WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL

MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL, PROSPECTUS

Welcome to Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan. We are a co-educational Catholic school operating under the trusteeship of CEIST. Our school strives for each student to be happy, to feel secure, and to realise their potential in a community environment that is both caring and co-operative. All students from our multicultural society are embraced at our school and there is great trust and relationships between all stakeholders in our school. Attending our school fills me with joy and has helped to shape me as a person. I have formed unbreakable bonds with friends. I have broadened my knowledge base, I have matured and I have developed characteristics which will assist me in the future. In this prospectus we give you an overview of what school life is about here. If you require further information please visit our school website or contact our school directly. I hope that you enjoy your time at Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan

Erin Heeney, Senior Cycle Student

I would like to welcome all prospective incoming First Years and their parents to Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan. Ours is truly a unique school, with a unique atmosphere. It is not only a place for education, but a place for friendships, a place where there is respect for everybody, and a place where there is so much opportunity. The teachers contribute to this atmosphere and are both approachable and motivational. I have made and continue to make some unforgettable memories here. My friends and I won a Gaelic Football Championship, I have toured Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands, and I successfully completed the Junior Certificate. The school has afforded me some amazing opportunities, and as my time here is drawing to a close I am thankful for the journey. Those aforementioned opportunities and your individualised journey at Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan awaits you!

Darragh Seery, Senior Cycle Student

Students described the school as a family and expressed themselves as feeling safe, cared for and happy in the school

Whole School Evaluation Report

PAGE 2 Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie JUNIOR STUDENTS EXPERIENCES AT OUR SCHOOL

Conor Molloy Ballinagore N.S. Mary-Kate Finn Boher N.S. I adapted quickly to secondary school life. I was Upon entering secondary school, I immediately helped by the teachers and the Sixth-Year mentors. liked it. The time flies by during the day and it Seeing some familiar faces who also attended my seems a shorter day than when in primary school. primary school in the past was brilliant. There is There is always something to do and the school is so much to do here and there is something to get full of energy. I really like my classes and my involved in every week. At the moment I really classmates. My favourite subjects are Technical enjoy History. Graphics and English.

Morgan Redmond N.S. Leah Fagan Dalystown N.S. There are a lot of differences between primary and When I walked in on my first day, I was a little secondary school, and I have really enjoyed the apprehensive, but within minutes I knew I was going change. I really like that we have different teachers to enjoy it here. There is a great atmosphere. The for different subjects throughout the day. We also Sixth-Year mentors are so helpful in the early have lockers to organise our supplies. I have got days. The food in our school canteen is really nice involved in school sport and in other activities. PE and there is a great selection to choose from. I is my favourite subject so far. have joined the girl’s football and soccer teams.

Ben Maguire Durrow N.S. Katie Kincaid N.S. My first impressions of Mercy Kilbeggan have been I was the only student in my class in my primary school very positive. There is a wide selection of subjects, and I am so glad I have chosen Mercy Kilbeggan. activities and sports to choose from. You will be Everybody is so friendly and the teachers are really placed in classes with some of your old friends understanding. In secondary school you have more and you will quickly make some more new friends. responsibility and it is important to be organised. I am really enjoying my time here and it is not that There are information screens which you can check difficult to find your way around after a day or two. to plan your weekly activity schedule.

Ciara Kealy N.S. Emma Murphy Kilbeggan N.S. I really enjoy Mercy Kilbeggan. The teachers are At Mercy Kilbeggan there is a friendly environment always helpful and make their subject interesting. and I love attending here. I have met so many nice I love football and represent the school team. The people and continue to form new friendships. My taster programme in First-Year is great and it favourite subjects are Music and Woodwork and I helped me to decide on my favourite subjects. I really like doing practical work in the classroom. have got to know new people and I look forward to The teachers are so nice. They are enthusiastic continuing my journey here. and help to motivate students within their subject.

Ruby Ward N.S. Ava Flanagan N.S. After spending eight years in primary school, I was My favourite subjects are PE and Irish. I also think really looking forward to the new experiences that the new subjects are a big positive about attending secondary school would bring. There is so much secondary school. For example, I am currently going on each and every day. You move from class learning a new language, I can now speak German. to class and you can get to know different people. I The early finish on Friday is a good reward for working made additional friends quickly and there is a great hard throughout the week within your subjects. community spirit here.

Noel Killian Rosemount N.S. Sarah Conlon Streamstown N.S. More than anything, I have learned that there is no Settling in at Mercy Kilbeggan has been easy, as need to worry about moving to secondary school. In every student is made feel welcome and part of a First-Year you get to sample different subjects in a large family. I play football, camogie and basketball taster programme. I got to choose subjects which for the school and enjoy trainings and games with I enjoyed and felt that I would be good at. Having my teammates. Starting new subjects has been fun one-hour classes and moving rooms is great. I also and I have learned a lot, thanks to the assistance of enjoy lunch time when I catch up with my friends. my teachers.

