A Thuismitheoir/Chaomhnóir,

 

 

                              Mar fhreagra ar éileamh ó thuismitheoirí seolaim chugat cóip d’ár ‘Leabhrán Eolais ‘a thabharfaidh soiléiriú duit ar na príomh nósanna imeachta a bhaineann le saol scoile do pháiste i nGaelscoil na Dúglaise. Iarraim ort an cháipéis seo a léamh agus do chomhoibriú a thabhairt do gach atá ann. Bheinn buíoch díot dá n-díreofá aird do fheighlí linbh (má thagann siad chun na scoile ar do shon) ar na codanna  oiriúnacha a bhaineann leo. Is mór againn bhur dtuairimí agus marsin cuirimid fáilte roimh ríomhphostanna ag gaelscoilnaduglaise@eircom.net

 

 

 

 

Dear Parent /Guardian,

                                          As a response to a number of parental queries it is my pleasure to provide you with a copy of our ‘Leabhrán Eolais’. This booklet will help to clarify numerous procedures that we follow in our school. I urge you to read it carefully and to cooperate with it fully. Gaelscoil na Dúglaise advises you to pass on any relevant information to child-minders who frequent our school on your behalf. As always we welcome your suggestions at gaelscoilnaduglaise@eircom.net.

 

 

   Niamh Ní Mhaoláin

Príomhoide

30 Lúnasa 2022

 

 

____________________________________________________

The following school policies referred to within are available on www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and Policies. (Eolas agus Polasaithe) A hard copy may also be requested from the school office.

Scéim Luacha na Gaeilge

Attendance -Tinreamh

Custody and Separation

Child Protection- Caomhnú Linbh

Healthy Eating – Bia Slaintiúil

Home School Liaison – Caidreamh Scoil-Baile

Code of Conduct- Cód Iompair

Mobile Phones- Guthain Phóca

Homework - Obairbhaile

Administration of medicine- Dáileadh Leighis

Parental Involvement – Ról na dTuismitheoirí

 

 

 

 

Spriocráiteas na Scoile

 

Is bunscoil lán-Ghaeilge, chomhoideachasúil, Chaitliceach í Gaelscoil na Duglaise

’Sí an Ghaeilge teanga chumarsáide na scoile do mhúinteoirí, do dhaltaí, do bhainisteoirí, do thuismitheoirí is don fhoireann bhreise is déanfar gach iarracht pobal Gaeilge a chothú sa scoil.  Spreagfar na páistí le bheith brodúil as a gcumas sa Ghaeilge is as a gcultúr.  Déanfar a gcumas iomlán teanga a fhorbairt.                     

’Sé mana na scoile ná ‘Doras Feasa Fiafraí’ as a spreagfar gach páiste chun fiosrachta i dtreo an eolais trí mheán na Gaeilge.  Beidh an páiste in a c(h)roílár den saol scoile agus ‘sé leas an pháiste a bheidh in a bhunchloch de gach cine a thógfar. Cothófar timpeallacht shona  shocair  in a mbainfidh gach páiste barra a c(h)umais amach  go teangeolaíoch, go cogneolaíoch, go sóisialta, go fisiciúil, go h-aestéitiúil, go spioradálta is go mórálta.                    

Tabharfar gach deis ó thaobh cothromas inscne de do gach páiste dul i ngleic le réimse leathan imeachtaí.

Spreagfaidh Gaelscoil na Dúglaise rannpháirtíocht na dtuismitheoirí in oideachas a bpáistí is i saol na scoile trí chaidreamh baile/scoile  is trí pháirt a ghlacadh i gCumann na dTuismitheoirí.

Cothófar atmasféar deachaidrimh bunaithe ar luachanna Caitliceacha sa scoil in a gcuirfear le féinmhuinín na ndaoine éagsúla sa phobal scoile, in a spreagfar na páistí meas a bheith acu ar dhaoine is ar mhaoin agus in a ndéanfar coincheap na féinfhreagrachta a fhorbairt iontu.

 

 

Mission Statement

Gaelscoil na Dúglaise is an Irish medium, coeducational, Catholic school.

        Irish is the language of communication among teachers, children, parents, management and ancillary staff and every effort is made to develop the school as an Irish language community. The children will be encouraged to be proud of the Irish language and of their heritage. Their total language ability will be developed.

