School Details

Back to Top

Board of Management, 2007 - 2011

• Mr. Thomas Shields,  (Chairperson) 

• Fr. Jim Kenny

• Mr. James Bennett (Principal and Secretary)

• Mr. Bob Kavanagh

• Ms. Bláithín White

• Mrs. Mary Batten (Treasurer)

• Mrs. Margaret McKernan

• Mr. Matthew Ladrigan

PARENTS' ASSOCIATION

• Chairperson: Mrs. Mary Batten

INTO STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

• Ms. Eimear Conroy

SCHOOL CHAPLAIN: 

• Fr. Jim Kenny

Back to Top

Seniority List (2004 -2005 )

1. James Bennett (Principal)

2. Sean Byrne (Deputy Principal)

3. Pat Mc Guinness (Assistant Principal)

4. Angela Noonan (Assistant Principal)

5. Bláithín White (Assistant Principal)

6. Ciara Brangan (Special Duties Teacher)

7. Lorraine Smith (Special Duties Teacher)

8. Claire Sweeney (Special Duties Teacher)

9. Fiona Bernard (Special Duties Teacher)

10. Bernadette Sweetman (Special Duties Teacher) - maternity leave

11. Orla O’ Doherty (Special Duties Teacher)

12. Eimear Conroy (Special Duties Teacher)

13. Caitríona McHale (Special Duties Teacher)

14. Orla Murtagh (Acting Special Duties Teacher)

15. Caroline Cottell

16. Cindy Hickey

17. Maria Kildea (Career Break)

18. Fiona Breen

19. Catríona Nee

20. Audrey Harte

21. Laura Kavanagh

22. Claudine Halpin

23. Ethné Appenah

24. Olivia Clinton

25. Elaine Clarke

26. Lisa Hoey

27. Oliver Fitzmaurice

Back to Top

ANCILLARY STAFF

Back to Top

Allocation of Teaching Duties for School Year, 2007-2008

Back to Top

Special Duties Posts, September 2006

13 promoted posts in total

Principal, Deputy Principal, 3 Assistant Principals, 8 Special Duties Teachers

Appointment to a promoted post involves acceptance of the following conditions:

• A commitment to attend regular meetings of school middle management team
• All duties to be performed without prejudice to teaching duties
• The implementation of the designated duties will the subject of regular review by the Board of Management

Deputy Principal: Seán Byrne

• To assist the Principal teacher in the day to day organisation of the school and to assume full responsibility for same in the absence of the Principal
• Responsibility for the keeping of all school records - statistics, registers and record cards
• Catalogue, maintenance and distribution of school equipment (Hardware)
• Responsibility for Information Technology throughout the school
• Responsibility for all matters relating to maintenance and upkeep of school buildings, grounds and school furniture, Liaison between teaching staff and ancillary staff

Assistant Principal 1: Pat Mc Guinness

• Produce newsletter on a regular basis
• Develop and update school website
• Co-ordinate the production of a school year book
• Develop electronic record-keeping system with specific regard to pupils’ attainment and other data
• Organisation of archival material - photographing of school events

Assistant Principal 2: Angela Noonan

• Development and co-ordination of English with specific reference to curriculum development, assessment, resources and record keeping
• Promotion and organisation of Paired Reading
• Liaison with parents, teachers and psychologists with regard to pupils who may have/ have special needs
• Responsibility for the organisation of the Junior Section of the School: Junior Classes - Second Class
• Co-ordination of Book Scheme for Necessitous Pupils

Assistant Principal 3: Bláithín White

• Co-ordinate the development of a school library
• Development and co-ordination of school plan in Music - provide support, advice and practical demonstrations
• Preparation of choir for Liturgies
• Organise agenda and minutes for staff meetings and meetings of post holders

Special Duties Teacher 1: Ciara Brangan

• Responsibility for the organisation of Mathematics throughout the school
• Co-ordinate the development of handwriting in the school
• Co-ordinate special school events such as Christmas liturgies, school plays

Special Duties Teacher 2: Lorraine Smith

• Development and co-ordination of school plan in Science
• Development and co-ordination of Green Schools Programme
• Overall responsibility for school's Senior Gaelic Football programme

Special Duties Teacher 3: Claire Sweeney

• Forbairt na Gaeilge sa scoil - módhanna múinte, fearais, eagrú, agus measúnú
• Overall responsibility for school's Junior Gaelic Football programme
• Overall responsibility for athletics programmes in school

Special Duties Teacher 4: Fiona Bernard

• Development and co-ordination of school plan in Social, Personal and Health Education -this includes programmes such as Walk Tall and RSE
• Co-ordination of all elements of School Completion Programme

Special Duties Teacher 5: Orla O'Doherty 

• Development and co-ordination of all matters relating to Physical Education
• Co-ordination of the implementation of the Code of Behaviour
• Overall responsibility for Soccer in school

