Holy Family National School,

Assemblies foster a sense of community within the school, a sense of shared values, identity perception, outlook and purpose as part of a wider world. Assemblies provide schools with opportunities to reflect on their own educational purpose and to celebrate a range of educational achievements. Assembly time is an inclusive, educational and spiritual activity for all the school community. 

Purpose
To contribute to a sense of unity and community for the school as a whole.
To promote spiritual, cultural and moral development. Aims of Assemblies
Through assembly time we aim to
Involve all pupils as active participants
Acknowledge diversity
Foster a sense of community
Address concerns and fears pupils may be experiencing at certain times.

Format

Introductory prayer through Irish or English such as Our Father, The Angelus and Hail Mary
Whole-school message which may be conveyed through the use of a poem, song, story, DVD or general discussion
List of achievements
School/Class performance/activity when applicable
Meditation
Prayer Service/Class Mass
Awards Ceremony
Outside speaker
Candles, flowers, soft music, statues, pictures, lavender oil maybe used to create a certain atmosphere.
Conclusion
(See grid for themes appropriate to each month)Some Practical PointsAssembly takes place every second Tuesday from 11:10 to 11:30 approximately.
Children enter the hall directly from yard., and they do not return to their classrooms until assembly is over. All pupils are included in assembly time.
Children are expected to enter and exit the hall quietly.
All staff members are expected to attend.
While the children are in the hall they will generally stand; however on occasion they may be asked to sit.
Outside speakers may be asked to participate in assembly from time to time.
Useful Resources
Starting Points for Assemblies by Allison Bond (Scholastic)
Ready to Go! Ideas for Assemblies by John Buckley (Scholastic)
Assembly Ideas (www.scholasticassemblies.btinternet.co.uk)
All available in Mrs. Smith’s office.
Suggested themes for Assembly

Month	Themes
September	Back to School Talk-Rules and Discipline Road Safety Tree Week
October	Fire Safety Readathon Promote Reading Contents of Newsletter
November	Science Week Readathon
December	Christmas (Spiritual theme) Christmas Carols Contents of Newsletter
January	Healthy Eating Water Safety (Swimming Lessons)
February	Book Fair Lent
March	School Garden Gaeilge Irish Culture and Heritage
April	Spring Clean Green School Contents of Newsletter
May	Sun Safety Short Story Competition (every second year)
June	Water Safety Science Awards Contents of Newsletter