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Admissions Policy
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ADMISSIONS POLICY This document is to be read in conjunction with the Code of Behaviour below - Appendix 1. SECTION A
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Trustee
Nominees |
Sr. Máire Ní Shúilleabháin (Chairperson) Sr. Joan Smith Mr. Noel O’Connor Mrs.
Margaret Aspell |
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Teacher Nominees |
Ms.Geraldine Keene Ms. Clare Redmond |
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Parent Nominees |
Mr. David Madden Mrs Catherine Fitzpatrick |
Enquiries regarding admission to the school should be made either by telephone or in writing to the Admissions Officer.
An initial application form requesting name, age, address, telephone number and those of parents/guardians will be forwarded.
On receipt of the completed form, applications are recorded chronologically and placed on a waiting list. Parents/guardians are requested to ring the school to confirm that their daughter’s name has been added to the list.
Places are offered in April of the year preceding entry. Parents offered places are requested to return an acceptance form with an entrance fee of €80. This confirms a place in the school. Within 21 days, those who have not been offered a place at this time will be informed and of their right to appeal. Their names will remain on the waiting list and will be offered places should they become available.
An information meeting for all parents/guardians of pupils who have accepted a place is held in December.
An assessment test for all incoming first years is usually held on the first Saturday in February.
Sample copies of relevant forms are in the appendix to this document.
Places in First Year are allocated in the following order;
To sisters of present pupils.
To daughters of staff in the school
To pupils from the St. Vincent de Paul National School, Marino, who apply in fourth class
To pupils of St Vincent de Paul National School, Marino, who apply in fifth or sixth class, whose families have recently moved to live in the area.
To other applicants in chronological order of their applications.
Parents whose daughter may have a special need or disability are requested to inform the school at the time of application or acceptance of a place. Details concerning this need will be requested from parents and from the primary school. This will include medical and or psychological reports as well as any assessments that have been carried out.
Every effort to accommodate pupils with special needs will be made. They will be made in the best interests of the prospective pupil.
The Board will assess how they can best meet these needs, and if they are in a position to do so.
Further assessments may be required, as well as meetings with parents and other professionals.
Further resources may be requested from the Department of Education and Science, when a place is finally offered.
In the case of girls who make application to transfer from other secondary schools the following criteria will apply:
That there is available space.
That the school is satisfied with the reasons for the transfer and that it is in the best interest of the girl. Relevant information concerning attendance, educational progress and or special needs will be requested from the former school.
That the prospective pupil will accept the subject choices offered in the school, at the time of transferring.
Consultation with the Education Welfare Officer may be requested if necessary.
The decision of the Board in all matters in relation to admissions is subject to appeal to Trustees/DES.
The Board also acknowledges the right of parents to appeal a refusal by the school to enroll a pupil. Should a letter of refusal be sent to parents, it shall contain a statement of this right.
APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Code of Behaviour including
· School Rules
· Discipline and reward systems
· Suspension and expulsion policies
Appendix 2. Bullying policy
Appendix 3. Forms relating to school entry
Underlying
and permeating this process are the following strongly held beliefs;
That
there is a good balance between academic, social and spiritual growth
of the person so that her full potential can emerge.
That
the school is a happy and welcoming place where the atmosphere is
characterised by friendliness and a caring relationship between staff,
parents and pupils of differing backgrounds and abilities.
That
Christian values of freedom, love, justice, self-discipline,
faith-centredness and truth are alive in the school.
The
school by constantly adapting provides an education for life today.
Inspired
by the ethos of the school, the role of management in
To
guide the formulation and ensure the implementation of school policy
and to plan for the future of the school
To
foster an environment of excellence in teaching and learning.
To
ensure compliance with legislation and directives
To
manage the school finances and budgets
To
provide and maintain the best possible physical environment
The
involvement of parents /guardians in the educational life of their
children is of central importance. It
shows itself in regular communication with the school and the provision of
a home environment supportive of the school in such areas as attendance,
punctuality, uniform, sport etc.
Traditionally
the atmosphere in
Teachers
are professional educators. They
create the atmosphere in which learning takes place.
This atmosphere is a product of good preparation, organisation and
knowledge of their subject. Teachers
have the capacity to inspire young people with a shared love of their
subject. Kindness, fairness
and calm authority are fundamental qualities in a teacher.
Teachers
are aware that they are important role models and can draw out the best in
their pupils through praise, encouragement and a real engagement with
their welfare. Outside
their classrooms teachers display a loyalty to their colleagues and to the
school and its characteristic spirit.
