Mission Statement

To develop fully the moral, intellectual and physical potential of each student in an atmosphere of mutual respect, in a safe and supportive environment, so as to facilitate the development of confident, competent individuals prepared for the demands of and ready to contribute to society.

Balbriggan Community College is under the administration of County Dublin Vocational Education Committee and the local Board of Management.

We have an excellent staff of highly qualified and experienced teachers who provide tuition in over twenty subjects, preparing students for the world of work and entry into Third Level or College.

Our school is multi-denominational. The staff includes a Guidance Counsellor and two catechists, who provide for the pastoral needs of the students. Year Heads, Learning Support Teachers, Resource Teachers, Class Tutors and Prefects aim to provide individual attention to each student.

 History

The 1930 Education Act opened up a whole new vista for education in Ireland.  Up to that time second level education was provided at a fee by the private sector.  This sector was run by the religious orders.

Under the 1930 Act, County Councils were given the power to set up Vocational Education Committees and these bodies ran the Vocational Schools or ‘Techs’ as they were known.  They were empowered to provide continuing education.  The subjects taught were Irish, English, Maths, Woodwork, Metalwork, Home Economics and Typing.  The courses lasted two or three years and the pupils sat the Group Certificate Examination.  Those who wanted to further their education were able to do Department examinations in these subjects at night.

Balbriggan Vocational School was opened in 1932 in Clonard Street where Burrows factory is at present and they also used rooms in the Town Hall and the C.Y.M.S. premises at the corner of Quay Street.  Mr. Sean Cody was the first Headmaster and other teachers there were Mr. Dukes (Irish), Miss O’Driscoll (typing and Shorthand) and Mrs O’Gorman (Home Economics).  There is a link to the beginning of Balbriggan Vocational School.  Mr. Pat Hurley was the first caretaker in 1932.  His daughter, Mrs Pat McEvoy, became the caretaker of Balbriggan Community College many years later.

In 1952 a school opened in Drogheda Street.  This school is in use up to the present day and is called ‘The Old School’ to differentiate it from the newer school building.  In the 1950’s the boys used the front rooms and the girls used the rooms at the rear.  The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. McQuaid did not approve of boys and girls being in the same classes.   Mr. Concannon (later Principal), Mr. Conway (later Vice-Principal) and Mrs O’Neill (Home Economics) joined the staff at around this time, in the late 1960’s.

Pupils, at this time, left after two or three years, the boys getting apprenticeships and the girls getting clerical jobs.

The next big change took place in 1968 with the introduction of Free Post Primary Education to all.  This made for a dramatic change in the Vocational sector, as these schools were now able to offer the Intermediate and Leaving Certificate examinations.  Pupils now stayed five years instead of the usual two or three.

Accommodation became a problem and this was solved by the use of ‘pre-fabs’.  As the number of pupils increased during the 1970’s there were up to 20 pre-fab buildings.  Among the teachers in the 1960’s was Ciaran Bourke, who later shot to fame with the Dubliners and Mary Laffoy, now a High Court Judge.

In 1972 land was acquired at the back of Drogheda Street for a new school but it was 1984 before this was built.  Mr. Pat Casey was the Principal.  The number of pupils increased dramatically as Balbriggan expanded, as did the number of teachers.  The range of subjects now included:- French; German; Spanish; Physical Education; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Accountancy; Business Organisation; Art and many more.  At Leaving Certificate level Metalwork became Engineering and Woodwork became Building Construction.  During the 1980’s computers were introduced.

There is another link to this stage of Balbriggan Community College’s history in that our current Deputy Principal is Mr. Casey’s daughter – Mrs Christine Dunne. 

In 1974, a new Education Act introduced Boards of Managements for Vocational Schools.   These were made up of members from the V.E.C., parents and teachers.  Decisions were now taken at local level.  Also, at this time, the name of the school was changed to Balbriggan Community College.  The catchment area for the school has traditionally been Balbriggan and environs: - Laytown; Gormanstown; Stamullen; Naul; Lusk; Loughshinny and Balrothery.

Under the 1930 Act our remit was to provide education to those who were not catered for by the private sector and one way this was achieved was by providing night classes.  In the 1930’s and early years these were traditionally practical subjects such as Woodwork, Metalwork, Home Economics, Irish and English.  As times changed there was a greater demand for leisure subjects such as Yoga, Car Maintenance, Art and many more.  In the late 1990’s the big demand was for Computer courses.

