Lower School Code of Conduct
We pride ourselves at St Mary’s on manners, tidiness and the warm welcome we extend to visitors. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and for those around them. On rare occasions where behaviour is not quite as we would wish – a quiet word is normally all that is required.
The class teacher, Assistant Head of Lower School (Pastoral), Assistant Head of Lower School (Academic) or the Head of Lower School may contact parents directly, depending on the nature of the concern. We regard our partnership with parents to be of paramount importance.
Behaviour Policy
Our school Behaviour Policy has very clear steps for pupils. This can be found on the school website, or please contact the Lower School Office if you require a paper copy. Its aims are:
- For every member of our school community to be happy, valued and respected, and to be treated fairly
- To have high expectations, appropriate to their developmental years, of girls’ behaviour and to ensure that all pupils work to the best of their ability
- To foster self-discipline through positive encouragement and reward
Pupils are expected to conduct themselves in line with the few ‘school rules’ that we have in place. These are regularly reinforced in class and in whole school assemblies. They are:
- Treat people as you want to be treated
- Make school a safe and happy place
- Be polite, show respect and be helpful at all times
- Wear the correct school uniform
- Walk quietly and sensibly around the school
We aim to provide a caring, friendly and safe environment, ensuring the wellbeing of all members of the community. Pupils have the right to feel safe at school.
Bullying at St Mary’s will not be tolerated and any incidents that are reported to us are dealt with in line with the school policy (this can be found on the school website). Incidents of bullying are extremely rare in this school, but we must never be complacent and think it would never happen here.
Bullying is defined as an action that is repeated over time and that intentionally hurts another pupil or group physically or emotionally. The term bullying is sometimes used inappropriately; it is important that pupils, staff and parents understand the correct meaning, so that we can all work together in the interests of all pupils.
