New St Catherine's Primary School - School Handbook 2012 – 2013 · 2013. 5. 14. · St...

St Catherine’s Primary School

School Handbook

2012 – 2013

St Catherine’s Primary School 1


Contents

Letter from Head Teacher

St Catherine’s Primary School Page 1

Our Vision, Values and Aims

Our Aims Page 3

School Information Page 4

Our School Day Page 5

Registration Page 6

Community Facilities Page 7

School Staff Page 8

School Staff (contd) Page 9

School Holidays 2011/2012 Page 10

School Holidays 2012/2013 page 11

Out of School Learning Page 12

Curriculum for Excellence Page 13

Curriculum for Excellence (contd) Page 14

Assessment Page 14

Interdisciplinary Learning Page 15

Active Learning Page 15

Active Learning (contd), Literacy Page 16

Writing Page 17

Talking and Listening Page 17

Mathematics Page 18

Health and Wellbeing Page 19

Social Studies/Sciences Page 20

Expressive Arts Page 21

Technologies Page 21


Physical Education Page 21

Religious Education and Observance Page 22

Homework/Homework Advice Page 23

Assessment Page 23

Reporting to Parents Page 24

Additional Support Needs Page 24

Nurture Class Page 25

Additional Support/Assessibility Strategy Page 25

Equal Opportunities and Social Inclusion Page 26

Home School Links Page 26

ECO Schools Page 26

Pupil Council Page 27

Attendance and Timekeeping Page 27

Attendance and Timekeeping (contd) Page 28

Behaviour and Discipline Page 29

Bullying Page 29

Supervision of Playgrounds 0

Dealing with Racial Harassment Page 30

Clothing Page 31

School Uniform Page 32

Jewellery Page 32

School Meals Page 33

School Breakfast Page 33

Transport Page 34

Placing Request Page 35

Medical and Health Care Page 35

Information in Emergencies Page 36

The Parent Forum and The Parent Council Page 36

Parent Teachers’ Association Page 37

Parent Council Page 37

Membership of the Parent Council Page 38

Data Protection Act 1998 Page 38

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 Page 38

Comments and Complaints Page 39

Important Addresses 0

Local Councillors Page 40

Qualifying Statement Page 40

Dear Parent/Guardians

It is with great delight that we welcome you to St Catherine’s Primary School. A number of you

are already familiar with our school, others we welcome for the first time. As parents, you have

the right to expect that your child/children will be provided with the highest quality of education

in a safe and happy climate where everyone is valued and treated with dignity and respect.

In our Catholic School Community, we believe that we have created a caring Christian community

where children are nurtured and presented with opportunities to develop their full potential in an

inspiring, challenging and well ordered environment.

We endeavour to ensure that our pupils have opportunities to maximise their achievement and

attainment, enabling them to develop into: Successful Learners, Confident Individuals,

Responsible Citizens and Effective Contributors equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills

for life.

We place great importance on our Home, School, Church Partnership working together helping

pupils to know, to celebrate, to pray and to live the Catholic faith. Our school is greatly supported

by the clergy of St Catherine Laboure and All Saints Parishes.

We believe that working effectively together with all stakeholders, sharing our vision, values and

aims enables us to communicate clearly and openly ensure best value for all.


In partnership with all parents and the community of St Catherine’s Primary School we strive

towards continuous improvement for the benefit of all our children.

‘Welcome to our school’

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St Catherine’s Primary School

St Catherine’s Primary School is a Roman Catholic Primary school serving the Barmulloch area and

the new housing estates of Briarcroft, Campsie View, Brookfield, Wallacewell Park and Orchard

Park all in the Robroyston area of the city.

The school opened in 1967 and is situated in a pleasant location. The building was refurbished in

1998 providing a comfortable and pleasant environment in which to learn and work. In School

Session 2011/2012 our Pupil Council in collaboration with the Parent Council will continue the

process of designing and making arrangements for the development of our Outdoor Classroom.

This resource will extend and maximise learning experiences for our children through exciting,

interesting and challenging contexts for learning and teaching.

The school is served by the parishes of St Catherine Laboure and All Saints and is part of the All

Saints’ Learning Community.


Our Vision, Values and Aims St Catherine’s School Primary

Our Vision

Through the development of Curriculum for Excellence, St Catherine’s Primary School will endeavour to deliver the highest quality of education in an organised and caring community based on Gospel Values. Committed to developing the potential of all pupils in an atmosphere of; trust, co-operation and mutual respect, we will strive to ensure that effective learning and teaching will enable pupils to aspire to realise their full potential - spiritually, academically, socially and aesthetically. This will be achieved in fostering effective partnerships between home, school and church.

Our Values Our school values are based on the Christian values of the Gospel.

We value:

That the education of our children takes place in a caring school community inspired by the Spirit of Christ.

A climate which promotes dignity, self esteem and respect for every person, property and

religious beliefs.

The qualities, skills and talents of the whole school community.

Fairness and justice - we are all equal in the sight of God. The promotion of a spirit of charity, social justice, global awareness and concern for

others.

The enrichment of pupil life – intellectual, physical, spiritual, moral and emotional. St Catherine’s Primary School 6

Self reflection in order that we can all develop personally, spiritually and professionally

for the benefit of our children.

Our Aims

In St Catherine’s Primary we aim to: Deliver a positive ethos and caring community that fosters an effective partnership

between home and school. Deliver the highest quality of education for all our pupils in a Catholic environment with

equal opportunities for all our children.

Deliver a positive ethos and caring community that fosters an effective partnership between home and school.

Instil in our children self respect, self worth and self dignity which leads them to

tolerance and understanding of the cultures and beliefs of others. Foster each child’s intellectual, spiritual, physical, social and moral development and enable

each child to achieve his/her potential.

Enable each child to learn how to learn and develop children’s ability to reason through the development of an exciting and challenging curriculum.

