St. Clare’s Comprehensive School Prospectus

Annual Fun Run

Irish Time Magazine Cover

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Home Economics Class

Young chef of the year competition winner

Regional Science Quiz winnersSligo Rover visit the school with Airtricity League Premier Division Cup

Design by Ciaran Clancy www.ciaranclancy.com

ContentsMessage from the Principal 2History of the school 3Mission Statement 3Board of Management 4Parents Council/Association 4Teaching Staff 5General School Details - Facilities/Canteen 5Canteen 6School Uniform 6Attendance and Punctuality 6Policy 6Lunchtime Arrangements 7Book Rental Scheme 7School Journal 8Lockers 8Career Guidance & School Counselling Service 8Pastoral Care in the School 9The Resource Team 9Care Team 9Chaplaincy Service in the School 9Induction Programme for First Years 10Mentoring Systems 10Anti Bullying 10School Reports System-Assessment Policy 11Junior Certificate Cycle 11Transition Programme 11Leaving Certificate Programme 12Leaving Certificate subjects 12LCVP- Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme 12Special Educational Needs 13Information Technology 13School Website 14Student Council 14Sport 14Music/Drama 14Art 15Other Extra-Curricular Activity 15Health Promoting Schools 16Your Healthy SELF 16Bounce 16

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Message from the PrincipalWelcome to St. Clare’s Comprehensive School! I hope that this prospectus will answer some of the questions that you may have about our school and give you an insight into the many curriculum and extracurricular innovations that have, I believe, produced excellence in all facets of our practice. We constantly endeavour to provide a high quality of care for students as recognised by our recent Department of Education inspection.

The Irish Times’ Guide to Post Primary Schools in Ireland states that” St. Clare’s Comprehensive School is a gem in the Community and Comprehensive School sector”. The Irish Times, from its most recent statistics has concluded that we are the top feeder school in Leitrim for 3rd level institutions.

As Principal, I would view my most important responsibility as ensuring that all students can come to St. Clare’s and reach their potential in a safe, secure and in an excellent teaching and learning environment. Our enrolment, discipline, anti bullying and pastoral care policies exist to ensure that this happens. We are very aware that we are living through very difficult times for a myriad of reasons and we are constantly self-evaluating and doing our best to respond appropriately to identified needs. We participate in the Healthy School’s Programme and we channel a lot of energy into the promotion of Positive Mental and Physical Health. We have updated our Anti-bullying techniques and continue to high-light its importance as an issue. Our policy is presently under review.

Our students are encouraged by our excellent team of teachers to work hard and reach their potential academically. We believe that all our students, in mainstream classes, can at the very least obtain a Leaving Certificate. Each year our students obtain top points and top grades in both the Leaving and Junior Certificate examinations. Our students are supported by our guidance and care teams who are there for them at all times. We believe that our students are equipped with life skills for the future and a pride in themselves.

We will endeavour to make the transition from Primary to Post Primary school for all students as easy as possible. We look forward to meeting with them on Enrolment day and on Induction day. By the end of May they will have spent time in St Clare’s, sampled some of the subjects and will have met their mentors and teachers. In September they will have four weeks to sample all of the ‘option’ subjects before they make their final choices.

In the prospectus you will see some of our excellent facilities including our newly refurbished computer room, our state of the art Technical graphics room, our well equipped general classrooms and our new gym floor. We are in the process of planning and building a much needed four room extension which we hope to have completed for September 2013. Each Year St. Clare’s is well represented in a wide and varied range of sporting and extracurricular activities. Our teams have won numerous honours and individuals have excelled in various activities. Four groups of students have been selected to present us in the Young Scientist Competition in Jan 2013.In February we will stage the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” which will involve the whole school community.

I can assure you our excellent team of teachers and staff will endeavour to help your son/daughter to integrate fully into our school community and to reach their potential. We will always be available to discuss your concerns and to help the students” Ar bhothar a leasa”. We’re so grateful for the help and cooperation that we have received from parents in the past and look forward to working with you in the future.

Prinicipal John Irwin

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History of the SchoolWe are a multi- denominational Comprehensive school open to all students in the surrounding areas under the patronage of the Bishop of Kilmore. In 1971 Manorhamilton Vocational and St. Joseph’s Secondary School were amalgamated. St. Clare’s Comprehensive was the thirteenth comprehensive in Ireland. For the school year 1971/72 students returned to their old schools and the new 1st Years were based in three prefabricated classrooms at the Community Centre. A new school was built at Ross Lane and in September 1972 all students attended class there. Its first Principal was Mr. Sean Sweeney. In June 37 students sat the Leaving Certificate. The school enrolment was 300 in that year.

