Young Scientist
We are delighted to be able to advise that a project from our school will be exhibited at the Young Scientist Exhibition this year. Oisin Chelmiah and Luke Conroy have been working extremely hard on this project for the past 12 months under the guidance of Ms. Hott and Mr. Attride. We are very proud of them and delighted that their hard work is being rewarded. We wish them every success at the exhibition later this week. Our 2nd Year and Transition Year students will attend to offer support and to view all the other exhibitions. Perhaps some of them will be inspired to prepare a project like Oisin and Luke have for future years.
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. All teachers are asked to confiscate any mobile phones seen in use during the day and give to the Principal for safe keeping.
Parent Teacher Meetings
The remainder of our Parent/Teacher meetings will take place between now and the mid-term break. All will all take place in the new school gym as follows
2nd year – Monday January 14th. Transition Year – Thursday January 24th.
Leaving 1 – Tuesday January 29th. 1st Year – Thursday February 14th.
All meetings commence at 4-10pm and finish at 6-40pm. Leaving 1students should attend with your Parent/Guardian to get as much information as possible from your teachers. Please arrive in good time to ensure you get the maximum benefit from this opportunity to meet all teachers. Classes on these afternoons will finish 15 minute earlier to facilitate preparation. Study will also begin and finish 15 minutes earlier than normal.
Subject Option Seminar
A meeting will take place on Monday January 14th at 6-45pm in the Student dining area. The purpose of this meeting is to provide important information on the subject choices available for students entering Leaving 1 in September 2019. Parents of all our current Transition Year students and those in Third Year who will not be taking the Transition Year option should attend to get as much information as possible. This will allow you support your son to make the best possible subject choices as he prepares to enter his Leaving Certificate cycle and the challenges that lay ahead. Students are welcome to attend with parents.
Mock Examinations
The mock examinations for all Leaving 11 and Third Year Students begin early in February and will be completed before the mid-term break. Unfortunately, there are charges associated with these exams to cover the cost of purchasing scripts, answer booklets and corrections. They offer the students a trial run in preparation for the real exams in June and help focus the minds of all for the trials which lay ahead. We would ask all parents to provide as much support and encouragement to your son in the coming weeks and months as he completes project work, oral examinations and prepares for the exams in June.
New School Buildings
Mythen Construction continue to make progress on the Building Project. They have been carefully taking down the old pipes, cables, damaged plaster and other materials in the old buildings as they undertake the labour of love to restore them to their former glory. They have to occupy some of the areas of the grounds that we are using to remove waste material and bring in all the equipment and materials required to complete the project. This has complicated the process from a Health and Safety perspective. We would therefore ask that you advise your son to be mindful of his surroundings. It is essential that no pupils enter the site for any reason as this would put their own safety at risk as well as the workers onsite.
School Gymnasium
Our school Gymnasium will be completed in the coming weeks with the floor being sanded, line markings installed and a number of layers of lacquer put on the floor to protect it. When this process is completed, it will be essential to ensure that we protect this wonderful facility. With that in mind shoes or trainers with dark soles cannot be worn in the sports hall for PE class or training for sports teams once all works are completed which we hope will happen before the end of this month
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 which is based in Baltinglass. Contact details are available from the school office or online, with purchases also available online with School Uniforms Direct. Students are not allowed to wear hoodies to school. Students may not be allowed to attend class if the present without the correct uniform.
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.