Our Policies

Admissions Policy

Anti - Bullying Policy 2023

Anti-Bullying-Policy-September 2023

Attendance Policy

Introduction:

Changing social habits and patterns necessitated a schools attendance policy. This drafting was a collaborative school process involving staff and Board of Management.

Rationale:

The main factors contributing to the formulation of this policy can be summarised as follows:

To promote and encourage regular attendance as an essential factor in our pupils’ learning
Legislative requirements such as the Education Welfare Act 2000 and the Education Act, 1998
The role of the NEWB

Compliance with School Ethos

This policy complements the school ethos of nurturing potential in a caring environment where the welfare of children is paramount.

Aims and Objectives:

The revised policy is geared towards:

ensuring that pupils are registered accurately and efficiently
ensuring that pupil attendance is recorded daily
encouraging full attendance where possible
identifying pupils at risk
promoting a positive learning environment
enabling learning opportunities to be availed of
raising awareness of the importance of school attendance
fostering an appreciation of learning
identify pupils at risk of leaving school early
ensuring compliance with the requirements of the relevant legislation
developing, subject to available resources, links between the school and the families of children who may be at risk of developing attendance problems
identifying and removing, insofar as is practicable, obstacles to school attendance.

Punctuality:

School begins at 9.20 am. All pupils and teachers are expected to be on time. The school will contact parents/guardians in the event of pupils being consistently late. The Principal is obliged under the Education Welfare Act, to report children who are persistently late, to the Education Welfare Board.

Recording and Reporting Attendance:

The school attendance of individual pupils is recorded in the Leabhar Rolla (Roll Book) of each class on a daily basis. Class attendance data is recorded daily in the Leabhar Tinrimh (Attendance Book). The annual attendance of each individual pupil is recorded in the Clár Leabhar (Register), together with information provided in enrolment forms (Pupil’s Name, Date of Birth, Address, Religion, Parents’ Names and Parents’ Occupations).

If a pupil does not attend on a day when the school is open for instruction, his/her non-attendance will be recorded by the class teacher. The roll call is taken at 9.50 am each morning. Any pupil not present will be marked absent for the day. The roll book may not be altered once it has been filled in. A note from parents/guardians is required to explain each absence. Such notes will be retained by the class teacher. Parents/guardians must also provide a note if a child departs early during the school day. These notes are dated and kept in a central location (administration office). Late arrivals and early departures are recorded by the class teacher.

Parents/guardians are made aware of the requirements of the NEWB particularly the by-law relating to absences of more than 20 days per school year. They are notified in writing on the end of year report of the total number of absences during the school year. Pupils whose non-attendance is a concern are invited to meet with the Principal during Parent/Teacher meetings and are informed of the school’s concerns.

The school must inform the Education Welfare Officer in writing, where a child has missed 20 or more days in a school year, where attendance is irregular, where a pupil is removed from the school register and where a child is suspended or expelled for 6 days or more.

Promoting Attendance:

The school promotes good attendance by:

creating a safe and welcoming environment
ensuring children are happy
displaying kindness, compassion and understanding
being vigilant so that risks to good attendance such as disadvantage, bullying etc. are identified early

National Education Welfare Board:

The Education Welfare Officer is informed if:

A child is expelled
A child is suspended
A child has missed more than 20 days.

The NEWB is furnished with the total attendances in the school year through the Annual Report Form which is completed on-line.

Whole School Strategies to Promote Attendance:

St. Colmcille’s NS endeavours to create a safe, welcoming environment for our pupils and their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are consulted in drafting and reviewing policies with the aim of promoting a high-level of co-operation among the school community. The teaching staff collaborate in the planning and implementation of the primary school curriculum, so as to provide a stimulating learning environment for all pupils. Traditionally, school attendance is strong in our school. However, staff remain vigilant so that ‘risk’ students are identified early. Risk students can be categorised as those who miss more than 5 days in a 20-day period without an accompanying note of explanation from parents/guardians. Appropriate contact takes place between the school and parents/guardians either via a letter or a note in the homework diary when this occurs. A meeting between parents and the Principal may be set up if deemed necessary. Absences of more than 20 days are automatically referred to the Education Welfare Officer.

