St. Leonard's National School, Dunnamaggin
Policies
Admissions Procedures
The school welcomes all students and aims to provide an integrated and inclusive education. Application for enrolment in the school is made by completing the school’s application form and returning it to the school office. The application form is available from the office or to download from this site. The completed application form must be accompanied by confirmation, in writing, that the parent or guardian and applicant accept the Code of Behaviour of the school.
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1. Each year the school will, through the Parish/School Newsletters and church announcements inform prospective parents of the admission procedure.
2. Prospective new parents/guardians are of course welcome to contact or visit the school.
3. In order to ensure that the principal and class teacher are available to discuss the application, an appointment should be made beforehand.
4. In the case of Junior Infants, the school has an established practice whereby new Junior Infants may attend school for one half day in the last week of the summer term. This brief exposure to school routine has, in the past, beneficially affected the induction process of Junior Infants. It is envisaged that this practice will continue.
5. The Board of Management is bound by the “Department of Education and Science Rules for National Schools”, which provides that pupils may only be enrolled from the age of 4 years and upwards.
6. Each enrolment application must also include a birth cert i.e. a state birth cert.
Code of Discipline
In keeping with the Department of Education document “Discipline in School 1997”, a code of discipline has been drawn up by the school to assist in the creation of an environment, where children may develop their talents in a harmonious relationship with others.It is pleasing to report that the general standard of conduct of the pupils is excellent. The guidelines and rules below have been formulated to help the pupil develop a positive awarenesss of self, a sensitivity towards others and a respect for the rights, views and feelings of others.
1. Respect teachers, fellow pupils, visitors and their property at all times.
2. Be nice to others. No rough play or bullying.
3. Bad language is not allowed.
4. No climbing on school walls, gates or fences.
5. Do not leave school grounds without permission.
6. Use dustbins at all times. DON’T BE A LITTERBUG.
7. Eat your lunch. Uneaten lunches and wrappers must be brought home.
8. No chewing gum, lollipops or any substances that are harmful to our bodies.
9. Keep yourself, your property and school property clean and tidy.
10. Be truthful and honest in word and deed.
11. Be dutiful, conscientious and honest in school work and homework.
12. Show respect, courtesy and co-operation to all (those in charge) during school activities inside and outside of school.
13. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited. All calls to a parent can, by permission of class teacher, be made from the office.
Code of Discipline - Bullying
The school incorporates a strong stance against bullying in its Discipline Code, guided by Department of Education recommendations as outlined in “Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour in Primary and Post Primary Schools (1993)”.
These guidelines include steps such as emphasising the unacceptability of bullying, supervision, monitoring and recording of instances of serious misbehaviour. The pupils have been made aware of the above rules. The reasons for their existence have been carefully explained. Parents are asked and strongly recommended to discuss these rules with their children. Every encouragement will be given to help them to abide by the rules, good behaviour and effort will be commended and when appropriate rewarded. Failure to obey the regulations will involve the imposition of sanctions. These may take the form of admonition, additional work, or withdrawal of privileges.
The reasons for their implementation, will be explained to the offending party. In the case of persistent breaches of discipline, including bullying, the matter will be brought to the attention of the principal and the parents. If there is no improvement in the behaviour of the pupil, the case will then be referred to the Board of Management where the question of suspension may be considered.
Attendance and Punctuality
Consistent attendance and punctuality are expected . Absences in excess of 20 days are notified to the DES.Unforseen absences must be explained by a letter from parent/guardian when the student returns to school stating the reason for the absence (in accordance with the Education of Welfare Act 2000).
Classroom Behaviour
In order that students benefit from class work, full co-operation is required from each one: Students should greet teacher/visitors when they enter or leave the classroom. Students should at all times co-operate with instructions from their teachers during class time and respect the right of all to learn. Students should see that the classroom is kept clean, and that furniture is treated with care. Teachers will assist pupils in this task.
Homework
Homework is seen as a re-enforcement of concepts taught in class and provide an opportunity for parents to familiarise themselves with the programmes being followed. It will enable the children to learn the discipline of study from an early age. It is customary to give homework every weekday night. The homework notebook is an invaluable link between school and home in ensuring that parents are aware of work being done. The notebook is signed on a nightly basis and allows parents to compliment and re-enforce schoolwork thereby involving themselves in their child’s education. The school has a co-ordinated and systematic approach to homework thus ensuring a continuity in format, content and monitoring of same. Children are expected to complete homework and if it has not been completed in a satisfactory manner the child will be requested to rewrite same.
Homework Policy
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, attempts to further strengthen positive home-school links through streamlining the processes involved. The homework policy of St. Leonard’s N.S. has been formulated by staff with parental input, and endorsed by the Board of Management.
