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St Clare’s Comprehensive School

Prospectus

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Science Quiz Team

TY Trip to Achill

Annual Fun Run 2014

Emer Clancy, Niamh McInerney, Aoife Feeney -Young Scientist 2014

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School Prospectus

Table of contents

Message from the Principal ................................................................................................................................................. 2

History of the school ................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Mission statement and Aims ................................................................................................................................................3

Board of Management ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Parent’s Council ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Staff ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

General detail/facilities ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

School uniform ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Attendance and Punctuality ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Lunchtime arrangements ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Book Rental Scheme ................................................................................................................................................................. 7

School Journal ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Lockers ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Career Guidance and School Counselling Service .............................................................................................. 8

Induction Programme for First Years and Mentoring System ..................................................................... 9

Anti-Bullying ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

School Reports-Assessment Policy- VS Ware coded System for parents .......................................... 10

Web text (Communication) ............................................................................................................................................... 10

Junior Certificate (Junior Cycle Student Award) ................................................................................................ 11

Transition Year Programme ............................................................................................................................................... 11

Leaving Certificate and LCVP (Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme) .................................. 12

Special Educational Needs ................................................................................................................................................ 13

Information Technology ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

Student Council ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Sports/Music /Drama /Extra-curricular activity .................................................................................................. 14

Health Promoting School (HSE) ..................................................................................................................................... 15

Message from the PrincipalWelcome to St. Clare’s Compre-

hensive School! I hope that thisprospectus will answer some of thequestions that you may have aboutour school and give you an insightinto the many curriculum andextracurricular innovations that have,I believe, produced excellence in allfacets of our practice. We constantlyendeavour to provide a high qualityof care for students as recognised by

our recent Department of Education inspection.The Irish Times’ Guide to Post Primary

Schools in Ireland states that” St. Clare’sComprehensive School is a gem in theCommunity and Comprehensive School sector”.The Irish Times, from its most recent statisticshas concluded that we are the top feeder schoolin Leitrim for 3rd level institutions.

As Principal, I would view my most importantresponsibility as ensuring that all students cancome to St. Clare’s and reach their potential in asafe, secure and in an excellent teaching andlearning environment. Our enrolment,discipline, anti bullying and pastoral carepolicies exist to ensure that this happens. We arevery aware that we are living through verydifficult times for a myriad of reasons and we areconstantly self-evaluating and doing our best torespond appropriately to identified needs. Weparticipate in the Healthy School’s Programmeand we channel a lot of energy into thepromotion of Positive Mental and PhysicalHealth. We have updated our Anti-bullyingtechniques and continue to high-light itsimportance as an issue. Our policy has beenreviewed and updated in recent years.

Our students are encouraged by ourexcellent team of teachers to work hard andreach their potential academically. We believethat all our students, in mainstream classes, canat the very least obtain a Leaving Certificate.

Each year our students obtain top points and top grades in both the Leaving and Junior Certificate examinations. Our students are supported by our guidance and care teams whoare there for them at all times. We believe thatour students are equipped with life skills for thefuture and a pride in themselves.

We will endeavour to make the transitionfrom Primary to Post Primary school for allstudents as easy as possible. We look forward tomeeting with them on Enrolment day and onInduction day. By the end of May they will havespent time in St Clare’s, sampled some of thesubjects and will have met their mentors andteachers. In September they will have fourweeks to sample all of the ‘option’ subjectsbefore they make their final choices.

In the prospectus you will see some of ourexcellent facilities including our ICT facilities,our state of the art Technical Graphics room, ourwell equipped general classrooms and our gym.We have recently added a new four roomextension to our building. Included in thisextension is a dedicated Music Room. Each YearSt. Clare’s is well represented in a wide andvaried range of sporting and extracurricularactivities. Our teams have won numeroushonours and individuals have excelled invarious activities. In November we staged‘Grease’ which was an outstanding success. Thiswas achieved with the support and cooperationof the whole school community.

I can assure you that I and our excellent teamof teachers and staff will endeavour to help yourson/daughter to integrate fully into our schoolcommunity and to reach their potential. We willalways be available to discuss your concernsand to help the students ”Ar bhothar a leasa”. Iam so grateful for the help and cooperation thatI have received from parents in the past andlook forward to working with you in the future.