In June 1973 the Vocational School in Kiltyclogher was destroyed. All students and staff were accommodated in St. Clare’s. This brought the enrolment to 350 students with thirty one teachers.

Today the student population is 508 with a school staff of 46 including teachers, SNAs, Administration and Auxiliary staff.

The school offers traditional Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP). We also offer a worthwhile, rich and varied Transition Year programme.

Mission StatementTo create a caring, disciplined and Christian environment where all students and staff can reach their potential.

Aims:• To educate for life.• To promote tolerance, justice and respect for all.• To encourage teamwork and respect individuality.• To nurture ambition and leadership• To promote pride and confidence in one’s own ability (self esteem).• To motivate our students in the pursuit of a high standard of academic achievement and critical thinking by providing a varied range of learning experiences and a varied range of teaching excellence.• To help all students do their best.• To work in partnership with parents in the promotion of the overall good of the student, acknowledging the role of parents as the primary educators of the child.

Main Entrance

Student Council

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Board of ManagementThe Board of Management manages the school on behalf of the patron and for the benefit of students. The BOM represents a real and genuine expression of partnership at a local level. Its job is to make sure that the school is run efficiently and provides all students with a good education. The Board of Management includes representatives of parents, teachers, trustees or patron, the principal and the community. It is envisaged that their role is an active, positive and supportive one.

Presently our Board of Management members are;

Board of Management Members

Chairperson/ Nominee of the Diocese

Fr. T.Keogan PP.

Secretary/CEO of VEC

Mr. Martin Fallon

Parent Nominee

Ms. Linda Gilligan

Parent Nominee

Mr. Pauric Rooney

Teacher Nominee

Mr. Gerry Gilmartin

Teacher Nominee

Mr. Graham Hewston

VEC Nominee

Ms. Siobhan McGloin

Nominee of the Diocese

Ms. Margaret Connolly

Parents Council / AssociationThe Parents’ Association is an essential organisation which enables parents to remain fully informed on educational developments, to voice the opinions of parents on issues that concern them and to liaise closely with the Principal, the teaching staff and the Board of the school on all matters relating to the school. The parent association works with the principal, staff and the Board of Management to build effective partnership between the home and school. Our Parent Association has been the structure through which parents in a school can work together for invaluable support to the school over the years with a strong presence at all school extra-curricular events and a constant reference for collaboration in policy making. Our present members include Mr Sean Keaney, Ms Carla Nealon, Mr Pat Munday and Ms Mary Forde.

Award winner with parent nominee Junior Academic Award winners

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Teaching Staff List of Teaching Staff

Principal Mr John Irwin

Deputy Principal Ms Ceola McGowan

Teaching Staff Mr Enda Hughes

Ms Sarah Beirne Mr Eugene Kelly

Ms Annette Benson Ms Mary Lynch

Ms Sarah Bonar Ms Evelyn Maguire (Ms Mary McCaffrey)

Ms Dympna Boylan (Ms Leesa Casey) Mr James Martin

Ms Stefanie Brennan Ms Mary Mc Donald (Ms Rochelle Roche)

Ms Sandra Carden Ms Marie Mc Donald

Mr Gerry Cummins Ms Dympna Mc Manus

Ms Patricia Cunningham Ms Sarah Mc Manus

Mr John Donohoe Ms Edel Mc Phelim

Ms Niamh Egan Ms Teresa Mercier

Ms Regina Fahey Ms Martina Noone

Ms Yvonne Finnan Ms Áine NiChléirigh

Ms Clare Gallagher Ms Bernadette Ní Dhonnacha

Ms Ailbhe Gillespie Ms Karen O Driscoll

Mr Gerard Gilmartin Ms Caitriona Sweeney

Mr Brendan Greene Mr Shane Ward

Mr Graham Hewston Ms Edel White (Ms Aoife Mannering)

Chaplain Fr John Sexton

Special Needs Assistants Ms Siobhan O’Hagan, Ms Annette McDermott, Ms Doris McMahon, Ms Hillary McDermott

Caretaker Mr Seán Keaney

Secretary Ms Ailish Farrell

Assistant Secretary Ms Georgina Oates

Cleaning staff Ms Saprina Beattie, Ms Geeta Gregare

General School DetailsRecently we have refurbished our whole gym. We have revamped the shower/ changing area. We have a beautiful new sprung wooden playing surface and have replaced all of the basketball, volleyball and badminton equipment. We have relined our outdoor basketball and tennis court and we are awaiting the construction of our 4 new rooms.

