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Contents
Introduction Page 3 and 4
School Aims Page 5
School Details Page 6 & 7
Parent Council Page 8 & 9
Enrolment of Pupils/ P1 Admission Page 10
Timetabling of the School Page 11
Secondary School Page 12
Catchment Area Page 13
Curriculum for Excellence Pages 14, 15 & 16
Religious Education Page 17
Support for Pupils Page 18
Additional Support Needs Page 19,20,21
Enhanced Provision Page 21
Assessment Page 22
Reporting to Parents Page 23
Complaints Procedure / Homework Page 24
Outdoor and Extra Curricular Activities Page 25
Wider Achievements Page 26
School Uniform Page 27
School Clothing Grants Page 27
Positive Behaviour Page 28
Attendance Page 28
Transport Page 29
School Meals Page 29
Music Tuition Page 30
Emergency Closure Page 30
Insurance Page 31
Health Care Page 31
Accidents Page 32
Medication Page 32
Safety / Mobile Phones Page 33
School and Community Links Page 33
Parental Partnerships Page 34,35
Parental Access to Information/ Data Handling Page 35-38
Child Protection Page 38
School Holiday Information Page 39
3
Dear Parents/Carers
Our Lady’s Roman Catholic Primary School is a school where our pupils enjoy their
learning, staff work hard to maintain a caring Christian community where everyone is
valued equally. We regard it as a privilege to work with parents in every aspect of their
child’s learning and development. We have high expectations for all our pupils and
provide a rich and varied curriculum with an emphasis on enjoyment and enquiry. Our
Lady’s is a happy school and we believe we achieve this by providing a safe and secure
environment in which our children grow and learn with confidence.
At Our Lady’s Primary School we shall seek to:
� promote the way of life that Jesus Christ showed us, based on mutual respect and
prayer
� encourage a love of learning, high expectations, promoting
self-esteem and confidence to enable all to reach their full potential
� encourage the involvement of parents, parish and the wider community
� provide opportunities to develop leadership skills for all pupils and staff
� encourage everyone in our school to be
Successful Learners - Confident Individuals
Responsible Citizens - Effective Contributors
In order to do this we aim to:
• develop the pupil’s knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith by
promoting the values of the Christian Gospels
• offer a curriculum characterised by the highest standard of teaching and
learning that enables all our pupils to develop organisational skills,
creativity, teamwork and the ability to apply learning in new and
challenging contexts
• provide a broad and well-balanced curriculum
• provide an attractive and stimulating learning environment
• act as positive role models who treat each other with respect and fairness
• value the contributions of all
• work with parents, the parish and the community to provide a happy
Christian environment in which everyone can reach their full potential
4
All who work in Our Lady’s Primary School, teachers, early year practitioner,
classroom assistants, auxiliary, administration staff, breakfast club staff,
janitor, kitchen staff and cleaners take a keen interest in every pupil’s well
being and care.
Children are the most important people in our school and every member of
staff is here to ensure each child’s stay in Our Lady’s is a happy and fruitful
experience. We endeavour with the essential co-operation of our parents,
parish and local community, to encourage young people to grow emotionally,
socially, physically and spiritually to their full potential. We aim to promote
health and well-being for all. By doing this we hope to nurture qualities in
our pupils which will leave them well equipped to become responsible citizens
within society.
We hope parents will play a full and active part in the learning process and
the school is always open to parents who wish to discuss any aspect of their
child’s development.
Our Lady’s aims to foster effective communication with parents about all
aspects of their child’s school experience. We strive to keep parents and
carers informed about events and activities taking place in and out of school
throughout the year.
The staff at Our Lady’s work to a set of agreed aims which are listed
overleaf, and in striving to achieve these, we serve the best interests of our
young people, parents and the community.
5
• To provide an enjoyable and challenging learning experience in a
secure, trusting and Christian environment that allows children to
achieve their full potential.
• To deliver a curriculum which recognises individual strengths and
previous experiences regardless of race, gender, religion or disability.
• To offer a curriculum characterised by the highest standard of
teaching and learning that enables all our young people to develop
organisational skills, creativity, teamwork and the ability to apply
learning in new and challenging contexts.
• To promote an effective partnership with home, school and parish to
encourage the personal interests and aptitudes of learners.
• To facilitate the development of personal qualities necessary for
pupils to become successful learners, confident individuals,
responsible citizens and effective contributors.
• To promote in our pupils a sense of self esteem, respect for others in
the community and society; and a respect for people whose beliefs
may differ from their own.
