Scoil Pádraig Naofa, Cregmore.
Truth. Honesty. Friendship.
Respect.
Introduction:
Scoil Pádraig Naofa, Cregmore,
is situated 8 miles east of Galway city.
It is located in the parish of Lackagh, an area renowned for its rich
traditions in farming, hurling, music, religious devotion, neighbourly
co-operation and support.
Its unique appeal results in
a steady influx of new families who add to its richness and vibrancy.
Scoil Pádraig
Naofa, as the name suggests, is a
Catholic School under the Patronage of the Archbishop of Tuam. While we welcome pupils of all faiths and
none, we stress that we are primarily a Catholic School with a much-defined
Catholic Ethos where the Alive-O/ Grow in Love programmes are taught daily. Prior to the enrolment of non-Catholic
children, clarification should be sought from the Principal on this matter.
The Principal, staff and
Board of Management welcomes you to our school.
It provides a sound and
creative education for the young children of the area. Programmes are suitably chosen and adapted to
suit the needs of the times. These
programmes provide the children with a well-rounded education and explore and
develop all their talents. The school is
also very fortunate to have recently constructed a modern recreational
facility, including an All Weather Astro Turf facility, a playing pitch and a
modern School Hall. The school also boasts a wealth on modern educational
resources, including Smart Interactive Whiteboards, Computer Systems and more
recently a suite of Microsoft Surface RT’s, plus an array of Science, Mathematical,
Art and Craft and Physical Education equipment.
Extra curricular activities
include a variety of Music lessons, Football, Hurling, Camogie, Olympic
handball, Basketball, Badminton, Athletics, Table Tennis, Speech and Drama, Art
and Crafts, Irish dancing and French Classes.
Parents are a vital component
of the school community and a good relationship with them is very
important. They are encouraged to become
actively involved in their children’s education. In developing this mutual positive relationship,
children feel safe and secure within the school community and therefore their
school lives are enhanced.
There is a very active
Parents Association within the school who serve a two-year term.
They promote general interest
in the welfare of the school. They help
organise various activities within the school, and also through social events
and draws, provide finance for new and improved facilities in the school.
It is vital that parents,
teachers and children work together. It
is equally important that the children see the school as a safe/secure
environment where they know the rules and what is acceptable behaviour / work. It is hoped that in reading the following
text (including Admissions Policy, Code
of Discipline, Code of Behaviour, Policy on Bullying, School Rules and
Procedures and Homework Policy) that parents and pupil will get a general
picture of the school as a community, its ethos, aims and objectives. However, a handbook this size cannot be
totally comprehensive and answer all the questions that may arise. Neither can it replace personal contact. Please do not hesitate to meet with us and we
will be pleased to answer questions not covered and to discuss those covered in
greater detail. Scoil Pádraig Naofa is an “open” school, your school, and your
presence and support is always welcomed and appreciated.
Joe Kennelly. Principal.
Enrolments
/Admissions Policy.
The
Board of Management of Scoil Pādraig Naofa sets out below its policy of
Enrolment in accordance with the provision of the Education Act, 1998.
Scoil
Pādraig Naofa depends on the grants and teacher resources provided by the
Department of Education and Science (DES). It operates within the regulations
laid down, from time to time, by the Department which may impact upon
enrolment/ admission procedures. All our school policies must have regard to
this funding, as well as the resources made available to the school. Our school
follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the DES which may be amended
from time to time, in accordance with Sections 9 and 30 of the Education Act
1998.
Equality
of access is the key value that determines the enrolment of children to our
school. No child is refused admission for reasons of ethnicity, special
educational needs, disability, language/accent, gender, traveller status,
asylum-seeker/refugee status, religious/political beliefs and values, family or
social circumstances.
While
recognising the rights of parents to enrol their child in the school of their
choice, the Board of Management of Scoil Pādraig Naofa is also responsible for
respecting the rights of the existing school community and in particular, the
children already enrolled. This requires balanced judgements, which are guided
by the principles of natural justice and acting in the best interest of all
children.