Neale Pierson N.S. Isobel Larkin Additional Avenues I am really enjoying my time at Mercy Kilbeggan I was one of only two students from my primary and I have made lots of new friends. I really enjoy school to come to secondary school in Mercy English and PE. I love sport and I am a member Kilbeggan. I made new friends straight away and of the school soccer and football teams. We also I am happy coming to school each day. The school get the opportunity to play soccer on the astro at is so welcoming and there is a tight-knit bond lunchtime. The teachers here are friendly. Having between the students here. I have really enjoyed different teachers for different subjects is great. Home Economics and Science so far.

Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie PAGE 3 OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILBEGGAN PROSPECTUS

JUNIOR CYCLE During the first three years, all students are prepared for the JCPA. Subjects Offered:

• Irish • German • Technical Graphics • Well-being: • English • Science • Home Economics - Physical Education • Mathematics • Business • Religion - SPHE • History • Music • Materials Technology Wood - CSPE • Geography • Art • Materials Technology Metal - Digital Awareness • French • Music

SENIOR CYCLE Subjects Offered:

• Irish • French • Religion • Home Economics • English • German • Agricultural Science • Construction Studies • Mathematics • Accounting • Physics • Engineering • Applied Maths • Business • Biology • Design & Communication • History • Music • Chemistry Graphics • Geography • Art • Music • Physical Education

A Leaving Certificate Vocational Preparation Course (LCVP) is also offered to all Senior Cycle students.

TRANSITION YEAR Modules Offered:

• Irish Language • Accounting • Music/Choir & Culture • Business/ • Speech & Drama • Classical Studies Mini Company • Technical Graphics • Mathematics • Physical Education • Work Experience • History • Gaisce • Woodwork • Geography • Future Leaders • Metalwork • Art, Craft & Design • First Aid • Home Economics • Life Skills • Foreign Trip • Religion • French • Science/Young Scientist • Road Safety • German • Computer Studies

The curriculum is both broad and balanced Whole School Evaluation Report

PAGE 4 Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & SPORTS

Our school believes that extra curricular activities and sports are central to each students personal development. Our selection includes:

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Debating • Adventure Trips • Public Speaking • Foreign Trips • Choir • Student Council • Musical Productions • Book Club • Talent/Fashion Shows • Academic Competitions • Quiz Teams • Gaisce Awards • Educational Trips • Green Schools

SPORTS There is a commitment to • Gaelic Football • Pitch & Putt • Hurling • Golf providing a fully rounded • Camogie • Equestrian educational experience in a • Soccer • Volleyball • Basketball • Athletics caring and supportive • Rugby • Tennis environment • Badminton • Water Sports Whole School Evaluation Report

Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie PAGE 5 LEARNING SUPPORT & ASD CLASS

MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILBEGGAN PROSPECTUS

LEARNING SUPPORT ASD CLASS Our learning support department is devoted to The aim of our ASD class is to provide a holistic learning providing academic assistance to students, when and and caring environment which facilitates students with where necessary, across subject domains. It strives to ASD to reach their full educational potential. The ensure that each student is provided with the best teachers, support staff and parents are partners in the possible opportunity to achieve at their own respective student’s education. We place emphasis in areas of level. The department has several contributing teachers. communication, daily living skills, social skills, literacy, numeracy and other areas like Art, History and Geography, where students can excel. Differentiation is an integral part of the learning environment and all students have an Individual Educational Plan.

SCHOOL LIFE INFORMATION

SCHOOL NUMBERS SCHOOL DAY Boys: 303 • Girls: 299 • Total: 602 8.15am School opens 8.55am Students assemble outside classrooms BUS ROUTES & TIMES 9.00am Classes start. There are six one-hour • Routes, times and tickets organised by Bus Éireann classes each day EVENING STUDY 3.45pm Classes finish. • Available to all students Early finish of 1.15pm on Friday • Monday–Thursday 4.00 to 6.00pm, Friday 1.30 to 3.30pm

PAGE 6 Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie SCHOOL LIFE INFORMATION

BOOK RENTAL SCHEME • Available to all students • Helps defray the high cost of school books

BREAKFAST CLUB • A tea and toast Breakfast Club is stationed in the canteen each morning

LUNCHTIME ARRANGEMENT • There is no permission to leave school for the Junior Cycle cohort. Senior Cycle students and students going to their own home are permitted to leave • Subsidised healthy lunches available in school, order between 8.15am and 8.55am

STUDENT COUNCIL • Made up of two representatives from each year group • Voice opinions on behalf of student body on matters relating to them • Fundraise for local and national charities

