St. Andrew’s N.S.€¦ · School Timetable Pupil Absences Page 26 Punctuality and Pupil Safety Infant Drop-Off and Collection Page 27 Holiday Lists Library Pupil Welfare, Health

St. Andrew’s N.S.

School Booklet

RevisedSeptember2017

St. Andrew’s N.S. School Booklet Page 2

CONTENTS

Page4 LettertoParents

Page5 MissionStatement Ethos

Page6 BackgroundofSt.Andrew’sN.S.

Page8 Equalitystatement Classes ChildProtection Page9 Staff TeachingStaff ContinuingProfessionalDevelopment Page10 TeacherInductionandProbation StaffMeetings SchoolManagement Page11 BoardofManagement Page12 S.A.S.H.

Finance Page13 Integration P.T.A. ExtraCurricularActivities Page14 TheCurriculum

Gaeilge Page15 English

Page16 Mathematics

SocialandScientificEducationS.E.S.E.:Geography

Page17 History

Science Page18 Social,PersonalandHealthEducation(S.P.H.E.)

ArtsEducationVisualArts

Page19 Drama Music ReligiousEducation(R.E.)Page20 PhysicalEducation(P.E.)

InformationandCommunicationTechnology(I.C.T.)

Page21 SchoolWebsite AssessmentPage22 StandardisedandDiagnosticTesting RepeatingaSchoolYear PupilswithAdditionalNeeds


Page23 SupportTeaching HomeSchoolLiaison Page24 GrievanceProcedure

HomeworkPage25 Textbooks

SchoolTimetablePupilAbsences

Page26 PunctualityandPupilSafety

InfantDrop-OffandCollection Page27 HolidayLists Library PupilWelfare,HealthandSafety PupilsIllnessorMedicalNeeds Page28 AdministrationofMedication

FirstAidCodeofBehaviourandAntiBullying

Page29 CaringfortheEnvironment

SafeParking&DrivingintheSchoolGrounds Page30 EmergencyClosings LostProperty Animals/Pets DressCode Page31 Lunches BreakTimes Page32 MobilePhones CommunicatingwiththeSchoolPage33 SchoolInspectors’Reportsonourschool

Page36 St.Andrew’sN.S.MathematicsEvaluation(December2016)


DearParents/Guardians,WearedelightedtogiveyouthiscopyofourSchoolBooklet.Itcontainsinformationandabriefoutlineofsomeschoolpolicies reflectingmanyhoursofcareful thoughtandconsiderationbyourstaff,ourBoardofManagementandourParentTeacherAssociation.As time progresses, we will update and amend this booklet in line with legislation and asexperiencedictates.Weverymuchwelcomeyourcommentsand inputandwillendeavourtoincorporateanysuggestionsmadeintofutureeditions.Whatwewouldliketoconveywithinthisbooklet isthepositiveethosandatmosphereinourschool.Thisiscreatedby:

o Our committedand talented teamof teachersandother staffwhonurtureapositiveattitudetolearningamongourpupils.

o Ourpupilswhorespondpositivelytothecaringattitudeofourschoolstaff.o Ourmuchvaluedbodyofparents.o OursupportiveBoardofManagementandParentTeacherAssociation.o Ourpositiveeducationaladvisor(schoolinspector).o Personnelinthewidercommunitywithwhomweworkcollaboratively.

ThebestwaytoexperienceournurturingethosistopayusavisittoStAndrew’s.Visitscanbearrangedbyappointment,thisistominimisedisruptiontothelearningofourpupils.Ilookforwardtomeetingyou.DaphneWoodM.Ed.Dip.inSENandMentoringPrincipalTeacher


St.Andrew'sNationalSchool

MissionStatement

St. Andrew's N. S. endeavours to nurture each pupil within acommitted, caring and mutually supportive community oflearners. This includes pupils, teachers, parents/guardians andmanagement.We strive to promote a positive attitude towardslearningtherebyenablingourchildrentorecognisetheirgiftsandtoachievetheirfullpotential.

SchoolEthos

OurethosisborneoutofourChristianfaithinGod,Father,SonandHolySpirit.ItisfurtherreflectedinthetraditionsandvaluesofourTrusteeChurches;theChurchofIreland,PresbyterianChurchandtheMethodistChurch.OurethosisinclusiveinnatureandvaluesallofGod’screationsequally.

Whena family joinsourschoolcommunity, it iswiththeunderstandingthat theywillstrivetoupholdandcontributetoourschoolMissionStatementandEthos.


BackgroundofSt.Andrew’sN.S.St.Andrew’sN.S.wasfoundedin1888underthepatronageofthePresbyterianChurchinIreland.Asearlyas1888theneedforaPresbyterianschoolinBraywasrecognised.To address this need, a site was purchased and a fund was opened. Generouscontributionsweremade fromthe local churchcommunitywitha subsequentappealbeingmadetothewidercommunity.ThefoundationstonewaslaidbytheEarlofMeathon20thAugust1887andtheschoolwas opened in January 1888. The trowel used in this original ceremony is in ourpossession and is on display in our school foyer, having been rescued in a Londonauctionroom,purelybychance.ThesametrowelwasusedbyHerExcellencyPresidentMaryRobinsoninlayingthefoundationstoneofournewschoolin1991.Back in 1888 there was still an outstanding debt on the school building. At thesuggestionofhiscongregation,thethenPresbyterianMinister,DoctorIrwin,wentonalecturingtourofAmericaandCanada,raising£400–ahugesuminthosedays.In1889therewereninety-sevenpupilsenrolledinSt.Andrew’s.Inthe1940sthemainpartoftheschoolwasdestroyedbyfireandwasrebuiltthankstothegenerosityofthePresbyteriancommunityofBrayandparticularlythelateMr.SamHeagan.SamremainedastreasurerofStAndrew'suntilhisdeathinthemiddle1980sandhisdedicationtoandworkonbehalfofourschoolisaffirmedbythoseofuswhofondlyrememberhim.Inthelate60sandearly70sthethenDepartmentofEducationclosedSt.Paul’sChurchof Ireland School and it was amalgamated with St. Andrew’s. St. Paul’s had beenopenedin1907andconsistedofanInfantSchool,aBoys’SchoolandaGirls’School.ItevenhadasciencelaboratoryandfacilitiesforHomeEconomics.Thewishof theDepartmentofEducation,at that time, tomaintainSt.Andrew’sasatwoteacherschoolwasstronglyresistedandthwartedbythestrengthofwillofthelateReverendAlecReid(PresbyterianMinister inBray)andalsothelateReverendRichardLarge(ChurchofIrelandRectorofChristChurchBray).Bothmen‘convinced’thethenMinister of Education to agree to enlarge St. Andrew’s to accommodate the twoteachers andpupils fromSt. Pauls. Our LargeHall in thepresent school is named inmemoryofReverendLargeandourschool library,TheReidLibrary,wasdedicated tothememoryofRev.AlecReid.The patronage of the school was then shared between the Church of Ireland andPresbyterianchurches.Thisarrangementworkedamicablyforaboutfifteenyears.In October 1981, it was evident that the school’s accommodation was totallyinadequateandsubstandardduetothehugeincreaseinpupilnumbersandthegreatchangestakingplaceineducation(eveninthosedays)!Havingcloselyscrutinisedallof


the alternatives open to us, it was decided that our only course of action was topurchasea siteandbuildanewschool.Bycoincidence, two factorsenabledus todothis.Firstly, a large influx of children of members of Bray Methodist Church prompted amovewithinourschool’sBoardofManagementtofurtherstrengthenthetieswiththatchurch. Followingaperiodofdiscussion,theMethodistChurchwasappointedasoneofourtrusteesalongwiththeChurchofIrelandandPresbyterianchurches.TheChurchof IrelandArchbishopofDublinassumedtheroleofschoolpatron. Wewere/are thefirst/andonly school in Ireland tobesharedby threechurches.Thisarrangementhasworkedwellandismutuallybeneficial.Secondly,SunbeamHouseSpecialNationalSchoolBraywasalsolookingtorebuildonanewsite.Fortunately,ReverendLargewasmanagerofbothschoolsandalongwithMr.JohnGiles (formerdirectorofSunbeamHouse)planted the ‘mustard seed’whichhasgrownintoourcurrentschools,St.Andrew’sandNewCourtSchool.Adesignteamwassetuptosourceasiteandbuildtwoschools,oneforSt.Andrew’sandtheotherforSunbeamHouse(nowNewCourtSchool).ThisteambecameknownasS.A.S.H.Ltd.,whichownsthebuildingonbehalfoftheTrusteesofSt.Andrew’sN.S.andtheGovernorsofSunbeamHouse.Ourschooliswhereitisnowbecauseoftheselflesswork,skillandenthusiasmofalloftheministersandrectorsofourtrusteechurchesandtheircongregations,our friendsfrom Sunbeam House (now New Court School) and the many parents, teachers andpupilsinStAndrew'swhofundraisedforournewschoolinthepast.Itisimpossibletomention everyone who was involved as it really was a community effort. It is thusincumbent on us all to continue the goodwork and leave an even better school forfuturegenerationsasthose inthepastdidforthecurrentschoolpopulation. Changeandimprovementdonothappenoftheirownvolition:we,asacommunityoflearners,makeithappen.PeterMcCroddenB.A.M.Sc.H.Dip.Ed.(PrincipalinStAndrew'sfrom1981-2017)(Source:HistoryofBray(2004)byArthurFlynn.)


