Headmaster’s Welcome
Dear student and parents
We hope that the information in this booklet will help you prepare for the new academic year
at Glenstal. Our school life here is enormously exciting and fulfilled, and it is not possible to
describe or codify all our experiences, so please bear in mind that more will be shared as we
move through the year.
St Benedict says in his Rule that the monastery should be a place of welcome and that each
visitor should be treated as if he were Christ. Each student at Glenstal will make everyone
else welcome, and enable everyone to get the most from the fantastic opportunities on offer
in our unique school.
Glenstal students are very good at supporting one another in their learning and studies, and
we all expect that this coming year will be one of great achievement in class, in performance
and on the sports pitches.
May God bless all our work, begun and ended in him.
Marius Carney
Headmaster
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Headmaster’s Welcome 1
QUICK REFERENCE 4
1. How to Contact the School 5
2. Term Dates 2023/24 6
3. List of Items to Bring to School 8
Books, Stationery & Other Classroom Equipment 8
Other Items 8
Clothing 8
Sports Wear 9
Linen (Boarders) 9
PARENT & STUDENT GUIDE 10
Pride of Place: Our Past 11
Glenstal Castle and the Barringtons 11
The Barringtons and Rugby 11
Glenstal Abbey 11
Glenstal – Core Values 12
Pax - Reverence, Respect & Responsibility 12
Prayer Life 13
Sunday Eucharist 13
Retreat Programme 14
Leadership Life 15
School Council 15
Captain, Vice Captain & Prefect Roles 15
A Typical Week for a Glenstal Student 16
Academic Life 17
Lesson Timetable 18
Morning Roll Call & Assembly 18
Evening Study 18
Academic Diary & Planner 18
Academic Tutor 19
Learning Support 19
Language of the House 19
Co-Curricular Activities 20
Sports 20
Music 21
Further Co-Curricular Activities 21
Boarding Life 23
Boarding Houses 23
Housemasters 23
Dormitories 23
The Pantr y 24
Bathrooms 24
Access to dorms during the academic day 25
Bed Linen & Towels 25
Personal Items 25
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Passports 25
Pocket Money 26
Student Conduct 27
Classroom Protocols 28
Refectory Protocols 28
Evening Study Protocols 29
Boarding Protocols 29
Student Conduct in Boarding Houses 29
Anti-Bullying 30
Dress Code 32
Classroom and Refectory Wear 32
Formal Wear 32
Sports Wear 32
Sports Equipment 33
General Clothing 33
Fashion/Valuable Items 33
Name Tags 33
The Practicalities 34
Attendance & Absence 34
Book Lists 35
Communication with the School 36
Change of Contact Details 37
Deliveries and Parcels 37
Fees 38
Food & Drink 38
Guardianship 39
Health Centre 39
Laundry Service 40
Library 42
Lockers & Locker Locks 42
Parents’ Events 42
Technology & Digital Life 43
Travel 45
Safety 46
CCTV 46
Emergency Evacuation 46
Movement throughout Glenstal estate 46
Safeguarding 46
Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol 47
Student Parking 47
Visitors 47
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QUICK REFERENCE
This section contains key information that parents and students may wish to access and
reference quickly and easily throughout the school year.
1. How to contact the school
2. Term dates 2023/24
3. List of items to bring to school
4. Dress code
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1. How to Contact the School
Absence from School
All absences/exeats must be notified
to the school before your son departs
This address is monitored during office hours only.
Please also cc. the relevant Housemaster, as listed
below.
Class Tutor & Teaching Staff
Your son’s Class Tutor is your first
point of contact for academic
matters.
Class Tutor email addresses will be circulated at the
star t of the academic year.
You may also contact the Deputy Principal
Guidance Counsellors
Boarding House Team
Junior Housemaster on Duty
Inter Housemaster on Duty
Senior Housemaster on Duty
You may also contact the Head of Boarding
Kieran Sparling
Spor ts & Extra Curricular Activities
Nick Miller (Head of ECA)
General Enquiries
Health Centre
Headmaster
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2. Term Dates 2023/24
Term 1
Tue
29 Aug 2023
12.00
Sixth Year prefects arrive
15.00
New Fifth Year students arrive
17.00
Fifth and Sixth Year boarders return
Wed
30 Aug 2023
08.30
Fifth and Sixth Year - classes commence
15.00
New Transition Year students arrive
17.00
Transition Year boarders return
Thu
31 Aug 2023
08.30
Transition Year - classes commence
15.00
New Second & Third Year students arrive
17.00
Second & Third Year boarders return
Fri
1 Sep 2023
08.30
Second & Third Year - classes commence
Sun
3 Sep 2023
15.00
First Year students arrive
Welcome for all First Year students
Mon
4 Sep 2023
08.30
First Year - classes commence
Fri
29 Sep 2023
12.40
School closes after lunch for exeat weekend
Mon
2 Oct 2023
17.00
Boarders return
Tue
3 Oct 2023
08.30
Classes re-commence
Fri
27 Oct 2023
12.40
School closes after lunch for mid term break
Sun
5 Nov 2023
17.00
Boarders return
Mon
6 Nov 2023
08.30
Classes re-commence
Fri
24 Nov 2023
12.40
School closes after lunch for exeat weekend
Mon
27 Nov 2023
17.00
Boarders return
Tue
28 Nov 2023
08.30
Classes re-commence
Fri
22 Dec 2023
12.40
School closes after lunch for Christmas break
Mon
8 Jan 2024
17.00
Boarders return
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Tue
9 Jan 2024
08.30
Classes re-commence
Term 2
Fri
2 Feb 2024
12.40
School closes after lunch for St Brigid’s break
Mon
5 Feb 2024
17.00
Boarders return
Tue
6 Feb 2024
08.30
Classes re-commence
Fri
9 Feb 2024
12.40
School closes after lunch for mid term break
Sun
18 Feb 2024
17.00
Boarders return
Mon
19 Feb 2024
08.30
Classes re-commence
Fri
15 Mar 2024
12.40
School closes after lunch for St Patrick’s break
Mon
18 Mar 2024
17.00
Boarders return
Tue
19 Mar 2024
08.30
Classes re-commence
Fri
22 Mar 2024
12.40
School closes after lunch for Easter break
Sun
7 Apr 2024
17.00
Boarders return
Mon
8 Apr 2024
08.30
Classes re-commence
Term 3
Fri
3 May 2024
12.40
School closes after lunch for exeat weekend
Tue
7 May 2024
School closed for a Dept of Education mandated
teacher continuous professional development day
17.00
Boarders return
Wed
8 May 2024
08.30
Classes re-commence
Fri
31 May 2024
12.40
School closes after lunch for summer break
Wed
5 Jun 2024
Expected start date State Examinations
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3. List of Items to Bring to School
Books, Stationery & Other Classroom Equipment
Book lists are published on the school website each summer and list the books and other items
needed by subject for each year group.
For international students, textbook rental and stationery supplies are included in the
international fees (textbooks should be returned to the school office at the end of the academic
year). This pack will be ready for collection when students start at the school. Please note that
this package does not include a school bag.
