Mercy Philosophy of Education  

•     Mercy education is committed to holistic development and to the achievement of the full potential of each student, particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalised.

•     Mercy education is committed to on-going whole school development in collaboration and partnership with
       the Board of Management, staff, parents and the wider community.

•     The central purpose of the School Community is the religious, moral, intellectual, physical and social education of the student.

•     The school Community seeks to create an atmosphere of Christian care and concern in which each student can grow to maturity.

•     It is our goal to create a school where we care for each other and where all can be confident that each individual feels safe and valued.

•     The rules and regulations contained in the Code of Behaviour/Conduct are to help us achieve our goal. Please remember that it is not possible to write down rules that cover every possible situation and as a general principle students are required to show respect for others and for property. All sanctions are subject to the discretion of the Principal/Deputy Principal.

Uniform and Appearance

•     We are proud of our school uniform. It identifies each student as a member of our School Community. Therefore we must show our community at its best at all times.

•     The wearing of the correct and complete uniform is a most important part of school discipline. All students must be in full uniform before they are admitted to class. A stock of freshly laundered jumpers and skirts are kept in school for students who arrive without the correct uniform, so as to enable those girls to join their classes. (If for any reason a girl has to wear an alternative to the uniform skirt until she arrives in school, then she must ensure that she has her green socks and school shoes with her.)

             - Please note that it is compulsory that students wear full school uniform

                   - Travelling to/from school (P.E uniform is not allowed even if the first or last class of the day is a P.E.class)

                   - During specified school outings

                   - When representing the school

                   - During school and state examinations

- The onus is on the parents and the students to ensure that the proper and  complete uniform is worn at all times.  

•     Permission to attend school without a full uniform may be granted by the Principal/Deputy Principal in exceptional circumstances. This permission must be sought and secured in writing before school starts. The school will be closely monitoring students’ correct wearing of the uniform. Parents of individual students who do not comply with uniform rules will be contacted in order to bring about proper wearing of the uniform by those students.

•     All students must have a neat tidy, clean and natural looking appearance suitable for school.  

•     Facial Jewellery is not allowed. Any student who arrives in school wearing same will have to remove it immediately. All students must take responsibility for their own jewellery.

Regulation School Uniform

Junior Students:

•   Cream blouse with revered neckline.

•   Bottle green v neck jumper with school crest.

•   Bottle green Skirt, 28” long with 2 inverted pleats to back and front.

•   Bottle green knee socks/tights.

•    Plain black or dark navy, low heeled, flat soled shoes, deck style or similar.

     V neck  T shirts  may be worn discreetly underneath school blouses for extra warmth.

Senior Students:

•   Cream blouse with revered neckline.

•   Bottle green v neck jumper with school crest.

•   Black-watch Skirt, 28” long with 2 inverted pleats to back and front.

•   Bottle green knee socks/tights.

•    Plain black or dark navy, low heeled, flat soled shoes, deck style or similar.

 Parents please note that both the junior and senior skirts are machine washable at a low temperature.

P.E Uniform & Games Gear – All Year Groups

 Compulsory items:-

•    Royal Blue 3 button polo cotton top (with school crest available from school in September.)

•   Plain navy track suit bottoms.

•   Runners with non marking soles.

 Optional Items:-

•  Plain navy fleece or navy waterproof jacket with school crest

•   Navy shorts for warm weather.

•   Plain navy track suit top or sweat shirt.

Enrolment and Admissions Policy for St. Mary's Secondary School

St. Mary’s Secondary School in an All Girls’ School grounded in the Mercy Philosophy of Education. We will only consider applications from or on behalf of females. It is a community, proud of its Catholic tradition and committed to developing each person’s full potential in a Christian environment. Inspired by the vision of Catherine Mc Auley, Mercy Education is particularly supportive of those who are disadvantaged or marginalized.

Students with special needs are catered for insofar as school resources supported by the Department of Education and Science will allow. Parents/Guardians of students with special needs should inform the school as early as possible so that an application may be made to the Department of Education and Science to have the resources necessary to meet the special needs of the student at the commencement of the school year.

Applicants to All Years are Advised that:

1.       Secondary School students must meet the current Department of Education and Science requirements.

2.       Before any student is enrolled, the school must be satisfied that her behaviour, attitude and educational competence have reached the standards required by St. Mary’s Secondary School.

3.       The School reserves the right to refuse a place to applicants whose behaviour, attitude and educational competence, it considers, would be detrimental to the rights to other students in the school.

