All prospective incoming First Years are invited to visit the school for our Open Night. This allows students to have a look around the school and meet some of their teachers. The first day for First Years is an induction day before the other students return to school. This allows students to familiarise themselves with their teachers, journal, rules and also to find their way around the building.
All junior students are allocated a class teacher to whom students can go to if they are having difficulties or problems. First Years will meet their class teacher and their other subject teachers on the Induction Day.
Mentor Programme
As part of our Pastoral Care Policy we have developed a Mentor Programme in conjunction with KDYS. The ultimate aim of the programme is to create a ‘Buddy System’ between first years and senior students, which will positively impact on the child’s educational and social development thus easing their transition from Primary to Secondary School life. The programme operates by providing older students (Fifth Years) with the leadership skills necessary for the provision of information to First Year students This support continues throughout their first year of school. Students volunteer to meet each week, during which time they may participate in-group activities such as conversations, games, sports or school work.
Career Guidance
Our school has a full time Career Guidance Counsellor, Mr. Patrick Moran, who provides important information and assists students in making choices about further study. Our Guidance Counsellor meets all first year students on a one-to-one basis to help students make good choices about which subjects to choose for second year. Aptitude Tests are given to third year students with the aim of helping each student make informed choices about which subjects to choose for senior cycle. The results of these aptitude tests are given during an individual consultation with the Guidance Counsellor.