St Joachim`s Primary School Handbook

St Joachim’s Primary
2015/2016
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2014-2015
Welcome
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are delighted to welcome you and your child to our school.
We hope you will find St Joachim’s a warm and caring place where
everyone can reach their full potential. As a Roman Catholic School,
we place a high value on nurturing pupils’ spiritual and emotional
development as well as aiming for high levels of academic
achievement and attainment in all aspects of school life.
The teaching and support staff in St Joachim’s work as a team to
support you and your child. We do hope both you and your child will
quickly settle into the school routine and assure you of our best
efforts in the years ahead!
Many activities are organised throughout the school year, giving
parents the opportunity to meet and work with the staff in the
school. We look forward to welcoming you as partners in your
child’s education as we work towards a common goal.
Please advise the school of any information we may need to support
your child in their learning. I would encourage you to become
actively involved in their learning through the various opportunities
available for parents to participate in the life of the school.
I look forward to working with you and your child in the future.
Yours sincerely
Nuala Holden
Acting Head Teacher
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Our Vision and Values
It is our belief, that through our shared values of love, faith, hope, truth and
justice, we strive to create and maintain an atmosphere where we can all learn
and work together for the benefit of all learners in our school.
As In “A Curriculum for Excellence”, we aim for our children to be:
Confident Individuals
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To develop the Catholic faith of our children and help children see the
relevance of this to our daily lives in school and society.
To develop personalization and choice for every learner.
To take account of the learning, personal and social development needs of
every child.
To have the confidence to take pride in successes and achievements and
be able to celebrate these and share this joy with others.
Successful Learners
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To provide support or challenge where appropriate.
To encourage independence and an active approach to learning.
To nurture and foster creativity amongst our learners.
To focus on and develop literacy and mathematics skills and to help each
pupil achieve and become successful learners.
Responsible Citizens
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To develop and maintain a real sense of justice and equality amongst our
school community and discourage discrimination of any kind.
To foster rights, responsibilities and knowledge leading to good
citizenship amongst our learners in their school and local community.
To develop an awareness of issues that they can affect and be affected by
as global citizens.
Effective Contributors
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To develop co-operative and collaborative skills necessary for life.
To encourage use of these skills in the decision making process in the
school.
To encourage and promote healthy lifestyles in our school community.
To promote a positive approach to behaviour management; encouraging
learners to be active in maintaining and resolving issues.
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Getting in Touch
If you need to get in touch with the school there are several
ways you can do this.
Post:
St Joachim’s Primary
Montrose Avenue
Carmyle
G32 8BZ
Telephone: 0141 641 6840
E-mail [email protected]
School Hours
Morning starting time:
Interval:
Lunch break:
Afternoon Starting time
Dismissal:
9.00am
10.30 to 10.45
12.15 to 1.00pm
1.00pm
3.00pm
We have a breakfast club in our cafeteria which offers a
healthy start to the day for all pupils between the times of
8.15am to 8.45am
P1 children are dismissed at lunchtime until the first Monday in
September after which they will remain in school until 15.00.
School Holidays 2016-2017
Details of holiday dates are available on the Glasgow City Council website:
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11881
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All about St Joachim’s
St Joachim’s Primary is a Roman Catholic school that caters for girls and
boys.
Current Classification
Stage
P1/2
P2/3
P3/4
P5/6
P7
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23
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Roll
Parents and guardians should note that the working capacity of the school
might vary dependent upon the number of pupils at each stage and in the
way in which the classes are organised. We currently have 101 pupils. The
school has a capacity for 230 pupils.
The following guidelines set by Scottish Government apply.
P1
maximum 25
P2&3
maximum 30
P4-7
maximum 33
Composite class
maximum 25
Composite classes have pupils from more than one stage
Education Inspection
The school was last inspected in August 2011 with a very successful
report being published in 2012 Full details of the inspection can be found
at:
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/inspectionandreview/reports/
school/primsec/StJoachimsPrimarySchoolGlasgowCity.asp
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Meet Our Staff
Acting Head Teacher
Mrs Nuala Holden
Acting Principal Teacher Miss Stephanie Bulloch
Staff
Primary 1/2
Primary 2/3
Primary 3/4
Primary 5/6
Primary 7
Miss Stephanie Bulloch/ Mrs Alice Kheirabi
Mrs Bridget McCann
Miss Hayleigh Mulgrew
Mrs Anne Gault
Mrs Clare Lombardi/ Mrs Janette Croly
Pupil Support Assistants
Mrs Mary Brown
Mrs Mary Murphy
Mrs Caroline Dockrell
Office Staff
Janitor
Catering Staff
Mrs Margaret Cochrane
Mr Hugh Glancy
Mrs Elizabeth Christie
Mrs Anne Rooney
Miss Lynne Ward
Mrs Anne Mc Ghee
Cleaning Support
Enrolment
Registration of Infant Beginners
Glasgow City Council Information is found on
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/residents/goingtoschool
Information is issued in the news media in January. Generally children
who reach the age of 4 years before the end of February will begin in
August of that year. Parents/carers must register their child in
their local school but have the choice to request their child be enrolled in
another school out with their area. They will be given Placing Request
forms at registration which they must send to the respective
Education Authority.
Parents/carers living outwith the St. Joachim’s catchment area and
wishing to enrol their child here must register in a school in their own
residential area and then apply for a placing request to this school. The
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registering school will issue them with the appropriate application form.
The Education Authority will notify parents/carers of the outcome of
placing requests in due course once the registrations are complete.
Parents/carers are welcome to visit the school prior to making a decision
to enrol. This can be arranged through the school office.
In our school, new entrant registration and enrolment is in January.
We ask that Birth Certificate and 2 proofs of parent’s address i.e. a
utility bill with your name and address on it.