CanteenThere is a privately run canteen on school premises (On the balcony in the Gym).The food is provided at very reasonable rates. The menu is approved under the schools ‘Healthy Eating’ Policy. Food is provided before school, at break time, and at lunch.

Teaching Maths using an

Interactive Board

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School UniformSt Clare’s while respecting the individuality of all our students views the school uniform as an essential part of school life. It represents the high standards that we expect from our students. By applying a strict uniform code, we are preparing our students for life, in that most workplaces have standards with regard to dress that should be upheld. It also teaches the students the value of neatness, tidiness and projecting a good image of oneself. The support of parents/ guardians is of utmost importance in this regard and sanctions will apply where there are breaches in the uniform code. Each student is expected to wear the full school uniform everyday and to be neat and tidy in their overall appearance. The school uniform is as follows;

Boys Girls

Junior school

Crested bottle green jumper with a gold v-neck, White shirt with collar attached, Black worsted trousers, clip-on black tie with a gold stripe, black shoes. Crested School fleece rain jacket

Crested bottle green jumper with a gold v-neck, White blouse, green tartan skirt of knee length, or black bootleg trousers, clip-on black tie with a gold stripe, black shoes, plain black tights/ black socks. Crested School fleece rain jacket

Senior school As above

As above

* All items of uniform are available at Manor Fashions, Main Street, Manorhamilton. Killasnett Co-Op, Manorhamilton. There is a compulsory school tracksuit that is only available from Killasnett Co-Op. The crested school jacket can be ordered from ‘Callus’, a company based in the North-west who visit the school on Induction Day for incoming First years to measure and take orders.

Attendance and Punctuality We expect all students to be on time for all classes and roll call.

Policy

• A student with excellent punctuality will receive 1 merit every month.• St Clare’s requires all students to give a dated note, from their Parents/Guardians, to the Deputy Principal to explain their lateness. • When no note is submitted a student will receive 2 demerits.• Red cards will be used from the beginning of Period 1. • No student should be admitted late to a classroom without a signed red card from Principal/ Deputy Principal.• If a student is late in the morning on 2 occasions in a week then his/her parents will be informed. St Clare’s will ask for the parent’s cooperation in the matter. The student shall receive 1 demerit. Exceptions may be made with regard to medical appointments (Appointment cards provided), extreme weather or valid personal circumstances. • If a student is late on 3 occasions in the month their Parents/Guardians will be informed and the student will receive a demerit. Students may be asked to remain at home until contact with home takes place. Exceptions may be made with regard to medical appointments (Appointment cards provided), extreme weather or valid personal circumstances. • Students who arrive late may be given extra written work and/or receive in-house suspension.• Lack of improvement regarding punctuality may result in suspension from school.

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Lunchtime arrangementsJunior students remain on the school grounds unless those who live locally have written permission to go home. Senior students may go up town. All students have a choice of bringing in their own food or using the canteen service. A lot of extra-curricular activities are arranged for lunch time-sporting and Non-sporting.

Book rental SchemeSt. Clare’s Comprehensive School has operated a scheme to provide textbooks for rent to parents / guardians of pupils of the school since 1983. This is one of the longest established and most successful book rental schemes in the country. It has been of benefit to generations of pupils and their parents / guardians.To promote and support this scheme the following applies to all users of the scheme.

• The school rents text books to parents / guardians of current pupils of the school at reduced cost.• All books rented remain the property of St. Clare’s Comprehensive School.• Parents / guardians with their children are responsible for proper care and maintenance of all books rented to them. • Books must be returned when requested, or when a pupil leaves the school.• Books must be returned to the school in resale condition. The minimum requirement is that each book is intact, has all its pages, has both a front and back cover and is free from excessive and / or offensive graffiti. • All books not returned to the school in resale condition by the date requested will be deemed lost. Deposit is not returned on lost books and parents / guardians must pay the current replacement cost of lost books to the school.• Parents / guardians are advised to check the condition of books regularly and to carry out necessary repairs.• Parents / guardians are advised to provide a suitable school bag for each pupil. The bag should accommodate the books needed each day without damaging the corners or the spine of the books.

