Hartstown Community School
For Private Circulation only to Parents of new
Students of Hartstown Community School
School Year 2014/2015
Telephone: 820 7863
Fax:820 9867
e-mail: info@hartstowncs.com
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INDEX
PAGE
School Ethos
3
Parents – Partners in Education
3
Admission Policy
4
Transfer of a student from another school
7
Curriculum
8
Junior Cycle Curriculum
8
Senior Cycle Curriculum
9
Subject Information
9
Religious Education
13
Additional Programmes
14
Extra Curricular Activities
15
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SCHOOL ETHOS
We ask pupils that they show:
 RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES
 RESPECT FOR OTHERS
 RESPECT FOR PROPERTY
 RESPECT FOR OPENNESS
This is the underlying spirit of our charter of behaviour, which is there not to
annoy or frustrate but to protect pupils and to ensure that the main task of the
school, which is teaching and learning, is safeguarded and encouraged to its
maximum potential.
The creation of the desired atmosphere in the school is dependant on cooperation between all parties involved (pupils, parents/guardians, teachers and
Board of Management) in implementing the charter of behaviour. We expect all
parties to adhere to the basic principals of tolerance and consideration for others
and to recognise the right of the individual to learn and to study, in an
encouraging atmosphere without disruption or fear of intimidation.
As a student of Hartstown Community School, you are asked to make a positive contribution
to the life of the school in whatever way you can. You are asked to be honest and caring in
your dealings with others and committed to your study.
PARENTS: PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
Students, parents and teachers are partners in the education process. This
partnership is based on mutual respect and support and an appreciation that
parents are the prime educators of their children.
We encourage parents to be involved with, and to keep regular contact with the
school so that by working together in the best interests of our students we can
fulfil the aims of our Mission Statement.
As Year Heads and teachers are teaching classes most of the time it is advisable
to make an appointment. However, if a parent has a serious or urgent concern
he/she should contact the school and a meeting will be arranged as soon as
possible.
We, the staff & management, pride ourselves for our caring and supportive role.
The school and its education partners (parents, students and staff) are widely
recognised as providing a positive and safe learning environment which can only
be maintained by all of us working together for the good of our student
population.
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You deserve our best efforts and our professional commitment to help the
students of Hartstown Community School to achieve their potential. We wish to
teach and care for all our students in an environment of peace and harmony
where students and teachers feel safe and secure. Very disruptive students, after
support, advice, counselling, parent visits etc. will be referred to the Board of
Management.
The rights of the majority to be taught in an environment which is conducive to
good teaching and learning will always be protected.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Hartstown Community School has an active Parents’ Association. The Annual
General Meeting takes place in October and the committee meets regularly
throughout the year.
Through the Parents’ Association, parents can
- have a voice on the Board of Management.
- have a say in the development of school policies
- raise issues of concern
- support the school in practical ways.
Mary Daly and Sandra Devaney are the representatives on the Board of
Management.
If you are interested in being involved with or supporting the work of the
association in any way, please contact Mr. John Bean, Principal.
The Association is affiliated to the recognised parent body PACCS. For more
information on PACCS and on the work of Parents’ Associations you should visit
their website at www.paccs.ie.
HARTSTOWN/HUNTSTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
ADMISSION POLICY
Policy revised on 19th June 2012.
The School
Hartstown / Huntstown Community School is a co-educational, multidenominational community school founded in 1992 to cater for the educational
needs of Hartstown & Huntstown children and for the wider community through
community education programmes.
The school is managed by a Board of Management which consists of
representatives of the Trustees (The Archbishop of the Dublin Diocese and the
Co. Dublin Vocational Education Committee), the Parents and the Teachers. The
Department of Education and Science provides financial and teaching resources.
Additional financial resources are received through, voluntary sports and
recreation contributions from parents.
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The school with a population of over 1000 pupils, a staff of over 80 teachers
together with ancillary staff, is located in a beautiful modern building,
surrounded by playing pitches, tennis courts and basketball courts.
The Board’s aim is to work with parents and students to provide the best possible
education to all the students entrusted to our care.
Mission Statement
Hartstown/Huntstown Community School seeks to provide for its pupils an
atmosphere of security and belonging, focusing on the full social, moral, spiritual,
cultural, cognitive and physical development of the young person. We aspire to
encourage our pupils’ sense of initiative and self-reliance, their capacity to
communicate and co-operate, their perseverance and self-confidence, the
development of their unique personality and the achievement of their academic
goals.