Other Enrolments:-
Parents wishing to enrol their child/children in the school are advised to
telephone the Head Teacher, either by calling personally at the school or
by telephoning 0141 641 6841 to make suitable arrangements to discuss
relevant details.
Induction Programme for Infant Beginners
It is important that our children feel happy and secure in our school. We
want them to know their teachers and their new friends before starting
Primary 1. We want to form a partnership with the parents from the time
of enrolment. We will organise a series of half day visits for children and
parents in May/June, before the children start Primary 1 in August.
Fun activities are set for the children, usually led by the class teacher
and other teachers in the school.
All important information is transferred from Nursery/other
establishments as part of out transition programme.
Attendance at School
If children are not at school – we cannot teach them!
Duty of Parents
Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent of a
“school age” child to ensure that their child attends school regularly.
Parents are urged to send their children to school unless illness or
another serious reason makes this impossible. Attendance must be
recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon.
Parents and carers should inform the school by letter or by
telephone, if their child is likely to be absent for some time, and to give
a note on his or her return to school, confirming the reason for absence.
If a child is absent from school and we have not received a call to explain
the absence, we will call the parent/carer to ensure your child is with you.
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Early Absences/Late coming Intervention
If there are concerns regarding attendance/late coming, a computer
print out of the child’s record of attendance will be sent to the Parent
with a covering letter. The school attendance officer investigates
unexplained absence, and the authority has the power to write to,
interview or prosecute parents, or to refer pupils to the reporter of the
children’s hearing if necessary
Taking your child out of school
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 includes:
• Short-term parental/carer placement abroad;
• Family returning to its 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.
Exceptional circumstances do not include:
• Availability of cheap holidays or desired accommodation;
• Holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term time;
Clearly with no explanation from the parent or carer the absence is
unauthorised.
MEDICAL and Health Care
Information regarding particular medical conditions or requirements must
be given to school on enrolment on the forms provided by Community Child
Health Services - Yorkhill N.H.S. Trust.
The pupils receive regular talks on Dental Health Care from a member of
the Dental Health Service. If there are any irregularities on these
checks and pupils require dental treatment, the parents are informed of
this and an appointment can be made with, the Community Dental Health
Officer or by a private practitioner (your own dentist) the choice being
left to the parents.
There is no nurse in school however we do have a member of staff who is
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on hand for minor ailments. In the event of a child becoming ill or being
involved in an accident, the parent or emergency contact is informed
immediately and a decision will be taken on the necessary course of
action.
It is very important, where possible, to let the school have the
name, address and telephone number of an emergency contact for
each child.
Pupils with medical or dental appointments during the school day should
inform the Class teacher of this and be collected by their parent's from
school in order to attend.
NO PUPIL IS ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL UNACCOMPANIED
DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.
We would hope that children enter school being fully toilet trained.
However, on occasions children soil/wet themselves. In the event of
soiling we will try to contact you at home so that you can come and look
after your own child. If children wet themselves, we do have some
underwear and other clothing in school so that children can get changed.
We will send home the wet clothing to you and hope that the borrowed
items will be washed and returned to school as soon as possible.
If there is no telephone number for you to be contacted, your child will
be brought to you, to be attended to at home.
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 reopening. 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.
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CLOTHING AND UNIFORM
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. Against this
background it should be noted that it is the policy of the Education
Children 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:
• Could 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 from flammable material for example shell suits in
practical classes;
• Could cause damage to flooring;
• Carries advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco; and
• Could be used to inflict damage on other children or be used by
others to do so.
Clothing and Uniform Grants
Under no circumstances will children be deprived of 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 parents/carers in
different circumstances is at the discretion of the Executive Director of
Education. Information and application forms may be obtained from
schools and from Grants Section at Education Services headquarters or
from www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629
Glasgow City Council is concerned at the level of claims being received
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regarding the loss of children and young people’s 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.
Our Uniform
White Shirt or green shirt with school tie
Black/Grey Trousers or Black/grey/green pinafore or skirt
School Sweatshirt or cardigan with school badge.
P.E. uniform – Bottle green Shorts / Green Polo Shirt/Yellow T-shirt
Optional Items
Green Polo shirt with school badge for Summer months.
Green check Summer Dress
Outdoor Fleece
Waterproof jacket.
Please label all items of clothing as and all other school items such as
lunch boxes and pencil cases.
SCHOOL MEALS/FUEL ZONE
In St Joachim’s Primary we operate a ‘fuel zone’. If your child
requires a special diet, the school kitchen should be informed and
arrangements can then be made to meet these dietary requirements.
Children who bring packed lunches to school have this in the dining room
with everyone else. There is excellent supervision in the dining room
with the management team, teachers and support assistants in
attendance.
Lunch
Fuel Zone focuses on serving healthy food in a bright and informal
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environment where children can enjoy lunch. The menu in the Fuel Zone
rotates on a fortnightly basis giving children more variety at lunchtime.
Three meal choices are available daily: main meal, vegetarian or snack
meal. Children can select from soup and bread, fruit and vegetables,
yoghurt or jelly and milk to accompany their meal. A halal menu is also
available if required please speak to the catering manager for further
information.
Lunch costs £1.70
Should your child forget their dinner money the Dining Staff will provide
a meal and send a reminder note home.
A SAMPLE MENU CONTAINS:
Vegetable broth and bread
Roast Beef/Yorkshire
Pudding
Baby Jacket Potatoes
Baby Carrots
Fruit Yoghurt
A selection of fruit is always available.
Children and young people of parents/carers receiving Income
Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit
(where income is less than £6,420), Child Tax Credit only (where
income is less than £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
or from www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629
Breakfast Club
A Breakfast Club operates from 8.00am until 8.45am every day.
All children are entitled to free milk.
Primary Fuel Zone
All services available in the Fuel Zone are developed in line with The
Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 which aims
to help children eat healthily during the school day and beyond.
