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Parents Presentation Incoming 1st Year 2025-2026

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Parents Presentation Incoming 1st Year 2025-2026

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Incoming 1st Year Parents Presentation 2025-2026

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Junior Cycle Subjects at Mount Sackville

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Junior Cycle Subjects at Mount Sackville

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file:///C:/Users/petla/Downloads/Incoming%201st%20Years%20Checklist.pdf

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Video Support for Entering Subject Choice

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Video Support for Entering Subject Choice

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Black and Grey Introduction of Our Team Instagram Post (2)

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Colman Noctor - Let's talk exam stress

Colman Noctor Webinar 1 - Let's talk about connecting with your child.

Colman Noctor Webinar 2 - Let's talk about helping anxious children

Colman Noctor Webinar 3 - Let's talk about your child`s online life

Colman Noctor Webinar 4 - Let's talk about building your child`s social savvy

Let's talk about supporting your child's additional needs when starting Primary School

Webinar for parents on Community National Schools

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Webinars for Parents | National Parents Council

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NPC exists to ensure that all parents are supported and empowered to become effective partners in their children's education.

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Orange Simple Minimal Icons Personal Space Social Story

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UPDATED 1st Year Booklist 2025 2026 for website

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Deadline 12th April to fill in Student Ed. Passport Form: https://forms.office.com/e/swtAfGkJPP

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Deadline 12th April to fill in Student Ed. Passport Form: https://forms.office.com/e/swtAfGkJPP

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QRCode for 2025-2026 Mount Sackville Education Passport to be completed by student by 12th April

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Deadline 12th April to fill in Parent/Guardian Ed. Passport Form: https://forms.office.com/e/dwmJBiBrvj

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Deadline 12th April to fill in Parent/Guardian Ed. Passport Form: https://forms.office.com/e/dwmJBiBrvj

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QRCode for 2025-2026 Mount Sackville Education Passport to be completed by parent(s)_guardian(s) 

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Mount Sackville_Parents App Presentation_V1 1 (3)

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PP 2025 Mount Sackville Secondary School 60120W (1) (1) (1)

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Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

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Learning Activities for parents and children

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Learning Activities for parents and children

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Help My Kid Learn is a project brought to you by NALA, the National Adult Literacy Agency

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With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, or which to trust.

What are the best mental health apps?

At Jigsaw, we are often asked which are the best apps for anxiety, or what ones we would recommend. Research and evidence are important parts of our work so we can really stand behind what we say.

To ensure we recommend safe apps to use, we embarked on a review project with funding from ESB Energy for Generations,. The aim was to identify apps that might be helpful to young people in managing their mental health.

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Mental health apps | Advice for young people | Jigsaw

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With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, or which to trust. At Jigsaw, we are often asked which are the best apps for anxiety, or what ones we would recommend. Research and evidence are important parts of our work so we can really stand behind what we say.

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https://jigsaw.ie/self-care-for-parents-course/#:~:text=This%201%2Dhour%20course%20is,Adult%20for%20a%20young%20person.

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This 1-hour course is aimed at parents/guardians of young people. It provides understanding and skills to help parents/guardians look after their own wellbeing while acting as that One Good Adult for a young person.

Participants will:

Have a greater understanding of what self-care is

Have a greater understanding of the importance of looking after their own wellbeing in their role as a parent/guardian

Be more aware of their own self-care needs and be able to identify their early warning signs

Be able to develop their own self-care plan.

This is online course is available on our eLearning platform.

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Self-care for parents | Jigsaw Youth Mental Health

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This online course illustrates how parents/guardians can look after their own wellbeing while caring for a young person.