As in any organisation, rules and regulations exist for reasons of safety and good order.
All
students must be punctual for school and for class.
In the morning they are required to be present and seated in their
form room for morning roll call by
Students
who are late for roll call in morning or in the afternoon are requested to
get a ‘late slip’ which is to be presented to the teacher calling the
next roll so that absent mark may be changed to late mark.
Students who are late for subject classes must also get a late
slip.
Sanction:
Repeated lates will result in detention.
Students
do not have permission to leave school at any time unless they have
permission from parent/guardians and school management.
At
lunchtime only students in possession of a lunchtime pass (authorised by
parents and issued by the school) may leave the school grounds).
The lunchtime pass will be examined by the teacher or supervisor on
duty.
Sanction;
Those who leave the school without permission are expected to do cleaning
duty the next lunchtime. Leaving
at lunchtime without a pass for a second time will result in detention.
No
pupil may be absent from school or class without permission.
Sanction:
Any pupil who is absent from school without permission will be detained in
school at a later stage. Repeated and/or serious cases of truancy will
lead to suspension.
Parent/guardian must explain in writing why the student was absent. This letter is given to the Form Tutor and is recorded in the roll book. All schools are obliged to report to the National Educational Welfare Board the students who have more than 20 days (aggregate of full and half-days) absence in one year. The school will send a letter of warning to parent/guardian of students at risk of reaching that number but it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to ensure maximum attendance.
Parents/guardians
must put in writing that they wish their daughter to leave school early.
The date, the time of day and the nature of the appointment and a
contact number should be stated in the letter. Students give the letter to
their Form Tutor or roll caller. Before
she leaves the school the student completes all the details in the
appointment book and gets the letter stamped or signed by school
management. Students cannot leave the school without written permission
from parent/guardians.
When
a student is absent from school on school business (sport etc) she is
required to fill in the appropriate form before departure and give slip to
teacher at next roll call.
Sanction:
Students who fail to follow these procedures will be deemed to be absent
from school without permission.
Students
who are sick should tell their teacher at class time or tell the lunchtime
supervisor if they are sick at lunchtime.
They will then go to the front office to report their illness.
Parents/guardians will be contacted and asked to come to collect their
daughter. Students must not
leave without permission. Students
are not permitted to make their own arrangements to go home,
Sanction:
Students who do not follow this procedure will be detained in the school
at a later stage.
Mobile
phones belonging to students must not be seen, heard or used while in
school.
Sanction:
The mobile phone and SIM card will be confiscated and returned one
week later to the student’s parent/guardian.
An appointment should be made to collect the phone.
Pupils
are absolutely forbidden to smoke anywhere within the school grounds,
anywhere while in school uniform or on any activity associated with the
school.
Sanction:
Detention for a first offence and suspension, following appropriate
contact with parents/guardians for subsequent offences.
Students are not allowed to loiter at the back or side of the school or around the school gate.
Sanction: Detention for a first offence and suspension, following appropriate contact with parents/guardians for subsequent offences.
No student may possess, distribute, consume or be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs during school hours or on any activity organised by the school.
Sanction: Breach of this rule will result in immediate suspension by the Principal pending an emergency meeting of the Board of Management which will consider the matter further. Parents/guardians will be immediately informed of the reasons for the initial suspension and will be invited to attend that BOM meeting to speak on behalf of her daughter. They may make a written submission to the BOM.
Distribution of drugs or alcohol whether for reward or not may result in permanent exclusion.
Any such illegal action will be notified to An Garda Siochana.
Students are required to walk on corridors and stairs and not engage in pushing, shoving or fighting or in any other activity that will endanger others or themselves.
Students may not carry hot drinks (tea coffee soup) from the canteen.
Students should report any spillages or breakages to the nearest adult or prefect.
Accidents must be reported to the front office or failing that, to any member of staff. Details of the accident will be recorded in writing. Cycling is not allowed on the school grounds.
Sanction: Sanctions will be appropriate to the nature and seriousness of the offence.
All items should be clearly marked with students name and class. The outdoor jacket should be kept in the student’s locker.
The school uniform consists of:
Black Leather Shoes (to be worn to and from school)
Official school jacket (to be worn to and from school)
Official jumper
Official Blue Blouse
Official
Skirt
Official Tie
Navy Socks
School tracksuit and white polo shirt (only to be worn at sport)
The following items are strictly forbidden:
Runners/trainers of any kind
Jackets other that the official school jacket
Jewellery is restricted to one small ring and one pair of stud earrings
Lip studs, tongue studs, nose studs, eyebrow studs or any other visible body piercing
Visible Tattoos
Make up is not allowed
Hair must be a natural colour
Sanctions: Pupils in breach of these rules are liable to be sent home or be detained in school and /or suffer confiscation of the offending items for a period of one week. Students who wear runners to school or in school will be asked to wear a pair of slippers.
