CONTENTS
FOREWORD
SECTIONS
SCHOOL AIMS
SCHOOL UNIFORM
DISCIPLINE
RULES, PROCEDURES, REQUIREMENTS
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
CHARGES & REMISSIONS POLICY
OTHER ITEMS
FOREWORD
June 1999
TO ALL PARENTS
St. Pius X High School enjoys an excellent reputation for its achievements and high standards. This has resulted in large measure from the partnership between staff, parents, and pupils, built up over the years.
It is our wish that parents should be fully informed and aware of the regulations and expectations of the school.
The aim of this booklet is to improve upon our communication so that ALL PARENTS will understand what is required and how they can best help the school to maintain high standards of achievement, discipline and attendance for all pupils.
The booklet includes important information about - Personnel - School Aims and Organisation - Uniform requirements - Discipline, rules and procedures - Curriculum and Examinations - Homework - Holiday arrangements, 1999/2000
Parents are kindly requested to keep this booklet for reference when necessary. In addition, leaflets on other essential information will be issued from time to time during the year. These will normally be sent home with pupils. Parents are asked to check frequently with their children about information from school because it seems that many pupils often forget to bring home the message!
Sean O'Kane
Principal
SCHOOL AlMS
I. To enable all pupils 10 discover and develop their talents in relation to knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in an environment where learning is an enjoyable experience by:-
(i) providing all pupils with access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
(ii) employing a range of teaching methods and learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
(iii) striving to ensure that the most appropriate facilities/resources/equipment/materials are available.
(iv) using appropriate assessment procedures to motivate pupils and encourage success.
(v) keeping pupils and parents informed of progress and achievement.
(vi) making provision for pupils with special needs. (vii) facilitating staff development.
(viii) encouraging good relationships within the classroom and school in general.
2. To give all pupils the experience of a Catholic education by:-
(i) fostering their growth in and understanding of the Faith.
(ii) promoting an appreciation of fairness, tolerance and forgiveness by word and example.
(iii) helping to achieve high standards of respect, self-discipline, commitment and generosity.
3. To further the working partnership between the school and the community by:-
(i) involving parents in all aspects of their children's education.
(ii) developing closer links with feeder' primary schools.
(iii) fostering co-operation and communication with other schools.
(iv) providing opportunities for pupils to be involved in various forms of community service.
(v) involving community groups and representatives in the life of the school.
(vi) expanding the network of school/industry links.
4. To enable pupils to realise the importance of active participation in all relevant aspects of life and to encourage them to become responsible adults by:
(i) encouraging pupils to act as responsible members of their families and communities.
(ii) preparing pupils for their future roles.
(iii) promoting a responsible lifestyle in relation to health, fitness and leisure.
(iv) raising awareness of environmental issues and individual/community responsibilities.
(v) promoting understanding of and respect for the culture, faith and tradition of others.
SCHOOL UNlFORM
WHAT IS REQUIRED AND WHERE TO OBTAIN
NEW UNIFORM - School Uniform is compulsory and is supplied only by Mr. J McErlean, 10 Westland Drive, Magherafelt, (Telephone 01648 - 32367). The main items of uniform for both boys and girls can be obtained from Mr McErlean's shop at 8 Union Road, Magherafelt (opposite J C Stewart's Supermarket). The shop is open every day, Monday to Saturday, from 10.00am to 5 00 pm during the month of August.
SECOND HAND ITEMS of uniform are sometimes available from Mrs Peggy Conway, 16, Upper Golf Terrace, Magherafelt, Tel. No. (01648 - 33384). Mrs Conway takes in second hand items, and repairs these if necessary; all profits go to Cancer Research.
THE ESSENTIAL AND COMPULSORY ITEMS OF UNIFORM ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
BOYS
School Blazer (Compulsory for all boys)
School Shirt (Blue)
School Tie
School Pullover
Dark Grey Trousers - Please Note - Jeans not acceptable.
Black Shoes
GIRLS
School Blazer (Compulsory for all girls)
School Blouse (Cream)
School Tie
School Pullover
School Skirt - Please Note - The skirt must not be altered so that it becomes too tight or too short. Skirts must be knee length - this is important for all girls.
Black Tights (In Winter).
Black Shoes.
Please note - only official school garments for boys and girls are acceptable.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
It is compulsory for all boys and girls to have a school PE Uniform.
GIRLS
White Aertex/Sports Blouse
Navy plain/pleated wrapover skirt)
Navy Pants
Games Shoes
White Socks
Camogie Boots/Football Boots
Swimsuit, Towel and Swimhat
PE Uniform for girls is available from any Sports Shop.
