School Guidelines

The main purpose of these guidelines is to ensure maximum learning conditions for all pupils. The code is based on the principle that the rights of the majority to a good education must come first. We ask the support of parents and pupils for these guidelines to enable all pupils to reach their full potential.

School Opening Time

All classes       9.20 a.m.

Break;              11.00 – 11.10a.m.

Lunch;              12.30 – 1.00p.m.

School Closing Time

Junior & Senior Infants                           2.00p.m.

1st to 6th Classes                                  3.00p.m.

All Infants are expected to be collected at 2.00p.m.

Respect

Pupils are required to be polite and respectful at all times towards teachers, fellow pupils, all members of staff and all visitors to the school, whether in a working capacity or otherwise. This includes parents, inspectors, delivery services etc. Pupils should stand when a visitor enters the room. Pupils should be attentive and concentrate on the work being done. Pupils should comply with all instructions given by teachers. Also remember that the teacher, not the bell dismisses the class.

Property

Pupils are required to respect all school property, as well as property of other pupils. Fixtures which aid school safety should be treated with care e.g. fire- hoses, alarms etc. Strict honesty is expected of all pupils. The classroom must be kept clean and tidy at all times.

Homework 

Homework forms a substantial part of the learning process. It should be done fully and carefully in an environment free from distractions. Parents should sign the Homework Journal every night.

Uniform 

Pupils are expected to be clean, neat and tidy and to wear school uniform during school hours, except for P. E./swimming days when school tracksuits will be worn.  

Uniform consists of ;

Wine cardigan / jumper, grey shirt, school tie, grey pinafore/grey trousers.

Wine school tracksuit, white polo shirt.

Each child will provide a wash bag, soap/hand sanitizer, small hand towel/face cloth, which they will keep in their schoolbag and take with them when they visit the bathroom.

The full school uniform and school track-suit is available at T.M. Cronin Ltd. Main Street, Macroom. However the shirt, trousers/pinafore and white polo shirt may be purchased anywhere, but as there is a school crest on the jumper/cardigan and track-suit these items must be purchased in Macroom, similarly the school tie is available only there.

It is essential that all items of clothing carry the pupil's name.

Attendance 

The school day begins at 9.20 a.m. and ends at 2.00 p.m. for the Infant classes and 3.00 p.m. for all other classes.

Pupils are expected to be punctual at all times. This is a very important part of a child’s training. Pupils aren’t allowed to leave the school premises during school hours without permission from their teacher. This permission necessitates a written explanation from parent/guardian ,or collection of pupils by parent/guardian. In the case of absence, an explanatory note from the parent should be submitted to the teacher. 

Parental permission must be given for a pupil to remain indoors during lunch breaks.

Coats, jackets etc. must be kept in cloakrooms designated by teachers.

In the event of a child not complying with any of the above guidelines, disciplinary measures e.g. reprimand, repeat of exercise, assessment of privileges may be employed at the discretion of the class teacher/principal.

Running in the corridors is forbidden at all times.

Students are not permitted to have mobile phones in the classroom/on school premises.

Organisation of Pupils for Learning Purposes

It is the school policy not to divide the Junior Infant and 6th classes. Division of other classes depends on numbers in a given year.

Equality of Opportunity

Boys and girls are provided with the same opportunities in the total curriculum.

Staff Meetings

Staff meetings generally take place during Croke Park hours with the added option of 1 half in/half out staff meeting each term where pupils will finish early and staff will remain on after school. 

Educational Outings

Annual school tours are organised for all classes. Pupils are entered for events at Cork City and County School Sports and also Sciath na Scol competitions. Other outings are arranged when available and appropriate. Visiting performers/artists are also entertained in the school.

Mobile Phones

Students are not permitted to have mobile phones on the school premises. Should their parents wish them to have phones for after school purposes the class teacher will store the phone until 3.00 p. m. Teachers must be notified in advance if a child is bring a mobile phone to school under these circumstances.

Communication

It is school policy to make parents and the Board of Management aware of important issues relating to the school through verbal and written means, (school journal, Aladdin Connect and email)

The Parents’ Association supports the school through fundraising and organisation of extra- curricular activities such as after- hours classes and swimming.

The Parents’ Association has use of the school hall for meetings.

Parent-teacher meetings are held annually and outside of that, by appointment.