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Devine Coaches
Lismullen, Garlow Cross, Navan,
Co. Meath
Telephone: 046 9026206
Mobile: 086 2523812 & 086 8383761

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Route: Ashbourne, Rathoath Kilbride, Hollystown, Tyrrelstown,
Blanchardstown,
Carpenterstown, Castleknock College.
Pick up from College: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday at 3.45pm.
Wednesdays 1pm.
Cost: Depends on pick up point. €30 to €40 euro
Booking: Contact Ciarán Clarke or www.celticcoaches.ie
or info@celticcoaches.ie

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celtic journey tours - School bus to Mount Sackville and St Vincent's castleknock   From  Ashbourne Ratoath  Kilbride Holystown Blanchardstown  To book your place please call Ciaran on 086-4084861 Or mail info@celticcoaches.ie | Facebook

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School bus to Mount Sackville and St Vincent's castleknock 

From 
Ashbourne
Ratoath 
Kilbride
Holystown
Blanchardstown

To book your place please call Ciaran on 086-4084861
Or mail info@celticcoaches.ie

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Mount Sackville Wellbeing Easter Newsletter

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Mount Sackville Wellbeing Easter Newsletter

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Sample  Extra Curricular Summer Timetable

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Sample  Extra Curricular Summer Timetable

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first year induction timetable for parents

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Parents Association Year Groups (PAYG) Contact Details

Parents Association 2nd Year Group

Parents Association 3rd Year Group

Parents Association Transition Year Group

Parents Association 5th Year Group

Parents Association 6th Year Group

Parents Association AGM

Tuesday October 3 rd

Parents Association Year Groups (PAYG) Meeting Calendar

Tuesday September 12 th

Tuesday October 24th

Tuesday 28 th November

Tuesday January 23 rd

Tuesday March 12 th

Tuesday April 23 rd

Parents Council Meeting Calendar

Tuesday November 7th

Tuesday December 12th

Tuesday February 6th

Tuesday April 16 th

Tuesday May 7 th

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Parents Association Year Groups (PAYG) Contact Details
Parents Association 1st Year Group
MSPAYG2029@gmail.com
Parents Association 2nd Year Group
mspayg2028@gmail.com
Parents

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Our lives revolve around the internet, computers, smartphones and other devices.

While the internet has many benefits, it also poses risks. Online safety is essential for both children and adults.

Keeping users safe online: new and upcoming changes

In March 2023, Coimisiún na Meán (this means the media commission) became the new media regulator for online safety, television broadcasting and video-on-demand services.

Since 17 February 2024, you have the right to make a complaint against online platforms if you encounter harmful or illegal content, need to report a violation of terms, or have concerns about targeted ads.

Coimisiún na Meán is currently developing Ireland's first Online Safety Code (pdf).

Read more about legislation covering online safety below.

Understanding the risks your child may face online is crucial.

Dangers include the loss of privacy, exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying and online grooming.

Learn about the apps they use and discuss:

Adjusting security and privacy settings

Blocking or unfriending unwanted contacts

Deleting profiles and accounts

Dealing with inappropriate content

Safeguard your child online by using:

Parental controls to manage your child's online activities

Filters to restrict their access to specific content, using tools such as SafeSearch

Time tracker tools to monitor their social media with available app features

Resources for parents

Get information and advice from:

As adults, staying safe online is essential with the growing number and sophistication of cybercrimes.

Learn how to avoid scams, especially when shopping online. Verify the company is legitimate and only use secure ways to pay. Be especially careful about transferring money to people or websites you do not know.
Online scams
Internet scams can affect anyone at any time. Be alert and know what to do to help protect yourself from scams.

If you think you have been the victim of a scam or fraud, report it to your local Garda Station. Bring any relevant information you have (like emails or bank statements).
Phishing and malware
Be cautious about unsolicited emails or texts. Never click on a link you do not trust or download suspicious content.

The Europol European Cybercrime Centre has information on malware basics.

Content is illegal if it breaks Irish or EU law.

A person can be guilty of a criminal offence if their online content includes:

A serious threat of violence that is believable

A campaign to harass someone (including cyberbullying)

Making threats, being abusive or saying insulting things that could create hate against a group of people based on their race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, membership of the travelling community or sexual orientation

Sending an unwanted picture of someone's genitals to cause distress, fear or alarm

Engaging in offensive sexual behaviour

Sharing an intimate picture without the person's permission

Urging someone to try harm themselves or providing information on how to attempt suicide

Creating or sharing materials involving the sexual abuse of children or promoting such materials

Encouraging terrorist activities or making threats to commit acts of terrorism

Coimisiún na Meán has a useful table showing which pieces of legislation cover each type of illegal content - see ' What makes content illegal'.

Illegal content

Online platforms must have a way for you to tell them about illegal content. If you tell them about something illegal, they must review it and act if they agree. They must do this quickly and tell you what they decide.

