Extra Curricular Activities

Tír na nÓg P.S. offers a selection of extra-curricular activities at different times of the year. These activities include various different sports and musical activities.

Homework

Homework is seen as an integral part of the curriculum. The amount of time required will increase as children progress through the school. Homework may consist of oral, written or project work. The support of parents in their children's studies is strongly encouraged.

Assessment and Reporting

Assessment involves the continuous monitoring of the individual child's progress as well as more formal tests or examinations.

A record of achievement is maintained for each child and a formal progress report is issued at the end of each academic year.

The annual parental interviews to discuss the educational progress of their children are in February each year. However, parents may make an appointment with the class teacher at any time throughout the year if they have a query concerning their child's/children's progress.

Pastoral Care

Children need a secure and supportive environment in keeping with the Catholic ethos of the school, where effective teaching and leaning take place.

Staff members will deal with pupils in a sympathetic and consistent manner, endeavouring to promote openness, self-confidence and trust between pupils and themselves.

Every opportunity will be sought to develop meaningful home/school links. When a pupil is sick or injured, the parent will be contacted and arrangements made for the child to be taken home or, should it be necessary, to hospital. At all times it will be school policy to act in the interests of the child.

Child Protection

If any parent would like a copy of the School's Child Protection Policy Statement, they may obtain a copy from the Principal.

Anti-Bullying

If any parent would like a copy of the School's Anti-Bullying Policy Statement, they may obtain a copy from the Principal.

Discipline

Children need a disciplined and ordered environment to enable effective teaching and learning to take place. In Tír na nÓg discipline is viewed in a positive light where the care and welfare of the children is paramount and where each child is seen as an individual of worth. Good manners, respect, tolerance, perseverance and pride in their work are given a high priority. While the children are praised, encouraged and motivated, they should be aware that inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated and when necessary, sanctions will be applied. The school greatly appreciates parental support of its Discipline policy so that the school is seen as a fill extension of the home.

Where a parent/guardian has an issue or concern about their child's safety or any matter concerning child protection, discipline or pastoral care, the following procedures should be followed:

1. Contact the Principal regarding the issue or concern.

2. Appointment made with class teacher.

3. If unresolved after Stage 2 a meeting with the Principal will be arranged.

4. If unresolved after Stage 3 parents should make a formal written complaint to the Board Of Governors.

At all stages, discussions must be conducted in a professional and courteous manner in order to ensure the welfare and pastoral care of all involved.

Special Needs

The policy of Tír na nÓg is to identify children with special educational needs as soon as possible and with the support of the parents begin remediation. Children will be allowed to proceed at a level and speed suited to their individual needs. A wide variety of teaching materials and stimuli is available to support special educational needs within the school and parental involvement is encouraged in order to maximise home/school learning. Our programme of continual assessment ensures that parents are kept informed of their child's progress.

Parents may obtain a copy of the Special Needs Policy from the Principal.

Drugs Education

Drugs misuse is increasingly becoming a serious problem in our society and poses a real threat to our young people today.

The over-riding aim of our Drugs Education Programme in Tír na nÓg is to educate the pupils in our care about the dangers which drug misuse pose and to encourage them to live a healthy, drug free lifestyle.

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement in the life of the school is an important principal. It is the aim of Tir na n'Óg Primary School to involve parents in the education of their children and foster an effective partnership with parents so that children may develop positive attitudes towards school and self discipline in themselves. Once your child commences school, there are many opportunities for staff and parents to meet.

1. At P.1 a friendly induction programme introduces parents and children to the early aspects of primary education and the routines of the school.

2. Parents of P.l pupils are involved in the Baseline Assessment Programme which involves meeting the parents and discussing their child's process during the early school days.

3. All parents are invited to the school in the second term for parent interviews regarding the progress of their child.

4. Parents of children involved in the Transfer Procedure are invited to the school for a meeting regarding the transfer of their child to a new school.

5. Parents are invited to attend school concerts, prize giving events, Liturgical services and any other social occasions in connection with the school.

6. Guidance and advice is provided on curricular matters to all parents.

7. Parents are involved in fund raising events for school funds and charities.

8. Parents are kept informed about events and achievements through the school Website, Newsletter and the Newsflash notice board.

Parents are welcome to visit the school to discuss the progress of their child at any time, provided an appointment has been arranged previously with the Principal or class teacher.

Early communication with the school with regard to any temporary difficulties experienced by your child is always encouraged.

Links with the Community

Traditionally, Tír na nÓg Primary School has maintained strong links with the local community.

1. The school offers extra curricular activities which enhance both the quality of life and learning experiences of children.

2. The children are regularly involved in Liturgical services in the Parish church and further afield.

3. The children take part in the May Fair celebrations and competitions.

4. The children participate in inter school sporting events.

5. As part of the Cross Community Programme Education for Mutual Understanding, Tír na nÓg endeavours to forge links with local primary schools and those in the surrounding area. Indeed Tír na nÓg P.S. has established a firm link with Toreagh P.S. as part of the EMU Programme.

6. The school facilitates the many visitors who enhance the education which we provide. These visitors include;

• the Parish Priest,
• the school doctor,
• the school nurse,
• the school dentist,
• sports coaches,
• charity representatives.

Charity

Thinking of the needs of others within our community and further afield has a high priority in our school. Tír na nÓg has regularly raised funds for the third world charity - Trocaire. Other local charities which have benefited from fund-raising include Disability Action, N.S.P.C.C. ,Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

Charges and Remissions

Education in Tír na nÓg Primary School is provided free of charge for all lessons and activities connected with the child's entitlement under the Education Reform Order e.g. books, materials etc.

Exceptions are detailed below.

1. Cost associated with optional extras such as visits to the theatre or extra-curricular activities.

2. Costs of swimming tuition and swimming awards and certificates.

3. Materials or ingredients used in practical subjects where parents have indicated that they wish to receive the final product.

The school will, as it has done in the past, appeal to parents from time to time for voluntary donations but it is stressed that no child will be disadvantaged in any way if parents choose not to make a contribution.

Contact Details

Doagh Road, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland. BT39 9BG	T: 028 93323283 E:info@tirnanogps.ballyclare.ni.sch.uk Principal: Miss M Forsythe