Parents handbook for website

Parents and Guardian Handbook




2020/2021
















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- 1 -

Message from Management


Dear Parent/Guardians,

Our school provides a safe, friendly environment where each individual is
recognized, valued and respected.

Each student is encouraged to find expression for his/her talents and to
develop to his/her full potential.

This booklet contains important information, along with key dates for the
school year 2020/2021

We wish students and their families a safe and enjoyable summer.
We look forward to providing a positive learning environment for all students
and continue our strong partnership with parents and all members of our
school community.

Yours Sincerely








Ms .. ..Karen Casey Ms Máirín Lally



Principal Deputy Principal
Mr. Colin Manning Ms. Yvonne O’Mahony
Deputy Principal Deputy Principal


4




- 2 -

School Calendar 2020/2021


Term 1 Friday 28th August - Tuesday 22nd December 2020



Return to school for differ- Friday August 28th : Years 3&6 (Only) Induction (8.50-12.25pm)
ent year groups

Monday August 31st : Years 2,4&5 (Only) Induction (8.50-12.25pm)


Tuesday September 1st : Year 1 (Only) (8.50-12.25pm)



Wednesday September 2nd: Timetabled classes for all stu-
dents(8.50-1.05)

Non- school day Friday 25th September


Mid-term break Monday 26th October - Friday 30th October 2020



School Closure Monday 23rd November: Non-school day for students to facilitate
JCT training.

Christmas holidays Tuesday 22nd December 2020 ( last day of term)



Term 2 Wednesday 6th January - Friday 26th March 2021.


School reopens Wednesday 6th January 2021



School Closure Thursday 14th Jan: Non-school day for students to facilitate JCT training.


Mid-term break Monday 15th February - Friday 19th February 2021






- 3 -

St Patrick’s Day holiday Wednesday 17th March



Easter holidays Monday 29th March-Friday 9th April


Term 3 Monday 12th April - Friday 4th June 2021


School reopens Monday 12th April



Non School Day Friday 30th April


May Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May



School closes Friday 4th June


School reopens Monday 20th April



May Bank Holiday Monday 4th May


School closes Friday 29th May























- 4 -

The School Day
The school doors open at 8:00am each school day for Breakfast club which
is available to all students. Students should not be dropped to school be-
fore this time. Supervision commences at 8.15am. The school remains open
for afternoon study in the evenings but is officially closed from 4.30pm.
Students involved in school related extracurricular activities can remain on
the premises. All other students should leave school at the end of the
school day. School finishes at 1.05pm on Wednesdays.

School office hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm each day.

Break Time


10.50 – 11.05
School meals are available to all students from the canteen at this
time. Students do not have permission to leave the school at break
time.



Lunch Time

1.05—1.40

The canteen shop is open for students to purchase snacks at this time. Sen-
ior students may leave school at lunch time, all other students must remain
on the school grounds.












21
- 5 -

Timetable



Timetable
First Class
8.50 – 9.30
Second Class
9.30 – 10.10

Third Class
10.10 – 10.50

Small Break
10.50 – 11.05
Fourth Class
11.05 – 11.45

Fifth Class
11.45 – 12.25
Sixth Class
12.25 – 1.05

Lunch – Time
1.05 – 1.40
Seventh Class
1.40 – 2.20

Eighth Class
2.20 – 3.00
Ninth Class
3.00 – 3.40

















- 6 -

School Attendance


Under the Education Welfare Act 1998, the school is obliged to for-
ward names of students who miss 20 days or more to the Education
Welfare Services of the child and family agency. Please see
www.tusla.ie for further information

Students are expected to be in school for 8.40am and classes begin at
8.50am. Attendance is recorded daily for each class on VSware. Par-
ents will have access to VSware and are encouraged to monitor their
child’s attendance online. If there are any discrepancies regarding a
child's attendance record parents can contact the relevant class
teacher or the office to make enquiries.

If a student is absent for any reason, a parent must phone or email
the office. Once received the VSware attendance code will be changed
from Abs (absence) to ABSE (explained absence).
If a student’s attendance is not explained a text message will be sent
home.

In addition, your son/daughter's absence must be completed in the
absenteeism log in the diary and handed into the school office on re-
turn. If this log is not completed the student's absence remains unex-
plained and this information is made available, in accordance with the
legislation, to the Education Welfare Services. Students may not leave
class during the school day without permission from the teacher and
a note in their journal from their parent/guardian.