Build a Bank NUIG Student awards for Grade A’s in JC Business. L-R Sarah Comiskey,Riona Kivlehan, Emma Gilgunn, Ms C Sweeney

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School Journal We update our school diary every year. It is the main form of communication between home and school and as such is an essential tool for school.

1. Each student must purchase a school journal.2. A careful record of all homework given or class activities is to be kept in the school journal.3. Every student in St Clare’s is expected to have their journal on their desk at the beginning and for the duration of every class4. Journals must be made available for inspection by Teachers at all times.5. Each student is responsible for his/her own journal. Loss of a diary must be reported to the Year Head immediately and a new diary bought in its place. A damaged/defaced journal must be replaced at the expense of the student.

Lockers Lockers are provided for students so that they do not have to carry heavy bags around all day. Students should only use their lockers at the following times: before roll call, during break-time, during lunchtime and at the end of the school day.

1. Each student is responsible for their own locker and key.2. Students should get a spare key cut in case they lose the original.3. Lost keys must be replaced. 4. Damage to lockers must be reported immediately.5. Lockers should be kept locked at all times.6. Students who lose or forget their key may use the master key for a limited time.7. The master key will be given out before roll call only (no exceptions).8. Excessive use of the master key may result in it not being given out.9. Students must hand back their key at the end of the school year.10. Students who don’t will face a fine of fifty euro.

School management reserves the right to search and inspect lockers at their discretion

Career Guidance and School CounsellingThe following are the services offered

• Counselling- Helping students to explore their thoughts and feelings and the choices open to them; giving care and support to students learning to cope with the many aspects of growing up• Assessment- Helping students to obtain self-understanding through the use of psychometric tests and other inventories.• Information-Providing students with objective and factual data in education and training opportunities, occupations, labour, market information, entitlements etc• Advice- Making suggestions based on the advisor’s own knowledge and experience and the information available at the time.• Educational Development Programmes-Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills relating to studying, examination performance, choices of subjects and levels.• Personal and Social development programmes-Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills relating to a student’s personal and social development, self-awareness, decision-making and planning.

Science Lab

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Pastoral Care (including Care Team/role of year head)Each class will have a ‘tutor’ assigned to take the roll on a daily basis and part of their roll is pastoral. The Year Head also plays a crucial role in the pastoral care of our students.

The Resource Team A meeting of the Resource Team takes place once a week. The aim of the Resource Team is to provide additional educational support for students who may have special educational needs. It is possible for any member of staff (Teachers/Special Needs Assistants) to make written submissions regarding appropriate areas of concern at this time. For the year 2012-‘13 the Resource Team consists of Mr John Irwin and Ms Mary Lynch and Mary McDonald.

Care TeamWe have a Care Team consisting of Mr John Irwin, Ms Ceola McGowan, Fr John Sexton, Ms Yvonne Finnan, Ms Sandra Carden and Ms Mary Lynch. This team will meet at least once a month to discuss the needs of more vulnerable students. Year heads may be invited to attend as deemed appropriate.

Chaplaincy Service The Chaplain is a person of faith and committed to the values of Christ, who on behalf of the school and church communities accompanies young people on their journey through life. The chaplain is involved in s upporting teachers, staff and students.

The Education Act 1988 Sectiion 9(d) recognises the need to “promote the moral spiritual and personal development of students in consultation with parents having regard to the charismatic spirit of the school”. While chaplaincy is primarily concerned with the moral and spiritual development of students it plays a role in integrating these with other dimensions of education, academic ,social, physical and personal.

The work of the Chaplain incoperates ministering to students, staff , student’s families and liturgical ministry

The Chaplain is available to all members of the school community to offer support. The functions of the chaplain include;

• Availibility to students, staff and parents• Support in times of bereavement - Trauma• Liturgical celebrations within the school community• Support for the Pastoral Care Structures • Liasion with Social Services and with other Caring Agencies

Counselling The chaplain is available to listen to those who wish to talk to someone in a caring confidential and non- judgemental environment.

Mission Statement“ The Chaplain as a faith presence, committed to Christian values, accompanies each individual in the school community on their journey through life”.

