Pastoral Structures

The individual child’s needs are at the core of the pastoral care system in the school. Rossa College has clear structures to ensure the needs of students are catered for throughout the school year. Class Tutors, Guidance Counsellors, Special NeedsTeam, Home School Community Liaison Teacher, School Completion Staff and the Care Team all work in close cooperation with parents to ensure the needs of each child are met.

Guidance

The Guidance Counsellor works with all year groups. Students are assisted with subject choices, study plans, exam targets, college applications, career options and if required personal counselling. Students are monitored and advised on an individual basis, meeting the guidance counsellor on numerous occasions during their time in school.

SchoolAttendance

Students are expected to attend all classes on each school day. The school makes every effort to encourage good attendance. Strategies in place include:

• Utilizing the services of the Home chool Community Liaison Teacher
• Provision of teacher assisted homework clubs
• Utilising the services of the School Completion Programme team
• Provision of a range of extra and co-curricular activities to increase the positive experiences of pupils
• Rewards for good attendance

HealthyEating

A Breakfast Club is in place in Rossa College where students can avail of tea, toast fruit and orange juice before classes in the morning. This is a free service in the school. While students are encouraged to bring their own lunch to school, subsidized rolls can be purchased in the school shop. These can be enjoyed in the comfort of the central area of the school where excellent canteen facilities exist. The school shop opens at both break times and as well as providing rolls, confectionary and soft drinks can also be purchased. Fruit is available free to students throughout the school day.

The Transition from Primary to Secondary School

Open Evening

• Students in the catchment area are invited to attend the school open evening
• Teacher are available to chat to parents and students
• Displays and activities are organised by each subject department

Enrolment

Rossa College has an open enrolment policy which is welcoming of all new First Year students. Students may be enrolled on the Open Night or at between 9.30 am and 4.30pm on designated school days.

Documentation required for enrolment: Completed application form, birth certificate, PPS number, Educational reports if available.

Assessment

An assessment of incoming students is held on a Saturday Morning in March at which standardised tests are used.

First Day in School

A full morning is dedicated to First Year induction. On this morning, First Year students are divided into class groups and meet with their Class Tutors/Year Head. The following issues are addressed:

• Introduction
• Tour of the school
• School Lockers
• School Books
• School Timetable
• Standards of Behaviour
• Common procedures
• Common problems which may arise

Mid September

First Year parents are invited to the school to meet the Year Head/Class Tutors, the Guidance Counsellor, the Home School Community Liaison Coordinator as well as the Principal and Deputy Principal. At this meeting the organisation of the school is again outlined and parents are free to ask questions.

At all stages throughout the transition from Primary to Post Primary school the Principal, Deputy Principal, Home School Community Liaison Coordinator and Guidance Counsellor are very willing to meet with prospective parents and students to discuss issues of concern to them.