Return to School 2025-26

A Parent's Guide to Compass can be found here: Compass Education Guide

The school calendar for 2025-2026 can be accessed by clicking here: Calendar 2025-2026

Return to school for Students

Friday 22nd August: First years only

Monday 25^th August: First Years only

Tuesday 26^th August: Third Year and Leaving Cert Year 2

Wednesday 27^th August: All Year Groups

School Charges

The Book Rental Scheme ensures that all students receive the necessary textbooks and stationery for the school year. However, there are additional costs involved in running the school which require a contribution from parents/guardians.

This year, we are requesting a €50 contribution per student. As this is a modest amount, we are unable to offer discounts for families with multiple children in the school or for medical card holders.

This contribution helps cover the following:

1. 24-hour personal accident insurance

1. Locker rental, supply of lock and maintenance

1. Standardised assessments and reporting (including CAT-4 assessment and P-PADI assessment)

1. Photocopying, postage, and text messaging services

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to meet this contribution, please don’t hesitate to contact the school in confidence to discuss options.

We sincerely appreciate your prompt payment, which helps us continue to provide essential resources and supports for all students.

Please note that in September, students in 3rd Year and Leaving Certificate Year 2 will receive details regarding a payment plan for the mock examinations.

Transition Year Charges

In order to provide the best possible Transition Year experience for our students—and to ensure that all students can participate fully in the programme—we are introducing an upfront charge for Transition Year. This charge will cover the cost of all activities associated with the TY programme and will ensure that every student has equal access to the same opportunities and experiences throughout the year. This charge does NOT include overseas trips.

The charge for this year is €350. Payment can be made in instalments via Compass, but the full amount must be paid by the end of September.

If you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact the school in confidence to discuss the matter.

School Books and Stationery

Students do not need to purchase any books or stationery. This will be provided for all students on their return to school.

School Uniform

Full school uniform must be worn by students at all times. No other option is acceptable and students not in school uniform may be sent to the library and not allowed into class.

A student in partial uniform may be given a uniform pass by the Principal or Deputy Principal and allowed to class for that day. A note is necessary explaining why the full uniform is not worn. A penalty point will accrue if no note is given.

Any student not in full school uniform will not be allowed to represent the school at an event.

The school uniform can be purchased from D. Biggins Fashions and Ken Murphy's in Ballinrobe.

P.E. Gear

1st, 2nd and 3rd Years - PE kit consists of PE sweatshirt (blue with crest), plain polo shirt/T-shirt, black/navy tracksuit pants, shorts and sports trainers (as a good hygiene practice these should not be the same shoes worn to class).

TY/5th/6th Years - Sweatshirt/Hoodie, polo-shirt/T-shirt/jersey, tracksuit pants, shorts and sports trainers (as a good hygiene practice these should not be the same shoes worn to class).

Students without appropriate kit will be given penalty points.

The school reserves the sole right to specify what jewellery and accessories are worn by students.

School Jacket

Only a plain, black jacket is allowed. The jacket cannot have stripes, patterns, large logos, or fur. Navy or grey is not permitted. The policy regarding a plain jacket ensures all families can choose a comfortable jacket within their own budget. This degree of flexibility means we will not accept a jacket that does not adhere to these guidelines. A jacket that does not adhere to these guidelines will be confiscated from the student, and penalty points issued. If it is a recurring issue, the confiscated jacket will only be returned to a parent/guardian.

School Shoes

Below are some examples of acceptable shoes.