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Induction programme for First yearsThe transition programme for our in-coming First Years has been put in place in response to the needs of those students. It aims to ease that transition by affording children and parents an opportunity to share concerns and hopes around relevant issues. We visit all of our ‘feeder’ schools early in the spring for an introductory talk. Parents and students are invited to the school for an Open Evening where enrolment takes place. On that evening the teachers invite everyone to view the work taking place in their own subject departments. The in-coming 1st years are invited to St.Clare’s for a full Induction day during the month of May. Our S.P.H.E programme in 1st Yr incorporates an introductory transition programme. Constant monitoring takes place by our Senior Mentors especially during the first couple of months.

Mentoring SystemTransition from Primary school to Secondary school can be daunting. For this reason a training programme is offered to those senior students who volunteer to mentor incoming students. They continue to be a support to 1st years during the year. It is from this pool of volunteers that our Senior Prefects/Head girl and Head boy are chosen. They play a vital part of our Anti-bullying strategy. Mentors play a very active role in the daily school life of our incoming 1st Year students, being available at both break and lunch times to offer support, guidance and friendship in that crucial transition period from primary to post-primary education. Our Mentoring Programme has been in existence for the past fifteen years and continues to grow in strength with a considerable number of senior cycle students applying for positions each year.

Mentors Anti-bullyingWe have a range of strategies to support our Anti-bullying Policy

• Monitoring of classes by Class Tutors• Supervision during break/lunch times • Use of mentor system as a constant support to our junior students• Mentors to distribute Anti-bullying questionnaires at least once every half-term.• Mentors to organise an annual one week anti-bullying campaign.• S.P.H.E class programmes.• Anti-bullying sociograms distributed to classes through S.P.H.E. classes.• Anti-bullying questionnaires distributed to parents accompanying school correspondence e.g. School reports.

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Surfing in Bundoran

• Diligent record keeping by use of Incident Books• Sticks and Stones workshops (2012), Spunout (2012), Dr. M Griffin (2013)• Policy & procedures reviewed in 2013

School reports system-assessment policyAll new students are assessed and the results analysed. We also receive reports from all of our feeder primary schools. We have continual monitoring especially in English, Irish and Maths. Students who are deemed to need extra help are offered it in consultation with their parents.

Leaving Certificates have ‘term’ exams in November. All other years have continual assessment and end of year exams.3rd year and Leaving Certs also have ‘Mock’ exams early in the spring.1st yrs receive reports at Christmas, March and June. All other years receive reports at Christmas and June.

Junior Certificate CycleAll junior cycle students take courses leading to the Junior Certificate, the State examination taken at the end of the third year of junior cycle. Subjects are normally studied at either Ordinary or Higher Level, although three subjects, Irish, English and Mathematics. While a majority of subjects are assessed as part of the Junior Certificate Examination, the junior cycle provision also includes a number of subjects that are integral to the curriculum, but are not formally assessed in this way. The inclusion of these subjects in the curriculum ensures that students receive a broad, balanced education that introduces them to all the areas of experience relevant to the needs of learners at this age and stage of their development. Non-examination subjects at junior cycle include Physical Education, Social, Personal and Health Education and Computer Studies. while Religious Education is available both as an examination and non-examination subject. Subjects we offer are;

Compulsory Examination Subjects Option Subjects

Irish Home Economics

English Music

Mathematics Art, Craft, Design

History Materials Technology (Wood)

Geography Metalwork

Science Technical Graphics

Civic, Social and Political Education Business Studies

Religious Education French

All first Year students participate in a ‘Taster’ programme in September for 4 weeks where they attempt all option subjects for at least a week before making their subject option decisions. The New Junior Cycle programme begins for 1st yrs in 2014. We have already begun our preparations and will notify everyone concerned in due course.

Transition Year Programme Transition Year is an optional one year educational programme for students who have completed the Junior Certificate, which offers students a wide range of learning experiences aimed at contributing to personal development, social awareness, and work-related learning.

The Transition Year Programme promotes the personal, social, vocational and educational development of students and prepares them for their role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society.

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It provides a bridge to enable them to make the transition from the more dependent type of learning associated with the Junior Certificate to the more independent learning environment associated with the Senior cycle. Transition Year fosters academic achievement as students prepare for a Leaving Certificate programme, further study and adult and working life. It encourages the development of a wide range of transferable critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

Transition Year Activities in St Clare’s have included Community Connections, E.C.D.L, Presidents Award(Gaisce-Bronze level),European Studies, Build a Bank, Health and Safety training, Life choices, Sign Language training, Safe Food Programme, Young Scientist, GAA, Scratch competition, Enterprise/Mini-company Competitions, Agri-Awareness, Driving and Work Experience, Sage accounting training, Failte Ireland Tourism Awareness Training, Interview Training and Outdoor Pursuits.

