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SCHOOL INFORMATION 2007/08
Mercy Philosophy of Education
Inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, Mercy Education is committed to the holistic development and to the achievement of the full potential of each student, particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalised. It is a process informed and influenced by the teaching and example of Jesus Christ and is conducted in an atmosphere of care, respect and joy. Mercy Education is committed to ongoing whole school development in collaboration and partnership with the Board of Management, Staff, Parents/Guardians and the wider community.
Mission Statement St. Joseph's is a voluntary Catholic Secondary School for girls. We aim to provide a holistic Christian Education in co-operation with staff, students, Parents/Guardians, Board of Management and the Community. We work to create equality for all in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We strive for excellence in learning and endeavour to help each student to reach her full potential in a positive, caring and happy environment. School Ethos
The characteristic spirit of St. Joseph's Secondary School, Castlebar is based on the Mercy Philosophy of Education which espouses the core values of respect, justice, care and joy. The School's Ethos is holistic and person centred. The school encourages students to use and share their talents to their full potential, to recognise God's presence in their lives, to celebrate their Christian faith and to show respect to all persons in all areas of life and work. Students are encouraged by school staff to strive for excellence in learning and to participate to the best of their ability in all aspects of school life.
Board of Management / Bord Bainistíochta
· St. Joseph's Secondary School is a voluntary Catholic all girls' second level school, under the Trusteeship of the Sisters of Mercy. The school's Board of Management is appointed by the Trustees. The members of the Board of Management for the period October 2006 - September 2009 are:
Mr. Liam Sadler
Sr. Brenda O'Shaughnessy
Mr. Thomas Walsh
Mr. Martin Waters
Mrs. Mary McDonnell
Mrs. Yvonne Daly
Ms. Marian Harrington
Ms. Caroline Loftus
· Príomh-oide / Principal
Áine Bn. Uí Mhoráin
· Leas Phríomh-oide / Deputy Principal
Ms. Ann Farrell
Teaching Staff
Mrs. F. Aitken, Mrs. C. Berkeley, Ms. F. Bourke, Mrs. M. Bourke, Ms. D. Burke, Mr. C. Byrne, Ms. M. A. Calvey, Ms. L. Carey, Ms. A. Casey, Ms. M. Clarke, Sr. M. Colleran, Ms. F. Conway, Mr. P. de hÓra, Mrs M. English, Ms. A. Geary, Ms. J. Gibbons, Ms. M. Harrington, Ms. A. Healy, Ms. M. Jordan, Mrs. B. Joyce, Mrs. C. Kavanagh, Mrs. B. Keaveney, Ms. B. Keaveney, Mrs. S. Lavelle, Ms. D. Lee, Ms. C. Loftus, Mr. D. MacMonagle, Ms. M. McDermott, Ms. T. McDonagh, Ms. N. McDonnell, Mrs. A. McGovern, Mrs. C. McGrath, Mrs. E. McHale, Ms. M. McHugh, Ms. B. McLoughlin, Sr. M. Mitchell, Mr. Paul Murphy, Ms. P. Murtagh, Mrs. J. Rowland, Mrs. K. Sweeney, Ms. N. Sweeney, Ms. J. Tierney, Ms. S. Toft, Ms. A. Tuffy. Ms. R. Flannelly, Ms. S. Toher and Karin Grillenberger.
Administrative Staff: Ms. Maura Lavelle
Mrs. Paula Sheridan
Ms. Mary McCarthy
Caretaker: Mr. Padraic Syron
Cleaning/Catering Staff: Ms. Goretti Kneafsey
Ms. Mary Morgan
Chaplain: Fr. Michael Murphy
Special Needs Assistants: Ms. Irene Geraghty
Ms. Eileen Brannick
Parents' Council
The school has an active Parents' Council elected by the Parents/Guardians with its own officers. The purpose of the Parents' Council is to act as an advisory body on major school issues and to promote the educational and general interests of our students.
School Details
School day: - Monday – Friday 9.10 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
School building opening hours: - 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
School office hours: - 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
School Telephone Number: 0949021406 School E-mail Address:
School Website is under construction
Calendar
Calendar details for Academic Year is forwarded to all families in August. It is important to note that this calendar may be subject to change as school year progresses.
