INTRODUCTION :

Name: Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ
Address : South Circular Rd., Limerick
Tel : (061) 319383
Fax : (061) 316048

The Board of Management is setting out this Enrolment Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998 and the Education Welfare Act 2000 and it trusts that, by doing so, parents will be assisted in relation to enrolment matters. The Principal, Mr. Michael Cregan, will be happy to clarify any further matters arising from this policy.

THE SCHOOL :

Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ is an all Girls Voluntary Secondary Catholic School in the FCJ tradition. The school is run under the auspices of the FCJ Trustees. It follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the Department of Education and Science, which may be amended from time to time in accordance with sections 9 and 30 of the Education Act (1998). It operates within the regulations laid down by the DES, which may be amended from time to time. The school depends on the grants and resources provided by the DES, voluntary contributions and fund-raising and school policy in all areas must have regard to the resources and funding made available to us by the DES.

MANAGEMENT :

The school’s Board of Management is appointed by the FCJ Trustees. The members come from the following constituencies :

FCJ Trustees : 4 Nominees
Parents : 2 elected nominees
Teachers : 2 elected nominees

The Chairperson of the Board is appointed by the FCJ Trustees from among the eight nominees. The Principal is the Secretary of the Board of Management.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION :

Our philosophy Statement outlines the FCJ approach to education. We aspire to celebrate a joyful Christian faith that finds expression in daily life. We aim to offer our students a stimulating learning environment, in which each student has the opportunity to develop the fullness of her academic and personal potential. We work to promote a school culture which values diversity and nurtures an ethos of respect for self, others and the wider community.

[Our Philosophy of Education is attached to this admissions policy document.]
See Appendix I.

THE SCHOOL PROGRAMME :

Every effort is made at Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ to offer students a broad and enriching educational experience. In addition to the (usual) Junior and Leaving Certificate, all students complete a Transition Year Programme. Other features of the school are the establishment of CSPE, SPHE and ECDL for Transition Year pupils. Fifth Year students are offered the opportunity of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, which is completed over two years and is taken in addition to the normal subjects. The management and staff keep themselves informed of current educational developments for the benefit of the students. The school offers a study skills programme through the Deans of Study and there is after-school supervised study available for Junior and Senior students. Physical Education is an integral part of each student’s development. Students are encouraged to become involved in a variety of activities outside the curriculum, such as sport, music, debating, drama, charitable fund raising, quizzes and foreign trips.

STAFFING :

In the academic year 2009/2010 the school has a Principal, Deputy Principal, 40 teachers. The staff includes 1 Guidance Counsellor, 1 P.E. Teacher, 3 Transition Year Co-ordinators, 2 LCVP Co-ordinators, 2 Deans of Study and 6 Year Heads. A Priest from the Parish of St. Joseph’s works with the school. The school also comprises administrative, caretaking and cleaning staff.

REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCIATIONS :

PARENTS:
The Parents Council represents the parent body and meets monthly with the School Principal.

STUDENTS :

1. The student body is represented through Class Captains, Senior Prefects, Deputy Head Girls and Head Girls. The students involved in sports are represented by a Games Captain, Deputy Games Captain and a Sports Council. These representatives meet regularly throughout the year with the Principal, Deputy Principal and Staff.
2. STUDENT COUNCIL :
   A Student Council is also elected annually to represent the student interest in the school.

PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS :

Parent Teacher Meetings will be held according to guidelines laid down by the Department of Education and Science. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

ADMISSION POLICY:

Within the parameters of DES regulations and programmes, the right of the Patrons as set out in the Education Act 1998, the FCJ religious and educational philosophy and the funding, resources and places available, the BOM supports the principles of :

• Inclusiveness
• Equality of access to and participation in the school
• Parental choice in relation to enrolment in the school
• Respect for the diversity of traditions, values, beliefs, languages and the ways of life in Irish society.

PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR INTAKE OF FIRST YEAR STUDENTS :

• An Open Day is held early in the school year for all prospective female students and their parents/guardians.
• Completion of an Application Form obtained from the school.
• If time permits, parents of all prospective First Year Students may wish to meet with the Principal (October – January) prior to their daughter’s entry to Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ.
• Right of Entry is given to sisters of current and past students and daughters of Staff of Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ, provided that any such applicant shall designate Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ as her school of first choice on the Limerick Area Post-Primary Schools Common Application Form for the year of such application. No such right of entry shall be given to any applicant who designates a school other than Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ as her school of first choice on the Limerick Area Post-Primary Schools Common Application form for the year of such application.
• There is a process of random selection for all remaining female applicants who are not sisters of current and past students or daughters of staff of Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ. Maximum class size at First Year level is thirty female students.
• 90 students will be taken for year 2010-2011.
• An assessment test will be held in May after the student has registered in the school.

