Books

No. It is not possible to provide the range of writing materials needed for all students. Parents/Guardians are asked to provide their students with their choice of pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, colours etc.

We would also suggest that each student purchase a tube of glue, highlighters, a long ruler, post it notes and a whiteboard marker.

When is the Free Books Scheme beginning and who does it cover?

From September 2025, all years and students will be covered.

What is covered by the new Free School Books Scheme?

All Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle post primary school students will benefit from the use of all the textbooks, workbooks and core classroom resources that they will need for the coming school year.

What happens if my student leaves Meán Scoil Mhuire during the school year?

If your student leaves the school during the school year, all books and any related classroom resources she has been using must be returned to the school before she departs. It will be the responsibility of your student’s new school to provide her with a complete set of books, including textbooks, workbooks and copies as well as any related classroom resources.

My student prefers using ebooks. Can the school use the funding to buy a device for my student instead?

Funding under this scheme cannot include the purchase of digital devices.

I don’t want my student to take part in the Free School Books Scheme. Do they have to?

No. It is your decision whether your student takes part or not. However, if you decide that your student will not take part in the Scheme, you will have to buy all the textbooks, workbooks, copies and stationery she will need. The list of what your student will require is posted on the school website, and it will be your responsibility to make sure that your student has all of these items when she returns for the new school year. The school will not be obliged to refund the cost of such purchases to you.

So do I have to pay any money to the school this year?

The simple answer to this question is yes, you will. The following is a breakdown of what the Free School Books Scheme Grant pays for:

• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• Core classroom resources

The Free School Books Grant also allows for the inclusion of additional resources as the budget allows. However, the provision beyond the core list is not possible. The Free School Books Scheme also does not cover co-curricular or extracurricular activities such as school trips that may require payment. It does not cover photocopying. It will not also cover additional materials that may be needed for subjects such as ingredients for Home Economics.

Will you provide all the stationery (pencils, erasers, etc.) that my student will need?

The Free School Books Scheme allows for us to provide core classroom resources including a hardback copy, a copy and other core resources. However, this will depend on what funds are left after the costs of purchasing textbooks. Therefore, you may have to provide additional stationery items for your student throughout the year.

Where should my student store their books/materials?

All textbooks and classroom resources must be stored in their school locker or at home. No books or classroom resources should be stored/left on shelving around the school.

Will the textbooks be covered?

Yes. All textbooks will be covered with plastic to preserve their state and help to ensure they will be useable by future students.

How will the school track books?

Each book will be barcoded to track the process and should be labelled by the student with their name to help reunite found books with their owners.

What happens if a schoolbook becomes damaged?

It is important that schoolbooks are kept in good condition so they can be reused. The funding for future years of the scheme is likely to be reduced to reflect the reuse of books.

If a schoolbook is damaged beyond repair or missing at the end of their use and so cannot be used by another student, the student and their parents/guardians will be expected to replace the textbook at their own cost. Please help make sure that your children keep the schoolbooks safe and in good condition so that they can be used again by another child.

What happens if my student loses a book?

All student must take exceptional care of their textbooks. It is their responsibility. If a book is mislaid, the student must inform info@scoilmhuirelongford.ie by email immediately. All books provided under the free books scheme remain the property of Meán Scoil Mhuire. If a book is mislaid parents / Guardians must replace the book in question.

I bought a textbook at the beginning of last year and cannot find it. Will the school replace it?

No. Students are expected to keep all their books bought as part of the booklist in previous academic years. Students will be given any additional/extra books required but funds do not allow for the replacement of any books purchased before the introduction of this scheme.

Will my student be given all new books?

All workbooks and core resources will be new. However, in an effort to reduce waste and address sustainability, some second-hand textbooks may be used at times. The Free School Books Scheme has indicated to all schools that they envisage books purchased by schools to remain in the scheme for a minimum of 6 years.

Can I keep any of the books at the end of the school year?

As stated above, all textbooks remain the property of the school. You may, however, keep the workbooks and copies into which your student has written at the end of the school year. You may be required to carry over books which are relevant to multiple academic years and students may retain these books for the appropriate study period. All text books must ultimately be returned to Meán Scoil Mhuire appropriate time.

What do I have to do in order for my student to be in the new Free School Books Scheme?

Nothing. The Meán Scoil Mhuire will provide your student with the correct textbooks, workbooks and copies they will need for their Year level in August/September.