INFORMATION
EVENING FOR
PARENTS OF INCOMING FIRST YEARS
2015
Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
Welcome to Virginia College. We recognise the parents of our students as integral partners in their
education. This booklet is designed to ease your child’s introduction to their new school and to answer
many of the questions that you may have. We hope that your child’s years in our school are both
productive and happy. The programme for this evening is as follows:
Welcome Address:
Mr Seamus Greene, Deputy Principal
Code of Behaviour and Attendance:
Ms Catherine O Sullivan, Year Head.
General Information
Mr Seamus Greene, Deputy Principal
Special Needs Education:
Ms Michelle Flynn, Special Educational Needs
Guidance and Counselling:
Ms Ann Costello, Guidance Counsellor
Personal Safety Committee:
Ms Amanda Fitzsimons, PSC Coordinator.
General Information & Questions:
Mr Seamus Greene, Deputy Principal.
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
MISSION STATEMENT
Tús Feasa Fiafraí
Faithful to our motto, Virginia College is committed to providing quality teaching in a safe and
positive learning environment. Whilst fostering academic and personal achievement, we aim
to nurture an educational community of informed, responsible and caring citizens for an everchanging world.
Transition from Primary to Secondary School
Students coming from national school often experience transitional problems. These problems usually
sort themselves out in time. They are all part of the learning process. You have to remember that the
majority of first year students come from small primary schools to a large secondary school with over
700 students.
We try to minimise the stress of this transition by bringing first year students back to school a few days
earlier than other students, allowing them time to find their feet before all students in the school return.
During this induction programme first year students attend an assembly where they are divided into
their class groups and meet their class tutors. Students then spend the day with their tutors, touring the
school, meeting their teachers, meeting their mentors, receiving their timetables.
At Virginia College we also organise anti-bullying talks/workshops, pastoral care in the form of roll
call and SPHE, sometimes we have social groups for students with difficulty mixing and/or clubs
organised by prefects. We also organise study skills seminars and have a carefully designed pastoral
care team in place to help your children cope with this transition.
Recommended reading on our school website
The Transitions to Secondary School – The Institute of Guidance
Counsellors
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
Code of Behaviour
It is widely accepted among educational researchers and experts that good school discipline influences
academic success. Discipline in Virginia College is essentially about respect. We expect and emphasise
good manners and respect for others, care of school property and regard for good order and learning.
Our code of behaviour is available in each student journal. The code of behaviour consists of rules,
procedures and sanctions. We do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour because it interferes with the
rights of the majority of students who want to learn and succeed. If a students’ behaviour falls below
unacceptable standards, positive action is taken. Our code of discipline is balanced and we like to place
equal emphasis on good effort, and good behaviour during tutor classes and assemblies.
All students must read and sign the Code of Behaviour before entering the school in
August; this must also be signed by parents.
The school expects parents to:
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Be familiar with the various policies and codes of the school and the expectations of
students
Show support for teachers in their implementation of the schools code of behaviour
Support their child in his/her homework and ensure that your child has the necessary
materials
Ensure the regular attendance and punctuality of your child
Encourage your child to have a positive attitude to our code of behaviour
Promote respect for the authority of the school and staff
Be available to discuss any problem that could arise
Student Journal
The journal is one of the most important books in your child’s schoolbag. Notes in this journal are
issued by teachers as the first contact with home if a problem arises (no homework, no books etc.). It
is important that your child has the journal in all classes and that all homework is recorded. The journal
must be kept neat and tidy and free from graffiti.
If your child forgets their journal they must ask their Tutor for “A Journal Replacement Sheet”. This
must then be stuck into their journal.
Parents/guardians are reminded that this journal must be signed every Tuesday night.
All notes given by teachers should be signed by a parent/guardian.
General Information
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
School Times
Monday/Tuesday/
Thursday/Friday
09.00
Roll Call
09.05
Class
09.40
Class
10.20
Class
11.00
Break (15 min)
11.15
Class
11.55
Class
12.35
Class
13.15
Lunch (45 min)
14.00
Class
14.40
Class
15.20
Class
Note:
(i)
Wednesday only
09.00
09.20
10.00
10.40
11.20
11.35
12.15
12.55
Assembly-Roll Call
Class
Class
Class
Break (15 min)
Class
Class
Class
(ii)
Classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday finish at 4 p.m. (9 classes per
day).
Classes on Wednesday finish at 1.35 p.m. (6 classes)
N.B.
