COLÁISTE AN EACHRÉIDH 

Athenry, Co Galway.

Office 091-874590  

Staff room 091-874589   

e-mail: colaisteaneachreidh@cogalvec.ie

   
                       Coláiste an Eachréidh - students and staff 2010 - 2011

Contact details

Brief History

Coláiste an Eachréidh was founded in August 2006 when it opened its doors to 8 pupils and now, 2010, it has an enrollment of 98 pupils. Coláiste an Eachréidh is an all-Irish post-primary school under the auspices of County Galway Vocational Education Committee. It is a co-educational, multi denominational school in which Irish is the language of communication and all subjects are taught through the medium of Irish. Centrally situated in Athenry, Coláiste an Eachréidh serves a catchment which extends from Tuam to Ballinasloe, Oranmore to Loughrea and South to Gort.
Enrolling in Coláiste an Eachréidh is a natural progression for students who have attended All-Irish primary schools. However, students from all primary schools are welcome subject to having a satisfactory level of Irish. Indeed, a third of all students enrolled in All Irish post-primary schools had not previously attended All-Irish primary schools.
Colaiste an Eachréidh is the first school of its kind to be established, not only in County Galway (outside Galway city) but in Connacht.

Advantages of All-Irish Education

Ireland like many other countries is bilingual and our Irish language forms the basis of our unique culture. More than half the world’s population speaks more than one language. Educationalists believe that a bilingual education can give children positive advantages. It helps develop mental agility and alertness. It provides the individual with two windows through which to look at the world;

1. Fluency in student’s own native language.
2. Cognitive intellectual advantage.
3. The student learns a third language with ease.
4. Self-esteem of the student is enhanced.
5. Excellent academic standards.

Unique community spirit connecting students to one another, developing a sense of self-respect.

               Fund raising for ISPCC                       Science Laboratory                             Foireann Eachaíochta

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School Calendar 2011-2012

Term 1

29 August 2011, Monday, First year pupils

30 August 2011, Tuesday, 3rd Year, 5th Year and Transition Year

31 August 2011, Wednesday, All Classes

Mid-Term

Coláiste closed Monday 31 October - Friday 4th November

7 November 2011, Monday, Coláiste reopens.

Christmas Holidays

Coláiste closed Friday 23rd December

Term 2

9 January 2012, Monday, Coláiste reopens for all classes

Mid-Term

Coláiste closed Monday 13 February - Friday 17 February

20 February 2012, Monday, Coláiste reopens

Coláiste closed 19 March 2012, Monday, Bank Holiday

Easter Holidays

Coláiste closed Monday 2 April - Friday 13 April

Term 3

16 April 2012, Monday, Coláiste reopens for all classes

Coláiste closed 7 May 2012, Monday, Bank Holiday

1 June 2012, Students break for Summer holidays

Board of Management

Tomás Breathnach (Co. Galway VEC)

Cllr. Pat Ó Sullivan (Co. Galway VEC)

Máire Ní Chéidigh (Co. Galway VEC)

Peadar Ó Céidigh (Co. Galway VEC)

Gearóidín de Búrca (Staff representative)

Turlough Ó Cuidithe (Staff representative)

Lorna Daly (Parents' representative) 

Pádraig Ó Flatharta (Parents' representative) 
Brian Ó Maoilchiaráin (Secretary to the Board)

Personnel / School Staff

PRINCIPAL	Brian Ó Maoilchiaráin
	Aifric Ní Riagáin    Bláthnaid Uí Fhlatharta    Turlough Ó Cuidithe    Seán Ó Briain    Siobhán Ní         Chuinneagáin    Deirdre Ní Neachtain	Marie Uí Dhufaigh Gearóidín de Búrca Bairbre Ní Choistdealbha Róisín Ní Bhriain Seán Ó Cadhain Pádraig Ó Baoill

Coláiste an Eachréidh PEIL

Coláiste an Eachréidh

Subjects

                Leadóg Bhoird                                                                                 Saotharlann - Science Laboratory

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Facilities:

1. General classrooms are equipped with white boards, overhead projectors, multimedia data projectors, televisions, DVD players, CD and tape recorders.
2. Computer networked stations in each classroom.
3. Broadband access to the internet.
4. Laser printers, scanner, digital camera and digital camcorder.
5. Use of nearby woodwork room, metalwork room, Home Economics room and Science Laboratory.
6. Each student has his/her own personal locker.
7. Recreational room with table tennis and board games.
8. Basketball area and the use of nearby playing fields.
9. Use of local handball / squash court.

Coláiste an Eachréidh also boasts an "Interactive White Board" which uses a multi sensory approach to teaching. The board provides more opportunities for interaction and discussion. Teaching time is increased and revision is facilitated through more varied and dynamic use of resources.

Uniform Description

Blue School Jumper
Navy Trousers (pinstripe for girls)
White School Polo Shirt
Neat Footwear

Available from National Schoolwear Centre Tel: (091) 755515

BUS TRANSPORT: Contact Bus Éireann at 091-537685; 091-537512

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                                       Turas go dtí Ceapach na gCapall                                                  Turas Scoile

Sporting Successes

Photo No.1 Above

Winners of the County Galway schools first year girls table tennis competition are pictured above with Terry Dolan (County Coordinator), congratulations to Dara, Aoife, Orla, Sinéad , Cáit and Donagh.