EqualityStatementSt.Andrew'sN.S.valueseachmemberofourschoolcommunityequally,irrespectiveof:

• Gender• Socialbackground• Familycircumstances• Educationalachievement• Physicalorintellectualability• Ethnicity• Creed

ClassesWehaveeightclassgroupsfromJuniorInfantstoSixthClassinSt.Andrew’sN.S.WeenroloneJuniorInfantclassperyear;ouraverageclasssizevariesbetween26and30pupilsdependingonGovernmentfunding.ChildProtectionAllactivitieswithinourschool,whethereducationalorsocial,areconductedwithinthesolidframeworkofourschool’sEthosandMissionStatement.Foremostinourmindsisour duty of care towards our pupils. To this end we have compiled a verycomprehensive Child Protection Policy, based on The Children First Procedures andrelevantDESCirculars,whichsetouttheresponsibilitiesofalladultswithinourschoolcommunitywithregardtochildprotectionandwelfare.AcrucialaspectofthispolicyinvolvestheappointmentofaDesignatedLiaisonPerson(DLP)andaDeputyDesignatedLiaisonPerson(DDLP) forChildWelfare.CurrentlyDaphneWood(Principal)andRuthMonds (BoardofManagementTeacherNominee)occupy these roles respectively.Bylawwe are required to apply forGarda clearances for all employees engaged by theBoardofManagement(BOM)afterSeptember2006.

Asaschoolweencourageandvaluetheinvolvementofparents/guardiansinthedaytodaylifeofourschool.Activitiessuchaslibrary,extrareadingactivitiesandschooltripscould not happen without significant voluntary input from parents. As a Board ofManagementwe strive to familiarise parent volunteerswith our procedures for bestpractice when working with children within this school. Since September 2009 theBoard of Management, through the Church of Ireland Board of Education, hasprocessedGardavettingformsforallnewfamiliesenteringtheschool.IfyouhaveanyqueriesorconcernsonthismatterpleasespeakwiththePrincipal.


StaffAtpresentwehave:

• OnePrincipalTeacher• EightMainstreamClassTeachers• FivefulltimeSupportTeachers• FiveSpecialNeedsAssistants• OneSchoolSecretary• OneparttimeCaretaker,sharedwithNewCourtSchool

TeachingStaffWeareveryfortunatetohaveaskilled,committedandhighlyqualifiedteachingteamwhoarededicatedtoprovidingourpupilswithahighqualitylearningexperience.

Classteachersplantheirprogrammesofworkfordeliveryduringtheschoolyear.Theseinvolve long termschemesofwork (for theschoolyearor term),mediumtermplans(foramonthorfortnight)andshorttermplans(compiledonadailybasis).

Theseplanscontain:

• learningaimsandobjectives/outcomes• skillstobetaught• teachingmethodologiesused• teachingandlearningresources• subject and lesson content differentiation to cater for pupils with differing

needs• assessmentof/forlearning• useofthelocalenvironment• useofITtosupportteachingandlearning

Attheendofeachmonthclassandsupportteacherscompileamonthlyprogressrecordoftheworkcompletedduringthemonth.

ResourceandLearningSupportteachersplan insimilardetail for individualpupilsandgroupsofpupilsundertheircare.TheyalsocompileIndividualEducationPlans(I.E.P.s)and comprehensive progress records for each child or group of children under theircare.

ContinuingProfessionalDevelopment(CPD)

St. Andrew’s N.S. is committed to supporting the concept of continuing professionaldevelopmentofallstaffthrough:

- Supporting teacher attendance at seminars and courses on areas relating topupillearningandsupport.

- Providing teachers with opportunities to teach at different class levels andwithindifferentteachingcontextsintheschool.

- FacilitatingprofessionalcollaborationamongteachersandSNAstoenablestaffmemberstoshareexpertise.


TeacherInductionandProbation

Since2002theschoolhasbeenpartofaprogrammewhichsupportsthementoringofNewlyQualified Teachers (NQTs) in their first year teaching. Currently the school hasfour trainedmentorsaswearenowalso involved ina schemeto inductandprobatenewly qualified teachers into the school and the teaching profession. This newdevelopmentcalledDroichead (bridge) seesmuchof thework,previouslyundertakenby the school inspectors, completed at school level by our own Professional SupportTeam(PST)consistingofteachingstaffintheschool.

StaffMeetings

Our staffmeetsboth formally and informallyona regularbasis to address importantissues relating to pupil learning and general well-being. Issues such as curriculumdevelopment,schoolorganisationandplanning,childprotectionandhealthandsafetyarediscussed.Allofthesemeetingstakeplaceoutsideofschoolhourswherepossible.

SchoolManagement

St.Andrew’sN.S. isheldintrustbytheChurchofIreland,PresbyterianandMethodistchurches. ThepostofChairpersonand the compositionof theBoardofManagementchanges on a four yearly basis. The school is under the patronage of the Church ofIrelandArchbishopofDublinandBishopofGlendalough.

In-SchoolManagement(I.S.M.)Team

At present, fivemembers of our teaching staff have been assigned responsibilities inadditiontotheirfulltimeteachingduties.Eachmemberofthisteamisresponsibleforthecoordinationofacurricularareaandanareaorareasofschooladministrationandanaspectofpastoralcarewithintheschool.OurcurrentI.S.M.teamconsistof:

NameofI.S.M.teammember CurricularareaofresponsibilityCarolineAragane S.E.S.E.(History,GeographyandScience)CormacCahillane MathsHelenMangan ArtsEducation(Drama,MusicandVisualArts)

LornaCopeland English

DuetoongoingcutsinfundingSt.Andrew’sN.S.(alongwithallotherschools)isshortafurther ISM post. Staffmembers have generously stepped into this breach and havevolunteeredtocoverthefollowingcurricularareas:

Volunteer AreaofResponsibilityStaceyMcNuttandMariaCarroll Gaeilge

RuthMonds ReligiousEducationZoeFinnegan GreenSchoolsAndreaCosgrave SchoolCouncil


BoardofManagement(B.O.M.)

TheBoardofManagementconsistsof:

• TwoelectedParents’/Guardians’Nominees(onefather/guardian,onemother/guardian)

• TwoPatrons’Nominees• OneelectedTeachers’Nominee• ThePrincipalTeacher• Twomembersofthewidercommunitywhoareunanimouslyco-optedbythe

othersixnominatedboardmemberswiththeaimofprovidingtargetedexpertisetotheboard.

• ThemembershipofthecurrentBOMincludes:

MsSarahWray Parents’NomineeMrGavinDoyle Parents’NomineeMsRuthMonds Teachers’NomineeMsJayneBalmer CommunityNomineeandTreasurerMrEugeneRoe CommunityNomineeArchdeaconEdgarSwann Patron’sNomineeandActingChairpersonMrDavidReid Patron’sNomineeMsDaphneWood SchoolPrincipalandex-officiomember

• Allmembers of the BOM, apart from the principal teacher, serve on a purelyvoluntarybasis.

TheB.O.M.hasmanydutiesbut is chiefly concernedwithensuring the smoothandefficientrunningandupkeepoftheschoolbuildingaswellasthesafetyandwellbeingofpupilsandstaff.TheB.O.M.isalsoresponsiblefortheratificationofschoolpoliciesandover-allmanagementoftheschoolinaccordancewith:

§ TheRulesforNationalSchools-theDepartmentofEducationandSkills(D.E.S.)§ CircularsandguidelinesissuedbytheD.E.S.§ TheEducationandEducation(Welfare)Acts§ OtherlegislationandproceduresprescribedbyAntOireachtais

Successful schoolmanagement is achieved through an inclusive partnership involvingparents/guardians,staffandmanagement.St.Andrew'sN.S.B.O.M.greatlyvaluesthesupportandcooperationofparents/guardiansandstaffwhoplayacrucial role in therunningoftheschool.Responsibilityforallmoniescollectedonbehalfoftheschool,plustheadministrationoffundingfromstatesources,lieswiththeB.O.M.TheB.O.M.isalsochargedwithresponsibilityofappointingschoolstaffwhenavacancyarises.


S.A.S.H.Ltd.

Astherearetwoseparateschoolssharingoursiteandbuilding,ourtrusteesformedacompany called S.A.S.H. (St. Andrew’s and SunbeamHouse) tomanage the building.S.A.S.H.hasnoroleinthedaytodayrunningofeitherschoolandispurelyaconduitsetup to build andmanage the school buildings. S.A.S.H., through its BuildingsAdvisoryGroup,whichincludedteachers,parentsandschooltrustees,progressedthebuildingofthenewextensiontoourschoolsandanupgradeoftheoriginalbuildingin2009/2010respectively.Thetotalcostof the latterwas€5.5millionwhichwasmainly fundedbythe DES.Through prudent fiscal management and planning, there is no outstandingdebtaccruingtous.