If the platform does not delete the content or respond to you, you can make a complaint to Coimisiún na Meán.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or risk of harm, call emergency services, for free, by dialling 112 from any phone.

You can also report illegal content anonymously and confidentially to the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPAI) at Hotline.ie.

Financial transaction disputes

You can dispute a transaction with your bank or credit card company if you did not authorise the transaction. Contact your bank or credit card company and ask for a chargeback.

Fraud

Report fraudulent activity to your local Garda station or to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB).

Personal information complaints

Complain about the use of your personal data to the Data Protection Commission using the online form.

In December 2022, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 was signed into law. It aims to improve online safety for children.

The Online Safety Commissioner (OSC) is part of Coimisiún na Meán. The OSC will regulate online services and will have enforcement powers to deal with disputes.

Coimisiún na Meán came into operation on 15 March 2023. It is currently developing Ireland's first Online Safety Code (pdf).

The Code will:

Establish important rules that online platforms (like social media) will have to follow

Make sure platforms are responsible for protecting the safety of their users

Impose severe fines (up to €20 million) on platforms that do not meet these safety requirements

The Department of Justice and Equality has more information about the Cybercrime division and Government's Action Plan for Online Safety (pdf).

The An Garda Síochána website has a local Garda station directory.

Read detailed questions and answers on your right to complain about online platforms on Coimisiún na Meán's website.

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This page explains some of the risks and dangers online, and how you can keep yourself and your child safe.

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Talk to someone

Worried about something you have seen online or concerned about your child? Childline and the National Parents Council Primary offer free advice and support service.

Childline is a support service for young people up to the age of 18.There is a 24hr telephone, online and mobile phone texting service.

The National Parents Council Primary enables and empowers parents to be effective partners in their children's education.

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Webwise offer free information, advice and resources to help parents, teachers and students address internet safety issues.

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Website Resources for Parents & Young People

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Module especially for families - parents and carers who are looking for advice and tips about CYP mental health, alongside existing modules for professionals

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Resources Expert resources to support children, young people and parents with life's challenges. Resources Expert resources to support children, young people and parents with life's challenges. I need help I am looking for parenting advice or tips I am worried about a child's safety or welfare Child Protection Young People Schools & Colleges Find a ...

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Free downloadable ebooks for parents and professionals

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We know that our mental health can change over time depending on personal factors such as coping skills or self-esteem, as well as external factors such as what's happening with family, friends and school.

Consider some of the following:

Arguments with friends

Spending time outdoors

School tests

Doing things we enjoy - sport, art, video games, hobbies

Quality time with friends, family, pets.

Mention some of these points and ask young people for feedback on whether they can make them feel good or bad. Describe how some things can make us feel good and move us closer to the 'good mental health' end of the scale, and how others make us feel bad and may move us closer to the 'poor mental health' end of the scale.

Invite them to consider what happens when there are more things going on in our lives that make us feel good than bad. You can use this to highlight how our mental health can change depending on what's going on in our lives.

You can also use this analogy to highlight how it is important to do the things that make us feel good and enjoy life. In section 3 we will explore things young people can do every day to feel good and support their mental health and wellbeing.

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Exploring attitudes and feelings towards change | Primary School Toolkit

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Resources for sixth class students to explore attitudes towards mental health, and the feelings that change may bring up.

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You could take a parenting course if you want to:

improve your relationship and communication with your child

build your child's confidence

find ways to handle any behaviour issues or difficulties your child may have

How to find a parenting course

Your GP or public health nurse can refer you to a parenting course.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth also has a list of parenting courses.
Parenting courses - gov.ie
Alternatives to courses

Your local library may have a section on parenting. There are many books, DVDs, podcasts and websites that can give you parenting tips.

How to choose a parenting course

Check that the course and teaching staff are accredited. Most courses have their accreditation details on their websites.

Accreditation means that the course has been independently recognised that it meets the correct requirements and standards

What you can expect

Parenting courses are generally designed to be relevant for the age of your child.

Courses can be delivered as single sessions, or they may meet once a week for a number of weeks.

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How to find a course near you to get practical parenting advice and support and what you can expect.

