ADMISSION/ENROLMENT POLICY
The admissions policy of St. Vincent’s Secondary School has been formulated in accordance with the religious and educational philosophy of the Religious Sisters of Charity and the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the Equal Status Act 2000 and the Department of Education & Science Circular M51/93
ST. VINCENT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL
Mary Aikenhead, who was a Cork woman, founded the Irish Sisters of Charity in 1815. Her aim, in response to God’s call, was to make available to the poor what the rich were able to buy in the areas of health, education, social services.
In 1857 the Irish Sisters of Charity started teaching girls at St. Vincent’s. The first record of students sitting state examinations dates back to 1931 when eight girls sat the Intermediate Certificate Examination. For many years there was a “Secondary Top” attached to the Primary School.
The school changed and developed through the years to meet the needs of the community it served. In August 1974 St. Vincent’s Secondary School came into being with full recognition as such by the Department of Education. A new building for the Secondary School was opened in December 1979 under the principalship of Sr. Bríd Forde. She was succeeded as Principal in 1989 by Sr. Eileen Doyle. The following year Sr. Patricia Dockery became Principal. In 1998 Ms. Josephine Coffey, a past pupil and member of staff, was appointed as first lay Principal of St. Vincent’s Secondary School. She was succeeded by Mr. Donnchadh Ó Briain in 2003. The spirit of enthusiasm and dedication of the Sisters of Charity and the lay staff has ensured the continuation of the charism of Mary Aikenhead.
TRUSTEES
In 1857 the Sisters of Charity started teaching girls in St. Vincent’s. A Board of Management was set up in 1991 to take charge of the running of St. Vincent’s Secondary School. This board consists of eight members who are appointed by the Trustees. Four of these members are nominated by the Trustees. The spirit of enthusiasm and dedication of the Sisters of Charity is shared by these nominees.
The Trustees continue to own the school and all major projects and refurbishment are sanctioned by them. The Provincial Team keeps contact with and visits St. Vincent’s regularly. They also provide financial assistance for various projects.
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Vincent’s is a Religious Sisters’ of Charity Secondary School. It has its origins in a school founded by Mary Aikenhead in 1857. The School Community of St. Vincent’s continues to be inspired by her motto:
Caritas Christi Urget Nos
The Love of Christ inspires us.
St. Vincent’s is a Catholic girls’ secondary school for girls only. We recognise the uniqueness and needs of all our students, staff, parents and partners. Through a broad based curriculum, we aim to educate each student so that she may achieve her full personal, social, spiritual and academic potential. We welcome the participation of all our partners in the life of our school community.
THE ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL
St. Vincent’s is a Catholic school (for girls only) owned and managed by the Religious Sisters of Charity. The school concentrates on the development of the whole person, by providing for the religious, moral, social, physical and intellectual growth of the students. The school strives for academic excellence while recognizing the need constantly to develop a curriculum where compassion and co-operation are given a higher value than competition. The religious education of students is, and is seen to be, of fundamental importance. The school is committed to enabling students to develop a healthy self-image and to form positive relationships with others. The school seeks means of working effectively towards curriculum development in the light of the changing needs of the students. Good relationships between home and school are encouraged, as these are essential to the educational process.
St. Vincent’s Secondary School is committed to:
• Witness of Gospel values
• Curriculum innovations
• Equality
• Respect for the environment
• Justice
CURRICULUM
St. Vincent’s offers a wide range of subjects for both Junior and Leaving Cycle.
JUNIOR CYCLE
PROGRAMME(S)
SENIOR CYCLE
PROGRAMMES
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
St. Vincent’s has an active Parents’ Association. Early in the first school term the A.G.M. is held at which the elections of officers takes place for the forthcoming year. All parents/guardians who have a daughter presently attending the school are eligible for election. The committee of the association consists of parent representatives of students from each year group. The association organises talks for parents on educational developments as well as liturgical and social events throughout the year. It has also engaged in a variety of projects and fund-raising events over the years. The principal liaises with the association and attends meetings.
STUDENTS’ COUNCIL
A Students’ Council exists in the school. Each class is represented on the council by a prefect. Five committee members who liaise regularly with the staff co-ordinator run this council.