FinancialSupportfromParents/Guardians

Regrettably,overthepastfewyears,schoolfundingfromtheD.E.S.hasbeenreduced.In our case this amounts to at least €15,000 per annum. However, the financialdemandsandexpectationsontheschoolhaveremainedatahighandever increasinglevel.Wethereforeexperienceasignificantshortfall inthefundingofourschool: thisnecessitatesusaskingparentstocontributetoourschoolmaintenancefund.Atpresentwehavesetourparents’contributionat€360forafamilywithonechildintheschoolperannum€470forfamilieswithtwochildrenintheschoolperannum€545forfamilieswiththreechildrenintheschoolperannum€615forfamilieswiththreechildrenintheschoolperannumThis sum covers contributions to our Book Loan Scheme, Pupil 24 hour Accident andInjuryinsurancealongwithmanyotherworthyprojects,schemesandeducationaltoolswhich,firstandforemost,benefitourpupils.Inourcasestatefundingonlymeetsthecostofheat,electricityand insurance.Otherexpenses, for example cleaning costs, school supplies, photocopying, buildings andgroundsmaintenanceplusthecostofsomesubstituteteachersmustbemetfromourownfunds.Theper family maintenancecontributionmaybe inexcessofwhatotherschoolsinthearearequire,itreflectsthecostofmaintainingourextensivefacilitiesandsuperblearningresourcestoahighstandard.TaxRefundScheme/‘TaxClawBack’ThroughtheOfficeoftheRevenueCommissionersschemeofTaxRelief forDonationstoEligibleCharitiesandApprovedBodies,ourschoolcanclaimataxrefundonbehalfofparents/guardians.Thisisachievedeasilybyparents/guardiansfillinginasimpleformonceinafiveyearcycle.CHY3formswillbesenttoallwhoqualifytoparticipateinthescheme. We then forward information from collected forms to the RevenueCommissioners and St. Andrew's N.S. duly receives a large tax refund on behalf ofparents/guardiansthisamountstocirca€7,000perannum.Pleasebeassuredthattheschoolcannotanddoesnotwishtohaveanyaccesstoorknowledge of parents' tax affairs and confidentiality in ALL financial matters isassured.


Integration

WearehappytosharethisschoolsitewithNewCourtSchool(formerlySunbeamHouseSpecialNational School).NewCourt School caters for pupilswith special educationalneedsand both schools engage in limited integration of pupils as appropriate and inaccordance with school policy. Integration usually takes place in the more practicalareasofthecurriculum,e.g.VisualArts,Music,DramaandP.E.Integrationandmutualunderstandingisofbenefittoeveryone.

ParentTeacherAssociation(P.T.A.)

InSt.Andrew’sweareluckytohaveanactive,creativeandenergeticP.T.A.whichgivesvaluableassistanceandsupporttotheschool.Allparents/guardianaremembersofthePTAandarewelcomeandencouragedtoparticipateinit.Ifyoufeelyouhaveskillsorknowledgethatmightbebeneficialtoourschoolcommunity,pleaseletusknow!

AimsandObjectivesoftheP.T.A.:

• Toprovideopportunitiesforparents/guardiansandteacherstoshareideas.• To represent the views of parents/guardians on general issues affecting the

school.• Toinformparents/guardiansofdevelopmentsintheschoolandineducation.• To support co-operation between parents/guardians, staff and school

management.• Toorganiseandassist inextra-curricularactivities (E.C.A.) and leisure/sporting

activitiesforpupils,e.g.SportsDay.• To provide information for parents/guardians (e.g. parenting skills and anti-

bullyingstrategies,etc.).• Tohelpwiththeprovisionofextraequipmentandteachingaidsfortheschool.• Toassistwiththeformulationofsomeschoolpoliciesthroughconsultationand

liaisonwithstaffandschoolmanagement.

Offices of the P.T.A. include: Chairperson, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer,Extra-Curricular Activities (E.C.A) Coordinators and Fundraising CommitteeMembers.P.T.A. members are elected by parents/guardians and staff on an annual basis. TheAnnualGeneralMeeting(A.G.M.)ofSt.Andrew’sP.T.A.isheldinthefirsttermofeveryschool year. We would encourage all parents/guardians to attend the A.G.M. tofamiliarisethemselveswiththeworkdonebyourP.T.A.

Extra-CurricularActivities(E.C.A.)

Extra-curricularactivitiesarealsoorganisedbyourschool’sP.T.A.Thesemayinclude:hockey,athletics,basketball,drama,artandcraft,playball,football,music,andaspectsofI.T.Thesupervisionofthechildrenduringtheseactivitiesistheresponsibilityteacher/coachoftheactivitysupportedbydesignatedparent/guardianvolunteers.

Theseactivities takeplaceonly through theselflesseffortsofourP.T.A.Committee,ECAcoordinatorsandvolunteersanddependonactivesupportfromallparents.


Undernocircumstancesmaychildren remainunsupervised in schoolwhileawaitingthe commencement of extra-curricular activities. The B.O.M. or school staff cannotprovidesupervisioninthiscase.

TheCurriculum

InlinewiththeDepartmentofEducationandSkills’PrimarySchoolCurriculum(1999),childrenaretaughtwithinsevencurricularareasinanintegratedmanner.Thedefiningfeaturesofthecurriculumarethatit:

• Focusesonthevariedwaysinwhichindividualchildrenlearn.• Isrelevanttotheneedsofthechildincontemporarysociety.• Isbroad,balancedandholisticinnature.• Includesactivityandskillbasedlearning.• Requires school-based assessment, both formal and informal, to take place in

supportofpupillearning.• Requires school-based planning to enhance learning and teaching and ensure

thatalllearningobjectivesarecoveredoveraspecifictimeperiod.

Thesubjectareasofthecurriculumare:1. Languages:EnglishandGaeilge2. Mathematics3. SocialEnvironmentalandScientificStudies(S.E.S.E.)4. ArtsEducationtoincludeMusic,CreativeArtsandDrama5. SocialPersonalandHealthEducation(S.P.H.E.)6. ReligiousEducation7. PhysicalEducation

Aspectsand featuresof teachingand learningwithineachsubjectareaareaddressedwithin the curriculum; these are called “Strands”. Each Strand is sub-divided into anumber of “Strand Units”. The entire Primary School Curriculum is available atwww.ncca.ie

Gaeilge

In St.Andrew’sN.S. theGaeilge curriculum is designed toenable children todevelopcommunicativecompetence in Irish inanenjoyableway. Italsoenhances theculturalidentityofthechild.

In the Gaeilge curriculum, the four strands of Éisteacht, Labhairt, Léitheoireacht andScríbhneoireacht (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) are integrated. Thesestrands are further sub-divided into strand-units such as Ag Cothú Spéise (FosteringInterest),Ag Tuiscint Teanga (Understanding Language) andAg Úsáid Teanga (UsingLanguage).Thesemaybefurthersub-dividedintoCumasagusMuinín(CompetenceandConfidence)andSamhlaíochtagusMothúcháin(ImaginationandEmotion).

InrecentyearswehaveenhancedourworktofosterAnGaeilgemarmeancomarsaide(Irishasameansofcommunication),thishasbeenhighlysuccessful.


EnglishTheEnglishCurriculumconsistsof threestrands:OralLanguage,ReadingandWriting.Each strand is interlinked and cannot exist in isolation as each strand is a vitalcomponentoflanguage.Inourschool,astrongemphasisisplacedonliteracyskillsandour teachersplanto integratetheseskills intoothercurricularareas (e.g.S.E.S.E,ArtsEducation,etc.),regularlyusingITtoenhanceliteracy.

OralLanguageOral language is an integral part of each curricular area as it is central to thedevelopmentof thechild'sability toexpresshimself/herself. InSt.Andrew’sN.S., talkand discussion is recognised as a valuable methodology and is duly encouraged.Throughorallanguageactivitychildrendeveloptheabilitytocommunicateclearlyandeffectively, develop reading and writing skills as well as enriching their languageexperienceandimaginativeandcognitivepowers.

ReadingA loveofbooks is fostered fromayoungagewithinour school,wherebigbooksareused in the art of storytelling. Pupils also avail of theextensive rangeof books (bothfactualandfictional)intheschoollibrarywhichhasawiderangeofbookscateringforallagegroupsandspanningavarietyofgenres.Classandsupportteachersandparentvolunteersregularlyhearpupilsreadingonanindividualandgroupbasis.Thisaimstoachievefluencyinreadingaswellascomprehensionandenjoyment.Formal reading commences in Senior Infants. In Junior Infants, the emphasis is on amore language-based approach, developing children’s oral, pre-reading skills and inparticularapositiveattitudetowardsbooks.Parents/guardians are encouraged to support the development of these skills.Parents/guardians will be made aware of the methodology used in the teaching ofreadingduringthechild’sfirstyearofschooltoenablethemtoprovidereadinghelpathome.Novelsareusedin1stto6thclasses,inconjunctionwithclassreaders.ReadingasFriendsisamethodologywhichisoftenusedinourschooltoextendpupils’vocabularyandaidcomprehensionandcooperativelearningskills.WritingAs a school, we nurture a “process” approach to writing where pupils engage inplanning, drafting, editing and publishing their written work (writing forms includingstories,poetry,recounts,proceduralwriting,etc.).WeregularlyparticipateintheWriteaBook project. This project is awonderful opportunity topromote literacy andgivespupilstheopportunitytobegenuineauthors,creatingtheirveryownbooks.


