Principal’s Welcome

Welcome to Scoil Bhríde, Loreto Killarney.Fáilte go Scoil Bhríde, Loreto. Scoil Bhríde Loreto is a co-educational Catholic primary school. At present we cater for 120 pupils in a pleasant rural environment about three miles from Killarney. We have a dedicated staff who are committed to the holistic, all round development of your child, and to ensuring that school is a happy place where children can learn, reach their potential and grow to be kind, tolerant, responsible young people who can think for themselves.The present school was built in 1978 and was renovated and extended in 2008. Our school is run by a hard working and supportive Board of Management and has an active Parents’ Association whose involvement is encouraged and appreciated. It is a six classroom school with an office, learning support room, library/computer room and a spacious assembly hall. We have a large hard surface play area and extensive playing pitches in a beautiful setting overlooked by Mangerton and Torc Mountains.We recognise the vital role of parents and importance of partnership. Your child is very precious. We work together to take care of the children. We have a website which will give you a flavour of our vibrant school life. We hope parents and children will enjoy being updated on our work and activities on our website. If you are a former parent, past pupil, or former staff member we invite you to take a trip down memory lane in the archives section. If you are a prospective parent, I hope you find our website useful and if you need further information I would be delighted to meet you personally and show you around the school.The Loreto Sisters came to Killarney in 1860. We are privileged to follow in their footsteps and aim to promote an atmosphere of happiness, consideration, acceptance and love, in which all children are included and find security, and where Christian values are actively lived.

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We are very conscious that our school is part of the community and the wider world. Mary Ward, founder of Loreto believed in empowering young people to build a better future for others. We continue to take on this challenge in the 21st century. The aspiration of our children is that “the world will be a better place because we are in it”.We are delighted to continue our link with Loreto by praying for the missions and by supporting our twin Loreto School in Jicamarca, Peru annually with the proceeds of our Easter raffle.

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Mission Statement

The mission of Scoil Bhríde, Loreto is to provide opportunities for the children to achieve their personal best in a safe, caring and

positive environment, in a spirit of friendship and belonging. We strive to enable the children to become responsible and productive

citizens and to develop the skills to embrace lifelong learning.

The school is a Roman Catholic School guided by the principle of Christianity as depicted by the symbolism of the Loreto Crest

The emblem is rich in symbolism:The Cross – sign of our Salvation;

The Sacred Heart – source of the infinite love of Jesus for each of us;

The heart of Mary – our human model and inspiration;The anchor – symbol of hope.

This symbolism is summed up in the final scroll:“Cruci dum Spiro fido” “throughout my life, I shall place my hope

in the cross”We believe that education is for the wholeness and dignity of each

child.The code of behaviour is built around the positive principles of

respect for oneself, for others, for the school, and for the outside world.

We promote a happy, inclusive environment, where differences are respected and where each individual in the school community

belongs, is valued and makes a difference. 3

STAFF OF SCOIL BHRÍDE, LORETO

Teachers

Principal: Mrs. Mary O’ Sullivan

Deputy Principal: Ms. Evelyn O’Reilly

Ms. Esther O’ Connell

Ms. Claire O’Meara / Ms. Mary Rose Clifford

Mr. Edward Looney

Ms. Michelle O’Brien

S.N.A Ms. Gráinne Lenihan

Secretary: Mrs. Margaret O’Sullivan

Caretaker: Mr. Seán Cronin

Chaplain: Fr. Kieran O’Brien

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Education in Scoil Bhríde is concerned with the all round development of your child which includes both social and academic elements. There is of course major concentration on the core subjects of English, Irish and Mathematics.Scoil Bhríde is a seven teacher rural school situated three miles from Killarney.

Aims of Our School

To insure a sound social, moral and religious development and to foster self-esteem and self-confidence in each individual.

To help the child to be independent, tolerant, kind and co-operative.

To foster good self-expression in oral and written English and to develop in the child a love of reading.

To have knowledge and understanding of basic mathematical concepts and operations.

To ensure a good command of the Irish Language and a basic understanding of its place in our heritage.

To cultivate an appreciation of the environment through observational study of the locality.

To develop a knowledge and appreciation on one’s heritage through the study of History, Geography, and Social Personal and Health Education.

To foster skills in handwriting, music and other creative arts.

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To enable the children to become computer friendly.

To develop personal expression through dance and drama.

To help the child achieve good physical development and encourage her/him to participate in recreational games.

To develop a love of music in the pupil and to help the pupil acquire musical skills.

To encourage discipline of mind and order, manifested in the correct presentation of a child’s written work.

To encourage memory training.

Code of Behaviour

The aim of the school is to provide a Christian Education which seeks to foster the growth of the whole child, and to help the child realise his/her unique God given potential. We aim to promote an atmosphere of consideration, acceptance and love, in which the child can find security, and where Christian values are actively lived. We are dedicated to the achievement of these ideals.

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Good Behaviour

Discipline is the cornerstone of school life, and this places great emphasis on respect for individuals – pupils, teachers and other staff members – as well as respect for the property of everybody. Within the school, we expect courtesy, care of resources and social responsibility. A high standard of conduct is expected from each pupil in the school; caring at all times for the younger and weaker child.

Guidelines – Pupils/Parents

School Uniform: Children are expected to wear full school uniform in school every day and when representing the school in public. The school uniform for girls – is a green pinafore dress, cream shirt, green cardigan/jumper, black tights, or white stockings and school tie. For boys it is a grey pants, cream shirt, green jumper and school tie.

On the days of their P.E. class, the children will wear the school tracksuit, and school tee-shirt. Football jerseys are not acceptable. In the interest of safety, it is essential that children wear runners during P.E. class. School Uniform and tracksuit is available from Lyne’s of High Street, Killarney and Walsh Brothers, New Street, Killarney.