Students must be in attendance for Assembly at 09.00 a.m.
Uniform
Boys
Black shoes/black laces no runners or logos
Grey trousers
Plain blue shirt
Virginia College navy round neck jumper*
Virginia College School Jacket*
Girls
Black shoes/black laces, no runner or logos
Virginia College tartan skirt*
Plain blue shirt
Navy socks or plain knitted tights
Virginia College school jacket*
Navy trousers are an option
Virginia College school jacket*
*These items are specific to our school and are available from Vera Brady, Virginia and
Josephine Coleman’s Ballyjamesduff. For all students an optional navy hat* and scarf* with
our college logo is available.
PE Uniform
All students must have the official P.E. uniform which is red school T shirt and black and red
sweatshirt both with logo and plain black school tracksuit bottoms.
Lockers
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Locker keys are issued by Lorcan Farrelly and cost €20 - €5 of which is refundable when the
key is handed back at the end of the school year. Replacement keys cost €10.
Students may only go to their locker at the following times:
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Before Assembly (8:30-8:55)
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Break-Time
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Lunch-Time (At the very start of lunch and at the very end)
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At the end of the school day
Curriculum - Junior Cycle
In the first three years of study, leading to the Junior Certificate examinations, we offer our students a
wide range of subject choices from the following list:
Core Subjects
Irish
English
Mathematics
French/Spanish
PE
Geography
History
Science
SPHE
CSPE
Religion
Information Technology
Materials Technology Wood (Woodwork)
Technical Graphics
Technology
Music
Home Economics
Art
Business
Materials Technology Metal (Metalwork)
Students sample optional subjects and after this sampling, students express a preference for two
subjects from the optional subjects list.
While we endeavour to provide students with their first and second choices, we cannot
guarantee them.
Book lists
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Optional Subjects
Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
It is essential that all books itemised for purchase on the booklist are in your child’s possession
for their classes.
Study Skills Seminars
We understand that the transition from primary to post primary school can be difficult for many
students. Students now have to handle many subjects, different teachers and a different set of
expectations. In order to help students with this transition we organise study skills seminars
for all first year students. Skills for learning are at the very core of the educational process.
We have found that if students learn how to study, their confidence soars and their school
results can improve dramatically. These study seminars offer practical, realistic advice and
ideas to help assist students with their studies. Topics covered include: goal setting,
timetables, homework, note making and study techniques. Hopefully these techniques will
ensure students get the best from the time they spend studying and help them to develop a study
plan that fits into their lifestyle and home schedule.
Homework
As you are aware, homework is an important part of learning as it reinforces the material covered in
class as well as providing experience in how to approach different kinds of questions and examination
preparation.
We all have a key role to play in reinforcing the importance of completing homework on a daily basis.
Homework should be presented neatly and students should ensure enough time is spent on questions
rather than rushing their work.
Homework is given in nearly all subjects and is important because it reinforces work that has been learnt
during the day’s lessons. It is important to develop good habits regarding homework from the beginning
of the school year.
The amount of homework increases throughout your time in school. In First Year you should be
spending 1½ hours per night on your work. This amount of time should increase when you have class
exams or school exams. It is also important to note that not all homework is written and that learning
homework is just as important.
Suggestions for Homework
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
1.
Choose a suitable, quiet place without TV or music.
2.
Try and do homework at the same time every night.
3.
Plan your homework before you start.
4.
Use your Journal and tick off work as it is completed.
5.
Try and do all your homework on the night it is given, even though it may not be required for
the next day.
6.
Make sure all written work is neat and tidy.
7.
Ask your parents/guardians to check your homework.
8.
If you are absent from a class, find out what homework was set and complete it.
9.
Finally, each evening check that your schoolbag is packed for the next day and that all
homework is presented on time.
Recommended reading on our school website
Study, Learn to Learn, A Parents Guide – The Institute of Guidance Counsellors
A aprents
Extra-curricular activities
We strongly encourage all our students to get involved in extra-curricular activities. A whole range of
activities are offered in Virginia College, so there is something to suit everyone. These activities help
students to integrate, form new friends and to develop their talents. Listen carefully at assembly and
look at the notices on the television screens around the school and various notice boards for details
about various sporting and cultural events.
The following are some of the activities on offer:
Choir
Basketball
Young Scientist
Soccer
Young Entrepreneurs
Gaelic Football
Media Club
Hurling
Debating Club
Camógie
Athletic
Talent Show
Rugby
Trad. Group
Table-Tennis
Green Schools
Levy
Student levy is €60 per student or €80 per family in the case of two or more students attending
Virginia College. It includes the cost of the photocopying, general administration and the 24 hour
insurance scheme cover.