- 7 -

Sign Out Procedures

Permission notes are to be completed by a parent/guardian who re-
quires his/her child to leave school during the day for an unavoida-
ble appointment or family reason. This is countersigned by the class
teacher/year head and the student must sign out at the main office.
Years 1, 2 & 3 must be collected by a parent /guardian or nomi-
nated adult at all times.
Any student, who becomes unwell during the day, including a student
who drives to school, must be collected by a parent /guardian.



Promoting Good Attendance

St. Colman’s Community College promotes and encourages good
school attendance through a range of strategies.
The partnership between parents and the school is critical to good
school attendance which is directly linked to student learning
achievement and success.


Every Day Counts @ St Colman’s C.C.
is an initiative that you will find in the school journal which pro-
motes and celebrates excellent, good and improving attendance.


As part of our attendance strategy 2020/2021 we will contact par-
ents by text in the event of a student absence from school a num-
ber of times each week. You may contact the main office if you
have any queries.









- 8 -

Late for School


Students Arriving Late for School: Procedures

 If a student arrives late for school, he/she must have a note of expla-
nation signed by a parent.
 The student will have his/her journal stamped by the office and will
be accompanied to class by a Deputy Principal or the Principal.
 If a student arrives late to a class in the morning and he/she does
not have a stamp the teacher will send him/her to the office
 If a student does not have a note of explanation from a par-
ent/guardian he/she will be placed on a lunchtime detention that
day from 1.10 - 1.25
 Parents/guardians will be contacted to meet with the DP if a student
is repeatedly late. The student will be referred to HSCL and a sup-
portive strategy will be put in place.


Note: Sometimes students may be unavoidably late e.g. bus delay due to
weather and may not have a note from a parent. This is understandable and
no sanction will apply.


Senior Students Returning Late After Lunch: Procedures

 Students must be at their classroom door before 1.40
 Students returning late to class after lunch will be asked by the sub-
ject teacher to return to the main office with their journal.
 Students arriving late after lunch must have their journal stamped
and will be accompanied to class by a Deputy Principal or the Princi-
pal.
 Students will be given a verbal warning on the first occasion.
 Students arriving late for the second time will have their journals
stamped and a text will be sent home.


- 9 -

 The student who has been late will be asked to report to the Dep-
uty/Principal at an agreed time during lunchtime the following day
and the journal will be signed.
 The ‘downtown’ privilege will be revoked if the student continues to
return late after lunch.





Home School Community Liaison


Our HSCL Mr. Proinsias O’Tuama works in partnership with parents
and the community to support students’ well-being and learning.

Mr. O’Tuama works closely with the Parents’ Association and individ-
ual parents and organizes parent’s information evenings and guest
speakers for parents.
Mr. O‘Tuama can be contacted by phoning the school office or email-
ing [email protected]




SCP


School Completion Programme at St Colman’s Community College
The School Completion Programme provides support to young people
to enable them to reach their full potential. These interventions take
place in-school, after-school, and during the school holidays. There
are limited places on the programme so each young person must be
referred by their school. The SCP provides three types of support:
Universal, Brief and Targeted. Parents will be asked to fill out a form
applying for a place for targeted interventions only. Parent permis-
sion forms are required for all interventions except for open-access
groups, such as lunchtime clubs, which take place during the school
day and do not take young people out of time-tabled classes.

- 10 -

Pastoral Care

Caring for our Students


St. Colman’s CC has a well-developed Pastoral Care system. Our stu-
dent support team, career guidance counsellors, year heads and
class teachers are central to this system. A real strength of the
school lies in the fact that all members of staff, teaching and non-
teaching, play an important role in supporting and caring for our stu-
dents.



Guidance Counselling

As part of our Pastoral Care structure, St Colman’s C.C. offers a com-
prehensive guidance service by three Guidance Counsellors. They are
involved with students throughout their time in St. Colman’s. Some of
the activities include:
 Individual career guidance
 Individual counselling
 Promoting student wellbeing
 Individual and group advice on subject choice
 Curriculum Vitae and interview preparation
 Visits to career exhibitions
 School visits by representatives from Further Education and Training
Institutions
 Advice on study skills
 Help with third level college applications
 Help and advice regarding applications for Post Leaving Certificate
courses
Students are offered one to one guidance and counselling ses-
sions. Students also experience guidance in the classroom, offering
them the unique opportunity to design and develop key skills for suc-
cessful learning, self-organisation, study and CAO applications.

- 11 -

Guidance Counsellors
Ms. Siobhan Cashman Year 2 & 5

Ms. Joanne Murphy Year 3 & 6

Ms. Eileen Tarrant
Year 1 & 4




Year Head

The Year Head on behalf of the school community takes on the role of
overseeing the welfare of a year group supporting students’ educational,
social and personal wellbeing so that learning, at every level of the person,
is supported.