APPLICANTS TO FIRST YEAR
Parents and guardians of pupils seeking enrolment to First Year are required to complete and return an Application Form to St Vincent’s Secondary School by a date specified and communicated to parents each year on the Application Form. Parents will be informed of the status of their application within twenty-one days of the closing date for applications.
It is a condition of enrolment that parents/guardians give their consent in writing to the School Rules and Code of Behaviour.
The Board of Management reserves the right to determine the maximum number of pupils to be enrolled, bearing in mind:
• The Mission Statement of St Vincent’s Secondary School
• Health and Safety requirements
• Availability of teacher resources from the Department of Education and Science
• Department of Education & Science directives
• The ability of St Vincent’s Secondary School to cater for the educational needs of pupils
• The Board of Management of St Vincent’s Secondary School supports the principles of:
Religious Education is a core subject on the school curriculum and an integral part of the ethos of the school. All pupils are encouraged to participate in RE. However, this does not affect the legal rights of parents as set out in the Constitution to withdraw their daughter from Religious Instruction. In cases such as this, responsibility for supervision of the student at such times lies with the parents. This is because it may not be possible for the school to provide for such supervision of their daughter within the Department of Education`s staff allocation to the school. See ”Guidelines on the Inclusion of Students of Other Faiths in Catholic Schools” at www.jmb.ie
The financial and teaching resources of the school are provided by a combination of Department of Education & Science teacher allocations and grants, voluntary contributions and fundraising. St Vincent’s Secondary School follows the curriculum programmes prescribed by the Department of Education & Skills, which may be amended from time to time in accordance with section 9 and 30 of the Education Act 1998. At all times the implementation of the school plan and school policy must have due regard to the resources and funding available.
To be eligible for admission a girl must fulfill all of the following criteria:
• Have reached the required age: 12 on the 1st January in the calendar year following the girl’s entry into First Year
• Have completed Sixth Class in Primary School or equivalent in another country
• Must be willing to accept the school ethos
• Must be willing with parents/guardian to accept and commit to the school Code of Behaviour. Confirmation in writing of acceptance of the Code of Behaviour is required from the parents/guardians and the girl seeking to be enrolled.
• Must be willing to take an Assessment Test (after a place has been offered)
N.B. In the event of school having more applications than places available,
places will be allocated in the following order:
1. Students of St. Vincent’s Primary School
2. Sisters of present pupils
3. Sisters of past pupils.
4. Daughters of past pupils
If the number of applicants at any category exceeds the number of places available, the final places will be filled by means of a lottery involving all the applicants within that category. Such lottery will be carried out under the direction of the Board of Management.
The remaining applications in that category will be placed on a “Waiting List”. Applications in the next category will not be considered until all on the “Waiting List” of the preceding category have been accommodated.
The Board of Management may review the admissions criteria from time to time as appropriate, but in any case at the commencement of the term of office of each new Board of Management in consultation with the relevant partners.
The Board may subject to relevant legislation and subject to Department of Education & Science regulations, alter and amend any section of this Policy as appropriate.
As soon as is practicable, but not later than 21 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)). Pupils accepting the offer of places will be requested to attend for assessment on a day and time notified to them.
Parents of any pupil whose application for enrolment is refused may appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science under Section 29 of the 1998 Education Act. Pupils over the age of 18 years, who have been refused admission to the school also have the right to appeal such a refusal by the Board of Management. This form is available from St Vincent’s Secondary School.
TRANSFER FROM OTHER SECOND LEVEL SCHOOLS
Pupils may apply for admission and a place may be offered subject to the following:
• The school accepts applications from girls only
• The terms of the schools Admissions Policy will apply
• The availability of a place
• That the offer of a place is not deleterious to the education of pupils already enrolled
• The school will seek information and reports from the student’s former/current school regarding the applicant’s record in such areas as attendance, medical history, disabilities, special needs, and any other matters relating to the student’s educational progress and deportment as the school management may consider appropriate
Under the terms of the 1998 Education Act and the Department of Education & Skills Circular M48/01, St Vincent’s Secondary School reserves the right to refuse admission in exceptional circumstances.
