Section A
 
Ethos and Mission Statement

St. Michael’s College operates within the context and parameters of the Dept. of Education and Science’s regulations and programmes. The College takes into account the rights of the Patron, as set out in the Education Act as well as the funding and resources available to the college.  The school supports the principles of inclusiveness, particularly with reference to the enrolment of children with a disability or other special educational needs including gifted children.

The school likewise recognises the principle of access and participation in the school and parental choice in the area of enrolment. It respects the diversity of values, beliefs, traditions, languages and ways of life in society.

School Resources

Type of School
St Michael’s College is a Roman Catholic school owned by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit in Ireland and conducted under the patronage of the Des Places Educational Association. (DEA)

Application Procedures
Application forms may be obtained from the College’s Administration Office. Application forms must be completed and returned to the Admissions Office at the school address. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement. Parents/Guardians are requested to confirm their continued interest in a place in the College in fifth class. An interview and information dissemination process may take place for students deemed to meet the criteria for the available places in the college.  Assessment Tests are usually held prior to the student entering the College.

Provision of Information by Parents.
Application Form
 
1.Pupil’s Name, Address, Date of Birth.
2.Names and Addresses of Parents/Guardians.
3.Contact Telephone Numbers in case of emergency.
4.Religion.
5.Details of Medical/Psychological condition.  
6.Previous schools attended and reason for transfer.
7.Special Needs.
8.Two recent school reports.
9.Permission to seek information verbal/written from the previous school.
10.Permission to give the Parents Council their name address and telephone numbers. 
11.Signed acceptance of the College’s ethos/mission statement and the code of behaviour. 
12.Other relevant information.

Decision-Making Process
Decisions regarding applications/admissions are made by School Management in accordance with school policy and the decisions are communicated to applicants within 21 days of the decision being made (usually in fifth class of the Junior school) to enable parents of unsuccessful applicants to investigate alternatives.

Enrolment Criteria
The Department of Education and Science Rules state that secondary school students must be aged 12 on 1st January in the Calendar year following the child’s entry into First Year.  (Birth Certificate evidence is required).

It is expected that all prospective students will subscribe to the spirit and ethos of St Michael’s College and the CSSP Educational Philosophy.

When the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available the following are the criteria for decision-making in St Michaels College. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

1.Boys in fifth form in St Michael’s Junior school (whose educational, behavioural and social needs can be met in the senior school. Decisions will be taken between the management of the senior school and the junior school.)
2.Brothers of existing students or brothers of past students of the College.  
3.Sons of Past Pupils enrolled before places have been allocated.
4.Nephews, grand nephews and sons of cousins to the first degree of CSSP congregation members.
5.Boys enrolled on a first come first served basis 

Special Needs
Where applicants with Special Needs are eligible to attend St Michaels College, the College Management will request an up to date copy of the applicant’s medical/psychological report/Individual Educational Report or an immediate assessment. This is in order to assist the school in establishing the educational and training needs of the child relevant to his disability or Special Needs and to profile the support services required. On the basis of the relevant information the College will assess how his needs can be met, and, if further resources are required the Department of Education and Science will be requested to provide them. The Principal may meet the applicant’s parents to discuss the child’s needs and the school’s capacity to meet them.

Transfers from other second-level schools.
Students attending other second-level schools may apply for places before April 15th of the year commencing in the College. The College must be satisfied with the reasons for transfer and that the application is subject to the schools admissions policy and subject to a place being available  

The school may also request:- 
•Information relating to the reasons for transfer.
•Information from the former school relating to attendance, educational progress, disabilities and special needs.
•Consultation with the Educational Welfare Officer.

Right to Refuse
St Michael’s College is a fee-paying voluntary Catholic school for boys. Fees are invoiced twice annually and refusal to pay within thirty days of invoice could lead to permanent exclusion from the College.   The School Management reserves the right to refuse in certain circumstances. [Section 29 Education Act 1998 and circular M48/01] Parents have the right to appeal enrolment decisions as per Section 29 Education Act 1998 and circular M48/01.