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Guidance and Counselling Service
During your child’s time in Virginia College, he/she may need to see the Guidance Counsellor for
information and help with issues such as:
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Testing/Aptitudes, personality and career interest
Counselling: Personal, Educational and Vocational (adjustment problems, personal concerns,
school related issues, subject choice and career)
Referrals in school and to outside supports
Confidential note taking and storage of information
Parental Meetings
Student Information
Liaise with Year Heads, SEN, parents and Management re. Student Support
Guidance Classes, organisation and facilitation of careers talks and external career visits and
support
The counselling service is available to all students. Students are offered one to one appointments on
a need to see and priority basis. Counselling is offered on a confidential, one-to-one basis and/or in
classes. Students can self-refer to the service by making their own appointment with the Guidance
Counsellor, or they may be referred by parents, teachers, Year Head, class tutor, deputy principal or
principal. In terms of confidentiality the Year Head may be informed. The guidance counsellor
cannot promise confidentiality where a student is at risk or may harm somebody else.
Special Educational Needs
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If it is thought to be in the best interest of the student, a referral may be suggested to outside
agencies (HSE, Education Welfare Officer and JLO). In such cases it is the principal/deputy principal
as the designated liaison person that makes the referral.
Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
Virginia College offers an inclusive education to its students irrespective of their intellectual
abilities. Our learning support department aims to support the student with SEN in a manner
which will encourage him/her to be a valued member of the school community and help
him/her to acquire adequate literacy/numeracy skills to enable him/her to embrace adult life
with confidence and achieve his/her full potential in exams.
Students are considered for support based on their entrance results, psychological report and
additional information received from parents. It is important to note that if your child received
support in primary school they may in fact not be entitled to support in post primary school.
All students who have been granted Resource tuition by the Department of Education and Skills
will attend resource classes where they receive support in line with the diagnosed disability.
If your child has been diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty it is extremely important
that you inform and provide return relevant documentation to the SEN co-ordinator.
Psychological Reports:
Parents are reminded that the Department of Education and Skills will not accept reports which
are over three years old. If you are awaiting an updated report please inform Ms Collins/Ms
Flynn of the date you expect to receive it. You should then send a copy to Ms Collins/Ms
Flynn at your earliest convenience as this may need to be sent to the National Council for
Special Education (NCSE) for consideration.
Exemptions from Irish:
Exemptions from Irish cannot be granted if the student is not in receipt of an Exemption
from Irish Certificate which should have been received in national school. (A letter
requesting exemption should be given to national school principal post assessment if an
exemption has been recommended). If your child has been recently assessed in national
school and the assessment recommends that he be exempted from Irish you should state that
you wish to have him exempted and sign the appropriate consent form. Students with
exemptions are still seated in the Irish class; this is due to insurance and supervision reasons,
however, students are free to study.
Personal Concerns:
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
If you have any particular concerns in relation to your child’s adjustment to secondary school
or other concerns you should take the time to contact the First Year Head/Tutor.
Making Contact:
Due to the fact that there are many SEN students in the school we would ask parents to respect
the fact that Ms Collins/Ms Flynn may not be able to reply to your phone calls immediately.
Personal Safety Committee
A key objective of Virginia College is to make the school a safe environment for all. Hence it
is vitally important that mutual respect is one of our core values within which bullying should
have no place. Each and every member of the school community has an important role to play
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
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in ensuring that we do everything possible to counteract bullying. This Anti-Bullying Policy is
closely linked to our Code of Behaviour, which is based on the concept of mutual respect. Our
Mission Statement reinforces that Virginia College is committed to providing quality teaching
in a safe and positive learning environment.
The School’s Anti -Bullying Policy was updated and ratified by the B.O.M on the 8th April
2014 in line with the new Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools
and the Department of Education and Skills Circular 045/2013.
The Policy is available on the School Website.
This policy comprehends bullying that is either perpetrated by students or experienced by
students in Virginia College.
Bullying is defined as unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical,
conducted by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is
repeated over time.
These procedures make clear that this definition includes cyber-bullying and identity-based
bullying (such as homophobic bullying and racist bullying).
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The school premises
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Travelling to and from school
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School tours
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Extra-curricular activities
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Sport
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The use of cyber technology
To whom should concerns about a student being bullied be reported – relevant teachers
for investigating and dealing with bullying?
