Parents Association 9th November 2021
Acting Principal’s Report
(i) School Development Planning
First meeting of the new BOM took place on Thursday 4th November. Agreed report is published on our website. Some items to note from the agreed report include:
· The Board ratified the following policies: (i) Health and Safety Control of Covid-19 Policy for Students (ii) Health & Safety Statement and Policy (iii) The Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment.
· The Board appointed Padraic Corley as DLP and Aisling Gray as DDLP for 2021-2022.
· The Board carried out the Annual Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement & Risk Assessment.
· The Board completed an audit of the current policies and identified that the School Guidance Plan should be reviewed.
· The Board agreed to publish the Self-Evaluation Report and Improvement Plan 2021-2022 on our website.
· The Board reviewed the current School Development Plan (SDP) 2018-2021 and will develop a new SDP for 2022-2025 in consultation with all stakeholders.
· SIP on website along with our Community SSE
(ii) Pastoral Care
Planet Youth Survey took place on 11th October
38 TY students were invited to take part in the Planet Youth survey.
The purpose of this study is to identify the strengths and difficulties of young people and young
people’s communities in the Cavan and Monaghan area. The survey asked questions about their lives in relation to a number of different topics. These included:
School experiences, Leisure time, Friendships, Sexual behaviour, Neighbourhood, Family life, Stressful life events, Substance use (Alcohol, smoking, cannabis and other), Mental health and Physical health.
Peace IV CASE Project for Students
Year 5: Both schools will wait to see the results from the Planet Youth Survey before deciding on a project for this school year.
Form 2 Fuse Programme
The programme, supported by Facebook, consists of six modules, including bullying, cyber bullying, and online safety. It is a scenarios type programme and gives students the opportunity to explore how they might deal with bullying issues that may occur within the classroom, the school and online. The main aim of the programme is to increase reporting and reduce levels of bullying in schools.
Architects in Schools 2021- 22 Programme
Cillian Briody, Architect, has been assigned to the school to work with students over a number of weeks on this project that is funded by Irish Architecture Foundation.
Creative Schools 2020-2022
A student working group is now in place and held their first meeting on the 18th of October with Mary Farrelly, our Creative Associate, and the school's coordinators. Feedback from all the students were discussed and an outline plan of activities was created. The winning Creative Schools badge designed by Lucy Kennedy will be worn by the student working group.
All Form 1 students and the working group will attend a play on Wednesday 10th November at Cavan Townhall. The Creative School working group will hold their second meeting in the Townhall after the play.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
A Global Schools Student Committee is in place.
Our theme this year is diversity and inclusion, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal #10 Reducing Inequalities. Students have completed a survey to obtain the prior level of awareness students have before proceeding with the committee’s plans.
(iii) Update on School Events
· Hoping to begin Extra-Curricular Activities & Hot Food facility from next Monday 15th November, subject to numbers and current Covid-19 regulations.
· Afterschool Study to begin the week of 15th November, subject to numbers using this service.
· Current Science Week is taking place, College Awareness week will take place from 22nd – 26th November.
· Students in Form 1, 2, 3 & 6 have completed their 10-week Assessments. Reports will issue to parents in the next 2-3 weeks.
· Two Parent-Teacher meetings, by phone calls, are scheduled to take place during November, Form 6 - 18th Nov and Form 3 - 24th Nov.
(iv) Staff Matters
· Mrs. Lorraine Cartwright and Mrs Karen Stronge join our staff this week to teach Irish and Religion and Literacy respectively.
· Ms. Emer Crowe teaches Art & Learning Support
(v) Student Matters
· Student Council elections took place.
· Some very good mini companies, and I would ask parents to support these companies. As was the case last year, an e-catalogue will be distributed to all parents.
· RSC Christmas Cards will be available in early December for purchasing.
(vi) Parent Communication
· Please ring the school phone 0494361605 if you require to speak with you son/daughter or you would like a message forwarded to them during the school day, 08:40 – 15:45.
· Appointments only to school.
· Please make sure to download the New School iClass App to your mobile phone
· Our Autumn Newsletter can be found on the iClass App.
(vii) Buildings & Maintenance
· Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
· Nothing further to report from the Design Team for our Sports Hall
· An Additional Accommodation Application to convert the boarding kitchen into a classroom was submitted to the Department of Education – nothing further to report here.
