Enrolment 2023 - open from December 5th
Enrolment is open from Tuesday 5th December. To enroll a child we need a copy of their birth certificate and PPS number along with a completed enrolment form. We are happy to receive enrolments via email or hard copy.
Please check the flyer that you receive along with the "Application to Enrol" form for the date of this year's Open Day. Should you need further information please feel free to call 047 87244 between 10am and 2pm Monday – Friday or email i[email protected].
Please check the flyer that you receive along with the "Application to Enrol" form for the date of this year's Open Day. Should you need further information please feel free to call 047 87244 between 10am and 2pm Monday – Friday or email i[email protected].
Knockconan A - Z Guide
Our school logo was designed by a past pupil
All you need to know!!
Schools are busy places with lots of information and policies to take in. We have developed this guide to summarise how we do things. For a fuller explanation of policies, ask any member of staff who’ll be happy to help.
Attendance School begins at 9.00am. Regular attendance at school is very important. If a child is absent, we always appreciate a message about this (via the Aladdin app) on his/her return to school. Homework diaries can be used to facilitate messages between parents and teachers.
A note is needed if:
Books and Equipment, Bringing and Collecting Children:
Booklists are made available before the end of each school year. All stationery and textbooks are available for purchase in the school office before school closes in June.
The school is open for children to arrive from 8.50am.
Infants should be collected at the school gate at 1.40pm. They will be escorted there by their class teacher.
Older children may walk from the school door to cars. They will be watched by the class teacher to the gate of the school. Children being collected by car must wait until the vehicle has stopped before they go through the gate. Children must get written permission to leave the school on their own.
Curriculum: The school follows the 1999 Revised Curriculum as in all primary schools. A new language curriculum for English and Gaeilge has recently being introduced to all schools.
Data Protection: Your child’s safety is of utmost importance to us. The school has a child protection policy and we make sure to keep your child safe when in our care. We use a lot of technology in our school. Staff often use photography within the classroom to record school events and outings. On occasion, group photos may be uploaded onto the school website or printed in the local newspaper - we request that photographers do not use the child’s full name. Parents who do not wish their child to be photographed should send a note to the school. Your child(ren) will be visited by a nurse / doctor for various vaccinations and other health checks. Please make sure to fill in any forms that may be sent out to you as we cannot release information without your permission. Our data protection policy is available on request.
Enrolment Policy: Knockconan NS Admissions Policy is available on the school web site. Enrolment forms are available from the school secretary and the school web site and we hold an enrolment day every year. By enrolling your child you are agreeing to the policies of the school.
First Days at School and Family changes: If changes occur within the family, e.g. illness within the family, separation, bereavement, the teacher should be informed in order that s/he can be more understanding and supportive of your child.
Most children settle in to school life easily but it may be advisable to get your child used to being separated from you for short periods for a while before starting school e.g. playschool, Granny's, friends, etc.
Green School: The school is committed to being environmentally friendly. Therefore, we would recommend reusable lunch packaging and drinks bottles. A lot of work has already been done and we will continue to monitor litter, waste and recycling in our school.
We recycle paper, cardboard and plastics. Our food waste is composted and we use it in our vegetable garden. We collect old mobile phones, batteries, stamps and used printer cartridges for recycling. We have been awarded five Green Flags so far.
Homework: It is school policy to give homework to classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Homework should not be a source of conflict between the home and school (or parent and child!). Please ensure your child completes the homework and should difficulties arise, please inform the class teacher.
Illness and In School Behaviour: children who are sick should not attend school. If your child falls ill in school, a member of staff will contact you so that you can make arrangements for the child to be picked up. A child will not be allowed to walk home on their own if they are sick. The school has a code of behaviour which is given to parents on enrolment.
Jackets, coats and other belongings: Children should be familiar with their own belongings - coats, bags etc. Please mark them clearly with your child’s name; this is especially important for the younger children.
