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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

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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

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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.

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• 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

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Address: Our Lady’s Primary School

Nelson Street

Dundee DD1 2PS

Telephone: 01382 435289

Email: ourladys.primary@dundeecity.gov.uk

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

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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

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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

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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 –

ourladys@dundeeparentcouncil.org

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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,whitehouse@scotland.gsi.gov.uk 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