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History of the schoolWe are a multi- denominational Compre-

hensive school open to all students in thesurrounding areas under the patronage of theBishop of Kilmore. In 1971 ManorhamiltonVocational and St. Joseph’s Secondary Schoolwere amalgamated. St. Clare’s Comprehensivewas the thirteenth comprehensive in Ireland.For the school year 1971/72 students returnedto their old schools and the new 1st Years werebased in three prefabricated classrooms at theCommunity Centre. A new school was built atRoss Lane and in September 1972 all studentsattended class there. Its first Principal was Mr.Sean Sweeney. In June 37 students sat theLeaving Certificate. The school enrolment was300 in that year.

In June 1973 the Vocational School inKiltyclogher was destroyed. All students and staffwere accommodated in St. Clare’s. This broughtthe enrolment to 350 students with thirty oneteachers.

In 2013 we opened a new 4 roomed extensionto cope with burgeoning numbers.

Today the student population isapproximately 500 with a school staff of 50including teachers, Special Needs Assistants,Administration and Auxiliary staff.

The school offers traditional JuniorCertificate and Leaving Certificate and LeavingCertificate Vocational Programme (LCVP). Wealso offer a worthwhile, rich and variedTransition Year programme.

Mission statement: To create a caring, disciplined and Christian

environment where all students and staff canreach their potential.

Aims:• To educate for life.• To promote tolerance, justice and respect for

all.• To encourage teamwork and respect

individuality.• To nurture ambition and leadership• To promote pride and confidence in one’s

own ability (self esteem).• To motivate our students in the pursuit of a

high standard of academic achievement andcritical thinking by providing a varied rangeof learning experiences and a varied range ofteaching excellence.

• To help all students do their best.• To work in partnership with parents in the

promotion of the overall good of the student,acknowledging the role of parents as theprimary educators of the child.

Board of ManagementThe Board of Management manages the schoolon behalf of the patron and for the benefit ofstudents. The BOM represents a real andgenuine expression of partnership at a locallevel. Its job is to make sure that the school isrun efficiently and provides all students with agood education. The Board of Managementincludes representatives of parents, teachers,trustees or patron, the principal and thecommunity. It is envisaged that their role is anactive and positive one.Presently our Board of Management membersare:

Chairperson/ Nomineeof the Diocese

Fr T. Keogan PP

Secretary/CEO of Sligo Mr Seosamh /Leitrim ETB Mac DonnchadhaParent Rep Ms Linda GilliganParent Rep Mr Pauric RooneyTeacher Rep Mr Gerry GilmartinTeacher Rep Mr Graham HewstonETB Rep Ms Siobhan McGloin

Nominee ofthe Diocese

Ms Margaret Connolly

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Parents Council/AssociationThe Parents’ Association is an essentialorganisation which enables parents to remainfully informed on educational developments, tovoice the opinions of parents on issues thatconcern them and to liaise closely with thePrincipal, the teaching staff and the Board of theschool on all matters relating to the school. Theparent association works with the principal, staffand the Board of Management to build effectivepartnership between the home and school. OurParent Association has been the structurethrough which parents in a school can worktogether for invaluable support to the schoolover the years with a strong presence at allschool extra-curricular events and a constantreference for collaboration in policy making. Ourpresent members include Mr Sean Keaney, MsFionnuala Mc Loughlin, Ms Linda Slevin, MrFrank Dolan, Mr Tommy Flynn, Mr Pat Mundayand Ms Mary Forde.

Teaching Staff Principal Mr John IrwinDeputy Principal Ms Ceola Mc Gowan

Ms Sarah Beirne

Ms Annette Benson

Ms Sarah Bonar (Ms Una Griffin)

Ms Dympna Boylan

Ms Stefanie Brennan

Ms Sandra Carden

Ms Rhona Carty (Ms S McHugh)

Ms Danielle Conaty

Mr Gerry Cummins

Ms Patricia Cunningham

Mr John Donohoe

Ms Regina Fahey

Ms Clare Gallagher

Ms Ailbhe Gillespie

Mr Gerard Gilmartin

Mr Brendan Greene

Ms Sarah Hassett

Mr Graham Hewston

Mr Enda Hughes

Ms Song Cil Kang

Ms Mary Lynch

Ms Evelyn Maguire

Mr James Martin

Mr Anthony McDonald

Ms Mary Mc Donald

Ms Marie Mc Donald

Ms Dympna Mc Manus

Ms Sarah Mc Manus

Ms Edel Mc Phelim

Ms Teresa Mercier

Ms Martina Noone

Ms Bernadette Ní Dhonnacha

Ms Hillary O’Gara

Ms Caitriona Sweeney

Ms Lorraine Walsh

Mr Shane Ward

Ms Edel White (Ms Dawn McKeon)