SCHOOL AIMS
6
Address: Our Lady’s Primary School
Nelson Street
Dundee DD1 2PS
Telephone: 01382 435289
Email: [email protected]
School Roll: 111 (10/12/2012)
Head Teacher Mrs M Madill
Principal Teacher (Acting) Miss M Given
Principal Teacher
(Enhanced Provision) Mr S Clark
Staff
Mrs. V. Flood Class Teacher P6/7
Mrs. S. Byres (NQT) Class Teacher P2
Mrs. W. MacKenzie (NQT Mentor) Class Teacher P2
Mr M. Monaghan Class Teacher P4
Mrs J. Yule Class Teacher P3
Mrs. L. Reilly Class Teacher P1
Mr S. Moran Class Teacher P5
Mrs C. Fulton Class Teacher RCCT
Mrs. A. Laird Class Teacher Enhanced Provision
Mrs. H. Kirk Support for Learning
Mrs. A. Millar Support for Learning
Mrs. D. Dillon Early Years Practitioner
In addition to the above, Music tuition is given in brass, cello and violin.
Visiting Specialists –
Mr Gordon Evans – Brass Instructor
Mr S Thomas – Strings Instructor
SCHOOL DETAILS
7
Support Staff
Auxiliary Mrs. M. McFadyen
Admin. Officer Mrs A. Lowden
Admin. Assistant Mrs. C. Baskerville
Facilities Assistant Mr. G. Anderson
Classroom Assistant Mrs. L. English
Additional Support Needs Assistants (ASNA) - attached to Enhanced
Provision
Mrs. L. Rooney
Mrs. L. Hanlon
Mrs. A. Smith
Mrs. G. Thomson
Mrs G. Singh
8
Parent Members
Chairperson: Mrs Jane Egan
Treasurer: Mrs Mandy Johnstone
Clerk Mrs A Lowden
Staff Members
Mrs M Madill Head Teacher – advisory role to the Council
Miss M Given Staff representative
Church Representative
Fr. Steven P. Mulholland
PARENT COUNCIL
9
The Parent Council is a group of parents who have been selected in
accordance with the Parent Council Constitution to represent all the parents
of children at our school. Parents of any child at Our Lady’s can seek to be
part of the Parent Council in line with arrangements set out in the
constitution.
The Parent Council can co-opt other members as it sees fit.
The aims of the Parent Council are:-
To work together with everyone involved in school life - parents, learners,
teachers, school staff and the wider community.
To make sure that all parents have a say in their children's education - and
are able to express their views and wishes.
To build links between the school, parents, pupils, nurseries and pre-school
groups and the community.
Our Parent Council meets at least approximately once each term and
meetings are open to all parents.
If you would like more information about the Parent Council please contact
the school or the clerk to the Parent Council using the contact details below:
Parent Council Email –
10
If you wish to enrol your child for the new intake or any stage within the
school please phone and make an appointment to see the Head Teacher. If
you live out with the school catchment area you must make a placing request
in writing to the Education Services Manager, Education Department,
Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1NL.
Children who reach the age of five on or before 28 February 2014 are
eligible for enrolment at Our Lady’s RC Primary School. Parents of children
who reside in the school’s catchment area should enrol their child by 4th
February 2013. Families who reside out with the delineated area must make
an application to the Director of Education by 4th February 2013.
When enrolling your child at Our Lady’s RC Primary School, please bring
proof of address. Please make sure the proof is in the name of the person
making the application. The best type of proof is a utility bill, tenancy
agreement or council tax bill. We do not accept driver’s licences or bank
statements. Please also bring your child’s full Birth Certificate and proof of
Baptism. Prior to beginning school in August 2013, children and their parents
will be invited to a P1 Induction Morning at Our Lady’s RC Primary School
which will give parents an opportunity to discuss school procedures, meet
with staff members and see round the school.
ENROLMENT OF NEW PUPILS
PRIMARY 1 ADMISSION 2013 /14
11
School Starts 9.00 am
Morning Interval 10.30 am - 10.45 am
Lunchbreak 12.15 pm - 1.15 pm
Dismissal Time 3.15 pm
Primary 1 will be dismissed at 12.15 pm for the first three weeks and
thereafter at 3.15 pm. Parents of P1 children are requested to collect their
children at dismissal times, or make appropriate arrangements for collection
of their child by a responsible adult. Parents visiting the school other than
to meet their children should use the Nelson Street entrance.
TIMETABLING OF THE SCHOOL
DAY
12
All pupils attending Our Lady’s Primary School are allocated a place at St.
John’s High School, Harefield Road, Dundee.
Head Teacher – Mrs Fiona McLagan Telephone 01382 307060
In early December Primary 7 pupils will be informed of this placement by
letter.
If a parent wishes his/her child to transfer to a secondary school other
than the one proposed by the Authority, then a placing request must be
submitted by the parent to the Education Services Manager, Education
Department, Dundee House, North Lindsay Street, Dundee.
The Head Teacher meets regularly with the Head Teacher and staff of St.
John’s to discuss and plan areas of the transition from primary to secondary
school.
The transition from Primary School to Secondary School is assisted by the
following liaison:
• St. John’s holds an Open Evening for all Primary 7 pupils in November
• Parents are then notified of their child’s secondary school placing by
the Authority
• The Head Teacher, Depute Head Teacher and various other members
of St. John’s staff visit Our Lady’s RC Primary to meet with pupils and
discuss the transition process
• Primary 7 pupils get to visit St. John’s for an Induction visit where
they follow a Secondary timetable for two days.
