Parents Information
Welcome to our Parents Information section. Here, you’ll find everything you need to support your child’s learning and school life - from the latest school calendar and daily routines to essential policies, uniform guidance, and attendance expectations. We provide clear, practical information to help you stay informed, plan ahead, and be an active partner in your child’s education.
School Calendar
Stay informed about upcoming events, holidays, and key academic milestones.
Arrival
School begins at 8:50 a.m.
Doors to the school open at 8:40 am exactly. It is important that the children develop the habit of being punctual for school.
Children should never be left unattended in the morning and should not enter the school before 8:40am. Children should not leave their cars until the door opens.
There are different entry points for different classes and these are made known to parents via Aladdin Connect at the end of August.
Official teaching time begins at 8:50 so it is very important children have arrived at school by this time.
Small break: 10:50 – 11:00
Big Break: 12:30 – 1:00
Dismissal
Junior and Senior Infant Classes are dismissed at 1.30p.m.
Parents/Guardians collecting their child should line up at the assigned door before dismissal time so as not to cause him/her unnecessary anxiety.
1st class to 6th class are dismissed at 2.30 p.m.
The school should be notified in writing if your child is not being collected by a parent or by the person who normally collects your child by arrangement with the school.
There are different arrival and dismissal doors for the classes to ease traffic congestion. These are announce on Aladdin at the start of the school year and may change.
School Books and Small Fees
Access comprehensive details about required textbooks and associated costs. We provide transparent information to help you budget and prepare for the academic year.
School Books
From September 2023,schoolbooks,workbooks and copybooks for children in recognised primary schools, including special schools, will be provided to every child free by their school. There is no charge to parents/guardians for this, as schools receive funding from Government to cover these costs.
Schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks will be provided by the school. There is no need for parents to buy or order these.
The schoolbooks and workbooks will be on loan to the children. They must be returned at the end of the school year, or if the child leaves the school.
It is important that books are kept in good condition so they can be re-used. Please help make sure your child/children keep the school books safe and takes care of them, so they can be used again by another child.
There may be a requirement for parents to buy some additional items for children to use at
school.
Insurance and small arts and crafts fee.
The BOM agreed to charge a small fee to parents to cover arts and crafts and photocopying.
The charge which includes pupil insurance is currently 30 euro per student.
Other Annual fees
Parents are also asked to cover the fee for Music Generation (4th to 6th class – 25 euro per pupil)
Swimming in Cavan Leisure centre (2nd and 3rd Class – 60 euro per pupil)
Workshops/Taekwondo/ may also have small fees
Stationery List
Teachers will send out a stationery list on Aladdin which will include pens, pencils, folders, scissors, glue and some art supplies. Parents should purchase these before the school term begins.
School Uniform
Children are encouraged to wear their full uniform to school. There is a uniform policy in
place and we ask that all children from junior infants to 6th class respect this.
- Grey trousers/pinafore/skirt
- Royal blue t-shirt with crest
- Red jumper with school crest
- Blue tracksuit bottoms
- Blue polo top
- Red tracksuit Jumper (optional)
The main suppliers for our school uniform are DT 1 Menswear and Uniformity, in Cavan town.
The Parents' Association and school offer second hand school uniforms annually in June and we will inform parents of this date through Aladdin.
Children should have their names on their coats, jumpers and other personal property.
The school is not responsible for loss or pupils personal belogings.,
In the interest of Health and Safety, we request that long earrings and long necklaces are not
worn to school.
Attendance
There is an attendance policy in place, and we ask that parents understand the importance of regular attendance in school.
Why is regular school attendance important?
Regular school attendance is crucial for a child's academic, social, and overall well-being, as well as their future opportunities. It's linked to academic success, social development, and positive life outcomes. Conversely, absenteeism can lead to learning gaps, social difficulties, and reduced future prospects.
What is the school’s responsibility?
Schools must keep a register of the students attending the school. They must also maintain attendance records for all students and inform the Child and Family Agency's educational welfare services if a child is absent for more than 20 days in a school year.
The principal must also inform the Child and Family Agency's educational welfare services if, they think a student has an attendance problem. This may be because the student is not coming to school or has been suspended. A principal is also obligated to send in individual referrals if attendance has succeed above the 20 days.
