This Admissions Policy is prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, 1998

School Mission

St. Mary’s College, Naas is a Voluntary Catholic Secondary School for girls, operating under the Trusteeship of Catholic Education Irish Schools Trust, CEIST. The school was founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Mercy. As such it supports the religious and educational philosophy of its Founder. The Mercy philosophy of education is as follows:

Inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, Mercy education is committed to holistic development and to the achievement of the full potential of each student particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalized. It is a process informed and influenced by the teaching and example of Jesus Christ and is conducted in an atmosphere of care, respect and joy. Mercy education is committed to an on-going whole-school development in collaboration and partnership with the Board of Management, Staff, Parents and the wider community.

The Mission of St. Mary’s College is:

St. Mary’s College is committed to creating a respectful, caring, safe, supportive learning environment rooted in the Catholic tradition and having as its aim the holistic education of all its students, encouraging each one to develop her full potential.

Management

St. Mary’s College is managed by a Board of Management which consists of four members nominated by the Trustees, two parents’ representatives and two teacher representatives. The School Principal acts as secretary to the Board.
The Board is responsible for the conduct, management and financial administration of the school, subject to the general supervision and control of the Trustees. In the exercise of their role (and with the approval of the Trustees) the Board has responsibility for matters such as:
· Appointing teachers
· Promoting and supporting the Catholic ethos of the school
· Arranging for the provision of the best educational facilities possible
· Managing all financial aspects relating to the running of the school
· Safeguarding and promoting the CEIST/Mercy character of the school by exercising a special concern for the poor and disadvantaged student
· Promoting equality of access, participation and benefit for all
· Ensuring that professional standards of management and education are maintained
· Providing a support structure to enable the Principal and staff to achieve the school’s aims and objectives
· Ensuring that provision is made for the individual and collective needs of the students
· Promoting the development of dynamic and supportive links between the home, the school and the wider community
· Ensuring that the school is committed to ongoing development planning and review.

The school is funded by the Department of Education and Science and supported further by voluntary contributions and fund raising activities. It operates within the regulations and guidelines set down from time to time by the Department. The school also has a Parents’ Council that maintains positive channels of communication between home and school as well as supporting the school in a range of very practical and positive ways. St. Mary’s College also has a Students’ Council with its own constitution and which is facilitated by two members of the teaching staff.

School Ethos

By enrolling in St. Mary’s, parents/guardians and pupils commit themselves to actively supporting and respecting its ethos, in particular to our identity as a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition.
St. Mary’s College aims, within the resources available to it and within the framework of the Mercy philosophy, to provide the best possible environment in order to cater for the cultural, educational, moral, physical, religious, social, linguistic and spiritual values and traditions of all students. We seek to show a particular concern for the disadvantaged and we make every effort to ensure that the uniqueness and dignity of each person is respected, and responded to. We are conscious too that we must cater for the changing needs of today’s world and, in that context, we seek to keep our various programmes under review.
Working together as a school community, the Board of Management, parents, staff and pupils, aim to provide and develop an environment which will allow each student to develop intellectually, physically, morally, socially and spiritually so that she will be able to fulfil a positive role in society.
Within the context of the Department of Education and Science regulations and programmes, the rights of the Trustees and the Board of Management as set out in the Education Act, 1998 and the funding and resources available, St. Mary’s supports the following principles:
Ø Inclusiveness;
Ø Equality with respect to maximum access and participation in the school; and
Ø Respect for the diversity of beliefs, languages, traditions and ways of life in society.
All pupils are expected to participate fully and actively in school life. Pupils are also required to apply themselves to work and study in a conscientious manner.

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Junior Certificate and Senior Cycle Programmes

St. Mary’s follows the curricular programme prescribed by the Department of Education and Science, which may be amended from time to time in accordance with Sections 9 and 30 of the Education Act, 1998.
Currently, the subjects offered are as follows:

Junior Cycle (3 years)

Religion, Irish, English, Mathematics, Civic Social and Political Education (CSPE), History, Geography, French, German, Spanish, Art, Business Studies, Home Economics, Music, Science, Technology, Physical Education, Computer Studies, Social Political Health Education (SPHE).

Senior Cycle (2 Years)

Religion, Irish, English, Mathematics, Accounting, Art, Biology, Business, Careers, Computer Studies, Chemistry, Economics, French, German, Home Economics, Link Modules for LCVP, Music, Physics, Physical Education, Spanish, Technology.