Dates Agreed by Limerick Principals :

Closing Date for Receipt of Application Forms :	Friday 8th Jan. 2010 at 12.30 p.m.
Offers will be posted on :	Wed. 27th January, 2010
Regrets will be posted on :	Thurs. 28th January, 2010
Acceptance/refusal of places by :	Wed. 3rd February 2010 at 12.00 p.m.
Common Registration Night:	Wed. 3rd March 2010

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS:

Applications from students with special educational needs are welcome, provided the school can meet those needs adequately, subject to the limitations imposed by DES funding and resources. Applications from students with special educational needs must be accompanied by an appropriate psychological assessment. This assessment is carefully reviewed by the school in order to determine if the school is in a position to meet those needs. Applications from students with special educational needs are processed in the usual manner outlined above, subject to the details outlined in this paragraph.

CODE OF DISCIPLINE :

Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ, South Circular Rd., Limerick has a detailed Code of Discipline. It outlines the system the school operates to promote a climate to facilitate the teaching and learning that is at the heart of the school’s educational mission. Prospective students and their parents/guardians should familiarise themselves with the school’s code of discipline which they are required to accept and sign. The parents/ guardians are expected to support the school in its enforcement and undertake to make “all reasonable” efforts to ensure your daughter’s co-operation with the Code. See Appendix II.

TRANSFER OF STUDENTS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS :

In the case of female students wishing to transfer to Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ, South Circular Road, Limerick from another second-level school for any reason whatsoever, an application form must be filled out by the parents/guardians of the prospective student. Information concerning the prospective student’s attendance record, educational progress to date, behaviour record, subject choice and impact on the learning environment for other students in the classroom will be required. The school the student is leaving will be contacted for this information. The application for admission to Laurel Hill Secondary School will be judged in the light of this information and subject to a vacancy in a suitable class. If the school considers that the student may have special educational needs, then an appropriate psychological assessment must be provided to the school and the enrolment application will be considered in the light of that assessment and subject to the details outlined in this paragraph. Consultation with the Educational Welfare Officer may be deemed necessary.

The final decision with regard to the enrolment of female students in Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ and with regard to all matters covered by this Admissions Policy, lies with the Board of Management. The Board of Management reserves the right to refuse an application for admission in exceptional circumstance. The Board of Management will review this Admissions Policy from time to time.

APPEALS :

In accordance with sections 28 and 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of applicants who are not enrolled in the school may appeal the decision to the Board of Management in the first instance and subsequently, if necessary, to the Department of Education and Science.

Appendix II

LAUREL HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL F.C.J.
CODE OF DISCIPLINE

The Rules provide the framework within which the members of the School can live and work together in a happy and secure environment. They help to promote the system of values on which life in the School is based. The rules ensure that each individual is respected and that she is free to develop her own particular gifts and talents.

The rules under each of their appropriate headings extend to every girl whether present in the School or as a recognisable member of the School outside its bounds.

The School reserves the right of interpretation and revision of the rules.

1. THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE SCHOOL.

The Catholic Faith is central to the life of the school.

1.1 Students are required to participate fully in all formal liturgical services of the school.

1.2 Behaviour in the places of worship should be respectful and reverential and should not disturb others.

2. DUTIES TOWARDS OTHERS.

The dignity of the individual must be recognised in our dealings with others.
“Treat others as you wish them to treat you” ……Matt. 7:12

2.1 Students shall respect all School personnel, FCJ Sisters, Teachers, Staff and all who work in the school.

2.2 Students shall obey the Principal and all others placed in authority.

2.3 Students shall treat other students with great respect and consideration.

2.4 Good manners and courtesy must be shown at all times. Offensive habits are not acceptable.

2.5 Rowdy behaviour and the use of bad language are forbidden.

3. TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, DRUGS.

Since society faces major problems arising from the abuse of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, restrictions in these areas are essential.

3.1 Tobacco, smoking and the possession or consumption of alcoholic drink are forbidden in the school and its grounds. No student may smoke or consume alcoholic drink while in school uniform or on educational outings organised by the school.