Programmes
Junior Cycle:
v St. Joseph's Secondary School offers a three Year Junior Cycle Programme leading to Junior Certificate Examinations of the Department of Education and Science.
v Students in First Year classes at St. Joseph's Secondary School take a broad range of subjects as an exploratory year. Subjects include: - Religious Education, Gaeilge, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, C.S.P.E., Science, Business Studies, French, German, Art/Craft/Design, Music, Home Economics, S.P.H.E., Computer Studies, Physical Education.
v First Year classes are divided alphabetically and are of mixed ability.
v Each student studies ten subjects for the Junior Certificate Examination and in addition Religious Education (R.E.), Social, Personal and Health Education (S.P.H.E.) and Physical Education. Transition Year:
v Transition Year Programme is optional for students. The programme aims to develop and nurture the personal, social, vocational and spiritual dimensions of the student's life. Our programme is comprehensive, motivating and encourages the student to become both an independent thinker and learner.
v Subjects on offer in the Transition Year Programme are: Gaeilge, English, Mathematics, Art, Business Studies, Choir, Classical Studies, Computer Studies, Cookery, Crafts, Food Technology, French, Geography, German, History, Interior Design, Music, Personal Development, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science, Spanish, Speech & Drama, Work Experience.
v Students take a varying range of modules such as E.C.D.L., First Aid, Communication and Assertiveness, Relationships and Sexuality Education, Introduction to Driving and Road Safety.
v Workshops and seminars also form an important part of the Transition Year Programme.
v Work experience is an integral part of the Transition Year Programme.
v Transition Year students produce and stage a school musical.
v Transition Year students participate in social awareness programmes, community events and educational projects.
v Transition Year students have the experience of being addressed by invited guest speakers of both local and national prominence.
Senior Cycle:
v The Leaving Certificate Programme is a two Year programme leading to the Department of Education and Science Leaving Certificate Examination. The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (L.C.V.P.) and Leaving Certificate Applied (L.C.A.) programmes are also offered.
v The Senior Cycle Curriculum offers a wide range of subjects for the Leaving Certificate Examination. In addition to the core subjects of Gaeilge, English, and Mathematics students choose four option subjects from the following: - Accounting, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, French, Geography, German, History, Home Economics Social and Scientific, L.C.V.P., Music, Physics.
v Co-curricular classes in Religious Education, Physical Education, Career Guidance, Choir and Health Education (S.P.H.E.) are also part of the timetable for Senior Cycle students.
Information, Communication, Technology (I.C.T.)
v The school recognises and supports the use of information technology as being increasingly integrated into the teaching and learning of many subject areas. Computer Studies is taken by all First Year students and forms an integral part of the Transition Year Programme.
v T. Y. students follow the E.C.D.L. programme and E.C.D.L. Certification is awarded to students on successful completion of modules.
v The school has an A.U.P. (Acceptable User Policy) with which both Parents/Guardians and students should familiarise themselves. Parents/Guardians and students will be requested to sign their acceptance of this policy when they enrol their daughter at our school. Transition from Primary to Post-Primary School
The transfer of students from Primary to Post Primary School is an important milestone in the educational life of the student. It is a challenging and sensitive time for students and inevitably a certain amount of apprehension and anxiety is to be expected. The change from Primary to Post Primary School is generally exciting and full of new experiences for the student but there may be times when it can be traumatic for the student and parents/guardians. Special attention is given to the incoming first year students in St. Joseph's Secondary School to enable them to make the transition from Primary to Second Level Education.
· In September Orientation Day is organised for the incoming first year students. The programme for Orientation Day introduces them to fellow students in their base classes and they participate in various activities under the supervision of staff and Senior Student Mentor Team. One of the purposes of Orientation Day is to assist the First Year Students in making the transition into Post Primary School.
· Parents/Guardians of incoming first year students are invited to attend Orientation/Information Evening in the school at the beginning of September. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to participate in Orientation/Information Evening and to avail of the opportunity to get to know their daughter's second level school. Student Mentor Group
· A group of senior students volunteer to work as Student Mentors with the First Year students for the duration of the academic year.
· The members of the Student Mentor Team are assigned in small groups to each First Year class at the beginning of the academic year.
· In the early weeks of the first term they spend time getting to know the First Year students by meeting them regularly and organising activities for them.
· The role of the Student Mentor Team is to care for the incoming First Year students.
· Relevant training is organised for the Student Mentor Team. This training gives the Student Mentors confidence and clarifies for them the limits of their role within the school community.
