INTRODUCING Lucan Community College Information Night for ParentsGuardians

INTRODUCING Lucan Community College Information Night for Parents/Guardians of Accepted Applicants 2021/22 1

Presenter 1 Deirdre O'Donoghue Incoming 1 st year induction coordinator 2

Purpose of Tonight ü To outline the remainder of the Admissions process ü To confirm your choice of Lucan Community College for your son/daughter 3

Agenda – Part 1 • Online pack contents • Gluais student leaders • Inclusion: • English as an Additional Language, • Additional Educational Needs, • Irish Exemptions • Enrolment & Assessment postponed from Wednesday 3 rd February 2021 • Preparation • On the Day • School calendar & Timetable • Homework and study • Journal • Reporting on progress 4

The Junior Cycle Agenda Part 2 Statements of Learning Key Skills Wellbeing Indicators Formation of classes Subjects and Options Process Extra- and Co-curricular programme 5

Mission/ethos/aims Inspection reports Role of parents/guardians Policies Agenda Part 3 What’s new? Tips for parents of incoming 1 st years Finances Board of Management Parents Association Contacts for Parents/Guardians Questions – use the Q&A speech bubble to ask a question 6

Accessing the Information Pack www. lucancc. ie Programmes - Junior Cycle - Incoming First Year Read Information Pack carefully before completing the Forms survey

Online Pack Contents - action items Explanation of Admissions survey Checklist – print and tick Assessment Day 2021 – postponed Code of Behaviour - read Permission to contact primary school survey Student photo and image policy – survey Use of Privacy and Personnel Data Policy – complete, return and confirm in survey Health Information Form – only complete if student has chronic (long-term) illness • Subject Information and online Subject Option Form – text will be sent • Locker Rental Letter – read and pay online • Uniform Details and Policy – read and purchase from sup plier 8

Online Pack Additional Information • Advice from other parents • Child Protection Guidelines (Post. Primary) • Religious Education letter • Wellbeing in Junior Cycle • Homework & Study Policy • Extra curricular activities • Privacy Notice to students/parents/guardians - GDPR 9

10 Gluais – Student Leaders Team of 5 th year students First year transition Leadership Training Building relationships with students in first year • Organising first year events • •

Inclusion: Students with English Language Education Needs • Possibly eligible for special support: • Applicants whose first language is not English • Applicants who started school in Ireland after 11 th birthday • Please complete section on online Survey about English as an additional language 11

Under the New Model of Allocation of Resources, the school receives a general allocation. Inclusion: Additional Education Needs However we welcome copies of assessment reports as they help inform planning for supports. The school receives a general allocation for SNA support. We need to know of any support received to enable planning. 12

Irish Exemption Circular 0053/2019: Criteria: a. students whose education up to 12 years of age was received outside the State and where they did not have opportunity to engage in the study of Irish b. students who are being re-enrolled after a period (at least 3 years) spent abroad, c. students who: i. present with significant learning difficulties and ii. at the time of the application for exemption present with a Standardised Score at/below the 10 th percentile. Students will often still attend Irish class - included in a meaningful way in aspects of Irish language and cultural activities Present exemption cert from primary school OR email office and ask for an application form 13

We will be in touch when we can rearrange this date Approximate Time for students (letter will confirm times): Assessment Tests & Interview Postponed • 12. 20 pm – 2 pm • 2. 05 pm to 3. 45 pm Assessments • Numeracy, Literacy • All materials are provided • Any short breaks will be in or beside the room where testing is being done • Students can bring a small drink or snack • Excellent behaviour is expected Parent/Guardian Meeting & Student Tour • Time/Venue will be posted to you or remote link texted/emailed • Tour of school for students in May by Gluais team 14

Junior Cycle Years 1 – 3 Your Child and the Next Six Years Compulsory Transition Year 4 th year Leaving Certificate Applied 5 th/6 th Leaving Certificate (established) 5 th/6 th 15

Calendar provided with booklists during the Summer and is posted on our website The School Year School Closures – as agreed by Department of Education and Skills School Closures/Early finishes – School Management • • Staff Meetings School Development Planning Parent Teacher Meetings In-Service 16

