Scoil Pól principal, Mike O’Hara, and deputy principal, Bridget Ryan are looking forward to the launch of the new online Open Night videos on Monday 4th of October
Explaining that the open night has had to be cancelled again this year due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, Mike O’Hara, the principal of Scoil Pól in Kilfinane told the Vale Star, “Similar to 2020, information videos about our school will be posted on the web page www.scoilpol.ie and, while it will never be the same as actually being able to visit our school, I hope that these videos will give parents and new incoming students a flavour as to what Scoil Pól is like.”
“In previous years parents and new students enjoyed the opportunity to walk the corridors and rooms where they would meet with teachers and students engaged in the wide selection of subjects on offer in both Junior and Senior cycles.
Student works in the form of projects, tasks and achievements would all be on display showcasing the range and quality of work completed across the school.
Our school videos will be live on the school website from Monday week next, the 4th October, while the schools’ application form will be available on request from the school office and on download from our school website.”
What Scoil Pól is all about
Scoil Pól is a co-ed school that strives to provide a broad education that responds to the needs of the wide community that its students are gathered from –
Students come from Kilfinane, Ardpatrick, Martinstown, Bruree, Effin, Bruff, Galbally, Knocklong, Ballylanders and many other towns and villages.
Scoil Pól is an academic school which endeavours to develop the potential within each individual, offering a rounded education that encourages all students to be the best they can be at all things that they do – that is the daily aspiration for the staff.
In Junior Cert students take the core subjects of Irish, English, maths, science, history and geography.
The option of studying either French or Spanish is then added and supported by wellbeing, SPHE, CSPE, religion, computer studies and physical education. Finally, all students are asked to choose two subjects from the following list: woodwork, technical drawing, art, home economics, music and business studies.
After Junior Certificate students have the option of Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate. Additional subjects as options to study include biology, chemistry, physics, ag science, applied maths, accounting and construction studies. The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme is also available for students whose subject com-binations permit.
School supports
Schools are very busy and often difficult places and to help all students deal with the pressures, their personal lives and peer expectations, Scoil Pól have a multi layered student support system. There are three guidance counsellors available during school days and these are further supported by an active pastoral care system – a core element of the school.
All teachers play a part in the pastoral care, which, by definition, cares for the person, giving all students a ‘go to’ teacher to talk through concerns, anxieties and worries whether of school or beyond.
The pastoral care teachers and guidance counsellors are further supported by Year Heads, middle and senior management.
An open door policy exists across the school affording students an easy opportunity to access teacher support at any time.
Extracurricular
Activities
In developing the rounded individual, Scoil Pól students have a wide and varied selection of individual and team activities that they are encouraged to take part in.
Hurling, camogie, ladies and gents football along with equestrian, chess, draughts, athletics, basketball and many more encourage participation.
The school curriculum also incorporates a philosophy club, green schools, music groups, choir, school musical and drama.
Participation in clubs and team sports is encouraged as it is a great way to make more friends and to develop hobbies and interests.
Students are always welcome to suggest new clubs and share their interests and will find staff willing to get involved.
As restrictions ease, it is great to see training and games returning and Scoil Pól have a proud tradition of competing and winning at the highest levels – County, Munster and All Ireland – and all look forward to seeing students represent the school at the highest levels in the months ahead. Participation is key and there is something for everyone to excel at.
Special Educational Needs
Scoil Pól is very fortunate to have a new autism support suite of rooms in the school. Support is offered and tailored to the needs of the individual and constantly reviewed over the years. Special Needs Assistants support the care needs of students both in mainstream and support classes, while a special needs coordinator is available by appointment to discuss any concern and issues that pertain to individual situations.
Appointments can be made through the school office.
Many other students avail of supports as needed across all year groups.
Application Forms
Application forms will be available from Monday 4th October by download from the school website www.scoilpol.ie or on request from the school office at 063-91197.
Forms will also be sent to primary feeder schools for distribution.
Places are awarded on a first come basis so a prompt submission of the application form is strongly recommended.
For any additional information or queries, please contact the school office at 063- 91197 or email secretary@scoilpol.ie.