New Pupils

A Short History of Arles N.S.

  • Arles N.S. is a rural 3 teacher school in South Co. Laois. The present school was built in 1961 and was extended in 1985. It caters for both boys and girls. For a comprehensive history of the School and area, Click here.

Board of Management

  • The Board of Management is charged with the direct governance of the school. It comprises of eight members, two nominees of the Bishop, two representatives of the parents, (elected by parents) One representative from the teaching staff (elected by teachers) and the principal teacher. Also two representatives from the local community nominated by above members. For more details on the BOM of Arles N.S., please click here.

School Rules

  • Code of Discipline is on the School Website and a copy can be given to you should you request it.  Included in the policy are the following: Hair should be of a natural colour. Boys should have a standard short length haircut and Girls hair should be tied up.  Gel/Wax is not allowed.  Parents co-operation is appreciated on this matter. Also for health and safety the wearing of jewellery is not allowed. Pupils should wear the full school tracksuit on PE Days only and full school uniform every other day.
  • Our school operates a Healthy Lunch Policy and we encourage children to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Due to this policy, the following are not allowed: Sweets, crisps, peanuts, sweet or butter popcorn, chocolate bars/biscuits/spreads and fizzy drinks.
  • Our school policy is to reduce, re-use and re-cycle. Student lunch should be in re-usable containers rather than tinfoil/cling film. Drinks should be in a reusable bottle.

School Uniform

The school uniform consists of:

  • Cream blouse/shirt
  • Grey pants (boys/girls)
  • Maroon check skirt, kilt style (girls)
  • Maroon tie
  • Maroon V neck jumper
  • Maroon tights/socks
  • Maroon tracksuit.

Please label everything

Uniform and Tracksuit can be purchased from Shaws Carlow

School Timetable

All classes start at 9.30am
Class ends for Junior and Senior Infants at 2.10pm
Class ends at 3.10pm for all other classes
Short break from 11.00 -11.10am. Lunch break from 1.00 – 1.30pm

Lunches and Snacks

Children need to bring a small snack for 11.00 break. As we are a rural DEIS school, the children receive a free hot lunch to eat at 1.00pm.
We encourage healthy eating, therefore please avoid giving your child fizzy drinks, chewing gum, sweets or chocolate etc.

Your Child In The First Year

This will be an exciting and interesting experience for your child even though he/she will miss you and you her/him. Now that he/she is going to school he/she will continue to learn under your guidance and that of her teacher. Many of the skills your child has learned at home will help him/her feel secure in his/her surroundings. He/she should be able to button/unbutton, zip up her/his jacket and hang it up unaided. He/she needs to be able to open and close their lunch box, bottles etc.

What Your Child Will Learn

Your child will learn to be independent and interact with other children. She/he will get to know the school environment and learn to co-operate with others. Your child will learn – Irish, Maths, English, Religion, Social and Environmental Studies, Music, Visual Arts, PE and SPHE.

Religion

We are a Catholic school and our ethos is Catholic. Children are taught to respect and appreciate each others values and traditions. You will be involved in your child’s religious training in the use of “Alive O” Series. Great emphasis is placed on the preparation of pupils for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Your child will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in second class and her/his Confirmation in fifth / sixth classes. Your child will also experience Religious formation through School Assemblies.

Support Teaching

We are very fortunate to have 1 SET teacher and 2 Special Needs Assistants in the school to cater for individual needs.

Home School Links

Arles N.S. encourages good communication between home and school. We strive to achieve constant and regular interaction by parent/teacher meetings. Formal parent/teacher meetings are organised in the first term annually.

Homework Journal: this provides parents with the opportunity to know the day-to-day running of the school and to keep in touch with the class teacher.

Homework: Homework is a practical means for parents to keep abreast with your child’s progress. Please refer to Code of Behaviour for details of homework policy.

School Newsletter: A school newsletter is issued once a term.

Twitter and Facebook Pages: Follow us on social media to keep up to date with special events that are happening in the school.

Parent’s Council: This is a great way for parents to become actively involved in their child’s school. The council meets a few times a term. Their A.G.M. is at times when new members are welcome.

Sacramental Programme: The program for the sacraments Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation require maximum parental involvement.