Year Head Team


First Year Ms. Margaret O’Connell

Second Year Mr. Gerard O’Connor


Third Year Mr. John Ring
Ms. D. Mc Caughley – Year Head and TY Coordinator
Transition Year

Year 5 Mr. Ger Lordan


Year 6 Mr. Frank Halbert

- 12 -

Class Teacher

A class teacher is appointed to every class.
The role of class teacher involves monitoring the progress of each student in
every area of school life and is the first point of contact with parents/guardi-
ans. The class teacher also offers support and encouragement to students to
ensure they benefit fully from the curricular and extracurricular activities on
offer in the school.

Class Teachers 2020/2021
Name Class

1st Year
TBC Ailbhe
TBC Brid
TBC Cathal

TBC Eimear
TBC Finn
TBC Niall
TBC Orna


2nd Year
Mairead Garde Barra
Canice Walsh Cian
Trish Carlos Eoin

Emer McCarthy OisIn
Diana O’ Boyle Roisin
Geraldine Cahill Sadbh

Aideen Roche Una



- 13 -

rd
3 Year
Leah O’Connell Cara
Breiffini O’Sullivan Enda
Katie Hogan Fionn

Sandra White Niamh
Sandra Jeffrey Sinead

Transition Year
Stephen O'Connell

Kate Mc Carthy
Áine Coleman
Colm O'Neill


5th Year
TBC 5A1
TBC 5A2
TBC 5A3

TBC 5A4
TBC LCA1

TH
6 Year
Ross McAuliffe 6A1
Anne Jones 6A2
Robert Long 6A3
Carmel Cowman 6A4

Mike Flynn 6A5
Eric O’Connor LCA 2

- 14 -

Student Mentoring


Our Student Leadership programme is an opportunity to develop
leadership skills and showcase what a team can do to make a real
difference in a school.

Our Mentoring team supports our first year students and will run ac-
tivities during the year. They support and mentor first year students
and will meet with them during induction week. Our Mentoring team
continues to work with and support first year students throughout
the school year through the Buddy system and the Social Circle.


The Lighthouse Project

Empowering Student Leadership


























- 15 -

Hidden Hero


Parents’ guide to St. Colman’s Hidden Hero Merit

The Spirit of St Colman’s Hidden Hero Merit is an idea to adopt a
whole school approach to recognise and acknowledge students who
are being good students daily.
Every student that comes to St Colman's will, on a daily basis do
something or say something kind to a fellow student or staff mem-
ber. We have so many kind, caring students who deserve recogni-
tion. This idea is giving the student a chance to get recognised for
that good deed that they are already doing.
This might include being co-operative, respectful, hardworking,
thoughtful, optimistic, mannerly, caring, finding money and hand-
ing it in or apologizing without being told to do so.
Our pilot project which ran for 5 weeks in February 2020 was a great
success.
It is working with our Code of Behaviour where we believe that good
relationships are fostered through the development of respect, tol-
erance, friendliness and honesty.
How will it work?
Any student 1st - 6th year can be nominated numerous times by any
teacher/staff member- be it from class time or perhaps something
they do while on lunch break that will be seen and acknowledged - a
random act of kindness.
Teachers, SNAs and office staff will all be watching out for students'
kindness and good deeds.
This is a chance to empower a student by rewarding something they
are already doing on a daily basis but have never been formally
acknowledged for previously.



- 16 -

When will it run?
It is proposed to run this initiative with our students from 2nd No-
vember 2020- 11th December 2020 and again from 12th April 2021-
21st May 2021.

What’s the incentive for the student?
They will get recognition for being good, kind students- role models for
others to admire.
Each student that is nominated will receive a certificate of recognition.
Our aim is that we will have a Hidden Hero in each class group who will
receive a voucher.
- If only one student from a class group is nominated then that one stu-
dent will automatically receive a certificate of nomination and a
voucher.
- If multiple nominations come from a class group then the student with
the most nominations will receive the voucher.
- For the student with the most nominations overall per year group they
will receive a Student Ambassador Certificate, this will go into their stu-
dent file.


The vouchers will be purchased from local businesses in the Midleton
area.
It is important that we recognise value and foster the kind deeds that
are carried out in daily school life.
Kindness is often undervalued, therefore we need to encourage and
foster it. Despite all the challenges in life, kindness will always be free
to give, but priceless to receive.









- 17 -

Special Educational Needs



Our SEN Coordinator is Siobhan Feehan who works with a desig-
nated core team who are responsible for identifying and organizing
support for students with additional learning needs.