Keeping the Rules: The children are familiarised with the rules, sanctions and expectations regarding their behaviour. Individual teachers may from time to time incorporate simple systems in their classrooms, for example individual behaviour plans, stars or class dojo etc. Regular assemblies are also used as opportunities to reward good work and good behaviour. A “Principals Award” is given to one child in each class at assembly at the end of each month.
Lunches: As we are a Health Promoting School, we promote healthy lunches. Follow this link for lunchbox ideas www.safefood.net/education/healthy-lunchboxes
Medical Conditions: It is vital that the school is made aware of any medical conditions or allergies your child may have. In a case where medicine is to be administered, please contact the principal. A child should not carry any medicines on their person. The school has an Administration of Medicines Policy. If you need a member of staff to administer any medication to your child you must complete and sign a form to say so. This form is on the school web site.
Notes & Messages: The following ways of delivering notes home are used in the school.
School Policies
The school has dozens of school policies covering the health, safety and welfare of your child while he / she is under our supervision.
School policies are divided into curriculum subject policies and organizational policies. They are available to view in the school and many are on the school web site. Our policy is to continually review and update policies to reflect circumstances and/or legislation.
By enrolling your child in Knockconan N.S. you agree with the policies of the school.
Questions: if you have any questions or queries not covered by this booklet please contact the school secretary.
Religion: Knockconan is a Catholic primary school under patronage of the Diocese of Clogher.
Supervision: Every child attending Knockconan NS is supervised from the time they step on school property to the time they leave to go home. Lunch breaks are supervised by teachers on a rota basis with assistance from ancillary staff. The infants' teacher escorts infants when they leave at 1.40pm and staff supervise the departure of all children from school grounds at 2.40pm.
Telephone Numbers: We would appreciate if you could notify the school of any changes in relation to contact details as soon as possible.
Uniform: Our school uniform is: navy blue jumper and bright blue T-shirt, both with Knockconan School Crest on the chest and navy trousers or skirt. The school uniform can be ordered through the school office and will be available to purchase from the suppliers in June each year.
Contact Patricia at 047 87244
Shoes should be back and flat, high heels are not suitable.
Tracksuits & runners should be worn on the day that your child has P.E. Smart navy trousers, pinafores or skirts should be worn at other times.
Jewellery e.g. long hanging chains and earrings are not suitable due to safety – we advise common sense in relation to such items.
Voluntary Contributions: We do not ask for a Voluntary Contribution.
Wireless Internet Access: The school is equipped with wireless internet access throughout the building and NCTE Schools Broadband in the classrooms.
Xtra Curricular Activities: Activities may include GAA, Drama, Table Quizzes etc.
Yearly Calendar: THis is available on our website as well as through the Aladdin App.
Zero: Our phone number is 047 87244 if you have any other questions!
Questions we’re often asked…..
How does an average day go in this school?
The school day begins at 9am. It finishes for junior and senior infants at 1.40pm and at 2.40pm for all other classes. Junior Infants finish early (12:30) for the first two weeks to facilitate “settling in”. Children should be on time for class in the morning. Children should be collected promptly at the appropriate time. The teacher must be informed in writing of any changes in collection arrangements (i.e. the identity of the person collecting the child) at all times.
Children have a 10 minute break (little break) and a 30 minute break for lunch and recreation (big break) Please send a healthy packed lunch and plenty of water or milk. The school actively encourages healthy eating and is actively involved in the Health Promoting Schools Programme with the assistance of the HSE.
For safety reasons chewing gum, fizzy drinks and glass bottles are not permitted. We ask that children bring home any wrappers, yoghurt cartons etc. after their lunches in order to minimize waste disposal. Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you have any concerns.
What does my child need to bring to school?
Please ensure your child has two pencils, a rubber, a pencil sharpener, colouring pencils, glue (like Pritt Stick) and a ruler.
Correction Fluid (like Tipex) is not allowed.
