Author Archives: St Johns

  • 01
    Sep 15
  • -

September 2015 Newsletter

St. John’s N.S. Kenmare
Bunscoil Eoin Naofa An Neidín
Tel: 064-6642598 / 064-6642300
e-mail:  [email protected]

 

Welcome back to St. John’s N.S. Bunscoil Eoin Naofa to pupils and teachers.

A special welcome to the girls and boys in the two Junior Infants classes as well as all new pupils to other classes who are joining our school for the first time. We look forward to working with you all.

 

Upcoming Closings;

Monday, October 26th to Friday, October 30th – Mid Term Break

A full list of closures for the coming school year accompanies this Newsletter.

 

School opening/closing times:

School opening hours 9.20a.m – 3.00p.m.

Junior Infant children finish at 2.00 p.m.

from Monday, September 14th.

Senior Infant children finish at 2.00p.m.

All others finish at 3.00p.m.

 

Please note that the B.O.M. does not provide supervision for children outside of these hours in particular for children who may be left at school before the official starting time and after closing time in the evening. Parents of infant children are reminded that prompt collection of children at 2.00p.m. is expected.

If your child is being collected for an appointment it is necessary that a note is sent to class teacher. A ‘sign in, sign out’ system at the school office is now in operation if you wish to take your child during school hours for a necessary appointment. Please note that only persons named on the Enrolment Form can collect your child. Any changes to these arrangements must be made known to the school office in writing.

 

New Staff:

Congratulations to newly appointed permanent teaching staff Carrie Spillane, Mona O’Donoghue and James Devane, newly appointed temporary teachers Ronan Hussey and Libby Conroy, wishing you all the best of luck for the coming year.

Sadly we are saying farewell to teacher Catherine Doyle who has taken up a new teaching post in Killarney. We would like to wish her all the best in her new job and sincere thanks for all her hard work in St. John’s and St. Clare’s National Schools.

 

Additional Classrooms:

As you have probably noticed work has commenced on our building project which will see the construction of two additional classrooms that will cater for increased enrolment.

Due to the building work being carried out and in the interest of Health and Safety access to the rear assembly area is through the Main Front Door only.  We would appreciate if you could drop your child at the main front door. From here your child will go to their class assembly point at the back of the school. To avoid congestion and to develop pupil independence we are asking you not to accompany your child to the assembly area. Supervision is provided there and class teachers collect classes at 9.20a.m. We would appreciate your co-operation in this regard.

Please note that a set down only system is in place at opening and closing times in the school car park. We note particularly that there is congestion when parents park and accompany their children to the school. We are asking you to be conscious of all other drivers and pedestrians when setting down or reversing from car parking spaces. On wet days in particular we are asking you to be patient when there is a higher volume of traffic and to co-operate with signals given by traffic supervisors. We are asking you also to be conscious of bus parking at school opening and closing times.

Please note that parents are not permitted to use staff car park for set down and collection purposes or for entry or exit at opening and closing times. In the interest of all our health and safety we are asking you to co-operate in this regard.

 

Policy Information Booklet:

We are providing you with a copy of our updated Policy Information Booklet. We kindly ask you to read this booklet carefully and to sign the accompanying Consent Form and return to class teacher by Friday, September 11th.

 

School Uniform:

We are delighted to see so many of our pupils wearing their full new uniform including crested jumper, blue shirt/ grey skirt or trousers and black shoes. Class teachers have informed their classes regarding the allocated P.E. days when the pupils will wear their tracksuit. On all other days, full school uniform should be worn.

 

New and Used Clothing Collection:

New and Used Clothing Collection Company will be collecting from the school on Friday, September 25th. They collect clothing, footwear, belts, handbags, hats, linens household textiles etc.

Bags can be dropped to the school by Friday morning. Please support.

 

Insurance:

You are requested to return all optional Personal Accident Insurance forms with remittance before September 30th (see application form accompanying this newsletter).

 

Art/Craft & Photocopying:                                                      

A contribution of €20 per child (€15 for subsequent children) is requested to cover art/craft and photocopying costs for the coming year. Please forward to class teacher before end of September if you have not already done so.

