School Policies

Introductory Statement

S.N Brídhde Naofa, Northampton strives to ensure that all in the school, (particularly the pupils) can live, work and play in an environment which is totally free from bullying - physical, verbal and psychological.

Introductory Statement

Drafted by the teaching staff - in conjunction with the B.O.M.

Within the context and parameters of all the above, i.e.

Rationale

Scoil Bhrighde Naofa aims through its Enrolment Policy to

clarify and inform all partners in Education of school policy on all aspects of Admission.

Mission Statement

The aims & values of Scoil Bhrighde Naofa are to provide a happy secure & effective learning place in which all work together to create an encouraging environment where each person is facilitated to develop as a whole person acquiring the necessary skills- religious, social, intellectual, emotional, cultural & physical - to enjoy a full & satisfying life.

Through the co-operation of the whole school community - teachers, pupils, parents, management, staff etc.- and in a spirit of collaboration & partnership, the values of courtesy, honesty, loyalty & respect of people & property are upheld.

A General Information

This policy is set out in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998. The Board of Management hopes to clarify the enrolment / admissions procedure by the publication of the policy and procedures document. Clarification of any aspect of the document may be sought from the Chairperson of the Board of Management of the school Principal at the school address and phone number.

Scoil Bhrighde is a catholic national school under the patronage of the bishop of Galway, Bishop Martin Drennan and subscribes to the Charter for Catholic Primary Schools. This Charter as well as other information can be accessed at the website:

www.cpsma.ie.

Currently the staffing level in the school is 3 class teachers (including a teaching Principal) shared Special Education Teacher and a Visiting Resource Teacher. At present, there is one special needs assistant. The school is co-educational and has one class at each level from Junior Infants to 6th. Our opening hours are from 9.00 a.m. to 2.40 p.m.

The school is a National school and as such operates in accordance with the rules for National schools and other regulations as may be laid down by the Department of Education and Science from time to time. It is also dependent on such grants and teacher resources as are provided by the Department. All school policies must have regard to the resources and funding provided. The school follows the curriculum programmes as prescribed by the Department of Education and Science, and these may be amended from time to time in accordance with sections 9 and 30 of the Education Act 1998,

Within the context and parameters of all the above, i.e.

· the regulations and programmes set down by the Department of Education and Science, in particular those relating to class size, staffing provision and accommodation.

· the rights of the patron body as set down in the Education Act

· the funding and resources available.

Decisions in relation to enrolment are made by the Board of Management. The basic criterion which is used for admissions include

· Ages of the children - 4 on or before 1st. September on year of enrolment

· Whether there are sibling(s) of the proposed new entrant already in the school;

· Catchment area;

· Children of staff members;

· Children of former school pupils who live outside the catchment area who choose this school as their first choice for the education of their families.

Where numbers have to be restricted due to staffing levels / school space, the B.O.M. will exercise its discretion in the application of above criteria through not necessarily in that order.

The physical space in the school supports the following principles;

· Inclusiveness, particularly with reference to the enrolment of children with a disability or other special educational need;

· equality of access and participation in the school;

· choice in relation to enrolment;

· respect for the diversity of values, beliefs, traditions, languages and ways of life in society.

· any other relevant general information pertaining to the school, such as the opening hours etc.,

B Enrolment Procedure

Parents complete an enrolment form for their child. *Appendix 1

Information requested is as follows:

· Pupil’s name, DOB, age & address;

· Names & addresses of pupil’s parents/ guardians;

· Contact telephone numbers;

· Contact telephone numbers in case of emergency;

· Details of any medical conditions the school should be aware of;

· Religion;

· Previous schools attended, if any, and reasons for transfer if applicable;

· Copy of Birth Certificate & Baptismal Certificate;

· Any legal/ family law case in process in relation to the child and (reword)

- copies of relevant Court / Family Law Document

· Any other relevant information ( including any other information as may be prescribed under the Education Welfare Act 2000).

Decision Making

Decisions in relation to applications for enrolment are made by the Board of Management in accordance with school policy. The Board will notify parents of their decision within 21 days of receiving such information.

As a general principle & in so far as is practicable having regard to the school’s enrolment policy, children will be enrolled on application, provided that there is space available. ( See Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004).

The Board will have regard for relevant Department of Education & Science guidelines in relation to class size and staffing provisions and/ or any other relevant requirements concerning accommodation, including physical space and the health & welfare of children.

The Board is bound by the Department of Education & Science’s Rules for National Schools

which provides that pupils may only be enrolled from the age of 4 years & upwards, though compulsory attendance does not apply until the age of 6 years.

In the event that applications for enrolment exceed/ is expected to exceed the number of places available the following decision making process will apply

· Ages of the children - 4 on or before 1st. September on year of enrolment

· Whether there are sibling(s) of the proposed new entrant already in the school;

· Catchment area;

· Children of staff members;

· Children of former school pupils who live outside the catchment area who choose this school as their first choice for the education of their families.