Can I come in to the school?
If you wish to send a message or bring something in to your child(ren) during class time, please contact the secretary who will help you out.
If you need to talk to a teacher, please contact the secretary and phone call or an appointment will be arranged as soon as possible outside of class time. We also run formal parent teacher meetings annually, also outside of class time, and we encourage all parents to attend these.
Can I help fundraise for the school?
If you have an idea for a fundraising event, talk to the principal or any member of the Parents' Association officer board. Contact the school secretary for contact numbers if needed.
What do I do when my child can’t come to school?
Let us know by phone call, note or text. Under the Education Welfare Act (2000) a written explanation (either paper or electronic) of your child’s absence should be notified to the school. A record of absences is kept and where more than twenty (20) absences occur in any one year Tusla must be automatically notified.
Where can I see the school’s policies?
Our school is required to have policies and procedures for a number of issues. Legally we must have policies on enrolment, child protection, data protection, behaviour and anti-bullying. We have a wide range of organizational and curricular policies in the school plan which is regularly updated and reviewed. We are continually developing policies and procedures in consultation with staff, parents and the Board of Management. Policies will be available to view in the school and many can be seen on our web site, www.knockconanns.weebly.com
If I have a grievance or complaint, what to I do?
If you have an issue or complaint the school has a clear procedure to be followed to help resolve any difficulties you may have. A copy of the policy is available on the school web site.
What is the Board of Management?
The Board of Management (BOM) is responsible for the day to day running of the school and its finances. It is set up and run according to the Rules for Boards of Management of National Schools as laid down by the Department of Education and Science. The board members then agree to take on certain roles such as secretary and treasurer. Meetings of the board are confidential to members of the board, who may not discuss board business with others. The board does have responsibility to communicate matters of relevance to parents. This is done through the school newsletter. The Board issues an annual report every year which is also published on the school web site.
My child is having a birthday party. How do I send out invitations to the class?
Invitations should not be handed out in class by parents or children as non-recipients can feel left out and excluded. Invitations should be organized outside of school hours.
How much homework should I expect my child to have?
Homework assignments foster initiative, develop independent learning skills and allow time for practice, application and consolidation of what has been learned in school. Homework assignments will be recorded in the homework diary which can also be used for communication purposes for parents and teachers. Infants will have a homework folder.
Homework will generally be set Monday – Thursday
General guidelines for homework
Junior Infants : 10 – 15 minutes Senior Infants : 15 – 20 minutes.
1st Class : 25 – 30 minutes 2nd Class : 25 – 35 minutes.
3rd Class : 30 – 40 minutes 4th Class : 30 – 50 minutes.
5th/6th Class: Approximately 1 hour, maximum 90 minutes
If you have any concerns about your child and homework please contact your child’s teacher or send a note in the homework diary. This is very valuable information which will alert the teacher to any possible problem that may exist.
We would stress that reading with and to your child is the most important homework you can do!
Our school has won many awards including
Getting Ready for School
Here are some useful skills which will help your child adjust to starting school:-
1. Be able to say his/her own name (First name and Surname)
2. Know home address and telephone number.
3. Put on, take off and hang up own coat.
4. Have his/her name labeled on belongings such as uniform, coat, schoolbag and lunchbox.
5. Be able to open and close buttons/fasteners/straps.
6. Use toilet without help.
7. Put shoes on correct feet.
8. Understand and carry out simple orders/requests.
9. Handle a book and listen to a story.
10. Name things/colours that are used regularly.
Toilets
Please make sure that your child is properly trained to use the toilet, toilet paper, flushing, washing hands etc. It is a good idea to provide an extra pair of pants and trousers (labeled) to be kept at school in case of accidents if you think your child may have difficulties. Children are allowed to use the toilet at any time during class or breaks.
Toys, games and gadgets
We ask that all toys, gadgets and games be left at home and not brought in to school where they can end up damaged or broken or become the source of arguments.