Other Items
● Laptop (or equivalent device with an attached physical keyboard)
● Device chargers (as required)
● School bag (a small rucksack is appropriate)
● Reusable water bottle
● Reusable hot drink cup
● Durable mug, plate, bowl and cutlery set (Boarders only)
● Any required medication (MUST be deposited with the Nurse in the Health Centre)
Clothing
The laundry service is available weekly - this may help determine how many items of clothing
Boarders wish to bring.
Classroom Dress Code:
● Collared shirts/polo shirts
● Sweater(s)
● Chinos or corduroy trousers
● Shoes or trainers
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Formal Wear
● Navy blazer
● Beige formal chino trousers
● Blue or white formal collared shirt (advisable to bring 2)
● School tie (provided to all new students before/on arrival)
● Formal leather shoes
Spor ts Wear
The compulsory items that are required can be purchased as a ‘kit bundle’ and these are
identified on the gleesonsport.ie website. It is possible to arrange delivery directly to the school,
and once items are tried on, they can be returned to Gleeson’s via School Reception for labeling
with your son’s student ID.
Scrum caps are compulsory for all First Years and strongly recommended for all other year
groups.
Should boys already be in possession of equipment needed for certain sports, they should bring
it with them to school.
General Clothing (Boarders)
● Casual clothing to wear during free time
● Night wear
● Underwear
● Coat/Jacket
● Seasonally appropriate hat
● Wash bag
● Sliders or slippers
Bed Linen & Towels (Boarders)
Students have to change their own bed linen on a weekly basis. It is advisable to ensure that you
know how to change bed linen prior to the start of term.
Boarders will require the following items, all must be labelled with the student’s name and
student ID (laundry) number:
● Duvet x1 (no feather duvets allowed)
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● Pillow x1 (no feather pillows allowed)
● Duvet Covers x2 (1 x light-coloured and 1 x dark coloured)
● Single Fitted Sheet x2 (1 x light-coloured and 1 x dark coloured)
● Pillowcase x2 (1 x light-coloured and 1 x dark coloured)
● Bath towels x2
International students: Fees include hire of all of the above listed items.
4. Dress Code
Classroom and Refectory Wear
Students wear classroom dress code to class. While clothes may be casual we still have a very
clear dress code. Only shirts with collars may be worn in class, either a collared shirt or a polo
shir t, which may be worn inside a sweater. It is expected that trousers will be neat - either
chinos or corduroy. Students may wear shoes or trainers to lessons, but slippers, flip flops,
sliders, and sandals are not permitted.
The following are not part of acceptable classroom wear: Jeans, shorts, sweatpants, tracksuits,
tee-shir ts, hoodies and any garments whose design, cut or decoration is likely to offend.
Students may not generally dress in sportswear for class. Where students are required to wear
spor tswear for a class or activity they must wear full Glenstal sports uniform.
Formal Wear
On Sundays and special occasions, for example when there are visitors to the school or a student
is representing the school, students must wear “formals”. This dress code is:- A navy blazer,
beige formal chino trousers, a blue or white formal, collared shirt (it is advisable to bring 2
shir ts), school tie and formal leather shoes.
Each student is presented with a Glenstal tie at the beginning of their time at Glenstal.
Replacement ties will be billed to account at €15.
Spor ts Wear
Students are required to wear the school’s sports kit for PE lessons, for fixtures and tournaments
and for certain activities on the school’s after school programme.
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The Glenstal Abbey School Sports kit is produced by Canterbury of New Zealand and supplied
by Gleeson Sport Scene, 25 Upper William Street, Limerick or visit gleesonsport.ie. The
compulsory items that are required can be purchased as a ‘kit bundle’ and these are identified on
the website.
Items can also be purchased separately should they need to be replaced.
Spor ts Equipment
Some equipment will be needed by boys should they participate in certain sports e.g Hurling, Golf
and Tennis, however, we would advise against investing in new equipment for these activities
until students show a real interest in participation. Should boys already be in possession of
equipment needed for certain sports, then they should bring them to school.
General Clothing
Boarders should bring casual clothing to wear during free time, night wear, dressing gown
(advisable as the showers are not adjacent to every dorm) , underwear, a coat/jacket, seasonally
appropriate hat and a wash bag.
Note there is a weekly laundry service - see the Boarding Life section for more information.
Fashion/Valuable Items
Students are reminded that our purpose and primary activity is education and learning.
Expensive/fashion items are not required for school and should not be brought here. The school
takes no responsibility for the loss of or damage to such items.
Name Tags
Woven fabric tags with a student’s identity (laundry) number and name must be sewn onto all
ar ticles of clothing. Iron-on name tags are not suitable as they detach during washing. If space is
limited, items may be labelled with the student identity (laundr y) number only.
Boots, shoes, runners etc. should have a tape sewn onto the tongue or a mark on the soles with
indelible ink. (Tipp-Ex on soles of boots works well.)
Bed linen and towels should be marked on the outside with a large marker pen.
Please place labels where they can be easily seen, e.g. neck of jerseys, corners of duvet covers
and pillow cases. No responsibility can be taken for unmarked items.
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PARENT & STUDENT GUIDE
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Pride of Place: Our Past
Glenstal Castle and the Barringtons
Our school is privileged to have the beautiful setting of Glenstal Castle for its home.
The magnificent sandstone Castle, which is modelled on Windsor Castle, was built by Sir
Matthew Barrington in the nineteenth century; they also planted the extensive forests of the
estate in the 1820s.
In the interior of the school both in the public areas and the dormitories, you can see beautiful
marbles from quarries in Ireland and Europe, including the magnificent marble staircase with its
hand carved balustrades. There are a considerable number of carvings, including the magnificent
door to the Drawing Room, which is a copy of an ancient Romanesque doorway in Killaloe
Cathedral, and the capitals in the Library. These were carved in Glenstal by Mr White and Mr Shiel
respectively. These carvings and the hand painted wall papers and ceiling decorations are
unique.
Everyone is asked to enjoy our opulent stately home, but also to treat it with appropriate care: the
antique heritage is irreplaceable and priceless. Please be gentle on our ancient home and ensure
it remains a beautiful place.
The Barringtons and Rugby
Sir Charles Barrington, born in 1848, went to boarding school at Rugby in England. He enjoyed
playing the new football game which had been invented there by William Web Ellis. When he went
to study at Trinity College, Dublin, Charles Barrington introduced Rugby to Ireland.
Glenstal Abbey
When the Barringtons left Glenstal following the events of the civil war in the early 1920s,
Benedictine monks from Maredsous Abbey in Belgium were invited to come to reestablish
Benedictine life in Ireland. The first monks arrived at Glenstal in 1927 and our school opened in
1932. The monks originally used the Drawing Room as their chapel. The statue of Our Lady at the
base of the marble staircase was brought by the first monks from Maredsous.
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Glenstal – Core Values
Pax - Reverence, Respect & Responsibility
Glenstal Abbey School is part of the wider community associated with the Benedictine monastery
at Glenstal. The school, its staff, students and parents share in much of the life of the community.
The school joins the community for the most important event of the week, Sunday Eucharist and
on major Feast Days and special occasions.