Corridors and lockers are to be kept clean. Eating is not allowed in the corridors or in the locker areas at any time. Rubbish should be sorted and placed in appropriate bins for re-cycling. Chewing gum is not allowed.
Sanction: Students who do not follow this will be asked to do cleaning duties.
Writing on desks walls or lockers is strictly forbidden.
Sanction: Anyone in breach of this will be detained in the school at a later stage and may be asked to contribute financially to the repair work.
Teachers, supervisors and students are responsible for creating an environment where learning, study or completion of practical tasks or acquiring new skills is facilitated and encouraged. Students are required to arrive on time for class, have the right books, notes, copies, completed homework and their school journal. They must sit in their assigned seats.
Sanctions: Teachers have different sets of sanctions for students who do not behave appropriately or who have not completed their assigned work. Students who repeatedly fail to behave appropriately or work to the best of their ability will be referred to their Form Tutor/ Year Head / Deputy Principal/ Principal.
Students are expected
to keep belongings secured in their lockers.
As lockers are school property these lockers may be inspected at
any time,
A basic teaching
principle in
More formal rewards take the form of
Awards for good attendance
Awards for punctuality
Prizes for teamwork like Tesco token competition organized at Junior class level.
Year Commendations awarded twice a year for students who have made huge improvement and/or who consistently work hard.
Sanctions are needed to help students see that there are consequences for their actions. We try our best to allow the sanctions “match the crime”. We also treat repeated offences more seriously than first time offences. Discipline issues should be resolved when possible at a primary level. They are only escalated through the system of subject teacher, Class Tutor, Year Head and Deputy-Principal if they cannot be resolved at an earlier stage. Teachers and other staff use a system of incident sheets to record poor behaviour and actions taken to resolve. Pupils must be made aware of their poor behaviour and allowed time to improve. Sanctions include
Verbal reprimand
Lunchtime/break time cleaning i.e. sweeping canteen, school hall or locker areas, wiping tables
Confiscation of an item for a 7 day period i.e. jewellery, jackets, track suit jackets, mobile phone
Withdrawal of concessions e.g. revoking of lunchtime pass
‘On Report’ i.e. student must report to Form Tutor before she goes home each day for specified time period.
‘On Class Report’ i.e. student must get each class teacher to assess (rate from 1 to 10) his or her behaviour/work output in class that day. The aim is then to reward the good behaviour.
Referrals to the pastoral care team i.e. Form Tutor, then the Year Head
Interview with parents/guardians
Detention after school i.e. Parents/guardians are informed.
Barring from school trip/ outbound activity
Suspension from class i.e. student does not attend normal classes but accompanies the Form Tutor or Year Head or Deputy Principal or other teacher to their classes. She is asked to sit at the back of the class and work.
In limited and exceptional circumstances pupils within a specified Year Group or a Class Group may be excluded from class. A student will be asked to leave the classroom for failure to bring books, copies or homework or for arriving to class late or for argumentative or disruptive behaviour. She is instructed to report directly to her Year Head/Deputy Principal or Principal.
Restriction of movement around school at lunchtime i.e. student is asked to remain in the canteen at lunchtime or to report to a Year Head at specified time.
SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION POLICIES
The
Principal of the school, may suspend a pupil when
Other
efforts have failed (to bring about an acceptable standard of
behaviour)
(a)
There have been serious breaches of discipline
(b)
A pupil has been found smoking/loitering for a second time
1.
Suspension will be used in this case where all other efforts have
failed. Written accounts of
all ongoing efforts will be kept and parents will be informed.
Finally parents will be asked to meet with Principal to discuss the
case again. Following this
meeting a decision will be made. When
a decision to suspend is made parents will be informed in writing
delivered by hand or by registered post.
2
(a) Other
serious breaches in the school’s code of behaviour.
In the case of other serious breaches of the code, a written account will
be made on the Incident Report Sheet which will be dated and signed.
The pupil will be asked to read and date and sign or to write her
account and date and sign. Where
there are witnesses to the event they will be interviewed and written
statements made. The pupil may
be removed from normal class if this is necessary but will be kept in a
supervised situation. Parents/guardians
are contacted and informed of misbehaviour and intention to suspend.