MID-YEAR/MID-TERM ENTRY OR TRANSFER
St. Vincent’s Secondary School may enrol a student in the school during the school year subject to the following conditions:
• The terms of the school’s Admissions Policy will apply, the school will seek information and reports from the student’s former/current school regarding the applicant’s record in such areas as attendance, medical history, disabilities, special needs, and any other matters relating to the student’s educational progress and deportment as the school management may consider appropriate
• The school will reserve the right to question the suitability of a transfer during the school year in the best interest of the student.
Consideration will be given to such matters as the consequences of a mid-year transfer on the student’s academic and all round progress
The school will take due account of:
• The availability of space in the school
• The suitability of the subjects taught and the levels at which they are taught
• The subject options available to the student
• It is understood that it may not be possible to provide all the subject options or levels that the transfer applicant has had in her current/previous school, and that St.Vincent’s Secondary School does not guarantee a place in any subject or course to a student who transfers during the school year or during the progress of a programme.
• The school may consult the Educational Welfare Officer concerning an applicant.
PUPILS WISHING TO REPEAT A YEAR
Consideration will be given to pupils wishing to repeat a year, only in exceptional circumstances, and for reasons acceptable to the Board of Management and to the Department of Education and Skills as set out in Circular M57/87, M33/89, M47/92 and M2/95.
PUPILS WISHING TO REPEAT LEAVING CERTIFICATE YEAR 2
Consideration will be given to pupils wishing to repeat the Leaving Certificate Year 2 in exceptional circumstances for reasons acceptable to the Board of Management and the Department of Education and Skills.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
St Vincent’s Secondary School welcomes pupils with special educational needs who fulfil the regular enrolment requirements.
The Board of Management will use the resources, both financial and personnel, provided by the Department of Education and Skills to make reasonable accommodation for pupils with disabilities or special educational needs up to a nominal cost so that these pupils are free to participate in the life of 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 children, the School’s ability to accept pupils with particular needs is dependent on the supply of resources, suitable to the needs of the individual pupil, being supplied by the Department of Education and Skills.
The School welcomes applications from pupils with special educational needs unless the nature and degree of those needs is such that to enrol the pupil concerned would be inconsistent with both the best interests of the pupil concerned and the effective provision of education for the other pupils with whom the pupil concerned is to be educated.
The Board of Management must be aware of any special needs as early as possible, so that these needs can be assessed and addressed where possible.
Parents/Guardians are requested to furnish a copy of the applicant’s medical, psychological and individual educational reports if available with the Application Form.
The Board of Management, having gathered all relevant information and professional documentation, assesses how the needs of these pupils can be met.
Contact will be made with the National Council for Special Educational Needs regarding special needs resources to which the pupil may be entitled.
The Principal may request a meeting with the parents of the pupil to discuss the application and the pupil’s needs. The parents of the pupil may request a meeting with the Principal to discuss the pupil’s educational or other needs.
N.B. It may take some time for the Department of Education and Skills to process such applications. Parents are strongly advised to inform the School as early as possible and discuss their particular situation well in advance of making application.
As soon as is practicable, but not later than 21 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)).
ASD SUPPORT: THE LIR CENTRE (TEARMANN LIR)
St. Vincent’s hosts the Lir Centre which specializes in supporting students with ASD. Applications will only be considered in the year of entry of the candidate to our school. The standard enrolment procedures apply in the first instance in conjunction with the following procedures:
Parents seeking to enroll a student in the Lir Centre should make an appointment to meet with the co-ordinator of the Lir Centre or the co-ordinator of Special Educational Needs at the earliest available opportunity to discuss the supports provided in the Lir Centre and the needs of the applicant.
A recent psychological assessment or a report from a member of a multi-disciplinary team must be provided. A multi-disciplinary team may consist of a Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech & Language Therapist, Social Worker and a Physiotherapist. (“Multi-Disciplinary Team”). Please note all reports in operation on a child should be provided to the school for assessment. The withholding of reports from the school may invalidate an Enrolment Application at any time.
The student must have a primary diagnosis of Autism / Autistic Spectrum Disorder. There must be a recommendation in the report that a special class placement in a mainstream school is both necessary and suitable for the child.
The following criteria will apply in allocating places in the Lir Centre
• That there is available space. The Lir Centre will provide a maximum of 18 places at any given time.