Cordia supports Education Services to meet the requirements of the Act
by providing healthy food and drink in schools to encourage Glasgow’s
children to make the right choice in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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Play and Lunch Snax
To support schools, parents and guardians in the promotion of healthy
snacks Fuel Zone provides a limited range of healthier snack items which
meet the nutritional requirements. Play and lunch snax are available after
lunch.
Lunch Snax product range includes: fruit juice, yoghurt, fruit frozen
dessert, fresh fruit and home baking.
Grab and Go Service
Fuel Zone has introduced a new service called “Grab and Go” which has
been developed in line with the nutritional guidelines.
This service offers a value for money alternative for children who bring a
packed lunch to school because they don’t like queuing or they prefer this
type of lunch. The children can chose from a choice of sandwich,
vegetables, fruit, yoghurt or jelly and milk for the same cost as a school
meal.
Special Diets
If your child has a special medical diet requirement please seek a referral
from your dietician. Please then contact your catering manager who will
deal with your request.
Refresh
Lack of water can cause dehydration, better hydration means better
performance in school and water is an excellent alternative to sugary
drinks, which can cause tooth decay. The Refresh initiative allows access
to fresh, chilled drinking water in schools to encourage children to drink
more water.
All Glasgow schools have been supplied with mains fed coolers that filter
and chill the water ready for drinking. This allows access during the day
to refill water bottles which can be taken into the classroom.
The main aim of Refresh is to encourage children to drink water at home
and school.
For healthy eating tips recipes and the Fuel Zone menu
www.coolfuelkids.co.uk
If you require further information about the catering service please
contact your catering manager :
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TRANSPORT
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. Further information can be found at;
www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629
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 above paragraph). It is the parent’s/carer’s
responsibility to ensure that 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 REQUESTS
The education authority does not provide transport for those children in
receipt of a placing request other than in individual exceptional
circumstances and where appropriate legislation applies.
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Secondary transfer to Trinity High
Due to our unique geographical location, most pupils transfer to Trinity
High School in Rutherglen. Transport provision is made available for
pupils. We work closely with teachers and colleagues in the Trinity
learning community to ensure a smooth transition process for our pupils.
St Andrew’s Learning Community
St Joachim’s Primary is part of the St Andrew’s Learning Community.
Schools/establishments in the community work together to share their
expertise to support families and children. The focus of our integrated
approach is the child and his/her family, addressing barriers to learning
and the needs of the child through an integrated provision of services.
Communication with Parents
At St Joachim’s Primary we use a variety of ways to keep in touch.
Open Door Policy – the senior leadership team are available for all parents
and carers at any time providing they are not teaching or in another
meeting. Please either pop in to the school office or phone for an
appointment.
Class Diaries – will let parents know what homework has been set and is
also used to communicate between the class teacher and parents.
Newsletters – will be sent out on a regular basis to keep parents informed
about the work of the school.
Letters – further information which requires a response may be sent out
in letter form.
School website/Twitter – will contain a great deal of information about
the school. It is a good idea to check this regularly.
Text messaging – You may also receive text reminders about
events/school closures etc.
Twitter – You can follow us on @StJoachims1
Meetings - Parents and carers are welcome in the school to discuss any
aspect of their child’s development and progress. To avoid
disappointment, it is advisable to make an appointment. There are various
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opportunities throughout the year when parents can discuss their child’s
progress with the class teacher and view the child’s work.
Parents and carers are welcome at other events throughout the school
year e.g. workshops, information evenings, class performances, religious
and other assemblies. The school newsletter and website will keep you
informed.
Emergency Contact Information
At the start of each school session, parents will be issued with the annual
data check form. Please ensure that this is completed and returned to
the school. It is also important that you let us know if there are changes
to your telephone number(s) or to those of your emergency contacts
throughout the year.
Privacy Statement and Data Protection – Use of
Information about Children and Parents/Carers
As a local authority our schools and early years establishments process
information about children and young people in order to provide education
and care. In doing so we must comply with the Data Protection Act
(1998). This means, amongst other things, that the data held about
children and young people must only be used for specific purposes.
However, you should be aware that we may use this information for other
legitimate purposes and may share this information where necessary with
other bodies responsible for administering services to children and young
people, or where otherwise required by law. We may also use any
information for research purposes. However, all personal data is treated
as confidential and used only in accordance with the Data Protection Act
and the Information Use and Privacy Policy approved by the City Council.
For further information please see our full privacy statement at
http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2908.
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.
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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 web-site:
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/yourcouncil/freedomofinformation
Internet facilities are provided at all Glasgow City council Public Libraries
and Real Learning Centres.
Dealing with Racial Harassment
The Race Relation 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 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.
COMMENTS, COMPLAINTS & CONCERNS
If you have a comment, or complaint, please approach the Acting Head of
Establishment ;Mrs N Holden, in the first instance.
The school will look into your concerns, log details of any specific incident
or incidents and report back to you regarding any action taken as a result
of the concern.
Pupils are encouraged to voice any concerns or anxieties they may have
through Circle Time in the classroom. At all times pupil concerns will be
dealt with sensitively whilst adhering to the regulations of the Child
Protection Scotland Act.
If the head of Establishment does not resolve the issue to your
satisfaction, you should contact our Customer Liaison Unit who will:
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• 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
Glasgow City Council
Wheatley House
25 Cochrane Street
Merchant City
GLASGOW
G1 1HL
Please note that in line with recommendations issued by the Scottish
Public Services Ombudsman, all establishments, during the course of a
complaints investigation, must:
• Ensure that all statements made as part of the investigation are dated
and include, wherever possible, dates of events recounted within the
statements;
• Ensure that written records which form part of the investigation are
Kept for an appropriate period of time; and
• Give consideration to the inclusion of this within the procedures
outlined in the relevant section of the schools’ Pastoral Care Policy.
