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Welcome to Bray School Project National School
About Bray School ProjectOUR
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
The
aims of the school are to provide a single stream national school that is 1.
Multi-denominational The
multi-denominational aspect of the school is widely recognised but not
always clearly understood. Children from many different religious and
non-theistic backgrounds attend the school. The school's multi-denomination
Religious Education Programme provides a positive stimulus for closer
understanding of many traditions. This Religious Education Programme been
developed over the years by the teachers, with the guidance of B.S.P.
Association's draft policy on religious education and the Religious
Education Advisory Committee (REAC). Through the Religious Education
Programme the school aims to develop in children, those aspects of personal,
social, moral and spiritual development which facilitate the growth
of understanding and knowledge and understanding of life within the
pluralist society in which they live. The Religious Education Programme
booklet is available to all parents in the school. The
Board of Management also facilitates groups of parents who wish to arrange
denominational religious instruction for their children. Value systems of
children from non-theistic or non-religious backgrounds are equally
respected in the school. The
B.S.P. is actively co-educational. This means that the school is not only
mixed in its composition, but that it positively encourages respect and
understanding between the sexes. The
school' approach to education is child centred. This child centred approach
advocates that each child has her or his own unique set of talents and rates
of progress in different areas, and that each child should be nurtured along
their own path. The child centred approach has the preparation of the child
for later life as one of its goals, but equally seeks to help children take
advantage of the unique experiences and exciting discoveries of childhood.
The Primary School curriculum laid down by the Department of Education is
designed to be child centred. The
B.S.P. is defined as a National School. This is consistent with the broadly
democratic principles on which the school was founded in affording equal
right of access to all, irrespective of social, religious, or cultural
background. This standing also means that the school is governed by the
Rules for National Schools, which provide for the good management of
schools, fair procedures for the appointment of teachers, regular
inspections by the Department of Education, etc. The Dept. of Education
Curriculum for primary Schools is applied in many exciting and imaginative
ways by our teaching staff. THE
DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN THE B.S.P .
Five
structures exist in the B.S.P. to ensure the school functions in a
democratic way. These are: 1.
The Executive
In
the BSP the Patron is a lay association (Bray School Project Association, a
Limited Company), membership of which is open to all who subscribe to the
aims of the association, and carries a small annual fee. Every year, an AGM
is held and an Executive Committee is elected by the members to carry out
the duties of the patron. The
Executive is the legal owner of the school property and its role is to
uphold and further the aims of the school. Members serve a one-year term.
In the B.S.P. the Executive is comprised of three officers and six
ordinary members. It
appoints two members to the Board of Management. 2.
The Board of Management
In
addition to the Executive appointments, there are two elected parents'
representatives, an elected teachers representative, the principal
teacher, and two people from the wider community, bringing the total Board
membership to eight. The Board manages the school in accordance with the
Department of Education Rules for National Schools. It employs teaching and
ancillary staff. The Board is responsible for the dc running of the school
and organises school maintenance. It must ensure that the school has
adequate funding. The officers of the Board serve for a three-year term. 3.
The Parent/Teacher Association
Membership
of the PTA is open to all parents and teachers. The function is to provide a
forum for discussing issues and topics of interest to parents and teachers,
to foster a sense of community in the school give practical help to the
school with programmes such as extra c activities and playground
development. The PTA is led by a six-person steering committee who
co-ordinate activities. 4.
The Pupils' Council
The
pupils from 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th
classes elect a council annually which meets regularly to discuss issues
relating to the school and of concern to the pupils. These matters are then
brought to the attention of the Staff, Board of Management, PT A, or
Executive as appropriate. 5.
Trustees
Under
the deed of trust of the Bray School Project Association trustees are
appointed. These three are vested with the school building in partnership
with the Department of Education. They also maintain financial regulatory
function by countersigning cheques. THE COST
OF EDUCATION
The
Department of Education provides teachers' salaries, a capitation
grant a maintenance grant, and some grants for equipment. The capitation
grant sufficient to provide only about 40% of the money required by the
school, provide heat, lighting, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, etc. The
Board of Management is responsible for making up the shortfall. By law, this shortfall cannot be levied on parents and must
therefore be raised through both voluntary contribution and fund raising
activities which provide an enjoyable social focus for parents (e.g.