In 1960, with the establishment of the Regional Colleges, which were a part of the V.E.C. sector, new opportunities opened up for our pupils.  Where before few had gone on to Third Level Education, it now became the norm to enter Third level, with students attending Regional Colleges and Universities.   Many of our pupils have distinguished themselves at Third Level by gaining Doctorates and Masters in their subjects.  Balbriggan Community College has entered a new era.  The emphasis is now on partnership between parents, pupils and teachers and we all look forward to this.

Following Mr. Casey’s retirement, Mr. John Gilbride took the reins.  He was followed by our current Principal, Mr. Pat Halpin.     

Balbriggan Community College has always been part of the community whether in providing day-time or night-time education, providing rooms for community groups to meet in, or making our facilities available to the public.  We wish to continue in this manner and look forward to providing the best possible education for all who attend here.

Career, Guidance and Counselling Service

Our Career/Guidance Counsellor is Ms. Mannion. Attention Leaving Certificate Students and their Parents! Please click here for useful documents relating to Leaving Certificate students e.g. career choices, CAO applications,grants etc. Guidance and Counselling is a special service aimed at helping students deal with their lives now and in the future. Guidance refers mainly to work with class groups where more general topics are dealt with;Counselling is by appointment enabling the individual student to discuss more private topics in confidence.  Both in Guidance and in Counselling the work falls into three main categories: - Personal; Vocational and Academic.

Areas of Work

Confidentiality
The Counsellor will not tell others what the student has shared in a counselling session nor disclose that a given student has had a counselling appointment or not.  The only exceptions are:-

• Where the student gives permission;

• In the case of danger to life or limb;

• Where the law or ethics requires it and/or

• In anonymous consultation with other professionals.

Liaison
During the school year the Counsellor deals with a wide range of professionals who are working with young people.

Within the School
Parents, Management, Year-Heads, Office,    Subject Teachers, Class Tutors and Resource Teachers.

Outside the School
Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, Medical Social Workers, Guidance Clinic, ISPCC, Gardai, Juvenile Liaison Officer, Probation Officers, FÁS, Employers and Colleges.

Resources
At Balbriggan Community College, the students have access to a wide range of Guidance resources.  For example: Career Events, Career Visits, Career Talks and Assisted Guidance.

For Leaving Certificate Students and their Parents

1. Future Choices 2010
   The following document for Leaving Certificate Parents on the Future Choices 2010 details options for your son/daughter with the emphasis on further studies.  This includes key websites which students and parents can use for research. Please click here to download. Please note - slide 2 - outline of presentation, slide 22 - summary of the dates and slide 39 - sources of information, including websites.
2. HEAR Scheme (Higher Education Access Route)
   Students who wish to apply through the HEAR Scheme can view an application guide and workbook here, please click here to view.  All students applying to the CAO should consider if they are eligible for this scheme and if so, should follow up through accessing this web site.  www.accesscollege.ie  This site should also be accessed by those students who have a specific learning disability as application is through the DARE scheme. (DARE Disability Access Route to Education) 
3. It is also recommended that students watch the video on the CAO form at http://admissions.nuim.ie/cao/video.shtml
4. Sample Application Form, please click here to download, for those applying for a grant for college.
5. For an interactive Grant Form, please click here.
6. Please click here to view a presentation detailing the Grant System.  Parents – please note the requirements and the details in the forms.

1. Ireland’s National Learners’ Database QualifaX provides information on further and higher education and training courses.  QualifaX ensures that your have all the information you need to make informed choices about your education, training and career paths.  www.qualifax.ie

2.  www.careerdirections.ie  also a very useful website.

3. The website for the Central Applications Office is www.cao.ie 

4. The Department of Education and Science Website www.education.ie in addition to useful information gives the syllabus and guidelines for your chosen subjects.

5. The State Examinations Commission Website is www.examinations.ie gives a wealth of information on state exams, the timetable, past examinations and marking schemes.

6. To find out more about VEC Student Grants email studentgrants@codubvec.ie or check out www.studentfinance.ie  Please note that the closing date for the VEC Scholarship Scheme is 5pm, Friday, 29th January, 2010.

7. Fingal County Council also has a Student Grant scheme.  Check out www.fingalcoco.ie to find out more about it.

Our Crest

The Balbriggan Community College school crest is an amalgamation of ideas from students, staff and interested parties. It is similar in style to the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee crest.  The three images chosen for the crest are 1. a fishing boat, representing the sea on our door step and local industry; 2. the Martello tower, representing Balbriggan and 3. an open book, representing knowledge and education.