Parents Association AGM 21st September 2021
Acting Principal’s Report
(i) Covid-19 Response Plan – A Collective Responsibility
The same as last year:
· We will always keep face coverings on, while in classrooms and inside the school building.
· Teachers will move to students.
· No lockers, a plastic container has been purchased for all students to store books in the classroom overnight.
· Staggered breaks in operation - groupings: Form 1, 2 & 5 and Forms 3, TY & 6.
· We have received 10 of the 20 portable Carbon Dioxide Monitors; these will guide us as to when the windows need to be opened fully along with the classroom door.
· Students should, if possible, download the eBook to a device at home, which will eliminate the need to carry heavy textbooks in their bag when travelling to and from school. Most books have a code on the inside cover of the book, this code will allow them to access the eBook.
(ii) School Development Planning
Key Goals for School Year
The following are the key gaols for this school year and will form part of our School Development Plan.
Health & Safety
To implement the HSMS & Covid-19 Response Plan.
Literacy & Numeracy
To implement the agreed strategies for literacy and numeracy.
Effective Feedback SIP
To implement agreed strategies for student feedback in Form 1, Form 2 and Form 3.
Effective Questioning SIP
To implement agreed strategies for teacher and student Higher Order Thinking (HOT) in Form 1, Form 2 and Form 3.
ICT
To implement the strategies identified in the Digital Learning Plan.
Incorporate the SchoolWise Learning platform into current practice.
Transition Year
To ensure that the programme experienced by our students is congruent to the TY Vision.
Wellbeing
To develop a 400-hour Junior Cycle whole school wellbeing programme in line with the DES wellbeing guidelines for 2022-2023.
To implement Restorative Practice in Form 1, Form 2 and Form 3.
To develop, implement and monitor an 8-week Form 1 Induction Programme.
Junior Cycle
To continue to apply the changes required for the effective implementation of the new Junior Cycle in our school.
Teaching & Learning
(i) To monitor, review and develop effective SEN Provision at RSC.
(ii) To review subject plans to incorporate a blended learning approach.
(iii) To develop a Creative School Plan.
(iv) To develop a Whole School Global Citizenship Education Plan.
(v) To investigate one-hour classes at RSC.
Student Leadership
To foster student leadership within the school and provide relevant training and resources for same.
Green Schools
Continue to help and support the work of our Green School’s committee.
(iii) Pastoral Care
Child Safeguarding Statement & Risk Assessment: Annual review taking place, thank parents for engaging with the review. Statement will go before the New BOM for consideration in mid-October
Child Protection, Padraic Corley is the DLP and in his absence Aisling Gray is the DDLP
(iv) Update on School Events
· Extra-Curricular Activities & Hot Food facility on-hold, due to current Covid-19 restrictions.
· Form 6 received a ‘Make It Happen’ day was delivered by Supergeneration on Monday 6th September.
· Form 5 Prefects received Leadership Training from Supergeneration on Monday 30th August.
· A Service to mark the beginning of a new School Year takes place on Wednesday 22nd Sept, 9am.
· No in-person Open Day & Open Night – enrolment period that will run from Monday 4th October to Friday 22nd October 2021.
· Creative Schools Project – Year 2 of project, Engagement with Form 1 students takes place on Wednesday 22nd September.
· Peace IV CASE Project Year 5: more digital component required for this year, still to be decided upon.
(v) Staff Matters
· Ms. Michelle Buchanan SET Maternity Leave and Ms. Sinead McGovern PME Year 2 (Business & Geography)
(vi) Student Matters
· 40 new students into Form 1.
· Form 6 LC Results 2021, A huge congratulations to 20 students on their most impressive LC results, I wish them well in the next steps of their journey.
· Form 1 vaccinations will not take place during school time. (Tdap, Men A, HPV). Forms will be distributed to Form 1 students later this week.
· Student Council elections due to take place within the next few weeks.
(vii) Parent Communication
· Form 1 Parents Information session, Tuesday 14th September 7pm.
· Please make sure that the office has your up-to-date email and mobile numbers
· Please ring the school phone 0494361605 if you require to speak with you son/daughter or you would like a message forwarded to them during the school day, 08:40 – 15:45.