Acting Special Duties Post: Eimear Conroy

• Development and organisation of school plan in Visual Arts - this includes responsibility for displays throughout the school
• Safety Officer – member of Safety Committee, responsible for Fire Drills
• Staff Development: convene sub-committee to organise events and collections
• Supervise Basketball coaching sessions

Acting Special Duties Post: Caitríona McHale

• Development and organisation of school plan in Drama
• Co-ordinate the organisation of swimming
• Assist with coaching and organisation of school Senior Gaelic Foootball team

Acting Special Duties Post: Orla Murtagh for Bernadette Sweetman (Maternity Leave)

• Co-ordination and implementation of school plan in History and Geography with particular emphasis on local studies
• Co-ordination of assemblies - dates, content and distribution of material relating to Religious Education

Back to Top

MISSION STATEMENT OF ST COLMCILLE'S BOYS' NATIONAL SCHOOL

St Colmcille's Boys' National School, Swords aims to provide a caring, learning environment which facilitates the nurturing of each pupil's full educational potential. The achievement of this aim informs all of the planning processes and activities which occur in our school. Teachers and parents are partners in the children's education, with cooperation and communication between home and school being vital ingredients in the educational process.  We share the same aim - the well-being of the children in our care.

AIMS OF ST COLMCILLE’S BNS

1. To enable the pupils to achieve their full academic potential.

2. To enable the pupils to enjoy school.

3. To enable the pupils to be aware of and to understand their environment.

4. To encourage habits and attitudes related to spiritual formation.

5. To develop each pupil's self-confidence.

6. To promote a spirit of co-operation.

7. To teach pupils to behave in an acceptable manner.

8. To encourage and develop appropriate leisure activities.

9. To develop in our pupils an appreciation of our cultural heritage.

10. To prepare each pupil to avail of appropriate further education.

PURPOSE OF PLEAN SCOILE

1. To formulate the views of the staff on various education/social aspects of school life, and to facilitate the integration of new teachers to the staff.

2. To provide a consensus and thus give consistency to requests made on children/parents.

Back to Top

School Timetable

Back to Top

Enrolment Policy of St Colmcille’s Boys’ National School, Swords

Priority Listing

• First preference is given to Catholic children whose parents reside in the Parish of St Colmcille, Swords.

• Second preference is given to Catholic children who have brothers or sisters attending St Colmcille's BNS, Swords or St Colmcille's GNS, Swords, but whose parents are not resident in the Parish of St Colmcille, Swords.

• Third preference is given to Catholic children whose parents do not reside in the Parish of St Colmcille, Swords.

• Fourth preference is given to children who do not come into any of the above categories.

Procedures

• Applications for enrolment to St Colmcille's BNS, Swords usually takes place during the third week of January of the year in which the pupil is due to commence school

• There are 58 places available, and they are allocated on the basis of the above enrolment policy and the age of the pupil

• Pupils must be a minimum of 4 years of age on the year that they will be starting school, but the cut-off point is not known until the applications have been processed. In practice, it tends to be that pupils must be 4 in May / June.

• Applications forms may be collected from the General Office from 10.00 to 12.00 and 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.

• Proof of age of pupil and baptismal certificate must be produced before application is accepted as being valid.

• Application forms should be completed at home when details of deputies have been ascertained. If both parents/ guardians are available, both signatures are required. Forms may be posted back to school or delivered by hand

• With regard to deputies, they should be living locally and be available to come to the school in the event of an emergency. One deputy is not sufficient.

• Places are offered by the end of March/ early April.

• An advisory meeting for parents/ guardians is held in early May

• There is an Open Day in June when new pupils may be brought to see their classroom /meet with their teacher

• If parents wish to meet with the Principal, an appointment is required. This can be arranged by contacting 8405132.

• If pupils have special needs, parents are advised to meet with the Principal to discuss these needs.

Thomas Shields  (Chairperson)

Back to Top

ROUTINES AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The following routines are outlined in St Colmcille’s BNS Information Booklet for Parents. It is recommended that at the start of each school year, teachers discuss with their pupils the contents of the Information Booklet.

Time

1. Assembly is at 8.50 a.m. Children who are in the yard prior to official assembly time are not the responsibility of any member of staff, but if children are in the yard prior to 8.50 a.m., they take their place in line. For safety reasons, pupils are expected to walk in the school yard.

2. Children are not allowed to enter the school building prior to 8.50 a.m. They remain in the yard in line formation until directed into the building by a teacher.

3. There is a short break at 10.45 a.m. Pupils are expected to enter and  to leave their classroom in an orderly manner and to walk down the corridor in single file. Teachers are requested to walk their pupils to the exit doors  at each break and at dismissal.

4. There is a break is from 12.30 p.m. to 1.00 p.m.  It is recommended that teachers allow their pupils to commence lunch before the break so that the healthy eating practices can be promoted. It is also recommended that background music be played during this period so that the integrity of the school day is preserved.

5. Junior and Senior Infant Classes are dismissed at 1.30. p.m.  Infant pupils  are not allowed to go home on their own unless this is specifically requested in writing by parents. The pupils in the other classes are dismissed at 2.30 p.m.