Mission Statement

I gColáiste an Eachréidh déantar gach dícheall timpeallacht thaitneamhach shlán shábháilte a chur ar fáil ina ndéantar oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge a sholáthar. Dírítear aird ar fhorbairt acadúil, shóisialta agus chultúrtha na scoláirí le súil lán-chumas a bhaint amach. Aithnítear tréithiúlacht ar leith na scoláirí agus déantar gach iarracht iad a oiliúint le bheith ina saoránaigh measúla, réasúnacha, fiúntacha.

Admissions Policy

Application Procedures

• Completion of a registration form - available from the Principal.
• The student must be 12 years of age on the 1st January of the year they are due to go into first year.

Essential Information to be provided by the Parents

• Name, age, date of birth and address of student.
• Name(s), address and telephone number of parent(s) / guardian(s).
• A telephone number in case of emergency.
• Any relevant health information.
• Information regarding any disadvantage/disability or special need of the student.
• Religious belief of the student.
• The student’s previous school (if relevant).
• Reasons for leaving previous school (if relevant).
• Any other relevant information.

Special Educational Needs:

• Every effort will be made to recognise a student’s special educational needs and research these special needs, as soon as is practicable.
• A copy of the student’s medical report / psychological evaluation will be sought.
• A copy of the student’s educational history will be sought (if one is available).
• An independent professional evaluation will be sought.
• Every possible effort will be made to recognise and attend to the student’s needs.
• The Board of Management expresses that admission will be permitted for students with special needs if the Department of Education and Science provides the resources to facilitate those special needs. Otherwise the application will be postponed until suitable resources are provided.

Determining Factors
The Board of Management will determine registration according to school policy, the Education Act 1998, the Education Welfare Act 2000, the Equality Act 2000 and the Special Needs act 2004. The Board will express their opinions to parents about registration within 21 days of the last date for registration, or within 21 days of receiving relevant information in accordance with that which has been laid down by the Board, the Minister for Education and Science and with the Education Welfare Act 2000.
Moreover, the Board would like to clarify that the student’s behaviour is conducive with the school’s mission statement, Code of Behaviour and Ethos.

Criteria for Admission

• Students coming from primary schools that are within the school’s catchment area.
• Students from All-Irish speaking schools.
• Students with an acceptable standard of Irish and a positive attitude towards the language.

Moving from other schools
Before any application is considered, the following points are taken into account.

• Compliance with the school’s admission policy.
• That the school is satisfied with the reasons for leaving. Hence, information from the student’s previous school will be procured i.e. attendance, educational progress, subject choice, term reports, special needs, psychological evaluation (if relevant), reasons for moving, cooperation with teachers etc., in accordance with paragraph 20 of the Education Welfare Act 2000.
• The application cannot be fully considered until the above mentioned reports are received by the school.
• The Board of Management must be satisfied that the move will be beneficial to the student.
• Capacity of the school.
• Consultation with teaching staff.
• Consultation with the Educational Welfare Officer, if applicable.

The Board of Management has the right to refuse an application if it is felt that:

• The student’s standard of Irish is not adequate for the educational medium.
• A move would impede the furthering of their education.
• The student would have an adverse effect on the order and discipline of the school.
• That the student would have an adverse effect on the progress of students already in the school.
• That the move would be adverse to the health and safety of the students already in the school.
• Exceptional circumstances prevail.

Right to Appeal

The Board conveys to parents that if admission is refused to a student, they have the right to appeal under paragraph 29 of the Education Act. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that every student who makes an application is treated equally and fairly in accordance with the Education Act, the Education Welfare Act and the School’s own policies.

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School Discipline Code

A copy of the 'Code of Behaviour' is available on request. All students, and parents / guardians of enrolled students, are briefed on the Coláiste's Code of behaviour and are requested to sign a copy of same as part of the enrollment procedure.

Link to mission and aims
Coláiste an Eachréidh endeavours to create a safe secure environment for staff and students in which education, through the medium of Irish, will be provided, focusing on the students’ academic, social and cultural development. The students’ uniqueness and individuality will be recognised and nurtured so that they become respectful, balanced and valuable members of society.

Responsibilities towards Staff
To provide a safe, clean and well-resourced physical environment in which all can work in a supportive, motivation, caring community – in an atmosphere of respect, tolerance and equality with the opportunity for development with appropriate communication systems.

Responsibilities towards Students
To provide, in a safe and stimulating environment, the means by which our students can be motivated to reach their full potential.

Responsibility towards the Community
Coláiste an Eachréidh has a responsibility to identify the needs and expectations of the local community and to provide a focal point for educational and related programmes of the highest standard, for both the local and the wider community.

Responsibility towards the V.E.C.
To discharge our duties professionally in accordance with our contracts and to represent the needs of the staff to the V.E.C. on an on-going basis, allowing for the changing needs.

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Booklist

Colaiste an Eachréidh provides the textbooks which are then rented to the students for a third of the purchase price. Where possible, duplicate sets of textbooks are purchased to lighten school bags.

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