Cluster Pupil Council
Two p7 pupils from each cluster primary school are invited to attend Cluster
Pupil Council Meetings. These pupils take back transition information to their
fellow classmates.
SECONDARY SCHOOL LIAISON
13
North Boundary: Eastwards from Woodside Avenue by centre of Kingsway
to Arbroath Road.
East Boundary: Westwards from Kingsway by centre of Arbroath Road to
a point just west of Dalgleish Road: then south by a line
just west of Dalgleish Road and north and west of Murray
Street to the river.
South Boundary: Westwards from the river by the river to point level with
Union Street.
West Boundary: Northwards from the river by the centre of Union
Street, Nethergate, Lindsay Street, Ward Road,
Marketgait, Parker Street, Barrack Road, Dudhope
Terrace, Upper Constitution Street, Macauley Street,
Carmichael Street, Kinghorne Road, Strathmartine Road,
Mains Road, Provost Road, Clepington Road, Graham
Street, Woodside Terrace and Woodside Avenue to
Kingsway.
DELINEATED AREA OF OUR LADY’S RC PRIMARY SCHOOL
(CATCHMENT AREA – as defined by the Authority)
14
CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE
In Our Lady’s a differentiated, well balanced curriculum is offered. Teaching /
Learning opportunities offer a variety of experiences - active learning, individual
work, small group/peer interaction and whole class teaching. Learning and Teaching
approaches take account of all aspects of the child’s experience, knowledge, ability
and talents.
The purpose of the curriculum is to provide the structure and support in learning
which will enable children to develop these four capacities.
CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE
15
The curriculum is designed under the following areas.
• Expressive Arts
• Languages and Literacy
• Health and Wellbeing
• Mathematics and Numeracy
• Religious and Moral Education
• Sciences
• Social Studies
• Technologies
Brief outlines of main curricular areas are given below.
Further information on any matter relating to your child’s
learning is available from the school.
Languages & Literacy
Storyworlds and Literacy World are the main language programmes,
complemented by Collins Grammar and North Lanarkshire Writing
Programme in addition to a wide range of supporting language
resources. Teaching and learning is focussed upon pupil
progression in the four main aspects of language; reading,
writing, talking and listening.
Mathematics & Numeracy
Two mathematic schemes, New Scottish Heinemann and
Teejay Maths, are used throughout the school. In addition to
number work emphasis is placed upon practical mathematical
activities, including interactive mental maths and problem
solving, aimed at providing our young people with skills for
learning, life and work.
16
Environmental / Social Studies
The school programme includes work in social studies, sciences and
technologies with an emphasis upon the acquisition of transferable
skills within the context of learning about the world.
Understanding the environment is important to every individual and
to the community at large, and the environmental studies curriculum
structures this learning so that pupils develop:
• Knowledge and understanding of the important principles and ideas of
social subjects, science and technology.
• A range of skills that will enhance their capacity for critical thinking
and problem solving within social, scientific and technological contexts
• Informed values and attitudes towards the environment through
relating their learning to the real world and to themselves.
Expressive Arts
Music, Physical Education, Drama and Art & Design are
integral part of the school curriculum offering pupils a range
of opportunities to acquire and develop skills and creativity
within a structured learning environment.
Health & Wellbeing
At Our Lady’s RC Primary, the Health & Wellbeing of all in
our school community is of paramount importance. Through
our Health & Wellbeing curriculum, and with GIRFEC
principles underpinning all aspects of practice, we aim to
ensure that all pupils are safe, happy, achieving, nurtured,
active, responsible, respected and included.
17
Our Lady’s is a Catholic school and we strive to teach and
uphold the Catholic faith to all pupils. This belief forms
part of the ethos of Our Lady’s and while there are set
times for religious education, our faith can be found in all
we do in school.
The school uses the “This Is Our Faith” document as the main Catholic
Education resource for R.E. and this focuses on exploring our Catholic Faith
through different strands of Faith. The Catholic Ethos of our school, to
which all members of our school community contribute, provides the context
within which religious education provides an invaluable contribution to the
personal and social development of all of our pupils. At Our Lady’s RC
Primary, personal development is pursued through a continuing process of
faith formation which promotes an active prayer life and participation in
sacramental activity.
The whole school attends Mass in Our Lady of Victories R.C. Church,
Forebank Road on Holidays of Obligation and other special occasions.
Father Steven Mulholland is the parish priest of St. Mary’s and is a regular
visitor to our school, supporting pupils preparing for sacraments of initiation.
In Our Lady’s we are committed, both through the ethos and the curriculum,
to provide appropriate opportunities for the development of pupils’ spiritual,
moral, social and cultural values. This will be undertaken in partnership with
parents and will take account of the individual needs of pupil and of parents.
The school welcomes and encourages diversity and individuality while
emphasising our common commitment to moral values. It is a fundamental
principle of our school that all who are involved in the life of Our Lady’s have
both the right to be respected as individuals and carry the responsibility to
act in a considerate and respectful manner towards others. This is
reflected in our statement of values and aims.