Encourage all staff to work as a team with agreed educational philosophy which has as its

first priority the needs of our children and which operate in an atmosphere of mutual respect and co-operation.

Encourage and foster strong parent partnerships.

Develop further effective partnerships with the Church and external agencies.


School Information

Name: St. Catherine’s Primary School

Address: 274 Rye Road,

Glasgow,

G21 3JR

Email: [email protected]

Glasgow City Council

www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/residents/goingtoschool

Telephone No: 0141 558 8582

Fax No: 0141 557 2309

Present Roll Primary 1 58 Primary 5 39

Primary 2 48 Primary 6 50

Primary 3 50 Primary 7 34

Primary 4 47

Planning Capacity 528

Current working capacity 512

Parents should note that the working capacity of the school may vary dependent upon the number

of children and young people at each stage and the way in which the classes are organised.


mailto:[email protected]

Our School Day

Our school day begins at 9.00am and ends at 3.00pm.

Morning interval 10.45 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.

Lunch time 12.30 p.m. - 1.15 p.m.

Parents are asked to ensure that pupils are in school for 9.00am. When pupils are late for school

they report to the school office where they are issued with a late slip and this is recorded on the

class register.

Children commencing Primary 1 in August 2012 will attend mornings only, until the first week in

September. Thereafter they attend for the full day.

Class Structures

Our school teaches pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7. Uneven distribution of the school roll can

make it necessary to form a ‘Composite Class’. This is a class which has children at 2 or more

stages e.g. P4 and P5 pupils.

The formulation of the composite class could be based on pupils’ working groups or age related

e.g. older/ younger children. A working group can be defined as ‘a number of pupils of broadly the

same attainment who have shown the capacity of working well as a learning group’. This varies

from year to year depending on the specific needs of the children it may concern. If you would

like further information regarding composite classes, please do not hesitate to contact the

school.


Registration of Pupils

Parents seeking a place for their child or children may visit the school by appointment.

Please telephone the school office to make a suitable arrangement. For P1 children due to start

in August, enrolment takes place the previous January. At the time of enrolment, parents should

bring the child’s birth certificate, proof of address (i.e. utility bill) and Baptismal Certificate - if

appropriate.

Associated Secondary School

Children are normally transferred between the ages of eleven and a half and twelve and a half

years so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least four years of secondary

education. Parents and carers will be informed of the school arrangements no later than

December of the year preceding the date of transfer at the start of the new session.

The Associated Secondary School of St Catherine’s Primary School is:

All Saints Secondary School Head Teacher Mrs E. Higgins (Acting)

299 Ryehill Road

Glasgow

G21 3EN

Telephone Number 0141 582 0010



Community Facilities

Our school is available for Community Letting. Applications should be submitted to:

Glasgow Life, Letting Section, phone 0141 302 2814/2815

The following facilities are available in St Catherine’s Primary School:

Beaver and Cub groups meet in the school on Thursday and Friday evenings. Breakfast is

available in school from 8.00am until 8.45am at a cost of 50p and is free for children in

receipt of Free School Meals.

After School Care can be arranged - contact school for details.

St Catherine’s Primary School Staff

2011/2012

Head Teacher Mrs Catherine Penman

Depute Head Teacher Mrs Siobhan Egan

Principal Teacher Mrs Nicola Igoe (Maternity Leave)

Acting Principal Teacher Mrs Yvonne Sinton

Acting Principal Teacher Miss Jennifer Pender

Class Teachers Miss Jordanna McLaughlin P1a

Miss Heather Molloy P1b

Mrs Leah McConnell P1c/P2a

Miss Sarah Carty P2b

Ms Helen MacInnes P2c/3a

Miss Claire Conlon P3b

Mr Andrew Scully P3c/P4a

Mr John McMahon P4b

Miss Natalie Doak P5a

Miss Margo Gillooly P5b/P6a

Miss Stacey Dodwell P6b

Mrs Grace Law P6c/P7a

Mrs Lisa McVey P7b

Mrs Helen Arcari Nurture Class Teacher

Miss Deborah O’Reilly McCrone Cover

Ms Michelle McShane Additional Support for Learning

Total number of Teaching Staff: 21



Clerical Support Assistants: Vacancy Senior Clerical Assistant

Mrs Lynn Brady Clerical Assistant

Vacancy Clerical Assistant

Pupil Support Assistants: Mrs Isobel Stewart

Ms Donna McFarlane

Mrs Catherine Henderson

Miss Jane Ashford

Mrs Roseanne Griffin

Mrs Margaret McCunnie Nurture Class

Mrs Geraldine Cantley

Mrs Jean Symington

Mrs Roberta Turner

Mrs Lorna Elder

Janitor: Mr Robert Reynolds

Catering Manager: Mrs Catherine Mullen

Assistant Catering Manager Ms Agnes Kergan

Catering Staff: Mrs Celia Moran

Mrs Christina Leadbetter

Mrs Eileen Caughey

Mrs Margaret Gannon

Mrs Marie Brown

Ms Jean Gillen

Mrs Catherine Irwin

Ms Nicola Shields

Cleaning Supervisor: Ms Karen Kelly

Cleaning Staff: Ms Linda Wilkie

Ms Catherine McLean

Ms Linda Murphy

Ms Patricia Moffat

Ms Anne Marie Nolan

SCHOOL YEAR 2011/2012

Re-opening Teachers: Monday 15 August 2011 Pupils: Wednesday 17 August 2011 In Service Day Thursday 22 September 2011 September Holiday Friday 23 Sept and Monday 26 Sept 1st Mid-Term Monday 17 Oct to Friday 21 Oct inclusive Christmas/New Year Friday 23 December 2011 to Friday 6 January 2012 (inclusive) School Returns Monday 9 January 2012 2nd Mid-Term Monday 13 February 2012 Tuesday 14 February 2012 In Service Day Wednesday 15 February 2012 Spring Holiday Monday 2 April to Friday 13 April

(inclusive) Good Friday 6 April 2012 May Day Monday 7 May 2012 In Service Day Tuesday 8 May 2012 May Weekend Friday 1 June and Monday 4 June 2012 Queens’s Jubilee Tuesday 5 June 2012 Summer School closes on Friday 27 June 2012 Re-opening Teachers: Monday 13 August 2012 Pupils: Wednesday 15 August 2012


Please note pupils taking holidays outwith the above times will be marked as ‘unauthorised absence’. Parents must notify the school in writing.