Chaplain: Fr. John Sexton,

Special Needs Assistants: Ms Annette Mc LoughlinMs Doris McMahonMs Siobhan O'HaganMs Hillary O'Gara

Caretaker: Mr Seán Keaney

Secretarial Staff:Ms Ailish Farrell

Ms Marie Sweeney

Ms Sandra Connolly

Cleaning staff: Ms Saprina Beattie

Ms Geeta Gregare

4Geography Field TripProduction of ‘Grease’JC Business Awards 2014

General school details -facilities/Canteen/In recent years we have refurbished our wholegym. We have revamped the shower/changingarea. We have a beautiful new sprung woodenplaying surface and have replaced all of thebasketball, volleyball and badmintonequipment. The toilets were refurbished in 2014.Electronic scoreboards have been installed.Outside we have re-lined our tennis andbasketball courts. It is our intention to seekfunding to revamp our Athletics track.

CanteenThere is a privately run canteen on schoolpremises (On the balcony in the Gym).The foodwhich is provided at very reasonable rates isapproved under the schools ‘Healthy Eating’Policy. Food is provided before school, at breaktime and at lunch.

School uniformSt Clare’s while respecting the individuality of

all our students views the school uniform as anessential part of school life. It represents thehigh standards that we expect from ourstudents. By applying a strict uniform code weare preparing our students for life in that mostworkplaces have standards with regard to dress

that must be upheld. It also teaches thestudents the value of neatness, tidiness andprojecting a good image of oneself. The supportof parents/ guardians is of utmost importance inthis regard and sanctions will apply where thereare breaches in the uniform code.

Each student is expected to wear the fullschool uniform everyday and to be neat andtidy in their overall appearance.

All items of uniform are available at: Manor Fashions, Main St., Killasnett Co-Op,Manorhamilton.

Following our uniform survey in 2014 theStudent Council decided to introduce a new P.E.uniform consisting of a generic grey polo shirtand generic blue tracksuit bottoms. These itemscan also be purchased locally. ‘Non-marking’runners must be worn in the Gym (No blacksoles).

The crested school jacket can be orderedfrom ‘Callus’, a company based in the North-westwho visit the school on the Induction Day forincoming First years to measure and take orders.The jackets have extra reflection, embroiderednames/initials and the school crest. Depositscan be paid that day and the balance paiddirectly to the company by phone(0749732185).

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Boys

Bottle green jumper with school crest, White shirt with collar attached, Clip-on school tie, Black worsted trousers, school tie, black shoesCrested School fleece rain jacket

As above

Girls

Bottle green uniform jumper with school crest,White blouse, green tartan skirt of knee length,or black bootleg trousers, Clip-on school tie,black shoes, plain black tights/ black socksCrested School fleece rain jacket

As above

Junior School

Senior School

Attendance and PunctualityWe expect all students to be on time for all

classes and roll call.

POLICY• A student with excellent punctuality will

receive 1 merit every month.• St Clare’s requires all students to give a

dated note, from their Parents/Guardians,to the Deputy Principal to explain theirlateness.

• When no note is submitted a student willreceive 2 demerits.

• Red cards will be used from the beginningof Period 1.

• No student should be admitted late to aclassroom without a signed red card fromPrincipal/Deputy Principal.

• If a student is late in the morning on 2occasions in a week then his/her parentswill be informed. St Clare’s will ask for theparent’s cooperation in the matter. Thestudent shall receive 1 demerit. Exceptionsmay be made with regard to medicalappointments (Appointment cardsprovided), extreme weather or validpersonal circumstances.

• If a student is late on 3 occasions in themonth their Parents/Guardians will beinformed and the student will receive ademerit. Students may be asked to remainat home until contact with home takesplace. Exceptions may be made withregard to medical appointments(Appointment cards provided), extremeweather or valid personal circumstances.

• Students who arrive late may be givenextra written work and/or receive in-housesuspension.

• Lack of improvement regardingpunctuality may result in suspension fromschool.

Parents are given a unique code by which

they can access and monitor their child’sattendance through the on-line VSwaresystem linked to the school website.