Parental Rights
Under section 9 of the Education (Scotland Act 1980) it is stated that any
parent has the right to withdraw his/her child from religious education and
observance. If you need to discuss this matter, please make an appointment
to speak with the Head Teacher.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
18
The school curriculum offers opportunities for our young people to acquire
high levels of numeracy, literacy and thinking skills. It should enable every
child to develop his or her full potential and extra help is available for
children who require support to access the curriculum.
The school also works closely with support agencies, such as the School
Community Support Service and the Educational Social Work Department.
Pupils who demonstrate special aptitudes and skills are provided with support
to ensure that they are challenged to maximise their potential.
Support for Learning teachers work with the children in all areas of the
school curriculum and closely monitor their progress; they meet regularly
with the Head Teacher and the class teacher to monitor, assess and review
the needs of pupils working with Support for Learning staff.
Parents may request an interview with the Support for Learning teacher at
any time. Support for Learning staff are also available at parents’ evenings
to discuss any issues related to their child’s learning.
SUPPORT FOR PUPILS
19
Most children make satisfactory progress in school and their education can
be fully supported at a universal level, by their class teacher.
Some children with significant additional support needs may need the
support of an Additional Support Plan.
A very small number of children with significant and long-term additional
support needs may require a Co-ordinated Support Plan as well as an
Additional Support Plan. These will be children who also receive significant
support from people outside education; e.g. health or social work staff.
If necessary, please contact the school for further advice.
As a parent/ carer you can access a wide range of information with regard
to additional support needs. The information is available both at your local
school and on the Dundee City Council website on this internet page
http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/education/support/
The following are available at the above internet page.
• Assessing Additional Support Needs
• Attending Pupil Support Planning Meetings
• Co-ordinated Support Plans
• Dispute Resolution
• Dispute Resolution Referral Form
• Mediation – Parent to Parent Leaflet
• Supporting Learning (Dundee City Council Education Department,
Support for Learning Policy)
• Supporting Learning in Dundee
This internet page also has many other leaflets on related topics which
might be of interest to you.
If you cannot access the internet, please ask the school office if you would
like a copy of any of these documents.
The Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act 2004 as amended by the
2009 Act came into force on 15 November 2010. We try to keep all our
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS
20
documents as current as possible. They are in the process of being revised
to reflect the amendments brought in by the 2009 Act to ensure the
information is as up to date as possible.
Information on additional support needs is also available for you from
outside Dundee City Council.
Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning
Operated by Children in Scotland, Enquire offers independent, confidential
advice and information on additional support for learning through:
A telephone helpline – 0845 123 2303
An email enquiry service
An online enquiry service
Two websites – www.enquire.org.uk (for parents / carers and practitioners)
and www.enquire.org.uk/yp (for children and young people)
Enquire also provide a range of clear and easy to read guides and fact sheets
explaining everything from “additional support in the early years” to “what
planning should take place from moving on from school”.
The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance Ltd
The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance: is a charitable body under
registration number SC033576. It offers a free of charge advocacy service
which provides support for parents and young people from the time they
have grounds to make a reference to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal
for Scotland (ASNTS).
Advice and information regarding this service can be obtained from their
website - www.siaa.org.uk
Scottish Child Law Centre,
The Scottish Child Law Centre is a charitable body registered in Scotland
under registration number SCO12741.” It offers advice and support for
families in regard of additional support needs.
21
Take Note – National Advocacy Service for Additional Support Needs
Take Note is a partnership between Barnardo’s Scotland and Scottish Child
Law Centre, It is a free of charge advocacy service which provides support
for parents and young people from the time they have grounds to make a
reference to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland (ASNTS).
Advice and information regarding this service can be obtained from the
website – www.barnardos.org.uk/takenote or by enquiries to the Scottish
Child Law Centre on 0131 667 633.
The school caters for pupils with additional support needs and at present
supports 21 such pupils. The school being on one level and open plan, allows
full physical access to children using wheelchairs or whose mobility is
restricted. The current complement of pupils within the Enhanced Provision
have complex disabilities. These pupils are taught by one full-time ASFL
Principal Teacher, one full-time teacher and five Additional Support Needs
Assistants (ASNA).
The ASFL team design and implement additional support plans (ASPs) for
the pupils in their care after consulting with parents and various educational
and medical agencies involved with each child. Parents are encouraged to
take an active role in the planning of these programmes and are encouraged
to discuss with staff how their child’s needs are being met.
Integration with mainstream peers is a key target for all pupils in our
Enhanced Provision. Regular consultation with the Head Teacher, Class
Teachers and Additional Support Needs Staff ensures that integration is
meaningful and purposeful addressing the particular strengths and
developmental needs of each individual both cognitively and socially.
Close liaison with parents is maintained through the provision of home/school
diaries, newsletters as well as formal reviews and parent interviews
ENHANCED PROVISION STATUS
22
Our Lady’s, in line with national and local authority guidelines on assessment,
ensures that assessment fits the purposes of learning, uses techniques to
support learning and informs the planning of the next steps in learning. The
school uses assessment as a sound basis for reporting on progress to
parents.