Child Protection
All adults employed in St Joachim’s Primary School will adhere to Glasgow
City Council Education Services Policy as drawn up in Management Circular
57 :
Management Appendix 3
CIRCULAR No 57
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Glasgow City Council
Education Services
CHILD SAFETY CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
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.
Schools, 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 you have concerns regarding the welfare or safety of any child,
report these concerns to the head of establishment The head, or the
person deputising for the head, after judging that there may be grounds
for concern regarding the welfare or safety of any pupil must then
immediately advise the duty senior social worker at the local social work
services area office of the circumstances.
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Our Curriculum
A Curriculum for Excellence
Curriculum for Excellence is across Scotland for all 3-18 year olds wherever they learn. 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 practice and explore learning together. Glow, Scotland’s unique,
world-leading, online network supports learners and teachers in this and
plans are already in place for parents/carers across the country to have
access to Glow.
Teachers and practitioners will share information to plan a child’s
“learning journey” from 3-18, helping their progress 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. 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, and enquire and find solutions.
There’s personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and
make the most of their opportunities with additional support wherever
that’s needed. There will be 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 a great education.
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Information about what your child is learning will be provided throughout
the year. For further information about Curriculum for Excellence go to:
www.curriculumforexcellence.gov.uk or [email protected]
Principles of Curriculum Design
In St Joachim’s, the following principles underpin all our actions both at
an organisational level and in any setting where children are learning.
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Challenge and Enjoyment- We aim to provide our pupils with
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Breadth
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Depth
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Personalisation and Choice – Pupils are consulted on learning
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Coherence – By helping our pupils to make links across the
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Relevance
learning activities that are active and engaging.
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In St. Joachim’s we aim to provide our children with a
broad range of activities and learning experiences to ensure
coverage of the curriculum.
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Our pupils are given the opportunity to learn in depth
gain a deeper understanding of learning skills and outcomes by
applying knowledge and skills across different contexts.
activities by taking account of their prior learning experiences and
activities.
curriculum and through inter-disciplinary learning we promote
coherence across curricular areas.
-The experiences and outcomes of A Curriculum for
Excellence are the key tool for curriculum planners in designing
learning activities. The experiences and outcomes also include
aspects such as enterprise, sustainability and creativity.
Approaches to Learning & Teaching
In St. Joachim’s we use engaging, enterprising and active learning
approaches to in a variety of contexts to promote effective learning for
our children. All teaching staff see Active Learning as an appropriate way
for children to develop vital skills and knowledge and a positive attitude
to learning. The organisation within an Active Learning class will
encourage and develop a child’s skills, interests and independence.
Resources are used in an imaginative and interesting way to stimulate
curiosity, challenge, investigation, creativity and independence.
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In the early years, teachers take full advantage of the opportunities for
learning presented by:
• Spontaneous Play
• Planned, purposeful play
• Investigating and Exploring
• Events and real life experiences
• Collaborative learning
• Focused learning and teaching
From Primary 4-­‐7, teachers have successfully built on this approach and
use a variety of methods to ensure that the children continue to be
engaged in their learning. These include:
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Interdisciplinary learning
Challenging learning opportunities that include problem solving,
games and the use of ICT.
Learning arising from real life contexts
Collaborative learning, where children are explicitly taught and
practise collaborative learning strategies
Talking and listening activities which encourage ‘active thinking’ and
develop the children’s questioning skills
Self and peer evaluation and assessment of work.
Bloom’s Taxonomy of Higher Order thinking skills
Curriculum Areas
Literacy
Through participative, active classes pupils develop the knowledge,
understanding skills and attitudes they need to learn about the world
around them. The development of literacy skills plays an important role in
all learning. The pupils are encouraged to develop and extend literacy
skills. In St Joachim’s Primary we give our pupils varied opportunities to:
*Communicate, collaborate and build relationships.
*Reflect on and explain literacy and thinking skills, using feedback
to help improve and sensitively provide useful feedback for others.
*Engage with and create a wide range of texts in different media,
taking advantage of the opportunities offered by ICT.
*Develop an understanding of what is special, vibrant and valuable
about own and other cultures and their languages. Explore the
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richness and diversity of language, how it can affect the pupil and
the wide range of ways in which they can be creative.
*Extend and enrich my vocabulary through listening, talking,
watching and reading.
Reading
Reading is a critical tool for lifelong learning and our aims are to
encourage and teach our children to read fluently with expression and
understanding and to foster in them a love for books.
We use Storyworld and Literacy World throughout the school as our core
reading resource. However, the children will have the experience of
reading a wide variety of texts to ensure a breadth of experience. We
also have an extensive library where pupils can borrow books to take
home.
Phonics/Spelling
The early stages of reading focus on learning letter sounds and names.
We have adopted the Synthetic’ approach to teaching phonics and use
Jolly Phonics to support pupils. Your child will begin by learning to spell
common words which are used frequently in their writing and
subsequently focus on spelling rules. From P3 the children also use the
‘Nelson spelling’ scheme to ensure a consistent approach and the
structured progression of skills in this area. The same method of spelling
is therefore taught throughout the school i.e.
Say and spell the word and cover the word,
Write the word, and check the word.
At all stages, staff work with pupils to ensure that they can use
their knowledge of spelling in their written work.
Writing
The formal skills of writing, i.e. grammar, punctuation, spelling etc.
are taught within the context of ongoing studies/topics and the children’s
on reading and writing. We use a wide range of resources to help teach
specific points. Through our early literacy programme and use of the ‘Big
writing’ approach we ensure the structured development of writing skills
from P1-P7.
Children are given the opportunity to write in many genres. A variety of
resources are used to support writing and ensure progress throughout
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the school. In addition many opportunities for writing present themselves
in other areas of the curriculum such as Religious Education, Social
Studies, Science and topic work.