Where numbers have to be restricted due to staffing levels/ school space the BOM will exercise its discretion in the application of the above criteria though not necessarily in that order.

Appeals

In accordance with the Education Act 1998, parents who feel that a child has been refused admission under one of the above categories may appeal the decision as laid down under section 29 of the Act. The Procedures are laid out in Department of Education & Science circular 22 /02.

Admission Day/ Date

Junior Infants may only be admitted to the school on the first day of a new school year( with the exception of children transferring from other schools whether inside or outside the State - see transfer of pupils from another school).

Children with special needs

Before a child with special needs is offered a place in the school, the parents will be requested by the Principal to supply copies of any recent reports(medical/psychological) available. If the child has not been assessed, an immediate assessment may be requested.

The Principal will then meet with the parents to discuss the child’s needs & to establish the school’s suitability to meet those needs.

The Principal will then make contact with the relevant professionals who have been dealing with the child. It may be necessary for the Board, in consultation with the Principal, to decide to defer enrolment of a particular child, pending:

· the receipt of an assessment report

· the provision of appropriate resources by the Department of Education & Science to meet the needs specified in the psychological/ medical reports.

Transfer of pupils from another school.

1. Transfer of pupils from another school without change of address may only occur at the start of each quarter i.e. 1st. July (1st.September), 1st. October, 1st. January, 1st. April based on the decision making criteria, subject to the availability of a place in the required class.

2. Pupils seeking a transfer from another school due to change of address will be allocated places based on the decision making criteria, subject to the availability of a place in the required class.

3. In the cases of transfers outlined in 1 & 2 above, parents will be asked to furnish the school with a report from the previous school, a record of pupil attendance and, if deemed necessary, a letter of transfer from the school where the child is currently registered.

Code of Behaviour

The School’s Code of Behaviour is appended. Parents/ children enrolled in the school are required to abide by the provisions of this code.

Success Criteria

· Uniform enrolment - less disturbance in Junior Room

· Uniform criteria and approach in selection - less discrimination

· Maintains our ethos

· Responsibility on decision making now a B.O.M. responsibility - causing less disturbance to teaching time

· Transfer policy now requires communication with other school and responsibility of transfer is not placed on school

· Assessed by staff feedback and all partners in Education

Roles & Responsibilities

Co-ordinated by Teachers in conjunction with the B.O.M. and Dept. of Education guidelines.

Evaluated by B.O.M. prior to ratification.

Time-frame for Implementation

Fully implemented by 01/09/08

Time-frame for review

Reviewed yearly

Responsibility for Review

Policy reviewed by staff and B.O.M. - Spring ‘10

Ratification & Communication

Draft forwarded to B.O.M. for ratification by July ‘10

Policy to be communicated to parents on request.

Newsletter / bulletin esp. in relation to prospective Jnr.Inf. parents

General Parents Meeting and Parent - Teacher Meetings.

S.N. Brighde Naofa,

Northampton,

Kinvara,

Co.Galway.

Administration of Medicine Policy.

The B.O.M. understand that in exceptional circumstances parents will invite the teachers to administer medicines to their children. This will only be done after the indemnity form for the Administration of Medicine in schools has been read, understood and signed by the parents. Teachers are reluctant to administer medicine as they are unqualified to do so. Strict guidelines on amounts and times must be given in writing to the teacher. The teacher will exercise the standard of care of a responsible and prudent parent if requested to do so.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES

IN SCHOOLS INDEMNITY

THIS INDEMNITY made the ……….. day of ………… (year)…………

BETWEEN …………………………………….. (lawful father and mother

of ………………………………….) of ………………………………………

(hereinafter called ‘the parents’) of the One part AND Mr. Shane

McDonagh, for and on behalf of the Board of Management of

Northampton N.S. situated at Kinvara in the County of Galway

(hereinafter called ‘the Board’) of the Other Part.

WHEREAS:

1. The parents are respectively the lawful father and mother of a pupil of the above school.

2. The pupil suffers on an ongoing basis from the condition known as

3. The pupil may, while attending the said school, require, in emergency circumstances, the administration of medication, viz.

4. The parents have agreed that the said medication may, in emergency circumstances, be administered by the said pupil’s classroom teacher and / or such other member of staff of the said school as may be designated from time to time by the Board.

NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED by and between the parties hereto as follows:

In consideration of the Board entering into the within Agreement, the parents, as the lawful father and mother respectively of the said pupil HEREBY AGREE to indemnify and keep indemnified the board, its servants and agents including without prejudice to the generality the said pupil’s class teacher and / or the Principal of the said school from and against all claims, both present and future, arising from the administration or failure to administer the said medicines.

Signed: (Parent)…………………………………… Date ……………

(Teacher)………………………………….