SCHOOL YEAR 2012/2013

Re-opening Teachers: Monday 13 August 2012 Pupils: Wednesday 15 August 2012 In Service Day Thursday 20 September September Holiday Friday 21 Sept and Monday 24 Sept 1st Mid-Term Monday 15 Oct to Friday 19 Oct inclusive Christmas/New Year Monday 24 December 2012 Friday 4 January 2013 inclusive 2nd Mid-Term Monday 11 February 2013 Tuesday 12 February 2013 In Service Day Wednesday 13 February 2013 Spring Holiday Monday 1 April to 12 April 2013

Good Friday 29 March

May Day Monday 6 May 2013 In Service Day Tuesday 7 May 2013 May Weekend Friday 24 May and Monday 27 May 2013 Summer School closes on Wednesday 26 June 2013



Please note pupils taking holidays outwith the above times will be marked as ‘unauthorised absence’. Parents must notify the school in writing.

Out of Hours Learning

At St Catherine’s Primary School, we strive to raise achievement together with attainment. The

staff provide a variety of After School Clubs for our pupils:

Athletics Jewellery Designing and Making

Junior Football Training P2 – P4 Junior School Choir P2 – P4

Senior Football Training P5 – P7 Senior School Choir P5 – P7

Spanish School Web Design

Arts and Crafts First Aid

Story Club Junior Netball Club

Homework Club Senior Netball Club

Drama Club Senior Games Club

Parent and Child Sessions/Glasgow Life

Curriculum, Assessment and Arrangements for Reporting to Parents

Curriculum for Excellence

Bringing learning to life and life to learning

Curriculum for Excellence is now being introduced across Scotland for all 3-18 year olds. It aims

to raise standards, prepare our children for a future they do not yet know and equip them for

jobs of tomorrow in a fast changing world.

Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together

across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together.

Teachers and practitioners share information to plan a child’s “learning journey” from 3-18,

helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary and beyond, ensuring the

change is smooth. They’ll ensure children continue to work at a pace they can cope with and with

challenge they can thrive on.

Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills.

Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level and ability.

Every single teacher and practitioner is responsible for literacy and numeracy – the language and

number skills that unlock other subjects and are vital to everyday life.

It develops skills for learning, life and work to help young people go on to further study, secure

work and navigate life. It brings real life into the classroom, making learning relevant and helps

young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom. It links knowledge in one subject

area to another helping children understand the world and make connections.



It develops skills so that children can think for themselves, make sound judgements, challenge,

enquire and find solutions.

Assessment

There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their potential. There

will be new qualifications for literacy and numeracy and from 2012/13, new National 4 and 5

qualifications from 2013/14. Our well regarded Access, Highers and Advanced Highers will be

updated to take account of and support the new approaches to learning and teaching.

There is personal support to help young people fulfil potential and make the most of their

opportunities with additional support wherever that’s needed. There is an emphasis by all staff

on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – to ensure that the school is a place where

children feel safe and secure.

Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims to improve our children’s life chances, to nurture

successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens,

building on Scotland’s reputation for great education

Curriculum at St Catherine’s Primary

Committed to continuous improvement for effective learning and teaching, we are at present

actively and effectively engaged in developing Curriculum for Excellence. The School

Improvement Plan for 20011/2012 embraces the principles and practices of Curriculum for

Excellence and sets clear goals for learning and teaching which strive to present pupils with

interesting, enjoyable, exciting, challenging and worthwhile learning experiences which will enable

children to develop into: successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and

effective contributors.


Curriculum for Excellence outlines eight curriculum areas:

Expressive Arts

Health and Wellbeing

Languages

Mathematics

Religious and Moral Education

Sciences

Social Subjects Technologies

In St Catherine’s Primary all areas of the curriculum are afforded time for the learning and

teaching of the specific concepts necessary to equip and enable children to develop knowledge,

understanding and skills required for ‘active interdisciplinary learning’.

What is Interdisciplinary Learning?

Interdisciplinary learning is an important element of Curriculum for Excellence as it provides

relevant, challenging and enjoyable learning experiences to meet the varied needs of children.

Interdisciplinary learning also enables teachers and learners to make connections across learning

through exploring clear and relevant links across the curriculum. It supports the use of

applications of what has been taught and learned in new and different ways and provides

opportunities for deepening learning.

What is Active Learning?

Active Learning is based on learning which engages and challenges children’s thinking using life

and imaginary situations.

It takes full advantage of opportunities presented by: spontaneous play, planned purposeful

play, investigation and experiences, events and life experiences.

Active Learning involves: encouraging pupils to think logically, selecting appropriate multi-

sensory strategies to extend learning, pupils working collaboratively and independently, pupils

engaging in formative assessment opportunities and accepting responsibility for their own

learning development.


Why Active Learning?

Active Learning provides pupils with ownership for learning and promotes pride in their

achievement, fostering interest and creativity.

Active Learning inspires a fresh look at how we can inspire learning by: being innovative,

setting challenges and being creative in cross curricular theme based planning.

Active Learning approaches and strategies: motivates, stimulates and improves pupil interest.

Literacy

Literacy is fundamental to all areas of learning, as it unlocks access to the wider curriculum. Being

literate increases opportunities for the individual in all aspects of life, lays foundations for

lifelong learning and work, and contributes strongly to enabling children and young people to

develop into: successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective

contributors.