· A member of the teaching staff acts as Co-ordinator of the Student Mentor Team. Regular meetings with the Student Mentor Team are convened by the Co-ordinator and such meetings address concerns which may arise for the Student Mentors. The Co-ordinator of the team offers support and advice and guides the students in their role as Student Mentors. Learning Support
St. Joseph's Secondary School provides Learning Support for students with a range of learning difficulties. Students who need learning support are included in regular classes and are withdrawn by the Learning Support Teacher for additional help with their learning.
Special Educational Needs Teaching
Teachers at St. Joseph's Secondary School provide support and tuition for students who have special educational needs.
· We maintain contact with Parents/Guardians regarding their daughter's progress on an ongoing basis.
· We provide the relevant information to staff members who are teaching, S.N.A. (Special Needs Assistant) and/or other staff members who are interacting during the school day with any student who has a special educational need.
· We also liaise with Primary School Teachers, visiting teachers, N.E.P.S. (National Educational Psychological Services), S.E.N.O. (Special Educational Needs' Organiser) and agencies providing support and resources where appropriate.
· In line with the Mercy Philosophy of Education and in collaboration with Parents/Guardians we nurture the holistic development of each individual student in an atmosphere of care, respect and joy.
Career Guidance Counsellor
Our school's Career Guidance Counselling service offers a comprehensive service to all students. The aim of the Career Guidance and Counselling service is to help and advise each individual student.
School Chaplain
The School Chaplain is available to assist with faith formation/school liturgical events and to provide support for students and for the spiritual wellbeing of the school community.
Religious Education Classes and Faith Formation
· Religious Education classes are conducted in the school in accordance with the Catholic Ethos as outlined in our Mission Statement.
· It is the aim of the Religious Education Programme in our school to provide a forum where students can learn, contemplate and experience the Christian faith. The Religious Education class gives students the opportunity to discuss and debate some of the tenets of the teachings of the Catholic Church in an informed classroom situation.
· In the case, where a Parent/Guardian wishes to withdraw her/his daughter from the Religious Education class a written application must be made to the School Principal. The student will remain in the Religious Education classroom so that she may be supervised.
· Students experience school liturgies, retreats and faith formation through the strong links which our school has established with both Parish and Community. Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is viewed as an integral part of school life in St. Joseph's Secondary School. It aims to support the student at every level and to foster positive relationships within our school community. Personnel e.g. Career Guidance Counsellor, Chaplain, Class Teachers, Class Caomhnóirí, Year Head, Year Group Advisor, Learning Support Teacher, Special Educational Needs' Teachers, Deputy Principal and Principal are available to support students. In accordance with our school's characteristic spirit and mission statement our pastoral care structure fosters positive personal development in order to prepare our students to take their place as responsible, caring and participative adults in the wider community.
Year Head
Each year group has a Year Head who monitors students' punctuality, attendance, absenteeism and appointments. Students meet with their Year Head when presenting notes from parents/guardians regarding absences and requesting permission to leave the school for appointment. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to contact the Year Head if they have concerns about their daughter's attendance at school.
Year Group Advisor
Each year group has a Year Group Advisor who has both a pastoral care and disciplinary role. The Year Group Advisor meets with students on a regular basis and encourages each student to do her best in a caring, supportive and advisory capacity. The Year Group Advisor manages issues of discipline within the year group and is responsible for assisting with the implementation of disciplinary procedures if they arise. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to communicate with the Year Group Advisor if they have concerns re. their daughters' welfare and progress in school.
Class Caomhnóir
Each class in Junior Cycle is supported by a Class Caomhnóir. The Class Caomhnóir
has particular responsibility for the care of the students in that class. The Caomhnóir also takes a particular interest in the activities and progress of the students in the Caomhnóir class. The Caomhnóir encourages the students to build a class group spirit. In addition, the Caomhnóir liaises in an informal manner with staff and in particular with those members of staff who are involved in our in-school support structures.
Classwork, Homework and Study
Homework is an essential part of the learning process. (See Homework Policy)
Students are required:
· To give regular and punctual attendance and to be on time for school, classes and organised activities throughout the school day.
· To be present in class and to remain in class for the duration of the class lesson as per timetable.
· To be prepared for each lesson by bringing the correct materials and/or equipment.
· To always pay careful attention, to co-operate during class and to give of her best.