The final decision to suspend will be made at a meeting with
parents/guardians. The
decision to suspend will be communicated in writing to parents/guardians.
The letter will be delivered by hand or by registered post.
Parents/Guardians will be informed of their right to appeal to the
BOM for it’s consideration, the basis on which the decision to suspend
was made.
2
(b) Second time
smoking /loitering.
In the case of the second incident of smoking/loitering the Principal
informs the parents/guardians by letter of the incident and the date of
the upcoming suspension.
The Principal informs the BOM of all suspensions.
In cases of suspensions of over 6 days the NEWB will be informed.
The
B.O.M. of
Teaching
and Learning are Prevented
Following
a first time serious offence
Guardians/parents
will be informed by registered letter that B.O.M. is considering expulsion
of their child. The letter
will outline the reason, the rights of the parents/guardians to meet or
make a written submission to the B.O.M. and the date and time of the
meeting.
The
Principal will bring all the documentation relating to the case for the
B.O.M. and either the Principal or the Chairperson will outline the case
in the presence of parents/guardians.
The parents/guardians will be asked to give their response and
speak on behalf of their daughter before any decision is arrived at by the
BOM.
The
B.O.M. will take into account all the facts before it.
The Board will inform the parents/guardians of their decision to
expel, in writing by registered post.
Parents/Guardians will also be informed of their right to appeal to
the Trustees and/or the DES under section 29.
Our aim is to create a greater awareness and understanding of bullying behaviour and to promote ways by which such behaviour can be prevented.
We deem bullying to be any repeated behaviour that is socially, physically, verbally or emotionally abusive of another person’s well-being, dignity and self-esteem.
This includes: - teasing, slagging or jeering someone
- excluding someone from group/class
- picking on a person who looks/sounds different from the group/class
- spreading rumours about someone (written or spoken), taking or damaging belongs of another person
- excluding people because they study/work hard – or answer questions in class
- taking someone else’s homework or someone else’s notes
- laughing at people who make mistakes
- pushing, shoving someone in corridors, cloakrooms and toilets
- writing threatening notes
- objecting to sitting beside someone
- continued disruptive behaviour by student or group of students
- in classrooms, during class when a student offers a suggestion (that is correct or a mistake)
- in the locker room
- in the classroom before the teacher enters the room
- in the toilets
- on the corridors between classes
- at lunch time
- bicycle shed
- walking home from school
- at games
- in queue for canteen
- school bus
1. At tutor periods at the beginning of each term, a reminder of school policy and guidelines on bullying. At the first staff meeting of each term a reminder of our policy and an update on what is being done.
2. a) The policy to be written into the school journals, as part of school rules which parents have to sign.
b) Pupils will be encourage to tell their tutor or another teacher if they themselves or someone they know is being victimized.
3. a) Teacher awareness e.g. frequent presence of teachers on corridors, locker-rooms, toilets etc. Teachers spend a minute or two on corridors between classes.
b) Class places especially in smaller classes. Desks to be allocated to all pupils at all times, and if possible changed fairly frequently.
c) Alertness during lunch-time supervision.
4. Prefects and Fifth Year “friends” can be very important in combating bullying.
5. A copy of school policy on bullying to b given to school secretaries, John and to the kitchen and cleaning staffs and to the Board of Management.
It is vital that all matters reported to a teacher are investigated fully and confidentially, and if necessary followed up on. Help must not be merely temporary.
1. The tutor or the teacher in whom the victim confides asks her to write down what happened – who, what, where, when. If more than one victim, write separate accounts. With the permission of the victim, the teacher should always inform the Tutor/Year Head.
2. Class tutor/Year Head meets bully or bullies, and have them write down separately what happened. Do not accept false excuses e. g. “It was a game”, “a laugh”, “an accident|”, “Did everyone enjoy the joke?” etc.
3. Remind each individual what the school expects and how she/they has broken school guidelines.
4. If larger group knows, tell students that they are all responsible. There are no innocent bystanders.
5. If situation is serious, talk to school Principal and to parents.
6. Keep a record of conversations with both sets of parents and show parents written statements.
7. These procedures need not be rigidly followed. The emphasis should be on the “writing down”.
General sanctions are impossible to suggest as each individual case is different. Both bullies and victims need help on an ongoing basis, either from Guidance Counsellor or tutor or others .g. assertiveness training for victim or encourage out of isolation. Bullies also my need encouragement e.g. to take an interest in the school activities e.g. sport etc.
Forms relating to
entry to Maryfield
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Maryfield College