Coláiste Ard Feá

Beech Hill College

Monaghan

What is the Home School Community Liaison Scheme?

Why do we need a HSCL Scheme?

Who looks after the HSCL Scheme in Beech Hill College?

How does the HSCL Scheme work?

Where does the HSCL Scheme take place?

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What is the Home School Community Liaison Scheme?

The aim of the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme is to promote partnership between home, school and the community to ensure that every child participates fully in the school scheme. It fosters a sense of trust between the students, the parents and the school. The HSCL scheme has just come into operation in Beech Hill College in February 2001.

Secondary School is an exciting, challenging, rewarding but sometimes difficult experience, not only for the students but also for the parents. School life is not solelv about what a student achieves between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm. There are many other factors, which contribute towards the experience of school life. The HSCL Scheme tries to ensure that this experience is as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible. It recognises the role of parents and the home environment and seeks to promote a partnership between school and parents.

The scheme co-ordinator is Hugo Clerkin. Hugo is available to discuss on a personal level, matters of concern with parents. If preferred, he can make visits to the home. The scheme is also supported by the input of our Principal, Deputy Principal, Year Heads, Guidance Counsellor, Chaplain and Teachers – all of whom are actively willing to listen to the needs of parents.

The scheme recognises parents as the primary educators of their children and is constantly looking at ways to support parents and listening to their views and concerns. Parents will be able to participate in a wide range of courses, which we hope to run during the school day. These will be free of charge and we hope will cover many subjects including computers, parenting, stress management, first-aid and cookery. Such courses, not only help parents to have new skills, but also recognizes the importance of parents having time to themselves. It also gives them the opportunity to share in the life and work of the school alongside their children.

The scheme is not confined to within the school walls. As mentioned, the scheme co-ordinator makes home visits. In addition, the scheme builds bridges between the school and the many groups, organizations and agencies within the wider community. Such links include Monaghan Neighbourhood Youth Project, North Eastern Health Board and School Attendance Officer. We also hope to forge ties and liaise with the primary schools in the areas from which our students come.

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