St Marys Holy Faith Prospectus 2021

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

www.holyfaith.ie 1

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

Thank you for taking the time to read our prospectus. We know that choosing a secondary school for your daughter is a very important decision. We hope that the information you find here will support you in that process by giving you an insight into the excellent all-round education we offer in St. Mary’s. We have been educating girls for over 50 years and we have an experienced, enthusiastic and committed team who are ready to welcome your daughter and support her through her secondary school journey.

As Principal of the school, I am very proud of our Holy Faith heritage, and together with the teaching team we pride ourselves on the care that we provide for the needs of each of our girls in line with our ethos, which is rooted in one word – RESPECT. We hold high expectations for all our girls, and teaching and learning is aimed at excellent academic achievement, where each girl can reach her full potential. We encourage a positive and respectful learning environment for all, so that students can feel safe and valued in their contributions. We aim to nurture a good work ethic that prepares our girls for further study and the workplace.

St. Mary’s is very fortunate to be well supported by parents and guardians who care greatly for their child’s education. We recognise fully the importance of the partnership between home and school and value this important relationship.

I hope you enjoy reading about the various opportunities and programmes that we provide for our students and that this prospectus will help you in coming to the best decision for your daughter.

Evelyn McLoughlin Principal

2

PROSPECTUS

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME It is with great pleasure we welcome your daughter to St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School. As a teacher and Deputy Principal, I look forward very much to looking after your daughter in our safe and secure surroundings, where we encourage our students to grow and become active citizens of the future. The wellbeing of our students is paramount to all in St. Mary’s as we strive to provide an excellent educational opportunity for our students.

St. Mary’s is a vibrant centre of teaching and learning. Our aim is to provide our students with the opportunity to study academic and practical subjects, participate in extracurricular activities as well as looking after their mental and physical wellbeing.

Our school provides a balanced education for all our students and provides you with the peace of mind that your daughter will be well looked after, and all their educational needs and talents will be catered for.

Clare Gilligan Deputy Principal

3

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL St Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School, Killester was established in 1967 by the Holy Faith Order. The philosophy and ethos of the school are founded on the vision of Margaret Aylward, foundress of the Congregation of the Holy Faith Order. In 2009, St. Mary’s became part of the Le Chéile Schools’ Trust. The aim of the Trust is to carry on the legal, financial and inspirational role of trusteeship that has, up to now, been undertaken by individual congregations.

OUR CORE VALUES 

Respect for SELF



Respect for OTHERS



Respect for the ENVIRONMENT

Our School Aims 

To provide an excellent academic education for all girls.



To provide for the social, personal and spiritual development of all girls.



To promote our Catholic and Holy Faith ethos and gospel values.



To encourage active, motivated and responsible citizenship.



To engage in ongoing review, reflection and school improvement.



To foster a sense of wellbeing across all school activities.

4

Mission Statement St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School Killester is a Catholic secondary school. Our aim is to provide an excellent all-round education in a Christian environment. We strive for academic excellence. We seek to enable each student to reach her full potential, to accept responsibility for her own actions, to respect the rights of others and to be motivated to make a positive contribution to the building of a better world.

PROSPECTUS

“St.Mary’s was a school that could make you forget your problems, even on the toughest days. Everyone looked out for each other. I will forever cherish the great times spent there!”

Belle Moore, past pupil

5

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

SCHOOL CURRICULUM Junior Cycle

Leaving Certificate

St. Mary's offers the following subjects at Junior Cycle:

The Leaving Certificate (Established) is a two-year programme that aims to provide learners with a broad, balanced education while also offering them a chance to specialise towards particular higher education and career options.

Core Subjects Irish English Mathematics Modern Foreign Languages (French or Spanish) Geography

In general, students take seven subjects for examination, one of which must be Irish. Subjects are normally studied at either Ordinary or Higher Level. Two subjects, Irish and Mathematics, can be studied at Foundation Level.

History

In St. Mary’s, the curriculum is as follows:

Wellbeing

Core Subjects

Option Subjects

Social Personal Health Education (SPHE)

Irish

Accounting

Religious Education

English

Art

Civic Social Political Education (CSPE)

Mathematics

Biology

French/Spanish

Business

Option Subjects

Religious Education

Chemistry

Art

Physical Education

Geography

Physical Education (PE) Short Course

Business

History

Home Economics Music

Home Economics (Social and Scientific)

Science

Music

6

PROSPECTUS

Transition Year Transition Year was first introduced to students in St. Mary’s in 1995. It is now an integral part of the school curriculum. The programme is not currently compulsory, but over 90% of girls choose it due to the well-researched educational, social and vocational benefits it provides. The school ethos underpins our Transition Year: 

Providing a person-centred education, based on faith and Christian values, which aims to develop each student’s full potential.

TY Curriculum Gaeilge Chumarsásideach English Mathematics History

Appreciating the dignity and uniqueness of each person in a family-like atmosphere where staff, students and all school personnel are respected and valued.

