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Welcome to St Athanasius’ Primary SchoolHead Teacher’s IntroductionI am pleased to present our school handbook for session 2015/2016. The information inthis book will help you to learn more about St Athanasius’ Primary School and abouthow we can work together to provide the best possible care and education for ourchildren.The members of our school community: pupils, teachers and staff, share closerelationships. Every member is a valued, respected and important member of a team,all taking a pride in themselves and in their school, all working to help our children to bethe best they can be. We are an integral part of the wider community. St Athanasius’school is part of a three-way partnership. We consider our parents to be our partners inthe education of our children. The other partner is the Church. We respect your viewsand are very happy to listen. We ask parents to support and assist the school’s aimsand policies so that we can provide the best possible education for our pupils. ‘Everyvoice counts’ and our children’s views are also very important. They are represented bytheir Pupil Council and their House Captains.The teaching of French throughout the school enhances our broad and balancedcurriculum, as detailed in this handbook. There are many extra curricular activities forour pupils, such as Football, Netball, and Athletics, Cross Country, School Choir,Drama, and Spanish – for boys and girls of all ages!Parents are invited to the school on twice a year to discuss their child’s progress withthe class teacher and we are always happy to meet with parents at any other mutuallyconvenient time. We also hope to welcome you on the many other occasions when wewill share our children’s talents at our monthly OSCARS Assembly, coffee mornings andChristmas musicals.Each child is encouraged and motivated towards success by our dedicated staff, in apositive ethos of achievement, where success is celebrated. High but achievablestandards of work and behaviour are set so that every child can achieve his/herpotential. Our achievement wall proudly displays a whole school record for all to see.Our new, multipurpose, modern facility has a fantastic ethos and level of achievement.Staff and pupils in St Athanasius’ Primary embrace the Curriculum for Excellence. Thisenables all our children to become: Successful Learners, Confident Individuals,Effective Contributors and the Responsible Citizens of the future.We invite your partnership even before your son or daughter comes to school and lookforward to meeting with you and to working with you through the years ahead.Yours sincerelyFrancis FarrellHead TeacherJanuary 2015
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16ContentsSection 1: Establishment Aims Spiritual, social, moral and cultural valuesEqual opportunities and social justiceSection 2: General Information School staff School modernisation School Year Primary school hours Early years Nursery class hours Enrolment Induction Transfer to secondarySection 3: Curriculum Additional support needs Extra curricular activitiesSection 4: Parental Partnership Home and school links Parental Involvement Reporting to parents School uniform Working together to promote positive behaviour Towards a safer school Homework Attendance at school Information to proposed transfer of school Family holidays during term time Attendance and absence data School mealsSection 5: Health and Safety Medical and health care Administration of medicines Child protection Towards a safer schoolSection 6: Transport2Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16Section 7: Other Information Information on emergencies Insurance for schools Reporting of racist incidents Transferring educational data Multi stage composite classes Parent Council Data protection DisclaimerAppendices Holidays and in-service days The Charter for Catholic Schools3Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16IntroductionSt Athanasius’ Primary is one of 124 primary schools throughout South LanarkshireCouncil.South Lanarkshire Council is the fifth largest authority in Scotland. It covers thefollowing main areas; Clydesdale in the south which features extensive rural areas,Cambuslang, Rutherglen, Blantyre and Uddingston to the north as well as the towns ofEast Kilbride and Hamilton.The Council’s Plan Connect sets out the Council’s vision which is, “to improve thequality of life for all within South Lanarkshire”.For Education Resources this means delivering services of the highest quality as wellas striving to narrow the gap. It is about continually improving the services for everyoneat the same time as giving priority to children, young people, families and communitiesin most need. The priorities for schools and services are set out in the EducationResources Plan which confirms the commitment to provide better learning opportunitiesand outcomes for children and young people.The context