New entrants and their parents/guardians are invited to engage in an induction process, through which the school’s policies and procedures in relation to attendance are explained. There is a focus on the value of regular attendance and on the importance of developing good attendance habits from Junior Infants onwards.

Our homework policy, drawn up in consultation with parents/guardians, clearly outlines the school’s expectations in terms of the quantity of homework assigned and in the quality of homework presented. There is a consistent approach to homework throughout the school.

The calendar for the coming school year is published annually in September. It is hoped that this approach will enable parents/guardians to plan family events around school closures, thus minimising the chances of non-attendance related to family holidays during the school term.

Pupils are expected to wear the correct school uniform. Parents/guardians are informed if a child has no lunch, and if one cannot be provided for him/her, the school will provide a lunch.

Strategies in the Event of Non-Attendance:

Section 17 of the Education (Welfare) Act (2000), states that ‘the parent of a child shall cause the child concerned to attend a recognised school on each school day’.

Section 21 of the Act obliges schools to inform the Education Welfare Officer if a child is absent on more than 20 days in any school year, or if a child does not attend school on a regular basis.

In such cases the Education Welfare Officer (following all reasonable efforts by the Education Board to consult with the child’s parents and the Principal of the school) may serve a ‘School Attendance Notice’ on any parent who he/she concludes is failing or neglecting to cause the child to attend the school. A successful case taken against the parent may result in a fine and/or imprisonment.

Reasons for absence are recorded and reported to the NEWB five times during the school year through an online system. An annual report is submitted – not more than six weeks following the end of the school year – detailing the overall level of attendance at the school during that school year.

Transfer to another School:

Under Section 20 of the Education (Welfare) Act (2000), the Principal of a child’s current school must notify the Principal of the child’s previous school that the child is now registered in their school.

When a Principal receives notification that a child has been registered elsewhere he/she must notify the Principal of the pupil’s new school of any problems in relation to attendance at the pupil’s former school and of such matters relating to the child’s educational progress as he or she considers appropriate. This applies to pupils who transfer between primary schools and to pupils who transfer from primary to second-level education.

Communication:

The school works with the local groups, the local sports partnership and other bodies in developing programmes to promote school attendance. These programmes aim to minimise the risks of irregular or non-attendance and to maximise the opportunities provided to all pupils.

The school maintains communication with local pre-schools and second-level schools in order to make the transition for pupils as easy as possible.

Communication with other Schools:

When a child transfers from St. Colmcille’s NS to another school, the schools records on attendance, academic progress etc will be forwarded on receipt of written notification of the transfer.
When a child transfers into St. Colmcille’s NS confirmation of transfer will be communicated to the child’s previous school, and appropriate records sought.
Pupils transferring from St. Colmcille’s NS to a post primary school will have their records forwarded on receipt of confirmation of enrolment.

Communication with Parents:

The school informs all parents of the implications of non-attendance as per the Education Welfare Act 2000. This information is disseminated by regular school newsletters. Parents of new children are informed on enrolment.

Parents/guardians can promote good school attendance by:

ensuring regular and punctual school attendance.
notifying the School if their children cannot attend for any reason.
working with the School and education welfare service to resolve any attendance problems;
making sure their children understand that parents support good school attendance;
discussing planned absences with the school.
refraining, if at all possible, from taking holidays during school time
showing an interest in their children’s school day and their children’s homework.
encouraging them to participate in school activities.
praising and encouraging their children’s achievements.
instilling in their children a positive self-concept and a positive sense of self-worth.
informing the school in writing of the reasons for absence from school.
ensuring, insofar as is possible, that children’s appointments (with dentists etc), are arranged for times outside of school hours.
contacting the school immediately, if they have concerns about absence or other related school matters.
notifying, in writing, the school if their child/children, particularly children in junior classes, are to be collected by someone not known to the teacher.

Roles and Responsibilities:

All staff have an input into the implementation of the policy. Class teachers record individual patterns of attendance and the Deputy Principal makes returns to NEWB. The Deputy Principal has responsibility for maintaining the Leabhair Tinreamh and Leabhar Rolla.

It is the responsibility of the Principal and staff to implement this policy under the guidance of the school’s Board of Management.