Geography



Achieving high academic standards, sound intellectual and moral criteria and a love for learning.

Multimedia



Fostering a sense of responsibility, solidarity and co-operation.



Striving to build a more just and peaceful world for all.



Working as a school community where staff, students and parents together respect and foster the ethos of the school.



The TY Programme aims to develop four main aspects of our students:

Enterprise Education

Coding Music Guidance First Aid Road Safety



The Personal: to develop, mature and discover more about one’s personal strengths and a sense of responsibility.

Wellbeing



The Social: to become more aware of society and the contribution they can make to promote the value of caring for others.

Physical Education



The Professional: to experience the workplace and to explore and identify possible career options.



The Educational: ­­­­­­­­­­­­to experience and explore the different subjects available to them on the Leaving Certificate Programme with a view to making informed choices relating to their future careers; to take ownership of their learning.

Work Experience Residential Trip to Glendalough Residential Trip to Tanagh Outdoor Centre

7

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is designed to enhance the vocational aspect of the Leaving Certificate. It is a two-year programme offered to senior students and it aims to prepare them for adult life. LCVP encourages students to develop skills and competencies which can be used for both academic and vocational success.

The programme is divided into two Link Modules, namely, Enterprise Education and Preparation for the World of Work.

Annual activities that take place as part of LCVP: 

Trips out to visit local enterprises, e.g., Butlers Chocolate Factory.



Visitors to school to speak to students about their field of work or enterprise.



Enterprise activities such as Talent Shows, Fun Days and Fashion Shows to develop students’ enterprise skills. These activities usually involve some fundraising for charity.



Visits out to third-level institutions as part of the students’ Career Investigation Projects.



Work experience placement to get a feel for the world of work and possible future careers.



Research using ICT to write up portfolios, e.g., CV, Reports, Diary of Work Experience, Enterprise Plans etc.



Students make presentations to the rest of their class on various activities as part of their evaluation, using ICT to assist in this.

8

PROSPECTUS

ExtraCurricular Programme Choir Talent Shows Gaelic Rugby Soccer Frisby Gymnastics Book Club Creative Writing

SciFest

School Facilities Canteen Two Fully Equipped Kitchens One Computer Laboratory Two Digital Suites Sports Hall General Purpose Hall Reading Room Music Room Two Art Rooms Two Science Laboratories Guidance Suite Learning Support Hub Astro Pitch Football Pitch Basketball Court Courtyard Fitness Suite Oratory

9

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

SCHOOL FOREIGN TRIPS

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

The school foreign trip is a big part of our school year and is offered to students in senior cycle, 4th, 5th and 6th years. The trips are fully guided by teachers and a tour guide from Saffron Travel, our tour organiser.

They are a fun way to travel with your friends to European cities such London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Cologne, Munich, Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Barcelona to learn about and experience their culture and art. We have stayed in lovely hotels, eaten delicious food and enjoyed the thrills of Europe’s best theme parks. These four day/three-night trips have left us informed and with unforgettable memories.

SCHOOL AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Commendations are awarded at assemblies to motivate, encourage and recognise success in school: Attendance and Punctuality Co-operative and Obliging Creative Writing and Literacy Awards Awards for Junior Cycle Achievement Annual Prizegiving for Academic, Community and Sporting Margaret Aylward Award for Community Spirit Phil Costigan Award for Creative Writing Sr. Cyprian Award for Liturgical Music Student of the Year.

10

PROSPECTUS

PASTORAL CARE

THEME WEEKS

Pastoral Care is fundamental in promoting the wellbeing of our students and enhances their educational development. Each year group is supported by a Year Head and Tutor team.

The school facilitates a number of theme weeks throughout the year to focus on particular areas of interest:

The Role of the Year Head The Year Head, on behalf of the school community, takes on the role of overseeing the welfare of a year group so that learning at every level of the person is supported.

The Role of the Class Tutor In St. Mary’s, every student is part of a base class and is assigned a class Tutor. The Tutor is the first point of contact for the student and provides support, guidance, care and motivation for each girl in the class. The Tutor works closely with the Year Head.

Active Schools Catholic Schools College Awareness Friendship Green Schools Literacy Mental Health Awareness Young Social Innovators Seachtain na Gaeilge

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at St Mary’s because of the positive and friendly atmosphere of the school environment. Ever since stepping foot into the school in 2015, there has been an amazing support system from teachers who genuinely care about the well-being of all students. This is really important to me and is one of the many reasons that I’ve enjoyed school at St Mary’s so much.” Ruth Lyons, 6th Year

“I started St. Mary’s not knowing anyone, and I left with lifelong friends and amazing memories that will stay with me for life. The staff are incredible and go above and beyond for each and every student. The school is a close-knit community who support and care for one another - a positive and safe space for everyone.” Aoibhe Conway, past pupil 11

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

Our Guidance Counsellor works with students on an individual or group basis.

