School Enrolment Policy

Introduction

 Pope John Paul’s II N.S. situated in the parish of the Sacred Heart Malahide, aims to provide an education that nurtures the development of the child in all dimensions of his or her life (spiritual, emotional, academic, physical and social).

 While recognizing and respecting the uniqueness of each individual we equally recognize that each individual is part of the wider school community. 

Pupils must, from an early age, recognize that they also have duties and responsibilities. They make their contribution towards ensuring we have a positive school environment by respecting each other, working well and behaving in a socially acceptable manner.

In choosing to enrol your child in our school, we expect you are willing to accept the ethos of the school and the policies which are reviewed at regular intervals.

Enrolment Policy

The enrolment policy drawn up by the Board of Management is in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998.  Thereby, the Board trusts that the policy will assist parents in relation to enrolment matters. The Chairperson of the Board of Management and the Principal Teacher, will be happy to clarify any further matters arising from the policy.

 Pope John Paul's is a Catholic Co-educational Senior Primary School, under the Patronage of the Archdiocese of Dublin.  Year Groups range from 2nd – 6th classes.  The teaching staff consists of:- Principal, 21 class teachers,  3 learning support, teachers, 1 resource teacher and 1 Language Teacher. The number of teachers at any given time may vary slightly depending on enrolment and special needs.

 The school depends on the grants and teacher resources provided by the Department of Education & Science and it operates within the regulations laid down by the Department.  On all occasions the school management must have regard to the funding and resources available.

 The programme of education offered is in accordance with the curricular programme prescribed by the Department of Education, which may be amended from time to time, in accordance with Sections 9 and 30 of the Education Act 1998.

 Within the context and parameters of Department regulations and Programmes and the rights of the Patron as set out in the Education Act 1998 the school supports the principles of:

• Inclusiveness particularly with reference to the enrolment of children with a disability or other special educational need;
• Equality of access and participation in the school;
• Parental choice in relation to enrolment and
• Respect for the diversity of values, beliefs, traditions, languages and ways of life in society.

Times of Opening and Closure

 The school opens to receive pupils at 8.50a.m. each day and closes at 2.30p.m. All children should have left the premises by 2.45p.m. unless they are remaining for an after school activity for which there must be parental permission.   

 The Board of Management cannot accept any responsibility for pupils arriving before the official opening time, or remaining on the school grounds after official closing time. 

Procedure for Enrolment

 The Board of Management has formulated a process of procedure to be adhered to when seeking a place in the school.

• Parents who wish to make an application from St Sylvester’s School will receive their form through St Sylvester’s School.
• Other parents receive an application form in the school or on occasion by post.
• Pupils for 2nd class are asked to have signed forms returned to the school by designated date in February/March .
• Parents must inform the school of any medical conditions or specific educational needs of which may need to be addressed.
• It is essential the application form be completed in its entirety providing the required information e.g. contact phone numbers, mobile phone numbers and work numbers so that parents maybe contacted in the event of illness or other emergency.

Decision Making

 Decisions in relation to applications for enrolments are made by the Board of Management of the school in accordance with school policy.  Parents will receive confirmation of enrolment within 21 days of submission of application.  Having regard for the schools Enrolment Policy, children will be enrolled on application, provided that there is space available.

The Board of Management will always have regard for the Department of Education & Science guidelines in relation to class size, staffing provision, accommodation available and the health and welfare of the children.

Criteria for Selection

1.  Catholic children from the Parish and siblings of children already in Pope John Paul’s;*If the above exceeds places available allocation will be ranked in accordance of age.***
2. Children of staff members (of Pope John Paul’s)
3. Catholic children from St. Sylvester’s *If the above exceeds places available allocation will be by lottery***
4. Other children from St Sylvester’s.  *If the above exceeds places available allocation will be ranked in accordance of age.***
5.  During the school year children are accepted where places are     available e.g. because of re-location.

 Enrolment of Children with Special Needs

 Parents of these children must meet with school management to discuss requirements and the suitability of the school for the child and its capability to meet its needs.

 The Board of Management will request a copy of the child’s medical,  psychological or other relevant reports.

 Where reports are not available the Board of Management will request immediate assessment, so as to assist the school in establishing the Educational and training needs of the child relevant to his/her disability or specific needs and to profile the support services required.

 Where the Board of Management deems additional resources are required, it will immediately request the Department of Education & Science to provide the resources required to meet the needs of the child as outlined in the psychological or medical reports.  These resources may include access to or the provision of any or a combination of the following e.g. visiting teacher services, resource teaching hours, a special needs assistant, specialized equipment or furniture and on occasion transport services.

 Pupils Transferring

During the academic year there will sometimes be a transfer of pupils to and from other schools On these occasions the procedure is as follows.

 Pupils may join the school at any time, subject to school policy, available space and its capability to provide for the child’s needs. Normally transfer will take place at the beginning of a school term.

 All pupils joining school in mid-year must provide school with a letter of transfer.  When registered in our school the school they have left will be notified.

 Pupils leaving the school must notify the school in writing giving the following details:

• new home  address
• name and address and telephone number of new school
• the date on which they are to leave our school

Code of Behaviour/School Policies

It is expected that children who join the school will respect and adhere to the policies of the school.  These policies are available, at this stage, from the school office or on the Induction Night in May along with other relevant school information.

It is the responsibility of parents to read all policy documents it is essential that the form of acceptance/support be returned to the school by a designated date.

 The enrolment policy will be reviewed from time to time to ensure that it is kept up to date and that it retain its relevance.

Reviewed January 2009