RSE Letter for Parents

 

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,    20th April 2021

 

Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a very important element of the school curriculum.  SPHE covers a wide range of topics such as self identity, making decisions, citizenship and relationships, which equip children with many of the skills and knowledge needed in today’s world.

 

The Relationship and Sexuality element of the programme (RSE) includes the learning, understanding and the development of attitudes, beliefs and values about relationships, sexual identity and intimacy.

The main aims of the RSE programme are:

  • To enhance the personal development, well being and self-esteem of each child
  • To enable each child to gain an understanding of and respect for human love, reproduction and sexual activity in a sensitive and measured way
  • To enable the child develop healthy friendships and relationships
  • To develop and promote a sense of wonder and awe at the process of birth and new life.

 

The content of the programme falls under the following headings:

 

  • Myself – Self identity, taking care of my body, growing and changing, safety.
  • Myself and Others – Myself and family, friends and relating to other people.
  • Taking Care of My Body – Naming parts of the male and female body using appropriate terminology (Lower and Middle classes). Identifying physical changes. Understanding puberty and the Reproductive System (Senior Classes)
  • Growing and Changing – The stages of development of a baby from conception to birth (Middle Classes). Understanding sexual relations within the context of a committed loving relationship (Senior Classes).

 

Within this content, there are a number of sensitive issues such as conception and reproduction. Our school policy outlines that these issues would have been primarily taught in January however due to Covid 19 closures this did not happen and we are now advising parents in advance that this will take place next week. We encourage you to talk to your child about what he will learn through RSE in a mature and respectful way.

 

The following guidelines have been put in place to ensure everyone is happy with the delivery of the RSE programme. These are taken from our RSE policy, which, along with all other school policies, is available to parents on request from the office. Please read through the guidelines and do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries or comments.

 

  • The sections within the RSE programme which have been identified as sensitive issues will be taught in January in each class as part of a two year cycle.
  • The programme is taught within the ethos of the school and contemporary issues/topics are dealt with by the teacher at a level appropriate to the age and stage of development of pupils within a moral and spiritual framework.
  • Relationships and Sexuality Education is an on-going process throughout life. A child’s first experience of love, of intimacy and of relationships takes place in the family. Parents and the family are acknowledged as the primary educators of their children. We work in a supportive role with the parents, by complementing their role with a school based programme in RSE
  • All the content objectives of the RSE Programme will be covered by the time children leave sixth class.
  • The teachers’ right to opt out will be honoured which will not affect the teaching of the subject.
  • Parents will be informed by letter a week prior to the teaching of sensitive issues. This will allow time for parents to discuss topics with the child, communicate with the teacher or HSCL if required and/or follow the appropriate procedure for opting out of the RSE programme.
  • If a visitor or guest speaker is invited to a class to enhance the delivery of the RSE programme, the class teacher will remain present in the class. Parents will be informed of such a visit and the content being addressed in advance of the visit. Parents are encouraged to use this opportunity to discuss these topics with their children beforehand. Parents are advised to inform childminders etc. that the sensitive topics are going to be discussed.
  • A parent’s right to withdraw a pupil from the sensitive issues process will be honoured on the understanding that the parent(s) is taking full responsibility for this aspect of education themselves.
  • Parents are obliged to inform the school in writing of their decision to withdraw the child from the sensitive issues classes. Any parent who wishes to withdraw their child are asked to discuss with the principal how this may be facilitated.
  • Teachers do not cover topics such as contraception. Children who ask questions in class on content outside the designated curriculum are encouraged to discuss the issue with their parents. Parents may be informed and asked to talk to their child.
  • Curriculum books and resource materials are available in the school and parents are welcome to borrow them if desired.
  • The school has no responsibility for any information which the pupil may receive outside the direct teaching of the RSE lessons
  • Questions arising from curriculum content will be addressed by the teacher or by the visitor in a sensible, sensitive and age-appropriate manner.
  • Questions arising outside of the curriculum will be referred back to the parent(s).

 

We are very aware of the importance and sensitivity of teaching the RSE programme to our pupils and we thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring your son will have received a balanced education in St Joseph’s C.B.S, which will prepare them for their future.

 

 

 

Is mise le meas,

 

Sarah Bradley

________________

Principal

 

 

Fantastic Free App on ADHD to support families

Fantastic free App on ADHD to support families

The Changing Lives Initiative have developed an App to help families understand what ADHD is and provide practical strategies and tools for parents to use with their children.

The App is particularly relevant for parents who have concerns about their child’s behaviour but are not yet sure if their child may have ADHD.

  The App is also very useful for those working with children, in helping them understand ADHD and how they might support children who have issues with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity.

The App can be downloaded for free at https://changinglivesinitiative.com/portal-capture/

Free Parenting Course with Dr. Colman Noctor

FREE ZOOM Workshop for Parents

 

With DR. COLMAN NOCTOR

 

Tuesday 20th April 2021       8pm – 9pm

 

                             OPEN TO ALL

 

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE CONTACT:

SIOBHAN MC CARTHY MOBILE 087-2538587

 

EMAIL siobhan.mccarthy@cllp.ie

 

Who is Dr. Colman Noctor?