Lunchtime arrangementsJunior students remain on the school

grounds unless those who live locally havewritten permission to go home. Seniorstudents may go to town. All students have achoice of bringing in their own food or usingthe canteen service. A lot of extra-curricularactivities are arranged for lunch time-sportingand Non-sporting.

School Journal We update our school diary every year. It isthe main form of communication betweenhome and school and as such is an essentialtool for school.Each student must purchase a school journal.1. A careful record of all homework given or

class activities is to be kept in the schooljournal.

2. Every student in St Clare’s is expected tohave their journal on their desk at thebeginning and for the duration of everyclass.

3. Journals must be made available forinspection by Teachers at all times.

4. Each student is responsible for his/her ownjournal. Loss of a diary must be reported tothe Year Head immediately and a newdiary bought in its place. A damaged/defaced journal must be replaced at theexpense of the student.

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Book rental SchemeSt. Clare’s Comprehensive School has

operated a scheme to provide textbooks for rentto parents / guardians of pupils of the schoolsince 1983. This is one of the longest establishedand most successful book rental schemes in thecountry. It has been of benefit to generations ofpupils and their parents / guardians.

To promote and support this scheme thefollowing applies to all users of the scheme.• The school rents text books to parents /

guardians of current pupils of the school atreduced cost.

• All books rented remain the property of St.Clare’s Comprehensive School.

• Parents / guardians with their children areresponsible for proper care and maintenanceof all books rented to them.

• Books must be returned when requested, orwhen a pupil leaves the school.

• Books must be returned to the school inresale condition. The minimum requirementis that each book is intact, has all its pages,has both a front and back cover and is freefrom excessive and / or offensive graffiti.

• All books not returned to the school in resalecondition by the date requested will bedeemed lost. Deposit is not returned on lostbooks and parents / guardians must pay thecurrent replacement cost of lost books to theschool.

• Parents / guardians are advised to check thecondition of books regularly and to carry outnecessary repairs.

• Parents / guardians are advised to provide asuitable school bag for each pupil. The bagshould accommodate the books neededeach day without damaging the corners orthe spine of the books.

Lockers Lockers are provided for students so that theydo not have to carry heavy bags around all day.Students should only use their lockers at thefollowing times: before roll call, during break-time., during lunchtime and at the end of theschool day.1. Each student is responsible for their own

locker and key.2. Students should get a spare key cut in case

they lose the original.3. Lost keys must be replaced. 4. Damage to lockers must be reported

immediately.5. Lockers should be kept locked at all times.6. Students who lose or forget their key may

use the master key for a limited time.7. The master key will be given out before roll

call only (no exceptions).8. Excessive use of the master key may result in

it not being given out.9. Students must hand back their key at the

end of the school year.10. Students who don’t will face a fine of fifty

euro.11. School management reserves the right to

search and inspect lockers at their discretion

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Girls Basketball Team

Career guidance and SchoolCounselling Service The following are the services offered• Counselling- Helping students to explore

their thoughts and feelings and the choicesopen to them; giving care and support tostudents learning to cope with the manyaspects of growing up

• Assessment- Helping students to obtain self-understanding through the use ofpsychometric tests and other inventories.

• Information-Providing students withobjective and factual data in education andtraining opportunities, occupations, labour,market information, entitlements etc

• Advice- Making suggestions based on theadvisor’s own knowledge and experienceand the information available at the time.

• Educational Development Programmes-Facilitating the transfer of knowledge andskills relating to studying, examinationperformance, choices of subjects and levels.

• Personal and Social developmentprogrammes-Facilitating the transfer ofknowledge and skills relating to a student’spersonal and social development, self-awareness, decision-making and planning.

Pastoral Care in the school(including Care Team/role of year head)Each class will have a ‘tutor’ assigned to take theroll on a daily basis and part of their roll ispastoral. The Year Head also plays a crucial rolein the pastoral care of our students.

The Resource Team A meeting of the Resource Team takes placeonce a week. The aim of the Resource Team is toprovide additional educational support forstudents who may have special educationalneeds. It is possible for any member of staff

(Teachers/Special Needs Assistants) to makewritten submissions regarding appropriateareas of concern at this time. For the year 2014-‘15 the Resource Teamconsists of Mr John Irwin, Ms M McDonald andMs Mary Lynch.