Application Procedures.
Scoil
Pādraig Naofa follows these procedures for enrolment of Junior Infants for the
next school year.
·
Parents are
informed of the dates, time and venue of the enrolment through the
o
Parish Newsletter
o
Informing pupils
already in the school
o
Notice displayed
in the school
o
Information
evening held in the school
o
Text a Parent
·
All enrolment
application forms are to be returned to the school office by January 31st each year. While parents are encouraged to enrol their children at this time
parents will be allowed to enrol their children at a later date pending
acceptance by the BOM.
· The names of
children for whom Enrolment Application forms and Birth/Adoption Certificates
have been returned, will be placed on a class waiting list.
·
The Principal and
Junior Infant teacher meet with the parent(s)/guardian for an ‘open evening’ during
the second term. At this night school uniform, books, Code of Behaviour, other
policies etc, will be discussed.
·
Our School
Booklet and Code of Behaviour will accompany the application form and in
signing the enrolment form, parents are accepting our school code of
discipline.
Decision Making.
Decisions
in relation to applications are guided by the principles of natural justice and
acting in the best interest of all children and are made by the Board of
Management in accordance with school policy. As a general principle, and in so
far as is practicable having regard to the school’s enrolment policy, the
children shall be enrolled on application, providing there is space available. Scoil
Pādraig Naofa, Cregmore is
bound by the rules for National Schools which states that a child may not be
allowed to attend or be enrolled in a National School before the fourth
anniversary of his birth. (Rule 64.1)
Criteria
used in decision making by the BOM in relation to excess enrolment include:
o
Siblings of
pupils already in the school
o
Children from the
Parish
o
Children of staff
members
o
Children whose
parent/s are past-pupils of the school.
o
Children whose
home address is closest to the school as measured by a straight line.
o
Guidelines from
the DES in relation to class size, staffing provision and accommodation
o
Physical space
o
Health and
welfare of the children
In
accordance with the Educational Welfare Act 2000, the BOM will notify parents
of their decision within twenty-one days of the closing date of applications,
April 30th. Thus receiving a
completed enrolment form, signed by parents/guardians and a Birth Certificate.
Admission Day
Admission to the Junior Infant class
takes place once a year – the month of September, except when a child is
transferring from another school.
Enrolment of Children with
Special Needs
In
relation to the enrolment of children with special needs, the Board of
Management of Scoil Pādraig Naofa will request a copy of the child’s medical
and/or psychological report. If this is not available the Board will request
that the child be assessed immediately. This report is requested to assist the
school in establishing the educational and training needs of the child relevant
to his/her disability or special education needs and to profile the support
services required. Following the receipt of the report, the Board will assess
how the school could meet the needs specified in the report. Where the Board
deems that further resources are required, it should, prior to enrolment,
request the DES to provide the resources required to meet the needs of the child
as outlined in the psychological or medical report. These resources may include
for example, access to or the provision of any or a combination of the
following: teacher for special needs, special needs assistant, specialised
equipment for furniture, transport services or other. The closing date for applications to the Department of Education is Feb 28th annually.
The
school will meet with the parents of the child to discuss the child’s needs and
the school’s suitability or capability in meeting those needs. If necessary, a
full case conference involving all parties may be held. The Board may request
to defer enrolment of a particular child, pending
·
The receipt of an
assessment report and/or
·
The provision of
appropriate resources by the DES to meet the needs specified in the
Psychological and/or medical report. When all provisions are made the school
will then notify the parents/guardians and the pupil may commence school.
Pupils
Transferring
In keeping with the Education Welfare Act 2000, a
parent may transfer his/her child from one National School to another, at any
time of the year, either with the consent of the Minister or when the transfer
is made because of a change in the ordinary residence of the child. This is
also subject to school policy and available space. When the application is made
the Principal shall ascertain from the parent whether the pupil was previously
enrolled in another National School, and if so, should request the parent to
obtain a letter to that effect from the Principal of the school which the pupil
previously attended. An enrolment form is completed etc and procedures outlined
above are then followed. Information concerning the pupil’s attendance and the
child’s educational progress should be communicated between the schools.
