What are YOUR expectatations

1. What are YOURexpectatations

2. School Ethos • Holy Trinity National School is a Catholic primary school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin, established in 2005 to serve the needs of the children and families of Sandyford parish. • Curriculum • We strive to cherish and challenge our pupils in a warm, safe and stimulating learning environment. We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum and to create a centre of excellence in which high professional standards are maintained.Our curriculum, as outlined by the Department of Education and Skills, aims to enable each child: • To live a full life as a child and to realise his/her potential as a unique individual; • To develop as a social being, through living and co-operating with others and so contribute to the good of society; • To prepare for second level and further education; • To become independent lifelong learners. • We encourage our pupils to appreciate the importance of the arts, music and sport in education as ways of knowing and understanding our world. • Támeasmóragainnarár n-oirdhreachtGhaelachagustásé mar aidhmagainngrá do Ghaeilgeagus d-árgcultúrGaelach a chothúinármicléinn. • Partnership • We value our relationship with parents and the local community. We respect the principle of parents as first educators and seek to work in partnership to provide the best possible education for our pupils. • We see our school as an integral part of the parish. In partnership with parents and the Church, we strive to nurture the Catholic faith through religious education, preparation for the Sacraments and through the ethos of the school. • Ethos • Our ethos is characterised by the spirit of warmth and friendliness through which we conduct our daily business and by the respect and dignity shown for all persons. We respect and accommodate diversity and we seek to provide an inclusive environment responsive to the needs of all.

3. The composition of the Board of Management

4. Brief History • School Site purchased by DES 2.4 acres • 24 classroom school template submitted to DES • Planning Approval received January 2012 • Tender Process Commenced August 2012. • Appointment of Contractor Early November 2012. • Construction Start July 2013. • Completion June 2014.

5. Official Opening of Holy Trinity National School • On May 6th 2006 by Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mr. Seamus Brennan T.D

6. Enrolment • This coming year we anticipate an enrolment of two junior infant classes. • A list has been compiled of all children registered for the coming year • All parents were invited to this information meeting • Applications will now be forwarded to all registered pupils • Applications must be returned by November 6th • Places will be offered by post on November 8th. • Completed applications must be returned to school by November 22nd to secure a place. • The following criteria is used ( if demand exceeds supply) Priority given to - Siblings of children already in school - Catholic children living in parish • Older children living within parish • Cut-off based on date of birth

7. Code of Behaviour • We place greater emphasis on reward rather than on sanctions • However in dealing with unacceptable behaviour the following procedure is followed: • Warning by teacher • Time-out - Informal word with parent/ note home • Meeting with parents • Meeting of parents/principal • Board of management adjudicates • Other sanctions are imposed up to and including suspension

8. Code of Behaviour • Our code of behaviour sets out to create a safe learning environment for all our children. This in turn will lead to a secure, happy, well-motivated and positive attitude throughout the school. • We are committed to creating an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and consideration for others. School Code of Behaviour Policy 2013

9. Anti-Bullying Strategy • All schools must have a strategy in place to promote good positive behaviour. • “Bullying is repeated aggression, verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or group against others” DES 2007 • Positive Strategies: Good Friend Week • Stay Safe Programme • Motto- ‘Say No. Tell. Keep Telling • Steps in place to deal with any incidents. • Parents have a key role.

10. Child Protection The School Board of Management ensures the Child Protection Procedures are followed in full The Staff are vigilant to the needs of all children

11. Attendance • “Be–on-time-ten-to-nine” • Parents are requested to call the school if their child is sick. School check all absences. • Following 15 days missed, parents are called in to meet with principal and put a plan in place which meets NEWB approval. • Following 20 days missed, NEWB national Educational Welfare Board are contacted.

12. Is our child ready for school? “My child has not been to Montessori” “My child can read ‘Enid Blyton’” “My child didn’t crawl as an infant” “My child can write and can recite the alphabet” “My child is highly intelligent and may be bored with school” “At 18 month assessment, my child was referred to a speech and language therapist” “He will not be 4 years old until July” • Important to bring as much information about your child to the attention of the school as soon as possible: Enrolment Form • The infant curriculum in all schools is supremely concerned with the holistic development of the child. It is activity based, with considerable time spent on language development, pre reading and early maths skills development

13. Uniform • Red v-neck jumper /cardigan • White shirt • School tie • Charcoal grey trousers • Grey pinafore • Grey skirt

14. Extra Curricular Activities 2012/13

15. Curriculum

16. LEARNING Pupil Home School

17. Literacy & Numeracy for Learning and Life “Literacy and numeracy are among the most important skills that our schools teach. No child should leave school without having mastered these skills to the best of their abilities. Literacy and numeracy skills are crucial to a persons ability to develop fully as an individual, to live a satisfying and rewarding life and to participate fully in our society.” Ruairí Quinn, T.D. Minister for Education and Skills

18. Supporting Literacy at Home

19. Assessment of Learning:Standardised Tests Pupils are tested each May, using Standardised Tests. These are used to measure a child’s achievement in English reading and mathscompared to other children throughout the country at the same class level or age level. • They help the teacher plan your child’s learning. • They inform you about how well your child is doing in English reading and maths. Standardised tests are not intelligence tests.

20. Ongoing Assessment: AfL • We encourage pupils to think about their learning – Classroom practices and charts • We encourage pupils to Self-Assess - S.A.L.F. [Self Assessment Learning Folders] where pupils will gather information / samples of their own learning.