The school motto is “Doras Feasa Fiafraí” meaning that an enquiring mind is the door to knowledge. Each child’s sense of curiosity will be guided in its search of knowledge through the medium of Irish. The individual child will be at the centre of school life and each decision taken will be for the benefit of the children.

A happy, secure environment will be nurtured in which each child will achieve his full potential linguistically, cognitively, socially, physically, aesthetically, spiritually and morally.

Each child will be treated equally and have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, regardless of gender.

Gaelscoil na Dúglaise will support the parents’ active participation in their children’s education and in school life through home school links and through participation in ‘Cumann na dTuismitheoirí’.

The school climate will reflect the prevailing Catholic values of the school where the self esteem of all members of the school community will be enhanced; the children will be encouraged to respect other people and their property and where they will develop a sense of individual responsibility.

 

    

Dual literacy in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise

 

Introduction

Bilingualism is the ability to speak, read and write in two languages. Research suggests that bilingual education offers pupils the added benefits of being able to use two languages and being aware of other cultures. By dual literacy, we mean the added ability to move confidently and smoothly between Irish and English languages for different purposes.

 

Rationale

Additive bilingualism underpins our philosophy in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise. That is to say that competence in both languages (Irish and English) is our aim. Total immersion in Irish is used to foster additive bilingualism in the school because of the multi-various supports English outside the school and in society in general. Additive bilingualism is linked to high self-esteem, increased cognitive flexibility, and higher levels of proficiency in both languages.  

 

Amanta Oscailte

Office Hours      08.45- 3.00

Class Hours

Infant Classes    08.50 -13.30

R1-RVI               08.50-2.30

 

Curriculum

The present Primary School Curriculum was introduced in 1999. It identifies three primary aims of primary education:

to enable the child to live a full life as a child and to realise his or her potential as a unique individual
to enable the child to develop as a social being through living and cooperating with others and so contribute to the good of society
to prepare the child for further education and lifelong learning.

The curriculum is learner centred. It emphasises the importance of literacy,numeracy and language, while at the same time responding to changing needs in science and technology, social personal and health education and citizenship. The curriculum is presented in 6 subject areas comprising 11 subjects.

 

Primary School Curriculum

Areas

 

Language

Gaeilge, English

Mathematics

Social Environmental and Scientific Education

History, Geography, Science

Arts Education

Visual Arts, Drama, Music

Physical Education

Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)

The curriculum may be viewed or downloaded from    www.curriculumonline.ie

 

Differentiation

In addition to the above mentioned Curriculum, the school delivers elements of special curricula for children with specific educational needs. All class teachers differentiate the curriculum to meet the individual needs of the children in their care. Karla Ní Leannáin, Deputy Principal, co-ordinates Special Education in our school.

 

Labhairt na Gaeilge/Speaking Irish

We are very pleased that you have chosen to have your child educated in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise. Our Gaelscoil embraces an Early Immersion Education Model providing education of the highest standard through the medium of Irish. Gaelscoil na Dúglaise sees to it that every learner reaches the highest possible level in linguistic, cognitive, emotional and social development and in the acquisition of Irish. As we endeavour to ensure your child fulfils his /her full bilingual potential we request your support that your child speaks Irish at all times in the environs of the school. Due regard is given to your child’s age. At all times, encouragement and praise is given to the children in their efforts to speak Irish reflecting our Scéim Luacha na Gaeilge. You will be keep abreast of the most current incentives in our monthly newsletter. In the case where a child will not adhere to school policy we will contact parents.  We look forward to your co-operation in our efforts to promote our language. Thank you. If you are in a position to speak Irish yourself we would urge you to do so. Go raibh maith agaibh.

 

Ranganna Gaeilge/Irish Classes

Conversational Irish classes are held in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise every Autumn subject to demand. For those unable to attend classes log on to www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under ‘Tuismitheoirí’ or Parents where you will see websites that maybe of some assistance to you. Classes are usually taught by a staff member. Online classes of various levels are also available on www.gaelchultur.com

 

Weekly email

                  Gaelscoil na Dúglaise issues weekly correspondence by email to all parents. It is a bilingual production that is usually packed with lots of current information about what is going on throughout the school. 

 

 Féilire na Scoile/School Calender

The holiday schedule for the school year is distributed to all Parents/Guardians. It is also available on the school website. Any changes to the calendar will be disseminated through  email.