6. Pupils who bring bicycles to school are asked to alight at the gates of the school.

7. At 2.30 p.m., pupils are expected to leave the school grounds in an orderly fashion and to report home promptly.

Attendance

Each child, to whom the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 applies (that is, those between the ages of 6 and 16) is obliged by law to attend school every day on which the school is in operation unless there is a reasonable excuse for not attending. The school authorities are obliged to notify the Educational Welfare Officer when a child is absent regularly or if a reasonable excuse has not been provided for an absence by the child's parents. The School's Code of Behaviour contains a merit scheme which acknowledges and rewards regular attendance.

Back to Top

Supervisory Duties

Teachers are responsible for all pupils under their care from assembly to dismissal (8.50 a.m. – 2.30 p. m).

Children should never be sent on errands outside school premises.

In the event of a teacher needing to send a message to principal / secretary / colleague, two pupils should always be sent with a note.  Pupils should not be left unsupervised.

Yard Supervision

Routine for Dismissal

1. Ensure that pupils leave classroom in an orderly fashion and walk down the corridor. Teachers are responsible for the children until they leave the building.

2. Children should never be left unsupervised in classroom at  2.30 p.m. (Writing homework etc) nor should children be detained as a punishment.

3. Chairs should be put on top of desks before dismissal

4. Every effort should be made to ensure that there is no litter on floor

Back to Top

Office Procedures

1. One day’s notice is required for photocopying – e.g. photocopying requisitioned on Monday will be sent to you on Tuesday.  It is not recommended that teachers do their own photocopying because of the difficulties that have arisen with regard to mis-feeds etc.

2. Teachers should keep their own records of any money collected from the pupils – milk money, insurance money etc. Ask 2 pupils to bring money to General Office.   Details of  collections and money should only be sent to the General Office at the following times: Third to Sixth Class inclusive –  9.00 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. ; Infants to Second Class –  9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. If  money is received after this time, it should be  retained and remitted to the Office on the following day. Money should not be left in the school.

3. The phone number for calls to teaching staff is 8401316. Calls from parents to teachers may be made to 8405132. These messages will be taken by the secretarial staff and relayed to teachers.

Back to Top

General Notes

1. If parents wish their child to go home for lunch, a Consent Form is required. These forms may be obtained from the Principal.

2. Sanctions will be imposed on children who return late after lunch.  If late arrival after lunch persists, permission to go home for lunch to be withdrawn for the remainder of the school year.

3. In the event of a pupil being absent through illness or for any other reason, the class teacher should be informed by note on the pupil's return to school. If it is anticipated that the absence will be of a lengthy duration, the class teacher should be informed by note as soon as possible.

4. When it is necessary for a pupil to leave school early, a note must be sent to the class teacher or permission sought from Principal or Deputy Principal. Notes should be retained until child returns to school. Parents/ guardians are asked to call personally to the classroom to collect the child. Any person collecting a child on behalf of the parent/guardian should present written authorisation with a telephone contact number.

Back to Top

Dress Code

1. Uniform:  Grey shirt, bottle green V neck jumper, green tie and grey slacks.

2. Track Suit: For Physical Education, runners are compulsory and it is recommended that the pupils wear the school tracksuit which is bottle green in colour and has the school name on it. Children should never be allowed to participate in P.E. class if they have not brought their runners to school.

3. For Art and Craft lessons, it is recommended pupils bring an old shirt to school.

4. Pupils are not allowed to wear studs, earrings and other jewellery in school.

Back to Top

Home/School Liaison

Co-operation between school and home is essential, and the following forms of home/school links exist in our school

1. Individual consultation : A note to the class teacher requesting such an appointment is always essential because cover may have to be arranged and work prepared for the children. It is also necessary that the purpose of the visit be stated so that teachers may undertake whatever preparation is necessary with regard to information and records. The duty of care with regard to the children is such that it is not possible for teachers to meet with parents unless an appointment has been arranged.  If at all possible, these individual consultations should occur before school begins, during a break or at the end of the school day.

2. Appointment with Principal: Parents should contact Secretary at 8405132 if they wish to meet the Principal.

3. General meeting between individual teachers and parents to outline procedures and expectations (mid-September)

4. Parent/teacher meetings during the first term. (November/December).

5. A meeting is held in May of each year with parents of the new Junior Infant pupils.

In addition to the above forms of home/school links, the following means of communication are also utilised:

1. Notes in the pupil's homework notebook. Homework journals may be purchased at Secretary’s Office. Every pupil from 1st 6th Class should have a homework journal.

2. School reports are issued prior to the formal parent/teacher meetings.

3. An information booklet which gives details of the school's rules and procedures.

4. Circulars (lists of holidays, book lists etc – parents are always informed in writing about any school closure, circulars re closures are issued one week in advance, if at all practicable.)