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Children are expected to act and speak in a mannerly fashion throughout the school. The children themselves should be neat and tidy. Pupils with long hair should wear it plaited or tied back.

Parents must ensure that the children have schoolbooks in September as well as pencil, pen, ruler, rubber and sharpener.We are introducing a Book Rental Scheme and hope to have as many books as possible for rent.

Children are encouraged to develop proper eating habits, e.g. it is desirable that they should have sandwiches and fruit for lunch, rather than chocolate bars, sweets or fizzy drinks. No chewing gum is allowed or glass bottles for obvious safety reasons.

All personal belongings must be labelled i.e. sweaters, lunch boxes and jackets.

All homework should be signed nightly by parents. Parents are expected to take an interest in their children’s schoolwork and homework. Co-operation between parents and teacher is acknowledged and necessary.

When children are absent from school, a note stating the reason should be sent to class teacher on return to school. All schools are obliged to report to the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) if a child is absent 20 days or more in a year.

Attention in class and punctuality are pre-requisites for an effective school performance, and to achieve this a good night’s sleep is essential.

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N.B. Children may not leave the school premises until dismissal time at 1.50p.m. for Junior and Senior Infants and 2.50p.m. for all other pupils except when collected by parents. This requires written permission of the parents, signed and dated. Parents should sign out and sign in pupils if they arrive after roll call or are leaving school prior to school time.

Children are expected to keep the school and its grounds litter free. This fosters a sense of responsibility towards their school and awareness of our environment and of our need to cherish and to care for it.

In order to ventilate classrooms, the children will be expected to vacate their rooms after eating their lunches on dry days, unless a written note from parents specifies otherwise.

Behaviour which interferes with the educational process will not be tolerated e.g.

Disrespect towards staff members and fellow pupils.

Defiant attitude and stubbornness.

Running, pushing, shouting.

Dangerous play, offensive language.

Persistent talk/interruption during class.

Homework done carelessly or not at all.

Lack of respect for school property.9

The following strategies may be used to show disapproval of unacceptable behaviour in our school.

1. Reasoning with pupil.

2. Reprimand (including advice on how to improve).

3. Temporary separation from peers, friends or others.

4. Communication with parents.

5. Loss of privileges.

6. Detention during a break.

7. Prescribing additional work.

8. Referral to Principal.

9. Suspension (Temporary)

10. Expulsion.

All pupils require permission to use the internet. Internet access will be supervised. Every reasonable precaution will be taken by the school in line with the school’s Acceptable Users Policy in relation to Internet access.Pupils who deliberately breach the rule in relation to Internet use will be subject to sanctions under the school’s Code of Discipline.

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For full version of Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policy check our website www.loretonskillarney.com

BULLLYING

Every child has a right to pass safely through childhood and to an education free from fear and intimidation. Unfortunately bullying is a problem which many children encounter and is of great concern to both parents and teachers. It is a problem, which requires co-operation between schools and parents in seeking solutions.Bullying of any sort is not tolerated, and will be regarded as a serious misdemeanour.The Stay Safe Programme and R.S.E (Relationships and Sexual Education) are being taught in this school in accordance with the Children First Guidelines. Further details on www.staysafe.ie. If you do not wish your child to participate in the Stay Safe / R.S.E. Programme please inform the school in writing.

For full version of Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policy check our website www.loretonskillarney.com

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School Timetable –Monday to Friday inclusive

The school will open to receive pupils at 9.10a.m.Lunch hour is from 1.00p.m. to 1.30p.m.Classes will end at 1.50p.m. for Junior and Senior InfantsClasses will end at 2.50.p.m. for all other pupils.While, of course, the school grounds will be open to the pupils, the school has no responsibility for children arriving before the official opening time, going home for lunch or remaining in the school grounds after school.

School Policy on Homework

Junior Infants: Every weekday (when children are ready). It should take no more than 5 – 10 minutes. No weekend homework. Senior Infants: Every weekday but not weekends.This should take no more than twenty minutes. 1st Every weekday but not weekends.

(approx. 20 – 25 mins.)2nd Every weekday and a little at weekends.

(approx. 20 – 25 mins.)3rd Every weekday and a little at weekends

(approx. 45 – 60 mins.)4th Every weekday and most weekends.

(approx. 45 – 60 mins.)

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5th Every weekday and most weekends.(approx. 1 – hour)

6th Every weekday and most weekends.(approx. 1hour )

While homework is given with the average child in the class in mind, obviously some children will get it completed more quickly than others. Remember that work completed quickly and carelessly is not work completed properly.

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

It is essential that the following routine be established early.

1. Set aside a quiet regular time.

2. The child should be sitting comfortably at a table.

3. Homework time should include time for oral as well as written work.

4. Encourage your child to keep books and copies clean and tidy.

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5. If your child is working independently – be available to help and show an interest in what is being done. Praise your child’s efforts at every opportunity.

6. If while working with your child, you feel yourself becoming impatient, stop – don’t bully or threaten – this will only have a negative effect.

7. If your child is persistently having problems with homework, contact the class teacher and discuss the difficulties.

8. If for any reason homework cannot be done, let the class teacher know.

9. Do not allow children to watch T.V. while doing Homework.

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Parent Teacher Meetings

An important part of the home/school links is the annual parent-teacher consultations. Usually before Christmas arrangements are made for each parent to meet with their child’s teacher individually to discuss his/her progress. Classes are let home early to facilitate this arrangement.

If you have any school related worries do not hesitate to ring and make an appointment to meet the class teacher.

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Children participate in Inter-Schools competitions in athletics, football rugby, soccer and debating.

Focal Buíochas

Sincere thanks to our teachers and staff, B.O.M., Parents Association and all who help in any way with the running of

our school.

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