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St. Eunan’s Primary SchoolHandbook 2014 ~ 2015

West Dunbartonshire CouncilEducational Services

Department of Educational Services

LEARNING FOR LIFE

We will work together to ensure that everyone in our community is valued and has the opportunity to learn for life and to achieve their potential.

VisionTo enable everyone in West Dunbartonshire to become:

Successful learners Confident individuals Responsible citizens Effective contributors

To achieve our vision, we will:

Create and deliver courses, activities and events which will motivate and excite learners.

Develop innovative ways to support learning. Value diversity, promote equal opportunities and foster inclusion. Promote partnership and community participation. Value achievement and celebrate success. Continually reflect on and aim to improve the quality of our services.

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CONTENTS

PageAuthority Vision and Values 1Contents 2School Information 3/4 Message from the Head Teacher 5Vision and Values 6Staff 7School Year/School Day 8School Dress 9/10Meals 11/12Attendance 13Photography 14Transport 15Information in Emergencies 15Health and Safety 16Child Protection 16Structure of the Curriculum 17

Religious Education 18 Literacy 19 Numeracy and Mathematics 19 Social Studies 20 Health and Wellbeing 20 Expressive Arts 21 Modern Foreign Languages 22 Equal Opportunities 22

Additional Support for Learning 23Assessment 24Reporting 24Extra Curricular Activities 25Parents in Partnership 26

Parent Council 26 Involvement in the Learning Process 27 Homework 27 Home/School Links and Learning Logs 28

Discipline 29Registration and Enrolment 30Transfer from Primary School to Secondary School 30Annual Census Data 31/32Data Protection Act 1984 33Useful Addresses 34

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St. Eunan’s Primary SchoolGilmour Street

ClydebankG81 2BW

Tel. No. 0141 570 3370

Fax No. 0141 951 3610

e-mail address: [email protected]

School website: http://www.scottishschools.info/steunansprimary/

Saint Eunan’s is a Roman Catholic, Co-educational Primary School covering Primary 1 through to Primary 7. The capacity of the school is 363 children, the present roll being 348. Parents should note that the working capacity of the school may vary dependent upon the number of pupils at each stage and the way in which the classes are organised.

Saint Eunan’s benefits from a brand new state of the art building with first class facilities which supports staff in delivering high quality learning and teaching experiences in line with education for the 21st century. The single storey building boasts 14 classrooms arranged around 3 open areas, a general purpose room, an ICT suite and a library. A large gym hall with changing rooms and a dining area which doubles as a sports hall ensures the school is well equipped to deliver a full programme of Physical Education and sports clubs. The building is fully accessible to disabled users.

The outdoor play space around the school is a mixture of soft and hard landscaping and children have access to a climbing frame which is timetabled for use by each class. Children in primaries 4 – 7 also benefit from use of a football pitch at neighbouring St. Peter the Apostle during lunch breaks. Children are accompanied to the football pitch by an adult and supervised throughout.

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http://www.scottishschools.info/steunansprimary/

mailto:[email protected]


School facilities are available for let to community groups/individuals. Applications for the use of the school facilities should be made to:

CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS

Should you have any concerns or complaint, appointments can be made with the head teacher or another member of the management team at any time.

If you have a formal complaint, please complete the WDC complaints leaflet which you can source from the school office, or from the Council website or put the complaint in writing to :

Educational ServicesCouncil Offices, Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU.

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Mrs Liz Coles/Mrs Yvonne McCallumAdmin OfficersWest Dunbartonshire CouncilCouncil OfficesGarshake RoadDumbartonG82 3PUTele: 01389 737319


Message from the Head Teacher

In St Eunan’s we recognise the importance of primary education in the development of your child and as such we understand how essential it is for parents to be fully informed about the education service provided for their child. The purpose of this handbook is to share with parents the key information regarding the day to day life of the school and its work.

Staff in St Eunan’s work tirelessly together to provide learning experiences of the highest quality and strive to ensure that the needs of all are met. We recognise the value of parental support and encourage involvement through a variety of means.

As a community of faith we uphold Christian values and respect for all. Good discipline and positive attitudes to learning are promoted within a safe and caring environment. We are in the very fortunate position of having a fabulous new building in which to work and learn and as we move forward we do so with the confidence that Curriculum for Excellence is being delivered in an innovative, exciting manner in a state of the art facility.

This is a very important time in your child’s formative years and we look forward to working in partnership with you as your child continues on their journey of growth and development.

Helen Lodhi

Head Teacher (Acting)

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VISION AND VALUES

In our Catholic school community;

We value FAITH:we strive to live our lives following Gospel values and develop awareness and appreciation for the faith of others.

We value TRUTH:we will be honest and open with one another.

We value LOVE:we will treat one another with courtesy and kindness,we will respect and care for each member of our school community,we will do whatever we can to help others who are in need.

We value JUSTICE:we will treat everyone fairly.

We value LEARNING:we will open our minds to knowledge, skills and the opinions of others,

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we will think for ourselves.