 

Maidineacha Caifé/ Coffee Mornings

Parents are invited to a number of coffee mornings held in the school hall throughout the school year. These coffee mornings are hosted by Cumann na dTuismitheoirí our Parents Association. Children from various classes often perform at these occasions. Dates are provided through email to all parents/ guardians. Fáilte roimh chách.

 

Imeachtaí Eischuraclaim/Extra Curricular Activities

There are a number of extra-curricular activities held in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise including hurling, football, camogie, tennis, music, art, and Homework Club. Taekwon- Do classes take place on Monday and Thursday evenings. The Douglas branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann holds lessons in the school on Wednesday evenings. Details are published by email in September.                                                                       

 

Tinreamh /Attendance Gaelscoil na Dúglaise has a long tradition of excellent school attendance. School attendance is monitored by the National Educational Welfare Board and the school is required, by law, to keep the N.E.W.B. informed of concerns re: attendance and the names of all children who accumulate 20 absences or more. Over and above legislation, good attendance positively impacts on school progress – put simply, time lost is never recovered. A written note must be provided for all your child’s absences. This should be given directly to your child’s teacher on the day the child returns to school. Please use the absence slips provided in your child’s Leabhrán Obairbhaile. Your cooperation is necessary and appreciated.  Children who are ill should not be sent to school. A copy of our Attendance Policy can be accessed on our school Website at www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and Policies.

 

 

Foirm Sonraí/Information Form

Every September on your child’s return to school you will be asked to register with the Aladdin Schools App (New pupils)  to update all details -  persons nominated to collect your child from school and important phone numbers in the event of us needing to contact you during the school day. 

 

Custody and Separation Issues

The Staff of Gaelscoil na Dúglaise encourage parents experiencing separation to come and speak confidentially to the teachers and/or Principal.  It is our aim to handle such matters with sensitivity and compassion, and ultimately, our primary concern is for the wellbeing and overall development of the child.

 

When a child spends time in two homes, it is requested that the school be provided with both sets of emergency/contact numbers.  It is the school policy to offer the option of separate parent/teacher meetings, if so desired (arranged in November).

 

It is assumed that when we wish to communicate with parents regarding their child, the parent who is contacted (i.e. the parent with whom the child principally resides) will inform the other parent of meetings, arrangements etc. Special requests for separate communication can be accommodated.

In the case of married parents, the school cannot be asked to withhold a child from either parent in the absence of a custody arrangement. In the case of unmarried parents, the natural father has no custody or guardianship rights unless a court grants those rights to him. The onus is on the father to produce evidence of a court order in the case of a dispute regarding the collection of a child during or after school.

 

Ag teacht isteach sa bhfoirgneamh/Entering the school building

In the interests of Health and Safety and Child Protection all visitors to the school including parents must enter the school through the main door which is security coded.  When it is necessary for a pupil to leave school early, a note must be sent to the class teacher. Parents/ guardians are asked to call personally to the office having been admitted via the main school door to collect their child. Any person not already nominated for collecting a child on behalf of a parent/guardian should present written authorisation with a telephone contact number at the office.

Amanta Oscailte /Opening  Times

School begins at 8.50 a.m.  It is important that children develop the habit of being punctual for school. The school will open to receive pupils at 8.40 a.m. No responsibility is accepted for pupils arriving before that time.  Children who are in the clós (playground) prior to official opening time are not the responsibility of any member of staff.  Children are not allowed to enter the school building prior to 8.50 a.m. unless directed to do so by the teacher on duty. Class teachers will collect their classes from an clós and escort them to their classrooms. In an effort to cultivate your child’s independence we ask you to say ‘Slán’ to your child in the clós and not to escort them to their classroom. (Parents of Junior Infant classes may escort their child to the classroom for the month of September if they wish)

On wet days children will be supervised from 8.40am in their classrooms . 

  Amanta Dúnta /Home Time

Junior and Senior Infant Classes are dismissed at 1.30. p.m from the door of their classroom. Parents may not access the school hall as a waiting area during the school day under Child Protection Guidelines. At 2.30 p.m., pupils from 1st Class to 6th Class are expected to leave the school grounds promptly in an orderly fashion and must not attempt to climb the school railings. Pupils should respect and follow the directions of the teacher on duty at all times.

 

  Parents who wish to have their children escorted home should make their own arrangements to have them met at the school gate and the person to escort them should be at the school no later than 2.30p.m as the school cannot accept responsibility for looking after the children after that time. Children are not allowed to wait until they are collected in the school hall.

