Yard Buddy Goals:
1. Promote friendship
2. Promote play (inclusive, active and competitive)
3. Reduce play-based conflict and promote conflict resolution by using our restorative practice questions and values
4. Promote respect
The school playground can be such a tricky place for children to navigate, both physically and socially. As soon as they step out of the classroom door they can get lost in a whole new world and not know where to start. That is why we at Cloneygowan National School are proud to support & encourage 'Yard Buddies'.
'Yard Buddies' is a voluntary programme that 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class students can opt to join. If they join they are making a year-long commitment to complete their 'Yard Buddy' duty once every two weeks. Ms. Condron trains the buddies so that they understand the purpose of the programme, how they can help at yard time and lining up time and also when to get help from a teacher of SNA. 'Yard Buddies' are easy to identify, as they wear personalised high-vis vests with our school crest.
'Yard Buddies' play a significant role in our school community. They organise our yard equipment each morning, they pack it away in the evenings, they help to resolve low-level conflicts on yard by using a 'restorative practice' approach, they seek help from a teacher or SNA if they need it, they promote a positive yard environment and the role-model excellent behaviour for our younger students. We are so blessed to have such a massive group of volunteers. Thank you for giving your time, energy and commitment. We really appreciate it.
Our 'Yard Buddies' assist with lining up time too. They keep a watchful eye on all students and offer 'Happy-Grams' to those who made a terrific effort on yard. These good news messages go home to parents so that they can praise their child's behaviour/actions/attitudes too. As the 'Yard Buddy' assists children in lining up, the teachers/SNAs on yard duty reward special 'yard cards' to those classes who are lining up excellently and waiting for their teacher. The classes compete daily to earn the most 'yard cards' and every fortnight the two winning classes from the junior and senior end of the school are brought to the community playground on the green for an extra play.
Yard Card Free Play Winners 2024
⚽️ December: 1st Class & 4th Class
'Yard Buddies' also write down the names of 'Stand Out Stars' for our monthly raffle prizes. These 'Stand Out Stars' are children who were spotted doing something very nicely or kindly in the yard and who they feel deserve to be celebrated as a whole school community 👏🏼.
These initiatives really help to support and encourage our students to try their best at playtime and at lining up time.
We'd like to give a huge thank you to our dedicated and supportive 'Yard Buddies', keep up the great work!
✨ Stand Out Stars ✨ 2024
⭐️ November: Gerard & Annabelle
⭐️ December: Muireann & Eoin
Our Yard Rules
1. Line up sensibly (walk to the line, face the school, low voices, hands/feet to self).
2. Gentle and kind hands, feet, actions, and words
3. Play safely and carefully.
4. Be fair. Follow the rules.
5. Honesty is the best policy.
6. Sharing is caring.
7. Remember if you get a NO feeling… (Stay Safe Rule)
- Say NO
- Get Away
- Tell Someone
- Keep Telling
