Welcome to the class of 2016-17

Prayer of Blessed Edmund Rice O God, we thank you for the life of Blessed Edmund Rice He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice. May we follow his example of faith and generosity. Grant us the courage and compassion of Blessed Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

First Year Induction Welcome! A Elmore Year Tutor 26th August 2016

Role of Year Tutor and Form Teacher One of support To ensure your son settles into our school Deal with any issues as they arise Deputy designated teacher for Child Protection Work together with pupils and parents with a shared vision.

Role of Parents Help their son get organised for the school day – use coloured folders, etc Check homework diaries on a nightly basis and sign each weekend; Talk to your son about his day at school; Support for pupils and teachers with a shared goal.

First Year Focus; To become Independent Learners Homework recorded in homework diary and checked by parents Subjects for each day correctly inserted Bags packed correctly for the next school day. Responsibility for belongings – PE bags, instruments, etc ****Names on all belongings**** Learning how to do ties!!

Starting a new school! Food? Toilets? Buses? Getting lost? Friends?

Extra-curricular activities Irish Traditonal Group Drama Club Chess Club Orchestra Gaelic Art Club Technology Outdoor pursuits Computer Club Basketball Cross-country Choir Rugby Quiz team Badminton

Order of today! 9:30 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:00 – pupils have break in canteen provided by the headmaster 11:00 – 11:15 – pupils will be allocated to form classes and go to form rooms with form teacher 11:30 – 1:00 Finger prints, books, PE uniforms, bus passes, etc 1:00 – 1:45 – lunch in canteen 1:45 collect bags from form rooms and go to assembly hall 2:00 – 2:30 Buses Mr G Savage (pick up and drop off)

Day 2 Induction 9:30 – form class registration 10:00 – 12:30 Ice breaker activities 10:30 – 12:20 Ice breaker activities will operate in 20 minute sessions. 12:30 – 1:30 – Garden Party in Quadrangle with parents

Other key dates: APTA quiz 21st October – Year 8 day trip January – Year 8 Parent teacher meeting 25th – 27th May – Manchester trip May/June 2017 – Top class award treat Check Abbey Website abbeycbs.org, facebook page and twitter for updates and notices

TEN TOP TIPS FOR STARTING SECONDARY SCHOOL 1. Don’t Panic 2. Ask for help 3. Be organised 4. Follow the school rules 5. Don’t worry about tests 6. Talk to your Form Teacher if you are worried 7. Attend school regularly 8. Homework is very important 9. If you work hard, behave properly and treat other people with respect you won’t get any detentions 10. Join something new And remember ENJOY YOURSELF!!!

Key issues for parents for the year ahead: Correct use of mobile phones Using social networking websites Appropriate behaviour and respect for others

Key points Good days and bad days! Support of parents is crucial Allow us time and space to sort issues Work with us if your son is causing problems as well as having problems All school regulations are in your son’s diary pages 8-15 We aim to create a safe, orderly environment Be assured of our full support

To conclude We want your son to be settled in the Abbey We would like to have your full support We want your son to be happy in the Abbey Grammar School.