  • Assistant Professor UCD
  • Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist
  • Popular Podcast #Asking for a Parent
  • Featured in “Big Year in Big School” TV Programme

Free Zoom Dance Classes for Children

CHILDRENS DANCE

FREE ZOOM CLASS 

With 

Broadway Babies Stage School 

Join Us For Lots of Fun & Learn Some New Dance Moves

SATURDAY 20 & 27 MARCH 2021 

Sign up for both dates 

Ages 2yrs – 5yrs 11.00am – 11.30am 

Ages 6yrs – 9yrs 11.45am – 12.15pm 

Choose your time & contact 

Siobhan Mc Carthy 

Mobile 0872538587 or Email: siobhan.mccarthy@cllp.ie

Parenting When Separated : a free online talk for parents

‘Parenting When Separated’, a free online talk for parentsFriday 19th March 12p.m. – 1 p.m.

Prof John Sharry

Drawing on the evidence-based Parents Plus Programmes, John Sharry describes practical ways parents can help themselves and their children cope and thrive after separation.  In particular the talk will describe how you can learn to

  • Communicate and co-parent effectively with your children’s other parent
  • Maintain the quality of your parenting
  • Tune into and respond to your child’s needs
  • Prioritise your own self care as a parent
  • Minimise post separation challenges and changes

To reserve a place for yourself or to refer another parent please go to www.parentplus.ie/post/pws2021/

The full Parents Plus Parenting when Separated Course is being run over six weeks for parents in partnership with Parentline starting Thursday 15th April, 7:30 – 9:30p.m.  For more details to book a place or to refer a parent please go to www.parentline.ie/courses 

 

St. Oliver’s Community College: Important information for incoming First years

 

St. Oliver’s Community College Rathmullen Road, Drogheda, Co Louth 

Tel: 041 9838390  

Email: socc@lmetb.ie Website: www.socc.ie

 

Dear Parent/Guardian, 

                                                                                                          

Welcome to St. Oliver’s Community College. We are delighted that you have chosen us for your child’s post-primary  education, and we look forward to welcoming them to our school and working with them over the years ahead. 

The plans and preparations for our incoming first years continue so please find below some details which are relevant  for you at this time of the year. Typically, we would be conducting our entrance assessments at this time of the year but that is not feasible currently. We are working on a plan that will allow us to conduct our assessments in line with public  health guidance.  

We are asking students to select their subject option and short course preferences by Friday March 12th. We have provided some videos and information to help you with these decisions.  

We have prepared a transition booklet for parents and students to plan for the move from primary to post-primary  school. While the document can be viewed on the phone it is best viewed on a tablet or computer screen and covers  the areas that may be of interest to you at this time. We will continue to be in contact with you during the months  ahead. 

 

Subject Option Planning 

We are currently planning the timetable to be offered to students for next year. To aid us in our planning, we are asking  that you complete your subject preferences by Friday March 12th at 12 o’clock.  

To help you make up your mind, please find further information about the subjects that we offer in St. Oliver’s. To  access this subject information, go to www.socc.ie  

There is  an instructional video on how to fill the online option form.  

Submit your subject preferences by clicking on the link – http://bit.ly/FirstYearOptions

The deadline for submitting your subject preferences is Friday March 12th at 12 o’clock

*Please note that this information is for the purpose of assisting us in timetable planning. The final options choice for your  son/daughter may vary depending on the class and programme in which they are placed. The provision of option subjects is  dependent on school resources and facilities available.

 

  1. Ó hAilpín, Príomh Oide 

St. Oliver’s Community College aspires to provide a just and caring environment in which we can learn and grow to our full potential 

Direct student costs 

Payments to the school for student direct costs are made via our online payment system, Way2Pay.  

Book Loan Scheme – €200 (for 1st, 2nd & 3rd year) 

Student Insurance – €8.50 (for 24/7 annual cover) 

Other costs such as uniform, stationery, etc. can be found in the transition booklet which accompanies this letter. 

We will issue a bill to you via text on Monday for the book loan scheme payment. The first instalment of €50 is due by  Friday March 19th. The balance of payment is due by Friday July 23rd

Payment can be made in instalments – just click on the same link sent to your phone to make repeated payments.  A bill for the student insurance will be issued during the summer.  

For more information on these two matters and many more related to the transition to St. Oliver’s, click here to read  the SOCC Transition to Post-Primary Information Booklet.

Virtual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

 

 

  The Keep Well Campaign are running a virtual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with parents and families.

The Virtual Parade involves parents and families coming up with  Poems ,Stories, Food, Song & Dance and a Leprechaun Hunt in the Garden.  Parents are asked to  send in  their photos/videos with the caption CELEBRATING ST PARTICK’S DAY IN YOUR HOME 2021.

There will be prizes for winners and runner ups etc.

WhatsApp entries to – 087 240 3847

Closing Date: Monday 22nd March @5pm