A monastery is a community brought together by God for a life of prayer and mutual service.
Similarly, our school is a community brought together by God for the education of young men.
Responsible freedom should characterise its life. The keynotes of the monastic tradition are the
unceasing worship of God, discretion, moderation, respect for other people and the environment,
in an atmosphere of freedom and maturity. The presence of a stable and thriving monastery
gives the school a special quality of stability, peace and harmony. The monks and other staff
seek to enable the school community to flourish by working together under the inspiration of the
Gospel.
The monastery, in the Rule of Benedict, is described as a ‘school of the Lord’s service’. Many of
the values of the Rule are applicable to education and to the life of the school. The school is a
place of personal and spiritual growth, where the love of learning is continually fostered. Students
are encouraged to develop their talents as much for others as for themselves and so serve both
God and neighbour. The life of the school is structured “so that the strong have something to
strive for, and the weak nothing to run from” (Rule of Saint Benedict [RB] 64.19).
Glenstal Abbey School exists in order to help young men grow in knowledge and grace. Grounded
in the Catholic faith and the Benedictine intellectual tradition, the school seeks to foster peace
through:
REVERENCE
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
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Prayer Life
Everything we do in school is underpinned by our life of faith. We begin each day in prayer and
regularly meet together for the celebration of Holy Mass. In the Rule, St Benedict tells us that
every time we begin a good work we must pray to God. So, at the beginning of each day we offer
our thoughts, words and deeds to the Lord, and in the evening, we pause to give thanks for the
blessings we have received.
These are some frequently used prayers:
Pater Noster
Our Father who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Ave Maria
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee
Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Gloria patri
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Benedicamus Domino
Let us bless the Lord: Thanks be to God.
Sunday Eucharist
All Boarders join with the Monastic and local communities for the celebration of Holy Mass each
Sunday at 10:00. All parents, guardians and Day Boarders are warmly invited to attend.
Confessions are available on Saturday afternoon in the Monastery Church and by arrangement
with our school Chaplains Fr Denis Hooper OSB or Fr William Fennelly OSB.
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During term time, tea and coffee is served for parents after Sunday Mass.
Retreat Programme
A retreat is a time of prayerful reflection on our lives. Students are regularly given the opportunity
to go on retreat during their time at Glenstal, sometimes within the campus and on other
occasions travelling to a place of spiritual interest.
Icon Chapel Prayer Group
Students in Senior House are invited to the Icon Chapel Prayer Group, held once weekly in the
evening. Further information can be sought from Fr Fintan Lyons OSB.
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Leadership Life
At Glenstal each boy is called upon to look out for others and enable everyone to achieve their
personal best. We nourish our peaceful community by having reverence for ourselves, one
another and God; by respecting one another’s rights and looking after the place we live and study
and by taking responsibility for making everyone’s life at school the best it can possibly be.
These are all virtues of leadership which we expect every student at Glenstal to show. Through
your leadership you set an example for others, challenge things when necessary, and ultimately
change things for the better.
There are a variety of leadership opportunities for all during the school year, including leading
spor ts teams, training and being team Captain.
School Council
Our student School Council, chaired by the School Captain and Vice Captain, meets each month.
School Councillors are elected by members of their year group, and serve for one year.
Fifth Year: Prefect Roles
Fifth Year students will have the opportunity to apply for a prefect role. The prefect studies at the
teacher’s desk in a classroom of First to Transition Year students to lead by example and role
model the behaviour associated with active studying. A sense of presence and leadership is key
to the role, which helps promote the connection between the senior and more junior students.
Study is also supervised by a Housemaster or Teacher circulating the space.
Sixth Year: Captain, Vice Captain & Prefect Roles
Sixth Year students will have the opportunity to apply for a variety of prefect roles. These are
significant roles that provide an opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience for those
willing to invest the required time and effort.
Prefects are expected to support and promote a welcoming and safe school environment for all.
All prefects will have the opportunity for training in their role, their leadership responsibilities to
younger students, and training in Safeguarding and welfare.
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A Typical Week for a Glenstal Student
The Glenstal term is very busy and a full calendar of events, trips, sports fixtures and other
impor tant events is published at the start of the new academic year.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
07:15 Morning Call
07:45 BREAKFAST - finishes at 08:15
08:00 Health Centre opens
08:30 Day boarders arrive
08:35 Roll Call for each House Group
08:45 Assembly
09:00 Lesson 1
09:40 Lesson 2
10:20 Lesson 3
11:00 BREAK
11:20 Lesson 4
12:00 Lesson 5
12:40 DINNER
13:30 Lesson 6
14:10 Lesson 7
14:50 Lesson 8
15:30 Spor ts / Clubs and Societies / Individual music lessons
17:00 SNACK – Refectory
17:40 Study I / Individual music lessons
18:40 SUPPER
19:40 Study II / Clubs and Societies / Individual music lessons
21:00 Free time followed by house meeting, roll call and night prayer
Lights out (times for each year group are shown below)
Wednesdays
On Wednesdays there is a tutor period at 12:40, followed by dinner at 13:20. Sports and
extra-curricular activities then take place from 14:00 until 17:00.
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Saturdays
On Saturday lessons finish at 12:40. Day Boarders may leave at 12:40, or stay to participate in
afternoon activities.
12:40 DINNER
13:30 Spor ts, extracurricular activities and optional excursions (as scheduled)
18:40 SUPPER
19:30 Study
21:00 House recreational activities / free time
House meeting, roll call and night prayer
Lights out (times for each year group are shown below)
Sundays
08:00 Morning Call
08:30 Breakfast
09:20 Choir rehearsal
09:30 Roll call and departure for the Church
10:00 Conventual Mass in the Abbey Church
11:00 Coffee with visiting parents/family/guardians
Oppor tunity to leave school for the afternoon with parents/guardians
12:40 Sunday Dinner followed by optional activities and excursions
18:40 Supper
19:40 Free time / study time followed by house meeting, roll call and night prayer
Lights out (times for each year group are shown below)
Lights Out Times by Year Group
Year
Lights Out: Mon-Fri & Sun
Lights Out: Saturday Only
First Year
21:50
22:20
Second Year
22:00
22:30
Third Year
22:15
22:45
Transition Year
22:30
23:00
Senior House
23:00
23:30
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Academic Life
Briefings for parents of each year group in relation to the coming academic year will take place in
either the summer term, or early in the new academic year, to update you on the school year
ahead for your son.
Lesson Timetable
Our school operates a 6-day weekly teaching timetable, with lessons from 09:00 until 15:30 on a
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and until 13:20 on a Wednesday and 12:40 Saturday. The
timetable runs over two weeks, alternating between the week A and week B timetable.
On exeat weekends, lessons end at 12:40 on Friday and resume the following Tuesday morning.
Morning Roll Call & Assembly
The school day begins with a morning roll call by the Housemasters at 08:35, which all students
are required to attend. This is followed by our daily assembly.
Evening Study
Evening study is a time for self-directed learning and is an opportunity to strive for growth in
reflective capacity and independent working skills.
Day Boarders may leave school from 18:40 (the end of first study) or following supper.
