15th June 2015
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Thank you for accepting a place in our school for your son/daughter.
The new school year starts on Thursday, 27th August at 8.50 a.m.
(Parents should check to ensure that buses are running on this day)
Classes begin at 8.50 and finish at 3.30.
Students should be in school before 8.50a.m.
The school opens at 8a.m. and supervision is provided
Please read details of this letter carefully.
Students will study Irish, English, Maths, Geography, Science, Religion, Civic Social and Political Education, Social Personal Health Education, Computer Studies and Physical Education as core subjects.
Sampling will take place. When sampling is complete prior to
mid-term, students will be asked to choose additional subjects.
Students will be asked to prioritize their choices.
Every effort will be made to give each student his/her first preference but this may not always be possible because of constraints regarding teacher allocation, class sizes and timetabling etc.
Please check details on enclosed yellow sheet and amend if necessary The pink sheet should be filled out and both must be returned to the school by Wednesday 24th June 2015.
This is important so we have records, etc. in place
The school calendar will be available in the school journal and is now available online. There may be adjustments during the year – you will be notified.
We hope that your child will benefit from and enjoy being in the school. The co-operation between home and school is vital for the success of your child's education. You can always be assured of the management and staff's willingness to discuss any problem which might arise throughout the year. There is an extensive curricular and extra-curricular programmes in school and we hope your child will participate in the latter also.
The basketball/football camp will take place for new First Years on Monday 24th & Tuesday 25th Aug, from 10am to 2pm. All new First Years are welcome
An Information Evening for all First Year Parents will take place on August 31st 2015.
All parents are required to attend.
Photographs
On Thursday, 13th August 2015 at 9.30 am students are required to attend for photographs in their uniform, for our attendance scanning system.
If unable to attend that day please contact the school.
UNIFORM:
It is important that full uniform is worn at all times during the year.
The school uniform for all students is:
Girls Boys
Crested V neck blue jumper Crested V neck blue jumper
Box pleated, plaid skirt or Dark grey tailored trousers
Dark grey tailored trousers White shirt
White shirt School Tie
School tie Plain black shoes
Black plain tights/dark grey knee socks
Plain black flat shoes - High heels and platforms are not permitted. No boots, runners or navy dubes permitted.
Shoes must be fully black, plain and flat, (no logos, decorations, buckles or coloured laces etc.) no boots.
We are aware of theexpense involved in purchasing school uniforms and would encourage parents / guardians to ensure that the items they purchase for school uniform are correct to avoid extra expense replacing them.
Each year many items of uniform, particularly jumpers are lost and subsequently found in the school. Most students do not have their nameson the labels of their uniforms therefore it is very difficult to have clothing returned to the correct person. Please ensure that the students names are on all items of uniform and other personal belongings
Trousers are to be tailored, uniform trousers, no flares not tight fitting.
School tie must be worn and be clearly visible.
Shoes must be worn. Runners are not allowed except for P .E.
Skirts must be worn below knee level.
It is very important that the uniform is worn throughout the year and for state exams also.
Notes re uniform can only cover one day.
An optional school jacket may be purchased from Dermot Hall.
Rules regarding uniforms will be strictly enforced.
The uniforms are available in the following outlets: Caroline Foran, Uniform Shop Rathangan,0861513903,Terry Michael’s, Newbridge. Dermot Hall, Edenderry & Kildare Town, Earleys, Monasterevin. Uniform World Outlet, Monasterevin. Factory Shop, Cow Pasture, Monasterevin.
P.E.
All students are required to wear the school tracksuit, white polo shirt and suitable runners.
The school has agreed with Jack & Jade and Caroline Foran(local Suppliers) to supply the school tracksuit.
Parents can deal directly with these suppliers but three weeks minimum should be allowed when ordering so names can be printed on the PE uniform. To guarantee delivery in time the orders should be placed in July.
Jack &Jade Landline: 045 529087 Caroline Foran 0861513903
Skirteen Darren: 086 8333770 Uniform Shop
Monasterevin Gillian: 086 8606158 Rathangan
The general aim of physical education is to contribute to the preparation of the pupil for a life of autonomous wellbeing. Students will be challenged and encouraged to achieve their full potential through their participation in physical education.
1. PE is a compulsory subject in Ardscoil Rath Iomghain.
2. Any pupil who is not participating in PE over a long period of time or who presents constant notes must provide a doctor or physiotherapist cert to confirm their illness/injury.
3. Any pupil who is not participating in PE must present a signed and dated note from their parent/guardian in their journal .
4. Pupils who constantly forget their gear or present notes without a cert will be referred to their year head and or Mr Murphy/Ms Doyle. Parents will be contacted.
Jewellery:
No facial/oral or dangerous loose jewellery (including bracelets, chains, rings and earrings) will be permitted in the school or on the school grounds. The bedding in period for facial jewellery must not occur during school time. Only a single stud earring will be permitted in each ear – this is for safety reasons. Sanctions will apply and students may have inappropriate jewellery confiscated. Students may be excluded from school until jewellery is removed.
