Go to your next class promptly when the bell goes.

At lunch time

• If you have a lunch pass you may go home. Those who stay in must stay within areas assigned.
• The school has excellent leisure facilities. You are welcome to use them as long as you don't abuse them.

After school

• You may stay on in the school after class if you are taking part in some organised and approved activity, or if you are given permission or told to do so by a teacher.

Respect for teachers and other staff

• Teachers are addressed as Miss, Mrs., Father or Mr. (Sir can be used instead of the full name for a male teacher).
• Don't argue with a teacher. It is quite possible to put forward your point of view without being cheeky. If you are quiet and calm you will be welcome to make your point. This applies not only in school but to your relations with adults in general.
• You may not go to the Staff Room to see the teachers during morning break or the first half of lunch break.
• Other members of staff are entitled to the same respect as teachers.

Respect for property

• Always treat school property and that of your fellow students with respect.
• Don't forget to take good care of your own property.

Respect for fellow students

• You should always treat your fellow students as you would like them to treat you.
• Bullying, fighting and intimidation are regarded as the most serious discipline offences that can be committed.

Between home and school

• Your conduct on your way to or from school is as important as within the school.
• You are reminded to behave in a mannerly way on the road, at the bus stop or in the bus.
• Complaints about students' conduct will be acted upon.

Homework

• You should use your timetable and Journal to plan your homework properly.
• You are expected to have homework done correctly each night unless you have a good explanation in writing from your parents.
• Written exercises might not be given every night in every subject, but this does not mean you can ignore the oral homework, reading, etc., you were given.
• Every night you should do some revision

Absence

• Any time you are absent through sickness, your parents should get a message to the school on the first day, either by phone to the Secretary or by means of a note sent with a fellow student.
• If you know in advance you will be absent you must show a note or an appointment card beforehand to your Class Tutor.
• On return after an absence, a student must have a note from his/her parents in the Journal.
• You may not use absence as an excuse for falling behind in classwork or homework.

Personal presentation

• The general presentation of students affects the image the public has of the school. You should, therefore, ensure that you are in complete uniform at all times while in school, travelling to and from school or attending any function as part of a school party.
• Extreme hair styles affect the image of students and of the school and are, therefore, forbidden. The School Principal is the judge in this regard.
• Jewellery, including rings, may not be worn, with the traditional exception of girls' ear-rings.
• Designer clothes and footwear are absolutely banned.

Avoid these

• You should not bring any items to school which could be dangerious or disruptive in the school context.
• Chewing gum, Tipp-ex and heavy markers are strictly banned.

The Journal

• The Journal should be kept carefully and brought to school each day.
• All homework, reminders etc., should be noted there.
• It will be used for communication between your teachers and your parents. It is an important record of your year's work and behaviour.