|
1 Meán Fómhair 2010 Dear Parents, Welcome back to all after the summer break. In this information sheet we refer to some important practical points which will help in the smooth running of the school and assist in the creation of the best possible learning environment for all our pupils.
Rules
of the School
The following are the school rules which are consistently discussed with our pupils. Parents are requested to discuss these rules with their children and sign their acceptance on page 4 of the school journal. Observance of these rules creates a safe and positive learning environment for all. Pupils are reminded to behave at all times in a manner that is considerate of the welfare of others. 2. Be attentive and follow their teachers’ instructions promptly. 3. Work to the best of their ability. 4. Remain seated, in the interests of safety, when the teacher is out of the room. 5. Respect all school property and keep the school and playground clean and litter free. 6. Enter and leave the school in an orderly manner. 7. Walk quietly around the school when classes are in progress. 8. In the interest of pupil safety, running in the playground during break times is discouraged. 9. No pupil may leave the playground during the break without a teacher’s permission. 10. No rough play is allowed on the playground. School Newsletter: A school newsletter is issued on a monthly basis and is given directly to the pupils. Please make sure that you see the newsletter as it contains important information on the school calendar and it details all activities taking place in the school. The school newsletter is usually issued during the last week of each calendar month. School Web Site: The school web site www.stcolmcilles.org. is another important source of information for parents. The web site also features the school calendar, the up-to-date school newsletter and other items of pertinent information. In the event of possible emergency closures (e.g. due to inclement weather), we attempt to post information on the web site. The web site is updated on a weekly basis. School
Uniform/P.E. Gear
Full school uniform must be worn at all times with the exception of the designated P.E. days. On P.E. days the school tracksuit is worn along with a white or navy top. The designated P.E. days are: 6th class - Monday / Wednesday 5th class - Tuesday / Friday 4th class - Monday / Wednesday 3rd class - Tuesday / Friday Hygiene
/ Health:
We recommend that all pupils have a small hand-towel for use in school.
Children’s hair should be checked regularly for head-lice.
Please notify your child’s class teacher in the event of any health /
hygiene issue arising.
Pupils Absences: A written note must be furnished in the event of your child being absent for any reason. This note should be written in your child’s homework journal (appropriate pages at back). Parents are reminded that under the provisions of the Education Welfare Act (2000), Principals of all schools are obliged by law to inform the authorities in the case of any pupil who misses 20 or more days during the school year, for any reason. Missing time from school is a very significant factor in poor educational performance. Pupils however should not be in school if they are unwell. Parent-Teacher Communication: If you wish to meet your child’s teacher, you are asked to make an appointment by contacting Betty, our school secretary. An appointment system ensures that classes are not left unsupervised. Formal Parent-Teacher meetings will be held in November. Homework:
The following is a rough guideline on
the amount of time pupils should be spending on homework:
3rd class pupils – no more than 30 minutes. 4th class pupils – no more than 40 minutes. 5th class pupils – no more than 50 minutes. 6th class pupils – no more than 1 hour. Uniform Shop: The uniform shop is open for parents each Thursday afternoon 1.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m.. Pupils who wish to purchase uniforms must come to the office each Thursday morning at 11.15 a.m. Lunches:
Pupils are encouraged to eat nutritious food and their lunches should be
as healthy as possible.
Contact Numbers: Please notify your child’s teacher of any changes in contact numbers, addresses etc. so that our database can be kept up to date. Have you a back up system in place in the event of your child being sick or injured in school? After School Activities: Pupils and parents will be informed over the coming weeks in relation to after school activities e.g. sport, choir, music and language classes. Pupils are encouraged to be committed to the activities they undertake. In the event of your child being unable to attend a particular activity, we would ask that the relevant teacher be informed beforehand as a matter of courtesy. Information will be given in the September Nuachtlitir to issue on Monday 27 September 2010. Learning Support: Extra help in English and Maths is provided for selected pupils by our Learning Support Teachers. Parents are asked to note that if it is recommended that your child attend Learning Support, it is an indication that your child is struggling in that subject area and will need concentrated help at home and at school. Milk: The cost of the school milk for the year is €32. If you want your child to receive milk please send €32 (cheques are preferable) to the class teacher. The latest date for the return of milk money is Friday 10 September 2010. Milk will be distributed on Monday 13 September 2010. Traffic Management System: Our school traffic management system has been designed to ensure that pupils and all others approaching/leaving the schools can do so in a safe manner. The essential features are as follows:
Parents are reminded that supervision is provided from 8.50 a.m. in the morning. No Supervision is provided before 8.50 a.m. Platform Crossing: Parents are asked to remind their children that the Platform Crossing on Idrone Avenue is not a pedestrian crossing. Pupils and parents should not assume that cars will automatically stop. Pupils have been advised to wait until the traffic stops before crossing at this point. School Journal: The School Journal is specifically designed for St. Colmcille’s S.N.S. Parents are asked to read the journal and use the journal when writing notes regarding your child’s absence from school or requests to take your child out early.
Gadgetry: Our purpose is to create the best possible learning environment for our pupils. Gadgetry e.g. ipods, MP3 players etc. do not add any value to the learning environment and should not be brought to school. Mobile Phones: Generally speaking, pupils do not need mobile phones in school. If a child's parents feel that it absolutely essential that their child should have a mobile phone, please note the following:
|