Year
Mon - Fri: Study I
Mon - Fri: Study II
Saturday
First Year
17:40 - 18:40
19:45 - 20:45
19:40 - 20:40
Second Year
17:40 - 18:40
19:45 - 20:45
19:40 - 20:40
Third Year
17:40 - 18:40
19:45 - 21:00
19:40 - 20:40
Transition Year
17:40 - 18:40
19:45 - 20:45
19:40 - 20:40
Senior House
17:40 - 18:30
19:45 - 21:30
19:40 - 20:40
Academic Diary & Planner
Every student is provided with an academic diary and planner at the start of each academic year.
This gives students somewhere to write down their homework and keep track of homework
tasks. It also provides a great deal of additional useful information and guidance which students
are encouraged to take some time to read and understand.
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Academic Tutor
Within each year group there may be several classes. Each class has a class name, for example
Sigma or Delta, and a Tutor. Class Tutors meet with their class for a lesson period each week.
The Tutor is the first point of contact for queries of an academic nature.
Communication between Parents and Tutors
● The Tutor will be present at your son’s Parent-Teacher Meeting. This is a good time to
meet formally and discuss your child’s progress with his Tutor.
● Tutors will email all the parents of their class group at the beginning of the year to
introduce themselves.
● The preferred and most practical method of contacting Tutors is via email.
● Any phone call, online meeting or in person meeting with the Tutor or other teachers
should take place during the teacher’s working day.
Examinations
Year
Summary of Examinations
First Year
In house examinations in November/December and May
Second Year
In house examinations in November/December and May
Third Year
Mock examinations in January. State examinations in June.
Transition Year
In house examinations and project work
Senior House
Mock examinations in January. State examinations in June.
In addition to regular reporting, parents are invited to attend annual Parent Teacher meetings,
which take place at the school with appointments commencing from 16.15.
Learning Suppor t
In accordance with our mission, Glenstal Abbey School recognises that each of our students are
created uniquely in God’s image, with his own identity and talents. We are committed to bringing
out the best in everyone and to inclusion in the broadest sense. We maintain a positive learning
environment for all our students and we seek to provide for the additional needs of any
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individuals who may require additional support in lessons or in withdrawal classes. Parents are
asked to support the school by making sure the Special Needs department is aware of any
learning difficulties and of the reports written by any educational psychologist, or any specific
educational or behavioural education programmes followed at a previous school. On entry to the
school we will also seek to identify potential learning difficulties and work with parents/
guardians, and the student himself, to ensure that these are understood and support offered
appropriately.
Language of the House
One of the great riches of Glenstal Abbey School is that we are a multi national and polylingual
community. The principal languages of our community are English and Irish. Our day to day
discourse and lessons predominantly are conducted through the medium of English.
Whilst we embrace conversation in other languages and promote clubs to have conversation in
various languages, everyone is asked to respect English as the normal language. This means that
conversation around the school, in the Refectories, in common rooms, dorms, etc should be held
in English and no one should be unable to take part or listen in. First language English speakers
are asked to encourage all students to join in conversation.
Students who would like to lead non English conversation or discussion groups are asked to
arrange this with Mr Carney.
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Co-Curricular Activities
All students should be involved in five sessions of co-curricular activity each week.
Sports
Spor t is an important part of a student’s health and development and it is compulsory that
everyone is involved in some form of physical activity. The school has two objectives in respect
to the sports programme - to increase participation, and keep the students active and also to
promote excellence by developing skill sets and nurturing talent.
Spor ts on offer include:
● Athletics
● Badminton
● Basketball
● GAA
● Golf*
● Indoor Rock Climbing*
● Rugby
● Soccer
● Swimming
● Tennis*
● Volleyball
*Activity incurs additional fees.
Gym
The school has a weights gym, which is available for students as directed by their PE teacher or
Strength and Conditioning coach. Students may only use the gym with permission and having
completed the appropriate training.
For information and advice about sports activities please speak to Mr Nick Miller.
Music
Glenstal aims to afford our students the opportunity to realise their full musical potential in terms
of creativity, enjoyment, performance and appreciation. Students who wish to take lessons in
specific instruments can avail of personal tuition after class hours. Lessons are available in a
variety of instruments such as drums, guitar, organ, piano, saxophone, voice and violin.
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Instrumental teachers teach a variety of genres ranging from classical to jazz and traditional Irish
Music.
Students will have one half hour lesson per week (lesson fees will be billed to account). Students
will be timetabled on a first-come first-served basis and will be notified of their relevant teacher
and time of lesson at the beginning of term. In addition they should aim for two practice times
per week.
The choir rehearses Monday, Tuesday and Friday lunchtime and at 9.20 on Sunday.
Ensembles and bands rehearse during the week and all students who play a musical instrument
are encouraged to join.
For information and advice about music activities please speak to Mr Marius Carney or Fr
Columba McCann OSB.
Further Co-Curricular Activities
Glenstal has a number of co-curricular activities the students can engage in through the week.
These clubs and societies are there to fuel the boys' learning by expanding their horizons and
developing their holistic education.
Societies include:
● Coding Club
● Public Speaking and Effective Communication
● Photography Club
● Visual Arts
● Science Society
● Debating Society
● Dead Economist Society
● Film Society
Once a student has signed up to attend, then it is expected he will do so until the end of term.
For information and advice about co-curricular activities please speak to Mr Nick Miller.
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Boarding Life
The Boarding Houses
House
Year Group(s)
Contact Email
Junior House
First, Second and Third Year students
Inter House
Fourth (Transition) Year students
Senior House
Fifth and Sixth Year students
Housemasters
The Housemasters are on duty from 15:30 to 08:45 and are responsible for the care and pastoral
welfare of students and matters of discipline in the House. The Housemaster is the first point of
contact for parents in this regard.
The Housemaster will:
● Supervise/coach sports, extra-curricular and recreational/social activities
● Supervise evening study, supper time and snack time
● Lead the House meeting, roll call and House Prayers each evening
● Collect devices at bedtime and distribute them in the morning
● Turn lights out at bedtime
● Be resident overnight in the Housemaster bedroom adjacent to the students in their care
● Make the wake up call in the morning
● Take morning roll call prior to assembly
Dormitories
Student bedrooms are called dormitories or ‘dorms’, students are accommodated in dorm rooms
with other students in their House. Each student is provided with a single bed, bedside locker and
wardrobe space. There are shower and toilet facilities allocated for the use of each House.
Showers are in individual cubicles.
The school determines which bed is allocated to each student (note that often, students are not
allocated the same bed all year). Students are asked not to move from their assigned space, or to
occupy empty beds.
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On move in, each student is asked to complete a check of their assigned dorm space and to note
its condition. Any issues or damage should be repor ted to the Housemaster on the check in form.
Each student is responsible for keeping their dorm tidy. Clothing and personal items should be
stored neatly and rubbish disposed of in the bins provided.
Please note that for reasons of safeguarding there is NO PARENT ACCESS TO DORMITORIES,
except during move-in afternoon at the start of the academic year.