MathematicsInSt.Andrew’sN.S.,weaimtodevelopapositiveattitude towardsMaths.We fosterproblem-solvingabilitiesandhelppupils tosee theapplicationsofMaths toeverydaylife. The importance ofmathematical language is emphasised at each class level andpupilsareencouragedtousemathematicallanguageeffectivelyandaccurately.Inorderto achieve proficiency in mathematical skills, a hands-on approach is utilised whereconcretematerialshelppupils tounderstandnewconcepts. InSt.Andrew’s,wehaveextensivemaths resources to support each strandof the curriculum.These resourceswerefurtherenhancedthroughtheprovisionofcirca€3,000infundingfromourP.T.A.TheMathematicsCurriculumcomprisesoffivestrands:1. Number2. Algebra3. Shapeandspace4. Measures5. DataCentral to each strand of the curriculum is a child-centred approach where pupilsacquiremathematicalskillsthroughguideddiscoveryanddirectedteachingapproaches.I.T.isusedtoprovidearichermathematicalexperiencewherepupilsbenefitfromuseoftheinteractivewhiteboard,iPadsandawealthofotherlearningresourcesavailableonline.

SocialEnvironmentalandScientificEducation(S.E.S.E.)

S.E.S.E. provides pupils with the opportunity to explore investigate and develop anunderstanding of the natural, human, social and cultural aspects of local and widerenvironments.Thethreesubjectsinthiscurriculararea,whileintegratedinnature,playadistinctiveroleinfulfillingtheaimsandobjectivesofthecurriculum.

Thiscurricularareaincludes:

Geography

The three strands in the Geography curriculum are Natural Environments, HumanEnvironmentsandEnvironmentalAwarenessandCare.Awidearrayofthemesmaybecoveredwithinthesestrandswhichaimstodeveloppupil’sappreciationof:

• The interdependence of individuals, groups and communities within theirenvironment,promotesrespectfordifferentcultures.

• Fosteringasenseofresponsibilityforcaringfortheenvironment.

Throughouttheirstudiesinthissubjectareapupilswilldevelopthefollowingskillsandconcepts:

• Asenseofplaceandspace• Anunderstandingofmaps,globesandgraphicalskills• Anappreciationofgeographicalinvestigationskills


Emphasis in the Geography Curriculum is placed on the exploration of the children’ssurroundings and local area. We are fortunate that Bray Head, Bray Seafront andKilrudderyEstateareallwithinwalkingdistanceofourschoolandthus,fieldtripsmaybeorganisedtotheseorotherlocationsduringtheschoolyear.History

History is an investigative subjectwhich encourages the child towork as a historian.ThroughtheiranalysisofthedifferenttopicsinHistorypupilswillbeenabledtodeveloptheirknowledgeandunderstandingofpeople,eventsanddevelopmentsinthepastatlocal,nationaland international levels.Thestrandunitswithin theHistoryCurriculumvaryacrossthedifferentclasslevelsandmayinclude:

• Myselfandmyfamily• Story• Earlypeopleandancientsocieties• Life,society,workandcultureinthepast• Erasofchangeandconflict• Politics,conflictandsociety• Continuityandchangeovertime

As theyencounter thestrands listedabove,opportunitieswillbeprovidedtodevelopthefollowingskillsandconcepts:

• TimeandChronology• ChangeandContinuity• CauseandEffect• UsingEvidence• SynthesisandCommunication• Empathy

ScienceThe Science Curriculum is practical in nature and aims to enable children to developbasicscientificideasinanenvironmentwhereemphasisisplacedontheprocessaswellastheoutcomeofanexperiment.Itencouragespupilstodeveloptheirscientificskillsofworking scientifically and designing and making as they explore the biological andphysicalaspectsoftheworld.ThefourmainstrandsintheScienceCurriculum:

• Livingthings• Energyandforces• Materials• Environmentalawarenessandcare

These strands are also subdivided into strand units which cover a wide range ofconcepts. In the senior classespupils record themethodology, results and conclusionforscientificinvestigationsbasedontheseconcepts,inahard-backnotebook.


SocialPersonalandHealthEducation(S.P.H.E.)S.P.H.E.concentratesonthedevelopment,healthandwell-beingofthechild.Itaimstopromoteself-awarenessandunderstandingbyhelpingchildrento:

• Nameandmanagetheirownfeelings• Recogniseandappreciateindividualabilities• Copewithchangeofvariouskinds

Through the programme the children are also taught how to create and maintainsupportiverelationshipsandhowtobecomeanactiveandresponsiblecitizeninsociety.ThethreestrandsoftheS.P.H.E.Curriculumare:

• Myself• Myselfandothers• Myselfandthewiderworld

ArtsEducation

Thiscurricularareaincludes:

VisualArtsThe school encourages art as a medium by which the children can learn to expressthemselves. Art is activity-based and developmental in nature. It builds on children’sprevious experience. The Visual arts curriculum consists of six strands, eachrepresentingamediumfordevelopingthechild'sexpressiveabilities.Thesestrandsare:

• Drawing• PaintandColour• Print• Clay• Construction• FabricandFibre.

IntheVisualArtscurriculum,thechildisencouragedtolookatandrespondtoawidevariety of artworks. In making art, the process of making is as valuable as the finalproduct. The childrenareencouraged toexperiment in spontaneous, imaginativeandincreasinglystructuredwayswitharangeofartmaterials.Theseinclude:

• Pencilsofvarioussizesandforms• Paintsofdifferenttypesincludingwatercolours• Crayons,chalksandmarkersandinks• Clay• Fabricandfibre• Constructionmaterials.

Opportunities for integration with other subjects include interpreting stories/Biblestories, poems, songs, dramaandhistorical events in drawing, paintingor in a three-dimensionalmedium.


Drama

Dramaprovideschildrenwithwaystoexploreourculturalheritageandnewdimensionsof a changing world. Language plays a critical role in drama. The Drama Curriculumcontributes todeveloping the child's competenceand confidence inEnglish, Irishandother languages. Drama helps the child to explore feelings, knowledge and ideas,leading to understanding. In drama, the child explores the motivations and therelationshipsbetweenpeoplewhichexistinareal, imaginedorhistoricalcontext.Thiscanhelphim/herunderstandtheworldinwhichs/helives.Thechildisencouragedtomakedecisionsandtotakeresponsibilityforthosedecisionswithinthesafecontextofthedrama.

Music

Music provides children with opportunities to engage with a wide range of musicalstylesandtraditions.TheMusicCurriculumcomprisesof:

• Listeningandresponding• Performing• Composing

The curriculum, in music introduces children to music reading and writing, to songsingingandtoplayingclassroominstruments.MusicisintegratedwithsubjectssuchasGaeilge,R.E.,Drama,P.E.andArtthroughdancing,illustrating,storytellingandmakingdrama.

Thechildisencouragedtolisten,withattention,tosoundsintheenvironmentandtobecomegraduallyawareofhowsoundisorganisedinmusic.Performanceincorporatesabalanceofsingingandinstrumentalplayingofhis/herownworkandtheworkofothers.Waysofusingsoundareexploredincomposing,bothwiththevoiceandwithawideningrangeofmusicalinstruments.Performanceisbalancedwithopportunitiestohearandtomakeapersonalresponsetomusicofdifferentstyles,periodsandcultures.ReligiousEducationAsourschool isaChristianone,thecharacteristicspiritoftheschool isguidedbytheteachings of our trustee churches. Throughout the school and permeating ourcurriculum,westrivetolivethischaracteristicspirit.

AChristianethosnotonly informsour lessons inReligiousEducationbutalso ineveryother area of the curriculum. Our teachers implement the Follow Me programme,which is the Religious Education curriculum of the Church of Ireland (devised inconsultation with the Presbyterian and Methodist churches). Teachers use teachingmaterialswhicharedeemedappropriatebyourteachingteaminconsultationwithourtrustee clergy. The clergy (and other volunteers) fromour trustee churches enhanceour work in this area by regularly leading school assemblies and teaching individualclassesforperiodsduringtheschoolyearbyarrangement.


Inourschoolwearefortunatetohavefamilies frommanydifferent faiths,ethnicitiesandculturalbackgrounds.Wetreatallpupils inourschoolas individualsand respectthechosenreligiousethosoftheirfamilies.