Enrolment Details
The name of the child which appears on the Birth
Certificate is the name that should be recorded in the school registration
book. The name the child is known as, as
indicated by the parents, is put on the roll book. Where there is a discrepancy a record should
be kept in the registration book.
Code
of Behaviour
The school Code of Behaviour contains the procedures
for Suspension and Expulsion of pupils and parents can request a copy of this
from the school secretary.
A copy of the schools Code of Behaviour will accompany
the school Enrolment Form, and in signing this, the parent is accepting that
they have read it and that they will abide by its content.
Medication
Parents are asked to inform the school in writing
if their child suffers from any long term or short term illness and if their
child is on medication. No teacher can be required to administer medicine or
drugs to a pupil. A teacher who, with the consent of the BOM, does take on the
responsibility for administering medicines takes on a heavy duty of care to
discharge the responsibility correctly. Parents contact the BOM in
writing in relation to the administration of medication……
Allocation of Classes.
The allocation of classes / teachers is
the sole responsibility of the Board of Management, under the advice and guidance of the Principal and Teacher's Representative. This will be decided upon to serve the best interest of
the school and its pupils. A decision on class allocation will be made in June and
relayed to staff and parents prior to the Summer holidays. This decision is
final.
School Code of Discipline.
The aim of
the school code of discipline is to help create a positive learning environment
in acknowledging the right of each child to an education in a relatively
disruption free environment.
·
A strong sense of
community is encouraged within the school, and a high level of
co-operation between staff, pupils and
parents leads to a high standard of behaviour.
Care and respect in a practical way is encouraged
for all pupils, teachers, visitors, and
school property etc.
·
Emphasis is
placed on positive techniques of motivation and learning. Encouragement and praise of ‘good behaviour’
are utilised by teachers. “Reward”
rather than sanctions.
·
Teachers must
quickly recognise the level of ability and interest of each individual child,
thus ensuring through preparation, that the curriculum matches that ability,
aptitude and interest, thus reducing boredom, lack of interest or lack of
progress.
·
School rules
should be kept to a minimum, stating them positively in terms of what pupils should do.
·
Individual
teachers display and discuss “classroom rules”.
The overall responsibility of
discipline within the school rests with the Principal.
Each teacher has
responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his / her classroom,
while sharing a common responsibility for good order within the school
premises/grounds. Minor breaches of
discipline are dealt with by the individual teacher in the classroom.
Repeated incidents of
misbehaviour or serious incidents will be referred to and dealt with by the
Principal.
Parents may be invited by
appointment to meet with the Principal and class teacher should it be deemed
necessary.
The following
strategies/sanctions will be used to show disapproval of unacceptable
behaviour.
a)
Reasoning with
the pupil
b)
Reprimand –
(including advice on how to improve).
c)
Separation from
peers and friends within the classroom.
d)
Loss of
privileges in partaking in extra curricular activities
e)
Detention during
break; members of staff on yard duty will include the supervision of these
children in a designated area, with additional work provided.
f)
Referral to
Principal / Deputy Principal.
g)
Communication
with Parents. (Written).
h)
Suspension / Expulsion.
(In accordance with Rule 130. Circular 7/88).
i)
Should a child be
considered to be emotionally disturbed, the teacher, in consultation with the
parents should request help from the support services within the community e.g.
Community Care Services provided by the H.S.E.
All instances of serious misbehaviour will be recorded in the
“school discipline book”.
The Code of Discipline has
been drawn up by the Principal and staff of Scoil Pádraig Naofa, Cregmore. It has been sanctioned by the Board of
Management.
