ST. MARY'S COLLEGE, ARKLOW - ADMISSIONS POLICY 2017
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ST. MARY’S COLLEGE,
ARKLOW
ADMISSIONS POLICY
2017
IA REGINAE
FI L
ST
. MA
KL OW
RY ’S C
OLLEGE AR
1
ST. MARY’S COLLEGE, ARKLOW
ADMISSIONS POLICY 2017/18IA REGINAE
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St. Mary’s College, Arklow
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OLLEGE AR
SECTION A - ETHOS
Mercy Philosophy of Education
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 ongoing whole-school development in
collaboration and partnership with the Board of Management, Staff, Parents and the
wider community.
Mission Statement
St. Mary’s College is a Catholic Secondary School for girls only, under the Trusteeship of
CEIST (Catholic Education an Irish Schools Trust), and welcomes students of all
persuasions. We are committed to educating the whole person to her full potential in a
caring, supportive and joyful environment in partnership with parents and community.
SECTION B – UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES
Within the context and parameters of DES (Department of Education and Skills)
regulations and programmes, the rights of the Trustees as set out in the Education Act,
the CEIST Charter and the funding and resources available, the school supports
The principles of inclusiveness
Equality of access and participation in the school
Parental choice in relation to enrolments
Respect for diversity of traditions, values, beliefs, languages and ways of life in
society
School Resources
The financial and teaching resources of the school are provided by a combination of:
DES grants and teacher allocations, voluntary contributions and fund raising.
Implementation of the school plan and school policy must have due regard to resources
and funding available. The school operates within the regulations laid down, from time
to time by the DES. The school follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the DES,
which may be amended from time to time, in accordance with Sections 9 and 30 of the
Education Act 1998.
SECTION C – SCHOOL DETAILS
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St. Mary’s College is a single sex Voluntary Catholic Secondary School for girls under the
trusteeship of CEIST, which is grant-aided by DES.
Management
Board of Management: 2014-2017
Mr. Jim Furlong - Chairperson
Mr. Michael Allen
Mrs. Elaine Foxton
Mr. Richard Joyce
Ms. Elizabeth O’Dea
Ms. Joanne Stapleton
Ms. Paula McLoughlin
Mr. Eamonn Ward
A new Board of Management will be appointed from October 15, 2017 and will sit until
October 2020.
Mr. Aidan Ward– Principal
Mrs. Brenda Byrne– Deputy Principal
Parent and student organization
Parents’ Association
Students’ Council
Teaching Resources & Curriculum
DES Teacher Allocation – 40.44 wte
Educational Programmes and Subjects
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Junior Cycle
Students are encouraged to pursue the higher-level course for the Junior Certificate
Examination
Senior Cycle
All academic subjects available in the school are offered at higher level. Every effort is
made to secure a girl’s first preference.
Parents/Guardians and girls are advised of subject choices at a specially convened
meeting each year.
Class and individual advice is also provided by the Career Guidance Teacher.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, open to all our girls with appropriate
subject groupings, prepares students for life after school, for further education, the
world of work and the business of making a living.
Transition Year
Transition Year is optional in St. Mary’s College. As places are limited, preferences will
be given to girls who are well motivated and positive in their attitude to school.
Physical Education and Sport
Physical Education is a fundamental part of the school curriculum and of the overall educational
and social development of the girls. Sports: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Circuits,
Football, Hockey, Rounders, Soccer Volley Ball.
Special Educational Needs & Learning Support Services
The school has a fully qualified Learning Support Teacher and a Career Guidance
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Teacher.
SECTION D – PROCEDURES
Application Procedures
Parents of girls in 6th class in the feeder schools are notified of the Open Day and the
information meeting. Others are notified through an advertisement in the local paper
and on local radio.
Birth Certificate, data consent form, most recent school report, Irish Exemptions and
any Psychological Assessments should accompany registration forms.
Decision making Process
Decisions made in relation to enrolment are made by the Board of Management in
accordance with school policy. Decisions will be notified to parents within 21 school
days of closing date for receipt of completed application forms and any other relevant
information requested e.g. psychological assessments.
The Board shall have regard for any relevant DES provisions re class size, staffing
provisions and/or any other relevant requirements concerning accommodation, such as
physical space or health and welfare of children.
DES Rules: Secondary school students must be aged 12 on 1st January in the calendar
year following the child’s entry into First Year, and have completed a full primary school
course.