Evaluation:

The success of any Attendance Policy is measured through:

Improved attendance levels as measured through Leabhar rolla records and statistical returns
Happy confident well adjusted children
Positive parental feedback
Teacher vigilance.

Implementation/Ratification and Review:

This policy will be implemented immediately. It will be reviewed again in 2018 or as deemed necessary.

Acceptable Usage Policy for Internet Use

The aim of this Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s Internet resources in a safe and effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a school resource and privilege. Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions – as outlined in the AUP – will be imposed.

It is envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the AUP regularly. Before enrolling, the AUP should be read carefully to ensure that the conditions of use are accepted and understood. The first version of the AUP was created between October 2011 & January 2012. It is now revised to take account of new technologies and advances in and usage of social media.

School’s Strategy

The school employs a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet. These strategies are as follows:

General

Internet sessions will always be supervised by a teacher.
Filtering software is used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.
The school will regularly monitor pupils’ Internet usage.
Students and teachers will be provided with training in the area of Internet safety.
Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.
Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.
The use of personal memory sticks and other digital storage media in school requires a teacher’s permission.
Students will treat others with respect at all times and observe good “netiquette’’ (etiquette on the internet) at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute. (cf Anti-Bullying Procedures)

World Wide Web

Students will not intentionally visit Internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials.
Students will report accidental accessing of inappropriate materials in accordance with school procedures.
Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only during class time. During Golden Time, they may be allowed to use the Internet for entertainment purposes. However, all web sites will be vetted by the class teacher.
Students will not copy information into assignments and fail to acknowledge the source (plagiarism and copyright infringement).
Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
Accessing or downloading materials or images not relevant to their studies, is in direct breach of the school’s acceptable use policy.
Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information, school-related or personal, may be monitored for unusual activity, security and/or network management reasons.

Email / Internet Chat

If pupils are allowed to use email, the following rules will apply:

Students will use approved class email accounts under supervision by or permission from a teacher.
Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person.
Students will not send text messages to or from school email
Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as addresses or telephone numbers or pictures.
Students will never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they only know through emails or the internet.
Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.
Students will not have access to chat rooms, discussion forums, messaging or other electronic communication fora.

School Website

Please note that the following points apply to the school’s web site and social media profiles, including but not limited to Twitter, Scribd, Google+, etc.
Pupils will be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the World Wide Web in accordance with clear policies and approval processes regarding the content that can be loaded to the school’s website
The website will be regularly checked to ensure that there is no content that compromises the safety of pupils or staff.
Website using facilities such as guestbooks, noticeboards or weblogs will be checked frequently to ensure that they do not contain personal details
The publication of student work will be co-ordinated by a teacher.
Pupils’ work will appear in an educational context on Web pages
The school will endeavour to use digital photographs, audio or video clips focusing on group activities. Photographs, audio and video clips will be used. Video clips may be password protected.
Personal pupil information including home address and contact details will be omitted from school web pages.
The school website will avoid publishing the first name and last name of individuals in a photograph.
The school will ensure that the image files are appropriately named – will not use pupils’ names in image file names or ALT tags if published on the web.
Pupils will continue to own the copyright on any work published.

Web 2.0

With the advent of Web 2.0, the Internet has become a two way communication system for the school and the wider community. Services such as Mathletics, ClassDojo, Scribd, WordPress, Twitter and other social media may be used by the school to communicate with parents and also for parents to communicate with the school. These services, although not owned by St. Colmcille’s N.S., form part of our web services and all content that is placed on these services falls under this policy. For example, any content on the school’s Twitter account follows the same safety rules, e.g. the showing of photographs, video, etc.

The safety of our children on the web is of utmost importance so the following rules apply to the school and parents. Web 2.0 is open to potential dangers when used inappropriately. We would ask:

Many social media sites have minimum age requirements. While the school will not monitor this, we would advise parents to not allow their children to have personal accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. until they are the appropriate age. Many social media sites will be used by teachers in class, for example, Twitter. However, all interactions will be under the supervision of the teacher. Children will not be allowed to use their own personal accounts for social media.
Please do not “tag” photographs or any other content which would identify any children or staff in the school.
If you are uploading a photograph, please ensure that it does not identify the child in any way. Please make sure photograph size is kept as small as possible.
Please ensure that online messages and comments to the school are respectful. Any messages written on social media are treated in the same way as written messages to the school.
Avoid any negative conversations about children, staff or parents on social media accounts. If you have an issue with something in the school, social media is not the place to raise it. Comments of this nature will be deleted.
Please do not request to “friend” a member of staff in the school. The staff would like to keep their personal lives personal. It may be awkward for a staff member to be asked to ignore a Facebook or other social network request.
Failure to keep the above rules will result in a permanent ban to our social media accounts.

