ST.

BRI GI D' S N ATI O N A L SCH O O L

STA RTING SCHOOL

FÁ I LTE

At St. Brigid?s N.S., our priorities are the safety, happiness and the smooth progress of
your child at school. As parents, you make the most important contribution to your
child?s education and development. In this context, we see education as an extension of
the home. Your child?s learning is the joint responsibility of home and school. One
cannot succeed without the other.
In St. Brigid?s N.S. we hope to offer children
- A good academic foundation
- Opportunities to develop interests and to unlocks talents and gifts
- Opportunities to develop good attitudes, values and beliefs
This booklet has been prepared so that you, as parents and guardians, may know what
the school hopes to achieve with your child and how you can work in tandem with the
teachers.
We sincerely hope that your child will be very happy in St. Brigid?s N.S. and that by
mutual understanding and co-operation, we will be able to lay a firm spiritual, moral
and intellectual foundation for your child?s learning.

Le meas,

Denis Courtney
Principal
O UR M I SSI O N
the same.
St. Brigid?s National School is a primary
- To prepare for further education and
co-educational Catholic school serving the
life-long learning.
parish of Our Lady, Mother of the Church,
Castleknock. The school is under the patronage In St. Brigid?s National School we seek to
of the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. It is provide:
committed to the aims and principles of the - A secure, happy and purposeful
Revised Curriculum (1999) and the Education environment that allows children to enjoy
Act (2001). quality learning experiences designed to
St. Brigid?s N.S.,in partnership with parents and engage and challenge them.
community, seeks to enable pupils to discover - A welcoming environment for all ?
and develop their talents and aptitudes in an respectful of diversity of race, culture,
environment permeated by Catholic values, so religion, gender and ability.
that they will be able to participate actively and
responsibly in society and in the future. - A supportive environment for all children
with special needs through learning
More specifically, our mission aims to enable support and resource teaching.
each child:
We value our relationship with parents and the
- To live a full life as a child and to realise community and we are committed to working in
his/her potential as a unique individual partnership with all involved in the education
with his/her own particular aptitudes process so as to ensure that the best interests of
and talents. each child is provided for.
- To enhance his/her self-esteem so that
they will become sensitive, caring and We are committed to nurturing the Catholic faith
responsible members of the community through religious education, preparation for the
and society. sacraments and through the ethos of the school.
- To develop to the best of his/her ability The ethos will be demonstrated through respect
in all aspects of school life and to shown for each person in the school - pupils,
respect the right of other children to do members of the staff, parents and visitors.
SECTI O N 1 :
GEN ERA L I N FO RM ATI O N

SCH O O L PERSO N N EL and supports the Principal, the staff, and the
Board of Management to build an effectve
Pr in cipal: Mr. Denis Courtney
partnership between home and school.
Depu t y Pr in cipal: Mrs. Noelle Mac Donagh
A new PTA committee is elected each yaer at the
Secr et ar y : Ms. Abigail Mooney AGM in October.
Car et ak er : Mr. John Ivers The PTA organises events in the school and are
always interested in having new parents join the
committee or help out at the various events
Currently we have 32 class teachers, 14 support throughout the year.
teachers and 13 special needs assistants on our
The PTA also supports the school with
staff.
fundraising activities including the Book Fair
Christmas Fair and termly cake sales and coffee
The Boar d of M an agem en t has overall mornings. They also organise a gala dance for
responsibility for the school and it's parents every March.
repsponsibilities include Par ent s can cont act t he PTA by t ext ing 086
4523838 if t hey w ould like t o add t heir names
- Upholding the ethos and values of the school
t o t he helper list .
- Developing school policy
- Appointing staff
- Managing finances

The BoM is constituted for a four year term with

the eight members nominated , as follows;
One member from the Patron, two members
from the parent body , two members from the
community ,one member from the staff and the
Principal.
The Par en t Teach er Associat ion works with
 SCH O O L H O URS

Pupils are not permitted to enter the school grounds before 8:40
am.
Class begins at 8.50 am and ends at 1.30 pm for Infants and 2.30
pm for all other classes.
Children have two breaks 10.30 am and 12.15 pm
The school office is closed from 11:30 - 12 noon daily

SCH O O L LAYO UT
Our school has approximately 950 pupils grouped into 32 mainstream classes . We have 4 separate
buildings: Infant , Junior, Middle and Senior and each building has 8 classrooms.
There are twelve learning support rooms, a large community sports hall, a STEM room, sensory room
and a large library .
Outside there is a staff car park, a school garden, basketball and soccer courts and a soft surface play
area for the Junior Infant classes.
The school office is located in the Senior Building inside the main entrance. Parking for parents is in the
church car park where pupils can enter and exit the school through the pedestrian gate. This gate is
locked at 9.10 a

CA LEN DA R
School closures are published on the
school website and Aladdin Connect
calendar. In September the calendar is
printed in the pupils?homework journals.
The online calendars are updated
regularly and show upcoming events as
well as school closures.
Occasionally the school may be required
to close for staff training, elections or
other unforeseen events and parents are
usually informed by text message as well
as the online calendars as early as
possible
SECTI O N 2 :
H EA LTH A N D SA FETY

CH I LD PROTECTI O N

In accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015, Children
First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, the
Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 and
An Tusla Guidance on the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements, the
Board of Management of St. Brigid?s National School has agreed the Child
Safeguarding Statement for Saint Brigid's National School.
The Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and
without modification the Department?s Child Protection Procedures for
Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 as part of the overall Child
Safeguarding Statement
All registered teachers employed by the school are mandated persons
under the Children First Act 2015.