 Procedure for Enrolment to First Year:

1.       An Application Form is available from the school and a full and complete application must be submitted to the school office before or on the date and time specified.

2.       The Parent/Guardian must make an appointment to meet the Principal/ Deputy Principal and the student applicant must be present at that meeting.

3.       All applicants and their Parents/Guardians must sign a declaration that they have read, understand and accept the School’s Code of Conduct before enrolment is completed.

4.       All Applicants will be required to sit the Entrance Assessment Standardised Tests and School Set Tests

Procedure for Enrolment to Other Years

 1.       An Application Form is available from the school and a full and complete application must be submitted to the school office immediately.

2.       The Parent/Guardian must make an appointment to meet the Principal/ Deputy Principal and the student applicant must be present at that meeting.

3.       All applicants and their Parents/Guardians must sign a declaration that they have read, understand and accept the School’s Code of Conduct before enrolment is completed.

4.       All applicants will be required to furnish St. Mary’s Secondary School with copies of reports from her last school.

5.       The Principal/ Deputy Principal will contact the Principal of the applicant’s current school. Applicants must be able to demonstrate acceptable standards of behaviour, attitude and educational competence in her current school.

6.       The decision on the appropriate class placement will be made by the Principal.

Procedure for Enrolment to Senior Cycle

1.       Students must have demonstrated acceptable standards of behaviour, attitude and educational competence while in Junior Cycle years.

2.       Where there is a question over the re-enrolment of a student into Senior Cycle the matter will be referred to the Board of Management.

Criteria for Selection in the Event of Excess Applicants.

1.       Full and complete applications must be returned to St. Mary’s Secondary School before or on the due time and date.

2.       Sisters of students, past or present, and children of school staff, in all but exceptional circumstances.

3.       Students from St. Joseph’s (Mercy Primary School) New Ross

4.       Students from the traditional feeder Primary Schools within the catchment area

5.       Daughters of past-pupils, in all but exceptional circumstances.

6.       Special Needs/ Disabilities/Circumstances to be decided at the discretion of the Principal/ Board of Management.

7.       Random Selection

Late Applications:

Late applications will only be considered when all applications received on time have been offered a place.  Applications received after the due time and date are ranked according to their time of receipt by the school and any vacancies that subsequently arise will be filled from this ranked list.

St. Mary's Secondary School Substance Misuse Policy

(Adopted by B.O.M. on 30th May 2005)

Introduction

St. Mary's Secondary School is a health promoting school. It recognizes that substance misuse takes place in the community. The school as part of the community can therefore have incidents of substance misuse which need to be handled in a fair, consistent and sensitive way, with the health, safety, care, protection and welfare of students and the school community as its central concern.

Mercy Philosophy of Education

The school community consists of parents, students, staff and management personnel, sharing a common vision of Mercy Education. The central purpose of the school community is the religious, moral, intellectual, physical and social education of the student. This community seeks to create a learning and teaching environment conducive to the holistic development of the student and the formation of right attitudes and values. Each member of this community participates in the educational process by example of a Christian way of life and by recognising the dignity of each individual.

Mission Statement

The Mercy Philosophy of Education is carried forward through St. Mary's Mission Statement ie.

“St. Mary's School is a community which is proud of its Catholic tradition

and is committed to developing each person's full potential in a positive,

supportive and Christian environment. We invite everyone to participate

and we urge everyone to contribute.”

“Ní neart go cur le chéile”

Collaboration

In keeping with our motto, St. Mary's Policy on Substance Misuse was drawn up in collaboration with teachers, parents, students and the Board of Management. 

Drug Definition

For the purpose of this policy, a drug is any substance which changes the way the body functions mentally, physically or emotionally. It includes over the counter and prescribed medicines, tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, solvents and aerosols as well as the whole range of illegal substances.

Substance Misuse Policy

This is a document adopted by the school community which describes the acceptable and unacceptable use of drugs. It includes practical, usable guidelines and procedures to be followed in the case of a drug related incident arising in the school, with the health, safety, care, protection and welfare of students and the school community as its central concern.

Dissemination of Policy

Copies of this policy will be disseminated to all members of the school community. It will be available from the Principal or Secretaries' offices. It will be given to all new staff and to the parents of new children as part of their induction to the school. Students will be made aware of this policy as part of their drugs education within the context of the S.P.H.E./C.S.P.E. programmes.

Use of Drugs at St. Mary's Secondary School

Jurisdiction of Substance Misuse Policy

This policy applies to all students enrolled in St. Mary's Secondary School, at all times during the school day, during school organised/supervised activities/events, regardless of whether or not these activities/events are on or off the school premises and grounds. It also applies travelling to or from these school organised and supervised activities and events.