for service delivery in Education Resources takes account of major nationaland local developments. These include a commitment to implement all aspects of thenational programme, Curriculum for Excellence (CfE); a commitment to work inpartnership with colleagues to meet the challenges of ‘Getting it Right for Every Child;and an awareness of the need to seek continuous improvement as we embark on aJourney to Excellence. Locally, the community plan, Stronger Together, and theambitious outcomes for children within Education Resources’ framework of core policieshelp to inform the Resources Plan.It is hoped that with your support and the support of other parents that the school canwork together in creating an environment where children can be successful learners,confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.Curriculum for Excellence is now embedded on practice across Scotland for all 3-18year olds – wherever they learn. It aims are to raise standards, prepare our children fora future they do not yet know and equip them for jobs of tomorrow in a fast changingworld.Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to worktogether across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explorelearning together. Glow, Scotland’s unique, world-leading, online network supportslearners and teachers in this and plans are already in place for parents across thecountry to have access to Glow.Teachers and practitioners will share information to plan a child’s ‘learning journey’ from3-18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary andbeyond, ensuring the change is smooth. They’ll ensure children continue to work at apace 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 andability. Every single teacher and practitioner will be responsible for literacy andnumeracy – the language and numbers skills that unlock other subjects and are vital toeveryday life.It develops skills for learning; life and work to help young people go on to further study,secure work and navigate life. It brings real life into the classroom, making learningrelevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom. Itlinks knowledge in one subject area to another helping children understand the worldand make connections. It develops skills so that children can think for themselves,make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find solutions.4Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16There is personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and make the mostof their opportunities with additional support wherever that’s needed. There will be anew emphasis by all staff on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – toensure that the school is a place where children feel safe and secure.Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims to improve our children’s life chances, tonurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, andresponsible citizens, building on Scotland’s reputation for great education.Useful /learningteachingandassessmentSome feedback aboutSt Athanasius’ PrimaryWe get to do so many thingswhich are interesting and fun.St Ath’s is a brilliant school!Our school is amazing.The teachers are fantastic.St Athanasius school hasmade me what I am now !We get involved in so manythings. Our school cares forus. I will miss it when Ileave .ThomasEmily P7Erin P7My school is just great !Holly P2As a long standing memberof staff, I enjoy both myroles as a teacher andmember of the SMT. I enjoyworking alongside MrFarrell in developing thestrong community ethos wehave here. Mrs CallanMr Farrell and his staff do afabulous job not just withour own children but all thechildren. I’m amazed at theOSCARS to watch theconfidence of those pupilswhen they do theirpresentations.P7A remarkable school whogive so much to thechildren. Their enthusiasmand confidence iswonderful!Outstanding school,outstanding staff. Pupilssecond to none. As A parent Ican’t praise the school highlyenough.Mary - GrandmotherRichard - ParentWhere do Istart.charity work,concerts, showcasingwork, communityinvolvement.St Athanasius is ahappy, vibrant and highachieving school.John - ParentWonderful schoolGreat visionInventiveCreativeMagicDid I miss something outPaul - Former PupilI have beenwelcomed at StAthansius. It has awonderful; ethoswhich I am glad tobe part of !Miss ConnachanP6St Athanasius’ Primary, has excellentqualities such as working relationshipsbetween staff and pupils. A positive ethospromoting health and well being and a safeenvironment for children to work in.Mrs CrockettParent / Support AssistantCatherine - mother andparentOur school is magic !So are the teachers!Mr Farrell is cool!Erin P4I am proud to be head teacherof our school. The childrenwork hard and use theirtalents everyday. The staffwork hard and create awonderful ethos.St Athanasius’ Primary is agreat place to be in !Francis Farrell Head teacherAs both a parent and teacher here inSt Athanasius’ Primary, I