BOYS
Football Boots
Slippers
Football Socks
Football Jersey
Football Togs
Swimming Togs
Towel
The stockist for boys PE Uniform is Burns of Draperstown. The kit will be available throughout the summer months or Mr Burns will visit the school during the first 2 weeks in September and at other times during the year if required.
Togs £9.00 (Approx)
Jerseys £17.00
Socks £4.00
It is hoped that this will save parents money by stopping the demand for expensive Soccer Club Jerseys. PLEASE REMEMBER to clearly mark all PE Uniform with the owner's name.
DISCIPLINE
The School Aims commit us to fostering a high standard of discipline. This. we believe, is best achieved in a caring, tolerant t and supportive environment, to which teachers, pupils and parents must contribute. We place a strong emphasis on knowing and understanding pupils, on developing good relationships, on identifying personal attitudes and values and if possible changing and developing these when necessary. Communication with parents is a vital element in this approach.
We believe that whenever pupils are achieving success disciplinary problems are of a minor nature and thus we aim to provide a wide range of opportunities for achievement. It is important that success is recognised and rewarded and this we do in a variety of ways.
School rules are written to provide clear guidelines for the benefit of all pupils; each pupil is provided with a copy at the beginning of the school year. Rules governing punctuality, attendance, care and respect for property and rules aimed at encouraging self-respect and respect for others are included. Observance of all rules is essential for the smooth running of the school and the security of pupils and property.
While we try to avoid equating punishment with discipline, sanctions unfortunately are sometimes necessary to shape and direct pupils towards acceptable behaviour. Parental support is a crucial element if sanctions are to be effective and when necessary parents are informed about breaches of discipline and asked for their co-operation. Sanctions include, setting of additional tasks, withdrawal of privileges, segregation of a disruptive pupil, placing on report, supervised detention, and in very serious circumstances suspension from school.
To assist with the management of behaviour we operate a Reward/Sanction System:
* All pupils will be issued with a Personal Conduct Card which they must carry with them at all times.
* Pupils must produce this card on request from any member of staff.
* The purpose of this card is to monitor the good and bad behaviour of pupils.
* A points system will be used.
* An accumulation of points will lead to sanctions or rewards.
Parents are encouraged to check the progress of their child's Personal Conduct Card.
Our attitude to discipline may be summed up in two quotations -
I. "To discipline a child means - to teach him/her how to live with others - it does not mean breaking his/her spirit." (STORR 1973)
2. "The only form of discipline which is lasting, effective and creative is that which stems from within the person.." (BROOKS 1973)
RULES, PROCEDURES, REQUIREMENTS.
PARENTS ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE SCHOOL RULES AND PROCEDURES WHICH FOLLOW. THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS IS ESSENTIAL IF PUPILS ARE TO BE ENCOURAGED TO OBSERVE THESE RULES.
DRESS AND STYLES.
PUPILS SHOULD TAKE A PRIDE IN THEIR APPEARANCE.
1.1 SCHOOL UNIFORM is compulsory for all pupils and must be worn at all times, including to and from school. All items of uniform should be clearly marked with owner's name.
1.2 HAIR STYLES - Boys must have hair cut in a short, neat, tidy style but not closely shaved. Hair length must not come down over collar or ears and hair should not be bleached or dyed and forms of facial hair are forbidden.
Girls must not have hair dyed or in unconventional or unacceptable styles.
1.3 WEARING OF JEWELLERY. Girls. - The wearing of jewellery by girls, while not forbidden, should be kept to the very minimum. Girls should only wear one ring as rings can be a hindrance to work in many classes. Girls should only wear one set of small ear studs or small earrings. Nose studs and other piercings are forbidden.
Boys - Boys will not be permitted ~ to wear ear studs/rings. It is therefore advised that boys should not have cars pierced.
1.4MAKE-UP Girls are forbidden to wear make-up.
1.5 SHOES. All pupils must wear flat soled shoes which will not mark floors. Shoes with nailed soles or metal plates are forbidden. BLACK SHOES only are acceptable and should be kept clean and polished.
2.EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY
EACH PUPIL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER OWN PROPERTY/EQUIPMENT AND MUST RESPECT THE PROPERTY/EQUIPMENT OF OTHERS. STEALING OR DAMAGING ANOTHER PUPIL'S PROPERTY WILL LEAD TO SEVERE SANCTIONS
2.1 SCHOOL BAGS
Each pupil must have a bag or case large enough and suitable for carrying a considerable number of books. Schoolbags must be taken home daily.