 In the case of children travelling by the school bus, the school cannot accept responsibility for escorting them from the bus to the school or from the school to the bus. Those parents who feel that their children need to be escorted on these occasions should make arrangements to ensure that some escort is provided.

Pupils attending after-school activities in the school should go to their allocated room promptly at 2.30pm.

Children are only allowed in ‘Anam Cara’ the school garden and 'An Gairdín Céadfach'  our Sensory Garden under teacher supervision .

 

Aráchas Pearsanta/ Group Personal Accident Cover

Parents avail of Gaelscoil na Dúglaise’s Group Personal Accident Cover provided by school insurers ‘Allianz’ annually. This small charge is included in your booklist.

 

Am lóin/ Lunch Time

1. There is a short break at 10.35 a.m.  for Junior classes and at 10.50 a.m for Senior classes and when weather permits, children go to an clós. Junior infants -  Second class go to the yard from 12.15 p.m. to 12.35 p.m. Third to Sixth class are in the yard from 12.40 p.m. to 1.00 p.m. This staggered lunch break is for safety reasons. Children eat their lunch and then go to an clós for playtime.  Food and drink are not allowed in the playground area. Children are encouraged to eat a healthy lunch. Nuts and nut products are not allowed in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise under any circumstances as a number of children are at risk of severe allergic reactions.

 A copy of our Healthy Eating Policy can be accessed on our school Website at www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and Policies. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated. All lunch box waste will be taken home by the children in their lunch box.

2. Requests to remain indoors at break times should only be made in exceptional circumstances (limbs in plaster, recovering from/awaiting surgery). These requests must be made in writing to the class teacher. When a pupil is allowed to remain indoors, it is necessary that they remain seated in the designated classroom close to an clós.

3. Children may not re-enter the school building during the breaks without the permission of a teacher on duty.

 

Gairdín na Scoile 

Gaelscoil na Dúglaise has a thriving school garden. This garden is cultivated by a group of voluntary parents in conjunction with some teachers.  You are very welcome to help out at any stage. Further information available from the oifig /school office. 

 

Eadaí Scoile /School Uniform

Uniform for boys consists of navy jumper with school crest, navy trousers, white shirt and a blackwatch tartan tie and navy school jacket with school crest.  

Shoes should be navy or black. Socks should also be navy or white.

Uniform for girls consists of blackwatch tartan pinafore, navy cardigan with school crest, white shirt, blackwatch tartan tie and navy school jacket with school crest. All of the above are available from Laura’s in Dosco Industrial Estate on the South Douglas Road.

Shoes should be navy or black.  Navy or Black boots way be worn to school in cold weather however they are not permitted for formal school occasions. Socks or tights should also be navy or white.

Children wear robes which are available for rental by the school for First Holy Communion and wear school uniform for Confirmation.

The school uniform must be worn on all school days other than on days of PE lessons or school sport activities or after school sports activities that take place immediately after school in the school hall. 

For Physical Education, runners are compulsory and pupils wear the school tracksuit.  The school tracksuit is worn with a green school polo shirt or with the school jersey.

Children have an option in finer weather to wear school shorts with the green school polo shirt or with the school jersey.  The Physical Education uniform and school jackets/coats are available from 4orm in the Carrigaline Business Park or on www.4orm.ie. The school jersey is available for sale through the school.

Children should have their names on their jackets, tracksuit tops and school jerseys and other personal property such as schoolbooks, copies, lunch boxes, flasks and beakers.

The Board of Management does not accept responsibility for the children’s property.

 

Timpistí/Accident Procedures

Accidents occur despite supervision. Minor accidents are treated at school. Slight cuts and grazes are normally treated by cleaning with cold water. In the event of an accident/child becoming ill, every possible effort will be made to contact the pupil's parents or the persons delegated to take responsibility for the pupil. 

 

School Nurse (HSE)

The school nurse visits the school a number of times each year. During their time in school, each child is checked for hearing and vision and will be offered immunisation injections. Parents will be informed in advance of these visits.

 

Caidreamh Scoil/Baile /Home School Liaison

Frequent communication is of vital importance in developing and nurturing co-operation between home and school. In Gaelscoil na Dúglaise, communication between parents and teachers may take one of the following forms:

Individual consultation occurs where a parent has asked for a meeting with a teacher or has been invited to visit the school to exchange information or to discuss matters of concern. A note to the class teacher requesting such an appointment is always essential. It is also necessary that the purpose of the visit be stated so that teachers may undertake whatever preparation is necessary with regard to information and records. Parents should contact the secretary at 4364193 if they wish to meet the teacher stating the purpose of the meeting where possible.