Th e Design at ed Liaison Per son is : M r Den is Cou r t n ey

Th e Depu t y DLP is: M r s Noelle M ac Don agh

A copy of our Child Safeguarding Statement is available at Reception or on

our school website.
M O RN I N G TI M ES
The Parish kindly allows parents to use the Church Car Park
to park safely while dropping children to school. It is
imperative you drive slowly and with extreme care. Children
are often walking between and behind cars. Be mindful of
small children especially when reversing. Please do not stop
in the yellow boxes as doing so endangers children using the
pedestrian gate.

The area outside the main gate is a set down area only.
This is not a parking area. If dropping your children in
this area please do not stop even momentarily on the
yellow box as this blocks staff and emergency access to
the gate and can cause a long tail back in Beechpark
Avenue.
The school gates open at 8.40 am. No supervision is provided before this time. Junior Infants,
Senior Infants, 3rd and 4th classes all walk through the staff car park to their lines at the back of
the school and await their teachers . The other classes line up in the yard beside the school
garden. Children are supervised in these areas until the bell rings. We ask parents to stand to the
side and allow children to line up with their class.
Please do not carry hot drinks when inside the school grounds as they are a potential scalding

LATE A RRI VA LS:

The doors for each building are closed at 9:10 am. For safety reasons, children arriving after this
should enter through the main doors especially if unaccompanied.

H O M E TI M E
Junior and Senior Infants are collected at the exterior classroom doors at half past one. Is is school
policy that they are collected by a know adult and parents are asked to give three names upon
enrolment. Teachers may refuse to release children to friends and neighbours unless they have been
informed in writing beforehand.
1st, 2nd are brought into the yard beside the garden and teachers wait for adults to collect them.
5th and 6th class pupils disperse into the yard beside the school garden at 2:30 pm.
3rd and 4th class pupils disperse into the area at the front of the school at 2:30pm

CO LLECTI N G YO UR CH I LD EA RLY:
If you need to collect your child early you m u st send a note to the teacher. When you arrive at the
school, you should go to reception where Ms. Mooney will call your child to the office. Please do not go
directly to the classroom or to take your child from the yard.
Children are NEVER allowed to leave early unless they bring a note and are collected by a parent or
guardian.
Please be aware when timing your arrival that the office is closed between 11:30 am ? 12:00 pm.
A CCI D EN TS O R M ED I CA L N EED S H YGI EN E
I LLN ESSES
If your child is unwell it is difficult Teachers cannot be responsible Please check your child?s hair
for them to cope with the for the administration of regularly for outbreaks of head
demands of school and it is best prescription medicines during lice. If there is an outbreak of
that they remain at home. school hours. Children who are ill head lice in a class, all parents of
and in need of short term children in that class are
If your child becomes unwell at
medication should be treated at informed by note and asked to
school you will be contacted to
home. take immediate action to treat
bring them home. It is essential
infestation. We ask that all long
we have the correct contacts and Children are not allowed to bring
hair is tied back at school.
at least two emergency contacts non-prescription medications to
on file. The easiest way to update school .This includes cough For Health and Safety reasons
any contact details is through the bottles, lozenges and eye drops. we do not allow jewellery. Girls
Aladdin Connect Parents Portal Where children require inhalers are permitted to wear one pair
and App. they should be competent to of stud earrings only.
self-administer
Accidents do unfortunately We promote good hygiene
happen. If your child has a minor Parents of children with long practices in school in line with
injury, they are brought to sick term medical needs who may H.S.E recommendations. We use
bay where a member of staff will require medication at school paper towels and liquid soap
apply an ice pack or a plaster. In must obtain permission from the and hand sanitiser.
the case of a more serious injury B.O.M and also sign and return
All visitors who enter the school
parents will be informed all medical forms as required.
are requested to use hand gel
immediately. In an emergency
It is imperative that all necessary from the dispensers.
situation medical assistance will
medicines are in school on the
be sought and then parents will
first date of term. These must be
I N FECTI O N S
be contacted. If you think your child has an
delivered by an adult to the class
The B.O.M now requests that all teacher. All medicines must be in infectious disease please take
pupils are covered by the school date and it is the parent?s advice from your doctor and
accident policy which gives 24 responsibility to ensure this. also inform the school. We have
hour cover for medical expenses several children and family
arising from an accident at home members with compromised
or at school. immune systems.
H EA LTH Y FO O D PO LI CY

We would like to ensure children eat a healthy, well-balanced lunch, thus promoting a healthy
lifestyle. By encouraging healthy eating patterns we educate children for later life. We also want to
maintain our nut free school status as we have several pupils with life threatening allergies.