3.2 The possession or use of illegal or unprescribed drugs is most strictly forbidden at all times.

4. APPEARANCE.

Dress and personal appearance are indicative not only of self-esteem but also of consideration for others.

4.1 Students are expected to be well groomed at all times and to wear full school uniform as prescribed. This rule applies during examination time, when students are representing the school and on the way to and from school.

4.2 Each article of uniform must be marked clearly with the pupil’s name.

4.3 A watch and one pair of stud earrings may be worn. Any other jewellery, if worn, will be confiscated.

4.4 Make-up and nail varnish may not be worn.

4.5 Hair must be kept neat and tidy and in accordance with the annual directives of the school on dress and appearance.

All personal belongings should be clearly marked with the student’s name.

5. PROPERTY.

Students are expected to take reasonable care of their property. The school provides facilities for storing limited property, but it will not be responsible for loss or damage.

5.1 Personal property shall be kept in the locker or desk provided.

5.2 Students shall respect the property of the school. Property damaged or broken must be replaced by the person or persons concerned.

5.3 Students’ belongings which are not in their rightful place will be confiscated and placed in lost property. Fines will be charged for redemption of same. At the end of the school year unclaimed property will be sold and proceeds will be put into school funds.

5.4 Theft and wilful vandalism are regarded as most serious offences. Large sums of money may be handed into the office for safe keeping.

6. CLASS.

The rules for class seek to create a situation in which teachers and students can work together in a helpful environment.

6.1 Students must be punctual for all classes.

6.2 Students must be respectful and courteous to their teachers and act in a co-operative manner.

6.3 Students must come fully prepared for each day’s class with necessary books, writing material, gym kit etc….

6.4 Students must have all their written exercises done and oral work prepared. If this is not possible a note from parent(s) is required.

6.5 Students will require a note from their parents if they wish to be excused from P.E. classes. Those who are excused must present themselves at class time to the P.E. teacher.

6.6 Orderly behaviour is expected in the school corridors and stairways.

6.7 Radios, mobile telephones etc. may not be used during the school day.

6.8 Students will keep their classroom tidy and free from litter. It is not permitted to eat or drink in the classrooms or garden at lunch time. (A supervised lunch area is provided for those who remain in school).

6.9 Damage to school property and the writing of graffiti are serious offences.

7. ATTENDANCE.

Progress on academic courses and in recreational activities is dependent on consistent attendance.

7.1 Students may not leave the school grounds during school hours without written permission.

7.2 When a student is absent during any part of a school day she is expected to give a signed, dated note of explanation.

7.3 Unauthorised absence from school will be considered a serious offence.

7.4 Students who live within walking distance from the school may obtain a lunch pass.

If a student becomes ill or is injured in any way during the school day parents or nearest contact will be notified, so that they may make suitable arrangements to collect student.

8. STUDY.

The rules for study seek to create the quiet and orderly atmosphere which is conducive to effective learning.

8.1 All should be in their place in time for the beginning of study.

8.2 It is forbidden to talk with or to disturb another student during study.

8.3 Students may not leave study without the supervisor’s permission.

9. FIRE.

Fire can have fatal consequences. A high standard of fire precaution is vital to ensure the safety of all.

9.1 Everyone shall be familiar with the fire regulations of the school and shall attend all organised fire drills.

9.2 Interference with fire, lighting equipment or alarm systems is strictly forbidden.

SANCTIONS.

Every effort is made in the school to explain the purpose of the rules to the students. When rules are broken the following sanction(s) will apply.

A. Students may be reprimanded by the appropriate School Official and when necessary they will be referred to higher authority.

B. The infringement may be noted and the record will be consulted when making reports.

C. Privileges may be withdrawn, extra work assigned or in specific cases fines will be imposed.

D. Detention may be imposed.

E. Suspension from class(es) may be imposed while still being required to remain within the school.

F. Students may be called before the Disciplinary Committee of the school.

G. Parents may be asked to visit the school for consultation.

H. The Principal may suspend a student from the school for a period which is deemed suitable.

Suspension will follow when

• The pupil is so disruptive that she is seriously preventing other pupils from learning.
• The pupil is uncontrollable and is not amenable to any form of school discipline or authority.
• The pupil’s conduct is a source of bad example and is deemed by the Principal to merit suspension.

I. The right to expel a student is reserved to the Board of Management. Should the Principal consider the expulsion of a student is justified, recommendations will be made to the Board of Management and the student will remain suspended while awaiting the decision.