Our high expectations can only be achieved if each of the partners – students,
parents and teachers, realise and fulfil their individual roles and responsibilities.
Religious Ethos
Hartstown/Huntstown Community School is a ‘multi-demoninational’ school. We
suscribe to the values of our Religious Trustees and the aspirations of our
Constitution. We respect equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory
practices.
Admissions Policy
This policy is developed in accordance with the Mission Statement of
Hartstown/Huntstown Community School and having due regard to the following
legislation;
Education Act 1998
Education (Welfare) Act 2000
Equal Status Act 2000
Deed of Trust for Community Schools
European Union Law-Council Directive 2000.
Catchment Area
The catchment area of Hartstown/Huntstown Community School is based on the
defined parishes of Hartstown and Huntstown for which the school was
established. This is in keeping with Article 2 of the second schedule of Articles of
Management of the Deed of Trust which states: "The school shall be established
with the object of providing a comprehensive system of post-primary education
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open to all children of the community, combining instruction in academic and
practical subjects, and ongoing education for persons living in the defined
parishes of Hartstown and Huntstown in the county of Dublin 15. (Article 2 of
Articles of Management page 17)
Admission Criteria
The catchment area of the school is as defined above
Hartstown / Huntstown Community School welcomes applications on behalf of
students from the following categories depending on available places.
a)
Children who reside in a permanent capacity in the defined parishes of
Hartstown and Huntstown have automatic access. Waiting lists apply.
b)
Children who attend St. Ciaran's or Sacred Heart of Jesus Primary School
and who reside outside the defined parishes but who have attended those
schools from junior infants onwards.
c)
Children of staff of Hartstown Community School.
d)
Children whose brothers/sisters attended Hartstown/Huntstown
Community School but whose families now reside outside the catchment
area.
e)
Children from developments at Clonee adjacent to Hartstown and
Huntstown such as Little Pace, Hunters Run, Castaheany etc. depending on
available places and resources.
f)
Applications for enrolment on behalf of children residing in the catchment
area of another second level state school are normally not considered until
applications from within our own catchment area have been processed.
Note: Category (a) students have automatic access. Categories (b) to (e) depend
on availability of places and resources and are considered in that order, ie (b)
then (c) then (d) then (e) then (f) in the order i.e. (b) to (f).
Note: A student applying for admittance to first year must have reached the
required statutory age i.e. 12yrs. by January of the following year and should
have completed 6th class in Primary school or equivalent.
All other applications not coming within the above criteria will be examined by
the Board.
Waiting List
If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, waiting lists
will be established under each category (a) to (f). Late applications will be placed
on the relevant waiting list. Applicants on list (a) will have priority over
applications on list (b) and so on.
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Admission Procedures
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
Application for enrolment is carried out by the completion in full of the
approved application form, duly signed by parents / guardian.
This includes supplying PPS no., birth certificate and utility bill as proof of
address.
Completed applications for first year students for the school year
beginning in September are processed in the preceding month of October
on a date specified on the official letter of notice.
Application forms are available from the school office.
Application for enrolment at other times during the year is carried out by
making formal contact with the school office for the appropriate form and
documentation.
Parents / Guardians are requested to supply evidence of ability to meet
the conditions of the Admissions Policy of the Board where requested to
do so, such as a utility bill as evidence of address.
Students must be willing, with parents / guardians to accept the school
code of behaviour and other policies sanctioned by the Board of
Management. Confirmation in writing of that acceptance is required of
parents / guardians and of students. The signing of the application form by
the parent / guardians and students will commit parties to that
acceptance.
Parents and prospective students must be willing to accept the school
ethos.
Applicants for first year must have reached the required age which is 12 on
the 1st January in the calendar year following the student's entry into first
year, (birth certificate must be shown)
have completed sixth class standard in primary school and
be willing to take an Assessment Test.
Following enrolment the Board will decide on the number of classes to be
formed to cater for first year for the following school year.
Parents / Guardians of applicants are requested to pay a contribution of
€20 to cover administration costs of assessments, stationery, printing,
postage, etc. for incoming first year students. This fee is non-refundable
unless admission is refused. It is separate to the Sports & Recreation
contribution.