· Under current restrictions our Parent-Pupil-Teacher Meetings will take place by telephone.
· Appointments only to school.
· Please make sure to download the New School iClass App to your mobile phone, more effective communication (Messaging, Newsletters, Absent notes)
(viii) Buildings & Maintenance
· Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
· Sports Hall Design Team held their first onsite meeting on Friday 3rd September.
· Members of Design Team had an onsite meeting with members from Cavan Co. Council on Friday 17th September to discuss the possible locations for the sports hall so that the location would not compromise the Cavan Sports Campus plans.
· An Additional Accommodation Application to convert the boarding kitchen into a classroom was submitted to the Department of Education in July.
· 5 New windows were installed at front of building.
Parents Association Meeting 11th May 2021
Acting Principal’s Report
(i) Student Summer Assessments
Form 1, Form 2, TY – Class tests
Form 3 & 5 Timetabled exams
These reports will be available from VSware from mid-June.
(ii) School Calendar
Please note the following:
Form 6 Graduation Friday 21st May during school time, closed environment, event to be streamed to Form 6 Parents.
TY Awards Tuesday 25th May during school time.
Form 3 - Summer holidays Wednesday 26th May
Form 5 – Summer holidays Thursday 27th May
Form 1 & 2 Summer holidays Friday 28th May
(iii) State Examinations for Leaving Certificate Students
Accredited Grade Process
Collection of data and evidence to conclude on 14th May 2021.
(iv) Junior Cycle Arrangements
Ms. Gray & Mr Kavanagh coordinating the weigh to be attached to both continuous assessment and Summer exam for each subject. Summer exams run from Friday 21st May to Wednesday 26th May.
(v) Transition Year
TY Case Project with Loreto College: Theme - 'Our Transition Year living with Covid’.
Students from both schools are working virtually to explore and present on this theme. They will work together and complete the project on Monday 17th and Wednesday 19th.
They will present their projects using a range of media storytelling, Poetry, Song/rap PowerPoint, Painting, Podcast etc…
Ms. McElwaine and I plan to host a Form 3 Parent information meeting about TY 2021/2022 next week, possibly on Tuesday 18th at 7:30pm.
(vi) Subject Options for Form 5 2021-2022
Completed
(vii) School Year 2021-2022
It is hoped that the School Calendar, Booklists and Uniform list will be circulated to all parents by mid-May.
PE Uniform: New for the next school year. T-shirt and ¼ Zip-top will cost €50. This fee has been uploaded to Easy Payments Plus along with the Size Guide. Parents are asked to select and pay for this on or before Friday 21st May.
(viii) School Development Planning
PE Hall Development: Tender process closed. Cavan Monahan ETB are reviewing the submissions.
(ix) Pastoral Care
Prefect System Interview to be held for any TY students or current Form 5 students who have applied to become a Prefect for 2021/2022
RSE programme continues to be delivered during this term.
(x) Update on School Events
· BOM Meeting took place on Thursday 22nd April 2021. Minutes from this previous are available on the website.
· Formula One in Schools Four Form 5 students have entered this competition with guidance from Mr. Darren Vahey. The challenge was for students to design and build a miniature formula one car. The competition will take place on 22nd May. The fastest car wins the competition and represents Ireland at Singapore.
· Creative Schools Week: taking place from Monday 10th May to Friday 14th May. Lots of activities are taking place, which include:
(i) Form 1 students are creating a new Mural for the Courtyard called ‘People & Diversity’.
(ii) Art Exhibition in Johnston Central Library is running throughout this week called ‘Art in Lockdown’.
(iii) Fancy Dress Competition takes place on Friday 14th May.
(iv) More information about our Creative Schools Week will be published in the Anglo Celt on Wednesday 12th May. Pl
in the
Junior Category while taking 1st & a special award for best social media marketing in
(xi) Staff Matters
We say goodbye to Camille Mazzonni, our FLA on Friday 21st May.
We also wish Mr. Noctor best wishes as he retires at the end of this academic year.
(xii) Buildings & Maintenance
· Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
(xiii) Covid-19 Response Plan
Reducing the Spread of Covid-19
I remind parents of the need to reduce your child’s contacts with other students outside the school setting, in line with the current health advice.