Parentsofpupilswhoaremembersofchurchesotherthanourtrusteechurchesandwho

wish for their own individual denominational requirements to be covered must make

their own arrangements for same outside school hours. Pupils will not be given

permissiontoleaveduringschoolhourstoreceiveoutsidereligiousinstruction.

While emphasising the inclusive ethos of our school, we require that all familiesenteringourschoolcommittorespectingandupholdingourschoolethos.

PhysicalEducation(P.E.)InSt.Andrew’s,wearefortunatetohaveexcellentindoorandoutdoorsportsfacilitiesconsistingoftheLargeHall,anextensivegreenarea,aswellasahardplayarea.WealsonowhaveaplaygroundwhichissharedwithNewCourtSchool.Through the P.E. curriculum,we aim to ensure that pupils receive awide and variedexperienceofthissubjectareaanddevelopapositiveattitudetowardsphysicalactivity.TheP.E.curriculumconsistsofsixstrands,theseare:

• Athletics• Dance• Gymnastics• Games• Outdoorandadventureactivities• Aquatics (All pupils in 1st- 6th classes attend swimming lessons in

ShorelineLeisureCentreBray.)

In addition to our vibrant P.E. curriculum, outside facilitators conduct an array ofworkshopswhichmay includeG.A.A., rugby, cricket, cycling, karate, dance, etc. Eachyear,weholdaSportsDayinthesummertermwherepupilsaregiventheopportunitytotakepartinavarietyofraces,rangingfromrelayracestothethree-leggedrace.Theimportanceofparticipationishighlightedanditisalwaysagreatlyanticipatedeventinthe school calendar. The school also strives to be an Active School and promotesphysicalactivityoutsideschoolhours.InformationandCommunicationTechnology(I.T.)

InSt.Andrew’sweareluckytohaveacomputerroom.WehavereplacedourPCswithlaptops.AsthereislimitedbutnonethelessverywelcomefundingforITprovidedbytheDES,wemustrelyonourownendeavours.ThroughtheeffortsofourBOM,P.T.A.andindividual familieswe have provided 14 interactivewhiteboards, 30 iPads and 8 newhigh-speclaptopsforuseinschoolandbyourschoolstaff.IThardwareisupgradedandreplaced on a regular basis.Where possible our school provides classes in computerskillsusingacurriculumdesignedbyourteachingstaff.


Eachclassroomhasaninteractivewhiteboardwithanassignedlaptop.Wehaveastaffcomputer committee who undertake the responsibility for progressing our use andresourcingofI.T.asanessentiallearningtoolandasameansofcommunication.

Other I.T. equipment utilised in our school includes digital cameras, visualisers, dataprojectorsandanetworkedphotocopier. WeasastaffarecommittedtoupskillingintheareaofITthroughstaffcollaborationandtrainingfromoutsideorganisations.

TheschoolhasbeendesignatedasaDigitalSchoolofDistinction inrecognitionofouruseofITasateachingandlearningresource.

SchoolWebsite

Ourschoolwebsitecanbefoundatwww.standrewsbray.ie.Thepurposeofourwebsiteis to provide information about our school to our parents/guardians, community,prospective parents andother interested groups. School policies, calendars, relevantforms,schoolnewsandotherinterestinginformationcanbefoundonourwebsite.

AssessmentIn St. Andrew’s N.S., we appreciate that each child is an individual and that his/herlearningstylediffers.Therefore,weaimtousearangeofassessmentmethodsinorderto successfully evaluate children’s “progress and/or achievement” (N.C.C.A., 2007).Assessment can range from teacher-led to child-orientated self-assessment. As withutilisingarangeofassessmentmethods,itisimportanttoensurethatthereisabalancebetween teacher and child-led assessment. The diagram below shows the range ofassessmentstrategieswhichweuseinSt.Andrew’sN.S.Source: Assessment in the Primary School Curriculum: Guidelines for Schools (NCCA,2007)


StandardisedandDiagnosticTestingStandardised tests inEnglishandMathematicsareundertakeneveryyear in1st to6thclasses. Senior Infant pupils also undergo a screening test at the end of their schoolyear. When resources permit, Junior Infants are screened to identify strengths andlearningneeds.Moreprecisetestingisconductedbyoursupportteacherswhenitisdeemednecessarybyschoolstaff.Thisisdonefollowingconsultationwithparents/guardians.Childrenarethusallocated‘slots’insupportteachers’timetablestoaddressanyidentifiedneedsfollowingassessment.Whileeveryeffortismadetogiveparentspriornoticeofthis,itmaynotbepossibletodoso,especiallywhenatime‘slot’becomesavailablewithinateacher’stimetableatshortnotice.In-schooldiagnostictestingisveryvaluableandenablesteachersto identifychildren’sstrengthsandneeds.Wewillthusaskforyourconsenttoengageinpupilassessmentofthiskind,byourschoolstaff,duringourInfantInductionevening.In cases where a further and more detailed, in-depth assessment is required, theschool’sEducationalPsychologistisconsulted.(Asthisserviceisgrosslyunder-funded,itmaybenecessarytoengagetheservicesofapsychologistonaprivatebasiswhichisfundedbyparents).Thiscanonlyhappenwithparentapproval.Parents/guardiansareupdatedontheirchild’sprogress throughnotes in journalsandmeetingswithteachers.Allpupilsreceiveanendofyearreport.Parents of our pupils who have assessments/diagnoses from professionals such asspeechandlanguageandoccupationaltherapists,psychologistsetc.,meetwithschoolstafftodrawup/reviewlearningplansfortheirchildren.RepeatingaSchoolYear

Onoccasion,teachersandparents/guardiansmaydecidethatthechild’sbestinterestsare servedby repeatingor revisingagivenschoolyear. Followingdetaileddiscussionoveraperiodoftime,teachersandparentswillcometoadecisiononthis.Insuchcasestheparent/guardianhasthefinalsay.Forachildtorepeatayear,astrongcasemustexisttoidentifythebenefitsofthis.

PupilsWithAdditionalNeeds

St.Andrew’sNationalSchoolwelcomespupilswithadditionalneedsintoourschool.Weendeavour to nurture each individual pupil within a committed, caring andmutuallysupportive community of pupils, teachers, parents, guardians andmanagement. Wepromoteapositiveattitudetoenableourchildrentorecognisetheirgiftsandachievetheir full potential. Based on pupils needs, we aim to develop methodologies andfurtherprogrammesofworkwhichcanenhancepupillearning,e.g.MotorSkills,SocialSkills,etc.


SpecialNeedsAssistants(S.N.A.s)arefundedbytheD.E.S.tocaterforthecareneedsofdesignatedpupilsinourschool.WecurrentlyhavefiveS.N.A.s,thisnumbervariesonayearlybasis Thesecolleagueskeepdetailedrecords,onadailybasis,ofprogressandneedsforthespecificpupilsundertheircare.

SupportTeaching

Support Teachers support children either individually, in small groups or provide in-classsupporttoaddress learningneeds inatargetedway.Withinourschoolwehavedevelopedaco-teachingapproachtolearningsupportandresourceteaching.Heretwoteacherscanprovide in-classsupport inthesameclassroomforaperiodoftime.Thisenables all children within the class to receive supplementary support and attentionfromthelearningsupport/resourceandclassteachers.Thisapproachalsoensuresthatchildrendon’tmissoutfrombeingwithdrawnfromtheclassroomtoooften.

InSeptember2017,theDepartmentofEducationandSkills(DES)introducedthenewmodelforSupportTeachinginPrimarySchools.Thepreviousmodelallocatedfortyhourssupportteachingperweektoschoolsofoursize.Itwaslefttotheteachingteamineachschooltoallocatetheresourcestoindividualclasses/pupilsdependingontheneedsofthepupils.Resourceswerealsoallocatedtoindividualpupilsonthebasisofadiagnosisofanassessedneedasindicatedinaprofessionalreport.Thenewmodelallocatesresourcestoeachschoolbasedontheschool’sprofile.Theseinclude:

• Thesocialcontextoftheschool:thepercentageoffamilieslivinginsocialhousing• Thelevelofnumeracyandliteracycompetenceoftheoverallschoolpopulation:the

levelofattainmentofpupilsinstandardisedtestsofliteracyornumeracy• Thelevelofinclusionwithintheschoolpopulation:thenumberandprofileofpupilswith

additionalneedswithintheschool• Whethertheschoolisanall-boys/allgirlsorcoeducational

Theschool’slevelofsupportsinourschoolasof31stDecember2016servedasabenchmarkforourresourceallocationupuntilSeptember2018.ItisfearedbymanyprincipalsthatresourcingtoschoolslikeStAndrew’swillbereducedatthisstage.ThisNewModelofSpecialEducationTeachingAllocationnowprovidesonesingleallocationtoschools,whichschoolsmustdeployaccordingtoIndividualLearningNeeds.Home-SchoolLiaison

Goodcommunicationandeffectivecooperationbetweenparents/guardiansandstaffisfundamentaltothedevelopmentofahappyandeffectivelearningenvironmentwithinaschool.ThisisachievedinSt.Andrew’sinthefollowingways:

• Teachers being available to meet with parents/guardians both on designatedparent/teacher consultation days and outside school hours by appointmentonly. We request that parents do not engage class teachers in discussingimportantissuesorconcernsduringschoolhoursasteachershaveadutyofcareto the pupils in their class. If you have a specific concern, please contact theteacher through the school office or by note to arrange a mutually suitable


meeting time. Here issues can be discussed in a private and professionalmanner.