• The needs of students as identified can be met within the Lir Centre.
• Where there are more applicants than places the criteria for selection as outlined previously in this policy will apply. Where these criteria are exhausted the remaining places will be allocated by lottery.
APPEALS
The Board of Management reserves the right to refuse an application for admission in exceptional circumstances. Education Welfare Act, 2000, Section 24; (5), page 22 Education Act 1998, Section 29, page 27; Circular Letter M48/01.
The Board of Management of a recognised school shall not refuse to admit as a student in such school a child, in respect of whom an application to be so admitted has been made, except where such refusal is in accordance with the policy of the recognised school concerned published under section 15(2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, Education (Welfare) Act 2000, (Section 19 (1).).
Should a student’s application for admission to the school be refused the parents/guardians have the right to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science, (Education Act 1998, Section 29 (d)). The parents/guardians are informed in writing of the Board’s decision and the reasons why the student was not accepted should be clearly stated.
The right to appeal should be restated and the application form provided. (Circular M48/01).
The appeal must be made within 42 calendar days form the date the decision of the Board of Management was notified to the parents/guardians concerned. (Circular M48/01).
An appeal may be made to The Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science, The Appeals Administration Unit, Department of Education and Science, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.
An appeal should be made in writing on Application Form supplied. The Appeals Application Form should be completed in full and should state:
1. The decision being appealed.
2. The grounds on which the decision is being appealed.
3. The date that the parents/guardians were informed of the decision.
4. All other relevant information, etc. (Circular M48/01)
The school must be informed in writing of the decision to appeal.
Having regard to the desirability of resolving grievances within the school where possible, the parties to an appeal under Section 29, i.e. the appellant and the school’s Board of Management, will be asked to consider the matter in the first instance at local level to see if an accommodation can be reached. As a general rule, appeals will only be considered by an appeals committee under Section 29 where the parties are unable to resolve the issue at local level. (Circular M48/01).
Board of Management
St. Vincent’s Secondary School
The admissions policy of St. Vincent’s Secondary School has been formulated in accordance with the religious and educational philosophy of the Religious Sisters of Charity and the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the Equal Status Act 2000 and the Department of Education & Science Circular M51/93
ST. VINCENT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL
Mary Aikenhead, who was a Cork woman, founded the Irish Sisters of Charity in 1815. Her aim, in response to God’s call, was to make available to the poor what the rich were able to buy in the areas of health, education, social services.
In 1857 the Irish Sisters of Charity started teaching girls at St. Vincent’s. The first record of students sitting state examinations dates back to 1931 when eight girls sat the Intermediate Certificate Examination. For many years there was a “Secondary Top” attached to the Primary School.
The school changed and developed through the years to meet the needs of the community it served. In August 1974 St. Vincent’s Secondary School came into being with full recognition as such by the Department of Education. A new building for the Secondary School was opened in December 1979 under the principalship of Sr. Bríd Forde. She was succeeded as Principal in 1989 by Sr. Eileen Doyle. The following year Sr. Patricia Dockery became Principal. In 1998 Ms. Josephine Coffey, a past pupil and member of staff, was appointed as first lay Principal of St. Vincent’s Secondary School. She was succeeded by Mr. Donnchadh Ó Briain in 2003. The spirit of enthusiasm and dedication of the Sisters of Charity and the lay staff has ensured the continuation of the charism of Mary Aikenhead.
TRUSTEES
In 1857 the Sisters of Charity started teaching girls in St. Vincent’s. A Board of Management was set up in 1991 to take charge of the running of St. Vincent’s Secondary School. This board consists of eight members who are appointed by the Trustees. Four of these members are nominated by the Trustees. The spirit of enthusiasm and dedication of the Sisters of Charity is shared by these nominees.
The Trustees continue to own the school and all major projects and refurbishment are sanctioned by them. The Provincial Team keeps contact with and visits St. Vincent’s regularly. They also provide financial assistance for various projects.
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Vincent’s is a Religious Sisters’ of Charity Secondary School. It has its origins in a school founded by Mary Aikenhead in 1857. The School Community of St. Vincent’s continues to be inspired by her motto:
Caritas Christi Urget Nos
The Love of Christ inspires us.
