Primary School Information Folder - Berrings NS

SCOIL NÁISIÚNTA BHIORAINN Berrings National School

BERRINGS, CO. CORK

FÁILTE

Scoil Náisiúnta Bhiorainn is a co-educational primary school in the parish of Inniscarra catering for the education of children from junior infants to sixth class. The school was established in 1847, with the current building opening in 1971. Current enrolment is approximately 200 and staff includes principal and deputy principal, 11 class teachers, including 4 special class teachers for pupils with Autism, 4 special educational support teachers, 12 special needs assistants, 6 bus escorts, a secretary and a cleaner.

School Ethos

The school has a Catholic ethos, observing all the Catholic holidays and festivals. The ethos is demonstrated through the respect shown for each person in the school – pupils, staff, parents and members of the school community. The school supports the principles of “inclusiveness, equality of access and participation in the school and respect for diversity of values, beliefs, traditions, languages and ways of life in society”. Scoil Náisiúnta Bhiorainn wishes to nurture responsible, capable and caring individuals who are enabled to fulfil their potential during their eight years of learning with us. With this in mind, all pupils are encouraged to partake in all of the extra-curricular activities on offer in our school. In tandem with this inclusive ethos, relating to extra-curricular activities, the teaching in all classes is progressively developed to provide a holistic, inclusive and child centred education. The principal and staff strive to make the school a centre of excellence in which high professional standards are maintained and where pupils learn in a positive, happy, secure and healthy school environment.

Home/School Links

Teachers and parents work as partners in the child’s education here in Berrings. The school recognises that parents are the child’s primary educators and welcomes the active involvement of parents. Effective communication is encouraged and maintained between home and school. Parents and teachers collaborate frequently in supporting the pupils to realise the fullness of their potential. Formal parent/teacher meetings take place in November, however parents are encouraged to contact the school/ class teacher at any stage to discuss any aspect of the child’s school life or learning. We value greatly our strong relationship with parents and the local community.

School Opening Times

School begins at 9am for all pupils. Infant classes go home at 1.40pm. First to sixth class go home at 2.40pm. Pupils are supervised from 8.40am to 9am. The Board of Management, principal and staff do not accept any responsibility for children before 8.40am or after 2.40pm unless they are attending an extra-curricular activity organised by authorised school staff. A before and after school care facility, adjacent to the school, is available from 7.30am every morning to facilitate parents who need to drop children before 8.40am.

School Uniform

The school uniform for boys and girls is compulsory and is as follows:

Boys: Grey shirt, grey trousers, wine tie, grey socks, black shoes, wine crested jumper (available from Mick Murphy’s on North Main Street) (021) 427 3464.

Girls: Grey shirt, grey pinafore/skirt/trousers, grey socks/ tights, black shoes wine crested jumper (available from Mick Murphy’s on North Main Street) (021) 427 3464.

The school PE tracksuit must be worn on PE days with appropriate sports footwear. It is available from Academy Crests (021) 439 6800 - school shorts are also available.

Pupils in our Early Intervention Class for children with Autism wear the school PE tracksuit every day.

Board of Management

The school is governed by the Board of management, with eight members; Chairperson, Principal, Patron’s nominee, two parent nominees, teachers’ nominee and two Community nominees. The board of management manages the school on behalf of the patron and is accountable to the patron and the Minister. The Board must uphold the characteristic spirit (ethos) of the school and is accountable to the patron for so doing. The principal is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school, including providing guidance and direction to the teachers and other staff of the school and is accountable for that management.

Parental Involvement

Berrings National School Parents Association is affiliated to the National Parents Council and works closely with the Board of Management and staff to support the school in many areas; organising speakers, policy development, fundraising, supporting initiatives to name but a few. They meet frequently during the school year to work on collaborative projects such as Communion and Confirmation, Easter Raffle, fundraising, Christmas Jumper Day, developing outdoor areas, school musical etc.

Parental Involvement

Berrings National School Parents Association is affiliated to the National Parents Council and works closely with the Board of Management and staff to support the school in many areas; organising speakers, policy development, fundraising, supporting initiatives to name but a few. They meet frequently during the school year to work on collaborative projects such as Communion and Confirmation, Easter Raffle, fundraising, Christmas Jumper Day, developing outdoor areas, school musical etc.