21. Meet Walt & Irma

22. L&N Actions for Schools

23. Remember... “Parents are the child's primary educators, and the life of the home is the most potent factor in his or her development during the primary school years". (Primary School Curriculum, Introduction, p.21)

24. Junior Infants • Emphasis on activity based learning • Focus on oral language • Story is central to infant classroom (develops listening skills, language and vocabulary) • Aim to create a listening environment • Develop confidence and fluency in speaking • Develop a confident ,independent and happy child

25. English • Pre-reading skills • Phonological awareness • Rhymes • Alphabet (Jolly Phonics) • Jigsaws • Matching games • Print Rich Environment • Language Experience Approach

26. Reading • No formal reading in J.I. • Foster a love of reading • Big books • Library books go home to be read to your child • Encourage your child to • Talk about the pictures • Predict what might happen next • Discuss story to develop comprehension

27. Gross motor control Fine motor control Left-to-right orientation Scribbles, Patterns Colouring,Drawing Painting, Cutting Manipulating materials Groups of letters e.g c, o, a, d, g Sandpaper Márla Air tracing Blank pages Workbook Writing the child’s name e.gTara LEA Print Rich Environment Starting to Write

28. Concrete materials Counting to 10 Number concept- 5 Addition - 5 Ordinal number 1st, 2nd, 3rd Sorting/matching Sort items by shape/size/colour Size big /bigger Measurement Number rhymes Pattern Sequencing Shape- 2 D Time- morning/night Setting the table Using maths language at home Vocabulary-above, below,under,behindetc Mathematics

29. Matty’s Maths Mysteries • Whole –School Approach: • Matty’s Maths Mysteries : • Weekly problems to help develop skills of solving maths problems.

30. Emphasis on oral language No formal reading until second class Rannta Amhráin Frásaí Gaeilge used informally in school SeachtainnaGaeilge 10 topics going through primary school Mé Féin Sa Bhaile Ar Scoil Éadaí Bia An Aimsir Ócáidí Speisialta An Teilifís Ag Siopadóireacht Caitheamh Aimsire Gaeilge

31. , S.P.H.E. • S.P.H.E - Social Personal and Health Education • Healthy lunches • Stay safe • R.S.E programme • Incidental visitors-vet, garda, dentist,

32. Alive-o 1 Jun Inf Support of parish chaplain. The parish has the primary role with parents in religious formation. AliveO programme helps pupils develop respect for themselves, others and the environment. Presented in a manner sensitive to the individual contexts of children. Preparation for sacraments in 2nd and 6th class All liturgical seasons are celebrated- beginning school year, Christmas, Easter with short Liturgical presentations Religious Education

33. 6 strands Drawing Paint and colour Print Clay Construction Fabric and fibre Froebel College link. Looking and responding Balance between directed craft elements and free expression The child as creator VisualArts

34. Show Our Work.

35. Music • PERFORMANCE: Song-Singing, Instrument playing. Seasonal Performances • LISTENING & RESPONDING: . Develop musical responses and language of music • COMPOSING: Improvisation. • Visit to theatre and performers visiting school. “Enjoyment” “Fun” Enjoyment”

36. P.E. • Monday and Friday • School tracksuit and runners • Athletics • Gymnastics • Games • Dance • Outdoor and adventure activities • Aquatics 1st – 6thSwimmimg • Naomh Olaf’s GAA.

37. Healthy lunches are endorsed We encourage parents to pack only healthy food in the lunch-box- sandwiches, crackers, rolls, cheese, meat, vegetables, yoghurts, fruit The following are not allowed: sweets, chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks Chewing-gum is also banned Fruit Friday Healthy Eating Policy

38. I.T • Interactive Whiteboards in each classroom • Use of Ed. Software- ‘Active Inspire’ • Use of software to supplement instruction. • Opportunities for pupil to be more actively engage in lessons. • Development of IT. Investment this year in Citrix Server • Use of School website to communicate with home. • Piloting tablets in classes later this year.

39. No formal homework in JI. Parents read library book Reading homework and some written work in S.I Should take only 10 - 15 minutes No homework at weekends Check child’s bag and folder for notes. Talk about pages done at school Listen to songs and rhymes Boost child’s self – esteem with praise and encouragement Workbooks for completion Homework

40. Green Flag Awards Environmental Awards REDUCE/REUSE/RECYCLE 2007- 1st Green Flag for Waste Management 2009- 2nd Green Flag for Energy Conservation 2013 – 3rd Water Conservation 2014/15 -4thTravel

41. Student Council 2012/13

42. School Projects • Good Friend Week • Science Week • SeachtainnaGaeilge • Arts Week • Biz World • Chess Competitions • School Choir • Junior Achievement • School Concerts • School Visitors/ Heritage/ Musicians/ Artists

43. Parent Association Chairperson: Angie Keane Affiliated with NPC The Parent Association is the structure through which parents/guardians in a school can work together for the best possible education for their children. The Education Act, 1998 sets down the role of the parent association. The Parent Association works with the principal, staff and the board of management to build effective partnership of home and school. Educational research on the involvement of parents in schools shows that children achieve higher levels when parents and teachers work together. The Parent Association role is broad and varied, ranging from helping with school activities, school fundraising and facilitating information evenings on relevant parent topics.

44. Christmas Fair