The school’s mathematics and language schemes have assessment
materials integral to the programmes. Both schemes ensure that
pupils’ progress at their own pace, and those individual
difficulties are easily identified and addressed.
The National Assessment Resource (NAR) is an online assessment resource
which can be used by classroom teachers as a tool to measure progress and
achievement.
The school has a Parent Evening each November and Feb / March providing
an opportunity for parents to meet with classroom teachers to discuss pupil
progress. At various points throughout the school year Open
Mornings/Afternoons are held at which parents can examine their child’s
classroom work and learning environment.
We encourage parents to be involved in their child’s education; should you
wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s learning out with the regular
parent contact times we will be happy to arrange this. Please call at the
school office in the first instance to make an appointment. This ensures
the appropriate staff are available to meet with you.
PIPS / INCAS
In the first term of Primary One, pupils are assessed using a baseline
assessment, PIPS (Performance Indicators in the Primary School). This
assessment gives an indication of each child’s preschool ability. A second
PIPS assessment is carried out at the end of Primary One as an indication of
progress made in the first year of school. INCAS diagnostic assessments
ASSESSMENT
23
are carried out at Primary 4 and Primary 6 stages. These assessments
measure progress made in a number of different areas including Reading,
Mathematics and developed ability.
Pupil Reports are provided to parents on an annual basis in the final term of
the school year. Each year a copy of your child’s report is retained in
his/her Pupil Progress Report. Following completion of your child’s primary
education the Pupil Progress Report is forwarded to the relevant secondary
school to which the child is transferred.
If a child transfers to another primary school his/her PPR will be forwarded
to that school. If a child leaves the area, his/her PPR remains the property
of the Education Authority.
At Our Lady’s, parents are invited in for a parent / carer contact evening in
November and February. Reporting on pupil progress is a very important
aspect of our school and an important form of communication between home
/ school. Pupil planners are used as an effective two way communication tool
and termly newsletters are sent home with children. Parent / carers also
have access to the school’s current 3 year Improvement Plan which outlines a
variety of projects being undertaken in order to move the school forward.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
24
Parents can raise concerns initially by communicating with the class teacher
in their child’s diary. However if the complaint/concern is more pressing,
parents can phone or come into school to make an appointment with the Head
Teacher. The school operates an Open Door Policy with regards to parents
and if the Head Teacher is available, she will meet with parents and deal
with any issues immediately. Any formal parental complaints/concerns are
recorded in logs with dates and action taken detailed. If
complaints/concerns are not dealt with satisfactorily, parents have the
option of then contacting the Education Department’s Advice & Information
Support Manager, Kerry Gethins for further advice.
Our Lady’s RC Primary has a newly drafted homework policy which is
displayed in the school foyer and copies are available on request. The aims of
homework at our school are as follows:
• To support and reinforce work carried out in class
• To develop life skills
• To strengthen home / school communication
• To encourage good study habits amongst pupils and for them to take
responsibility for their own learning
• To ensure consistency across the school
• To encourage pupils and their parents / carers to share and enjoy
learning experiences together.
HOMEWORK
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
25
Each session our Primary 7 pupils enjoy a four day residential visit to the
Compass Christian Centre at Glenshee. The visit offers our young people a
variety of new and challenging experiences; the opportunity to enjoy
challenging outdoor activities, put into practice science and technology skills
learned in the classroom and live and interact socially with their peers in an
unfamiliar setting.
Parents of Primary 7 pupils are invited to a meeting early in the school
session to discuss details of the trip including costs. Families are
encouraged to spread the cost of this event over the school year in an
effort to ensure that the costs are manageable.
Throughout the year all classes will undertake educational visits of a variety
of places of interest in and around Dundee. These visits are structured to
complement the work being done in school.
At the start of each session in August, children bring home a form which we
ask all parents to sign and return to school. This form provides the cover
necessary to take your child on these visits, but parents will always be
informed of the time, date and place of any proposed trip.
Football Monday lunchtime; Monday after
school, Lunchtimes (Mr Moran)
Rosary Group Monday lunchtime (Miss M Caswell)
Netball Lunchtimes (Mrs Yule)
Multi-sport Thursday and Friday lunchtime
(Sport’s Development Staff)
Swimming Regular session for pupils in Primary
6 –St John’s High Swimming pool-
Transport provided
Eco / Health Group Lunchtimes (school staff)
OUTDOOR & EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
26
Our Lady’s Primary School is proud of the various non-academic activities
our children participate in and we celebrate our pupils’ achievements
regularly during our whole school assemblies.