The Pantry
Each House has access to a pantry which provides a basic kitchen facility and is stocked daily
with milk and bread. To avail of this facility students should bring their own durable mug, bowl,
plate and cutlery set, labelled with their student ID number.
Students must keep the pantry tidy and clean. Every Boarder is on a duty rota to tidy and wash up
in the pantry at the end of each day.
Pantry Opening Times
Mon - Fri
11:00 - 11:20 and following supper
Sat
11:00 - 11:20 and throughout the day
Sun
Following Mass and throughout the day
Bathrooms
Everyone is asked to leave the bathrooms as they would wish to find them. This is about
reverence and respect for others. We must always respect one another’s privacy in the bathroom
and shower areas.
Access to dorms during the academic day
Dorms are closed and locked from 08:30 each day and are out of bounds during class time.
Should a student need emergency access to his dorm during the school day, he should contact
the school office. If this is due to poor organisation on the part of the student, a sanction may be
applied.
Day boarding students are not permitted to enter the boarding house.
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Personal Items
It is not recommended to bring very valuable or precious items to school. Each student has a
bedside locker in his dorm adjacent to his bed for storage of personal items, which should be
locked with the padlock supplied by the school (these are billed to account at €10 each).
Passports
International students should hand their passport to School Reception as soon as possible after
their arrival at school, where it will be stored in the safe.
Pocket Money
It is not recommended to bring large sums of cash to school. Cashless payments are now widely
accepted and options such as a Junior Revolut account or prepaid debit card, which you can
review/fund remotely for your son, is recommended.
Leaving Dorms for the School Breaks
With the exception of the Easter and Summer breaks, students may leave belongings in dorms
during school breaks. It is not recommended to leave precious or valuable belongings behind.
The dorm should be left tidy and free of rubbish.
On the morning of an exeat, students should bring their packed bags to the designated storage
place for their House before morning roll call.
Overnight Stays for Day Boarders
The Day Boarding fee includes up to 10 overnight stays at the school per academic year. To book
an overnight stay, please email the Housemaster at least 72 hours beforehand to check
availability. Bed linen and a towel will be provided by the school for these overnight stays.
Additional stays may be requested at an additional charge.
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Excursions & Recreational Activities
Recreational and social activities both onsite and offsite are arranged throughout the year by the
Boarding team. These fun, social activities and treats for Boarders, usually take place on a
Saturday afternoon or evening. Some activities, including, for example, a cinema trip, adventure
activity or ordering a pizza/takeaway incur an additional charge and these are billed to parents’
Expense Accounts.
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Student Conduct
The school has very high expectations of students’ behaviour and conduct built on our core
school values of Respect, Reverence and Responsibility. This applies in class, around the school,
around the Glenstal campus and monastery, in boarding houses, on the sports field, in church and
on any occasions when representing the school. Good manners and polite speech are expected
at all times. Students are expected to respect the timetable and rules, be punctual to class and
complete classwork and homework.
In what we say, we must always speak to one another ‘using helpful words’ and seek to build
people up. We must never use words or actions to demean or hurt others.
Students are expected to model and lead good behaviour, built on our core values of Pax:
Reverence, Respect, Responsibility. We are all asked therefore to take responsibility for ensuring
that everyone has a good day.
The school celebrates good conduct in a number of different ways throughout the year.
Student conduct during school and study is monitored by the Assistant Principals who are our
Deans – Ms Mairead O’ Sullivan for Junior Cycle and Mr Trevor Fitzgerald for Senior Cycle and in
boarding life by the Housemaster.
Should a student fail to follow the rules he will initially be reprimanded and reminded about the
rules. However, a student who deliberately or repeatedly fails to adhere to school values and rules
will receive a school sanction. This could include being placed in either a thirty minute, one hour
or Headmaster’s detention by the Deans, Housemasters or Headmaster. Other sanctions include
community service.
A student may be suspended from school for a very serious offence. Where there are ongoing
concerns about a student’s conduct, behaviour is monitored by reports completed at the end of
each lesson by teachers and/or the school may provide extra pastoral or learning support.
Any deliberate damage to school property e.g. by graffiti, is a serious breach of discipline.
Parents/guardians will be made aware of any such incidents and will be billed for the cost of
repairs, in addition to the sanction applied.
Please note that chewing gum is not permitted in school.
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The following areas are out of bounds, unless accompanied by an authorised adult:
● The Monastery and Guesthouse
● The farmyard, farm buildings and fields
● All houses on the grounds
● The staff room, marking room, photocopying room, sitting room and staff toilets
● The school roofs
● The lakes
● The school kitchens
Our student protocols clearly explain the behaviour that is expected during lessons, in the
refectory, dormitories and during study periods. These are shared with students in their
Academic Diary and serve as useful reminders of expected conduct.
Classroom Protocols
Each student must:
1. Arrive promptly to lessons with his textbooks and exercise/ copy books, wearing dress
code
2. Bring a pencil case to all lessons with the following equipment: blue/ black ink pen,
pencil, ruler and calculator as required
3. Take the seat allocated by his teacher
4. Rule off previous work and begin new work with:
Pax, TITLE, DATE
Learning objective:
Homework should be titled as such
5. Sit upright, and raise his hand should he wish to ask or answer a question
6. Make ever y effort to contribute the lesson and support others with their learning
7. Use polite and appropriate language at all times, supporting and never denigrating others’
contributions
8. Record homework exercises in his Glenstal Journal, together with the deadline
9. Complete and hand in homework on time, taking note of correction and feedback given
by his teacher from previous exercises
10. Comply with the classroom rules and respond appropriately if prompted about behaviour
by the teacher so that the situation does not escalate.
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Refector y Protocols
1. All meals are eaten in the Refectory. We do not take food away nor walk around eating.
2. Everyone should assemble quietly and calmly for meals observing the queuing system. At
lunchtime, priority will be given to different groups on different weeks to ensure fairness.
Students carry their meal and cutlery on a tray from the serving counter. At snack time
trays are not needed, however we sit at tables.
3. Care should be taken not to spill water or milk. Should an accident happen the student(s)
concerned should stop and clear it up. It is kind if others can help too.
4. Mobile phones and other devices are not used in the Refectory and may be confiscated
from anyone doing so.
5. When leaving, each person places his chair under the table.
6. When finished, each person clears his place, using the clearing stations and return the
tray to the rack.
7. Bags, rackets, balls, books etc. are not allowed in the refectory.
8. Clothing should be appropriate for a dining environment - please note that shorts are not
permitted in the refectory.
9. Cutlery, crockery, glassware or trays must not be removed from the Refectory.
10. Students must attend all meals in Refectories unless given permission by their
Housemaster.
Evening Study Protocols
1. Arrive promptly, in classroom dress code, with the books and equipment needed for the
session
2. Follow the seating plan as directed by the supervisor or prefect
3. Suppor t others by enabling silent study and doing nothing to prevent or disturb this
4. Plan his work and revision and complete all work to a high standard
5. Re-read his draft work and check it
6. Use time for independent reading (e.g., a novel) when work is completed
7. Use his laptop for study purposes only
8. Refrain from eating and drink only water carried in a sealable bottle
9. Refrain from going to the bathroom until the break
10. Tidy the study spaces when he is finished, disposing of all rubbish and placing his chair
underneath the desk.