Money
Children sometimes need to bring money to school for school trips or for other reasons. Money should be brought into school in an envelope with the child's name, class and specific explanation on the front. All monies should be given to our secretary, Patricia, in the school office.
Coats and Bags
Every child should have a coat with him/her if there is any chance of cold or wet weather.
Please make sure that your child’s schoolbag is not too small, as infant workbooks are quite big. Teach your child to fasten his/her own schoolbag and coat.
Please mark your child's name clearly on all of his/her belongings i.e. T-shirt, jumper, coat, schoolbag, shoes, lunch box (top and bottom), flask (top and bottom), books, pencils, markers etc. This will save valuable time and frustration for children each day.
Play
Children are always encouraged to play safely. Rough play is discouraged. It is against school rules to deliberately hurt anyone. In the event of an accident, you will be contacted by phone. Hopefully this will not happen too often. Organised games are encouraged in the playground. When going to play, children are expected to leave their classrooms in an orderly way and they have to line up quietly in a designated area at the end of playtime.
Communication
Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child's school life.
Should you have any concerns in the first term, please do not hesitate to contact the class teacher or principal. At various stages during the year, oral and written directions are given to parents telling them about how they can help their children with some aspects of their child's school work. Parent/Teacher meetings take place in October/November to update parents on their child's progress.
Regular school newsletters or notes are distributed through the children. Parents of younger children may need to check school bags for these notes at times. If parents have an email address we will send them communications through the internet. Textaparent is also extensively used for messages, particularly those of short notice such as in times of severe weather. Parents are requested to let a child's teacher know if a child has any problems, fears or disabilities. An appointment with a teacher or the principal can be arranged through the school office.
Curriculum
The curriculum in Knockconan covers Gaeilge, English, Maths, History, Geography, Science, Visual Arts, Drama, Music, PE, SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education). All staff continue to avail of regular professional development through Monaghan Education Centre and PDST.
We foster innovation and creativity in the close knit family atmosphere for which small rural schools are famous
The Primary School Curriculum
Guidelines for parents
There is a strong connection between success in school and the type of support parents can give to their children. Research findings emphasize a number of important things that you can do as parents to help your children to do well at school.
Praise and encourage your child, have high expectations but recognize their strengths and weaknesses too.
Take an interest in your child’s progress in school, talk to them about what happens in school, about what they are learning and help them with their homework in an appropriate way
What can I do to help my children to learn before they go to school?
Talk to your children and encourage them to respond, listen to them and respect what they have to say. Discuss and take an interest in their favourite television programmes
Stories, reading and books
Make sure there are plenty of books in the home (picture books, picture books with captions, simple story books, etc.), and encourage children to handle them, look through them and talk about them. Read and tell them stories, nursery rhymes and poems and encourage your child to tell stories and to repeat rhymes and poems
Play and activities
Encourage children in creative and make-believe play and play with them, play games that involve physical activity with your children, let them play with water, sand and other materials and involve them in activities around the kitchen, encourage them to talk about activities. Take your child for walks and point out and name flowers, trees, signs, shops and landmarks that arouse their interest.
Sing rhymes and songs to them and with them, and encourage them to sing, play music for them, get them to clap and dance to the rhythms, and talk to them about the music. Encourage them to draw pictures and to talk about them, and display their drawings and pictures around the house
Knockconan School participates in a wide variety of sporting activities including soccer, athletics and Gaelic football competitions. We also take part in initiatives such as Peace Proms, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Science Week and Engineers Week every year.
Learning from experience is important and so we regularly arrange new and innovative experiences for pupils in and out of school. School trips and in-class workshops with Monaghan County Museum. The senior pupils have also participated in the RDS Primary Science Fair and the Intel Mini Scientist Awards.
Fáilte go Scoil Cnoc Conáin!
