Data Protection Policy
Covid Policy
See here for the Covid Response Plan 2020, here for our school's Covid Policy Statement, and here for our risk assessment.
The most recent additions to the Response Plan can be found here.
Anti-bullying Policy
See here for our school's Anti-bullying Policy. Please note that there is a designated confidential email address to report bullying: antibullying@gonzaga.ie
Overall Vision
Gonzaga College seeks to develop a school community based on mutual respect, love and service. This imposes a responsibility on every member of the community at every point of interaction – student to student, teacher to student, student to teacher, teacher to teacher. This responsibility is asked of every person who is associated with the life of the school. Obviously, no form of bullying or intimidation fits in with this vision of how we should relate to each other.
Aim
The aim of this policy is to develop a framework for dealing with bullying in a comprehensive and holistic way within the College’s overall mental health strategy. The bullying policy will be based on research of our students’ views and needs.
It is to create an atmosphere where everyone can feel secure and comfortable in the school. This is something which every member of the community – teacher, student or staff member – has a right to expect.
Child Protection
The Board of Management recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all the school’s policies, practices and activities.
Our mission is inspired by the values of the Gospel which call us to cherish children and to place them first. The care of our students is an absolute priority. Our child protection policies reflect this. We assure parents and those associated with the school that we follow rigorous child protection guidelines which comply with those of the Department of Education and Skills. See our Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment here.
See here for the Child Protection Letter to the Parents' Council.
The designated liaison person (DLP) is the Headmaster, Mr McCaul.
Phone 01 4972931
Code of Behaviour
Gonzaga College SJ aspires to be a community that promotes mutual respect, co-operation and justice for all as core values. The Code of Behaviour aims to respect the rights of all members of the College community. The fostering of personal and communal respect, responsibility and self discipline is a central concern of the College. It is our hope that individuals and groups will learn to take the fullest possible ownership of the values enshrined in our College Mission Statement, and behave accordingly.
The code aims to promote awareness among our community that intelligent and responsible adherence to the school rules, by which we seek to operate, is in the interest of each individual and of the College community as a whole. The Code is designed to enhance the teaching and learning process which is central to the work of the College. Each member of the school community shares responsibility for the order and well being of our College
The school rules are necessary for the efficient management of large numbers of students and for the personal development of each individual within the community. The vision of the College is that each member of the community would aspire to be self disciplined and to show concern for the needs of others.
The Gonzaga student is expected to
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Respect all members of the College community
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Respect the academic standards and expectations of the College
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Respect the College environment
Read the full Code of Behaviour here.
Dignity of Person in the Work Place
A core employment value is the commitment to ensuring that each individual is guaranteed a working environment where s/he may expect to be treated with dignity both by management and work colleagues. This approach is a positive emphasis on the importance of each individual and the contribution s/he makes to the success of the workplace. It guarantees the optimal working conditions that allow individuals to freely maximise their role in the workforce. Sound management ethos is based on providing leadership that encourages individuals in this regard. This is best achieved in our school through the creation and maintenance of a positive working environment.
Integral to this employment value and in particular to the principle of mutual respect is the commitment to provide a workplace free from bullying. It is in such a context that the philosophy and policy statement will be realised.
The objectives of Dignity at Work Policy are to create and maintain a positive working environment in Gonzaga, where the right of each individual to dignity at work is recognised and protected and to ensure that all are aware of and committed to the principles set out in this policy.
Homework
Homework Policy
Ignatian pedagogy views education as a life long process where a school strives to give students the capacity and desire to become self directed learners. Within this context Gonzaga College offers an academically distinguished curriculum that challenges students to achieve their full potential. A significant aspect of responding to this challenge is the setting and doing of homework.
Regular study at home is an integral part of a pupil’s education. Homework is one component of this study at home. This is directed and assessed by the class teacher. It may take a variety of forms, written exercises, research, course work, reading, memorisation of material and preparation for classes. The other equally important component of study at home is designed and directed by the student himself. This is the ongoing review and consolidation of information and skills arising from class work. It is essential that students should have frequent and increasing opportunities to develop and strengthen their competence as independent learners.
iPad Acceptable Use Policy
Relationships & Sexuality Education
Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is one of ten modules on the Junior Cycle Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum. It also forms part of the schools Transition Year (TY) curriculum and is taught during different modules of Religious Education (RE) during 5th and 6th year. Throughout their time in Gonzaga, each student will study differing elements of RSE for a minimum of six weeks each year.
Aims
The aims of RSE are:
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To help young people understand and develop friendships and relationships
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To promote an understanding of sexuality
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To promote a positive attitude to one’s own sexuality and in one’s relationship with others
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To promote knowledge of and respect for reproduction
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To enable young people to develop attitudes and values towards their sexuality in a moral, spiritual and social framework.
The values inherent in the programme are consistent with the ethos of the school.
Resources
Junior Cycle students currently use RSE resources from ‘Health and Wellbeing SPHE' books 1, 2 and 3 as well the ‘Busybodies DVD’. This DVD forms a direct link between the primary and post-primary school RSE curricula.
Lessons from the ‘b4udecide pack’ are also used at Junior Cycle.
Senior Cycle students use the TRUST Pack as the core resource for Relationship and Sexuality Education. Appropriate topics from another pack, entitled ‘The Facts – a sex education resource’, are also used. Each pack comprises a DVD, lesson plans and teaching resources.