www.holyfaith.ie St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School
St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect the
WELCOMEPRINCIPAL’S
for SELF, OTHERS and for
St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School
ENVIRONMENT
St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School
I hope you enjoy reading about the various opportunities and programmes that we provide for our students and that this prospectus will help you in coming to the best decision for your daughter.
As Principal of the school, I am very proud of our Holy Faith heritage, and together with the teaching team we pride ourselves on the care that we provide for the needs of each of our girls in line with our ethos, which is rooted in one word – RESPECT.
Evelyn2 McLoughlin Principal Thank you for taking the time to read our prospectus. We know that choosing a secondary school for your daughter is a very important decision. We hope that the information you find here will support you in that process by giving you an insight into the excellent all-round education we offer in St. Mary’s. We have been educating girls for over 50 years and we have an experienced, enthusiastic and committed team who are ready to welcome your daughter and support her through her secondary school journey.
We hold high expectations for all our girls, and teaching and learning is aimed at excellent academic achievement, where each girl can reach her full potential. We encourage a positive and respectful learning environment for all, so that students can feel safe and valued in their contributions. We aim to nurture a good work ethic that prepares our girls for further study and the St.workplace.Mary’sis very fortunate to be well supported by parents and guardians who care greatly for their child’s education. We recognise fully the importance of the partnership between home and school and value this important relationship.
It is with great pleasure we welcome your daughter to St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School. As a teacher and Deputy Principal, I look forward very much to looking after your daughter in our safe and secure surroundings, where we encourage our students to grow and become active citizens of the future. The wellbeing of our students is paramount to all in St. Mary’s as we strive to provide an excellent educational opportunity for our students. St. Mary’s is a vibrant centre of teaching and learning. Our aim is to provide our students with the opportunity to study academic and practical subjects, participate in extracurricular activities as well as looking after their mental and physical wellbeing. Our school provides a balanced education for all our students and provides you with the peace of mind that your daughter will be well looked after, and all their educational needs and talents will be catered for.
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Clare Gilligan Deputy Principal
WELCOMEPRINCIPAL’SDEPUTY PROSPECTUS
To encourage active, motivated and responsible citizenship.
VALUES StatementMission
Our School Aims
To engage in ongoing review, reflection and school improvement. To foster a sense of wellbeing across all school activities. HISTORY OF THE OURSCHOOLCORE
St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School Killester is a Catholic secondary school. Our aim is to provide an excellent all-round education in a Christian environment. We strive for academic excellence. We seek to enable each student to reach her full potential, to accept responsibility for her own actions, to respect the rights of others and to be motivated to make a positive contribution to the building of a better world.
To promote our Catholic and Holy Faith ethos and gospel values.
To provide for the social, personal and spiritual development of all girls.
Respect for SELF Respect for OTHERS Respect for the ENVIRONMENT
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To provide an excellent academic education for all girls.
St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School St. Mary
St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT
St Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School, Killester was established in 1967 by the Holy Faith Order. The philosophy and ethos of the school are founded on the vision of Margaret Aylward, foundress of the Congregation of the Holy Faith Order. In 2009, St. Mary’s became part of the Le Chéile Schools’ Trust. The aim of the Trust is to carry on the legal, financial and inspirational role of trusteeship that has, up to now, been undertaken by individual congregations.
PROSPECTUS “St.Mary’s was a school that could make you forget your problems, even on the toughest days. theforevereachlookedEveryoneoutforother.Iwillcherishgreattimesspentthere!”
Belle past pupil
Moore,
6 Junior Cycle St. Mary's offers the following subjects at Junior Cycle: Core Subjects ModernMathematicsEnglishIrishForeign Languages (French or Spanish) SocialWellbeingHistoryGeographyPersonal Health Education (SPHE) Religious Education Civic Social Political Education (CSPE) Short Course Physical Education (PE) Short Course Option Subjects ScienceMusicHomeBusinessArtEconomics
Leaving
Certificate
Core Subjects Option Subjects Irish Accounting English Art Mathematics Biology Religious Education Business Physical Education Music(SocialHomeHistoryGeographyFrench/SpanishChemistryEconomicsandScientific) SCHOOL CURRICULUM St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT
The Leaving Certificate (Established) is a two-year programme that aims to provide learners with a broad, balanced education while also offering them a chance to specialise towards particular higher education and career options. In general, students take seven subjects for examination, one of which must be Irish. Subjects are normally studied at either Ordinary or Higher Level. Two subjects, Irish and Mathematics, can be studied at Foundation Level. In St. Mary’s, the curriculum is as follows:
Transition Year
Striving to build a more just and peaceful world for all.
The TY Programme aims to develop four main aspects of our students:
The Personal: to develop, mature and discover more about one’s personal strengths and a sense of responsibility.
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Achieving high academic standards, sound intellectual and moral criteria and a love for learning.
Fostering a sense of responsibility, solidarity and co-operation.
Providing a person-centred education, based on faith and Christian values, which aims to develop each student’s full potential.