Parents will be notified via Aladdin when a child has missed 10, 15, 20 days. Parents will be sent a letter from the principal when the child has exceeded 20 days.
What is the parent’s responsibility?
Keep an eye on your child’s attendance on Aladdin. If your child is absent for more than 10, 15, 20 days, it is important to keep medical certs or other information which supports the reason for your child’s absence. Talk to the class teacher if your child is struggling and does not want to attend school. We are here to help.
School Communication
There is a communication policy in place. Please have a read through it so you are familiar with communication protocols.
Why is positive communication important?
We believe that good communication between teachers and parents is essential for student
success. When parents are informed and involved, children are more likely to stay motivated, perform better, and feel supported. Regular updates, meetings, and open dialogue help build trust and ensure everyone works together to support the student’s learning and well-being. Strong parent - teacher communication creates a positive, connected community where students can thrive.
Digital
- Aladdin Connect
- School website
- Email
- within the school working hours 8:00am – 4:00pm, please ‘schedule to send’ your emails within this time frame
Direct
- Parent teacher meetings
(one per year) - Telephone call
- outside of teaching hours 2:30 – 3:30 - Face to face meeting
- outside of teaching hours 2:30
There may be times when parents have concerns or complaints. These situations are best handled through respectful and open dialogue.
Most issues can be resolved quickly when both sides listen and work together, helping to maintain a positive and supportive school environment. If a parent wants to make a complaint, they must follow the stages laid out below.
Please note that parents should not email the principal with complaint, they must contact the class teacher first and follow the stages. The principal can be contacted directly if it is a child protection issue.
Stage 1 Discussion
1.2 Parent meets with Principal (more than once). If the issue is not resolved, then
1.3 Parent meets with Chair of BoM. If the issue is not resolved, then
There may be times when parents have concerns or complaints. These situations are best handled through respectful and open dialogue.
Most issues can be resolved quickly when both sides listen and work together, helping to maintain a positive and supportive school environment. If a parent wants to make a complaint, they must follow the stages laid out below.
Please note that parents should not email the principal with complaint, they must contact the class teacher first and follow the stages. The principal can be contacted directly if it is a child protection issue.
Stage 2 Written (10 Days)
2.2 Chair provides copy of complaint to Teacher
2.3 Chair convenes meeting(s) between Teacher and Parent to resolve matter. If the issue is not resolved, then
There may be times when parents have concerns or complaints. These situations are best handled through respectful and open dialogue.
Most issues can be resolved quickly when both sides listen and work together, helping to maintain a positive and supportive school environment. If a parent wants to make a complaint, they must follow the stages laid out below.
Please note that parents should not email the principal with complaint, they must contact the class teacher first and follow the stages. The principal can be contacted directly if it is a child protection issue.
Stage 3 Board of Management (20 Days)
3.2 Complaint concluded. BoM decides
a. Complaint is vexatious/frivolous
b. Complaint has already been investigated by the BoM
c. Complaint should be dealt with through a relevant Circular
d. Complaint has been referred to law
3.3 Proceed to a Hearing. Complaint should be investigated by the BoM
There may be times when parents have concerns or complaints. These situations are best handled through respectful and open dialogue.
Most issues can be resolved quickly when both sides listen and work together, helping to maintain a positive and supportive school environment. If a parent wants to make a complaint, they must follow the stages laid out below.
Please note that parents should not email the principal with complaint, they must contact the class teacher first and follow the stages. The principal can be contacted directly if it is a child protection issue.
Stage 4 Decision (5 Days)
4.2 Complaint concluded as decision of BoM is final
Parents' Association
The school has a very active Parents’ Association (PA) that plays a vital role in supporting school life. They help fund activities such as Taekwondo lessons, circus workshops, mini school tours, and treats like the ice cream van.
The PA also visit the school to organise special events including the Easter egg hunt, Santa visit, and Communion celebration. Their fundraising efforts—through clothes collections,
bucket collections, and the school toy sale—are greatly appreciated by staff and students. The school is very grateful for the PA’s ongoing support and is always happy to welcome new members.