Our star writers are celebrated both in school and at home.
Talking & Listening
We are keen that our children express themselves confidently and to this
end we provide many opportunities during Drama, discussions, storytelling
speech making and presentations. Your child will have many opportunities
to demonstrate these skills through taking part in class assemblies,
school shows and parish events to which you are most welcome to attend.
Numeracy
Children come to Primary 1 with some informal experience of “mathematics” and
their knowledge can range from knowing simple terms like big and small, to being
able to identify shapes or do simple counting. Throughout school, the teacher
sets out to give children the skills they will need to solve problems as well as
those concepts, facts and techniques they will require to use in mathematical
enquiries. Our programme of study allows for a broad, well-balanced maths
programme which gives children the opportunity to work with aspects of:
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Number, money and measurement e.g. Addition, subtraction, length, weight,
shape, position and movement e.g. Angles, coordinates.
Information handling e.g. Tally marks, graphs, tables and charts Problem
solving in real life, everyday or in imagined contexts
At present children throughout the whole school are participating in
Interactive Maths while using the Heinemann and Teejay Maths schemes to
enhance and support learning and teaching. Our infants take part in multisensory, interactive workshops where they practise their maths skills in
exciting challenging contexts.
Health and well-being
Learning in health and wellbeing ensures that children and young people
develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes
which they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in
the future. Learning through health and wellbeing enables children and young
people to:
• make informed decisions in order to improve their mental, emotional,
social and physical wellbeing
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experience challenge and enjoyment experience positive aspects of
healthy living and activity for themselves
apply their mental, emotional, social and physical skills to pursue a
healthy lifestyle
make a successful move to the next stage of education or work
establish a pattern of health and wellbeing which will be sustained into
adult life, and which will help to promote the health and wellbeing of
the next generation of Scottish children.
Personal & Social Development
We follow the Positive Futures Health and well-being programme as well
as looking for opportunities to integrate aspects of health and well-being
education into all other curricular areas.
Physical Education
Physical Education is a very important part of the children’s education and
is made up of a variety of activities. These include gymnastics, rugby,
basketball, athletics creative dance and developing fitness. For many of
these activities we are lucky to have specialist coaches who attend the
school to coach the children. Parents are informed as to the days when
their children will be having P.E. so that they can ensure appropriate “P.E.
Kit” is brought to school. For reasons of hygiene and safety, the following
is advised ; T-shirt, Shorts, Soft shoes (without laces to avoid tripping
up). In the interest of safety no jewellery should be worn in school,
particularly on P.E. days.
Primary 6 receive swimming lessons each year. The school also
participates in Glasgow School’s Indoor and Outdoor Athletics
Competitions as well as the Glasgow School’s Cross Country
Championships.
Science &Technology
All children become familiar with computer skills in St Joachim’s. At the infant
stages this involves using simple programmes to give the children experience
with the keyboard.
As the children progress through the school they will be introduced to word
processing and computer work will be integrated into all aspects of the
curriculum. The school has an excellent selection of software covering all
aspects of the curriculum. We have 2 desktops in each classroom and 13
laptops which can be used wirelessly throughout the school. We also have 4
interactive SMART boards throughout the school which enhance the learning
experiences of our pupils.
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In 2013 the school had six short-listed pupils in the STEM Engineers
Inventors.
Social Subjects - People in the past, people in place and people
in society.
These elements are taught where possible through a cross curricular
approach. Within this approach the pupils are encouraged to investigate,
discover and understand their local environment, their country and the world
in which they live. Emphasis is also placed on developing in them good social
and healthy living habits. A sustainable approach to the environment is a part
of our school approach as an ECO school.
Help and cooperation is also sought from the community services e.g. police,
fire brigade, health visitor, and dental health officer to enhance particular
study of certain topics.
Individuals or groups of children carry out independent or teacher-assisted
research as part of their environmental studies topic work. They investigate
and document their work and the result of their findings is then communicated
orally, in writing or in form of displays.
At various times your child will be seeking information and support from you
for their projects. We may also ask for parents to share their expertise in
their various fields with the children. Your co-operation is invaluable.
Expressive Arts
All pupils are encouraged to express their individual talents and skills. For
this purpose, we use the media of: Art/Craft, Music and Drama.
Art
Art is taught as a programme of skills and techniques particularly in
display work connected with Topics. It involves drawing, painting, design
and study of the work of well- known artists.
Music
The children follow various music programmes with strong emphasis on
the enjoyment of singing practised in the classroom and at assemblies. In
our early stages music and singing forms a very important part of the
Curriculum through Nursery Rhymes, Action Songs and Number Songs
etc.
Children are encouraged at all levels in music skills as a way to quickly
develop language skills. We also receive support from the Youth Mass
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Initiative, which supplies a teacher to work on various elements of rhythm
etc.with some classes every week.
Drama
Drama creates stimulating and exciting activities in which the children
can develop their imaginations and expression. This is carried out through
role-play, mime and investigation. We take advantage of local Arts
festivals and invite visiting artists/musicians into the school to work with
the children. We also run an annual Burn’s competition, which encourages
children to learn the verse of Robert Burns and perform this for their
peers. They are also encouraged to become involved in the annual
Christmas production. Theatre groups also visit the school annually.
Spanish
In accordance with the Scottish Education Department’s intention to
introduce the teaching of a foreign language to all stages at all Scottish
Primary schools, Spanish is taught in all classes. Three teachers have
been trained in the teaching of Modern Languages. This language was
chosen taking into consideration the expertise and qualifications of
current staff, the need to ensure continuity when the children progress
to Trinity High School where they will continue to study Spanish, and the
relevance of Spain in the modern world.