MENTOR PROGRAMME • Big Brother / Sister Programme • 6th Year students assist 1st Year students with transition into Secondary School

NEW SCHOOL • Full Planning Permission for our new state-of- the-art school has been granted • The school will be in place from September 2022 • To be built on a green field site on Dublin Road out of Kilbeggan

Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie PAGE 7 OUR STAFF

MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILBEGGAN PROSPECTUS

TEACHING STAFF

Muiread Breathnach Garrett Farrell Padraig O’Carroll Irish, Religion Principal Construction Studies, Woodwork, Maria Kate Carberry Ann Marie Fitzgerald DCG, Technical Graphics Maths, ASD Class Teacher Science, Biology, Home Economics Darren O’Meara Business, Mathematics Aida Carroll James Flynn Music, French English, Geography, Business Donnacha Prendergast English, Religion Emer Clarke Bernadette Gallen History, Religion, LCVP Deputy Principal Laura Quigley English, French Sarah Clarke Jennifer Grennan Biology, Science, Learning Support German, Geography, History, CSPE Anthony Quinn Business, Accounting, Mary Conmy Maria Glynn Music, Religion, SPHE Mathematics, CSPE English, Irish, CSPE Sarah Corcoran Aisling Raymond Gerry Hagan Irish, German Chemistry, Science, Geography, ASD Class Teacher Mathematics, Ag Science Mark Corrigan Engineering, Metalwork, DCG, Dara Harper Mairead Relihan Technical Graphics Art, SPHE Home Economics, Biology, SPHE Craig Cox Edward Heery Eleanor Stenson Construction Studies, Woodwork, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Home Economics, Business Technical Graphics, Computers Science Colin Stobie Caitlin Ní Chuinneagáin Shauna Heffernan Science, Mathematics Irish, Geography, SPHE French, Irish Learning Support Niamh Daly Karen Hennessy Biology, Science, Physical Education Irish, Religion, Learning Support ANCILLARY STAFF Ryan Delaney Catherine Heraty Physical Education, Mathematics Irish, Mathematics Finola Seery Secretary Laura Dempsey Edel Kelly Donal Fox Caretaker Mathematics, Physics English, Religion, SPHE Gareth Donnelly David Lynch SNA STAFF History, LCVP, ASD Class Teacher Engineering, Metalwork, Brendan Doyle Technical Graphics, Mathematics Anne Bray Geography, Physical Education Cora Macken Maurice Colton Triona Dunne Mathematics, Business Fiona Dunne Geography, Computers Jennifer McArdle Mary McDonnell Daniel Duffy Chemistry, SPHE, Damien Minnock Career Guidance English, Geography Denise Murray Ruth Duignan Kevin McGauran Mary Nolan German, English Mathematics, Science Heather Seery Pauric Earley Sarah Mulligan Biology, Science, Mathematics Biology, Learning Support Maureen Fallon Angela O’Brien Geography, History CSPE, Learning Support

PAGE 8 Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie OUR FACILITIES

Art Room Library Computer Rooms Science Labs DCG Room Science Rooms Music Room Woodwork Room Staff Room Metalwork Room Teacher Workroom Home Economics Room Dressing Rooms Textiles Room Gym Career Guidance Room Astro Pitch History Rooms Sports Field Geography Rooms Outdoor Track Business Rooms Outdoor Court Mathematics Rooms ASD Class Language Rooms Dining Hall Learning Support Rooms Prayer Room Use of St James’s Hall

CAREER GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING

JUNIOR CYCLE SENIOR CYCLE

Our programme begins in First Year. It involves not At Senior Cycle our programme is expanded to only the Guidance Counsellor but the Pastoral Care include: Team, Year Heads and Teachers of Religion and • Assistance with career/educational planning SPHE. Guidance is provided in the following areas: • Career options, occupational choice, third • Transition from Primary School to level options Secondary School • Preparation for and evaluation of work • Study Skills experience in both Transition Year and LCVP • Working and co-operating with others • Personal guidance/counselling • Taking responsibility • Appreciation of school and for code of discipline • Self-awareness and aptitude

Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie PAGE 9 SCHOOL LIFE GALLERY

MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL, KILBEGGAN PROSPECTUS

PAGE 10 Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 Email: [email protected] Principal: Garrett Farrell Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie Deputy Principal: Bernadette Gallen MISSION STATEMENT Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan is a Catholic co-educational school committed to the holistic education of all students, to ensure that individually, they each realise their full potential in a social and physical environment that is caring, supportive and joyful. We work in partnership with students, staff, parents and the community and welcome all students from our multicultural society.

Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath Tel: 057 9332292 • Fax: 057 9332737 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mercykilbeggan.ie

Principal: Garrett Farrell • Deputy Principal: Bernadette Gallen

Brosna Press Creative Design & Print 090 6454327