St. Vincent’s is a Catholic girls’ secondary school for girls only. We recognise the uniqueness and needs of all our students, staff, parents and partners. Through a broad based curriculum, we aim to educate each student so that she may achieve her full personal, social, spiritual and academic potential. We welcome the participation of all our partners in the life of our school community.
THE ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL
St. Vincent’s is a Catholic school (for girls only) owned and managed by the Religious Sisters of Charity. The school concentrates on the development of the whole person, by providing for the religious, moral, social, physical and intellectual growth of the students. The school strives for academic excellence while recognizing the need constantly to develop a curriculum where compassion and co-operation are given a higher value than competition. The religious education of students is, and is seen to be, of fundamental importance. The school is committed to enabling students to develop a healthy self-image and to form positive relationships with others. The school seeks means of working effectively towards curriculum development in the light of the changing needs of the students. Good relationships between home and school are encouraged, as these are essential to the educational process.
St. Vincent’s Secondary School is committed to:
• Witness of Gospel values
• Curriculum innovations
• Equality
• Respect for the environment
• Justice
CURRICULUM
St. Vincent’s offers a wide range of subjects for both Junior and Leaving Cycle.
JUNIOR CYCLE
PROGRAMME(S)
- Junior Certificate Programme
SENIOR CYCLE
PROGRAMMES
- Transition Year Programme (OPTIONAL)
- Leaving Certificate
- Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
St. Vincent’s has an active Parents’ Association. Early in the first school term the A.G.M. is held at which the elections of officers takes place for the forthcoming year. All parents/guardians who have a daughter presently attending the school are eligible for election. The committee of the association consists of parent representatives of students from each year group. The association organises talks for parents on educational developments as well as liturgical and social events throughout the year. It has also engaged in a variety of projects and fund-raising events over the years. The principal liaises with the association and attends meetings.
STUDENTS’ COUNCIL
A Students’ Council exists in the school. Each class is represented on the council by a prefect. Five committee members who liaise regularly with the staff co-ordinator run this council.
APPLICANTS TO FIRST YEAR
Parents and guardians of pupils seeking enrolment to First Year are required to complete and return an Application Form to St Vincent’s Secondary School by a date specified and communicated to parents each year on the Application Form. Parents will be informed of the status of their application within twenty-one days of the closing date for applications.
It is a condition of enrolment that parents/guardians give their consent in writing to the School Rules and Code of Behaviour.
The Board of Management reserves the right to determine the maximum number of pupils to be enrolled, bearing in mind:
• The Mission Statement of St Vincent’s Secondary School
• Health and Safety requirements
• Availability of teacher resources from the Department of Education and Science
• Department of Education & Science directives
• The ability of St Vincent’s Secondary School to cater for the educational needs of pupils
• The Board of Management of St Vincent’s Secondary School supports the principles of:
- Inclusiveness
- Equality of access and participation in the school
- Parental choice in relation to enrolment
- Respect for diversity of traditions, religions, values, beliefs, languages and ways of life in society
Religious Education is a core subject on the school curriculum and an integral part of the ethos of the school. All pupils are encouraged to participate in RE. However, this does not affect the legal rights of parents as set out in the Constitution to withdraw their daughter from Religious Instruction. In cases such as this, responsibility for supervision of the student at such times lies with the parents. This is because it may not be possible for the school to provide for such supervision of their daughter within the Department of Education`s staff allocation to the school. See ”Guidelines on the Inclusion of Students of Other Faiths in Catholic Schools” at www.jmb.ie
The financial and teaching resources of the school are provided by a combination of Department of Education & Science teacher allocations and grants, voluntary contributions and fundraising. St Vincent’s Secondary School follows the curriculum programmes prescribed by the Department of Education & Skills, which may be amended from time to time in accordance with section 9 and 30 of the Education Act 1998. At all times the implementation of the school plan and school policy must have due regard to the resources and funding available.
To be eligible for admission a girl must fulfill all of the following criteria:
• Have reached the required age: 12 on the 1st January in the calendar year following the girl’s entry into First Year
• Have completed Sixth Class in Primary School or equivalent in another country
• Must be willing to accept the school ethos
• Must be willing with parents/guardian to accept and commit to the school Code of Behaviour. Confirmation in writing of acceptance of the Code of Behaviour is required from the parents/guardians and the girl seeking to be enrolled.
