We are very aware of the anxieties and concerns of both students and their parents/guardians on the transfer from primary school to post primary school. We have developed and put in place an induction programme, which involves actions and support structures, for our incoming First Years that is designed to make the transition that little bit easier and less formidable.
The Programme:
- A representative from the school visits the primary schools in the catchment area as a first contact.
- The students and their parents/guardians are invited to an Open Night/Information Night in the school. Information about the school is given, facilities are open for view and staff are available for questions.
- Those students who enrol sit an assessment exam on a Saturday morning prior to the Summer holiday.
- On their first day in Coláiste Iosagáin they are assigned a Meitheal Mentor, a Leaving Cert student who will look after a small group of first years and help them settle in. Meetings are held on a regular basis.
- Alongside the Meitheal Programme Class Tutors and Year Heads keep a special eye out for the new First Years to see how they are settling in and coping with the change.
- S.P.H.E. (Social Personal and Health Education) will also address the issue of change in their young lives.