Parent / teacher meetings are held in November.

The following means of communication are also utilised:

Notes in the pupil's leabhrán obairbhaile/ homework notebook.

Encourage your child to deliver notes immediately or check each evening at homework time to see if there is a note from the school

Email from Príomhoide/Class Teacher

 

Textaparent

Textaparent (Aladdin School App) is used for unpredictable events, last minute time table changes and important reminders. The service guarantees that essential messages are received. 

Full text of our home school liaison policy can be accessed on our school Website at www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and policies.

 

Gearán a dhéanamh/ Complaints Procedure

It is in the interest of pupils, parents and teachers that good relations should exist between home and school. The teachers are willing to discuss any problems which may arise from time to time. With mutual respect and goodwill, most problems can be resolved readily.

Stage 1: (Informal)

A parent who wishes to make a complaint should meet with the class teacher with a view to resolving the complaint.

If the matter is not resolved, the parent should meet with the principal.

If the complaint is still not resolved, parent should meet with the Chairperson of the Board of Management.

Stage 2 (Formal)

1 .If the complaint is still unresolved; it should be lodged in writing with the Chairperson of the BOM.

2 The Chairperson should bring the precise nature of the written complaint to the notice of the teacher and seek to resolve the matter within 5 days of the receipt of the written complaint. 

 

Caomhnú an linbh /Child Protection Guidelines

The BoM has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools as part of its overall child protection policy.

The Board of Management (BoM) recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies, practices and activities. Consequently if there is a matter of concern in relation to abuse of children, we are obliged to report this to the local Health Board. It will assess the case and provide the necessary support for the child concerned. All Staff working in the school are instructed in their duties relating to the protection and welfare of children in accordance with the Department of Education Guidelines and Procedures for Child Protection and in accordance with Children First-the National Guidelines for the protection and Welfare of Children. We contribute to the prevention of child abuse through the SPHE curriculum, particularly through the Strand Unit, Safety and Protection.  The Child Protection Programme that is to be implemented in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise is the Stay Safe Programme.  It will be taught from Infants to Sixth Class and will be taught on alternate years.  It will be taught in a 6-week block to maintain the integrity of the Stay Safe programme.

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Niamh Ní Mhaoláin.

The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Karla Ní Leannáin.

 

 

A copy of our Child Protection Policy can be accessed on our school Website at www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and Policies.

Children First can be downloaded from www.dohc.ie

DES Guidelines and Procedures can be downloaded from www.education.ie

 

 

Code of Behaviour

 

The Board of Management of Gaelscoil na Dúglaise has adopted this Code of Behaviour in line with Section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000 facilitated by N.E.W.B. guidelines

 

Aim

 

The aim of this Code of Behaviour is to promote a positive attitude to behaviour in school, to provide suitable teaching and learning opportunities and to foster the holistic development of the pupil in a happy, secure environment.

 

School Policy regarding Behaviour

 

The Board of Management, School Staff and School Community will make every effort to implement a positive approach to behaviour in our school encouraging good behaviour and preventing bad behaviour.

The Board of Management acknowledges the differences amongst pupils and sees the necessity of fair treatment of children’s needs.   Parents and Guardians play a very important role in supporting this Code of Conduct and in availing of both formal and informal means of communication with the school.  

The Board of Management acknowledges the importance of cultivating a strong sense of community within the school to develop a high standard of behaviour.

The Board of Management recommends co-operation between the school community and will give every support to the Principal, School Staff, Parents and Guardians in the implementation of this plan.

The Board will review this Code of Behaviour as it deems necessary.

 

Code of Behaviour

All pupils will use Irish as a means of communication in school. 

Children will show respect for the school community at all times.

Vulgar and aggressive language is not tolerated.

School uniform will be worn every day.

Children will not the leave school premises during the school day unless they are collected by a parent or a nominated person.

Children will remain in their designated area in the school clós.

Children will play in a manner that ensures their safety and the safety of others.

Children will not bring anything to school that will hurt themselves or others.

Children are not allowed to bully any member of the school community.

The Board of Management requires that children do not wear jewellery.