Christmas Fair Food Fair, Flag Days, Concerts etc.). Extra
costs may occur for parents during the year such as book lists,
denominational instruction, class trips and materials for extra curricular classes. ACCEPTANCE
OF PUPILS
Pupils
are admitted to the school on a non-discriminatory basis according to their
date of application for enrolment. All parents are advised to put the child’s
name on the pre-enrolment list as early as possible after the child born or
placed in your care (if adopted or fostered). Application forms are further
information are available from the school office. PRACTICAL
INFORMATION
School
re-opens on 1st September. School
Times The
school day begins at 9.00 a.m. and ends at 2.40 p.m. for 1st to 6th
classes. Infants finish at 1.10 p.m. each day. For the first two weeks,
Junior Infants finish at 12 noon. From then, they will commence the normal
infant day. Children remain their parents/guardians responsibility in yard
until school starts at 9.00 a.m. All
pupils (and parents) should acquire the habit of punctuality and arrive in
time each morning. A note from the parent or guardian should follow a child’s
absence from school. Pupils are expected to line up in an orderly fashion in
their designated areas at 9.00 a.m. from where they are escorted to their
classes by their teacher . Collection of Infant
Children
Parents
of children in Junior Infants and Senior Infants must collect from their
classroom at 1.10 sharp. It can be very distressing for young children if
parents / guardians are not punctual. Infants
who travel by private bus will be escorted on to the bus, but no other
infant will be released from the classroom until personally picked If anyone
other than the child’s parent or guardian is collecting them teacher
should be informed in writing beforehand. Transport
The
Department of Education School Transport Scheme applies to children who live
more than two miles from the school. Application for inclusion in the scheme
can be made through the school, and those who are deemed eligible will be
issued with tickets, which entitle them to free travel on school public bus
services. There is a private bus company, Finnegan's, operating a
bus service to and from the school. Arrangements for the use of
service remain the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian. Detail:
available from Finnegan's. Healthy Lunch Policy
As
members of the Health Promoting Schools Network, we have developed a healthy
school lunch policy. The
goal of this policy is to encourage children to have lunches, which are Low
in fat High
in fibre We
would encourage parents / guardians to choose the following foods
We
recommend that parents offer children foods such as fresh fruit, yoghurts or
wholegrain/digestive biscuits in preference to sweets, crisps and chocolate.
These treats could be limited to one day a week.
Drinks MUST NOT be contained in glass bottles or cans. If your child
brings a beaker to school, his/her name should be on it. In general, much
food is wasted, so don't give your child too much. Difficult to manage foods
such as oranges should be peeled and wrapped. Clothing
Children
should wear comfortable clothing that they can manage (i.e. they should be
able to button, zip, unzip, dress, and undress - particularly where going to
the toilet). They should also be able to recognise their coats anoraks, etc.
Nametags can be helpful. The
school has a tracksuit, which is optional, and is available from The School
Shop in the Arcade, off the Main St. School Correspondence
In
order to keep you up to date with all the events in the school we re, send
letters home in your child's schoolbag. It is important to check on a daily
basis. School Requisites
Bill
A
school requisites bill will be issued in the first few weeks of September.
All money sent to school should be placed in an envelope with the child's
name, amount and purpose (trip money, book money etc.) written on it. Accidents
Minor
accidents (e.g. skin grazes) are treated immediately by cleaning the wound
with water and cotton wool. Antiseptic cream and a bandage may be applied at
the teacher's discretion. If you child is allergic to antiseptic creams or
plaster, please make a note of that on your child's registration form.