Schools are busy places with lots of information and policies to take in. We have developed this guide to summarise how we do things. For a fuller explanation of policies, ask any member of staff who’ll be happy to help.
Attendance School begins at 9.00am. Regular attendance at school is very important. If a child is absent, we always appreciate a message about this (via the Aladdin app) on his/her return to school. Homework diaries can be used to facilitate messages between parents and teachers.
A note is needed if:
- A child has to stay in at playtime.
- Has to be excused from some activity.
- Has to go home early
- If there is a change in the child's travelling arrangements
Books and Equipment, Bringing and Collecting Children:
Booklists are made available before the end of each school year. All stationery and textbooks are available for purchase in the school office before school closes in June.
The school is open for children to arrive from 8.50am.
Infants should be collected at the school gate at 1.40pm. They will be escorted there by their class teacher.
Older children may walk from the school door to cars. They will be watched by the class teacher to the gate of the school. Children being collected by car must wait until the vehicle has stopped before they go through the gate. Children must get written permission to leave the school on their own.
Curriculum: The school follows the 1999 Revised Curriculum as in all primary schools. A new language curriculum for English and Gaeilge has recently being introduced to all schools.
Data Protection: Your child’s safety is of utmost importance to us. The school has a child protection policy and we make sure to keep your child safe when in our care. We use a lot of technology in our school. Staff often use photography within the classroom to record school events and outings. On occasion, group photos may be uploaded onto the school website or printed in the local newspaper - we request that photographers do not use the child’s full name. Parents who do not wish their child to be photographed should send a note to the school. Your child(ren) will be visited by a nurse / doctor for various vaccinations and other health checks. Please make sure to fill in any forms that may be sent out to you as we cannot release information without your permission. Our data protection policy is available on request.
Enrolment Policy: Knockconan NS Admissions Policy is available on the school web site. Enrolment forms are available from the school secretary and the school web site and we hold an enrolment day every year. By enrolling your child you are agreeing to the policies of the school.
First Days at School and Family changes: If changes occur within the family, e.g. illness within the family, separation, bereavement, the teacher should be informed in order that s/he can be more understanding and supportive of your child.
Most children settle in to school life easily but it may be advisable to get your child used to being separated from you for short periods for a while before starting school e.g. playschool, Granny's, friends, etc.
Green School: The school is committed to being environmentally friendly. Therefore, we would recommend reusable lunch packaging and drinks bottles. A lot of work has already been done and we will continue to monitor litter, waste and recycling in our school.
We recycle paper, cardboard and plastics. Our food waste is composted and we use it in our vegetable garden. We collect old mobile phones, batteries, stamps and used printer cartridges for recycling. We have been awarded five Green Flags so far.
Homework: It is school policy to give homework to classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Homework should not be a source of conflict between the home and school (or parent and child!). Please ensure your child completes the homework and should difficulties arise, please inform the class teacher.
Illness and In School Behaviour: children who are sick should not attend school. If your child falls ill in school, a member of staff will contact you so that you can make arrangements for the child to be picked up. A child will not be allowed to walk home on their own if they are sick. The school has a code of behaviour which is given to parents on enrolment.
Jackets, coats and other belongings: Children should be familiar with their own belongings - coats, bags etc. Please mark them clearly with your child’s name; this is especially important for the younger children.
Keeping the Rules: The children are familiarised with the rules, sanctions and expectations regarding their behaviour. Individual teachers may from time to time incorporate simple systems in their classrooms, for example individual behaviour plans, stars or class dojo etc. Regular assemblies are also used as opportunities to reward good work and good behaviour. A “Principals Award” is given to one child in each class at assembly at the end of each month.
Lunches: As we are a Health Promoting School, we promote healthy lunches. Follow this link for lunchbox ideas www.safefood.net/education/healthy-lunchboxes
Medical Conditions: It is vital that the school is made aware of any medical conditions or allergies your child may have. In a case where medicine is to be administered, please contact the principal. A child should not carry any medicines on their person. The school has an Administration of Medicines Policy. If you need a member of staff to administer any medication to your child you must complete and sign a form to say so. This form is on the school web site.