Filtering

‘Filtering’ is a term used to describe a way of limiting the content of web pages, emails, chat rooms and other electronic data to which users may be exposed. No filter is 100% accurate. The most effective filtering tool is adult vigilance.

Many browsers have their own built in filtering tool e.g. Google. Google’s search engine has a built-in “Safe Search”. “Safe Search” is enabled on all computers in St. Colmcille’s N.S. It is easily applied by clicking on the Preferences link on any Google page. Unfortunately it is also easily removed.

St. Colmcille’s N.S. receives its Internet Service through the free Schools Broadband Service. The Schools Broadband Programme provides an integrated set of services to schools which includes broadband connectivity, and hosted services including content filtering, webhosting-blogging and security services including anti-virus control and a centralised firewall. These services are managed by the Schools Broadband Team which includes PDST Technology in Education working closely with the Department of Education and Skills and HEAnet. The access to websites from all school computers is monitored and regularly reviewed by the Schools Broadband Team. Websites are only allowed through following a verification of their suitability.

St. Colmcille’s N.S. also has recently invested in further filtering software, supplied & maintained by NIS, Tullamore.

Personal Devices

Pupils using their own technology in school, such as using a mobile phone or using it in class, sending nuisance text messages, or the unauthorized taking of images with a mobile phone camera, still or moving are in direct breach of the school’s acceptable use policy. See also ‘Mobile Phones and Hand Held Devices Policy’

Resources that may be used to implement Internet Safety include

NCTE Internet Safety Awareness Video
Use of the ‘Kids’ section on the webwise.ie website
Members of An Garda Síochana Community Liaison Officers
Other recognised outside agencies

Legislation

The school will provide information on the following legislation relating to use of the Internet which teachers, students and parents should familiarise themselves with:

Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003
Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998
Interception Act 1993
Video Recordings Act 1989
The Data Protection Act 1988

Support Structures

The school will inform students and parents of key support structures and organisations that deal with illegal material or harmful use of the Internet.

Sanctions

Misuse of the Internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges and, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion. The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.

Roles and Responsibilities

All Parents & staff share in the co-ordination and implementation of this policy.

Evaluation

This policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and amendments added as new technology comes on stream.

Implementation

This policy has been sanctioned by the Board of Management of St. Colmcille’s N.S.

Book Rental Policy

Introduction:

The Board of Management of St Colmcille’s N.S. has drawn up this policy in an effort to minimise the significant cost to Parents of purchasing school books.

Rationale

The Board of Management, in this policy addresses the requirements of Circular 35/91 regarding the provision of a loan/rental scheme for school books.

Benefits

significant savings in cost of textbooks
availability of books from the beginning of the school year
greater access to a wider range of textbooks
avoiding travelling and queuing for books in shops

Implementation

The scheme will operate annually.
A fee per child is charged to each family in September annually.
Books have been researched, identified and listed by the teaching staff for inclusion in the scheme.
The Books are then ordered and arrive in the school, covered to prolong their use.
Old, existing books are checked, repaired or discarded in late June to determine the numbers required for ordering.
When the new books arrive, they are stamped with the school stamp and labelled with the relevant child’s name. The books are then distributed to the appropriate classrooms in time for the beginning of the new school year.
Each teacher takes responsibility for the collection of books at the end of the school year and in ensuring that the correct amount of books is identified for ordering for the following year.
Books that are no longer required by the school are sent for recycling in accordance with our Green School Policy.

Responsibility for Books

The responsibility for the care and keep of the books lies with the child and parents. If a Book is lost during the year or damaged beyond use, it must be replaced by the parent.

Communication with Parents:

The school will inform all parents of the cost for the new school year in June.