 

Responding to inappropriate behaviour.

 

The Class Teacher deals with minor misdemeanours.   The teacher may invoke a sanction that they deem appropriate within the Code of Behaviour.

If there are repeated incidences of inappropriate behaviour the child is breaking the Code of Behaviour and the case will come before the Principal.

 

Any of the following strategies may be used as sanctions:

Speaking to the pupil.
Recording the incident.
Separating the pupil temporarily from his/her peer group.
Removal of a privilege.
Extra school work.
Communication with parents.
Sending a note to parents.
Sending pupil to the Principal.
Informing the Board of Management.
Suspending the pupil temporarily.

 

Gaelscoil Rules/Expectations

 

I will speak Irish.
I will show respect.
I will do my best.
I will be careful.
I will be honest.
I will be responsible.

(Full version of An Cód Iompair available on www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie)

 

  Anti Bullying Statement

Bullying is defined as repeated aggression, verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or group against others.

Gaelscoil na Dúglaise recognises the need for parental co-operation in communicating concerns and information regarding bullying to the teaching staff, in encouraging their children to report incidents to the teaching staff, in supporting Gaelscoil na Dúglaise in helping to prevent bullying and in the implementation of intervention strategies when bullying occurs.

The school strives to create a school ethos which encourages children to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour.

Gaelscoil na Dúglaise endeavours to ensure supervision and monitoring measures through which all areas of school activity are kept under observation.

Gaelscoil na Dúglaise has procedures for noting and reporting incidents of bullying behaviour.

Gaelscoil na Dúglaise acknowledges the right of each member of the school community to enjoy school in a secure environment.

The class teacher in the first instance, will investigate and deal with all bullying incidents.

Fóin Póca/Mobile Phones

We would encourage children not to have mobile phones in school unless absolutely necessary. Children in school should not have access to camera phones. Any child found using their phone during school hours will have their phone confiscated and it must be collected by a parent from the teacher.

Children are not allowed to have their mobile phones turned on while on the school premises or close to the school gate at 2.30pm in the interest of Health and Safety of all children. Parents /guardians and childminders are requested not to use mobile phones in the school building.View a copy of our Mobile Phone Policy at www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and Policies.

 

Hand held devices i.e.Nintendo and i-pods etc are not allowed in school.

 

Ainmhithe/Animals

Parents are asked not to bring family pets on to the school premises in the interests of health and safety.

 

Míoltóga Gruaige/ Head Lice

 

Please check your child's hair regularly for outbreaks of Head Lice. If there is an outbreak of head lice in a class, all parents of pupils in that class are informed by note or text and asked to take immediate action to treat infestation. Children with long hair should have it tied up.

Smidiú/Make Up

Children are not allowed to wear make-up in school.

 

Creideamh/Religion

The pupils are prepared to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion when they are in Second Class, and they receive Confirmation when they are in Sixth Class. The preparation of the children for sacraments is a shared responsibility for pupils, teachers, parents and parish clergy. All classes follow the Beo go Deo programme

Obairbhaile/ Homework – General Guidelines

Homework forms a positive link between home and school.  Parents or guardians can give valuable support to the work of the school and help the child greatly, by showing a positive interest in and encouragement of homework.   All pupils in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise are given homework from Monday to Thursday, inclusive. Homework will not normally be given at weekends but may be from time to time at the class teacher’s discretion. Homework will not be given on nights when the children will participate in school activities e.g. services for the sacraments, school concerts etc... In recognition of the visit of the Lord Mayor to the school and of special occasions such as a match victory, production of drama etc.

Parents are asked to ensure that their children complete their homework each night and ensure ‘An leabhrán Obairbhaile is signed by an adult. Even if your child attends Club Obairbhaile parents have ultimate responsibility for homework. If a child cannot complete his/her homework for whatever reason, parents should communicate same in the leabhrán Obairbhaile.

 

The full text of our school homework policy can be accessed on our school Website at www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and Policies.

Assessment

Assessment in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise is the process of gathering, recording, interpreting, using, and reporting information about your child’s progress and achievement in developing knowledge, skills and attitudes. There will be two principle approaches, Assessment for Learning and Assessment of Learning. Methods used will include self-assessment, conferencing, teacher observation, teacher designed tasks and tests and standardised testing. Self Assessment and Learning Folders (SALF) in all classes from Junior Infants provide a framework for children to present evidence of their work and their assessment of that work across all curricular areas.