Care TeamWe have a Care Team consisting of Mr JohnIrwin, Ms Ceola McGowan, Fr John Sexton, MsSandra Carden and Ms Mary Lynch. This teamwill meet at least once a month to discuss theneeds of more vulnerable students. Year headsmay be invited to attend as deemedappropriate.

Chaplaincy service in the schoolThe Chaplain is a person of faith and

committed to the values of Christ, who onbehalf of the school and church communitiesaccompanies young people on their journeythrough life. The chaplain is involved insupporting teachers, staff and students.

The Education Act 1988 Sectiion 9(d)recognises the need to “promote the moralspiritual and personal development of studentsin consultation with parents having regard tothe charismatic spirit of the school”. Whilechaplaincy is primarily concerned with themoral and spiritual development of students itplays a role in integrating these with otherdimensions of education, academic ,social,physical and personal.

The work of the Chaplain incoperatesministering to students, staff , student’s familiesand liturgical ministry

The Chaplain is available to all members ofthe school community to offer support. Thefunctions of the chaplain include:• Availibility to students, staff and parents• Support in times of bereavement - Trauma• Liturgical celebrations within the school

community

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• Support for the Pastoral Care Structures • Liasion with Social Services and with other

Caring Agencies

Counselling The chaplain is available to listen to those whowish to talk to someone in a caring confidentialand non- judgemental environment.

Mission Statement“ The Chaplain as a faith presence,

committed to Christian values, accompanieseach individual in the school community on

their journey through life”.

Induction programme for First yearsThe transition programme for our in-coming

First Years has been put in place in response tothe needs of those students. It aims to ease thattransition by affording children and parents anopportunity to share concerns and hopesaround relevant issues. We visit all of our ‘feeder’schools early in the spring for an introductorytalk. Parents and students are invited to theschool for an Open Evening where enrolmenttakes place. On that evening the teachers inviteeveryone to view the work taking place in theirown subject departments. The in-coming 1styears are invited to St.Clare’s for a full Inductionday during the month of May. Our S.P.H.Eprogramme in 1st Yr incorporates anintroductory transition programme. Constantmonitoring takes place by our Senior Mentorsespecially during the first couple of months.

Mentoring systemTransition from Primary school to Secondary

school can be daunting. For this reason atraining programme is offered to those seniorstudents who volunteer to mentor incomingstudents. They continue to be a support to 1styears during the year. It is from this pool ofvolunteers that our Senior Prefects/Head girland Head boy are chosen. They play a vital partof our Anti-bullying strategy. Mentors play avery active role in the daily school life of ourincoming 1st Year students, being available atboth break and lunch times to offer support,guidance and friendship in that crucialtransition period from primary to post-primaryeducation. Our Mentoring Programme hasbeen in existence for the past fifteen years andcontinues to grow in strength with aconsiderable number of senior cycle studentsapplying for positions each year.

Mentors 2014-15

Home Economics

Anti-bullying• We have a range of strategies to support our

Anti-bullying Policy• Monitoring of classes by Class Tutors• Supervision during break/lunch times • Use of mentor system as a constant support

to our junior students• Mentors to distribute Anti-bullying

questionnaires at least once every term.• Mentors to organise an annual one week anti-

bullying campaign.• S.P.H.E class programmes.• Anti-bullying sociograms distributed to

classes through S.P.H.E. classes.• Anti-bullying questionnaires distributed to

parents accompanying schoolcorrespondence e.g. School reports.

• Diligent record keeping by use of IncidentBooks

• Sticks and Stones workshops (2012), Spunout(2012), Dr. M Griffin (2013)

• Policy & procedures reviewed in 2013-14.

School reports system- assessment policy

All new students are assessed and the resultsanalysed. We also receive reports from all of ourfeeder primary schools. We have continualmonitoring especially in English, Irish andMaths. Students who are deemed to need extrahelp are offered it in consultation with theirparents.

Leaving Certificates have ‘term’ exams inNovember. All other years have continualassessment and end of year exams.3rd year andLeaving Certs also have ‘Mock’ exams early inthe spring. Every class group within each yearhave continual standardised assessments. Theseresults are recorded online. Parents are given aunique code by which they can access andmonitor their child’s progress through theVSware system linked to the school website.Attendance can also be checked online usingthe same code.

