Pastoral Care
A caring environment within the school community ensures that the talents and aspirations of each person are appreciated and cherished. A programme is followed that covers issues of personal and social development, health and safety and social responsibility.

Links with Parents
In the education of our students, communication with parents / guardians is considered essential. Formal Parent-Teacher meetings are held during the school year. Communication with teachers is also maintained through the student's journal. Academic reports are sent to Parents/Guardians twice a year. A school newsletter is published regularly throughout the school year and is used to communicate the happenings in the school.

Parents Association

There is an active Parents Association elected by the parents, which includes a teacher representative and the school principal. This association acts as a liaison between parents and the teaching staff. Parents also elect two members as representatives on the Board of Management of the school. The Parents Association contributes to the life of the school by arranging lectures for parents, providing careers information, raising funds for additional resources and organising school functions in co-operation with the staff.

Transition Year

Transition year is a one year school based programme between junior and senior cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the two by facilitating the smooth transition from the more dependent learning of the junior cycle to the more independent self-directed learning required for the senior cycle.

Challenges Facing Young People


In School (Leaving Certificate) :
Informed Subject Choice 
Study Skills 
Independent self-directed learning 
CAO choices /course requirements 

Third Level :

High drop out rate
Age profile/maturity
Leaving home skills
Self management skills
Time management skills
Study skills: independent self-directed
Group /Project work /Research skills
I.C.T. skills
Health Education
Certification  Dept. of Ed./ School /Agencies

Aims:

Education for MATURITY with emphasis on social awareness & increased social competence.
Education through experience of ADULT & WORKING LIFE as a basis for personal development & maturity.
Promotion of general, technical and academic SKILLS with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning

School Level:

Work experience placements
Visiting speakers
Outdoor pursuits
Excursions
Field trips
GAISCE
School musical.

Transition Level:

MINICOMPANY
FIRST AID
SWIMMING
GAA COACHING
HEALTH AND FITNESS
INFORMATION STUDIES
CAREER EDUCATION

Subjects:

Business
Accounting
Chemistry
Physics
History
Geography
Art
Communication
Computer
Music
Construction
Engineering

Core Subject Level:

English
Irish
Maths
European language
Religion
Careers

NCCA Longitudinal Study
(Results of students who sat LCE in 1996 compared with those of 1997):

Average CAO points very similar for whole cohort.
TY students do better by an average of 26 points.
Repeat students only gain by an average of 5 points.
TY candidates more likely to be educationally adventurous.



Children Learn What They Live


If a child lives with criticism,
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself
If a child lives with acceptance
and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.

Dorothy Law Nolte