believethis school to be both a nurturingand stimulating place for children tolearn. Our shared values ofinclusion, truthfulness and respect,permeate throughout the school atevery level.Mrs O’ Hara Primary1/2As the newest member of staff, Ithink that the whole community ofSt Athanasius, staff, pupils,parents and parish are sowelcoming of new pupils and staffalikeMiss Sanders Primary 4 teacher5Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16Section 1: Establishment AimsAimsOur aim is to provide a quality education in a happy and supportive place of learningwhere pupils are taught the fundamentals of the Catholic faith and learn respect for allother creeds and religions.In co-operation with our parents we hope to enable our pupils to take a useful place insociety. In school they are taught to be literate and numerate, develop knowledge aboutthe world and their place in society and to have a knowledge and love of the arts andmusic. We try to discover and nurture individual talents, develop skills both physical andmental and foster enquiring minds so that children become independent learners.In personal and social development we aim to help the children develop a healthyattitude to others both in school and in the community; to have respect for themselves,their peers, all adults and all with whom they come in contact irrespective of race/creedor colour.Vision, Values & AimsOur Vision, Values & Aims were reviewed and updated last session in partnership withPupils, Staff & Parents. Our Pupil Council also played an active role.As a Roman Catholic Primary School, we recognise the need to educate our pupilswithin a moral framework that ensures Christian values of: ToleranceYear of Faith Mass Carfin Respect Justice Peace Love of God.We believe that pupils learn best in a secure and happy environment where they feelconfident, valued and trusted and which provides the highest quality of education. Wepromote Gospel values, through celebration and worship, and through service to thecommon good. We believe that pupils should be challenged with a range of learningexperiences so that they develop to the maximum of their potential and enjoy learning tothe full through the promotion of enthusiasm and curiosity.Aims & ValuesWe aim to provide a safe, health promoting, stimulating environment and a curriculum ofthe highest quality that will enable our pupils to: benefit from a commitment to the integrated education and formation of thewhole person, in close partnership with parents as the first educators of theirchildren develop as confident and motivated individuals with enquiring minds who makeinformed choices and decisions and who can solve problems and makereasoned evaluations gain knowledge, skills and understanding appropriate to a fast-changingtechnical world and Scotland’s place in it, so that they may become self-reliantand adaptable acquire in particular, the enabling skills of literacy, numeracy andcommunication develop an understanding of the past which will help them live successfully inthe present and to plan intelligently for the future develop an enterprising attitude and thus experience the value of co-operation understand the feelings, cultures and beliefs of others, to respect their valuesand to consider thoughtfully their own attitudes, beliefs and values achieve their full potential and to take pride in that success whilst takingpleasure in the achievement of others relate to others, manage themselves and pursue an active and healthy lifestyle continue to raise attainment and achievement through effective learning andteaching.6Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16ensure all pupils have equal access to a quality education and are empoweredto participate fully in the life of their community.empower children to become responsible citizens of society.enhance the ethos through recognising and celebrating the success of all.We aim to sustain and further develop excellent relationships among all pupils, staff,parents and members of the wider school community.We aim to promote health and well-being and enable all children to develop theircapabilities as: Successful learners Confident individuals Responsible citizens Effective contributorsOurEcoCommittee withEnterprise DayEcoGreenFlagClassroom displaysSt Athanasius at the Carluke Gala DayWith Mr Duffy from Classroomsfor MalawiSt Athanasius’ Pupils at the Ravenscraig Stadium for the Commonwealth GamesSports Day – representing Canada7Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, MORAL AND CULTURAL VALUES(Religious ObservanceReligious Education is an important part of the school curriculum,though parents have the right to withdraw their child from anyinstruction in religious subjects without such a pupil being placedat any disadvantage with regard to secular instruction. Parentswho wish to withdraw their child from religious instruction maydo so by telephoning or writing to the headteacher. This Is OurFaith, approved by the Vatican and our own Diocese of Motherwell is now embedded inprimaries one – seven along with its aim to give pupils an understanding of scriptureappropriate to their age as well as being concerned with the fundamental teachings ofthe Catholic Church and the Education for Love programme focuses on relationshipsand moral education. Father Naughton, our Parish Priest is a regular visitor to theschool throughout the year and he celebrates mass in school on special occasions.Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion andConfirmation are integral parts of the programme offered.This Is Our Faith offers a systematic presentation of the Christian event,message and way of life in ways appropriate to the age and stage of development of thechild. This Is Our Faith provides the opportunity for celebration, prayer and reflection inimplicit and explicit ways. Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, FirstCommunion and Confirmation is effectively implemented at the appropriate stages inthe child’s development. This Is Our Faith also provides the children with the languageof religious experience, whereby they can explore their faith and the faith of otherswithin the terms of their own understanding.All of the above is done, in the formal curriculum; through the This Is Our Faith andEducation for Love (Sex and Moral Education) programmes of study for P1-P7. Theseare the programmes approved by the Bishops of Scotland for Catholic Primary Schools.All materials are available for parents to view on request throughout the session.Father James Naughton is a frequent and welcome visitor to our school. As well asvisiting classes he regularly celebrates Mass in the classroom or Assembly Hall, helpingthe children to express, develop and deepen the faith that has been explored in the ThisIs Our Faith programme. There are also opportunities for Prayer Services, and for thecelebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.This Is Our Faith plays a vital role in our policy of ensuring that all pupils, irrespective ofbelief, race, culture, class, gender and disability are provided with an education whichallows them to develop their full potential. This Is Our Faith promotes and fosterspositive values such as respect, love, tolerance, understanding and fairness. At thesame time we strive to identify and combat stereotyping, racism and all forms ofdiscrimination wherever they occur.In the case of those children who are not Catholic, parents can be reassured thatreligious education is approached sensitively and in a climate of great respect forthose of other faiths and none.Rights of Parents / CarersScottish Government Ministers consider that religious observance complementsreligious education and is an important contribution to pupils’ development. It shouldalso have a role in promoting the ethos of a school by bringing pupils together andcreating a sense of community.There is a statutory provision for parents to withdraw children from participationin religious observance. This right of parents’ wishes will be respected. Where achild is withdrawn from religious observance, schools will make suitablearrangements for the child to participate in a worthwhile alternative activity.8Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16EqualitiesIntegral to this guidance is the principle of mutual respect. The diversity of belief andtradition provides an ideal context in which pupils can learn about, and so learn from,what is important in the lives of themselves and others. South Lanarkshire’s guidancerecognises and welcomes diversity and promotes respectful understanding.Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent in order tocelebrate recognised religious events. Advance notice should be provided to theschool when children will be absent. Appropriate requests will be granted andthe pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.It is manifest from the history of denominational education Scotland, and particularlyfrom the continuing guarantees given at the time of passing of the Education (Scotland)Act 1918 and in the current legislation with regards to religious instruction andobservance, that such religious instruction and observance form part of the religioustradition and ethos in Catholic Schools and plays an important part in the educationprovided in this school.The Scottish Government also recognises that:Where a parent chooses a denominational school for their child's education, theychoose to opt in to the school's ethos and practice which is imbued with religiousfaith and religious observance. In denominational schools, it is therefore moredifficult to extricate a pupil from all experiences which are influenced by theschool's faith character.CelebratingWorldBook DayScottish Government Ministers welcome the tradition that, in Roman CatholicDenominational schools, Catholic Liturgy will largely shape the nature andfrequency of Religious Observance