Parents' Council 2009/10

Students, Staff, Parents and Friends We Need Your Help!

Being a member of the Parents’ Council is a good way of keeping in touch and being part of your child’s school life.  The members of the Council are kept informed of changes and new developments in the school and are consulted on proposed projects.  A good example of their team work can be seen in fundraising events where parents, staff and students work together to ensure success.

The main focus of our committee is to ensure that extra curricular activities are funded for our children. 

If any parent wishes to join our committee or bring an item to our attention, please contact the school office and Cait will pass it on to us.  New members with fresh ideas are always welcome to join.

In the meantime, the Parents Council would like to wish all parents, staff and students every good wish for a happy and successful year ahead.

The 2009-2010 committee members are as follows:-

Our first fundraiser for the year was on the 5th November – our annual Sponsored Walk and all parents, students and staff gave it their full support. Thanks to the teachers and students for organising and participating in the school walk.  Congratulations and well done to all.

€6,000 has been raised so far.

Message from The Parents Council to Parents/Guardians (26/11/09)

The Parents Council are holding a small fundraising event on Thursday, 3rd December to coincide with the 2nd Year Parent Teacher Meeting.

We are hoping to organise a cake sale for the parents and also have a Tea/Coffee and Refreshment stand.  We are asking for your support in this venture.  If you would be able to make and donate some cakes and/or buns for this event, we would be very grateful.  Or alternatively, if you were able to spare an hour to help run it, it would be appreciated.

All monies raised on this and other events are used to support the extra curricular activities of your children in the school.

To give us an idea of what we will have available, may we ask you to complete the form below and return it to the school office.

Many thanks for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Harford
On behalf of the Parents Council
c/o 4 Fancourt Road, Balbriggan

If any parent is interested in joining our committee or wishes to bring something to our attention, please feel free to get in touch with us.

Parents’ Council

Being a member of the Parents’ Council is a good way of keeping in touch and being part of your child’s school life.  The members of the Council are kept informed of changes and new developments in the school and are consulted on proposed projects.  A good example of their team work can be seen in fundraising events where parents, staff and students work together to ensure success. 

School Completion Programme and Home School Community Liaison

Our School Completion Officer is Ms. Michele Condra.
Our Home School Liaison Officer is Ms. Cathy O’Farrell.

Updated by Michele Condra (28/11/09)
The current School Completion Programme Activities in the school are as follows.  If you are interested in participating in any of these activities, please speak to Michele in her office beside the science labs.

1. Breakfast Club – every morning from 8.20 am in the Home Economics
   Room, Room 32.
2. Homework Club – Monday – Thursday for 1st and 2nd Years.  There are raffles and trips for students who attend throughout the year.
3. Supervised Study for 3rd Years after school.
4. Mentoring Programme – senior students are currently preparing for their role.
5. Welcome to Youth Worker, Karen Nally, who visits the school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
6. Cian McLeod and Ernesta Susaite departed for Zambia on the 23rd November for two weeks as part of Sporting Fingal’s Zambia Aid Mission.  They will spend ten days working in a compound for children with disabilities.  They fundraised with great energy and vigour for many months and raised an amazing 30,000 Euros, demonstrating the enormous generosity of the local community.  On behalf of Cian and Ernesta, Michele would like to extend a huge thank you to students, staff and all those who gave their support.
7. Balbriggan Youth Service Youth Café is open from 7pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, all welcome.
8. LCA2 are involved in an FAI Kick-start 1 Coaching Programme during November.

Student Council 2009/10

Introduction

The Student Council undertake a programme of activities which support students, parents and staff.

In planning its activities the Council regularly consults with the Principal, staff and members of the Parents’ Association.

The Council meets once a month (1st Monday of the month) at lunchtimes, where they discuss issues raised by the general student body.  The Student Council notice board is located beside Room 3.

In September each year each class elects a Representative by secret ballot and this Representative will hold office for one academic year, along with all members of the school’s Prefect Body.

2009 - 2010 - What's happening this year?

The Appointed Officers for the 2009 – 2010 year are:

December 2009

The current activities are – 1) Senior Lunch Room, where senior students have access to hot water and microwave and 2) Green Schools Project.  Both proposals are going ahead. 

