Student welfare is at the heart of everything our school community does to meet the academic, personal and social needs of our students. It involves recognising each student as a unique and valued individual whose talents, aptitudes and skills are given every opportunity to emerge and develop. The Dublin Academy of Education ensures that student welfare includes an understanding of cultural diversity and the responsibilities of citizenship. The Dublin Academy of Education is concerned with all aspects of student welfare, so that the education we provide will be successful in stimulating and nourishing the students’ artistic and intellectual capabilities, thereby enabling him or her to achieve a high degree of personal fulfilment.

Student welfare is contingent on students being capable of managing themselves appropriately and responding to the fast pace of teaching and learning at The Dublin Academy of Education. Students who are unable to do so may find themselves floundering, which may have a detrimental effect on their self-confidence and mental wellbeing. In light of the academic nature of the school, parents and students should be aware that the school is not in a position to provide additional educational supports.

The Dublin Academy of Education encourages all students to:

• Take responsibility for their own actions

• Treat everyone with respect and contribute positively to the welfare of others

• Develop independence and self-motivation

• Recognise that the individual is part of a wider community

• Contribute to the life of The Dublin Academy of Education community

• Recognise the rights and needs of others

• Be aware of our obligations to the disadvantaged in our society and the underprivileged worldwide.

This Student Welfare Policy:

• Guides the professional practice of all teachers in The Dublin Academy of Education

• Supports The Dublin Academy of Education’s existing anti-bullying and related policies

• Concerns everything The Dublin Academy of Education community does to meet the academic, personal and social needs of the students

• Creates a safe, caring, nurturing environment in which students can learn and participate

• Promotes effective discipline

• Stresses the value of a positive work ethic and collaborative learning

• Incorporates the need for collaborative early intervention when problems are identified

• Promotes an awareness of the rights and needs of others

• Promotes students’ awareness of cultural diversity, global interdependence and the responsibilities of citizenship

Provides opportunities for students to:

• Mature into happy, well-adjusted, self-confident young adults

• Enjoy success and recognition

• Make valuable contributions to the life of The Dublin Academy of Education

• Derive enjoyment from their learning and their involvement in extra-curricular and sporting activities.

Our aim is to create an effective teaching and learning environment in which:

• Students will feel valued as learners and individuals

• Students will pursue a programme of learning relevant to their needs and aspirations

• Students will develop an understanding of themselves as well as skills for positive, socially responsible participation

• Students will participate in decisions about their own learning

• Students will be encouraged to be independent learners.

We strive to foster a positive atmosphere and good conduct where:

• Students will be aware of what is expected of them and of others in The Dublin Academy of Education community.

• Students will be respected and supported in all aspects of their schooling

• Students will know and understand all school policies relevant to their learning and behaviour

• Students will be able to learn in an atmosphere free from disruption and poor behaviour.

Responsibilities:

The staff of The Dublin Academy of Education will ensure that:

• Student welfare is at the heart of all policies and activities of The Dublin Academy of Education.

• Student welfare is regularly reviewed and concerns are reported to the relevant personnel.  

• Students and parents/guardians are referred to our partner, ZestLife, in instances where counselling is requested or may be required.

• Students, staff and parents/guardians are encouraged to develop strategies for addressing student welfare and discipline needs in all the activities of The Dublin Academy of Education.

• Policies and practices in The Dublin Academy of Education are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet the needs of all the students in The Dublin Academy of Education.

Students are required to:

• Act according to The Dublin Academy of Education Code of Conduct

• Participate actively in the teaching and learning process

• Contribute to the culture of The Dublin Academy of Education community using agreed mechanisms such as the Class Representatives, Year Heads, etc. There are times when students are permitted to leave the school on designated school trips, excursions, field trips and other occasions, including lunchtime, when students may wish to avail of the local services. Written parental permission is required for all designated official off-site school trips.

Students will be encouraged to:

• Make informed choices about their lives and follow through on these choices

• Express their concerns regarding their own welfare and the welfare of others at the earliest possible stage. Concerns may be communicated to any staff member, to reception, or to the Principal.

Parents/Guardians are required to:

• Support their child’s learning and encourage a positive approach to school life

• Share responsibility for shaping their child’s understanding of acceptable behaviour

• Work with teachers to establish good relationships for the benefit of their child

• Communicate concerns to school management regarding their child’s welfare as and when they arise.

The Dublin Academy of Education Student Welfare Policy is designed to enhance all teaching and learning in The Dublin Academy of Education and should be read in conjunction with The Dublin Academy of Education Mission Statement, the Student Code of Conduct, the Anti-Bullying Policy and other relevant policies of The Dublin Academy of Education.