2.2 STATIONERY ITEMS.
Pupils must provide and have necessary items of stationery eg pens, pencils, ruler, jotters, rubber, calculator, dictionary. Most of these items can be bought at a very reasonable price from the school shop which opens each morning.
2.3 BOOKS- Text books are provided strictly on loan; they remain the property of the school and must be kept in good condition and returned when required. A charge will be made for any text books damaged or lost. A limited number of Exercise books for homework etc. will be provided.
2.4 PE EQUIPMENT.
Each pupil must have a full kit of PE equipment and
this must only be brought to school on the day(s) required.
2.5 SAFE KEEPING OF PROPERTY.
(i) All personal belongings, school bags and clothing must be clearly marked with the owner's name.
(ii) Pupils should not bring large amounts of money or valuables to school, but anything of this type may be left for safe-keeping in the Secretary's Office or with their Form Teacher.
2.6 SCHOOL PROPERTY.
(i) Pupils are expected to take particular care of school property and furniture. Pupils responsible for damage to or loss of property will pay for same.
(ii) Writing on school property is forbidden. This includes text books.
(ii) Pupils are forbidden to use school equipment or machines without permission from and supervision by a teacher in charge.
3. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
ALL PUPILS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL EVERY DAY AND TO BE PUNCTUAL. PUPILS WITH FULL MONTHLY ATTENDANCE Will BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW EACH MONTH FOR 2 CINEMA TICKETS.
3.1 In the case of a pupil being absent, a note from the parent explaining the reason for the absence should be written into the pupils homework diary. Where a pupil is absent for more than 5 days through illness a Medical Certificate is required.
3.2 Pupils are strictly forbidden to leave the school for any reason during the day without permission. Requests for permission MUST be made by THE PARENT, in person, or in writing, using the homework diary, or by a personal telephone call.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL AT LUNCHTIME.
Only those pupils who arc able to go home for lunch will be given permission to leave the school premises at lunchtime. Pupils who are going home for lunch must bring a written request to the Form Teacher at the beginning of the school year. Pupils going home must return 5 minutes before afternoon class begins.
(b) MEDICAL AND DENTAL APPOINTMENTS.
Such appointments should be made outside school hours. Where this is not possible an appointment card should accompany the request for permission.
(c)VISITING A PATIENT IN HOSPITAL.
Permission to visit a patient in hospital will ONLY be given if the patient is of the immediate family ie parent - brother - sister - and where it is not possible to visit at any other time.
SUCH REQUESTS MUST BE MADE TO THE PRINCIPAL.
(d) ALL OTHER REQUESTS must be made to the Principal.
3.3 Pupils must be punctual for ALL CLASSES. In the morning pupils MUST be in school by 8 55 am; Morning Prayer and Roll-Call begins at 9 00 am.
3.4 Pupils who arrive late in the morning must:
(i) Sign the 'Latecomers Register' in the Secretary's Office.
(ii) Report to your Form Teacher (after 9.15 am) to ensure that your attendance is registered and that you explain your latecoming.
If you fail to do this you may be marked absent.
4. ACADEMIC PROGRESS, HOMEWORK AND STUDY.
PUPILS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND SHOULD CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO THAT OF OTHERS.
4.1 Pupils must bring the correct books and equipment to all classes.
4.2 Pupils must complete assignments or projects by the appropriate date.
4.3 Homework must be recorded in the homework diary, completed carefully and thoroughly, and handed in on the right day.
4.4 Pupils must behave sensibly in class, concentrating on the work set, and must not disturb or distract others. Pupils must obey the rules set out by the classroom teacher.
5. CODE OF CONDUCT.
PUPILS ARE EXPECTED TO BE WELL MANNERED, RESPECTFUL TOWARDS OTHERS AND OBEDIENT TO AUTHORITY, AND SO CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING SCHOOL A PLEASANT AND HARMONIOUS EXPERIENCE.
5.1 Good behaviour is essential to classroom learning. Pupils must be mannerly and courteous at all times. Pupils must pay attention in class, raise their hand to answer questions or seek attention. Foul language is totally unacceptable in any circumstances. Similarly any form of aggressive behaviour towards teachers or pupils will not be tolerated. In such circumstances a pupil will be removed from lessons followed by severe sanctions.
5.2 Pupils must move around the school in a quiet and orderly way keeping always to the left hand side. This applies whether moving inside the main building or to and from mobile classrooms. PUPILS MUST NOT RUN, PUSH OR JOSTLE OTHERS.
5.3 Pupils must form a single line outside the classroom at the start of the period and should not enter until the teacher arrives. At the end of class pupils must line up and exit in an orderly fashion.