We value BEAUTY:we will make our school and it’s surroundings attractive and welcoming,we will do all we can to care for our world.

We value COMMITMENT:in everything, we will do the very best we can.

STAFF

Mrs Helen Lodhi Head Teacher (Acting)Mrs Michelle Diamond Depute Head (Acting) with responsibility for Child

Protection, Additional Support for Learning, Professional Learning, Learning Assistants, Attendance and Mathematics.

Mrs Joanne Baker Depute Head (Acting) with responsibility for Literacy, Religious Education, ICT and Pupil Council.

Mrs Lisa Broom Principal Teacher with responsibility for Expressive Arts and Health and Wellbeing.

Mrs Claire Bradley Primary 1 Class Teacher Mrs Lee McInally Primary 1 Class Teacher Mrs Julie Davie Primary 2/1 Class Teacher Mrs Maureen McHugh Primary 2 Class Teacher Miss Claire McCluskey Primary 3 Class Teacher Mrs Caroline Lowe Primary 3 Class Teacher Mrs Michelle Dolan Primary 4 Class Teacher Mrs Ashleigh McBride Primary 4 Class Teacher Mrs Cath McGaharon Primary 5 Class Teacher Mrs Rhona McWatt Primary 5 Class Teacher ~ 0.6Mrs Julie Friel Primary 5 Class Teacher ~ 0.4Mrs Shona Gardiner Primary 6 Class Teacher Mrs Theresa Kielty Primary 6 Class Teacher Ms Claire Dunphy Primary 7 Class Teacher ~ 0.7Mrs Julie Hayes Primary 7 Class Teacher ~ 0.3Mrs Lisa Broom Primary 7 Principal Teacher (Acting)Mrs Sonia Collins Responsible for teaching PE ~ 0.6Mrs Fiona McGregor Responsible for facilitating NCCT ~ 0.4Miss Joan MacNeil Responsible for teaching a variety of classes to facilitate

NCCT Mrs Maryanne Savage Early Years Teacher facilitating Nurture Group 1 day per

week

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Total FTE : 18.5

Administrative StaffMrs Evelyn Allan Clerical Assistant Mrs Angela Fitzsimmons Clerical Assistant Mrs Dina Allison Clerical AssistantVacancy Clerical Assistant

Auxiliary Support Staff Mrs Karina Bowie Learning Assistant Mrs Carolanne Carson Learning AssistantMrs Jane Bellshaw Learning AssistantMiss Sharon Chlosta Learning AssistantMrs Lynne Farquhar Learning AssistantMrs Susan McMaster Learning Assistant (currently on maternity leave)Mrs Joanne McKenzie Learning AssistantMrs Maureen Furze Learning Assistant

Mr Ian McGinley Janitor (Mon. & Tues)Mr David Moore Janitor (Wed, Thu, Fri)Mrs Yvonne Newton Catering Supervisor

SCHOOL YEAR 2014 ~ 2015

Term 1 Teacher Return Tuesday 12 August 2014 Inservice days Tue 12/Wed 13 August 2014Pupils Return Thursday 14 August 2014

September Close Thursday 25 September 2014Re-open Tuesday 30 September 2014

Mid Term Close Close Thursday 9 October 2014Inservice day Friday 10 October 2014Re-open Monday 20 October 2014

Term 2 Close Friday 19 December 2014

Term 3 Re-open Monday 5 January 2015

Mid Term Close Close Thursday 5 February 2015Inservice day Friday 6 February 2015Re-open Wednesday 11 February 2015

Spring Break Close Thursday 2 April 2015

Term 4 Re-open Monday 20 April 2015

May Day Close Friday 1 May 2015Re-open Tuesday 5 May 2015

May Weekend Close Wednesday 20 May 2015Inservice day Thursday 21 May 2015Re-open Tuesday 26 May 2015

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Summer Close Thursday 25 June 2015

SCHOOL DAYInfants (P1 – P3) Morning 9.00 – 12.15

Afternoon 1.00 – 3.00

Juniors (P4 – P5) Morning 9.00 – 12.30Afternoon 1.15 – 3.00

Seniors (P6 – P7) Morning 9.00 – 12.45Afternoon 1.30 – 3.00

Primary 1 will attend school 9.00 – 12.15 from Thursday 14 August 2014 until Friday 29th August 2014. Primary 1 will attend school full time (9.00 – 3.00) as of Monday 1 September 2014.

Please note these dates are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to the end of the current school session.

SCHOOL DRESS

Pupils attending schools within West Dunbartonshire Council are strongly encouraged to wear a school uniform. Our contact with parents in recent years has also made us aware that the vast majority are in favour of uniform. The wearing of school uniform helps promote the identity of the school in the local community and helps create an ethos of sharing and pride in the school.