• Notes may also be written by parents/guardians or teachers in a child’shomeworkjournal(1st–6thclass).

• Awrittenreportoneachpupilisprovidedattheendofeachschoolyear.• SchoolNewslettersareissuedregularly.Theyincludeupdatesonschool,B.O.M.

andP.T.A.newsandnoticesofforthcomingevents.Childrenandothermembersof theschoolcommunityalsomakevaluablecontributions to this.Newslettersareemailedtoeveryparent.

• Allcorrespondencewillbeemailedtoparents/guardian.Pleaseensurethattheschoolofficehasthecorrectemailaddress foryouandpleasenotifyusofanychange.

• SMS (text-message)notification isused for thedistributionof information, i.e.remindersorbriefimportantnotes.

• The school website www.standrewsbray.ie is fully functional and regularlyupdated.

GrievanceProcedure

The following grievance procedure has been agreed between the Department ofEducationandSkills,schoolmanagementbodiesandtheteachers’unions.Accordingly,theschoolauthoritiesandprincipalarerequiredtoabidebytheseproceduresassetoutbelow:

1. Ifyouhaveanissueofconcernaboutyourchild’seducationorgeneralwellbeing,this can be discussed with the child’s teacher in the first instance (please seeprevioussectiononhome-schoolliaison).Inthevastmajorityofcasesamutuallysatisfactoryresolutionisreachedatthisstage.

2. Intheeventthatyouarenotsatisfiedwiththeoutcomeofadiscussionwithyourchild’s teacher,youmay then raise thematterwith theschoolprincipalor inherabsencewith the deputy principal.Again, pleasemake an appointment for thisand indicate the nature of the matter for discussion to allow for an informeddiscussion/resolution to take place. It is school policy that whenparents/guardiansaremakingappointments tosee teachers throughtheschooloffice,ageneraldescriptionofthesubjectmatterforthemeetingisgiven

3. Inveryrarecases,ifthematterremainsunresolved,theissuecanbepassedontothe chairperson of the school’s Board of Management. Further attempts atresolutionmaysubsequentlybedirectedtotheBoardofManagementinwritingastheboardmayonlydealwithwrittencomplaints.

4. Havinggonethroughtheproceduresabove,parentshavetherighttocontacttheDepartmentofEducationandSkills,shouldagrievanceremainunresolved. AgainsuchissueswillonlybeaddressedbytheD.E.S.whenputinwritingandsigned.

Homework

Regular homework is a valuable part of the learning process and it helps children todevelopgoodstudyhabitsandpractiseskillsandconceptscoveredinclass.


Homeworkismorebeneficialtochildrenwhenparents/guardianstakeanactiveinterestinthetask:byhearingreading,practisingspellingsandtablesandmonitoringwrittenwork.Inthelattercasechildrenshouldbeencouragedtoedittheirownwork.HomeworkisnotnormallygivenonFridaysalthoughindividualchildren/classes(attheseniorendoftheschool)maybegivenhomework/projectworkorstudyassignmentsonweekends.

Suggestedtimetobespentonhomework:

JuniorInfants 10–15minutesSeniorInfants 15–20minutesFirstclass 20–30minutesSecondclass 30minutesThirdClass 30–40minutesFourthClass 30–40minutesFifthclass Approximately1hourSixthClass Approximately1hour

Parents/guardiansshouldsign journals (1st–6th classes)onsatisfactorycompletionofhomeworkbythechild. Ifachildisconsistentlyspendingsignificantlylongerthanthesuggestedtimeonhomework, theclass teachershouldbecontacted.Theschoolverymuchvaluesthiscrucialinputofparentstotheirchild’slearning.Textbooks

ClassteacherssupplyeachchildwithabooklistinJuneforthefollowingschoolyear.Abook loanschemeis inoperationforclassnovels, infantreaders,sometextbooksandreference books. This is subsidised through the support of the D.E.S., familycontributions,ourBoardofManagementandP.T.A.funds.

SchoolTimetable

PupilAbsences

UndertheEducation(Welfare)Act,parents/guardiansarerequiredtoprovideawrittenexplanation for each absence of a child from school on the day they return. Notes

8.30am Doorsopenforreceptionofpupilsandpupilsareengagedin

learningactivities

8.40am Pupilsarrivingafterthistimeareconsideredlate

9.45am Officialrollcall

10.20–10:30am Firstbreak

12:00-12:30pm Secondbreak

1.10pm Schoolfinishesforinfantclasses

2.10pm Schoolfinishesfor1stto6thclasses


regardingabsencesmuststatethespecific reasonforeachabsence, i.e.anotesaying“child is sick” or “child is absent withmy permission” are not sufficient. Under theEducation(Welfare)ActtheschoolisrequiredtoinformtheEducationWelfareOfficerofanycaseswherepupilabsencesexceed20daysinanyschoolyear,oranyothercasesofnon/irregularattendancewhichcauseconcern.

TheschoolhasadetailedAttendancePolicy,acopyofwhichisavailableintheschooloronwww.standrewsbray.ieorfromtheschooloffice.

If youwishyourchild to leave schoolearly,writtennoticemustbegiven to theclassteacherwherepossible.A logbook isavailable tobesigned forpupilsarriving lateorleavingbeforetheendofschool.Thismustbesignedbyparents/guardiansPupilsmaynotleavetheschoolpremisesduringschoolhoursunlessaccompaniedbyanadult.

PunctualityandPupilSafety

Schoolbeginsat8.30am.Whentheschooldoorsareopened,pupilsmustgodirectlytotheirclassrooms.Weexpectallpupilstobeseatedintheirclassroomsby8.40am,afterwhichtimetheyarelateforschool.Arecordoflatearrivalsiskepttoidentifyhabituallatecomers.Lackofpunctualityisbothupsettingtothechildconcernedanddisruptivetotheclassasawhole.

TheBoardofManagementprovidessupervisionforpupilswithintheschoolbuildingandgroundsafter8:30amandupuntilclassesfinishat1:10pmforinfantsor2:10pmforotherclasses.

Childrenshouldnotbeleftunsupervisedinschoolbefore8:30amorafterclosingtime(1:10pm and 2:10pm) as there is no adult supervision available. Pupils must besupervised by their parents/guardians or another adult designated by theparent/guardianbeforeschoolopeningandafterschoolclosingtimes.

Thecarparkisapotentiallydangerousplaceatthestartandendofschoolday.Pupilsareonlyallowedtoplayinthisareawhentherearenomotorvehiclespresent,e.g.atbreaktimesorduringschool-basedactivitieswhenthegatesareclosed.

Pupilsshouldbetrainedtotellateacherorothermemberofstaffiftheyhavenotbeencollected,areunsureastoarrangementsfortheircollectionor iftheyneedanyotherassistanceafterschoolhours.Ourschoolsecretaryfinishesworkat3:00pm.Whiletheschool has contact numbers for all families, children should be taught tomemoriseparent/guardianphonenumbersforemergencyuse.

InfantDrop-OffandCollection

At the beginning of the school day all infant pupils, with their parents/guardians orolder siblings, should enter the building through the side door of the school. This islocatedoutsidetheinfantclassrooms.Infantpupilsmustbegivenintothecareoftheirteacherintheirownclassroom.At1:10pmtheymustbecollected,againfromthesidedoor,where theywill be given over to parents/guardians by amember of staff. Thearrangements for this will be further explained to you when your child enters theschool.


Onwindyorverywetdaysaccessandegressisthroughthemainschoolentrance.

HolidayLists

Holidaylistsareforwardedtoeachfamilypriortothebeginningofeachschoolyearandto parents of the incoming Junior Infants during the induction evening. Additionalcopies are available upon request and on the school’s website. We encourageparents/guardianstoarrangefamilyholidaystocoincidewithschoolholidaytimes.Itisschoolpolicythatteachersdonotprovideextraschoolworkforchildrenwhoareonholidaysduringtheschoolterm.Ifachildisabsentforthisreason,theonusisontheparents/guardianstoensureanytopicsmissedarecoveredathome.

TheReidLibrary

Wehaveawell-stockedandattractivelibraryfacilityinthisschool.Thiswassignificantlyupgraded in 2015 and was provided solely from funds raised by our PTA. Parentvolunteers provide much valued help to ensure its smooth running. Children areencouragedtoborrowbooksonaregularbasis.Wehaveacomputerisedlibrarysystemandallbooksarebarcoded.OurlibrarystockissupplementedthroughfinancialsupportfromourBoardofManagementandP.T.A.

PupilWelfare,HealthandSafety

ALL STAFF, PUPILS, PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND MANAGEMENT HAVE ARESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ST. ANDREW’S N.S. REMAINS A SAFE PLACE INWHICHTOWORK,LEARNANDVISIT.

