Information for Incoming First Years
Students will return/begin at the end of August. The final dates will be posted on the website . This will probably be for a half day and they will return later in that week.
Class groups are all mixed ability and we have the largest first year group in years so it will take a little while to settle them all down. However we want to make joining their new school as enjoyable as possible.
Class groups are all mixed ability and we have the largest first year group in years so it will take a little while to settle them all down. However we want to make joining their new school as enjoyable as possible.
BOOK RENTAL
School books are provided under the Department of Education School Book Scheme. You do not need to start buying books. On the first day back your child will be given a Sundries Bill. This covers book rental, locker, 24 hour insurance, postage, text messaging, use, mock exams, ID cards, CAT testing, VSware app, etc . This amount is usually in the order of €100 except for Transition Year where additional costs apply).
School books are provided under the Department of Education School Book Scheme. You do not need to start buying books. On the first day back your child will be given a Sundries Bill. This covers book rental, locker, 24 hour insurance, postage, text messaging, use, mock exams, ID cards, CAT testing, VSware app, etc . This amount is usually in the order of €100 except for Transition Year where additional costs apply).
CHROMEBOOKS
Our delivery in the classroom will be a combination of online and traditional teaching methods. ( Blended Learning ) We strongly urge parents to try to purchase their own devices.
We recommend the Chromebook which is one of the cheapest devices and is available from most computer suppliers. The retail price is of the order of 200 euro and refurbished ones can be purchased at less than €100. tThe device would be of great benefit to students both in school and at home.
We are fortunate that Athy College has been selected as the only Google Reference School in Ireland which gives us added advantage in delivering education through Google Classroom and Google Meet. Also many of our teachers have qualified as Google Educators in order to deliver the very best of education on line.
Our delivery in the classroom will be a combination of online and traditional teaching methods. ( Blended Learning ) We strongly urge parents to try to purchase their own devices.
We recommend the Chromebook which is one of the cheapest devices and is available from most computer suppliers. The retail price is of the order of 200 euro and refurbished ones can be purchased at less than €100. tThe device would be of great benefit to students both in school and at home.
We are fortunate that Athy College has been selected as the only Google Reference School in Ireland which gives us added advantage in delivering education through Google Classroom and Google Meet. Also many of our teachers have qualified as Google Educators in order to deliver the very best of education on line.
UNIFORM
The school operates a strict uniform policy in the interests of equity. Parents are asked to support this policy. Details of uniform available here.
The school operates a strict uniform policy in the interests of equity. Parents are asked to support this policy. Details of uniform available here.
PAYMENTS
We are transferring all of our payment systems (Book Rental, etc) to an online system (Way to Pay) which can operate through mobile phones. This will both limit the handling of cash and limit the visits to the building which parents formerly had to make.
We are transferring all of our payment systems (Book Rental, etc) to an online system (Way to Pay) which can operate through mobile phones. This will both limit the handling of cash and limit the visits to the building which parents formerly had to make.
LEAVING SCHOOL
First and Second year students are not allowed to leave the school premises during the school day (including lunchtime). This is in the interest of everybody's safety.
First and Second year students are not allowed to leave the school premises during the school day (including lunchtime). This is in the interest of everybody's safety.
FOOD
Athy College provides a snack at morning breaktime for all students.
Subsidised lunch is available at €2.00 per day (Mon - Thur) and must be ordered at the canteen before classes begin in the morning.
Athy College provides a snack at morning breaktime for all students.
Subsidised lunch is available at €2.00 per day (Mon - Thur) and must be ordered at the canteen before classes begin in the morning.
TUTOR SYSTEM
The school operates a Year Head/Tutor system where one particular teacher takes responsibility for a year group. The tutor is the first point of contact for parents and it is the tutor who will be most familiar with your son/daughter
The school operates a Year Head/Tutor system where one particular teacher takes responsibility for a year group. The tutor is the first point of contact for parents and it is the tutor who will be most familiar with your son/daughter
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Parents are encourages to keep in touch through our VSware app. This operates from your mobile phone and through this you can check on attendance and test results. You can also contact tutors and use it to explain absences. This is also a place where the school can leave messages for parents
Parents are encourages to keep in touch through our VSware app. This operates from your mobile phone and through this you can check on attendance and test results. You can also contact tutors and use it to explain absences. This is also a place where the school can leave messages for parents
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones are not permitted in the college. If they ring or become visible they will be confiscated. See full policy here
Mobile phones are not permitted in the college. If they ring or become visible they will be confiscated. See full policy here
SPORTS FACILITIES
Athy College is well equipped with the most modern of extracurricular and sports facilities. These include a Sports Hall, State of the art Gymnasium, Football pitches, an all weather hockey pitch, external basketball/tennis courts. We play most sports competitively and in response to student demand
Athy College is well equipped with the most modern of extracurricular and sports facilities. These include a Sports Hall, State of the art Gymnasium, Football pitches, an all weather hockey pitch, external basketball/tennis courts. We play most sports competitively and in response to student demand
INFORMATION
The most current information on the college is always available on www.athycollege.ie
Our policies, timetables, application forms, etc are available on www.athycollege.ie
Queries, comments are welcome at mail@athycollege.ie
The most current information on the college is always available on www.athycollege.ie
Our policies, timetables, application forms, etc are available on www.athycollege.ie
Queries, comments are welcome at mail@athycollege.ie
SCHOOLOPENING TIMES
The school opens at 8.15am and supervision is provided from then onwards. The school can take no responsibility for students who arrive earlier than this
Classes finish at 1pm on Fridays
SCHOOL TRANSPORT
Under the terms of the Post-Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school / Post Primary Centre and it is important that parents are aware of this eligibility criteria.
Applications for school transport can be made online at www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport and must be submitted before the last Friday in April . It is important that applications for school transport are made on time as late applicants are not guaranteed a service under the terms of the scheme.
Further information or clarification may be obtained by parents contacting their local Bus Éireann School Transport office.
General Information
To Purchase
- correct student Uniform (please note particularly shoes and jacket)
- standard schoolbag, rucksack type recommended
- Pencil case with selection of pens, pencils, etc
- If in a position to do so a Chromebook is recommended for online learning both at home and in school