Most people tend to form opinions about a school by the appearance and behaviour of the pupils. West Dunbartonshire Council supports the wearing of the uniform in all of its schools because it:

improves school security by making it easier to indentify intruders: builds a sense of identity and belonging to the school: gives pupils an equality of appearance thereby discouraging competition: is cheaper to buy than other clothing which pupils may wish to wear: encourages school discipline and a work ethic amongst pupils.

The forms of dress which are unacceptable in school are items of clothing which:

potentially encourage faction (such as football colours): could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans): could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing,

sportswear made of flammable material, and body piercing/jewellery for PE and sport:

could cause damage to flooring: carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco:

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could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so:

are valuable or expensive items of clothing or jewellery which presents a security issue for the school.

West Dunbartonshire Council is concerned at the level of claims being received regarding the loss of pupils’ clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive articles of clothing are not brought to school. Parents should note that the council does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the council can be shown to have been negligent.

The colour scheme and certain items of dress that comprise an individual school’s uniform should be determined, through a consultation process which is appropriate to each school. This consultation process should involve pupils, parents and staff. A range of options for this uniform may be considered including, for example, different items of clothing for summer.

The agreed school uniform for St Eunan’s is:

white shirt and school tie green school sweater/cardigan green skirt/pinafore or dark grey/green trousers shoes or boots soft shoes for wearing indoors

The P.E. Kit is:

white school t-shirt and shorts clean training shoes.

EAR PIERCING

West Dunbartonshire Council Health and Safety regulations state that children are not permitted to wear jewellery of any kind, including earrings when participating in PE. If you are considering having your child’s ears pierced then the best time to do this is at the start of the summer holidays.

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MEALS

A self-service cafeteria is in operation. St Eunan’s is part of the Government initiative Hungry for Success which focuses on providing children with a choice of healthy meals.

A five week rolling menu is in operation. A copy of this is given to each family at the beginning of each session. A meal costs £1.85 for children who are not entitled to free meals. Children paying for a meal do so at the beginning of each day.

Provision is also made for those children who bring their own packed lunch. Children who make use of these services are not permitted to leave the school premises during the lunch break and parents are requested to make this quite clear to them. Arrangements can be made for those children who require a special diet on medical or religious grounds.

Milk is provided for all children free of charge.

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FREE SCHOOL MEALS AND CLOTHING GRANT

You are eligible for free school meals and clothing grant if you receive the following benefits:

Income Support School Jobseekers Allowance (income based) Pension Credit Employment and Support Allowance (income related) Working Tax Credit with income less than £6,420 Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999

You are eligible for a clothing grant only if you receive:

Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit Working Tax Credit with a gross annual income of £15,860.

You are eligible for free school meals only if you receive:

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Child Tax Credit ONLY (but not Working Tax Credit) with income less than £16,190.

APPLYING

You can access more information at

http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/childcare,-school-and-educational-grants/free-school-meals-and-clothing-grant/

Or by telephoning our Customer Contact Centre on 01389 738282

ATTENDANCE

Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent of a child of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Attendance must be recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon.

Regulation 7 of The Education (Schools and Placing Information) (Scotland) Amendment, Etc. Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to be recorded in the school register as authorised, that is approved by the authority, or unauthorised, that is unexplained by the parent (truancy) or temporarily excluded from school.

Parents should notify the school on the first morning of absence and provide the school with an up date by telephone if their child is likely to be absent for some time.

The Policies for Parents document ‘Achievement through Attendance’, available to all parents from their child’s school, outlines the importance of good attendance.

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The Scottish Executive Education Department has now issued guidance to all local authorities indicating that family holidays during term time should be categorised as unauthorised absence (circular no.5/03). Only in very exceptional circumstances will it be possible for the Head Teacher, to authorise a family holiday during term time.

Clearly with no explanation from the parent, the absence is unauthorised and the authority has the power to write to, interview or prosecute parents, or to refer pupils to the reporter of the children’s hearings, if necessary.

SCHOOL POLICY

School staff consider regular attendance at school to be a crucial factor in educational success. Class teachers complete registers on a daily basis. The Head Teacher is kept informed of absence levels on a weekly basis. When the level of absence gives cause for concern the Head Teacher writes to parents and invites them to school to discuss the reasons for the absences.

POLICY ON TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS ON COUNCIL PREMISESWest Dunbartonshire Council has a policy dealing with photographs taken of individuals on premises occupied or

managed by the Council or at events organised by the Council:

photographs should not be taken of school pupils on occasions and in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy; normally for example, young people would not expect to be photographed in the classroom, playground, or in other areas of the school, or during lessons on the sports field, or at the swimming pool, except by arrangements;

sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and other similar occasions, will be considered to be public events and photography

will be permitted;

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where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, permission to take photographs should not be resumed, in the case of young children under the age of 16 years of age without the written consent of their parent or guardian/in the case of young people aged over the age of 16 this would refer to the young people themselves;

parents and young persons over 16 years of age should understand that sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and the like, where there is an audience, are public events and it is likely that photographs will be taken;

the policy applies to all photographs and digital images, however taken, including images taken by any camera, camera mobile telephone, video camera or similar equipment;

parents or guardians will be asked to give written permission on an annual basis for their child to be photographed or videoed, for specific purposes related to the life and work of the school and the education service.