In St Catherine’s Primary we use the following Programmes of Study for the purpose of

developing Literacy skills:

Primary 1 – Primary 3

Reading Story World Fiction, Book Banded Texts

Story World Non Fiction Texts

Skinny Novels

PM Book banded Texts

Phonics Jolly Phonics

Jolly Grammar

Writing Big Writing

Handwriting Nelson


Primary 4 – Primary 7

Reading Kingscourt and Novels

Rainbow Reading

Lighthouse Books

Hi Five

PM Book Banded Texts

Spelling Nelson Spelling

Common Word spelling

Phonics into Spelling

Spelling Strategies

Grammar Nelson Grammar

Writing Big Writing

Handwriting Nelson

Writing

We use the ‘Big Writing’ programme of study for the development of children’s skills in

writing.

This is an innovative approach which generates great enthusiasm for the children in their writing

experiences. Children are also presented with a wide variety of opportunities to engage in writing

activities across the curriculum.

Talking and Listening:

Oral work plays a major part in the curriculum throughout the school. Children learn to express

their views and feelings with confidence and listen to others. They learn the skills for speaking

and the skills for listening in a range of different situations. We have a programme of lessons

from Primary 1 to 7 that cover Curriculum for Excellence - Experiences and Outcomes in relation

to Talking and Listening. Children are presented with opportunities to practise and use these


skills in ‘Class and Whole School Presentations’. In School Session 2010/2011 one of our pupils

qualified for the Glasgow City Council Debating Finals.

Mathematics

Mathematics is important in our everyday life, allowing us to make sense of the world around us

and to manage our lives. Using mathematics enables us to model real life situations and make

connections and informed predictions. It equips us with the skills we need to interpret and

analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk and make informed decisions.

A balanced programme of Mathematics is followed by each child in our school. This involves:

Number, Money and Measurement, Shape, Position and Movement, Information Handling and

Problem Solving.

In St Catherine’s Primary the following Programmes of Study and strategies are used for the

purpose of developing mathematical skills:

Primary 1 – Primary 3 Active Learning in Contexts – Purposeful Play

Teejay Mathematics

Problem Solving through contexts.

Interactive software.

Learning through games Glow

Primary 4 – Primary 7 Teejay Mathematics

Active Learning Contexts

Problem Solving – Glasgow City Council and through contexts

Interactive software

Learning through games

Glow

In session 2011/2012 we have developed Financial Education and are presently in the process of

setting up ‘Credit Union’ to encourage our children to learn the skills of financial management.

Health and Wellbeing

Curriculum for Excellence has a very important role to play in promoting the health and wellbeing

of children. Learning in health and wellbeing ensures that children develop the knowledge and

understand skills, capabilities and attributes which they need for mental, emotional, social and

physical wellbeing now and in the future.

‘ST CATHERINE’S PRIMARY –A HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOL’

"A health promoting school is one in which all members of the school community work together to

provide pupils with integrated and positive experiences and structures, which promote and

protect their health. This includes both the formal and the informal curriculum in health, the

creation of a safe and healthy school environment, the provision of

appropriate health services and the involvement of the family and wider

community in efforts to promote health." World Health Organization (1995)

If young people are healthy they can take full advantage of every opportunity to learn. Young

people who have a good education are more likely to be healthier now and in their adult lives.

A health promoting school aims to achieve a healthy lifestyle for all the school – pupils, staff and

parents/carers. We display, in everything we say and do, a commitment to enhancing the

emotional, social, physical and moral well-being of all the members of our school community.

St Catherine’s Primary School has been identified as an establishment of ‘Excellent Practice’ in

the development of health and wellbeing by Glasgow City Council. This has been achieved as a

result of everyone sharing the responsibility of creating a positive ethos and climate of respect

and trust – one in which everyone can make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of each

individual within the school and the wider community.



Social Studies

Through social studies, children develop their understanding of the world by learning about other

people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances. Children also develop their

understanding of their environment and of how it has been shaped.

In St Catherine’s Primary social subjects are developed through Interdisciplinary Topics

undertaken throughout the year. Contexts are identified by the class teacher and children are

presented with the opportunity to plan for the learning built on previous learning experiences. In

Term 3 parents are invited by the children to attend a ‘showcase presentation’ of work delivered

by the children. This presents parents with a great opportunity to share in the learning.

Sciences

Science is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every day in our lives at

work at leisure and in the home. Science and the application of science are central to our

economic future and to our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a society.

Through learning in the sciences, children develop their interest in, and understanding of, the

living, material and physical world. They engage in a wide range of collaborative investigative

tasks, which allows them to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and

enterprising adults.

In St Catherine’s Primary science concepts are taught through mini topics chosen by the class

teacher and extend into aspects of Interdisciplinary Learning. In session 2011/2012 ‘every child’

from Primary 1 – Primary 7 will have the opportunity to visit The Science Centre as part of the

school’s science programme of study. These visits enable pupils to explore interesting and

exciting concepts through active engagement in well organised and professionally designed

workshops.


Expressive Arts

The inspiration and power of the arts play a vital role in enabling our children to enhance their

creative talent and develop their artistic skills. The expressive arts also play a central role in

shaping our sense of our personal, social and cultural identity.

Expressive arts include: Art and Design, Dance, Drama, Music.

In St Catherine’s Primary the concepts for expressive arts are taught through: topic contexts,

major school events, religious celebrations, class and whole school assemblies, school

performances and competition opportunities. In school session 2011/2012 the school will perform

its first major production - ‘Catherella’.

Technologies

Within Curriculum for Excellence, the Technologies curriculum relates particularly to contexts

that provide scope for developing technological skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes

through creative, practical and work-related activities.