Foods We Encourage Foods Never Allowed

- Bread/scones - Chewing Gum
- Pitta bread - Lollipops
- Fruit - Crisps
- Raw vegetables - Fizzy Drinks
- Cheese, lean meat, eggs, fish, salad - Nuts and products containing
- Fruit Juices nuts
- Yoghurt Drinks - Chocolate Spreads
- Milk - Popcorn
- Water - Hot soups or hot drinks

On Fridays, we allow children to bring a treat for lunch - we recommend treats such as mini
bars/biscuits. For safety reasons children are not allowed to share lunches or treats.
Children are asked to bring all containers and packaging home each day.
Please remember to check your child?s lunch and treat bars for nuts or nut products before
including them in your child?s lunch box.
SECTI O N 3 :
TH E CURRI CULUM

CURRI CULUM SUBJECTS S.P.H .E

Saint Brigid?s N.S. follows the Primary Relationships and Sexuality Education (R.S.E.) is
School Curriculum prescribed by the DES one module of the overall S.P.H.E. programme.
which may be amended from time to time It is important that children learn the
in accordance with Section 9 and 30 of the appropriate vocabulary for discussing aspects
of life related to sexuality, growing up and their
- Languages: bodies?physical changes so that they can
- Gaeilge communicate confidently about themselves.
- English Prior to teaching the R.S.E. module, parents /
- Mathematics guardians will receive a letter informing them of
- Social Environmental and the terms and language their child will
Scientific Education: experience in class and they will be invited to
- Science, view lesson plans and resources if they wish.
- History
- Geography STAY SA FE
- Arts Education:
The Stay Safe program is a six week personal
- Visual Arts
safety programme for primary school children.
- Drama
The aim is to reduce children?s vulnerability to
- Music
child abuse, bullying and any other forms of
- Physical Education
victimisation. Though classroom discussion,
A wide range of extra-curricular role play and repetition, children learn simple
activities take place in the school after safety strategies . The overall message is
normal hours and details of these are Say ?No? Go Away and Tell.
usually communicated to the parents
or guardians of the relevant age groups Children will be encouraged to discuss the
topics with their parents at home.
D I FFEREN TI ATI O N A N D SUPPO RT:

The curriculum is differentiated by class teachers to meet the individual needs of their
pupils and to accommodate all ability levels within the class.
Our team of Learning Support, Resource and Language Support Teachers is led by Mrs.
Niamh Williams. The team assists class teachers in meeting the educational needs within
their class. Support is provided through team teaching in STEM subjects and problem
solving, small group teaching of guided reading, comprehension, motor skills and numeracy
and individual or small group instruction in specific learning difficulties.
We also attend to childrens? well being with whole class meditation and small group
interventions for anxiety or social difficulties. We have a beautiful sensory room which we
use to support children who may be having a difficult time meeting the daily challenges of
school. Rainbows is an after school program for children who are struggling after a family
separation or bereavement.
The school has access to the services of an educational psychologist under the National
Educational and Psychological Service (NEPS) and we work closely with the Child and Family
Agency (TUSLA)and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAHMS).
It is imperative that parents inform Mr. Courtney before enrolment if their child has any
learning, behaviour, social, sensory or other problems that may impact on their experience
of school. This allows us time to plan for appropriate resources and supports to assist the
child when they start school.
 SECTI O N 4 :
SCH O O L PO LI CI ES

CO D E O F GO O D BEH AV I O UR BEH AV I O UR I N TH E YA RD
In our school we want to affirm good behaviour The yards are supervised by teachers and all
so rules are kept to a minimum and phrased levels have their own designated play areas. We
positively. They are devised with regard to the want every child to feel they belong in the
health, safety and welfare of others. Pupils are playground. We want them to look forward to
expected to adhere to our code of good break time and to enjoy playing. In order to
behaviour. This code is applied in a fair and promote co-operative play we have introduced
consistent manner with due regard to age and playground games which are organised and led
individual differences. Where difficulties arise, by junior coaches from 6th class. Children are
parents will be contacted at an early stage. encouraged to problem solve minor conflicts, to
play fairly ,to include others, to be active and to
have fun. In the Junior yard a number of senior
children volunteer to help look after our
PA REN TS A RE A SK ED TO youngest pupils
- Encourage children to have a sense of respect for
themselves and for property.
- Ensure that children attend regularly and
punctually.
- Be interested in, support and encourage their
children?s schoolwork.
- Be familiar with the code of behaviour and support
it's implementation.
- Co-operate with teachers in instances where their
child?s behaviour is causing difficulties for others.
- Communicate with the school in relation to any
problems which may affect your child?s progress or
behaviour.
BULLYI N G:

?Bullying is repeated aggression , verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an

individual or a group against others?
Parents often become aware if their child is being bullied before the class teacher. If you
suspect your child is being bullied please contact the class teacher immediately.
The school will treat each reported incidence of bullying very seriously. Each incident will
be recorded , investigated and monitored until both parents and teachers are satisfied it
has been resolved. Support will be provided to both the victim to reassure and rebuild
self-esteem and the child who has bullied to help him/her change their behaviour.
To tackle bullying in our school we believe in? .
- promoting a positive school culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect.
- being vigilant for signs of bullying and responding quickly and consistently to stop
it.
- recording, investigating and following up all incidents of bullying quickly and
efficiently.
- educating children and staff to raise awareness and understanding and build
empathy, confidence and resilience.
- encouraging pupils to disclose incidents where they have been bullied or
witnessed bullying.
- providing support and reassurance to build self-esteem in the child who has been
bullied.
- adopting a no blame strategy with the child who bullies and provide support so
he/she can alter the behaviour and restore the relationship with the victim.
ATTEN DA N CE BI RTH DAYS CYBER BULLYI N G
If a child is unwell they should Parents are asked NEVER to give Cyber bullying is the use of a device
stay at home. We ask you to out invitations in the classroom to abuse another person. It can
inform the class teacher as to the or anywhere on the school include threats, intimidation,
reason for your child?s absence grounds . Too often in the past, harassment, cyber-stalking,
either on their return to school or this practice has hurt other vilification, defamation, exclusion,
by completing the absence pupils who feel excluded. peer rejection, impersonation,
section in Aladdin Connect. unauthorized publication of private
Please do not ask a teacher to
Alternatively you can use the information or images etc. Placing
make an exception for your child
absence notes in the homework a once-off offensive or hurtful
as a refusal can sometimes
journal. public message, image or
offend.
statement on a social network site
If a pupil has missed 15 days the
In accordance with our NUT or other public forum where that
school will inform you by text. At
FREE POLICY please do not send message, image or statement can
20 days we are required to
birthday cakes in to class to be be viewed and/or repeated by
inform TUSLA in our bi-annual
shared. other people will be regarded as
returns even if the absences are
A group of children attending a bullying behaviour and the
due to illness.
party should not be collected
As an added safety measure we
from the classroom or inside the BO O K REN TA L
now send automatic texts We operate a book rental scheme
school grounds where they are
confirming that a child has been for pupils from 3rd to 6th classes
visible to other uninvited
recorded as absent. If a child Each year we add to the books we
children.
arrives in after the roll has been offer. All children are expected to
called the teacher will alter the use the book Rental Scheme . Books
roll to present and late. rented will not be new but should
be in good condition. This affords
parents a significant saving.
D O GS
Children are asked not to write on
We love dogs but not in the school grounds. Even if on a leash, the rental books. Parents will be
they have the potential to frighten or injure pupils . We ask for liable for replacement costs if a
your consideration and cooperation in keeping dogs outside the book is badly damaged. Books are
school. distributed by teachers in
September.
SEPA RATED PA REN TS
We encourage parents who are experiencing family difficulties to speak in confidence with the class
teacher or Mr. Courtney. The school will deal with such matters with sensitivity and compassion. Our
primary concern is the well being and overall development of the child.
Our Rainbows after school program is run each year to help children who are experiencing
separation, or bereavement and our staff will deal sensitively and caringly with them.
When a child spends time in two homes, it is requested we are given both sets of emergency
numbers and any changes in collection arrangements be given in writing to the teacher. We would
hope that parents inform each other of any school meetings, arrangements and events. If this is not
possible please let us know and separate communications will be accommodated.

H O M EW O RK
Homework is important because it encourages and develops good study habits, independent learning,
initiative and responsibility. It helps students to develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to
study on their own, and it prepares them for secondary school.
Homework promotes positive attitudes toward school because homework allows students to
understand that learning can also take place outside of the classroom. Homework also provides a
means by which parents can engage in and support the work of the class teacher and the school.
It is a matter of school policy that individual teachers decide on the amount of homework that they
consider appropriate. However, the following samples are guidelines on what parents can expect each
evening.
- Infant Classes up to 10 minutes
- First Class up to 15 minutes
- 2nd Class up to 25 minutes
- 3rd and 4th Classes up to 40 minutes
- 5th and 6th Classes up to 60 minutes
No child is expected to spend more time than the upper limit of the guidelines.
Parents should sign homework journals each night.
PO D LO ST A N D FO UN D
The Department of Ed and Skills has established Please clearly label all of your child?s belongings
an online database for all primary school as many items are the same or similar. Every year
children. Schools must provide details about we are left with sacks of unidentifiable tracksuit
pupils including name, PPS number, address, tops, jumpers and coats .When your child says his
date of birth and nationality. A full outline of the coat is ?lost? get him/her to check the classroom
data collected and how it is stored and used is coat racks and lost property which is under the
available on the department website HERE blue stairs in the Middle School
The provision of this information is mandatory
for schools.The department also asks for
REM I XI N G CLA SSES
children?s religious and ethnic or cultural It is school policy that at the end of First Class,
background. As this is sensitive information, we classes will be remixed for Second Class. This is to
require your written permission to transfer it to enable us to address any issues that may arise
them. This consent is asked for on the enrolment during the first couple of years in school and to
form. regroup the children in the best way possible.

M O BI LE PH O N ES PUN CTUA LI TY
It is school policy that no child is allowed a ? Be in your line at ten to nine?
mobile phone in school or on a school outing.
The first fifteen minutes each morning are busy
Fit bits are allowed provided they do not prove to times in class. Often books are exchanged and
be a distraction in class. homework checked as children and teachers
prepare for the day ahead. To minimize early
Smart watches that allow internet access and
morning disruptions please try to have your child
cameras are not permitted.
at school in time.