A full copy of this policy is available for inspection at Council premises.

This policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or Education Department. These forms should be completed and returned before the end of February for those pupils beginning the school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year but may be subject to delay whilst arrangements are made. The appropriate Head of Service is required to grant privilege places for pupils to travel in transport provided by the authority where spare places are available and no additional costs are incurred.

Where free transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils 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

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TRANSPORTWest Dunbartonshire Council has a policy of providing free transport to all primary pupils who live more than one mile from their zoned school by the recognised shortest safe walking route.


exceed the Council’s limits (see above paragraph). It is the parent’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.

The education authority does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of a placing request.

In the case of underage placing request if the child is offered a place in his catchment area school, transport will be provided in accordance with Council policy stated above.

Parents should ensure that their child knows what to do in the event of the transport not arriving at the pick-up point if the child is not accompanied by an adult. Transport may be cancelled for example due to adverse weather conditions.

INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES

We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, by severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you in touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in the press and on local radio. It is normal practice within West Dunbartonshire Council to operate a help line when emergencies arise. Details will be made when an occasion arises.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE

Medical and dental examinations are carried out in school for pupils at appropriate stages. On registration parents are asked to inform the school of any existing medical conditions. Thereafter parents should keep the school informed of additional factors relevant to the health of their child.

Parents are required to complete an Administration of Medicine Form if children require medication during the school day. Children suffering from Asthma must be provided with a reliever inhaler which should be brought to school every day.

Each year parents will be required to complete a General Parental Consent Form indicating details of medical conditions and permission to receive emergency medical treatment including anaesthetic as considered by the medical authorities present.

If a child becomes unwell every effort will be made to contact the parent in the first instance and thereafter their emergency contacts.

It is essential that emergency telephone numbers are given to school where a parent or responsible adult can be contacted during the school day.

PERMISSION TO LEAVE THE PREMISES

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In order to ensure maximum protection for children permission to leave the

premises is allowed only on written requests from parents. Children attending medical or dental appointments during the school day should be collected and returned by a responsible adult.

SUPERVISION IN PLAYGROUNDS

An adult presence is provided in playgrounds at break times in terms of the Schools (Safety and Supervision of Pupils (Scotland) Regulations 1990).

For safety reasons, skates, toy guns and glass bottles of juice are not permitted in school.

Difficulties encountered by children in the playground should be referred to the adult supervisor. Serious difficulties encountered by children in the playground should be referred to a member of the Senior Management

Team who will give the matter careful consideration and take appropriate action.

CHILD PROTECTION

All staff in the school are required to be aware of child protection issues and are provided with regular information on Child Protection Policy and Procedures. The school maintains close working relationships with all other relevant agencies to ensure appropriate information is shared and that professionals from various agencies work collaboratively for the wellbeing of the children and young people. All staff have a responsibility to report concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child or young person to the Head Teacher. If the Head Teacher, or the person deputising for the Head Teacher is of the view that there may be grounds for concern, they will immediately contact the duty senior social worker and advise them of the circumstances.

STRUCTURE AND DEFINITION OF THE CURRICULUM

Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together. Glow, Scotland’s unique, world – leading, online network supports learners and teachers in this and plans are already in place for parents across the country to have success in Glow. Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills. There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their potential. There will be new qualifications for literacy and numeracy from 2012/2013 and new National 4 and 5 qualifications from 2013/2014. West Dunbartonshire Council’s priority for Curriculum for Excellence is to ensure effective teaching and learning. It is committed to providing Co-operative Learning training for all its staff. It is working closely with all its establishments to review school structures to meet the requirements of the new teaching and learning approaches.

Schools implement these guidelines through a School Improvement Plan. An overview of St Eunan’s Improvement Plan is detailed below.

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2013/2014

You can access more information on Education and Learning in West Dunbartonshire at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/ Alternatively, www.educationscotland.gov.uk will inform on Education and Learning in Scotland.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

St Eunan’s is a Catholic School which works in partnership with parents and parish to contribute to the social, moral and religious education of our children.

A Religious Education programme has been provided by the Catholic Church which ensures correct emphasis is given to the outcomes of Christianity, other world religions and personal search.

Parents are encouraged to play a key role in the Religious Education of their children.

At vital stages in the child’s Religious Education a full programme is

implemented which requires commitment, co-operation and involvement from parents.

Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, the Eucharist and Confirmation involves parents working co-operatively on the curricular, spiritual and practical aspects. The course content and methodology are explained to parents during a series of meetings. Parents are then required to be involved in the curriculum by helping their children to complete workbooks. Due regard is paid to parents wishes concerning the practical arrangements for the Sacraments.