· To understand that class work and homework are an essential part of her learning. Assessment and School Reports
· Regular assessment of a student's efforts and house examinations are an integral part of the school year. Students are required to sit all house examinations.
· School reports are issued to Parents/Guardians at the end of 1st and 3rd terms respectively. Parent/Teacher Meeting
One Parent/Teacher Meeting per year group is organised annually. Parents/Guardians are welcome to contact the school to make an appointment outside of these times. Details of Parent Teacher Meetings are issued to all families at the beginning of the academic year.
Student Journal
Each student is obliged to have a St. Joseph's Secondary School Student Journal which is issued at the beginning of the academic year.
Regulations for use of the Journal are as follows:
1. The Journal is to help students organise their work and study.
2. Details of prescribed homework and study are to be entered in the Journal every day for each class.
3. Each student should have her Journal with her for each class.
4. Defacing the Journal in any way is forbidden. Any Journal that is defaced (i.e. graffiti) will be confiscated and must be replaced by the student at a cost of €10.00. Lost Journals must be replaced (at cost of €10.00).
5. Students are not allowed to write in another student's Journal.
6. Parents/Guardians are requested to use the appropriate sections of this Journal as a means of communicating with the school (unless the information is of a confidential nature).
7. Parents/Guardians are requested to read the section regarding Attendance and Absenteeism and to clearly sign their signature where indicated.
8. Parents/Guardians are requested to sign their daughter's Journal weekly.
9. Teachers will monitor school Journals. A teacher may request a Student's Journal at any time during the school day to communicate with Parents/Guardians. Education Welfare Act 2000
One of the purposes of the Education Welfare Act 2000 is to encourage regular school attendance. Every child who attends school must attend regularly up to sixteen years of age or complete at least three years education in a Post Primary School, whichever comes later. The National Educational Welfare Board was established to support school attendance and follow up on children who are not attending school regularly.
As a Parent/Guardian you must inform the school if your daughter is absent. The reason for the absence must be stated in writing. The school is obliged to notify the National Educational Welfare Board if a student is absent for 20 days or more or if the school has concerns regarding the student's attendance.
Good attendance is paramount for all students and, therefore, all students in all year groups are expected to maximise attendance in order to make the best use of the
opportunities available to them.
Attendance at School
Students are expected to give regular and punctual attendance. Classes commence at 9.10 a.m. until 1.00 p.m. and recommence at 2.00 p.m. Classes end at 4.00 p.m. Under no circumstances should a student leave the school environs without informing school authorities – such absences will be treated as breaches of school discipline and sanctions will be invoked.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to be supportive and are requested to allow absence only in the case of illness or in other exceptional circumstances. The staff of our school actively discourage all part-time work for students. Medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside school hours if possible.
Where a student is absent from school during part of a school day, or for a school day or more than a school day, the Parents/Guardians of the student must notify the school of the reason for their daughter's absence.
Absence from School
· Schools are obliged to inform the National Educational Welfare Board if they have concerns regarding a student's absences or when a student is absent from school for over 20 days (cumulatively).
· As a Parent/Guardian you must inform the school if your daughter is absent. The school is obliged to report all absences to the Educational Welfare Board, even those absences caused by illness or hospitalisation, in excess of 20 days.
· The reason for the absence must be stated in writing.
· All notes must be signed by the Parent/Guardian.
· Please use the absence section at the back of the school journal for recording all absences- this will ensure that your record of your daughter's absence and the school's record should correspond.
· Absence notes must be presented to Year Head at 9.00 a.m. on the morning of return to school.
· School retains all absence notes from Parents/Guardians.
· In the event of a prolonged absence the school must be informed as soon as possible by a Parent/Guardian.
Appointments
· When a student needs to leave school for a medical/dental appointment, a note of explanation in student's school journal signed by Parent/Guardian must be presented to the Year Head at 9.00 a.m. on the morning of the appointment.
· The Year Head will sign the note in the journal. The class teacher will also sign the note as the student leaves the classroom.
· The student must present the signed note at Reception and sign out before leaving the school.
· If the student is returning on the same day she must sign in at Reception.
· All notes regarding appointments are retained in the school. Illness during the school day
If a student becomes ill during the school day she must report to Reception. A member of the school staff will contact the Parent/Guardian. A student who is ill will only be allowed to leave the school when she is accompanied by Parent/Guardian. In the interests of health and safety both student and Parent/Guardian will be asked to sign out at reception.
