Supporting the Wellbeing of Our Students
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We are writing to inform you that Ballymakenny College is participating in the Operation Encompass Drogheda Pilot from September 2026.
What is Operation Encompass?
Operation Encompass is a partnership initiative between An Garda Síochána and participating schools. It aims to help schools provide understanding and wellbeing support to children and young people who may have been affected by domestic abuse.
How does it work?
If An Garda Síochána attend a reported domestic abuse incident where a child or young person who attends Ballymakenny College was present, or habitually resides at the address concerned, a limited notification may be shared with the school's nominated Operation Encompass contacts.
The information shared is strictly limited. It will only confirm that a student was linked to a domestic abuse incident attended by An Garda Síochána. No details of the incident, family circumstances, or any criminal investigation are shared with the school.
Why is this information shared?
The purpose of the notification is to make the school aware that a child or young person may have experienced circumstances that could impact on their wellbeing. This enables the school to consider whether any additional support, understanding or flexibility may be appropriate during the school day.
Operation Encompass supports awareness and understanding. It does not replace existing child protection, safeguarding or wellbeing procedures and does not change a student's normal school experience.
Confidentiality
Any information received through Operation Encompass is treated as highly confidential. Access is restricted to designated personnel and information is only shared where necessary to support a student's wellbeing, in line with the school's safeguarding and data protection obligations.
Ballymakenny College is committed to providing a safe, caring and supportive environment for all our students. We welcome this initiative as an additional way of supporting young people who may be experiencing difficulties outside school.
If you have any questions, please contact the school.
Yours sincerely,
Alan Mynes
Principal
Ballymakenny College