The Senior Lunch Room Project
Letter from Cian McLeod/Ciaran Harford (on behalf of the Student Council) to the Supervising Teacher (i.e. the Teacher on lunchtime supervision duties) re. the Senior Lunchroom

Dear Supervising Teacher,
The Student Council body is putting forward a proposal to improve the school facilities for its students.  Pot Noodle, Cup of Soup and Tea have always been lunch time favourites, however students who stay in for lunch are unable to avail of some of these.  The Student Council proposes an idea of providing hot water for these products and has drawn up a method of implementing it.  The senior prefects and Mrs. Grant have placed their full support to running this initiative.
The following proposal was brought to Mr. Halpin on Thursday 22nd of October and he placed his full backing behind the student council’s proposal and feels that it has been long needed.
The facility is deemed a senior privilege (i.e. only 4th & 5th Years).  Students pay a set price that contributes towards the costs incurred.  The facility will be located in room 16 as it possesses a sink.   The facility will include a kettle, toaster, microwave and other kitchen appliances that will be available for students to utilise.  A maximum of 30 students can use the facility at one time, however, those who pay for a full term will be allocated preference.
A teacher will sit in with the students everyday to supervise the running along with 2 of the 4 on-duty prefects.  The other two will partake in their usual supervision role in room 21.  It is proposed that the students must enter the senior room by 12.45pm and can’t enter thereafter and will remain in the room until the doors are open at 1.20 pm.
The above initiative is currently run by Balbriggan Loreto senior prefects and has been deemed a success. The Student Council Body and Student Council Committee believe that this will enrich the school facility for current and prospective students.  We’re very keen for this issue to be solved as soon as possible as the winter is upon us.
It is for this reason that we are asking you, the supervising teacher to place your support behind the Student Council in our endeavour to improve the students’ facilities.

Sincerely

Cian McLeod                                  Ciaran Harford

Minutes of the 9th November 2009 meeting of the Student Council
The Student Council body met on the 9th November 2009 to discuss its plans for the implementation of a green school policy in Balbriggan Community College.  Information was obtained from An Taisce prior to the meeting.

The green flag is awarded on the basis of the following categories:-

1. Litter & Waste

2. Energy

3. Water 

4. Transport.

The following report contains the proposals decided upon at the meeting.

Proposal 1 – Recycling
Reduce, Reuse & Recycle has become one of the many buzz words used by the media in the 21st century with a strive towards reducing our waste.  However, to date, the Student Council feels that Balbriggan Community College has been slow to act upon.

For this reason a plan has been established and approved by the Student Council body.  It’s very clear that in our school, dry recyclable material makes up the majority of the school’s waste.  Thus, the solution is quite a simple one – the allocation of a second bin to each classroom and social area as follows:

• A green bin, roughly the same size of the current black bins, is placed in each of the social areas, to be used as dry recyclable waste bins while the current black bins are used for non-recyclables.  We will also strive for the prefabs and old school to also contain one.
• Another container is placed in each classroom.  This may be in the form of a foldable crate to store these dry recyclable and the current bin for non-recyclables or a smaller bin to store the non-recyclables and the current bin to store the dry recyclables.

• The teacher in each room at the end of the day can assign one student to empty the recyclable bin into a bigger green bin in each social area.  In the case of the prefabs and old school, it is our hope that a green bin can be placed there.
• The four prefects on Duty for each day and two class reps of the Student Council will empty the big bins into the recycling bin at the end of the day.

The Balbriggan Community College Student Council Constitution (2006) 

1. The Student Council will have appropriate gender balance between male and female representatives.
2. The Student Council should reflect the ethos of the school, taking particular account of the wide variety of ethnic backgrounds within the school.
3. The Student Council should meet every two weeks if possible.
4. The Student Council officers should meet with the School Principal, at least once a month for joint consultation on issues which come out of Student Council meetings.
5. The Student Council should keep minutes of its meetings which Student Council representatives can consult.
6. The chairpersons of the Student Council shall be the male and female School Captains.
7. The Prefect body shall be a part of the Student Council.
8. It is desirable to have a teacher representative on the Student Council in a non-voting consultative conduct.
9. There shall be standing order for the Council of meetings.
10. Every class in the school should be represented on the Student Council.
11. The Student Council Officers should be free to liaise with the Teacher Co-ordinator of the Student Council wherever and whenever it is practicable to do so.
12. The Student Council is a partner in the policy making process of the school.
13. The Student Council should have access to the Education Act and any other documentation relevant to its status.
14. The Student Council members should have access to any appropriate relevant training as necessary.
15. The Student Council is the democratic voice of all students within Balbriggan Community College and as such deserves the respect of all who work and study in the college.  (2006)