Timetable (currently under review) Time Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri 8. 55 -9. 35 English Business St Science French Woodwork 9: 3510: 15 Maths Business St Science Geography Woodwork 10: 1510: 27 Break Break 10: 2710: 35 Pastoral Care Pastoral Care 10: 3511: 15 Irish P. E. English CSPE French 11: 1511: 55 French P. E. Woodwork History Maths 11: 5512: 35 Science R. E. Woodwork Maths Business St 12: 35 -1: 15 Science French History SPHE Business St 1: 15 -2: 00 (45 mins) Lunch 2: 00 -2: 40 R. E. History English Irish 2: 40 -3: 20 Geography Maths Irish English 3: 20 -4: 00 History Irish RE Early Finish 17

Homework and Study Homework policy included in pack Stages of policy: 1. Getting it done 2. Understanding 3. Correcting homework 4. Taking notes 5. Studying 6. Revision Supported by year management team and supervised study (3 rd & 6 th year only) Implemented by student, teacher and parent 18

Journal Sample 19

Reporting on Progress • Twice Yearly reports on academic and social progress in school year – Jan and June (On Vsware system) • Annual Parent Teacher Meeting (short conversation with subject teachers – not the place to be raising an issue of serious concern) • Where needed directly arranged individual teacher/tutor – parent meeting/ Year Head – parent meeting • Report by term on attendance where necessary (reports to NEWB/Tusla). Compulsory letters home. 20

Presenter 2 Stephen Brett Deputy Principal 21

The junior cycle focuses on acquiring key skills and new approaches to assessment and reporting. Students study 10 subjects for the Junior Cycle Assessment New Junior Cycle Other Learning Experiences (CSPE, SPHE, Timetabled Wellbeing, Digital Literacy) Active learning methodologies (aligned with school focus) Focus in 1 st year is on transition from primary, laying a good foundation for life-long learning Full details available at www. juniorcycle. ie 22

Junior Cycle: A Studentcentred approach Visit www. juniorcycle. ie for more details

Junior Cycle in Lucan Community College • Junior Cycle is now fully embedded as schools have transitioned from the Junior Certificate over the last few years. • This means students starting in 2021 will continue to follow the new Junior Cycle specifications in all subjects (Circular Letter 0015 /2017) 24

Junior Cycle Keywords • • • AT/Assessment Task: Completed in class under supervision of teacher; based on learning outcomes from CBAs, assessed by State Exam Commission & part of overall grade. CBA/Classroom based assessment: (2 nd year & 3 rd year) - including oral tasks, variety of written tasks, practical tasks (designing or making), artistic performances, scientific experiments, projects-based tasks JCPA/Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement: Official school certificate with exam results, CBAs and Other Learning Areas reported (received during the year following 3 rd year) 25

• Junior cycle operates with students being placed in two bands of 3 classes - in order to allow access to a wide range of subjects Formation of classes (1) • Placement in classes is decided based on • Results of incoming assessment • Consultation with primary school teachers • Information supplied by you at interview • School resources (qualified teachers/teacher availability/room availability) 26

Formation of classes (2) • Students in every class have access to subjects at every level and classes operate on a mixed ability basis • Booklists for all class groups are the same (additional class sets of texts may be used by teachers) • Decisions on level of subject to be taken in Junior Cycle exam is decided late in 2 nd year or in 3 rd year – most subjects now have a common level 27

Choosing your Option subjects – the process 28

1 st Year Subjects 2021: • Non-choice subjects and Other Learning Experiences (OLEs) • Gaeilge/Irish (for examination unless DES exempted) • English, Maths • History, Geography • Modern Foreign Language: French/German • Religious Education • Wellbeing: P. E. , C. S. P. E. , SPHE, etc. • Options (selected online) • Available options include: Applied Technology, Business Studies, Engineering, Home Economics, Music, Visual Art, Science, Graphics and Wood Technology • Advice to Consider • www. ncca. ie - Open Evening (in 2019) • School booklet - Talk to others • Special video outlining option subjects 29

School information video coming soon. . .

Online Options process • You will receive a text message during the next couple of weeks – username and link to VSware (our school management software) • Instructions & demonstration video is available at www. lucancc. ie/incoming-first-year • Once you receive your username options can be entered for one week (7 days to complete this). Options can be changed during this period (software autosaves entries) • 1 st step: choose a modern foreign language (either French or German) in order of preference. • 2 nd step: choose 9 options subjects in order of preference (must list all subjects 1 -9) with top priority placed at number 1. • If your child has a definite preference to study science it should be placed at No 1. to secure it as it remains our most popular options subject 31