5.4 Pupils must be in time for all classes and if late must offer an explanation to the class teacher.
5.5 Pupils out of class must have a pass provided by the Class Teacher.
5.6 A pupil visiting a classroom is expected to:
(i) Knock the door and enter only when requested.
(ii) Wait until the teacher gives permission to address him/her.
5.7 Adult Visitor to classroom - Pupils should stand and address the visitor and continue quietly with work.
5.8 Chewing gum is strictly forbidden.
5.9 Travelling to and from school.
A high standard of behaviour must be observed by all pupils on the way to and from school. Behaviour while travelling on SCHOOL BUSES in particular must be beyond reproach at all times. Pupils whose buses arrive at or depart from School are required to stay on the bus until it arrives at the school and must board the bus at the school gate. Pupils who have to wait for buses in town or elsewhere must always be well behaved. Prefects will monitor behaviour and report such matters to the school authorities.
5.10 Trespassing on private property coming to or going home from school is strictly forbidden.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS MUST BE OBEYED - PUPILS WHO BREAK OR IGNORE THESE REGULATIONS MAY EXPECT SEVERE SANCTIONS.
6.1 Smoking is strictly forbidden - Pupils must not smoke coming to or going from school, on school premises, or on school outings. Pupils are forbidden to have in their possession cigarettes, matches, lighters etc. Such items will be confiscated. Please note that smoking is banned on all buses by the Translink Authority.
6.2 The use of Tippex or other correcting fluid or solvents is strictly forbidden. Pupils are forbidden to have Tippex or Thinners.
* 6.3 Drugs of any type including Alcohol, (this includes even drinks with a small percentage of alcohol) are strictly forbidden. Any pupil who is known to be in possession of such items can expect the most severe sanctions.
6.4 A pupil who is required to take medicine must inform his/her Form Teacher and bring only the minimum supply necessary. The Classroom Assistant/"School Nurse' is responsible for storing and administering medicines.
6.5 Pupils must observe all safety regulations in the school and classroom; Heads of Department and Subject Teachers will inform pupils of these.
6.6 Pupils must NEVER interfere with any safety equipment e.g. fire alarms, extinguishers etc. Any pupil known to put others at risk by such interference can expect severe sanctions.
* N.B. Please note a specific policy on DRUG EDUCATION including Discipline Procedures is provided to all parents and pupils.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF CLOSURE.
We have been concerned for the past couple of years about pupils taking additional holidays'. In this booklet I have appealed for full attendance and I would therefore ask parents to take note of the holidays arranged for 1999/2000.
School Holidays planned for the School Year 1999 - 2000 are as follows:
HOLIDAYS
1st - 31st August 1999 - 22 days
28th October - 1st November 1999 - 3 days
8th December, 1999 - 1
22nd December 1999 - 7th January 2000 - 13 days
24th and 25th February 2000 - 2 days
17th March 2000 - 1 day
21st April - 1st May 1999 - 7 days
lst-3lstJuIy 2000 - 21 days
+ held in reserve - 1 day
Total days off - 71
NOTE: There may be some alteration to the above: If this is the case parents will be informed in good time.
TERMS AND DATES
BEGINS
TERM 1 - 1st September 1999
TERM 2 - 10th January 2000
TERM 3 - 3rd May 2000
ENDS
21st December 1999
20th April 2000
30th June 2000
CHARGES & REMISSIONS POLICY
7 7.1 POLICY SUMMARY
In accordance with Articles 127 - 138 ERO (NJ) 1989 the Board of Governors has established a Charges and Remissions Policy applicable to Optional Extras, and Board and Lodging on residential trips provided by the school.
All educational activity, which must be provided by law, or which takes place wholly or more than 50% during school time is free. Outside of these circumstances charges will be made for any additional or optional activities.
A Charge will be made for board and lodging when pupils are on residential trips. In some circumstances this charge will be remitted to parents who are in receipt of Family Credit.
Charges will be made for ingredients and materials needed for courses in practical subjects, provided by the school, where parents state that they wish to receive the finished product. Parents may also be requested to provide the materials or the ingredients for certain projects, when they wish to receive the finished product.
A copy of the full text of the School's Charges and Remissions Policy is available to parents, from the School, on request.
8.2VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS
(i)SCHOOL FUND
Down through the years the vast majority of parents have been very generous with voluntary subscriptions to the School Fund which is to cover ongoing miscellaneous expenses eg: minibus expenses, parents' nights, open evenings, hire of pitches, match expenses, additional items of equipment etc. Parents like to know how much they should contribute to the School Fund. For the school year 1999/2000 we are asking for a contribution of at least £10 per pupil.