S.N. BRIGHDE NAOFA

NORTHAMPTON

KINVARA

CO. GALWAY.

SCHOOL MOTTO

USE YOUR TALENTS

TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD

LIKE THEM TO TREAT YOU

EACH CHILD IS ENCOURAGED TO

BE GENTLE

BE HONEST

BE KIND

LISTEN ATTENTIVELY

WORK DELIGENTLY

LOOK AFTER PROPERTY

NI THAGANN CIALL ROIMH AOIS

THE A. B. C. OF THE SCHOOL CODE

A. All children remain in school grounds except those going home for lunch.

B. Best effort at daily attendance, at school-work and at homework is encouraged and expected.

C. Change of footwear is necessary for the Pitch during bad weather. Suitable clothing and safe footwear is required during play and games.

D. Distraction. Children should avoid bringing items into class that are likely to cause a distraction to others and to themselves. We encourage children to be properly prepared each morning together with correct copies, books, homework notebook and with pencils sharpened.

E. Each child is special and unique and we encourage each pupil to show respect to others and treat them as they themselves would expect to be treated. We are very fortunate that good manners is the norm in the school.

F. Follow the teachers instructions in the class, outside class, on trips and on tours.

G. Going and coming children walking orderly and quietly and act in a proper manner at all times.

H. Healthy eating habits (School Lunch Policy) will be in place during the school day – our aim is to educate the whole child – the physical as well as the social, mental and spiritual aspects.

I. In matters relating to our school, we expect our pupils to continue to have pride in themselves and their school and to value their achievements. They help in keeping the school neat, clean and tidy. They are careful of school property (Furniture, Apparatus, Books, Books on lease etc.,) and in so doing they show respect and appreciate the great efforts made over the years in providing all these wonderful facilities.

Procedures for dealing with

unacceptable behaviour….

We have a definite policy of praising and encouraging children. This approach works in most cases.

We endeavour to deal with each child’s misbehaviour in an individual manner and in a sympathetic and appropriate way and sanctions are not punitive.

Failing this we invite the child’s parents to talk about the matter.

If the problem is not resolved in a positive manner, the Board of Management will meet and they reserve the sole right to impose an appropriate sanction which may include in the most extreme circumstances suspension or expulsion.

Sanctions

· Detention in classroom during break or lunch-time for part of this time.

· Loss of privileges

· Extra Homework

· Consultation with Parents

· Temporary Separation from friends.

Canon Frank Larkin P.P.

Chairman of Board of Management

Northampton N.S.

08. EQUALITY OF ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION POLICY

This policy is devised to comply with various acts of the Oireachtas such as Education Act (1998) the Equal Status Act (2000) and the Employment Equality Act (1998). It seeks to promote the principles of justice and equality for all members of the school community.

The enrolment criteria of Northampton NS will not differentiate between pupils from different social strata. There is an equal right of access under the school’s Enrolment Policy.

It is school policy to provide a gender balanced range of resources in curricular areas - textbooks, ancillary materials, software, sports equipment etc.

Every opportunity will be taken to promote gender equality through the discreet and hidden curriculum.

Teachers shall ensure that the language used in the school to mediate the curriculum is gender balanced and shall avail of opportunities to raise pupils’ awareness of unconsciously held attitudes.

There shall be no differentiation between the sexes in the allocation of classes.

As agreed with the B.O.M. and parents all pupils in Northampton NS shall wear a uniform.

Nothing may appear in an advertisement which would indicate a preference for one gender over another.

Neither may any question be asked at interview which could be interpreted as discrimination on gender grounds.

This school is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Roles and Responsibilities

The B.O.M. in supporting the policy and maintaining the ethos of equality and participation for all members of the school community.

The staff in promoting the concept of equality and justice for all, both within specific educational programmes and in the “hidden” curriculum throughout the school day.

Ratified by Board of Management on __________________

Date

Signed __________________________________________

On behalf of Board of Management

Northampton NS

01. A. INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Introduction

The internet is a valuable teaching and learning tool. It provides information and allows people to communicate with others and share information. It can develop children’s independent research skills and promote life-long learning. However, some material available on the Internet is unsuitable for children and therefore these guidelines will be followed when using the internet.

Pupils’ use of the Internet

Pupils are responsible for good behaviour on the internet. Access to the Internet may be withdrawn from pupils who fail to maintain acceptable standards of use. Internet access in the school includes a filtering service. However no filtering service is completely foolproof and therefore pupils will be supervised during the use of the internet.

Staff will ensure to the maximum extent possible, that pupils know and understand that no internet user is permitted to:

• Use the internet for any illegal activity including accessing other computers.
• Retrieve, send, copy or display offensive messages or pictures.
• Use obscene or offensive language.
• Cause damage to computers, computer systems or networks.
• Violate copyright laws.
• Use another user’s password.
• Trespass in another user’s folders, work or files.
• Cause any form of vandalism to the machine or the work of others including the up loading or creation of viruses.