 

Healthy Lunches:

We are asking you to take the time to read the section in your child’s Homework Journal regarding our healthy lunch policy. We recommend that pupils should bring a sandwich, a non fizzy drink and a piece of fruit. Crisps are of course strictly forbidden.

In line with our Green School principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, we are asking pupils to bring reusable drinks and lunch containers and to place organic waste in the bins provided. All other wrappings and paper should be put in lunch boxes and brought home.

In as far as possible, we are encouraging all pupils to bring their full lunch with them in the morning. In such a large building delivery of lunches to pupils during the school day is not practical.

To encourage healthy lunches we have designated Monday, October 5th to Friday, October 9th as Healthy Eating Week. During that week we will teach the pupils at all levels about healthy diet and composition of healthy lunches.

For more information on healthy eating check out www.safefood.eu.

 

Communication with Parents:

Parent/Teacher meetings will be scheduled during the school year. We will give you plenty notice regarding the time and date of these meetings. Outside of this when you wish to meet a teacher an appointment system is in place.

Please take the time to read all correspondence from the school. The school may need to communicate urgent messages to parents/guardians by text to their mobile phones.

It has been brought to our attention that many parents have changed mobile numbers and may also have changed address. Please notify school of any such changes. Kindly fill in details at the front of Homework Journal.

 

Regular Attendance/Consent:

It is very important that your child attends school regularly. A written note is required if your child is absent for any reason – please write note in notes section provided in Homework Journal. Infant pupils who do not use Homework Journals can send a note to teacher giving details of absence.

Under the Welfare Act 2002 school authorities are obliged to supply the Welfare Board with the names of children who are absent 20 days or more during the school year. In order to reward good attendance during the school year 2015/16 we will be giving awards at the end of the school year. It should of course be noted that children who are sick should not be sent to school as this can have its own negative consequences.

 

Book Rental:

All classes can now rent a large number of books under our Book Rental Scheme. We have invested a huge amount of finance, time and energy into the covering, labelling and stamping of these books which have now been distributed to all classes.

We kindly ask you to periodically check that each child is taking care of rented books and that they are returned to the school in good condition in June 2016.

We anticipate your help and support in this regard so that our rental scheme can expand and last long into the future.

 

 

Finally, we look forward to a successful school year and hope that with your support we can deliver a safe, happy and enjoyable learning experience for all pupils.

Mise le meas,

_________________

 

Denis Courtney,

Principal and Staff.

  • 01
    Jan 15
  • -

The Administration of Medicines

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The Administration of Medicines

While the Board of Management has a duty to safeguard the health and safety of pupils when they are engaged in authorised school activities this does not mean a duty upon teachers to personally undertake the administration of medicines.

The Board of Management requests parents to ensure that teachers be made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by any children in their class.

• Non-prescriptive medicines will neither be stored nor administered to pupils in school. Prescribed medicines will not be administered in school without the written consent of parents and in the case of long term conditions e.g. Diabetes the specific authorisation of the Board of Management.

• The medicine should not be kept by the pupil but in a cupboard out of reach of pupils. Certain medicines, such as inhalers used by asthmatic children must be readily accessible at all times of the school day.

• The medicine should by self-administered if possible, under the supervision of an authorised adult.

• A written record of the date and time of administration must be kept.

• A teacher should not administer medication without the specific authorisation of the Board.

• No teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to a pupil.

• In emergency situations qualified medical assistance will be secured at the earliest opportunity.

• Parents of a pupil requiring regular medication during school hours should write to the Board to authorise a member of staff to administer the medication in school.

• Written details are required from the parent/guardian to the Board of Management giving the name of the child, name and dose of medication, whether the child should be responsible for her own medication, the circumstances in which medication is to be given by the teacher and consent for it to be given, when the parent is to be notified and where she can be contacted. It is the parent’s responsibility to check each morning whether or not the authorised teacher is in school unless an alternative arrangement is made locally.

• Where children are suffering from life threatening conditions, parents should outline clearly in writing, what can and can’t be done in a particular emergency situation, with particular reference to what may be a risk to the child.

• It is the parent’s responsibility to inform the school where children have an allergy to a substance contained in antiseptic wipes or plasters as these will be used in cases of accidents in school.