All students and in particular students designated as having special
needs are supported by the mainstream subject teacher. Depending
on the needs of the students, he/she may also be supported by small
group support, team teaching, one to one withdrawal and/or access
to a Special Needs Assistant. Ms Feehan and the SEN team can be
contacted by phoning the main office or emailing
[email protected]


SET Core Team


Ms. Siobhan Feehan - SENCO & First Yr. Liaison teacher

Ms. Annmarie Murphy- Second Yr. SEN Liaison teacher


Ms. Emer McCarthy - Third Yr. SEN Liaison teacher

Ms. Danielle Lynch – Transition Yr. Liaison teacher

Ms. Kelly O’ Shea - 5th Yr. Liaison teacher

th
Ms. Siobhan Feehan – 6 Yr. Liaison teacher

Ms. Claire Twomey - ASD Programme Coordinator

Ms. Sandra McCarthy - Assistive Technology

Ms. Eileen Tarrant – Guidance Counsellor


- 18 -

AS Programme



Our AS programme is coordinated by Ms. Claire Twomey who
works with a team of teachers to provide the best possible care
and support for students who have a diagnosis of ASD. There are
currently two Autism Classes in the school, catering for 12 stu-
dents.


Students who have a place in the Autism class have access to the
programme of support. Programmes offered through the Autism
class are tailored to students’ individual needs and include: Literacy
and Numeracy support (targeted to the student’s own areas for im-
provement) Junior Cycle short courses, Touch Typing, Social Skills,
Yoga, Homework and Curriculum support.

Teaching and Learning is delivered to students in a variety of ways,
ranging from one-to-one, small group and in-class support. We
practice this reverse inclusion model where appropriate, by teach-
ing within the mainstream class, alongside the subject teacher and
integrating methodologies appropriate to the teaching of children
who are on the Autism Spectrum.





















- 19 -

Special Needs Assistants




Ms. Ann Mc Kay Ms. Stephanie Lynch

Ms. Ber Cotter Ms. Annmarie Kirby

Ms. Emily McHarg
Ms Ingrid Barry

Ms Christine Fitzgerald
Ms Emer Kelleher

Ms. Phyllis McCann





Contact Details


Please complete the form at the following link


Contact Details Form

before June 12th, as it is essential that we have all student rec-
ords updated for the beginning of the new term. Any change of
contact details during the school year will require a new ‘Confir-
mation/Change of Contact Details’ form to be completed by the
parent(s)/guardian(s) as per the child’s enrolment form.









- 20 -

School Uniform


The school uniform is a fundamental aspect of our school identity
and it presents many advantages for the school community. It cre-
ates a sense of equality among all students and reinforces a sense
of pride in our school especially when representing St Colman’s CC
in sporting or extra- curricular activities.

We ask all Parents and Guardians to ensure that each pupil
attends school each day in full school uniform.
Uniform Details

 Green school jumper with St. Colman’s Community College crest
 Grey and white striped school shirt
 Grey (Mid Grey) school skirt - Regulation school skirt may be
purchased from school suppliers, the same style may be pur-
chased from other suppliers. Non -regulation styles are not
permitted.
 Grey (Mid Grey) school trousers - Regulation school trousers may
be purchased from school suppliers, the same style may be pur-
chased from other suppliers. Non -regulation styles are not permit-
ted.
 For girls: black opaque tights / grey/black socks only.
 For boys: black or grey socks only
 Full black shoes with no coloured markings or stripes.
 School Coat (Compulsory for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, TY & 5th year
students, recommended for all other students
 Non-Uniform items (including the school coat )must be removed
at the break-time bell
 School jumpers must be worn to school every morning
 School skirts and trousers must not be in stretch/denim type fabric




- 21 -

School Uniform Suppliers


Uniform Suppliers:
 Hyde’s Children’s Fashion


 Coakley’s Menswear

 Bertelli Menswear.


Set down and Parking

The safety of all pedestrians, motorists and cyclists on the grounds
of our school is of the utmost importance. We ask for patience and
understanding particularly at the busiest times of the school day.

While we await the completion of our new school building we
have limited set-down facilities and extremely limited parking
for parents who visit during the school day.

Please respect the parking spaces provided for people
with disabilities.