WebtextWe communicate a lot using a web-texting

system. It is very important that we have up-todate information. If phone numbers change it isthe responsibility of the parent/guardian toinform our office of such changes.

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Sean Lemass Award 2014 Senior Prefects 2014-15

Junior Certificate Cycle (JuniorCycle Student Award)

All junior cycle students take courses leadingto the Junior Certificate, the State examinationtaken at the end of the third year of junior cycle.Subjects are normally studied at either Ordinaryor Higher Level, although three subjects, Irish,English and Mathematics. While a majority ofsubjects are assessed as part of the JuniorCertificate Examination, the junior cycle provisionalso includes a number of subjects that areintegral to the curriculum, but are not formallyassessed in this way. The inclusion of thesesubjects in the curriculum ensures that studentsreceive a broad, balanced education thatintroduces them to all the areas of experiencerelevant to the needs of learners at this age andstage of their development. Non-examinationsubjects at junior cycle include Physical Education,Social, Personal and Health Education andComputer Studies. while Religious Education isavailable both as an examination and non-examination subject. Subjects we offer are…

All first Year students participate in a ‘Taster’programme in September for 4 weeks wherethey attempt all option subjects for at least aweek before making their subject optiondecisions.

The New Junior Cycle programme (JuniorCycle Student Award) begins for 1st yrs in 2014.Our teachers of English have attended all avail-able in-service from the Dept of Education andSkills We have already begun our prepara-tionsand will notify everyone concerned in due course.

Transition ProgrammeTransition Year is an optional one year

educational programme for students who havecompleted the Junior Certificate, which offersstudents a wide range of learning experiencesaimed at contributing to personal development,social awareness, and work-related learning.

The Transition Year Programme promotes thepersonal, social, vocational and educationaldevelopment of students and prepares them fortheir role as autonomous, participative andresponsible members of society.

It provides a bridge to enable them to makethe transition from the more dependent type oflearning associated with the Junior Certificate tothe more independent learning environmentassociated with the senior cycle. Transition Yearfosters academic achievement as studentsprepare for a Leaving Certificate programme,further study and adult and working life. Itencourages the development of a wide range oftransferable critical thinking and creativeproblem-solving.

Transition Year Activities in St Clare’shave included Community Connections,E.C.D.L, Presidents Award (Gaisce-Bronzelevel), European Studies, First AidTraining, Build a Bank, Health and Safetytraining, Development education, Lifechoices, Sign Language training, SafeFood Programme, Young Scientist, GAA,Scratch competition, Enterprise/Mini-company Competitions, Agri-Awareness,

Driving and Work Experience, Failte IrelandTourism Awareness Training, Interview Trainingand Outdoor Pursuits.

In 2013 we introduced the Young SocialInnovators Programme. Mr J Donohoe teaches anenvironmental module linked with the ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards. OurTYs also partake in a Choir module with Ms Beirneand Mr Hughes. In 2014 we introduced modulesin Chinese and Spanish. Some of our students willsit the YCT exams in Chinese this year.

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Compulsory examination Option subjects subjectsIrish Home EconomicsEnglish MusicMathematics Art, Craft, DesignHistory Materials Technology (Wood)Geography MetalworkScience Technical GraphicsCivic, Social & Political Education Business StudiesReligious Education French

Leaving Certificate ProgrammeThe programme of study followed in senior

cycle is two years duration. All of our studentstake the Leaving Certificate (Established) whichis the traditional terminal examination in post-primary education. It aims to provide learnerswith a broad, balanced education while alsooffering some specialisation towards aparticular career option. Students following theLeaving Certificate programme are required tostudy at least five subjects, one of which mustbe Irish. In general, students take five or moresubjects (usually seven) for examination. Allsubjects are offered at two levels, ordinary andhigher. Irish and Mathematics are available atfoundation level also.

Leaving Certificate subjectsIn all, 20 Leaving Certificate subjects are

available to schools. 18 of these are examinationsubjects. These are normally studied at eitherOrdinary or Higher Level.

Irish  PhysicsEnglish ChemistryMathematics BiologyHistory Agricultural ScienceGeography Home EconomicsFrench AccountingArt BusinessMusic Construction StudiesTechnical Drawing Engineering

Students will have completed 5 or 6 years ofpost-primary education. Each subject isassessed by an external examination paper atthe end of the two-year programme of study.Some subjects are also assessed by additionalassessment methods including oral and auralexaminations, practical examinations andassessment of practical coursework. Themajority who sit for the Leaving Certificateexamination are 17 or 18 years of age and

LCVP- Leaving CertificateVocational Programme

Many students take the Leaving CertificateVocational Programme (LCVP) which is anintervention designed to enhance thevocational dimension of the established LeavingCertificate. It emphasises enterprise educationand preparation for working life.