activities in classroom and in the wider schoolcommunity. So, at times, children and young people will be invited to participatein, and sometimes lead, prayer and reflection in classroom in classrooms and atassemblies. At other times, to honour particular occasions or feasts, chaplains willlead school communities in the celebration of Mass and other forms of liturgicalcelebration.Father James Naughton our Parish Priest, can be contacted at 01555 771250EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SOCIAL JUSTICEIt is school policy that equal curricular and social opportunities are offered to girls andboys. We aim to help our pupils become aware of the reality and opportunities for menand women to make an equal contribution to society and the world of work. Every effortis made to help pupils to become aware of the demands of living in and contributing to,a multicultural society.Educational provision and social opportunity is offered to all regardless of religion, race,gender, or physical disability. The head teacher will be happy to deal with any enquiriesin this regard and to help parents to access information.The pupils make a particular contribution to social justice through their distinguishedefforts to support charitable projects over many years. For example this year alone,pupils donated 1000 to Missio Scotland to support starving children all over the world,and also 1000 to SCIAF, to help the poorer nations around the globe. We gave 1400to Classrooms for Malawi who also received a further 1200 form a child in Primary 3through her fund raising.Charity work and Global awareness – Classrooms for Malawi and Action ResearchChairty work and Globsal9Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16Section 2: General InformationSt. Athanasius’ Primary SchoolJohn StreetCarlukeML8 4DDTelephone - 01555 771418Fax- 01555 773115E chool website www.st-athanasius-pri.s-lanark.sch.ukSchool Roll162 in Primary 40/40 Nursery ( Total 242)Denominational statusRoman Catholic Co -educationalSchool StaffHead TeacherMr. Francis FarrellPrincipal TeacherMrs Brenda CallanClass TeachersVacancyP7Miss Marie ConnachanP6Mrs Fiona RedmondP5Miss Meryl SandersP4Mrs. Karen WhiteP3Mrs. Brenda O’ HaraP1/2Mrs Maureen SmithP1Mrs Amanda Holmes PE, Computing ( CCC)Nursery TeacherTeam LeaderNursery NurseMrs Fiona DougallMiss Kim LeggattMrs. Sheila. ReillyMrs Tracy EwartMrs Elaine Mc PhailMiss Kelly - Anne BrownJanitorMr. Jimmy Le BlondTeam LeaderClerical AssistantSupport AssistantSupport AssistantSupport AssistantMrs. Angela Mc LaughlinMrs. Deborah JohnstonMrs. Caroline CrockettMiss Nicole StorrieMrs Margaret LumsdenThe total number of teaching staff, therefore, expressed as a full time equivalent is 9.2in the primary school with an additional teacher and nursery nurse in the nursery class.10Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16WHOLE SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIESHead Teacher Mr F FarrellWhole School / Staff developmentDisciplineHealth & SafetyCare & Welfare/Child ProtectionBudgetAbsence CoverCurriculum DevelopmentQuality AssuranceAdditional Support for LearningJoint Support TeamPrimary / Secondary LiaisonPrimary / Pre 5 LiaisonParent Council & PTAWhole School CommunicationPastoral needs of staff and pupilsAssessment ProceduresStandards and Quality ReportsStrategic and Operational PlansPrincipal Teacher - Mrs B CallanResponsibility for NurseryMentor Newly Qualified TeachersPrimary / Pre 5 LiaisonCurriculum DevelopmentAssist with Quality AssuranceParent Council Staff RepresentativeContinuous Professional Development Co-ordinatorAssist Head Teacher in the general management and leadership of the school.Deputise for Head Teacher in his absenceCo-op teachingPartnership with parentsAssist Head teacher with Standards & Quality Reports & School PlanFacilitate and monitor Support for Learning in P1 - 3Mrs Callan, Principal Teacher has a full management remit with a specific remit for theNursery Class as well as mentoring of probationary teachers.Mrs Callan also deputisesfor Mr Farrell in his absence.Parents should note that the working capacity of the school may vary dependant uponthe number of pupils at each stage and the way in which the classes are organised.Provision is made for pupils in stages Primary 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: depending onnumbers it may be necessary to organise some stages into composite classes. Thenursery facility caters for children from 3 years of age.A nursery facility has been in operation in St. Athanasius’ since August 1998.It is Council Policy that school accommodation is made available as far as possibleoutwith school hours, for use by the community. Such use by groups, clubs etc., will bein accordance with letting procedures11Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16HMIE Report June 2008.St Athanasius Primary had their HMIe Report published in June 2008 after aninspection took place in February 