Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do I do when my son is returning to school after being absent?

Parents/Guardians write an explanation note relating to the absence in the back of your son's school journal, in the section for notes with the perforated edges. Your son presents that note on the day he returns to school after his absence to the staff member collecting these notes in the social area from 8.30am. This note is then given, by that staff member, to your son's Year Head who keeps an account of your son's absences. 

What do I do if I have to collect my son early from school for an appointment?

Parents/Guardians write an explanation note in relation to the appointment in the back of your son's school journal, in the section for notes with the perforated edges. Your son presents that note on the morning of his appointment to the staff member collecting these notes in the social area from 8.30am. Your son's name is then entered in the 'Sign Out' book at reception, which you will sign when you are collecting your son. Please note that only a parent or legal guardian may collect their son. 

What do I do if I have to collect my son in an emergency?

You can ring the school office on 061-45388 to make the school aware of the emergency situation and we can have your son waiting for you when you arrive. 

What do I do if my son forgets something for school? 

If you are in a position to do so, you can drop whatever he has forgotten, e.g. his lunch or PE gear into the school, it can be left in reception and his name will be put up on the various TV screens around the school to let him know he has something to collect from the office.

What should my son do if he forgets his lunch and has no money to buy anything?

This can easily happen from time to time, so please let your son know that if this does ever happen him to let the office staff or any staff member know and we will be able to sort something out so he does not miss his lunch.

What is the situation regarding reporting absenteeism to TUSLA?

Under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 schools are obliged to submit a number of reports and notifications that relate to poor school attendance. Poor school attendance needs to be responded to early; otherwise, as research has shown, it can lead to poorer exam results, early school leaving, unsuccessful transfer from primary and poorer life chances for children. For more information about Tusla Education Support Services (TESS), please see https://www.tusla.ie/tess/tess-ews/reporting-absenteeism/ 

Remember: If you have any questions that are not answered here, please email the school office on asroffice@ardscoil.com with FAQ in the subject line of your email and we will endeavour to answer your question.