No jewellery is permitted for P.E. classes.
Hairstyles of students must also be in keeping with the school ethos. They must be neat and tidy. Outrageous styles are not acceptable. Hair colour should be natural. Styles involving stripes, patterns or other grading are not permitted.
Make-up : No make-up allowed
Insurance: All students must avail of a personal accident insurance costing €10. This is for 24 hour annual cover.
Healthy Diet : We hope to promote a healthier eating policy in the school. No fizzy drinks or those high in sugar will be allowed in the school grounds. No drinks are allowed in classrooms except for medical reasons. Students are encouraged to have a healthy diet and we will be adopting a whole school approach.
Up Town First year students are not allowed up town from the time they are dropped at school, up to the time they are collected. This has been agreed with the Board of Management. An excellent canteen operates in the school from 8.15am to 1.40pm each day. There are also lunchtime activities which students can partake in. Any student leaving the school grounds without the school’s permission will be suspended.
School Journal:
Every student must have the official School Journal. The cost of the Journal is included in the Book Rental Scheme. It is important that Parents/Guardians check the journal on a daily basis and sign it weekly. Notes explaining absences etc should be written in the journal. For any student arriving late without a note, sanctions may apply.
Parents and Students are asked to sign the school Code of Behavior, which is in the School Journal.
Camera Phone: In the interest of privacy for both students & staff, students are not allowed camera phones and all other electronic devices capable of taking images, in the school, school grounds or on school activities. Students will be suspended if these are brought into school.
Transport
If you require transport you should contact Bus Eireann directly.
Phone: 057- 9325466/7. Email: buseireann.ie
If you require private transport and you have indicated this on the original enrolment form – details have been passed to the contractors . You will be contacted re private transport later in the summer.
Signing out
There are specific rules for signing out/leaving the school. Notes must always be presented in the journal to the tutor at register on the morning they leave early. Students must sign the Sign out Book in the Deputy Principal’s office before leaving. This will be fully explained to students in September.
This year we hope to use email more to contact parents. We would appreciate if you could include your email address on the data checking sheet enclosed with this letter.
Finance
We have greatly enhanced facilities contributing to a most pleasant educational environment. The maintenance costs of our relatively new and existing building is huge, overheads have increased dramatically in recent years.
We are requesting €85 from each family.
We acknowledge that times are difficult for all families at present. However with great budget cuts it is necessary for all families to pay in full the money that is due in order for the school to continue providing the excellent facilities and education. We are trying to keep costs to a minimum and facilitate payment in instalments if necessary.
Money can be paid on
Wednesday 24th June 10am – 12am
Wednesday 8th July 10am – 12am
Thursday 14th Aug 10am – 12am
Or alternatively all money can be brought in on Tuesday 26th August, the first day of school.
Fixed Amounts
Book Rental: €90.00
Insurance : €10.00
Swipe Card: €10.00
Photocopying/Stationery: €35.00 per person, €55.00 per family.
Locker: €15.00.
Voluntary contribution €85
If the above amounts cannot be given on the appointed days or, if there is any other problem, please mention it to us in confidence, this includes uniforms etc.
Additional Stationery will be required eg copies, pens etc. These can be purchased outside the school.
Specific subjects, eg. Art, tech graph, maths etc., may require additional equipment which will be available in the school. Money for these should not be sent into school until requested.
Guidelines: Art €15.00
Calculator €8.00
Tech. Graph set, set squares / compass etc. €10.00 - €20.00
Once again with co-operation between school and home your child’s education will progress. If you need to contact us during the year please do so.
Paul Murphy Claire Breen Monica De Bath
Principal Chairperson B.O.M. Chairperson Parents Assoc
Dear First Year Parents,
Ard Scoil Parents Association invites you to join us at our AGM in October.
We thank all you who supported our key events: Our very successful fund raiser “The Good as New Sale & Auction”; Catering for the Open Night and Graduation Night; Supervision at the Debs in October; Sponsorship of two half scholarships to the Gaeltacht. And last but not least your participation in monthly meetings and reading school policies.
Wishing you all an enjoyable summer,
On behalf of the Parent’s Association,
Monica de Bath,
Chairperson
Thank you again for all your support.
Yours sincerely
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Paul Murphy
Principal
MISSION STATEMENT
This school, being a source of pride in the community aspires to the holistic development of its students embracing the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions of their lives. Students will be challenged and encouraged to achieve their full potential through the recognition and reward of their effort and responsibilities, allowing them to feel confident in their ability to take their place as valued members of our society.
Dear Parent/Guardian,
You have enrolled your son/daughter in the school. We would appreciate you filling in this page informing us of your expectations of the school, and for your child, while here.
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Signed: Parent/Guardian.
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