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Boarding Protocols
1. Keep your dormitory area clean, tidy and your bed made.
2. Show respect for other peoples’ possessions, for their personal space and for their
privacy.
3. Be careful of other peoples’ things and not borrow their possessions without checking.
4. Maintain a calm atmosphere in the House: there should be no running,
noisiness or shouting.
5. Shower and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.
6. Have your clothes, bedlinen and towels laundered each week and use the daily sports
laundry service.
7. Not play with sports balls in the House (these will be confiscated immediately).
8. Take care not to damage walls or furnishings, and report any damage immediately to the
housemaster so that it may be repaired.
9. Put rubbish in the bin and don’t walk past litter without putting it in the bin.
10. Use aerosols in a limited way and be mindful of others with allergies.
11. Store food in sealed tupperware containers and only consume food in the pantry or
common room (not in the dorm).
12. Do not wear rugby/football boots in the House and bring them inside only once they are
cleaned.
13. Be prepared in advance for school and activities. Dormitories are closed from 8.30 am
until an agreed time after school.
14. Speak to Housemasters respectfully at all times, remembering that their decision on all
matters is final.
Anti-Bullying
At Glenstal Abbey School we believe that, as it says in the Book of Genesis, we are all made in
God’s image and likeness and so we show reverence for everyone, aware that each of us is
different.
Therefore:
● Bullying of any kind is wrong and unacceptable
● Everyone has the right to work and learn in an atmosphere that is free from fear
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● Each of us has a responsibility to ensure that we do not abuse or bully others
● Bullying is a problem to which solutions can be found
● Seeking help is regarded as a sign of strength not weakness
● All members of the school community will be listened to and taken seriously
● As a Benedictine school we will always seek to put things right and achieve reconciliation
and healing
Students should talk to an adult if they are worried about bullying and have a right to expect that
their concerns will be listened to, and treated seriously.
At Glenstal Abbey School, students have a responsibility to show leadership and role model
appropriate behaviour for their peers.
All students must:
● Show reverence and respect for their fellow students and adults working within the
school community, taking responsibility for his own behaviour.
● Actively show respect by following the school’s anti-bullying strategies and speaking up
for others where necessary.
● Take responsibility for supporting and be sensitive to others when they may be feeling
vulnerable.
All staff have been trained in the FUSE Anti-Bullying and Online Safety Programme, which is
designed to comply with UNESCO’s Whole Education Approach to tackle bullying and online
safety in schools. It is based on 25 years of research on bullying prevention. FUSE consists of a
suite of student-led workshops and resources. Students will receive this anti-bullying education
during SPHE lessons.
Our full Code of Conduct can be found on the school website.
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The Practicalities
Attendance & Absence
Full attendance is extremely important to each student’s success and at Glenstal Abbey School
we expect students to attend class fully during term time.
ALL absences must be communicated:
● 72 hours in advance (except in the case of sudden onset of illness or a family emergency)
● By parents (not students)
● Including the reason for the absence, planned departure date/time and expected return
date/time
● By email to both [email protected] AND the relevant Housemaster email
address.
Junior Housemasters
Inter Housemasters
Senior Housemasters
This is to ensure we have an accurate record in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Students who are absent from school for any reason should return no later than 21:45. If this is
not possible parents (or educational guardians in the case of international students), should
make arrangements for the student to return the following morning instead.
Illness whilst at home
If a student is ill at home and unable to attend or return to school, please contact the school as
soon as possible using the above email addresses.
Absence for Medical Appointments
We encourage parents to schedule medical appointments for outside of lesson time where
possible. To notify such an absence, please contact the school using the above email addresses.
Absence for Events/Matches/Competitions
We appreciate that students at Glenstal may from time to time be absent to attend matches or
other competitions and events. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on missed notes,
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classwork and homework as a result of these absences. This also applies to lessons missed for
school events/fixtures. To notify such an absence, please contact the school using the above
email addresses.
Other Exeats Outside Class Time
All short exeats, for example to go for lunch, dinner or to a family event should be notified to the
school using the above email addresses. Please note that if several students intend to exit
together, the parents of each student must contact the school separately.
Additional Exeat Weekends
Should a student wish to spend an additional weekend at home, please notify the school in
advance using the above email addresses. Students may depart at 12.40 on Saturday and should
return by either Sunday evening at 9pm, or by Monday morning at 8.30. Please note that if several
students intend to exit together, for example to stay at one parent’s home, the parents of each
student must contact the school separately.
Extraordinary Absence
We encourage families not to take holidays during the school term as this leads to learning loss,
gaps in skills development and can lead to the student feeling he has missed out socially as well
as academically. It may also mean missing key fixtures or other school events.
Applications for extraordinary leave during term time should be addressed to the Headmaster at
We recognise that there are occasions e.g. for medical reasons, when a student’s attendance
may fall below average. We will always support such a student by consulting with the family and
putting a learning plan together. Should a student’s class attendance fall below 85% for whatever
reason, the school will convene a meeting with parents to address the issues of learning loss
and try to ensure that attendance does not drop any further.
Student Sign In & Sign Out Protocols
All students who have received permission to go off site e.g. to walk to Murroe, go out with family
or go to an appointment, must also sign in and sign out at the school reception.
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Students do not need to sign out to visit the sports pitches or tennis courts or to go for a walk in
the immediate vicinity of the school. The boundary for signing out is going along the Front
Avenue past the Sports Hall.
This is to ensure we have an accurate record in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Communication with the School
A list of key contacts at the school may be found in the Quick Reference section at the start of
this document.
Between the School and Parents
We use the Compass app for the majority of communication between the school and parents,
which includes regular updates on the latest events and news from the school. New parents and
guardians are provided with details of how to sign up before the start of the academic year.
Safeguarding
Should you have any comments or concerns about safeguarding please contact Marius Carney
the Designated Liaison Person for safeguarding, or Deputy Designated Liaison Persons, Helena
Foley or Kieran Sparling.
Expressing Concerns
We recognise that from time to time concerns or complaints may arise, and it is our aim to work
with all parties involved towards a satisfactory resolution. We recognise that most matters can
usually be resolved through discussion, clarification and action as appropriate at the earliest
stage.
Our full complaints policy is found on the school website.
Change of Contact Details
Parents and guardians are asked to notify the school as soon as possible of any changes to their
contact details and / or address.
Deliveries and Parcels
Takeaway food should not be delivered to the school unless part of an organised event as
directed by school staff. Students should not arrange deliveries of takeaway food to school.
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Parcels should only contain items appropriate for a school. Please note that students may be
asked to open parcels in the presence of a member of staff.
Any items delivered that are deemed unsuitable for a school will be stored securely by the
Headmaster and released to parents in person.
Fees
The latest fees information, terms and conditions can be found at glenstal.com/school/
Food & Drink
A wholesome and varied selection of breakfasts, lunches, snacks and suppers are prepared on
site in our kitchens, using high quality ingredients. Lunch is served in the middle of the day and is
the main meal, comprising three courses. There are vegetarian options available for every meal.