Students are not permitted to park on the school grounds














- 22 -

Extracurricular Activities Include

Athletics

Basketball

Badminton

Camogie

Camera Club

Cookery Club

Chess Club

Clean Coasts

Creative Writing

Green Schools

Hurling
Gaelic Football


Rugby
Soccer

Social Club

Tennis

Vex Robotics

Warhammer

An extra-curricular timetable will be available early
in Sept 2020



- 23 -

Student Lockers

All junior students will be allocated a school locker and we will en-
deavour to provide all senior students with a locker should they re-
quire one. Each student is responsible for his/her locker and is re-
quired to lock it with a good quality lock. Those students who are
not prepared to lock their lockers may be asked to give up their
lockers as they are in short supply. Students are not permitted to
put stickers or markings of any kind on their lockers. Lockers must
be cleared out on the last day before the end of each term. If a
locker is damaged by a student they will lose the locker and be re-
quired to pay for a replacement locker. Lockers must be left spot-
lessly clean and unlocked on the final day of the school year.

Lockers may be accessed by students at the following times

 Before School/Small Break

 Lunch Break

 After School




















- 24 -

Lost and Found


The school operates a lost and found facility. All bags and items of
clothing left behind are collected each Friday. The Lost and Found
will be open at times as notified on the website. Please see the Lost
and Found icon, as texts will not be sent home to notify the dates
when Lost and Found is open

Items which have not been collected will be donated to charity at
each mid-term break.

Students are responsible for their own property and the student’s
name should be clearly written/marked on his/ her books and other
belongings. Students are asked to bring all bags and coats home at
the end of each school day.













Way2pay

St Colman’s Community College is a cashless school. Way2pay is
the school’s online payments system. Parents/Guardians will be sent
a link via their mobile phone when payments are required











- 25 -

Student Journal

 The student journal is the main means of communication be-
tween the student, parent and teachers.
 The student journal must be kept in good condition and must
be with the student at all times.
 It includes space to record weekly homework, advice on
study preparation, tracking and goal setting and a section for
late and absence explanation journal weekly.
 The school journal must be placed on students’ desks at the
beginning of each class.
 Students must give the journal to a teacher if requested. Re-
fusal to give the journal will result in sanctions as outlined in
the school’s Code of Behaviour.
 Policies and codes must be signed by parents/guardians and
students immediately after Induction day. Please read these
carefully.
 The cost of the school journal is covered as part of the school
administration fee and will be given to students on return to
the school.




















- 26 -

Homework and Study Guidelines


Recommended Study / Homework Times

1st Year 1½ hours per night 2 – 2½ hours at weekend


2nd Year 1½ – 2 hours per night 2 – 3 hours at the weekend

3rd Year 2 – 2½ hours per night 4 hours at the weekend


5th Year 3 hours per night 5 – 6 hours at the weekend

6th Year 3 – 4 hours per night 6 – 8 hours at the weekend


Study Tips

 Make sure there are no distractions in your study environment.

 Have a plan. Make out a study timetable. For each session create a
checklist. What do you want to have achieved by the end of the
study session? Tick things off your list as you go.

 Take notes (this does not mean rewriting whole chapters of books)
or create mind maps of key points etc. Studying is not simply read-
ing a book.

 Practice your timing, know exactly how much time you have for
each question and practice timing yourself completing these
questions.

 Change the subject or topic you are studying every 25 minutes
 Jot down things you do not understand or need further explanation of. Ask
your teacher in the next class.
 Take short breaks, get up, walk around, stretch, and get some fresh air.

 Stay Hydrated

 Use any ‘leftover’ time to review your notes or test yourself.

- 27 -

After School Study & Homework

Supervised Study is available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from
4.00pm to 6.00pm for exam students.

More details to follow on return to school.
We will be providing, should the demand exist, a homework club for
1st year students from September. More details to follow on return
to school.


Examination/Assessment Grading


Junior Cycle Final Assessment Exam Descriptors

Distinction 90% - 100%

Higher Merit 75% - 89%

Merit 55% - 74%

Achieved 40% - 54%

Partially Achieved 20% -39%

Not Graded 0% - 19%



Junior Cycle Classroom Based Assessments Descriptors


Exceptional
Above Expectations

In line with expectations

Yet to meet expectations


- 28 -

Leaving Certificate Grading Points System

90-100 H1 100 O1 56

80 - 89.99 H2 88 O2 46

70 - 79.99 H3 77 O3 37

60 - 69.99 H4 66 O4 28

50 - 59.99 H5 56 O5 20
40 - 49.99 H6 46 O6 12

30 - 39.99 H7 37 O7 0

0 - 29.99 H8 0 O8 0




Leaving Certificate Applied Grade System

Grade % Credits

Pass 60 -69% 120 - 139 credits

Merit 70 -84% 140 - 169

Distinction 85 -100% 170 -200










- 29 -

Information on Curriculum

Curriculum information is available at the following links:


www.curriculumonline.ie

www.jct.ie

www.ncca.ie


Change of Level Form


Where higher/ordinary levels exist within a subject (at Junior Cycle
or Senior Cycle), the student will automatically be entered for
higher level unless a change of level form has been completed,
signed by a parent/guardian and placed on the student file.