School Report Cards

In Gaelscoil na Dúglaise we use a standardised template designed by The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The NCCA worked with schools to develop this template for reporting to parents. The template uses four key areas for sharing information with parents on their children’s progress and achievement at school:

insights gained into the child's learning disposition/s
the child's social and personal development
the child's learning across the curriculum
the key role of parents in supporting their child's learning.

As your child’s school report card is in Irish, a list of vocabulary/phrases the teacher may have used in his /her comment is also included. Should you need any clarification, you can discuss same with the class teacher at a time convenient to you both. Report Cards issue by email  at the end of the school year.

Leigheas ar scoil /Medicines in School

 If you have any questions re: the administration of medicines in school a copy of our Administration of Medicines can be accessed on our school Website at www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and Policies. Please know that a teacher may only administer/facilitate the administration of a medicine when asked, and s/he is happy to do so, by the Board of Management. Therefore, a written application from a Parent/Guardian to the Chairperson of the Board, accompanied by a completed Indemnity Form is required before any medicine may be administered by a member of staff.

 

Rothair/Bicycles

Pupils who bring bicycles to school are asked to alight at the gates of the school. Children or parents are not allowed to cycle through the school yard. Children cycling to school should wear a helmet and a high visibility vest. Bicycles should be locked during school hours and left in designated bicycle rails.

 

Páirceáil/Parking

In the interest of health and safety of our schoolchildren the Board of Management requests parents/guardians to park safely in the vicinity of Gaelscoil na Dúglaise. The Board of Management is not responsible for traffic management outside the school gates. We do however respond promptly to any breaches of child safety and any traffic infringement on entry and exit to the school grounds. Parents/Guardians are asked to make child safety a number one priority. Park sensibly and put children before vehicles and proximity parking. We take this opportunity to remind drivers that:

 

Parking is not allowed in front of main gate.

Parking is not allowed in the staff car park.

It is not permitted to block the gateways of neighbouring houses.

It is not permitted to park in the disabled parking areas outside the pedestrian gate

It is an offence to park on double yellow lines.

Please use Tramore Athletic Club Car Park

Parents are also requested to move on from the vicinity of the school area promptly in the mornings to facilitate other cars arriving.   It is very important that everybody co-operates in this area to ensure that accidents are avoided.

Please inform your childminders of same.

 

Cumann na dTuismitheoirí /Parents Association

Our school’s Cumann na dTuismitheoirí (Parent Association) is the structure through which parents/guardians in our school can work together for the best possible education of children. Cumann na dTuismitheoirí works with and supports the Principal Teacher, Staff and the Board of Management to build an effective partnership between home and school.

Partnership between home and school is important because with positive and active partnership the children get the best possible education. We know from research that children do better, behave better and are happier in schools where parents and teachers work closely together and when parents are able to give their children support at home.

Cumann na dTuismitheoirí is a means to realise the potential of Teacher-Parent co-operation. We would very much welcome the involvement of any new parents who would be interested in joining Cumann na dTuismitheoirí .  Cumann na dTuismitheoirí’s Annual General Meeting takes place every September. A new committee is formed annually at this meeting. Cumann na dTuismitheoirí informs all Parents/Guardians in writing in advance of the September AGM. Our Parental Involvement Policy can be accessed on our school Website at www.gaelscoilnaduglaise.ie under Information and Policies

An Bord Bainistíochta/Board of Management

The Board of Management (2019 -2023) is responsible for the day to day management of the school.  The members are as follows:

      Chairperson: Mairtín Ó Conaill

     Patron’s Nominee: Seamus Ó Laoi

     Parent Nominee: (mother) Majella Mhic Gafraidh

     Parent Nominee: (father) Des Ó Muimhneacháin

    Community Nominee:  Therese Uí Choinn

    Community Nominee: John Carr

    Teacher Nominee: Karla Ní Leannáin

    Principal Teacher : Niamh Ní Mhaolain

Please note: Parent Representatives on the Board of Management are not conduits of communication between Parents, the Principal Teacher and individual Teachers. If parents have a particular concern regarding their child, they should in the first instance speak with their child’s teacher. Occasionally, parents may wish to have a matter discussed at Board of Management level. For this to happen, the matter should be communicated in writing to the Chairperson of the Board at least ten days before the next planned Board of Management meeting. In all matters, the Board of Management operates as a team.