In the belief that the most
effective schools tend to be those with a genuinely good relationship and
rapport with parents, every effort will be made by the Principal and staff to
ensure that parents are kept well informed, that the school provides a
welcoming atmosphere towards parents, and that parents are told, not only when
their children are behaving poorly, but also when they behave particularly
well.
Children also are constantly
praised and rewarded for good behaviour.
School Code of Behaviour:
1.
Aims:
a)
In devising this
code, consideration has to be given to the particular needs and circumstances
of this school. The aim is to create an ordered and orderly environment in
which pupils can, through developing self-discipline, feel secure and make
progress in all aspects of their development.
b)
Every effort will
be made by all members of staff to adopt a positive approach to the question of
behaviour in the school.
2.
Principles:
a)
The school
recognises the variety of differences that exist between children and the need
to tolerate these differences.
b)
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,
management, parents and pupils.
c)
Every effort will
be made to ensure that the code of discipline is implemented in a reasonable,
fair and consistent manner.
School Rules:
Safety: For my own safety
and that of others.
a)
I should be
careful coming to and going from school
b)
I should always
walk while in the school building.
c)
I should always
show consideration for other pupils and teachers while going from classroom to
classroom/outside for various activities.
d)
I should remain
seated at all times in class and while eating lunch
e)
Bring a note of
explanation following absences
f)
I should never
play rough in the school yard and always show respect for my fellow pupils.
g)
I should never
leave the school grounds without the permission of the Principal.
h)
I should never
use foul or inappropriate language. I should respect all school property and
never cause damage or harm.
i)
I am aware that
mobile phones are never permitted in the school.
Caring for myself:
a)
I should respect my
property, and myself always keeping my school bag, books and copies in good
order.
b)
I should always
be in school before the bell rings at 8.50am, and be ready to participate in
formal instruction at 9.00am.
c)
I should show
respect for my school and be proud to wear the complete school uniform every
day.( except P.E days)
d)
I should always
be aware of my personal cleanliness.
e)
I should always
bring a sensible, nutritional lunch to school and observe the schools “healthy eating policy”.
f)
I should never
chew gum.
g)
I should always
do my best in school by listening
carefully, working as hard as I can and by completing my homework.
Caring for others:
a)
I should be kind
and respectful to teachers and fellow pupils by being mannerly and polite, by
taking turns and by remaining silent and orderly in my class line.
b)
I should behave
well in class so that my fellow pupils and I can learn.
c)
I should always
keep my school clean by bringing unfinished food and drinks, cartons, wrappers,
etc... Home. I should show respect for the property of my fellow pupils, the
school building and grounds.
d)
I should assist
in the class-cleaning rota.
e)
I should make a
special effort to use good manners particularly with civil greetings
e.g.
Dia agat ar maidin, Slān leat etc.
f)
Be truthful and
honest and friendly at all times, thus obeying our school motto.
g)
Individual
Classroom Rules: Each teacher, at the beginning of the school year clearly
displays a list of “classroom rules”, appropriate to that class. These must be
obeyed.
School Uniform: Definition
of:
Boys: Uniform
trousers, uniform shirt, uniform jumper, uniform tie, school winter jacket.
Formal blazers and ties / cravats
are provided by the school for the pupils in 6th class.
Girls: Uniform
pinafore, tights/socks, uniform shirt, uniform jumper/cardigan, uniform tie,
school winter jacket.
School tracksuits are
available and are to be worn only on P.E days and when requested to do so.
Piercing: Piercings for boys are not allowed.
Make-Up:
Make up is not allowed in our school.
Mobile Phones
are never permitted in the school.
There is an open policy to
the use of the school phone should children ever wish to make contact with
their parents/guardians.
Pupil Absences.
It is vitally important that following recent legislation parents notify the
school each time their child is absent. .
Parents will be informed when their child has missed 15 days or more (after 20
days TUSLA must be informed officially).
General rules and
procedures.