The policy also applies to teachers, ancilliary staff, parents, Board of Management and to any worker or visitor in the school or attached to school related activities/events or excursions. The co-operation of all these parties is essential for the acceptance and successful implementation of this and all other school policies.

Legitimate Medicinal use of Drugs

St. Mary's School does not accept the possession, use or supply of drugs in the school at any time during the school day or on school organised trips/activities during non-school time by any member of the school community. The only exception is for legitimate medicinal use and the school should be informed in advance.

An increasing number of students are being prescribed a range of medications that need to be taken during the school day. Common examples are treatments for Asthma and Diabetes.  The Principal should be informed of any students who are on prescribed regular medication and these students are expected, in the normal course of events, to be independent managers of their own medicines.  Students are absolutely forbidden to share with others, prescribed/over-the-counter medication.

Drugs Education

The school acknowledges that it has a vital role to play in drugs education especially in the prevention of substance misuse.

This policy is focused on four main areas:

      1.   Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Education Programmes

      2.   Managing Drug Related Incidents

      3.   Training and Staff Development.

      4.   Monitoring, Review and Evaluation

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Education Programmes

St. Mary's School is committed to providing a comprehensive timetabled drug education programme for all students.

At Junior Cycle this will be incorporated into the S.P.H.E. and C.S.P.E. programmes currently running in the school.

At Senior Cycle level it will be incorporated into the R.E. programme until S.P.H.E. and C.S.P.E. are introduced at all levels.

Our education aims in relation to Drug Education are

•     To increase the self esteem and confidence of our students.

•     To equip our students with personal and social skills.

•     To enable students to make healthy, informed choices by increasing knowledge and by challenging attitudes.

•     To increase understanding of the implications and possible consequences of use and misuse.

•     To minimise any harm which might be caused by involvement in a drug incident by offering supportive interventions

These aims will be met in the following way

•     St. Mary's School will continue to encourage  its students to become involved in projects, activities or organisations which may provide ideas, initiative, support, leadership skills, self esteem or social facilities. Examples include:

      Meitheal Leadership Programme

      No Name Club

      Peer Education Programmes

      Youth Clubs

      Comhairle na nÓg agus Dáil na nÓg

      Young Social Innovators Project

      Young Entrepreneur Scheme

      Social Care ie, Hospital Visitation and Meals on Wheels etc.

•     All teachers who wish to be involved with SPHE/CSPE will be actively encouraged to seek appropriate training and will be given the opportunity to avail of it.

•     A Substance Misuse Officer will be appointed.

•     Any teacher teaching any Drug Education Programme will be given the opportunity to avail of training.

•     All teachers will be offered Drug Information and Drug Awareness training through regular in-service training.

Guest Speakers

We believe that trained teachers are in the best position to carry out drug education but sometimes it may be appropriate to use an outside speaker to supplement or reinforce the work done in class.

Parent/Guardians

Regular opportunities to participate in Drug Awareness Programmes will be made available to parents.

Managing Substance Misuse Incidents

Pastoral principles and practice as well as the use of fair and consistent actions and disciplinary procedures will be used. We acknowledge that in all situations involving drugs, there needs to be a balance between the needs of the student, the needs of the school community and the reputation of the school. As with all situations, listening, separating fact from myth and providing support will be the school's initial approach.

Disciplinary procedures will be applied if school rules are broken including permanent exclusion.

Substance Misuse Incidents

The following are examples of a drug incident:

•     Emergencies when the person may be unconscious

•     Intoxication/unusual behaviour

•     Suspicion/rumour of drug use, possession or dealing

•     Disclosure by another person

•     Failure to disclose knowledge of a drug incident to the appropriate authorities

•     Possession of a legal/illegal drug on the school premises or on a school related activity

•     Selling/supplying legal/illegal drugs

•     Person attempting to procure drugs on school premises

•     Person seeking help from a member of staff

•     School grounds being used for drug activity

•     Drug paraphernalia found on school property

•     Misuse of aerosols, including spray deodorants.

•     Possession of Tippex thinners, petrol, lighters, or any other solvent.

•     Possession of steroids, stimulants, etc.

Banned Substances and Disciplinary Procedures

Smoking is absolutely prohibited as is the possession of cigarettes, lighters and matches  on the school premises, its vicinity and during school functions and activities. Breach of this rule will involve the loss of 20 merits and may lead to immediate suspension from school. The Board of Management will be informed and expulsion will be considered where a student has been suspended twice.

