Visions and Aims
Cooraclare School is a state recognised co-educational school under the patronage of the Roman Catholic church. The Staff, Board of Management and the community believe that every person should be treated equally and enabled to reach their full potential as a human being.
The School Day.
The school day begins at 9.20 a.m. No responsibility is accepted for pupils arriving before that time. Classes end for infants at 2 o’clock. Parents must collect the children at the classroom door. Classes end at 3 o’clock for all other children.
The school cannot accept responsibility for caring for children after that time. In the case of children travelling by bus the school cannot accept responsibility for escorting them between the school and the bus.
Parking
There are two parking bays for the BUSES only at the entrance to the school. In the interest of the safety of all children we ask you not to park there at any time. We ask for your full co-operation in this matter
Prohibited Items
Mobile phones, Tippex and Deodorant Spray, Chewing Gum.
Dress
We have a school uniform. Grey trousers, skirt, or pinafore, blue shirt, grey jumper/cardigan. A navy tie is optional.
School Uniform must be worn at all times. They must wear a tracksuit and runners on P.E. day. Track suits are available at The Family Store.
It is school policy to wear uniforms for communion and confirmation.
School Lunches
We have a school lunch policy in our school. No fizzy drinks, taytos, popcorn, chocolate bars, sweets or chewing gum allowed in the school.
We encourage children to bring a healthy lunch and we hope you will all co-operate with us.
Rubbish: is also a matter where we could all help each other. Less packaging in the lunch means less rubbish to dispose of.
Let us all work together by reducing and reusing.
School Home Links
Regarding parent teacher meetings, the school operates an open door policy, provided they make an appointment for a mutually convenient time, parents are very welcome and indeed are encouraged to visit teachers throughout the year.
A Parent/Teacher meeting will be held each year. Parents will be notified of their time by letter.
Homework
Home work is given Monday to Thursday and children are excused homework at week-ends. While we welcome parental involvement, please remember homework is for the children, not for the parents. Homework diaries are in use from first class up. Parents should check them nightly.
Team Teaching
We are operating a team teaching approach in our school. The class teacher has overall responsibility, but groups of children may go to selected teachers at different times for various learning activities.
Supervision
Children are not allowed to leave the school grounds during the school hours. We require a written explanation if your child is absent from school. If you have to collect your child for any reason we would appreciate a written note in the morning stating your intention.
Religious Affairs
This school is a Roman Catholic School. The school children form a big part of the church choir and altar servers. We provide choirs for many occasions during the school year.
Extra Curricular Activities
Our children are involved in many activities throughout the school year. They play football, basketball, tag-rugby and take part in cross country running, dancing, swimming etc. Our Annual Christmas Show takes place in early December and all children participate.
The “Write a Book” competition has attracted huge entries also from our school.
School Insurance
The school, like every other school, does not carry Personal Accident Insurance. We have optional Personal Accident policy which covers all accidents in the school and on the way to and from school. Details will be sent out from the school in September.
Reporting of Absences
Please note that for the past year all schools have an obligation to report to the National Educational Welfare Board any student, under the age of 16 years who is absent from the school for 20 days or more for any reason what so ever. It is essential that for the coming year you monitor your child’s attendance very carefully so as to avoid such a situation arising. A written explanation is requested if your child is absent from school for any reason. Children are not allowed to leave the school grounds during school hours. If you have to collect your child for any reason we would appreciate a written note in the morning stating your intention.
Substance use Policy
The world in which we live presents young people with many challenges which affect their health and well being.
Exposure to alcohol, tobacco and drugs is part of the reality.
The school sees itself as having a role in the process of enabling students to increase control over, and improve their health.
We have a School Substance Use Policy.
This policy is relevant to students, teachers, parents and users of the school building to whom it applies. It is applicable to all school activities.