• Must be willing to take an Assessment Test (after a place has been offered)
N.B. In the event of school having more applications than places available,
places will be allocated in the following order:
1. Students of St. Vincent’s Primary School
2. Sisters of present pupils
3. Sisters of past pupils.
4. Daughters of past pupils
If the number of applicants at any category exceeds the number of places available, the final places will be filled by means of a lottery involving all the applicants within that category. Such lottery will be carried out under the direction of the Board of Management.
The remaining applications in that category will be placed on a “Waiting List”. Applications in the next category will not be considered until all on the “Waiting List” of the preceding category have been accommodated.
The Board of Management may review the admissions criteria from time to time as appropriate, but in any case at the commencement of the term of office of each new Board of Management in consultation with the relevant partners.
The Board may subject to relevant legislation and subject to Department of Education & Science regulations, alter and amend any section of this Policy as appropriate.
As soon as is practicable, but not later than 21 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)). Pupils accepting the offer of places will be requested to attend for assessment on a day and time notified to them.
Parents of any pupil whose application for enrolment is refused may appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science under Section 29 of the 1998 Education Act. Pupils over the age of 18 years, who have been refused admission to the school also have the right to appeal such a refusal by the Board of Management. This form is available from St Vincent’s Secondary School.
TRANSFER FROM OTHER SECOND LEVEL SCHOOLS
Pupils may apply for admission and a place may be offered subject to the following:
• The school accepts applications from girls only
• The terms of the schools Admissions Policy will apply
• The availability of a place
• That the offer of a place is not deleterious to the education of pupils already enrolled
• The school will seek information and reports from the student’s former/current school regarding the applicant’s record in such areas as attendance, medical history, disabilities, special needs, and any other matters relating to the student’s educational progress and deportment as the school management may consider appropriate
Under the terms of the 1998 Education Act and the Department of Education & Skills Circular M48/01, St Vincent’s Secondary School reserves the right to refuse admission in exceptional circumstances.
MID-YEAR/MID-TERM ENTRY OR TRANSFER
St. Vincent’s Secondary School may enrol a student in the school during the school year subject to the following conditions:
• The terms of the school’s Admissions Policy will apply, the school will seek information and reports from the student’s former/current school regarding the applicant’s record in such areas as attendance, medical history, disabilities, special needs, and any other matters relating to the student’s educational progress and deportment as the school management may consider appropriate
• The school will reserve the right to question the suitability of a transfer during the school year in the best interest of the student.
Consideration will be given to such matters as the consequences of a mid-year transfer on the student’s academic and all round progress
The school will take due account of:
• The availability of space in the school
• The suitability of the subjects taught and the levels at which they are taught
• The subject options available to the student
• It is understood that it may not be possible to provide all the subject options or levels that the transfer applicant has had in her current/previous school, and that St.Vincent’s Secondary School does not guarantee a place in any subject or course to a student who transfers during the school year or during the progress of a programme.
• The school may consult the Educational Welfare Officer concerning an applicant.
PUPILS WISHING TO REPEAT A YEAR
Consideration will be given to pupils wishing to repeat a year, only in exceptional circumstances, and for reasons acceptable to the Board of Management and to the Department of Education and Skills as set out in Circular M57/87, M33/89, M47/92 and M2/95.
PUPILS WISHING TO REPEAT LEAVING CERTIFICATE YEAR 2
Consideration will be given to pupils wishing to repeat the Leaving Certificate Year 2 in exceptional circumstances for reasons acceptable to the Board of Management and the Department of Education and Skills.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
St Vincent’s Secondary School welcomes pupils with special educational needs who fulfil the regular enrolment requirements.
The Board of Management will use the resources, both financial and personnel, provided by the Department of Education and Skills to make reasonable accommodation for pupils with disabilities or special educational needs up to a nominal cost so that these pupils are free to participate in the life of 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 children, the School’s ability to accept pupils with particular needs is dependent on the supply of resources, suitable to the needs of the individual pupil, being supplied by the Department of Education and Skills.
