Dear Parents / Guardians,
Welcome back to the commencement of the new school year 2025 / 2026.
As you know the first full day of school for ALL students is from tomorrow morning, Tuesday 26th August 2025.
The structure of the school day changes this year. We are introducing 1 hour class periods. The school day will be structured in the following way:
Classes run up to 3.40pm Monday to Thursday with a 1.00pm finish each Friday.
Arrival to school:
Most students arriving to school will enter by the main front door. While the school foyer will be open the doors to the school building will not open until 8.30am. Classes commence at 8.45am.
If you are dropping your son / daughter to school by car please use the designated ONE WAY system. Entry is via the Stamullen Gate and exit is via the Avenue Gate.
Attendance:
Regular and consistent school attendance is encouraged and expected. If your son / daughter is absent from school please use the VS Ware app to communicate with us. The following link provides a helpful explanation.
Uniform:
The traditional school uniform is acceptable to wear with correct black shoes / trainers. Students wearing the PE uniform must also wear the correct, bespoke bottoms (tracksuit or leggings) and top. It is expected that the correct bottoms (tracksuit or leggings), top and black shoes / trainers are worn.
If clarification is required on the above point the school will provide it.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS WHAT IS EXPECTED REGARDING UNIFORM.
Mobile Phones:
This is an extract from the school policy on Mobile Phones.
“Mobile phones are not permitted to be used within the confines of the school building and grounds at all times of the school day including breaktime and lunchtime. For the 2025/2026 academic year, Franciscan College Gormanston will be a mobile phone/personal smart device free zone during the school day. This includes smart phones/watches, ear pods and personal tablets etc."
Based on the Department of Education’s Circulars 0045/2025, schools are required to implement a policy to restrict the use of and access to personal mobile phones by students in all recognised schools for the duration of the school day. This policy is considered in line with the school’s Bí Cineálta (Anti-Bullying) Policy.
The policy, in full, will be communicated to all parents this term.
In simple terms, the school is a mobile phone FREE ZONE. If a student is using a phone / device / ear pods / headphones and is not permitted to do they will be confiscated and parents will be expected to collect after school.
Forsa Industrial Action:
Please be advised that school secretaries and caretakers who are members of the Fórsa trade union, have planned industrial action. It will begin on Thursday 28th August 2025 and pickets will be placed at schools. Please be assured that the school will remain open as normal for all students, and teaching and learning will continue without disruption. The Department of Education and Youth has referred the matter to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to help resolve the dispute and will continue to engage with all parties involved. We will keep you updated and provide further information as it becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Our Students:
- We have the following expectations:
- Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others.
- Show respect and bring your manners to school.
- Arrive on time to school and to class.
- Wear the correct school uniform. You will be challenged.
- The school is a mobile phone free zone. You will be challenged.
- Bring the best version of yourself to school each day.
I look forward to working collaboratively with you this school year.
Dermot Lavin
Principal
Franciscan College Gormanston