Organisation and Management of Internet Use

Staff will select sites which will support pupils’ learning. Pupils may be given with details of suitable sites to extend their learning at home as and when appropriate.

Promoting Safe and Independent Use of the Internet

Internet access will be supervised. Teachers will ensure that pupils understand appropriate use of the internet and are aware of the rules. Pupils will be encouraged to tell a teacher immediately if they encounter any material that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Children’s Use of Email

Children in school must only use email for educational purposes and e-mails will be checked before being sent. Pupils will not be allowed to send personal emails from the school system without permission. In-coming email will be regarded as public and may be examined by any staff member. The use of chat rooms is forbidden.

Ratified by Board of Management on __________________

Date

Signed __________________________________________

Dear Parents,

As part of the school’s ICT programme, we will be offering pupils supervised access to the Internet. As you are probably aware, the Internet contains a vast amount of information but unfortunately not all of this is suitable for children and so we have produced an Acceptable Use Policy specifying our guidelines.

Before being allowed to use the Internet, all pupils must obtain parental permission. We therefore ask that both you and your child sign the enclosed from as evidence of your approval and acceptance of the school rules on this matter. A copy of our Acceptable Use Policy is attached.

Please read the AU Policy carefully.

Name of Pupil ………………………………………… Class:……………………………..

I allow my child (Name): ……………………………… to use the Internet in school and accept school rules on this matter.

……………………………..

Signature of Parent ……………………………………

Signature of Pupil ……………………………………

APPENDIX 2

Advice for Parents on ICT in the Home

During school hours, teachers will guide pupils toward appropriate materials on the internet. Outside school, parents or guardians should bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they normally would with other information sources, such as television, magazines etc.

Parents or guardians should be aware that the internet service provider at home may not be filtered.

It is therefore important that these guidelines are followed:

• Discuss rules for using the internet with your children and decide together when, how long and what comprises appropriate use.
• Be aware of the sites your children are visiting and discuss with them what they are learning.
• Ensure that children do not give out personal identifying information on the internet such as a picture, address, phone number, school name or financial information such as credit card or bank details.
• Encourage your children not to respond to any unwelcome, unpleasant or abusive messages and to inform you if they receive any such messages or images.
• Appropriate home use of internet can be educationally beneficial and can make a useful contribution to home and school work. It should however be supervised and parents be aware that they are responsible for their children’s use of the internet resources at home.

Northampton NS

1. B. STAFF INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Staff Use of Email and the Internet

Members of staff are encouraged to use various resources in their teaching and learning activities, to conduct research, and for contact with others.

Each member of staff has access to an email address as part of his/her work, protected by the use of a confidential password, which should be kept secure.

The use of email for personal use is acceptable outside of teaching hours.

When using the internet, all users must comply with all copyright, libel, fraud, discrimination and obscenity laws.

All users are expected to communicate in a professional manner.

It will not be usual practice to read staff emails but the school reserves the right to do this in the case of a suspected breach of these policy guidelines.

A serious breach may be treated as a disciplinary matter.

No person will in any way alter the filtering preferences.

Ratified by Board of Management on __________________

Date

Signed __________________________________________

Chairperson, Board of Management

Northampton N.S.

Learning Support / Resource Provision Policy

2009

(1) Situation:

Currently we have:

1 Learning Support Teacher Ms. Bridget Kelly

1 Resource Teacher Ms. Orla McHale

(2) Aims:

We aim to provide a happy, secure and effective learning environment where pupils can reach their full potential and where all pupils learn to value the dignity of both themselves and others.

(3) Principles:

(i) Support pupils through a team approach which involves pupils, teachers, parents and relevant support personnel.

(ii) Intervention should be early, short-term and intensive.

(iii) Establish effective home-school partnerships.

(iv) Develop and implement an Individual Educational Program, I.E.P., for each pupil based on assessment of needs and a specification of learning targets for the pupil.

(1) Staged Approach for Access to Learning Support / Resource Provision:

The Classroom teacher has primary responsibility for the progress of all pupils in his/her class, including those selected for special needs teaching.

(i) A pupil experiencing difficulties, in consultation with their parents, will initially be provided with appropriate in-class support by the classroom teacher. At staff meetings, the progress of pupils receiving this level of support will be reviewed with a view to further intervention.

(ii) The classroom teacher, in consultation with the Learning Support / Resource Teacher and parents may proceed with further assessment and diagnostic testing. At this stage it should be apparent whether Learning Support / Resource Teaching would be more appropriate.

(2) Learning Support:

The main focus of the Learning Support work will continue to be provision of supplementary teaching to pupils and to implement the aims of the Learning Support in the whole school plan.