It is essential that this form is completed when a student changes from
higher level to ordinary level


Subject Options


For students starting 1st or 5th year in September, option subject
choices have been completed and are sent to parents in June. In spe-
cial circumstances some option choice changes may be possible up
until 30th September 2020 at the latest. This will depend upon availa-
bility, class size and timetabling.

Change of Subject Form


All requested subject changes will be considered with a student’s
best interests in mind and in accordance with timetabling con-
straints and school policy. Forms are available from Year Head.




- 30 -

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is an umbrella term used to describe a new area of learn-
ing in schools as part of the Framework for the New Junior Cycle
(2015). All students will undertake this area of learning which will in-
clude the following subjects CSPE, SPHE, PE and Wellbeing modules.
The programme has a minimum of 400 hours of timetabled engage-
ment for students. At St Colman’s C.C. the wellbeing programme in-
cludes CSPE, SPHE,PE, Student Development and Wellness.

These programmes include learning opportunities to enhance the
physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of students. It will
enable students to build life skills and develop a strong sense of con-
nectedness to their school and to their community. The wellbeing
programme is built on the following indicators, being Active, Respon-
sible, Connected, Resilient, Respected and Aware.

St Colman’s C.C began working on the programme in 2017 and the
programme was designed to meet the needs of the school commu-
nity based on evidence gathered from students, parents and teach-
ers of St Colman’s C.C. The programme is led by a wellbeing steering
made up of teachers from all disciplines. The programme is reviewed
annually by students, parents and teachers to ensure we continue to
provide the best possible education for our students.
The following is an example of the modules offered.


st
1 Year Programme
 Transition from Primary to Secondary School
 Character Building
 Healthy Lifestyle
 Coping Skills
 Online/ internet Safety
 Horticulture

- 31 -

nd
2 Year Programme
 Friends for Life
 Healthy Lifestyle
 Digital Citizenship
 Organization Skills
 Creativity & Wellbeing
 Art
 Life Skills Module

The 3rd year programme is being developed and will be available in
Sept 2020.

In addition to the timetabled modules above the school also organise
events such as Internet Safety Day, Speakers from An Garda Sío-
chána, Healthy Living Week, Scifest, Soccer Leagues, Anti Bullying
Programmes.
























- 32 -

Relationship and Sexuality Education


As part of our SPHE /Wellbeing Programme, we will be teaching the
module on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) as per DES
Guidelines Circular 0037/2010 Relationships and Sexuality.
(https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active- Circu-
lars/cl0037_2010.pdf)


Topics at Junior Cycle will include:

 Me as unique and different Friendship
 Changes at adolescence (physical & emotional) The
Reproductive system
 Images of male & female Respecting myself and others

Topics at Senior Cycle will include:


 Relationship Skills
 Self-Awareness and Personal Skills Relationships
 Sexual Identity Consent
 Sexual Harassment
 Sexual and Reproductive Health
 Your son/daughter may wish to talk about the topics raised in
class and you are best placed to address any concerns that they
may have.
 Our school Relationship & Sexuality Education policy is availa-
ble on the school website.
 If you would like to discuss this further, or if you have any que-
ries, do not hesitate to contact us.








- 33 -

Home Economics Guidelines


Parent/Guardian Guidelines
Home Economics is a subject which enables students to develop life
skills. Practical cookery classes are a crucial part of the Home Econom-
ics course at both Junior and senior cycle.

The following is the policy regarding students studying Home Econom-
ics.

Junior Cert/Junior Cycle

Students are required to
 Have all material for class e.g. textbook, workbook and copybook
 Ingredients for each practical lesson

Please note students will be given the list of ingredients the week be-
fore the lesson please check your son/daughters journal for the list of
ingredients
 Ingredients must be weighed out prior to the class
 Students must have an apron for practical class, a tea towel, a
container large enough to bring home the completed dish that
day.
 Sanctions as per Home Economics department rules will be ap-
plied to students who fail to bring in the materials required for
class e.g. ingredients, apron, textbooks etc. as this disrupts teach-
ing and learning in the Home Economics classroom and is a
Health and Safety concern.
 If a student continually fails to bring in ingredients for practical
class then they may no longer be able to continue to study Home
Economics.