Green Hat are delivering a project ‘Developing the Peace Building Potential of Young People in Leitrim’ . Further details can be accessed on www.greenhat.org.uk. In 2013 we intend to introduce the Young Social Innovators Programme.

Leaving Certificate ProgrammeThe programme of study followed in senior cycle is two years duration. All of our students take the Leaving Certificate (Established) which is the traditional terminal examination in post-primary education. It aims to provide learners with a broad, balanced education while also offering some specialisation towards a particular career option. Students following the Leaving Certificate programme are required to study at least five subjects, one of which must be Irish. In general, students take five or more subjects (usually seven) for examination. All subjects are offered at two levels, ordinary and higher. Irish and Mathematics are available at foundation level also.

Leaving Certificate subjectsIn all, 20 Leaving Certificate subjects are available to schools. 18 of these are examination subjects. These are normally studied at either Ordinary or Higher Level.

List of Leaving Certificate Programme Subjects

Irish Physics

English Chemistry

Mathematics Biology

History Agricultural Science

Geography Home Economics

French Accounting

Art Business

Music Construction Studies

Technical Drawing Engineering

Students will have completed 5 or 6 years of post-primary education. Each subject is assessed by an external examination paper at the end of the two-year programme of study. Some subjects are also assessed by additional assessment methods including oral and aural examinations, practical examinations and assessment of practical coursework. The majority who sit for the Leaving Certificate examination are 17 or 18 years of age and

LCVPLeaving Certificate Vocational ProgrammeMany students take the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) which is an intervention designed to enhance the vocational dimension of the established Leaving Certificate. It emphasises enterprise education and preparation for working life. Our LCV Programme aims to prepare students for an ever evolving working, technological and business world while capitalising on the already present academic strengths of students, and engendering and encouraging a spirit of enterprise

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in each individual. Self-reliance in learning, vibrant connection with the local community, and engagement with the best examples of personal, voluntary, community and business enterprise, are among the primary goals of this active learning programme. Assessment of the LCVP takes the form of both written examination and a portfolio of continuous coursework completed in the duration of the two year programme of study and the grade obtained may be used as part of the calculation of the traditional ‘Points’ system.

Transition Year, PortAventura Home Economics

Special Educational NeedsBeing inclusive and promoting education that is inclusive, is a central part of what St Clare’s does. We try to focus on inclusion in everything we do, on ensuring that education is for all learners.

We work in this area and look at ways that curriculum and assessment can best meet the needs of students with special educational needs. We have a Resource Team who work hard to support the teaching and learning of students with special educational needs guidelines for teachers of students with general learning disabilities and exceptionally able students. Communication between parents and school is vital when planning for these students. The sharing of relevant information while transferring from one school to the other or at any time throughout a child’s attendance in St. Clare’s can only impact a child’s experience in a positive way.

Information TechnologyICT has become an integral and accepted part of everyday life for many people. Each classroom has been equipped with a teaching computer. We have installed a large number of interactive whiteboards and visualisers. ICT in St Clare’s includes a range of hardware and software devices scanners, digital cameras, multimedia programmes and image editing software. It also includes the communications equipment through which people seek and access information including the Internet, email and video conferencing.

We can see how the use of ICT in appropriate contexts in education can add value in teaching and learning, by enhancing the effectiveness of learning, or by adding a dimension to learning that was not previously available. ICT may also be a significant motivational factor in students’ learning and can support students’ engagement with collaborative learning.

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All-Ireland J.P. McManus Scholarship Award Design and Communication Graphics

School WebsiteWe have a vibrant school website ( www.stclarescomprehensive.ie) Mr Graham Hewston created and continually updates the website. We keep the website updated as it reflects the school community.

Student CouncilA Student Council is a representative structure for students only, through which they can become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management, staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students. In St Clare’s the student council works with Ms McGowan and Mr Irwin. It works for the benefit of the school and its students. This year they have played an important role in our Healthy Schools Programme and have produced regular newsletters and have organised both fun and serious events around the school.