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The teenage years are full of many transitions and changes and in the coming months many young people will be making one of the most important transitions of their young life ; that of moving from primary to secondary school. Traditionally, this important time, symbolised the transition from childhood to adulthood, as young people left behind the safety and security of primary school to embark on an adventure into the unfamiliar and unknown territory of secondary school.

In the transition to secondary school workshops which I run with 6th class students, the children will talk about experiencing a mix of emotions about starting secondary school. They say there are many things they are looking forward to, topping the list here is getting a locker, as well as having some concerns around starting a new school ( for some, the worry of not getting a locker!!).

Concerns your child may have:

The size of the school and getting lost; as well as now being the youngest in the school

The different subjects and the amount of homework they will have in each of them as well as the dreaded Friday homework

Understanding their timetable and the rules of the school

Studying and exams

In addition to these practical concerns, the children also worry about social issues such as friendships, social groupings and bullying, which I will talk about next week. As parents, how can you help make this transition as smooth as possible for your child?
In the coming weeks, reassurance that any concerns they have about rules, homework, journals and subjects will all be addressed by teachers in that first week. In many secondary schools, first year students return to school a day earlier to give them the opportunity to orientate themselves to their new environment. On that first week back, remember they will be tired and possibly a little moody as they get to grips with a longer day and a greater workload, so giving them a little space when they get home can be helpful.
Making sure they understand their timetable and helping them organise their books and other materials that they need, the night before can also be beneficial in these first few days, as well as helping them to draw up a homework timetable as this can help avoid the last minute panic of realising that they had homework due that they haven't even started yet.

Finally, it is important to remember that young people tend to settle quite quickly into secondary school, with the majority of students having settled in nicely by the end of the first week. For some it takes a little longer, however by the end of September, they will have found their feet. However the issues that most concern them and which they can often continue to struggle with in the early years of secondary school are the social ones. These include issues such as changes in their friendships, the social hierarchy and groupings that exist within the school and about being bullied.

Changing friends!

Although many young people will transfer with their friends from a primary to a secondary school in their catchment area, others move to schools outside their area and have to come to terms with a new social environment. For these students they often experience feelings of sadness and fear around the possibility of losing the friends they had in primary school. Acknowledging these feelings and talking to them about friendships can be helpful at this time.

Letting them know that there are still ways of staying in touch with old friends, especially in this digital age of social networking, as well as talking about secondary school as a new and exciting place with lots of new people to make friends with, can be reassuring.

Another common experience for many young people, in particular girls, is dealing with changing friendships. Many start secondary school and are relieved and delighted to learn that they are in the same classes as their BFF. They have been friends since junior infants and have shared so much with each other and now they begin the journey of secondary school together. However this excitement can often be short - lived and as the weeks go by, they notice that their friend is now spending a lot of time with other girls in the class, she is not calling her as much and she has developed a whole different style overnight. When she tries to talk to her friend, she is told that there is nothing wrong. This can be a very painful and confusing time for a young person as they feel betrayed, hurt and alone.

What you can do!

As a parent you can support your child by being there for them, giving them a hug as well as listening to and validating how they feel. Understanding their experience can help you help them come up with ways of dealing with this changing friendship. This first year is an important time for parents to check in with their children and the school about how they are doing. Never assume that because they say nothing about school, that everything is okay. Stay connected and involved.

Article provided by Clare Crowley Collier, Therapist, Educator & Facilitator for Teenagers and Parents
Visit their website at Family Matters.ie. Check out their course schedule here

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Easing the Transition from Primary to Secondary School for your Child - SchoolDays.ie

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The teenage years are full of many transitions and changes and in the coming months many young people will be making one of the most important transitions of their young life ; that of moving from primary to secondary school.

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Use our Journey Planner online or download the TFI Journey Planner App to plan your journey around Ireland using train, bus, tram, car, taxi or bicycle.

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Bus 1 .... Ardclough , Celbridge,  leixlip , lucan onto Castleknock College then Mountsackville.

Bus 2 .... Kilcock , Maynooth and Carton onto Castleknock College then Mountsackville.

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Contact us today for competitive pricing and great service

If you have a disabled or special needs person in your group, our wheelchair accessible minibuses are perfect for your requirements. To support the less abled person, there are handrails on entry steps and hand grips on each seat. We supply clamps for all wheelchairs so you don't have to worry about bringing your own. The drivers on our Wheelchair Accessible Minibuses have also completed a Manual Handling Course.