This aspect of the curriculum focuses on: technological developments in society, ICT to enhance

learning, business, computing science, food and textiles, craft, design, engineering and graphics.

In St Catherine’s Primary we strive to develop technologies through effective interdisciplinary

learning by making connections across and between subject boundaries. We aim to ensure that

children are presented with opportunities to experience a variety of contexts for learning

Physical Education:

In St Catherine’s Primary, PE is allocated two hours per week.

Religious Education and Observance


St Catherine’s Primary is a Roman Catholic School. Our religious beliefs permeate all aspects of

our curriculum and are the foundation for our positive, Christian ethos which is based on Gospel

Values.

We have very positive and active links with the parishes of St Catherine’s and All Saints and the

school is well supported by the clergy.

Whole school Masses and assemblies are celebrated regularly, with everyone being welcome to

attend.

In accordance with direction from The Archdiocese of Glasgow we use ‘This is Our Faith’ a new

Programme of Study for Religious Education in Catholic Schools devised in response to the

development of Curriculum for Excellence.

Through this programme we aim to develop a love and understanding of our Faith, prepare

children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation and develop

knowledge and understanding of other World Religions. The Sex and Moral Education Programme

produced by the Archdiocese of Glasgow is taught in Primary 7. Parents are invited to an

information meeting prior to the programme being delivered.

Children receive the Sacraments at the following times:

Primary 3 Reconciliation (First Confession)

Primary 4 Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

The Parish Priests from St Catherine Laboure and All Saints contact parents to make

arrangements.

Homework


In St Catherine’s Primary School, we believe that homework is very important in enabling children

to make steady progress. Homework tasks should be a challenging and enjoyable experience for

children to share with parents. It is important in relation to home/school partnership.

Homework Advice

Parents should supervise homework without completing homework for their child. If possible

children should be supported to find a quiet time where they can sit at a table without the

television or other distractions. This will enable children to focus on homework and complete

tasks to a satisfactory standard. If a child experiences difficulty with work, parents should

inform the teacher by writing a short note at the bottom of the homework task or in the

homework diary. If the child gets something wrong then they should be given the opportunity to

try again. Parents should avoid doing the correction for the child.

Assessment

We operate a policy of continuous assessment in St Catherine’s Primary School. This enables us to

build a clear picture of each child’s ongoing progress. Assessment is a tool used by teachers to

plan and prepare programmes of study which challenge and extend pupils knowledge,

understanding and skills. It also enables staff to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methods

and resources.

St Catherine’s Primary School is embedding ‘Assessment is for Learning’ strategies which involve

pupils assessing their own work. All pupils engage in identifying and writing their personal targets

for learning in their Personal Learning Plans which are shared with parents. This practice provides

parents with the opportunity to be part of their child’s learning.


Reporting to Parents

Formal reporting on pupil progress is carried out twice yearly in October and March/April in the

form of Parent Consultation Evenings. In addition, Final Written Reports are issued in June. If at

any time a parent has any concerns regarding their child in terms of progress or welfare then it is

important that they contact the school to speak to the Headteacher or Depute Headteacher. An

appointment can also be made with the Class Teacher if this is deemed necessary.

In keeping with modern thought, the class teacher is responsible for all pupils in his/her class.

Learning materials are available and are provided for different levels of attainment. Regular

assessment is carried out and additional support will be provided if a child is experiencing

difficulty. Parents will be informed if we are concerned about the child's progress and we will

discuss the range of support available. An individual programme of learning to suit the needs of

the child will be drawn up if required.

Additional Support – Meeting Pupils’ Needs

At St Catherine’s Primary School, we strive to meet the needs of all our pupils. These needs may

vary throughout the course of the school year or may include longer term needs.

Pupils in our school are supported in their learning by their Class Teachers, who plan and prepare

appropriate learning activities for the pupils in their class.

If however, a Class Teacher believes a pupil may require additional support, in terms of having

difficulty or being more able, they may request additional resources or additional teaching

support for the pupil. This could be provided within the school by using different resources,

Support Assistant time, or perhaps time with another member of teaching staff, either in a small

group or on a one to one basis.

At times support is required from outwith the school, e.g. from; Speech and Language Therapist,

Occupational Therapist or Educational Psychologist. This would be arranged in discussion with the

parents, the pupil, the class teacher and the headteacher or depute headteacher.

Some pupils however may require support from other agencies outwith the Education Department.

In these ‘Multi-Agency’ cases a Coordinated Support Plan may be required.


Nurture Class

We have a nurture class in St Catherine’s Primary School. This is a small class which provides

extra support for children – usually early stages - who have difficulty coping with the

environment of a mainstream school. We also have a senior nurture group to support pupils who

experience a variety of difficulties from time to time.

The nurture class is effectively managed by a very experienced nurture teacher. The classroom is

called the ‘Sunshine Room’ and the children who attend this benefit greatly from the learning

experiences.

Additional Support Needs/Accessibility Strategy

The school has a duty to ensure that all our children have equal access to the curriculum,

supported as appropriate to their individual needs. This covers not only the content of lessons

and teaching strategies but also minor adaptations to the physical environment of our buildings to

address the needs of children with physical or sensory impairments, including the relocation of

classes to the ground floor where feasible. We also need to ensure that parents and carers who

have a disability have equal access to information about their child. This will involve, for example,

relocating the venue for parents/carers meetings to facilitate physical access; provision of an

interpreter for people who have a hearing impairment; agreeing a phone contact system to

provide direct feedback to parents and carers.

Ramped access is available to all parts of the building. Additional handrails have been installed on

the stairway to the classrooms on first and second floors.

Disabled toilets are available in the main building and hutted classroom


Equal Opportunities and Social Inclusion

Education is a major means of liberating individuals from the cycle of deprivation.

St Catherine’s Primary aims to provide children with an education which will enable them to

develop their full potential. Therefore equal opportunities exist in all aspects of school life for

all children, irrespective of gender, race or religion, to participate fully in all school activities.

