AIMS
To promote:
- regard for the dignity and worth of the individual and for the development of the whole person;
- the creation of a caring atmosphere for pupils in which successful learning can take place and vocational, personal and social needs are considered;
- and support the academic purposes of the school, by fostering good personal relationships;
- the development of pupil’s personal skills to enable them to cope with problems and personal difficulties;
The promotion of the above aims necessitates the creation of a caring community which links pupils, parents and teachers.
SCHOOL COUNSELLORS
This school has always regarded the pastoral care of its pupils as a matter of great importance. Help for pupils experiencing difficulties is available through the work of the Form Teachers, the Year Heads, the Senior Teachers and the Careers Department.
In addition the school has appointed Mrs Mulvenna as a School Counsellor.
Any pupil wishing to discuss difficulties with her may make an appointment by calling into Room 28.
Since April 2007, Nuala Wymes, the professional counsellor from Contact Youth has been in school every Wednesday morning and is available to speak to pupils by appointment.
CHILD PROTECTION
This school believes that the safety of the child is of paramount importance and recognises that it has a vital role to play in Child Protection. School policies on Child Protection, Anti-Bullying and Discipline have been drawn up and are being implemented by all members of staff. Miss Kelly is the designated teacher with responsibility for Child Protection.
HELPING NEW PUPILS TO SETTLE IN
- In St Louis we place a high priority on the happiness and welfare of our pupils. There is no doubt that a child who feels secure and happy has a much better chance of success in their studies. Each pupil is therefore assigned to a form teacher who takes a special interest in them and sees them first thing every morning for a short meeting and registration. The form teacher is usually also one of the pupil’s subject teachers.
- A special Induction Day is provided in June when new pupils can visit the school and see it operating on a normal working day. They will meet their future classmates and many of the teachers. On their first day in September First Years receive extensive guidance about how their timetable and day to day concerns are organised.
- There is a Year Head with overall responsibility for the pupils in each year group. The Year Head for Year 8 is Mrs. Byrne, who keeps a close watch on the overall academic progress of each first year pupil and deals with matters of discipline and Pastoral Care.
- If problems should arise, individual help and support is available from our team of qualified School Counsellors and our School Chaplain.
- The pastoral team is co-ordinated by the Deputy Principal and close liaison is maintained between staff. When difficulties arise they are quickly detected and dealt with by the appropriate member of the team.
- Constant efforts are made to create a caring environment where pupils feel that they can come to a teacher when they need help or reassurance.
- New pupils are often understandably anxious when they come to a new school. We have found that their commonest concerns are:-
- being bullied;
- getting lost;
- finding the work too difficult.
To address these fears we provide an induction course for all new pupils and follow-up pastoral lessons each week. We pride ourselves on the care taken in St. Louis to make sure that every pupil settles in and is happy and successful.
|