The pupils themselves can become more independent as learners if they perceive themselves to be stake-holders in the learning process.

Screening, assessment, reviews will be carried out according to the D.E.S. guidelines and provisions made for cut-off points for access to Learning Support within the constraints of the allocation given to Northampton National School.

Review of each pupil’s progress will be at the end of an instructional term, comprising assessment of the pupils’ progress, evaluation of the Learning Program which has been implemented, consideration of the level of learning support that the pupil may require in the future and where appropriate, revision of learning targets and associated activities in the Pupils Individual Profile and Learning Program.

It may occur occasionally that pupils who were in receipt of Learning Support previously and have an extended period without Learning Support, may encounter further specific learning difficulties. In this case, the process for re-entering Learning Support will begin at Stage 1.

Screening – M.I.S.T. middle Infant Screening Test is administered to all Senior Infants in their fifty term of school i.e. before or after Easter depending on the length of the 5th term. Careful consideration is given to this screening test and new pupils for Learning Support are accepted as a result, when they come into 1st class.

Priority is given in Learning Support to the teaching of reading. From 1st – 6th classes if pupils fall on or below the 10th percentile in the STANDARDISED Drumcondra Reading tests, they are candidates for Learning Support.

If space allows these falling below 10th percentile in the standardised Drumcondra Mathematics tests are also welcomed to Learning Support.

Priority has to be given to reading. The Learning Support teacher is shared on a 40% basis with Northampton and is in the school every day, thus teaching all the allotted pupils each and every day.

(3) Resource Teaching:

The main focus of Resource Teaching work will be to continue the provision of supplementary support to pupils with Low Incidence Learning difficulties in the school. Following stage (ii), if the diagnostic testing and assessment is pointing towards a low incidence learning difficulty, the following steps will be taken:

(i) The case will be discussed at a staff meeting.

(ii) Parents will be contacted to receive their written permission to proceed to involve external agencies in the case.

(iii) Appropriate psychological assessment will be sought at this stage. The N.E.P. s will be involved at this stage.

(iv) If a recommendation for Resource Teaching or an S.N.A. provision is given, a further consultation of parents, class teacher, principal, N.E.P s psychologist and Resource Teacher will take place.

(v) The classroom teacher, Resource Teacher, parents and any relevant external agencies will assist in formulating an I.E.P., individual education program, specific to the needs of that pupil.

(vi) It may occur occasionally that the school is made aware of a pupils’ High Incidence learning difficulty prior to enrolment. In this case, after consultation with parents, we will proceed to stage (v), presuming that the relevant assessments have been provided.

(vii) Northampton N.S. has a team teaching policy in place to optimise the educational experience of the pupils. Individual teacher’s specialist strengths and interests are seen as valuable resource across the school. As much as is practical for each child, Resource Teaching and Learning Support can take place in-class as well as out of class.

The Principal:

The Príomh Oide has overall responsibility for the school’s Learning Support Programme within his school and a high level of understanding and discretion is called for in accommodating the pupils with special educational needs in the cluster. Consultation is on-going.

The Board of Management:

The Board has an important role in developing, supporting and monitoring school policy on Learning Support and Special Needs.

They:

(i) Oversee the development, implementation and review of school policy on Learning Support / Resource provision.

(ii) Ensure the adequate classroom accommodation and teaching resources are provided for Learning Support / Resource Teaching.

(iii) Provide a secure facility for storage of records relating to pupils in receipt of special needs and learning support services.

S.N. Brighde Naofa,

Northampton,

Kinvara,

Co. Galway.

Policy on use of Mobile Phones.

Mobile Phones are not allowed!

If this rule is broken, the phone will be confiscated and can be returned at the end of the day on request of a parent.

S.N. Brighde Naofa

Northampton,

Cinn Mhara,

Co. naGaillimhe.

Relations and Sexuality Education.

R.S.E. is linked to Social, Personal and Health Education (S.P.H.E.) S.P.H.E. provides opportunities for pupils to learn basic personal and social skills which foster integrity, self-confidence and self-esteem while nurturing sensitivity to the feelings and rights of others. Up to this S.P.H.E. has been delivered on the ad-hoc basis, through curriculum areas such as Civics, Religious Education and Physical Education and more recently related initiatives have been taken in the Stay – Safe Programme and the Health Programmes funded by the Health Board.

It is now widely accepted that a more comprehensive and structured approach is required if all aspects of pupil’s development are to be addressed in a balanced way. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has supported this view and is developing a curriculum in S.P.H.E. as part of the current revision of the primary school curriculum.

Aims and Objectives of R.S.E.

Aims

The aims of RSE are:

• to enhance the personal development, self-esteem and well-being of the child.
• to help the child to develop healthy friendships and relationships.
• to foster an understanding of, and a healthy attitude to human sexuality and relationships in a moral, spiritual and social framework.
• to enable the child to acquire an understanding of, and respect for human love, sexual intercourse and reproduction.
• to develop and promote in the child a sense of wonder and awe at the process of birth and new life to enable the child to be comfortable with the sexuality of oneself and others while growing and developing.

