Information on School Re-Opening

Dear Student , Parent/Guardian,

We look forward to welcoming you back and working with you for the upcoming academic year. We wish to bring the following important information to your attention before the year starts and we look forward to your support with these issues.

Year Group Return Dates

1. Monday 30th August- 1st Years only 9am to 11.30am

2. Tuesday 31st August - 4th Years only 9am to 12noon

3. Wednesday Sept 1st - 5th and 6th Years only 9am to 12noon

4. Thursday Sept 2nd - 2nd and 3rd Years only 9am to 1pm

5. Friday Sept 3rd - 1st and 4th Years only 9am to 3.50pm

6. Monday 6th September - All Students 9am to 3.50pm

Uniform

The school uniform is an important symbol of our school. It was designed by students for students. It creates a sence of togetherness, the same way each team wears their jersey with pride. Students and their families are not under pressure to wear the latest branded clothing and the uniform develops an affinity with learning. The uniform consists of a purple crested jumper, white long sleeved shirt and black uniform pants/skirt. Shoes must be dark coloured and flat soled. A non compulsory water proof fleece lined jacket is available to purchase from the school in September and so is the PE Crested Sports Top which is compulsory for all junior students.

Administration Costs

Each student is required to pay the sum of 70Euro towards the annual cost of providing, 24 Hour Student Personal Accident Insurance, Microsoft Licencing Fee, classroom and inhouse examinations material, school journal and communications (texts, postage etc.) This money can be paid using our online payment system, “Easy Payments Plus” on the school website. Please contact the school office if you encounter any difficulties with this system.

BOOKS

The Book Lists for Senior Students are listed in the “Featured Info” of the school website. Junior Students are encouraged to avail of the Book Rental Scheme.

SCS Management.

Book Lists For All Years 2021/2022 (Copy)

1ST YEAR BOOK LIST 2021/2022

2ND YEAR BOOK LIST 2021/2022

3RD YEAR BOOK LIST 2021/2022

TY BOOK LIST 2021/2022

5TH YEAR BOOK LIST 2021/2022

6TH YEAR BOOK LIST 2021/2022

Junior Cycle- Subject Choice for First Years going into Second Year, April 15th

15-04-2021

Dear Parent/Guardian,

It is that time of year when students in First Year need to make choices regarding what subjects they would like to study for the remainder of their Junior Cycle. It would be important that you take this opportunity to discuss these choices with them and ensure that the choices they are making are well informed and best suits their interests and capabilities.

The school’s Guidance staff have worked with the students giving them information and advice on how best to choose subjects that suit them. In addition, the guidance staff have created both a YouTube presentation and a PowerPoint to give parents and guardians a better understanding of the subject choice process.

The presentation can be viewed at the following link and the PowerPoint can be found in the resources section of the SCS website under parent’s zone. We would strongly urge each of you to take a look at them before discussing your son/daughter’s choices with them.

Here is some information for first year parents and guardians about choosing subjects for Second and Third year at Skibbereen Community School

Further more detailed information on subject choice, college options, study skills etc if you require it, is available on the Guidance and Counselling Section of the school website. All choices need to be completed and submitted to the school through our online VSWare portal on or before Wednesday, April 21st .

To do this you will receive a text from the school with details of how to access the portal. Once you enter the portal, please enter student choices in order of preference by following the step by step guide carefully. Please note that you can change your choices as often as you want up to the 21 st of April after which the portal will no longer be accessible.

Please also note that while we will do our best to ensure that all students get their top four preferences, there are no guarantees that this will be the case for everybody. Students who do not enter their choices at this stage run the risk of a much more limited choice at a later stage.

Best Regards,

Mr. Anton O Mahony,

Principal.

Please click on the button below for an important Information Powerpoint on Subject Choice.

Information for 5th Year Parents and Students, March 9th.

Dear Parent/Guardian and 5th Year Students,

The School Community looks forward to welcoming our 5th Year Students back to school on Monday, March 15th. Alot of work has been done to keep the school environment safe and we ask all 5th years for their support with infection control. The following return to the school protocols need to be observed.