It is a positive school decision to include pupils in as many events as possible
in order to give pupils opportunities to represent the school and identify
with the school community. Some examples of activities and events our pupils
have been involved in over the past year are detailed below:
• Two pupils from Primary 6 attended the Space School run in
partnership with Dundee City Council and Abertay University
• Primary 7 pupils raised in excess of £1000 during their Enterprise
topic of organising the Christmas Fayre. Money offset the cost of trip
to Compass Christian Centre, Glenshee
• Pupils raised £787 for MacMillan Cancer Support last session through
a coffee morning and a collection taken during the Christmas Show
• During our Lenten appeal pupils raised £1000 for SCIAF (Scottish
Catholic International Aid Fund)
• Our Christmas Nativity raised £120 for Mary’s Meals Charity.
• The Kick It/Kick Off programme was attended by a number of
Primary 6 and 7 pupils who were all presented with Certificates of
Achievement at the completion of the course
• Pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7 planned, organized and coordinated
the school’s first “Community Day” inviting members of our local
community in for a breakfast, tour of the school and talent show.
• A K-Nex Challenge took place in the school hall with the remit to
design and build a working windmill. Two pupils attended the Regional
Final
• Pupils’ achievements are celebrated each week at our whole school
assembly
• Two pupils from Primary 2 and Primary 7 won House of Commons
Christmas Card Competition.
The school’s Standards & Quality Report is available in the school foyer
which records the school’s main achievements over the last twelve
months
WIDER ACHIEVEMENT
27
Pupils are encouraged to wear school uniform. Our Lady’s school tie and
badge are in our school colours (royal blue/gold), and other items are as
shown. Prices for these items vary and parents are advised to compare
school wear retailers.
Uniform
Black skirt, black trousers, white blouse/shirt and school tie. Blazers are
optional.
A school sweatshirt, cardigan, or v-neck (royal blue with gold crest) is worn,
and for the summer months a school polo-shirt (white with royal blue motif)
is available. A fleece jacket is also available in school colours and for
inclement weather a school coat is now available for purchase.
Parents in receipt of Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance,
Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, support under Part VI
of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Guaranteed Pension Credit, Child
Tax Credit and an annual income of less than £15,860. The Authority will
consider one application per year for a grant towards the cost of purchasing
essential clothing to enable their children, up to the age of 16, to attend
school.
The school clothing grant payment will be made through BACS transfer into
a nominated bank account or paid by cheque.
Application forms may be obtained from the Head Teacher or Main
Reception at Dundee House. Forms can also be downloaded from the Council
website.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
SCHOOL CLOTHING GRANTS
28
At Our Lady’s we strive to create an environment in which pupils learn the
importance of self-control and self-discipline within clearly defined
parameters.
The school promotes positive behaviour and self esteem through a Positive
Behaviour House System, Golden Time and Circle Time.
Children are not permitted to leave the school playground during lunch break
for reasons of safety. Any pupil needing to leave school for any reason
must have written permission from a parent/guardian.
It is legally binding upon parents to see that their child attends school
regularly.
What parents can do:
If your child is ill
• Telephone the school on the first day of absence
If your child has a medical appointment or is going on holiday
• Consider if this can be done outside of school time
• If not then let the school know in writing in advance of the absence
• Try to keep the absence to a minimum
What the school will do:
If your child is absent and no contact has been made by you
• The school will text/telephone you during the first day of absence
• If unexplained absence continues an Education Home School Support
Officer will arrange to visit you and your child at home.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
ATTENDANCE
29
Transport is provided when a child attending his/her delineated area school
has to walk more than two miles, or to those pupils
whose journey between home and delineated area
school is deemed to be unduly hazardous.
Transport may be provided if the child has a special education need e.g.
physical disability.
Application for free transport must be made to the Education Office,
Dundee House, North Lindsay Street, Dundee.
School lunches are available in Our Lady’s RC Primary School.
P1 – P7 = A two course meal costs £2.00 daily.
Facilities for packed lunches are available in the school dining hall. Any
drinks in pupils’ lunch boxes must be in a plastic container or no breakable
flask. Pupils are strongly encouraged not to go to local shops during
lunchtime.
Parents will be entitled to Free School Meals for all children at school for
whom you receive Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance,
Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, Support under Part VI
of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Guaranteed Pension Credit, or in
receipt of Child Tax Credit and have an annual income of less than £15,860
or Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of less than £6420. If
the benefit is Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, the form must be
stamped by the Job Centre. Application forms are available from the
school or the reception, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee,
DD1 1NL.
TRANSPORT
SCHOOL MEALS
30
Instrumental tuition is available for strings and brass tuition. If your child is
selected for music tuition and you are in receipt of Income Support, Income
Based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support
Allowance, Income based Job-Seekers Allowance, Support under Part VI of
the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Guaranteed Pension Credit, or in
receipt of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit and have an annual income
of less than £15,860. Proof of entitlement will be requested at that time.
Music fees are as follows:
Tuition Periods Tuition Fee Instrument Hire Payment Due Sept - June £126 £79 1 instalment Nov
or 10 instalments
Oct - July
In the event of an emergency, such as an unplanned closure, parents /
guardians will be notified by telephone wherever possible.
The importance of up to date Emergency Contact Forms being kept in school
cannot be emphasised enough. These forms are distributed annually for an
update of information. No child will be sent home without prior consultation
with the parent / guardian.