Our LCV Programme aims to preparestudents for an ever evolving working,technological and business world whilecapitalising on the already present academicstrengths of students, and engendering andencouraging a spirit of enterprise in eachindividual. Self-reliance in learning, vibrantconnection with the local community, andengagement with the best examples ofpersonal, voluntary, community and businessenterprise, are among the primary goals of thisactive learning programme. Assessment of theLCVP takes the form of both writtenexamination and a portfolio of continuouscoursework completed in the duration of thetwo year programme of study and the gradeobtained may be used as part of the calculationof the traditional ‘Points’ system.

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Student Council 2014-15

Special Educational NeedsBeing inclusive and promoting education

that is inclusive, is a central part of what StClare’s does. We try to focus on inclusion ineverything we do, on ensuring that education isfor all learners.

We work in this area and look at ways thatcurriculum and assessment can best meet theneeds of students with special educationalneeds. We have a Resource Team who work hardto support the teaching and learning of studentswith special educational needs guidelines forteachers of students with general learningdisabilities and exceptionally able students.Communication between parents and school isvital when planning for these students. Thesharing of relevant information while transfer-ring from one school to the other or at any timethroughout a child’s attendance in St. Clare’s canonly impact a child’s experience in a positive way.

Information Technology in the school

ICT has become an integral and acceptedpart of everyday life for many people. Eachclassroom has been equipped with a teachingcomputer and digital projector. We are in theprocess of installing a large number ofinteractive whiteboards and visualisers. ICT in StClare’s includes a range of hardware andsoftware devices scanners, digital cameras,multimedia programmes and image editingsoftware. It also includes the communicationsequipment through which people seek andaccess information including the Internet, emailand video conferencing.

We can see how the use of ICT in appropriatecontexts in education can add value in teachingand learning, by enhancing the effectiveness oflearning, or by adding a dimension to learningthat was not previously available. ICT may alsobe a significant motivational factor in students’learning and can support students’ engagementwith collaborative learning

School WebsiteWe have a vibrant school website(www.stclarescomprehensive.ie) Mr Graham Hewston created and continuallyupdates the website. We keep the websiteupdated as it reflects the school community.

Student CouncilA Student Council is a representative

structure for students only, through which theycan become involved in the affairs of the school,working in partnership with schoolmanagement, staff and parents for the benefitof the school and its students.

In St Clare’s the student council works withMs McGowan and Mr Irwin. It works for thebenefit of the school and its students. Every yearthey play an important role in our HealthySchools Programme and organise both fun andserious events around the school.

Sports in the schoolWe encourage sport in school primarily for

physical activity which is recognized as acomponent of good health. However, there arealso side benefits such as instillingcompetitiveness, fair play and teamwork amongstudents. Students become more roundedindividuals. They socialize with their peers, andit looks good on college applications. Schoolsports bring the school spirit up. For this reasonP.E. classes are included in each student’stimetable. Many teachers volunteer to organiseextra-curricular sporting activities. Theseinclude Gaelic, Soccer, Karate (TY), Tag Gaelic,Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Girls Activeand Athletics. We had our inaugural ‘Fun 10kFun’ in 2010. The school participates and hashad considerable success in sportingcompetitions on a regional and national level.

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Music/Drama in the schoolResearch says that children who are exposed

to music, or those who play an instrument, dobetter in school than those who don't. Musichelps the mind to be alert and remain activeeventually helping to sharpen the memory. Itteaches discipline and relieves stress. Childrengain a sense of achievement from participatingin musical events and mostly of all –They are allfun. In recent years we have done our best topromote and support music and drama in St.Clare’s with our school productions ‘The Wizardof Oz’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Joseph and the TechnicolourDreamcoat’ and ‘St. Clare’s got talent’. In Nov2014 we staged a very successful performanceof ‘Grease’. We also participate in regionalcompetitions and have our own school choirwho practise at lunchtime and perform atSchool events .Also in 2013 we introduced‘Choir’ as a subject to Transition Year and it is ourhope that they perform at our annual prize-giving.

