Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Starting
Primary One
Seagoe Primary School
September 2020
Seagoe
Primary School www.seagoeps.co.uk
Welcome to Seagoe Primary School
Dear Parent / Guardian
May I give you a warm welcome to Seagoe Primary School. I am delighted that you have
decided to enrol your child here and we look forward to getting to know them and to sharing
in their development in the years ahead.
Due to the current situation, schools will operate in a very different way, but I want to ensure
you that the safety and well-being of our pupils, staff and the entire Seagoe family is our main
priority. Once we have received guidance from the Department of Education, we will inform
you of our detailed plans for a phased return to school. We envisage that children will return
to school in small groups. There will be a ‘blended approach’ where children will be in
school part-time and at home part-time.
We know that this is an exciting and challenging time for parents and pupils alike, therefore,
this booklet has been designed to give you some insight into how to prepare your child for
starting school and what to expect in Primary One. Should you require more information
about a particular aspect, please contact me or a member of staff.
We are fortunate indeed in having a bright, spacious school that is well furnished and
adequately equipped, and which is situated on a beautiful and secure site. We would hope
that working in such pleasant surroundings would develop, in children and teachers alike, a
spirit of well-being where good teacher/pupil relationships leading to purposeful learning,
can flourish.
A good start to Primary One is such an important first step and we want your child to feel as
happy and confident about it as possible. You can help your child by reading this booklet and
preparing your child for school.
We value a close partnership between home and school and will seek to foster this in
numerous ways. Please avail of these opportunities and endeavour, with us, to make primary
school days a positive and enriching experience for all.
Yours sincerely
C Poots School telephone number:02838336764
Acting Principal email:[email protected]
Welcome from your teacher
Dear Boys and Girls
We are looking forward to meeting you in September and having lots
of fun and adventures in Primary One. Things might be a little
different this year for a while, but we promise to make it the best
we can.
We are very much looking forward to getting to know you and helping
you to learn lots of new and exciting things. In P1 we learn to read
and write and count and add, but more importantly we learn to try
our best, have fun, share and make new friends.
Starting school can make us feel a little bit worried and sometimes
we feel scared of new things. Please don’t worry -we are always here
to help you and we will learn new things together.
When you start school you will get a letter from a P7 pupil who will
be your special buddy and help you to settle in and enjoy school too.
It would be great if you could work on the little booklet you will get
in August ‘All about Me’ so that we can get to know you when you
start school.
We hope you have a great summer and look forward to meeting you
soon. Take care and keep safe.
Love from
Mrs Bell and Mrs Curlett
A Message for Parents School can be a strange and scary place for beginners. Young
children usually have to cope with bigger buildings, lots more children
who are older and bigger and less adults for support. There are
different rules to get used to and many new things that they are
expected to do. The playtime breaks, especially can be frightening
for beginners. School can be very tiring too, for children who are
used to a rest during the day. Children may have been looking
forward to school and feel very let down if they don’t enjoy it as
much as they had hoped. Even for those who do enjoy it, starting
school is stressful. Children need lots of support from you before
starting school and especially in the first few weeks.
This year in particular is going to be a challenge for us all. Things are
going to be different as a result of the circumstances we are in.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to facilitate the June induction
meetings for parents and for pupils which were so helpful to us all.
Starting school is going to be different too and we will work
together in a very different way to what we are accustomed to.
Our children have spent a significant time at home this year so the
transition into school for the first time, without the familiarity that
they would normally have experienced, may pose new challenges for
our little ones too. Please be assured that we will work together with
you all and try our very best to give your children the best start to
Primary One. Please contact us at school or by email if you have any
queries.
Mrs Curlett Mrs Bell
INDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS At the time of writing, induction arrangements have not yet been finalised. We
do know that our new procedures in light of social distancing will involve more
communication using our school website, Seagoe school app and an app called
Homeroom.
When we have more details we will be in touch with you to give you the details of
the links needed to access the resources and information. It is imperative at
this time, that when you do receive this information to join the relevant groups
as this will be the main means of communication for some time to come.
STARTING PRIMARY 1
The exact start dates for pupils are unknown at present, as is the nature and
composition of the class or groupings. As Mrs Poots has already outlined it is
likely to be a blended approach with periods of time in school and home learning.
Please note: For safety reasons, pupils always enter and exit school via the back
gates at the Seagoe Parish car park.
This year when your child starts school they will need to bring the following
items on their first day. These items will remain in school for the foreseeable
future:
*A clear plastic pencil case with 2 pencils, twistable crayons, a rubber, a glue
stick and a sharpener.
* A box of tissues (clearly labelled)
* A change of underwear (clearly labelled)
* Permission slips
* All about me booklet
Preparing Your Child for School
Starting Primary One is a big step for children and for parents, but it can be
made easier by some simple preparation.
