1. Mission Statement

Mission Statement

Ireland’s first catholic co-educational secondary school

Provision is made as a priority to students with special needs. Incoming first years are met and at the end of September sit assessment tests in Maths and English. With these results, NEPS psychologist’s reports, hours allocated through SENO, consultation with primary schools, parents and teachers extra help is provided in English and Maths. In some cases help is provided in organising homework and school work and a reduced timetable is allocated.  Team teaching has also been introduced to allow students with learning needs remain integrated in the mainstream classroom. This extra help continues through to third year. In senior years students are again given extra help on an individual and group level and a reduced timetable is also an option. The Guidance Counsellor provides help to all students in regard to subject choices but extra consideration is given to special needs students.  The HSCL works in close co-operation with the students and the home to ensure maximum opportunity is given to students to enable them to reach their full potential. The Special Needs Coordinator organises the tests and the NEPS psychologist is invited to the school to assess students whose reports are out of date and new comers to the system. The psychologist is also available to speak to staff on dealing with students with difficulties. A third stream Maths and English class is also available for first, second and third year students. As part of a new initiative to help all students understand their learning we have also carried out an analysis of the learning styles of students. This has proved very useful especially with students experiencing difficulties in specific subject areas.

Observance of Liturgical Year

At junior level 1hr 20 minutes is allocated to Religious education and at senior level 2 hours is allocated. We also have regular Retreats, liturgical ceremonies and Masses to mark the beginning of the school year as well as Graduation Masses. We at times of need have special prayer services and visits by clergy to our school. A representative from the Archbishop visits annually to provide advice and assistance. CEIST also provides guidance through regular prayers service booklets and information. 

Chaplaincy services
A member of our  teaching staff is a qualified chaplain and is allocated time weekly

10  Positive behaviour

This is an area we emphasise greatly. The Achievements Day at the end of the year was always seen as very beneficial to reward students for their successes during the year, academically, through sport and extra -curricular etc.  We have a “Spirit of Sancta Maria” award where students who promote the spirit of cordiality and contentment are rewarded by the Year Heads. We also reviewed the Code of behaviour and highlighted the rewards. We have a Student of the Month  award system where a student is rewarded for making a difference in any area of school life. It is received very well with students, staff and homes. The use of  the Tutor and Year Head system to highlight the positives in the school is also very rewarding for all. We also  acknowledge the out of school activities the students are involved in and their successes in these areas. We bring this to media attention in order to further advance the interest of our students in being well behaved and motivated.  The Duathlon and other fundraising  activities also promote positive behaviour.

11   Parental Involvement (Report from Chair of Parents’ Council)

The aims of the Parents’ Association are:
To promote communication between parents, college management, teaching staff and students.
To facilitate the involvement of parents in the development of college policies, plans and activities.
To encourage parent participation in extra-curricular activities.
To help, where possible in the improvement of the overall college environment.
To support management and teachers when requested.
They regularly meet throughout the year. A representative and the Principal sit on the Parents’ Association
An agreed report is published on the staffroom notice board
Group meet regularly – review policies, make suggestions/recommendations. The Parents’ Association held an AGM in October.  A constitution was also drafted and agreed.
The members also assisted with the annual Musical supervision. Fundraising events were carried out during the year to support the school. Two scholarships were awarded to students on behalf of the Association. Representatives also became affiliated to the National Parents Council and met with the inspectors during the MLL.