Art in the schoolArt is a wonderful creative outlet. Children

have vivid imaginations and they need to beable to express their creativeness. For thisreason Art is taught to Leaving Certificate leveland is a part of the Transition Year Curriculum.Our Art Teacher, Ms E White actively promotesArt competitions, and has achieved success inTexaco and Doodle (Google).Extra curricular arttrips to galleries and National sites of artisticvalue are organised regularly. We organise anannual display of our students work in the localSculpture Centre.

Other Extra-curricular ActivityThe school also participates in Quiz

competitions and National Science week events.We also have entrants of a high standard in theYoung Scientist Competition. In 2014 two of ourprojects have been chosen for presentation inRDS. Ms McPhelim prepares the students and isably assisted by Ms McManus. Our studentshave a history of awards at this event. MrHewston organises the annual Science Weekevents and various science lunchtime eventsthrough the year.

In recent years the Business Dept haveparticipated in regional quiz events. Varioussubject areas partake in relevant Debating andPublic Speaking competitions.

We have excellent representation onComhairle na nÓg. This year we are representedby Alfie Cavaliero, Michael Conlon, BlaithínFeely, Maeve Foley and Ava Murray.

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Debating Team.

Students of Music.

!st Year Art Exhibition.

St Clare’s Comprehensive became part of the Healthy School’s Scheme, now known as HealthPromoting Schools in 2011/2012. In our inaugural year we adopted the theme of

“Your Healthy SELF”.In that year we promoted the simple principles of a healthy lifestyle which included

S – Sleep E – Eat L – Leisure F – Fun

Aim: to make school life a positive

experience for all

IntroductionThe Health Promoting Schools initiative

views health as physical, social and emotionalwell being. A healthy school seeks to makeschool life a positive experience for all wholearn, teach and work in it. It strives to buildhealth into all aspects of life in school and in thecommunity. This concept is not a goal to beachieved but rather a process that reacts to theevolving changes and challenges of school life.

Creating a healthy school means applying anew way of thinking. It means findingopportunities to develop policies, practices andstructures that enhance health. It meansworking together with a strong leader, whileeveryone has an opportunity to express ideas oropinions and then agreeing to work towards acommon good.

In particular each school will be helped to;• Identify it’s areas of strengths and

weaknesses• Set realistic goals that reflect the needs of

the school• Set priority areas to work on each year -

smoking, bullying, staff health etc.• Develop and implement policies, which

support and encourage a respectful andcaring ethos.

• Adopt a whole school approach to healthpromotion

• Consider ways of engaging parents and thecommunity actively in school life

• Ensure the SPHE curriculum is reflective ofthe school needs

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Health Promoting Schools

Every year we choose apositive theme teachingimportant lifeskills.

Now in 2014/2015 we areinitiating the theme “TAKINGRESPONSIBILITY” a programme

of empowerment promoting self resilience andpositivity. Our aim is to encourage participantsto bring about positive changes to their ownlives when faced with real life challenges.Activities will include creating class mottos, roleplaying real life scenarios and promoting apositive attitude to problem solving.

Through SPHE and under the guidance ofClass Tutors students themselves will set goalsin all aspects of school life including: • Grades & Responsibility for one’s own

learning• Attendance & Punctuality and catching up

on missed work• Uniform• Homework/Books/Journals• Discipline & Respect• Lifestyle habits (Sleep/Exercise/Nutrition)• Parental involvement

Individual goals may be recorded in SchoolDiaries and Class goals are displayed inclassrooms.

Health Promoting Schools

BOUNCE

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LCVP work with local community-Tidy Towns

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St. Angela's College award winners 2014Woodwork students Woodwork students

Aoife Reynolds in ‘Grease’ Kieran Gordon - Young Scientist 2014

TY Choir Module

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St Clare’s Comprehensive SchoolManorhamilton, Co. LeitrimPrincipal Mr John IrwinTel.: 071 9855087 Fax: 071 9855725Email: stclares@iol.iewww.stclarescomprehensive.ieGPS: N 54° 18.116′ W 08° 10.601′

Paula Slevin in ‘Grease”

Students of Art

Grace and Erin enjoying a field trip

Darragh Rooney - Player of the Year with Melvin Gaels

Build a Bank Team

John Paul II Award recipients

Metalwork student

Naughton Award recipients 2011-2014 (All students in Trinity)