Milk and water are available at all meals. Meals are served in the Junior Refectory and the Senior
Refectory.
Food allergies and intolerance should be included in the medical form at enrollment. If any new
Example Daily Menu
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
SNACK
SUPPER
Cereals, porridge,
yoghurt, eggs and
juices are available
every day along with
a daily option e.g.
sausage
Star ter:
Vegetable soup and a
bread roll
Main Course:
Roast chicken or
Cauliflower Gratin
with potatoes, carrots
and gravy
Side salads
Desser t:
Chocolate cake
Croissant
Fruit
Bacon & Mushroom
Carbonara with Pesto
or Pasta in a
Vegetable Sauce
with Foccacia Bread
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Reusable Water Bottles & Hot Drink Cups
Students may use a small water bottle around the school. These can be refilled at the drinking
water stations. Water bottles may be used, with permission, in some lessons, but never in a
science laboratory. The bottle should be lightweight and small (not more than 500ml) and made
of plastic, not stainless steel. The school will confiscate large or heavy bottles.
For hot drinks, including those consumed in the refectories, students should use their own
reusable travel mug.
Boarders may wash their reusable bottles and cups in their House Pantry.
Guardianship
When a student’s parents reside outside Ireland, the student must have an Educational Guardian
in Ireland. Guardians must be over 25 years of age and reside in Ireland.
If you are not appointing a relative or friend to act as guardian, there are guardianship service
providers who can provide this service. You should ensure that appointed Guardians are
Garda-Vetted, undergo Child Safeguarding Training and have a Child Protection Policy and
Student Care Plan in place. Parents are required to notify the school if their appointed guardian is
out of the country.
Health Centre
The Health Centre is open and staffed by a nurse every day of the week. The Health Centre can
A nurse is on site at the following times and on call at all other times:
Monday
08:00 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:00
Thursday
08:00 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 20:00
Friday
08:00 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 20:00
Saturday
08:00 - 12:30 and 18:00 - 20:00
Sunday
09:30 - 13:00
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Please ensure the Nurse has your son’s most up to date medical history and full details of any
medicine regime to be followed.
Students are reminded that good manners, behaviour and quietness are required at all times in
the Health Centre.
Medication
All medication brought into the school, including over-the-counter drugs, MUST be deposited with
the nurse in the Health Centre, from where they will be dispensed as required. Students are not
permitted to keep or self-administer medicines other than an asthma inhaler or epi pen.
Illness at School
Should a student become ill whilst at school and need to return home, their parents/guardians
will be contacted by the Health Centre and the student will remain in the Health Centre until
arrangements can be made. No student may use a bed in the health centre unless directed to do
so by one of the Nurses.
The Nurses work closely with the Housemasters and the Chaplain in the provision of pastoral
care. The Nurses are always pleased to discuss any worries or concerns of parents or students.
Laundry Service
Students need to become accustomed to managing their own clothes, i.e. choosing their own
clean clothes each day and putting dirty ones into their laundr y bag (these bags are supplied by
the school).
All items must be labelled with the student’s student (laundry) ID number (plus their name, space
permitting).
Weekly Personal & Bedding Laundry
There is a weekly laundry service for each House.
One large laundr y bag and two small laundry nets will be provided to new students for personal
laundry and should be kept throughout their time at the school (a €80 charge is made to account
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International students: Fees include the required laundry bag. Laundry charges are in addition to
fees and will be billed to account.
Laundry should be sorted into the correct laundry bags and left in the blue bins outside the
laundry on Laundry drop off day (as shown in the table below).
Any item of clothing requiring special attention (e.g. a wool jumper), needs to be brought
personally to the laundry and not put in a laundry bag.
Clean laundry is available to collect after two days.
Year
Drop Laundry to Blue Bin
Collect Clean Laundry
First, Second & Third Year
Sunday Eve
Wednesday after 15:30
Transition Year
Monday Evening
Thursday after 15:30
Fifth & Sixth Years
Tuesday Evening
Friday after 15:30
Personal laundry and linen/towels laundry is charged to account based on weight.
Daily Sports Laundry
There is a daily laundry service for sports training kit - this is available to all Boarders and Day
Boarders at no additional charge.
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Spor ts training kit should be put into a small laundry bag and left in the blue bins outside the
laundry by 18:00 each day. Clean laundry is available to collect at 15:30 the following day.
A small sports laundry net will be provided to new students and should be kept throughout their
time at the school (a €20 charge is made to account for these). Replacement bags can be
International students: Fees include the required laundry bag.
Lost Items
There is a Lost and Found area at the Laundry, students should check there for any missing
clothing. All unclaimed clothes will be given to charity at the end of the school year.
Library
Our School Library - the Fr Matthew library - is a marvellous asset for the enjoyment of all. Not
only is it a unique room, it is also filled with an incredible variety of amazing books in all sorts of
genres.
Students are encouraged to make use of the library whilst respecting the atmosphere of quiet for
reading or study. Laptops/screens/phones or other devices are not permitted in the library – this
is to encourage that it be used in the traditional way.
Lockers & Locks
Students are expected to use the academic and sports lockers allocated to them to store their
belongings tidily and to ensure their locker door will close shut and is locked at all times. It is the
responsibility of the student to secure his locker, using the padlock supplied by the school (these
are billed to account at €10 each). The school authorities reserve the right to search all lockers
without notice or without a stated cause.
Parents’ Events
Parents' Sunday Lunches
Parents of each year group will be invited to gather for Mass, followed by a recital and lunch at
the school on a Sunday during the academic year. These events are an opportunity for staff,
parents and students to meet and share a meal together.
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Parents' Day and Prize Giving
Our Annual Parents' Day is normally held on one of the Sundays towards the end of May. Parents
are invited for Mass with the school and Monastic community, followed by a concert and
prizegiving, then picnic lunches on the sports field prior to the Sports Day competitions.
Sixth Year Leavers’ Events
A number of events take place to mark the end of Sixth Year students' time at Glenstal. The Sixth
Year Leavers’ dinner takes place at the school on a weekend in early May and is always a very
enjoyable evening for parents, students and staff alike.
Student Parking
The school has a Vehicle Parking Policy for students, regulating student vehicle usage on
campus. The parents/guardians of a student intending to drive to school must apply using the
Technology & Digital Life
Laptop for Learning
As digital learning is now an integral part of our curriculum and homework, all students are
required to bring a laptop (or equivalent device with an attached physical keyboard) to school.
● The device can be Apple, Windows or Chromebook, should have a built-in camera and
microphone, plus a full size USB port (or an appropriate adapter).
● The device does not need to be of a top of the range specification. It is not recommended
to invest in a very expensive device for use in a school environment.
● There is no school requirement to pre-install any specific applications on the device,
however it is recommended to have adequate security software (e.g. anti-virus,
anti-malware) installed.
● Students should not have any VPN software installed.
● Glenstal may install basic Google Endpoint Management software if required to enable
students to use their @glenstal.com account.
● Students are responsible for the safekeeping of their devices. It is recommended to store
devices in a locked locker when not in use. A suitable protective sleeve/casing and/or
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school bag with laptop compartment may also be useful to help prevent damage to the
device when moving around the school.