Screenshot of Vsware Options 32

Sample Of Timetabled Options Line 1 Graphics Science Music Home Economics Line 2 Applied Technology Visual Art Business studies Science Line 3 Engineering Wood Technology Science Home Economics • Please note that subjects can clash with each other and this may affect the subjects you can study. • There is no way to predict this in advance so choose order of preference – based on numbers choosing a subject and available resources (teachers/rooms etc). 33

• Every effort is made to allocate students subjects based on their preferences Important points about options • Due to resource issues (size of classes, staff, specialist classrooms) it is not possible to give everyone their 1, 2, 3. • Efforts made to balance options offered to ensure no one receives the lowest selected preferences • Important that you reflect before deciding your preference on student interest and aptitude, possible career options • Process for addressing option issues upon start-up in August 2021 • Use information provided by school, NCCA, www. juniorcycle. ie 34

Extra- and Co. Curricular Programme • Supported by staff volunteering • No charge for individual extra-curricular activities – subsidised through the voluntary contribution • Almost 50 activities on offer throughout the year • School Tours (local/ international) • Student leadership: Gluais, Student council, Prefects, Environmental Team 35

Activities in LCC (sample) 1 • Amnesty International (senior students) • Arts Week Committee • Transition Year Musical • School Choir & Concerts • ETB Festival of Music • Chamber Choir • French Film Club • Gaisce • History Visits • Seomra na Gaeilge / Seachtain na Gaeilge • Business Quiz Team • Junior & Senior Debating Team • Reading Week • Young Scientist and Sci. Fest • Supervised Study (3 rd & 6 th years) - cost • Violin classes • Table Tennis 36

Activities in LCC (sample) 2 • Athletics/Cross Country • Chess club • Basketball • Games club • Girls’ Rugby • German Exchange • Boys’ Rugby • TY French Trip • Gaelic Football (Girls/Boys) • Fundraising • Hurling • School Environment teams • Camogie • Soccer • Golf competitions • Hockey • Badminton • Scratch programming club 37

Value of Extra & Co-curricular activities: • Personal development • Team-work • Self-esteem and confidence • Building relationships with staff • Making new friendships • Broader educational experience • Leadership opportunities • Subject reinforcement 38

Presenter 3 Diane Birnie Principal 39

Mission, Ethos and Aims • Those parents already with us are familiar with our school ethos – Aontas/Unity • You can read our Mission Statement on our website: Ø Active learning community Ø Each person is valued and respected Ø Supportive, safe, friendly learning environment Ø Diverse curricular and extra-curricular activities Ø Full potential of all is developed 40

Inspection Reports There is a good sense of ownership across the school of all aspects of the school’s work and a culture of distributed leadership is evident. Teachers are enthusiastic and reflective practitioners The active students’ council, the Gluais team and the recently introduced prefects contribute to the empowering of students. High levels of engagement and participation were noted, students made very good progress during lessons. A supportive student–centred learning environment was facilitated by teachers during the lessons observed. Students demonstrated a sense of pride in their school. See www. education. ie 41

• The best predictor of student success is the extent to which families encourage learning at home and involve themselves in their child’s education. (2000, US National Education Service) • Parent involvement - parents participate in school events or activities (PTMs, fundraisers); teachers provide learning resources or information about their student. • Parent engagement happens when parents participate in school meetings or events (PA meetings, Wellbeing committee), and parents volunteer their support at home and at school (homework, events). • Informal parental involvement (e. g. discuss educational decisions with your child) associated with improved exam performance • Choice of subjects and implications – importance of guidance and advice Our Parents’ Association is a vital part of how you can grow real engagement with our school Lucan CC considers your involvement in your child’s education essential 42

Behaviour Policy in Action • School Rules • Positive and practical • Certain items banned e. g. tippex, chewing gum, mobile phones/cameras/recording devices/smart watches*. • Healthy environment: student water fountains, no fizzy/energy drinks, healthy lunches, canteen, no smoking/vaping • Procedures exist for safety, security, parent information and the law • Teacher-student and student-student interactions: Rights & Responsibilities, Rules, Rewards and sanctions, Anti-bullying policy 43

• Importance of communication – prior to or on day of absence and on return • Morning registration; late registration Attendance and punctuality • Educational (Welfare) Act Ø National Education Welfare Board/Tusla Ø In-year reporting to parents and NEWB Ø End of year reporting to parents and NEWB • Why? Ø Achievement Ø Sequence in Learning: avoiding disruptions Ø Memory and built-in class revision Ø Legislation 44