The School welcomes applications from pupils with special educational needs unless the nature and degree of those needs is such that to enrol the pupil concerned would be inconsistent with both the best interests of the pupil concerned and the effective provision of education for the other pupils with whom the pupil concerned is to be educated.
The Board of Management must be aware of any special needs as early as possible, so that these needs can be assessed and addressed where possible.
Parents/Guardians are requested to furnish a copy of the applicant’s medical, psychological and individual educational reports if available with the Application Form.
The Board of Management, having gathered all relevant information and professional documentation, assesses how the needs of these pupils can be met.
Contact will be made with the National Council for Special Educational Needs regarding special needs resources to which the pupil may be entitled.
The Principal may request a meeting with the parents of the pupil to discuss the application and the pupil’s needs. The parents of the pupil may request a meeting with the Principal to discuss the pupil’s educational or other needs.
N.B. It may take some time for the Department of Education and Skills to process such applications. Parents are strongly advised to inform the School as early as possible and discuss their particular situation well in advance of making application.
As soon as is practicable, but not later than 21 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)).
ASD SUPPORT: THE LIR CENTRE (TEARMANN LIR)
St. Vincent’s hosts the Lir Centre which specializes in supporting students with ASD. Applications will only be considered in the year of entry of the candidate to our school. The standard enrolment procedures apply in the first instance in conjunction with the following procedures:
Parents seeking to enroll a student in the Lir Centre should make an appointment to meet with the co-ordinator of the Lir Centre or the co-ordinator of Special Educational Needs at the earliest available opportunity to discuss the supports provided in the Lir Centre and the needs of the applicant.
A recent psychological assessment or a report from a member of a multi-disciplinary team must be provided. A multi-disciplinary team may consist of a Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech & Language Therapist, Social Worker and a Physiotherapist. (“Multi-Disciplinary Team”). Please note all reports in operation on a child should be provided to the school for assessment. The withholding of reports from the school may invalidate an Enrolment Application at any time.
The student must have a primary diagnosis of Autism / Autistic Spectrum Disorder. There must be a recommendation in the report that a special class placement in a mainstream school is both necessary and suitable for the child.
The following criteria will apply in allocating places in the Lir Centre
• That there is available space. The Lir Centre will provide a maximum of 18 places at any given time.
• The needs of students as identified can be met within the Lir Centre.
• Where there are more applicants than places the criteria for selection as outlined previously in this policy will apply. Where these criteria are exhausted the remaining places will be allocated by lottery.
APPEALS
The Board of Management reserves the right to refuse an application for admission in exceptional circumstances. Education Welfare Act, 2000, Section 24; (5), page 22 Education Act 1998, Section 29, page 27; Circular Letter M48/01.
The Board of Management of a recognised school shall not refuse to admit as a student in such school a child, in respect of whom an application to be so admitted has been made, except where such refusal is in accordance with the policy of the recognised school concerned published under section 15(2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, Education (Welfare) Act 2000, (Section 19 (1).).
Should a student’s application for admission to the school be refused the parents/guardians have the right to appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science, (Education Act 1998, Section 29 (d)). The parents/guardians are informed in writing of the Board’s decision and the reasons why the student was not accepted should be clearly stated.
The right to appeal should be restated and the application form provided. (Circular M48/01).
The appeal must be made within 42 calendar days form the date the decision of the Board of Management was notified to the parents/guardians concerned. (Circular M48/01).
An appeal may be made to The Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science, The Appeals Administration Unit, Department of Education and Science, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.
An appeal should be made in writing on Application Form supplied. The Appeals Application Form should be completed in full and should state:
1. The decision being appealed.
2. The grounds on which the decision is being appealed.
3. The date that the parents/guardians were informed of the decision.
4. All other relevant information, etc. (Circular M48/01)
The school must be informed in writing of the decision to appeal.
Having regard to the desirability of resolving grievances within the school where possible, the parties to an appeal under Section 29, i.e. the appellant and the school’s Board of Management, will be asked to consider the matter in the first instance at local level to see if an accommodation can be reached. As a general rule, appeals will only be considered by an appeals committee under Section 29 where the parties are unable to resolve the issue at local level. (Circular M48/01).
Board of Management
St. Vincent’s Secondary School