Evaluation:

The success of the Book Rental Policy is measured through:

significant savings in cost of textbooks
availability of books from the beginning of the school year
greater access to a wider range of textbooks

Implementation/Ratification and Review:

This policy will be implemented immediately. It will be reviewed again in 2017 or as deemed necessary.

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management on 24^th September 2014

Child safeguarding statement and risk assessment

Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment 2022.docx

Communication Policy

Introduction:

This policy was formulated by Board of Management, Staff & Parents of St. Colmcille’s N.S.St Colmcille’s NS is a co-educational, Catholic, primary school which strives to provide a well ordered, caring, happy & secure atmosphere where the intellectual, spiritual, moral & cultural needs of the pupils are identified & nurtured.

Parents are recognized as the primary educators of their children. Teachers are recognized as professionals in in education & work in partnership with parents.

Rationale:

Good communication is essential to the smooth running of an efficient school.
It is school policy that regular, orderly parent-teacher communication takes place throughout the duration of the pupil’s education at the school & home-school links are actively encouraged.
Members of the B.OM., teaching staff, classroom support staff & administrative staff etc. strive to create an open & welcoming atmosphere where good communications are fostered & developed.

Aims of Communication Policy

To build a school community which is supportive of pupils, staff & all members of the school community & the Board of Management who serve the school.
To establish procedures for the sharing of information in relation to pupil progress, needs & attainment.
To enrich & optimize the educational opportunity provided for our pupils by accessing the skills & talents of all the school community.
To promote a culture of partnership in the education of our children.
To establish procedures for information sharing via B.O.M., Patron & school community.

Types of Parent-Teacher / home-school Communication

Informal parent-teacher contact
Formal parent-teacher contact
Specially convened parent-teacher meetings
Junior Infant Information meetings
Newsletters
School Website
Information meetings
Board of management
Parent’s Association
Text-a-Parent

Teachers

Teachers carry out informal meetings on a daily basis. Regular staff meetings are held & minutes are recorded.

Children

Teachers are communicating with children daily while teaching. On occasion it is necessary to provide information, this can be verbal or written. Best practice would be to write in homework notebooks or provide written notices.

Board of Management

The Board of Management holds regular meetings. The agenda is set and notice given to all board members via email. Minutes are recorded by the Secretary of the Board. All communication to the Board is kept by the Secretary and dealt with at every meeting. Copies of the school newsletter are available to each board member.The agreed report of the Board of Management Meeting is communicated to the parent body / school community via the School Newsletter.

It is the policy of the BOM to report on a regular basis to the School Patron, either on a formal / informal basis.

Parents

There is regular contact with parents as individuals both informally and formally & parental status & access to school communication, as per the CPSMA Newsletter Issue 8, is adhered to. Parent Teacher meetings are held in November each year. Parents receive the School Newsletter & are invited regularly to participate in the life of the school. Special events & school achievements appear on the School website, which is regularly updated.

When notes are sent out with children or when parents need to be reminded of upcoming events e.g. after long weekend, text messages are sent to nominated parent mobiles to ensure that all parents receive notification.

Parents’ Association

There is regular contact, both formal and informally between the school and the Parents’ Association. The Principal receives feedback from the meetings of the Parents’ Association about issues concerning the parent body. Communication between the BOM & the Parents Association shall be via the respective chairpersons.

Department of Education and Science

Generally speaking, communication to the school is addressed to the Chairperson of the Board or the Principal or both. Circulars no longer come in hard copy &are posted on DES website.

The Inspectorate

The Principal or Chairperson communicates with the Inspectorate by phone call, email or in writing.

CPSMA

The CPSMA Newsletter, “Solas” is posted on their website.

Other Agencies ( directly or indirectly which the School interacts with)

There is regular two-way communication with other agencies such as theHealth Service Executive, Social Services, Gardaí, Neps, Local Authority, Community Organisations etc. All communication will be kept on file in office.

Professional Development

As a process of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), teachers communicate on a regular basis with Education Centres, Colleges of Education etc. & are encouraged to partake in CPD opportunities. Board Members are also encouraged to avail of CPD opportunities, when available.

Roles and Responsibilities

All of the School Community share in the co-ordination and implementation of this policy.