A vitally important time in a child’s life is that of their first four or five years,
the majority of which time has probably been spent at home. During this time,
they learn at the fastest rate and are influenced most by their home
environment. What and how they learn during this time prepares them for the
more formal atmosphere of their first school. Attitudes and ideas formed in
the comfort of their own home are the foundations on which the school can
build.
The following suggestions will, we hope, help to make starting school a smooth
and enjoyable experience for you all. This year in particular, with the Covid
restrictions it will be necessary for our new pupils to be as independent as
possible (see underlined)
Ensure your child can go to the toilet unaided and wash and dry their
hands
Encourage your child to put on and take off their coat.
Practise doing up buttons and zipping zips.
Practise taking off and putting on jumpers/cardigans.
Practise taking off and putting on school shoes and PE shoes (Velcro and
buckles are easier than laces).
Make sure your child can identify and open and close their own Seagoe
Primary School Bag
Practise opening and closing lunch boxes.
Give your child responsibility for bringing in any money in an envelope
clearly labelled with name, amount and what the money is for.
Encourage your child to come into their classroom on their own after they
have settled at school.
Make sure your child knows who is collecting them each day and always
ensure they know if there is a change in routine.
Preparing Your Child for Effective Learning
Practical activities to help build the skills for: -
A Reading and Number Work
Reading to your child is vital
Familiarity with books, turning pages, etc
Learning nursery rhymes and singing songs
Snap and I Spy games
Jigsaws
Listening and identifying games
Lotto and Matching games
Following simple verbal instructions
Relaying messages
Dominoes/Snakes and Ladders/Ludo, etc
Setting the table
Handling coins
Sorting and matching
Talking and listening
Encourage counting – anything and everything!
B Manipulation / Co-ordination
Playdoh / plasticine
Scissor work – cutting and sticking
Threading games
Building / construction activities
Throwing and catching a beanbag or ball
Skip / Hop
Sit cross legged
C Writing
Painting with brushes
Drawing with pencils, crayons, felt tips
Scribble patterns – never force your child to write. Correct letter
formation and pencil hold are taught in school
Colour in a picture
Many of these activities you probably already do with your child and this is
giving your child a very important start.
The Foundation Stage
The Foundation Stage within the Primary Curriculum for Northern Ireland
enables early years teachers to provide a learning programme which will best
meet the developmental needs of children aged 4 – 6 years, in the first two
years of statutory education. It seeks to build on children’s diverse learning
experiences at home and in pre-school settings.
The aims of the Foundation Stage are to:
Promote children’s personal development
Promote positive attitudes and dispositions to learning
Promote children’s Thinking Skills & Personal Capabilities
Encourage creativity and imagination
Enable children to develop physical confidence and competence
Develop children’s curiosity and interest in the world around them
Enable children to communicate in a variety of ways
Motivate children to develop literacy and numeracy skills in meaningful
contexts
The statutory curriculum in the Foundation Stage is set out under the following
areas of learning:
Language and Literacy
Mathematics and Numeracy
The Arts
The World Around Us
Personal Development & Mutual Understanding
Physical Development & Movement – FMS skills
Religious Education (as specified by DENI)
The curriculum will focus on the development of children’s cross-curricular
skills, which include:
Using ICT, communication and numeracy skills
Managing Information
Thinking, problem-solving and decision-making
Being creative
Self-management
Working with others
School Uniform
Please dress your child in school uniform every day
Our school uniform is:
Boys Girls
Grey trousers Green skirt or pinafore
(please avoid tight buttons or belts)
Green jumper Green jumper or cardigan
Grey or white shirt White shirt
School tie School tie
Black shoes (no laces) Black shoes (no laces)
PE Kit
For all children
PE shoes (black slip-ons are preferable)
White polo-shirt
Black shorts
In the summer the girls may wear a green and white checked dress. Both boys
and girls may wear a school baseball cap (not in class).
School uniform is available to buy in Jameson’s and Davidson’s Clothes shop in
Portadown.
All articles of uniform MUST be clearly marked, including PE shoes. If clothing
is lost the owner can then be easily traced.
Seagoe school bags and PE bags will be available to purchase
from the school office from the week beginning 24th August 2020
School bags are £10 and PE bags are £5
All P1 pupils must use the Seagoe School Bag
If you haven’t got one from a previous P1 pupil, then please call
into school during the week beginning 24th August with the
correct money in an envelope to purchase one. Thank you.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
It is the school policy that discipline should be based on the promotion of good
behaviour as well as addressing unacceptable behaviour, with the underlying
emphasis on respect for self, respect for other pupils and respect for adults.
We aim to develop a caring, happy and disciplined environment in school which
will be conducive to learning. All children will be treated fairly and in accordance
with SENDO legislation.
Our school rules are simple to understand, taught clearly to all classes and
displayed in the school corridor and infant Key Stage 1 classes. Our rules are
noted below:
Our Golden Rules
We try
We share
We help
We listen
We walk
Be happy
Be kind
Be polite
Classroom rules are on display in every classroom and each class has a unique
Class Contract. As a consequence of their simplicity we expect all pupils to keep
them and to appreciate that infringement of these will result in sanctions being
applied.