Notes & Messages: The following ways of delivering notes home are used in the school.
- Online via the Aladdin App. Please contact the office if you are having difficulty with this
- We encourage the use of Homework Diaries for Parent -Teacher and Teacher - Parent Communications
- Regular updates will be available on the school web site – www.knockconanns.weebly.com
School Policies
The school has dozens of school policies covering the health, safety and welfare of your child while he / she is under our supervision.
School policies are divided into curriculum subject policies and organizational policies. They are available to view in the school and many are on the school web site. Our policy is to continually review and update policies to reflect circumstances and/or legislation.
By enrolling your child in Knockconan N.S. you agree with the policies of the school.
Questions: if you have any questions or queries not covered by this booklet please contact the school secretary.
Religion: Knockconan is a Catholic primary school under patronage of the Diocese of Clogher.
Supervision: Every child attending Knockconan NS is supervised from the time they step on school property to the time they leave to go home. Lunch breaks are supervised by teachers on a rota basis with assistance from ancillary staff. The infants' teacher escorts infants when they leave at 1.40pm and staff supervise the departure of all children from school grounds at 2.40pm.
Telephone Numbers: We would appreciate if you could notify the school of any changes in relation to contact details as soon as possible.
Uniform: Our school uniform is: navy blue jumper and bright blue T-shirt, both with Knockconan School Crest on the chest and navy trousers or skirt. The school uniform can be ordered through the school office and will be available to purchase from the suppliers in June each year.
Contact Patricia at 047 87244
Shoes should be back and flat, high heels are not suitable.
Tracksuits & runners should be worn on the day that your child has P.E. Smart navy trousers, pinafores or skirts should be worn at other times.
Jewellery e.g. long hanging chains and earrings are not suitable due to safety – we advise common sense in relation to such items.
Voluntary Contributions: We do not ask for a Voluntary Contribution.
Wireless Internet Access: The school is equipped with wireless internet access throughout the building and NCTE Schools Broadband in the classrooms.
Xtra Curricular Activities: Activities may include GAA, Drama, Table Quizzes etc.
Yearly Calendar: THis is available on our website as well as through the Aladdin App.
Zero: Our phone number is 047 87244 if you have any other questions!
Questions we’re often asked…..
How does an average day go in this school?
The school day begins at 9am. It finishes for junior and senior infants at 1.40pm and at 2.40pm for all other classes. Junior Infants finish early (12:30) for the first two weeks to facilitate “settling in”. Children should be on time for class in the morning. Children should be collected promptly at the appropriate time. The teacher must be informed in writing of any changes in collection arrangements (i.e. the identity of the person collecting the child) at all times.
Children have a 10 minute break (little break) and a 30 minute break for lunch and recreation (big break) Please send a healthy packed lunch and plenty of water or milk. The school actively encourages healthy eating and is actively involved in the Health Promoting Schools Programme with the assistance of the HSE.
For safety reasons chewing gum, fizzy drinks and glass bottles are not permitted. We ask that children bring home any wrappers, yoghurt cartons etc. after their lunches in order to minimize waste disposal. Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you have any concerns.
What does my child need to bring to school?
Please ensure your child has two pencils, a rubber, a pencil sharpener, colouring pencils, glue (like Pritt Stick) and a ruler.
Correction Fluid (like Tipex) is not allowed.
Can I come in to the school?
If you wish to send a message or bring something in to your child(ren) during class time, please contact the secretary who will help you out.
If you need to talk to a teacher, please contact the secretary and phone call or an appointment will be arranged as soon as possible outside of class time. We also run formal parent teacher meetings annually, also outside of class time, and we encourage all parents to attend these.
Can I help fundraise for the school?