• Parents are further required to indemnify the Board of Management and authorised members of staff in respect of any liability that may arise regarding the administration of prescribed medicines in school. The Board of Management will inform the school’s insurers accordingly.

• Where possible the family doctor should arrange for the administration of prescribed medicines outside of school hours.

• Where permission has been given by the Board of Management for the administration of medicine the smallest possible dose should be brought to school, preferably by the parent with clear written instructions for administration, giving the name of the pupil. It is also the parent’s responsibility to check that the medicine is within expiry date.

• Changes in prescribed medication (or dosage) should be notified immediately to the school with clear written instructions of the procedure to be followed in storing and administering the new medication.

Parents should ensure that these procedures are clearly understood before submitting any request to the Board of Management.

This policy will be reviewed as and when necessary.

  • 01
    Jan 15
  • -

Complaints procedure for primary schools

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS

 

Introduction

Only those complaints about teachers which are written and signed by parents/guardians of pupils may be investigated formally by the Board of Management, except where those complaints are deemed by the Board to be:

 

  • on matters of professional competence and which are to be referred to the Department of Education;
  • frivolous or vexatious complaints and complaints which do not impinge on the work of a teacher in a school; or
  • complaints in which either party has recourse to law or to another existing procedure.

 

Unwritten complaints not in the above categories may be processed informally as set out in Stage 1 of this procedure.

 

 

Stage 1

 

  • A parent/guardian who wishes to make a complaint should, unless there are local arrangements to the contrary, approach the class teacher with a view to resolving the complaint.
  • Where the parent/guardian is unable to resolve the complaint with the class teacher she/he should approach the Principal with a view to resolving it.
  • If the complaint is still unresolved the parent/guardian should raise the matter with the Chairperson of the Board of Management with a view to resolving it.

 

 

Stage 2

 

2.1 If the complaint is still unresolved and the parent/guardian wishes to pursue the matter further she/he should lodge the complaint in writing with the Chairperson of the Board of Management.

2.2 The Chairperson should bring the precise nature of the written complaint to the notice of the teacher and seek to resolve the matter between the parties within 5 days of receipt of the written complaint.

 

 

Stage 3

 

3.1 If the complaint is not resolved informally, the Chairperson should, subject to the general authorisation of the Board and except in those cases where the Chairperson deems the particular authorisation of the Board to be required:

 

  • supply the teacher with a copy of the written complaint; and

 

  • arrange a meeting with the teacher and, where applicable, the Principal Teacher with a view to resolving the complaint. Such a meeting should take place within 10 days of receipt of the written complaint.

 

Stage 4

 

4.1 If the complaint is still not resolved the Chairperson should make a formal report to the Board within 10 days of the meeting referred to in 3.1(b).

4.2 If the Board considers that the complaint is not substantiated the teacher and the complaint should be so informed within three days of the Board meeting.

4.3 If the Board considers that the complaint is substantiated or that it warrants further investigation it proceeds as follows:

 

  • the teacher should be informed that the investigation is proceeding to the next stage;
  • the teacher should be supplied with a copy of any written evidence in support of the complaint;
  • the teacher should be requested to supply a written statement to the Board in response to the complaint;
  • the teacher should be afforded an opportunity to make a presentation of case to the Board. The teacher would be entitled to be accompanied and assisted by a friend at any such meeting;
  • the board may arrange a meeting with the complainant if it considers such to be required. The complainant would be entitled to be accompanied and assisted by a friend at any such meeting; and
  • the meeting of the Board of Management referred to in (d) and (e) will take place within 10 days of the meeting referred to in 3.1(b).

 

Stage 5

 

5.1 When the Board has completed its investigation, the Chairperson should convey the decision of the Board in writing to the teacher and the complainant within five days of the meeting of the Board.

5.2 The decision of the Board shall be final.

5.3 This Complaints Procedure shall be reviewed after three years.

5.4 CPSMA or INTO may withdraw from this agreement having given the other party three months’ notice of intention to do so.

 

In this agreement ‘days’ means schools days.