The role of the counsellor is twofold: 1. To assist the students’ educational progress by:

2. To provide support for students who may be experiencing difficulty:

•

Organising St. Mary’s College Fairs, where past pupils are invited back to the school to advise students about the different paths to chosen careers.

•

•

Facilitating online presentations from past pupils talking about their journey to third-level education and beyond.

Personal and social guidance aims to help students to make decisions, solve problems, resolve difficulties and develop coping strategies that will empower them to live more fulfilled lives.

•

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School has a number of personnel, including a visiting counsellor, trained and experienced in supporting students in need.

•

Students can be referred for support at their own request, the request of their parent/guardian, any teacher, or if a friend or peer brings it to the attention of a staff member that a student is experiencing difficulties.

•

Students bring a variety of different issues. These include:

•

Arranging and administering assessment tests.

•

Advising on subject choice.

•

Providing information on careers.

•

Providing careers classes, explaining how the CAO system works, preparation for CAO application and discussing alternative third-level opportunities.

•

Organising attendance at careers exhibitions, college open days.

•

Organising guest speakers from the different third level universities and colleges, including Post Leaving Cert colleges, to visit the school.

•

Hosting information evenings for parents/guardians.



Personal reasons e.g., friendship / self-esteem



Family problems, e.g., bereavement 

Relationship problems



Stress / motivation and coping skills



Health issues

“St. Mary’s offered me endless guidance and assistance when it came time to transition on to third-level education. The teachers went above and beyond to assist in every way possible.

St. Mary’s believes in each and every student and is invested in assisting you to reach your full potential. I couldn’t recommend St. Mary’s Secondary School highly enough.”

Nicole Fagan, past pupil 12

PROSPECTUS

13

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Respect for SELF, OTHERS and for the ENVIRONMENT St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

We place a high emphasis on developing leadership skills and our student body is led by a dynamic student leadership team that supports students on a daily basis to get the best from school life. The following leadership opportunities are available in St. Mary’s.

•

Head Girl

• Prefects •

Student Council

•

Wellbeing Captain

•

Aylward Ambassador

• Librarian •

Sports Captain

•

Student Voice Representatives

•

Class Captain

•

Green Schools Leader

“Students are given very good leadership opportunities through participation on the student council and in their roles as mentors for firstyear students.”

Inspection Report 2017

“My time in St. Mary’s was such a happy 6 years. I was supported with my studies and career options, and was encouraged to do my best in every way. I became part of the student leadership team, which helped me to gain confidence, learn new skills and make new friends. I’ll always be grateful for my time there.”

Alice Dunne, past pupil

14

PROSPECTUS

SCHOOL DAY

UNIFORM

St. Mary’s operates a one-hour timetable to encourage more active engagement and deeper learning.

Junior students:

(Supplier: Lynches of Fairview)

Our weekly timetable: TIME

MON

TUES

WED

THU

FRI

9am-10am

Break

Break

Break

Break

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Break

11.15am-12.15pm 12.15-1.15pm 1.45pm-3.45pm

Green jumper White shirt Plaid skirt Green socks

Senior students:

10am-11am 11am-11.15am

• • • •

LINKS AND PARTNERSHIPS The school is linked to several agencies that enrich the school’s curriculum and extracurricular programme.

Aspire 2

Le Chéile Youth Centre

Athletics Ireland

Leinster Rugby

Basketball Ireland

LGFA

Craobh Chiarán Gaelic Club

Northside Partnership

Donnycarney United Football Club

Orienteering Ireland

Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership

Parnell’s GAA

Dublin City University

IRFU

FAI

SciFest

FUSE

SSA Basketball League

GAA

The Sports Council

Gaisce

Ultimate Frisby Ireland

HSE

Westwood Gym

Jigsaw

Young Social Innovators

Killester United Football Club

• • • •

Navy jumper White shirt Plaid skirt Navy socks

All students: • Green school jacket.

•

Black flat shoes or navy deck shoes are permitted.

•

Only school scarves or plain black scarves are permitted.

•

No over-sized head gear is permitted.

•

P.E. uniform must be worn for P.E. classes and sports fixtures.

•

Blue hooded P.E. jackets are for sports occasions only.

“St. Mary’s for me was more than a school. It was a home away from home where I met my friends for life and learnt lessons and skills that have supported me ever since. The supportive and encouraging environment helped me as a student to see the unlimited possibilities that were out there for me. I treasure every laugh, memory and moment that I spent in St. Mary’s and I have no doubt that the days I spent there were some of the best of my life.”

Erin Barry, past pupil

15

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

www.holyfaith.ie admin@hfk.ie +353 1 831 0963 Stmarysholyfaithkillester @st.marysholyfaith @smhfk

St. Mary’s Holy Faith Secondary School

16