For students who accept a place in the school there is a voluntary
contribution to a Sports and Recreation fund. This covers transport
associated with the many activities which are promoted, prizes for sports
days and purchase of gear, all in-house Examination, Parents Newsletters
and postage for reports home etc. (Currently €120 for 2 or more family
members, €60 for an individual student).
On enrolment, Parents will receive relevant documentation outlining
school policy on a range of areas as required under The Education Act
1998 e.g. Admission Policy, Management and structures of the school, the
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curriculum on offer, Code of Discipline, Special programmes, Extracurricular activities etc.
Late Applications
Late applications will be accepted, subject to the foregoing admissions policy and
other conditions as outlined and provided there are places available.
Applications for other year groups are also accepted on the above basis subject
to places being available in the subject options of the year group concerned with
the maximum class numbers specified.
Students with Special Educational Needs
The school's ability to provide a good education to students with particular needs
is dependent on the provision of resources by the Department of Education &
Science.
You are asked to complete the application form filling in as much detail as
possible regarding special educational needs. The Board will then be in a position
to apply to the Department of Education and Science for the resources to suit
each child’s particular need.
Transfer of a Student from Another School
The Board of Management will decide on applications for admission to a year
group from another school under its admissions policy.
(a)
(b)
Where a student's application meets the criteria laid down at (a), (b) and
(c) of the admission criteria he / she will also be required to meet the
conditions listed below.
The transfer request must in all cases be supported in writing by the
Principal of the pupil's current school.
The Board will also consider:
- the reasons for seeking such a transfer
- all relevant information concerning such a request
- all reports educational and otherwise from the applicant's previous school
or schools.
- whether acceptance is in the best interest of the student
- whether acceptance is in the best interest of the school.
- any contractual conditions which should be entered into by the
prospective applicant and his/her parents or guardians prior to
acceptance.
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Following the receipt of the application form and the provision of such
information as may be prescribed by the Minister "as soon as practicable, but not
later than 21 days, the Board of Management of the school concerned shall make
a decision in respect of the application concerned and inform the parent in
writing thereof".
Education (Welfare ) Act 2000, section 19 (3).
The school is committed to meeting, to the best of its ability, the educational
needs of the students it accepts based on the resources provided by the
Department of Education and Science in terms of accommodation, finance and
personnel.
Note: The Board reserves the right to refuse enrolment in the following
exceptional circumstances:
 Where a pupil has special needs such that, even with additional resources
available from DES, the school cannot meet such needs and/or provide the
pupil with an appropriate education.
 Where in the opinion of the BOM, the pupil poses an unacceptable risk to
other pupils, school staff and/or school property or to the teaching and
learning environment.
ASSESSMENT TESTS FOR 2014/2015
Classes are formed following an assessment test which we administer during last
term of 6th class. This is not an entrance exam as students have already been
accepted by the date of the test.
We also consult with the students’ teacher as to progress, ability, motivation, etc.
Based on this information we place students in classes which we think will best
suit their ability.
Progress in first year is constantly under review. Where we feel a child has been
misplaced, we will do all we can to place the child in a more suitable class.
CURRICULUM
At the heart of every school is the Curriculum offered to the students. In many
respects the curriculum is set by the Department of Education & Science and
teachers are charged with interpreting that curriculum. How the curriculum is
interpreted is critical to the success of a school. The interpretation of the
curriculum depends on the professional competence of the teachers.
Our school offers the following courses:
Junior Cycle Programmes leading to the Junior Certificate Examination
Senior Cycle Programmes leading to the Leaving Certificate Examination
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme leading to the Leaving Certificate Applied
Examination.
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The Transition Year Programme is an optional year after Junior Certificate and
prior to Senior Cycle. Students are strongly advised to consider this option.
Research nationally and in this school indicate a 40-50 point advantage in the
Leaving Certificate exam for students who have completed Transition Year.
JUNIOR CYCLE CURRICULUM
All students study the following Department of Education and Science
programmes for the 3 years of Junior Cycle: Irish, English, Maths, History,
Geography, Science, Religious Education and C.S.P.E. (Civic Social & Political
Education), S.P.H.E. (Social, Personal and Health Education) and P.E. Information
Technology is timetabled in first and second year.
Students must take one modern language (French, Spanish or German) and two
from the following list of subjects: Business Studies, Music, Materials Technology
(Wood or Metal), Technical Graphics, Art or Home Economics.