5. Synopsis of the accounts.

6. Regular newsletters – 2 per term

7. Information on Website

Back to Top

Guidelines for Parent / Teacher Meetings

1. Discuss content of report and provide (if possible) guidelines with regard to the elements that might be improved.

2. If children are attending for extra learning support, they should be referred to the appropriate resource teacher.

3. Check with parents with regard to how they think that the child is working / settling in.

4. Queries which you cannot answer should be noted, and parents informed that information will be sought on the matter.

5. Photocopy reports and submit to General Office on the week following the Parent Teacher meetings

Practical Details

1. Ensure that your name is on the classroom door.

2. Organise notice stating “Please knock at the appointed time”.

3. Keep to the allotted times. If there is a need for an extended conversation, invite the parent/s to come back at another time.

Back to Top

COMPLAINTS FROM PARENTS

It is in the interests of pupils, parents and teachers that good relations should exist between home and school. The teachers are willing to discuss any problems which may arise from time to time. With mutual respect and goodwill, most problems can be resolved readily.

Complaints concerning individual teachers should be referred to the appropriate teacher in the first instance and not the principal. The INTO, Dept of Education and the CPSMA have issued a set of procedures for the processing of complaints against teachers.

Introduction

Only those complaints which are written and signed by parents / guardians may be investigated formally by the Board of Management, except where those complaints are deemed by the Board to be:

1. on matters of professional competence and which are referred to the Dept of Education and Science

2. frivolous or vexatious complaints and complaints which do not impinge on the work of the teacher

3. complaints in which either party has recourse to law or other existing procedure.

Unwritten complaints not in the above categories may be processed informally as set out in Stage 1 of this procedure.

Stage 1:

Stage 2:

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5 

The maximum period of time is 35 school days to the notification of final decision.

Back to Top

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

It is recommended that teachers make themselves very familiar with the contents of the school’s Code of Behaviour  (See separate document).

BULLYING

Bullying is repeated aggression, either verbal, psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or groups against others. Isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour which are never condoned, cannot be described as bullying. However when the behaviour is systematic and ongoing, it is bullying. It may manifest itself in many forms such as physical aggression, damage to property, extortion, intimidation, isolation, name-calling and "slagging".  At the centre of our school's response to bullying is the continued development of a positive school climate which focuses on respect for the individual. It is an important element of school policy to raise the awareness of bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour.

Procedures for Noting and Reporting an incident of Bullying Behaviour:

1. All incidents of bullying, no matter how trivial, will be investigated and dealt with by the teachers.

2. Serious cases of bullying behaviour by pupils should be referred immediately to the principal.

3. Parents of victims and bullies will be informed earlier rather than later of incidents.

4. It is made clear to pupils that when they report incidents of bullying they are not telling tales but are behaving responsibly. It is important to counteract a culture which may associate "telling" with "informing".

5. Encouraging a child to hit back is mistaken because it does not address the reasons for the bullying behaviour and it could also result in a child being seriously hurt if the bully is more adept at fighting.

Procedures for Investigating and Dealing with Bullying

1. When investigating incidents of bullying behaviour, it is necessary to seek answers to questions of what, where, when, who and why?

2. If pupils are found to have been involved in bullying behaviour, it will be made clear to them that they are in breach of the Code of Discipline, and sanctions will be applied.

Work with Victims and Bullies

1. Low self-esteem is an attribute which victims and bullies share. It is necessary therefore to avail of opportunities to increase feelings of self-worth among victims and bullies. Victims may need counselling to participate in activities designed to raise their self-esteem and bullies may need counselling to help them learn other ways of meeting their needs without violating the rights of others.

2. Pupils who observe incidents of bullying behaviour should be encouraged to discuss them with their teachers.

3. Bullying is a societal problem and a whole community approach is needed to combat bullying behaviour. The school as a community is made up of management, teachers, non-teaching staff, pupils and parents, and the promotion of home/school/community links is a vital element in the countering of bullying behaviour.

4. The school's anti-bullying code is discussed regularly in each class and explained to the children.

Anti-Bullying Code in St Colmcille's BNS

1. Every pupil has the right to enjoy his time in St Colmcille's Boys' National School, free from bullying, both in school and on his journey to and from school.

2. Our school will not tolerate any unkind actions or remarks, even if these were not meant to hurt. 

3. Pupils should support each other by reporting all instances of bullying.

4. Bullying is regarded as a very serious matter; no child has a right to strike another, even in "self-defence".

Back to Top

HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT

General Statement of Policy

The Board of Management of St Colmcille's Boys' National School, charged with the direct government of the school, has prepared this Safety Statement in accordance with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare Act, 1989, Section 12, sub-sections 1 to 8. In doing so, it is mindful of the unique place which the school occupies as an extension of the home life of the child and of the responsibilities entrusted to the personnel of the school by the parents and/or guardians of the pupils. The Board of Management's objective is to endeavour to provide a safe and healthy work environment for the pupils, teachers and other employees. This policy requires the active co-operation of all concerned. It is our intention to undertake regular reviews of the statement in the light of experience, changes in legal requirements and operational changes. The Board of Management will undertake to carry out a safety audit annually and report to staff. All records of accidents or ill-health will be monitored in order to ensure that any safety measures can be put in place, wherever possible, to minimise the recurrence of such accidents and ill-health.

