1. Welcome to you all

3. Parents … School is a life altering experience ….
Young people have only one chance
When students see home and school at one they feel secure and are less likely to react negatively to school
Secondary school is a new beginning

4. What we know …
Parent support is one of the most powerful aids to student success and well-being in school
80% vs 10%
So everyday home routines matter, everyday home-grown messages matter

5. And the most important message to watch out for…
I can’t do this...I’m no good at this …
I can’t do this now so how can I learn how to do it? What would it be like if I made more of an effort?
Creating a ‘can do’ attitude.
Students must experience success and it must be recognised so first praise the effort, then the achievement

6. Secondary school - Anxiety
From most senior to most junior
Larger school
Many teachers – different styles
Many new subjects
More responsibility – “pull up your own socks”
Growing up – independence, new friendships
Progressing to stand still
First months critical

7. Secondary school Making progress …
Everyday Routines – classwork & home work /study ….. reading
Homework Journal - the more you make of it …
E-Portal
Microsoft Office
Catching up on work missed during absence

8. Code of Conduct -Basic Rule – do your very best and let others do the same
Punctuality
Uniform
Notes to excuse absences etc.
Books and copies
Homework / class work
Good manners
Respect for oneself and all the school community

9. Respect for Others
No excuse for Bullying – no excuse accepted by the school.
New Dept Procedures … all schools must!!!
Cyber Bullying !
I’m sure …

10. Key Points Sept 2017 430 plus students and will continue to rise
37 Teachers
Chaplain,
Secretary & Caretakers
Special Needs Assistants
Easy access – building, corridors etc.
Big Changes in building

11. School Week
Start at 9.00 am every morning – students should be in 10 mins before
Finish at 3-50, Monday to Thursday
Finish on Friday ??
Morning break
Lunch – ALL students must stay in school

12. Junior Cert. Curriculum
CORE SUBJECTS OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
Irish Technical Graphics
English Music
Maths Art
History Business Studies
Geography Technology
Science
French/German RE
CSPE ***
SPHE PE
Computers

13. NCCA Fact Sheets www.ncca.ie Junior Cert Fact Sheets
Useful info re all subjects

14. Learning Support Trained Learning Support teachers
Language Support teachers
Psychological reports used to understand the needs of the student combined with entrance test results and experiences in class to determine need for Resource
LS students may drop one or two subjects, usually Irish and/or foreign language
ASD Unit – 2 in operation

15. Arrangement of Classes
Equal mixed-ability classes
In 2nd yr Irish, and Maths are set at the same times to allow movement of students.

16. Academic Performance
Tests per year- Oct mid-term, Christmas, Feb mid-term, Easter and Summer
Homework and study skills training
E-Portal - online reports
Irish Independent reports shows Knockbeg at no1 in Carlow and Laois in 2018 and on average for last 10 years based on Leaving Cert results

17. Extra-Curricular Activities – Lunchtimes
All students involved in one or more activity
Non-sport
Quizzes
Debating
Young Scientist
Student Council- elected by students
Tours, trips
John Paul Awards
Board games
Band/Choir
Maths Club

18. Extra-Curricular – Sport
Hurling
Football
Basketball
Athletics
Swimming
Badminton
Golf
Rugby
Soccer

19. School Uniform Grey trousers Grey shirt School tie Blue school jumper
Dark coloured shoes
Formal school Jacket
Neat and tidy appearance

20. School Canteen Healthy Eating Policy
Food served at morning break
Lunch - hot food, fresh rolls & wraps, soup, fruit etc..
After school
Bring your own
Canteen will be open in the mornings if enough interest

21. Pastoral Care Class Teacher Class Tutor Year head Guidance Counsellor
Chaplain
Care Team
Meitheal Team
Student Council
Parents

22. Other Support Structures
Evening Study – 1hr 30 mins every day
Holiday Breaks Study

23. Costs that occur
€120 annual contribution – includes 24 hr personal insurance, photo copying, phone calls, letters etc..
1st yr Book Rental €150
Mocks
Transition Year fees
Exam fees to Department of Education, 3rd Year and in 6th year
Supervised study after school (optional)
Payment on Line ??

24. Future developments – Building Project well underway
Complete refurbishment of existing buildings
New Specialist Classrooms etc.
Language Lab
Science Rooms
Technology Room
DCG & Computer labs
New Sports Hall
New Double ASD Unit

25. Enrolment details Enrolment Forms Student PPS No. & Birth Cert
Address arrangements re contacting
Mob Number re Texts
Particular Details
BUS Transport – Online application
– school transport
Other private buses in operation Parents organise this option themselves

26. Draft Calendar 18/19
August Registration – Last week in Aug Books – Mon 27th. Welcome prayer service – P/DP/Fr. Dunphy/Yr. Head/Class Teachers
Lockers, TT, etc. Afternoon with Meitheal team
1st day – No bus available
1st Year Liturgy - Mid Sept -During School Hr s
MID-TERM BREAK Mon Oct 28th/ Fri Nov 1st
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS Fri Dec 20th / Fri Jan 3rd
1st Yr Parent Teacher Meeting Feb 2019
MID-TERM BREAK Feb Mon Feb 17th / Fri Feb 21st
EASTER HOLIDAYS Mon Apr 16th / Fri Apr 17th
Summer Hols Last day Fri May 29th

27. Home School Contact Schools Texting Service E portal
Web

28. Parents Council Voice for Parents Policy Development
Support for school activities
New Members please!!