Pastoral Care

In St. Attracta's, we place huge emphasis on student welfare and the excellent Pastoral Care Structure which we have in place supports this.

Every base class in Junior Cycle and TY has a Class Tutor. The Tutor's role is not a discipline one but one of care and support. Each Year from 1st to 6th has a Year Head. The Tutor assists the Year Head with checking Journals for notes etc. This happens once every week. Students are encouraged to speak to their subject teacher, tutor, year head or any member of staff if they have an issue which needs addressing. We are blessed to have a full-time Chaplain as well as a Guidance Counsellor. A 'care team' meeting consisting of the Principal, Deputy Principal, Chaplain, Guidance Counsellor and Year Heads takes place on a weekly basis. Also, the school appreciates the support, two days per week, of the Home Youth Liaison Service. This service provides a link between family, school and professional services.

The Prayer Room

The School Chaplain

“The chaplain, as a faith presence, committed to the values of Christ, and on behalf of the church and school communities, accompanies each person on the journey through life”.

Here in St.Attracta’s this accompaniment comprises of various experiences:
• Co-ordinating school liturgies e.g. Opening of the school year, Graduation service
All students of the school are invited to attend a mass themed with the year ahead in mind and actively involving many of the senior students. A themed Graduation service takes place towards the end of the year for the Leaving Cert class again actively involving many of the students.
• Meeting all new students individually
Each student of the school (usually in first year) is invited to meet with the Chaplain so that the student is familiar with the work of chaplaincy in the school, is briefed on the boundaries around confidentiality, is introduced to the Prayer Room and also has an opportunity to talk about themselves and how they are settling into school life.
• Planning and facilitating prayer services to remember the dead.
During the month of November each year group is invited to participate in a prayer service to remember our dead.
• Bereavement Support
Loss in a person’s life is very difficult and there may be times when it becomes overwhelming or difficult to assimilate. The chaplain is available as a support for anyone who is bereaved.
• Providing an experience of the sacrament of Reconciliation annually for all students
Once a year students are invited to prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the school. Up to six of the local parish priests come to the school to hear their confessions
• One to one meetings with students whenever the need arises
There are occasions when for one reason or another, a student may be finding life to be a little difficult. It often helps to talk about it and so students can, amongst other things, make an appointment to meet the chaplain if they wish to talk.
• School Retreats
Presently First Years, Second Years, T.Y.’s & Leaving Certs have the opportunity to go on retreat – either in school or at a retreat centre.
• Being open to contact with parents/guardians
It is important that parents/guardians can contact the chaplain and speak with the chaplain at any time if they are concerned about their child and feel that the chaplain may be of some help.
• Half-class guided meditations in the Prayer Room
Students from 1st year to leaving Cert will be given opportunities during the year to experience meditative prayer in small groups.
• Liaising with Rel. Ed. Dept & Pastoral Care Team
It is important that there is a team response to pastoral care in the school. An example of this is in the case of a critical incident. All members of the team are needed to ensure that the needs of individuals are met to the best of their ability.
• Organising the pastoral visit of the bishop to the school
Bishop Kelly attends the school annually to meet and pray with the students. The visit usually includes dialoguing with the bishop on his role in the diocese, discussing how young people can be more engaged in church etc.
• Facilitating a space for staff and students for personal prayer
Our Prayer Room is opened at 8.45am each morning and remains open until 3.45. Both staff and students are free to visit the Prayer Room when they so wish. In the case of a student they must seek permission to visit the Prayer Room only if it is during class time.
• Marking significant moments in the liturgical year (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter)
Reminders of important moments in the liturgical year are displayed in either the foyer or the Prayer Room or both e.g. the advent wreath.
• Facilitating social experiences (Games Room)
The chaplain supervises a games club at lunchtime, three days a week. Board games, darts, foosball, air hockey, pool and snooker along with dvds are all available for students to engage with.
• Evaluating
The role of the school chaplain is constantly evaluated. Likewise all liturgical celebrations are critically appraised in consultation with relevant parties.

'Celebrating Community'