CASTLEPOLLARDCommunity College

FIRELightingPAILFillingEDUCATION

is notthe

but the

of a

of a

- William Butler Yeats

2

Principal’s AddressThank you for taking time to consider our college as the ideal

place to nurture your child’s education. We are very proud of the

continuous, yet dynamic developments our college has undergone

in the past five years. Castlepollard Community College is a small

co-educational school with a multi-denominational ethos.

The campus which was opened in 2005 and recently developed

with two more state of the art classrooms, boasts the most modern

of facilities. The college provides a fusion of impressive IT facilities

all the while incorporating the traditional positives of education.

The relationship between old and new is something which we see

as central to the success of Castlepollard Community College.

We are proud of the strong relationship with our local community and parents.

Being regarded as a “small” college, we are very much aware of our role as a pillar of

the local community. This important role is fulfilled by providing a personal touch with

outstanding pastoral care for our students. We feel that fostering close relationships

between teachers and students compliments 21st century teaching and learning.

Ultimately, the personal and caring nature of our small classes gives learners

the support and high expectations to match the aspirations of our students.

Mary Coyle, PRINCIPAL

TeacherJoy

ARTSupreme

knowledge

It is the

of the

and

in CREATIVE

EXPRESSION

toAWAKEN

- Albert Einstein

3

Teaching Staff TEACHERS SUBJECTSNoel Heduan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Science, Ag ScienceAoife Brady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PE, Biology, ScienceStephen Melody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Science, MathsRedmond Burke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TG, Woodwork, Construction St, DCGAnn Marie Casey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Science, Biology, Chemistry, MathsSharon Carberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .English, GeographyAoife Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Geography, IrishBrian Caffrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Metalwork, Engineering, TG, DCGSerena Dillon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Irish, FrenchPatrick Gilsenan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Business Studies, Accounting, LCVPLaura Harrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PE, SENNicola Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maths, PE, ITFinbar Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .English, HistoryTherese Kenefick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Business Studies, AccountingTara Kiernan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Religion, HistoryKatie Johnston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FrenchJoan Leonard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .English, MusicAnne Marie Lohan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Home Economics, Economics, SENJames McGrath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Science, BiologyOrla McLean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Irish, GeographyOrla McManus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .English, History, SENLorraine Mimnagh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Art, ITMichael Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Woodwork, TG, Construction St, DCGZara Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Irish, FrenchKatie Killian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MathsMartin Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .History, GeographyBreege Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Guidance and Counselling, SEN, LCVPMiriam Mac Elroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Home-School Liason Co-Ordinator

Along with providing small class groups, the college also

provides an extensivesubject choice.

4

21st CenturyLearning

What is 21st Century Learning?

Our school motto is at the forefront of everything we do as a college.21st Century Learning is much more than a technologically savvy student.

At Castlepollard Community College, we believe in nourishing an education which promotes the well rounded, 21st Century pupil. Through cross-curricular activities,

focus on academic achievement and the promotion of extra-curricular fulfilment our students are educated with the learning, literacy and life skills at the heart of modern education.*

Our focus as an educational institute is to provide students with an educational structure which encourages collaboration, creative initiative and critical thinking.* These skills and focuses,

which are central to the teaching methods of our staff, form the core elements of not only 21st century learning but also the new Junior Cycle currently being implemented.**

Here at Castlepollard Community College, we feel strongly that our pupils are sufficiently prepared to address the

range of interpersonal, creative and technologically centred skills at the heart of the modern Irish educational system.**

The college’s focus on IT as an access point to these skills for all students, along with the endless creative possibilities enhanced by the use of IT

allows our students to approach their lessons, their work and their learning with the key skills necessary for thenew Junior Cert Cycle and ultimately the workplace

* k12.thoughtfullearning.com** http://www.juniorcycle.ie/NCCA_JuniorCycle

“If you don’t liketo do your homework

at home you can do it inschool from 4.00 to 5.00.

You even get a bowlof cereal beforehand”

- Aaron Fagan

“Using Vswareon my iPad is

great as I can seemy timetable andorganise my day.” - Ciaran McKenna

“The school is greatand has many cool things.

We have IPads, lockers, new subjects, and

best of all, free lunch!” - Darragh Clery

“I like theVsware system,it shows how much you're

working (or not!)” - Jack Lawlor

Principal:Mary Coyle

Deputy Principal: James McGrath

HSCL: Miriam McElroy

Career Guidance andStudent Counsellor:

Breege Smith

Class Tutors

Breakfast Club:8:00 - 8:45

Complimentarylunch for all

students

CARE TEAM

5

The caring and nurturing atmosphere hereat Castlepollard Community College has been

supported by our pastoral and pupil care system.

This structure acts as a perfect scaffold to aid ourstudents on their social and academic journey.

Along with the overall care of our Principaland Deputy Principal and Guidance Counsellor, the college offers support from Miriam McElroy, Home School Community Liason Officer and

Martina Smith (Counsellor and Psychotherapist).On a day to day basis, each student ispart of a tutor group with whom theyare guided from first year to final year.

Have a look at our pastoral structure (right).

Pastoral Care and Student Support“Homeworkclub is good

because it’s a really silent andquiet place tostudy and dohomework.”

- Kayleigh Fagan

“I find the schoolhas great facilities

such as iPads, homeworkclub and the free lunches.