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NATIONAL

Achievement and Attainment Framework Learning Inclusion and Equality Values and Citizenship Learning For Life

AUTHORITY

Promote partnership and positive relationships

Provide appropriate courses and services

Ensure effective Learning and Teaching

Raise educational standards Support Learners Manage finance and

resources efficiently Monitor, evaluate and review

service

SCHOOL

To improve levels of attainment by improving the quality of learning and teaching.

To establish and share a standard within literacy and numeracy levels.

To evaluate and plan for improvement in the ongoing development of St. Eunan’s as a community of faith and learning.

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/

http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/


The parish is a vital element in the child’s social, moral and religious education. Father Boyle, Parish Priest, visits the school and his work is integral to school life.

Children preparing for the reception of the Sacraments are supported by the Parish Catechetic group in the form of Saturday morning classes. Throughout the year shared acts of worship create a bond between school, parish and home.

It is through Religious and Moral Education that we teach Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood. Parents of primary 6 and 7 children will be invited to a parents’ meeting each year when the content of the Sex Education programme will be shared.

Under section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious instruction and observance. However, in cases where people wish to exercise their right of withdrawal from all such instruction and

observance, the Head Teacher should be so informed so that alternative arrangements may be made.

Pupils and staff normally attend Mass in St. Eunan’s Church at 9.30 on the Feasts of the Ascension, St Eunan and All Saints. Furthermore, a selection of classes attend Friday Mass each week on a rota basis.

Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.

LITERACY

Literacy is central to all aspects of children’s learning and therefore has a vital role across the curriculum.

The general aim of our Literacy Programme is to enable the child to acquire literacy skills and knowledge and to promote the accurate and appropriate use of English literacy.

This includes listening attentively, talking effectively, reading with understanding, and writing fluently and legibly with accurate spelling and punctuation.

NUMERACY AND MATHEMATICS

Mathematics continues to play a crucial role in everyday social interaction and in the commercial, scientific and business sectors. Our broad aim is to encourage the effective use of mathematics as a tool in a wide range of activities within the school and into adult life in the world beyond the classroom.

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Throughout the Primary years children should:

develop speed and accuracy in the use of number both mentally and through the use of calculators:

have the ability to use their knowledge of numbers and other mathematical ideas in problems involving money, weight and measure, and shape, position and movement:

be able to find their own method of carrying out a mathematical task: acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to handle and make

sense of information: be able to carry out investigations and solve problems.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The programme focuses on the historical, social, geographic, economic, and political changes that have shaped Scotland. The experiences and outcomes come under the headings of

people, past events and societies people, place and environment

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Through social studies, children develop their understanding of the world by learning about other people and their values, in different times, places and circumstances; they also develop their understanding of their environment and of how it has been shaped. As they progress children’s experiences will broaden using Scottish, British, European and wider contexts for learning.


people in society, economy and business

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Initiatives such as nurture group, buddying, breakfast club, promoting positive behaviour and the work carried out by support staff and extended support teams, all helps to ensure a nurturing environment within the school. In St. Eunan’s Primary, children experience aspects of health and wellbeing through focused programmes such as Physical Education, Personal and Social Development, Religious Education and through specific health related topics on food and health or substance misuse. Learning through health and wellbeing promotes confidence, independent thinking and positive attitudes and it is therefore the responsibility of every teacher to contribute to learning and development in this area.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

The Expressive Arts comprise Art & Design, Music, Drama and Dance. These subjects play an important part in pupils’ development since they encourage the exploration of values and foster imagination and creativity.

ART AND DESIGN

Art & Design activities provide a means of expressing ideas and feelings visually.

MUSIC

We aim to help pupils to realise their full musical potential, whatever their abilities, by providing opportunities to take part in music making, to invent music and to listen to and respond to music.

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Learning in health and wellbeing ensures that children develop knowledge, understanding, skills and capabilities which they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future. A positive ethos based on Gospel values ensures a climate of trust and respect which is vital to the wellbeing of all.


DRAMA

By developing a range of dramatic skills and techniques children should

acquire the confidence and self esteem to communicate their ideas and feelings and develop sensitivity towards the opinions and values of others.

DANCE

Through dance, learners have rich opportunities to be creative and to experience inspiration and enjoyment. Creating and performing are the core activities for all learners, and taking part in dance contributes to their physical education and physical activity. Children develop their technical skills and the quality of their movement, and use their imagination and skills to create dance sequences. They also learn Scottish Country Dances to fit with work on Scottish Culture as part of the Social Studies programme.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Experience of a foreign language increases pupils’ awareness of the importance of communication in an increasingly inter-dependent world. The emphasis is teaching a foreign language in the Primary Department is on communication and the understanding of the written word in relevant real life situations.

In St Eunan’s we teach Spanish. Through our programme we aim to foster awareness of foreign culture and develop a positive attitude to the learning of a foreign language, which enables children to communicate at an appropriate level, within a specified range of language areas.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITES

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Dance

Art&

Design

Music

Drama

Expressive Arts


West Dunbartonshire is an authority with an Equal Opportunities Policy. Boys and girls follow the same curriculum.