All examination subjects at Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate level are
offered at higher level.
Note I:
Irish - There are very special circumstances whereby a student may
be exempt from the study of Irish. Please consult the Principal.
Note II:
Should a student, for medical reasons, not be in a position to follow
the normal P.E. programme, it is essential that the year-head and
the P.E. teachers are acquainted with the medical reasons for
opting out of the P.E. programme whether that be of long term or
short term duration.
A medical certificate will be required.
SENIOR CYCLE CURRICULUM
All students follow the Department of Education and Science curriculum in
English, Irish and Maths. Students are offered a wide range of optional subjects.
From these option groups they are required to choose four subjects.
The following is the list of subject options available to our 5th year students:
History, Geography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, French, German, Spanish,
Accounting, Business, Home Economics, Art, Construction Studies, Engineering,
Design & Communication Graphics, Music, Religion, Applied Maths, Japanese,
Russian, Romanian, Polish, Lithuanian, Croatian.
All students also take classes in the following subjects which are not for
examination in the Leaving Cert: P.E., Religion, Career Guidance and Information
Technology
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SUBJECT INFORMATION
The following information on what we term “optional” subjects should be noted.
While it is not always possible to facilitate all students with their first choice, we
will make every effort to give students their 1st choice preference in each option.
Home Economics:
What is Home Economics?
Home Economics is a subject suitable for boys and girls and covers a wide range
of topics like textiles, fashion, food studies, health and safety, household
management and consumer awareness. It is a practical subject which involves
research and project work.
What does it lead to at Senior Cycle?
Home Economics, Scientific and Social (food, biology and sociology management).
What are the employment prospects in this area?
There are positions in Hotel Management/ Catering, all aspects of Tourism,
Teaching, Nutrition and Diet, the Food Industry; and many areas of selfemployment.
A broad outline of study at Junior Cert.
There are 5 core units at this level and I optional study.
(1) Food Studies (2) Consumer Studies (3) Social and Health Studies (4) Resource
Management (planning and design in the home, the environment, community
services) (5) Textile Studies (contemporary fashion and design).
For the optional study students can work in one of three areas, Childcare, Textile
skills or a Special Project. At the end of 3rd year, students are assessed on a
practical exam, a project and written test.
Business Studies:
What is Business Studies?
Business Studies introduces the student to the world of finance and money
management on a personal level, progressing to the world of business, simple
economics and information technology.
What does it lead to at Senior Cycle?
The subject at Senior Cycle is more specialised and splits into three distinct areas.
(1) Accounting (2) Business (3) Economics.
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What are the employment prospects in this area?
Achievement in this subject area as part of a good overall Leaving Cert. and
suitable personal qualities, prepare the student for the workplace or for entry
into many different 3rd level courses.
A broad outline of the subject at Junior Cert. level.
The subject begins with a study of personal financial management, banking,
insurance services and household budgeting. The skills acquired in this area
facilitate the move to accounts preparation and management of business.
The context of business operations is the focus of study in the next area of the
course by looking at simple government budgets, foreign exchange and trade.
Materials Technology (Wood):
What is Materials Technology?
Materials Technology (Wood) concerns learning about different trees, timber and
forests of the world. Students are introduced to specific tools and machines and
taught how to use them. They learn the skills of joining wood in order to make
things such as toys, furniture and other household goods.
What does it lead to at Senior Cycle?
There is a direct link to Construction Studies at Senior Level where students learn
about the building of houses from start to finish (the skills of block-laying,
painting and carpentry).
What are the employment prospects in this area?
There are a range of professions open to students who have studied and
achieved in this area –Carpentry / Joinery, Plumbing, Building, Architecture,
Engineering, Draughtsmanship, Site Surveying, Site Foreman.
A broad outline of the subject at Junior Cert.
Students begin by learning to identify, draw and use the specific tools and
machines. They learn how to recognise the different trees/ timbers/ leaves and
how to draw them. They learn the skills and methods of joining different types of
materials-timber, plastics, metals etc. In 3rd year they undertake a project that is
part of their J.C. examination.
Materials Technology (Metal):
What is Materials Technology (Metal)?
Materials Technology (Metal) is a practical subject which involves using a variety
of tools and machines to make things with different metals and plastics. There is
a wide range of topics covered from decorative metalwork and jewellery making
to computer aided design.