The iPads and lockers make ourbag so much lighter. Homework

club is great and youget free cereal.”- Rebecca Gurren

“I likethe new

practical subjectsbecause they are

really fun!” - Shane Manley

“It is great having theiPads as it leaves your bagso much lighter and youcan do so much. You caneven communicate with

your teacher and improveyour work through

special apps.” - Tjaye Higgins

Music and Drama

6

Music plays a large part in the life of the school. Apart from mainstream music classes, there are many

extracurricular activities for the students to get involved in.

The school choir has been very successful, having performed at:

MASSES • GRADUATIONS • OPEN NIGHTSVARIOUS COMMUNITY EVENTS • AWARDS NIGHT

The school instrumental group caters for any instrument and any ability. The group plays an array of genres from traditional to popular to classical.

Three years ago, the college hosted its first full-scale musical, Voulez Vous. The majority of the student body were involved and it was a

huge success. Since then, the college brought a production ofOklahoma to two sold out nights in the Mullingar Arts Theatreand followed that production with John B. Keane’s, Big Maggie

also in the Mullingar Arts Theatre. The production wasrecognised with a “Best Newcomer” national award by

the Briery Gap Theatre Company later in the year.

In 2017 the school performed Joseph andthe Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat forthree nights in the Mullingar Arts Centre.

For students who are interested in treading the

boards, there are a variety of theatrical activities

on offer at Castlepollard Community College.

Transition years enter the Briery Gap competition

each year. They also take part in the Gaiety School

of Acting Playwriting Workshop and write and

produce their own play.

There is also an improvisation group that meets

regularly which is open to any students.

We have also attended many national productions,

including Oklahoma, The Field, An Trial and To Kill

a Mockingbird along with various productions in

Mullingar Arts Centre.

Music and Drama

7

Briery Gap National Award Winners: Best Newcomer 2017

Castlepollard Community College provides a range of

sporting outlets for our pupils. Involvement in sport and access

to a variety of activities for all is key to the ethos of the college.

Students can utilise the essential 21st Century skills and supplement

their Wellbeing on the field of play as they are encouraged to

develop leadership, display flexibility and demonstrate initiative.

As the school has grown rapidly over the last few years, our involvement

in sport has also. The picturesque setting in which our college sits also provides us with

first-class sporting facilities including a full size GAA pitch, soccer pitch and tennis courts.

The school also has a fully equipped sports hall to host indoor games and activities.

The college coaches students in girls' football and camogie, whilst the boys'

hurling team has gone from strength to strength. The annual "C'mon Caman"

celebration of local hurling with our neighbouring primary schools,

perfectly illustrates the sporting pillar that is Castlepollard

Community College in the community.

The school also provides training from professionally

trained coaches in both soccer and tennis. The hockey

team enjoys ongoing success in the Connaught League.8

Sporting Activities

REVEALCharacterSPORTSdo notBUILD

they it

- John Wooden

• Physical Education

• Hurling & Camogie

• Gaelic Football

• Soccer

• Hockey

• Lacrosse

• Badminton

• Athletics & Cross Country Running

• Gymnastics

• Equestrian Team

• Basketball

• Volleyball

Sports Available at Castlepollard Community College

9

Taking

health

CARE

MENTALPHYSICALand

of

10

Wellbeing ANTHONY

FAGAN: LC 2017ApprenticeMechanic inGrange Motors

ISABELHARMON:LC 2017

Currently studyingScience in TCD

In line with the new Junior Cycle, Castlepollard Community College has embraced the theme of Wellbeing and incorporated

it in the ethos of the school. In doing so we hope that all studentswill flourish here at Castlepollard Community College.

WHY DOES WELLBEING MATTER?

“Student wellbeing is present when the students realise their abilities, takecare of their physical wellbeing, can cope with the normal stresses of life,

and have a sense of purpose and belonging to a wider community.”**

There are six indicators of Wellbeing which we focus on and threadthroughout the daily experience of a Castlepollard Community College student.

THESE ARE:

• RESPONSIBILITY - Taking ownership of your respective goals and targets

• RESILIENCE - Facing challenges and doing your best to meet them

• ACTIVE - Getting your heart rate going

• CONNECTED - Making sure you play a role in the school community

• AWARE - Understanding where you stand academically and with your peers

• RESPECTED - Having respect for yourself and others in the school community

**Junior Cycle Guideline to Wellbeing, 2017

Prefects:Zara Geraghty, Zoe Kane, Darragh Moran, Eleanor Harmon, Allyssha Moore, Molly Keating, Robert O’Mara, Daniel Smyth, Thomas Wallace, Lauren Murray , Padraig McCarthy, Shannon Daly, Avril Kelleghan, Agnes Hogan, Denis Farrelland Gavin Harte.

Junior Class Reps:Cian Maher, Matthew O'Reilly, Nathan Smyth, Sara Guinan,

Sara Gurren, McKenna, Kerry Cassidy and Lauren Fitzsimmons.

5th & 6th Year Prefects & Junior Class Reps

11

For information on carpoolingor private bus transport

contact the college.

Phone: (044) 966 1163Fax: (044) 966 1047

Email: admin.ccc@lwetb.iewww.castlepollardcc.ie

Follow us on Twitter: @Castlepollardcc

Temple Printing Co. Ltd., Athlone