2008. The report highlighted many positive aspects ofthe school and examples of good practice. The HMIe Report may be accessed on theHMI website t Athanasius’ Primary School Improvement Plan 2014/15School Improvement Plans are standard practice for all schools and used as a tool totake the school forward and enhance teaching and learning. Please find below, asummary of the priorities for the current session followed by a summary of futurepriorities.Priority 1: Continue to Improve achievement and attainment outcomes in allestablishments annually till March 2015. use ‘Building the Curriculum 5’ – a framework for assessment to considerassessment systems and procedures of Curriculum for Excellence; actively promote a ‘can do’ culture of achievement in learning situations andthroughout the establishment by demonstrating interest in broader achievements,celebrating success and sharing achievements with the wider community; embed appropriate strategies to actively engage young people and improveteaching and learning , including the development of thinking, AifL, enterprisingapproaches, teaching for understanding and collaborative learning; support the tracking of individual pupil performance and to set appropriatelearning targets for all pupilsPriority 2 Implement key aspects of Curriculum for Excellence in all schools andestablishments as appropriate annually till March 2015. The implementation of strategies to deliver all of the values, purposes andprinciples of Curriculum for Excellence, including sharing of assessmentinformation, where appropriate, with parents.Priority 3 Implement key aspects of legislative duties as prescribed inrevised/new legislation annually till March 2015. Ensure that all relevant staff are familiar with the revised A28 OperatingProcedure.Priority 4 Progress the recommendations of Getting it Right for Every Child(GIRFEC) till March 2015. ensure that all staff are familiar with the principles of GIRFEC and areactive participants in the implementation programme. Ensure that staffare aware of the toolkit that is in place to support the delivery of thecore components of GIRFEC.Priority 5: Increase involvement in lifelong learning for young people and adultstill March 2015. To support the personal, social and educational development of young peopleand to enable them to have a voice and gain a place in society.Priority 6. Progress the themes of sel-evaluation and leadership in allestablishments and services till March 2015. Our learners are motivated and eager participants and actively involved in theirlearning.They are provided with high quality feedback and contribute to the life of theschool. They feel valued and are treated fairly with equality and respect.;Distributive leadership is embedded in practice.12Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16Targets for 2014/15Literacy Implement the reading strategies developed by the Stonelaw LearningCommunity throughout the school Early stages in School ( P 1 – 3) using Literacy pack developed by NLCNumeracy Update plannersScience Implement Science Programme whole school Resource Science activities Have two science weeks in school to focus on Science Draft programmes/ activities for scienceFrench Introduce French throughout the school.ReportingImplement new SEEMIS ReportsNumeracyStaff and pupils using a variety of Numeracy resources and using the language of CfEas part of their learning in Numeracy.Staff using as wide variety of assessment materialsICTPurchase I Pads or tablets to enhance teaching and learning in ICT across thecurriculumREThis is Our Faith embedded in practiceImplement “ God’s Loving Plan” for Sex and Moral EducationAssessmentStaff using a wide range of assessments to inform learning and teachingPriorities for Session 2015/2016 Develop the Expressive arts (Music and Drama) programmes using ABC Music Resources Mathematics and assessment for NumeracyImplement science programmes Introduce French throughout the school as well as Spanish in some classes.Priorities for Session 2016/2017 Develop the Expressive arts (PE and Art) ProgrammesInvolvement in International link.13Handbook 2015/16
St Athanasius’ Primary Carluke Handbook 2015/16SCHOOL YEARSee attached list showing holiday dates – Appendix APRIMARY SCHOOL HOURSOpeningInterval::9.00a.m.10.30 am. - 10.45 am.Lunch:12.15 pm. - 1.00 pm.Dismissal:3.00 pm.Pupils in Primary 1 will be dismissed at 12.15 for the first few weeks at school. Parentsof P.1 pupils will be informed at a later date as to when children should attend for the fullday in session 2015/16In case of emergency children should always be aware
St Athanasius is a happy, vibrant and high achieving school. John - Parent Our school is magic ! So are the teachers! Mr Farrell is cool! Erin P4 I am proud to be head teacher of our school. The children work hard and use their talents everyday. The staff work hard and create a wonderful ethos. St Athanasius' Primary is a great place to be in !