Evaluation

This policy is monitored on an ongoing basis.

Implementation

This policy has been sanctioned by the Board of Management of Ballinahown N.S. on 29th November 2017

Code of Behaviour

Code of Behaviour 2023_2024.docx

Covid response Plan

_Covid19 Response Plan Sept 2021

Covid Plan

Covid 19 Policy

Full Risk assessment

_ Risk Assessment Covid 19

Fire Drill and Evacuation Policy

Introduction:

This school fire drill & evacuation policy has been formulated through whole staff consultation in response to the need to ensure the safe evacuation of all pupils, staff & visitors in the event of a fire in the school building. This policy aims to:

Rationale:

enable the school to provide for the immediate needs of pupils, staff and visitors in the event of a fire.
have in place appropriate safety procedures which comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act.
ensure a safe school environment for all.

School Ethos:

The school is committed to the care of the whole school community and the provision of a safe and secure environment for learning. This policy is in keeping with those ideals.

Aims/Objectives:

To utilize outside agencies (local fire station, fire officer, Fire Prevention companies etc.) for training and staff development, so as to enhance safety procedures.
To develop a tried and trusted framework which will ensure the safety of all school personnel in the event of a fire.

Internal Procedures:

The school hosts a visit from the local fire station every year. The fire officers speak to the children about fire safety, the dangers of fire and demonstrate the workings of the fire alarm. Individual classes may visit the fire station & meet the crew & see the fire engine. Fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire doors & fire alarm are checked on a yearly basis by a local firm.

In the event of a fire the following steps must be taken.

The fire alarm activates.
In all classroom / resource areas, the children all stand up, push their chairs back under their tables, and calmly walk to the door in single file.
Teachers take up position at the main doors and open them.
The class teacher / SNA assist the Junior classes in evacuating their classrooms.
The fire assembly point at the front of the school is to the right of the main gate. Each class has an allocated station adjacent to the roadside garden.
Each teacher takes the roll call of their own individual class with them.
All teachers must check the class toilets before vacating their room.
Principal will check staff toilets.
Each teacher calls the Roll for their own class on reaching the fire assembly point.
Pupils return to the school premises only when the all clear has been given.
Fire drill is carried out once a term.

Role and Responsibilities:

All teachers are responsible for the safety and well being of the pupils in their care. The Principal has overall responsibility for ensuring proper procedures are in place. Fire drill schedules are part of the post of responsibility within the In-School management structure of Ballinahown N.S.

Success Criteria:

Positive feedback from all stakeholders.
Maintaining safety standards
Achieving a coordinated and orderly evacuation in the shortest time possible.
Yearly reviews.

Evaluation:

This policy is monitored on an ongoing basis.

Implementation:

This policy is effective immediately when sanctioned by the Board of Management of Ballinahown N.S.

Ratification:

The policy was ratified by the Board of Management on 2^nd April 2014.

References:

Fire safety in the home – National Safety Council
Fire safety in the school – National Safety Council.

Healthy Lunch Policy

Aim:

The aim of this policy is to ensure children eat a healthy, well-balanced lunch, thus promoting a healthy lifestyle. By encouraging healthy eating patterns we educate children for later life.

What is a healthy lunch ?

A healthy lunch fills you up
A healthy lunch gives you energy for the body and mind
A healthy lunch will not damage your teeth
A healthy lunch enables children to concentrate
A healthy lunch helps prevent sickness
A healthy lunch helps you to grow

Healthy Lunch Options:

We encourage children to choose from the following foods regularly

Bread/scones
Pitta bread
Fruit
Raw vegetables
Cheese, lean meat, eggs, fish, peanut butter, salad
Fruit Juice
Yoghurt Drinks
Milk
Water
Soup (in flask)

Treat Foods

We recommend foods such as:

Fresh fruit
Raisins
Yogurt or Yogurt drinks
Wholegrain/ Digestive biscuits

The 4 Cs are not allowed : Chewing Gum, Crisps, Chocolate bars, Candy

Roles and Responsibilities:

Role of Parents:

Provide a healthy well-balanced lunch for children
Encourage healthy eating
Inform the school of any child’s special dietary needs
To implement school policy by not allowing their children to bring chewing gum, crisps, chocolate bars or candy to school
To consider the implications of their child’s lunch for the other parents and children who are abiding by our healthy eating policy.