Thomas Shields (Chairperson)

St Colmcille's Boys' National School, Swords, Co.  Dublin
Policy Statement on Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.

In order to assist the Board of Management in the implementation of the Act:

1. Teachers and other employees must co-operate with Management in the application of the Act.

2. Teachers and other employees must take reasonable care for their own safety and health and that of any other persons who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

3. Teachers and other employees may select a Safety Representative to represent them in consultations with management.

4. Teachers and other employees must report to Management any defects in plant, equipment, place of work or system of work which they notice which might be dangerous to safety and health.

Consultation and Information

It is the policy of the Board of Management of St Colmcille's Boys'  National School, Swords to consult with staff in the preparation of the Safety Statement.

Safety

The following safety/protective measures are in operation for the safety of teachers and other employees

1. Teachers and all other employees will be instructed in the correct use of all machinery, plant and equipment as applicable.

2. All machinery and electrical equipment are fitted with adequate safeguards.

3. Precautionary notices in respect of safety matters are displayed at relevant points.

School Safety Committee 

• Thomas Shields (Chairperson)

• James Bennett (Principal

• Sean Byrne

• Eimear Conroy

•  

Any member of this committee should be consulted if teachers and or other employees have any queries regarding the safety provisions which are mentioned in this statement.

Specific Hazards

Fire Protection

1. Fire extinguishers are provided and correctly sited to meet statutory and insurance requirements.

2. All fire fighting equipment is regularly tested and serviced by specialised contractors.

3. All fire exits are marked using the standard symbols.

4. All electrical equipment is unplugged when school is vacated for long periods.

Evacuation

1. Fire drills are held each year. (One drill at a pre-arranged time, the other drill at a random time).

2. The signal for a fire drill is the continuous ringing of the bell.

3. Pupils will vacate premises and re-assemble in Junior, Middle and Senior Yards.

4. The pupils will assemble in the yards in Roll Book order.

5. Ms E. Conroy is the teacher responsible for fire drills and evacuation procedures.

(The following details are posted in each room in school)

Evacuation Procedures

1. Signal to evacuate building is the continuous ringing of hand bell.
2. Pupils leave rooms in an orderly fashion and walk to the exits.
3. Pupils from Rooms 7, 8, 9 and 5 assemble at Garden
4. Pupils from Rooms 1, 2, 3 and 4 assemble across from Portakabin
5. Pupils from Rooms 15, 17, 18 and 19 assemble in Field
6. Pupils from Rooms 11, 12, 13, 14 and Portakabins (Senior Classes) assemble in Field

• Pupils assemble in yard in Roll Book order.
• Teachers call roll and give numbers present to person in charge in each yard.
• Senior Yard: Mr Bennett
• Junior Yard: Ms Noonan 
• Middle Yard: Mr Byrne 
• Co-ordinator : Ms Conroy

Access

1. In the interests of safety and security, access to the school is restricted. An intercom and closed circuit television are located at the right of the main entrance door.  All visitors should report initially to the General Office.

2. Teachers and other employees may not leave the school premises during working hours without the permission of Management to ensure that they can be accounted for at all times in case of an emergency.

Constant Hazards

1. Machinery, Kitchen Equipment and Electrical Appliances

1. Machinery, Kitchen equipment and electrical appliances should only be used by teachers and other employees.

2. Faulty plugs and sockets should be brought to the attention of Mr Sean Byrne

3. Pupils should not be allowed to switch on any appliance using mains electricity.

4. Pupils should not be asked to carry hot liquids.

5. The  lift should be locked to ensure that the pupils do not have access to it

2. Chemicals and Detergents

All chemicals and detergents should be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and kept in a locked area. Protection (gloves / masks) will be provided when using these materials.

3. Drugs and Medications

No medication is to be given to pupils by any staff member unless request is received in writing and the staff member is willing to implement this request. (See separate section on this matter)

4. Highly Polished or Wet Floors

1. The cleaning and washing of floors is conducted after school hours ( 2.30 p.m. onwards) to eliminate insofar as is reasonably practicable the danger of slipping.

2. Floors will not be polished.

5. The Code of Behaviour 

The Code of Behaviour in the school provides for a level of behaviour to minimise personal risk and or stress to any teacher, other member of staff and to the individual pupils.

6. First Aid

There is a First Aid Box in the Office beside the Principal’s Office. This contains : Plasters, Wasp Eze, Tape, Antiseptic Disinfectant, Antiseptic Cream, Cotton Bandage, Burn Eze, Antiseptic Wipes, Scissors, Disposable gloves and First Aid Chart.