Communication with Parent/Guardian during the school day
· In an emergency or in the event of a crisis a student must report to Reception if she needs to contact a Parent/Guardian during the school day. A member of the school staff will contact the Parent/Guardian and if necessary the student herself may talk directly by telephone to Parent/Guardian.
· Students have access to a public phone in the school reception area during morning break and lunchtime should they need to contact Parent/Guardian. Health and Home
Information received by the school from Parents/Guardians in the following situations will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
· Parents/Guardians are requested to fully inform the school if a student's home situation or health is likely to have an impact on her participation and learning in school.
· Where a student is prescribed to take medication during the school day, Parents/Guardians are requested to inform the school of the details. School Uniform
· Full uniform to be worn during the school day.
· The official school uniform of St. Joseph's Secondary School comprises of:- Grey Pinafore with school crest.
Blue gingham blouse.
Airforce blue jumper with crest and name of school.
Black tights.
Students may wear the approved school trousers from 1st November to 17th March.
· In the interest of safety, students must wear black shoes with low heels. No mules, sling back shoes or sandals are to be worn at any time during the school year. Selected styles of school uniform shoes are available in local shops by arrangement with school authorities.
P.E. Uniform comprises of:-
Grey hooded tracksuit top
Royal blue t-shirt
Navy O'Neill's tracksuit bottom.
Jewellery and Accessories
In the interest of Health and Safety the School Authorities reserve the right
· To advise students as to what items of jewellery and accessories are acceptable, during the school day, on school outings and tours and other school related activities.
· To advise students that the wearing of facial jewellery, body piercing and body piercing accessories are unacceptable. Students and their Parents/Guardians are advised that excessive make-up and extreme hair styles/colour are unacceptable.
Mobile Phones and Personal Audio Equipment
The use of mobile phones and personal audio equipment are prohibited during school hours, on school grounds and during school related activities. The use of mobile phones may be permitted by school authorities on specific occasions. (See Code of Behaviour)
Student Lockers
· Each student is allocated a locker for the duration of the academic year.
· Provision of a suitable lock is the student's own responsibility.
· Students are strongly advised to ensure that only their own property and belongings are stored in the locker.
· Care must be taken of one's locker and damage to lockers must be reported immediately.
· A student must not interfere with another student's locker.
· Each student is responsible for her own personal belongings and must ensure that her locker is locked at all times.
· The school will not take responsibility for items mislaid by students.
· Each student is requested to pay a fee annually towards the rental and maintenance of student lockers. Lunchtime
· It is recommended that students take a substantial and nutritious lunch to school each day. Rolls, sandwiches, soft drinks and water, may be purchased in the school lunch room.
· All First Year students must remain in the school during lunchtime.
· 2nd and 3rd Year students remain on school grounds during lunchtime unless they are otherwise granted permission by the school authorities to leave the school grounds.
· Senior students (T.Y., 5th year and 6th year) are granted the privilege of leaving the school grounds during lunchtime. School Outings, School Tours and School Related Activities
On occasions during the academic year the school may organise school outings and tours for students in different year groups. Whilst such tours and outings will have an educational purpose, they are not part of the official school curriculum, they are an extra which teachers and the Board of Management choose to provide and as such they are a privilege, not an entitlement. Those who participate in school outings and tours must return a signed Consent Form to the school prior to departure.
In the interests of Health & Safety for all, Parents/Guardians are requested to make appropriate arrangements for leaving their daughter at the designated departure point and subsequent collection point of return.
Health & Safety
In accordance with our Health & Safety Policy we endeavour to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all of our students.
Extra-curricular Activities
Students benefit personally, socially and educationally from their participation in extra–curricular activities.
The Arts
St. Joseph's Secondary School prides itself on a long established tradition with the Arts. Students are given the opportunity to develop their musical, oratorical, creative, sporting and literary talents as part of their overall education.
Music greatly enhances the life of our school.
· The school orchestra is an integral part of the promotion of music within the school. Students who play a musical instrument are invited to join the school orchestra.
· The school orchestra is entered in the Department of Education and Science Examinations each year.
· A choir in each year group is prepared for the Department of Education and Science Examinations during the academic year.
· Choirs and our school orchestra perform at official school functions and at community events.
· Students attend recitals and also share their musical talents with groups in our local community. Drama and literature are encouraged and nurtured by the school.