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Relationship to School Ethos
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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
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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 –
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To consolidate learning through reinforcement of class work
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To enable the children develop a sense of responsibility and independence
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To enhance self-esteem through the provision of a work menu that is doable
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To foster self-discipline and study skills
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To promote consistency and a uniform approach to homework across all classes
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To further develop links between home and school
The following are guidelines for time spent at homework. Different children will complete the same homework in different lengths of time. Time spent will vary from day to day and also from the beginning to the end of the school year. It is important to remember that it is the quality and not the quantity of homework that matters. The following are general guidelines only:
Juniors & Senior Infants: – 0 – 20 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: – 0 – 30 minutes
Reading, worksheet, sums, spellings.
Rang a Dó: – 0 – 30 minutes
Reading, maths, sentences, worksheets.
Rang a Trí: – 0 – 40 minutes
Tables, maths, reading, worksheets.
Rang a Ceathar: – 0 – 40 minutes
Maths, oral, sentences, topical work.
Rang a Cuíg: – 0 – 60 minutes
Maths, Gaeilge, English, miscellaneous.
Rang a Sé: – 0 – 75 minutes
Maths, English, Gaeilge, topical work.
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Homework is generally based on class related work or work already covered in class. It should contain a balance between reading, learning and writing. Time devoted to reading and learning is as important as written work
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The assigned homework is explained to children in advance. The different levels of the pupils are also taken into account
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Homework is given from Mondays to Thursdays and generally is not given at weekends unless it has been neglected during the week, or unless exceptional circumstances such as projects or book weeks occur
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Homework is not linked to behaviour but occasionally child/ren are rewarded with reduced homework if they have worked /behaved well
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It is not school policy to issue homework as an exercise in isolation. It will in most instances be an integral part of the subject being taught and be consistent.
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The Learning Support Teachers will occasionally give homework to their allocated pupils but only as a reinforcement of class work. Reading is routinely given as homework and should be accorded priority consideration
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If homework causes stress or worry to the child, parents are encouraged to convey these anxieties to the class teacher. If homework cannot be completed on a particular night, parents are asked to forward a written note
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Teachers check homework on a daily basis. Some homework may be self correcting. Children who do not complete homework satisfactorily may be required to re do this work during lunch break. Parents are advised to supervise and check homework nightly
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All children have a homework diary which parents are required to sign. The homework diary acts as a means of communication between class teacher and parent
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“Homework off” may be given at a teachers discretion. In general, all school homework will encompass a wide spectrum of learning experiences such as reading, writing, tables, spelling, learning ‘by heart’, drawing, collecting information, colouring and finishing class work.
Procedures for Parents
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Provide suitable comfortable facilities
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Remove distractions – T.V. younger siblings etc
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Help child overcome difficulties through explanation
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Parents should not do the homework for their children
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Send a note to the class teacher if a problem arises. This can be done through the homework diary
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Check and sign homework diaries
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Notify the class teacher if time spent on homework exceeds the recommended time
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As children tire towards late evening, encourage the completion of homework as early as possible
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Discourage morning homework
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If your child’s homework is being completed elsewhere, parents need to check and sign all homework.
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Parents should have a stock of rulers, pencils, rubbers, table books etc. available should the need arise.
Evaluation
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In-class corrections
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Checking homework diaries
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Parent – Teacher meetings
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Teacher designated tests
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Pupil profiling
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Teacher observation
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Feedback from parents and pupils
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General air of satisfaction.
This policy has been in operation in the school since September 2009.
Ratification/Communication
The policy was ratified by the Board of Management in 2009 and communicated to all parents.
It was reviewed in 2014 by the Parents Association and Board of Management
Healthy Lunches
Over the years, St Leonard’s School has consistently promoted a healthy lunch policy. The school adopted a multifaceted approach to the implementation of the healthy lunch policy.
1. Education – From infant to senior classes, pupils learn of the nutritional value of the foods commonly available and of the importance to their well being of eating healthy foods. This instruction forms an integral part of the SPHE Curriculum as taught in our school. The Health Boards promotional literature, such as “Munch and Crunch Health Lunch” project, are utilised by the school to supplement and support the task of education.
2. In conjunction with parents and management, teachers have drawn up a list of foods and drinks recommended for healthy lunches and foods/drinks which are not favoured for such lunches.
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Foods Recommended to Eat: Sandwiches, rolls, crackers, scones, plain buns or biscuits. Fruit, raw vegetables, cheese and yoghurt.
To drink: Milk, juice, soup, diluted drinks (e.g. Miwadi), yoghurt drinks.
Foods Not Recommended: Crisps, sweets, bars, chocolate biscuits and fizzy drinks.
Uneaten lunches must be brought home. The school insists on pupils bringing home uneaten lunches in order to ensure that parents are aware of any eating problems being experienced by their children. Parents may then decide if alternative healthy foods are appropriate. The pupils enthusiastic participation, the consistent encouragement of the teachers, the support and involvement of parents in the project have ensured that the policy has met with considerable success to date.