So whether you're heading to a concert, organising a wedding or school tour, let James Coaches take you there safely and in comfort.

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James's Coaches | James Coaches - Coach Hire, Minibus Hire, Wheelchair Accessible Buses, Kildare, Dublin, Ireland

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If you have a disabled or special needs person in your group, our wheelchair accessible minibuses are perfect for your requirements. To support the less abled person, there are handrails on entry steps and hand grips on each seat. We supply clamps for all wheelchairs so you don't have to worry about bringing your own.

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On Tuesday the 27th of February our 1st year students together with their Tutors and Deans went on a school trip. They visited Epic, The Irish Emigration Museum, received a guided tour of The Famine Ship Jeanie Johnston and participated in a Workshop on Irish Women's History. Below they present their account of the trip.

Epic Emigration Museum

By Isabel McCabe

Our year group went to Epic Emigration Museum on Tuesday 27th February, and it certainly was an enjoyable trip. The museum was full of colour, written displays and interesting stories about Irish people who emigrated. There were lots of fun interactive activities that taught us about Irish people who left the country during the Famine and afterwards.

I think I speak for everyone when I say that we all had a great day.

The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship

By Sofia Soric

One part of our school trip was a guided tour of the Jeanie Johnston famine ship.

We were told a lot about the history of the ship and the famine. The Jeanie Johnston was originally a cargo ship but was used as a passenger ship during The Great Famine in Ireland. It carried passengers to North America. In contrast to most ships that made this trip at the time, not a single life was lost on the Jeanie Johnston.

We went down to into the ship to see where the passengers would have stayed. There were mannequins of some of the people who travelled on the ship. We were told some of their stories and we learned more about the ship. We really enjoyed seeing and learning about the Jeanie Johnston. It was a fun and and interesting experience.

Workshop on Famous Irish Women

By Erin Watters

During our tour we went attend a workshop on Irish Women through history. We learned about women who fought discrimination and succeeded in their careers, that were male dominated, for example journalism, science and medicine.

Some of the women we learned about were Nelly Bly. She had to disguise her gender, she pretended she was a man to get her hard-hitting pieces published in the newspapers. She went on an undercover mission to an asylum to see firsthand the terrible conditions there and wrote about her experience.

It was a great experience.

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On Tuesday the 27th of February our 1st year students together with their Tutors and Deans went on a school trip. They visited Epic, The Irish Emigration Museum, received a guided tour of The Famine Ship Jeanie Johnston and participated in a Workshop on Irish Women's History.

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CareersPortal is Ireland's leading Careers Guidance website. It is a one-stop-shop for people of all ages who need information and guidance regarding their next career decision.

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CareersPortal is Ireland’s leading Careers Guidance website. It is a one-stop-shop for people of all ages who need information and guidance regarding their next career decision.

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Skip to content

WHAT'S THE PROGRAMME ALL ABOUT?

Education is changing. It is widely acknowledged that the demands on students in a constantly changing world are immense, and that learning adaptive and future-proofing skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, teamwork and resilience is absolutely essential.

AIB Future Sparks supports the core curriculum, maps onto current key skills frameworks, and provides valuable educational resources.

FOR PARENTS

SUPPORTING PARENTS

Navigating the journey as a teenager - or as a parent of a teenager - is full of challenges and complexities, and unfortunately, there is no one roadmap or uniform set of instructions. However, AIB Future Sparks aims to provide a level of support that will guide skills development and preparedness along the way.

Underpinned by rich education resources, this programme provides resources and materials that develop life skills and support your child as they navigate major transitions and key life moments. At AIB, we believe that learning life skills now, will future-proof lives, careers, and our future economy, to the benefit of all. We see this as part of our brand purpose at AIB, which is to back people to achieve their dreams and ambitions. The online teacher and student hub contains extensive resources, with a strong skills focus that aims to support your child's learning journey from their 'ignition' stage in the first year of post primary education right through to where they 'change lanes' into the world of third level education or training or work. Why not check out some of our Parent/Guardian supports like the Parent-Teen Communication resource and Teens Take Over episode with Louize Carroll on 'Communicating With Your Teen' through your child's school account.

