Visits and Events

“I really miss the spiritual influence Clongowes had on my son and family, I feel Clongowes made my son a more caring person.”  ( Mother ‘02)

First Mass and visit
Generally, the school encourages parents to wait for the second Sunday before your first visit. This makes sense, as it allows your boy to settle in, and gives you time to adjust as well.

Mass starts at 11.15am and will normally finish around noon. Departure from the school before this time is strongly discouraged, especially on this first visit.
As seating is restricted it is important to arrive early. Smart casual dress is appropriate.
Tea and coffee are provided in the concourse area after Mass by the Clongowes Ladies Association. Once a month each year provides cakes usually on the middle Sunday.

After Mass you may want to visit your son’s dormitory to collect laundry and see how he is managing his locker and personal belongings.

If you are planning a visit home it is important to remember that boys must return to school in time for evening study. This in effect means getting them back before 5.45pm. Do go back up to the dormitory and chat to the boys, some of them may be far from home and may not have been out on a visit.

Other visiting times are after school on Wednesday and Saturday, but remember that a number of school activities happen during these times, and the boys cannot leave the school grounds without permission from The Year Prefect.

A special mention must be made of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. It is an uplifting event in a unique atmosphere and is popular with parents, teachers and locals. The Jesuit community is especially happy to see new faces.

What to wear yourself
There are no specific dress codes for parents. Smart casual is a simple answer to the general question. Common sense applies, but wrap up warm in winter or at outdoor events.

What the boys must/should wear
The wardrobe clothes list and dress code information comes in the new student ‘Introductory Pack’. Specific questions about clothing should be addressed to your Year Prefect at the school.

New friends (taking out to meals/home)
Your boy will probably at some stage want to invite a friend to join him on a visit home. The school rules with regard to leave should at all times be followed. As you will fully appreciate, the School is responsible for your son, unless you specifically agree otherwise.
If you are asked ‘is it OK for my friend to come’ the response has to be confirmation that the Year Prefect has given permission. You can do this directly with the Prefect in person, by phone or by e-mail.
For a meal out or a day trip home this is all that you need to do. For longer periods, you should really contact the parents concerned, as well as confirming that the Year Prefect has given permission.
At all times you are responsible as if you were the boys parent. Be aware of any special medical or other needs and ensure that you have contact details.
If you are asked ‘can I go with my friend’ make sure that the Year Prefect has your permission, and ensure that for longer visits you know how to contact the parents concerned, as over a long weekend you may not be able to contact the relevant person at the school.

Parents’ attendance at sports events
The College website www.clongowes.net has a calendar of events, which gives details of matches against other schools, as well as other major events. Parents are encouraged to attend the rugby Junior and Senior Cup matches and a recent programme has developed to involve parents with the training and transport needs of the teams. Your particular attention is drawn to the school policy with regard to alcohol and delayed return to Clongowes after outside events.