1. Minor cuts and abrasions on pupils should be cleaned with cold water.

2. Where a teacher deems it prudent to do so, a dressing may be put on a pupil's wound. (These dressings are available from the Secretary and /or Classroom Assistants). Where a dressing has been put on a wound, parents are requested to inspect the wound.

Distribution of Safety Statement

A copy of statement is given to all teachers and other employees. Further copies are available from the Principal.

Checklist for School Safety Inspections

1. Circulation Areas

2. Heating and Ventilation

3. Fire Safety

4. Electrical Equipment

5. First Aid

6. General Purpose Classrooms

7. Hall

8. Non-Teaching Areas

9. Outside Areas

Back to Top

Sexual Harassment Policy

The Board of Management of St Colmcille's BNS, Swords recognises that all employees have the right to a workplace free from sexual harassment and is fully committed to ensuring that all employees are able to enjoy that right.

There is a responsibility on all employees to ensure a workplace free from sexual harassment for all other employees, and to be aware of this policy. Any complaint of sexual harassment shall be fully and properly investigated, and, if substantiated will be regarded as grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. An attempt will be made to resolve the complaint informally in the first instance but if this is not possible, a formal procedure will be invoked. Confidentiality will be ensured insofar as is possible, at all times during the investigation for all parties involved.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment means unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or other conduct based on a person’s sex which affects the dignity of men and women at work. This can include unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct which is offensive and causes discomfort or humiliation to the individual concerned.

Making a complaint of sexual harassment

Any employee who feels that he or she has been or is being sexually harassed should ask the perpetrator to stop. Where this form of action is unsuccessful, the employee may report the matter to any of the following – the Principal, Deputy Principal, INTO staff representative or any member of the Board of Management. Attempts will be made to resolve the matter informally, if appropriate. If it is not possible to resolve the matter informally, a formal complaints procedure shall be applied incorporating the following steps:

A written report to the Board of Management should be made by the complainant or an authorised person to whom the complaint is made and signed by the complainant.

The complaint will be investigated with minimum delay, and as confidentially as possible, by two individuals named by the Board of Management, one of whom shall be the same sex as the complainant, if so requested. Due respect shall be had for the rights of the complainant and the alleged perpetrator.

Both parties may be accompanied / represented at all interviews / meetings held, and details of these meetings shall be recorded in writing.

When a complaint   is found to be substantiated, the extent and nature of the sexual harassment will determine the form of disciplinary action to be taken. These actions may include a verbal warning, a written warning, suspension from some duties with or without pay, suspension from full duties with or without pay or dismissal.

Where an employee is victimised as a result of invoking or participating in any aspect of the complaints procedure, including acting as a witness for another employee, such behaviour will also be subject to disciplinary action

No record of any complaint will be registered on an employee’s file unless the formal procedure outlined above has been invoked

It is the opinion of the Board of Management that issues of sexual harassment are best dealt with within the school. However, no aspect of this policy affects any employee’s individual rights to take their complaint outside of the school.

THIS POLICY WILL BE SUBJECT TO PERIODIC REVIEW.

Thomas Shields (Chairperson)

Back to Top

Adult Bullying in the Workplace Policy

The Board of Management of St Colmcille's BNS, Swords recognises that all employees have the right to a workplace free from bullying and is fully committed to ensuring that all employees are able to enjoy that right.

What is Adult Bullying?

Bullying in the workplace is repeated aggression, verbal, psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or group against another person or persons. Bullying is where the aggression or cruelty,  intimidation or a need to humiliate, dominate the relationships.  Isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour, while they are condemned unreservedly, do not constitute bullying. Aggressive behaviour, which is systematic and ongoing, constitutes bullying.

Forms of Adult Bullying

• Being excluded socially

• Being subjected to aggressive criticism or not being allowed to express opinions

• Reputation being undermined through spreading of gossip

• Work of meaningless nature being given to perform / or no tasks given at all

• Use or threat of physical abuse

Informal Procedures for Dealing with Bullying

• Seek advice and support from friends and/or colleagues

• Check with colleagues to see if anyone else is encountering similar treatment

• Speak to INTO Staff Representative

• Speak to the principal / deputy principal /chairperson or any other member of the Board of Management

• Keep a written record for future reference, quoting dates, times, places and any witnesses of bullying

Formal Procedure

If it is not possible to resolve the matter informally, a formal complaints procedure shall be applied incorporating the following steps:

1. A written report to the Board of Management should be made by the complainant or an authorised person to whom the complaint is made and signed by the complainant.

2. The complaint will be investigated with minimum delay, and as confidentially as possible, by two individuals named by the Board of Management, one of whom shall be the same sex as the complainant, if so requested. Due respect shall be had for the rights of the complainant and the alleged perpetrator.

3. Both parties may be accompanied / represented at all interviews / meetings held, and details of these meetings shall be recorded in writing.

4. When a complain is found to be substantiated, the extent and nature of the bullying will determine the form of disciplinary action to be taken. These actions may include a verbal warning, a written warning, suspension from some duties with or without pay, suspension from full duties with or without pay or dismissal.