St. Andrew’s N.S has a Safety Officer, Ms Daphne Wood supported by Ms CarolineAragane, who is amember of staff with specific responsibilities for coordinating ourpractice in this area. St. Andrew's N.S. and New Court School have a joint safetycommitteewhichaddressessafetyissuesaffectingbothschools.

Remember:Weareallresponsibleforhealthandsafetyinourschool,don’tleaveittosomeoneelse!

AdetailedSafetyStatementisavailablefromtheschoolofficeonrequest.

Ouraimistoensurethehealthandsafetyofallthoseinvolvedinschoolactivities,i.e.staff,parents/guardians,pupilsandvisitors.

PupilIllnessorMedicalNeeds

Atthebeginningofeachschoolyear,werequestthatparents/guardians informtheclassteacherregardinganyallergiesormedicalconditionswhichthechildmayhave.

Onentrytotheschoolparents/guardiansarerequiredtofullycompleteanemergencycontact form. The information supplied on this is used to contact parents/guardians,minders,etc.ifthechildbecomesillinschool.Anychangestocontactdetailsshouldbegiventotheschoolsecretary,inwritingorbyemail,forinclusiononourdatabase.


Pleasedonotsendchildrentoschooliftheyareilloriftheyarelikelytoinfectothersaroundthemwhileinschool.Itisourpolicytosendchildrenhomeiftheyareunwell.Wedonothaveresourcestocareforchildrenwhoareill.Ifyourchildhassuffered

fromdiarrhoeaorvomitingpleasekeepthemathomeforatleast24hourstopreventthespreadofinfection.Childrenonantibioticswillalsoneedatleast24hoursforthemedicationtotakeeffectandshouldpostponetheirreturntoschool.Childrenshould

notbesenttoschoolwhilecoveredbyamedicalcertificate.

AdministrationofMedication

Wherepossible,parents/guardiansshouldmakeeveryefforttoadministermedicationtotheirchildrenoutsideofschoolhours.Inexceptionalcases,wheremedicationmustbe administered to pupils during school hours, parents/guardians are required tocompletetherelevantAdministrationofMedicationIndemnityformandreturnittotheschooloffice.Adetailedpolicyontheadministrationofmedicationisavailablefromtheschooloffice.

If a child suffers from a condition which may necessitate life saving measures, e.g.epilepsy,severeallergies,etc.parentsmustinstructstaffintherequiredproceduresatthebeginningofeachschoolyear.

FirstAid

TherearetrainedFirstAidpersonnelonthestaffoftheschool.Minorcuts,bumpsandbruisesaredealtwithbyschoolstaff.Parents/guardianswillbecontactedinthecaseofinjurieswhichgivestaffcauseforconcern.

Funding for training of school staff in basic First Aid is provided from the familymaintenancecontributionasthereisnoDepartmentofEducationandSkillsfundingforthis.

Itisourpolicytocleancutsandbruiseswithanantisepticwipeandtocoverthemwitha plaster. If your child has an allergy to any of these products please let us know inwriting,otherwisewewillusetheabove’cleansing’procedure.

CodeofBehaviourandAnti-BullyingPolicy

The pupils in this school are friendly, courteous, caring andmannerly. All pupils areexpectedtotreattheirpeers,staffmembers,otheradultsandallpropertywithrespectandcourtesyatalltimes.Staffmodelappropriatewaysofcommunicationandtreatallpupilswithkindnessandrespect.Theaboveformsacrucialpartofourschool’sethos.

The same ethos of respect must also apply to intrapersonal communication amongstaff,managementandparentswithinourschool.


On entry to the school, a copy of the full Code of Behaviour ismade available to allfamilies. Thismustbe read,discussedwith the children (inanageappropriateway),signedandreturnedtotheschoolsecretarypriortoenrolments.

Our Code of Behaviour has been audited and reviewed in line with the EducationWelfareAct. Ithasbeendiscussedwithstaffandasub-committeeconsistingof staffand parents and has been approved by the Board of Management. Copies of therevisedCodehavebeensenttoallfamiliesfortheirinformationandsupport.

Bullyingofanysort,whetherphysical,verbaloremotional,carriedoutbyagrouporbyindividualswillnotbetoleratedinthisschool.

Parents/guardiansand/orchildrenmustinformtheclassteacher,principalordeputyprincipalof anyproblems immediately. If the school isnotmadeawareofbullyingbehaviour we are unable to address it. Our Anti–Bullying Code applies to bothchildrenandadults.

St.Andrew’sN.S.doesnottoleratebullying.

Teachers constantly remind theirpupils to tell them,oranother trustedadult, if theyare anxious about anything. Older pupils are also encouraged to look out for thewelfareoftheirpeersandtheyoungerchildren.CaringfortheEnvironmentAs part of the campaign for our first Green Flagwe targeted litter andwaste in ourschool environment. Having conducted a litter survey of the school grounds and asurveyofthewasteproducedinschool,wehaveintroduceddifferentmeasurestokeepourschooltidyandreducewaste,includingtheuseofrecyclingbins.Toensurethatourschool retains the flagwemustallwork together topromotea litter-freeandwaste-free environment.Wearenowworking towards a ourGreen Flag for Travelwhich isaboutencouragingfamiliestopoolcars,walkorcycletoschoolinefforttocutdownonfuelemissionsandusingsustainableenergy.SafeParkingandDrivingintheSchoolGrounds

Allvisitorstotheschoolareexpectedtodriveandparkinasafe,courteousandcarefulmanner.Speedrestrictionsandotherwarningsignsmustbestrictlyadheredtobyalldrivers.Rampsarealsoprovidedtoprotectusall.Adetailedpolicydocumentonthissubject is issuedtoall familiesonenrolment intheschool.Thelattercontainsourcarparkruleswhicharealsoondisplayattheschoolentrance.

Duetotrafficcongestionintheyard,theschool’sBoardofManagement,inconsultationwithourpartnersintheschool,mayperiodicallyissueguidelinesforcollecting/droppingchildrenfromschool.Thesearereviewedonaregularbasis.

Wewouldaskyoutohelpalleviatetrafficcongestionintheyardbywalking,cyclingandcar-poolingwherepossible.


Please do not park in the school play area during school hours. There is adequateparking,duringschoolhours,forparentsinthestaffcarparkatthegableendofNewCourtSchool.

S.A.S.H.Ltd.,St.Andrew’sBoardofManagementortheiragentscannotacceptresponsibilityfordamagetoorlossofpossessionsbyanyvisitorstoourschool,either

intheschoolbuildingoritsenvirons.

Parents and others collecting children are asked to report instances of

dangerous/carelessdrivingtotheBOM.Pleasealsosupplyregistrationdetails,make

ofcaretc.

EmergencyClosings

Emergencyschoolclosingscanoccurforreasonssuchasfailureofheatingorelectrical

systems,vandalismorinclementweather.Wewillmakeeveryefforttonotifyparents

ofemergencyclosingsbytextbutthismaynotalwaysbepossible. Wewillalsoplace

noticesattheentrancestotheschool.Itisimperativetoensurethattheschoolisopen

beforeyouleavetheschoolgroundseachday.

LostProperty

A lost property box is situated in the school foyer. Please check lost property on aregular basis.We remind you that all personal belongings should be clearlymarkedwith your child’s name for easy identification. Unclaimed lost property will beperiodicallydonatedtocharityordisposedof.

Valuablepersonalpropertyshouldnotbebroughttoschoolbypupils.Theschooldoesnotacceptresponsibilityforpersonalbelongingslostordamaged.

Animals/Pets

Whilewelovepetsandvaluethepositiveeffectstheyhaveonourlives,forhealthandsafetyreasonswecannotallowdogsonschoolgrounds.Onoccasions,foreducationalpurposesandbypriorarrangement,animalsmaybeallowedtovisit theschoolunderthesupervisionofaresponsibleadultowner.

DressCodePupilsmustwearanavyblueschoolsweatshirt,withourschoolcrestembroideredonthelefthandside,overawhitecollaredpoloshirt.Schooluniformsareavailablefromourdesignatedsupplier:

TheSchoolWearHouse,TescoShoppingCentreHillside,Greystones,Co.WicklowPhoneNo.012873420


• Ourdesignatedsupplierissubjecttochange.• Pupilsmustwearflatsoled,well-fittingshoes(nohighheels).Footwearshouldbe

suitableforphysicalactivity.• Jewelleryshouldnotbeworn.Studtypeearringsonlyifnecessary.Nootherbody

piercingsarepermitted.• Longhairmustbetiedbacktominimisethespreadofhead-liceandforreasonsof

healthandsafety.• Hairstyles and colouring should conform to school policy on appropriateness of

same.Pleaseenquireoftheprincipalregardingthis.• Pupilsshouldbedressedneatlyandappropriatelyforschoolatalltimes.Parentsof

pupilswhowearclothingorfootwearwhichisdeemedunsafeorinappropriatebytheclassteacherorschoolprincipalwillbecontacted.