Uniform 4 5

School Policies • Remote Learning policy • Enrolment policy • Child Protection Policy • Code of Behaviour including Anti-bullying policy • School Self Evaluation report • Data Access & Protection • Attendance Strategies • Health and Safety • ICT • • • RSE/SPHE Co-curricular policy Inclusion (SEN) Policy Critical Incident Policy Assessment and Reporting Staff/parent communication Pastoral Care guidelines Suspension and expulsion Complaints procedure Internet Acceptable Use Policy • Substance Misuse New policies developed and existing policies updated regularly – the PA is your means of consulting on various policies and procedures 46

Communication for Parents/Guardians • The Journal • Read nightly • Signed weekly • Student Management System • VSware – options, attendance, behaviour, reports, etc. • Teacher Contacts • Subject teacher • Tutor (Pastoral & minor discipline) • Year Head • Link Deputy Principal • The Office • Email: admin@lucancc. ie • Phone: 016282077 • Absences • Appointments • Lost Property • Forgotten items 47

Finances • DES, directly and through ETB, funds basic building costs • Parental contributions covers the rest: • Annual € 50 to cover basic expenses e. g. Journal, text messaging, 24 hour insurance scheme, etc. • Annual € 100 voluntary contribution to cover all extracurricular expenses, (reductions for siblings in school) • Locker rental € 50 covers 1 st-3 rd year • Small number of additional payments during the year to cover some costs – trips, arts week, charity fundraising, etc. • Transition Year € 400 fee and other optional costs as required • Online system through the school website for all payments – instructions on webpage • Thank you for your contribution. This adds to the range of facilities and resources that the school can provide. 48

• Established • 34 years of Lucan CC (since 1987) • High standards • Good track record • Junior Cycle Programme • fully in place for 2021 students • Senior Cycle • New subjects including Politics & Society and PE • Technology • • • ICT grant 100 MB broadband wireless technology roving tablets/laptops staff laptops etc. Text messages, email, website, VSware, phone, meetings • Building Plans • extension and refurbishment • going to tender this year • Pre-qual stage, awaiting stage 2 B approval • School Self Evaluation • student active engagement in learning. 49

Labels Tips 1: Books/equipment Name – ensure your child’s name is on everything: books, pencil case, clothes, folders Books and uniforms Organise Book and uniform sale in June/August – dates will be circulated. Most books are now available online also (code inside) so students can access them when doing homework – reduce weight of bag Help your child to organise their equipment from the start – pockets with books/copies for each subject; colour coded; PE gear; Home Economics ingredients; specialist equipment for some subjects. 50

Homework – do it on the day you get it! Tips 2: Homework/Communication Projects & CBAs – do not leave until the last minute, break up into sections and get it completed well before the deadline: “It’s just a project!” Text-messages – please ensure that we have an up to date contact number for one parent/guardian at all times so that we can contact you if needed Calendar – keep an eye on the calendar (posted/journal/ website calendar/) to see early finishes or days when events are happening 51

1 st to 3 rd year students can stay in for lunch (packed lunch or use canteen) or go home for lunch. They cannot visit any shops or shopping centre areas. Tips 3: Lunch/travel Healthy eating policy – please encourage students to eat nutritious lunches and snacks Cycling – we encourage students to cycle but please ensure they wear a helmet and lock their bike securely, walk while in school grounds Cars – there is no room for parents to park on-site during the school day and the front entrance is not a safe area for dropping/collecting students – please arrange to meet your child further away from the school entrance 52

Patron: Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board

LCC Board of Management • “The board of management has adopted a significant and proactive role in leadership of the school. Members have received training and the board has demonstrated a high awareness of its statutory obligations. ” WSE-MLL report • Chair: currently Cllr. Guss O’Connell • 2 Members of ETB • 2 Parent Nominees • 2 Teacher Nominees • 1 Nominee from Catholic Archdiocese • 1 Nominee from the Reformed Churches in Lucan • 1 Nominee from Community 54

LCC Board of Management: Roles • Providing guidance, governance & support • Contributing to school improvement • Being an ethical friend to the whole school community 55

Parents Association Ø As parents/guardians, you are all members of Association Ø AGM elects representative Committee Ø Current priorities • Pass on issues of concern to parents as a body in dealings with Principal/ school; • Fundraising ideas and developing a calendar of fundraising events; • Consulting on policy development; • Applying appropriate pressure to ensure that the Extension process proceeds speedily; • Debs event for students after graduation 56

Time for your questions

58 Thank you We look forward to meeting you in person soon