Signs & Symptoms of Covid-19 Disease
• A fever of 38.0⁰C or higher without another medical reason (such as chickenpox or a urine infection) OR
• new cough or difficulty breathing or worsening of an existing breathing problem, OR
• loss of sense of smell, change in sense of taste, or loss of sense of taste OR
• other minor breathing or chest problems in a child who has been in contact with an ill person, is part of an outbreak or is a contact of someone who has COVID-19
Parents Association Meeting 22nd March 2021
Acting Principal’s Report
(i) Remote Learning
I wish to acknowledge how remote learning can be challenging for parents to keep their child/children focused on their learning.
There are still issues with the quality of broadband for students and staff and equity issues such as access to ICT. There are still some chromebooks available if a student is sharing a device with siblings or parents. Email pcorley@royalschoolcavan.ie
(ii) State Examinations for Leaving Certificate Students
Oral Interviews and Music Practical Assessments:
Spanish – 26th March 2021, Irish - 31st March 2021, French - 7th April 2021
Music – TBD
Accredited Grade Process
Collection of data and evidence to conclude on 14th May 2021
Written Examinations
Commence Wednesday 9th June 2021.
(iii) Junior Cycle Arrangements
The Framework plan for the phased return to in-person teaching at post-primary school may return all students on Monday 12th April.
State Examinations have been cancelled.
There will be two elements to their certification: A State Certificate of the Junior Cycle from the Department of Education and a School Report. The school report will detail the student’s learning achievement over their Junior Cycle Programme. Consultation to take place with Form 3 students and teachers to decide the weight to be assigned to Continuous Assessment and the weigh to be assigned to the final summer exam.
(iv) Transition Year
A very successful Environmental & Climate Change Awareness Week took place last week. A huge thank you to the acting TY coordinator, Ms. McElwaine and the planning team for all the excellent online learning opportunities that they have sourced and planned for our TY students. Currently TY students are taking part in Careers week and I am very grateful to parents and past pupils who have given of their time to be part of this event.
(v) Subject Options for Form 5 2021-2022
Subject options for your Leaving Certificate will open on the week of Monday 19th April, This will afford students the opportunity to review their CAT4G results with Ms Sheridan/Ms McQuaid and to engage with Ms Sheridan/Ms McQuaid about the best optional subjects to select for their career choice (s). Students will study 4 optional subjects.
Core Subjects: Irish, English, Maths, PE, Religion, Wellbeing, Guidance
Option Subjects: Accounting, Agricultural Science, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, DCG, French, Geography, History, Home Economics, Music, Technology.
(vi) Covid-19 Response Plan
I am happy to report that we have had a successful return to school for both Form 5 & Form 6 students. We await further guidance on the Department of Education Framework Plan for the phased return of Form 1, 2 3 and TY students for in-person teaching. Once we receive this information it will be emailed to all relevant parents.
Reducing the Spread of Covid-19
I remind parents of the need to reduce your child’s contacts with other students outside the school setting.
Signs & Symptoms of Covid-19 Disease
• A fever of 38.0⁰C or higher without another medical reason (such as chickenpox or a urine infection) OR
• new cough or difficulty breathing or worsening of an existing breathing problem, OR
• loss of sense of smell, change in sense of taste, or loss of sense of taste OR
• other minor breathing or chest problems in a child who has been in contact with an ill person, is part of an outbreak or is a contact of someone who has COVID-19
(vii) School Calendar
Please note the following:
· School is closed on Tuesday 4th May.
· All students receive their Summer Holidays on Friday 28th May 2021.
Please also note that other events planned for Term 3 (Sports Day, RSC Music Festival, TY Awards Night, LC Graduation) may have to be cancelled or modified, nothing has been decided yet. The calendar will be modified in line with the latest Public Health advice and circulated to all parents during the first week back after the Easter break.
(viii) School Year 2021-2022
Following a survey carried out with the students, it was decided to review our current PE uniform. Mr McHugh is looking into the possibility of sourcing a PE Top & T-Shirt. More information will follow after the Easter break.
It is hoped that the School Calendar, Booklists and Uniform list will be circulated to all parents by mid-May.
