The school has its own Code of Conduct and Positive Behaviour Policy which everyone is expected to follow. Good behaviour in school is only achieved by a positive partnership between parents, pupils and the school. To this end, we ask all parents and pupils to sign a contract and to take their responsibilities seriously. A strong, supportive pastoral system ensures that each child feels confident in asking for help.

Parents are the primary educators of young people. The responsibility and impact of the home environment in the formative years is acknowledged as the most important influence on the development of the adult person. However there are numerous other influences which come from a wide range of other sources. Central to these influences is the role of schools and more specifically teachers.

To develop as a person is to develop in all dimensions of life – physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. In recognition of this Newry High School adopts an holistic approach to the development of our young people and we place great importance on the pastoral care of our pupils. Each pupil is a member of a tutor group under the oversight of a Form Tutor who generally ‘moves through’ the school with the pupil for the first five years. The tutor meets the group at the start of the school day and is concerned with their welfare in terms of attendance, academic progress, punctuality and behaviour and builds a special relationship with the group members. The tutor is the pupil’s first line of help if problems arise.

For each Year group there is also a Year Head who coordinates and supports the work of the Form Tutors and assists them in the counselling of the pupils. Pupils will take part in the Personal Development programme which will help them develop important learning skills, help establish their individuality and to express their opinions on a wide range of issues ranging from study skills, decision-making, establishing friendships, personal safety and hygiene and dealing with bullies to more global issues dealing with prejudice or third world development.

An Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) is assigned to the school and visits the school regularly to help promote and support good attendance.