SUPPORT SERVICES
The school provides a number of services that are intended to
support the ever-changing needs of students. Student Support
Services include a variety of formal and informal services that
help to meet the needs of our students. These services are provided
to help and guide each student to reach their full potential.
The following is a list of Student Support Services available
in Coláiste Chiaráin.
CLASS TUTOR
The Class Tutor develops a special relationship with the class
so that the students can discuss difficulties or problems. The
Tutor will monitor the educational progress of each student and
motivate the class to achieve the highest possible
standard.
YEAR HEAD
The Year Head provides the administrative support necessary to
ensure that the Pastoral Care structure functions effectively.
She/he coordinates a caring structure by meeting students daily
while checking attendance, meeting students at Assembly which is
presided over by the Chaplain. The aim of this meeting is to bring
the year group together and to reinforce the ethos of the school
encouraging students to develop a high standard of work and
behaviour.
Year Heads meet individual students and classes regularly as
needs arise. She/he maintains contact with parent/guardian at
Parent Teacher meetings and on an individual basis. The Year Heads
in conjunction with tutors and teachers ensure a coordinated
approach, identifying problems and dealing with these matters as
they arise.
PRINCIPAL AND DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Principal and Deputy Principal give witness to the Pastoral
Care structure by supporting students and staff in developing the
school community. We firmly recognise the importance of students
self-esteem and dignity and the impact of this on their
development. We place great emphasis on encouraging all our
community to express, care and concern for themselves and
others.
CHAPLAIN
The primary role of the School Chaplain is that
of faith presence in the school community. Accompanying student's
on their life’s journey, the chaplain brings hope, love, kindness
and understanding to the everyday events of school life. The
Chaplain listens and offers support in times of difficulty. The
role of chaplain is a professional one and a privileged
responsibility.
GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR
The guidance and counselling service in Colaiste Chiarain aims
to help its students to develop an awareness and acceptance of
their talents and abilities; to explore possibilities
and opportunities; to grow in independence and to take
responsibility for themselves; to make informed choices about
their lives and to follow through on those choices.
CARE TEAM
A positive school climate, in which young people
feel connected, is the best environment for learning. In the
context of the School Mission Statement. The Care
Team seeks to enhance relationships among students, and
between students, teachers, and parents, so as to nurture our sense
of community in Coláiste Chiaráin with a particular focus on
vulnerable children in need of support.
The services underpinning the Care
Team include:
Pastoral
Care
Restorative
Practices
Active
Listening
Critical
Incident
LANGUAGE CENTRE
The Language Centre is the first port of call for our
International students whose first language is not English. Our
main aim is to introduce students to the school and to create a
reassuring and encouraging environment where students can feel at
ease. We provide English language classes and assist students with
subject specific vocabulary which they will encounter in secondary
school.
PREFECTS
Prefects are chosen in sixth year. They act as a liaison
between staff and teachers. These senior students assist with
supervision. They are exemplary students and are role models for
our younger students. They foster a sense of community and show
leadership to other student. The Head Girl and Head Boy lead the
Prefect team.
GLUAIS
Gluais support incoming 1st year students to ease the
transition from primary to secondary school. The school believes
that students should receive high levels of support at this stage
and we believe that students already in the school are well
positioned to assist incoming 1st years. The Gluais team arrange a
variety of activities for 1st Years.
PEER MENTORING
Mentors make a valuable contribution to the overall ethos of
the school’s pastoral support systems and positive behaviour
support structures. Senior students help and support 1st Year
students to become familiar with and settle into their new
environment. Senior students meet 1st Year students on a formal and
informal basis, acting as role models of good behaviour.