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The policy applies to:
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Students, parents, non-teaching staff or members of the wider community should feel
welcome to report their concerns to any member of the teaching staff – including the
Principal, Deputy Principal and/or the Personal Safety Committee.
In this regard, any member of the teaching staff is deemed to be a relevant teacher in the
context of Section 6.8.3 of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary
Schools.
Our aim is to raise awareness of bullying as an unacceptable form of behaviour and to establish
a high degree of collective vigilance. We want to create an atmosphere of openness, which
encourages students to disclose the bullying. We aim to dispel the culture of secrecy in which
the students often feel a sense of hopelessness and futility against the power being exercised
by those involved in the bullying behaviour.
Procedures for dealing with Bullying.
A Personal Safety Committee (P.S.C.) investigates all instances of reported or suspected bullying
behaviour, whether these take place within the school or outside it, with a view to establishing the facts
and bringing any such behaviour to an end.
The School, through the P.S.C. reserves the right to ask any student to write an account of what
happened, as part of an investigation. This will be a standard procedure and does not necessarily imply
that a student is guilty of misbehaviour. A restorative approach will be used when investigating
incidents.
Students who are alleged to have been involved in bullying behaviour or who have witnessed this
behaviour are interviewed by a member of the P.S.C. This will establish the nature and extent of the
behaviour. Where a student is involved in bullying behaviour an appropriate sanction will be applied.
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We encourage the reporting of all incidents of bullying.
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All parties will receive a fair hearing.
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If a bullying situation is witnessed or a complaint is made to any teacher, the teacher will then
fill in a Personal Safety Committee Referral Sheet.
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A student may inform a member of the Student Council/Senior Prefect who will pass on the
complaint to the P.S.C. or leave a signed note in the student P.S.C. box in the secretary's office.
Alternatively, students may email their concerns to psc@virginiacollege.
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Procedures in place for Reporting, Investigating, Recording and Resolving Complaints
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A member of the P.S.C. will check the Complaint Box on a regular basis.
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On receiving a complaint, a member of the P. S. C. will meet, where relevant with the teacher
who received the complaint and record the details.
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Students reporting bullying behaviour and students alleged to be bullying will be interviewed
separately by two teachers, one investigating and the other observing and recording.
Bystanders may also be interviewed.
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Incidents will be dealt with in a confidential manner within the child protection guidelines.
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The committee will ensure that the incident is investigated and appropriate action is taken.
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A record will be kept of the proceedings.
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The P.S.C will link in with students involved in the incident for a period of time.
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Communication will be maintained with parents/guardians of student.
The relevant teacher will use his/her professional judgement regarding the records to be kept of
information received, the actions taken and any discussions with those involved with the bullying
behaviour.
Where the relevant teacher establishes that bullying has occurred, s/he must keep appropriate written
records to assist his/her efforts to resolve the issues and restore, as far as is practicable, the
relationships of the parties involved.
The relevant teacher must use a standardised recording template provided by the DES. to
record the bullying behaviour in the following circumstances:
a)
Where s/he considers that the bullying behaviour has not been adequately and appropriately
addressed within 20 school days after s/he has determined that bullying behaviour occurred; and
At any point in either investigating or resolving a bullying matter, the relevant teacher may seek the
advice and support of the Principal and/or Deputy Principal while retaining responsibility for dealing
with the matter.
Also, at any point in either investigating or resolving a bullying matter, the relevant teacher may hand
the matter over to either the Principal or Deputy Principal. In doing so, however, s/he must complete
Virginia College
b)
Where it is necessary to report serious bullying behaviour immediately to the Principal or
Deputy Principal or where a relevant teacher at any time passes on concerns or allegations of
bullying to the Principal or Deputy Principal.
Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
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the recording template, retain a copy of the completed template in his/her files and provide a copy to
the Principal or Deputy Principal, as applicable.
Where a parent/guardian or a student who is more than 18 years old is not satisfied that the School has
dealt with a bullying case in accordance with the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and PostPrimary Schools, s/he will be advised of his/her right to make an appeal to the Board of Management.
Such appeals shall be submitted, in writing setting out the grounds for the appeal, to the Chairperson
of the Board within 15 school days of the parent/guardian informing the School Principal that s/he is
of the opinion that the School has not dealt with the bullying case in accordance with the AntiBullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools.