MUSIC TUITION
EMERGENCY CLOSURE
31
The Authority insure against its legal liability for:
i) Accidental personal injury
ii) Loss or damage to property of third parties
Parents are advised that no insurance cover is maintained for circumstances
in which the Council does not have a legal liability. Parents may wish to
consider their own insurance arrangements.
Medical Inspections
Regular checks for sight, hearing, height and weight are carried out by the
school nurse at various stages of your child’s life and parents are notified
when these take place. The school nurse gives talks on health, personal
hygiene and growth and development.
Medical Conditions
Parents should notify the school of any specific medical conditions affecting
their child.
Confidentiality
Any information regarding your child’s health will be treated with the
strictest confidence.
Our school nurse is Elaine Craigie.
HEALTH CARE
INSURANCE
32
In the event of a child having an accident or becoming ill at school we will
attempt to contact the parents so that they can collect the child from
school. However, if we cannot contact the parents, we will contact the
Emergency Contact whose name and telephone number should be given to us
by the parents. Therefore it is very important that parents inform the
school of the name, address and telephone number of the Emergency
Contact and advise the school immediately of any changes that occur. It
follows that parents should also advise the school straight away of any
changes in their own address, telephone number etc.
N.B. In the event of a child having a serious accident or condition requiring
immediate medical attention we will take whatever steps we feel are
necessary to ensure the well-being of the child, e.g. taking the child straight
to hospital. We will inform parents as soon as possible of the action taken.
If your child has any specific medical condition, e.g. asthma, diabetes,
coeliac disease, epilepsy, allergies then you should inform the school at the
earliest opportunity.
The school cannot take responsibility for storing or administering everyday
medicines (e.g. painkillers, cough medicines, creams). If your child has been
prescribed medicines for cold/flu etc, then this should be administered at
home.
If your child must take medicine during the school day (i.e. inhalers for
asthma) you must fill in a Parental Request Form (K1/K2) which can be
obtained from the school office. Once these forms are completed they
must be submitted to the school with your child’s medication, clearly labelled
with your child’s name and appropriate instructions.
ACCIDENTS
MEDICATION
33
Our Lady’s strives to promote safety within the school and pupils are
expected to adhere to rules that ensure their safe keeping at all times.
Pupils are expected to stay within the school environs if they have lunch in
school. Unacceptable behaviour during lunch times may result in a child
being collected from school and taken home for lunch.
Regular Fire Drill is carried out each term.
The school discourages, and advises parents to discourage pupils from
bringing mobile phones to school on the grounds that they are valuable and
may be lost or stolen. When a pupil does bring a mobile phone to school, the
phone must remain switched off and out of sight during the school day.
Breaches of behaviour with respect to this order may lead to temporary
confiscation of equipment and communication with parents.
Our Lady’s has very strong links with our local church, Our Lady of Victories.
Our parish priest, Father Steven Mulholland, is a regular visitor to school
and is very supportive of our school community. We work closely with Fr
Steven in preparing our children to receive the Holy Sacraments of
Initiation -Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. We attend Our
Lady of Victories Church at various times throughout the year to take part
in celebrations and services.
Our Lady’s Primary has strong links through the parish of Our Lady of
Victories. Members of the Parish Rosary Group visit the school on Monday
lunchtime to encourage the children to pray the Rosary and intercede for
the needs of others.
SAFETY
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LINKS
MOBILE PHONES
34
Parents are welcome in school and throughout the year. There are many
opportunities to forge links with all members of our community, our senior
citizens and our neighbouring schools etc.
The school has fostered links with local community bodies such as Grey
Lodge, DCA, Mark Henderson Centre, Wellgate Central Library, Arthurstone
Library, Dundee REP Theatre, Tayside Police and the Attic. We encourage
our pupils to participate in community events initiated through the school.
These activities widen horizons and develop the confidence of our young
people. We are able to respond to the personal interests and aptitudes of
learners through clubs, community, charitable and fundraising events. Such
links play a major part in creating opportunities for individual growth,
progress and achievement.
At Our Lady’s we are committed to maintaining positive links between home
and school. This positive partnership is very important to the health,
happiness and progress of our children. Parents/Carers are encouraged to
participate in all aspects of school life whether it is:
• Open days
� Parents’ Meetings
� Reporting Evenings
� Termly Newsletters
� Curriculum Leaflets
� Homework/ Reading Diaries
� Parent Council
� Curricular Meetings
� Plays
� Enrolment meetings
� Sacraments
� Transfer to Secondary Schools
� National Literacy Young Readers’ Projects
PARENTAL PARTNERSHIP
35
We feel that maintaining good relationships with each other is very
important. After all we are all here for the children and want what is best
for them.
In spite of the necessary security measures, we do try to operate an open
door policy. You are welcome to come and see me anytime. If I am not
available you can make an appointment with my Admin Officer for some
other time.
School Pupil Records (Scotland Regulations 1990)
These regulations make provision for granting access by parents and pupils –
over the age of 16 to manually maintained pupil records. Parents and pupils
wishing to access these records should contact the Head Teacher to obtain
the necessary application form.
