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Pastoral Care The underlying philosophy of Scoil Phobail Bheara is based on the education of the whole person. The school fosters the intellectual,spiritual, social, personal, artistic, physical and vocationaldevelopment of all its students. The confidence and self-esteem of our students is promoted through a broad range of curricular and extra curricular experiences. The formal curriculum is comprehensive and the structure of the timetable allows for each individual’s unique strengths and talents. Students, parents and staff are encouraged to participate in making a positive contribution to the shaping of the school, its image and its role in the community. In practical terms this means: Respect for the dignity of each student and member of staff andfor the environment of the school. Commitment to the fullest development of the unique gifts and qualities of all students. Awareness of the home and local environment in which the student’s broader education takes place. Identification of the school support systems needed for the development of students in terms of wholeness and dignity and to deal with problems and difficulties. Effective liaison with external agencies in order to support students in any needful situation. Communication, participation and collaboration between homeand school. Policies and practices which promote wholeness, dignity and growth.All members of staff, teaching and non-teaching, are involved inpastoral care through all their contacts with students. The school itself is a pastoral institution. Pastoral care is implicit and explicit in its expression. It is an integral part of the school’s ethos and curriculum. Formal teaching of Personal and Social Education occurs in weekly forms (CSPE and SPHE programmes).Liaison with parents plays a vital role in the school’s commitment to Pastoral Care. This takes the form of parent/teacher meetings and communication between staff and parents about the progress and development of individual students as required.Staff development in pastoral care is fundamental to the success of the school’s provision. In -service days have focused on varied aspects of the philosophy. Class teachers meet the members of their classes regularly to review and sign the student’s journal. This allows class teachers to monitor students’ behaviour, academic attainment and homework organisation. The class teacher reports to the year head in instanceswhere students might be in need of further pastoral interventions. Year Heads seek to know each member of their year group and tomonitor and encourage their development as they progress fromfirst to sixth year. The year head works closely with class teachers,subject teachers, management and parents to provide for the pastoral welfare of all students in his/her care. The year head reports to parents twice yearly by means of the Christmas and summer examinations’ reports and/or whenever the need of an individual student requires such intervention. The Cabhair Team is comprised of the principal, the deputy principal,guidance counsellor, the chaplain, the special education co-ordinator and a staff member. Students who have come to the attention of the year head through their class teachers, subject teachers or any other member of the school community, are discussed by the entire pastoral team who collectively decide what steps need to be taken to assist the student. Academic, behavioural, social, emotional issues are within the general remit of these meetings. When the need arises, students can be referred forward for counselling and/or other interventions with more specialised personnel within and outside ofthe school community. Communication with parents/guardians frequently arises as a consequence of issues arising from these meetings. The Chaplain is a faith presence in the school community who is available to all students and staff. She accompanies members of the school community on their journey through life. The chaplain’s non-disciplinary role in the school enables her to develop a relationship of trust with the students, staff and parents. The chaplain meets students individually and in class groups. The Career/Guidance Counsellor is involved in a holistic way in all matters academic, social, cultural and / or emotional relating to students. She provides the student with meaningful opportunities to work in self-defined ways towards living in a more satisfying and resourceful manner as individuals and as members of the broader community. The Code of Conduct outlines the behaviour which is expected and all students, staff and parents are encouraged to be vigilant in the recognition and reporting of all inappropriate behaviour. The schoolis subject to the law of the land and must regulate for health and safety of all members of the school community (eg No Smoking) as required in legislation. Scoil Phobail Bhéara code of behaviour seeks to encourage an awareness of equality and the necessity for care and tolerance. The code is positive and developmental in nature and iscentered on respect for oneself, others and the environment. It aims to promote a spirit of self-discipline and integrity. Positive discipline is all embracing and the expectations of the school will set consistently high standards in both academic and behavioural matters. |
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