The Principal allocates students to classes. Subject to sufficient demand and resources, the Board of Management reserves the right to determine on an annual basis the range and level of subjects.
St. Mary’s has over 60 teachers (some of whom are part-time). There are qualified guidance teachers on the staff who provide advice and guidance on a class basis and can also make themselves available to respond to individual queries or concerns.
Pupils have access at designated times to a Computer Room. Both teachers and pupils are required to abide by an Acceptable Usage Policy in relation to information technology.

Transition Year

The Transition Year is a one-year programme which comes immediately after completion of the Junior Certificate. Places are allocated following application by or on behalf of the student and on the basis of an interview. The Principal, the Programme Co-ordinator and the Transition Year Co-ordinator usually conduct the interviews. The interviewers will take into consideration the suitability of students to contribute to and get benefit from the year when allocating places.

The objectives of Transition Year are:
· To give students opportunities to discover and develop their own individual gifts and strengths;
· To experience a year where the emphasis will be on individual responsibility and the nurturing of thinking, caring, articulate and self-confident people;
· To give students an opportunity to learn how to learn: how to research, to use technology, to try new skills and to gather information;
· To give students extra time to explore choices for the Leaving Certificate;
· To give students the opportunity to explore career ambition by doing work shadowing placement;
· To prepare students to become responsible members of society.

A fee is payable at the beginning of the Transition Year to facilitate the wide range of activties in which students are involved during the year.
Some of the activities engaged in Transition Year in recent years include:
· Gaisce Award
· Young Enterprise Awards
· School Musical
· Coaching programme
· Best Buddies programme
· Young Social Innovator
· Community Service
· Work Shadowing

Extra-Curricular Activities

St. Mary’s provides a wide range of artistic, musical, dramatic, sporting, social and cultural activities that help to develop the talents of pupils. These activities help develop the ability and confidence of pupils to involve themselves in a wide range of activities in later life. Development through team games is greatly encouraged.
Extra-curricular activities include gaelic football, basketball, volleyball, camogie, hockey, rugby, tennis, athletics, equestrian sports, drama, choir, badminton and debating.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to actively support students in these activities.

Homework and Study

St. Mary’s provides facilities for supervised study during the school year. There is a yearly fee, payable in two instalments, to cover the cost of supervision.
The school places considerable emphasis on study, not only as a means of keeping pace with curriculum subjects but also as a discipline which benefits pupils in later life. It is the clear expectation that homework will always be completed on time. Part-time jobs which may impinge on the capacity of students to participate fully in school activities or to complete homework properly are actively discouraged.

School Functions and Meetings

Parent-Teacher meetings are held for each year group once a year. Parents/guardians will be advised of the dates and are strongly urged to attend.
There are also a range of functions and meetings during the year and, again, parents/guardians are advised well in advance. Most are held in the evening. A sample of what takes place includes:
· The school musical
· Career talks
· Mock interviews for fifth years
· Meeting for parents of incoming first years
· Awards Night
· Prize-giving

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Admissions Policy

Eligibility and Procedures

St. Mary’s College Admissions Policy welcomes all students for whom the school can provide an appropriate education. The school aims to provide an integrated and an inclusive education. It is also the policy of the Trustees and Board of Management that no pupil should be deprived of a place in the school, solely on the grounds of poor or indifferent academic performance or functioning.

Each year the Board of Management may have to determine in advance the number of First Year students for whom the school can provide an appropriate education, having regard to the facilities, personnel, plant and resources. The decision of the Board of Management in respect of enrolment is final, and an appeal can only be considered if parents/guardians believe, and can demonstrate with supporting evidence, that the criteria have not been applied, or have not been applied fairly and equitably. The parent/guardian of a child refused admission as a pupil will be informed of their right to appeal such refusal under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, and the process of initiating and conducting the appeal.

Students eligible for Admission to First Year
Ø Having reached the required age: 12 on the 1 January in the calendar year following entry into First Year
Ø Having completed sixth class in Primary school or the equivalent stage if educated abroad
Ø Be willing to accept the school ethos
Ø Be willing with parents/guardians to accept the school Code of Discipline.

In the event of St. Mary’s having more applications than places available, the following criteria will apply, viz (in order of priority, 1 through 7):
1. Sisters of present/past pupils and daughters of teachers teaching in the school;

2. Pupils attending Naas Convent of Mercy Primary School as on lists taken from 3rd Class with priority for daughters of past pupils;

3. Pupils attending the following Primary Schools:
St. David’s (Naas), Scoil Bhríde (Naas), Gaelscoil Nás na Riogh, Killashee, Sallins and Two-Mile-House, with priority for daughters of past pupils, who are on the contact list by the end of 3rd class;

4 Pupils attending the following Primary Schools: Ardclough, Ballymore Eustace, Caragh, Kill, and Rathmore, with priority for daughters of past pupils who are on the contact list by the end of 3rd class.