Broad Objectives

When due account is taken of intrinsic abilities and varying circumstances the Relationship and sexuality education curriculum should enable the child to:

• acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of self
• develop a positive sense of self-awareness, self-esteem and self-worth
• develop an appreciation of the dignity, uniqueness and well being of others.
• Understand the nature, growth and development of relationships within the families, in friendships and in wider contexts.
• develop strategies to make decisions, solve problems, and implement actions in various personal, social and health contexts.
• develop strategies to make decisions, solve problems, and implement actions in various personal, social and health contexts.
• become aware of the variety of ways in which individuals grow and change and understand that their developing sexuality is an important aspect of self-identity.
• develop personal skills which will help to establish and sustain healthy personal relationships.
• develop some coping strategies to protect self and others from various forms of abuse.
• acquire and use an appropriate vocabulary to discuss feelings, sexuality, growth and development.
• develop a critical understanding of external influences on lifestyles and decision making.

Moral and Value Framework

To teach R.S.E. within the ethos of a Catholic School.

Who, What, Where, Why, When, How?

• All classes will receive R.S.E. as laid out in the attached overviews
• R.S.E. will be implemented as a subject to mixed classes at times allotted for Religious Education.
• Provision will be made for children whose parents do not wish them to partake in R.S.E.
• An outside guest will attend to the more detailed aspects of R.S.E. particularly 5th and 6th classes. At this stage it is expected that the local schools will combine to make this viable. Parents would attend this talk with their child.
• Now that the policy is concluded the existing policy committee cease to exist.

Overview of content for Infant, first

and second classes

Infant classes first and second classes

Strands Strand units Strand units

Myself I am unique I am unique

Self-esteem Self-esteem

Developing and Developing and

expressing self- expressing self-

confidence confidence

My body My body

As I grow I change As I grow I change

New life New life

Keeping safe Keeping safe

Feelings and emotions Feelings and emotions

Making decisions Making decisions

Myself & Others Myself and my family Myself and my family

Myself and my friends Myself and my friends

Special people in my life Other people

Relating to others Relating to others

Communicating Communicating

Sharing and Sharing and

co-operating co-operating

Resolving conflict Resolving conflict

Overview of content for third to sixth classes

Third and fourth classes Fifth and sixth classes

Strands Strand units Strand units

Myself Accepting myself Accepting myself

Self-esteem Self-esteem

Developing and Developing and

expressing self- expressing self-

confidence confidence

Physical development Physical development

Growing and changing Becoming an adult

Birth and new life Parenthood

Feelings and emotions Feelings and emotions

Personal hygiene Personal hygiene

Personal safety Personal safety

Identifying and Identifying and

assessing risks assessing risks

Developing safety Developing safety

strategies strategies

Making decisions Making decisions

Myself & Others Roles & responsibilities Changing relationships

in families in families & friendships

Friendship friendship

Portrayal of sexuality Portrayal of sexuality

and relationships and relationships

Roles of males and Roles of males and

females in society females in society

Relating to others Relating to others

Communicating Communicating

Sharing & co-operating Sharing & co-operating

Resolving conflict resolving conflict

Home School Communication

· Communication between Parents / Guardians & Teachers in the nurturing of each pupils education is seen as vital.

· Communication may be

(i) in person

(ii) by phone

(iii) by letter

(iv) through school web site at www@northamptonns.com

(v) through school e-mail at info@northamptonns.com

(vi) through text-a-parent service.

· A formal meeting with Parents / Guardians is held once a year. However, we encourage regular communication to deal with any issues as they arise.

· It is a good idea to check your child’s bag for school newsletters on a regular basis. Please be aware that letters that may be mislaid can be viewed on the school website.

· We would appreciate if you would make us aware of children’s absences / illness in person, by phone or in writing.

· Issues requiring special attention should be discussed with the teacher by prearranged appointment. When making the appointment, the staff member should be made aware of the main points of the meeting in order to allow for adequate preparation to be made.

S.N. Bhríghde Naofa, Northampton, Kinvara, Co.Galway.

UPDATE FORM

Strictly Private & Confidential

Child’s Name

English Version………………………… Irish Version………………………..

Age………. Class………………… Date of Birth………………………..

P.P.S. Number: …………………….

Child’s Name

English Version………………………… Irish Version………………………..

Age………. Class………………… Date of Birth………………………..

P.P.S. Number: …………………….

Child’s Name

English Version………………………… Irish Version………………………..

Age………. Class………………… Date of Birth………………………..

P.P.S. Number: …………………….

Child’s Name

English Version………………………… Irish Version………………………..

Age………. Class………………… Date of Birth………………………..