Where a parent/guardian, having exercised his/her appeal to the Board of Management, is still not
satisfied s/he will be advised of his/her right to make a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children.
Sanctions
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Verbal warning to student
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Written warning informing parent/guardian
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Detention
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Suspension
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Expulsion
Anti-Bullying Awareness in Virginia College
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A mentoring system is in place involving senior students who are allocated to First Year
students.
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The sanction applied will depend on the nature and severity of the behaviour. It is at the
discretion of the P.S.C and may warrant the involvement of senior management.
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Information on the Anti-Bullying Policy will be provided annually to parents of First Year
students.
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Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any worry they may have.
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An Induction Programme exists for new staff members and students
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School Prefects in their work with junior students informally promote respect and discourage
bullying behaviour.
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Cross-curricular links involving SPHE & Religion Programmes on the issue of anti-bullying
education.
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Structures are in place for using regular questionnaires to monitor the occurrence of bullying.
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Strategies are in place for supporting victims and bullies including referral to Guidance
Counsellor.
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A First Year Anti-Bullying Awareness Programme is carried out by Senior Prefects in the
first term of the school year.
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Employment of external agencies involved in the issue of bullying in order to provide
information to students, staff and parents.
Year Head
A Year Head takes responsibility for all students within a particular year group and monitors
progress, punctuality and attendance. The year head for First Years is Ms O’Sullivan. She will
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
stay with the year group throughout their 5 years in the school and looks after both disciplinary
and pastoral matters. In this way they meet the needs of students and encourage high quality
work and standards of excellence for all. The Class Tutors will support the work of the Year
Head.
The year head has many students under their care (120 +, ) we would like to remind parents that
Year Heads are also full time teachers and may not be able to respond to you immediately.
Tutor
The current First Year group is divided into 5 classes. In First Year, classes remain together for a large
part of the day with the exception of option classes. The class tutor monitors progress of students in
each class. The tutor meets with the class each morning at Roll Call in the assigned classroom and will
also teach the S.P.H.E programme to their class. If you are worried or have a problem, your Tutor is
ready to listen.
Parents are reminded that the student journal must be signed every Tuesday night.
Absence notes are available in the back of the student journal and should be given to your child
on their return to school after absences.
All absences should be accounted for by parents.
Mentors
Mentors are senior students who will help you to settle in. It was not so long ago that they too
were new to the school. Mentors will be assigned to each class and will visit you on a regular
basis. Mentors take a special interest in the students of their assigned class and they are good
people to ask if you are unsure about something in the school.
What do I do if ……
?????
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
Your child is returning to school after an absence?
Sign absence note for your child (this can be found in the back of the journal and ensure your child
submits this note to their tutor on their return. Your child is encouraged to catch up on work missed
while absent.
Your child is late to school? (After 9.05am)
Your child must go to the main office and “Sign in” with the Secretary. The Secretary will stamp
your child’s Journal. A late note should be sent by parents/guardians to tutor to explain lateness.
Your child needs to leave school during the day for an appointment?
A signed note from parent/guardian should be shown to the principal/deputy principal or teacher in
charge. Your child must be collected from the main office and “signed out” before leaving the school.
If your child returns before the end of the school day, your child should “sign in” on their return before
going into class and the Secretary will stamp your child’s Journal.
Your child gets sick or hurt at school?
Your child speaks to the teacher they have at the time and then they may give your child permission to
see principal/deputy principal or teacher in charge. Permission may then be granted for your child to
go to the main office where the Secretary will ring home to inform parents/guardians. Under no
circumstances may you use your own phone to ring home.
Your child misses the bus home?
Your child reports to the main office and the Secretary will ring home.
Your child loses something, or finds something belonging to another?
Ask your child go to the office or speak to their Tutor about this.
Your child has a problem with their locker?
Your child must speak with the “Locker Co-ordinator”- Mr Farrelly or speak with their Tutor.
Your child is being bullied, or knows somebody who is being bullied?
Please see our Anti-Bullying policy and information in Journal but you can speak with anybody about
this as can your child. The key here is to tell somebody and then it can be sorted out. Don’t sit in silence.
You must tell somebody.
If you need to visit the school
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
In the interest of Health and Safety of all students and staff in our
school we request that parents/guardians present themselves to the
office.
Virginia College
Virginia
Co. Cavan
Tel: 049-8547050
Email: info@virginiacollege.ie
Website: www.virginiacollege.ie
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Information Evening for Parents of In-coming First Years 2015
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