5. Pupils from the above twelve schools who apply after 3rd class;

6. Pupils whose address is Naas town and are attending other Primary schools;

7. Any others on the contact lists of the school.

Within each group priority is accorded based on date of application.

Admission to St. Mary’s College

A contact list of prospective applicants for admission will be maintained by St. Mary’s College. An invitation to be included on the Contact List will be given to all pupils in third class attending Convent of Mercy Primary School. It is the sole responsibility of the parents/guardian of each child to ensure the safe delivery of the completed form. A receipt for each application will be given/sent. Parents/guardians of pupils attending schools other than Convent of Mercy Primary School may apply to be included on the Contact List at any time. A copy of this Admissions Policy will be forwarded to the Principal of each of the twelve schools mentioned above.

St. Mary’s will make an initial written offer of first year places in the October/November preceding enrolment. This offer will be based on the Contact List. Parents/Guardian will be required to complete an application form and confirm acceptance of the offer within two weeks. Should a reply not be received within that period a reminder will be sent to the address on the contact list. Should no reply be received within a further 10 days, no further efforts will be made by St. Mary’s to follow up on the offer.

There will be an Assessment Test in the March/April preceding enrolment and all incoming first years who have accepted places are required to sit this test. Generally, this test is used to assess achievement levels in order to best facilitate students according to their needs.

An Information Evening for all incoming students and their parents/guardians is held in the February/March preceding entry. Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting.

While the Department of Education and Science provides per capita funding for each student, this does not cover the full cost incurred by St. Mary’s in any year. Parents/guardians are, therefore, requested to pay a voluntary contribution each year to cover the cost of stationery, printing, postage, sport, library and extra running costs.

Special Needs

St. Mary’s College welcomes applications for admission of students with special education needs. To enable us to identify the best means of responding to the special needs the Principal will need to access the student’s records from the Primary School attended or/and from any Individual Educational Programme well in advance of entry to the school. This is needed in order to allow application to the Department of Education and Science to provide the necessary resources to support the student.
In order to seek to make provision for pupils with special needs, the Principal will need to know if the applicant has had access to:
1. A special needs assistant
2. A special class
3. Help, for specific needs, from any resource teacher
4. Assistance with behaviour modification
5. Psychological assessment
6. Any additional resources to help with special needs
7. Help in areas including visual impairment, hearing impairment, learning disability or emotional disturbance
8. Any resource in relation to travel or mobility.
If an expert report is provided, it should include workable strategies for addressing the needs of the pupil, allowing for the resources available. If no expert report is available, the school may request immediate assessment in order to determine the educational needs of the pupil.
Having gathered all the relevant information and professional documentation, the Board of Management will assess how the needs of the student can be met. The Department of Education and Science will be requested in writing to provide any additional resources required. The special needs student will then be resourced in accordance with the resources provided by the Department.
It may be necessary for the Board of Management to defer enrolment pending the receipt of assessment reports and/or the provision of appropriate resources from the Department. The school will meet the parents/guardians to discuss the needs of the student and the capability of the school to meet those needs. In exceptional cases, final acceptance of the application will depend on the additional resources provided by the Department.
Parents/guardians of students with special needs are strongly advised to make early contact with St. Mary’s to allow time and opportunity to consider the above matters.

Transfer of a Student from another School

St. Mary’s will make every reasonable effort to facilitate a student seeking to transfer from other schools. Any such application will be determined by the Board of Management which will apply the following criteria:

Ø The transfer is in accordance with the school admission policy
Ø The school is satisfied with the reasons for the transfer
Ø The transfer is in the best interests of the student
Ø The transfer is in the best interests of the school
Ø The transfer is of educational benefit to the student
Ø All relevant information from the former school is made available
Ø A place is available in the school to facilitate the transfer
Ø The Educational Welfare Officer is consulted if deemed necessary

A parent/guardian applying to transfer their child from another school will be supplied with the Admissions Policy and the Code of Behaviour.

POLICY ON SUSPENSIONS & EXPULSIONS

As required under Section 15, Education Act 1998 & Section 23, Education Welfare Act 2000

A. Suspensions

1. The Code of Behaviour outlines the standards of behaviour expected of our students and the rules and sanctions of the school. The school community recognises the excellent behaviour, work and cooperation of so many of its pupils at all times.