I N TERN ET A CCESS
The school has an acceptable usage policy which governs internet access for staff and pupils. When
enrolling parents are asked to give permission for their child?s image and work to be published on the
school website, app and other social media accounts. ( Twitter, Vimeo ). In accordance with our policy we
only publish group photos and avoid linking names with photos.
UN I FO RM S

Junior and Senior Infants:

The uniform for Junior and Senior Infants is the school tracksuit.
- Wine St. Brigid?s tracksuit
- White polo shirt
- Non-marking runners with velcro ties
- Optional tracksuit shorts for Sept, Oct, May and June
1st? 6th Classes:
- Grey trousers/skirt/ pinafore
- Wine cardigan/jumper
- Crested School Tie (Mr. Price)
- Brown or black shoes or runners Wine, grey or black tights or wine, grey or white socks
- Shorts and Polo shirts can be worn instead of the full uniform in Sept, Oct, May and June
PE days only:
- School tracksuit
- White polo shirt
- Non marking runners
Children attending after school sports on non PE days must change from their uniform at 2.30 pm.
The only exception to this rule is for children from 3rd up who are taking part in lunchtime social
running.
Please Note: Make up, hair dye and nail varnish and jewellery are not allowed.
Crested tracksuits and jumpers are available to order through the school office. Order forms can be
collected from the office or downloaded at www.saintbrigids.ie .
SECTI O N 5 :
H O M E SCH O O L CO M M UN I CATI O N

We recognise the importance of the parent/guardian- teacher partnership in the education

of children. Communication is an essential part of this partnership.It is important that all
communication between parents/guardians -teachers would take place in a spirit of mutual
respect and courtesy.
Informal communication is suitable for everyday situations as they arise, such as a quick
word if a child is ill. However if you have a more serious concern or issue we ask that you
request an appointment with the teacher.
Pre-arranged meetings allow for more discreet communication and avoid potential
embarrassment for a child when his/her parent/guardian is talking to the teacher at the
classroom door. Pre-arranged appointments also facilitate better quality communication
between the parent/guardian and teacher, rather than the more rushed and distracted type
that takes place when the teacher has to supervise the pupils from the classroom door
while at the same time speaking with a parent.
It is understood that from time-to-time certain ?sensitive/urgent?situations (e.g. serious
illness of family member, family crisis, etc.) will arise which will require a parent to arrive at
the school without appointment and such situations will of course continue to be facilitated.

If parents wish to drop in lunch boxes, sports gear etc., this can be done through the
secretary?s office as it is important to keep class interruptions to a minimum.
For safety reasons parents who visit the school during the day should enter through
reception. Other visitors to the school must sign in and out at reception.
Please remember Parents are NEVER allowed to challenge or reprimand another person?s
child while on the school premises.
If you have a concern please make an appointment in the first instance to see the class
teacher. To arrange a further meeting with the Principal please email or phone 8214040
A LA D D I N CO N N ECT

Our school uses the Aladdin Schools software service for administrative purposes.
The Aladdin Connect portal is part of this and gives you secure access to messages
from the school and to details of your child?s attendance, test results, reports cards
etc. via secure login from your internet browser.
Aladdin Connect is a fantastic way to enhance communication with parents. It
enables parents to stay connected and informed about their child's education by:
- Ensuring schools has their most up to date contact information
- Keeping parents apprised of their child's attendance
- Keeps parents up to date on school and classroom news via noticeboard
messages
- Keeps parents up to date on what library book their child is currently reading
and if it is due/overdue to be returned.
- Allows parents view their child's approved report card
- Gives parents the option to opt in to share contact information with their
child's classmates parents via the Parent Privacy option for the class list.
- Allows parents to give permission s when requested by the school
- Aladdin Schools uses state of the art security to safeguard information
entered by the school and data is stored and processed in strict compliance
with Irish data protection laws.
- Allows parents to view the school calendar
- Allows parents to schedule parent teacher meetings in November
Parents can download an app which will allow them to receive notifications from the
school direct to their phone. Over 98% of our parents use Aladdin Connect.
New parents will be sent their login details before their children begin school.
It is impor t ant t o not e t hat if t her e ar e any per sonal concer ns, or legal pr ovisions
in place r egar ding giving access t o Connect t o any par ent /guar dian of a child,
par ent s can r equest t o t ur n of f f amily shar ing, or block access complet ely.
How t o r egist er click h er e
 H O W W E CO M M UN I CATE
- We hold an Annual Pre - Enrolment Meeting for parents of ?new?Junior Infants each May.
- Formal Parent/Guardian - Teacher Meetings are currently held in November.
- School reports are available to the parents/guardians of each pupil on the Aladdin
Connect platform at end of each school year.
- As appropriate, additional meetings are held between parents and teachers concerning
pupils who may have special educational needs and/or to discuss pupil progress,
behaviour etc.
- In order to reduce our paper usage we send all information by email, texts or the
Aladdin Connect noticeboard.
- Homework Journals (1st? 6th classes) are also used for communication between parents
and teachers. Parents are requested to sign this journal each night to certify that
homework has been completed.
- Through the Parent Teacher Association and BoM, parents are invited to
discuss and contribute to the drafting and review of all school policies.
- The school values and welcomes the participation of parents/guardians in
school events such as school Masses/concerts, sports days etc.