P.P.S. Number: …………………….

Address……………………………………………………………………………..

Irish Version (If Known) ………………………………………………………….

Name & Telephone No. of Family Doctor………………………………………..

Name of Mother ………………………………..

Name of Father …………………………..........

Contact Telephone No. (Day)………………… (Evening)…………………..

Contact Person (Emergency Only)………………………………………………

Scoil Bhríghde Naofa

Northampton

Kinvara

Co. Galway

091 – 637519

www@northamptonns.com

The foundation of Scoil Bhríghde Naofa, Northampton N.S. was laid in 1951 and in June 2001 the school had a memorable celebration of 50 years a growing. In October ’08 we had the official opening of our new extension and renovation project. We are happy to be able to facilitate the community with this most comfortable and spacious environment.

The place name Northampton is about one hundred and fifty years old. Sometime in the 1840s a gentleman called Giles Mahon bought an estate of 112.5 acres. The townsland was then known as Pollnaveagh (The lair of the deer). He proceeded to build a mansion called Northampton House on the estate. Local tenants were employed to work on the farm and in the house. The expression “going up to Northampton” resulted in the name Pollnaveagh being replaced by Northampton.

Our school is dedicated to St. Bridget and we always celebrate La ‘leBride with the making of the Crosog Bride, with songs, poems, stories and an exploration of pisreoga & customs associated with St. Bridget. In our school we have always had a keen interest in local history and folklore and we have built up an interesting collection. Children enjoy Music and Drama, Art and enthusiastically pursue sport especially hurling and camogie, soccer and rugby.

It has always been part of the school ethos to provide a holistic education for all the children in our care. We are conscious that we are educating children for life. The Green School Scheme will we hope help us to educate our pupils to be responsible and environmentally aware. We hope to develop in them a spirit of generosity towards all people and the environment. We hope to develop in hope that our school and our pupils by their examples and awareness will encourage others to follow this path.

We have a new school web site which may be accessed at www@northamptonns.com The web site is kept up to date with monthly news bulletins / photos, letters in addition to our enrolment pack and school policies.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Girls

Navy School Sweatshirt

White Short Sleeve Polo T-Shirt or White Long Sleeve Shirt or

White Polo Neck

Grey School Skirt or Grey School Trousers

Navy Ankle / Knee Socks or Navy Tights

Boys

Navy School Sweatshirt

White Short Sleeve Polo T-Shirt or White Long Sleeve Shirt or White Polo Neck

Grey School Trousers

The School Sweatshirt will be available from -

The National Schoolware Centres,

Centre Point,

Liosban Ind. Estate,

Tuam Rd,

Galway.

Telephone No. 091 755515

All of the other items of clothing are widely available from Dunnes, Ryans etc.,

Please make sure that all clothing is appropriately labelled with the child’s name.

School Timetable

School Begins 9.00 a.m.

Lunch-Time 12.30 p.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Classes End At 1.40 p.m (Junior & Senior Infants)

2.40 p.m. (Remainder of Pupils from

1st 6th classes)

Children will return to school on Monday, August 30th 2010.

While naturally, the school grounds will be open to the pupils, the school has no responsibility for children arriving before the official opening time, going home for lunch or remaining in the school grounds after school.

The school does not undertake responsibility for children coming to school or going home from school.

Parents of the Infants should call to the classroom door to collect children.

Board of Management

S.N. Bhríghde Naofa

Northampton

Kinvara

Co. Galway

091- 637519

June 2010

Staff

Principal Shane McDonagh

Assistant Principal Anne Costelloe

Classroom Teacher Aisling Corless

Learning Support Teacher Bridget Kelly

Resource Teachers Orla McHale Classroom Assistant Susan Forde

Music Teacher Jackie McCarthy

Secretary Caroline O’Shaughnessy

Best wishes to you all on this new beginning at Northampton N.S. I hope your child will have a pleasant, successful and happy time with us.

This booklet contains some basic information to get you started. You may also find further useful information on the school website www.northamptonns.com

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if we can help you with other queries.

Go néirí libh,

………………….

Shane McDonagh

(Príomh Oide)

S.N. Bhríghde Naofa

Northampton N.S.

Junior Infants, 2010

Welcome Pack & Booklist

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

in

S.N. BHRíGHDE NAOFA

Northampton

Cinn Mhara

Co. na Gaillimhe

SCHOOL MOTTO

USE YOUR TALENTS

TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD

LIKE THEM TO TREAT YOU

EACH CHILD IS ENCOURAGED TO

Be Gentle

Be Honest

Be Kind

Listen Attentively

Work Diligently

Look after property

NI THAGANN CIALL ROIMH AOIS

Anti – Bullying Policy

Introductory Statement

S.N. Bhríghde Naofa, Northampton strives to ensure that all in the school, (particularly the pupils) can live, work and play in an environment which is totally free from bullying – physical, verbal and psychological.

