Background

Scoil Mhuire Fatima is an all girls school situated on the Dublin Road in Drogheda. At present we have over 400 pupils in all classes from Junior Infants to Sixth class. In addition to the principal we have fifteen class teachers, two learning support teachers and two language teachers for children whose first language is not English.

The school is situated in a number of separate buildings on either side of the former Mercy Convent. We have received approval from the Department of Education for a replacement school building and it is hoped that this project will commence shortly.

The Sisters of Mercy established the school in 1858 and many of our present pupils are being educated in classrooms where their grandmothers attended school.

School Ethos

Scoil Mhuire Fatima is a Catholic School under the patronage of the Bishop of Meath. A Catholic ethos is evident, prayer has an important place in the daily life of the school with morning prayer, grace before and after meals and a prayer before going home being part of the daily routine in each classroom.

The Alive O and Children of God programmes are taught in the school and while we have a small number of pupils of other denominations who may opt out of formal religion classes no separate provision is made for them. Pupils are prepared for the reception of the sacraments of First Penance, First Holy communion and Confirmation. We also have a number of school and class Masses and liturgies in the school or in St. Mary's Church during the year.

School Day

School commences at 9.10 a.m. each morning, doors are open from 9.00 a.m. Pupils are asked not to arrive at school until 9.00 a.m as supervision is not available and the Dublin Road is dangerous. Infants go home at 1.50 p.m. and all other classes finish at 2.50 p.m.

Holidays

A list of closings is circulated to each family towards the end of September each year. Parents are asked to take their vacation during the school holiday periods and not to withdraw pupils from school during term time. We do not have the authority to give permission to pupils to be absent from school.

Uniform

The school uniform consists of a bottle green jumper/cardigan, bottle green skirt or pinafore, bottle green tie and a mint green blouse. The uniform may be purchased in “The Children's Shop” West Street and "Best Wear", 4 Shop Street Drogheda, Kobi Clothing, Laurences Street and also “Loop Clothing”, Unit 9, Greenhills Industrial Village, phone 041- 9838893. Pupils also need runners for P.E. Shoes worn should be suitable for going up and down stairs, high shoes are not allowed. All items of clothing should be marked clearly and indelibly with child's name. It is very difficult to locate lost items that are not marked.

Homework

Pupils are expected to do their homework regularly. If your child does not get written work at the beginning of Infants do not worry as the emphasis will be on oral work for quite some time. Quite often homework will consist of telling. If you need clarification consult class teacher or principal.

Lunches

It has been school policy for a number of years to promote healthy eating. We recommend sandwiches, fruit, yogurt etc. and a suitable drink. For safety reasons cans, glass bottles and peanuts are not allowed. Crisps and popcorn are not allowed as they can create an unpleasant classroom environment. Chewing gum is banned at all times.

Books

Each pupil will be given a list of books needed. These can be obtained in local bookshops. It is important that all pupils have the recommended set of books as it takes from the smooth running of a class when pupils are missing vital items. Each pupil should have her own pencils etc. All books, copies should be marked clearly on the outside with pupils name and surname. This makes it possible to trace lost property. Some assistance is available to a small number of pupils, details are available from the principal.

Health

If a child has any disabilities, speech/hearing/sight etc. parents should inform the class teacher and indeed it is a good idea to bring it to the attention of new teachers as the child progresses through the school. If a child is experiencing any difficulties this should be brought to the attention of the class teacher or principal as soon as possible

Mobile phones must be turned off during the school day.