Frequently Asked Questions - All

You should ensure that he is as independent as possible- physically,

emotionally and socially. If he can look after himself in these areas he

will feel secure and confident and readily settle in.

It would help greatly if he is able to-

• Button and unbutton his coat and hang it up.
• Use the toilet without help.
• Use his hanky or tissues when necessary.
• Share toys and playthings with others and "take turns".
• Tidy up and put away his playthings.
• Remain contentedly for a few hours in the home of a relation, friend or neighbour. If he has had this experience, then separation from his parents should not be upsetting.

• Tell him about school beforehand- casually- and talk about it as a happy place where there will be a big welcome for him and where he will meet new friends
• Don't use school or the Teacher as a threat, even jokingly. "If you behave like that for Mrs. X she'll murder you" though said lightheartedly can make some children very apprehensive.
• If you feel it would help, you could take him for a stroll through the Infant Yards on an afternoon during June when the other children have gone home.
• He will like to have his new uniform and new bag when he begins. These help him identify more readily with the school and with other children.

Yes. Children in Scoil Ide are expected to wear a uniform. For days on which pupils have Physical Education they are expected to wear their tracksuit. The Teacher will tell you the days on which the class is timetabled for PE.

No, there are no compulsory school fees but the school would not have such a high level of equipment and extra educational programmes without considerable financial support from parents. Parents are asked to contribute to the class at the start of each year for pupil materials, printing and photocopying and other miscellaneous items. In addition to this parents are asked to contribute to the Maintenance Fund each year.

The school homework policy is available to view on the school website and in your child's homework journal.

A: When they are younger listen to them read every evening, check that their memorisation work e.g. tables is done and see that their work is neatly presented. As they grow older teach them to be more self reliant, asking for help when they need it and showing you their work when it is completed. Remember that the purposes of homework are:

•  To consolidate and reinforce what is taught in the classroom.
• To involve parents in the schoolwork of their children.
• To establish routine and foster a sense of self-discipline in each child.
• To develop in the child good learning and memorisation skills.

If your child is secure, knows that you value them doing their best, that you expect them to behave, be kind and courteous then they are set up for success. Read to them every night, involve them in the life of the family, make sure that they have a reasonable bedtime and a sensible home routine. Avoid putting a TV in their bedroom as this isolates them from normal family life. Encourage them, as they get older to partake in the life of the community through, their parish, Guides, Beavers, sports clubs. This will produce a rounded child with friends and interests who will do their best in every situation. This leads to success at school.

Standing up to peer pressure is one of the greatest challenges that children face. Help your child deal with peer pressures by doing the following:

1. He will be more likely to respect your views and values and better able to resist peer pressure if he has a good relationship with you and feels you are a source of support. This bond needs to be nurtured long before your child's teenage years.
2. Children who are confident and have positive self-worth are more likely to pursue friendships with children who are good role models and better able to resist negative peer pressure. Find opportunities to boost your child's self-esteem and enjoy success by involving him in activities that capitalise on his strengths and interests. And, of course, praise him for things he does well at home.
3. Your child is a keen observer of what you do and may learn more from what he sees than what he hears. If he sees that you are constantly striving to keep up with other parents, he will likely do the same with his peers. If he sees you drinking and smoking, he is less likely to resist engaging in these behaviors. If you do drink or smoke, giving it up will make a vivid impression on him.
4. Let your child know that you understand how hard it can be at his age to do things that make him stand out. Tell him that his peers may respect his decision not to join them in an activity even though they may not express it, and that some may even admire his courage in resisting what they could not. Help him understand that a friend who is pressuring him to do something that may be harmful is not much of a friend. Appeal to his desire for autonomy by encouraging him not to let others manipulate or make decisions for him.
5. Avoid overreacting when talking about peer issues. Your child may tell you things that may make your jaw drop. If you overreact, you will discourage him from talking with you about these issues again. At the same time use these teachable moments to introduce some cautions without moralising or lecturing. Although it may seem as though he is dismissing what you are saying, he will hear you.
6. Don't make an issue out of your child's wanting to wear the same clothes as his friends or adopt a trendy hairstyle. Make your stand on high-risk peer behavior. Battling your child constantly over minor issues may drive your child toward peers who are similarly alienated from their parents. Not sweating the small stuff will enable you to be more effective when you challenge him on the larger issues.
7. If he can learn to trust his own instincts when making decisions, he will be less likely to let others make decisions for him. Encourage him to think through the possible consequences of the decision he is facing, including whether it may cause him harm. Let him know that giving in to the pressure now may make life harder for him later on.
8. Help him figure out what to say to peers who are pressuring him to participate in high-risk activities. Suggest responses that are short and simple and that he can say comfortably. If he is receptive, role-play with him or encourage him to practice in front of a mirror.
9. Make a point of encouraging your child to invite his friends home. Spend some time with them and assess whether they are positive influences.
10. Don't hesitate to set limits for your child. Your willingness to say no to him sets a good example and may help give him the courage to say no to a peer when faced with a potentially harmful situation.