(ix) School Development Planning
PE Hall Development: I am delighted to report that an invitation to Tender for an Architect and other Design Team Consultants was placed on e-Tenders. The closing date for applicants is 9th April 2021. This project will result in the building of a Physical Education Hall (406m2) and ancillary spaces. The total area of the building will be 662m2.
(x) Pastoral Care
RSE Education Programme This programme will be delivered to all students from Monday 12th April until Friday 28th May 2021. A letter will be emailed to all parents outlining the topics that will be covered during this 6/7-week period later this week.
Digitised Whole School Guidance Plan: Protocols in place for one-to-one online counselling sessions.
· After consultation with parents/guardians, students will be scheduled a virtual meeting using the platform ‘Google Meets’.
· These meetings will be scheduled during the normal school timetable 8:45am-3:45pm.
· Contact with students should not occur outside of these agreed times.
· Personal phone numbers will not be exchanged between the Guidance Counsellor and students / parents / guardians.
· These meetings will include both careers and personal counselling.
(xi) Update on School Events
· BOM Meeting took place on Thursday 11th February 2021. Minutes from this previous are available on the website.
· TY YSI Projects The Trans R class YSI project Physical Activity & Its Positive Impact Upon Mental Health will feature in the YSI Speak Out Virtual Tour Roadshow being produced with the help of Virgin Media. One member from the team is due to take part in a short virtual interview with host Zara King on Wednesday 24th March.
· Mini Companies: RSC entrepreneurs participated in the annual Cavan Student Enterprise Awards. In the Junior category we claimed the two top prizes. ‘Masks of Many’ came 2nd while the overall winner was ‘The Natural Bubble’, ran by 1st year sole trader Ava Jackson. In the Senior category ‘Always There Bear’ won a special prize for best social media marketing, while the overall 1st place was claimed by ‘Epoxy Designs’. This group was made up of TY pupils, Christopher Clarke, Daniel Bernatos, Charlotte Moore & Olivia Moore. Both 1st place winners will now prepare to represent Co. Cavan in the National Student Enterprise awards in May.
· Creative Engagement Annual Exhibition took place online from 4th – 5th March. The aim of the Creative Engagement programme is to encourage students’ creativity, initiative, and expression through arts in education projects. Our Transition Year students 2019-2020 developed a mural called ‘Through the Journey, Seize the Day’. This mural was showcased at the exhibition. Our students worked with local artist Colette Kearney. Through various workshops they explored their connection with the school through the lens of Wellbeing and then developed the beautiful mural that symbolises inclusiveness, creativity, and an open mindset to life.Ent1st & 2nd place in the Junior Category while taking 1st & a special award for best social media marketing in
(xii) Staff Matters
We welcome back past pupil Mr. Joshua Hall, who joins the teaching staff as a Year 2 PME student for the remainder of the school year. Joshua will be teaching History and Geography.
(xiii) Buildings & Maintenance
· Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
1. Mr Corley’s address
(i) Remote Learning
I wish to acknowledge how remote learning can be challenging for parents to keep their child/children focused on their learning.
Range of live streaming of classes happening. We are currently using two platforms to deliver these; Google Meet & Zoom. We are endeavouring to move all live streaming of classes to Google Meet. It will provide greater security from ‘uninvited guests.
Our VLE is Google Classroom. Teachers use this platform to upload work, assignments, pre-recorded lessons. Students use this platform to submit their assignments.
There are still issues with the quality of broadband for students and staff and equity issues such as access to ICT. There are still some chromebooks available if a student is sharing a device with siblings or parents. Email pcorley@royalschoolcavan.ie
One-to-One Tuition: Teacher will email parent to let them know when individual class is scheduled to take place. We require parents to reply to acknowledge this.
Feedback: Mobile phones are a distraction during learning. Reports of students snapchatting each other during Live classes. Possible solution: ONE-Device-Rule, avoid using phones during Live Classes, phone is put away.
Cameras on or off while student attending Live Classes? Open for discussion, pros, and cons.
Supporting Your Son/Daughter during Online learning - Proposed
Establish Routine & Expectations – Look at your family’s schedule and agree the best time for learning.
Help your child to ‘own’ their learning – Help your child to find ways that work and learn which best suits them.