5. Where an employee is victimised as a result of invoking or participating in any aspect of the complaints procedure, including acting as a witness for another employee, such behaviour will also be subject to disciplinary action

6. No record of any complaint will be registered on an employee’s file unless the formal procedure outlined above has been invoked

It is the opinion of the Board of Management that issues of bullying are best dealt with within the school. However, no aspect of this policy affects any employee’s individual rights to take their complaint outside of the school.

THIS POLICY WILL BE SUBJECT TO PERIODIC REVIEW.

Thomas Shields (Chairperson)

Back to Top

Health/Safety: (Extracts from Information Booklet for Parents)

ACCIDENT /FIRST AID PROCEDURES

1. If a minor accident occurs in the yard, teacher on yard duty may deal with it, but should always report the matter to the class teacher.

2. If the accident appears to be of a more serious nature, class teacher and Principal teacher are to be informed at earliest opportunity so that the child's parents or person delegated to take responsibility for child may be contacted.

3. A child should never be lifted after a fall - if unable to get up alone, the child should not be moved.

4. Write out report on accident and submit to the Principal. (Accident Book is in Principal's Office).

PROVISION FOR SICK PUPILS

If a teacher feels that a child is not well enough to continue working in school, a note should be sent with the child to the Secretary’s Office. The parents or guardians of the child will be contacted by the Secretary

A supply of these sample notes may be obtained from Secretary.

Back to Top

Healthy Eating Policy

Healthy eating is central to a person’s overall well-being. As part of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), the children learn about healthy eating and nutrition. Our aim is to promote healthy eating at an early age in order to ensure good, lifelong, nutritional habits. Healthy eating is important for many reasons:

• Maintaining strong teeth and bones

• Improving concentration and behaviour

• Preventing obesity and heart conditions

• Balancing energy levels

It is school policy that pupils’ lunches will consist of some of the following:

• bread (white or wholemeal), rolls, crackers or pasta

• sandwich fillings of any choice (suggestions – meats, cheese, salad, jam, chocolate spread)

• natural fruit juice, diluted fruit juice, yoghurt drinks, water or milk

• healthy snacks such as fruit, fruit winders, fruit salad, cereal bars, raisins (or other dried fruits), cheese strings, frubes, yoghurts, popcorn

Treats

• Children may be given one treat per day (chocolate bar, biscuit or pack of mini biscuits)

Not Allowed

• Chewing gum, cans, fizzy drinks, crisps, sweets or sticky bars are forbidden.

Implementation

There will be a school-wide effort to implement the policy. One warning will be given, and if banned foods or drinks are brought into school a second time, they will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.

Two of our pupils have a condition called anaphylaxis where they can have a life-threatening reaction to foods such as eggs, nuts and peanut butter. In view of the fact that the pupils meet in class / at Assembly / in the yard / on the way to and from school, it is our considered view that all parents would appreciate the need to ensure that these foods are not brought to school by any of our pupils. 

Revised in June 2006

Back to Top

The Administration of Medicines

While the Board of Management  has a duty to safeguard the health and safety of pupils when they are engaged in authorised school activities this does not imply  a duty upon teachers nor ancillary staff to undertake personally  the administration of medicines.

The Board of Management requests parents  to ensure that teachers be made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by any children in their class.

• Non- prescriptive medicines will neither be stored nor administered to pupils in school.  Prescribed medicines will not be administered in school without the written consent of parents and the specific authorisation of the Board of Management.

• The medicine should not be kept by the pupil but in a locked cupboard out of reach of pupils.   Certain medicines, such as  inhalers used by asthmatic children, must be readily accessible at all times of the school day.

• The medicine should be self-administered if possible , under the supervision of an authorised adult

• A written  record of the date and time of administration must be kept.

• A teacher (special needs assistant / secretary) should not administer medication without the specific  authorisation of the Board.

• No teacher (special needs assistant/ secretary) can be required to administer medicine  or drugs to a pupil.

• In emergency situations  qualified medical assistance will be secured at the earliest opportunity

• Parents of a pupil requiring  regular  medication during school hours should write to the Board to authorise a member of staff to administer the medication in school.

• Written details are required from the parent/guardian to the Board of Management  giving the name of the child, name and dose of medication; whether the child should be  responsible for his/her own medication;  the circumstances in which medication is to be given  by the teacher and consent for it  to be given;   when the parent is to be notified and where s/he can be contacted. It is the parents’ responsibility  to check each morning  whether or not  the authorised teacher (or special needs assistant) is in school unless an alternative arrangement is made locally.

• Where children  are suffering from life threatening conditions,  parents should  outline clearly in writing, what can and can’t be done in a particular  emergency situation, with particular reference to what may be a risk to the child.

• Parents are further required to indemnify the Board of Management  and authorised members of staff in respect of  any liability that may arise regarding the  administration of prescribed medicines in school. The Board of Management will inform the school’s insurers accordingly.

• Where possible  the family doctor should arrange  for the administration of  prescribed medicines outside of school hours.