2. Under the Articles of Management for Secondary Schools, the Principal has authority to suspend “any pupil for a limited period and shall report any such suspension to the Board of Management as its next meeting”. However, when the principal is away, the Deputy Principal acts as principal and has the right to suspend a pupil in such circumstances.

3. In all cases in this policy, the word “parents” shall have the meaning “parents or guardians”

4. A pupil may be suspended for:

· serious or continued misbehaviour inside or outside class
· serious or continued misbehaviour on the way to school or from school or at breaktime
· refusal to accept the authority of a teacher, Principal or Deputy Principal
· non-compliance with the rules as set out in the Code of Behaviour
· striking another pupil or fighting either on the school premises, going to or from school or at breaktime
· foul language to or disrespect for a member of staff
· persistent disruption of class
· aggressive or threatening behaviour
· bullying – as outlined in the school’s anti-bullying policy
· damage to property
· stealing
· refusal to pay a fine or to attend detention
· persistent mitching
· Breach of school’s policy on Substance Use
· Smoking on the school premises / grounds
· Persistent failure to wear the school uniform.

5. The Year Head and/or Deputy Principal will initiate an investigation into complaint(s) and will decide whether or not the matter is one meriting referral to the Principal for a decision on suspension. The Principal may also take a decision to suspend directly on foot of a serious complaint received from a member of staff, another pupil or from any other person.

6. Where a student has done three detentions she may be referred to the Discipline Board. The Deputy Principal and Year Head will meet the student at a Discipline Board meeting, inform her of her discipline record and allow her a right of reply. The matter is then referred to the Principal for a decision on suspension.

7. Where the Principal decides to suspend a student, the parents will be informed of the decision by post or phone. The notification will include:
· Notice of the suspension
· Effective date of the suspension
· Duration of the suspension
· Reasons for the suspension
· A statement that the Education Welfare Board has been informed (this will apply only in the case of a suspension of more than 6 days or where the student has been suspended for more than 20 days during the school year to date).
· Any conditions which the Principal deems necessary to lay down before the student is re-admitted.

8. In the case of suspension, the parents will have a right to appeal the suspension to the Board of Management but only after meeting the Principal. The Principal will have the right to insist that the student remains at home while an appeal of a suspension is in progress. In the case of a successful appeal and where the suspension has already been served, the suspension will be removed from the student’s record in the school.

9. A suspension may be removed where:
· The Principal having met with the student’s parents deems that the circumstances are such that the suspension be lifted
· New information or circumstances are brought to the Principal’s notice
· The Board of Management removes the suspension following an appeal.

B. Expulsions

1. Article 19 (c) of the Articles of Management states that “if, in the judgement of the principal, a pupil should be expelled, the principal shall refer the matter to the Board of Management for decision”
2. Expulsion is the ultimate sanction imposed by the school and is exercised by the Board of Management in cases of very serious or persistent indiscipline, breach of rules or misbehaviour.
3. When the Principal refers a pupil to the Board of Management for expulsion, the following procedures will be followed:
· The parents will be informed of the decision of the Principal by registered letter
· The parents will be given at least five days notice of the meeting of the Board of Management
· The parents will be invited to attend and to speak at the meeting of the Board of Management
· In advance of the meeting, the Principal will prepare a report for members of the Board. The report will contain all relevant material relating to the case including the previous record of the pupil and details of the incident leading to the decision to refer the case to the Board. It will also include copies of previous correspondence with the parents (if any) and where relevant, the efforts made by the school to assist the pupil in the past and the various warnings given to the pupil
· A copy of the report will be sent out by post to the parents of the pupil in advance of the meeting
· Two people may attend the meeting of the Board of Management on behalf of the pupil. Normally this will be the parents, but where one parent only wishes to attend the meeting, this parent may be accompanied by another person
· In the case of a pupil over the age of 18, that pupil may be present at the meeting of the Board. Pupils under the age of 18 shall not attend the meeting.
4. The meeting of the Board of Management will be conducted as follows:
· The Board will examine the report and seek clarifications (if any) from the Principal.
· The parents will be invited to attend the meeting at a particular time. The chairperson will request the Principal to outline the case against the pupil.
· The Chairperson will give the parents sufficient time to respond and to make representations on behalf of the pupil.
· The Board will discuss the matter and makes its decision in the absence of parents and without the Principal being present.
5. The decision of the Board of Management will be communicated to the parents as soon as practicable following the Board meeting.
6. If the decision of the Board is to expel, the parents will be informed of:

· The effective date of the expulsion ( 20 school days following the decision being communicated to the Educational Welfare Officer, under Section 24 of the Education (Welfare Act)
· The reasons for the expulsion
· The appeals procedure under Section 29 of the Education Act.