The Metalwork room is like a workshop and safety is important.
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What does it lead to at Senior Cycle?
There is a direct link from Junior Cert. Metalwork to Leaving Cert. Engineering. A
new Engineering syllabus will begin in the near future.
What are the employment prospects in this area?
There are a lot of careers open to students who do well in
Metalwork/Technology/Engineering - Aer/Auto Mechanics, Engineering (Civil,
Mechanical, Chemical Electrical), Architecture, Tool-making, Fitting etc.
A broad outline of the subject at Junior Cert.
Students are introduced to the specific tools and machines and learn the skills
involved in the joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering). They are
introduced to electronics and electricity, computer aided design and
manufacturing. They study theory associated with these processes. There is a 3rd
year J.C. project.
Technology:
What is Technology?
Technology introduces the student to the world of design, where you generate
designs to solve problems or satisfy needs. You will develop skills and acquire
knowledge by making different objects using materials, components and tools.
What does it lead to at Senior Cycle?
(1) Engineering (2) Technology
What are the employment prospects in this area?
Success in this area can lead to rewarding careers in Engineering (Chemical,
Mechanical, Electrical) Industrial Design and Business.
A broad outline of the subject at Junior Cert. Level.
The subject covers 5 main areas: communications; sketching and drawing; craft
and materials; energy and control, electronics, computers; technology and
society.
Technology combines practical work with theory. In 3rd year students must
design and make a project supported with written explanations and presenting it
for assessment.
Technical Graphics:
What is Technical Graphics?
Technical Graphics is about learning to draw in a special, technical way. The
student learns to use certain drawing equipment such as a board, tee-square and
specialised draughting tools like a compass, protractor, flexicurves and scale
ruler.
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What does it lead to at Senior Cycle?
This subject is a foundation for the Leaving Cert. subject design and
communication graphics DCG. However it is also a valuable base for students who
wish to study engineering or construction studies at Senior Cycle.
What are the employment prospects in this area?
A competence in Technical Graphics can lead to study and careers in
Architecture, Engineering, Draughtsmanship, Graphic Design, Fashion Design,
Advertising and Packaging Design, Interior Design, Builder, Tradesman.
A broad outline of the subject at Junior Cert.
Students begin by learning how to draw in a technical manner using the
equipment correctly and developing neatness and accuracy. They study different
types of draughting such as orthographic projection and perspective. They solve
both mathematical and practical questions using graphics. They develop their
powers of visualisation. Freehand sketching and Computer Aided Draughting
(CAD) is also developed.
Art:
What is Art?
Art is a means of expressing ideas in various ways like drawing, painting, collage,
clay and printing. Students will learn and develop skills associated with these
areas while also creating an awareness of their environment, becoming more
observant and appreciative.
What does it lead to at Senior Cycle?
Art at this level is more advanced and can be divided into 2 areas: Art /Craft
appreciation and Art History.
What are the employment prospects in this area?
Success in Art can lead to a variety of careers: Art teaching, Graphic Design, Artist,
Industrial Design, Textile / Fashion Design, Animation, Printing, Pottery.
A broad outline of the subject at Junior Cert.
Students develop skills in 4 specific areas; Graphic Design, Painting, Work in 3D
area and Craft.
In 3rd year students must submit a project for assessment based on a specific
theme.
Music:
What is Music?
Music is an enjoyable subject where you have the opportunity to do three things:
Play a musical instrument.
Listen to all kinds of music including Rock, Pop, Dance, Folk, Classical and more.
Learn how to write your own songs adding chords and rhythms.
The Music department is equipped with top of the range keyboards, pianos,
percussion instruments and recorders.
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What does it lead to at senior level?
The good news about senior level is that a brand new and exciting Leaving Cert.
Music Course has just been introduced. It is a perfect follow on from the Junior
cert. The best thing about it is that you can concentrate on what you are best at
and this can account for 50% of your total marks in the final exam. So if you play
Guitar or Keyboard or another instrument you can spend half of your 'study' time
on this.
Also there is room to study computer generated music such as dance music and
the school will be shortly equipped with the CUEBASE software programme for
this purpose.
What are the Job prospects?