Students are prohibited by law from smoking on the school premises and grounds. The names of any students in breach of this legislation will be passed on to the relevant authorities who may then impose fines of up to €3,000

The possession, purchase, supply to another or drinking of alcohol is absolutely forbidden on the school premises, its vicinity and during school functions and activities. Breach of this rule will involve the loss of 20 merits and immediate suspension from school. The Board of Management will be informed and expulsion will be considered.

In St. Mary's School, the possession, purchase, supply to another, or consumption of illegal substances (drugs) during the school day or during school activities, events or trips is strictly forbidden and breaches of this rule leads to immediate suspension. The Board of Management will be informed and expulsion may be pursued. The Gardai may be informed.

Students found in the company of anyone consuming illegal substances may be subject to the same sanctions as the perpetrator

Aerosols, tippex, solvents and indelible markers are not to be brought to school.

Suspicion of Misuse

All staff will receive training so as to be aware of the signs of drug use.  Insofar as possible staff are always alert to changes in behaviour.  Adolescence is a period of great change and rumour will not be taken as evidence of drug use but it will be investigated. Where a student is suspected of being in possession of illegal substances, the school reserves the right to request students to empty pockets and to open lockers, bags etc. so that a search can be carried  out. The search will be carried out by the principal/ Deputy Principal plus a female senior member of staff.  Parents/guardians will be informed.

Procedure to be followed in the event of a Substance Misuse Incident:

Do NOT panic!   Deal only with the facts.

Assess the situation –  Is acute medical intervention necessary?

Where there is an immediate danger call a doctor and the Ambulance immediately. If at all possible do not leave the person unattended.

Contact details for local doctors:  Dr Mark Walsh,   Airmount,  New Ross   051 421250   Dr Terry Rogers, Priory Place     051 421997

Dr. Aidan Horan, South Street                  051 421257

Dr Kelleher,          South Street                 051 421257

Ambulance/Gardai                                                               999 or 112

Find out what has happened, who was involved, what was involved and where did the incident take place but do not attempt to analyse or taste unknown substances.

Inform the Principal, Deputy Principal or an Assistant Principal.

The parents/guardians should be notified as soon as possible.

In all cases where there is no immediate danger to the person/s, it is important to assess the situation thoroughly. 

A drug incident report form should be completed and given to the Principal/Deputy Principal. A written recording procedure will ensure that a fair process of challenging the student about behaviour of concern is in place.

Health and Safety Guidelines for dealing with a drug misuse incident

Great attention should be taken for personal health and safety when dealing with a confirmed incident involving illegal substances and drug paraphernalia. It is expected that the JLO will deal with all drugs and paraphernalia. In the event that it is necessary (for safety reasons) to remove drugs or equipment prior to the arrival of the JLO then the following should apply;

•  Gloves must be worn

•  Two people should be involved in removing the drugs, paraphernalia etc.

•  No attempt should be made to analyse or taste unknown substances.

•  Drugs should be sealed in a bag and kept in a safe place.

•  Sharp objects ie. needles and syringes should  be placed in a sturdy, secure container ie. a tin with a lid.

•  Disposal should then be arranged with the JLO.  

Returning to school following a confirmed Substance Misuse incident

Any student accepted back to school following involvement in a confirmed substance misuse incident may be asked to comply with a six month period of assessment during which the student may be required to

(a) Attend special counselling sessions.

      and/or

(b) Provide blood and/or urine samples for drug testing.

Confidentiality

The prime focus in any incident relating to a student is the well being of the student, the teacher and the reputation of the school. No member of staff can ever offer total confidentiality. The need for care in this area is recognised as the student may approach a teacher because they trust her/him and need help.  How this situation is handled will have an important bearing on the outcome. It is important that in all suspected or confirmed drug incidents that a limited number of people are involved in managing the incident. People will be informed on a “Need to Know” basis. The Principal, Deputy Principal, Guidance Counsellor, Year Head and person/s directly involved in the case will be informed and all written documentation will be held confidentially by the Principal. The student will be informed about what is happening and why.  

Parents/Guardians

Parents/Guardians will always be involved if there is a substance misuse incident in the school. In the case of tobacco the parents/guardians will be involved after a preliminary investigation. In all other cases involvement will be immediate. This will be handled in a sensitive manner and whenever possible support will be offered.  In the first instance, this support will be offered by the Guidance Counsellor.

Gardai

It is agreed that the principal or a designated person will contact the Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) in the event of a confirmed incident involving illicit substances and any drugs found on the premises will be dealt with by the JLO.