The parents will also be informed that:
· the National Education Welfare Board has been informed and that an Educational Welfare Officer will be in contact with the family regarding the pupil’s future education
· the pupil will remain suspended and will remain under the care and responsibility of the parents for the period of 20 days referred to above.

The Admissions Policy was approved by the Board of Management on 28th April 2008

Special Education Needs Policy

1. Mission Statement
St. Mary’s College is a Catholic Secondary School committed to creating a respectful, caring, safe and supportive learning environment rooted in the Christian tradition and having as its aim the holistic education of all its students, encouraging each one to develop her full potential.  The primary aim is to educate all students holistically in the Catholic tradition.

2. Definition of Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special educational needs is defined as “a restriction in the capacity of the person to participate in and benefit from education on account of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or learning disability or any other condition which results in a person learning differently from a person without that condition”.
(Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004)

The 2004 Act was enacted to ensure that persons with SEN can be educated where possible in an inclusive environment, that they can have the same rights to education as persons who do not have SEN and to ensure that such persons are equipped by the education system with the skills they need to participate in society and to live independent and fulfilled lives.

3. Purpose of SEN Policy
St. Mary’s College is committed to creating a learning environment which is inclusive and supportive of all students in line with its Mission Statement. We strive to ensure that all, whatever difficulties they may have, are enabled to achieve their potential within the school community. The school’s primary aim is to educate the pupils holistically, in the Catholic tradition.  In this we are guided by Catherine McAuley’s principle: “Let us fit the children for Earth without unfitting them for Heaven”.  We aim to cater, as far as possible, for the individual needs of all students and to recognise their unique individuality.  We also aim to develop students’ confidence and self-esteem and to educate them to their full potential so that socially, academically and morally they are enabled to participate meaningfully in adult life.
 
St. Mary’s College will use the resources provided by the Department of Education and Science, both financial and personnel, to make appropriate provision for students with SEN so that those students are able to participate in school life as far as these resources allow. St. Mary’s  College will seek adequate resources, equipment and accommodation from the Department with a view to meeting our objectives. The resources sought may include visiting teachers, speech therapists, psychologists, counsellors, technical aid and equipment and other supports deemed necessary.

This policy aims to ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to enable the school :

• To make an accurate and appropriate assessment of the needs of students who have SEN;

• To specify what additional resources may be required by the student and/or the school;

• To provide for the needs identified in as far as resources allocated to the school permit.

4. Identifying Students with SEN
Having applied for admission to St. Mary’s College and been accepted, but in the Spring before they commence there (while still in 6th class):

In the first term of first year:

All information gleaned from testing, together with teacher observation, is used to determine if a student has SEN that need to be addressed.

There is also constant monitoring of all students’ progress throughout their school careers in consultation with the students themselves, their class teacher, their parents/guardians and the resource and/or learning support teacher.

Students with perceived learning/behaviour difficulties are, with parental approval, recommended for assessment. Where possible, such assessment will be conducted by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). If this is not possible, parents will be advised to have their daughters assessed privately so that their needs can be identified. NEPS psychologists carry out a small number of educational assessments in the school each year. Such an assessment may result in extra resource time being allocated to a student. Any extra resource recommended will be applied for by the Principal.

5. Current provision for Students with SEN
St. Mary’s College currently has quite extensive resources directed towards students with SEN and have also developed processes to ensure provision is appropriate and properly targeted.

6. Roles
Class Teacher
The class teacher is responsible for each student in his/her class group including students with SEN.

Resource Teachers and Learning Support Teacher
Their responsibilities include:

Principal
The Principal’s role in relation to SEN includes:

Board of Management
The Board has a crucial strategic role in relation to ensuring that the SEN policy is a meaningful one, that it reflects the mission and ethos of St. Mary’s College, that it complies with statutory requirements and that its implementation is monitored on an ongoing basis. The Board will also ensure that the policy is reviewed on a regular basis. A key means of managing its role will be through consideration of an annual update on SEN in the school by the Principal.

Counsellors
As noted earlier in this document the Counsellors have responsibility for administering tests. They also contribute to discussions on the effectiveness of the SEN policy and to specific issues arising.

7. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually. The basis of such review will be the report brought by the Principal to the Board of Management. The views and experience of relevant staff, parents and students will be considered in the review.

September 2009