Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
We hope this newsletter finds you well. We have a number of items that we would like to bring to your attention as your son/daughter completes the first term of 5th year. Firstly, we would like to express our pride in this 5th year group, they have made a great start to the year, they have tremendous potential and we would like to thank you for your continued support.
Parents’ Information Night
Thank you to all the parents & guardians who were able to attend the Information Night earlier this month. The presentation can be found here: https://www.ratoathcollege.ie/guidance-information-for-parents/
Dialann
As you are aware we use the Dialann as the main form of communication between school and home. It is imperative that you check the Dialann on a daily basis. Please sign notes in the comment section to let us know you have received and read the same. Students should also use the Dialann to record all of their homework and revision. You should be able to monitor your child’s assignments from here.
Teams & 365 Account access
We frequently share announcements and revision notes on Microsoft Teams. It is important that every student checks that they can log into their school email and Teams. If a student cannot log in at home they need to report this difficulty to their Caomhnóir asap. If a student is missing any of their class pages they should communicate this to their subject teacher.
Attendance and Punctuality
We would first like to congratulate the majority of the students who have excellent attendance records so far; this is commendable and a credit to them and to you. Please keep us informed of any planned absences and may we remind you that a written explanation in the Dialann is required when your child returns to school following an absence. If your son/daughter is sick please send an email to [email protected] or their caomhnóir.
Registration is recorded during assembly and any student who is not present will be marked absent on the official register. Students need to be in their classrooms prior to 8:40 to ensure that they have adequate time to get their books and materials ready for their classes. Where students are unavoidably late they must sign in via the main office.
Contacting teachers
Where there is a concern in a particular subject, we ask that you contact the subject teacher first. If your concern is of a pastoral care nature please contact the caomhnóir or if there is a serious concern please contact the Moltóir Ms. Donnellan at [email protected].
Uniform
The standard of uniform is excellent in 5th year. Thank you for your support with the uniform policy. However, there are still a number of students presenting to school in the incorrect uniform particularly footwear and tracksuit pants. The correct items of the uniform and shoes are detailed on Pgs. 28 – 30 of the Dialann.
We are very proud of our uniform and the respect students have for it. It is important to maintain these standards. Please ensure that your student wears the correct full uniform to school. In senior cycle students who arrive to school in the incorrect uniform will be sent home to change. Any student missing items from their PE uniform are asked to wear their formal uniform to school and they will be facilitated to change for PE.
The school environment
As you are aware we are making efforts to be more sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint as a school. Students are reminded to take care of their belongings and keep the school environment clean and litter free. Students should bring a reusable bottle and lunchbox with them for school.
Procedures for going home sick
We would like to remind you that if your child is sick that they must inform a member of staff who will phone home on their behalf. Those who contact home on their mobile phones will have their phone confiscated in line with our mobile phone policy. This is to ensure the health and safety of all pupils.
Upcoming Notable Dates
October 30th- November 3rd: Midterm break, School closed
We would like to thank you for your support and engagement with the school throughout the first term and we look forward to continuing to work with you as we support your child through their secondary school journey.
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Rita Donnellan
5th year Moltóir
