FAQs
What school do you feed into?
We don’t feed into any particular schools in the area however we have had children go on to some of these schools in past years: Our Lady of Good Council (Johnstown) Schools, Scoil Columcille, St. John’s, Gaelscoil Phadraig, Dalkey School Project, Monkstown Educate Together, Glenageary Killiney National School (Wyvern), St. Kevin’s, St. Brigid’s, Rathmichael Ns, Scoil Mhuire, Saint Anne’s. This is not an exhaustive list and there are other schools in the area.
How do you support children during the “settling in” period?
We want to make the “settling in” period an easy and happy one for you and your child. We recognise that each child is different in terms of how they settle into preschool and because of this we always follow the lead of the child. Before your child begins with us we invite you and your child to visit the school, we also have an open day in the June of the year that child will start.
During the first week parents may stay for a short time if they need to but we don’t encourage this long-term as your child will expect you to stay every day. Parents should stay nearby for the first few days as they may be called to collect their child early if they are unsettled or very tired. Your child may also bring a comfort toy or soother for a short time as we have found that this helps them to settle initially.
Can I bring in a treat for my child’s birthday?
While we love to celebrate birthdays, we have decided not to allow treats to be brought in from home due to allergies and to follow our healthy eating policy. We make the day special and the birthday boy or girl get to do their birthday walk around the sun, we sing happy birthday and they choose some goodies from the birthday box! Due to the large number of children in the school, we also, unfortunately, do not give out paper invitations and encourage parents to contact each other directly to arrange parties.
How do you communicate?
We pride ourselves on keeping you informed about everything that is happening in the school. We have found that good communication between home and school fosters a good working relationship and that is key for your child’s development.
Each class has a phone with a WhatsApp group which they contact parents and carers regularly. Keyworkers and parents can also contact each other directly by private message. We regularly send out email updates and WhatsApp messages to the class groups. We also send out a bi-monthly newsletter and update our Facebook and Instagram accounts with information about what is happening in the school.
We have a bulletin board in the lobby that we regularly put up community information on and are available for a chat daily at drop off and collection times. We also have regular events during the year that parents can attend such as our Christmas show, School trips and Fundraising days.
Do you teach a certain religion?
While we are based in the grounds of St. Matthias Church we are not affiliated with the Church in a religious basis. We a non-secular, non-denominational preschool which accepts all students regardless of religion or ethnicity. We work diligently to include all of our students’ cultures.
The parish are very kind to us and let us use the church on occasion and they are very welcoming of new parishioners and regularly run Messy Church events.
See their website for more information: https://www.stmatthias.ie/
Can I have a tour of the school?
While we operate an open door policy and love to welcome it may not be possible to facilitate a tour of the school if you drop in unannounced due to other activities taking place. It is best to contact Eve by phone on 0877881167 or Email: ballybrackkillineymontessori@gmail.com
What should I do if my child is sick?
While we know that it is very difficult to juggle work and childcare please do not send a sick child into the preschool. We strictly adhere to our illness policy and will send a sick child home. If your child is sick please contact your class phone to let the teachers know.
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My child has an anaphylactic allergy and/or medical needs. Can you accommodate them?
Yes, in most cases we can. Before your child begins with us please contact us to discuss your child’s specific needs. We will need to put together plans with you and your doctor and forms will need to be filled out. Any medication/devices provided for your child that is sent in to us will be kept at school for our use specifically.
What weeks of the year do you open?
We operate the ECCE scheme for 38 weeks which coincides with the primary school calendar. We operate holiday clubs during Halloween, February midterm, Easter, July and the 1st week in August. We close for two weeks at Christmas and for the last three weeks in August.
What does a typical day look like?
9am: Children arrive, put away their belongings and settle down to work
9-10.45: Worktime/small group time with their keyworker
10.45: Wash hands and snacktime
11.15: Outside time
12.15: Circletime
12.30: Hometime for ECCE only
We also do activities such as arts & crafts, baking, music, P.E.,etc