Mrs Lodhi, Head Teacher, is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy. The school has its own Equal Opportunities Policy which is available to parents on request.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR LEARNING

All children need support in order to learn, but some require support which is additional to what is normally provided.

In Saint Eunan’s Primary School the process of Staged Intervention is used to identify and provide for additional support needs. Some children may require a little support for a short while, which may be provided by the class teacher in the classroom or it may be given by other staff such as a support for learning teacher or learning assistant. Where a child needs more intense or specialist support over a longer period, an external agency, such as an educational psychologist, speech and language therapist or a Visual Impairment Teacher may become involved in either directly supporting the child or giving advice to the class teacher. At present, a Network Support Teacher (NST) visits the school two days a week. The NST’s role is to directly support pupils and to liaise with the Support for Learning Co-ordinator in school. An Early Years Teacher also visits school to support our implementation of a nurture group. Most children’s needs will be met through school planning processes and targets for those children with additional support needs will be outlined in a support plan, individualised

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education programme (IEP) or a co-ordinated support plan (CSP), depending on the level of need. Parents and children are involved in this process and their views taken account of.

For a few children with specific difficulties requiring significant support, a split placement with a specialist school/unit may be more appropriate. At present, Saint Eunan’s Primary has a small number of pupils who share places with Renton Language Unit and Kilpatrick Primary.

The Pupil Support Co-ordinator for St. Eunan’s Primary is Mrs Diamond (DHT). If you think your child requires support for their learning you should contact her by telephone via the school office.

Further Information

Further information can be obtained on all aspects of additional support for learning from West Dunbartonshire’s Council website at:

http://www.wdcweb.info/education-and-learning/additional-support-needs/

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is an important part of Learning and Teaching. We assess all aspects of children’s work using a verity of approaches. We do this to establish and check progress being made; how best to support children in their learning and to ensure that appropriate support is put in place when required.

There are two main kinds of assessment – Formative and Summative. Formative assessment is the ongoing assessment which is used by children and adults to evaluate their learning in a way that promotes understanding and develops knowledge, skills and abilities without passing any final judgement such as a grade or score. Summative assessment checks children’s knowledge, understanding and skills against a set criteria. Summative assessment materials can be devised by teachers or taken from the National Assessment Resource (NAR).

REPORTING

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http://www.wdcweb.info/education-and-learning/additional-support-needs/


Reporting provides an opportunity for staff and parents to enter into a dialogue about a child’s learning. It focuses on the child’s strengths and indicates appropriate next steps to help the child, with the support of the parent, to take his/her learning forward. In St Eunan’s planned parents’ meetings usually take place in October and March. There is also a written report which is sent out to parents towards the end of the school year. Where there is need, interim reports are given to parents. Our Learning Logs and other more formal homework tasks also help to keep parents fully informed about their child’s learning.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITES

Extra curricular activities enhance the classroom experience of pupils and contribute to the development of core skills, personal and social development and vocational awareness.

A planned programme of events is set out in the school calendar of activities and events. The organisation and running of school events is well supported by staff, pupils and parents. Below are some examples of the types of activities offered.

Stage Activity Comments/Purpose

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P1-7 Book Club and Fair Organised by Mrs Kielty, Mrs Baker and Mrs Collins

P1-7 Discos and Parties Organised by Parent Council and staff

P1-7 Christmas Theatre Group Theatre company present show in school

P1-7Christmas/Summer Concert and Senior Citizens Function

Christmas concert organised by Infant Staff. Summer show – organised by Mrs. Bradley and Mrs. Lodhi. Parents and support staff are responsible for catering arrangements.

P5 Hockey Organised by WDC Sports Development

P5 Swimming Lessons Playdrome, Clydebank

P6 Sportshall Athletics Organised by WDC Sports Development

P6/7Inter-School Football Tournament

Organised by Dalmuir Park Housing Association

P7 Outdoor Education Experience Staff accompany pupils

P7 Senior Citizen ParcelsDonations by P1-7 provide requirements for parcels

P1-7 Various after school clubs Organised by Active Schools and school staff

P1-7Dalmuir Credit Union Organised by Mrs Phelan, Mrs

Hutchinson and Mrs Redmond

PARENTS IN PARTNERSHIP

The Parent Council

The Scottish Schools (parental involvement) Act 2006 requires that:

a) Every parent is automatically a member of the Parent Forum for his/her child’s school, may be represented by The Parent Council.

b) The members of the Parent Forum decide the structure, membership, aims, objectives and constitution of the Parent Council they wish to form.

c) Other members of the Parent Council may be co-opted.

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d) Parent Councils are to be involved in the appointment of a Head and Depute Head Teacher.

e) Parent Councils, the Local Authority and Schools should play an active role in supporting parental involvement in the school.

f) Parent Councils have the right to represent the views of parents. g) A complaints procedure which covers how the Local Authority carries out

its functions under the Act is in place. h) The needs of and arrangements for all children and young people

involving parents, carers and those who look after children are met. i) The school improvement plan takes account of the Local Authority

strategy and parental involvement as appropriate. j) A complaints procedure which covers how the Local Authority carries out

its functions under the Act should be established. k) Local Authorities must provide reasonable funding to enable the Parent

Council to carry out its functions. l) A combined Parent Council may be established to cover two or more

schools.