· Students have an opportunity during the academic year to attend workshops, readings, stage productions and film festivals.
· Students may participate in music and drama workshops during lunchtime.
· Students are encouraged to enter literary competitions both at local and national level.
· During the academic year students from all year groups are invited to submit entries for our in-school Literary Competitions. Entries are externally adjudicated and prize winners are acknowledged at Achievements Awards Ceremonies. Prizes are sponsored and presented by Parents' Council. Art, Craft and Design are central to our school curriculum.
· Students participate in and are successful in many competitions.
· Students visit Art Galleries and attend Art Exhibitions both at local and national level. Students participate in a wide variety of other educational activities e.g. public speaking, debating, quiz competitions, table quizzes, essay competitions, creative writing workshops, dance performances and photography competitions.
Physical Education, Sport and Games
Physical Education, Sport and Games are very important for each student.
· Our school is a health promoting school.
· Each class is timetabled for a double P.E. class each week.
· Students are offered a varied P.E. programme and have the opportunity to experience swimming classes, gymnastics, dance, net and invasion games, athletics, rounders, self defence classes, hill walking, orienteering, stress management and yoga.
· Games/Sports on offer include: Athletics, basketball, badminton, gaelic football, golf, hockey, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
· Students are entered in Inter-School Competitions and have achieved outstanding success in a variety of games in recent years.
· Many students in conjunction with the local Badminton, Golf and Swimming Clubs compete in the schools' competitions.
· To date during the academic year 2006/07 students have competed successfully in Basketball, Gaelic Football, Badminton, Cross Country, Golf and Swimming at different levels i.e. Regional, Connaught and All Ireland level. Achievements and Awards
St. Joseph's Secondary School recognises that it is important to reward the efforts and achievements of our students. The staff of our school acknowledge on a regular basis the talents, achievements and commitment of students across all aspects of school life. At the end of the academic year Achievements Awards Ceremonies are organised and students are commended and rewarded for their efforts and participation.
St. Joseph's – A Green School
The School Community of St. Joseph's Secondary School aims to care for and protect our environment and to preserve it for future generations.
· We practice the Green Code Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Student Council
The student council gives the student body an opportunity to take an active part in the life of their own school. The establishment of Student Councils in second level schools is recognised by the Education Act 1998. Students involved in the Council improve their communication skills and foster a great sense of responsibility for their immediate environment. The student council will promote the interests of the school and the involvement of students in the affairs of the school, in partnership with the Staff, Students, Board of Management and Parents/Guardians.
Senior Prefect Team
At the beginning of the academic year 2006/07 the school decided to establish a Senior Prefect Team. Leaving Certificate Students and Staff elected this Team. The role of the Senior Prefect Team is to promote leadership and to represent our school on official occasions. Two students from the Senior Prefect Team were appointed as Head Girls. The role of the Senior Prefect Team will further develop within our school community.
Other Home School links
Every effort is made to maintain contact with the student's home through Parent/Teacher Meetings, Parent/Teacher Appointments, Student Academic Reports, Newsletter, School Year Book, Information Sessions, Parents' Council activities and through other formal and informal gatherings.
Annual Family Contribution
The Board of Management request Parents/Guardians to make an annual financial contribution to our school. We aim to offer the best educational service possible to all of our students. The cost of teaching resources, insurance, sporting and extra curricular activities etc. place a huge strain on our school's budget and grants received from the Department of Education and Science do not fund all expenses incurred. Parents/Guardians are requested to make this payment in July/August prior to the commencement of the academic year.
Other Relevant Information
Book Grant Scheme
The Department of Education and Science provides grant aid towards the purchase of school books. A grant may be applied for through the school. Application forms are forwarded to all families in August.
Book List
Book lists will be issued to all students of St. Joseph's Secondary School in May/June.
Second Hand Book Sale
A second hand book sale is organised in June. The purpose of the second hand book sale is to help to reduce the financial outlay for Parents/Guardians in purchasing school books and also to help reduce the huge environmental waste of unused books in the home.
Supervised Study
The school offers after school supervised study sessions to students. The sessions are open to students in all year groups. Students who opt to avail of after school supervised study must pay a fee at the beginning of each term. The supervised study sessions are organised in the school from 4.20 p.m. – 6.20 p.m., Monday – Thursday inclusive.
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Programs/Subjects