SportWe encourage sport in school primarily for physical activity which is recognized as a component of good health. However, there are also side benefits such as instilling competitiveness, fair play and teamwork among students. Students become more rounded individuals. They socialize with their peers, and it looks good on college applications. School sports bring the school spirit up. For this reason P.E. classes are included in each student’s timetable. Many teachers volunteer to organise extra-curricular sporting activities. These include Gaelic, Soccer, Karate (TY), Tag Gaelic, Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Girls Active and Athletics. We had our inaugural ‘Fun 10k Fun’ in 2010. The school participates and has had considerable success in sporting competitions on a regional and national level.

Music/DramaResearch says that children who are exposed to music, or those who play an instrument, do better in school than those who don’t. Music helps the mind to be alert and remain active eventually helping to sharpen the memory. It teaches discipline and relieves stress. Children gain a sense of achievement from participating in musical events and mostly of all –They are all fun. In recent years we have done our best to promote and support music and drama in St.Clare’s with our school productions ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Oliver’, and ‘St.Clare’s got talent’.This year we are staging ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. We also participate in regional competitions and have our own school choir who practise at lunchtime. Also this year we have introduced ‘Choir’ as a subject to Transition Year.

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ArtArt is a wonderful creative outlet. Children have vivid imaginations and they need to be able to express their creativeness. For this reason Art is taught to Leaving Certificate level and is a part of the Transition Year Curriculum. Our Art Teacher, Ms E White actively promotes Art competitions, and has achieved success in Texaco and Doodle (Google).Extra curricular ar trips to galleries and National sites of artistic value are organised regularly.

Extra-curricular activities Prize Giving 2012

Other Extra-curricular ActivityThe school also participates in Quiz competitions and National Science week events. We also have entrants of a high standard in the Young Scientist Competition. In 2013 four of our projects have been chosen for presentation in RDS. Mr Hewston organises the annual Science Week events. In recent years the Business Dept have participated in regional quiz events. Various subject areas partake in relevant Debating and Public Speaking competitions.

We have excellent representation on Comhairle na nÓg. This year we are represented by Jack Cavaliero (TY),Naoise Callery (TY),Sarah Comiskey (TY),Niamh Gallery (TY),Susie McGovern (4th) and Conor O’Hagen (4th)

Award winning Pianist- Bláithín Farrell and Sligo Leitrim Young person of the Year- Sarah Regan

Young Scientist winners 2013. James Johnson, Robbie Cunningham & Declan Byrne who were given a display award in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Section.

Art Clas

s

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Health Promoting SchoolsAim: To make school life a positive experience for all

IntroductionThe Health Promoting Schools initiative views health as physical, social and emotional well being. A healthy school seeks to make school life a positive experience for all who learn, teach and work in it. It strives to build health into all aspects of life in school and in the community. This concept is not a goal to be achieved but rather a process that reacts to the evolving changes and challenges of school life.Creating a healthy school means applying a new way of thinking. It means finding opportunities to develop policies, practices and structures that enhance health. It means working together with a strong leader, while everyone has an opportunity to express ideas or opinions and then agreeing to work to-wards a common good.

In particular each school will be helped to;• Identify it’s areas of strengths and weaknesses• Set realistic goals that reflect the needs of the school• Set priority areas to work on each year -smoking, bullying, staff health etc.• Develop and implement policies, which support and encourage a re spectful and caring ethos.• Adopt a whole school approach to health promotion• Consider ways of engaging parents and the community actively in school life• Ensure the SPHE curriculum is reflective of the school needs

St Clare’s Comprehensive became part of the Healthy School’s Scheme, now known as Health Promoting Schools in 2011/2012. In our inaugural year we adopted the theme of;

“Your Healthy SELF”.In that year we promoted the simple principles of a healthy lifestyle which included:

S - Sleep E - Eat L - Leisure F - Fun

BOUNCE

BounceNow in 2012/2013 we are initiating the theme “BOUNCE” a programme of empowerment promoting self resilience and positivity. Our aim is to encourage participants to bring about positive changes to their own lives when faced with real life challenges. Activities will include creating class mottos, role playing real life scenarios and promoting a positive attitude to problem solving.

Scratch Competition Student Award Winners

Young Scientist Competition Representitives RDS 2013 Young Scientist winners 2013. Fearghal Ryan, David Hacobian & Sean Kilgannan who were highly commended in the Behavioural Science Section

Elvery Sports Event on the new Gym floor.

Buala Student Brendan Mac Donnacha & Brian Shannon who took part in the Technology Section

Allingham Festival Poetry Winner

Design by Ciaran Clancy www.ciaranclancy.com