Application forms for the school year 2024/25 are now available.

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Application forms must be completed on or before 16th October 2023.

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https://www.smincw.ie/parents/forms

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Assessment Arrangements For JC & LC Examinations 2024

This updated document sets out the adjusted assessment arrangements for post-primary students taking examinations in the 2023/24 school year.

Link below 👇

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/270733/9d77a9be-41ac-4494-887d-b1963c81cd0a.pdf#page=null

Scoil Mhuire agus Íde's Open Day will take place Saturday 7th October 2023, 10.00am to 1.00pm.

The State Examinations Commission introduced online marking of candidates’ examination answers on a phased basis over the last number of years. They have found this to be a very positive experience for all in the marking of scripts and for Leaving Certificate candidates when it comes to the viewing of scripts.

They have prepared a short video which sets out some very important information to candidates in relation to the completion of their examinations next month. The video contains key messages for candidates including:

• how they should provide key information on the front cover of their answer books that is essential to ensure their scripts are processed accurately and effectively;
• and the correct writing instruments that they should use in the examinations to ensure examiners can read their complete scripts.

This video can be found under the heading “Information for Candidates” at https://www.examinations.ie/?l=en&mc=ex&sc=e23

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Final orders for the yearbook will be taken Class 1 on Friday 18th May.

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The price of the Yearbook is €10 each.

There will be no evening study on Thursday 2nd March to facilitate 1st Year Parent Teacher Meetings.

The 1st year parent teacher meeting will take place on Thursday 2nd March (4.00pm - 6.30pm)

There will be no school Monday 27th February to facilitate a Whole School Planning Day.

10 tips to keep your children safe online

1. Talk about it: Make time to chat about online risks and how to use the internet safely as soon as they're old enough to go online. Encourage your children to speak to you about what they view online and empower them to act if they're worried about anything.

2. Recognise the risks: Educate yourself about the potential dangers children could face online so  it’s easier to spot warning signs. Get to know what platforms your children use, and learn about dangers such as phishing, grooming and cyberbullying.

3. Teach the do's and don'ts: Be clear about the non-negotiables.  For example, teach your child not to share personal details or photos with strangers and instruct them not to click on links to unknown websites or texts. Do encourage your child to question what they see and only accept friend requests from people they know.

4. Spot the signs:  Pay attention to your children's behaviour whilst on and off their devices. Being alert to changes in your child can help prevent problems from escalating. Some warning signs are withdrawing from friends or family, sleeping and eating problems or losing interest in previously loved hobbies or interests.

5. Set boundaries: Let your children know what they can and can't do on the internet from the get-go. Agree on what devices they can use, when, and how long they can spend online. As they get older, explaining and negotiating boundaries may be more effective.

6. Take 'parental' control: These ready-made boundaries put parents in control of what children can see online. They can be set up through your internet provider at device level to block specific websites and filter out inappropriate content.

7. Be social media savvy:   The popularity of social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat makes it harder to keep track of what your child is accessing online.  Fortunately, each social media platform has its own privacy settings and safety tips for parents. Check them out before you let children have their own accounts.

8. Protect from harm: Install antivirus software on family devices to minimise the risk of cyber attacks or scams. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security on your online accounts. This can also stop children from signing into services they're not allowed to use.

9. Set a great example:  You're the greatest 'influencer' in your children's lives when they're young.  Limiting your time online, discussing dangers you've come across, and questioning what you view can help reinforce the rules you are setting for your children and, in turn, influence their online behaviour.

10. Seek support: The more you learn about online dangers, the better equipped you'll be to handle them. There are some great resources like  webwise.ie, internetmatters.org and cybersafekids.ie to help you recognise and reduce online dangers and seek advice if you think your child is experiencing cyberbullying or is at risk online.

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Safer Internet Day will take place on Tuesday, February 7th 2023.

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Please see attached details of a FREE Internet Safety Talk for Parents which may be of interest to you.

A presentation for 5th Year Options for the school year 2023/24 will take place on Wednesday 8th February at 7pm.

The following Parent Teacher Meetings will take place in January.

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5th Years:       Wed 11th Jan (4.00pm - 6.30pm)

2nd Years:       Thurs 19th Jan (4.00pm - 6.30pm)

There will be no evening study on the following dates:

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Wed 11th Jan 2023 - 5th Parent Teacher Meeting

Thurs 12th Jan 2023 - School Closed - JCT Cluster Day

There will be no school Thursday 12th January 2023 to facilitate a JCT Cluster Day.

Congratulations to Colin O’Mahoney on his appointment to the role of Deputy Principal in Scoil Mhuire agus Íde. We wish Colin every success in his new role. 

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The Management Team at Scoil Mhuire agus Íde would like to wish all the students, staff and the wider school community a very Happy and safe Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all on your return in the new year.

Christmas End Dates:

Transition Years will finish for the Christmas holidays on Friday 16th of Dec.

2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th Yrs will finish on Tuesday 20th of Dec.

1st Yrs will attend school for planned activities on Wed 21st of Dec from 8.50 to 12noon.

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A Christmas Jumper Day will take place on Fri 16th December. All students are welcome to come to school wearing their Christmas Jumpers on the Day.

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The Student Council will be collecting €2 per student on the day. All money received will be donated to the Newcastlewest Lions Club.

There will be no school Monday 5th Dec 2022.