• RunnersandtracksuitbottomsmustbewornonallP.E.days.Duringthelastterm,wetrytodoextraP.E.activities,sowesuggestthatpupilsdressforphysicalactivityeveryday.

• Sunscreenshouldbeappliedparticularlyonsunnydays.• Pupils must bring weatherproof clothing to school each day, even during the

summerterm.Coatsshouldbewaterproof.• All belongings must be clearly marked with the pupil’s name. All unmarked

propertywillbeputintothelostpropertybox.• Make-up,includingnail-varnishmaynotbeworninschoolLunches

• Weobserve a healthy eating policy. Please ensure that your child has a healthy

lunch which he or she will eat.Crisps, lollipops, sweets, chewing gum and fizzydrinksshouldnotbebroughttoschool.

• Pleasedonotincludepopcornoryoghurttubesinschoollunches.Theseareverymessyandcandestroyclassroomcarpets.

• Onlysendfoodincontainerswhichyourchildcanmanageindependently.• Drinks should be carried in a sealed plastic container/carton (no glass bottles

please).• Foodshouldnotbeconsumedintheplayground.

BreakTimes• Pupils vacate classrooms during break times, weather permitting. Only children

who are injured may remain indoors and must stay with the staff member onindoorduty.Ifachildisunwelltheyshouldnotbesenttoschool.Iftheyarewellenoughforschool,theyshouldbewellenoughtogooutsideatbreaktimes.

• Pupilsmustplayintheareasoftheplaygroundassignedtothem.• Theschoolfieldistobeaccessedviatheramps/stepsonlyandnotthebanks.• Runningandrollingonthebanksorrampsisnotpermitted.• Roughordangerousplayisnottolerated.• Toysmayonlybebroughttoschoolforactivitiessuchas“showandtell”andshould

notbebroughtouttotheschoolplayareas.


Allchildrenaretaughttheschoolrulesandthereasonsfortheminanageappropriatemanner.Weexpectallpupilstoabidebytheserules.

MobilePhones

• Mobilephonesshouldnotbebroughtintoschoolastheymaybedamaged,lostorused inappropriately. In exceptional circumstances pupils in 4th – 6th class maybringaphoneintoschooliftheyarewalkingtoorfromschoolunaccompaniedbyanadult.

Ifitisessentialthatphonesarebroughttoschoolphonesmust:

• Beswitchedoffandkeptinschoolbagsduringschoolhours.• Neverbetakentotheswimmingpool.

Pupilsmayuseschoolphoneswithpermissioninemergenciesonly.

Anybreachoftheseruleswillresultintheconfiscationofphones.Onceconfiscated,phonesmustbecollectedfromtheschoolofficebyparents/guardians.

CommunicatingwiththeSchool

The school may be contacted by telephone on 01 2867161 or by e-mail [email protected] left ifnecessary.Whileeveryeffort ismade to ensure messages are checked regularly, it may occasionally happen thatmessagesdonotgetthroughtotheclassteacherorschoolprincipalintime.

The school uses a web-based text message facility to communicate importantinformationtoparents,suchaschangestoschooloperatingtimes,earlyoremergencyclosingsandpendingnotesandothernews/requests.Itisessentialthatallfamiliesareincluded in this service, the cost of which is funded by our school’s Board ofManagementandPTA.

Thisbookletcontainsonlyabriefoutlineoflearningactivitiesandorganisationalmatterswithinourschool.Thereisamyriadofextrasupports,providedbystaff,managementandourmanyparentvolunteers,whichmakeSt.Andrew’sN.S.awelcomingandaffirmingplaceoflearning.TheschoolstaffandBoardofManagementthankyoufortakingthetimetoreadthisbookletand request that you adhere to the rules and procedures outlined. Thiswill ensure that thestaffcandevotethemaximumattentiontothecareandlearningofourpupils.Pleasedonothesitatetocontactyourchild’steacher,ourschoolsecretaryormyselfifyouhaveanyqueriesorsuggestionstoimprovethisinformationbooklet.DaphneWoodPrincipalReviewedSeptember2017


ObjectiveviewofOurSchoolPupilsandStaff–extractsfromTarascoSocial(SchoolReports)

Every ten years (approximately) our school undergoes a thorough inspection froman

experiencedDepartmentofEducationandScience Inspector. This lasts foraboutone

week where each teacher is observed teaching, their notes and pupil records are

checked and the quality of teaching, learning, leadership, administration and

managementintheschoolareassessed.CigarSocial(SchoolInspectors)alsovisiteach

schoolonan incidentalbasisat leastonceperyear togauge thequalityof teaching,

learningandleadershipwithintheschool.

Wehavetakenextractsfromvariousreportsovertheyearswhichdisplayonecommon

theme i.e.ourschoolprovidesquality learningandcare forallourpupils throughthe

workofskilledandcommittedstaffmembers.

1996SchoolOrganisationAll matters of school organisation and administration are very efficiently dealt with.

Theprincipalexerciseshisroleasateambuilderveryeffectively…maintaininga

goodcommunicationsystembetweenteachers,pupilsandparents.

PreparationThe teachers prepare for their work in a very commendable fashion…the extent of

teachers’practicalpreparationisveryapparentthroughouttheschool.

Thequalityofteachingisasignificantstrengthoftheschool…thereisasenseof

teamworkandenthusiasmandteachermoraleishigh…ofparticularnoteareexcellent

classroommanagement(techniques),agoodblendofteacher-directedand

independentpupillearningandverygoodclassroomcontrolanddiscipline.Particularly

effectiveuseoffeedbackenablesolderpupilstoevaluateandimprovetheirwritten

work.Sensitiveteachingandsupportiveattitudeofteachersencouragepupilsto

expresstheirownideas.


Pupils(inIrish) impressintheirabilitytousethecorrectformofavarietyof language

structures.InEnglishpupilscandiscusstopicswithconfidenceandclarity:Olderpupils

displaytheabilitytodiscusspoemstheyhavelearnedinaveryknowledgeablemanner.

Credit is due to the teachers for their assiduous attention to correcting pupils’ work

(Mathematics).

Considerableemphasisisplacedondevelopingpositiveattitudestotheenvironment…

Alively interest inHistoryiscultivatedthroughdiscussionandprojectwork. Thestaff

displayaverycaringattitudetowardspupilswithspecialneedsandmakecommendable

efforts to improve their self confidence and overall attainment. The Staff are

commendedinthequalityoftheirwork.

EamonÓMhuircheartach

FormerDeputyChiefInspectorDES

SchoolReports,1994/1996


The above was also echoed in the Report of 2002/2003 – extracts ofwhichstatethatQualityofTeachingandLearningPreparationandPlanning.

Theprincipalandteachersareafinededicatedandveryhardworkinggroupofpeople.

Individually the class teachers show a high degree of competence in self evaluation.

The principal teacher performs his teaching and administrative dutieswith admirable

skill and enthusiasm. He works with his mainstream teaching colleagues, learning

support and resource teachers, in a spirit of co-operation, teamwork and mutual

dedicationtothegoodoftheschool.

SummaryItisevidentthattheBoardofManagement,Principal,teachersandallconcernedinthe

day to day running of S.N. Aindriú Bré are deeply committed to the education and

welfareofthepupilsintheircare.

ÁineM.NíDhúill

SchoolInspector

5/5/2003


InDecember2016StAndrew’sN.S.underwentasubjectevaluationintheareaofMathematics.SUMMARYOFMAINFINDINGS

1. Thequalityofpupils’learningoutcomesinMathematicsisverygood;theydisplayverygoodlevelsofmotivationandinterestandexperiencelearninginapositive,encouragingandopenenvironment.

2. Pupils’mathematicalskillsaregenerallywelldevelopedandinlinewithcurriculumexpectations;thereisaneedhowever,forthesystematicdevelopmentofpupils’higher-orderskills.

3. Theoverallqualityoftheteachingobservedwasverygood,andthisincludedanumberofexamplesofexcellentpractice.

4. Apositivecultureofteachercollaborationexists,whichincludesopportunitiesforteacherstoengageinpeerobservation.

5. AssessmentpracticesinMathematicsaregoodoverall,withsomehighlyeffectiveapproachestoassessmentforlearning;thereisscopeforgreaterfocusontheassessmentofpupils’skills.

6. Thehighlyeffectiveprincipal,withthesignificantsupportofmembersofthein-schoolleadershipteam,successfullyleadsandoverseesprovisioninMathematicsandhavemanagedaverygoodschoolself-evaluation(SSE)processthathasresultedinimprovementsinpupils’learning.

.Thefullreportcanbeaccessedbyclickingonthelinkbelowhttps://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Inspection-Reports-Publications/Curriculum-Evaluations-in-Primary-Schools/13597M_CEM_3410_20161209.pdf

Documents

St. Andrew’s N.S.€¦ · School Timetable Pupil Absences Page 26 Punctuality and Pupil Safety Infant Drop-Off and Collection Page 27 Holiday Lists Library Pupil Welfare, Health