Dear Parent/(s), Guardian/(s) and Students,
I hope that that last week has been a good one for you and that you feel welcome to the Transition Year Programme. Already, it looks like a busy year in front of you and the calendar is beginning to fill up with some exciting opportunities and events on the horizon.
Tommorrow Tuesday TY 1 students begin their Tuesday Work Experience and I would ask that you keep the following in mind:
1. Did you return all the required forms to Mr. O’ Brien? These are a). The Work Experience Details Form, and b). The Work Placement/Work Shadowing or Risk Assessment Form.
2. Did you give the school insurance details to your employer? If not you must do so on Tuesday morning.
3. If you are ill or otherwise and cannot make it to work you must phone the school and the employer before 9 a.m. to let them know.
4. Appropriate dress, punctuality, health and safety and child protection have all been explained to you at school and how important these issues are. Please co-operate with the school and employer with these important matters. You should inform the school immediately if you have any concerns about any aspect of your placement that you are not comfortable with.
5. Make sure you have the correct safety equipment, footwear, clothing to do your work.
6. If you are unable to fulfil your work placement commitment on the Tuesday due to illness or family commitments you can offer to give the time to the employer at another time convenient to both of you. Please keep the school informed if you think this is likely to happen.
7. I have explained the Garda Vetting System to the students and will keep you informed in due course.
Now for a few important things to remember:
1. If during TY you wish to engage in a study programme abroad, a university study course, work experience outside of the designated dates by the school you must put such requests in writing to the school before permission to take part in these programmes is given.
2. We recognise the benefits of foreign travel and the educational benefits of this and other educationally appropriate trips but ideally these trips should be planned so as to enhance the experience of TY for the students and as school attendance is of vital importance to the students progression in the programme we ask that you inform us in writing of any intended or planned absences in the school year 2016-2017.
3. Have you returned your ‘TY Contract of Learning’? If not please do so without any further delay.
4. If you have paid the school contribution you may collect your TY School Journal from Mr. O’ Brien.
Upcoming Events:
Sept. 29th and 30th Team-building and Orientation Trip to Birr Outdoor Education Centre.
Oct. 13th Soar Foundation Workshop.
I know that many of you had remarkable and exciting achievements over the summer in many areas such as athletics, swimming, traditional music, foreign travel and other activities. Congratulations on your achievements. I am impressed so far with the commitment you all are giving to TY. I look forward to an exciting and worthwhile year in the time ahead.
Just a gentle reminder that ideally by the end of Sept. the 2nd instalment of TY Fees should be paid. You can check on the Way To Pay System or contact the school office to keep track of your payments and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in anyway throughout the year.
If you are from Tipperary congratulations on the Double All-Ireland. If you have Kilkenny connections then commiserations and here’s wishing Dublin and Mayo people the best of luck in the football.
Wishing everyone a positive and enriching TY,
Brendan O’ Brien.
TY Co-ordinator.