1. Cregmore N.S. officially
opens at 8.50am. Formal instruction
commences at 9am.
The Board of Management does
not accept responsibility for children who arrive before 8.40am.Closing time is
1.30pm for infants, and 2.30pm for the remainder of the school.
2. Children may never leave
the school grounds without permission from the Principal. Requests to take children out of class should
be made in writing to the class teacher/ Principal.
3. Children are “expected” to
wear their uniforms every day. On P.E.
days, tracksuits may be worn. School
uniforms and tracksuits are available from The National Schoolwear Centre,
Liosbān Industrial Estate, Galway and Tuam or from Anthony Ryans, Shop St,Galway.
4. Lunch break officially
lasts 30 minutes (12.30pm-1.00pm).
Children are requested to use the bathroom and eat their “healthy lunch”
before going to the playground (provided it is not raining). Once outside, for supervision purposes,
children are not permitted back into the school without the permission of the
teacher on “yard duty”. There is a
shorter break from 10.50am to 11.00am.
We strongly recommend a healthy eating policy within the school.
Therefore, fizzy drinks, crisps, sweets, chewing gum, etc. are not
permitted. When the school bell rings
following the break, children must “freeze” and then line up orderly. Running indoors and around corners outdoors
is forbidden.
5. All children’s belongings
should be marked clearly with the owner’s name (uniform, school bag, lunch box,
books, copies, hurley, helmet,, tin-whistle etc.)
At the beginning of each
year, each child is provided with a hanger for their own coat and helmet.
Children (particularly of
senior classes) are encouraged to leave schoolbooks, which they do not require
for homework at school. They should be
neatly arranged in their “baskets”.
6. All school property
(Computers, C D players, Camera, P. E. Equipment and Library Books etc.) must
be treated with total respect. Damage to
property and theft are unacceptable behaviour.
Damage must be paid for by parents.
Parents should ensure that library books and school books are kept in
good condition and returned promptly to the school when read.
7. Children are not permitted
in the school grounds after school.
8. Should a child be feeling
sick/ unwell before coming to school, they should be kept at home for all
obvious reasons.
9. Parents are asked to
inspect their child’s hair regularly for head lice. All infection should be treated at once and
the school should be notified.
10. When a child is absent
for a brief period a note is required to explain the child’s absence. A call should be made to the school office to
excuse a child who may be absent on a particular day. Details of children who
miss in excess of 20 days per year must be forwarded to TUSLA. (Child and
family agency).Parents will be informed when their child has missed 15 days or
more.
11. Bullying, rough play, bad
language, fighting etc. are totally prohibited within the school. All instances of inappropriate behaviour or
breaches of discipline will be recorded in the school “discipline book”.
12. Minor cuts / bruises will
be treated by the teacher and recorded in the “Accident Report Book”. Should a
serious injury occur, parents will be notified immediately and provision will
be taken to have the child brought to the doctor / hospital.
13. Personal accident
insurance is compulsory and must be paid by all pupils at the beginning of the
school year.
In addition, a fee is also
required for Homework notebooks, Standardised testing, Photocopying, Art and
Craft materials, School Novels…
14. As we are now a
recognised “Green School”, every effort is made to ensure our school, including
(classroom and playground) are litter free.
Pupils are encouraged to use the principles of ‘Reduce, Reuse and
Recycle’. A committee, made up of student representatives will encourage the
use of proper bins and assist with the general upkeep of the school. Pupils are also encouraged to help in the
general tidy up of their classrooms on a rota basis.
15. Notes are regularly given
to pupils, informing parents of matches, doctor visits etc.
Each child is given a “Note
Folder”. Please check your child’s bag / folder for these notes.
Notes to the teacher should
be written into the pupils Homework Journal.
The school also operates a
“text a parent” system so therefore it is vital that an updated mobile contact
number is given to the school.
School Secretary. (Office
hours, 8.40am to 1.10pm daily).