• Where permission  has been  given by the Board of Management  for the administration of medicine the smallest possible dose should be brought to school, preferably by the parent, with clear written  instructions for administration, giving the name of the pupil.

• Changes in prescribed medication (or dosage) should be notified immediately to the school with clear written instructions of the procedure to be followed in storing and administering the new medication.

Parents should ensure that these procedures are clearly understood before submitting any request to the Board of Management

This policy will be reviewed as and when necessary.

Thomas Shields (Chairperson)

Back to Top

Substance Use Policy

Scope: This policy applies to students, teachers, parents, and users of the school building and is applicable during official school hours and to all school-related activities.

Relationship to School's Mission/Vision/Aims

St Colmcille's BNS is dedicated to the care of the whole school community. It provides a safe and secure environment for learning. On school premises, all dangerous substances are locked in a secure place. In order to ensure a safe and secure environment for all, alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances are prohibited. In addition, pupils are not allowed to use aerosols, liquid tippex and thinner.  Under legislation, the school cannot take responsibility for the administration of medicines.  However, if written permission is granted from the Board of Management, children’s medical needs will be facilitated. We seek to engage the partners in the education process and in the development of our drugs policy and in the attainment of our goals.

Rationale

1. 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 this reality. The 1999 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD) Report highlighted the seriousness of the problem among sixteen year olds in Ireland, as compared to the other 29 ESPAD countries surveyed. Alcohol was identified as being the dominant drug of misuse in Ireland whilst the use of tobacco and other drugs was above the ESPAD average.
2. The National Drugs Strategy 'Building on Experience' is now Government policy and it requires schools to have a substance use policy in place.

Goals/Objectives

The substance use policy of St Colmcille's BNS is intended to educate students about substance use and mis-use and provide for our students a safe environment in which to make informed choices about their lives both now and in the future. All partners in education will inform the drawing up of our policy and will abide by it when in the school or whilst on school related activities. The primary objective of the policy is to educate our students regarding the possible dangers of these substances and to provide a supportive environment for pupils and their families if such an incident occurs.

Policy Content

Education concerning substance use

Education concerning substance use in St Colmcille's BNS will be provided within the broad context of SPHE through discrete lessons using the 'The Walk Tall' programme as a resource. Each teacher and class will do lessons in this area in a structured way for 6 weeks every second year (in  accordance with the objectives laid down in the SPHE curriculum). Considerations, which inform the selection of content and methodologies, include the age and former experience of the students

The use of an outside visitor/speaker to enhance the work done in the class will be considered in the context of the full SPHE programme and will be undertaken in the presence of a teacher, for example, talks by a fire officer in 4^th  class; the Garda programme in 5^th class and drugs programme delivered by Swords Youth Services in 6^th Class.

Parental education will take place in tandem with the child's education with the provision of parenting courses and talks on drugs awareness.

Definition of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug-Related Incidents

• Use or suspected use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco on the school premises or during a school-related activity
• Intoxication/unusual behaviour
• Disclosure about use
• Finding these substances and/or associated paraphernalia
• Possession and/or supply on the school premises or during a school-related activity
• The use of solvents such as aerosols and tippex during school or any school related activity
• Mis-use of all medicines (prescription and non-prescription) without written permission from the Board of Management of the school.

Management of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug-Related Incidents Alcohol Related Incident Involving a Pupil

1. The confidentiality of reportee will be protected.
2. The Principal will be informed
3. The Principal will inform parents
4. The incident will be investigated
5. The pupil may be suspended ( upon sanction from the Board of Management)
6. If medical help is required, an ambulance will be called
7. Recommendation will be made to allow pupil to attend school support person
8. Repeated incidents of alcohol use will be reported to the Health Board

Staff Member/ Parent Involved in Alcohol-Related Incident

The safety of pupils is paramount at all times

1. The Principal will talk to person involved
2. The incident will be noted and principal may  inform the BOM
3. The Board of Management will contact relevant authorities in the case of a serious incident or repeated incidents

Student Involved in Tobacco-Related Incidents

1. The confidentiality of reportee will be protected.
2. The Principal will be informed
3. The Principal will inform parents
4. The incident will be investigated
5. The pupil may be suspended ( upon sanction from the Board of Management)
6. Recommendation may be made to refer pupil to the school support person

Staff/Parent Involved in Tobacco Related Incident

Smoking is forbidden in the school buildings.

1. If an incident arises, the principal will talk with the person involved
2. A report may be made to the local Environmental Officer

Student Involved in an Incident Relating to Illegal Substances

1. The Principal will be informed
2. The Principal will inform parents and Gardai
3. The incident will be investigated in the presence of parent (and Garda, if necessary)
4. The pupil may be suspended
5. If medical help is required an ambulance will be called
6. The pupil may be referred to the school support person
7. Student may also be referred to the Junior Liaison Officer of the Gardai
8. In the case of a serious incident, or repeated incidents, the Health Board will be informed.