The group continues to carry out duties and responsibilities laid out in the Act.

The former Parent Teacher Association is now part of the Parent Council. They continue to raise funds and organise social events for parents and children.

INVOLVEMENT IN THE LEARNING PROCESS

It is our continuous objective to develop relationships between home and school based on mutual respect, openness and a spirit of co-operation and goodwill. Partnership between parents and teachers requires both the support and commitment of parents combined with the professional expertise of staff. In this way a positive learning environment is created.

We endorse research findings which indicate that parental interest and attitude to education can outweigh the effects of social disadvantage. Both formal and informal links with parents enable teachers to teach more effectively since they are aware of children’s backgrounds and needs. A multi-disciplinary approach, involving parents in decision making and remedial action, is taken whenever problems are persistent or serious.

Throughout the session meetings and workshops are held to familiarise parents with school curricular policies and encourage them to become involved in their children’s learning.

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HOMEWORK

Homework is given a high status in St. Eunan’s as a valuable means of extending the child’s learning in a manner appropriate to each child’s needs and interests. It is also a valuable means by which home links can be encouraged, developed and strengthened.

Homework is set within the following maximum daily times:

Primary 1 15 minutes Primary 2 & 3 20 minutes Primary 4 & 5 25 minutes Primary 6 30 minutesPrimary 7 30 minutes

The purpose of homework is to reinforce, revise and supplement classroom learning in a meaningful and productive way. A homework schedule is used by class teachers to inform parents of tasks which should be completed at home. Project work is an ideal opportunity for parents and extended family to become involved in historical and local studies. Details of current projects and type of parental involvement required are sent to parents each term.

Parental involvement is an integral part of the preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, the Eucharist and Confirmation.

HOME / SCHOOL LINKS

St. Eunan’s has made significant progress in meeting the Scottish Government target of having a Personal Learning Plan in place for all pupils. This is being undertaken through the use of our Learning Logs.

LEARNING LOGS.Learning Logs facilitate dialogue between pupils and teachers about learning. Children are encouraged and supported to engage in self assessment to identify strengths and areas for development and record this within their Learning Log. The log also provides pupils with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills. Parents can be fully involved in this

process as the logs are sent home on a four weekly basis to allow parents and children the opportunity to work co-operatively on them and discuss learning.

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Parents, teachers and children are encouraged to use the comments boxes within the Learning Logs as a means of effective communication between home and school. Learning Logs have become a valuable tool in strengthening home school partnerships within St Eunan’s helping parents to feel more involved and up to date with their child’s learning.

DISCIPLINE

Children are prepared for responsible citizenship by developing values, beliefs and attitudes compatible with living in a modern, democratic and multicultural society.

Children are expected to develop acceptable standards of behaviour, courtesy and respect to all members of staff and to each other.

All adults adopt a positive approach to the question of discipline and the relationship between children and adults is based on mutual consideration and respect.

All staff in St. Eunan’s work co-operatively and diligently to develop and maintain a positive climate for learning across the school.

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Good behaviour is promoted through the provision of appropriate, interesting learning and teaching experiences, within a well ordered school environment.

Parental support and co-operation in avoiding and eliminating instances of indiscipline will be sought at an early stage.

Whenever appropriate we work co-operatively with parents, Psychological Services, Social Work Department and Police in order to promote positive behaviour and support pupils.

In St. Eunan’s we have every confidence that our children are motivated to play their part in ensuring a climate which allows effective learning and teaching to take place.

St. Eunan’s staff are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment, where pupils learn in a secure atmosphere in which bullying is considered to be unacceptable.

A whole school policy exists which aims to:

Give clear messages that bullying is not acceptable. Treat any form of bullying seriously and deal with it in a calm and effective

manner. Maintain a climate of openness where children and parents can raise

issues of bullying. Reassure children and parents that all matters of bullying are taken

seriously and dealt with effectively.

Raise awareness of bullying through the curriculum, adopting strategies such as no-blame common concern, peer support and Circle Time discussions and Restorative Practice.

A copy of our Promoting Positive Behaviour, Anti Bullying and all other policies can be found on our website at http://www.scottishschools.info/steunansprimary/ Information on the council’s parental policies can be accessed at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools

REGISTRATION AND ENROLMENT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL

Registration and enrolment for Mainstream Primary school is usually done in January each year. Press announcements together with announcements from local churches, and notices displayed in nursery departments give details of how this should be done. An Open Day is held in June each year for new Primary 1 pupils and parents to visit the school. Any other enrolments can be arranged by contacting the Head Teacher. Prospective parents and pupils are welcome to visit the school at an agreed time.