1. All Parents/Guardians are asked to complete an online Covid declaration form before their son/daughter can return. Click on the button below for this form or click on the Covid 19 section of this website. This must be completed by 6pm on Thursday evening, March 11th.

2. Parents/Guardians and Students are asked to read the new revised Covid Plan on the school website.

3. The School Canteen is not available at the moment so all students must bring in their own refreshments for the day.

4. Students must enter the building through the assigned 5th Year Entrance. They must sanitize their hands on entry and should regularly wash/sanitize their hands throughout the day. Numerous wash stations are located throughout the building.

5. Students are asked to have their own sanitizing liquid and wipes with them at all times.

6. Mask wearing is compulsory and a mask should only be removed to eat and drink.

7. All students are asked to maintain social distancing at all times. The 5th Year Social Areas are at the top section of the Sports Hall and in the Basketball Court Marquee. Students are asked not to move the seating from their socially distanced marking points.

8. Students are asked not to congregate in the corridors, outside classrooms and in the social areas. All desks should be sanitized before the start and end of class.

9. Students can use any of the toilet blocks in the school until a full return but are asked to keep them in order.

10. Students are not allowed down town at luchtime at the moment and students who wish to sign out must inform their Year Head and be collected by a Parent/Guardian. Students who sign out will not be allowed return to the building that day.

11. Unfortunately Ball playing is not permitted at this time.

12. Full uniform must be worn.

We thank you for your co-operation and we look forward to seeing you all on Monday 15th.

Regards,

S.C.S Management.

Revised School's Covid Response Plan, March 2020.

Please click on the button below for our school’s Revised Covid Response Plan, March 2020.

Important Information for Leaving Certs and their Parents/Guardians from the Department, Feb 26th

Please click on the buttons below for important information about the Leaving Cert Exams and Accredited Grade System and for a letter for parents from Minister Norma Foley.

A Guide to State Examinations and Accredited Grades for Leaving Certificate 2021

Letter to Parents/Guardians from Minister Norma Foley. (English Version)

Letter to Parents/Guardians from Minister Norma Foley. (As Gaeilge)

Transition Year - Subject Choice 2021/2022

23-02-2021

Dear Parent/Guardian,

It is that time of year when students in Third Year need to make choices regarding what subjects they would like to try as part of their TY programme. This is an important task that will have implications for their future career and life paths. It would be important that you take this opportunity to discuss these choices with them and ensure that the choices they are making are well informed and best suits their interests and capabilities.

The school’s Guidance staff and TY co-ordinator have worked with the students giving them information and advice on TY modules, activities and how best to choose subjects that suit them and their future plans. In addition, the guidance staff have created both a YouTube presentation and a PowerPoint to give parents and guardians a better understanding of the subject choice process.

A further presentation on TY activities and modules, has been created by the TY co-ordinator. These presentations can be viewed at the following link and the PowerPoint can be found in the resources section of the SCS website under parent’s zone. We would strongly urge each of you to take a look at them before discussing your son/daughter’s choices with them.

https://youtu.be/3XYY0k2vpBE

Further more detailed information on subject choice, college options, study skills etc if you require it, is available on the Guidance and Counselling Section of the school website. All choices need to be completed and submitted to the school through our online VSWare portal on or before Wednesday, March 3rd .

To do this you will receive a text from the school with details of how to access the portal. Once you enter the portal, please enter student choices in order of preference by following the step by step guide carefully.

Please also note that while we will do our best to ensure that all students get their top four preferences, there are no guarantees that this will be the case for everybody. Students who do not enter their choices at this stage run the risk of a much more limited choice at a later stage.

Best Regards,

Mr. Anton O Mahony,

Principal.

Leaving Certificate Examinations Update – 18-02-2021

Dear Leaving Cert Student,

I hope you are all well. Students and teachers have been waiting for some time now for clarification on 2021 examinations. Thankfully, as I’m sure you are all aware from media reports, the Department of Education has now announced a twin track approach of exams and accredited grades for Leaving Cert students.