W e publ i sh new s and i nf or mat i on about our school on our

school app w hi ch can be dow nl oaded her e f r om
googl e pl ay or t he app st or e .

Our w ebsi t e i s w w w.sai nt br i gi ds.i e

SECTI O N 6 :
JUN I O R I N FA N TS I N FO RM ATI O N

Starting school is an important milestone in the life of a child and indeed in the life of his/her
parents/guardians. It is a first step into the wider world of the classroom and here at St. Brigid?s,
we aim to make that first step as easy as possible. If a child?s first experience of school is one of
happy involvement, a very good foundation will have been laid for fruitful school years ahead.
It is important, particularly during the first year that parents know how we approach learning in
the early years?classroom, as some may expect too much in terms of academic achievement ! We
are also well aware that parents/guardians are keen to be involved in their children?s education
and are willing to help in any way possible. Therefore, we have put together this section of the
booklet as a general guide.
It gives some general information and deals briefly with the period before your child comes to
school and his/her introductory stage in junior infants as well as including ideas for the home,
which should stimulate your child?s interest and nurture his/her desire to know more.
We hope you will find it helpful and that your child?s experience of St. Brigid's will be a happy and
fulfilled one.erat, sed diam voluptua.
M O RN I N G TI M ES
School starts at 8.50 am. Parents should accompany their
child through the staff carpark and into the infant yard
where they wait until the bell sounds. From
mid-September, junior infants will line up in the infant
yard and their class teacher will walk them into the
building in a line. Parents will be advised of this in
advance. For safety reasons we ask parents not to
congregate around the entrance to the Infant Building as
the classes are going in.

PUN CTUA LI TY

Coming into school late can be very daunting and quite

upsetting for children, particularly when they realise all
the attention of their classmates is focused on them. It
can also disrupt the school routine, as books are often
swapped first thing in the morning. We ask
parents/guardians to bear this in mind and aim to have
children in school and in the line on time.

PA CK ED LUN CH ES

We are a nut free school.

Children have two breaks once doing a full day at school.
The first is a fifteen minute break at 10.30am and the
second is a twenty five minute lunch break at 12.15pm.
Junior infants will be allowed ten minutes eating-up time
before each break. St. Brigid?s advocates a healthy lunch
policy and we ask you to bear this in mind when
preparing your child?s lunch. Also, we would ask that you
give your child something you feel he/she can easily
manage to eat as children can become upset if they do
not finish their lunch. As part of our Green School Policy
we ask children to bring all wrappers home for recycling.
H O M ETI M E
The school day is a long day for the children aware of.
so for the first few days junior infants will go Children need plenty of rest after the effort and
home at noon to help them make the excitement of a day at school. You should
adjustment to school. During these early days, ensure that your child gets to bed early and has
they should have one small lunch and drink. a good night?s sleep.
After approximately two weeks the infant
classes will finish school at 1.30 pm. You will BO O K LI STS
be advised of these exact dates at the The Junior Infant team will distribute a copy of
pre-enrolment meeting in May. the book list to each child in September,
outlining the total cost of the books, copies and
We ask you to be on time when collecting your
child as children can become very upset if materials.The Junior infant teachers buy the
books, copies, pencils, etc. for their class once
they see other children being collected and
all the money is received. We would appreciate
feel they are forgotten.
if this could be paid before the end of
At home time parents/guardians should come September.When you sign up for Aladdin
to the outside door of the classroom via the Connect you will see the amount owed and you
link corridor of the sports hall. can pay via the app.
Parents/guardians should wait in a line at this
Wh en pu r ch asin g a sch ool bag please en su r e
door. When the bell sounds the teacher will
it is lar ge en ou gh t o t ak e an A4 sized book .
open the door and will call each child?s name
when she sees the parent/guardian. Please label all items especially tracksuit tops if
Please inform your child?s teacher if there is you hope to keep them !
any change in the collection routine and also Velcro ties on runners are a good
inform the class teacher if there are any idea
special family arrangements we should be
PREPA RI N G FO R SCH O O L

Initially some children may find the experience of school quite daunting. To ensure that
your child makes a smooth transition into school, it is important that he/she is as
independent as possible ? physically, emotionally and socially. If he/she can look after
him/herself in these areas, he/she will feel secure and confident and settle in readily.
It would help us greatly if your child is able to:
- Button and unbutton his/her coat and hang it up.
- Open easily and without assistance his/her school bag, lunch box and drink
container.
- Use the toilet without help and manage his/her own pants and buttons. You should
encourage personal hygiene and cleanliness so that your child knows to flush the
toilet and wash his/her hands after use without having to be told.
- Share toys and play things with others and take turns during activities.
- Tidy up and put away his/her playthings.
- If your child has had the experience of remaining contentedly in the home of a
relative, friend or neighbour for a few hours, then separation from his/her
parents/guardians when he/she starts school will not cause him/her any great
anxiety.