Role of Children:

To eat their lunch
To bring home any uneaten lunch
To help make their lunches and remind parents of the Healthy Lunch Policy
Not to bring chewing gum, crisps, chocolate bars or candy to school
To consider others who are obeying the healthy eating policy.
To wash out yoghurt containers in the classroom sink (Seniors)

Role of School:

To promote and encourage healthy eating.
If children bring chewing gum, crisps, chocolate bars or candy to school they will not be allowed to eat them while in school. If children have these foods and no other food for their lunch, a lunch will be provided by the school for these children.

Implementation:

This policy will be implemented from Monday 28^th January 2013

A copy of The Healthy Food Pyramid will be on display in every classroom and will be referred to regularly.

As part of the Social Personal and Health Education Curriculum reasons for healthy eating will be discussed with the children regularly by staff.

Teachers will continue to give children a sweet treat on occasions in recognition of work done, improvements in work or behaviour and in an effort to promote positive behaviour. Sweet treats used prudently by teachers will not interfere with the health of the children.

Ratification:

This policy has been sanctioned by the Board of Management of St. Colmcille’s N.S. on Monday 28^th January 2013.

Homework Policy

Introduction

Homework is an integral link in the chain of communication between school and home. Parents can monitor the progress of their children through continual reference to Homework diaries and liaison with teachers. This policy, a redraft of a 2008 model, attempts to further strengthen positive home-school links through streamlining the processes involved.

The homework policy of Ballinahown N.S. has been formulated by staff in consultation with parents, and endorsed by the Board of Management.

Rationale

The need to redraft and amend the homework policy of the school can be attributed to the following –

Further strengthening of home-school links
Reinforcing the learning experienced by the child during the school day
Ensuring clarity as to the recommended time to be spent on homework

Relationship to School Ethos

It is the policy of the school to, as far as is possible, identify all the needs of the pupil and put in place measures to adequately cater for their needs.

The school also encourages the active involvement of parents in enabling their child to take responsibility and work independently. The homework policy of the school facilitates these ideals.

Aims and Objectives

The primary objectives of the policy are –

To consolidate learning through reinforcement of class work
To enable the children develop a sense of responsibility and independence
To enhance self-esteem through the provision of a work menu that is doable
To foster self-discipline and study skills
To promote consistency and a uniform approach to homework across all classes
To further develop links between home and school
Homework Diary
Whiteboard Work sheets, textbooks, folders, exercise copies etc.
I.C.T.

Policy Content

It is school policy to assign appropriate class-related levels of homework as an important reinforcement in the learning process. Good study habits are fostered, independent learning is promoted and self-discipline is developed. Homework is normally given at the end of the school day. The following are the allocations for our school –

Junior Infants: – A small amount of writing, reading, maths and phonics will be given.

Senior Infants: – 0 – 15 minutes

Reading and/or occasional worksheets. The school attempts to maintain a balance between oral, reading and written work. Paired reading is encouraged in infant classes.

Rang a hAon/First Class: – 0 – 20 minutes

Reading, maths, oral wok, spellings.

Rang a Dó/Second Class: – 20 – 30 minutes

Maths, English, Gaeilge, Oral work, topical work

Rang a Trí/Third Class: – 30 – 40 minutes

Maths, English, Gaeilge, Oral work, topical work.

Rang a Ceathar/Fourth Class: – 40 – 50 minutes + ongoing ICT work

Maths, English, Gaeilge, Oral work, topical work.

Rang a Cuíg/Fifth Class: – 50 – 60 minutes + ongoing ICT work

Maths, English, Gaeilge, Oral work, topical work.

Rang a Sé/Sixth Class: – 60 minutes + ongoing ICT work

Maths, English, Gaeilge, Oral work, topical work

Homework should not be an occasion of stress, trauma or tension within the family.

