Schools & Colleges - St Jarlath's Vocational School Mountbellew

Contact details

Brief History / Background

Mountbellew vocational school was one of the first rural vocational schools opened in this country. In 1932, a co-educational vocational school was opened at Mountbellew in what was formally the workhouse building. The idea of boys and girls being taught in the one establishment was a new concept in Irish Education. Prior to 1930, vocational Education did not exist in permanent locations in the country but courses were held in Mountbellew in practical subjects such as woodwork and dressmaking under the auspices of the Galway V.E.C. When the Mountbellew workhouse was advertised for sale in 1931, the Galway V.E.C took out a lease on the present building for 99 years. Work was then carried out on the building so that it could be used as a school.

The vocational school offered day and night classes, with most students one or two years at school. During the winter, those who worked on the farm would attend day classes and attend night classes for the rest of the year. The school continues to be an invaluable educational resource in the region, providing education to Leaving Certificate level as well as offering a wide range of night classes during the year.

Board of Management

2004-2009

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Personnel / School Staff

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Subjects on Offer

Enrolment Numbers

PLC Options

Click here for futher details of our PLC courses »

Sporting Successes

• Congratulations to Shane Hogan (student) who played with the Irish Rules compromise team and Galway VEC football and Galway minor team.
• Congratulations to the 11 past pupils on the Caltra All-Ireland Club winning team.
• Congratulations to Sara Noone who had All-Ireland wins with Galway Minor and Intermediate Camogie teams.
• Senior Football team captured County Senior 'B' Final.
• Students from the school were winners of All-Ireland camogie and No Name Club medals.
• 11 of our past pupils were All-Ireland Club winners with Caltra in 2004.
  Ladies Football team were division winners 2003/2004.
• The long tradition of participation in Hurling and Gaelic Football at all levels in the school year 2003/2004 continued with success in the County Senior 'B' Championship, and participation was enjoyed by all other teams.
• Thanks to the Fashion Show and Golf Classic organisers and for the finance raised which helps to fund the many games activities in the school.

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Student Achievements

• Three students completed the E.C.D.L. successfully.
• 20 students completed Safe Pass Course.
• 3 students won 3000 post primary schools competition in Agriculture.
• Team won M.H.A. Public Speaking Regional Final.

Recent News

• School Building - Heating: A complete refurbishment of the central heating system and attic insulation was carried out and has proved to be a major success.
• Science Grant: A grant of €10,649 has been approved for science equipment.

Policies

• School begins at 9.20am and finishes at 4.00pm
• If parents wish for a student to leave school or school grounds during school hours, it is essential that the class teacher or Principal is contacted by phone, note or in person.
• Students requesting to go home for lunch, should have their parents sign an authorisation note at the beginning of the school year.
• If a student, for whatever reason has been unable to do homework, he/she should have a note of explanation from a parent.
• Full uniform must be worn each day.
• Pupils may not leave the school grounds for any reason without the permission of the teacher on supervision.
• It is encouraged that older students will protect and care for younger students.
• Bullying a fellow student is a serious offence and is not tolerated.
• Litter must be put in bins provided for that purpose.
• School books should be neatly covered.
• Library books must be treated with care and must always be returned to the school library.
• Students are expected to participate and be properly attired for games.
• Students are expected to queue in an orderly fashion for service in the school shop.
• The following is not permitted in school:
• Tippex
• Chewing Gum
• Earrings for boys
• Mobile Phones

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Mission Statement

To encourage our students to reach their full potential in a caring and learning environment so as to equip them with the skills to function as productive and successful citizens in an ever changing society.

Admissions Policy

Code of Behaviour / Discipline Code

• Bullying a fellow student is a serious offence and is not tolerated.
• Rough play, kicking, pushing or hitting others is completely forbidden and parents will be promptly notified if a child persists in any of these activities.
• Substance abuse of any kind; smoking, alcohol or drugs is a serious offence and is not tolerated.
• Bad language and name calling is not tolerated.
• Climbing walls or trees is forbidden in the school grounds.
• Footballs may be retrieved from over the wall only with permission.
• Writing on schoolbooks or school furniture is forbidden.

Homework Policy

School Calendar:

2008-2009

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Booklist

Uniform Description

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