If you are interested in reading the full text of the Press Release, you can access it at the link below: https://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2021-press-releases/PR21-02-17.html

In this Press Release the Minister for Education Norma Foley TD confirmed that Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations will proceed and students will also have the alternative option of applying for grades accredited by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), to be known as SEC-Accredited Grades.

The main elements of the new arrangements for LC 2021 are outlined below:

• The timetable for the written examinations in June has been published today and is attached to this mail. • The results of the Leaving Certificate 2021 process will issue to students within the required timeframe for CAO admission to higher and further education.

• All exams are to be conducted subject to public health advice and providing, as far as possible, access to the examinations for very high-risk students.

• Additional assessment components, such as orals, practical performance tests and coursework will run, subject to public health advice with components in certain subjects not running for public health reasons. Assessment will be arranged by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).

• An Accredited Grades system, to be operated by the SEC, will be available whereby Leaving Certificate candidates can opt to have grades in some or all of their subjects (to be known as “SEC Accredited Grades”) issued to them at the same time as the examination results.

The elements of the SEC Accredited Grades system will include the following:

➢ The professional judgement of each of the candidate’s teachers which will not be subject to appeal

➢ A form of in-school alignment to ensure fairness amongst candidates at school level

➢ Approval by the school principal of the estimated subject scores

➢ A process of standardisation at national level to ensure as much fairness as possible amongst this year’s candidates

➢ The SEC Accredited Grade and examinations outcomes will have regard to the pattern of results in 2020 and previously, with more details of the process to be determined by the Minister having regard to advice from the SEC

➢ A right for students to appeal in respect of their Accredited Grade which will comprise a process review focused on examining possible errors in the transmission and processing of student data.

• Provision as far as practicable for out-of-school learners or students studying one or more subjects outside school to apply to receive Accredited Grades through the devising of an appropriate and practicable process

• It is intended to prepare and publish, in consultation with stakeholders, accessible and detailed guidance for parents, students, teachers and schools to be issued as soon as possible.

Indicative Dates.

The following indicative dates have been provided by the Department of Education:

• May 14th – Closing date for collection of evidence of learning from 6th year student for the purpose of establishing an estimated mark.

• May 28th – Schools will close for all students to allow the final week for completion of alignment process and data entry related to SEC Accredited Grades by schools.

• June 4th – Closing date for schools to enter/return all data from the school to the SEC relating to SEC Accredited Grades.

• June 9th – Written Leaving Certificate examinations to commence in schools.

• The SEC will issue revised dates for submission of Leaving Certificate course work and the scheduling/arrangements for LCA tasks and interviews in the coming days and weeks.

Updates regarding the Leaving Certificate 2021 including an information video can be accessed through the following link

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d3ea2-leaving-certificate-2021/#leaving-certificate-2021

Enjoy the remainder of your break, we will bring you further information once it comes to hand. Your guidance teachers will be arranging meetings with you next week. I will attend these meetings to go through the process, give you any updates and answer any of your queries.

Mr. Anton O Mahony,

Principal.

Please click on the button below for the Leaving Cert Timetable of 2021

5th Year - Senior Cycle Subject Choice Feb 2021

15-02-2021

Dear Parent/Guardian It is that time of year when students in Transition Year need to make choices regarding what subjects they would like to keep for senior cycle.

This is an important task that will have implications for their future career and life paths. It would be important that you take this opportunity to discuss these choices with them and ensure that the choices they are making are well informed and best suits their interests and capabilities.

The school’s Guidance staff have worked with the students over the last week of term giving them information and advice on future career paths and on how best to choose subjects that suit them and their future plans best. In addition, the guidance staff have created both a YouTube presentation and a PowerPoint to give parents and guardians a better understanding of the process.