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Leaving Cert Home Economics 2021

 Students studying Home Economics for the Leaving Cert are re-
quired to submit a Food Studies Assignment Booklet to the
State Examinations Commission (SEC).
 This Food Studies Assignment Booklet is worth 20 % of the
Leaving Certificate mark.
 It is imperative that all students complete the Food Studies as-
signments, these will be completed in school under the guid-
ance of the Home Economics teacher and students are re-
quired to bring ingredients, an apron and a container to bring
the completed dish home.
 The students are required to complete the written work asso-
ciated with each Food Studies Assignment and this is submit-
ted to their teacher on Friday April , 2021.
th






























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Classroom Based Assessments - CBA’s



 Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) are the occasions when the
teacher assesses students in the specific assessment(s) that are set
out in the New Junior Cycle. CBA 1 takes place in 2nd Year and CBA
2 takes place in 3rd Year.
 The CBAs can be produced in written, digital, visual or audio for-
mats and it may be supported in these formats through the use of
an interview or presentation. CBAs are designed in consultation
with students. A particular purpose of the CBAs is to facilitate de-
velopmental feedback to students during their engagement with
the task and at the end of the process.
 CBAs take place at set times during the school calendar year. They
are published in the school journal, school calendar and in this
handbook.
 Unless a student is absent due to certified illness CBAs cannot be
repeated at alternative times. If a student misses or fails to submit
a CBA it is recorded as “not reported” on their Junior Cycle Profile
of Achievement.




















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Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task (AT): Students will complete an in class assess-
ment in 3rd Year that is linked to CBA 2. This is corrected by the
State Examinations Commission (SEC) and worth 10% of their final
grade. Unless a student is absent due to certified illness an assess-
ment task cannot be repeated at alternative times.

Note:
It is imperative that the student’s work is entirely their own and
not of parents, siblings or plagiarised sources i.e the internet or
classmates. If deemed to be otherwise then the result may be
recorded as “not reported” on the student’s JCPA.



rd
nd
2 & 3 Year CBA Timetables for 2020-
2021 will be published in this handbook
in Sept 2020





















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School Policies


School policies are available on the school website:

 Anti-Bullying Policy
 Book Rental Policy
 Code of Behaviour Policy
 CBA Policy
 Child Protection Policy
 Child Safeguarding/Risk Assessment Statement
 Safety Statement Policy
 School Tour Policy
 Critical Incident Policy
 Code of Practice for Dealing with Complaints
 Admissions Policy
 Health and Safety Policy
 Mobile Devices
 Assessment Policy
 Special Educational Needs Policy
 Uniform Policy
 ICT Policy
 Acceptable Use Policy
 RSE Policy
 Transition Year Admissions Policy
 CCTV Policy
 Data Protection Policies.
 Wellbeing Policy
 Work Experience second level students







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Book Rental Scheme

1. St Colman’s CC operates a book rental scheme for Junior Certifi-
cate students. Under this scheme students can rent their school
books for a set fee each year. Books are given to students at the
beginning of each academic and must be returned at the end of
each year.

2. St Colman’s CC will provide grant assistance to eligible students in
line with DES criteria.

3. St Colman’s CC does not operate a book scheme at senior cycle,
however, the school will provide grant assistance for Senior Cycle
students eligible for the scheme in line with DES criteria and is
committed to looking at the possibility of rolling out a book rental
scheme for all Senior Cycle students in the future.

4. It will only be possible to operate a book scheme where the fees
charged are paid in full and books are maintained and returned as
laid down by this scheme.

5. Joining the book rental scheme is optional. All parents/guardians
choosing to join the scheme must read and accept the Book
Rental Scheme Policy, which forms its Terms and Conditions. The
policy is available on the school website or from the main office.

6. Parents may choose instead to purchase school books. Book Lists
are published on the school website and available from the main
office to parents in June/July each year. All students choosing to
purchase their school books must have them for the return to
school date in August.

7. The Book Rental scheme does not include Past Examination pa-
pers, Pre Examination papers or workbooks that are not reusable.
Parents may be asked to purchase them where they are required.


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Year Book Rental Fee Book Rental Fee (grant assisted by
Group 50% DES criteria)



Year 1 €120 €60


Year 2 €100 €50

Year 3 €50 €25


Year 4 €20 for textbooks, including €20 for textbooks, including
TY portfolio. Students pur- TY portfolio. Maths book sup-
chase Maths book. plied.



In Senior Cycle, we are unable to operate a rental scheme for all students
however a grant assisted scheme operates for eligible students.



Year 5 No rental scheme availa- €90 (covers years 5 and 6). English
ble currently. poetry book and comparative texts
not supplied.