Here's a quote from John Teeling a Managing Director of a large company:
'If two people arrived tomorrow with the same qualifications except that one had
shown success in an unrelated area, such as Leaving Certificate Music, we would
have to consider that person as having an advantage’
In other words, Music shows personal abilities which are vital for many jobs –
teamwork, ability to adapt and change. It also shows an ability to learn on your
own and supervise your own learning. In addition, jobs in the Music industry are
many and varied:
Music Software Programmer, Producer, Recording Engineer, Jobs in Radio and
Television, Disc Jockey, Video Jockey. Also in Education and Advertising there are
many job opportunities.
A broad outline of study for the subject at Junior Cert. level:
1st Year: Students learn to play selected instruments, such as keyboard and
recorder. Tuition for other instruments (such as guitar, piano. flute. trumpet and
keyboards) is available on a fee paying basis after school. Students also learn how
to read and write music and listen to some songs and larger works.
2nd Year: Students continue to learn to perform in groups and continue to learn
writing and reading music. They also undertake a special study of a particular
type of music such as Jazz or Rock.
3rd Year: There are two exams for Junior Cert. Music: The first usually in
March/April is the practical exam where students perform in groups and on their
own. The second, in June is an aural and written exam where students listen to a
tape and answer questions.
French / German/ Spanish
The aim of a language programme at Junior Cycle level is to equip the student
with the language and skills needed to communicate. Topics covered include,
meeting and getting to know people, buying and selling, making bookings and
reservations, ordering food and drink, finding your way to work, school, home
etc. Study of a foreign language is a first step in learning about the culture and
literature of countries where the language is spoken.
Study:
A modern language is a compulsory entry requirement for many 3 rd level colleges.
Some 3rd level non language courses, such as Engineering include a language
module.
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Work:
Job opportunities are plentiful in tele-sales, tourism and catering, foreign
languages are essential for these areas. Irish companies who trade with European
countries require skilled linguists who are also trained in areas such as law,
marketing or communications. Translation is a huge area of employment in the
European Union.
Travel & Recreation:
Visits to foreign countries are greatly enhanced if the visitor can speak the
language of the country he or she visits. The ability to communicate directly with
other nationalities leads to greater understanding and appreciation of their
culture.
Information Technology:
We now have 3 fully equipped computer rooms which are used by students and
also Adult Education classes. Classes have time-tabled hours in the Computer
Room. Students also gain experience with computers through different subjects.
First and second year students are time-tabled for one class per week in the
computer room. Fifth year students have 2 classes per week of computer
studies. The EDCL (European Computer Driving Licence) course is compulsory in
5th year.
SPECIAL NEEDS AND LEARNING SUPPORT
Ms. L. Blanche will co-ordinate Learning Support for in-coming first year students.
Ms. Blanche will be available to parents and students to discuss and address
students’ learning difficulties and special needs. Parents who feel their
son/daughter needs assistance should arrange to meet Ms. Blanche to discuss
their concerns.
It is our policy to provide as much help and advice as possible to parents and
students.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The spiritual formation of our students is an important aspect of the overall
education of those entrusted to our care. Young people are very caring,
thoughtful and spiritual. The task for the religious education teacher in the school
is to provide a sound knowledge base for the young person, to nurture and
encourage their beliefs and value system based on good moral values.
The school has the service of a full time Chaplain, Mr. S. McGroarty. He is
available to students, parents and staff who may wish to seek his guidance and
advice on any issue.
The teachers in the Religion Department, together with Mr. S. McGroarty,
organise:
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 Personal Development Days for each year group – some are held in school,
others at outside venues. The cost of these days are now included in the
annual Sports & Social contribution.
 Liturgical services at key stages of the year – The opening of the academic
year, Christmas, Lent, Graduation, etc. Mass is celebrated during Lent on
Wednesdays at 8:30am. Parents and students are very welcome to attend.
 Hampers for the needy at Christmas which are donated to the Vincent de
Paul Society for distribution.
 Prayer services for the daily year group assemblies.
We are very well supported in our endeavors by Father George Begley
(Huntstown), Fr. Joe Coyne (Hartstown), Father D.J. O’Mahony from the Oratory
in Blanchardstown Town Centre and by the Church of Ireland parish clergy in
Castleknock. Fr. D.J. O’Mahony who is a member of the Board of Management
gives great time and support to the school, he is available to both staff and
students.
Religious education has now become an examination subject at Junior Certificate
and Leaving Certificate level and this year we offer it as an optional subject for
Leaving Cert.