 

  • 01
    Jan 15
  • -

Designated Autism Unit – Admissions and Enrolment Policy

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Designated Autism Unit – St. John’s N.S.

Admissions and Enrolment Policy

 

 

Enrolment Criteria

 

  1. All parents wishing to enroll their children in the class for children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in St. John’s N.S. will require an up to date psychological assessment report from a registered Psychologist.

 

Please note that an “up-to-date psychological assessment” is defined as:

 

A psychiatric or psychological assessment report that clearly specifies whether the child has a confirmed diagnosis of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

 

A reference to the child’s current cognitive functioning as well as current behaviour analysis as ascertained by valid and reliable psychometric tests and clinical impressions.

 

It is preferable that a report, completed within approximately 12 months prior to a decision being made with regards to the child’s application, should be furnished.

 

The age profile of children in the A.S.D. class must correspond with the age profile of all the other children in St. John’s N.S.

 

Final decision lies with the B.O.M. Applications Team comprising of the Board of Management, Chairperson, Principal, Psychologist, Special Class Teacher and S.E.N.O. (Special Needs Organisor).

 

 

Where a child’s behaviour impacts in a negative way on others in the school to the extent that their constitutional right to an education is being interfered with or their health and safety compromised, as judged by the Board of Management of the School, the school reserves the right to advise parents that a more suitable setting should be found for their child.

 

Application Process

 

  1. Parent(s) / Guardian(s) will apply in writing to the School Principal.

 

  1. The criteria for admission, the services available, the teaching methodologies used, and a Registration/ Enrolment Form will be sent to the Parent(s) / Guardian(s) for consideration.

 

  1. Should Parent(s) / Guardian(s) feel that the particular class might suit their child’s needs they will need to forward the registration form along with a recent psychological assessment – see definition of same above.

 

  1. The application will be considered by the B.O.M. Multidisciplinary Committee. This Committee is comprised of a Psychologist, Board of Management Chairperson, Class Teacher and School Principal.  The Admissions Committee recommendation is forwarded to the B.O.M. who will have the final decision.

 

 

The Class for Children with ASD

 

  1. According to the Department of Education and Science (D.E.S.) CIRCULAR 9/99 the current pupil teacher ratio applicable is 6:1. This is comprised of 1 Teacher and 2 Special Needs Assistants per 6 children.

 

  1. The outreach services of a multi disciplinary team from the Regional ASD Service will be available to the class.

 

  1. In-service training for staff will be delivered on an ongoing basis. In the light of whole team training, it may be deemed necessary at times to request the children not to attend school on that particular day(s).  Parent(s) / Guardian(s) will be given ample notice of dates.

 

  1. All school staff will have access to specific training and focuses on educating/working with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

 

 

 

Enrolment

 

“Enrolment” – At an introductory stage children will be integrated into their new class environment as per their individual needs (for example a child may initially attend on a part-time basis until the child has adapted to the new environment) this will be individually agreed and monitored in consultation with parents.

In all cases admissions must be monitored and reviewed – children shall not remain in this class if the class is not meeting their needs.

 

 

Teaching Methods

 

Teaching methods include elements of various styles and techniques including:

  • All children follow the Mainstream Curriculum and integrate with their peers in the Mainstream Classes where appropriate
  • E.P. (Individual Education Plans) are written at the start of the school year in consultation with parents and the A.S.D. Team. Targets are monitored on a regular basis, with review meetings taking place in January and June.
  • E.A.C.C.H – Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children
  • E.C.S – Picture Exchange Communication System
  • P.E.L.L – Structure, Positive, Empathy, Low Arousal, Links
  • Social Stories
  • The Social Class Teachers will work in consultation with the A.S.D Team to ensure the needs of each child are addressed appropriately. The A.S.D Team may include the following members: Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Clinic Manager, Key Worker and Social Worker.

 

 

Individual Educational Plan – Children will have regular access to I.E.P.’s in the setting of St. John’s N.S.

 

 

Aim and Objectives

 

To provide a quality driven, appropriate educational service to all children in the Unit, within the requirements of all recent legislation pertaining to Special Needs Education.

To strive towards the integration of children in the Unit into mainstream education, having regard for levels of disability, available resources and suitability for such integration.

