Dear Parents and Guardians,
In line with Department of Education guidelines on the Bi-Cinnealta guidelines, St Patricks College will close on Friday 11th April next.
Please click on the link below to read a letter to parents on the matter.
Bi-Cinnealta Letter to Parents
Information on the New Bi-Cinnealta Guidelines
Bí Cinnealta: Action Plan on Bullying is Ireland’s whole-education approach to preventing and addressing bullying in schools and all schools country-wide are required to implement these procedures by September, 2025.
This document contains actions which are aimed at helping us all to work together towards an inclusive Irish society free from bullying in all its forms and where all our children and young people can feel happy and safe in our schools.
Building on our commitment to the promotion of Anti-Bullying, St Patrick’s College will now begin the process of launching our Bí Cineálta plan with consultation from our students, parents, teachers and wider school community.
A copy of the Bi Cinnealta Guidelines can be found by clicking on the link below
Key features of this policy include:
Whole-School Approach: Engaging all members of the school community students, parents, teachers, support staff, and boards of management to cultivate a culture where bullying is unacceptable.
Addressing High-Risk Areas: Identifying and monitoring hidden spaces such as hallways, staircases, and playgrounds where bullying is more likely to occur and implementing measures like improved visibility and supervision.
Enhanced Supervision: Emphasising vigilant supervision, especially for students vulnerable to bullying, to ensure their safety and inclusion.
Promoting a ‘Telling’ Environment: Creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable reporting bullying incidents, supported by accessible versions of the school’s anti-bullying policy displayed prominently.
Follow-Up Procedures: Conducting reviews with affected students and their parents 20 school days after a reported bullying incident to assess if the behaviour has ceased.
Annual Policy Review: Incorporating feedback from students, parents, and the entire school community in yearly evaluations of the school’s anti-bullying policy.
Parental Involvement: Recognising parents as key partners in efforts to prevent and address bullying, ensuring their active participation in related initiatives.
Regular Reporting: Requiring school principals to provide updates on bullying incidents and responsive measures at every board of management meeting while maintaining student confidentiality.
Data Recording and Analysis: Documenting each bullying incident to contribute to a national database, facilitating the creation of annual reports that inform policy and practice without identifying individuals or schools.
Cyberbullying Clarification: Clarifying that while schools are not responsible for cyberbullying occurring outside school hours, they must act when such behaviour affects the school environment.
If you have any questions or would like to make any suggestions, please feel free to contact the school.