LIFE MOMENTS

How young people transition from one life moment to the next is important for reaching their potential and overall well-being. Skills are the consequence and the sustenance as they go from one life moment to the next. Some key life moments are:

Igniting the dreams and ambitions of Ireland's Future Sparks

AIB FUTURE SPARKS STUDENT HUB

Students can access resources including Future Sparks TV, podcasts, written resources and tools using a School Access Code once a teacher in their school has registered. Students are not required to share any information to gain access; all students in the school use the same access code. Speak to your child's teacher about registering to gain access to the student and parent resources.

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Transition to Post-Primary Education | AIB Future Sparks

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We offer specific resources for parents to help their kids with the transition to post-primary education and support their learning journey.

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The Mount Sackville Uniform is specially designed and produced to the school's specifications. Irish Manufacturers are used in this process.

The school uniform for Junior Cycle consist of:

blue Mount Sackville crested jumper

blue gingham blouse

red tie

blue Mount Sackville skirt

navy Mount Sackville jacket

The PE uniform consists of

red Mount Sackville hoodie

red Mount Sackville polo shirt

navy Mount Sackville tracksuit bottoms

The school tracksuit may only be worn in PE class or sport extra-curricular activities and may not be combined with non-uniform items. Students may not combine elements of the sports uniform with the school uniform.

Leddy Uniforms will be inviting our 1st year students for their uniform fitting at the end of April or beginning of May .

The curriculum is arranged in such a way as to provide for an area of choice, while at the same time ensuring a balanced course of instruction. It is structured to cater for students of varying abilities and with defined limits.

Core Subjects

CIVIC, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL EDUCATION

SOCIAL, PERSONAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

DIGITAL LITERACY

Subjects Options

Students must study three of the following, with a minimum of one language. When inputting choices on VSware, please choose a fourth option in case first choices cannot be accommodated.

To enter subject choices it is necessary to log onto Mount Sackville VSware site and use the username and password which shall be sent to you by text.

The deadline for submitting the subject choices is TBC.
How to set up account on VSware? Subject Choice instructions for VSware
All students are required to study Irish. Exemptions are only granted in exceptional cases.

Religious Education is a core subject in Mount Sackville. All students are required to participate or observe in this class.

For more information on the subjects, please visit https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Junior-Cycle/

Fees are reviewed annually in May, and parents/guardians are notified of any adjustments at that time.

Our preferred method of communication is by email, invoices, statements, and ad hoc communications will be sent to parents/guardians by email.

An invoice for school fees is issued in June and fees can be paid in full at that time or in either 2 instalments (June and November) or 10 equal monthly instalments (June to March inclusive).

PLEASE NOTE - from June 2021 it is mandatory that school fees are paid by Direct Debit.

To this end we will be sending a DD mandate to all parents/guardians for completion, you can advise on fee payment regularity on this form. The form will be sent by email.

Additional charges (e.g., TY Fee, Music Fee) will be added to your account throughout the school year. These charges will be added to your monthly direct debit when they fall due.

Invoices are issued in June and statements are issued at the end of each term. Receipts are issued on request only.

Wriggle provides the digital learning solutions for the school.

Wriggle Online Store will open in March 2024 and will close in June 2024.

School Store Code: 57458072

The school uses iClass as the official channel of communication with parents/guardians.

Please ensure to register before 2024.
iclass Mobile App Instructions for Parents
For any additional queries with regards to admission and the transition from primary to secondary school, please contact our Dean of Admissions, Ms Vivienne Meade at vmeade@mountsackville.ie

Virtual Open Day Video

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Uniform Information The Mount Sackville Uniform is specially designed and produced to the school’s specifications. Irish Manufacturers are used in

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https://mountsackville.ie/page/Library/65533/Index.html

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Book suggestions from your school librarian to enjoy during the summer holidays:
Incoming 1st years
E-books and audiobooks
Public Library
Join your public library online to avail of free e-books and audiobooks and download the BorrowBox app to borrow free e-books and audiobooks from your public library.
Join your public library TeenBookCloud Here is a link to free access to e-books through TeenBookCloud
There is no login required.