Enterprise in Education
As part of our determination to prepare our pupils for the World at Work
in the future, pupils participate in enterprise activities in every stage of
the school. We also participate in our Learning Community initiatives and
there is an enterprise group who make items to sell at our Summer Fayre.
Last year, the school was awarded a Diamond Award for Enterprise by
Glasgow City Council.
Outdoor Learning Learning in a variety of contexts.
Outdoor learning offers many opportunities for our learners to deepen
and contextualise their understanding of the curriculum and for linking
curriculum areas in different contexts. At St. Joachim’s we use our
extensive school grounds to provide our children with many rich outdoor
learning experiences and the children have worked with the Conservation
Volunteers to gain a rich Outdoor Learning experience.
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Educational Topic Linked Visits
Where possible we arrange for the children to visit places of interest
where they have first- hand experience of some of the aspects of what
they are studying.
In 2014 pupils experienced a wide variety of trips in order to enhance the
rich learning experience. Some of these places included, the Glasgow
Science Centre, The Glasgow Art Galleries , Whitelees Wind Farm and
The Royal Concert Halls.
The Wider Curriculum
As well as the formal curriculum we also encourage pupils to participate in
a variety of clubs and initiatives to develop their social and leadership
skills from an early age.
Pupil Involvement/Pupil Council
Our pupil council is very important to the life of the school. Children’s
views are important and ideas are often informative and helpful.
The Head teacher consults with the students about the quality of their
learning experiences as well as the important decisions regarding change
in the school.
In addition the pupils are consulted during the monitoring and evaluating
process to gather information which will help form our school
improvement plan.
The Librarians
Our school librarians meet on a monthly basis and have responsibility for
organising the reading library and recommending books through the
monthly book club. Our librarians are also responsible for organising
annual events such as World Book Day.
Health Committee
Our Health Committee work hard to encourage healthy eating in school
and also organise activities outside at playtimes to encourage the children
to keep active.
Eco Schools
Our Eco Schools Group has grown so successfully that the school has
been awarded three Green Flags from Eco Schools Scotland. Pupils
have ownership of this initiative and promote awareness of Global
Sustainability of our planet by organising recycling activities.
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After School Clubs
Each school session, pupils have the opportunity to participate in after
school activities such as basketball and dance classes. These are run in
conjunction with our partners in Culture and Sport.
Assessment & Reporting
Assessment is a way of collecting information allowing teachers, pupils
and parents to measure pupil progress and inform next steps for learning.
Assessment is continuous throughout the session and is central to
teacher’s planning; in summarising success and progress and in providing
useful feedback. Assessment measures the success of learning, teaching
and pupil achievement; it informs the next step in learning.
We use assessment in many ways:
• To recognise success and achievement
• To support learning
• To provide feedback to pupils and parents
• To encourage high expectations of all pupils
• To provide information to measure attainment throughout the
school
• To provide evidence to inform next steps in learning
Parents have several opportunities to discuss their child’s development
with staff. We have a ‘Meet the Teacher’ in September and Parents’
Nights November and April of each year. An interim report is sent out at
Christmas and a final report is sent out in June. Confidentiality of
reports and records is respected.
Pupil Profiles
Every child leaving primary school in Scotland has their key achievements
in school, at home and in the community documented within a P7 profile.
The content of the profile is decided by the young person. The profile is
a positive record of their achievements and emphasis their strengths.
The profile provides a valuable way for learners to share valuable
information about their achievements with their parents and teachers in
secondary school.
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God’s Call
Religious Education and Observance
A CHARTER for CATHOLIC SCHOOLS in Scotland
The mission of St Joachim’s is to develop as a community of faith and
learning, providing the highest quality of education, and offering
formation through the promotion of Gospel values, through celebration
and worship, and through service to the common good.
All Catholic schools in Scotland, in honouring Jesus Christ as the Way,
the Truth and the Life, will feature the following characteristics:
• A commitment to the integrated education and formation of the
whole person, in close partnership with parents as the first
educators of their children.
• An inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice
of each person, made in the image of God;
• A commitment to the search for wisdom in life and to the pursuit
of excellence, through the development of each person’s unique
God-given talents;
• A commitment to the spiritual formation of the school community,
through the shared experience of prayer and liturgy, and in
partnership with local parishes;
• The provision of religious education programmes which will enable
young people to develop their understanding of Gospel values and of
how to apply them to life;
• A commitment to uphold the moral teaching, faith tradition and
sacramental life of the Catholic Church;
• A commitment to communicate Catholic social teaching and thereby
to promote social justice and opportunity for all;
• A commitment to ecumenical action and the unity of Christians;
• The promotion of respect for different beliefs and cultures and
for inter-faith dialogue;
• A commitment to support the continuing professional and spiritual
development of staff.
All staff appointed to a Catholic School are expected to support and
promote the aims, mission, values and ethos of the school, as illustrated in
this Charter.
Daily Religious Sessions
The children participate in daily Religious Education observances e.g.
prayers in the morning, lunchtime and the evening.
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Weekly Assembly
The children attend a weekly assembly where emphasis is placed on the
Liturgical Calendar.
Holidays of Obligation
On Holidays of Obligation, when attendance at Mass is obligatory, and
other important occasions, the pupils and staff attend Mass in St
Joachim’s Parish Church.
Preparation for Sacraments
During the primary school years, the children are prepared for the
Sacraments of Reconciliation (First Confession), Holy Communion and
Confirmation. These are regarded as uniquely special occasions in the lives
of the children. The local Parish Priest is an active member of our team
and supports pupil, staff and parents in preparation and presentation of
the child for the Sacraments.
Requests for Religious Abstentions
In accordance with Council policy, parents who wish to do so have the
right to withdraw their child from class during Religious Education
lessons. However parents of children who are not Catholic can be assured
that Religious Education is approached sensitively and in a climate of
great respect for those of other faiths.