Procedures for Dealing with Parents' Concerns
The Parental Complaints Procedure provides parents and teachers with a structured and agreed format with which to seek resolution to grievances and complaints which can arise, from time to time, in schools. Based on the principles of fair procedures, the intention at each stage of the procedure is to provide a format for both parties to explore a resolution at the earliest opportunity.
The current Parental Complaints Procedure has been in place since 1993 and it is timely to revise and review it.
The revised parental complaints procedure agreed by the INTO and the management bodies of primary schools above is designed to provide an open and clearly defined process to facilitate parents/legal guardians in raising concerns about their own child/children in an agreed, fair and transparent manner, with a view to seeking an early resolution of the issue.
The purpose of the revised procedure is for parents and legal guardians to engage constructively with schools where a concern arises and to have it addressed at local level in an efficient manner, in the best interests of all parties.
The revised procedure will come into effect for all parental complaints from 1 January
2024. Click here to access the procedure.
School Books
Class booklists are given out in June. Parents are advised to buy schoolbooks early in the summer holidays to avoid the August queues. Parent’s may be able to purchase second hand books (in good condition) from parents of older pupils. A school book rental also operates in respect of certain textbooks in the school.
Extra-Curricular Activities
As well as the fine tradition of GAA being promoted within the school (coaching, leagues) other sports are also catered for.
Swimming: Swimming lessons every year and a gala at the end of the Summer term.
Volleyball: V.A.I promoted activities.
Soccer: F.A.I. promoted activities.
Athletics: strong encouragement to those involved in athletics.
Horse riding: School team taking part in events on a regular basis.
Irish Dancing: Always encouraged through the school and reinforced as part of P.E. lesson.
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Other sports are promoted through the P.E. programme. Each class does 1 hour weekly on a designated day. Tracksuits and runners should be worn on that day.
Other extra-curricular activities: The children from all classes participate in art competitions, quizzes, singing, drama and Irish events. The children have been successful at a lot of these events, but as importantly, they behave impeccably and always represent their school well.
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Lunch Time Rules
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Permission required from teacher on duty to leave yard to go to the toilet
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Stay in classroom until teacher gives you permission to go out
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All waste lunch goes home
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Enter, exit and line up in an orderly fashion
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No wrappers are allowed out to yard at big lunch
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Ditches are off limits
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Children must have permission to re-enter the school building/or leave the playground
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Play in designated area
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No gymnastics outside at any time i.e cartwheels/handstands
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No rough games
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Children must line up when they hear the bell
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Do not re-enter the school until teacher escorts the class back into the classroom
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Do not bring food into the hall.
Annual Report 2023 - BOM
Board of Management – Annual Report 2023
School Ethos: Our school aims to promote the full and harmonious development of all pupils, cognitive, intellectual, physical &cultural, moral & spiritual.
Board of Management 2023/2027
Chairperson and Patron Nominee - Anne Davis,
Patron Nominees – Dolores McLoughlin
Principal- Jackie Delahunty.
Teacher Rep. – Karina Langon,
Community Representatives – William Mulhall & Colm Deegan
Parents Representatives - Marie Hickey & Conor Foley
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Policy & Curriculum Plan Development
Policies drafted and reviewed by the Board during the year were the Impact of Covid ,Well-Being, Attendance Policy, 3 Year Development Plan.
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Our Critical Incident & Child Protection Policies are reviewed annually.
Designated Liaison Person: Jackie Delahunty
Deputy Designated Liaison Person: Karina Langton
The New Language Curriculum was further developed through training and evaluation. We are implementing Oral Language from Infants – 6th.
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We had 2 PDST training days and a Primary Language Training Day.
Resource Teaching: As of the last three years, we get an allocation for Special Education Teaching based on Special Needs numbers, social context and test results. The allocation is then deployed to children with individual learning needs. Children with complex special needs will be able to avail of resources linked to learning via the HSE. Our SET cluster for next year is with Kilmanagh and St Johns Jnr NS.
Parents Association: Thank you to the Parents Association for their support and fundraising initiatives during 2022/2023.
Yearly Calendar: The yearly calendar for 2023/24 will be sent home in June and uploaded on Aladdin.
Booklists & Book Rental: A per the new ‘Free Book Scheme’ the books for next year will be provided by the school.
Tusla/NEWB Reporting: The school completes mandatory reports to the National Educational Welfare Board and TUSLA. All absences in excess of 20 days were notified to TUSLA. Any child protection issues brought to the attention of the school must be reported to TUSLA
New Infants: We welcomed new infants for September 2023 via an Induction Morning on 16th June. We have 12 new Infants starting and 1child enrolled in another class.
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School Events:
It was an eventful year in St. Leonard’s NS! Activities included:
The Board of Management would like to thank the principal and staff for all their work and effort on behalf of the school and pupils over the last year.
School Re-opens Thursday 31st August
Signed: Matt Doran Chairperson