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Timetable
School starts at 8:40 a. m. and finishes at 2:20 for all pupils except
Junior and Senior Infants, who go home at 1:20 (12:20 in the month
of September). Staff Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of every
month and the school closes early on these days.
Uniform
There is no school uniform, but the children are expected to be suitably
dressed for work and play, e. g. no high heels! Runners must be worn
for P. E. and long hair must be tied up at all times.
Fees
A Book Rental Scheme is in operation. All books are supplied by the
school and are expected to be returned in good condition at the end
of the year. The book rental fee is currently €80 for infants
and €100 for all other classes. We also ask all parents to make
a voluntary donation of €100 per child per year to help cover
the cost of educational materials, heating, lighting etc.
Code of Behaviour
A copy of the school Code of Behaviour
is issued to all parents at the start of each year. We expect full
parental support and co-operation in this area; however parents are
welcome to contact their child’s teacher if any disciplinary
incident causes them concern.
Extra Classes
The school employs extra teachers from time to time on a short-term
basis, e.g. a football coach, a cookery teacher, a gymnastics teacher
and a dance teacher. The school also organises swimming lessons for
some of the classes. There is no extra charge for these classes as
they take place during the school day and are compulsory.
Special Projects
The school is currently involved with the Liberties Learning Initiative
which is sponsored by the Digital Hub. This initiative focuses on
helping the children to learn to use digital technology while working
on a variety of educational projects. We are also involved in the
Green Flag project, aiming to make our school more environmentally
aware. We earned our first green flag in 2008 and are currently worked
towards our second one.. We also take part in the National Children’s
Choir, and occasionally in musical competitions, e.g. the Wesley Feis.
From time to time the school is involved in charitable fund-raising
events.
Extra-Curricular Activities
These vary from time to time according to demand. Currently on offer
are basketball, arts and craft, computers, drama and swimming. These
activities are organised by the Parents’ Association. We also
have a chess club which meets within school
hours on Friday afternoons, and the school chess team takes part in
national competitions.
Tours and Visits
Each class is taken on a “school tour” during the summer
term. We generally aim for a tour which is both educational and enjoyable,
with an emphasis on “fun” activities. Class teachers also
take their classes on trips from time to time, to such places of interest
as museums, art galleries, the Ark, the Concert Hall, theatres etc.
Parents are expected to pay the cost of these visits, with a small
subsidy usually paid by the school. We also invite music and theatre
groups to bring performances and workshops to the school occasionally.
Lunches
An important school rule is that “treats” are banned,
except for Friday when one treat only is allowed. Treats
are such items as crisps, sweets, chocolate bars, fizzy drinks etc.
Chocolate spread is also a treat! Chewing gum is also banned as it
tends to cause a mess. Why not have a look at our
Draft Policy on Healthy Eating.
Fund-raising
A number of fund-raising events are held during the year which we
ask parents to support as much as possible.
Parent-Teacher Communication
A parent-teacher meeting is held once a year. At other times, parents
are welcome to arrange an appointment if they would like to discuss
a child’s progress, or any difficulties they may have. Teachers
are normally available at 8:40 a. m. for brief messages. School reports
are issued at the end of each academic year. Please check your child’s
bag regularly for letters, and the homework journal for messages.
Absences
Children should not be absent from school for any reason other than
illness. Holidays, shopping for Christmas or the illness of other
family members are not acceptable excuses. Under the terms of the
Educational Welfare Law, all children who are absent from school for
20 days or more in any one academic year, or whose attendance record
gives any cause for concern, must be reported to the Educational Welfare
Officer who will contact the parents to discuss the matter. A written
explanation for any absence is required and we expect a medical certificate
if the absence has been longer than three days.
Religious Services
A carol service is held at Christmas time in the local Church of Ireland
Church and we also hold short services once a week during Lent. All
children are expected to take part in these unless their parents object;
such an objection must be discussed beforehand with the school principal.
Parents and friends are most welcome to attend these services.
The Board of Management
The body responsible for the running of the school is called the Board
of Management and is made up of 8 people. The Board is elected every
4 years. The members of the board are representative of the various
partners in education. The Chairperson and one other member of the
community are appointed by the Archbishop of Dublin, 2 parents are
elected by the general body of parents, 1 teacher is elected by the
teaching staff, 2 others are chosen from the local community and the
school principal is also a member. The Chairperson of the BOM is Rev.
Charles Baker.
The Parents' Association
The school has an excellent Parents' Association which organises many
worthwhile activities. These include extra-curricular classes, fund-raising,
social events for both parents and children, road safety campaigns
etc. A committee is elected every year. The A.G.M. is generally held
before the end of October. The present chairperson is Mrs. Orla Honer.
If you would like to offer your time, ask a question or offer your
expertise please contact the Parents' Association. All parents and
guardians are very welcome to become involved.