Parents exercising this right to withdraw their children must do so in the
knowledge that it will not always be possible to provide direct teacher
supervision at such times, as no additional teachers are provided for this
purpose although children will be supervised.
Religious Education is much more than a period in the day for our school,
and we attempt to teach Christian Standards by example within the
School.
Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from
school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written
requests detailing the personal arrangements will be considered.
Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in
any one-school session and the pupil’s absence noted using REL code in the
register.
Fundraising
During the seasons of Lent and Advent, pupils fundraise for SCIAF and a
variety of other charities. Pupils also raise funds for a Christian Medical
Mission in Ghana.
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Our Parishes
In St Joachim’s we are very close to the Parish of St Joachim where
pupils can walk to throughout the year to participate in Masses and
celebrations with the local community. Pupils are encouraged to
participate fully in the mass by being readers, altar servers and taking up
offerings during the Offertory. The Parish Priest in St Joachim’s is
Father Francisco and we liaise closely with him to ensure the school has
close links with the Parish.
Pupils from St. Joachim’s are also members of St Paul’s Parish and St
Joseph’s Parish and we have strong links with Father Campbell and
Monsignor Woods at these parishes
Should teachers have any concerns about a pupil’s behaviour or progress,
the parents are normally contacted and an interview arranged in order to
attempt to remedy the situation.
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Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
The GIRFEC approach is about how staff in all children’s services meet
their needs by working together where necessary to ensure that children
reach their full potential. Further information can be found from
www.scotland.gov.uk/gettingitright
Additional Support Needs/ Accessibility
Strategy
The progress of the child is carefully monitored and recorded. If we feel
a child has a particular difficulty we will use a wide variety of assessment
evidence to help us plan a suitable programme of work. In some cases we
refer a child to our Educational Psychologist, Sandra Gardner, or other
outside agencies to support pupils and their families. Parents are always
fully informed and consulted at all stages of referral.
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.
We follow Glasgow City Council’s policy for provision of additional
support needs:
GCC Policy – Glasgow City Council has a duty, as outlined in the Standards
in Scotland’s Schools2000 Act, to ensure that your child achieves their
potential. Glasgow’s Education Services is committed to the inclusion of
all children and young people with additional support needs, where
possible, within mainstream schools. This is in accordance with the
statutory requirement in the 2000 Act. It is also part of Glasgow’s policy
to maintain a range of special educational establishments. This recognises
the key role to be played by specialist provisions in addressing severe low
incidence disabilities. The authority recognises that there are a wide
range of factors, which may act as a barrier to your child’s learning. We
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are committed to working closely with parents and carers to ensure that
you are fully involved in overcoming barriers to learning.
Additional support needs may be linked to a learning difficulty or
disability but could also apply to a child or young person suffering from
bereavement who requires pastoral support, a more able
child/young person or those with a particular talent, which needs to be
fully developed. The policy requires all establishments to provide an
environment where children and young people with additional support
needs are actively encouraged to be effective learners and benefit form
their school education.
Any parent/carer seeking further advice regarding this policy should
contact the head teacher in the first instance.
If a parent is unhappy with the support their child is getting they must
first discuss this with the school in order to seek a resolution at that
very local level.
Further information relating to additional support needs is available on
the Glasgow City Council website –
www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8627
Information on the Glasgow City Councils’ Parental Involvement Strategy
can also be found at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8642
Physical Access:
St. Joachim’s is a single storey building with easy access to all parts of
the school and complies with the approved Accessibility Strategy
published in 2004. There are ramped entrances, wide door openings and
no requirement for a lift.
Ramps at several access points to the school have also been installed
Personal Learning Planner
Each child has a personal learning planner which they use to record their
agreed targets in language, maths and personal and social development.
These targets are agreed by the child, the teacher and the parent at the
beginning of each term and reviewed at the end of the term and new
targets set. This is an innovative approach and the personal learning
planners contain information about the child’s achievements both inside
and outside of school.
School Improvement
On an annual basis, you will receive a copy of our Standards and Quality
report. Copies from previous years are available on the school website.
The Standards and Quality report highlights progress in key curricular
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areas such as literacy, numeracy and health & wellbeing. Our priorities
for improvement are detailed in our School Improvement Plan which is
discussed with our Parent Council. Any parent or carer seeking a copy of
the plan can contact the school office or check out our website.
SCHOOL Ethos and Code of Conduct
Promoting Positive Discipline
In St Joachim’s Primary we have high expectations of our pupils and we
expect them to reflect our own values and beliefs through equality of
opportunity and respect for all. Our Christian values which are promoted
clearly through our curriculum and ethos, encourage and support our
children as they learn social rules and behaviour which is imperative to
the maintenance of a civil society which enjoys diversity whilst promoting
its own rich Scottish culture. Our promoting positive behaviour policy is
based on the idea that children should earn rewards i.e. happy faces for
good behaviour. These are gathered and counted with the house with the
largest total receiving 5 house points. These points accumulate
throughout the year, with the winning house being awarded a prize in
June.
Pupils who from time to time do not obey the rules suffer the following
sanctions:
Playtime Detention
Lunchtime Detention
Completion of work at playtime, if not completed because of time wasting
etc. Letters are issued to parents on this matter if this continues.
In cases of continuing misbehaviour, the child will also be placed on a
weekly or daily report, which will be sent home to the parents.
Parents and children should note that children are under the jurisdiction
of the school while travelling on buses provided by the Education
Authority. The school therefore has the right and indeed duty, to take
disciplinary action against children who misbehave on school buses, and if
necessary to withdraw their bus pass.
Faced with a pattern of repeated misconduct or with a single blatant and
serious breach of discipline, the Head teacher is empowered, under
certain conditions, to exclude a pupil from school. In such cases, which
are likely to be rare, contact is made immediately with the pupil’s parents
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so that the problem can be resolved and the pupil restored to school as
soon as possible.