The Education Authority requires every school to produce its own Race Equality Policy to comply

with the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. A copy of the policy is held in the school office.

Home and School Links

In St Catherine’s Primary School, we value the strong parent partnership which has been

fostered over the years. We encourage parents to be involved in the life of the school in a

variety of ways. Our parents give willingly of their time to: support school events - assist at

school trips, book fayre, sports day, enterprise activities and PTA events. The enthusiastic and

hardworking Parent Teachers’ Association supports the school in many ways by undertaking

enterprise events which raises funds for a range of purposes. The active Parent Council greatly

supports the headteacher and school with regards to formal school business.

ECO Schools

In St Catherine’s Primary, everyone is committed to making our school an ‘ECO’ school.

The ECO Schools Programme is designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment.

Schools worldwide are getting involved, making a commitment to continuously improve their

environmental performance. It is an accredited award scheme which is helping to raise the profile

of our school in the wider community. In School Session 2010/2011 we achieved our first Green

Flag Award.

It works by involving the whole school – pupils, teachers, and other staff, together with members

of the local community – parents, the local authority, the media and local businesses. It

encourages teamwork and helps to create a shared understanding of what it takes to run a school

in a way that respects and enhances the environment. We found the process of becoming an ECO

School challenging and exciting.


Pupil Council

Our Pupil Council is made up of two representatives (one boy/one girl) from Primary 3 – Primary 7.

The council members are elected by their classmates to represent them for one year. We consult

them on a regular basis e.g. if we are making changes to policies or procedures This presents

children with the opportunity to express the ‘pupil voice’ .

Two senior class reps attend the Glasgow Pupil Council meetings held in the City Chambers three

times per year. In School Session 2011/2012 the Pupils’ Council will continue to work with the

Parent Council in the development of the Outdoor Classroom.

Attendance and Timekeeping

Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent/carer of a child or young

person of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Attendance must be

recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon.

Regulation 7 of The Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland) Amendment, etc.

Regulations 1993 requires each child absence from school to be recorded in the school register as

authorised: e.g. approved by the authority or unauthorised: e.g. unexplained by the parent/carer

(truancy) or excluded from school.

In St Catherine’s Primary we ask parents to notify the school on the first day of absence by

9.15am, if their child is likely to be absent. Alternatively, the child should be given a note on

his/her return to school, confirming the reason for absence.

Parents/Carers do not have an automatic right to take their child out of school without

permission during term-time. The Head of Establishment can only authorise time off during term-

time in exceptional circumstances.


Exceptional circumstances include:

short-term parental/carer placement abroad

family returning to their country of origin for family reasons

the period immediately after an illness or accident

a period of serious or critical illness of a close relative

a domestic crisis which causes serious disruption to the family home, causing temporary

relocation.

Time off during term-time for the following reasons is not acceptable and will be

recorded as unauthorised absence:

Availability of cheap holidays or desired accommodation.

Holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term.

Clearly with no explanation from the parent or carer, the absence is unauthorised.

The Education Liaison Officer investigates unexplained absences and the Authority has the power

to write to, interview and prosecute parents/carers or refer children to the Reporter to the

Children’s Panel, if necessary.

St Catherine’s Primary has a very good rate of attendance. In Term 2 2011/2012 our school was

second top on the Attendance League table with 98 percent attendance. Primary 7 pupils proudly

received an award for being at the top of the North East of Glasgow City Attendance League.


Behaviour and Discipline

We strive to provide a well-ordered, respectful and homely atmosphere in school. We have high

expectations of pupil behaviour and our children respond well. St Catherine’s is recognised locally

and beyond for its well behaved children. Parents are advised of any serious breaches of

discipline on their child’s part. It is extremely important we have the co-operation from parents

with regard to their child’s behaviour. The rules of the school are to ensure the safety and well

being of the children as well as providing a good working atmosphere.

Our ‘Promoting Positive Behaviour’ policy is practised throughout the school. We use the Rocket

System. Parents are invited to a presentation when the schools’ Positive Behaviour Strategies and

Policy is explained.

Bullying

Bullying behaviour will not be tolerated within Glasgow City Council’s education establishments.

All children in Glasgow’s educational establishments have an entitlement “to work (and play) in a

learning environment in which they feel valued, respected and safe and are free from all forms of

abuse, bullying or discrimination”.

(A Standard of Pastoral Care in Glasgow Schools).

In 2009, Glasgow City Council published its revised anti bullying policy, incorporating the

requirement to record and report all discriminatory behaviours within educational establishments.

All establishments are required to review their policy in light of this. Parents and carers have a

significant role to play in helping to address this problem. For this reason any anti-bullying

strategy must stress the importance of partnership with the parents and carers of their

children.

In St Catherine’s Primary there is zero tolerance of any kind of bullying. Our very effective Anti

Bullying Policy clearly states strategies, approaches and procedures for dealing with bullying

issues raised. This information is shared with all new Primary 1 parents at Induction Days, and is

reinforced at ‘Meet The Teacher Evening’ which takes place in Term 1 of the school year.

The school ensures that time is allocated in order to present the children with an opportunity to

focus on issues of Bullying at specific times throughout the year.


Supervision of Playgrounds:

In St Catherine’s Primary we consider the health and safety of our children to be paramount at

all times. Therefore, we ensure that a significant adult presence is provided in playgrounds at

break times in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils) (Scotland) Regulations,

1990.

Playgrounds and the dining hall are all well supervised by members of staff, always on hand to deal

with the children's needs as they arise. In addition, our qualified first aid personnel is always on

duty in the Medical Room during all break times in order to be able to respond quickly to needs.

The Primary 7 pupils are used as 'buddies' to help and care for Primary 1 pupils during their first

year at school and other children from time to time.