Transferring Educational Date About Pupils
Education Authorities and the Scottish Executive Education Department
(SEED) have collected data about pupils on paper for many years. We are
now working together to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed
programme. Thus SEED has two functions: acting as a ‘hub’ for supporting
data exchange within the education system in Scotland and the analysis of
data for statistical purposes within the Scottish Executive itself.
What pupil data will be collected and transferred? Data on each pupil is collected by local authorities and SEED. The data
collected and transferred covers areas such as date of birth, Scottish
Candidate Number (SCN), postcode, registration for free school meals,
PARENTAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION
HANDLING OF DATA
36
whether a pupil is looked after by his/her local authority, additional support
needs including disability and English as an additional language (EAL), and
attendance, absence and exclusions from school. The SCN acts as the
unique pupil identifier. Pupil names and addresses are not passed to SEED.
Your postcode is the only part of your address that is transferred for
statistical purposes, and postcodes are grouped to identify localities rather
than specific addresses. Dates of birth are passed on as a month and year
only, again to ensure that individuals are never identified. Data is held
securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published by
SEED.
Providing national identity and background data is entirely voluntary. You
can choose the not disclosed option if you do not want to provide this data.
However, we hope that the explanations contained in this message will help
you understand the importance of providing the data.
Why do we need your data? In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education
SEED and education authorities and other partners such as the SQA and
Careers Scotland need accurate, up to date data about our pupils. We are
keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve
better examination results. Accurate and up to date data allows us to:
• Plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils
• Plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of
pupils
• Better understand some of the factors that influence pupil
attainment and achievement
• Share good practice
• Target resources better
Your data protection rights The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in
accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the
National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation
related to safe guarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection
Act gives you the right to know how we will use your data. This message can
37
give only a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of the uses
of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net).
SEED works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of
Education and SQA. On occasion, we will make individual data available to
partners and also academic institutions to carry out research and statistical
analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners information they need in
order to fulfill their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be
done under the strict control of SEED, which will ensure that no individual
level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that the
data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual.
Decisions on the sharing of data will be taken in consultation with colleagues
within and outwith SEED.
Parental Access to Records Parents and pupils have a right of access to school records.
The Data Protection Act gives all school students, regardless of age, the
right of access to their school pupil records.
The Data Protection Act says: ‘Requests to see or receive copies of records should be made in writing to
the Head Teachers’.
Concerns If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email
the Senior Statistician, Pete Whitehouse, at
peter,[email protected] or write to The ScotXed Support
Office, SEED, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative
versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support
Office, in other languages, audio tape, braille and large print.
Want more information? Further details about ScotXed data exchanges are available on the ScotXed
website, www.scotxed.net, which contains a section on ‘frequently asked
questions’ at http:/www.scotxed.net/jahai/Jahia/lang/ed/pid/220.
38
The information contained in this handbook is for the school year 2012/2013 and is correct at the time of going to print (January 2013). It is understood that circumstances may change during the session, without prior notice being given. An updating of information will take place each year and should major change occur during the school year, parents will be notified.
As a school we have a responsibility to act in the best interests of our pupils.
This may mean using our city wide child protection procedures which will
involve communicating with other agencies, taking immediate action and
recording sensitive information in order to keep your children safe.
The school aims to work in partnership with parents but sometimes when
there are concerns it may not be in the best interests of the child to have
the parents/carers involved immediately.
If you have any concerns you should approach the Designated Child
Protection Officer (DCPO), posters in the school will indicate who this is.
For Our Lady’s Primary School Mrs. Madill, Miss Given and Mr. Clark are the
designated Child Protection Officers. Alternatively the number for Dundee
City's child protection line is 307999.
The school’s Child Protection Policy is available on request.
PROTECTING CHILDREN
39
Session 2013-2014
Autumn Term Start Staff Monday 12 August 2013 In Service Day (1)
Start Pupils Tuesday 13 August 2013
End
Friday 4 October 2013
Autumn Holiday Start
Monday 7 October 2013
End
Friday 18 October 2013
Winter Term Start
Monday 21 October 2013
Thursday 14 November 2013 In Service Day (2)
Friday 15 November 2013 In Service Day (3)
End
Friday 20 December 2013
Christmas Holiday Start
Monday 23 December 2013
End
Friday 3 January 2014
Spring Term Start
Monday 6 January 2014
Thursday 13 February 2014 In Service Day (4)
Friday 14 February 2014 Mid Term Holiday
Monday 17 February 2014 Mid Term Holiday
End
Friday 28 March 2014
Spring Holiday Start
Monday 31 March 2014
End
Friday 11 April 2014
Summer Term Start
Monday 14 April 2014
Friday 18 April 2014 Good Friday
Monday 5 May 2014 May Day
Friday 23 May 2014 In Service Day (5)
Monday 26 May 2014 Victoria Day
End
Friday 27 June 2014
SCHOOL TERM & HOLIDAYS
2013/2014
40