New School Buildings
The Board of Management is delighted to be able to announce that Mythen Construction handed back to us the newly renovated 1960’s Block and the remaining new buildings on Friday. This is a little later than expected and we apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused. It was however better to ensure that works are completed to a satisfactory standard, before taking ownership of the buildings. This will ensure that there will only be a limited amount of times that building workers will have to return to areas occupied by our staff and students. We will move into the new buildings in the coming days. Lockers will also be distributed by Fr. Shem to all students who wish to have access to one.
First Year 2018
Our First Years and other new students have settled in well and all appear to be happy so far. This is helped by the excellent work done by our Meitheal team, who have organised a number of events for the cohort with a number of other events being planned for the coming months. A big group are very excited by the prospect of a trip to see a premier league football match before Christmas which is a great way for the lads to make new friends in a fun environment. A big Thank you to Mr. McNeill and Mr. Cody for their time in organising this trip.
Open Evening 2018
Our annual open evening takes place next Friday, October 19th from 4 to 7pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective students to see our new facilities and meet with our teachers as they make up their mind on which school to attend when they leave their primary school. Mr. Carew, our Principal will give a talk in the new Gym at 5-30pm. Teachers will be in classrooms throughout the evening to meet students and parents to advise on the fantastic opportunities available to them in Knockbeg College. Refreshments will be served in the school canteen, by staff from `The School Food Company` who provide food to our students on a daily basis. Noeleen, our school secretary will be in the office to provide enrolment details and forms to anyone seeking information. We are currently enrolling for September 2019. The closing date for enrolment is October 26th. We have a limited number of spaces available. If we are over-subscribed, places will then be allocated in accordance with the terms of our Board of Management enrolment policy. School will shut at 1-15 to facilitate preparation for our visitors.
Career Choices
Mr. Hoyne, our Guidance Counsellor meets with all Transition Year, Leaving 1 & Leaving 11 students to provide information in relation to career choice. He is providing important information on the significance of subject choices for Transition Year students and on all matters related to entry requirements for the different Colleges in Ireland and abroad for senior students. Open days for all Colleges are taking place at present, with details advertised online by the relevant Colleges. Please begin to have discussions at home in relation to this with your son to ensure the best possible choices are made in the months ahead.
School Uniform
The Knockbeg College uniform is unique to our school. Wearing it is an essential part of our school philosophy. The Board of Management and the Parents’ Association are very clear in their view that they want all students to have equal status and this includes wearing the correct uniform, including shoes and jacket. These can be purchased from Shaws department store in Carlow or from School Uniforms Direct who are based in Baltinglass. Contact details are available from the school office or online, with purchases also available online with School Uniforms Direct.
House Exams
Exams will take place in school for all students after the mid-term break. It is very important for all students to establish a regular pattern of study and revision in preparation for these exams. This is helped by having a timetable prepared which will provide structure to your efforts. Please ask Mr. Hoyne if help and advice in preparing a sample timetable is required. A lot of our students are availing of our after school study facilities, which does contribute to the fantastic results achieved by them in State Examinations each year. There are a small number of places still available. If anyone is interested, please contact Mr. Conway.
School attendance
Full school attendance is very important if your son is to make the most of his time in school and be afforded the best possible opportunity of reaching his potential. We therefore ask all parents to make every effort to ensure that your son is on time for school and attends for the full day. A signed note to explain all absences must be presented upon returning to school. If it is necessary for a student to leave early, it is essential that the correct procedures are followed as these are an integral part of the “Child Protection Guidelines“. This means that a note signed by a parent/guardian must be presented to the Principal/Deputy Principal before departure. If a pressing matter arises during the school day, please contact the school office to make arrangements.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones have a lot of very positive uses in school and elsewhere. However, when used in appropriately, they can cause considerable distress for many young people. While most of our students are very responsible in their behaviour and their use of phones, they do present a considerable distraction in class and are often a barrier to good communication at break times. The rule on use of phones was changed with the approval of the Parents’ Association. It is no longer acceptable for mobile phones to be used from 8-55 in the morning until the end of the school day, unless under the supervision of the teacher for use in class.