Plan for Shared use of devices. 30–40-minute bursts.
Choose a good place to learn – help them to set-up a quiet clutter-free area for learning.
Check in regularly – Be familiar with the school’s learning plan – Google Classroom.
Remove Distractions – social media, TV, Pets, limit during learning, One Device only??
Stay in touch with school – we are happy to advise and support your role in our son/daughter’s online learning.
Plan for Balance – Plan for exercise, activities, and non-screen time. Provide healthy meals and snacks. Manage stress by encouraging your child to talk it out.
Talk to other Parents – Other parents are a great source of support, share ideas, tips and/or concerns.
(ii) Covid-19 Response Plan
Supporting the Safe Provision of Schooling (SSPS) Inspection Friday 4th December 2020. School is fully compliant.
(iii) School Development Planning
Literacy Plan 2020-2021: Target group – Form 1, Focus
Book Review Competition in 200 words or less. Many thanks to Easons and Parents’ Association for supporting this initiative by funding prizes.
Pre-Examinations & State Examinations
RSC plan to run pre-examinations when it is safe to do so.
According to Minister Foley the Traditional Leaving Certificate will take place.
Department of Education Assessment Arrangements for JC and LC 2021 document; assessment-arrangements-junior-cycle-and-leaving-certificate-examinations-2021.pdf (education.ie)
School Development Plan 2020-2021
The Board carried out a policy audit and decided that, in addition to the policies that must be reviewed annually, the following policies will need to be developed/reviewed in this school year also: (i) Administration of Medicine & First Aid (ii) Whole School Wellbeing Policy (iii) Substance Misuse Policy.
(iv) Pastoral Care
Coaching for Learning programme running with our Form 6 students.
Review of Wellbeing programmes currently taking place.
(v) Update on School Events
· Creative Schools Project Creative Schools 2020-2022
Our Creative Associate, Mary Farrelly, will work with Ms Burns and Mr Vahey to support them in developing and implementing a Creative School plan. Creative Associate, Mary Farrelly, will give a short 5–10-minute presentation to parents explaining the project.
· BOM Meeting took place on Thursday 3rd December 2020. Minutes from the previous meeting available on the website.
· TY YSI Projects both classes are carrying out projects to promote Positive Mental Health among young people. One group focusing on the impact positive messages have while the other group are looking at the positive link between exercise and mental health. This group have also organised a ‘Step Challenge’ for the length of this lockdown to try to get everyone active in a fun and competitive way!
· Mini Companies: A huge thank you to parents for supporting this year’s minicompanies.
· Connecting with each other at Christmas Project: This project involves several elements; RSC Christmas Cards, Christmastime at Royal School Cavan recording available on website, The Wellbeing Committee organised hampers for our Local Nursing Homes and organised two Festive Friday Jumper days to raise money to purchase items for these hampers. A huge thank to the Parents’ Association for providing money to assist with the purchasing pf products for these hampers. The Wellbeing Committee also decorated our school for Christmas and held a Festive Door competition.
· Team Hope Shoe Box Appeal TY students organised a movie afternoon on Wednesday 25th November, all money raised went to Hazel Speares & Edna Smith, who completed a 1,000km sponsored walk for Team Hope Shoebox Appeal.
(vi) Staff Matters
· 8 members of staff took a Concussion Course in early December.
(vii) Student Matters
· Form 5 Christmas Reports available on VSware since Monday 18th January.
(viii) Parent Communication
· Form 2 Parent-Pupil-Teacher Meeting took place by phone call. Feedback was very positive; it is hoped to hold a similar PPTM for Form 3 parents on 25th February.
· New School iClass App to be downloaded to mobile phone, Monthly Newsletter, use iClass app to report appointments and illness.
· Leaving Certificate Parents: CAO registration is now open, currently there is a €30 registration fee to complete your application this will increase to €45 after 20th January. The closing date is 5:15pm on 1st February 2021.
· Form 2 & Form 3 Parents: Classroom Based Assessments (CBA) continue remotely. Please check the CBA Calendar on our website: school life - calendars
(ix) Buildings & Maintenance
· Work is ongoing in relation to fire safety upgrades.
· 4 new windows for front of school building to be installed in the next few weeks.
· Improvements made to student footpath