Phone No: 057-8646868 About Emo National School Emo National School is a primary Catholic school situated 6 miles to the northeast of Portlaoise .Children between the ages of 4 and 12 years attend this school. Originally built in 1889, the children moved into their new school on the 15th June 2009. Altogether, there is a staff of 13 teachers who are assigned to duties as follows: 1 Principal Teacher 1 Deputy Principal who is also a Support Teacher – Florence Fennelly 8 Mainstream Class Teachers 3.5 Learning Support /Resource Teachers Board of Management of Emo National School The Board of management has legal responsibility for the overall running of the school. It serves a term of four years and a new Board was formed in November 2011. The members of the current board are: Patron’s Representatives – Fr. Dooley P.P. Joe McDermott( Chairperson ). Principal and Teacher’s Representative- Cyril Duggan ( Secretary) and Florence Fennelly Parents’ Representatives –Declan Donoghue and Roisin Hogge ( Treasurer) Community Representatives – Mary Owens and Bernie Gorman School Ethos The ethos of Emo National School encompasses collective attitudes, beliefs, core values, traditions, aspirations and goals. These are reflected in the actual practices which are carried out in the school on a daily, weekly and yearly basis. While it is impossible to outline all aspects of the school ‘ethos’, the following characteristics are experienced and promoted as essential elements in the establishment of a supportive and positive ‘ethos’. In Emo N.S. where the ethos is that of a Christian Catholic school, religious instruction, in accordance with the doctrine and tradition of the Catholic Church is part of the education given to children who belong to that Church. The pupils are prepared for the reception of the sacraments of First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, in accordance with arrangements in the diocese. Prayer is a feature of the school day. The school aims at promoting the full and harmonious development of all aspects of the pupil, including his / her relationship with God, with other people and with the environment. The Principal and teaching staff aim at maintaining high professional standards and creating a safe and happy environment. A spirit of mutual respect is promoted within the school community. Pupils are drawn by example and teaching to appreciate and respect people of different religious affiliations and of different nationalities. Close contact is maintained between school and home. Parents / guardians, teachers and ancillary staff support one another and collaborate with one another in leading the children to the fullness of their potential at the different stages.   Child Protection  The Board of Management of the school recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies, practices and activities. Accordingly the Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools as part of this overall child protection policy. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for child protection issues is Cyril Duggan The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Florence Fennelly The school’s policy is available to view on our website at www.emons.ie / Communication and the School  The school secretary, Mrs. Fitzpatrick attends the school between 9a.m. and 1p.m.. We would appreciate it if necessary phone calls to the school were made during this time.     Notes to School If you wish to send a note (e.g. pupil being late) to the teacher, please write the note in the comments section in the journal. Parents of Junior and Senior Infants should send a handwritten note. Notes of a private nature should be in a sealed envelope. Parent-Teacher Communication Formal Parent Teacher meetings are held in November. Parents are very welcome in our school and teachers will always make themselves available to meet you. However, we do ask you to make an appointment through Bernadette, our School Secretary, when you wish to see any member of staff. An appointment procedure ensures we will be able to give you our full attention. Issues of Concern / Appointments If there is any issue of concern, parents are requested to contact the school secretary to make an appointment to see your child’s class teacher. The Board of Management of School Emo NS has adopted the INTO/CPSMA Complaints Procedure which provides a mechanism for dealing fairly with parental complaints against a teacher. Please see this policy on our website@ www.emons.ie School Newsletter A school newsletter is issued on a monthly basis and it will usually be sent by text with the link to the newsletter imbedded in the text.  Please make sure that you get to see the newsletter as it contains important information on the school calendar and it details all activities taking place in the school. If for any reason you cannot access the newsletter please contact Mrs. Fitzpatrick and she will print a hard copy for you. School Web Site The school web site www.emons.ie is another important source of information for parents. The web site also features the school calendar, the up to date school newsletter and other items of pertinent information. The website is updated on a regular basis and is a source of school news and information for parents and children alike. The Return of Money When returning money for any school activity, parents are requested to send in the money in an envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name and the activity for which payment is being made clearly stated on it. Contact Numbers Please notify Bernadette 0578646868 , our school secretary of any changes in contact numbers, addresses etc. so that our database can be kept up to date. Homework Journal The Homework Journal is used to record homework and to act as a means of communication between home and school. All notes in relation to absences from school, dental appointments, late comings, etc., should be recorded in the journal. Teachers will communicate messages through the … Continue reading General Information