Year 6 No rental scheme availa- No fee payable
ble currently.












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Anti-Bullying Guidelines


At St. Colman’s Community College we are committed to providing a
caring, supportive and safe environment for every student. We encour-
age mutual respect between all members of our school community.
Bullying of any kind is not tolerated.

Our anti bullying policy is based on the key principles of best practice in
preventing and tackling bullying behaviour:

Key Principles
The Board of Management recognizes the very serious nature of bul-
lying and the negative impact that it can have on the lives of pupils
and is therefore fully committed to the following key principles of
best practice in preventing and tackling bullying behaviour.

1. A positive school culture and climate
2. Effective leadership
3. A school wide approach

St Colman’s C.C. operate a two strand approach in implementing
education and prevention strategies and in resolving alleged bul-
lying incidents

Strand 1- Proactive strand - Raising awareness


Strand 2 - The Reactive strand for responding to Bullying Incidents
On-going evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-bullying
policy takes place.
The Anti-bullying policy is available to view on the school website
www.colmans.ie




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Child Safeguarding
St Colman’s Community College Child Protection Policy


The Board of Management recognizes that child protection and
welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must
be reflected in all of the school’s policies, practices and activities.
Accordingly, in accordance with the requirements of the Depart-
ment of Education and Skills’ Child Protection Procedures for Pri-
mary and Post Primary Schools, the Board of Management of St
Colman’s Community College has agreed the following child pro-
tection policy:

The Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and
without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures
for Primary and Post Primary Schools as part of this overall child pro-
tection policy.

1. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Karen Casey

2. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Máirín Lally

In its policies, practices and activities, St Colman’s Community Col-
lege will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child
protection and welfare:

The school will

 recognize that the protection and welfare of children is of para-
mount importance, regardless of all other considerations;

 Fully cooperate with the relevant statutory authorities in rela-
tion to child protection and welfare matters

 adopt safe practices to minimize the possibility of harm or ac-
cidents happening to children and protect workers from the ne-
cessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open

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to accusations of abuse or neglect;
 develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage
parental involvement in the education of their children; and

 Fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child
protection matters.

The school will also adhere to the above principles in relation to
any adult pupil with a special vulnerability
This section of the child protection policy should be used to list
school policies, practices and activities that are particularly relevant
to child protection (e.g. the Code of Behaviour/Anti-bullying Policy,
Pupil Attendance Strategy, Supervision of Pupils, Sporting Activi-
ties/School Outings/Pupil Work Placements at post primary etc.)
The Board has ensured that the necessary policies, protocols or
practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the above
listed items.
This policy has been made available to school personnel and the
Parents’ Association (if any) and is readily accessible to parents on
request. A copy of this policy will be made available to the Depart-
ment and the patron if requested.

This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in
every school year.

This policy was adopted by the Board of Manage-
ment

Signed: Francis O’Rourke Signed: Karen Casey

Chairperson of Board of Management Principal

Date: 12/02/2019

Reviewed by BOM 12/02/2019


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Mobile Phone/Media Policy



Guidelines


The Rule
This school is a phone free zone for students. This means that mobile
phones/electronic devices and listening devices e.g.
earbuds/earphones etc (this list is not exhaustive) are forbidden and
should not be switched on, visible or used at any time of the day in
the school, on school grounds, or on school activities/excursions.

This rule is a ‘no challenge’ rule, if a student refuses a request to hand

over a mobile phone/device to a teacher they will be suspended.

Sanctions

Any breach of the above guidelines will result in the confiscation of the
phone/electronic device.

Sanction 1
 On the first occasion the phone will be taken to the main
office by the teacher and will be placed in an envelope.
 Parents/Guardians will be informed by text that this has
occurred.
 The phone may be signed for and collected by the student
from the main office after school that day.
Sanction 2
 On the second occasion a parent/guardian will be
contacted and asked to collect the phone from the
main office after school.
Sanction 3
 A repeated breach of the mobile phone policy will result in
suspension


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22

Please note:

 For all emergencies, students will be facilitated to phone
parents or guardians from the office.

 Similarly, parents/guardians can contact the school in case of
an emergency
 The school cannot be responsible for mobile devices brought to
school or left in lockers etc. If a student brings a device to
school then it is their responsibility to look after it.
 The thrust of this policy is to support teaching and learning,
our anti bullying policy, our code of behaviour and our student
wellbeing programme.
 For longer or overnight excursions exceptions may be made at
the discretion of the teacher
 We may in the course of the year review the use of mobile
phones
































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