Parents should remove the plaster and check the cut when your returns home. All
serious accidents are recorded in the school accident book. Where a serious
accident occurs, a staff member will drive the child to hospital if the
parent is not contactable. Teachers
do not administer medicines. to children except in life threatening
situations (e.g. anaphylactic shock) when authorised (in writing) to
do parents / guardians and the Board of Management. In the case of asthmatic
children, a spare inhaler should be brought in on September lst labelled
with the child's name, class, and emergency contact number. These medicines
will be placed centrally in the First Aid Cabinet PLEASE
MAY WE ASK FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION IN THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT MATTERS . Illness and Allergies
Parents
are requested not to send their children to school if they are sick. It is
vitally important to inform the school on your registration form of any
ongoing medical condition that your child may have. Any instructions
regarding this condition should be specifically discussed with the class
teacher and given to her/him in writing. General
Parents
may not drive into the school drive or car park to collect the children, and
are requested to use the school side of the Killarney Road to park their
cars, keeping the school entrance free at all time: Parents
may also use St. Fergal's Church Car Park. The gate between the, church and
school is open at 8.45 a.m. each morning, and at 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. Children
should know how to toilet properly including washing and drying
their hands. A
staff member will change infants who wet or soil themselves. Spare clothing
is kept for such eventualities. If a child becomes distressed in this
situation, the parent / guardian will be contacted. Children
should know their address and telephone number (if any), and a contact
number should be given for times when parents / guardians are not available. Parents
should notify the school immediately of any change of details (e.g.
address, telephone no., etc.). While
we encourage the interaction between children and animals, we ask you to
keep pets outside the school grounds. This is in line with our health
promoting policy. Pets should not be left unattended at the school gate.
Teachers do not get involved in the distribution of invitations for
birthday parties. Resolving
Difficulties
Well-established
procedures exist within the school to help parents resolve any queries or
difficulties that they encounter. To ensure a satisfactory outcome, firstly
the parent / guardian should arrange a mutually convenient time and place
with the class teacher to discuss the matter.
If the issue is still unresolved, the principal teacher should be
approached. Following this
action, if the problem still remain unresolved, the parent / guardian should
communicate their difficulties to the Board of Management.
This is best done in the form of a letter, but parents / guardians
can also raise the matter with the two elected parents’
representatives on the Board. Code of Behaviour
The
following Code of Behaviour was formulated by the principal and teaching
staff in consultation with parents and pupils, and was approved by the Board
of Management. The
aims of the Code of Behaviour are as follows:
2.
To foster self-discipline and a sense of responsibility in pupils,
and to promote good behaviour patterns based on consideration of, and I
respect for, the rights of others. 3.
That school discipline should allow for the smooth operation of and
efficient learning programme for all pupils. 4.
The maintenance of good order throughout the school and respect for
the school environment. Punctuality and
Attendance
All
pupils should acquire the habit of punctuality and arrive on time each
morning. A note from the parent or guardian should follow a child's absence
from school. Courtesy
Courtesy
towards others should always be shown. Pupils should treat fellow pupils,
staff, and visitors with respect, good manners, and courtesy. Playground
The
playground, consisting of a tarmacadam area, designated grassed areas, and a
seating area, provides an environment where children can, and should play
safely. In 1998 new playground features were designed by Doug Ross, a parent
in the school, and constructed by him with the help of a number of other
parents. (All children will be familiarised with out-of-bounds areas.) Cycling
is not permitted within the school grounds. Bicycles must be park, in the
designated area only. Children
may not leave the school premises during school hours without the knowledge
and permission of the principal or class teacher. A parent guardian, who
wishes their child to leave school during school hours, may only permit them
to do so in consu!tation with the class teacher or principal.
A child attending extra-curricular activities must remain in school
until the end of these activities. In
the interest of a clean environment, children should be responsible for
their own litter and use the bins provided. Sanctions
Where
children behave inappropriately, an oral reprimand will be given. This may
be followed by sanctions (e.g. lines, alternative work, temporary separation
from friends, from peers, detention during break, referral to principal,
contact with parents/guardians, Board of Management informed, or suspension
(in accordance with Rule 130 (5) of the rules for Natior Schools). Consistent
late arrival without explanation will be notified to parents/guardians. It
should be stressed that, if any sanctions are imposed, it is the behaviour
of the child that is being rejected, not the child itself.