Finally, at the beginning of
each year a school calendar is distributed showing the dates of holidays and
known closures………….this is also on the school web-site.
16. Parent / Teacher meetings
are held annually, usually during the first term and all parents are invited at
a given time to discuss their child’s progress, attitudes, behaviours and
standards. Written reports are sent to
each parent in June. However, should
there be a serious concern parents are advised to make an appointment to meet
with the class teacher at a mutually suitable time.
17. The Board of Management
is concerned for the safety of children at all times:
• The newly constructed “drop off area / car park” is to be
used each morning and evening when taking children to and from school. Extreme
caution must be observed at all times and consideration must be given first and
foremost to the safety of our children.
As soon as children are collected due consideration should be given to
others using this area and that car should leave the area immediately.
• Parents should never park across the road from the “drop off
/car park area”, or in any place, that comprises the safety of our children.
• It is forbidden to enter or use the teacher’s allocated parking
area.
18. Each year a list of
activities are organised for various classes, including swimming lessons, Irish
Dancing, Music Classes and First Aid.
Some of these classes receive sponsorship/ financial assistance from the
Parents Association.
19. Pupils are expected to
show respect, courtesy and consideration to teachers and visitors to the school
at all times. The same level of good
behaviour is expected when on school tours or any school outings.
20. Pupils must obey
individual classroom rules.
21. Under no circumstance
will changes to school rules, policies, ethos or procedures be accepted / made
without consultation and sanctioning by the Board of Management.
22. Children starting school
for the first time in Junior Infants will be going home at 12:30pm for the
first few weeks, (as decided by the class teacher).
23. Please ensure that you
have current mobile phone details left on file in the office as we use our
“text a parent” system regularly to relay messages and points of information to
our parents/pupils.
*Finally, we are very
fortunate that there are a number of very good child minding services in the
Cregmore area. Pre-school, Montessori, After school, School Transport and Child
Minding services are available. They include Tir na nOg, contact Ashling 087
7909650; The Playroom, contact Tracey 086 6044573; Rainbows, contact Rosemary
091 382999.
Bullying:
Bullying – defined as repeated aggression – verbal,
psychological, emotional or physical- carried out by an individual or group
against another or others. It may occur
anywhere; on the way to or from school, the classroom, the toilets, the
playground.
Any
pupil, through no fault of their own, may fall victim.
Types of Bullying
1. Verbal – name-calling, nicknames, teasing, ‘slagging’,
rumours etc.
2. Physical – pushing, hitting, hair-pulling etc.
3. Intimidation/Gestures – staring, making faces, shaking
fists etc.
4. Exclusion – keeping out of group games, silent
treatment and isolation.
5. Extortion – making demands, money/lunch etc.
6. Damage to Property – graffiti, tearing books, copies
etc.
Parents should always investigate the signs of bullying – the
victim may:
a) Begin to do poorly at school/reduced ability to
concentrate.
b) Have unexplained bruises/scrapes.
c) Torn clothes, books, are unwilling or frightened to go
to school.
d) Be frightened to go to the playground.
e) Begin to bully younger children at home.
f) Be unusually nervous, tense, and anxious, become
withdrawn, and start stammering.
g) Have nightmares/eating problems/aggressive
eruptions/tantrums.
h) Refuse to say what is wrong.
i) Give improbable excuses to explain any of the
above. Show signs of depression.
School Policy
Bullying
is regarded as a most serious offence.
Any form of bullying is totally unacceptable.
All reported forms of bullying shall be
recorded in the school discipline book by the teacher.
The
principal shall be notified. The ethos
of Cregmore N.S. is towards promoting a sense of
community where all children are treated
equally, recognises and accepts differences and
seeks to be effective in reducing bullying
behaviour to a minimum. Parents have a
crucial
role
and responsibility to play towards achieving this.
The school will take action to:
1. Stop the Bullying.
2. To discuss and change the pupils attitude and to
reshape behaviour for the future.