Transition Year was first introduced to students in St. Mary’s in 1995. It is now an integral part of the school curriculum. The programme is not currently compulsory, but over 90% of girls choose it due to the well-researched educational, social and vocational benefits it provides. The school ethos underpins our Transition Year:
Working as a school community where staff, students and parents together respect and foster the ethos of the school.
Appreciating the dignity and uniqueness of each person in a family-like atmosphere where staff, students and all school personnel are respected and valued.
The Social: to become more aware of society and the contribution they can make to promote the value of caring for others.
The Professional: to experience the workplace and to explore and identify possible career options.
The Educational: to experience and explore the different subjects available to them on the Leaving Certificate Programme with a view to making informed choices relating to their future careers; to take ownership of their learning.
TY Curriculum Gaeilge Chumarsásideach CentreResidentialResidentialWorkPhysicalWellbeingRoadFirstGuidanceMusicCodingMultimediaEnterpriseGeographyHistoryMathematicsEnglishEducationAidSafetyEducationExperienceTriptoGlendaloughTriptoTanaghOutdoor PROSPECTUS
Enterprise activities such as Talent Shows, Fun Days and Fashion Shows to develop students’ enterprise skills. These activities usually involve some fundraising for charity.
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is designed to enhance the vocational aspect of the Leaving Certificate. It is a two-year programme offered to senior students and it aims to prepare them for adult life. LCVP encourages students to develop skills and competencies which can be used for both academic and vocational success.
Visits out to third-level institutions as part of the students’ Career Investigation Projects.
Work experience placement to get a feel for the world of work and possible future careers.
Research using ICT to write up portfolios, e.g., CV, Reports, Diary of Work Experience, Enterprise Plans etc.
St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School
St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT
Annual activities that take place as part of LCVP: Trips out to visit local enterprises, e.g., Butlers Chocolate Factory. Visitors to school to speak to students about their field of work or enterprise.
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LEAVING VOCATIONALCERTIFICATEPROGRAMME
The programme is divided into two Link Modules, namely, Enterprise Education and Preparation for the World of Work.
St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School
Students make presentations to the rest of their class on various activities as part of their evaluation, using ICT to assist in this.
9 FacilitiesSchool TwoCanteenFully Equipped Kitchens One Computer Laboratory Two Digital Suites Sports GeneralHallPurpose Hall Reading Room Music Room Two Art Rooms Two Science Laboratories Guidance Suite Learning Support Hub Astro OratoryFitnessCourtyardBasketballFootballPitchPitchCourtSuite PROSPECTUS ProgrammeCurricularExtraTalentChoir Shows SciFestCreativeBookGymnasticsFrisbySoccerRugbyGaelicClubWriting
10 St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School Commendations are awarded at assemblies to motivate, encourage and recognise success in school: Attendance and Punctuality Co-operative and Obliging Creative Writing and Literacy Awards Awards for Junior Cycle Achievement Annual Prizegiving for Academic, Community and MargaretSporting Aylward Award for Community Spirit Phil Costigan Award for Creative Writing Sr. Cyprian Award for Liturgical Music Student of the Year. The school foreign trip is a big part of our school year and is offered to students in senior cycle, 4th, 5th and 6th years. The trips are fully guided by teachers and a tour guide from Saffron Travel, our tour organiser. They are a fun way to travel with your friends to European cities such London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Cologne, Munich, Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Barcelona to learn about and experience their culture and art. We have stayed in lovely hotels, eaten delicious food and enjoyed the thrills of Europe’s best theme parks. These four day/three-night trips have left us informed and with unforgettable memories. ANDAWARDSSCHOOLTRIPSFOREIGNSCHOOLRECOGNITION
Pastoral Care is fundamental in promoting the wellbeing of our students and enhances their educational development. Each year group is supported by a Year Head and Tutor team.
The Role of the Class Tutor In St. Mary’s, every student is part of a base class and is assigned a class Tutor. The Tutor is the first point of contact for the student and provides support, guidance, care and motivation for each girl in the class. The Tutor works closely with the Year Head. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at St Mary’s because of the positive and friendly atmosphere of the school environment. Ever since stepping foot into the school in 2015, there has been an amazing support system from teachers who genuinely care about the well-being of all students. This is really important to me and is one of the many reasons that I’ve enjoyed school at St Mary’s so much.” Ruth Lyons, 6th Year
“IstartedSt.Mary’snotknowinganyone,andIleftwithlifelongfriendsandamazingmemories thatwillstaywithmeforlife.Thestaffareincredibleandgoaboveandbeyondforeachandevery student.Theschoolisaclose-knitcommunitywhosupportandcareforoneanother-apositive andsafespaceforeveryone.” Aoibhe Conway, past pupil
PASTORAL CARE
The school facilitates a number of theme weeks throughout the year to focus on particular areas of interest: Active
SeachtainYoungMentalLiteracyGreenFriendshipCollegeCatholicSchoolsSchoolsAwarenessSchoolsHealthAwarenessSocialInnovatorsnaGaeilge THEME WEEKS PROSPECTUS
The Role of the Year Head
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The Year Head, on behalf of the school community, takes on the role of overseeing the welfare of a year group so that learning at every level of the person is supported.