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http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools

http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools

http://www.scottishschools.info/steunansprimary/


TRANSFER FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

Pupils are normally transferred between the ages of 11 ½ and 12 ½ so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4 years of secondary education. Parents will be informed of the arrangements no later than December of the year preceding the date of transfer at the start of the new session.

Pupils in St Eunan’s catchment generally transfer to St. Peter the Apostle High School. Please find contact details below.

Email : [email protected]

ANNUAL CENSUS DATA

Education authorities and The Scottish Government have collected data about pupils on paper forms for many years. We are now working together to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed Programme.

What pupil data will be collected and transferred?

Data on each pupil is collected by the local authorities and The Scottish Government. The data collected and transferred covers areas such as date of

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Head Teacher: Linda BoothSt. Peter the Apostle High SchoolKirkoswald Drive, ClydebankG81 2DB

Tel : 0141 533 3100Fax : 0141 533 3139

mailto:[email protected]


birth, postcode, and registration for free school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by his/her local authority, special educational needs, attendance, absence and exclusions from school. Pupils’ names and addresses are collected by their school and education authority but they are not passed to The Scottish Government. Your postcode is the only part of your address that is transferred. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published by The Scottish Government.

Providing national identity and ethnic background data is entirely voluntary. You can choose the ‘not disclosed’ option if you want to provide this data. However, we hope that the explanations contained in this message and on our website will help you to 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 service, SEED and education authorities need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils. We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school like and achieve better exam results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows The Scottish Government, education authorities and schools 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, 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 safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use your data. This message can give only a brief description of how we use data. Further details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website. (www.scotxed.net ).

The Scottish Government works with a range of partners including Education Scotland and Scottish Qualifications Authority. On occasions 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 with information they need in order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control and prior agreement of the Data Sharing Panel in the Scottish Government which will ensure that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that these date will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual.

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http://www.scotxed.net/


Concerns

If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Senior Statistician, Peter Whitehouse , at Peter.Whitehouse@scotland/gsi.gov.uk or write to The ScotXed Support Office, SEED, Area 1B Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this information is 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.

The Annual Electronic Staff Census

Individual level staff data is vital for use by the Scottish Government in education workforce planning. As a consequence of receiving this staff information, the Scottish Government will be better able to

plan more accurately the number of new staff to be trained each year, identify shortages in particular sectors and subjects, monitor movements in and out of the profession at a national level.

The information yielded from the analysis of this data is also of great interest to local authorities and teachers unions. They were involved in drawing up the list of data fields to be sent to the Scottish Government. Following the recommendations of the Currie Report, date of birth and gender data about Educational Psychologists are now collected in order to carry out workforce planning.

Your data protection rights

The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998), the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the

confidentiality of data relating to individuals. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use your data.

The Scottish Government will not publish or release any information that allows individual members of staff to be identified, nor will data be used by the Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. The information we collect will be anonymous. We will not be collecting your name or address. No information on individual members of staff can or would be published by the Scottish Government. The individual data collected by the Scottish Government is used for aggregate statistical and research purposes only. Providing national

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http://www.scotxed.net/

mailto:Peter.Whitehouse@scotland/gsi.gov.uk


data and ethnic background is entirely voluntary; there is a ‘not disclosed’ option. However, we hope that the explanations contained on the ScotXed website will help you understand the importance of providing the information.

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1984

Information on parents and guardians is stored on a computer system and may be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1984 and may only be disclosed in accordance with the Codes of Practice. For further information please contact the school.

Although the information is correct at the time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in this document –

a) before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question

b) in relation to subsequent school years.

USEFUL ADDRESSES

Terry LanaganExecutive Director - Educational ServicesWest Dunbartonshire CouncilGarshake RoadDumbartonG82 3PUTel No. 01389 737301

Area Education OfficeWest Dunbartonshire CouncilGarshake RoadDumbartonG82 3PUTel No. 01389 737301

Area Community Education OfficeDalmuir Community Education Office

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Duntocher RoadDalmuirClydebankTel No. 0141 562 2484

Ward 5 – Clydebank CentralDenis Agnew – INDc/o Council OfficesGarshake RoadDumbartonG82 3PU

Tel No. 01389 738565Email [email protected]

Ward 5 – Clydebank CentralJim Brown – SNPc/o Council OfficesRosebery PlaceClydebankG81 1TG

Tel No. 01389 738559Mobile 07961 713 010

Email [email protected]

Ward 5 – Clydebank CentralJohn Mooney - LABc/o Council OfficesRosebery PlaceClydebankG81 1TG

Tel No. 01389 738538Mobile 07538 842583Email [email protected]

Ward 5 – Clydebank CentralPatrick McGlinchey - LABc/o Council OfficesRosebery PlaceClydebankG81 1TG

Tel No. 01389 738599Mobile 07961 713 361Email [email protected]

Although this information is correct at the time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document:-

a) before the commencement or during the school year in question;

b) in relation to subsequent school years.

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contents · web viewcomplete the wdc complaints leaflet which you can source from the school...

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