When children behave in an unacceptable manner a clearly graded procedure is
followed and where serious misconduct is concerned parents will be involved
either by receiving a written report from school or by being invited to come to
school to discuss the matter.
General Information
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Twice a year (during the first and second term)
Should you wish to see your child’s teacher at any other time, this may be
arranged, but please notify the Principal first.
Annual Report
In June each child will receive a detailed written report outlining progress and
achievement during the year.
Absence and Sickness
Pupils should not be sent to school when they are ill, even if they insist they
must come. If your child is absent a note MUST be sent when he/she returns to
school, explaining the absence. If you need to collect your child early, please
sent a note to inform the teacher and arrange to collect your child from the
front entrance of the school.
Emergency Contact Details
Please inform the school secretary, Miss McCrea, of any change to your address,
home/work/mobile telephone numbers, so that she can update the children’s
records. It can be distressing for a child if they are ill and we are unable to
contact Mum/Dad/Gran to take them home. We rely increasingly on electronic
communication and urge all parents to download our Seagoe Primary School
app onto your mobile phone. This ensures you receive all messages,
reminders and notifications.
School Dinners
Please note this may change. We will inform you closer to starting
Each family receives a monthly menu in advance. Dinner money must be pre-paid
(£2.60 per day). It is collected on Monday mornings only and should be sent in
an envelope or purse. Please specify days.
Free meals are provided for children whose parents are in receipt of:
Income Support;
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
Income-related Employment & Support Allowance;
Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
Please see Miss McCrea for application forms or visit www.eani.org.uk/financial-
help/free-school-meals
A Typical P1 Day
8.45 – 9.00 Children arrive at school. Independent routines
9.00 – 10.30 Structured play activities including P.E. and snack
10.30 – 10.45 Playground
10.45 – 11.30 Literacy activities
11.30 – 12.20 Numeracy activities
12.20 – 12.50 Dinner time in hall
12.50 – 1.15 Playground
1.15 – 2.00 Science/R.E./Music/Art/Circle time/Story,
depending on day
Beginning and end of school day
Children enter school through the back gates at the Church carpark. Due to
Covid restrictions, to begin with this year, pupils will be met at the gate by their
class teacher and go down to the classroom with them. Please be on time.
Parents will not be permitted on school grounds at present.
At the end of the school day children must be collected from the rear gate at
the Church car park. Pupils will remain with the class teacher until a
parent/guardian comes to the back gate to collect them. Please arrive promptly
to collect children.
We appreciate that this is a big ask of our pupils who are so young and we are
asking that you encourage their independence in any way possible over the
summer. It’s a good idea to talk to your child about the procedures for starting
school- especially the morning routine.
At the time of writing we are still unsure of starting and finishing times for all
our pupils, not just P1. Please keep an eye on our homeroom page and Seagoe App
for updates regarding this. We will be in touch when we get plans finalised.
REMINDERS
Starting school is a big step for children and takes time to get used to
Children do best at school when their parents and teachers support each
other
RESOURCES
Irene Wineman Marcus and Paul Marcus “Into the Great Forest”: A story
for children away from parents for the first time
Beverly Cleary “Ramona the Pest”
Audrey Penn “The Kissing Hand”
Summary of Key Information
Buddies We are planning for your child to be buddied with a P7
when it is safe to do so.
School bags
All P1 pupils are required to use a special Seagoe school
bag and PE bag which is available to purchase from the
school office at a price of £10 school bag £5 PE bag.
PE We will let you know when we will be starting PE and
what days we will do PE on.
Snack For safety this year we are unable to provide a shared
snack for pupils to enjoy together this year. Each pupil
should bring a healthy snack/drink to school to eat at
break-time before going outside.
On the First day please bring: *A clear plastic pencil case, named, with 2 pencils, twistable
crayons, a rubber, a glue stick and a sharpener.
* A standard box of tissues.
* A change of underwear (clearly labelled)
* Permission slips
* All about Me booklet completed
* Dinner money or Packed lunch and a healthy snack/drink.
Next Steps
Work on encouraging independence and prepare for
P1. Refer back to guidance given earlier in this
booklet
Download Homeroom and Seagoe App now and join
group ready for further information
Purchase equipment needed for starting P1
Every parent will need to call into school on the
week beginning 24th August to:
Purchase and collect schoolbag/PE bag (if needed)
Collect important permission slips and further
information on starting school, healthy eating and
induction.
Collect All about Me booklet to complete
We hope you all have a lovely summer and look forward
to meeting you all in September. Keep an eye out on
Homeroom in August for more information from us
regarding starting and induction. If you have any
queries, please email us and we will try to help you.
Many thanks
Mrs Curlett [email protected]
Mrs Bell [email protected]