This presentation can be viewed at the following link and the PowerPoint can be found in the resources section of the SCS website under parent’s zone. We would strongly urge each of you to take a look at them before discussing your son/daughter’s choices with them. Click on the blue link below.

Senior Cycle Subject Choice for 5th year 2021 Parents Recording - YouTube

Further more detailed information on subject choice, college options, study skills etc if you require it, is available on the Guidance and Counselling Section of the school website. All choices need to be completed and submitted to the school through our online VSWare portal on or before Wednesday, February 24th .

To do this you will receive a text from the school with details of how to access the portal. Once you enter the portal, please enter student choices in order of preference by following the step by step guide carefully. Please note that you can change your choices as often as you want up to the 24th of February after which the portal will no longer be accessible. Please also note that while we will do our best to ensure that all students get their top four preferences, there are no guarantees that this will be the case for everybody

Students who do not enter their choices at this stage run the risk of a much more limited choice at a later stage.

Best Regards,

Anton O Mahony,

Principal.

Weekly Scheme of Work and Live Classes for all Year Groups, Feb 8th to 12th.

Please click on the relevant button below for a summary of work to be completed this week and the timetable of live classes.

FIRST YEARS

SECOND YEARS

THIRD YEARS

TRANSITION YEARS

FIFTH YEARS

SIXTH YEARS

Parent/Teacher Meeting Progress Reports

2nd February, 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Due to Department of Education guidelines, we are unable to have Parent/Teacher meetings in the school. Instead, a Progress Report has been compiled for your son/daughter which you may access through VS Ware.

The dates for the issue of these Progress Reports are as follows:

· 1st year March 2021

· 2nd Year February 2021

· 3rd Year December 2020

· 4th Year March 2021

· 5th Year January 2021

· 6th Year December 2020

How to access your Progress Report:

· Prior to the release of the Progress Report for your son/daughter you will be issued with a username by text message, whereby you will be able to access the reports.

· Please click on the link in your text and you will get access to VS Ware

· You will then be able to set up your own password

· Please click on your son(s) / daughter(s) name.

· Under Assignments, please click on “Learn More” and you will gain access to the Progress Reports here.

If you have any issues please email the school info@skibbereencommunityschool.ie .

Yours sincerely,

Anton O’Mahony – Principal.

Weekly Scheme of Work and Live Classes for all Year Groups, Feb 1st to 5th.

Please click on the buttons below for a list of the times of live classes and the weekly schemes of work for each subject.

FIRST YEAR

SECOND YEAR

THIRD YEAR

TRANSITION YEAR

FIFTH YEAR

SIXTH YEAR

Weekly Scheme of Work and live Class Timetable for all Year Groups, Jan 25th to 29th.

FIRST YEAR

SECOND YEAR

THIRD YEAR

TRANSITION YEAR

FIFTH YEAR

SIXTH YEAR

Weekly Scheme of Work and Live Class Timetable for all Years, Jan 18th to 22nd

FIRST YEAR SCHEME OF WORK

SECOND YEAR SCHEME OF WORK

THIRD YEAR SCHEME OF WORK

TY SCHEME OF WORK

FIFTH YEAR SCHEME OF WORK

SIXTH YEAR SCHEME OF WORK

Weekly Scheme of Work and Live Classes Timetable for 1st, 2nd,3rd,TY,5th and 6th Years. Week Beginning Jan 11th.

This information is constantly being updated as new info becomes available………..Please check back later for any updates……

FIRST YEAR SCHEME OF WORK. Click on the button below.

SECOND YEAR SCHEME OF WORK. Click on the button below.

THIRD YEAR SCHEME OF WORK. Click on the button below.

TY SCHEME OF WORK. Click on the button below.

FIFTH YEAR SCHEME OF WORK. Click on the button below.

SIXTH YEAR SCHEME OF WORK. Click on the button below.

Career Guidance in SCS

Please use the following quick link for updated Career Guidance Information.

https://careersportal.ie/careerguidance/office.php?school_id=835

After School Support Classes 2020/2021

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Family & Guardian Guide to Microsoft Teams