Counselling and Pastoral Care

The school may ask that other agencies be involved once confirmation of an incident has taken place: i.e. HSE. Drug testing; Counselling; G.P. etc.

It is a natural reaction when faced with an incident to feel a range of emotions: anger, anxiety, disappointment with those involved etc. It may also appear very urgent to resolve the situation very quickly. The pastoral care of all – students, parents/guardians, staff – involved with a drug incident must be a primary concern. In response to all incidents pastoral support will be offered and in some cases referral to a substance misuse counsellor may be required.

The Media

A drug incident in a school can draw adverse media attention. The Principal or his/her representative will act as spokesperson. No comment will be offered on individual cases but clarification where necessary will be given, for example: “The school has a policy in place to deal with any substance misuse related incidents and in all cases the appropriate support services will be provided or accessed.”

Training

The Board of Management of St. Mary's School has a strong commitment to ongoing staff training. Up to date information and resources need to be available to the whole school community. 

Staff

The school will make available training to staff involved in delivering Social, Personal and Health Education Programmes.   All staff will be offered drug information and awareness training on a regular basis.

Detailed and specific training will be made available to key staff in relation to managing drug incidents.

First-Aid training will be offered to all staff.

Parents/Guardians and Board of Management

The school will continue to provide opportunities to attend information evenings and workshops on issues relating to drugs and substance misuse.  As part of the induction for parents/guardians of students new to the school this policy will be examined annually on 1st Year Parent's Night.

Students

St. Mary's will continue to offer all its students drug education programmes within the context of their SPHE/CSPE classes and other classes as the opportunity arises.  

Monitoring, Review and Evaluation of this Substance Misuse Policy

Monitoring

Monitoring the substance misuse policy is an ongoing process, which will take place on a regular basis. The Principal and Deputy Principal of the school will monitor the policy once a term to ensure that it is of practical benefit to the school. The results of the monitoring will be recorded and made available in the school office.

Review

The policy will be reviewed annually, or in the light of changing information, by the Substance Misuse Policy Working Group. This group has equal representation of Staff, Students, Parents, Board of Management and is chaired by the Principal. Review will take place in consultation with the wider school community.

Evaluation

Teachers, Parents, Students and Board of Management will be involved in the evaluation of this policy when it has been in place for one year – First Term, 2006 – 2007. Any changes will be incorporated into the amended policy.

Three main areas of the policy to be evaluated are:

•     Drug Education Programmes

•     Drug Related Incidents

•     Parent, Staff and Management Training.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The aim of this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is to ensure that pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school's Internet resources in a safe and effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a school resource and privilege. Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions as outlined in the AUP will be imposed. It is envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the AUP annually.

School's Strategy   

The school will employ a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet. These strategies are as follows:

General

Students are only allowed access to the computer room when they are accompanied by the relevant class teacher.

Filtering software ie. programs that will block access to certain undesirable web sites will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.

The school will regularly monitor pupils' Internet usage.

Students will be provided with advice and guidance in the area of Internet safety.

Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.

Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.

Personal floppy disks or CD-ROMs should not be brought to school and likewise floppy discs used at school should not be brought home.  This will help to avoid the spread of viruses.

Students should only use the computer assigned to them and should not interfere with screen savers, desktop icons or any other computer settings or connections.

Students will observe good "netiquette" (i.e. etiquette on the Internet) at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.

World Wide Web

Students will not visit Internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials.

Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.

Students will be familiar with copyright issues relating to online learning.

Students will never disclose or publicise personal information about themselves or other students.

Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information, school-related or personal, may be monitored for unusual activity, security and/or network management reasons.  

Email

Students will use approved class email accounts under supervision by or permission from  a teacher.

Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, defamatory or that is  intended  to annoy or intimidate another person.

Students will not reveal their own or other people's personal details, such as addresses or telephone numbers or pictures.

Students should never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone.

Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.

School Website

Pupils will be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the World Wide Web.

The publication of student work will be co-ordinated by a teacher.

Pupils’ work will appear in an educational context on Web pages with a copyright notice prohibiting the copying of such work without express written permission.

Digital photographs, audio or video clips of individual students will not be published on the school website. Instead, photographs, audio and video clips will focus on group activities. Video clips may be password protected.

Personal pupil information including home address and contact details will be omitted from school web pages.

Pupils will continue to own the copyright on any work published.

Support Structures

The school will inform parents and students on request, on legislation relating to use of the internet and  on key support structures and organisations that deal with illegal material or harmful use of the internet.

Sanctions

Misuse of the internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges and in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion. The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.