Dealing with Racial Harassment

The Race Relations Act of 1976 makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of

her/his colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national background. The Act makes it the duty of

Glasgow City Council to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination.

In 1999 the guidelines, “Dealing with Racial Harassment” were issued to assist all teaching staff

in dealing with such incidents.

The adoption of an anti-racist approach should be seen as one part of the continuing attempt to

improve the quality of education.

Glasgow City Council recognises that support from the home is essential if these aims are to be

achieved. Every child in Glasgow has the right to be happy and secure at school.

Clothing

Given that there is substantial parental/carer and public approval of a dress code, schools in this

authority are encouraged to develop a school dress code. In encouraging a dress code policy

account must be taken in any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the

grounds of race or gender. Any proposals will be the subject of widespread consultation with

parents/carers and children and young people. Against this background it should be noted that it

is the policy of the Education and Families Policy Development Committee to encourage schools to

develop an appropriate dress code policy.


There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which-

- potentially encourage faction (such as football colours);

- could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans);

- could cause health and safety difficulties such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings,

are made of flammable material for example shell suits in practical classes;

- could cause damage to flooring;

- carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco; and

- could be used to inflict damage on other children and young peoples or be used by others

to do so.

Under no circumstances will children and young people be deprived any educational benefit as a

result of not wearing clothing conforming to the school’s dress code policy.

Parents/Carers receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based) Working Tax

Credit (with a total annual income of less than £15,050), Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Benefit

will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their child. Approval

of any requests for such grants made by parent/carers in different circumstances is at the

discretion of the Service Director: Information and application forms may be obtained from

schools and from Grants Section at Education Services headquarters. Glasgow City Council is

concerned at the level of claims being received regarding the loss of childrens’ and young peoples’

clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents/Carers are asked to assist in this area by ensuring

that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to school.

Parents/Carers should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such

items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to

have been negligent.

School Uniform

St Catherine's Primary School is a full uniform school. All of our children proudly wear school

uniform at all times in school:

Blazers with school badge

Outdoor jacket with school badge

Blue sweatshirts with school badge

Blue shirt / school tie


Grey skirt/grey trousers

Blue polo shirt with school badge/navy shorts/trainers or soft shoes – Physical Education

Black shoes or trainers for everyday wear

Jewellery

It is not appropriate for young children to wear excessive amounts of jewellery to school. Please

note that at no time should hooped or ‘dangly’ earrings be worn in school. In the interest of health

and safety and security parents are asked to co-operate with the school in this matter and allow

their child to wear no more than one piece of jewellery to school.

Please Note: Safety regulations forbid the wearing of jewellery during PE lessons.

PE is a compulsory part of the curriculum and children cannot miss these lessons. Therefore all

jewellery must be removed before taking part in PE. If ears are to be pierced parents should

arrange for this to be carried out early in the summer holiday period.

School Meals

A cafeteria system is in operation in St Catherine' and has a wide choice of healthy options

available each day for lunch. Arrangements can be made for children who require a special diet.

Suitable arrangements are made for children who wish to bring a packed lunch.

We use a ‘cashless system’ for school meals and tuck shop. The children use a ‘swipe card’ instead

of cash. Those paying for meals or tuck can ‘top up’ their cards at the pay machines and those

entitled to free meals have an automatic credit on their cards.

Children and young people of parents/carers receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance

Working Tax Credit (where income is less than £6,420). Child Tax Credit only (where income is

less that £15,860*) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance are entitled to a free

midday meal. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from

schools and from Grants Section at Education Services Headquarters.

*Income amount effective from 1 April 2011 and may be changed by the Department for Work

and Pensions


Breakfast Club

Breakfast is served in school each morning from 8.00 - 8.45am at a cost of 50p. Full breakfast

consists of cereal, fruit, toast and milk. Parents drop their children off in the school hall.

Breakfast is free for all children who are in receipt of free school meals.

Drinking water is available for all children from water dispensers in the school.

Transport

General: The Education Authority has a policy of providing free transport to all primary

children who live more than 1.2 miles from their local school by the recognised shortest walking

route. This policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of

transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents/Carers who consider they are eligible should

obtain an application form from the school or Education Services. These forms should be

completed and returned before the end of February for those children beginning school in August

to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made. Children living in the new Robroyston

housing estates within our catchment area are entitled to free transport to school.

Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year but may be subject to delay

whilst arrangements are made. The appropriate officer has discretion in special circumstances

to grant permission for children to travel in transport provided by the authority where spare

places are available and no additional costs are incurred. The authority has an Exceptional

Circumstances policy relating to e.g. homelessness, parental/carer disability, etc. Details are

available from the school. There is also a procedure to request transport on medical grounds.

The school can advise on procedures.

Pick up points: Where free transport is provided it may be necessary for children to walk a

certain distance to the vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total including the distance

from home to the pick-up point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one direction will

not exceed the authority’s limits (see paragraph above). It is the parent’s/carer’s responsibility

to ensure their child arrives at the pick-up point in time. It is also the parent’s/carer’s

responsibility to ensure the child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding,

travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour could result in your child losing the

right to free transport.


Placing Request:

The education authority does not provide transport for those children in receipt of a placing

request other than in individual circumstances and where appropriate legislation applies.

Medical and Health Care:

The doctor and the school nurse visit the school from time to time. Parents may be called for

interview with the school nurse and children will be seen by the doctor if necessary. Parents will

be notified of the time and date and should attend with their child.

Dental inspections of all children are carried out periodically by the school dentist. Children’s

hearing and vision is tested usually at P1 and P7.

It is important that parents inform the school of any particular medical requirements for their

child. An appointment will be made for the parent/guardian to discuss this with the Head

Teacher.

If a child becomes ill or has an accident, the parent is informed as soon as possible either

directly or through the emergency contact system.