Your child?s first day at school is one that you will have prepared for, looked forward to (or
perhaps dreaded!) for some time. It is the day when your baby takes his/her first steps into
the school system and we hope that your child?s first day at St. Brigid?s will be a day to
remember.
TH E FI RST M O RN I N G used to coping with all kinds of initial problems.
So if your child happens to be one of those to
The date we return changes each year but be overwhelmed by his/her new surroundings,
you will be informed at the pre-enrolment don?t panic as patience, perseverance and very
meeting what the date is for the coming often distraction can work wonders! Try not to
September. show any outward signs of your own distress as
Parents bring their child to the Sports Hall to this can make a child more anxious.
enrol at 9:15 am. They are then shown to the Try to be firm with your child from the start and
classroom. When you arrive there, we would you must insist that he/she stay for a short
ask you to wait for the teacher to greet your time. When you have reassured him/her, leave
child individually so that he/she receives the as soon as possible. The teacher can distract
individual greeting and introduction to the and humour him/her more easily when you are
classroom that each child deserves. not around. And of course .. PLEASE resist the
Hopefully he/she will be absorbed in his/her temptation to peer in the windows !
new surroundings, so having assured
him/her that you will be back to collect Day 2 :
him/her, wish him/her goodbye and make Parents should bring their child through the
your getaway without delay. staff carpark into the Junior Infants yard and up
to the classroom door. Parents plese exit
It is worth bearing in mind that different
through the staff carpark and not through any
children react to their first experience of
buidings.
school in different ways. In spite of the best
efforts of both teacher and In a short time the teachers will let you now
parents/guardians, a small number of when the children are ready to line up in the
children will still become upset. It is yard . Please allow your child the independence
important to trust the junior infant teacher to do this but always remain nearby until the
as she is experienced and resourceful and is teacher comes .
LEA RN I N G I N TH E EA RLY YEA RS
CLA SSRO O M

Children are natural learners and have an inbuilt curiosity and an eagerness to know more about the
world around them. Our aim is to ensure that your child?s experience of school will be such that
he/she will come to value learning and will develop the ability to learn independently. However,
children will only learn when they are ready and when their interest is aroused. Because they come
to us so young we must guard against putting pressure on them to learn what they are not yet ready
for. Demanding too much can switch a child off completely but at the same time we must cultivate
readiness for learning so that they can get moving as soon as possible.
In the junior infant class, specific goals are prioritised, namely those of settling in, relating to others,
making friends, feeling happy and gradually getting used to the routine of school. In terms of
learning, the emphasis is on getting children ready for learning by
- Developing their oral language and expression.
- Developing physical coordination especially of hand and fingers. We engage the children in
activities to strengthen and improve their gross motor and fine motor skills.
- Extending the children?s concentration span and getting them to listen attentively to teacher
and to each other.
- Getting each child to accept the general order which is necessary for the class to work well.
- Co-operating with the teacher and each other and learning to work and share with each
other.
- Performing tasks by themselves and thereby helping them become independent learners.
A I STEA R M ATH S

Aistear is a framework that was In Junior Infants, mathematical Understanding of these

developed to support the concepts and skills are concepts comes very quickly
implementation of the introduced to the children for some children. For others it
curriculum using the through focusing on the takes a long time. Be patient ?
methodology children know best language that they use in you cannot force real
? play . understanding and talking mathematical understanding
about certain things in their on a child. However, the child
Aistear is divided into 4 themes . daily experiences. gets to understand Maths best
- Communicating, by handling and investigating
For example,
- Well being, and using real objects.
- Identity and Belonging - He/she associates certain
Our learning support teachers
- Exploring and Thinking. numbers with particular
visit the junior infant
things familiar to him/her ?
Playing is children?s work and classrooms twice a week to
two hands, five fingers,
through it they learn social skills help the children explore
his/her house number, etc.
and to build relationships,. mathematical concepts using
- Counting ? one, two, three,
lots of concrete materials in a
They learn creativity and how to etc.
small group setting.
read, write and count. - Colours ? red, blue, green,
etc.
They learn how to think and plan
- Prepositions (telling position)
and how to problem solve.
and their opposites:
They learn to use language and over/under, before/after,
they develop their muscles and inside/outside
fine motor skills through physical - Matching/sorting ? objects of
play the same colour/size/texture
- Odd one out ? difference in
size, colour, shape
 O RA L LA N GUA GE
There a lot of attention is given to language development in the early
year ?s classroom. Parental/Guardian involvement will help to develop a
child?s oral language skills. You can talk to your child naturally and
casually about things of interest that you or he/she may be doing at
home. Remember that all the time he/she is absorbing the language
he/she hears about him/her. It takes him/her a while to make it his/her
own and use it for his/her own needs. You can help to develop your
child?s oral language by:
- Making time to listen when your child wants to tell you something that
is important to him/her.
- Answering his/her genuine questions with patience and in an
adequate way.
- Nurturing his/her sense of wonder and curiosity in the world around
him/her.
- Introducing him/her gently to the idea of questions and question
words and the idea of How? Why? What? When? Where? etc. These
demand more advanced language structures.