• Organising St. Mary’s College Fairs, where past pupils are invited back to the school to advise students about the different paths to chosen careers. Facilitating online presentations from past pupils talking about their journey to third-level education and beyond. Arranging and administering assessment tests. Advising on subject choice.
• Providing information on careers. Providing careers classes, explaining how the CAO system works, preparation for CAO application and discussing alternative third-level opportunities.
GUIDANCE COUNSELLINGAND
To assist the students’ educational progress by:
• Personal and social guidance aims to help students to make decisions, solve problems, resolve difficulties and develop coping strategies that will empower them to live more fulfilled lives.
• St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School has a number of personnel, including a visiting counsellor, trained and experienced in supporting students in need.
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St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School
• Organising attendance at careers exhibitions, college open days.
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St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT 2. To provide support for students who may be experiencing difficulty:
• Students can be referred for support at their own request, the request of their parent/guardian, any teacher, or if a friend or peer brings it to the attention of a staff member that a student is experiencing difficulties.
• Students bring a variety of different issues. These include: Personal reasons e.g., friendship / self-esteem Family problems, e.g., bereavement Relationship problems Stress / motivation and coping skills Health issues
• Organising guest speakers from the different third level universities and colleges, including Post Leaving Cert colleges, to visit the school.
• Hosting information evenings for parents/guardians.
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Our Guidance Counsellor works with students on an individual or group basis.
The role of the counsellor is twofold: “St.Mary’sofferedmeendlessguidanceand assistance when it came time to transition on to third-level education. The teachers went above andbeyondtoassistineverywaypossible. St.Mary’sbelievesineachandeverystudent andisinvestedinassistingyoutoreachyour fullpotential.Icouldn’trecommendSt.Mary’s SecondarySchoolhighlyenough.”
Nicole Fagan, past pupil
PROSPECTUS
We place a high emphasis on developing leadership skills and our student body is led by a dynamic student leadership team that supports students on a daily basis to get the best from school life. The leadership opportunities are available in St. Mary’s.
• Head Girl • Prefects • Student Council • Wellbeing Captain • Aylward Ambassador • Librarian • Sports Captain • Student Voice Representatives • Class Captain • Green Schools Leader
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St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School St. Mary s Holy Faith Secondary School
“Students are given very good leadership opportunities through participation on the student council and in their roles as mentors for firstyear students.” Inspection Report 2017 “MytimeinSt.Mary’swassucha happy6years.Iwassupportedwith mystudiesandcareeroptions,and wasencouragedtodomybestin everyway.Ibecamepartofthe studentleadershipteam,which helpedmetogainconfidence,learn new skills and make new friends. I’ll alwaysbegratefulformytimethere.”
LEADERSHIPSTUDENT
Alice Dunne, past pupil St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT
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SCHOOL DAY St. Mary’s operates a one-hour timetable to encourage more active engagement and deeper learning.
Killester United Football Club
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Erin Barry, past pupil PROSPECTUS
Senior students: Navy jumper • White shirt • Plaid skirt Navy socks All students: Green school jacket.
• Only school scarves or plain black scarves are permitted.
Our weekly timetable: TIME MON TUES WED THU FRI 11am-11.15am10am-11am9am-10am Break Break Break Break Break 11.15am-12.15pm12.15-1.15pm1.45pm-3.45pm
• Black flat shoes or navy deck shoes are permitted.
Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership Parnell’s GAA Dublin City University IRFU FAI SciFest FUSE SSA Basketball League GAA The Sports Council Gaisce Ultimate Frisby Ireland HSE Westwood Gym Jigsaw Young Social Innovators
Donnycarney United Football Club Orienteering Ireland
Junior students: Green jumper • White shirt • Plaid skirt • Green socks
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LINKS PARTNERSHIPSAND
• Blue hooded P.E. jackets are for sports occasions only.
“St.Mary’sformewasmore than a school. It was a home awayfromhomewhereI metmyfriendsforlifeand learnt lessons and skills that havesupportedmeever since.Thesupportiveand encouraging environment helpedmeasastudent to see the possibilitiesunlimitedthatwereout there for me. I treasure everylaugh,memoryand momentthatIspentinSt. Mary’sandIhavenodoubt thatthedaysIspentthere weresomeofthebestofmy life.”
The school is linked to several agencies that enrich the school’s curriculum and extracurricular programme. Aspire 2 Le Chéile Youth Centre Athletics Ireland Leinster Rugby Basketball Ireland LGFA Craobh Chiarán Gaelic Club Northside Partnership
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UNIFORM (Supplier: Lynches of Fairview)
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• No over-sized head gear is permitted. • P.E. uniform must be worn for P.E. classes and sports fixtures.
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Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
Stmarysholyfaithkillesterwww.holyfaith.ieadmin@hfk.ie+35318310963@st.marysholyfaith@smhfk
St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School