Procedures for Parents

Provide suitable comfortable facilities.
Remove distractions – T.V. younger siblings etc.
Help child overcome difficulties through explanation.
Parents should not do the homework for their children.
Send a note to the class teacher if a problem arises. This can be done through the homework diary.
Check and sign homework diaries.
Notify the class teacher if time spent on homework exceeds the recommended time.
As children tire towards late evening, encourage the completion of homework as early as possible.
Discourage morning homework.
Parents should have a stock of rulers, pencils, rubbers, table books etc. available should the need arise.

Evaluation

Roles and Responsibilities / Implementation

All stakeholders have a role to play in the implementation of this policy from pupils / parents right up to Board of Management.

This policy has been in operation in the school since September 2003.

Ratification / Communication / Implementation

The policy was ratified by the Board of Management on September 20^th 2012 and communicated to all parents in School Newsletter.

Review / Evaluation

This policy will be reviewed and, if necessary, amended in September 2014.

Mobile Phones and Hand Held Devices Policy Staff & Pupils

Introduction

This policy was drawn up in response to technological advances which have seen a significant increase in hand held electronic ‘gadgets’ amongst the school population over recent years.

Mindful of the duties and responsibilities assigned to staff in working with children, it is vital that staff be engaged with children at all working times. In this context, access to phones should be limited to urgency only.

Policy Rationale

I-Pods, mobile phones, Nintendo DS, PSP’s, Ipads, Tablets etc. in an uncontrolled & unsupervised setting are intrusive and distracting in a school environment.
Strategies must be put in place to reduce the intrusiveness of unauthorized technology in a school situation.
Mobile phones & other devices may be used to conduct bullying campaigns.
To cultivate an e-learning environment where Ipads/Tablets or other electronic devices are used in a supervised setting & under the direction / instruction of the class teacher.

Relationship to School Ethos

The use of mobile phones and other electronic games which are uncontrolled & unsupervised contravenes the provision of a safe and secure school environment conducive to learning, a provision which is central to the mission statement and ethos of St. Colmcille’s N.S.

Aims and Objectives

To give clear guidance on the appropriate use of Mobile Phones & Hand Held Technology.
To ensure a school environment where the use of technology is conducive to learning.
To lessen intrusions on and distractions to children’s learning.

Policy Content

Internal School Procedures

Work Calls

Calls to parents/guardians should be kept as short as possible. Where a lengthy conversation with parents/guardians is required, appointments should be made to meet parents.
Calls to other professionals and organisations should be made in consultation with the Principal and classroom supervision will be arranged where appropriate

Personal Calls

In general, personal calls should be carried out during break time
In cases of urgency, a staff member should use discretion in making calls
Incoming personal calls should be reserved for urgent matters

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones may be turned on during lunch time
In cases of urgency, staff should use discretion in making calls
Texting should follow the rules in relation to calls

The following are the guidelines for mobile phone / electronic games usage in the school.

Roles and Responsibilities

All Parents & staff share in the co-ordination and implementation of this policy.

Implementation

This policy has been sanctioned by the Board of Management of St Colmcille’s N.S.

Ratification & Communication

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management on 2^nd April 2014 and may be viewed at the school by appointment with the Principal.

Review Timetable

This policy will be reviewed in 3 years time and/or amended as necessary.

Evaluation

This policy is monitored on an ongoing basis.

Safety, Health and Welfare Policy

In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, it is the policy of the Board of Management to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all staff and to protect students, visitors, contractors and other persons at the school from injury and ill health arising from any work activity. The successful implementation of this policy requires the full support and active co-operation of all staff, students, contractors and visitors to the school.

It is recognised that hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures are legislative requirements which must be carried out by the employer to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all staff. The Board of Management, as employer, undertakes in so far as is reasonably practicable to:

A: promote standards of safety, health and welfare that comply with the provisions and requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and other relevant legislation, standards and codes of practice;
B: provide information, training, instruction and supervision where necessary, to enable staff to perform their work safely and effectively;
C: maintain a constant and continuing interest in safety, health and welfare matters pertinent to the activities of the school;
D: continually improve the system in place for the management of occupational safety, health and welfare and review it periodically to ensure it remains relevant, appropriate and effective;
E: consult with staff on matters related to safety, health and welfare at work;
F: provide the necessary resources to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all those to whom it owes a duty of care, including staff, students, contractors and visitors.

SPHE plan 2021

sphe plan