REA DY TO REA D

The cornerstone of successful learning is the ability to read. However, learning to read is a gradual
process and a lot of preparatory work must be done before a child is introduced to his/her first
reader. In junior infants, we deliberately do not rush or push children into reading. We get them
ready for it over an extended period. Reading is something to be enjoyed and this is communicated
to the children in the junior infant classroom. It should never start as a chore for the small child
You can help to foster a love of reading and an appreciation for books in your child by:
- Having attractive colourful books in the home.
- Looking at the pictures with him/her and talking to him/her about what they say, encouraging
him/her to give descriptions and make predictions about the story
- Reading him/her a variety of stories from time to time. He/she will get to associate these
wonderful tales with books and reading.
- Conveying to your child that books are precious things and must be handled with care and
put away safely.
- Reciting nursery rhymes with him/her or playing taped nursery rhymes to him/her but take
care not to push him/her into learning the rhymes before he/she is ready.
- Singing the alphabet song with your child so that he/she at least has heard of the letters. If
he/she knows what one looks like, all the better but don?t push your child into learning letter
names and sounds
W RI TI N G GA EI LGE
Making letters on paper is not easy All children enjoy learning and our PTA has funded a
for the small child. His/her hand another language besides their suite of iPads and headsets
and finger muscles are only own language. They have no which we move from class
gradually developing at this stage. difficulty in picking it up to class. We also introduce
He/she must learn to hold the because it fascinates them as our junior infants to a little
pencil properly as failure to adopt another code of coding and robotics during
the correct grip will impact upon communication. their first year.
his/her writing all the way up the
Children in junior infants enjoy SO CI A L SK I LLS
school and becomes harder to
learning Irish and love to
correct as the child gets older. Throughout junior infants,
show-off the new words,
your child will develop
You can help by working on your phrases, poems and rhymes
his/her social skills through
child?s hand/eye coordination that they learn.
interacting with other
through getting him/her to
In addition to the core subjects children and teachers. The
manipulate toys like:
junior infant children will school yard is one area
- Jigsaws, Lego, threading beads experience a wide range of where some children may
- Plasticene and playdough to make subjects appropriate for their experience difficulties.
his/her own shapes level. While the junior infant
- A colouring book and thick teachers will keep a close
crayons D I GI TA L LEA RN I N G eye to ensure that children
- Sheets of paper that he/she can Here at St. Brigid?s, we are very are not left alone, it is
cut up safely with a child?s scissors fortunate to have a fully important to ask your child
equipped computer room, whom he/she played with
In our school we use a
which junior infants, like other at school and to ensure
multi-sensory program called
classes in the school will have he/she isn?t alone. Also
Handwriting Without Tears to teach
an opportunity to use after the you should encourage
handwriting at all levels. In Junior
first few weeks. IBM has also your child to mix rather
Infants we begin by teaching capital
supplied each Junior Infant
letter formation as the children find than being dependent on
classroom witha young explorer
these easier to make correctly. one friend only.
Little Tikes computer station
 parents/guardians daily unless someone else is
GO O D BEH AV I O UR dropping your child to school. However, if there
is something in particular that you would like to
One of the primary aims of St. Brigid?s is that discuss, you can arrange to meet the teacher at
every member of the school community feels a time that is most convenient to both parties.
valued and respected and that each person is
Please sign up for Aladdin Connect and
treated fairly and well.
download the connect app to keep up to date
All are expected to work towards creating a with school messages and share your contact
caring community based on mutual trust and details with other parents in your child's class.
respect.
The PTA will organise a coffee morning in
There must be NO HURTING ..name-calling, September so our new parents can meet each
fighting, vulgar language, threatening other.
behaviour or leaving others out of games.
Children are told to use their words not their A N D FI N A LLY
hands to solve problems. We encourage good
manners at all times ? please/thank you, Here at St. Brigid?s our aim is to provide a
addressing teachers properly, being caring, learning environment which facilitates
courteous to fellow students and teachers. the nurturing of each child?s full, educational
potential.

CO M M UN I CATI O N Our school motto ?Learning, striving,

achieving? ..together ?permeates every aspect
Children often forget or relay messages of school life and guides us in the teaching and
incorrectly, so please ch eck you r ch ild?s bag learning process.
each n igh t f or h om ew or k an d n ot es.
In conclusion we leave you to ponder a poem
Teachers also post notices on classroom which we believe captures the role of both
doors. Infant teachers will generally meet parents/guardians and our school in your
child?s education.
 PA RTNERSHIP
I dreamed I stood in a studio, And when at last their task was done,
And watched two sculptures there. They were proud of what they had
C O M PA N Y N A M E
The clay they used was a young child?s wrought,
mind For the things they had moulded into
And they fashioned it with care. the child
Could neither be sold or bought.

One was a teacher: the tools he used

Were books and music and art. And each agreed he would have failed

One was a parent with a guiding hand If he had worked alone.

And a gentle, loving heart. For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher ? the home.

Day after day the teacher toiled,

With touch that was deft and sure,
While the parent laboured by his side
And polished and smoothed it o?er