3. To reconcile the pupils involved.
4. To restore harmony and goodwill.
5. To provide support and counselling for the victim when
necessary. (and also for the bully)
6. In exceptionally serious cases, where beatings,
weapons etc. may be involved, the Gardaī may be informed.
7. Similar strategies and sanctions as those used to show
disapproval for unacceptable behaviour will be implemented.
A more detailed policy on bullying, along
with all other school policies are kept in the
Principal’s office or are available
for viewing on www.cregmorens.blogspot.com
As a Footnote to Bullying.
Very often, the class teacher may not be aware of bullying within
the class.
It is the duty of the parents to inform the teacher / Principal at
once should they suspect any form of bullying please.
Homework Policy:
Aims.
To consolidate work done in
school.
To learn to work individually
and independently.
To actively involve parents
in their children’s schoolwork.
Procedure.
§
Homework given
daily, based on the learning of the day or where revision is necessary.
§
Homework is only
given if the teacher has thoroughly explained what has to be done.
§
Children are
expected to do homework to the “best of their ability”.
§
Time spent on
homework
Guidelines:
Infants 10 - 15 Minutes
1st
& 2nd 20 - 30 Minutes
3rd
& 4th 30 - 45 Minutes
5th
& 6th 45
– 60 Minutes
The maximum time suggested here is all
that is expected of the child.
§
Parents are
encouraged to supervise children’s work, check and sign it nightly.
§
It is vitally
important that the Homework Notebook is only signed when all homework is fully completed.
Homework
normally will not be given at weekends.
§
We have a long,
proud and rich tradition of reading in our school.
Each child should read or be read to
nightly.
Our School Ethos:
Scoil Pádraig Naofa, Cregmore, is a
Catholic School which nurtures a positive,
co-operative educational environment.
Aims:
- To enable our pupils to have full lives as children.
- To prepare our pupils to avail of further education.
- To prepare them to live full and useful lives as adults in society.
Scoil Pádraig Naofa is very conscious of the need to
safeguard and protect the rights of staff, pupils, parents and all who visit
our school.
All members of our school community have a right to be
treated with respect and to work and learn in a safe and caring
environment. Teachers have a right to
teach, pupils have a right to be taught and all teachers, pupils, parents and
visitors have a right to be shown respect and courtesy at all times.
Any form of behaviour that interferes with these rights is
deemed unacceptable.
The climate of our school is one of trust, love, joy, care,
concern, respect, support, welcome, understanding and acceptance, where
learning and teaching are enjoyed.
A holistic education is provided and every effort is made to
nurture the innate love children have for learning. Self-esteem and confidence
are qualities we seek to instil, and every effort in made to ensure that
children of varying abilities achieve their potential.
We celebrate difference and nurture tolerance and respect for
all staff and children in our school.
Respect is the key component. Each individual in our school is special and
unique.
All children, irrespective of gender, race or culture are
given an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of school life. Our school is a microcosm of society within
which all children, irrespective of history, their languages, beliefs,
traditions and cultures should be embraced.
Special Emphasis is placed on our own Irish tradition and
culture through the use of storytelling, music, song, and dance and in
particular the promotion and use of the Irish language.
Pupils with special needs, be it academic, social or
emotional are cared for to the very best of our ability, and proper procedures
is adhered to when making referrals to outside agencies.
The involvement of parents through home school contact,
Parent-Teacher meetings, newsletters and an active Parents Association is
encouraged.
There is a strong sense of community in our school and a
high level of co-operation in evident among staff, pupils, parents, visitors
and the Board of Management.
There is an onus on all staff members to behave in a
respectful Christian way towards each other and towards our children thus
creating this atmosphere and example to the pupils in our care.
There is a spirit of prayers in the school, not just
impressed on children, but also seen to be a value for the teachers.
“Throughout the school, there is an
atmosphere of openness. Forgiveness,
understanding and above all, love.”
Our school motto is….
Truth. Honesty.
Friendship. Respect.