There are e-books and audiobooks, fiction and non-fiction, classic literature, videos and educator resources aimed at the 11-18 age group.

It also states whether a book is on Accelerated Reader or not and has a book quiz, which is very useful. If you go to the 'Index' on the menu, you can see a list of all of the titles, and if they have a quiz it tells you the book level.
Open Culture
Free e-books and audiobooks, including many classics.
World Book E-Books
There are about 700 proprietary World Book titles for ages 4-18 and over 2,500 Project Gutenberg titles
Project Gutenburg
Project Gutenburg is a library of over 60,000 free e-books. The books are mostly older literary works published before 1924:
AudiobookSYNC
AudiobookSYNC is a free summer audiobook programme that allows teens aged 13+ to download 2 paired audiobooks per week! Click HERE

Accelerated Reader

For 1st and 2nd year students.

To do an Accelerated Reader book quiz, click here.

To search for a book to see if there is a quiz on it and what level a book is, use the AR Bookfinder. To search for books within your book level range click on Advanced Search and search ZPD range/ATOS Book Level:
https://www.arbookfind.co.uk/
Recommended books

Some very good reading lists here from Children's Books Ireland, many for secondary school aged students, under different categories: https://childrensbooksireland.ie/our-recommendations

Recommended reading from the Empathy Lab:
Secondary School Read for Empathy Guide
Learning and research resources

Resource page for students, teachers and parents from the School Library Association:
SLA Resource Links JSTOR, The Ireland Collection
This collection of journals and other materials is available to schools in Ireland through the Schools Broadband Network. It's accessible when you are in school on the student network, not at home:
Dictionary of Irish Biography
From Scoilnet: "Provided by the Royal Irish Academy and Cambridge University Press, the Dictionary is the definitive record of Irish biographies. It was previously available only through schools but access has now been extended to home usage. This is an invaluable resource to anyone studying Senior Cycle History": https://dib.cambridge.org/
Scoilnet Maps https://maps.scoilnet.ie/ Black Lives Matter
Exact Editions has partnered with a number of publishers to assemble an extensive list of articles from archived digital issues in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, spanning a wide range of topics from literature and music to politics and activism. All of these articles have been made freely available: https://institutions.exacteditions.com/blm

Newspapers

The Irish Times (in school):
https://www.scoilnet.ie/tools-for-teachers/theirishtimes/
Irish Newspaper Archives, now accessible from home:
https://www.scoilnet.ie/scoilnet/tools-for-teachers/ina/
Join your public library online and read a wide variety of online newspapers:
https://www.librariesireland.ie/elibrary
Magazines

Join your public library online and read a wide variety of online magazines:
https://www.librariesireland.ie/joinyourlibrary https://www.librariesireland.ie/elibrary
Information/research/inquiry skills
Inquiry-based learning
The FOSIL method of inquiry: learning by finding out for yourself. Click on each stage of the cycle for useful resources:
https://fosil.org.uk/fosil-cycle/ Information Skills
Some good information skills advice sheets here from the TeenTech Group:
TeenTech Awards Research Pack Searching BBC Bitesize article click here Evaluating online information
Media Literacy and Fake News

Be Media Smart: https://www.bemediasmart.ie/

Media Literacy Ireland: https://www.medialiteracyireland.ie/

BBC Fake News: https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-52474347

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Summer Reading Lists 2023 Book suggestions from your school librarian to enjoy during the summer holidays: Incoming 1st years 1st years 2nd years 3rd

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Sample Extra Curricular Winter Timetable

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Sample Extra Curricular Winter Timetable

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Uniform- Call 01-8235466 to make an appointment

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Uniform- Call 01-8235466 to make an appointment

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Leddy Uniforms Ireland | Workwear & Uniforms, Safety Workwear Delivery Ireland

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Mount Sackville Secondary Archives - Leddy Uniforms Ireland | Workwear & Uniforms, Safety Workwear Delivery Ireland

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Please call to our Dublin shop or call 01 8235466.

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Primary To Secondary School | Schools Hub | Jigsaw.ie

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Use this poster print-out to share information that students can support themselves through the transition into secondary school.