If you have an idea for a fundraising event, talk to the principal or any member of the Parents' Association officer board. Contact the school secretary for contact numbers if needed.
What do I do when my child can’t come to school?
Let us know by phone call, note or text. Under the Education Welfare Act (2000) a written explanation (either paper or electronic) of your child’s absence should be notified to the school. A record of absences is kept and where more than twenty (20) absences occur in any one year Tusla must be automatically notified.
Where can I see the school’s policies?
Our school is required to have policies and procedures for a number of issues. Legally we must have policies on enrolment, child protection, data protection, behaviour and anti-bullying. We have a wide range of organizational and curricular policies in the school plan which is regularly updated and reviewed. We are continually developing policies and procedures in consultation with staff, parents and the Board of Management. Policies will be available to view in the school and many can be seen on our web site, www.knockconanns.weebly.com
If I have a grievance or complaint, what to I do?
If you have an issue or complaint the school has a clear procedure to be followed to help resolve any difficulties you may have. A copy of the policy is available on the school web site.
What is the Board of Management?
The Board of Management (BOM) is responsible for the day to day running of the school and its finances. It is set up and run according to the Rules for Boards of Management of National Schools as laid down by the Department of Education and Science. The board members then agree to take on certain roles such as secretary and treasurer. Meetings of the board are confidential to members of the board, who may not discuss board business with others. The board does have responsibility to communicate matters of relevance to parents. This is done through the school newsletter. The Board issues an annual report every year which is also published on the school web site.
My child is having a birthday party. How do I send out invitations to the class?
Invitations should not be handed out in class by parents or children as non-recipients can feel left out and excluded. Invitations should be organized outside of school hours.
How much homework should I expect my child to have?
Homework assignments foster initiative, develop independent learning skills and allow time for practice, application and consolidation of what has been learned in school. Homework assignments will be recorded in the homework diary which can also be used for communication purposes for parents and teachers. Infants will have a homework folder.
Homework will generally be set Monday – Thursday
General guidelines for homework
Junior Infants : 10 – 15 minutes Senior Infants : 15 – 20 minutes.
1st Class : 25 – 30 minutes 2nd Class : 25 – 35 minutes.
3rd Class : 30 – 40 minutes 4th Class : 30 – 50 minutes.
5th/6th Class: Approximately 1 hour, maximum 90 minutes
If you have any concerns about your child and homework please contact your child’s teacher or send a note in the homework diary. This is very valuable information which will alert the teacher to any possible problem that may exist.
We would stress that reading with and to your child is the most important homework you can do!
Our school has won many awards including
- Ten Awards of Science and Maths Excellence (2009 – 2020)
- Three Creative Schools Awards (2014, 2015, 2018)
- Four Bluestar Awards for project work on the EU (2013, 2014, 2016, 2020)
- Five Green Flags for work on environmental issues (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020)
- An Active Schools Flag - participation in P.E (Physical Education) (2014)
- Digital School of Distinction (2014)
- Pushkin Award (2015, 2016)
Getting Ready for School
Here are some useful skills which will help your child adjust to starting school:-
1. Be able to say his/her own name (First name and Surname)
2. Know home address and telephone number.
3. Put on, take off and hang up own coat.
4. Have his/her name labeled on belongings such as uniform, coat, schoolbag and lunchbox.
5. Be able to open and close buttons/fasteners/straps.
6. Use toilet without help.
7. Put shoes on correct feet.
8. Understand and carry out simple orders/requests.
9. Handle a book and listen to a story.
10. Name things/colours that are used regularly.
Toilets
Please make sure that your child is properly trained to use the toilet, toilet paper, flushing, washing hands etc. It is a good idea to provide an extra pair of pants and trousers (labeled) to be kept at school in case of accidents if you think your child may have difficulties. Children are allowed to use the toilet at any time during class or breaks.
