Parent Information
CASHELSHANAGHAN NATIONAL SCHOOL
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY
Ballymaleel P.O.
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Roll no:- 15170J
There is a very strong tradition of good attendance in Cashelshanaghan National School. However, the changing social fabric of the nation is altering attitudes to school and we are anxious that parents be aware of the absolute necessity for regular punctual attendance at school. Quite simply, children cannot learn if they are not in school. The following strategies have been put in place to help foster an appreciation of learning and good attendance:
- Rewards in accordance with the Code of Behaviour
- The class teacher at the end of the school year issues certificates of good attendance
- As stated in the Code of Behaviour, parents are expected to write a note/letter/ notify the teacher of the reason for a child’s absence within three days of the child’s return.
- The teacher notes the reason for the students absence, especially those that are at risk of developing school attendance problems
These are categorised as follows;
- Irregular Absentee: 2/5 days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason
- Seriously Irregular Absentee: 6/10 days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason
- Chronic Absentee: 11+ days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason
Appropriate contact will take place between the school and parents/guardians of these children;
- For irregular absenteeism, the teacher will inform the parents by letter of her/his concerns about the child and seek to meet the parents to discuss the matter
- For seriously irregular absenteeism, the Principal will write to the parents inviting them to a meeting to discuss the problem
- For chronic absenteeism the Principal will inform the Education Welfare Officer and notify the parents of this by letter
- Attendance, behaviour and academic records of children who transfer to another primary school will be forwarded to the Principal of the school by post as soon as written confirmation of this transfer is received
- Attendance, behaviour and academic records of children who transfer into Cashelshanaghan N.S., will be sought directly from the previous school
- Attendance, behaviour and Academic records of pupils transferring to secondary school will be sent to the school once enrolment has been confirmed
Attendance will be reviewed in June 2018
References;
Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III; 22.1
Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III; 21.4
Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III; 20.5
Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III; 20.5
Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III; 20.3
Education (Welfare) Act 2000: III; 22.5
“Empty Desks”, C.D.U. Mary Immaculate College
The school day runs from 9.30a.m. to 2.50p.m. Children should not arrive in school before 9.10a.m. as supervision is not provided. No child is considered late until after 9.30pm. Infants go home at 1.50p.m. A ten-minute break is taken from 11.00am to 11.10am. Lunchtime is from 12.30pm to 1.00pm.
During Covid, Break and Lunch Times, between the two rooms, are staggered and pupils use separate entrances.
The school encourages punctuality.
A Healthy Eating Policy is in place in school, encouraging children to bring in a healthy lunch consisting of bread/sandwiches, fruit and yogurt. Friday is a treat day; when the child can bring in ONE item e.g. bag of crisps, small bar of chocolate.
No chewing / bubble gum is permitted.
Children can order school milk in September and January of the school year from the class teacher and they will be billed shortly after.
The school uniform, as decided by the parents, is as follows:
∙ Navy sweatshirt with a school crest.
∙ Navy tracksuit bottoms or navy skirt/pinafore
∙ Red polo shirts.
The Sweatshirt is available in school and can be purchased in September. We encourage the wearing of school uniform, both in school and when representing the school elsewhere. However, no child will be deprived of education for not wearing the school uniform.
School sweatshirts should be clearly labelled. Parents should see that their children come to school clean and tidy. They should also check that children bring their coats, especially in wintertime.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Be a detective:
People with lice don’t always show symptoms, so check your child’s hair regularly using a fine-toothed comb.
Repeat action:
When using over-the-counter products, repeat the treatment seven to 10 days after the first course to kill any newly hatched lice.
Treat on sight:
The experts recommend using medicated products only when head lice are seen, rather than to try to prevent children from catching lice.
Spread the word:
Telling the school when your child has lice will help cut re-infestation.
Tackle curls:
Wet hair and pile on conditioner. Use a wide-toothed comb to straighten, and then clip hair into four quarters. Use a fine-toothed comb to check for lice and a spray bottle of water to wet the hair.