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This is a two and a half hour session. It explores:

Choosing a school for your child

Preparing your child for post primary school

Subject choice

School Policies

Home school communication

People you might meet in post primary school

Parent/Teacher meetings

An information leaflet on Transition from Primary to Post Primary school is available from NPC or to download click here

To register for this course please complete the online booking form below.

or if you would prefer to download the application form please click here

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Transition from Primary to Post Primary | National Parents Council

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NPC exists to ensure that all parents are supported and empowered to become effective partners in their children's education.

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National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) Guidelines, Tips and Handouts for Parents and Teachers

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NEPS have produced some very useful guidelines, hand-outs and tips for teachers and parents on a series of topics. Read more about the work of NEPS

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Helping students and parents with the move from primary school to secondary school How To Use Each resource page has a number of topics for parents and students to browse through. Some topics have additional information such as advice, videos or extra research – just click the link when you see it. Some of these […]

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National Council for Special Education Website

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National Council for Special Education Website

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Why the transition can be difficult

For a lot of young people beginning secondary school is a huge life event. It can symbolise entrance into young adulthood.
Often seen as having great social significance, it can be the start of a more independent life.

They are also leaving an important part of their lives behind and whether or not they are conscious of it, endings can be difficult. This transition can be difficult for parents/guardians too. It is a change in routine for the household, which often comes with its own challenges.

It can bring more financial pressure, as books and supplies are even more expensive than at primary school level.

Listening

When a young person knows that they are being listened to, they will be far more likely to be open about what is worrying them.

Talking about change

For anyone that is going through a difficult time being heard is important. When a young person knows that they are being listened to, they will be far more likely to be open about what is worrying them. Active listening techniques can help this process.

Change can bring up a range of feelings, sometimes all at once. Acknowledge whatever your young person is experiencing; be it excitement, fear, worry, confusion, or curiosity. Let them know it's OK to feel any or all of these things.

Statements like 'I hear you, you're worried about making friends' or 'I can see that you are scared about the workload' Statements like these can be the start of helping them move through their experience.

Starting conversations around these types of topics can be hard. It is important to give yourself and your young person time and space so that you can find the right moment to have these conversations. Some young people may express themselves through their behaviour, so paying attention to any cues of struggle can help you both get a better insight.

Making the transition easier

Here are a few practical things that you can do to support your young person during this transition from primary to secondary school:

Focus on their strengths

During a time of change, while it is important to talk about what may be causing worry and anxiety, it is also important to balance this with something positive.

Statements like 'you are good at making friends' or 'one of your strengths is getting yourself organised' can help your young person get motivated in a constructive way.

Encouraging the following aspects in your young person has been shown to help transitions:

Resourcefulness

Resilience

Strategies to deal with challenges

Independence and self-belief

Skills relating to others such as listening actively, being tolerant and co-operation

A sense of contribution to school and community.

Build a new routine

One way in which you can help ease feelings of anxiety is to try and establish a new routine. You can discuss this with your young person so that at least there is an amount of certainty when it comes to the beginning of the new year.

Settling back into a routine, studying and managing a number of expectations is a lot of change. Sharing what you've noticed about their ability to adapt can help young people see strengths they may not have noticed themselves.

Sleep

Good sleep hygiene can be a really simple way to ensure that everyone is well resourced.

Sleep hygiene

Good sleep hygiene can be a really simple way to ensure that everyone is well resourced.

There can be a certain amount of resistance to the simple changes that can lead to better sleep - but they've been proven to work.

This animation was developed for us by students in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dún Laoghaire. It outlines what might be getting in the way of having a good night's sleep and what can be done about it.

Relationships

By having more contact with parents/guardians, teachers learn more about students' needs and their home environment.

Talk to the school

Establishing a good relationship with your young person's school is good for everyone. By having more contact with parents/guardians, teachers learn more about students' needs and their home environment.

By keeping an open conversation going with your young person's school it ensures you are kept in the loop as to how your child is developing.

While change can seem overwhelming, beginning secondary school offers opportunity for new beginnings. Helping your young person prepare for and embrace this change will have a big impact on their overall school experience.

We have included a few downloadable PDF's here that might help you and your young person:

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Supporting The Transition From Primary to Secondary School | Jigsaw.ie

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The change from primary to secondary school can be an anxious time. Read how you can support the young people in your life.

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Transitioning to Post Primary   Information for Parents