To enhance the communicative and social skills of the children in the Unit.

 

Discharge Policy

 

It is school policy to facilitate the discharge of pupils from the unit once they have reached the age of twelve.

Pupils who reach the age of thirteen after September 30th in any year will be permitted to complete that academic year. This means a June discharge in the following year.  Discharge may also be recommended after the first year if the admissions team, after consultation with the parents/guardians, feel that placement is not appropriate.

 

Evaluation

 

The Board of Management will monitor the implementation of all aspects of this policy.  This policy will be amended and updated as require.

 

  • 01
    Jan 15
  • -

Homework Policy

HOMEWORK POLICY

 

Homework is given as a means of consolidating and reinforcing work done in school. It provides a link between teacher and parent and encourages parental involvement in their child’s education. We would advise you to check your child’s work and remain in regular contact with the child’s teacher by signing homework every school night.

 

The following points should also be noted with regards to homework.

 

  • Set aside a regular time for homework including adequate time for reading, learning by heart as well as written work.
  • The child should be sitting comfortably at a table in a quiet room free from distractions and interruptions.
  • Do not allow children to watch T.V. while doing homework and they should not have access to iPads, tablets, phones etc. at this time.
  • The pupil should have their homework journal/homework sheet beside them and tick off work as it is completed. Homework Journals should be signed each night by parent or guardian after checking that the work is completed satisfactorily. If for any reason homework cannot be done, let the class teacher know by writing a short note.
  • If your child is working independently – be available to help and show interest in what is being done. If you are working with your child and you feel yourself becoming impatient, take a short break and go back to the work a little later. Praise your child’s efforts at every opportunity.
  • Parents should encourage a positive attitude towards all subjects from an early age and should advise their child to do their best work at all times. If your child is persistently having problems with homework, contact the class teacher and discuss the difficulties.

 

  • Encourage your child to keep books and copies clean and tidy and to take pride in doing their very best work. Ensure your child has all the necessary books and school related items needed for school the following day.
  • The school promotes recreational reading as part of the homework routine or at the other times e.g. bedtime / weekends / breaks. We would appreciate co-operation from all parents / guardians with regard to same.

 

In order to promote a positive attitude to homework the following rewards are used, reward stickers / stars / stamps / Student of the week / Reader of the week etc. Occasionally one aspect of homework e.g. oral or written will be omitted as an incentive for best effort in group work. The school will periodically award a homework-free night for special occasions or achievements.

 

While homework is given with the child of average ability in mind, obviously some children will get it completed more quickly than others. Some children may have to complete work begun in school that they did not finish. Time spent on homework will vary from day to day and also from the beginning to the end of the school year. Remember that work completed quickly and carelessly is not work completed properly.

When considering the amount of time spent on homework, one must not include time spent doing another unrelated activity e.g. wandering off to play. Time spent depends on the child’s concentration, ability and application.

 

If a child is absent from school for lengthy periods due to illness, school personnel will endeavor to help the child keep up with the work of the class. In the event of a child being absent from school for other reasons e.g. holidays, it is our policy that teachers will not set or correct work for individual children. All absences affect the pattern of a child’s schooling and parents need to be mindful of this and avoid children losing out on valuable educational experiences where possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here follows the recommended homework times which should operate in normal circumstances and keeping the above guidelines in mind.

 

Infants:                                   0-20 mins.

Rang 1 and 2:                       20-30 mins.

Rang 3 and 4:         –             30-40 mins.

Rang 5 and 6:                       40-50 mins.

 

 

We have a policy of giving homework from Monday – Thursday.

Weekends are homework free provided homework has been completed on Monday to Thursday.

 

Parent / Teacher Meetings:

Communication between parent and teacher is vital to ensure that the progress of your child can be monitored. Parent / teacher meetings are held once a year usually in February. However, should you wish to discuss your child’s progress with class teacher or principal we would ask you to make an appointment through the school secretary who will arrange a suitable time for your consultation.

 

 

 

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Contact Info

Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Ireland, V93 DX76

064-6642598 / 064-6642300

[email protected]

Copyright 2016 St John's National School - Developed By ITS Ireland