(ii) FIELD WORK - VISITS - SCHOOL RETREATS -DRAMA PRODUCTIONS
The above are just some of the out of school experiences in which pupils have the opportunity to participate. It has been established practice that parents make voluntary contributions towards the cost of some of these events and it is our expectation that this will continue under the new arrangements. Parents will be informed of the total cost of an event or outing when appropriate and a sum to be contributed voluntarily in respect of each pupil will be suggested.
OTHER ITEMS
CURRICULUM
The curriculum planned and provided in the school is broad, balanced and relevant to the needs and aspirations of all pupils. In the first three years a wide range of subjects and experiences is offered in order to develop the talents, skills, interests and abilities of each pupil. The requirements of the Northern Ireland Curriculum are taken into account. To ensure coherence and wholeness in the curriculum all subjects/courses are taught against the background of the School Aims.
2. ASSESSMENT/REPORTS
The schools assessment/reporting policy in YEAR 8 is to promote confidence in pupils while challenging them to realise their full potential. This policy is built on in second and subsequent years. All pupils in Years 8, 9, 10 and l I are formally assessed (this includes coursework, homework and tests) on two occasions during the year and reports are sent out to parents. Pupils in Year 12 are formally assessed and reported on at Christmas.
3. PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS AND WORK
It is School Policy that ALL YEAR l2 PUPILS will take PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS. Mainly these will be GCSE Examinations. Parents must take note that these Examinations are the same as are taken by 16 year old pupils at any school including those who attend Grammar Schools. It is therefore essential that the pupils of St Pius X High School put in at least the same preparation and work as pupils elsewhere. I make a special request to Parents of YEAR 12 PUPILS, who will be sitting the exams, next May/June, and YEAR II PUPILS, who will begin the exam courses in September to see to it as far as possible that pupils ATTEND SCHOOL, DO THEIR HOMEWORK, CO-OPERATE WITH TEACHERS AND WORK IN ALL CLASSES.
Statutory assessment of English, Mathematics and Science will take place at the end of Key Stage 3 for all Year 10 pupils.
4. HOMEWORK AND HOMESTUDY
At the beginning of the School Year each pupil is given a HOMEWORK DIARY - the cost is met by the SCHOOL FUND referred to above. Pupils are required, as stated in School Rules, to record homework in the Diary. PARENTS are requested to examine the diary frequently and are encouraged to WRITE any comments which will be of benefit to the teacher(s) and pupils. Such comments may be written in the diary itself. ALL PUPILS are expected to do the Homework given by each teacher and to hand in the completed work on time.
It is essential that all pupils devote a reasonable period of time to study each evening, including weekends. PARENTS should ensure that this is done, and where possible, that suitable facilities are available at home.
As a general rule YEAR 8 AND 9 pupils should spend one and a half hours, YEAR 10 two hours, and YEAR 11 AND 12 up to three hours each evening at homework and study.
It seems that too many pupils are allowed too much leisure time in the evenings. Especially. too many from an early age are allowed to late night discos far too frequently. Obviously such pupils will not be able to do their homework or to study. Parents are respectfully requested to control such leisure activities for their children and give them a CHANCE to succeed at school.
5. RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT
St Pius X High School is one of the first schools in Northern Ireland to be granted validation from CCEA to develop a National Record of Achievement for all pupils. The Record will be compiled for each pupil throughout the five years of Secondary Education and will contain a record of:
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
PERSONAL STRENGTHS AND QUALITIES
PERSONAL INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL LIFE
PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY
WORK EXPERIENCE AND CAREER PLANNING
The student, through discussion with his/her Form Teacher is involved in compiling the record and will be encouraged to make a contribution of his/her own.
The aims of these records are:
(i) to encourage students to take an active part in their own learning and development, hopefully leading to increased motivation on the part of the student.
(ii) to give prospective employers and those working in further education a fuller picture of the young person 5 achievements, activities and interests.
6. WORK EXPERIENCE
ALL YEAR 11 pupils will have an opportunity for two weeks of Work Experience. Details will be provided by the Teacher in charge - Mr B Campbell.
WHOLE SCHOOL POLICIES available to parents on written request to the Principal.
ADMISSIONS.
CHARGES & REMISSIONS.
CURRICULUM.
ASSESSMENT.
HOMEWORK.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.
HEALTH & SAFETY.
PUPIL DEVELOPMENT - PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE.
ANTI-BULLYING.
SEX EDUCATION.
CHILD-PROTECTION.
DRUGS.