Please ensure you complete and return the contact slips and keep us up

to date with any changes that occur.

From time to time children may be affected by outbreaks of head lice. It is therefore very

important that parents check their child’s hair regularly and take appropriate action if necessary.

Advice is available from the school nurse and from your local GP.


Information in Emergencies

We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances

arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather,

temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases,

we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you

informed by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local

places of worship and announcements in the press and on local radio.

The Parent Forum and the Parent Council

The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 has changed the arrangements for

parental/carer representation in all schools. Since August 2007, all parents/carers are

automatically members of the Parent Forum for their school and they have a right to establish a

Parent Council to represent them.

Parent Forum

The membership of the Parent Forum is made up of all parents/carers who have a child at an

education authority school. Membership of the Parent Forum allows parents/carers to have a say

in the local arrangements to enable their collective view to be represented on matters such as

they quality and standards of education at the school and other matters of interest to

parents/carers. One of the ways parents in the Parent Forum will be able to express their views

will be through the Parent Council.

The Parent Council at St Catherine’s Primary School

Mrs A Murray Chairperson

Mrs B Hewitt Clerk

Rev. Fr. A. MacDonald Co-opted member

Mr A Huntly Co-opted member

Mrs G Law Staff member

Mrs C Penman Head Teacher


Parent Teachers’ Association

The school has a very active, successful and supportive PTA who meet regularly in the new

Parent’s Room. The PTA organise and partake in a variety of school and whole community activities

and events from which ‘all’ children benefit greatly. New parents are always very welcome to join

– details from the Chairperson Mrs Heggarty.

Parent Council

The Parent Council is a group of parents/carers selected by members of the Parent Forum to

represent all the parents/carers of children at the school. Parent Councils are very flexible

groups and the Parent Forum can decide on the type of group it wants to represent their views. A

Parent Council could get involved in:

Supporting the work of the school;

Gathering and representing parents’/carers’ views to the Headteacher, education

authority and HMIe;

Promoting contact between the school, parents/carers, children and young people and the

local community;

Fundraising;

Involvement in the appointment of senior school staff.

Parent Councils are recognised in law from August 2007. As a statutory body, the Parent Council

has the right to information and advice on matters which affect children’s education. So, the

school and the local authority must listen to what the Parent Council says and give it a proper

response. Every school’s Parent Council will be different because it will be parents/carers in each

school who make key decisions. The Parent Council is also entitled to support from the education

authority in fulfilling its role.

Membership of the Parent Council

Generally, members of the Parent Council must be parents/carers of children and young people

who attend the school and the chairperson must have a child in the school. However, the Parent

Council can decide to co-opt other members from teachers and the community who will have

knowledge and skills to help them.


Data Protection Act 1998

Information on children and young people, parents and carers is stored on a computer system and

may be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The

information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998 and may only be disclosed in

accordance with the Code of Practice. For further information please contact the school.

Child Welfare and Safety

Insert for Establishment Handbooks and Public Display

All educational establishments and services must take positive steps to help children protect themselves by ensuring that programmes of health and personal safety are central to the curriculum and should have in place a curriculum that ensures that children have a clear understanding of the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour on the part of another person, no matter who.

As with other areas of the curriculum, you will be kept informed of the health and personal safety programme for your child’s establishment.

Educational establishments and services must create and maintain a positive ethos and climate which actively promotes child welfare and a safe environment by:

ensuring that children are respected and listened to;

ensuring that programmes of health and personal safety are central to the curriculum;

ensuring that staff are aware of child protection issues and procedures;

establishing and maintaining close working relationships and arrangements with all other agencies to make sure that professionals collaborate effectively in protecting children.

Should any member of staff have concerns regarding the welfare or safety of any child they must report these concerns to the Head of Establishment or the person deputising for the head of establishment. He/She after judging that there may be grounds for concern regarding the welfare or safety of any child must then immediately advise the duty Senior Social Worker at the local Social Work Services area office of the circumstances.


The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 enables any person to obtain information from

Scottish public authorities. The Act applies to all Scottish public authorities including: The

Scottish Government and its agencies; Scottish Parliament; Local Authorities; NHS Scotland;

Universities and further education colleges; and the police.

Public authorities have to allow access to the following information:

The provision, cost and standard of its service:

Factual information or decision making;

The reasons for decisions made by it.

The legal right of access includes all types of ‘recorded’ information of any data held by the

Scottish public authorities. From 1st January 2005, any person who makes a request for

information must be provided with it, subject to certain conditions.

Further information is provided on the Glasgow City Council website:

www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/yourcouncil/freedomofinformation

Internet facilities are provided at all Glasgow City Council Public Libraries and Real Learning

Centres.

Comments and Complaints

If you have a comment or complaint please approach the Head of Establishment in the first

instance.

If the Head of Establishment does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you should contact

our Customer Liaison Unit who will:

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/yourcouncil/freedomofinformation


Take a totally neutral stance in fully investigating your complaint;

Acknowledge receipt of your complaint within five working days;

Give a full written response within a further 10 working days, unless another timescale has

been agreed.

The Customer Liaison Unit can be contacted by phone or e-mail:

Phone 0141 287 5384

E-mail [email protected]

Customer Liaison Unit

Education Services


Wheatley House

25 Cochrane St

Merchant City

Glasgow G1 1HL

Important Addresses

Maureen McKenna

Executive Director of Education

Education Services


Wheatley House

25 Cochrane St

Merchant City

Glasgow

G1 1HL

Local Councillors

Councillor Gilbert Davidson

Baillie Gerald Leonard

mailto:[email protected]


Councillor Catherine McMaster

Councillor Grant Thom

MP Willie Bain

MSP Paul Martin

Glasgow City Council, George Square, Glasgow

Qualifying Statement

Although this information is correct at time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of

the matters dealt with in the document -

before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question.

in relation to subsequent years

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