In the event of over subscription places will be offered to girls as follows:-
1. Siblings
2. Daughters of members of staff
3. Parish of St. Peter and St. Mary’s
4. Traditional feeder schools in the order below
i. St. Michael’s G.N.S. Arklow
ii. St. Joseph’s N.S. Templerainey
iii. St. Patrick’s N.S. Bearnaclea
iv. Scoil Íosagáin, Coolgreaney
v. St. Kevin’s. Ballintemple N.S.
vi. St. Patrick’s N.S. Avoca
vii. Sacred Heart N.S. Aughrim
viii. St. Bridget’s N.S. Annacurra
ix. St. John’s N.S. Redcross
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x. St. Mary’s N.S. Barndarrig
xi. Castletown N.S. Castletown
xii. St. Kevin’s N.S. ,Tara Hill
xiii. Scoil Mhuire Réalt na Mara, Brittas Bay
xiv. Ballyfad N.S. Ballyfad
xv. Our Lady’s N.S. Rathdrum
xvi. Kilanerin National School
xvii. Carysfort NS
xviii. Gael Scoil an Inbhir Mhóir
xix. St. Saviour’s N.S. Rathdrum
However, preference will be given to applicants who have completed all their primary
education in that school. (Those students who transfer into the area for genuine
reasons will be given consideration)
Parents/Guardians are offered a place for a student on the understanding that they
(Parents/guardians and students) accept the ethos of the school.
The allocation of Special Needs places is dependent on appropriate resources being in
place. Parents have the right to appeal a refusal by the Board to enrol a student (Section
29 Education Act 1998).
If during the course of a school year a vacancy becomes available the B.O.M. shall be
entitled to fill that vacancy at the discretion of the Board.
At the first Board of Management meeting of the academic year the B.O.M. will decide
on the maximum intake in First Year for the coming September
Special Educational Needs
St. Mary’s College welcomes girls with special educational needs and will use the
resources, both financial and personnel, provided by the Department of Education and
Science, to make reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities or special
educational needs up to the nominal cost so that these students are free to participate
in the life in the school in so far as is reasonably practicable.
While recognizing and fully supporting parents’ rights to have a school of their choice for
their daughters, the College’s ability to accept girls with particular needs is dependent
on the supply of resources, suitable to the needs of the individual girl, being supplied by
the Department of Education and Skills.
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St. Mary’s College welcomes applications from girls with special educational needs
unless the nature and degree of those needs is such that to enrol the girl concerned
would be inconsistent with both the best interests of the girl concerned and the
effective provision of education for the other girls with whom the girl concerned is to be
educated.
The Board of Management must be made aware of any special needs as early as
possible, so that these needs can be assessed and addressed where possible.
Parents are requested to outline the details of their daughter’s special educational
needs on the Application Form.
The Board of Management, having gathered all relevant information and professional
documentation, assesses how the needs of these girls can be met.
Contact will be made with the National Council for Special Education Needs regarding
special needs resources to which the girl may be entitled.
The Principal may request a meeting with the parents of the girl to discuss the
application and the girl’s needs.
The parents of the girl may request a meeting with the principal to discuss the student’s
educational and other needs.
NB: It may take time for the Department of Education and Skills to process such
applications. Parents are strongly advised to inform the College as early as possible
and discuss their particular situation well in advance of making application.
As soon as practicable, but not later than 21 school days, after a parent/guardian has
provided all the relevant information, the Board of Management shall make a decision
in respect of the application concerned and inform the parents/guardians in writing
thereof. (Education Welfare Act Section 19 (3))
Transfers from other second-level schools /Re-admittance
Girls may transfer into the school any time subject to:
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The School Admissions Policy
The school being satisfied with the reasons for the transfer.
Information will be requested from the girl’s former/present school concerning
attendance, behaviour, educational progress, disabilities and special needs, etc.
The school regarding the move to be in the best interests of the student.
Available space.
Consultation with the Educational Welfare Officer if appropriate.
Right of Board to refuse
The Board of Management reserves the right to refuse an application for enrolment in
exceptional circumstances.
Appeals in accordance with sections 28 & 29 of the Education Act 1998: Parents/Guardians of
applicants who are not enrolled in the school may appeal the decision to the B.O.M in the first
instance and if necessary to the D.E.S.
Code of Behaviour
The Board requires parents/guardians to sign and return the Home/School agreement as a
condition of enrolment (copy attached).
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