Q: What can I do to teach my child to cope with peer pressure?

Standing up to peer pressure is one of the greatest challenges that children face. Help your child deal with peer pressures by doing the following:

1. Strengthen the bond with your child. He will be more likely to respect your views and values and better able to resist peer pressure if he has a good relationship with you and feels you are a source of support. This bond needs to be nurtured long before your child's teenage years.
2. Promote your child's self-esteem. Children who are confident and have positive self-worth are more likely to pursue friendships with children who are good role models and better able to resist negative peer pressure. Find opportunities to boost your child's self-esteem and enjoy success by involving him in activities that capitalise on his strengths and interests. And, of course, praise him for things he does well at home.
3. Set a good example. Your child is a keen observer of what you do and may learn more from what he sees than what he hears. If he sees that you are constantly striving to keep up with other parents, he will likely do the same with his peers. If he sees you drinking and smoking, he is less likely to resist engaging in these behaviors. If you do drink or smoke, giving it up will make a vivid impression on him.
4. Talk with your child about peer pressure. Let your child know that you understand how hard it can be at his age to do things that make him stand out. Tell him that his peers may respect his decision not to join them in an activity even though they may not express it, and that some may even admire his courage in resisting what they could not. Help him understand that a friend who is pressuring him to do something that may be harmful is not much of a friend. Appeal to his desire for autonomy by encouraging him not to let others manipulate or make decisions for him.
5. Avoid overreacting when talking about peer issues.Your child may tell you things that may make your jaw drop. If you overreact, you will discourage him from talking with you about these issues again. At the same time use these teachable moments to introduce some cautions without moralising or lecturing. Although it may seem as though he is dismissing what you are saying, he will hear you.
6. Choose your battles carefully. Don't make an issue out of your child's wanting to wear the same clothes as his friends or adopt a trendy hairstyle. Make your stand on high-risk peer behavior. Battling your child constantly over minor issues may drive your child toward peers who are similarly alienated from their parents. Not sweating the small stuff will enable you to be more effective when you challenge him on the larger issues.
7. If he can learn to trust his own instincts when making decisions, he will be less likely to let others make decisions for him. Encourage him to think through the possible consequences of the decision he is facing, including whether it may cause him harm. Let him know that giving in to the pressure now may make life harder for him later on.
8. Help him figure out what to say to peers who are pressuring him to participate in high-risk activities. Suggest responses that are short and simple and that he can say comfortably. If he is receptive, role-play with him or encourage him to practice in front of a mirror.
9. Get to know your child's friends.Make a point of encouraging your child to invite his friends home. Spend some time with them and assess whether they are positive influences.
10. Don't hesitate to set limits for your child. Your willingness to say no to him sets a good example and may help give him the courage to say no to a peer when faced with a potentially harmful situation.

Check with the teacher. In addition to the formal Parent Teacher Meeting many parents make appointments with the class teacher during the course of the year to check on their child’s progress. Check copies regularly to make sure your child is keeping up to date with work.

The school uses different types of assessment to judge how children are progressing. The teacher assesses how children are learning everyday. End of week table and spelling tests are used from 1st class up. End of term tests in all subject areas are given with written reports sent home from Second class up at Christmas and all classes in the summer. All Senior Infants are given a screening test in reading in February. Extra assistance is offered to children who fall below a certain level. Standardised tests are given in English and Maths to all classes from 1st class each May and June. As the results of these require interpretation against national standards parents should call to the class teacher. These results are also used in Parent Teacher Meetings.