Hartstown Community School is a multi denominational school which cherishes
the diversity of faith and culture which is now evident in the school by the
presence of students from many nationalities.
Should any parent have any query or anxiety about the Religious Education
Programme or should they not wish their son / daughter to take part it is
necessary to make an appointment to see the Principal.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMES
The school's philosophy is to educate the whole person, as far as is possible. We
therefore have programmes such as Pastoral Care, Social, Personal and Health
Education (SPHE), Substance Abuse, RSE etc. These programmes are taught in
the school and supplemented by outside speakers with expertise in these areas.
We also hold meetings for parents to link in with what is happening in school.
The following information on these various programmes may be of interest to
you.
SOCIAL PERSONAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION - SPHE
Hartstown/Huntstown Community School seeks to foster in its pupils positive
attitudes towards health and fitness. All students benefit from a Physical
Education programme and are encouraged to avail of the broad range of sporting
and other activities offered by the school outside of the daily timetable.
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We also offer a taught programme dealing with a range of health related issues
with a particular emphasis on substance abuse - smoking, alcohol and drugs. Part
of the programme is delivered by teachers in the school. Outside experts are
invited to talk on a range of issues such as pregnancy, alcohol, community
awareness, assertiveness and substance abuse. We plan to extend the Health
Education programme in the coming school year.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The school offers a programme on substance abuse which deals with drug abuse.
As well as the taught programme we also have outside speakers who address
pupils on this very important topic. We also support parents by holding
information meetings where guest speakers advise and inform parents as to the
best course of action should drugs be a cause for concern.
Visiting theatre groups have presented shows to the students around the above
themes.
School Policy
Where a student's behaviour gives rise to suspicion that he or she may be
abusing drugs, the school will raise the matter with the student and his/her
parents or guardians. Counselling may be recommended and the
parents/guardians will be given the names of outside counselling agencies. It will
be the responsibility of the parents/guardians to pursue the matter.
Where the behaviour of a student is such as to persistently disrupt the work of
the class, the parents/guardians may be asked to keep the student at home until
he/she has committed to, or completed a course of counselling.
Sanctions will be imposed on students who come to school under the influence of
mood altering substances.
A student who is found to have been dealing in drugs either in school or while
wearing the school uniform will be liable for expulsion. The Garda Junior Liaison
Officer will be informed. The Board of Management has ultimate responsibility in
this area.
The full text of the school's policy on substance abuse is available for inspection
in the school.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVIES
The school through its staff provides a very wide range of activities for students.
These activities offer students opportunities to learn new skills and make new
friends.
Sport
Gaelic Football, Hurling, Soccer, Rugby, Basketball, Badminton, Camogie for girls,
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Swimming, Athletics & Cross-Country, gym training, circuit training, zumba for
girls.
We have a school choir which performs at major school events
e.g. Graduation, Christmas Choral Services, Masses and other Religious Services.
Competitions: We enter a variety of public competitions historical, general
knowledge quizzes, artistic, business, musical.
Short story and poetry competitions are promoted. Our yearly school magazine
‘Class Act’ provides opportunities for creative writing, competitions.
Young Scientist Exhibition (now sponsored by ESAT) and directed by Mr. J. Kerr
and Ms. E. Morrow accepts entries from a number of students who produce
projects in the school. We have had wonderful success in this event having in the
past been awarded the trophy for the best overall school.
Young Entrepreneurs: We enter students for this event and also organise a trade
fair before Christmas. We encourage and promote links with local industries.
Cultural activities and opportunities: are provided through language exchanges.
Visits to theatre, film, art exhibitions, art workshops, cultural centres etc. weekends in the gaeltacht, an Irish club, quiz competitions, dance for Transition Year
etc.
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A Meditation for Young People
I am a member of the world family
I am related to those who stand next to me….
by the air we breathe….
By the light we share….
the hope we have for a better world.
I have a responsibility
To give…. To receive,
To be open, tolerant, free,
I have inherited this world
from those who have lived before…..
I occupy space and time
For a few short years,
I hold this world in trust
For those who will follow.
My life - with others - can follow this
World toward Peace rather that strife….
Hope, rather than despair….
Freedom rather than slavery.
I, with those about me,
Can make the Unity of Humanity
A living thing.
I pledge my willing spirit
To this thought.
Let us do this together.
From Unicef
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