Rationale

It was decided to have a clear written policy to promote the belief that bullying is wrong and will not be tolerated. Pupils and their parents are aware that bullying complaints are dealt with promptly, fairly and firmly.

Relationship to Characteristic Spirit of the School

This is seen as an extension of the school Code of Behaviour and living out of the school ethos which has as its motto – “Use your Talents”, - “Treat others as you would like them to treat you”. The school climate also encourages friendliness and the promotion of good citizenship and it is made clear that bullying is a form of anti-social behaviour and therefore is not tolerated.

Guidelines

As a school we use any opportunity to discuss aspects of bullying and the appropriate way to behave towards each other – Stay Safe, S.P.H.E., Theatre, Drama, Story Time, Role Play, and Circle Time. Huge efforts are made to ensure supervision and constructive play – time.

• Children are exhorted to tell if they are being bullied. The bully feeds on your silence.
• Do not show you are upset. The bully thrives on someone’s fear.
• Shout “No” Walk away. Get help immediately.

If you know that someone is being bullied take the action above. Do not be tempted to join in with the bully.

Parents notify the school immediately if their child is a victim of a bully and action will be taken to eradicate it.

Teachers talk to the victim, the suspected bully and any witnesses. In order to prevent further bullying any one or more of the seven following steps will be taken.

Disciplinary Steps

1) They will be warned officially to stop bullying or offending.

2) Informing the parents after (i) Verbal Apology or (ii) Written Apology or (iii)

Incident Book

3) They may be excluded from the yard at play-time or sos-time.

4) They may have to be escorted to and from school room for an agreed time.

5) If they continue to bully there will be a suspension enforced for a minor period

of 2 days.

6) If the bullying continues after this a further suspension of 5 days will be

enforced.

7) Failing an improvement, both parents will be requested to attend with the child

before the full Board of Management.

Success Criteria

Children will be seen to look out for each other. All complaints no matter how small or trivial will be welcomed by teachers so that no child feels they cannot tell n the event of a serious problem arising from bullying.

The Anti-Bullying Policy was sanctioned by the Northampton Board of Management and is reviewed annually.

Reviewed – June 2010

………………………………

Shane McDonagh (Principal)

Scoil Bhríghde Naofa

Northampton

Kinvara

Co. Galway

091 637519

smcd1970@hotmail.com

Our Green Policy

We will endeavour to keep our

school clean and litter free.

We will reduce / re use and /

recycle our waste whenever

we can.

Our Motto:

“We’re keen to keep it clean”

In 2010, our school took part in our fourth renewal of the green flag.

The Green Flag is an internationally recognised award presented to school groups who strive to create a litter free zone in an ecologically and environmentally friendly school.

The Flag is subject to renewal every two years. We wish to enlist your help to ensure we continue to merit this much coveted award.

Please encourage your child to put all litter in a bin.

To keep non recyclable waste to a minimum, we would appreciate if your child uses a lunch box and reusable drink container / bottle.

Please remove all food wrappers. If food is wrapped please use kitchen roll / grease proof paper which is biodegradable rather than cling film / tin foil which takes an inordinately long time to decompose in landfill.

Children should bring home lunch wrapping / containers or other lunch waste to dispose of appropriately.

Reviewed – June 2010

……………………………

Shane McDonagh (Principal)

Homework

• Homework is seen as reinforcement of concepts and skills learned in school.
• It encourages organizational skills.
• It encourages the child to work independently.
• It creates an important link between home and school.
• It helps to develop self-discipline.

Homework Guidelines

• Homework is prescribed Monday to Thursday with the occasional exceptions.
• Weekends are usually free.
• All pupils are expected to do homework. (Phased in gradually with Junior Infants).
• The class teacher, keeping in mind the ages and abilities of the pupils, determines the amount of homework to be done.
• The nature of the homework will depend on the topics being done in the school. Normally, it will include some or all the curriculum subjects.
• Written homework is expected to be neat and complete.

Some Guidelines For Parents

• Reading, spellings and tables should be examined by one of the parents.
• Never do the homework for your child. You may help, discuss and make suggestions.
• Suggested length of time to be spent at homework each day –

Senior Infants to First Class 20 minutes approximately

2nd, 3rd & 4th Classes 30 minutes approximately

5th & 6th Classes 1 hour approximately

• Pupils are rewarded for work that is done well.
• Parents will be notified in cases where homework is being neglected or carelessly done.
• If you find that your child is having difficulties every night and getting upset at not having the homework completed, please call to the school and discuss the matter with the teacher.
• Parents are asked to sign the homework journal every night.
• If, for some reason, your child is unable to do or complete the homework assignments, the parent should inform the teacher stating the reason.

Reviewed – June 2010

…………………………….

Shane McDonagh (Principal)