● Laptop charging facilities will be made available to Boarders.
● As the owners of the laptop, parents/guardians will need to take care of any
maintenance/repairs that may be required.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are a wonderful enhancement to everyone’s lives, but they must be used carefully
and responsibly. For the purposes of contacting parents or guardians, no student actually needs
a phone as the school will always make a landline available for this purpose on request.
The use of mobile phones is not permitted during class or sports, meals, or Study, at Morning
Assembly, in the Church, or after lights-out. Students in Junior House and Inter House must
hand in their devices to the Housemasters at the designated time each evening prior to lights out.
Sometimes students may find the rules and limits on phone use inconvenient, however everyone
is expected to follow the rules without question. Students who do not observe the rules around
phones may have their phone confiscated, be given a phone ban and/or have wifi access
withdrawn.
Cyber bullying is completely unacceptable, will be followed up and may lead to serious sanctions.
Anyone who is subject to cyber bullying must screenshot the material and report the matter to
any member of staff as soon as possible.
Internet Access
Students are issued with wifi keys which provide filtered access to the internet. Students have
access to a Laptop wifi network, for use on their designated laptop for learning. This network is
available during class time and study. Students may connect other devices to the student wifi
network - this network is not available during class time or study.
The times when the student wifi network is available are published on the student information
screens around the school building.
Note: Mobile phone and data network coverage on the Glenstal campus is generally weak. It is
usually necessary to use a wifi network to make and receive calls, for example.
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Online Safety
The school expects students to use technology responsibly. Parents are advised to ensure that
they talk to their child about appropriate internet use.
Students are issued with wifi keys which provide filtered access to the Internet at various times of
the day. If a student is not complying with school internet policies on laptops or phones then wifi
access may be withdrawn or their device confiscated by their housemaster or the Headmaster.
Every student is expected to sign the ‘ICT and Internet protocol’ (in September).
Application Programmes
Glenstal Abbey School uses Google Workspace for Education. This is a suite of Google
programmes (e.g. Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets and Slides) that are customised and controlled
by the school. Access to Google Workspace is via each students @glenstal.com username and
password used for email. It is important that these details are not shared and that a strong
password consisting of letters, numbers and punctuation is used.
Email Communication between Students and Staff
Email is used throughout the School for communication between students and staff. All
students are allocated an @glenstal.com email address, which they are expected to use.
Plug/Power Adapter
International students should ensure they have the correct plug/power adapter for use in Ireland.
The standard voltage is 220V. We use a 3-pin fused UK plug/socket.
Travel
the student's parent/guardian, no less than two weeks before the date of travel.
The School Administrator can book taxi transfers to and from local bus stops/train stations,
including the Dublin Coach bus stops at Annacotty and “The Hurler’s”, Castletroy, where boys can
connect to the Dublin Coach routes to Kildare and Dublin.
Airpor t Transfers
The School Administrator can book taxi and bus travel to and from airports. The school does not
book Airline tickets. If a student requires a boarding pass to be printed, this request should be
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The cost of travel arranged on behalf of parents will be added to the student’s expense account.
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Safety
CCTV
Closed circuit television recording operates throughout the school site and Glenstal Campus.
Images are stored for 28 days. It is the policy of the school not to release CCTV recordings.
Emergency Evacuation
Regular drills are held in school to rehearse an emergency evacuation, for instance in the case of
fire in the building. These include evacuations during the academic day and in the evening. Initial
drills will be rehearsed without the sirens and there will then be an unannounced drill. The
Assembly Point is at the West End of the Church opposite the main door and new students will be
shown this. Each year group lines up in a particular area in their base class. All activations of the
fire alarm are treated as ‘the real thing’. Students are expected to leave the building and assemble
in silence so that we can register everyone as quickly as possible.
Fire notices, fire extinguishers, fire escape doors and corridors, notices relating to fire safety,
smoke detectors and emergency lighting are there to protect life. To interfere with them in any
way is a serious offence.
Movement throughout Glenstal estate
Students must take great care of themselves and others when moving through the Glenstal
estate, which is shared with the monastery and Monks, a working farm and visitors to Glenstal.
Students must wear a hi-vis vest when walking along the avenues. Advice on this will be issued
by Housemasters and sports coaches in September.
Bikes and skateboards are not permitted on campus.
Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol
Students are not permitted to smoke or vape on the Glenstal site, irrespective of age. Students
found to be smoking or vaping will be subject to a suspension from school.
Alcohol is not permitted before Sixth Year and then only for over 18s at specific and regulated
school events.
Any student choosing not to follow our clear policy in relation to smoking, vaping and alcohol, or
who introduces an illegal drug to the school, is putting his place at Glenstal at risk.
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Should any student need help or advice about any of these issues, he should feel free to seek
help from the school and he will be supported to deal with the problem.
Visitors
As part of our Safeguarding protocols, ALL visitors to the school must sign in electronically at the
school reception and wear the visitor badge provided for the duration of their visit.
When visiting the school for coffee after Mass on Sunday morning, parents are asked to enter the
school at the Castle door. Parents must sign in at the Castle reception hall before going into the
Barrington Suite, and sign out at the same place when they leave. There is a visitor toilet on the
corridor which leads from the Castle reception hall to the Library (second door on the left).
Students from overseas are welcome to entertain their family in one of the parlours, however this
needs to be arranged well in advance by contacting the Headmaster.
Safeguarding
At Glenstal we take safeguarding very seriously indeed and work closely with the Monaster y on a
campus-wide safeguarding policy. The school’s child safeguarding statement and risk
assessment is located in the school reception and online. Should you have any comments or
concerns about safeguarding please speak to Mr Marius Carney the Designated Liaison Person
for safeguarding, or Deputy Designated Liaison Persons, Ms Mairead O’Sullivan or Mr Kieran
Sparling.
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Child Safeguarding Statement
Glenstal Abbey School is a Catholic Secondary Boys Boarding School with students enrolled
from First to Sixth Year. We are committed to the care, welfare, development and well-being of
all our students.
The Board of Management of Glenstal Abbey School has adopted, without modification, the
Depar tment of Education's Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools
2017 and identifies as our objectives to:
● recognise and uphold the rights of children to be protected, encouraged and have their
rights respected
● recognise that the welfare of children must always come first, regardless of all other
considerations
● adopt the safest possible practices to prevent or minimise the possibility of harm or
accidents happening and protect workers from the necessity of risk taking and leaving
themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect
● develop safe recruitment practices and take all reasonable steps to ensure candidates
are suitable for working with children
● recognise that early intervention with vulnerable or at risk children may prevent serious
harm from happening to them at a later stage
● provide an induction course for new staff and ensure that, house assistants and prefects
are clear in their responsibilities and the procedures to be followed
Designated Liaison Person (DLP) Mr Marius Carney
Headmaster & Principal
Deputy Designated Liaison Persons (DDLP) Ms Mairead O’Sullivan
Acting Deputy Principal
Mr Kieran Sparling
Head of Boarding
The full Child Safeguarding Statement & Risk Assessment is available at the School’s Reception Desk
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