The influence of parents on discipline in the school is enormous. The
foundations for discipline and good behaviour are laid long before a child
goes to school. A crucial factor in operating a Code of Behaviour is the
coperation and support of parents/guardians, all of whom will receive a copy
of this document. RULES AND GUIDELINES
FOR PUPILS. PARENTS AND TEACHERS
The
success of the school and the smooth day-to-day operation depends on a high
standard of behaviour, discipline and co-operation from all concerned with
the school. The
following Rules/Guidelines constitute a necessary minimum standard to
achieve the aims of the school. PUNCTUALITY AND
ACCESS
1.
School hours are 9.00 a.m. -2.40 p.m. for classes Ist. to 6th.
and 9.00 a.m. -1.10 p.m. for Infants. 2.
Children are expected to line up in an orderly fashion in designated
areas at 9.00 a.m., from where they are escorted to their classes by their
teacher . 3.
Pupils may not leave the school grounds once entered, until dismissal
time, unless accompanied by a teacher or with the expressed permission of
the parent/guardian and teacher or principal. 4.
Similarly pupils are expected to line up, in an orderly fashion; on
hearing the signal to end break times. 5.
Pupils are not allowed to enter the school building prior to the
commencement of classes or during break times without the permission of the
principal or teacher. 6.
To satisfy insurance requirements, Parents/Guardians must not drive
into the school grounds. Parents/Guardians should park a safe distance from
the school entrance on the school side. Pedestrian entrance and exit should
be through the school pedestrian gate.
Children should proceed along the pavement provided within the school
grounds. CARE OF THE SCHOOL
ENVIRONMENT
Children
should at all times show respect for school property and the property of
others. Littering, graffiti or other abuse of property is not allowed. Due
care must be taken of all books and equipment which should be stored
appropriately when not in use. OUTINGS
The
highest standard of behaviour is necessary on all school outings because of
the increased risk to the safety of the children, and to achieve the purpose
of the outing. In individual cases where the teacher, in consultation with
the principal, cannot be fully satisfied that such behaviour will be
forthcoming on an outing with a particular child, the child will not be
allowed on the outing. Particular significance will be attached to behaviour
on previous outings. BEHAVIOUR
1.
Bullying in any form is unacceptable. Any
child being bullied, or parent of that child, should immediately inform the
child’s teacher or principal. The full range of sanctions will be
invoked, if necessary. 2.
Children must have due regard to the safety and well being of the
other children whilst in class or at play. (a) Dangerous running games e.g. chasing, bulldog, etc. are not permitted. (b) Deliberate spoiling of others games is not permitted. (c)
Bad language, in any form, is unacceptable. (d)
Children when circulating within the school must do so in an orderly
manner. GENERAL
These
Rules and Guidelines are not exhaustive. Children are expected to behave
sensibly, courteously and caringly towards others at all times. THE
BRAY SCHOOL PROJECT ASSOCIATION
WHAT IS THE BRAY
SCHOOL PROJECT ASSOCIATION
The
BSP Association is the organisation that elects the school’s
executive ·
Multi-denominational ·
Co-educational ·
Child-centred ·
Democratically
managed WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
FOR ME TO JOIN THE BSPA?
The
BSPA has the ultimate responsibility for deciding the school's policies in a
number of crucial areas. The association, through its executive is
responsible for a)
providing the school with its premises and looking after all major repairs
and renovations b)
ensuring that the school maintains its multi-denominational character In
order to ensure that the school's executive reflects the genuine wishes of
parents and is accountable to them, as many parents as possible should
participate at the AGM. HOW
DO I JOIN? Just
fill in an application form, available from the school office, and accompany
it with the annual subscription of EUR4.00 for a single membership or EUR6.50
for a couple. Members of the school's 250 Club Draw are automatically
enrolled as members. Staff.
Executive, Board. PTA Ancillary Staff Executive To Be Updated for 2005/2006 Board
of Management To Be Updated for 2005/2006
Kieran Griffin (Principal) PTA Committee To Be Updated for 2005/2006
Teaching
Staff |
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