Toys, games and gadgets
We ask that all toys, gadgets and games be left at home and not brought in to school where they can end up damaged or broken or become the source of arguments.
Money
Children sometimes need to bring money to school for school trips or for other reasons. Money should be brought into school in an envelope with the child's name, class and specific explanation on the front. All monies should be given to our secretary, Patricia, in the school office.
Coats and Bags
Every child should have a coat with him/her if there is any chance of cold or wet weather.
Please make sure that your child’s schoolbag is not too small, as infant workbooks are quite big. Teach your child to fasten his/her own schoolbag and coat.
Please mark your child's name clearly on all of his/her belongings i.e. T-shirt, jumper, coat, schoolbag, shoes, lunch box (top and bottom), flask (top and bottom), books, pencils, markers etc. This will save valuable time and frustration for children each day.
Play
Children are always encouraged to play safely. Rough play is discouraged. It is against school rules to deliberately hurt anyone. In the event of an accident, you will be contacted by phone. Hopefully this will not happen too often. Organised games are encouraged in the playground. When going to play, children are expected to leave their classrooms in an orderly way and they have to line up quietly in a designated area at the end of playtime.
Communication
Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child's school life.
Should you have any concerns in the first term, please do not hesitate to contact the class teacher or principal. At various stages during the year, oral and written directions are given to parents telling them about how they can help their children with some aspects of their child's school work. Parent/Teacher meetings take place in October/November to update parents on their child's progress.
Regular school newsletters or notes are distributed through the children. Parents of younger children may need to check school bags for these notes at times. If parents have an email address we will send them communications through the internet. Textaparent is also extensively used for messages, particularly those of short notice such as in times of severe weather. Parents are requested to let a child's teacher know if a child has any problems, fears or disabilities. An appointment with a teacher or the principal can be arranged through the school office.
Curriculum
The curriculum in Knockconan covers Gaeilge, English, Maths, History, Geography, Science, Visual Arts, Drama, Music, PE, SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education). All staff continue to avail of regular professional development through Monaghan Education Centre and PDST.
We foster innovation and creativity in the close knit family atmosphere for which small rural schools are famous
The Primary School Curriculum
Guidelines for parents
There is a strong connection between success in school and the type of support parents can give to their children. Research findings emphasize a number of important things that you can do as parents to help your children to do well at school.
Praise and encourage your child, have high expectations but recognize their strengths and weaknesses too.
Take an interest in your child’s progress in school, talk to them about what happens in school, about what they are learning and help them with their homework in an appropriate way
What can I do to help my children to learn before they go to school?
Talk to your children and encourage them to respond, listen to them and respect what they have to say. Discuss and take an interest in their favourite television programmes
Stories, reading and books
Make sure there are plenty of books in the home (picture books, picture books with captions, simple story books, etc.), and encourage children to handle them, look through them and talk about them. Read and tell them stories, nursery rhymes and poems and encourage your child to tell stories and to repeat rhymes and poems
Play and activities
Encourage children in creative and make-believe play and play with them, play games that involve physical activity with your children, let them play with water, sand and other materials and involve them in activities around the kitchen, encourage them to talk about activities. Take your child for walks and point out and name flowers, trees, signs, shops and landmarks that arouse their interest.
Sing rhymes and songs to them and with them, and encourage them to sing, play music for them, get them to clap and dance to the rhythms, and talk to them about the music. Encourage them to draw pictures and to talk about them, and display their drawings and pictures around the house
Knockconan School participates in a wide variety of sporting activities including soccer, athletics and Gaelic football competitions. We also take part in initiatives such as Peace Proms, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Science Week and Engineers Week every year.
Learning from experience is important and so we regularly arrange new and innovative experiences for pupils in and out of school. School trips and in-class workshops with Monaghan County Museum. The senior pupils have also participated in the RDS Primary Science Fair and the Intel Mini Scientist Awards.
Fáilte go Scoil Cnoc Conáin!