Anti-Bullying Strategy
The school takes very seriously the impact that “bullying” can have on a
child. From day 1 in St Joachim’s the children are encouraged to stop
bullying by employing self-assertive techniques and by “telling”. We try
our best to make children feel comfortable with this, as bullying
continues because a child is too frightened to tell. We also help children
identify what is bullying behaviour and employ strategies to deal with
this. We also have a group recruited from the children called the “Bully
busters” who patrol the yard and then discuss with the H.T. what they
saw and heard. This process helps children grow in their understanding of
bullying behaviour as well as providing an ear for our
Activ8ators
The Sport Co-ordinator has also trained and recruited children from
primary 6 to be “Activ8ators” these children have learned games suitable
for younger children and on a rata basis organise games in the infant
yard.
Peer Mediators
Our older children are trained as peer mediators to help sort out minor
disputes in the playground. This encourages our pupils to learn to resolve
situations independently and avoid escalation of a problem where it is not
necessary.
Supervision of Playgrounds
An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at break times in terms of
the Schools (Safety and supervision of Pupils, Scotland) Regulations 1990.
During break times the yard is supervised by the janitor and pupil support
assistants.
Inclement Weather Supervision
During a “wet play” when the weather is too poor for the children to go
out to the yard they are supervised in the classroom by the support staff
and some primary 7 pupils who are trusted monitors in the school.
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HOME & SCHOOL LINKS
Parent as Partners
In St Joachim’s we encourage the active involvement of parents in the
educational development of their children. We have an ‘open door’ policy
and parents /guardians are always welcome to discuss any aspect of their
child’s education. There are many ways this can be achieved:
• Helping your child with their homework.
• Attending Parent workshops on the Curriculum
• Competing targets and reviewing learning logs in your child’s
personal learning plan.
• Asking them what they are learning at school.
• Reading our newsletters and curriculum newsletters.
• Accompanying us on trips.
• Lending your expertise in curricular areas.
• Supporting play activities.
• Supporting the Parent Council.
• Attending school events, sports days and plays.
• Informing us of issues affecting your child’s education.
• Attending Parents’ Evenings.
• Completing feedback forms when they are issued. These help us to
improve provision for your child.
In addition to this we actively seek the views and opinions of our parents
to inform our school improvement planning. The school improvement plan
is displayed on the Parent Council Noticeboard and Parents are given
regular updates on progress towards targets set through both Parent
Council Meetings and through monthly newsletters. Parents are consulted
through evaluations surveys on both the Curriculum and on the ethos and
wider life of the school. These comments are collated and form the basis
of action points on the School Improvement Plan.
Homework
As a school, we believe that homework plays an important of education.
Homework should be relevant to class work and should reinforce learning.
In P1 to P3 pupils are given homework diaries to maintain communication
with home and school. Parents are asked to ensure this is completed to a
satisfactory standard and sign the diary.
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P4-7 have a school homework diary to encourage independent management
of work and projects. Parents and children are also asked to sign a
homework contract at the start of each session, this also contains an
outline of the class homework routine.
Homework should be:
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Well explained and with a clear purpose.
Well planned and monitored by the teacher.
Manageable in the time given.
Challenging but not too difficult.
Likely to promote confidence through success.
Recognised and rewarded.
Supported by parents.
Homework will usually be given on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday.
Maximum time for homework:
P1-3: 15-20 minutes per night.
P4-5: 20-25 minutes per night.
P6-7: 25-30 minutes per night.
These are maximum times. Parents are asked to check and sign all
homework tasks.
The Parent Council
The Parent Council is composed of parents and guardians, staff and coopted members with the Head of Establishment as professional adviser,
having duties, rights and responsibilities in relation to the management of
the school. These duties include:
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Consulting with and reporting to parents on matters of interest.
Encouraging the development of links between the school and
parents.
Taking part in recruitment of senior management.
Discussing and approving plans head teacher’s plans for purchasing
resources and materials.
Receiving reports from the Head of Establishment and the
Education Authority.
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•
Having power to raise funds and spending these for the benefit of
the school in consultation with the Head of Establishment.
St Joachim’s has a very successful Parent Council who are very supportive
of the school. Through fundraising, they provide funds for parties and
outing for children. Last year they provided funding for trips to the
Safari Park and the Zoo as well as funding the P7 Leaver’s Party.
Letters will issued giving the date and time of Parent Council Meetings.
All parents are welcome.
Please come along!
Useful Contacts
Chair of the Parent Council:
Treasurer:
Suzanne Fallon
Sharon McDade
Useful Websites
www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk
www.Itscotland.org.uk/crosscurricular
Equal Opportunities and Social Inclusion
The Head Teacher of the school is responsible for ensuring that all
Council Employees are aware of and respect Glasgow City Council’s Policy
of equal opportunities for all, irrespective of socio-economic
circumstances, educational and physical abilities, sex, race or religion, to
participate fully in all aspects of the school’s activities.
Within our Personal & Social Development curriculum pupils are made
aware of discrimination and its effects. Staff members encourage pupils
to report any bullying or racist incidents to senior management. All staff
is expected to deal with difficult situations positively and fairly with
calmness and empathy for all involved.
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.
School Security In order to maintain the safety of all concerned,
permission to enter the school building can only be accessed via the main
entrance and by reporting to the school office.
Cars in school grounds
In the interest of safety, parents are asked not to bring cars into the
school car park unless in exceptional circumstances.
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ADDRESSES
Executive Director of Education:
Maureen Mc Kenna
Wheatley House
25 Cochrane Street
Glasgow G1 1HL
Area Manager:
Morag Gunnion
Local Councillors:
Anne Simpson
Local MP
Local MSP
Margaret Curran
John Osborne
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