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Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Mission

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s is a Religious Sisters’ of Charity Secondary School. It has its origins in a school founded by Mary Aikenhead in The School Community of St. Vincent’s continues to be inspired by her motto: Caritas Christi Urget Nos The Love of Christ urges us. St.Vincent’s is a Catholic girls’ secondary school. We recognise the uniqueness and needs of all our students, staff, parents and partners. Through a broad based curriculum, we aim to educate each student so that she may achieve her full personal, social, spiritual and academic potential. We welcome the participation of all our partners in the life of our school community.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Teaching Staff Goal We, the teaching staff of St. Vincent's Secondary School through our mutual support of each other, aim to provide a learning environment for our students, which will support and challenge all their abilities.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Parents' Goal We, the parents of the students in St. Vincent's Secondary School fully support the school in its mission statement. Our Goal is to enhance our children's experience of school, to encourage a holistic education process, through ongoing communication and co-operation with all the partners.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Students' Goal We, the students of St. Vincent's Secondary School will work together to the best of our ability, to develop all our talents to ensure that we achieve our personal potential as unique individuals, and to become responsible Christian members of the community.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School History

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Mary Aikenhead, who was a Cork woman, founded the Religious Sisters of Charity in Her aim, in response to God’s call, was to make available to the poor what the rich were able to buy in the areas of health, education, social services. In 1857 the Sisters of Charity started teaching girls at St. Vincent’s. The school changed and developed through the years to meet the needs of the community it served.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School The first record of students sitting state examinations dates back to 1931 when eight girls sat the Intermediate Certificate Examination. For many years there was a “Secondary Top” attached to the Primary School. In August 1974 St. Vincent’s Secondary School came into being with full recognition as such by the Department of Education.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School A new building for the Secondary School was opened in December 1979 under the Principalship of Sr. Bríd Forde. She was succeeded as Principal in 1989 by Sr. Eileen Doyle. The following year Sr. Patricia Dockery became Principal. In 1998 Ms. Josephine Coffey, a past pupil and member of staff was appointed as first lay principal of the school. In 2003 Mr. Donnchadh Ó Briain the current principal was appointed. The latest extension to the school was completed in 2005.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Ethos

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School The school concentrates on the development of the whole person by providing for the religious, moral, social, physical and intellectual growth of the students. The school strives for academic excellence while recognizing the need constantly to develop a curriculum where compassion and co-operation are given a higher value than competition.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School The school is committed to enabling the student to develop a healthy self-image and to form positive relationships with others. The school seeks means of working effectively towards curriculum development in the light of the changing needs of the students. Good relationships between home and school are encouraged, as these are essential to the educational process.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Management

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School In 1857 the sisters of Charity started teaching girls in St. Vincent’s. A Board of Management was set up in 1991 to take charge of the running of St. Vincent’s Secondary School. This Board consists of eight members who are appointed by the Trustees.Four of these members are nominated by the Trustees. The spirit of enthusiasm and dedication of the Sisters of Charity is shared by these nominees.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Parents Association St. Vincent’s has an active Parents’ Association. Each October elections of officers are held for the forthcoming year. All parents who have a daughter presently attending the school are eligible for election. The committee of the association consists of parent representatives of students from each year group. The association organizes talks for parents on educational developments as well as liturgical and social events throughout the year. It has also engaged in a variety of projects and fundraising events over the years. A member of staff liaises with the association and attends monthly meetings.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Student Council A Students’ Council exists in the school. Each class is represented on the council by a prefect. Five committee members run this council and liaise regularly with the staff co-ordinator. The committee members consist of the following: Head Girl Vice Head Girl Secretary Treasurer Public Relations Officer

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Pastoral Care Pastoral care in St. Vincent’s aims to provide an environment in which each student feels known and cared for. Principal Deputy Principal Year Heads Class Teachers/Subject Teachers

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School SEN/ Learning Support/Resource Special educational needs provision is not regarded as a peripheral activity but rather corresponding more closely to the learning situation of individual students and the education provision based on it is likely to be more effective for all students.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Context

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School RAPID Area DAS / DEIS (HSCL) Economic Downturn DES cutbacks Early School Leaving

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Junior Certificate Transition Year (Optional) Leaving Certificate Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Programmes

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Religious Education Gaeilge Mathematics English History Geography French German Home Economics Music Art Business Subjects CSPE SPHE Business Physical Education Science Information Technology Physics Chemistry Biology Accounting Enterprise Education Preparation for the World of Work

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Student Support Supervised Study Learning Support /Resource English Language Support Guidance & Counselling UCC+ Access to courses and extra tuition School Completion Programme Business in the Community Programme

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School School Plant Extension Science Laboratory Demonstration/Lecture Theatre Guidance Suite Multimedia/Language Room Dual Purpose PE Hall Fitness Centre/Gym Music/Drama/Stage Area General Purpose Classrooms Administration/Offices Social Area Resource

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Other Existing Facilities 2 Science Laboratories 60 computers for student use / 4 WiFi Hotspots 2 Music Rooms (ICT Equipped) 2 Home Economics Rooms (ICT Equipped) Art Room (ICT Equipped) Religion Room Geography Room Library Parents Room 19 Classrooms

“All communication with parents is characterised by openness, transparency and a sense of mutual respect.” “Teachers went to considerable lengths to ensure students knew the purpose of the lesson and the procedures to be followed. Such clarity was helped by the very good teacher-student rapport which was found to obtain in all lessons….” “…this is commendable and demonstrates the commitment the school has to supporting the needs of its students…..” “It is recommended that the role of the student council be expanded in order to increase the positive school atmosphere and contribute to the caring environment already evident in the school….” Whole School Evaluation What did the inspectors say ?

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Co-curricular / Extra-curricular School Liturgies / Retreats / Charitable and Social Work Strong tradition of Music/Drama / Musician in residence Strong tradition in Sport (Basketball, Camogie, Soccer ) Choir – Cross Border Orchestra Annual School Show / Theatre Workshops School Bus Campaign 2006 Irish Times Schools Magazine – top 3 in Ireland Days Like These Photographic Project Transition Year Radio Science Rap – Nanotechnology – LEGO Robot Junior Achievement - EMC Business in the Community - Pepsi Co.

Vincent’s Secondary School St. Vincent’s Secondary School Camogie

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